House or Home?

Mar 2008 Issue

By Nettie H. Francis

My husband and I moved to Las Vegas six years ago. Coming from a small town in Utah, I felt as if we had transferred to the worst place on earth—the center of Sin City.

We first lived in a rental house downtown, in a part of town that unnerved me. I didn’t venture outside for days. Then a young mother from church, Sarah Jones, invited us to dinner. I was surprised that such a good family lived nearby. I wondered how they survived in Sin City, and was curious about what their house would be like.

The next evening we arrived at their small home. As we walked inside, I was completely surprised. It was beautiful! Attractive decorations were on the living room walls and the furniture was placed tastefully around the small room (most of it, we later discovered, was from thrift stores).

In the kitchen, Sarah showed me the old kitchen cupboards she was re-painting. Her husband had built bookshelves inside of a cozy nook and cheery flowers were on the window sill. The master bedroom was painted in soft colors and homemade curtains adorned the windows. In the bathroom, her baby’s feet were stamped in a cute pattern on the wall.

Sarah had decorated every room—simply and beautifully. Besides the decorations, however, the home felt peaceful; it was inviting and comfortable. There was no indication that we were in downtown Las Vegas. We spent several hours there refreshing ourselves in the wonderful atmosphere.

As we left later that evening, I saw the Stratosphere in the distance and remembered, “We’re in Sin City.” Sarah’s home was an oasis in a sea of worldliness.

We have all been in houses that are homes. The feeling is tangible when you walk through the front door. Yet, what makes the difference? The world declares that location and money determine the value of a home. However, Sarah’s house had neither.

Each of us, like Sarah, can make our house a home no matter what our circumstances. As mothers, it is our responsibility to create homes where our family members can find refuge from the world outside. Here are a few tips:

Let There Be Light

Start your morning by opening the window shades. Let the sunlight stream into your house.
Light brings warmth, happiness, and a positive feeling. Your family will feel the light and it will reflect in their attitudes. The sun is also symbolic of our Savior, and will bring his Spirit into your home.

Cleanliness is Heaven

My mother was raised in a filthy home. Her parents blamed their family size and lack of finances for the dirt and clutter they lived in. Yet despite their habits, my mother realized that money had nothing to do with keeping a clean house. She determined that when she was a mother she would keep her own home clean, no matter what her situation.

President Gordon B. Hinckley has admonished, “Be Clean.” Cleanliness can be a challenge with busy families and young children, but make a plan and keep on top of the clutter. Teach children to pick up after themselves, to make their beds and do household chores. I am not suggesting that we be sanitary fanatics, but there is never an excuse for living in filth. Make the extra effort to “Be Clean.” You will feel better, and your husband and children will want to be at home.

Add Your Own Touch

You don’t need a degree in Interior Design to make something beautiful. Sarah’s home was decorated almost entirely with thrift store items, yet it had a flare and beauty that radiated her personality. Use your resources and your brain power! Decorate shelves with bits of family history. Paint a simple design along a wall. Use children’s artwork in your decorating.
Be an artist. Enjoy yourself. After all, you are the mother, and this is your masterpiece.

The Outside Counts

The exterior of your home should be an indication of what’s on the inside. Don’t neglect it! Take care of plants and trim your lawn and bushes. Add your own family touch with a flag, holiday decorations, or boxes of flowers. Teach children to put away their bikes and balls each night. Make your house an asset to the neighborhood. Let people passing by know that this is a home.

Cut the Cord

Nothing ruins the feeling in a home as quickly as bad media. Carefully monitor the television shows, music, and internet information which enter your house. Cut down on the time your family spends in these venues, and fill the void with uplifting alternatives.

Make a Plan

Sister Julie B. Beck stated that “Mothers…are leaders…who lead a great and eternal organization,” (October Conference 2007). Being a CEO involves having a plan for those you are leading. Make a plan for your house, including a schedule for chores, a grocery budget, dinner menus, a laundry routine, etc. Systems and schedules will add a sense of order to your house, and will keep you on top of your responsibilities. As you pour your life into your home it will become a living, thriving entity.

Keep the Commandments

Hold family scripture study, family home evening and family prayer. Play uplifting music. Sing as you work. Speak softly. Let the feelings of the temple emanate from you. You are the center of your home, and your family members will take their cue from you. The spirit will be felt, and those who enter your house will know that they have encountered a bit of heaven.