If you’ve been around Proverbial Homemaker for any length of time, you know that I am domestically challenged. I am the last person I would ever have expected to see become a wife, mom and homemaker. I have been on this homemaking journey for just 10 years now and let me tell you… the learning curve is steep, my friends!
If you are domestically challenged too, I get you. I know that sometimes you feel like a failure and get frustrated with yourself. Perhaps your challenges are mostly external and seem insurmountable some days. You might feel a little deficient around the other homemakers in your circles, and too often go to bed with the weight of everything that didn’t get done (and may never get done) bearing down on you.
I’m here to tell you, dear women: If you are following God in your homemaking, you will be divinely equipped for the task He has called you to!
Get Some Perspective
First thing’s first: Pray over your homemaking. I’ll be sharing some scriptures with you tomorrow specifically for this purpose. I tell you, it has been the thing that has made the MOST difference in my homemaking.
Look at your home and the environment of your family life for what it is: a precious ministry given to you from God. You are nurturing the environment of eternal relationships within those walls! Cast your eyes around and see what vision God will give you for the home He has gifted you in this season of your life.
Finally Kill Comparison
The comparison trap. We all know it, right? Whether it’s a blog post or Pinterest or our friend Suzy Homemaker who can simultaneously nurse a baby, make a cheesecake, teach multiplication, lead a Bible study, and sew blankets to send to people in Africa. While wearing a cute apron. All with perfect hair and makeup. Yeah.
Some things you need to know about your homemaking:
– It is shaped by your personality and style
– It is shaped by your resources and circumstances
– It is shaped by the needs of your family
– It is shaped by your season of life
– It is shaped by how long you’ve been practicing
My homemaking will look different from yours. That’s just reality. We can remind ourselves of our unique journey and circumstances and just enjoy each other! I can rest in the hospitality of a friend whether her house is a mess or pristine and not feel like I’m failing. How? By reminding myself of all the things above.
The Bible says “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” In the context of homemaking, this tells me that I can be content with my journey and where I am now, knowing that God is working on me and shaping my homemaking into what He wants it to be… if I seek Him in it.
Focus on Joy, Not Perfection
We want our homes to be joyful places. We want there to be laughter and peace, grace and kindness. We want it to be a place where our families and all who enter feel comfortable and, well… at home!
Creating a joyful home isn’t about donning our Martha Stewart facade and turning everything into a magazine cover. Instead of trying to make things perfect, think about the things that can increase the joy in our homes and start on those first.
Here are some ideas to consider:
Decorate for the seasons, even if just a few things
Create playlists for cheerful or calming music
Work on making a frustrating area more organized
Clear the kitchen counter after lunch every day
Light candles or diffuse oils
Invite people over
Play games or fun activities
Bake one day a month for family and neighbors
You get the idea
What is one thing YOU can start working on today?
Get Some Tools Under Your Belt
Practicing homemaking is like practicing the piano. We don’t expect someone to sit at the piano for the first time and play perfect Mozart, do we? We don’t beat ourselves up because we can only play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Instead, we identify where we can improve and practice.
Find some great tools that you can use to practice homemaking and put them to work for you. If you’re like me, it takes some searching and trying (and re-trying) different tools until you find what works for you. But DO IT! It’s worth the effort to find that system that clicks for you.
One resources I’m SUPER excited about is the Second Annual Homemaking Ministries Online Conference! I AM ATTENDING THIS. I love that you can watch the sessions anytime you want and however many times you want. You will get instant access to 12 video sessions from encouraging and experienced homemakers, a FREE home management binder download, and so much more!
If you pre-register on Monday and Tuesday ONLY (October 19+20th), you will get 5 beautiful art prints as well as two sets of Scripture memory cards for completely FREE! These alone are worth over $70, so they make the early bird price a no-brainer, especially with all the other bonuses you get. Check out all the speakers and sessions!
Hit the Homemaking Reset Button
Don’t give up! I’ll say it again: If you are following God in your homemaking, you will be divinely equipped! When we start to feel overwhelmed, it’s time to hit the homemaking re-set button. What is this magic reset button? It is a simple time of sitting quietly and re-grouping. It can be as short or as long as you need or have time for. Here are a few resets I’ve done:
Tea time. Tea/Coffee + 10 minutes praying over scriptures = re-set. I suddenly have what I need to get through the day.
Brain dump. Take 30 minutes and do a brain dump on paper of all the things you want to get done. Group things, pray over things, pick the top 7 and more than likely you’ll have a little direction.
Wise words. Find some wisdom in other homemakers who have been there and you will find great perspective. Be reminded of why you are doing this gig in the first place, Who to set your eyes on, and practical tips to chew on.
A shot of joy. What’s more invigorating than turning up worship music in the middle of the day?! Hit pause and bake some cookies with your kids. Or get away from the house for a while and spend some time at the park or on a nature walk.
Find Accountability and Encouragement
Next to prayer, the best thing that’s ever happened to my homemaking is the support and accountability of others who are also seeking God in their own homemaking journey. We want to share that with you today!
Join our Facebook group Domestically Challenged, Divinely Equipped! We are a group of Christian women who encourage and support each other in following God’s call no our lives as homemakers. No matter what age or stage of life you are in, you will find accountability and support there!
Enter the Domestically Challenged; Divinely Equipped Homemaking Giveaway!
The Domestically Challenged; Divinely Equipped administrative team is blessing a winner with this fun prize pack worth over $100, including great resources and goodies.
Amazon Gift Card ($25 value)
Homemaking Ministries Online Conference Registration ($34.95 value – $29.99 for 2 days only! Conference starts Oct 27 – Register now and if you win, you will be reimbursed!)
Lila Rose Flexi Clip – “Size small flexi clip” from Purely Elegant ($14.99 value)
Topical Devotions for Pregnancy: 13 Devotionals to Nourish Your Soul eBook ($3.99 value)
A Wife’s Guide to Studying Proverbs eBook ($7.99 value)
Early Potty Teaching: A natural and gentle way to potty train your little one eBook ($3.99 value)
Filling Hearts While Cleaning Homes: 5 Minute Devotionals for Families eBook ($6.00 value)
The Busy Mom’s Guide to Teaching Character eBook ($4.99 value)
God’s Word in My Heart: A Scripture Learning Guide with Memory Verses eBook ($3.99 value)
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Author information
Tauna
I'm Tauna, owner of Proverbial Homemaker! This is me: Jesus follower, wife, mom, [domestically challenged] homemaker, homeschooler, and writer. Proverbial Homemaker exists to bring you encouragement and tools for the journey. Let us pursue God's call on our lives (no matter the learning curve) and rely on Him to equip us for the task!
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