Turning a House into a Home

The lovely Christina at Waltzing in Beauty is hosting a series called The Shape of Our Homes. I am honored to be contributing my thoughts on turning a house into a home.

Making a house a home looks easy when you are scrolling through Pinterest. Someone posts a picture on Instagram and you see happy. When you visit a friend's home and it's tidy, clean and decorated like something out of a magazine, you may wonder - how do they do it? Especially if you feel insecure in the homemaking department. Let's be honest, you get out of it what you put into it. Whether it be nice furnishings, maintained gardens, delicious meals, or whatever you think features a nice home.

I've been creating a home for over thirty years. My style has changed quite a few times. My home is clean, maintained and I do strive to make nutritious meals for my family. But in no way is my home Pinterest perfect. Not even close. Why, because I do not put value on those things. To me, what makes a house a home are these four things:

JOY

• Take pleasure in serving your family. Even picking up dirty socks; remind yourself, you have someone to pick up after. Many lonely people do not.
• Wake up with a smile on your face. Women set the tone for the home!
• Let your joy come from God, not from what you expect others to do or not do.
• You dread the grocery store, find joy in simply knowing you do not have to toil in the hot sun to gather your food. Food brings families together.
• Whistle while you work! Singing brings joy.

LAUGHTER

• Spilled milk - again! Tell a funny story and teach your children to help clean up when accidents happen.
• Tears are plenty while raising children. Laughing at silly things are few if you don't learn to have fun.
• Spend time outside together. There is always laughter in God's creation.
• We all make mistakes. Daily. Learn to laugh at YOURSELF.
• Find the funny and experience it.

GENTLENESS

• A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 
• Use a gentle hand when guiding children.
• Speak kind words to one another. 
• Be generous with affection. Children need to "feel" loved.
• Sensitivity, strength, prompted by love.

PEACE

• Give your worries to the one who can handle them - PRAY.
• There is always something to be thankful for.
• Parents, have each others back in front of your children. Work it out behind their backs when needed. Be united together.
• Let go! We can't control everything. Many have tried and many have failed.
• PRAY - Again!

. . . the home

    in harmony with the surroundings.

You can read more from Michelle over on her blog, Grammie Time.