When I read the following excerpt from Managing A Home by Crystal Miller in the Homestead Happenings newsletter this morning, I just had to e-mail her and ask permission to post it here on the Front Porch. Some of our new bloggers may not be familiar with Crystal's newletter or her Country Store, and I don't want anyone to miss out on the blessing of what she has to offer! The article spoke to my home-maker's heart and was both an encouragement and a reminder that I need to be diligent in caring for my home and family. Hope you enjoy the article as much as I did.
Home Management and Making a Home By Crystal Miller
When I think of the word “Homemaking” I think of the word as “Making a Home”. Homemaking is all that goes into making my house a home. Due to my home being a priority to me and perhaps because I have a large family I feel like much of homemaking is good home management. I have felt that it takes a well functioning home to feel like a comfortable home. A home where your family enjoys the time spent and others like to come to your home for refreshment and encouragement. I personally feel like it is hard for me to nurture my family and reach out to others if my life and home are not functioning as they should.
In order to manage a home you have to have a plan. You have to have a basic daily plan on how to keep the home flowing and the work done. A plan consists of routines, good time management, chores maintained, systems of organization, and tools to help you keep it all in order and keep the wheels moving forward in your home. Remember that one of the most important aspects of being a homemaker is creating a loving and peaceful environment for your family.
The housekeeping plan you use needs to be one that works for you and your life. I have read lots of books and read many ideas and used different plans, but ultimately these plans and ideas were not the end in themselves, they were the means to creating my own plan. My home is unique and so is yours. I don’t believe we could follow someone else’s plan exactly and have it work for us. We will tweak it and modify and then find something else and say, “Oh that might work” and try it and tweak that, etc., until after a time what you have is “your” plan.
Obstacles to Planning
Our Attitude
There are obstacles that can make a home management plan difficult. One is our attitude about cleaning a house. Being a homemaker is hard work and it takes a positive attitude and a lot of energy and determination each day. The beauty of it all is that with the right attitude caring for our home can be one of those areas in life where we can learn to get into the rhythm of the tasks and learn to appreciate things like warm soapy dishwater on our cold winter-time hands, the soothing hum of a washing machine going, the smell of dinner wafting through the home, the beauty of a shiny clean kitchen floor, the peace that comes from a home where all is clean and in order.
Any woman can choose to believe that their job is drudgery or they can choose to view it as a service to Christ. I believe that being a homemaker is a ministry of service and love unto Christ to those the Lord has given me to love, nurture and care for. My husband and family are the ones that mean the most to me; they are the closest to my heart. They are the first and foremost ministry in my life. If I begin to think of other things I would rather be doing then laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc., I realize that I have neglected to view my role from God’s perspective and that is as His servant. There is something humbling about serving others, washing the feet of our loved ones in these tasks; something that can, if we allow it, help to put our heart and attitudes in the right place. It can change our view of the work we do each day. If Jesus walked into your home you would do everything possible to serve Him while He was in your home. Well ladies, He IS in your home and you are serving Him each day as you go about your task of raising up godly children and caring for and keeping a home for you husband and family (Matt. 25:40 And the King will answer and say to them, ”Assuredly, I say to you inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me”).
Busyness
Many years ago when I began my quest to manage my home better I evaluated all the busyness in my life and looked at what things might be preventing me from managing my home better. I decided that if I am not able to take care of my home in such a way that shows that I have control over my domain then I may need to lessen what I currently have going on and not add any more to my schedule.
I have always been a person who would bite off more than I could chew so to speak. I don’t think I am alone with this either, as I talk to other women who deal with the same issue. I would take on more projects than I could handle, I volunteered for more than I should have, and I made plans that were beyond my abilities or time. The end result was always the same; something would suffer.
When I am too busy the first thing to suffer is always my home. It becomes a mess, laundry backs up, and clutter is a big problem. Then my children are next; attitude problems, discipline issues not being handled well, little ones not getting enough mommy time. Of course meals suffer; boxed cereal, instant, expensive and typically unhealthy food is served. All for the sake of not having my home under control.
The dividing line for outside busyness and effectively managing a home will be drawn in a different place for each of us. I am not saying that all outside activity needs to stop, that would be unrealistic. But rather when life has too much going on, it is much more difficult to manage a home as it should be managed. I had to make very different choices in my life in order to achieve my goals.
Time Management
Problems in good home management can also come from our time not being used as efficiently as possible. I know that it can be somewhat depressing for someone to look around and see that they don’t have control over their home or don’t have as much control as they feel they should and think it is hopeless, I might as well just continue on because I can’t ever get it under control. But let me encourage you that my experience is that as I have worked to organize, deal with clutter, create and implement systems of operation in my home and learn to use my time wisely that my skill level in these areas has increased, my efficiency has increased and I am able to train my children to work along side me and eventually move beyond the basics and accomplish other things in my life.
The first thing to remember is that there are only 24 hours in a day. We can’t expect to find anymore time available than this! We need to sleep a certain amount of those hours; we need wake up time and unwinding time and personal time. That calculates into only so many available hours to do all the other things we would like. These available hours should be viewed as precious time to accomplish the work the Lord has given us!
Be realistic about what you can do with the hours you have. Know your limits, your strengths and your weaknesses. I remember planting a huge garden one year. That was great except for the fact that I was due to have my 5th baby at the beginning of September. The same time all my tomatoes were ripe and ready. I personally did not have the energy to go from birth to canning in the same week! I was still struggling to care for my new baby (which was the 3rd baby in less in than 3 years) and recover and regain some energy. I was not very realistic about what I could accomplish. I wanted to do it all and I physically could not.
Recognize the things in our life that rob time from us. Over commitment, the telephone, the computer, laziness, hobbies that need to put off until the house is in order. Once you have a good handle on time management you will find it much simpler to accomplish the basic priorities.
In Summary
Time spent making and managing a home for my family will be a value passed on not only to my children but to future generations too. I think of the legacy left to me by my hard working, home loving, dedicated grandmothers and I know I can leave this same legacy for my grandchildren.
Managing my home is a mission that the Lord has given me. I always want to remember that homemaking is not a job to be avoided but a job to embrace and live to its’ full potential. This is one major area that is so easy to run from. It can be hard work to run a well managed home. This is a challenge that we as homemakers can embrace and be successful. It requires a determination to succeed and a plan. I don’t mind hard work and I don’t mind working towards these goals when I know that my hard work and my goals are for the purpose of something worthy. And certainly raising a family in such a way as to honor Christ is a worthy purpose.
An excerpt from: Managing a Home: Tips, Organizational Advice and Practical
How-To’s from a Mother of 8
A new eBook from The Family Homestead
Housekeeping, whatever may be the opinion of the butterflies of the period, is an accomplishment in comparison to which, in its bearing on woman's relation to real life and to the family, all others are trivial. It comprehends all that goes to make up a well-ordered home, where the sweetest relations of life rest on firm foundations, and the purest sentiments thrive. It is an accomplishment that may be acquired by study and experiment, but the young and inexperienced housekeeper generally reaches success only through great tribulation. It ought to be absorbed in girlhood, by easy lessons taken between algebra, music and painting. If girls were taught to take as much genuine pride in dusting a room well, hanging a curtain gracefully, or broiling a steak to a nicety, as they feel when they have mastered one of Mozart's or Beethoven's grand symphonies, there would be fewer complaining husbands and unhappy wives. The great lesson to learn is that work well-done is robbed of its curse. The woman who is satisfied only with the highest perfection in her work, drops the drudge and becomes the artist. There is no dignity in slighted work, but to the artist, no matter how humble his calling, belongs the honor which is inseparable from all man's struggles after perfection. No mother who has the happiness of her daughter at heart, will neglect to teach her first the duties of the household, and no daughter who aspires to be queen at home and in her circle of friends, can afford to remain ignorant of the smallest details that contribute to the comfort, the peace and the attractiveness of home. There is no luck in housekeeping, however it may seem. Every thing works by exact rule, and even with thorough knowledge, eternal vigilance is the price of success. There must be a place for every thing and every thing in its place, a time for every thing and every thing in its time, and "patience, patience," must be written in glowing capitals all over the walls. The reward is sure. Your husband may admire your grace and ease in society, your wit, your school-day accomplishments of music and painting, but all in perfection will not atone for an ill-ordered kitchen, sour bread, muddy coffee, tough meats, unpalatable vegetables, indigestible pastry, and the whole train of horrors that result from bad housekeeping; on the other hand, success wins gratitude and attachment in the home circle, and adds luster to the most brilliant intellectual accomplishments.
Besides that first line, I think this was my favorite part: There must be a place for every thing and every thing in its place, a time for every thing and every thing in its time, and "patience, patience," must be written in glowing capitals all over the walls.
Perhaps I should do a little writing on the walls today!
Even if you don't have time to read the book, do go over and read the dedication...I love it!
I have been making aprons for Christmas gifts this year. I thought I would share a really unique, cute, fun and easy apron pattern with you. It is called the “4 Corners Apron”. You can purchase the pattern from Vanilla House Designs http://www.vanillahousedesigns.com/p132-four-corners-apron/ If you have basic sewing skills you will find this pattern is not difficult to make.
Thanks for posting this question, as it is such a good one!!!
As it happens I came to post on another topic and saw this topic. As God would have it no other way, I addressed this very issue on my own blog today. SO, if you are looking to a possible answer that will help with this answer check out:
Leslie Valeska is the lucky wife of Thomas.With children ranging in ages from 4-16, she has had a lot of time to learn and experience much of the fine art of homemaking. Simple Journey Ministries was established to encourage, support, and inspire women, from all walks of life, to engage and continue on a path of Godly Womanhood. You can visit her at her blog Journey to Simplicity (www.leslievaleska.com/blog), Simple Journey Ministries (www.leslievaleska.com), and Simple Journey Bookstore (www.leslievaleska.com/bookstore)
This information came in my Urban Homemaker newsletter today ... you can visit Marilyn Moll at her website or her blog. I've called in on a few of these before and they are very informative. Email marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com for contact information.
==================================================================== Spring 2008 Continuing Education for Moms Seminar
All Seminars begin at 9:00 ET, 8:00 CT, 7:00 MT, or 6:00 PT
Please mark your calendars now!
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January 24, 2008 – A More Excellent Way – Homeschooling Mom, Helena Mixon shares how she was released from hospice care and was healed of Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and 17 other diagnosed illnesses after learning about the spiritual causes of these illnesses. Helena experienced significant healing starting three years ago without relying on nutritional modalities. If you or someone you know is struggling with degenerative diseases, please be sure to listen to her amazing testimony. There will be great information about healing for everyone.
February 7, 2008 – Get into Gardening – Homesteading expert, and New Harvest Homestead editor, Lisa Vitello, says it's time to start planning your garden, ordering seeds, preparing the soil, extend the season and get started now. Learn the basics, get inspired, ask your questions.
February 21, 2008 – Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized- Author Karen Ehman, a sought after speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries, will get you started with organizing your home, getting rid of clutter, planning menus, avoiding overcommitment, and tailoring a system that works for your personality. Emilie Barnes says, “Karen will answer your dilemmas about how to declutter your life and your home.” With spring just a month away, now is the time to start thinking Spring Cleaning!
March 6, 2008 – Cook Your Way to Wellness – Maria Atwood and Blair McMorran are back to talk about new topics and traditional healthy foods in the “Nourishing Traditions” way; what is and what isn't healthy and how to get reliable information and much more! Maria has lots of new information, so don't miss this Nourishing Traditions Update!
March 20, 2008 - Clean and Green- Sandy Tuin, Norwex Sales Manager, knows how to clean everything without using toxic chemicals and products with fumes. We will be talking about many new and safe products that enable you to clean effectively without chemicals.
April 10, 2008- Drink Water For Life– Deanna Delong is a safe drinking water expert, home economist, and author of How to Dry Foods. Water is fundamental to the health of every major organ system in your body. But how do you know which drinking water technology meets the needs of your particular area and your budget? Bring your toughest questions for Deanna!
April 24, 2008- Menu Planning and Meal Preparation – Cookbook and nutrition expert Sue Gregg will be talking about her newest book which is designed to be a nutritional teaching book to be used for both groups or individuals, as well as a text for the first six weeks of a semester course in Menu Planning and Meal Preparation. We will be talking about menu planning for the upcoming summer months, how to adjust our planning, and taking your many questions!
Ed Note: Jen Allbritton had to cancel her seminar on Feeding Babies last week due to some health issues. She and her husband have just been notified that a Birth Mother has chosen them for adoption, so we will have to cancel future seminars with Jen for now. I have posted Jen's lengthy articles on Nourishing Babies and Children at the articles area of my website.
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Leslie Valeska
Leslie Valeska is the lucky wife of Thomas.
