To kick off the Sunshine and Scripture Tour I’m overjoyed to have Natalie from Milk and Honey Faith on the blog! Her warm spirit and love for the Lord are evident even over the internet. I’m so thankful for the many ways she’s encouraged and assisted me in my blogging journey through her blogging Facebook group and posts. She’s a genuine, gracious, and uplifting writer, and also has an eye for design. Her suggestions for creating a life-giving home are sure to inspire you.
This post contains affiliate links, which means a portion of any purchase will support Free Indeed, at no added cost to you. I only suggest products that I enjoy and hope will deepen your walk of faith.
I have had a long-time love for interior design and can literally spend hours wandering through home decor stores.
Whether it be Target, Ikea, Marshalls, or somewhere fancy like Pottery Barn…I’m like a kid in a candy shop. Eyes wide-open, mouth agape…oooohing and aaaaahing at all the pretty things.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not materialistic by any means. Name brands aren’t really my thing and stuff certainly doesn’t fulfill me. Although, I do take delight in buying items on clearance or bargain hunting for high-end knockoffs.
I’m also down to recreate a look with savvy Pinterest tutorials and I long for the day when I can paint my kitchen cabinets in a crisp white. Yes, I said paint, not replace.
So I ask you, am I alone in this? Do you find enjoyment in adding pretty touches to your home to make it inviting to your guests?
Does it thrill you to create a space in your home that brings you comfort and relaxation?
I think homemaking can actually can be part of our ministry as mothers and wives.
How exactly? Let me explain.
1. Meditate on Proverbs 31
We all know about the Proverbs 31 woman…or at least I hope we do. If you don’t than I suggest that you read Proverbs 31 straight away.
It will bless your heart to read about the wife of noble character. This woman sets a pretty high standard and I have to admit that I miss this mark by a long shot. However, I like that I have someone to reference to.
God knows us women so well. He knows that we have a tendency to compare ourselves to each other.
It’s like He’s saying “Take your eyes off your sister and look here at this woman. This is what pleases me.”
Proverbs 31 makes several mentions of how this noble wife takes care of her household. A virtuous and capable wife takes care of her home and all who are in it. Among all of the verses there is one that stands out when referencing the art of homemaking.
“She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.” Proverbs 31: 27
I take special notice of these words. It says she carefully watches everything in her household.
I can only imagine that means that there isn’t a thing that her hands aren’t a part of.
She is involved in every aspect of the home whether it be dishes, laundry, the choice of linens, the type of furniture, bills, the expenses, etc.
It also says she suffers nothing from laziness which tells me she always makes time and does her best. Her home is a representation of her and she takes pride in running her home well. It is her service unto the Lord.
I’d love to say that my home has no room for improvement but that is just not the case. It’s surely a work in progress, but I can honestly say I work to maintain an inviting, cozy home that is my family’s safe haven.
I love cooking meals, baking, and finding ways to show the Lord’s love with simple choices in decor. I want my home to be welcoming to those who enter and a place where my family can find rest and peace.
Decorate with His Kingdom in Mind
There are certain things I implement into my homemaking that create an atmosphere of love and safety. While I maintain that there isn’t any particular kind of decor that God favors over another, I most certainly have my preference.
I’ve always had a special place in my heart for farmhouse decor, rustic wood, and coastal design. The combination of the three nearly has me doing cartwheels. Ever watched Fixer Upper on HGTV? Yeah…I love what they do. Their style is absolutely swoon worthy.
Below I’ve listed some homemaking tips that will help your home reflect His Kingdom:
2. Scripture Art
One of the easiest ways I have found to create a peaceful space is by incorporating God’s word into my home’s decor. Hand-painted signs and inscribed mugs go a long way. The atmosphere will completely change when all who are in your household gaze upon scriptures and encouraging words on a daily basis.
3. Light is Key
Let the light flood in. I’m all about lamps everywhere, sheer curtains, and open blinds. I use light colored neutral paints so that light permeates every nook and cranny.
One of my all time favorite colors to decorate with is white (yes, even when my kids were little). It’s so crisp, clean, and refreshing. I’m just thrilled that white robes will be worn in Heaven because it is absolutely fitting.
4. Cleanliness is Godliness
Okay that is not in scripture, yet I feel it is worth a mention. It does say in Isaiah 1:16 “Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways.”
There is a correlation between sin and filth throughout the Bible and how we will be cleansed of sin and made to be white as snow. This concept isn’t lost on me. It is truly important to stay clean and organized. Keeping a clean home is pleasing to our spouses and children. I’m sure our guests appreciate it too. Letting filth and dust accumulate is a sign of laziness, which isn’t what God desires of us.
5. Fragrance
There is a huge difference when you walk into a home that smells stuffy and one that smells airy and fresh. When the summer months aren’t sizzling away I like to throw open the windows and let the breeze in. I’m a huge fan of candles, sprays, and plug-ins. Nice smells are pleasing and have a calming effect.
“Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, and expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
John 12:3
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Natalie Venegas is a married, mother of two who is devoted to her King. She has a heart for the new believer and writes about the transformative power of Christ on her blog Milk & Honey Faith. When she isn’t reading or writing she can be found spending her time with her family, sipping on coffee, or daydreaming about the sea.
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Natalya says
What a beautiful post! Love how you combined the word of God in our everyday life. Incredible!