“Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life.”
Proverbs 4:23
If we are going to create a peaceful home ambiance we must monitor what we think. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that we are to be careful about what we think because it will affect everything that we do.This is especially true in the management of our homes.
A diligent heart is maintained by choosing to integrate thoughts that are noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8 and 9). Meditation, according to The MacArthur Study Bible, is “to read with thoughtfulness, to linger over God’s Word.”[i] Notes from Psalm 1:2 suggest that the spiritually “happy” woman is characterized by the consistent contemplation and internalization of God’s Word for ethical direction and obedience.[ii] Reading thoughtfully and lingering over “The Happy Homemaker’s Meditation Alphabet,” along with its companion verses, will provide you with spiritual thoughts for keeping your “heart with all diligence.” As you choose to meditate upon the thoughts and scripture consider focusing on the impact the action makes on your attitude, speech, and relationship with your family members.
The Happy Homemaker’s Meditation Alphabet
A Attitude sets the pace of your home environment. Keep yours positive . . . focus on Philippians 4:8-9.
B Beauty... maintain careful grooming habits...even when you don’t feel like it. Do consider 1 Peter 3:1-6.
C Cook... creative meals within your budget! (Proverbs 31:15)
D Diligent...apply enthusiasm to your role as a Home Manager! Allow Proverbs 4:23 to guide you.
E Everything . . . give thanks for all situations. Consistently apply
1 Thessalonians 5:15-22.
F Festive Occasions...build an album of precious memories in your home by establishing traditions! Implement the practice of “memorial stones”—Joshua 4:4-7.
G GOD . . . keep Him as the head of your household to ensure that your home is a welcoming environment! (John 14:3).
H Happy . . . apply Proverbs 3:13. Find wisdom and gain understanding to acquire consistent happiness.
I Imagination . . . use your God-given gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-31) to their fullest extent in your home.
J Joyful thoughts . . . look for a blessing in every situation. Remember there are no problems, just challenges . . . Nehemiah 8:10b!
K Kindness . . . treat others in your home as you want to be treated. Strive to model Dorcas’ reputation in Acts 9:36.
L Love as Christ loves. Purpose to memorize and practice 1 Corinthians 13!
M Manners . . . conduct yourself in such a way that you stimulate other’s BEST responses—implement 1 Peter 1:13-16. Consider the truth of Proverbs 11:16 and 22, “A gracious woman attains honor . . . as a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.”
N Nothing is impossible when we trust God in faith. Meditate upon Hebrews 11:6.
O Open communication. Speak the truth in LOVE and harbor no bitterness—
Ephesians 4:26-32.
P Plan ahead...it saves time, money, and energy. Focus on Proverbs 29:18.
Q Quiet Time...a daily time of fellowship with your Lord. Psalm 119 teaches what God’s Word will do for you!
R Remember the little things that are BIG things to those in your household! Proverbs 31:27 presents the balance of home and ministry.
S Submission . . . willingly apply the teaching of Ephesians 5:21.
T Television...turn it OFF! Don’t let an appliance consume precious times of fellowship! Apply 2 Corinthians 10:5 to your viewing choices.
U Unexpected surprises...an extra special menu, a fancy dessert, using the good china . . . all make home a welcoming place. Remember John 14:2.
V Variety . . .God is the author. Follow His pattern presented in the Genesis account of creation!
W Welcome others to your home with warmth and expectation! Model Hebrews 11:31!
X (E)Xtra kindness. Learn to give extra attention to those within your home when their spirits need a lift! Recall the truth of Proverbs 25:11 and I. Timothy 5:8.
Y Your health...know your limitations and work within those parameters. Be sure that your family knows them too—1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
Z ZEST!! Approach each day with a zest for the opportunities that it holds. Ask our LORD daily, “What wonderful things are we going to do today?” Practice Psalm 118:24!
Maintaining a Diligent Heart
Just as good physical health is the result of implementing sound health practices, so good spiritual health is the result of applying sound spiritual practices. God's Health Plan for the heart of the happy homemaker’s contains four essential elements:
Weight: a need to eliminate unneeded cares (1 Peter 5: 7-10).
Pulse: the rhythm of one’s gratitude (Colossians 3:12-17).
Blood pressure: reading of anxiety over trust (Psalms 55:22).
Diet: regular intake and submission to the life-giving thoughts of the Lord (Jeremiah 15:16).
The application of God’s Health Plan allows you to mature in a number of godly character qualities including:
Submission to your Lord (Colossians 3:18)
Submission to your husband or other authority figures (Eph. 5:22)
Respect of your husband (1 Peter 3:1-6)
A commitment to loving your family (Titus 2:4)
Care of your household (Titus 2:5)
Self-control, kindness, and purity of heart and mind (Titus 2:5)
The consistent development of these godly character qualities produces visible evidence that you have a heart of contentment. Consider using these questions to diagnose your level of contentment:
Do others affirm my character (am I worth more than fine jewels)? (Proverbs 31:10)?
Do I gain the confidence of my husband or others who consistently observe my actions? (Proverbs 31:11)
Do I approach my work eagerly and vigorously? (Proverbs 31:14,17)
Am I hospitable to my children and others? (Proverbs 31:15)
Do I practice sound money management? (Proverbs 31:16, 18, 24)
Am I willing to share my goods with those who are needy? (Proverbs 31:20)
Do I prepare ahead of time for my family's needs? (Proverbs 31:21)
Am I confident and dignified? (Proverbs 31:25)
Am I a wise and a good teacher? (Proverbs 31:26)
Do I willingly oversee the activities of my household? (Proverbs 31:27)
Have I earned the respect of my family? (Proverbs 31:28)
Do I fear the Lord? (Proverbs 31:30)
Well, what was your contentment diagnosis? What are the areas that could stand some
improvement? How would the improvement make your bring peace to your home?
Visit The Everyday Homemaker next week as we examine ways to prevent a “spiritual heart attack. “
When you are in the Fort Worth area consider scheduling a tour of Horner Homemaking House, Southwestern’s Management Model where our Homemaking classes are taught.
Blessings on your week as you focus on making your house a home!
NOTES
[i] MacArthur, John.1997.The MacArthur Study Bible.Nashville, TN:Word Publishing, 305.
[ii] Ibid, 743.