15 Tips from the Proverbs Life

Admit it. Life can be tough. This time of year, life can be tougher than normal. Schedules are more crowded, bank accounts are more dwindled, and the Christmas carols are OUT OF CONTROL!

Before you lose it all, get some help from Proverbs. Having the right attitude and the right plan can help make any situation a little easier – or at least get you through so that you can deal with New Year’s resolutions, tax season and spring fever!

15 Lessons from Proverbs

1. Get up early – you will be absolutely amazed at how much time you add to your day simply by getting up when the alarm goes off the first time. Getting up before the sun rises will also let you find that quiet time you have been seeking.

2. Get plenty of rest – turn off the television, computer and other electronic noise. Let your mind rest before you put your body in bed. Your sleep will be better and you will wake up the next day more rested.

3. Reach out to help – giving others a lift up will end up lifting you just as much.

4. Find the positive, the good or the uplifting – we were robbed a few weeks back. My oldest said, “at least we no longer have to have a yard sale.” He was right, they took the things that would have brought any money AND the insurance covered the break in. Sometimes it can be tough to find the silver lining, but it always exists.

5. Be bold in your endeavors – you will never walk on water if you do not get out of the boat.

6. Be prepared for opportunity – when the door opens, even just a crack, be ready to go. Plan for action so you can take action when opportunity arises.

7. Look the part – the commercials showing the housewife in a dress and pearls was not as far off the mark as you might have hoped. Looking good will help you feel good. Get out of the pajamas and stained shirt and get into something that you will go do the doctor in.

8. Keep on keeping on – it is important to be rested but it is also important not to get caught up in idleness. Running on idle is NOT good for the engine. Get moving. Do something constructive.

9. Encourage others – being an encouragement not only makes you a joy to be around but will end up helping you feel joyful about where you are and what you are doing.

10. Be thankful for the provision in your life – you may not have all that you want or desire but you have the most important things. Be thankful for what you do have and you will discover that you have more and more of the things that you want as well.

11. Let your home look the part – being a good steward means more than giving a tithe each paycheck. It requires taking care of all that you have so pick up and sweep, but away the clutter and make your home “guest ready” every day of the week.

12. Meet the needs of those around you – there are days when you do NOT want to do things, but do them any way just because you have love for the ones you are serving.

13. Work with your hands – build something, make something, bake something or write something. Now find someone to give it to.

14. Be helpful – look for ways that you can help your family, your neighbors or the stranger in the parking lot. Even little things can be big. Let someone go before you in line. Put the loose cart up. Pay for the car behind you in the drive through line.

15. Put God first – no matter how busy times get, but sure to make time for God. Spending time in prayer and study in the morning, throughout the day and just before bed will keep your heart, mind and body centered.

Get through the hustle and bustle of this time of year with the help and guidance of the Proverbs 31 woman. There is so much to learn from the Proverbs. Let the principles from those verses help you find your path for life.

“Problems to Proverbs” launches on December 15th. You can find more characteristics of the Proverbs life and steps to help you get your life building in their direction.