The Ministry of Homemaking

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For You 5 Ways to Truly Savor Your Quiet Time with God April 5, 2017 Taking Time to Focus on What Really Matters Today March 29, 2017 20 Random Acts of Kindness You Can Do Today March 22, 2017 16 Bible Verses For Wives And Moms Who Are Fighting For Their Families March 15, 2017 8 Simple Ways to Share God’s Love with Your Little Ones All Day Long March 8, 2017 Teaching Yourself To Crave God’s Word February 22, 2017 Why God Gives Us More Than We Can Handle February 15, 2017 The Greatest Love Story Ever Written: The Life Of Jesus February 9, 2017 10 Things To Do Instead of Just Saying the Words “I’ll Pray For You” February 2, 2017 Makeover Your Morning Self-Care Routine in 5 Easy Steps January 29, 2017 Previous Next

Your Faith How to do a Prayer Walk through Your Home April 12, 2017 5 Ways to Truly Savor Your Quiet Time with God April 5, 2017 Taking Time to Focus on What Really Matters Today March 29, 2017 20 Random Acts of Kindness You Can Do Today March 22, 2017 16 Bible Verses For Wives And Moms Who Are Fighting For Their Families March 15, 2017 8 Simple Ways to Share God’s Love with Your Little Ones All Day Long March 8, 2017 10 Christian Books to Nurture Your Marriage in 2017 March 1, 2017 Teaching Yourself To Crave God’s Word February 22, 2017 Why God Gives Us More Than We Can Handle February 15, 2017 The Greatest Love Story Ever Written: The Life Of Jesus February 9, 2017 Previous Next

Your Marriage Taking Time to Focus on What Really Matters Today March 29, 2017 16 Bible Verses For Wives And Moms Who Are Fighting For Their Families March 15, 2017 10 Christian Books to Nurture Your Marriage in 2017 March 1, 2017 Extending Christ-like Grace to Your Husband March 25, 2016 1 Easy Way to Brighten Your Husband’s Day: Learn His Likes and Dislikes March 21, 2016 The Mirror Of Marriage: When The Reflection Is Not Very Pretty March 11, 2016 5 Small Things that can Make a Big Difference in Your Marriage March 4, 2016 Supporting Your Husband’s Spiritual Leadership March 2, 2016 The Blessing of an Easy-Going Nature February 29, 2016 Keeping Christ at the Center of Your Marriage February 26, 2016 Previous Next

Your Family How to do a Prayer Walk through Your Home April 12, 2017 Taking Time to Focus on What Really Matters Today March 29, 2017 20 Random Acts of Kindness You Can Do Today March 22, 2017 16 Bible Verses For Wives And Moms Who Are Fighting For Their Families March 15, 2017 8 Simple Ways to Share God’s Love with Your Little Ones All Day Long March 8, 2017 Dear Fellow Mom: You Are Not a Failure January 21, 2017 Ways to Save Money as a One Income Family June 30, 2016 Becoming a Daughter-in-Law April 18, 2016 The Blessing of an Easy-Going Nature February 29, 2016 Trusting God in Difficult Times February 8, 2016 Previous Next

Your Home How to do a Prayer Walk through Your Home April 12, 2017 Taking Time to Focus on What Really Matters Today March 29, 2017 Ways to Save Money as a One Income Family June 30, 2016 A Complete Guide for Reducing Your Grocery Bill {By Half} June 30, 2016 1 Easy Way to Brighten Your Husband’s Day: Learn His Likes and Dislikes March 21, 2016 Lessons from an Unmade Bed: Choosing Encouragement over Nagging February 17, 2016 The Ministry of Homemaking February 7, 2016 Previous Next

Blogging Tips Choosing a WordPress Theme: Free vs. Premium January 31, 2017 Previous Next

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Confession time:

I’ve always been a little bit messy (if my parents are reading this, they’re thinking: A little bit?!?). But I’m just not one of those people who thinks that everything has a place and that the house isn’t clean until everything is in its place.

As such, when I was a teenager, my room could be a pretty scary place. My parents tried to impress upon me the importance of having things neat and tidy, but I just thought they were too perfectionistic.

As I got older, I slowly began to realize that there is a connection between chaos in the home and chaos in the family. It’s really difficult to relax and feel content when everything around you is a mess. But something still seemed to be missing in my understanding of homemaking.

Once I left my full time job to be a full time stay at home wife and mom, I started to consider more deeply the impact I could have on my family through my job as a homemaker.

And no, I didn’t realize that keeping the house spotless all day, everyday was the key to happiness (sorry mom and dad, I’m still a little messy!).

But what I did realize is that, while keeping a tidy home is important, there is so much more to homemaking than just that.

I realized that homemaking is a ministry to my family.

(The book A Wife After God’s Own Heart: 12 Things that Really Matter in Your Marriage by Elizabeth George played a huge part in this realization for me. If you need some encouragement and practical ways to minister to your husband and children, I highly recommend getting this book!)

Through the work that we do as homemakers, we are able to demonstrate God’s love to our families and everyone else who enters our homes.

Homemaking is about creating a peaceful, loving, Christ-centered environment where your family can come to get away from the everyday pressures and stresses of this world.

You can have the cleanest home in the world and still be creating an environment for your family that is as unhealthy and toxic as it would be if your home were filled with squalor.

If you find yourself cleaning all day, with no time to relax, working yourself into a lather because you feel unappreciated and overworked, then what kind of environment are your husband and kids coming home to? (or if your kids are still home during the day, what kind of environment are they in all day long?) What kind of wife and mom are they coming home to?

If you can’t sit down to spend time with your family because the chores aren’t complete, are you really using your time wisely?

Yes, the house will be clean. But what about you and your family?

Proverbs 14:1 reminds us that:

“A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.”

Which of these options are you sowing in your home?

Find time to clean, sure, but even more importantly find ways to fill your home with Christ’s love.

Do you and your family talk openly and often about Scripture?

Do you read the Bible and Bible stories with your husband and children?

Do you pray for and with your family on a regular (daily) basis?

Do you strive to fill your home with warmth and laughter?

As homemakers, we have the incredible opportunity to create an environment where Christ’s presence is sensed. Doing these things may mean putting a few chores on the back-burner so that you can greet your family with a smile and hugs and kisses. So that you can make a hot meal and gather your family around a table for good food and great conversation. So that you can read a Bible story and pray before bed.

Think of the example of sisters Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Martha invited Jesus to their home for a meal, which she busily prepared while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teaching.

Martha decided she would complain to Jesus: “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

But Jesus wasn’t having it. He replies:

“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

There is only one thing worth being concerned about. And that one thing is Jesus.

And for those of you who are thinking: Without Martha, Jesus wouldn’t have had a meal to eat that night! I say: A little multitasking goes a long way. As you work through your chores during the day, pray for your family. As you make dinner, put on some upbeat Christian music. Talk with your kids about Jesus as you give them their nightly baths. Instead of Dr. Seuss, read a Bible story before bed.

Make Christ the center of everything you do.

A somewhat messy, Christ-filled home will always be better than an incredibly clean home that is devoid of Jesus’ presence.

Fill your home with the love of Christ. View your homemaking as a ministry, a demonstration of His love, and an example of His service.

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Rebekah 2 years ago Reply I have to admit that I clean a lot during the day. With 5 children and my husband the house can be a disaster in a matter of minutes. I find that I just can not think clearly when the dirt and clutter is piling up. But I also know that there will always be messes to clean and my kids won’t always be here so I am learning to prioritize my cleaning and not obsess about it. I don’t want my kids to always remember me getting on them about everything. Creating a Christ centered home is ultimately the most important element of our home. Like you said we can clean and also be praying or talking about Jesus with our family while we are doing it. What great truths you have shared here! Bree Post Author 2 years ago Reply It’s amazing how quickly the house can get messy, even with just my husband and I here, so I can only imagine the challenges with a family of 7! It sounds like you’re working to find a good balance, which is great! And thankfully we have God to help us because we definitely can’t do it on our own. Thank you for the encouraging comment 🙂

I have to admit that I clean a lot during the day. With 5 children and my husband the house can be a disaster in a matter of minutes. I find that I just can not think clearly when the dirt and clutter is piling up. But I also know that there will always be messes to clean and my kids won’t always be here so I am learning to prioritize my cleaning and not obsess about it. I don’t want my kids to always remember me getting on them about everything. Creating a Christ centered home is ultimately the most important element of our home. Like you said we can clean and also be praying or talking about Jesus with our family while we are doing it. What great truths you have shared here!

Bree Post Author 2 years ago Reply It’s amazing how quickly the house can get messy, even with just my husband and I here, so I can only imagine the challenges with a family of 7! It sounds like you’re working to find a good balance, which is great! And thankfully we have God to help us because we definitely can’t do it on our own. Thank you for the encouraging comment 🙂

It’s amazing how quickly the house can get messy, even with just my husband and I here, so I can only imagine the challenges with a family of 7! It sounds like you’re working to find a good balance, which is great! And thankfully we have God to help us because we definitely can’t do it on our own. Thank you for the encouraging comment 🙂

Long Ladies 2 years ago Reply I too am guilty of being a bit messy. And my room is often a place where things go and are never heard or seen of again. 😛 Not quite that bad, but I’m sure you get the picture. Though I am still single and living at home I am beginning to understand this very same principle. Homemaking is a ministry and it is important. Thank you so much for sharing this! ~Haley Bree Post Author 2 years ago Reply Haha! I definitely know what you mean! I think it’s great that you’re learning about this ministry while you’re single (I wish I had learned it sooner!) as your home can still be a place filled with Jesus’ presence, where you can minister to others. Thank you for stopping by and commenting!

I too am guilty of being a bit messy. And my room is often a place where things go and are never heard or seen of again. 😛 Not quite that bad, but I’m sure you get the picture. Though I am still single and living at home I am beginning to understand this very same principle. Homemaking is a ministry and it is important. Thank you so much for sharing this! ~Haley

Bree Post Author 2 years ago Reply Haha! I definitely know what you mean! I think it’s great that you’re learning about this ministry while you’re single (I wish I had learned it sooner!) as your home can still be a place filled with Jesus’ presence, where you can minister to others. Thank you for stopping by and commenting!

Haha! I definitely know what you mean! I think it’s great that you’re learning about this ministry while you’re single (I wish I had learned it sooner!) as your home can still be a place filled with Jesus’ presence, where you can minister to others. Thank you for stopping by and commenting!

Ana (@ANAWINSblog) 2 years ago Reply Great post, definitely sharing. I think when we shift our focus to ministry in homemaking versus just cleaning and cooking than we are more able to serve those in our home well. Bree Post Author 2 years ago Reply I agree! Mindset and attitude make such a difference. God gives us an amazing opportunity each day to bless those around us, I don’t want to waste that! Thank you for the comment!

Great post, definitely sharing. I think when we shift our focus to ministry in homemaking versus just cleaning and cooking than we are more able to serve those in our home well.

Bree Post Author 2 years ago Reply I agree! Mindset and attitude make such a difference. God gives us an amazing opportunity each day to bless those around us, I don’t want to waste that! Thank you for the comment!

I agree! Mindset and attitude make such a difference. God gives us an amazing opportunity each day to bless those around us, I don’t want to waste that! Thank you for the comment!

Victoria @ Creative Home Keeper 2 years ago Reply This was such a good reminder as to the ministry we have at home, even when it feels mundane and tedious. Thank you for the reminder to focus on Jesus in our homes than all of the to-do lists and cleaning. Such an important message! Bree Post Author 2 years ago Reply It’s so easy to just focus on the mundane, day to day things. It takes much more effort to constantly focus our hearts on Him. Thankfully, we have Him to help us. I know I can’t do it on my own! Thank you for the comment! 🙂

This was such a good reminder as to the ministry we have at home, even when it feels mundane and tedious. Thank you for the reminder to focus on Jesus in our homes than all of the to-do lists and cleaning. Such an important message!

Bree Post Author 2 years ago Reply It’s so easy to just focus on the mundane, day to day things. It takes much more effort to constantly focus our hearts on Him. Thankfully, we have Him to help us. I know I can’t do it on my own! Thank you for the comment! 🙂

It’s so easy to just focus on the mundane, day to day things. It takes much more effort to constantly focus our hearts on Him. Thankfully, we have Him to help us. I know I can’t do it on my own! Thank you for the comment! 🙂

JES 2 years ago Reply Perfectly said! Thank you for sharing this week on the Art of Home-Making Mondays at Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth! Bree Post Author 2 years ago Reply Thank you, Jes! I appreciate you stopping by, and I really enjoyed sharing on the Art of Home-Making Mondays!

Perfectly said! Thank you for sharing this week on the Art of Home-Making Mondays at Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth!

Bree Post Author 2 years ago Reply Thank you, Jes! I appreciate you stopping by, and I really enjoyed sharing on the Art of Home-Making Mondays!

Thank you, Jes! I appreciate you stopping by, and I really enjoyed sharing on the Art of Home-Making Mondays!

Rachael 1 year ago Reply This was a wonderful reminder!!! Thank you so much for this. Bree Post Author 11 months ago Reply Thank you, Rachael! I’m really glad you enjoyed it!

This was a wonderful reminder!!! Thank you so much for this.

Bree Post Author 11 months ago Reply Thank you, Rachael! I’m really glad you enjoyed it!

Thank you, Rachael! I’m really glad you enjoyed it!

Erin 10 months ago Reply Yes, yes, yes. This is such a struggle for women. We want the house to look good in case someone were to stop by, but we also need to prioritize our family. Your post reminds me of Brother Lawrence’s ministry (the long ago monk who wanted to be more than a cook). He has a beautiful prayer he prayed while washing dishes and preparing food. A friend of mine framed the poem for my kitchen. It is no coincidence that I “stumbled” upon your blog today. God ordains everything for a reason. Thank you for your many uplifting posts. Bree Post Author 10 months ago Reply Erin, thank you!! Your kind words are much appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I need to find that prayer you mentioned! That sounds like a perfect poem to hang on the kitchen wall! It’s been a joy reading your comments today! 🙂

Yes, yes, yes. This is such a struggle for women. We want the house to look good in case someone were to stop by, but we also need to prioritize our family. Your post reminds me of Brother Lawrence’s ministry (the long ago monk who wanted to be more than a cook). He has a beautiful prayer he prayed while washing dishes and preparing food. A friend of mine framed the poem for my kitchen.

It is no coincidence that I “stumbled” upon your blog today. God ordains everything for a reason. Thank you for your many uplifting posts.

Bree Post Author 10 months ago Reply Erin, thank you!! Your kind words are much appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I need to find that prayer you mentioned! That sounds like a perfect poem to hang on the kitchen wall! It’s been a joy reading your comments today! 🙂

Erin, thank you!! Your kind words are much appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I need to find that prayer you mentioned! That sounds like a perfect poem to hang on the kitchen wall! It’s been a joy reading your comments today! 🙂

Abigail 1 month ago Reply Thank you for sharing with women. . . It helps us define our daily goals in terms of everlasting values. Love in Christ.

Thank you for sharing with women. . . It helps us define our daily goals in terms of everlasting values. Love in Christ.

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About Welcome to Faithfully Committed! My name is Bree, and I’m so happy that you’re here! I started Faithfully Committed out of a desire to love, support, and pour into other women who are working hard every day to be amazing women, loving wives and moms, and passionate followers of Christ. Read more...