A Single Regret: Part II

Welcome back to the second part of this post. I want to thank Brenda for guest posting and giving us some wise words. If you didn't read the first part of this post, please check that out before reading this part. I hope you are encouraged by Brenda's words. Thanks!
This post is part of a great series called Singleness Saturdays, where you can view the rest of the posts that are part of this series. 

Growing

We are always a work in progress. That does not change when we get married. But a season of singleness gives us the unprecedented opportunity to become the women that God truly wants us to be by establishing a lifestyle of abandonment to Him. This is the time to truly reflect and learn as much about yourself as it relates to God's vision of you as possible. How did God create you? What are your strengths, gifts, and weaknesses? How does He was you to serve Him in your life? Now is the time to ask these questions and work to find the answers.

Ways You Can Pursue Growth:

• establish and maintain a disciplined time in prayer and Bible study each day
• make a prayer schedule to prayer for other people in your life
• pray for your future husband and marriage
• get a mentor
• get counseling to deal with past hurts
• take continuing education classes at local colleges in subjects that you are interested in (I took decorating.)
• take Bible doctrine classes
• be involved in your local church
• make short-term and long-term goals with the help of the Holy Spirit and pray over them
• learn about homemaking now (especially if you hope to primarily be a full-time homemaker one day)

Giving:

Every year that passed when I was single I felt myself becoming more and more self-consumed and selfish. I also felt myself becoming more discontent, angry, and resentful. It concerned me so much that I wondered if I could even be a good wife and mother because I was so self-focused. Only recently has God revealed to me (or maybe only recently have I accepted) a principle that is true for all of us regardless of our season of life - the more I focus on others, the more peaceful and content I am. This principle is the cure for all discontentment in your single life. Giving, along with serving, is a primary way to focus on others. And I will say that you have never felt raw giving until you have been married. Marriage requires constant giving . . . and giving . . . and giving. So now is the time to start practicing!

Ways You Can Give:

• tithe monthly (Yes, just decide on a percent and do it! Of course the Bible commands 10%, but I believe something is better than nothing. Pray about this diligently. You can do it, even on one income.)
• live a simple, uncluttered lifestyle (give away the things you do not use or want anymore.)
• sponsor a child through Compassion
• give away your knowledge (mentor or teach someone else a skill that you have)
• invest in the lives of others fully (become focused on the needs around you, give your ears to listen to others)
• send cards or emails monthly to friends and relatives to encourage them
• make and give baked goods or homemade gifts to those around you
• sponsor a child at Christmas or during Back-to-School to provide for their needs
• give your home by hosting movie nights, girl's nights, or invite a married couple or friend over for dinner (married people love to get away and not have to cook for a few hours!)

In what other ways can you live without regret in your single years?

 

Brenda is a southern woman who grew up knowing all the ways to live a proper life. After years of living a life of unwelcomed singleness, she realized that life gives us more improper moments than not. Now she writes about singleness, marriage, and motherhood and seeking peace in a life surrendered to Jesus despite all of its improperness. You may follow her on her blog, Triple Braided, and on Facebook and Twitter.

Are you new around here? Start here. You can also "Like" the Facebook Page and subscribe to He will be faithful to complete it... by Email. Both are a great way to stay connected and find out when new posts go live. Thanks again for stopping by and I hope that the Lord uses these words to bless you today.