Habits
On a recent trip to Ohio, at the hotel where we stayed, the soap dish was place on the right-hand side of the sink. In our bathroom at home, it’s on the left side. I could have moved the hotel’s soap dish to the left side, but there wasn’t much room for it there, so I left it on the right side. After a few days, I got used to where it was, and didn’t think much about it until we returned home. The first time I went to use the soap, I reached to the right and quickly discovered that the soap wasn’t there–it was on the left, just as it had always been. What had happened was that in the two weeks I was gone, I had developed a habit of reaching to the right for the soap and would need to readjust my thinking.
Habits occur when we do things over and over, but when we stop doing them, even for a short time, the habit is broken. There are good habits, like brushing our teeth or washing our hands. Also going to church, reading the Bible, and praying are good habits. However, in order to maintain those habits, we need to continually do them. If we stop doing a good habit for any length of time, it soon is no longer a habit.
Some people also develop what most would consider bad habits, like smoking, biting one’s fingernails, or using foul language. Some habits, while not actually bad, can be annoying: tapping one’s foot, whistling, or popping your fingers. There are, of course, many other good, bad, and annoying habits I haven’t mentioned.
The thing about habits is that they can either improve one’s life or make it more difficult. The habit of going to church, reading the Bible, and praying, are all things every Christian needs to do. However, when those habits are broken, then our spiritual life and focus on God becomes diminished. What habits in your life have made you a better person? Are there some habits you need to break?
Daily reading your Bible and prayer starts the day right. However it would be good for me to pray more often throughout the day. The Bible says to pray without ceasing. I’m not there yet.
Blessings
Shirley
Hi Wanda, I especially liked this article, because things we do, good or bad, are often habits, and some of those bad habits need breaking at times. A good reminder to continue and improve the good habits and strive to break the not-so-good! You have always inspired me. I think you are a wonderful writer and I find your thoughts very helpful!
Hi, Wanda,
Loved your posting! My good habits are praying and singing worship songs, reading the bible, and the others that you listed. I do have a bad habit that I am trying to break, it is interrupting someone while they are speaking, because I come up with something I have to put in and afraid I will forget it. My memory is so bad, but that habit is so very rude. I pray for God’s help when going to a dinner or gathering of friends and family to help me to hold my tongue till it is my turn and also to remember what I want to say.
Thank you for your writing. It always inspires me!
I LOVE YOUR BOOKS!!!!!!!!!
I recent had major surgery and my eyes hurt but I know going to church, reading the Bible, and praying are good habits. However, in order to maintain those habits, we need to continually do them. What I am doing is listening to the Bible ad there are so many that are free downloads. It is great to have Christian people to read about.
Hi I love readin your amish books .I have read most of them .Thanks for sending the email .Lookin forward to reading more amish stories .Thankyou.
Happy New Year! I find myself singing some hymns and praying to myself at work when things get a little slow but I wish I would get into the habit of doing this everyday. Your books are so inspiring it is hard to put them down. I love to share them with some of the women I work with. I had the pleasure to meet you and your husband at a book signing in Pa. I will always remember that day. My husband surprised me with tickets to your play at Bird in Hand, he enjoyed it S much as I did. Thank you and God Bless You Patricia Handlos
Hi Wanda, I enjoyed your journal today, and how true this is. The habit of doing something over and over can be very good for us, Spiritually thru reading God’s Word and our prayer life but also a teacher to our family members when they see us doing this and by our example they are also led to do the same. Lord bless you and your hubby as you travel, I enjoy your books. Thanks for many entertaining hours 🙂 .
Mary D.
A bad habit many of us have and I have been working on is to only pray when we want to ask for something from the Lord. I have been making more of an effort to regularly give thanks and show my appreciation all day with my conversations with God. It’s the little things like getting back to giving thanks before eating and praising the Lord for all the good things around us. I think that being thankful and acknowledging not just God, but people around us makes our lives more pleasant and enriches the lives of the people around us.
Wanda talking about habits, when I saw this one I had to laugh, why? Because I work with special needs and to them habits and routines is all that they know and if anything is out of place or not done on a regular bases than it throws their world off guard. Well I have come to be the same way Habits is a regular routine and if I have learned anything at all is routine is a good thing.
I do not thing of smoking, use of foul language, or nail biting as a habit, but then once I sat and thought of the way I work and come to realize all of these habits are routine.
Good or bad habits are a part of what the person is. For me habits are caring for everyone else and taking on school. This is my habit and if anything of it is off key it is important to get back on track.
Wanda I had to laugh when you said that you had to adjust to the soap on the right side of the sink, now I have a question for you, how hard would it of been to have the soap on the right side of your sink, and when you think about it why is the soap on the left side of the sink?
I would like to get into the habit of reading and recommending Wanda’s books!
My favorite habit that is helpful for me to begin my day in a positive mode as I am walking into work is morning is to pray for my day, for myself, for everyone that I encounter. I pray for a good day, a calm, peaceful, serene spirit and to have a positive influence on everyone around me, including myself.
Habits are hard to break but when you do get used to not doing it for a while and then need to go back to it, it takes longer to remember the routine. For instance school for my kids. For the summer months they slept in and when August 27th came the kids got used to getting up at 630am but I was having a hard time with it. Today, being October 1st I woke up before my alarm clock went off at 630am. I am now getting back in the habit of getting up by 630am even on the weekends.
One of my favorite habits besides Bible study, prayer, and meditating on devotional readings is to read for a while before I go to sleep. It helps me clear my mind of the “worries” of the day and just relax. One of my bad habits is that I’d rather read than do almost anything else. So, sometimes I’m reading when I should be doing housework or other necessary chores. :o)
Oh Wanda, I thought I was the only person who had those “certain” habits like you write of…being used to something one way and having to adjust. I try and make it a habit to wake in a positive mood, knowing I have to face the task of working out to keep myself healthy. Never a person who enjoyed working out for almost any reason, it wasn’t until I got older that I realized the benefits it delivers….peace, good spirits and positive mind. Please keep writing these wonderful stories on the Amish and look forward to the Christmas books…
This wonderful post reminds us about just what our habits are – are they good habits or are they bad habits. It is a reminder, also, that one of the most important habits in a Christian’s life is to pick up our Bible every day, even if to read and ponder one verse, but to be in The Word every day. Thank you for that reminder. Also, it was WONDERFUL to spend time with you and Richard during your fan weekend. I especially loved how we got to visit with you two, especially being the first ones to have breakfast with you Sunday morning! You are such a talented writer and you and Richard are a delightful couple. With love, Cindy and Paul
My father instilled in me the habit of attending church for all services and being a cheerful volunteer in the service of God. I still attend church services regularly and I am an active volunteer in church. I began playing the piano for church services when I was a teenager. That was over 50 years ago and I am still playing the piano/organ for church services. My mother taught me by example to be a joyful, thankful person for the little things in life. I try to do the same and hope I have that same habit.
Reading the Bible every morning, learning to spell the books of the Bible in order and memorize them in order. My grand parents taught me to be thankful for what I have and to live life to the fullest. I am very thankful to GOD for all his many blessings.
I know that going to church and reading the bible is very important. I wish I had started reading my bible and having a devotion earlier in life. I need to work on worrying and trusting more in the Lord. I pray that I will always be a Christian example for my son.
Wanda I had to laugh about the soap dish on the right, not the left. The soap dish is on the left in most homes, mine is. I think most people are right handed so they put the soap to the left. I did say most, lol!!
Good habits, I have a few. I pray to God, asking him to give the strength, patience, and help guide me to the right path taking care of my 91 yr old mother, she’s living with me now. God will help me if I help myself, and he has shown me the right path. I don’t go to church like I should, but I do believe and pray to him. Being disabled and taking care of mom it’s hard to do the things I once did. I accept that and live everyday at it’s fullest. Other good habits, I treat people like I want to be treated with respect, kindness and honesty, even though I don’t get treated this way by some.
Bad habits, I do have some and I do try to correct them. It’s hard sometimes to remember and I slip up, then I correct it. I’m not going list them because I’m ashamed, but I’m trying. They’re not real bad habits but they are habits and some are hard to break.
I think the habit journal entry was good. It is so true. Bad habits seem to be harder to break then those good habits. But it can be done. I have read my bible each morning first thing in the morning before the rest of”my house” arises. That peaceful time when nothing can distract me. It’s my time with Jesus. I have done this for many years. I find when I don’t do that, schedules change, appointments, etc. My day doesn’t go quite as well as other days. My mind, sometimes, has so many other thing going on. I love my time in the morning with just me and Jesus. I love him dearly.
I enjoy reading your Amish books and the spiritual of uplift of lessons that are in twined through-out the reading. I have many habits that need more positive adjustments. I know that I have had many blessings during my life. And love The Lord
I need to learn to be tolerant of rude people in general.
Wanda, this is such a great post. It really is easy to create habits for yourself…both good and bad. Lately, I’ve found that although I am a truly joyful person in Church with my friends, I may not be as nice to be around at home to my sister. Though she’s annoying sometimes and likes to drive me crazy it isn’t fair for me to snap right away, so that is what habit I am trying to break at the moment. It’s so easy to get caught up in the positive, church atmosphere and forget completely when you’re at home with your sister making weird noises to annoy you. Thanks for giving me such an amazing, Christ-like perspective to start out my day!
For many years I have made it priority to meet with Jesus in His Word before leaving for work. First thing in the morning, to begin one’s day with The LORD, is a very good habit for a believer to get the day started. Of course over the years I’ve used many devotionals alongside my Bible and now I receive electronic devotionals through email and have the Bible on my Kindle. They say it takes 30 days to make a habit stick….. Now that I’m retired, the habit is so instilled I open my laptop, have my juice, pills, vitamins and devotions first thing each morning – albeit a little later than when I worked 😉 .
Reading your article about habits brought back a memory for me. I used to smoke and it was a tough habit to break. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do . It was like losing a best friend. I try now to encourage young people especially my grandchildren to never start smoking. I pray with them about it all the time. Thanks for always sharing with us Wanda!
Yes I have read all your books. If you continually do something over and over again it becomes a habit. I was just recent diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and I am still doing things the same way so my son and grandkids will know my habits and maybe will keep up the same habits on a lot of things that matter thanks
I agree with you about habits. I like my good habits. They save me time and keep me organized.
Learning to listen and not talk so much makes it easier to not put your foot in your mouth.
I love your books, Wanda! hoping to win the cookbook!
thank you for writing!
charlene
I read everything on your newsletter. If it had been in book form you could have said I read it from cover to cover. Very interesting, wished I could have been at one of your book signings, but that’s okay because reading these letters makes me feel like I know you personally. You are a wonderful writer. Keep up the good work, and may God Bless you in your writing!
Hi Wanda,
I really liked your article. I agree with bad habits being hard to break. I start the day off with the Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary, and prayers to saints. I feel this puts my day in a good light. Then I end with evening prayers. I believe and I will continue to believe! Thanks for everything you do (and write). Keep writing–the Lord is Watching! You have a Special Gift!
Wanda – you are such an inspiration and blessing. May God continue to use your talents as a ministry to others. JOY – Jesus, Others, Yourself 🙂
Being diligent in attending and participating in church is one of my best habits. Also, reading inspirational books help to keep me focused on God. I follow through on any promise I have made to do something. The person I promised is depending on me.
I’m a firm believer in daily devotions. If we are true to God, He will definitely be true to us.
Hi Wanda……
I do love reading your book, they have brought me to places I only dreamed of going .Thank you and God Bless you .
I’m a believer, but sometimes life distracts me, but having a true Christians come into my life
is changing me completely. thank you God for bringing them into my life; You knew when to
send them & they have led me to the right path. Thank you for all your inspiration as well. I
enjoy reading all your books.
Love reading not only your books, but also your journal. I think we are all victims of bad habits, but we need to pray that the good Lord will help us re-frame from doing those, and yes, that is a daily prayer for me.
People think it is hard to pray everyday and read their Bible, but like you said, you make it a habit and it doesn’t take long to be hooked! I started years ago by going to my table and reading my bible and then have my prayer time in my bedroom in front of my window looking out at the sky and a beautiful very tall pine tree with it’s branches ( arms) lifted toward heaven! It is so inspiring to me. I used to fall for thinking I had to go to a garage sale before anyone else and get there early, before I read and prayed, but that made me so miserable knowing I missed my usual appointment with my Lord. He prob. was there waiting for me! So me and my KJV are at the table. I do the crossword and cryptogram too every morn. and it kind of wakes me up. I also get me a cup of Cappachino (sp?) I really enjoy hearing about other women with the same good habits! It really makes for a blessed day to start with Him in our plans! Have a great day and know you are a blessing to me and my sister too!
The best habit I’ve learned is praying continually. It has really helped me to deal with life. I’m still working on having patience with my husband. 🙂
I have just lost my best friend of my life: My 96 year old Dad!
If I can be half the person that he was and leave the lovely legacy
and memories to our family and others, that would make me a
happy person… He lived what he believed and that was being kind
to every person, as much as possible.
Many thanks, Cindi
I really enjoyed this journal entry. A great habit I have is calling my sister EVERY morning. I have been doing this for the last 2 years and we have gotten so much closer. A bad habit would be that I don’t take as much time for God as I should. Thank you Wanda for reminding me. Have a blessed day.
It is so encouraging to know that we can cultivate good habits in a short time just by being consistent, as well as remove bad habits from our lives by not doing the behavior we had done previously. The best habit I have developed is spending time with the Lord in the morning, the first thing I do. It can be so easy to jump out of bed and start racing through the day to fulfill all of our obligations. I have God’s peace in my heart and His direction for the day when I seek Him first. Have a blessed day!
I definitely need to devote more time to Bible study and prayer. Starting my day with devotion time is a great habit to develop! Thank you for the reminder.
Blessings to you and Richard.
I am a person who has a lot of habits that I don’t break very often. I have the same breakfast on Sat mornings my husband and I do errands and then on sunday it is church so we are the first ones there and sit in the same place and it is wonderful that my husband goes again now it was my friend and I went to sat church then dinner. Well she moved to town and my husband said I can do it so he started to come back to church and it has been amazing. He likes the father and also he is in the chili cookoff next weekend at church so he will be making chicken chili a bunch of it . After church sometimes we go to get a bit out to eat but most times we come home and eat but I have to tell you it is wonderful sitting next to him and he has been going with me for 2 years. We pray at all meals and now that prayer is more important to him I can tell. But back to habits I am very much a habit person and if the towels are not folded I do it and if there is something on one side I move it to the other,.When we eat out the silverware is on the right and I move it to the left so it goes a lot farther for me! When I am cooking the cookbook is on the left side of the counter now that I talk about this I sound like someone who is weird I just like things the same way all the time. Happy fall to you and your hubby !
Wanda, habits can help or hinder us in out lives, which is why it is better to learn the correct way to do things instead of learning them the wrong way and then having to try and correct the bad habits. Working with children in school and at church I have found it much better for them to learn the correct way first and then they don’t have to relearn later on in life.
Enjoy attending mass every week & if something comes up that I don’t get there seems like my whole week is off. Putting a smile on your face & a Good Morning to everyone is another great habit. I’m a crossing guard at an elementary school & I try to learn all the children’s names I cross & give them a smile & good morning to start their day. It’s the little things one does that make you feel good about what you do. I broke a bad habit of smoking about 15 yrs. ago after 40 some yrs. of smoking. Enjoy your books & the monthly email you send out. Hope to win one of your cookbooks.
Hello,
I agree with this. I so need to develop better habits when it comes to my spiritual life. I talk to God all the time, but am bad about going to church and reading the bible. I feel good when I read your books, Mrs. Brunstetter, and other books grounded in Christian based stories and lessons.
Praying every day before I sleep is a habit I hope I never break. This has brought me such joy and relief.
I need to work on daily prayers more. I try to do good by God, but know I can do better. Have a blessed day.
Hi Wanda,
What a wonderful journal entry! Thank you so much for reminding us about our habits and how they can affect both our lives and those around us. One of the best habits we can have is being close to our Lord every day through prayer and reading His Word. That will help us to be more Christ like in our dealings with others. It has helped me to be more tolerant with the words and actions of others. However, I am still working on it! I wish you would do a fan weekend in York, PA! Looking forward to having your new books. Would love to win one! Thanks again.
LOVE ALL OF YOUR BOOKS! HOPE TO WIN YOUR COOKBOOK!
The best habit I have developed is putting God first in everything I do.Taking time to check with God about a decision instead of always doing what I want.
I was reading novels about quilting when I came across the half stitched quilters stories. I loved them and learned that we are able to help others often by just being there. My goal is to now read all of your books. I love them.A simpler way of life is so refreshing to learn about.
I would love to win a cookbook.
This is so true. Thank you for a wonderful journal entry. I would love to win the Christmas cookbook to go with the collection of your other cookbooks I have.
liked the video. Enjoy reading books about the Amish people. Would love to win the cookbook.
I am getting into the habit of exercising for health reasons. My dr. advises me too so I use dvds at home to work out. It helps me sleep better. Love your website!
Great subject and reminder! We all have habits (good and bad). We need to remember to replace broken habits on purpose on satan will be happy to “help” us find bad ones. We need to keep looking to Jesus to help us in all that we do 🙂
I look forward to reading more of your books. They are always a nice get away from the hustle and bustle of this life.
God Bless you!
Hi Wanda, I so appreciate your books. I love to read all that I can get my hands on. I have to wait until they come to our little town library, so most of your new ones I haven’t read yet.
I love it when your books have recipes at the end of the book. I think that is an awesome thing to do, and I love how it ties in with the book. I would love to win the “cookbook”, because although I am 61 years young, I just started cooking again 2 years ago. Prior to that, I was in a wheelchair, on oxygen, and very ill. They figured out, they had put me on too much medication. God has blessed me with a new life after 15 years of being so ill. Thank you for writing about the Amish, I am fascinated by their life. Your books are excellent.
At a young age, I was taught good manners. Those have enabled me to be an accepted person, someone people want to associate with because I appear calm and socially correct. I see in young people today a lack of respect for others and definitely a lace of social manners.
I have my share of good and bad habits. One of my new good habits is to cook more things from scratch. One of my bad habits is to chew ice. It is something I have done for over 40 years.
Throughout my life I have had good and bad habits. They tend to change quite often. The best habit I have had is drinking a lot of water over sugary drinks.
Hi Wanda:
Still trying to get those “good habits” going again. With so much to do and take care of these days and way too many doctor appts I don’t read the Bible like I should; however, I try to listen to them before I go to sleep at night. Hopefully, that will count for something! Working on it at any rate.
Sheryl
I have a few bad habits I need to work on breaking. I tend to procrastinate on certain chores. One is washing dishes, but who can blame me. Lol. I need to exercise more and eat better. I guess I just need to take better care of myself.
I think its good to have good habits, encouraging other, ect..When I go to thwe store and check out i always tell them to have a good day , always giv e someone a smile..and pray ect.. Encouraging others is one of my favorite habits to be in..
My best habit is reading the Bible every morning and evening. I must say that I have to many bad habits I need to work on.
Thank you for reminding us about how to create or undo habits in our lives. Sometimes we just go and do things and don’t pay attention about what we are doing. What I love is reading your books, or any christian books, including the bible. The habit of reading good things, confirms that what goes in, is what comes out and makes me a better person.
I spend time teaching other to be positive, think positive and do good with others. Actions must be practiced numerous times daily to become Habits this includes undoing bad habits.
Love your books.
My sister n law has amish cook book. The family went on a family vacation to Tennessee she brought it with her. We cook from it everyday. It would be wonderful to win this so on are next family vacation I could take it with me.
What an interesting topic – I try to practice positive thoughts everyday. In today’s world its so easy to fall prey to all the negative images and news stories that surround us. I enjoy your books, please keep writing
I had a habit of calling my mother several times a day. She’s been gone almost twenty years now and I still find myself reaching for the phone to talk to her. I probably always will. Debbie in WV
I really enjoyed your post on habits. I love getting up early and getting in God’s Word and talking with Him to start my day. I have a sister with ALS and I send her a verse of encouragement for the day. Thank you for sharing with all of us.
My best habit is praying every night. I have a long list of folks I pray for, as well as for our country, every Christian in the world, patients in our local hospitals, etc. I pray for many people who have no idea they are on my nightly list.
Hi Wanda I loved your journal entry regarding habits. I found it very interesting. When I first started to workout again I left for the gym kicking and crying everyday. I would have to get into the car quickly and just go. About the 2 week mark is when the routine of it all does just become a habit. I found it easier to go. But if you do stop it is back to square one feeling like a chore everyday rather than naturally what you normally do. Along with the gym eating healthy was another habit I needed to work on. Especially giving up diet sodas. It took me about the 2 week mark as well to loose the craving for it. But I have not gone back.
One of my favorite new habits is to break things down into small steps. This works with a new project, a new habit I want to develop or daily tasks. By starting out with even the smallest step it helps to overcome procrastination,fears or uncertainty on where to begin.
The Bible says God directs our steps and this keeps me moving forward in even the most practical and emotional parts of life.
Some habits that have improved my life are reading the Bible everyday, and praying whenever I can. I try to look for opportunities to pray for others I don’t even know, like if I hear an ambulance or fire truck when I am out, I try to stop and pray immediately for whoever is in trouble. I think it is good to pray as much as possible. One habit I need to break is my habit of not exercising! That would be a very healthy and beneficial habit for me to practice.
Dear Wanda,
I enjoy your books so much! Praying is a big part of my life, but never really enough! I wish for you and your family to have good health and keep writing! I always look for your latest books and usually have a hard time putting any of your books down once I start reading!
Thank you so much for your work!
I would just like to thank you for all of the wonderful books you have written. I now have my 86 year old mother enjoying them. We met you in Walnut Creek at a restaurant when we were visiting there and I explained to my mother about you and the books you wrote and how much you loved God by the way you included him in your works.
I can’t wait to purchase your new Christmas cookbook. I have all of the ones that you published.
Again, thank you so much for what you do, and may God continue to bless you.
Diana
Wanda,
My habit is praying everyday for family, friends and people I don’t know but someone has asked for prayers for them.. I believe in prayers with all of my heart, body and soul. Prayers saved my life last year. We have an awesome God!
Hi Wanda, Thank you for a wonderful journal entry. I am a new reader of your books and thoroughly enjoy them. I am trying to say my prayers more often. I would love to win the Christmas cookbook .
Habits can be so familiar. The good and bad. It takes a concerted effort to break a bad habit, but it can be done.
We just recently as of this past June started taking care of 2 boys that was basically dumped on us. I received a phone call from my husbands sister in law asking us if we would be willing to take on one of their grandsons. I said sure because I run a daycare and I’m home most every day what’s adding another kid for a few days til this mom can get her living situation worked out? Well, I was told then that the mom had to find the kid because apparently she had left him with someone but couldn’t remember who…. I’m like Mom of the Year award goes too…… Well, I get a call 2 hours later and was told she found him and wanted to know what time for her to drop him off at the grandparents house. I’m like give me a couple hours because I was picking up a girl I mentor for the weekend and had to wait til my husband got home from work. So 2 hours later we are at my sister in laws house waiting for the kid to come. The mom had already dropped off the youngest boy with the grandparents and it was with the understanding that the mom was to pick them up in a few days so they was going to keep the youngest boy. 3 days later…. I have both boys living with me and have for 4 months now. So I had to pick up the habit of being mom 24/7. It’s not been easy when your use to having your life and doing what you want and can go here or there at the drop of a hat. I’m now the stay at home mom who does more laundry than I have ever done in a weeks time, fix more food than I ever thought I’d eat, and teach 2 small children ages 18 months and 2 1/2 yrs everything from speaking to how to use the potty. It’s now a habit that I hope we never break because of this my walk with Christ has grown so much. Without God’s strength I wouldn’t make it thru each day because each day brings a new challenge for us to deal with.
Sorry this is so long but really to understand the situation it had to be.
GOD bless you and fill you with strength as you minister to these young children! So many children are being raised by the “grandparent” generation because the twenty-forty generation has “checked out”
One of the horrible habits in my life was smoking! I quit that 22 years ago and have never looked back. Gosh stuff sure taste better, I breathe easier, not catching colds and germs so easily.
One of my good habits is I try to always stop and put myself in the other persons shoes. How would I feel? Is there something I can say or do to help them?
Good and broken bad habits make us the person we are, they help us to grow.
Wanda,I am a Home Health caregiver I really love your books and I share them with my patients several of them are 92 yrs old and they really enjoy reading your books…It really makes me feel good that I can share your books with others….
Habits are either good or bad. I have a bad habit of biting my nails. I can generally stop for a length of time, but then something triggers me and I am biting away. 3 weeks ago, my husband was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and put on Chemotherapy. All was going well, not any adverse reactions to the chemo, and then my word changed again. I was called to the hospital and told that he had developed a life threatening infection and was in ICU. I needed to call my family and have them come say their goodbyes. It was horrible and I have no fingernails as a result. Not a great habit. But, I have prayed this week as I have never prayed in my life. I have asked God for his intervention and care of my husband and the medical team in charge of his treatments. I has implored God to reassure me that Dennis would live and he has. God has answered me in so very many ways this week, from Dennis’ hold on life, to the warm hug I felt when I needed it most and no one was here. Prayer is a habit I have formed this week and one I plan to continue daily.
Before anything else, I would like to congratulate you on the fantastic number of books that you have sold-8 million and more-that is truly amazing and should be very inspiring to other authors that is for sure.
As to a habit, many of my habits are out of necessity as I have been confined to bed since February with many venous ulcers, and infections of them and in my blood and many hospitalizations and daily treatments after the extended hospital stay. During this time, due to having to take medication on a schedule and having to change bandages at certain times due to medication needing to be applied, I fell into a trap of not sleeping much, either night time or day time when it was in between medical needs. This was also complicated by other medical problems making it extremely unable to relax enough to fall asleep. It just seemed that the more I didn’t sleep, the less I wanted or needed to sleep due to “resting” so much. But due to continued infections and non healing, I have HAD to get this bad habit of not sleeping enough to let my body heal and have had to find ways to get the much needed sleep. It has been difficult as I have an enormous amount of pain but I have gone back to reading as much as I can and by doing so, I have relaxed enough most nights (and days) to be able to get some naps in which help a lot when you are trying to heal.
Maybe not sleeping is not called a habit but in my situation is seems that it was due to circumstances. I am looking forward to the day when there are no more infections and no more bandages and medication to keep me distracted and that I will once again find sleeping a normal routine.
Thank you for your wonderful books, Wanda, as they help me to relax. I reread many of them and enjoy them just as much the second time around as I did the first time. You are a blessing to many people and I wanted to make sure I told you that.
Sincerely,
Cynthia
Yes, we are creatures of habit. I have heard that a bad habit can be overcome in 21 days. I imagine good ones can be achieved the same. You did well to not change the position of the soap dish. The one thing I have a really hard time not changing is the roll of toilet paper.
It is so true with habits. Habits could be a life-saving or destructive. One can never knows when that information kicks in. Just the other day, my family had a microwave fire. I wasn’t even supposed to have stop by my mother’s place but I did. First thing, I heard from my brother was “Fire”. I went into the kitchen quickly assess the situation and was able to put out the fire. The microwave couldn’t be saved but it can be replaced. I don’t do this everyday but have practiced and reviewed what one’s supposed to do in case of a fire.
I would love to win It would make a nice xmas gift
Thank you for your books and habits can be blessing my 83 mother has habit sharing bible passages by memory. I’m Blessed normally I pick a passage and tell her where I’m at listen close as she recited each passage by memory. My mother asked why was I so shocked her mother sent her and sibling to church every Sunday . Mom replied as I got older I made it a habit read bible daily. I was in tears my mom has seizures and touch of dementia. If we enstill good habits and values in our children what a wonderful world it could be
The bad sides such as smoking , drinking ect you have learn to break the habit. This may be too late and have a bad effect on you health and love ones
When I was 10, my Grandmother taught my junior Sunday School class about Christian habits. She used the acronym: P-R-O-F-I-T
P=Prayer
R= Reading the Bible
O=Offerings & tithes
F=Fasting
I=Intercessory Prayer
T=Testifying to others
She took many months to teach us about each letter–we learned about the example of prayer from The Lord’s Prayer: Praise, Petition, Praise…
We checked off each day as the week, as we read our Bible, and then would bring them back to Sunday School for a little prize–
These habits are still part of my life over 1/2 century later! YES, habits are powerful, and my attention is drawn to articles about habits, so I really appreciate this article!
THANK YOU for your ministry!
Thanks for sharing, Barb.
I’m going to use the “profit” acronym in my preteen Sunday School class.
I also enjoy reading from Wanda’s treasury of books. After reading this blog, I plan on starting a “habit journal” to bolster the good and diminish the bad habits, with God’s help.
Habits that are necessary for me everyday:
1. Pray daily.
2. Be grateful.
3. Read Bible often (daily).
4. Leave nothing unsaid to family and friends.
5. Give to others
6. Smile often.
I love your books. I am totally blind and have “blindisms” as we call them or habbits. It is hard to break a habbit, but with God’s grace it is surely possible.
Hi Wanda, my name is also Wanda.I have and read all your books,what a joy to sit back and relax
and pour my heart into reading your books.You talked about the soap dish,we use the bottle form.
One bad habbit I have is bitting my nails but I have a good habbit that’s washing my hands all the
time because I work in a hospital so you just get use to it.I had the chance to meet you in lancaster
and got to see the show,you also signed my book and it was such an honor.If you are ever in
lancaster again please let me know with God’s grace we shall meet again.
One habit that has helped me in life is to keep my eyes on God and on other people. Loving God first and loving others is the great command. Imagine the world if we all did this!
One habit I need to break….hmm!! Probably eating junk food!
Habits can be good and bad. Thanks for such an insightful post. One habit I have made is to keep my house cleaned periodically throughout the day so that it doesn’t get overwhelmingly out of control. This has been a huge thing in my life.
One habit I have everyday is reflecting on all the good things in my life. The positive always outweigh the negative and it helps me realize how lucky I am even if my day is not going so well. One habit I was able o break was nail-biting. The habit I am hoping my husband will break soon is smoking. He has tried a few times and hopefully soon it will stick.
Dear Wanda
My name is Rosie.You have been a inspiration in my life every sense I discovered your Amish books. Thank you.
Yes habits are sometimes very hard to break. One of those habits was gossiping . Not intentionally or at least I did not think it was. Sometimes we do not realize that it is even a habit. The main person I converse with is my sister. We would discuss various actions habits, of our children and different family members,etc. Well it came back to hit me in the face and made me realize how terribly wrong it was. I informed my sister I personally would never talk about my loved ones again. She agreed and it stopped. I love my family, and would not ever want to hurt them. That was a terrible habit God convicted me of. Always lift others up.
i would like to be more tolerant and think before i speak
A wonderful reminder of how important it is to read the Bible daily, pray continually and worship God by attending church…also a time to fellowship with fellow believers. I have started writing verses that stand out to me in my journal and like you said it is now a habit as I’ve been faithful for over two weeks. Sometimes a thought pops in my head and I write that down, too. As far as bad habits, I have a few and I’m a work in progress. Thanks for a thought-provoking blog post. Linda
Dear Wanda,
I am thankful for you and your gift of writing. Your books and comments on your website touch my heart. Thank you for!
Prayers are so powerful. That is why I thank God everyday for my beautiful life. God is good all the time…. Enjoyed meeting you this fall in Sugar Creek.
Love your books. Habits are easy to make and harder to break. I love your blogs – insightful. Thank you for sharing your gift of writing. You are talented and I appreciate all you write. 🙂
Thank you for the opportunity to share your books. Keep on writing!
I’ve read several of your books and enjoyed them all. I’d love to read more.
My mom and us kids when to church every sunday with 5 pennys to give to the church .would love to win your book,Wanda thank