Homemaking Mondays: Being Content

Hello!  Thanks for joining me for Homemaking Monday!

Today I'd like to share a some about being content. 

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, 

in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

- Philippians 4:11

In today's society and culture, content is not a word that you hear much when it comes to having things.  There is always this urge to either go minimalistic which entails a great effort for some to go through what they have.  Not that de-cluttering is a bad thing. No that is sometimes very needful. But, there is no shame in having things if they are needed and you have space for them.   Then on the opposite, culture is so inundated with ads for more, more, more!  Making the plea that you'll be happy after you buy this or that.  But where does it stop?  How much is enough?  

"But godliness with contentment is great gain.

 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

- 1 Timothy 6:6-12

Could you be content just living a godly life?  Could you say that having food and raiment is enough?  The key is not to have nothing, but to not let what you have control you.  Yes, we all have stuff....but does it take our eyes off of the Lord and eternal things? 

I know in the homemaking forums and blogs there is a great amount of sharing what is trendy and new.  Of collecting things for the home and the like.  
All is well and good if it's needful...but if it's just to pass the time or to keep up with culture...best to let it pass you by.  
It is so important to live within the means that we have.  If our husbands provide a certain amount for us to live on...lets make it work.  It may mean you can't have or do things that others do.  So what...you're not them and you don't have to live up to their standards either.  
Let us seek after those things the Lord has listed above.  

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

- Hebrews 13:5-6

Being content with what we have...that can at times be a challenge.  Yes we all have needs, but one thing I want to challenge you with...as I do myself.  
Can we meet those needs with what we already have?  

How about clothing...can we just alter something to suit the need? 
How about food?...can we make meals from our pantry/freezer instead of buying more food? Can we glean or forage for some food within the area we live?
Entertainment?....can we play games we already have? Can we explore the area around our homes so we don't have to "go" somewhere and spend money that could be used for other needs?  
What about furniture? Can we just be happy we have some? There are so many little touches that can be made to freshen up our homes without buying new furniture.  
An example...I have a kitchen table that is terribly worn...so I purchased a table cloth (by the foot) and it covers it and makes it look like new for very little.  

I try to fight against the culture of more by being content with what we already have.  
Surprisingly when we do this.  Be content.  We find we have so much more room in our minds and hearts for the things of the Lord and time to spend with Him.

The Lord always knows what we have need of...let us trust in Him to provide what we need, when we need it.  Let us look to the Lord in all things.  

Love and Prayers,
Jennifer