If I have a few minutes...

Here are some great ideas sent to us by a young mom to help make the most of your time throughout the day. She came to these thoughts through her time in God's Word  meditating initially on a scripture passage in Ephesians and then on Proverbs 31. Here is an excerpt from her journal:

Eph. 5:15-16, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of your time, because the days are evil."

"Part of being wise is making the best use of my time. I have never been so aware of how evil the days are and how I can so easily be tempted to spend my time foolishly (unproductively) and not God-honoring. I pray the Lord will show me when I am wasting time. The Scripture makes it clear that there is a plan of action in order for this to work, so I must have one. I need to make a schedule of my day and a list of activities that are God-honoring. When I have some "down time" I can do one of the following activities."

Thanks so much, Joanna, for sharing these with us!

IF I HAVE A FEW MINUTES...

Encourage    She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy...

• Write an encouraging note
• Write a list of God's blessings in your life
• Write a note to your husband, child, family member
• Start a blessing journal for your children and write something in it for the day  

Edify  She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come... 

• Read the Bible while kids are occupied (but do it in front of them)
• Memorize scripture (set a goal—a whole chapter)
• Reflect and tell the Lord something you’re thankful for
• Sing a song of praise
• Reflect on something you love about your spouse and make sure to tell him
• Read a classic book that inspires your faith
• Read an easy book that you can pick up and put down easily
• Spend extended time with the Lord (journaling, worshipping, praying)
• Pray specifically for individuals you know
• Read the news
• Pray over the news articles that moves you
• Pray for our President, our Country, our Pastor and Leaders

Physical  She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks... 

• Hold the plank position or do crunches for a minute
• Go for a brisk walk with your worship music
• Take a power nap
• Weed your garden
• Give yourself a manicure/pedicure
• 10-15 min exercise "focus" arms, abs, etc. 

Housekeeping  She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness... 

• Double a recipe to surprise someone who might need it
• Clean out your purse/wallet
• Clean out your car
• Pick out three pieces of clothing to give away
• Pick out three toys to give away
• Cook ahead
• Research a new/easy recipe
• Cut coupons
• Bake cookies for neighbor
• Meal plan (money saving)
• Clean out or rearrange a closet ordrawer
• Clean out the refrigerator or pantry 

Creative  She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple... 

• Teach yourself a new skill 
• Knit or crochet a scarf or blanket for someone in need
• Organize your old photos that are sitting in a box
• Play your instrument
• Do something creative (draw, write a poem, photograph, card making, etc.)
• Get pictures/picture books printed for grandparents
• Make DVD videos to send to grandparents    

Quality Time  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue... 

• Make up songs for your kids…especially scripture songs
• Call an old friend
• Call your parents
• Let your kids pick out three books each and take turns reading them
• Check in on a neighbor
• Call a friend who is struggling  

Resourceful  She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard... 

• Prioritize: 
  • My Lord
  • My Family (Husband and Children, Extended)
  • My Work
  • My Small Group
  • My Service/Body of Christ  

• Write Goals (weekly, monthly, yearly, 2 to 5 year)
• Write out a plan for the week, with prioritized items listed first
• Make a weekly schedule (on one page) and fill in what you do with your time so you can see where and how you spend your time
• Use an egg timer for computer time 
• Freeze extra meals
• Use car time to memorize scripture
• Devos with family after dinner; before bedtime can be too crazy.
• Use index cards—write scripture prayer on blank side. On the lined side write person’s name and date you are praying. You can have multiple names! (Make a note when the prayer is answered)
• Keep a binder of all your "Thank you" materials: cards, stamps, addresses, etc. so it is all in one place
• Keep a list of friends that you can be encouraging and write dates next to them so that you know when you last sent them something
• Try to be intentional with facebook/emailing...three or four encouragements to friends each time you are on
• Video tape singing scripture songs so your kids can watch them over and over
• Make and send online cards : http://store.dayspring-store.com/greetings.html