How Meal Planning Can Simplify Your Week – And Bring Your Family Together! — Podcast Show Notes

One Simply System Can Calm the Chaos

If you prefer to read, here’s the podcast in blog post form! ⤵️

Coming Soon!

Highlights:

When you understand your need for this simple tool — a weekly meal plan — it will make a huge difference in how your days go!

Being a keeper at home encompasses keeping meals on the table. And none of us get to escape it, do we?

Menu planning moved to the top of my “momma’s systems for survival” after several of my coaching clients shared their frustration with meals — and how not having a good plan affected their day and their efficiency.

We all need to eat. It’s one of the necessary tasks and events in daily life — so the easier we make it, the smoother our days will go.

We only need to tame the meal dragon and we can do better!

Stop meal prep from being an interruption to your day by having a plan.

Having a plan will give you a peace of mind and keep you from being interrupted to get dinner on the table!

When you put simple systems in place, you can make a world of difference about how you feel about your day!

Download the Meal Plan our family has used for years!

Get My Meal Plan google doc (editable) here.

Get a pretty pdf printable here.

Time to Think:

Steps to Create Your Meal Plan:

Start is gathering a list of your family’s favorite meals.
On Saturday or Sunday, take time to plan your meals out for the rest of the week. You can base it on what type of foods are in season, what’s on sale, and If you’re busy, adjust the plan for leftover days or an eat out day if you can afford eating out.
If you don’t need or want to eat out – just make double or triple portions of a meal earlier in the week. So when you’re cooking, you’re already cutting and prepping. You mix up two or three batches and put one casserole dish or one pot in the fridge for later in the week and leftover day.
For your easy days, make easy meals. On days where you’re home make a warm filling comfortable meal. If it’s summer, make a delicious salad.

Assign chefs & clean-up crew:

Who’s going to make the dinner? Choose your chef(s).
Take a look at everyone’s schedule.
Figure out who’s home or busy for the day.
What’s the family activity or outing on what day?
Then assign chefs and clean up crew.

A quick recap of the advantages of meal planning:

You’ll know what you’ll need for meals – if there’s frozen burger you need to thaw – or if you need carrots you can add them to your pick-up order.
You have a plan for the week – and you’re not caught off guard.
And, if you make a double batch, freeze one of the meals and you’ll be ready for a busy day in a few weeks.

Words to Remember:

“So aside from meals and home management – Titus 2 reminds us how important loving our kids is. And I don’t believe love only is a hug and a feeling. It’s love in action and that goes so far as preparing them to leave – to be confident and capable adults.

So really think about this part of parenting – you won’t even realize what you’re imparting to your children when you teach them these skills and then give them the opportunity to experiment with the lessons they’re learning. You’re going to see the fruit later on – but you have to be really patient.”
“We might as well add a dash of this and a handful of that to spice up our meals and let our kids be creative. Let them choose to make a meal or add some spices or try new ideas to put on our tables this week.
Help them to see how food is a gift from God and we can have fun with it. It’s not a necessary evil.”
“Meal planning really lightens the load. It takes one thing out of your already spinning head — it’s written down – so you don’t have to think about it. And you can move onto the other stuff of life – those things that are even more important!”

Bible Verses:

Exodus 16:12 “I have heard the grumblings of the sons of Israel; speak to them, saying, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’ “

And when Kind Solomon discusses the joys and hardships of humanity, he writes this in

Ecclesiastes 9:
7 Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works.
10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.
1 Corinthians 14:40 – “Do all things decently and in order.”

Proverbs 3:27 – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.“
Philippians 2:3-11: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude as Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
Colossians 3:1-2: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
1 Corinthians 16:14: “Do everything in love.”

Resources:

My Meal Plan (editable) doc here.

Pretty Meal Plan printable here.

My “Think – Pray – Plan – Do Planner” —> Now on Amazon!

Think – Pray – Plan – Do Planners (with personal planning and review pages) ⤵️

Think – Pray – Plan – Do Journal Coming Soon to Amazon!

Download the Think – Pray – Plan – Do pdf here.

Think about all you heard today. The thoughts and questions and dreams and ideals you have.

Pray about those to determine what’s most important and valuable.

Make a Plan to implement those beliefs and values. Write them on a white board or get them printed on a wall hanging. The most important thing is to put them in front of you so you won’t forget them. So you can implement them daily and discuss them over dinner or when you need to discipline a child. Or make decisions with your husband.

Do! Live them out. Make them your reality. And then watch as your family life transforms as you and your family gain the morale and confidence and trust in God’s plan for your family!

Download your meal plan and give it a shot!

Then let us know how it made your week run more smoothly … and … if you have other ideas that work for you when it comes to all things meal-related, I’d love to hear about it!

Shoot me an email at terry@livingabovethenoise.com or share it on social media.

Message me or leave a comment on one of my posts on meal planning so everybody can share in your experience!

Thanks so much for listening in!

Find Living Above the Noise Podcasts here:

Reclaiming Family Life for the Intentional Christian Mom

Discover the Beauty and JOY of Christmas

By livingabovethenoise

Listen to the podcast here ⤵️

I’m sipping from my “Joy” mug and thinking about this holiday season.

It seems to have jumped out from where it was hiding to say, “You’re it!” Everyone I’ve talked with says the same thing, “How could it be Christmas already?”

I wonder.

• Are we living such a hurried life that we can’t find time to prepare for this sacred holiday?

• Are we so saturated with social media and our online life that we can’t find space to invest in our physical one?

• Are we so carried away by the world’s goods and treasures that we forget the ultimate Treasure?

What’s Happened to Christmas?

What happened to evenings by the fire, family cuddled on the couch reading stories of old? Stories that remind us of God’s love and His precious Gift to us?

Our childhood experiences form our feelings about holidays — they create our love, disdain, or apathy for the holidays.

At the time, I didn’t know my family was teaching me to love “holy days.” My Polish/German immigrant grandparents brought such richness to the Christmas season. Our family’s Catholic traditions were so rich in formality, wonder, and the presence of holiness I can hardly describe it. I felt such awe at the mystery of the season — the calm and reverent recognition of God sending His Son as a babe in a manger. Maybe it was the visionary in me or my writer’s mind – but the Spirit of Christmas came alive in me!

Think back on your childhood. What happened to instill your feelings about this season today? Is there anything you want to change about how you celebrate? What traditions are you giving your children that will carry into their adulthood? Will they remember these days with love, disdain, or apathy?

Have You Thrown Away Childish Wonder?

I love this quote from my daughter-in-law’s grandma, Gigi. Some people tire of Christmas newsletters, but I cherish each one I receive from Eloise! She’s such a gifted writer — and shares exactly what we can gain from this special season. Listen as she travels back over seven decades in childlike wonder!

“Hopefully most of us will be in Christmas mode. You know, the days we scurry about trying to find deals on everything from bicycles to bathrobes. It is when glitter is fashionable. Children squeal and decorated trees take over our living rooms. I try my best to act like an adult during Christmas but that just never works. I become age six every year and wonder why others don’t do the same. I think when a child becomes an adult and throws away all childish things, they give away too much. Some things we all should hold on to. We need to retain some wild-eyed wonder-ment, the belief in miracles and the spirit of Christmas in our hearts every day.”

Eloise Cunningham

Hustle and Hurry OR Mystery and Beauty?

In the midst of all the hustle, perhaps we need to ask a few questions.

Are we missing out on the beauty and mystery in our quest for the latest decor?
Are we searching for the best cyber-Monday deals and overlooking the real reason we give gifts?
Can we pause the hustle long enough to consider what this holy day truly signifies, the immense beauty and tragedy of it all?

This season is truly a gift. One we don’t want to overlook. Our world and all it has to offer keeps us so busy we often don’t have time to think — and wonder — and worship.

From the time we step out of bed in the morning to falling back into it at night — we don’t catch our breath. Let alone our thoughts. Thoughts God has for us. Thoughts to consider the good gifts and the holy presence of God Himself sent down to us long ago. Gifts given to us not only on Christmas, but each day.

Quiet Time – It’s Good for the Soul

Long ago, when my children were small and finally in bed, I’d take a bit of quiet time each evening before the lights were clicked off. I’d pause to soak up the decorations on our simple tree, the calm, the serenity of it all. I’d ponder the joy and wonderment of the season. A time of excitement, laughter, and surprises that shined from my children’s eyes and rang from their voices.

Something special stirred in those quiet moments before rolling into bed — moments in the ambiance and solitude of twinkling lights and quiet music.

For some, Christmas isn’t a time of wonder and joy. Which makes me so very grateful for my family’s example. Those early days of wonder helped me soak up the season while I was so busy raising my own family.

I’m certain the Joy I felt came from God who loves me. God, who gave me a family rich in heritage and full of tradition. God, who didn’t want me to lose Him in the midst of all the busyness.

A generous God who gave the best and most lovely Gift of all!

Add a Bit of Magic to the Season!

Without children to add their sweet innocence and anticipation for Christmas, I find it gets harder to deck the halls and light the boughs. After a Christmas party this year, where the host’s house was decorated to the brim — I decided to freshen my own spaces with the spirit of Christmas!

Each time I walk through a room, I’m reminded of the magic. The anticipation of Christ’s coming. I’m reminded to pause — and quietly soak in the mystery and beauty of Jesus coming to earth. Reminded to discover Joy in that tiny God Babe, who literally was born for the Cross!

Find JOY This Christmas

Such a simple thing — the printed word “Joy” on a mug.

A small token and reminder — of Joy come down to us.

A reminder to take time each day to enjoy this season. A quiet moment in the morning. A holy moment in the evening before bed. A pause to consider that Baby and what He has done for me. And for you!

Won’t you join me today? And tomorrow?

“Thank you Lord for helping me remember your good Gift.

For allowing me the space and time to reflect on all You’ve done for me.

To share that quiet mystery with those I live life with.

Thank you for this Gift that brought me new life today — and tomorrow.

Amen.”

The Bible is filled with verses on finding Joy in the Lord!

“And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Matthew 2:9–10

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.’” John 15:10–12

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”Psalm 16:11

May we shout for joy over ^syour salvation, and in the name of our God set up our ^tbanners!

Psalm 20:5

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

More posts to encourage you this Christmas!

What’s This About Christmas and Tiny Tim?

This Is Definitely What Christmas is All About, Charlie Brown!

Best Eggnog Ever! Recipe

What’s This About Christmas and Tiny Tim?

By livingabovethenoise

Well, we’ve entered into this holiday season full swing! In our home, the decorations were slowly put up to savor each activity — the gifts gathered with each special person in mind — the Christmas movies enjoyed as we take time to relax after a long day.

One of our favorite stories this time of year is A Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens said it best as he reminded us what’s important at Christmas.

My heart’s desire is that we take time to remember why we celebrate this day — why it’s our favorite season!

First, it’s not all about the lights or the decorations or our favorite Christmas melodies (although they add so much to this time of year).
It’s not all about the cookie recipes our families pass down for generations.
It’s not the gifts piled under the tree (we often have 20+ family members celebrating with us — so the gifts are piled!)
It’s not even winter’s glistening frost lit by the sun casting long shadows across the yard. It does make it feel, oh so, Christmas-y!

So what is it all about?

It’s ALL about the Son – God’s Son who cast His shadow across history and all of creation so many years ago in a manger!
It’s all about the Baby who made shepherds pause in wonder and angels sing praise and glory.
The Child who caused wise men to travel for years to seek this Messiah.
And as Tiny Tim said in our favorite Dicken’s story, that Baby-turned-Man “who made the blind to see and the lame to walk”!

‘And how did Tiny Tim behave?’, asked Mrs. Cratchit …….‘As good as gold.’ said Bob, ‘and better. Somehow he gets thoughtful sitting by himself so much and thinks the strangest things you ever heard. He told me coming home that he hoped the people saw him in the church because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember on Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk and blind men see.’ A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

Oh, this is my absolute favorite line in all of Charles Dicken’s novels! May we truly see the Truth of declaring the Gospel in his simple words.

Blessings to you as you prepare for this beautiful season of remembering God’s Son!

And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. Luke 2:18-20

This Is Definitely What Christmas Is All About, Charlie Brown!

By livingabovethenoise

Linus’s age-old adage rings as true now as it did 50 years ago! We remember with much nostalgia when he recites Luke 2, then concludes with the refrain, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!”

Christmas is all about Jesus. It’s about celebrating God’s greatest gift to us — Jesus — our salvation through nothing else but faith in God’s Son.

Getting Sidetracked This Christmas?

It’s too easy to get sidetracked thinking it’s about decorations and gifts. Now, we love a decorated house this time of year! But it can get overwhelming. And you know about those hundred gifts on your list. “What?” you say. “I don’t have a hundred gifts on my list!” Umm, count again. Include teachers, bosses, neighbors, friends, greeting cards with pictures, stocking stuffers, cookies for the neighbors….yep, you’re getting close to a hundred! See what I mean about sidetracked?

Now don’t think I don’t understand. I’m right here with you….like forgetting to do our Jesse Tree Advent devotion – and instead, getting started on my shopping trips. Reading the real Christmas story only because my daughters had a party for my “grandboys!” ‘Tis true. But get this — when I read that story of old to those wondering eyes — when I saw the intent on their faces — I remembered again.

This truly is the reason for the season. It is our job, our duty, to make sure we’re not quiet about what we believe and in Whom we believe!

Won’t you join me in relishing in the tinsel and holly and glitter, but not forgetting that simple, cold manger so many years ago? The sheer beauty of God’s gift of everlasting life, brought to us in the tiny frame of a babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Keep Christ’s Love In Christmas

A bit of encouragement and some ideas to renew your sense of purpose this season:

– Our friend owns a thrift store in town, but it’s not just any thrift shop! This one uses the store’s proceeds to feed the hungry in our community. Check out your local ministries to discover how you can help the needy this year. People are cold, hungry, lonely, sick. What can we do to be Jesus’s hands of mercy to them?

– Tiny Tim is a name most people know. Learn how to share God’s love from his simple pronouncement to those around him. He said, “He hoped the people saw him in the church because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember on Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk and blind men see.” A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

– Here’s a great way to bless those in need this year! It’s so easy to pass by those in need along the road. What if we were prepared for those meetings by having a care bag of goodies to hand the homeless? We will never have an excuse to look the other way. (We have a homeless woman on the edge of town. We pass her most days and wonder how she does it with the cold weather approaching. Reading this post again has me excited to bring her a care package this week!)

– Visit a Fire or Police Station and bring goodies for these first responders! With a son-in-law who has this difficult job, we see first-hand how much we take our safety for granted. Give the gift of appreciation this year!

– Some people ask the question, Should Christians Celebrate Christmas? It’s easy to see that it’s gotten out of hand with Santa, “Happy Holidays,” and compulsory gift-giving. Some proclaim Christmas is for pagans and just a copycat of idol worship. My post declares why it’s a good thing to celebrate. Choose for yourselves….but as for me and my house, we will celebrate the Lord!

There are so many ways we can remember what Christmas is all about. Let’s share our ideas — with friends and family — and here. Leave a comment with ways your family celebrates or shares God’s love this time of year!

Happy Holy Day & Merry Christ-mas one and all!

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:16-20