making your house a home

For the most part,  I would say that I am a pretty organized gal.  I have a household binder that includes such things as meal planning and goals, most of my kids' toys are in see through, labeled boxes nicely placed out of reach, and our hundreds of dvds are organized alphabetically!  

I enjoy keeping a neatly organized house.  It keeps me less stressed and more in control.  I am a planner and so when things are in disarray, I can become a wreck too.   

With that being said, I have been pondering the last few weeks over the way I keep my house.  I spend a lot of time cleaning, organizing, reorganizing, and recleaning...thank you hubby for not getting upset when I have once again reorganized where we keep the kids' plates and cups  :)

I like what Peter Walsh (organizer) said, "Your home is the outward expression of what you value, what you enjoy, and what is important to you." Think about it...reread it again.

That statement covers many realms and I don't think it just refers to how organized our house is.  When I hear that statement it makes me ask myself a lot of thought provoking questions....

What message is my home sending to everyone who walks through my door? 

Is it clean and neatly organized?  Is it truly a home? What kind of family are we showing to everyone on the outside?

Better yet, What message is my home sending to the people who live inside? 

Does my family see me, wife and mom, as the heart of my home?

Am  I really the "stay at home" mom my husband and I agreed that I would be 7 yrs ago, or am I looking for ways to stay gone throughout the day?

Do I give my husband/kids my true time and attention or is my time and attention on something else.   

And better than both of those is...What message is my home sending to Him who gave me my home? 

Am I doing all things as unto the Lord?  He gave me this family and home. As I serve my family in the home, I am also serving my God.  Each time I change diapers, wipe snotty noses, fold load after load of laundry, plan for another day of learning, grocery shop for a family of six, am I doing it with a happy heart, joyfully, and unto the Lord?  It's a choice, ya know!! One we have to make everyday.

May I encourage each of you tonight to join with me and make our homes what God wants them to be.  Pray, read, and seek out God to show you how to make your house a home.

be blessed-M