The "Plan" Part of Planning for a Peaceful Home

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In prior columns, I’ve explored the ideas of a morning offering andof time set aside to listen and hear God. Now, for the “plan” part of the plan for a peaceful home.

We begin by offering the day to the Lord, opening ourselves to the grace He freely offers and ensuring that even our failures are redemptive. Then, during a time of spiritual reading and meditation, we listen to Him, and we resolve to do whatever He tells us to do that day. Usually, I write this resolution in a little notebook, where I can refer to it and remind myself of it throughout the day. The resolution fits within the context of my daily life, my work in the world, my vocation in the home. And it’s that “daily life” component that needs a clear direction.Read the rest here.

And then c'mon back and tell me your best planning tips in the comment box.

Household Appliances, Foss Style

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Fourteen years ago, it was conference championship week. Mike was gone. Patrick was a tiny baby and I was home with three little boys. A particularly nasty combination of RSV and reflux made Paddy very sick and very vulnerable. A nice home health nurse came to the house and taught me how to use a nebulizer. As she was leaving, she said, "Just watch him closely; if he stops breathing, call 911." I didn't sleep for weeks.

Since that winter, we've had six more babies. All but one of them have made friends with the nebulizer. All but two of them have had RSV.

Sarah Anne is sick. She's got reflux that is so common to premature babies. And she's got an all too familiar wheeze. The bright side is that she does not have RSV. One of the perks of being a premie is that she qualified for a series of monthly shots that protect her from that very dangerous virus. So, it's "just" reflux and an ordinary virus.

Once again, the nebulizer hums its familiar tune. That trusty nebulizer is just as much a part of March in our house as basketball conference championships are. I think we've gotten our money's worth out of that particular "household appliance."
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Lent Day 13

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Fast: Rememberthe first time you had a moment alone with your first child. What did you promise him? Do that. Be that.

Pray: Begin a gratitude journal. At the end of the day, jot down five things for which you are grateful. Think upon these things.

Give: We can only expect what we inspect. For every task you assign today, follow through and before it’s truly finished ensure that there is praise from you.