Making a House a Home

I faced a real homemaking challenge when our family served as missionaries in Singapore. Over there, we lived in concrete houses—walls, floors, and ceilings. (In fact, when we cleaned the house, we just hosed it down!) There on the equator, far away from all my family and friends, I “built” our home, giving it all the touches of warmth and love I could (Proverbs 14:1).

Then, returning to the United States, we moved four times in two months, sleeping in sleeping bags on the floor in two of those places. But each place was home because I was determined to make it one!

Maybe your home is hardly ideal. Let’s consider some of the places our sisters in the Bible called home. Mrs. Noah managed an ark. Sarah was queen of a tent. Esther lived in a palace in a foreign land. No matter what type of home or how often the place you live changes, you are the one with the beautiful heart who makes your residence a “Home, Sweet Home”!

Making Your House a Home

Pretend you’re a visitor.

What would a guest notice? What mood does your home invite? What pleases you and what would you like to improve? As the maker of your home, you are in the position to create a welcoming atmosphere and beautiful environment. 

Plan home improvements.

What repairs have you been putting off? What do-it-yourself projects are you working on? Right now I’m hunting for red paisley sheets to make into curtains for my office. Remember, not all home improvements cost money. Some of the most dramatic ones come from cleaning, removing clutter, adding flowers in a vase, or rearranging furniture.

Pass it by your husband.

Be sure—with your husband and your bank account—that now is the right time to spend money on your home decorations and projects. After all, God’s beautiful woman knows how to wait (Proverbs 19:2).

Put in some overtime—at home, not at the office.

Set aside a Saturday or an evening or two for a home-improvement project.

Wherever home is for you, it’s an expression of you—your virtues, your abilities, your love. You control whether it’s clean, organized, and orderly. You also choose your favorite colors, styles, and moods. You may not be able to determine the kind of home you have, but you can determine its beauty.

RESPOND

Lord, I thank You for the house I call home. Give me insight and wisdom in making my home reflect Your presence. You are welcome here! Amen.  

RENEWING RESOURCES 

Creating a Beautiful Life—Each new day presents opportunities to grow your faith, manage your work and goals, and make good use of the time God gives you. This book for busy women will help you create a more beautiful and productive life.

REFLECT

What is one do-it-yourself project you can tackle this coming week?

REMEMBER

As the maker of your home, you are in the position to create a welcoming atmosphere and beautiful environment.