We see it all the time, do we not? Seasonal DIY projects and freshly decorated room reveals. Perfectly staged bathroom makeovers and aesthetically pleasing home tours. The latest Hobby Lobby living room haul and all the incredible Amazon sales that “won’t be around for much longer.” Our current culture often pressures us to constantly keep up with the latest trends. However, there is beauty and peace to be found in intentional living as homemakers. It is possible to refrain from seeking something new, especially when your circumstances are temporary.
As Christian caretakers of our home, it is our God-given responsibility to create a beautiful, calming, and peaceful environment for our loved ones and everyone who enters it. This is a noble pursuit that should be celebrated! But how can intentional living as homemakers be achieved when we do not have the freedom to redo, refresh, renew, and restore the physical things around us? When our living situations are temporary, and our next move is unknown? I want to share some valuable lessons the Lord has taught me over the past few years. These lessons enable me to find contentment, even when my desires for a long-term home remain unfulfilled.
Intentional Living in MY Temporary
To give you some background, my family has undergone many changes in terms of our living situation. My husband and I have been together for eight years; in that time, we moved four times. This has been a big adjustment, as I never moved around much during my childhood. We started in a basement apartment, then moved on to renovating and selling a townhome, and rented a small ranch. Finally, we are back to my childhood home due to unforeseen circumstances. I do yearn for a permanent home where we can put down roots and make it into what we’ve dreamed of. Yet, I’ve realized that what makes a home isn’t just the physical space but the love and care that goes into the people within it.
5 Ways to Add Your Heart to the Home:
1. Food
One aspect that has never changed amid our house-hopping is intentional living through homemade meals. Food has a special way of bringing my loved ones around. Sharing a homemade meal can transform ordinary activities into extraordinary ones. From the aromas it creates to the conversations that take place; mealtime is precious time. Remember when Jesus fed the five thousand? One intentional moment turned into a miraculous one through gathering hungry bellies and the food God provided. In reality, though, cultivating this practice is not always dreamy. Sometimes, our mealtime conversations result in words spoken, and attitudes displayed that do not align with God’s heart. I hope my family will always cherish our shared meals that nourished us both physically and spiritually.
2. Reading Books
Initially, the thought of “read-a-loud” sessions brought to mind cozy moments with my children on the sofa, surrounded by various books, with eager and attentive listeners. However, it was not an easy task to cultivate at first. My two eldest kids used to squabble over who would sit next to me while my toddler played in the old ashes from the fireplace. I felt discouraged, thinking my expectations were too high. But with time, as we read more books together, my children started to look forward to our couch time. Although I am not browsing home renovation photos, I have witnessed a remarkable transformation in the hearts and souls of my children through books. Intentional reading has catalyzed intentional living and fostered a sense of togetherness that was lacking before.
3. Intentional Living by Getting Outside
I need the reminder that intentional living as a homemaker isn’t always about having a baby belly while in the kitchen, making sourdough. Proverbs 31:27 says, “She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” What is a way that can help our household thrive while simultaneously not being idle? Getting outside and enjoying the magnificence of God’s creation! I strongly believe in the sufficiency of God’s Word for all things. However, there are instances where a change in attitude may require a breath of fresh air instead of a cherry-picked Bible verse. Activities like creek splashing and hiking are all enjoyable ways to escape the confines of our homes and appreciate the natural world around us.
4. Navigating Stress
I am 100% positive this one needs a post all to itself, but I will keep it short and sweet. What works for my family may not work for yours! Take what is helpful and forget the rest. I am currently focusing on prioritizing sleep and preparing nutritious meals for my family to help us better handle the natural stresses of life. First, we establish appropriate nap and bedtime routines for our kids. My husband and I also aim to be in bed by 9:30 pm. A well-rested family is so much more enjoyable! Second, I take the extra time to plan and prepare meals that equip us with the energy to “run the race” God has given us well. Being practical in intentional living is key; feeling physically good is essential before making anything else look good.
5. Intentional Living Through Daily Rhythms
Establishing daily routines has brought a sense of order to my family’s life and made our home more organized. These rhythms don’t have to be complicated – identify areas where you can add or eliminate tasks to create a more peaceful environment. As a stay-at-home mom, I want my children to know what to expect on any typical day, so we repeat a few tasks in the morning, afternoon, and night. This makes it easier to complete responsibilities without confusion or frustration. I love what Tim Challies says about calming the chaos: “This work of bringing order from chaos is dignified work; it is God-like work, God-assigned work.” As homemakers, we have a much higher calling than making our homes pretty (though I’m absolutely not against that!). Check out this one from Treehouse School House for a simple daily rhythm idea.
Closing Thoughts
I wish I could say all of these things are done perfectly. That my home is organized daily, that my kids leap at the chance to be helpers, and that every memory made is a cherished one. But that would not be reality. Yet what is a reality is the potential that lies in every homemaker’s ability to revolutionize her family and her home through something more than decor. This precious act of intentional living is powerful kingdom work! Despite the saltiness of real life, may we each strive to sow into our homes the same love, beauty, peace, and grace that our Heavenly Father has bestowed upon us. To end, I appreciate what Sally Clarkson has to say as she looks back on her life:
“My job in my family involved setting the tone: celebrating life by bringing color, music, and beauty into every aspect of our home; gathering great, hopeful stories through books; cultivating wonderful memories with friends through parties and Bible studies, meals, and traditions; lighting candles in the darkness and playing music to lift souls. Purposefully inserting goodness and beauty into the moments of our days became a primary goal so that our living would reflect the reality of what we believed about God.” (Mom Heart Moments, Pg. 62)
Also, If you’d like to read more about being the maker of your home and the wisdom found through Elisabeth Elliot’s teachings, visit the post here.
Janet Miller
💕💕💕💕💕
Mallory Patz
I love the scripture and practical suggestions you incorporate. 🤍 So much wisdom.
Allison Peachey
Love you girl! Thank you for being an inspiration in my life.