October Book Club: Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley

I love to read both as a way to relax and expand my mind. While I love to curl up with a good novel, I challenge myself to read one nonfiction/self-help book each month. This month, I had the privilege of reading Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Whitmel Earley. As a father of four and a full-time lawyer, Earley offers a practical and spiritually enriching guide for parents seeking to cultivate intentional habits that shape their families' hearts and minds.

Earley introduces the concept that our daily routines shape who we are as parents, and who we are as parents shapes our kids and by extension our family as a whole. He elaborates on the power of habits explaining that we can either continue on the path we are on, allowing our habits to steer our lives and households, or be focussed and intentional to change our habits and shape them in a way that steers our families closer to God.

The book explores ten areas of family life: waking, mealtimes, discipline, screentime, family devotions, marriage, work, play, conversation, and bedtime. Earley offers a few suggestions of habits that can be implemented into each area in order to bring our family closer to each other and God.

Early often focuses on younger children – pulling from person experience – but, the underlying theme that runs through the entire book is intentionality and presence which can be applied to all stages of life.

Habits of the Household is more than just a parenting guide; it is a call to recognize the sacredness in the ordinary moments of family life. By intentionally shaping our household habits, we can create a nurturing environment where love, faith, and grace are plentiful. I highly recommend this book to any parent seeking to deepen their family's spiritual journey and cultivate habits that honor God.

Purchase the book HERE