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Elyssa Nalani

The Difference Between Housekeeping and Homemaking

home· LIFE

16 May

I’m coming up on month 3 of marriage and stay-at-home-wifing. I knew that marriage was going to be a challenge and being a stay-at-home wife wasn’t going to be a walk in the park, but I must say,

BEING A STAY AT HOME WIFE IS HARD!!!

Oh my goodness. Like so many other things in life, you really don’t know until you get there. I knew intellectually how challenging it could be to stay on task, juggle schedules, make sure that order and not chaos rules in my home, etc. But I had no clue about what all that meant emotionally. Even though I’m still a newbie in this realm, I can say that there is definitely a difference between Homemaking and Housekeeping. 

  • Housekeeping is about picking up, wiping down, straightening out. It’s scrubbing toilets, sweeping floors, and running the vacuum again. Homemaking is all that PLUS the understanding that a clean house isn’t just about neat and tidy. It’s about about making a space that is a little piece of heaven on earth. A place where God is welcome and the angels want to stay.
  • Housekeeping is washing, drying, and folding laundry, ironing and putting away clothes, making beds and changing towels. Homemaking is all that PLUS the patience it takes to look at the hamper filling up with dirty laundry again when you just ran 8 loads yesterday. It’s remembering that your family deserves clean clothes and linens. 
  • Housekeeping is buying groceries and remembering to buy toilet paper and dish soap. It’s unloading bags from the car and stocking shelves. It’s cooking meals. It’s planning ahead so your husband’s lunch cooler is packed and ready to go in the morning. Homemaking is all that PLUS remembering that taking care of your family’s well being is your responsibility and they deserve the best of your abilities and knowledge. They also deserve your creativity and learning new things. 
  • Housekeeping is keeping track of work schedules, cleaning schedules, meal plans, project schedules, meetings, and due dates. Homemaking is all that PLUS the knowledge that you serve a God of order and chaos isn’t His will for us. Perfect coordination and communication isn’t possible in this unpredictable life but proactivity and intentionality shows that you care about your home and the lives that live there. 
  • Housekeeping is making sure you’re staying within your weekly/monthly budget. It’s making sure that you know what’s coming in and what’s going out. It’s keeping records for tax season and remembering where your bank account information is. It’s staying on top of bills and making sure everything is paid on time. Homemaking is all that PLUS remembering that money is a gift from God and He expects us to handle it well. It’s about being generous and wise. It’s about not letting debt become a function of your lifestyle. It’s about knowing what your weaknesses are and being honest about them. It’s not splurging recklessly on yourself because your money isn’t just yours anymore. It’s about emergency funds and savings accounts. It’s about self-control, moderation, consideration, and conversation. 

Homemaking is about creating an environment where your family, big or small, can come and escape from the craziness of the outside world. It’s about cultivating honesty, conversation, love, and safety. It’s about learning lessons of patience, self-discipline, stewardship, creativity, industry, and grace. Oh and did I mention patience? It’s about solving problems, facing challenges, taking responsibility, talking things through, saying sorry, and trying again when you’ve failed.

In all honesty, most housekeeping isn’t all that hard for me. I’ve been cooking and cleaning since I was young. Homemaking is hard. It takes an extra dose of self-discipline. Sometimes it’s thankless. And sometimes it gets up under your skin when you feel like you deserve better. 

Homemaking is seriously a ministry.

Unlike any other acts of ministry I’ve been involved in, homemaking is like holding a mirror up everyday and coming face to face with all of my weaknesses, flaws, sharp edges, and weariness. But like any other act of ministry, it’s not about me. Homemaking is not about me. It’s not about me having a spic and span house 24/7. It’s not about making gourmet meals for my husband. It’s not about checking off items on my planner. It’s about letting God serve through me. Just like when I teach a class at church or lead song service or help someone in need, homemaking is giving what God gave me day after day after day after day. And just as Jesus served tirelessly, I’m expected to serve just as faithfully in the realm I serve – in this case, my home. And of everything I’ve ever been called to do, I think homemaking is the most challenging. Because it’s a daily surrender that is different from any other that has compelled me. Never have tests of character been so tied to the mundane chores and tasks of my life. Never has the sanity of someone else (my husband) been so dependent on my self-discipline. Never has the making or breaking of scheduling, planning, and getting things done rested on my ability to be my own boss and focus.

I used to say that working 40 hours and being a full time student at the same time was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and while that was certainly intense, this is a whole other ball game. I’m using different emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical muscles here. Muscles that I barely knew existed.

I hate hearing “oh you just stay at home”. There is no “just” about it. Making a home whether you work outside it or not is a major responsibility. But it’s also an extreme privilege. As women, we’ve been wired to nurture, create, plan, cultivate, and manage in a way men were not. It’s what God said men needed. And homemaking is where so much of our femininity gets exercised, shaped, and refined. That doesn’t mean men don’t get involved or possess an important place in their homes, cause they should and do! But the essence of woman in her realm is something lovely and unique. And when a home has been entrusted to our care, we should feel greatly blessed and challenged.

I write this for the days I can’t wash another dish or want to put off scrubbing the tub. I write this for the days I don’t want to meal plan, or sweep the floor. I write this for when I’m frustrated, weary, or overwhelmed. Cause all of that happens. I write this for when I just want to binge-watch Netflix or curl up with a book instead of going over last weeks expenditures.

I write this cause like anything else worth doing in this life, it’s not easy and it’s not a perfect process. I write this cause the struggle is real and I think, good grief, get it together woman before you think of adding kiddos to the mix! I write it cause I’ve got a hard-working husband who made it a priority to give me the chance to stay at home like I wanted and he deserves my best.

I write because I have so much to learn about so much! I write this because there are days when housekeeping is the best I can do and the thought of homemaking makes me tired.

I write it cause maybe you need it too.

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Hi, my name is Elyssa!
I’m a Jesus-loving planner girl and I inspire paper-loving women of faith to live well and stay focused on what matters.

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elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
January journaling spread 📔 . Memory keeping is January journaling spread 📔
.
Memory keeping is not something I’m naturally good at (for one thing, I don’t take enough photos) but I still reeeeally like creative journaling and I have a whole ton of supplies I need to use. Soooooooo I thought I’d try a different approach. Still formulating the concept but it’s looking like creative journaling + project planning + goal tracking.
.
One thing I know for certain about myself when it comes to projects: I follow through better when I can see it. Why not have a fun space to plan and visualize my projects and goals? 
I’ve been having fun with several spreads and I can’t wait to do a video and share with y’all. I think this is an approach my brain can wrap itself around 😜🧠 Stay tuned! 
.
#creativejournaling #2021journaling #2021journal #makeithappen #cultivatewhatmatters #januaryspread #january #lwsfplaybook #livewellstayfocused #adreamisawishyourheartmakes #beyoubravely #takeyourtime #creativitytakescourage #trystuffout #myabidingjournal
Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠ And I Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠
And I had nothing but shadows⁠
Then one morning you passed⁠
And I brightened at last⁠
Now I greet the day and complete the day⁠
With the sun in my heart⁠
All my worry blew away⁠
When you taught me how to say⁠
⁠
Grab your coat and get your hat⁠
Leave your worry on the doorstep⁠
Just direct your feet⁠
To the sunny side of the street⁠
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?⁠
And that happy tune is your step⁠
Life can be so sweet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
⁠
I used to walk in the shade⁠
With those blues on parade⁠
But I'm not afraid⁠
This Rover crossed over⁠
⁠
If I never have a cent⁠
I'd be rich as Rockefeller⁠
Gold dust at my feet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
Grab your street⁠
⁠
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #sunnysideofthestreet #staypositive #dorothyfields #songlyrics #lifecanbesosweet #spreadlove #spreadjoy
Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband are my favorite 😍. They also force me to straighten out my desk for their presence 😆
.
#justbecause #flowers #ilovemyman #marriage #marriagerocks
#mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart #mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart
Whenever I feel afraid⁠ I hold my head erect⁠ Whenever I feel afraid⁠
I hold my head erect⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
So no one will suspect I'm afraid⁠
⁠
I strike a careless pose⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
And no one ever knows I'm afraid⁠
⁠
The result of this deception⁠
Is very strange to tell⁠
For when I fool the people⁠
I fear I fool myself as well⁠
⁠
I whistle a happy tune⁠
And every single time⁠
The happiness in the tune⁠
Convinces me that I'm not afraid⁠
⁠
Make believe you're brave⁠
And the trick will take you far⁠
You may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you areYou may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you are⁠
⁠
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #showtunes #rodgersandhammerstein #thekingandi
#mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence #mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence
FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Pat FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Patreon this weekend! Stay tuned 😊
.
#januaryscripturewriting #club119writers #scripturewriting 
#journaling #journal #stickers #journalingcommunity #scripture #journalingstickers #fearlessheart #patreon
I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first one was to Pursue Jesus Relentlessly. One of the ways I am making that actionable is to make a list of spiritual disciplines I want to focus on in 2021. Disciplines for the sake of disciplines don’t bring us closer to Jesus but they can, if we let them, position us to be more aware of how God can change our hearts and behaviors.
.
If you’re a goal setter and haven’t considered spiritual disciplines, maybe consider adding some to your 2021 list 😊 There are more than just these 6 to chose from (do a quick Google search and you’ll find a plethora).
.
#2021 #prayer #fasting #generosity #biblestudy #biblereading #scripture 
#spiritualdisciplines
I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not be I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not because I crush every one of them every time (because I most certainly don’t 😜) but because it gives me direction and focus and helps me filter out the things that aren’t important right now in this season of my life.
.
I’ve set 8 goals for the year. I’m still working on definition & action planning but these are the areas of my life that I want to focus on and pursue.
.
Have you set goals for 2021? Drop one (or a few) of them in the comments below! 👇🏽
.
#goalsetter #goalsetting #stayfocused #tendinglist #cultivatewhatmatters #2021goals #selfdevelopment #takecareofyourself #pursuejesus #stewardship
My 2021 word of the year. . Do you have one? Drop My 2021 word of the year.
.
Do you have one? Drop them below 👇🏽 I’d love to read them!
.
#wordoftheyear #wordoftheyear2021 #steadfast #theyearofsteadfast
One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire Bible. In this blog post I share my reading plan and a couple of the tools I’m using to get through the Old & New Testament! If you want to read the whole Bible in 2021, maybe consider 90 days 😊
.
Link in bio 
.
#readthebible #readtheword2021 #readthebiblein90days #readyourbible #90daybiblechallenge #biblereadingplan #readthebible2021
#mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #clu #mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #club119writers
January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need an extra dose of the kind of bravery that comes from God’s strength, provision, & grace? Me too! This scripture writing plan has got it! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting this plan together for our community 😊

I know I’m several days late posting this but it’s not too late to jump in!
.
#januaryscripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #scripturewritingchallenge #club119writers #fearlessheart #womenintheword #womeninthewordtogether
One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, the year of clear vision and the bright beginning of a wonderful new decade. But then 2020 happened and now most of us are feeling battle scarred & weary.
There is no promise for a better year ahead. But God is the same yesterday, today, & forever. We don’t have to know everything because He knows the end from the beginning. So we raise our glasses and we celebrate. Not because January 1 is magical but because God is powerful and He is in control. Happy New Year and may God bless you and keep you 😊❤️ 
.
#happynewyear #celebration #godisincontrol
I love him. So much. That’s all. I love him. So much. That’s all.
How could you wait another minute⁠ A hug is warm How could you wait another minute⁠
A hug is warmer when you're in it⁠
And baby that's a fact⁠
And saying I love you's always better⁠
Seasons, reasons, they don't matter⁠
So don't hold back⁠
⁠
How many people in this world⁠
So needful in this world⁠
How many people are praying for love⁠
⁠
So don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find a way⁠
To give a little love everyday⁠
Don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find your way⁠
'Cause holidays have come and gone⁠
But love lives on⁠
If you give on⁠
Love⁠
⁠
Celine Dion / Ric Wake / Peter Zizzo⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #dontsaveitallforchristmasday #givelove #spreadlove #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas
#mondayverses #startright #christmas #themostwond #mondayverses #startright #christmas  #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #thegreatcommission
As the years went by we learned more about gifts⁠
The giving of ourselves and what that means⁠
On a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain⁠
All because of love, all because of love⁠
⁠
Oh and we were the reason that He gave His life⁠
We were the reason that He suffered and died⁠
To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give⁠
To show us the reason to live⁠
⁠
I've finally found the reason for living⁠
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him⁠
In all that I do, every word that I say⁠
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him⁠
⁠
 David Meece⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #wearethereason #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas #becauseoflove #thegreatestgift
#mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmassto #mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmasstory  #merrychristmas #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear
It’s Wednesday. I hope your week is going well. It’s Wednesday. 
I hope your week is going well. And if it isn’t, I hope you’re finding joy in the simple & beautiful. I hope you’re both working hard & taking time to care for yourself and your people ☺️ You’re loved and your life is important — just thought you should know 🙂
.
#wednesdaythoughts #takecareofyourself #favoritetimeoftheyear #selfcare
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Goodreads

elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
January journaling spread 📔 . Memory keeping is January journaling spread 📔
.
Memory keeping is not something I’m naturally good at (for one thing, I don’t take enough photos) but I still reeeeally like creative journaling and I have a whole ton of supplies I need to use. Soooooooo I thought I’d try a different approach. Still formulating the concept but it’s looking like creative journaling + project planning + goal tracking.
.
One thing I know for certain about myself when it comes to projects: I follow through better when I can see it. Why not have a fun space to plan and visualize my projects and goals? 
I’ve been having fun with several spreads and I can’t wait to do a video and share with y’all. I think this is an approach my brain can wrap itself around 😜🧠 Stay tuned! 
.
#creativejournaling #2021journaling #2021journal #makeithappen #cultivatewhatmatters #januaryspread #january #lwsfplaybook #livewellstayfocused #adreamisawishyourheartmakes #beyoubravely #takeyourtime #creativitytakescourage #trystuffout #myabidingjournal
Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠ And I Walked with no one and talked with no one⁠
And I had nothing but shadows⁠
Then one morning you passed⁠
And I brightened at last⁠
Now I greet the day and complete the day⁠
With the sun in my heart⁠
All my worry blew away⁠
When you taught me how to say⁠
⁠
Grab your coat and get your hat⁠
Leave your worry on the doorstep⁠
Just direct your feet⁠
To the sunny side of the street⁠
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?⁠
And that happy tune is your step⁠
Life can be so sweet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
⁠
I used to walk in the shade⁠
With those blues on parade⁠
But I'm not afraid⁠
This Rover crossed over⁠
⁠
If I never have a cent⁠
I'd be rich as Rockefeller⁠
Gold dust at my feet⁠
On the sunny side of the street⁠
Grab your street⁠
⁠
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #sunnysideofthestreet #staypositive #dorothyfields #songlyrics #lifecanbesosweet #spreadlove #spreadjoy
Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband are my favorite 😍. They also force me to straighten out my desk for their presence 😆
.
#justbecause #flowers #ilovemyman #marriage #marriagerocks
#mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart #mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart
Whenever I feel afraid⁠ I hold my head erect⁠ Whenever I feel afraid⁠
I hold my head erect⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
So no one will suspect I'm afraid⁠
⁠
I strike a careless pose⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
And no one ever knows I'm afraid⁠
⁠
The result of this deception⁠
Is very strange to tell⁠
For when I fool the people⁠
I fear I fool myself as well⁠
⁠
I whistle a happy tune⁠
And every single time⁠
The happiness in the tune⁠
Convinces me that I'm not afraid⁠
⁠
Make believe you're brave⁠
And the trick will take you far⁠
You may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you areYou may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you are⁠
⁠
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #showtunes #rodgersandhammerstein #thekingandi
#mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence #mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence
FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Pat FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Patreon this weekend! Stay tuned 😊
.
#januaryscripturewriting #club119writers #scripturewriting 
#journaling #journal #stickers #journalingcommunity #scripture #journalingstickers #fearlessheart #patreon
I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first one was to Pursue Jesus Relentlessly. One of the ways I am making that actionable is to make a list of spiritual disciplines I want to focus on in 2021. Disciplines for the sake of disciplines don’t bring us closer to Jesus but they can, if we let them, position us to be more aware of how God can change our hearts and behaviors.
.
If you’re a goal setter and haven’t considered spiritual disciplines, maybe consider adding some to your 2021 list 😊 There are more than just these 6 to chose from (do a quick Google search and you’ll find a plethora).
.
#2021 #prayer #fasting #generosity #biblestudy #biblereading #scripture 
#spiritualdisciplines
I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not be I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not because I crush every one of them every time (because I most certainly don’t 😜) but because it gives me direction and focus and helps me filter out the things that aren’t important right now in this season of my life.
.
I’ve set 8 goals for the year. I’m still working on definition & action planning but these are the areas of my life that I want to focus on and pursue.
.
Have you set goals for 2021? Drop one (or a few) of them in the comments below! 👇🏽
.
#goalsetter #goalsetting #stayfocused #tendinglist #cultivatewhatmatters #2021goals #selfdevelopment #takecareofyourself #pursuejesus #stewardship
My 2021 word of the year. . Do you have one? Drop My 2021 word of the year.
.
Do you have one? Drop them below 👇🏽 I’d love to read them!
.
#wordoftheyear #wordoftheyear2021 #steadfast #theyearofsteadfast
One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire Bible. In this blog post I share my reading plan and a couple of the tools I’m using to get through the Old & New Testament! If you want to read the whole Bible in 2021, maybe consider 90 days 😊
.
Link in bio 
.
#readthebible #readtheword2021 #readthebiblein90days #readyourbible #90daybiblechallenge #biblereadingplan #readthebible2021
#mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #clu #mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #club119writers
January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need an extra dose of the kind of bravery that comes from God’s strength, provision, & grace? Me too! This scripture writing plan has got it! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting this plan together for our community 😊

I know I’m several days late posting this but it’s not too late to jump in!
.
#januaryscripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #scripturewritingchallenge #club119writers #fearlessheart #womenintheword #womeninthewordtogether
One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, the year of clear vision and the bright beginning of a wonderful new decade. But then 2020 happened and now most of us are feeling battle scarred & weary.
There is no promise for a better year ahead. But God is the same yesterday, today, & forever. We don’t have to know everything because He knows the end from the beginning. So we raise our glasses and we celebrate. Not because January 1 is magical but because God is powerful and He is in control. Happy New Year and may God bless you and keep you 😊❤️ 
.
#happynewyear #celebration #godisincontrol
I love him. So much. That’s all. I love him. So much. That’s all.
How could you wait another minute⁠ A hug is warm How could you wait another minute⁠
A hug is warmer when you're in it⁠
And baby that's a fact⁠
And saying I love you's always better⁠
Seasons, reasons, they don't matter⁠
So don't hold back⁠
⁠
How many people in this world⁠
So needful in this world⁠
How many people are praying for love⁠
⁠
So don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find a way⁠
To give a little love everyday⁠
Don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find your way⁠
'Cause holidays have come and gone⁠
But love lives on⁠
If you give on⁠
Love⁠
⁠
Celine Dion / Ric Wake / Peter Zizzo⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #dontsaveitallforchristmasday #givelove #spreadlove #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas
#mondayverses #startright #christmas #themostwond #mondayverses #startright #christmas  #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #thegreatcommission
As the years went by we learned more about gifts⁠
The giving of ourselves and what that means⁠
On a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain⁠
All because of love, all because of love⁠
⁠
Oh and we were the reason that He gave His life⁠
We were the reason that He suffered and died⁠
To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give⁠
To show us the reason to live⁠
⁠
I've finally found the reason for living⁠
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him⁠
In all that I do, every word that I say⁠
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him⁠
⁠
 David Meece⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #wearethereason #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas #becauseoflove #thegreatestgift
#mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmassto #mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmasstory  #merrychristmas #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear
It’s Wednesday. I hope your week is going well. It’s Wednesday. 
I hope your week is going well. And if it isn’t, I hope you’re finding joy in the simple & beautiful. I hope you’re both working hard & taking time to care for yourself and your people ☺️ You’re loved and your life is important — just thought you should know 🙂
.
#wednesdaythoughts #takecareofyourself #favoritetimeoftheyear #selfcare
Load More... Follow on Instagram

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