Homemaker: a person, especially a housewife, who manages a home.
In a modern day world, sometimes the word “Homemaker” or “Housewife” is either frowned upon, or is thought of as extremely old fashioned. I mean, who does that anymore? Women are supposed to be equal to men nowadays in every area, but especially in the workplace, right??
Before I go any further, let me clear the air and clarify that I am in no way having reference in this blog post to women who work to provide for their family. I know many women who do this, including family and friends. I, myself, also work from home as a means of bringing in extra money. So, just to be clear, I do not want this post to come across as negative, or that I am against women working. A lady that works can also be a homemaker. In fact, one of the jobs of a homemaker is to provide for her family! 💛
When I think of a modern day homemaker, I think of a wife or mother who creates a safe place or haven for her family. A place where her family can let their guard down and be themselves. A place where the kids can play and not worry. A place to rest and relax. A place to share desires and dreams. A place where you can “vent” and not feel judged. A place where love is felt and everyone feels protected.
Like it or not ladies, we play a most vital role in creating the atmosphere of our home. Proverbs 31 has such good insights on being a homemaker.
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:10-30 ESV
I have listed some super simple tips below that I try and use to create a welcoming and warm atmosphere within our home, and I hope this will give you some inspiration for your home as well! 🏠
Clean up the clutter!
If you have kids, then you know it’s next to impossible to keep a clean house 24/7! However, if you take a few minutes every day to clear the clutter, I promise you that it will make a difference in how you feel. A cluttered house affects your attitude and mindset. A clean house is like a breath of fresh air!
Cook at home when possible.
I know in a perfect world, we would cook at home every single day….3 times a day. But honestly, in our household and for most other households, that just doesn’t work realistically. With that being said, I do try to cook when I can through the week. Eating a home cooked meal verses fighting the crowd at restaurants is really nice. My boys are old enough now to tell me their favorite home cooked meals and I love that. This past Summer, we have really enjoyed eating meals on our back porch together! It’s the little things…💛
Light a candle.
This is one of my favorite things to do. I love it when people come to my house and tell me how wonderful it smells! Ha! There is just something so cozy and warm about a home with candles. Try it sometime!
Play soft music.
I don’t know about you, but I love playing soft music in the background, or sometimes I turn it up really loud if I’m cleaning! This is something that my husband and boys also enjoy. I love it when I hear the boys singing along to the song.
Keep your favorite beverages stocked.
My boys love to play outside, but they get hot and thirsty after a while! They especially love gatorade or lemonade on a hot Summer day. Keep your fridge stocked with your family’s favorite sodas, chocolate milk, etc! Also, it’s great to have extra in case of company!
Be hospitable.
Everyone needs friends. You and your spouse need adult friendship and your children also need friends. Invite friends and family over for dinner one night. Spend the evening talking together. It’s good for you!
Bake cookies and play boardgames.
I remember as a little girl the many times my mom would bake cookies or brownies while my siblings and I played board games. Although it was a simple thing, I still have great memories of this. This was my moms way of helping to create a fun atmosphere in our home.
Friday fun night!
This is a big deal at our house with the boys. Monday-Thursday is typically busy with work and school, so we have tried to make an effort to make Fridays extra special. Sometimes we camp out in the living room floor, watch a movie, or sometimes we go out and do a family activity together. It doesn’t really matter what it is, as long as we are doing something together!
Pillow spray/bedtime.
Ok, so maybe pillow spray isn’t for everyone, but at bedtime, I spray my boys pillows with some nicely scented pillow spray. In their minds, it helps them to relax. We also read bedtime devotions and have prayer together. (This does make a difference!)
Affection/affirmation.
Always tell your children and spouse that you love them. Never let there be any room for doubt in their minds regarding how you feel about them. This is so so so important!!
Take time for yourself!
Every mom needs time to refuel, so she can pour into her family. Take a long hot bath. Watch Netflix after the kids are in bed. Drink a cup of coffee. Get a pedicure, or whatever it is that relaxes you! Take care of you! 💛
“that house…was a perfect house, whether you like food or sleep, or storytelling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all. Merely to be there was a cure for weariness, fear, and sadness.”
Happy Homemaking!
-Laura
