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Is it because writing out cleaning schedules makes me tick? Or because I get a thrill out of dotting the i's and crossing the t's on my weekly menu?
Not so much. While I find my daily tasks enjoyable (mostly!) and I like the satisfaction of tackling a to-do list, those are peripheral details.
What I'm really concerned about are the things at the core of our homes. At the top of my list are:
- The presence of God
- A sweet marriage
- Loving, sane family relationships
- Serving others
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And that's why I am so satisfied in my role as a homemaker...not so that we can live our lives in a perfect state of cleanliness (ha!) with magazine-worthy decor. Or not even so that we can eat balanced nutritious meals for dinner. In my care of my home, I want to facilitate an atmosphere that makes the core things possible. More than possible actually--may they be preeminent!
I'm really excited about the fact that the first three things (God's presence, a loving marriage, and strong inter-family relationships) give power to the last element: serving others. We want our home to act as a launching pad for loving people.
I'm not looking to create a self-contained piece of heaven that closes the world out with four walls. Don't get me wrong here. Our homes should serve as a restful haven from the things of the world. It's into that haven that we want to draw people. I'm not talking so much about entertaining as I am about inviting people into family. A sane, imperfect, messy, drawing-our-life-from-God family.
We're a young family (always on a learning curve), and we have so many lessons in walking all of this out in front of us. But I'm excited to learn!
I wanted to share this with all of you because I realized that I've been blogging for nearly a year (about homemaking!) and I have not clearly shared my heart for my home in so many words. In the future, I hope to have more posts on nurturing the core things, along with more on practically living out hospitality every day (I need some growing here).
I know many of you have this same heart. (Speaking of, if any of you would like to write a guest post on a topic related to these core things, please email me about it at AliciasHomemaking (at) gmail (dot) com.)
Loving fervently is what matters most! May our homes be a tool for just that.
~Alicia
Linked to the Homemaking Link-up and Just For The JOY Of It. :)
What a blessing to see how you want to share your heart and God's love through your home and then to others! That is something that takes continual effort and looking to God for help.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the upcoming posts! :)
Sherry
Oh wow. Thank you for sharing with us! Not that I hadn't already picked up on these things from reading your blog already, but it's such a blessing to me! to actually read it... and be prompted to consider the "why" behind my own desire to be a homemaker.
ReplyDeleteYour blog continues to encourage me every time I read it! Thank you!
What a lovely heartfelt post Alicia:-)
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower from the Raising Homemakers link up. Thanks for sharing, I can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteJennifer @ http://justpeachyindixie.blogspot.com
Preach it, sister. Amen.
ReplyDeleteVery nice post!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to read this morning, Alicia! I started following you from the Raising Homemakers link-up, and I'm so glad I did! Thank you for your transparency, and for reminding me of what's important in my role as a homemaker (even though I'm sans children for now). I'm so thankful for this "job" but have had a hard time putting my motivation behind being a homemaker into words, and your blog did a great job of summing it up! Thanks again!
ReplyDeletehttp://fromsnowflakestohotcakes@blogspot.com
wow thanks for the inspiration to want to be a better homemaker and try to enjoy it more.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome entry and wish that all young ladies had access to it. It blesses my heart to see you have such a desire for your home and family and I know the Lord will bless your efforts continously.
ReplyDeleteIt has always my desire to create home where God is always present, love is abundant and great memories are made. Our nest is empty now but all these things are still important to me as we enter the Grandparenting years.
Abundant blessings to you this day!
This is so very good. Love your heart, Alicia!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this Alcia! We are such kindred spirits. Our goal is to have purr home be an open door for those around us, a safe haven from this world, a place that bring peace through Christ.
ReplyDeleteYou're a blessing, and your heart shines through what you write. Keep it up, friend!
ReplyDeleteWOW and AMEN! You are such an encouragement to me is so many ways! I look forward to your posts everyday. I am right there with you wanting to make a difference in so many areas starting at home and reaching out. God bless you Alicia!
ReplyDeleteThis is great Alicia!! A beautiful message & a beautiful heart!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing to be passionate about!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post & view on homemaking!! I completely agree!!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautifully written. I agree :)
ReplyDeleteSame heart for sure--I tell hubby at least weekly this same thing. Afraid if I guest posted nothing new would be said!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post and a beautiful reminder. Thank you so much for sharing your heart. I just linked to your post.
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