Home decorating with the spirit

It has been reiterated over and over again that the woman sets the tone for her home. As the nurturers and homemakers and Daughters of God it falls upon us to provide an atmosphere in our homes which will invite the Spirit of the Lord to be present.

Can you believe that the scriptures actually give us clues on how to accomplish this? I can find answers to anything in the scriptures, even how to manage my home.

1 Nephi 15:34 says, "The kingdom of God is not filthy"

But wait! There's another...

D&C 88:119 says, "Organize yourselves: prepare every needful thing: and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God." (emphasis added)

You've heard that old adage, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness"...When our homes are clean and orderly, it invites the Spirit of the Lord into our homes and lives. I know I never feel at peace with myself, and I can't relax if my home is dirty or there is clutter. The secret to accomplishing this is also in the scriptures. I've tried it and it works!

D&C 88:124 states "...retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated."

When we arise early we are able to get done the things we have to do. This also allows us more time to enjoy our families instead of saying, "Mommy can't play right now, she has chores to do." or "Mommy can't play right now, she has to blog." (Admit it! You've said it, too.)

We can also invite the Spirit into our homes by the way we decorate. Over the years I have been in many homes, as have you I'm sure, and have come to identify the things that I feel invite the spirit.

• Pictures of Christ or the Temple 
• Beautiful, soothing music 
• I like to have a set of scriptures out and the Ensign. (This also makes it easier to read a quick verse or two throughout the day) 
• Cheerfulness and Enthusiasm! How important is that? Have you ever noticed if mama isn't happy, nobody's happy? 

Home decorating with the spirit doesn't have to be expensive. Church distribution offers less expensive options in the way of pictures and music. I love the plethora of free printables available online these days, and you can always decorate with your own photography and smile.

With a little diligence, determination and creativity, you can invite the Spirit of the Lord into your home.

What have you done in your homes to invite the Spirit?

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Lisa is the mother to one Air Force Son, one Missionary Son and one Sophomore in High School daughter. She has been married for 24 years to her best friend and blogs at That's What She Said...
Photo by Lisa