Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Clean Heart & Clean Home

I've been thinking a lot lately about the above words - clean heart and clean home. How do these two things interweave? Are they connected? When my heart is clean and pure before the Lord is it easier to keep my home clean because my priorities are in order and my focus is right?

What do you think? Is there a connection? I'm really interested in hearing your thoughts on this as I've been mulling it over for several months!

Thanks!

14 comments:

Joy @ SAH Missionary said...

Hey Monica! I have been faithfully reading your blog this last year, but couldn't bring myself to write since I wasn't keeping my own blog up. But, now I'm going to try to start my blog up again. So, hello! As far as your post today, I'll need to think on that a little. My first reaction would be that yes, I think there is a connection between a clean heart and a clean home...if you are seeking the Lord and His ways, you wouldn't want to be lazy laying around all day eating bon-bons. Yet, if my house is a mess, toys everywhere and dishes in the sink, I can still have wonderful fellowship with the Lord. Hmmm...you've given me some things to think about!
Blessings,
Joy

Monica Wilkinson said...

JOY!!!

My friend, this is making my day to hear from you! I saw your comment on my blog and my heart started to skip a beat...can it be my friend Joy???

I have checked your blog off and on because I knew the twins should have been born and just wondered how you were doing and what was going on in your life. I am so thankful that everyone is healthy and safe.

Please, please share of who you are. You are just who God made you. And, when you share yourself with others, we are VERY blessed. There should be no expectations from your blog - it is your place - for you to use as God leads you. Each word you share will be read and will be a blessing and an encouragement to those of us who read.

Ok, I can't hold it in any longer - this brings tears to my eyes to hear from you. I love you, my friend!

I really wanted to have a blog-baby shower for you when I found out you were expecting. If that would be an encouragement and blessing to you, please let me! Even though they are three months old already - they are new to all of us!

With lots of love and rejoicing ~
Your Friend, Monica

PS: I tried to post this comment to your blog - so I hope you will find it here!

Anonymous said...

Hi Monica,
This is my first time commenting on your blog. I read your blog on a daily basis and enjoy it very much!

Yes, I do believe there is a connection. When our hearts are clean, we are listening to God's voice and His direction and wisdom for our lives. With His wisdom, we are able to keep our lives in order, with His help!
With blessings,
Ruth, PA

Anonymous said...

Monica,

I think there is a connection. As for my experience, I can have a list of things to do, have the tasks all organized and be ready to start. But as my day goes on...not one thing accomplished! On the days I put the Lord first with morning devotions, prayer and confession, I can get numerous things accomplished and feel satisfied at the end of the day. My overall mood seems to be better too throughout the day. Thanks for posting your ponderings.

Andrea

Anonymous said...

Is there a connection? Not always. Just because your home is clean doesn't mean your heart is - you may have used clealing your house to stay so busy that you didn't have time to visit someone in the hospital or cook a meal for some one who really needed the help. I work full time, if I spent the rest of my time keeping my house clean no one would be helped. I would not be taking care of some ones elses children while the parents are out on a much needed "date night". I would not be cleaning someone elses home while they are in bed sick. I would not be cooking for others or taking an old man to the doctor. I would have no time for the others that God sends my way. So my house is dusty, and the laundry is waiting for me to get to it but I feel that God is pleased with that because I have chosen to help others before helping myself. My husband doesn't mind at all and often pitches in to do the wash. He knows that I willl get dinner on the table and he is not left to cook for himself while I am off helping others. He and I will eat together and share our day. He is not left out while I do so much for others, but the dust can wait till later. I still think my prioritie are in order and my focus is right.

Anonymous said...

Monica, I enjoy your site. You have given me the courage to try many crafty things...you are truly an inspiration.

Now for the question: I do believe there is a connection. Check out this site:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/aCleanHeart/140720/

Paula

PS I am not the lady who owns that site. Just thought you'd like to check it out.

Anonymous said...

Gee, you have made me think today!! I am 40 and have a two year old..(and two teenagers..19 and 13.) I work from home and it is a struggle to keep things organized. My husband is a great guy, but I am sure he would be happy for us to get rid of some of our "things!" I think that is our big problem...to much stuff! I love the Lord with all of my heart. I read somewhere one day that the best thing a Mother could give her family is...her happiness. I am not happy about the state of my home or my homekeeping. :o(

Take Care...TamaraP

TheNormalMiddle said...

I definately think there is a connection. When things are right in my heart, all seems to go easier at home and with my job as wife and mother. When things aren't so great with my soul, I come across as frustrated, irritable, etc with everyone around me and it spills over.

Joy @ SAH Missionary said...

Monica,
I am so happy to reconnect with you. Even though we have never met, I feel like we are kindred spirits in so many ways. Thank you for the warm welcome!
I'm looking forward to catching up. If you ever want to e-mail privately....it brihudhanna AT yahoo DOT com. Blessings friend!!
Joy

Mary Ann said...

I think it all starts with our values. Our values are as individual as we are and dictate how we prioritize our lives. For some people, keeping a clean and organized home may be more important than it would be to someone else. I don't believe that "cleanliness is next to godliness". But I do believe that when our hearts are right before God, then we will want to be obedient to whatever He has for us and use our time wisely to accomplish His plans.

Susan P. said...

This is quite a thought-provoking question! I think for me there is a definite connection. I find that in most cases when my home is in a disheveled mess and full of clutter it usually coincides with what's going on in my heart. When my mind isn't so cluttered with "junk" and I am seeking the Lord and trying to please Him I find that my house becomes less cluttered and orderly. Does that make any sense? I honestly feel that it is different with each one of us~ one can have a house that isn't spic and span but have a wonderful heart for the Lord. I think there are as many different answers as there are people:o)

Melissa said...

I tried to leave a comment earlier and it didn't "stick". I'm new to your blog, but enjoy it!

In short, I said that I think we need balance. The Lord wants us to have peaceful homes. That means something different to everyone. I need things to be in order, but not necessarily spotless, in order to feel peace. Then I can focus better on the Lord & my family.

Thanks for a great post!

Anonymous said...

When I think of "clean heart & clean home" I think of this: ..."to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonered". Titus 2:5 Our homes are to point toward God - when our hearts are "clean" before Him we are able to complete the tasks He enables us to do.
Love, Melissa (Anne with an "E")

Anonymous said...

Check out the new Clean Heart, Clean Home Devotional...

www.homeschoolblogger.com/DandelionSeeds