Why should I plan and cook ahead?

It's our job to look well to the ways of our households.  The Lord provides for our families through our husband's job (or our family business, or whatever your personal situation may be).  We should be good stewards of what the Lord provides.  Our husbands work hard, and we should also work hard.  The Proverbs 31 wife and mother works hard and is not lazy.

Having a plan saves us money, time and stress.

If you have a plan, you are less likely to order that pizza, get take out, or ask hubby to bring home dinner, all things that cost a lot of money.  In my experience hubby aways spends more money at the store than I do.  Sending him to get even one thing brings him back with four or five things he saw that he wanted.  Sometimes you just really need milk and this can't be avoided.  But keeping him out of the store as much as possible, at least in our house, is usually a good idea.  Smile.  Planning ahead makes you less likely to use convenience foods, too.  Proverbs 31:18

Spending one hour a week planning your menu is better than standing in the kitchen for an hour every afternoon trying to figure out what to make for dinner.  Redeem that hour a day and spend it doing something else with your children, like reading aloud.

You are relaxed because you know what's for dinner, and may already have it prepared.  It's already in the crockpot and the aroma has filled the house all day.  The pizza dough is rising and just needs to be topped and baked (children can do that part).  A casserole is bubbling in the oven.  No stress, no worries!

Routine.  My family likes to know what's for dinner, so they can look forward to it.  Friday is normally pizza night at our house (homemade pizza, that is).  Knowing this gives my family something to look forward to and it's something they will always remember later, too.

If you cook ahead for the freezer, you have meals at your fingertips for unexpected illness, early baby arrival, or to bless another family in need.  Being organized in your kitchen can help your family minister to others with food, or with your time, since you'll be saving so much of it.

Next week, I will talk about how to get inspired in the kitchen.

Blessings today,

Miss Kris