I am not a pinterest mom. Throwing together a picture-perfect holiday or event makes my eyes twitch. It’s not my gift. Last year, my kids got tired of waiting for me to drag out the fall décor, so they did it themselves…and I was totally ok with that.
That being said, I do want our home to have a culture of love, to be a heart-filling place. And I recognize that there’s always room for improvement; in my case, it’s a matter of finding ways to make moments and days special without going whole-hog crazy.
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As I re-read The Life-Giving Home by Sally Clarkson and go through the accompanying study guide (this is my first time using the study guide and it’s SO GOOD….definitely get it if your budget allows), I’m picking up some wonderful, easy to do ideas for those of us who may struggle a bit in the celebration department.
In the February chapter of the book, Sally describes how to develop a culture of love in your home.
“I cut out hearts from sheets of thin foam and wrote our names on the, with a gel pen, then hole-punched the spongy-hearts and hung them with thin ribbon from the branches of the “tree.” Then I would fill a small bowl with scriptures about love written on separate little pieces of paper. The kids took turns reading the verses throughout the month of February.”
HOW SIMPLE AND LOVELY IS THAT?!
“I can do this!!!!” I told myself as I read her words. It’s so encouraging to come across ideas that aren’t intimidating. I can handle doing little things like this to create a culture of love without feeling overwhelmed or having to spend a bunch of money.
How I’m Using Sally’s Ideas to Create a Culture of Love at our House
I love decorating with nature. Just last month, to bring a bit of winter loveliness into the house, I gathered some branches from a cottonwood tree and put them in a vase. I posted that picture recently, but here it is again for reference.
How easy to hang little hearts with our names from them?! I moved the vase from the bookcase to the dining room table and now it’s a festive little centerpiece. Love simple ideas like that.
See the little jar next to the vase on the table? That’s full of Bible verses on love, and we’ll plan to read at least one every day for the rest of the month.
I’ve been studying Deuteronomy 6:7 in a Bible study I’m working through, specifically the idea of teaching our kids about Christ and his love all day long: “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Sally’s suggestion of reading and focusing on a Bible verse about love every day is a super way to do this!
I long for Christ to be at the center of all our words and actions, but sometimes in the hustle and bustle of days that gets forgotten. Finding intentional ways to bring Him into our moments at home is so important. If we want homes that center around Him (and I do!), speaking about Him when we get up and lie down is the key. I want it to be a natural thing, this discussing of God and His love and what he’s done for us.
And lastly, the the LGH study guide Sally shares that she makes chocolate chip pancakes on Valentines day, and scatters candy on each family member’s place mat. Again, simple yet meaningful ideas for spreading love in the home. Totally doable. I have the candy and place mats ready to go. I am so grateful for her ideas!
What ideas do you have for creating a culture of love in February?
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