YHC Journal: February 1, 2025
Simple routines, lemon herb chicken, and a Galentines Party!
Creating a Cleaning Routine That Keeps Your Home Peaceful
For many homemakers, keeping up with housework can feel… very overwhelming. There’s always another dish to wash, another floor to sweep, and maybe several small beings to care for. And yet, a clean and peaceful home has a beautiful impact on our hearts and minds—it helps us to serve our families with joy, rest in the blessings of our homes, and reflect God's order and serenity. And best of all, it is something that we can do and do it well.
But I have some good news, sister, your home doesn’t have to be absolutely spotless to be peaceful. Your home doesn’t have to have elaborate décor to be beautiful. So, instead of striving for perfection right now, let’s work towards progress. We can embrace a simple and realistic cleaning routine that keeps our homes tidy without exhaustion. Furthermore, by incorporating rest and Sabbath into our homemaking rhythms, we allow these to-dos to be replenishing and holy.
In this newsletter, we’ll explore how to cultivate a cleaning routine that allows us to create homes that are not only clean but also filled with God, love, and rest.
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Don’t miss the opportunity to meet young homemakers in Dallas! We rented out a coffee shop for an intimate in-person gathering.
To RSVP, join our free community below and get your ticket!
The Balance of Work and Rest in Homemaking
God designed rest as an essential part of life. In Exodus 20:8-10, He commands us to “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” We can honor God with our work, and even with our rest. But too often, homemakers carry the weight of constant busyness, feeling guilty when they step away from tasks. As we think about this concept, we must stop to wonder about this question: why do you practice homemaking? Is it a daily choice? Is it a draining must? When you think about your answer, it reflects the mindset. Homemaking is honorable. It’s beautiful and purposeful. To ourselves and our homes. When you change the way you think about homemaking, you will even change how you feel about rest. Thinking of it as a moment to replenish and to serve your household with your best foot forward.
A peaceful home is not just about keeping things clean; it’s about creating an atmosphere of restfulness. This means building a routine that serves your family while leaving room for your restoration. When we work diligently throughout the week and rest intentionally, we cultivate a home that is well-kept by a happy homemaker.
I have jotted down some thoughts that may encourage you to find that balance:
You must take a few minutes the night before or the morning of the start of the week to structure your week with purpose. Break it down. Set cleaning tasks for specific days so that everything gets done without feeling overwhelming. This also allows you to dedicate yourself to those tasks with more intention and efficiency.
You must not covet the home of another. Your home does not need to be Pinterest-worthy or Instagram-ready. It needs to be lived in, loved in, and restful. Your home is the result of your hands and the blessings of what you have obtained. Take time to make it yours but find peace and gratitude in that journey.
You must never forget the higher purpose to all you do and keep it in mind as you prepare for the Sabbath. Use the day before the Sabbath to tidy up, plan meals, and set a peaceful tone for the weekend. Prepare your home for the Lord. Do homemaking for the Lord. When you dedicate your tasks not just for yourself and your family but onto the Lord, there is a greater intentionality and beauty in all you do.
By aligning our homemaking routines with God’s rhythm of work and rest, we experience greater peace and purpose in our homes.
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A Simple & Sustainable Cleaning Routine
Remember dear sister, a good homemaking routine is one that works for you and your family. So plan, test, and establish what that routine might look like. But I leave below for you what a quick checklist can look like:
Daily Tasks (10-15 minutes each)
Make the bed
Do a quick 5-minute declutter
Wipe down kitchen counters after meals
Sweep high-traffic areas
Do one load of laundry (if needed)
Wipe down bathroom surfaces
Weekly Tasks (Rotate 1-2 per day)
Dust surfaces
Vacuum/mop floors
Deep clean the kitchen (appliances, sink, etc.)
Clean mirrors & glass surfaces
Change bed linens
Declutter & organize one area
Before-the-Sabbath Prep
Light cleaning (so you wake up to a tidy home)
Prep simple meals for easy weekend nourishment
Set out fresh flowers, candles, or cozy touches for a peaceful atmosphere
The simple act of making a personalized checklist for your home can make chores peaceful and allows for you to find time to replenish your body. It also give you time to truly participate in the Sabbath where you replenish your body soul, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the fruit of your labor.
The Dinner Table: A Cozy Sabbath Meal
Do not forget to find nourishment in the period of replenishing. I have sourced for you a delicious One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice recipe. It is simple and satisfying and definitely something you can cook up for a good Sabbath dinner.
One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice
Ingredients:
2 TBSP olive oil
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 CUP long-grain white rice
2 CUPS chicken broth
Juice of 1 lemon
1 TSP dried thyme
1 TSP dried oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown. Remove from pan.
In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add rice, broth, lemon juice, and herbs. Stir, then nestle chicken back into the pan.
Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
Serve hot and enjoy your restful meal!
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Book Club Corner: “Eve in Exile”
A gentle reminder that our first book club selection in 2025 is Eve in Exile and the Restoration of Femininity by Rebekah Merkle. This book will inspire you to see femininity through a biblical lens.
Starting February 1st, we will be meeting live in the community to discuss the chapters together—so excited to meet you all!
Join our book club by clicking the button below, don’t miss out!
Prayer of the Week
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of home and the calling to steward it well. Help us to embrace both diligence and rest, creating homes that reflect Your peace. Give us wisdom in our routines, strength for our work, and joy in the everyday moments of homemaking. May our homes be places where Your presence is felt, and may we find rest in You. Amen.
Bible Verse of the Week
"It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep." — Psalm 127:2 (ESV)
This verse reminds us that our labor is not meant to be perceived as something that fills us with negativity and stress. God calls us to work with purpose but also to rest in His provision.
What’s Coming Up in 2025?
We’re so excited about what’s ahead! Here’s a sneak peek into what we’re working on for the year:
Upcoming In-Person Event: The Young Homemakers Club Galentine’s Social is coming up! Connect with new sisters in Christ, enjoy a fun cake-decorating workshop, snap adorable photos, and make unforgettable memories. I’ll be hosting it February 12th and I can’t wait to see you there!
New Monthly Themes: Each month, we’ll dive deep into different aspects of homemaking, from organizing to nurturing your marriage and health. This month is all about Biblical Femininity & Self Care!
Exclusive Homemaking Workshops: More interactive sessions to help you simplify your homemaking journey, boost your confidence, and deepen your faith.
Guest Speakers: Real-life experts and fellow homemakers sharing their wisdom to help you grow and simplify. Our most recent guest was Natalie Julianne, Health Coach!
Fun Poll: What’s Your Biggest Cleaning Struggle?
We want to hear from you! Take a quick poll and let us know what area of cleaning feels the most challenging. Your responses help shape future tips & resources!
Weekly Faves
Papa Bear Naturals:
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If you’re one of my friends, you know I care about that kind of stuff!
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Baby Brew Activities:
I've been loving these baby milestone activity cards—they're an absolute game-changer for moms or anyone shopping for the perfect gift for a mother!
These cards are designed to support your little one’s development from those precious first months all the way through toddlerhood. With over 90 interactive activities, they encourage physical, cognitive, speech, and social growth in fun and engaging ways. 💕
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You’re an amazing homemaker,
Thank you sisters for taking the time to read this. You are already an amazing, whether you are a mother, sister in Christ, and/or homemaker. Just by taking the time to research how you can serve better and honor God, is an example of your beautiful character. Take a moment to rest and replenish and share all that you do with our Father in heaven.
With love,
Anastasia Hounnou
Founder, Young Homemakers Club 💖