Book List for Purposeful Habits
Habits of the Household - This was one of my favorite books from 2023. It was both practical and encouraging, which is the best combination for time well spent reading a book. This is one to get a hard copy of so that you can highlight and return to it over and over again.
We come together in order to be sent out. This is how we imitate the missional movement of the body of Christ; the Lord draws us near to send us far. This kind of movement can me imitated and varied in many ways: It could be a family breakfast and devotions, as I remember from my childhood. It could be a prayer you say during the car ride each morning. While it could be many things, I believe it is important to pay attention to this movement of gathering and sending, because without it, we usually default to being frayed and scattered by rush, rather than gathered and sent in love. - Justin Whitmel Early
For my family, this became simple prayer on Monday mornings in the car as we headed to our homeschool community day.
2. Refresh - This book does a great job of capturing whole-person health. Fitness and health can sometimes feel at odds with the Christian faith, but this book beautifully aligns the view on caring for our bodies as a form of stewardship, blending both seamlessly.
Although the secular world has often emphasized the body to the exclusion of the soul, the church has sometimes veered to the opposite extreme of emphasizing the soul to the exclusion of the body. - Shona & David Murray
This is one of my top picks if you want to be encouraged in healthy habits for whole personal wellenss.
3. Rhythms of Renewal - This book sparks new reflections on intentional rhythms that tend to get overlooked in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The sections on play and adventure were my absolute favorite, and they are what land this book in my top list year after year.
Our hearts need space to feel, create, embrace, and love - none of which can be placed on a to-do list. These priorities only come when we make time for exploration, fun, and unexpected life to happen. - Rebekah Lyons
I reflect on this quote often in this stage of motherhood. These words have reminded me that the last minute “shenanigens”, as we call them in our home, have so much value.
4. Time Saving Mom - This book is a treasure trove of practical systems! I can't stress enough how much I adore its focus on daily morning prayer and simplicity. Embracing these aspects never fails to offer encouragement and guidance—two areas where you can't go wrong!
Simplicity is a superpower. - Crystal Paine
Although, my systems are quite different than the ones outlined in this book, there are lots of really great ideas I gleaned from it.
5. Atomic Habits - It's the sole non-faith book on my top five, yet it's a powerhouse in shaping other habit books. This one offers a clear path using small, daily habits—making progress visible and achievable.
Many people think they lack motivation when what they really lack is clarity. - James Clear
This book left me feeling even more inspired—small changes really add up to significant results!
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