Usually we make many plans for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, but do we have plans for other times? God has made plans for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11-13), so it would be well for us to follow His example. Without a plan, things frequently do not happen. Here are some plans you might want to consider:
HOUSE PLANS:
• Make a list of dishes your family likes that you can refer to when you can’t think of something to cook.
• Create a calendar for a rotating once-a-month cleaning or organizing project: pantry, storeroom, kitchen cabinets (or some other necessary duty).
SPOUSE PLANS:
• Help your spouse schedule time for the family (and for the two of you), making suggestions for activities.
• Think of what attracted your spouse to you in the beginning and focus on those and other positive traits, encouraging them in ministry.
• Share meaningful conversations, keeping communication open.
KID PLANS:
• Help your children clean their rooms and organize their toys, teaching them how to keep them tidy.
• Guide children in knowing how to have personal devotions, including showing them how to plan them.
• Strive to have at least one family sit-down meal together each day (or week) without the presence of media. Make it “family sharing time.”
SPIRITUAL PLANS:
• Make a plan for your personal devotional life, which could include:
1. Select a Bible text each day and write a sentence (or more) of what it says to you personally.
2. Read the Bible through in a year.
3. Integrate the Spirit of Prophecy into your devotional time.
4. Keep a prayer journal, including a section for “answered prayers” to review when discouraged.
5. Set your phone to remind you regularly to offer a short, silent prayer.
• Plan morning and evening worships for the family. Here are some ideas:
1. Start a discussion with a statement such as: “Share something special/ fun/interesting/funny that happened today.”
2. Play “I spy.” Have family members share how they "spied" God today, such as: “God helped me with my test in school.” “I saw a girl give a food gift card to a homeless woman.” “I watched a high school kid stoop to help a little boy who fell on the playground and scraped his knee.” “I saw a boy intervene in a bullying situation.”
The Holy Spirit will help you know the best plan for yourself, your spouse, and your family. All you need to do is ask.
