Raising kids amidst remodeling dust reminds us of the truer, better dwelling-place to come—and the God who fixes what we never could.

God’s story of dwelling with his people transforms both how we experience and express “home” in the here and now.

When we feel like we can never do or be enough in motherhood, we rest in the Savior who is perfectly able to provide everything we need.

When decking the halls deflates or discourages us, the gospel reminds us that our perfect home is in Christ.

Through the uncertainties of moving, we can remind ourselves and our kids of God’s faithfulness and keep our eyes out for his good provisions wherever we are.

Even in the mundane tasks of cleaning and maintaining our homes, we can image God in his work of bringing order and beauty to the world.

This Christmas season, our homes can be a welcoming picture of the heavenly dwelling place still to come.

Holiday hospitality is an act of sacrificial service and a beautiful opportunity to display the story of the gospel.

If you’ve ever read passages like 1 Peter 4:9—“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling”—with a pang of guilt, you’re not alone.

Contentment and eagerness are two sides of the same coin.

As we consider all of the demands on our time during the Christmas season, it’s important for us to count the cost of decorating. When your two-year-old removes every ornament from the bottom third of the tree, your one-year-old is chewing on baby Jesus, and you’re sweeping up pine needles multiple times a week, you need a reminder of your reasoning!...

So, if you’re getting ready to bring that tub of Christmas paraphernalia out of storage (or maybe you’re a person who decorates right after Halloween!), take a minute and consider how you can be more intentional with it this year.

Not to add another burden, but to use what you’re already spending time on to point yourself and your whole family to Christ. Put up the printable with the verse from “O Holy Night” and sing it to your little ones. Talk about the wonderful gift of Christ’s coming when you set out the kid’s nativity set on the coffee table. Tell your children that Jesus is the light of this world when you wrap the tree with the tangled mess of string lights from three-years-ago.

It’s all a chance to spread the good news!
 

Sometimes, in the chaos of children and cooking and cleaning and errands and just generally managing a household and family, I forget why I'm doing what I'm doing. I forget who I serve. I get so focused on the here and now, I forget Him and eternity. Last night, as I was cooking dinner, dad was working late and the kids were whining at my feet, I felt exasperated. Strung out. Overwhelmed.

And then, I stopped and sang,

"Holy Spirit, You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your presence, Lord"