Sometimes we turn to others with our problems. It's okay to ask for prayer and guidance from friends and family, but our first response should be to seek God in prayer and ask Him for direction. The more we seek God in prayer, the less we will need to rely on others. God's ways are perfect, and He answers prayer.
Realign Your Heart With God: "2025" – Keeping Your Heart and Mind Focused on God
In Isaiah 26:3, God assures us, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." This promise is not just a fleeting hope—it is a foundation for the life of every believer. As we journey through 2025, let this be our mission: to realign our hearts with God and keep our minds anchored in His truth.
We live in a time of constant distraction. The noise of the world, the weight of responsibilities, and the chaos of unexpected events all fight for our attention. But even in the middle of confusion, God offers us peace—a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace doesn't come from our circumstances improving. It comes from placing our trust in the One who never changes.
When troubles arise—whether it's personal loss, health struggles, broken relationships, or uncertainty about the future—Scripture reminds us, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). He’s not far off or waiting for us to fix ourselves before approaching Him. He is present—right here, right now—and His arms are always open.
Personally, the days I choose to dwell in God's Word, to begin and end my day in prayer, and to surrender my plans to Him are the days when I feel most at peace. It’s in those moments of quiet obedience and trust that I experience the nearness of God. There’s a deep comfort in knowing that I don’t have to have it all figured out—God already does. His plan is not only good—it’s the best plan for me.
As we navigate this new year, let’s commit to intentionally keeping our hearts soft before the Lord and our minds fixed on His truth. Let’s not be swayed by fear, comparison, or doubt. Instead, let’s realign daily through prayer, worship, scripture, and fellowship with other believers.
This year, make it your goal to stay close to God. Let your heart find rest in His presence, and your mind be renewed by His promises. In doing so, you’ll walk in the kind of peace and confidence that only comes from Him.
"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." – James 4:8
Meal Planning can be the key to a successful family kitchen.
Create a weekly menu with your favorite meals. A weekly meal plan can not only free up time but create less stress, save you money, and help you create healthy meal options for your family. Since making meals is a big part of our everyday home life, it only makes sense to include meal planning as one of our organizational goals. This is one area I have never been good at and often find myself pulling something from the freezer a little too late only to find I also don’t have everything I need. I have started working on my menus and hope to have several weekly menus planned that I can rotate throughout the year.
Get started by getting yourself a plain notebook or a meal planner. and a recipe book. Start with some of your favorite family meals. Add in a new healthy meal to try each week. Swap recipes with friends for new things to try. As you create your weekly menu you can jot the ingredients down that you’ll need to purchase for each meal on your weekly shopping trip.
Be sure to include using your slow cooker in your meal plans for at least a couple of days each week. If something unexpected comes up that week you can rotate days and you won’t have to worry about getting dinner done. A home meal plan helps ease the stress of ‘what’s for dinner?’ by having meals pre-planned and ingredients ready ahead of time. One key to having a successful home meal plan is planning meals around recipes with similar ingredients, so it reduces the number of groceries needed per week. Meal planning also saves time, as you don’t have to constantly search for what to make for dinner every day - it’s already written down! I suggest creating a home meal plan at the start of the week so you know what’s for dinner for the rest of the week. As well as planning out dinners, breakfast, lunch, and snacks should also be included in the home meal plan.
Check out this simple meal planner with a tear-off grocery list and with 54 sheets enough to create a menu for each week of the year.
“ In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
It can be easy to become anxious and frustrated while waiting on God. We may feel like we are not good enough or that we don't deserve His help. Remember that God will always be there for us. He knows what we are going through and He will help us through it. So, while we are waiting on God, we should be patient and trust that He will provide for us in His perfect time.
When we are facing difficulties in our lives, it can be hard to wait on God. Here are some Psalms you can reflect on to help you get through the waiting
“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.” Psalm 130:5
“In the day of my trouble, I shall call upon You, For You will answer me.” Psalm 86:7
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17
“I waited patiently for the Lord, And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1
“My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.” Psalm 31:15
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| Photo by Julietta Watson on Unsplash |
It’s 2023 and time to get organized. Below is a list of 23 things to ditch now and get started on your clutter-free journey. Get rid of the excess, unused, not needed, and broken items in your home.
Ditch = donate, recycle or upcycle and trash it if it’s not usable
Pens, Pencils, Crayons
Newspapers, Books, Magazines
Clothing & Shoes that don’t fit, you don’t love and you can’t remember when they were worn last
Craft Stuff
Drinking Glasses, Cups & Plates that are chipped or mismatched pieces
Socks with holes, mismatched or don’t fit
Outdated food that you’ll never eat
Old Makeup
Toys & Stuffed Animals
Old Ink Cartridges - Recycle
Cleaning products that are old or full of chemicals - Switch to natural
Old Paint - Many towns host a hazardous waste disposal day
Keys that you don’t know what they go to
Batteries
Old chargers and wires
Games and Puzzles
Small Appliances
School Artwork - Keep a few of your favorites
Broken items laying around that you’ll never fix - this can be just about anything
The Junk Drawer
Linen- Most humane societies will take towels, sheets & blankets
Extra Pieces of Furniture that are just taking up space
Things you haven’t used in a year but are saving just encase
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| Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash |
The way we live and the amount of stuff we own can have a big impact on our physical and mental health. When our living spaces are cluttered, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress.
The New Year is a time for new beginnings, and what better way to start afresh than by decluttering your home? A decluttered home is not only a happier and more organized space, but it can also lead to better health for your family. Here are some tips to help you get started in 2023.
1. Set a goal. Whether you want to declutter your entire house or just one room, it's important to have a plan and a goal in mind. Write it down. This will help you not get too overwhelmed and stay focused.
2. Start small. Tackle one area at a time, and don't try to do too much all at once. Set a Timer. This will help you avoid becoming overwhelmed and stressed.
3. Be ruthless. When in doubt, throw it out! If you haven't used something in a year or it no longer brings you joy, it's time to let it go. Most things we store away for another day can’t even be found in the clutter.
4. Donate, sell or recycle. Once you've decluttered your home, you'll likely have a lot of items that you no longer need or want. Instead of simply throwing them away, donate them to a local charity, sell them or give away free online or recycle them.
5. Get the whole family involved. Decluttering can be a great family activity. Involve your kids in the process and teach them the importance of living in a tidy and organized home.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to decluttering your home and living a healthier, peaceful life in 2023.
Check out our list of 23 Things to Ditch in 2023
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the mess in your room, have no fear! In just 15 minutes, you can achieve a tidy room. The key is to focus on quick cleaning, minimalism, and organization. With some simple tips and tricks, you can declutter your space and make it look neat and tidy. Read on to learn how to transform your room in 15 minutes or less.
Setting a timer was the best thing I ever did. When needing to get a room cleaned fast, stay focused, and not be so overwhelmed that I would quit the task, a timer was the perfect tool. Set it for 15 minutes and just get to work! Who can't do 15 minutes? Chances are you'll get so much done that you may even be energized enough to keep going.
Whether it's a pile of dishes and cluttered counters, laundry that needs to be folded and put away, or mail that needs to be sorted and shredded setting that timer works. Many times I'll start with one tough task only to keep moving to the next and before I know it my whole house is clean and organized. I love those days. I really think it's just about getting started and time management. When you don't do anything, then nothing is done.
It can seem overwhelming but when faced with any task remember you can break it down into smaller goals and take your time completing them one step at a time. For example, if your room is messy, tackle one area at a time like the desk, dresser, or shelves. Put things in piles like "keep", "toss" and "give away". Doing this will help bring some order to the chaos and make cleaning easier. As you go through each area of the room, sort out items that don’t belong there and move them to their proper places.
Vacuuming or sweeping the floor afterward is also recommended if it’s needed. Remember to set realistic goals for yourself during this process - no one expects you to have a perfect room within 15 minutes! Finally, give yourself a pat on the back for all your hard work!
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If you're looking for some extra help getting clutter-free fast - Click Here
1. Drink plenty of water. I put this one first because it's much more important than many people think. Since our bodies are made up mostly of water we need to drink plenty of it in order for our bodies to function at their best. A good rule to follow is to divide your weight in half and drink at least that much in ounces per day. Always start with a fresh glass of water upon waking and spread the remainder throughout the day.
2. Add more fresh foods to your diet. Start by adding more vegetables to all of your meals. Try and include at least 50% vegetables with each meal. Grab a piece of fruit for a snack instead of cookies, candies, and cakes. Cut out as much white flour and sugar as possible from your diet and replace them with fresh fruit, veg, and whole grains. Try and buy fresh organic and locally grown produce as much as possible.
3. Exercise. Since this is probably the hardest area to maintain you really need to start out small. Start by walking, even if it's just a few minutes each day. Grab a friend to make the time more enjoyable. A treadmill is great for those bad weather days when you can't get outside so, there will be no excuses. Before you know it you might be walking a few miles a day and feeling great.
4. Get Plenty of Rest. It's very important that our bodies get the rest they need. As you get older you may find that you can function on much less sleep than when you were younger. Six hours may be enough for some while others may need a full eight. Either way a good night's rest is very important so try and get to bed a little earlier each night. The more sleep you get before midnight the more rested you should feel. Having the right bedding is also important. If you're getting plenty of sleep but still waking up with headaches and feeling tired it might be time for some new pillows or a new mattress.
5. Get Fresh Air & Sunshine. Getting outside for a little bit each day can do wonders for you. Our homes are breeding grounds for all sorts of stuff which we breathe every day. This can be very unhealthy. Step outside for at least a few minutes a couple of times each day to get fresh air and sunshine. The sun provides some essential vitamins that our bodies need. Get a good air cleaner for your home so you can breathe fresher air while indoors. Breathing cleaner air while you sleep may also help you wake up feeling rested.
A few years back I had gone to the doctor for my regular checkup and my tests revealed a very low vitamin D level. This was surely part of the reason I was dragging most days. Getting your daily dose of sunshine has some important health benefits. With all the cold and rainy days, we've had lately when the sun shines it's time to get outside. Getting a little sun each day is important for a healthy immune system.
Sunlight for a few minutes each day can help boost the body's vitamin D which can help strengthen your immune system. Many people don't get enough vitamin D, especially during the winter. It can also help boost a chemical in the brain called serotonin which is helpful for energy and better mood. Melatonin boost is another benefit that we might get from the sun. It helps you sleep better with melatonin and we all can use a good night's sleep. So be sure and get your daily dose of sun and don't forget the sunscreen.
One of the easiest areas to go off track when trying to eat healthily is snacks. We often get hungry in the middle of the day or late at night and reach for the wrong things because there are no healthy options available. Always keep healthy snacks on hand. Take them with you to work or on road trips, running errands around town, kids' sports games, and of course in your kitchen. It's easy to grab the wrong thing when we need a quick pick-me-up and don't have a healthy option within reach. This is essential for staying on track with a healthy eating lifestyle. A healthier you is a healthier home. Here are a few good healthy eating snack ideas :
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Here are just a few tips to help you get started managing your time better.
By managing our time wisely we will have less stress and get more done.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27
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For some, having a set daily Bible reading plan for each day along with prayer time is best. You can come up with your own Bible reading schedule that you'll follow for each day. This will give you a place to start each morning and you'll have a goal for a set amount of time. To create an easy-to-use
Bible reading plan you can generate one here:
Bible Reading Plan Generator.
Spending time reading God's word every day is an important part of our Christian walk. Helping us gain insight and wisdom for our daily lives.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11
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I love staying up late at night when everyone is asleep and it's quiet. However, I am planning on starting a new bedtime routine. I will aim for 7 hours of sleep each night. Although I think six would be great too. Since I have to get up at 5:30 am every morning that means getting to bed no later than 10:30. That's a lot earlier than I go to bed now.
Getting enough sleep is essential to your well-being. A healthy night’s sleep supports a healthy mind and body. Proper sleep also sets us up to do well with our
time management. You just can't manage your time well and accomplish much when you have zero energy and are completely exhausted.
If you are a night owl like me and aren't getting the proper sleep maybe it's time you make a change too. What better time than now. Find what works best for you. While everyone’s body is different and some need more sleep than others most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. How many hours do you need for your ideal well-being?
To help you fall asleep you should limit your caffeine intake especially later on in the day. and be sure to turn off your screens at least 30 minutes before bed. Unwind with a good book or Bible reading. A soothing bath, a hot cup of tea, or golden milk may also help you relax. Also for some, a daily exercise routine really helps you fall asleep faster. Let's make some changes and get the proper rest. How wonderful it will be to rise up early and feel good.
Peaceful dreams.
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. Proverbs 31:15
Meal Planning can be the key to a successful family kitchen. Create a weekly menu with your favorite meals. A weekly meal plan can not only ...
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