"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, it there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things." Phil 4:8

April 12, 2011

"Heart and Home Clean Sweep"- Day 2

This is my second day participating in the "Heart and Home Clean Sweep" that Esther at Our Simple Country Life is putting on this week.  She is so encouraging and has sweet words of wisdom from the Word to share.  If you haven't had a chance to visit her blog, you really need to, I know you will be blessed!




"But the end of all things is at hand, therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without  grumbling.  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
1Peter 4:7-10


The Heart:

When I went to Our Simple Country Life  this morning, I was so blessed and encouraged by the words and the scripture in 1 Peter 4:7-10.  Hospitality is not a gift that I have.  My house is never ready for company unless I know way in advance that they are coming.  I have always desired a neat and tidy home like my Mother-n-law has, but I haven't made the effort to keep it that way.  The words in Esthers message this morning resonated with me and listed many of the reasons why I don't have people over.  

When I proceeded to read the passage in 1 Peter more closely I realized it isn't a gift given to some, it is a word for all of us.  I don't have a choice, I need to be hospitable to others. Wait, there is more...I need to do it without grumbling.  How often have I complained that I always have to pick up after my kids or, I have too much to do, or my house is too messy to have anyone over, or my house isn't big enough, and I have many more I could list.

After today, I desire to make an effort to have people over and extend hospitality to others.  I don't know when or how, but I know that I want to obey my heavenly father and extend hospitality to others.

The Home: Living Room
After waking up with a head ache and then having a webinar that I attended all afternoon, I wasn't able to participate at the level that I had hoped.  In fact, I wasn't going to do it at all.  Then I saw that Esther had posted her pictures and shared how she was able to continue the challenge even with a busy schedule today.  That was just the encouragement I needed to get me going.

I decided that I didn't have to deep clean, but just pick things up a bit.  So I put things away, vacuumed the rug, threw things away and even dusted.  It didn't take me very long, and now I have 2 rooms in my home that are clean and presentable.  It was so wonderful  this morning to get up and see a clean kitchen, even my husband commented on how nice it was. It gives you a head start in the morning and makes you feel happy and less burdened.

Before


After



5 comments:

Dawnmarie said...

Denise, your living room looks beautiful. However, to be honest, in my eyes, it did not look that bad in the before picture. It looked liked it needed some picking up, but if that is messy to you, then please be encouraged because maybe your home is cleaner than you think. 8^)

Denise said...

Dawnmarie,
You are so kind! I live in this world thinking that everyones house is perfect, maybe because I wish mine was.

I didn't do day three in the "Master Bedroom", I'm planning on doing it today, but mine is such a mess, I am embarrassed to post.

A.Marie said...

I love and picked up and organized home. If there is "stuff" sitting around, it drives me nuts. But, then, I have OCD, so that is probably just my little brain being "pickier" than I really need to be!! :)

Your after pics are nice...I agree with Dawnmarie, it didn't look bad before! :)

Graced Simplicity said...

Finally popping in again, to see your accomplishments! Great work on the living room! So glad you could join the Heart & Home Challenge!

Much Love & Blessings,
ESTHER
Our Simple Country Life

Standinginhislight said...

Love this...
I am always driven to tidy our home before I lay my head to rest for in the morning my day seems to greet me with a smile. =)
~Sheri