Photo by berly816
Lately, as we have been finishing some final decorating touches on our children’s bedroom, I have been pondering the idea of making our homes lovely. We have each been fashioned uniquely by a creative God in His image and likeness. We likewise have been made creative like He is! I don’t feel naturally creative myself, but I do know that when I set my mind, thought and heart to it, I can definitely express creativity in beautifying my home. It may take a little extra effort, but as you practice it becomes more natural and delightful. It is one of my favorite aspects of homemaking because I feel God’s pleasure when I take delight in the domain He has assigned to me!
Nicole at GirlTalk says it this way, “Little touches of creativity in our home can create an atmosphere of beauty, worship, love, and care. This God-glorifying atmosphere can promote a shared joy and conversation. And that communication can strengthen our relationships.”
Nicole also shared this insightful quote from Edith Shaeffer,
“I feel very strongly that this modern fear of the home becoming non-existent can be countered only if those of us who want to be sure our little spot is really a home take very practical measures to be sure that it is just that, and not a collection of furniture sitting in some sort of enclosure being protected from wind and storm. Of course, human relationships make a house into a home: either the relationships within the house, or the welcome and understanding that guests find. Human relationships depend on communication. But this communication takes time. It is also helped by atmosphere, and the atmosphere is helped by the ‘things’ which are arranged with love and with an expression of creativity in a visible form.” p. 99
I love how June put it in her article titled The Making of a Home, “One of the most rewarding endeavors a homemaker can partake of is making her home lovely for those who live in it…Know that it is not perfection we are striving for–instead we are doing this to bless and be attentive to those we love. It doesn’t have to be glamorous, just practical.”
Making our homes a lovely place to be is not only a blessing to our families, but is an effort to provide a place of rest, refreshment and joy to all who enter! It makes our homes more welcoming for conversation, building relationships, and growing our love for one another. It does not have to be extravagant…just simple expressions of creativity!
Stay tuned for some home decorating posts this week!
congratulations! you really inspire people thru this!
I have enjoyed reading your recent posts on decorating your home. I really struggle internally with how much the Lord has blessed me with (which might not look like much to others but it is to me) and how there are people dying all over the world because they don’t have basic necessities and education. I know you care very much about the poor so I’m sure you understand those feelings. Well, after reading the recent posts I was even more wanting to decorate my earthly home to celebrate Fall and all God’s gracious gifts. I prayed yesterday that the Lord would give me a cornicopia and I went garage saleing today and purchased one for a dollar! What a blessing! I know that the Lord sees our hearts and I think it delights Him to give us good gifts when our hearts are set on pleasing Him. For if we as parents desire to give good gifts to our children how much more our heavenly father? So you ladies don’t forget garage sales when it comes to decorating!!! God bless!
these are really helpful. thanks!
Great insights. Indulging in some form of creative project is always a great de-stresser for me.
We are a military family and have moved 5 times in less then 4 years and decorating a home makes a world of difference. I make every effort each place we live is filled with photos of all our family and friends. The best tip I have is to always be on the look out for great curtain deals, inexpensive artwork, and live plants. Live plants are great because you doing cuttings and more pots to either give away or fill your home even more.
Having a home that cozy and comfortable does promote good conversation and time to build lasting friendships.
Ooh, I’m really looking forward to some home-decorating posts this week. I am naturally NOT a decorator, and I have really had to learn my way through this by getting ideas from others. I’m also learning that I don’t have to wait until I have lots of money to make my home lovely and inviting.
Can’t wait to see your kids’ room too!
It’s funny because I was just thinking about this the other day. As the season has changed, I have started to get out my fall decorations. This consists of many things, but my favorite are the fall leaves on my mantle with orange lights. It gives our dining room such a cozy glow. It makes me feel warm and happy. I only hope it does the same for my children and husband.
Very insightful. I just finished redecorating my son’s room, and was amazed at the joy I found when the creative projects in my mind came to fruition. Th best part is that he, my son, loves them too. He is so proud of the projects mommy made for him and the ones that he helped to make.