Homekeeping - A Schedule...

Without a plan, chaos reigns... I have had lots of weeks in which I felt like chaos was reigning in my home.  This isn't what I wanted, though.  My heart is to create a haven for my family. A place they desire to spend time in. A place where peace and calm would reign.  I have been far from where I wanted to be.  So, how do I get where I want to be? Let's look at how to create a home filled with peace.

First, we must spend time with the Lord.  Read His word, soak in His presence, be filled with the joy of His love.  This reorients you to the focus of your life.  Our purpose is to glorify Him.  Our lives, our time, our homes are meant to be spent in ways that glorify Him. Memorizing scripture so that we can recall His words in times of stress, meditating on His words all during the day - these activities will keep our focus on Him. The goal isn't the activity - but spending time with Him, thinking about Him, and loving Him with all our heart, mind, and soul.

Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands

Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change (Resources for Changing Lives)

This has been the most important book I have read on Biblical Counseling.  It explains how each one of us as a believer is competent to counsel each other using Scripture and prayer and the Holy Spirit.  In fact, as we talk to each other, we actually are counseling each other.  As we discuss our relationships with each other, as we seek other's advice on how to handle our children, we counsel each other.  What are we using to give advice?  The latest child raising book?  The advice given from a trusted pastor?  Even "very good" advice needs to be based on the Word of God. We can lead our brothers and sisters in Christ to the Lord to glean His wisdom on all of the problems that we face in this life.  After all, the Bible says that it is sufficient for all of life and godliness...2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Think Biblically

Think Biblically!: Recovering a Christian Worldview


This is an awesome book that helps you figure out where your thinking doesn't line up with the Bible.  And it was honestly more often than I thought. This book has articles by many different Professors that teach at the Master's College.  It starts with the assertion that the Bible is sufficient for everything that we come up against in life... well that is what scripture itself says!!  So, if that is true, then how do we think about scripture, creation, science, economics, the nations, being male or female, psychology, education, history, culture, or our government... these are some of the essays that challenge us to align our thinking with what the Bible says.   

Idols of the Heart

Idols of the Heart: Learning to Long for God Alone

One of the most convicting books that I have read is Elyse Fitzpatrick's Idols of the Heart.  It is an amazing book that never fails to point me to how much I need to love God with all my heart, soul, and mind - above everything else.  How much I need that.  Everyday.  It's the kind of book you need to read once every year.   

Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman

Don't Make Me Count to Three: a Mom's Look at Heart-Oriented Discipline


This is a book that really impacted my parenting.  This book is filled with practical ways to implement discipline that isn't focused on the behavior of our children, but speaks to their hearts. Impacting our children's hearts to follow Jesus and obey Him is the goal of our parenting.  This is a book which helps you to impact their hearts, which is what drives their behavior.  Her companion chart gives you the bible verses that you can hang on the refrigerator to help in the moment. 

Another fantastic book about reaching the heart of your child:

Attitudes of a Transformed Heart by Martha Peace

Attitudes of a Transformed Heart


One of my favorite books by Martha Peace.  I have been fortunate to be able to listen to her speak in person several times and I always come away uplifted by her encouragement.  This book is one of my all-time favorite books, as it really speaks to how we should live biblically in all areas of our life - as our hearts are transformed by Jesus.  Take a peek...Part 1 is about our Attitudes about God, Part 2 is our Attitudes and Scripture, and Part 3 is our Attitudes of Heart...She has lots of study questions in each chapter, so be sure to grab a journal and be challenged about the state of your heart before God...

Psalm 138:8

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.


Ever have one of those days when it feels like you are never going to get anywhere?  I have... and boy does this verse minister to my heart.  The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me... even when I feel like I will never be useful to Him.  He will not forsake me.  I am fashioned by Him, I am the work of His hands.  He loves me steadfastly, never changing, his love endures forever.  And I will get there... I will be useful to Him... God's purpose for me will be reached. He promises that in His Word.