If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you know I’ve complained about the gold walls, and okay, a few other things too. I’m not proud of it. I actually think it’s terrible and the words should have never left my lips. I don’t want to be a complainer or seem ungrateful.
How did I come to this realization? Well we had our church home group over Sunday night after ELP (Elder Led Prayer) for pizza and games. Most of them know I’m an Interior Decorator/Home Stager/Blogger. I started to losing sleep the minute I knew they were coming over because I’ve been so busy with those 3 jobs and the job of being a mom and wife that there’s not been much time devoted to updating this 18 year old house. It’s like the plumber with a leaky sink. And sadly, we had just finished our Modern Farmhouse Dining Room! Something’s wrong with this scenario.
I was focused on me and the house.
I was feeling anxious about it. Feeling as if I couldn’t measure up. Thinking my home group friends were going to judge me and not want to be my everyday friends anymore. I was focused on me and the house. Not focused on my heart, my intentions or what the Lord wants of me. So last Friday and Saturday I nearly broke my back cleaning and decluttering, primping and poofing, all the while comparing myself and this house to what I thought was important and wondering what their houses were like.
That is definitely not what the Lord wants from me. He expects me to be gracious, hospitable, open-hearted and to glorify Him in all of it. Why do we compare our homes and ourselves to others? I don’t have a good answer for that. However, I do know that there are ways we can love our home again like I did on Sunday.
How To Love The Home You Have
1. Start by decluttering
There is something negative about having piles of stuff sitting around. Piles that pop up out of nowhere and taunt you as you walk by. Contain it, throw it away, organize it or file it. If you need it, put it in a nice box and conceal it so it looks nicer. My office was a mess! I put everything away that wasn’t supposed to be in it and wow, what a difference it made. I can see the floor and someone can actually sit in here and talk to me if they’d like too.
2. Keep only what you truly love.
Don’t keep something because it was given to you or if you honestly dislike it. When you see it all the time, does it make you smile or give you a fond memory? If not, donate it to someone else who will love it or take the plunge and purge it! We had an old broken TV sitting on the floor in the living room just because it was once a good TV. Yep. It was broken and we had no room to put it anywhere in the house even if we got it repaired. It was nice to finally see it go.
3. A deep clean is always uplifting
The Mister was so wonderful to help me. He did his normal yard duties but added fresh mulch to the beds, fixed the fountain and vacuumed the driveway. Yes, I said vacuum. He has this contraption he got for a steal on the Facebook Marketplace site that is a mulcher/vacuum for leaves, etc. We hadn’t done a thorough cleaning of the yard since last fall nor had the windows been done since last year. Let’s just say the amount of light that came through the windows was amazing and the curb appeal was in tip top shape!
4. Make small improvements that don’t cost a lot of money
I’m surprised at how many people who don’t know you can remove the door knobs in your house and spray paint them. That will save a ton of money. Our small project was hanging two towel hooks next to the shower door. We’ve only had one towel bar for 8 years and finally have a place for both of us to hang our towels. Wowza, 8 years.
5. Do a small redesign or move some accessories and art work around
It’s fun to see how such a small change can lighten the mood. I moved around throw pillows (if they are tattered, get new ones), changed table centerpieces and reworked the mantel. It was a new room at no cost.
6. Change the smell
One big way I felt better about my home was changing the smell. If you have dog beds around, wash them or if you have a cat, clean out the litter box. If you have a pile of dirty clothes or a teen with dirty stinky shoes; wash them and leave them out in the sun for a while (the shoes and possibly the kid). All of these help when wanting a positive reaction to aroma. We have 3 dogs and even though it didn’t smell terrible, it wasn’t pleasant. I added a couple of plug-ins in a favorite scent and voila, I instantly felt better.
7. Fresh flowers
You can get one bunch of flowers at Walmart for about $5.00. It’s worth it in my book. I used them as a centerpiece and who doesn’t like the look and smell of fresh blooms?
8. Do something special that isn’t in your everyday habit
Our guest bath is small and after a good cleaning I wanted something out of the ordinary for our visitors. Next to the hand soap is a pretty bowl with a silver spoon and a sugar scrub. We got several compliments on the added nicety.
9. Most important – Gain perspective.
Our attitude is what can make our home feel comfortable or cold. We are held accountable for being envious or desiring our neighbors possessions. Look at it this way, we cannot measure the love, time and laughter spent in our homes but we can measure our happiness towards it. And whether or not our homes are modest or extravagant, they are a gift.
At the end of the day no matter who is coming over, I want to be grateful for what the Lord has given me, hospitable to those invited in and not covet what I don’t have. I want the Lord to say well done my faithful servant and friends or strangers that come into our home to feel loved and well cared for. I want them to know they are what is important, not the new pillows.
Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to entertain an angel unaware?! I’m a work in progress and will continue to strive for growth but in the meantime, I hope I’ve shown you how to love the home you have.
I totally understand!! We had a large house and decided to move close to our kids and grandkids well that meant we got half the house and spent a ton more for it. Sometimes it really bothers me my old master bath was bigger then my current kitchen! I know we did the right thing but my pride gets in the way😩. Our house is the perfect size for us in a very desirable area but man sometimes I look at others and compare. I hate that cause it feels so ungrateful. I too am a work in progress let’s just pray for each other ❤️
Author
Oh my kindred spirit sister Barbara. Yes, let’s pray for each other! The Lord is laughing at us saying to himself, I’ve been trying to tell you for years that it’s your heart I care about, not the size of your bathroom. LOL. One day you and I will be standing next to each other up in heaven praising the Lord and remembering all of our ridiculous ways and laughing while we give each other a high five. Thanks for visiting and your encouraging words. Love you!
There’s nothing like company coming to spur on projects! It’s good in some ways and crazy in others. I admit to going a little overboard and feeling insecure over the years about these things too. Your easy ideas are smart and affordable.
Cindy, I feel certain that anyone would feel blessed beyond measure to come to your home and never notice the little things you might worry about. Let’s talk about this one of these days. I went to a fun class on hospitality at church and years later, I still tell everyone about it.
Also, are you reading Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt? I just got it today.
Author
Yes, i want to hear all about that class!!! And I’ve not heard of that book. I’ll check it out. I love a good book. Thank you for the sweet compliments. I think I do go overboard. 🙄
When I am about to have a Bunco game in my home, I really want everything all clean and sparkly…and I like adding extras, too. Fresh flowers are ALways at the top of my list.
When we sold our home of 40 years 5 years ago, we downsized so many dishes, bedding,and just pure STUFF and it’s been soooo much easier to keep the current house looking nice. Clutter is the number one killer of having a pretty house, I think. I love CLEAN and CUTE.
Author
I think clutter is a huge downer. I can always look passed needed updates and old furniture etc but the clutter gets me every time. I’m looking forward to downsizing one day so I can clean less stuff! Thanks for visiting!
I believe (according to what the LORD just impressed on my heart) that you have already been blessed to “entertain an angel unaware”. Your blog is a blessing to me. I
Author
Oh Bonnie, you just made me all teary eyed. What sweet and encouraging words. I think though it’s the other way around… Y’all are blessings to me! Thank you so very much for visiting, reading and commenting. I read every word. 🙂
Oh how I can relate! Why do we compare? Wouldn’t it be nice to see our homes through other people’s eyes? I think we’d be pleasantly surprised at how they view our home and wish theirs looked like it. All of your ideas are very doable! And when our focus is on the Lord, we can quit being so insecure! (I’m a big work in progress too!) Thanks for being real.
Hugs
Cecilia
Author
Real is at least one thing I’m good at Cecilia! Haha. Sometimes maybe a bit too much. I believe you’re right – I bet we’d feel much better about our homes if we could check it out through someone else’s eyes. Although sometimes, I’m grateful we cant! They’d say, girl, can’t you see that giant cobweb up there in the corner? LOL.
LOL. I think most wouldn’t because well, let’s be honest, they probably have cobwebs too. haha. I love it when someone comes over and later tells someone else how cute my house was and then that person lets me know the other person said that. 🙂 Or they just come out and tell me they like my home. Guess we should try to be more complimentary when we visit!
Author
YES! We should all try or start to be more complimentary when we visit! I’m totally going to start being more complimentary. 🙂
Your very best blog post EVER! I have never known you not to be the one to throw open the door and say, “Come on in!” Your testimony shines so brightly for Jesus (Matthew 5:16) You are amazing!
Author
Awww Deborah, your talent is making me grin from ear to ear – Thank you! Matthew 5:16, that’s my goal! And amazing – Not sure about that but I’ll take it! Thank you for reading and commenting. When I read it I see your sweet smile and I love hearing back from you. Big hugs.
What a great post….. and in the midst of some wonderful suggestions and ideas… I had to bust out laughing when you mentioned how the light flooded in after the windows were washed!! lololol…….. Window washing is on my “To Do” list as well… along with purging!!! Closets and dresser drawers…. HOW… do I collect and then keep so much useless stuff ???? lol…. Thank you for your insight…. We do tend to go over the top on occasion for the wrong reasons!!! I sooo want my home to always be inviting …. “Come on in … relax and enjoy yourself” …….
Author
Haha Terri, glad I could make you laugh at my expense. Just kidding. I have to laugh or I’ll curl up and cry all day. LOL. Thank you for reading and especially commenting. I LOVE COMMENTS!
It can be very easy to fall into the trap of being envious of someone else’s home and thinking our own is not good enough….especially when we are bombarded with seemingly perfect images on social media. Of course, we don’t see the clutter or dust or dog hair in those photos….we only see it in our own home. Good tips, and by the way your home is lovely! And guess what? So is mine! Not fancy, no updated kitchen, but it’s cozy and comfortable and the sunshine pours in and I love it so much!
Author
I know on Instagram you only see the pretty and I realize that but it’s weird to me that I can see everyone else’s mess and dirt but look passed it. If I go to a friends house and see it, I don’t care. I’m there to see them. So why can’t I do that for my own? Ugh. Oh well, like I said, a work in progress. Thanks for the compliment too. Maybe one day I’ll come visit you and enjoy your cozy comfortable sunshine filled home! 🙂
This blog was just for me! I so want to be a gracious hostess, yet I constantly worry about what people will think about this or that. God calls us to be hospitable, not have the perfect home. Thank you for making me search my heart for the right attitude today.
BTW, your home always looks gorgeous and welcoming.
Author
Thank you Kim. I’ll come over to your house and not look at the mess and you come over to my house and not see the mess. I’ll compliment you on your welcoming and beautiful home and you can compliment me too. We can make each other feel better. Then we can laugh and laugh and then have cake – at both houses! Deal?
Beautiful post Cindy! I often find that I must put my ego aside and think of the experience my guests will have rather than how I think they will view me and my home. It is often a tall order. Thank you for the reminder!
Author
Thank you Karen! Every experience at your home must be like going to a wedding, a dinner party with our fave people, and eating at the nicest restaurant in town! Your pictures are always stunning. You certainly have a gift and one day when you have your own magazine, I’ll be your first subscription! 🙂
Thank you so much for your post. We started with a 6000 sq. ft. house (5 children), then 3000, then 2000 and now a 900 sq. ft. house built in 1897 and we LOVE it. Just what we need! One thing I do is when I watch TV, I get a drawer and clean it out. I got rid of so much jewelry because I just don’t wear that much now that I am retired. Cookbooks….way too many, now down to about 10. I just did my sewing/craft room and I know the thrift store probably enjoyed getting my stuff. lol I did the same with cleaning for Christmas and it took me about 2 days to get over all that work (I am 76). Thanks again and blessings to you and your family!
Author
What a great idea to do a drawer while watching TV! Thanks for sharing that. And I would love to have had 5 children (we have 3). Oh the stories you must have. I am looking forward to the downsizing and less cleaning and clutter. I think that move will be amazing and short work. 🙂 Thanks for popping over today. Blessings to you too.
I totally agree with Deborah. This is definitely my favorite article so far. I’m also in agreement with your guests about the sugar scrub. Your home is filled with lovely little touches like that, and you’re always a gracious hostess.
Author
Be our guest, be our guest,
Put our service to the test
Tie your napkin ’round your neck, cherie
And we’ll provide the rest 🙂
Hope you come again soon!
I knew i would like this blog and i so do. I am retired and some of the stuff i bought never had a clue where it would go but, now i am having a nightmare trying to decide what i want to keep and what to get rid of. I am widowed for a long time so work took up what time my sons and grandchildren didn’t and you can accumulate a lot. Anyway, sorry i got carried away, thanks for all the ideas and insights, you made me smile and are a blessing.
Author
Oh thank you Marlene! You actually made me smile today. It’s crazy how much we can accumulate isn’t’ it? I’m trying to get rid of things now so when we do (if ever) move full time to our small house in the country, it will be a pleasant packing trip and not be so overwhelming. We’ll see.
And I love hearing from y’all. It gives me a glimpse into your lives! Thank you for visiting. I truly appreciate it.
And I expect your friends were so happy to visit with you that they never noticed your beautiful house.
Author
Haha Debra. We did have a great time. I LOVE PLAYING GAMES! I could actually play all night. It’s the rest of the old people that need sleep. 😉
Really enjoyed your post. I have a little sign in my kitchen (partially obscured due to a collection of tins on the shelf) that says, “If you come to see me, come any time, day or night. If you come to see my house, make an appointment.” My house is full of clutter and some cobwebs in the corners. Craft projects that make me happy on the kitchen table, craft supplies overflow their corner, thrifted vintage stuff in the dish drainer, ironing waiting on its pile. My house is peaceful and happy and I am grateful. It wasn’t at one time; I appreciate and thank God for the difference.
Author
I’d love that sign – So cute! And your home sounds like a wonderful happy place. Thank you for visiting today. ❤️
Perfect post!!!! The visitors are so much more important than the house, but sometimes we loose that perspective. I have a friend who will not invite folks over because she fears what they might think of her home. I made her a sign to remind her of the REAL importance of making people welcome:
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares”
Blessings to you,
J
Author
Very true. We lose perspective so easily. And what a great friend you are making that fabulous sign?! ❤️
Good perspective. Sometimes it is good to take a step back and remember how blessed we are.
Author
So true. Thank you Melinda for popping over today and COMMENTING! I can hardly believe it! LOL 😉
Oh this is SUCH a good post, Cindy – thank you! I have a house full of out of town guests spending the night this coming weekend and I needed this perspective very much! It is good honest advice and I am going to take it!
I found you from reading Stacey’s home tour – enjoyed you home very much.
PS – love the idea about the sugar scrub and absolutely adore your birdie bowl it is in! SUCH CUTENESS!!!!!!
I wish you all of life’s very best. : – )
Author
Aww. Thank you Michele. Glad to know I’ve encouraged you some how. Thanks also for popping over from Stacey’s and the sweet comment. Makes my day hearing that. ❤️
Just found your blog I’m in love. Such a great read. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Author
Yay Kay! Do you get that all the time – yay Kay? 😉 I love that you love it! I so appreciate comments too and yours made my day. Thank you for reading!