Prayer, Planning & Preparations - Part 3 (Planning)

Planning is something I believe is part of being a Keeper of the Home and has many benefits. Planning could be the difference between blessing and chaos. There are several scriptures which I have found helpful in staying focused and encouraged on the importance to plan:

• Psalm 20:4 "May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans."
• Proverbs 20:18 "Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war."
• Proverbs 11:14 "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."
• Proverbs 21:5 "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty."
• Proverbs 31:27 "She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

What is the purpose of planning? Is it really necessary? Are there any benefits? I believe and have experienced the fruit of planning. Without planning, my days can quickly escape me with the many distractions and time wasters this world throws my way. If I have been diligent to plan, I have a 'guide' to help keep me focused and ultimately have a more fruitful day.

The following are just a few areas and blessings reaped from planning:

• Meal planning - money savings, time savings, husband and children will know what to expect versus asking an unlimited amount of times "What's for dinner?"
• Chore planning - home can be more easily maintained, there is a sense of order, everyone knows their role and has a responsibility of how they contribute to the "family"
• School planning - children know what is expected each day and it provides opportunity for special projects that may not otherwise happen, you can enter each day "ready" therefore, avoiding wasting time (be it "rabbit trails", looking for materials), knowing what needs to be accomplished and what activities can be feasible to complete in a specified period of time (ie with lessons planned you have a better idea of how long it will take to complete your studies and how much time can be afforded to out-of-the-home learning opportunities...with a plan, you can participate in opportunities, because learning will be guided and you'll know each day what should be accomplished), saving money (purchases can be made for what you "need"; you can avoid duplicating material purchases if you are organized; you will not purchase something that doesn't fit into your plan)
• Project planning - this can be home projects, field trips or special school activities, vacations, etc. Typically in our home, if we have a plan (select a dedicated time to complete the project and have made a list of what that project entails, making any necessary purchases ahead of time) it usually gets done. This allows our family time to "play" and enjoy "spontaneous" opportunities of fellowship or learning.
• Planning allows you to extend hospitality, participate in 'unplanned' activities when they arise, minister to those in need, take time when needed for illnesses or refreshment all because each day you have a guide to follow and can easily return it to when God has redirected your path.

There are numerous tools and resources available on the market today to help aide with planning. Simple tools from list making to day planners or more technical tools such as computer programs or online resources which help you plan. I have used them all in one form or another depending on the type of planning that needs to be done. The following is a list of materials you may find beneficial to help you "plan" this year based on your season of life.

Microsoft Office, Works or Word (calendars, spreadsheets, tables, etc. can be created or templates can be used to suit your needs)

Donna Young provides free printable logs, calendars and lessons

Managers of Their Homes is a wonderful book I have used over the years to create schedules for schooling and chores

Edu-Track or Homeschool Tracker are computer programs which can be purchased to use for lesson planning, transcripts, etc.

I will attempt to post some of our old homeschool schedules and chore charts in the next few days - I hope this will be an encouragement and provide a sense of hope to you for a more fruitful and peaceful year.