Homemaking: Simple Bits of Wisdom

As our countries debt seems to be soaring (unsustainably)...and our country's currency is being devalued...are you, as a wife and mother, using wisdom in these times?

Although there is no need for fear, for our God is faithful and will see us through any hard economic times...it never hurts to be prepared. With inflation...rates for staples such as sugar and flour could go ridiculously high! Food prices are already going up.

As Godly women, entrusted with the care of our husbands and children as well as those around us who are hurting and in need (Prov. 31:20), we are to be wise and careful in things that we do(Prov. 31:25-27). Our husbands and children should be able to have complete confidence in us (Prov. 31:11).

I just want to share a few bits of wisdom from my heart to yours...

*** I want to encourage you, with a gentle and loving heart, if you have any debt...pay it off. Make it your primary focus. Don't owe anyone anything. ~ The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. ~Prov. 22:7. Be wise in how you handle your money. Be frugal yet generous to those in need. *Think* before you buy...use wisdom and good judgment. Keep your checkbook balanced and bills paid in a timely fashion.

*** I encourage you to start buying food to store. If you can, like I do, you should already have a decent amount of food stored. However, for me, it's not enough. I want to *know* that, just in case, I am always prepared for my family. I try to keep stocked up on flour, sugar, crackers, salt, peanut butter, honey, and canned goods as well (to make up for what I don't have enough of that I canned myself).

*** Try making more from scratch. It is healthier, cheaper and much more rewarding than buying it at the grocery store! :)

*** Use what you have. Wear it out or reuse it. You don't need brand new doo-dads and whatchya-ma-callits. Use some tips and tricks from times of old. HERE and HERE are a couple links to some different uses for things! Think simple! :) Have you ever read The Tightwad Gazette? It's full of some great ideas (although there are some that are a bit extreme...like using soda six-pack plastics to make a volleyball net! ;) I enjoy this book, I have pictured below...

*** Save water and electricity...dry your clothes outside! (Or, if weather isn't permitting...dry them on drying racks inside!)

*** Strengthen your family unit. One way to do this is by educating your children at home. Who better to shepherd their hearts than the mother that God gave them? It is difficult at times...but anything worth doing usually is, isn't it? The blessings *far* outweigh the negatives. Spend more time *together* as a family. Eat dinner at the table. Read the Bible and pray together. Laugh together, cry together. A strong, Christian family is one of the most valuable things we can ever have! :)

*** Keep your home tidy and uncluttered. Clutter causes stress and usually means you have *too* much of something. Declutter your home...donate or sell items you don't need. This will rid you of extra "stuff" and benefit others who maybe can use it! :) Keeping your home tidy will make it a more pleasant place to be. Remember though ~ *tidy* and *obsessive cleaning* are two totally different things. Your home should be a comfortable haven for your husband and children (and yourself!). It should be full of love and warmth.


*** Glean wisdom from many different sources, people who choose to live a simple lifestyle...a few of my favorites are Tasha Tudor, Rhonda at Down-to-Earth, Jewels, Ang, and the West Ladies. HERE is an article that I enjoyed reading and I think you may too! :)

*** Most of all...no matter what troubles or storms may or may not be ahead for each of us...trust that our God is bigger than it all and *will* take care of us. It may be a bit of a struggle...but He is always faithful and true. Don't panic...don't fear. Live a life of obedience...trusting that the God Who sent His only Son to die for each of us, because of His *great* love for us...always works things out for good, for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Just be wise and always thankful...each and every day! :)

And when stuff threatens to overwhelm you...always remember:
Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7

Warmly,
Katy :)

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ~Ephesians 3:16-20