I don’t know where your “catch all” place is, but mine is my night stand. Before you conjure a mental picture of a disheveled mess, let me assure you it is far from that! My brain wouldn’t be able to rest at night if a junk heap was glaring at me across my pillow. I function best with things are done “decently and in order.” (I Cor 14:40)
So, what does my night stand look like? You’d probably never see it if you came over for dinner or to chat over tea, usually that master bedroom is too intimate to open to even the closest of friends. But, because my night stand is one of my favorite spots in our home (because it holds some of my most precious possessions!), I wanted to give you a glimpse into what you’d find.
This is the place where I keep my personal things- my Bible, my prayer journals for my children, devotional resources and studies, and books that I’m in the process of reading. As seasons change, studies end, and books are finished, the contents of my night stand change, but here is a glimpse of what is speaking into my soul at the current moment.
My Bible
I have had many different styles of Bibles over the years, and this one is my absolute favorite! I love the lined margins that give space for notetaking and journaling how God is speaking to me.
God & I Time Resources
I created these prayer journals to help me be more intentional in praying for my children. I have one for each child where I record specific requests that I’m interceding for on their behalf. This is a keepsake that I cherish using in my motherhood.
Great Hymns for Growing Hearts
This is a 12 week hymn study the Lord allowed me to publish early in 2022. We have been going through it with our family, and the fruit has been so rewarding. I love hearing my littles singing hymns like “God Leads Us Along” and “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” throughout our days. I know that we are investing biblical truth into their hearts that will reap for their lifetime!
Great Hymns for Growing Hearts: Christ the Savior is Born
We will soon be taking a break from my first Great Hymns book to delve into the new Christmas edition! This is a 4 week hymn study designed to help you sing your way to Christmas as you prepare your hearts and homes to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller
I am currently studying through Psalm 23 in my devotional time, and this book has been such a helpful tool providing a deeper understanding into the heart of our Shepherd!
I love these highlighters from Daily Grace Co. They have been designed to not bleed through even the thinnest Bible pages.
This is my favorite pen set for writing notes in my Bible. And bonus that it comes with so many colors! I like using different colors to emphasize different things (the promises of God, commands, words of Christ, etc)
Books I’m Reading
These are books that I am currently reading. Each book has been enjoyable and helpful thus far, but I wanted to put the disclaimer that I have not finished them yet, so this isn’t a finalized review and recommendation.
Heartfelt Discipline by Clay Clarkson
from the back of the book. . .
As a Christian parent, you know your chidlren need you to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” The Bible is clear about what you should do. But what about how you should do it? Your answer will shape how your children remember your parenting and family.
Heartfelt Discipline contends there is no divine “how to” formula for childhood discipline. Rather, there is a “way.” It is the way of life, the path we walk with principles of discipline as you walk the path with your children.
Direction: Guiding and showing them how to walk on the path with God
Correction: Getting them back on the path when sin leads them off of it
Protection: Guarding them from temptations that could draw them away
Giving Your Words by Sally & Clay Clarkson
from the back of the book. . .
As a parent, your heart’s desire is to guide your chidlren to love and follow God. Yet so many voices are offering help and advice. Whose voice should shape your children?
Sally and Clay Clarkson suggest the answer is as simple as it is powerful: yours. They will show you how to use your own words to shape your child’s life for Christ.
Start here to gain confidence to personally and intentionally cultivate a verbal home, one filled with words of faith formation and spiritual nurture.
Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt
from the back of the book. . .
For many of us, inviting people into our lives and homes feels more like inviting judgment on our entertaining skills and stress on our already maxed-out schedules. But what if you knew that opening your front door had the power to radically change the world? To make an impact and leave a legacy with everyday invitations?
Jen Schmidt has set out to reframe how we think about hospitality and to equip us to walk a road of welcome in our daily lives. Jen knows that every time we choose open-door living– whether in our homes or by taking hospitality on the road just like Jesus- those we invite in get to experience the lived-out gospel, our kids grow up in a life-lab of generosity, and we trade insecurity for connection.
Educating the Wholehearted Child by Clay Clarkson
Discipleship. Whole Books. Real Life.
Need more be said?! This is the handbook for wholehearted Christian home education! It is quite the resource coming in at almost 400 pages packed with biblical wisdom and practical advice and information. This is one I’m working through slowing, seeking to absorb every ounce of experience and advice.
Planning Tools
After a friend shared raving reviews about this goal planner, I decided it was something I’d have to try out. It has not disappointed! A bit different from a regular life planner, this helps you dig into what matters most to you, help you set and achieve goals, and make your dreams come true. This resource has been so helpful as I am praying and preparing for a new year with NHC!
So, what’s currently on your night stand?
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If you see something you love, purchasing through the links given are a blessing to my little family. Thank you!