Cultivating Wise Habits
-Proverbs 14:1
*Look well to the ways of the household (Proverbs 31:27)- There are many enjoyable hobbies that can benefit a household in profitable ways. Sewing, knitting, painting, baking, writing, photography, and embroidery all come to mind. Not only can all of these tasks help beautify your home and save money, but they can also be a wonderful way to quickly earn a little extra money from home. If an unexpected expense ever comes up, selling one of your skills, baked goods, or craft items can be a great way to ease the situation and get your household back on track.
~Sewing is especially helpful when (God willing) you are expecting, nursing a baby, and/or have a little girl. Finding attractive, modest maternity and nursing clothing is quite the task to undertake and could be made far easier if you know how to sew. The same holds true with little girls' clothing. I was *shocked* to find immodest clothing even in the infants section. I hardly want to imagine what might be seen in the years to come and cannot wait until I know how to sew well.
*Do not eat the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27)- Learning to multi-task and use even the smallest pockets of time makes life run far more smoothly. When you are making a phone call and are put on hold, use this piece of time to finish a simple task that can be done quickly. Maybe write a letter, return an email. or double check your weekly schedule. If you are spending time watching a movie at home, this can be a great time to work on some knitting, hook rugging, or other needle art task. Look at each and every day to see if any time might be escaping you and use these little gaps to your advantage.
Debt is servanthood (Proverbs 22:7)- Staying out of debt is of the utmost importance. Credit card and credit offers are almost everywhere nowadays and these companies often will approve young people for high credit lines that they cannot afford to pay back. Learn wise financial sense so you will always have the resolve to avoid getting yourself into a nasty debt situation. Pay for items with cash only and only consider credit for mortgages and car loans.
Be choosy when it comes to friends (Proverbs 12:26) Make it a point to cultivate and nurture friendships with those who edify and challenge you to be the best person you can be. A true friend will lovingly rebuke you if you are sinning, but a "feel good friend" will sin right alongside you. Oftentimes, mothers, aunts, sisters, and other family members can be wonderful friends who will challenge you and stand by you as you strive to serve your Heavenly Father.
Seek counsel from older women (Proverbs 11:14)- Actively seek out several Titus 2 women who you can turn to when you need advice, help, or Godly counsel. Allow a relationship to blossom with these wise counselors as they can be large blessings to you when life might become a little sticky, stressful, or hectic.
Do not be an idler, busybody, or gossip (1 Timothy 5:13)- I once heard that our mouth causes us to sin far more than anything else and do see how this could be the truth. Be careful to guard your time and speak of positive topics, rather than gossip or harmful words. When you are spending time with family and/or friends, be sure to use this time in a God-honoring manner and not a time to idle about and speak in ways unbecoming of a King's daughter.
Keep your mind on what is good and right (Philippians 4:8)- Surround yourself with beauty, pureness, and honesty. Evil things can often sneak in when you least expect it; even in seemingly "good things", so being on the offensive is very important.
Never cease praying (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)- Thank your Heavenly Father frequently throughout the day, ask for His help whenever it is needed, and never overlook an opportunity to rejoice in Him and all He has given you, even the smallest bits of goodness.
Laugh- Learn to laugh at yourself! When minor mistakes happen or things go wrong, do not fret or get upset, just laugh. Dinners will get burned, children might make big messes, and you might even trip in the middle of a busy area sometime, but none of these minor "disasters" are worth becoming upset over. Take a deep breath, laugh, smile, and realize things could always be worse. :o)
Originally published on Mayden Fair
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7 comments:
Thank you about mentioning working with one's hand while watching a movie! I've gotten more odd looks over the years for doing that, but if I try to sit still with nothing in my hands for even a tv program I go nuts. I grew up seeing my mother do it all the time. She used to be sure she had a large project to begin when the Olympic Games began so she could watch a good chunk of them, too.
-Katie
Great practical application of scripture! Thanks!
Well, I'm not experienced enough with my knitting to not watch what I'm doing. Boy would that be a mess!! lol Hopefully I'll eventually get there tho.
Your comment of falling in a busy place made me laugh! I once fell down a flight of stairs going into a church lobby that was filled with at least 1000 teenagers! LOL Somehow my clumsy fiasco managed to be only noticed by about two very kind young men. Lucky me!!
very wise advice, Mrs. Brigham! Hear Hear!
I've tagged you for a meme, Mrs. Brigham!
I always do something while watching a movie. Either cut coupons or organizing stuff. A couple of days back, I took out the white plastic draws where we keep stuff and arranged and categorized and labeled them all during "Lost in Translation" and "American Idol" I almost never watch a movie with no interruptions now.
I now feel restless if I don't have anything I can do while movie watching.
That is kind of sad I think.
Great post, Amy!
Some good advice here. It's funny how most women used to sit and knit whilst they were travelling or watching TV but this seems to have died out now.
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