Stacey Thomas shares her insights and experience about going from a "no-plan" lifestyle to balanced, cheerful home management habits.
The never-ending nature of housework often leads us to discouragement and frustration. We fall into a boom-and-bust cycle that leaves us overwhelmed and exhausted. It doesn't have to be that way.
Although housework will continue, we can change our approach and expectations so that we learn to enjoy the rhythm of life it gives us. Instead of fighting the necessity of daily routines, we can embrace them.
On today's episode of Simplified Organization, Stacey Thomas, a member of Convivial Circle, shares the tactics that helped her switch from flying by the seat of her pants to being purposeful about her rhythms.
Stacey shares her journey of moving into a fixer-upper, balancing life as a homeschooling mom, and transforming her attitude towards housework. We discuss practical tips such as using alignment cards, setting priorities, embracing daily Bible reading, and implementing 10-minute cleaning sessions.
Stacey also emphasizes the importance of finding contentment and the impact of attitude on family life. Learn how to manage your home cheerfully and to the glory of God in this lively episode.
Managing a home and raising a family can often feel overwhelming, especially in seasons of busyness or when the tasks seem endless. But what if the key to thriving in homemaking isn’t in finding the perfect system or hack? What if it starts with the right mindset? Homemaking becomes joyful work when rooted in truth, gratitude, and a willingness to align our attitudes with God’s purposes.
Joy in the Mess
Life rarely unfolds perfectly. Renovations, homeschooling, or the daily grind can challenge even the most organized mom. But the truth is, a cheerful attitude changes everything. When faced with chaos—whether it’s a cluttered house or a full schedule—choosing joy amidst the mess becomes a skill worth developing.
This shift starts with seeing the home as more than a reflection of success or failure. A home isn’t meant to be a showroom but a place for growth, learning, and love. It’s a stage where families live out their callings together. Homemaking done for God’s glory transforms frustrations into opportunities to serve and bless others.
The Heart of the Matter: Attitude Alignment
Many seek practical solutions to homemaking struggles—planners, routines, or cleaning hacks. These tools matter, but they only work well when paired with a mindset grounded in truth. Homemaking begins with attitude alignment: aligning the heart with what God has for today and cultivating gratitude.
Simple tools can guide this realignment. For example, writing Bible verses or encouraging quotes on index cards and placing them in visible spots serves as daily reminders to focus on truth.
Francis Schaeffer’s words, “A quiet disposition and a heart giving thanks at any given moment is the real test of the extent to which we love God at that moment,” encapsulate this idea beautifully.
Seeing such reminders while brushing your teeth or cooking dinner helps steer thoughts back to truth, even on challenging days.
Baby Steps Build Momentum
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed often leads to inaction. However, breaking tasks into manageable pieces creates momentum. Start with a single small goal, such as clearing one counter or tidying one corner.
Setting a timer for just 10 minutes can transform an overwhelming job into a manageable one. Surprisingly, this brief effort often accomplishes more than anticipated and shifts your perspective about what’s possible.
This approach works for children, too. Teaching them to tackle their rooms in small increments—one corner at a time—cultivates confidence and independence. It shows them that big messes can be conquered step by step.
Simplify Priorities
When life feels overwhelming, simplify. Instead of aiming to conquer every task, identify the top three priorities for the day.
Perhaps it’s completing school lessons, preparing dinner, and spending time with your husband. Writing these down keeps focus on what truly matters and provides a sense of accomplishment at day’s end.
It’s important to stay flexible, knowing that things won’t always go as planned. Managing a home is less about perfection and more about perseverance. As tasks pile up again—and they always will—remind yourself that homemaking is cyclical.
Laundry, dishes, and dusting will always come back. Instead of seeking to finish once and for all, practice picking up where you left off with gratitude and patience.
Anchor in Scripture
Above all, maintain a consistent habit of Bible reading. God’s Word anchors the homemaker’s heart, offering perspective and strength to face daily challenges.
Whether reading in the early morning or listening to audio while folding laundry, Scripture fuels the joy and energy needed for the work ahead. Don’t stress about catching up or doing it perfectly—just begin again where you are.
Cultivating a Manager’s Mindset
Taking ownership of the home as a place of ministry and service helps shift the perspective from drudgery to purpose.
A homemaker manages her home with care and intentionality, seeing it as her God-given responsibility. This mindset turns challenges into opportunities to create an environment that nurtures growth and joy for the entire family.
When You Feel Overwhelmed
If homemaking feels like an uphill battle, start small. Pick one thing to tackle, set a timer for 10 minutes, and do it. Read a few verses from the Bible to refresh your spirit. Smile and begin.
Often, the hardest part is just starting, but once you do, momentum builds, and discouragement fades.
Remember, your work at home matters deeply. It’s not about having a picture-perfect house; it’s about glorifying God by faithfully serving your family. Your attitude sets the tone, influencing everyone around you.
By aligning your heart with God’s purposes, simplifying priorities, and taking small, consistent steps, you’ll discover joy in the mess and contentment in the work He has given you.
Try the Beat Burnout Bingo Challenge
Small wins, stacked up and noticed, will beat your burnout.
Stop drifting and swirling at the whim of your emotions. Using this game format and noticing the progress you can make in 5 and 10 minutes will renew your attitude about yourself and your home.
Subscribe to the Simplified Organization Podcast
Related posts
Written by
