• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • House Love
  • Mothering
  • Recipes
  • Books
  • Tutorials
  • 40 Bags In 40 Days
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact

Clover Lane

  • Why I Stay Home
  • Coming Home
  • Sweetness
  • An Interview
  • Peace From Within
Home » Blog » A Home’s Energy

A Home’s Energy

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane, Mothering

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Print

Nor need we power or splendour, wide hall or lordly dome; the good, the true, the tender, these form the wealth of home.” Sarah J. Hale

Did you watch Stephanie Nielson on Oprah on Wednesday? Of course you did.

One of the things casually mentioned in the interview between Stephanie, Oprah, and the girl that visited Stephanie, was the “energy” of her home…warm, peaceful, and calm. Oprah made a comment about how you walk into some houses and you feel the energy and think “get me out of here”. That could have possibly been my house last week…oops. Really, I was sick, but I was also worn thin, impatient, sometimes plain mean. I yelled, I scolded, I “hurried up” way too many times. And you know what happened? That energy spread…like energy tends to do…no one was getting along, no one was kind and patient and nice to each other, no one listened, no one made an effort to help (without being asked repeatedly), and the noise level went up and up and up.

Sometimes I reject the ‘master of energy’ role that has been given to me, as a mother. I feel sorry for myself. Who wants that responsibility every single day? But whether I WANT it or not is not an option. No choice there. In a backwards sort of way, with that responsibility comes a power….a gift….whatever you want to call it. I’ve posted a little reminder above my kitchen sink of how I want the energy in my home to feel…just a reminder that if I feel these things in my spirit they will radiate and bounce of the walls and into children’s hearts. The more beings in a home, the stronger the energy needed…the more hearts to full. The more teenagers and toddlers…you better have the cardiac strength to bounce hard.

The real work? Getting the energy I want to exude into my heart every day. Making the effort to know what fills me up, and then committing to do those things every single day. That’s the hard part….every single day. Knowing what drains my battery life quickly, knowing how long my charge lasts, and knowing what fills it back up again…and reminding myself of all that often. That right there is the SECRET to making a home a loving, happy, welcoming one.

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Print

October 9, 2009 · 28 Comments

Follow by Email

Previous Post: « An Autumn Walk
Next Post: Baby Naming…My Favorite Pastime »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. Holly says

    October 9, 2009 at 10:05 pm

    This post really resonated with me today. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself. I'm going to mull this over for the next few days & really think about about my "battery"…

    Reply
  2. Shari says

    October 9, 2009 at 10:41 pm

    I often fall into that pit of self pity and resent that I have to carry the burden of being the center of that 'energy.' It really does originate with the mother for the most part and you're right, we have no choice but to try our best and run with it, as exhausting as that is.

    A lot of times I look to external circumstances or people to lift my spirits first before I feel like I can extend that positive energy outward.

    I've known all along that it has to come from within me first. Thanks for reminding me though.

    I, too am going to 'mull' over this and re-teach myself about my battery maintenance.

    Hope you're feeling better by the way. You've had it rough these past few weeks.

    Reply
  3. starnes family says

    October 9, 2009 at 11:11 pm

    Well said. Sometimes I hear myself and can't believe what I've said. And, not just WHAT I say…..HOW I say it. Thanks for this excellent reminder.

    Reply
  4. Emily@remodeling this life says

    October 9, 2009 at 11:40 pm

    girl this could not have popped into my reader at a better time. i just spent the last hour grumbling, yelling, complaining to everyone here about the tugging on expensive halloween costumes that need to last another 3 weeks, not eating dinner, the bickering the whining. and i wonder WHY they were bickering and whining? maybe because that's the energy i put into my house today.

    thanks for the friendly reminder. i missed the oprah show. wish i'd seen all these blog posts telling me to watch – i don't usually, so i didn't know it was on ahead of time. oh well.

    Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    October 9, 2009 at 11:49 pm

    Well put, Sarah!
    Love it.
    And on that note, I'm off to an evening of some yoga with moms, snacks and a glass of wine.
    Need to keep my battery full.
    xxoo
    jody

    Reply
  6. Love Being A Nonny says

    October 9, 2009 at 11:51 pm

    Knowing what charges me and how long it lasts……EXACTLY!! Great post!

    Reply
  7. Mrs. Dunbar says

    October 9, 2009 at 11:53 pm

    I watched Nie, even recorded it for my husband to watch too. I've been thinking about the "energy" of my home as well. So much of it has to do with my attitude, I have to keep reminding myself of this. You always put things so poignantly.

    Reply
  8. Sarah says

    October 10, 2009 at 12:09 am

    As always you are so right. The energy of the home is determined by us moms. Thanks for reminding me to keep myself balanced. By the way, I LOVE your Halloween header! God's blessings on your weekend, Sarah 😀

    Reply
  9. They Told Me to Write says

    October 10, 2009 at 1:20 am

    Hi Sarah! I have to say I just discovered your blog a few weeks ago but I really love it. For awhile now, I've been looking for something new and interesting to read – and I'm so with you in so many areas. Yes, I saw Nie Nie and I'm with you – we wizard moms control the energy of our homes. Good luck to all of us!

    Reply
  10. Kelli says

    October 10, 2009 at 1:40 am

    Of course I watched! This post hit the heart today. Thank you.

    Reply
  11. Stephanie says

    October 10, 2009 at 2:11 am

    Like the old saying goes: "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy". How true it is!

    Reply
  12. Jennifer Jo says

    October 10, 2009 at 2:19 am

    A good reminder. Thanks.

    Reply
  13. LeighSabey says

    October 10, 2009 at 3:02 am

    I discovered your blog a couple weeks ago — love it. As a new-ish mom, I'm starting to understand how my energy effects my toddler and husband. Thank you for explaining it so eloquently and offering the advice to not only recharge our "batteries", but really think about how to charge and maintain them.

    Reply
  14. Jess says

    October 10, 2009 at 3:45 am

    I've not been watching tv much in the last couple of weeks and I also missed her blog post that she was going to be on Oprah. I found a couple of clips online, from what I have seen I would love to watch the whole thing.

    Your post is so true. I have known for a while now that the energy in our home needs to change I am just having a hard time making that shift. I have been praying a lot over the past couple of weeks and trying more to "listen" for an answer. I know that I need to take care of myself more. Thank you for this post, it's just what I needed to hear.

    Reply
  15. Erin says

    October 10, 2009 at 1:56 pm

    Thank you so much for this post! I am a teacher of middle schoolers. Very true in my classroom! Thanks for the reminder. WHat does your little reminder say above your sink? I need this on my desk. I love reading your blog. You are a fantastic woman!

    Reply
  16. Gretchen says

    October 10, 2009 at 3:36 pm

    You are so right on. This year I have allowed myself to be on the calendar and get away either alone or with a girlfriend to recharge and fill my well so that I can come back and be the best mom I can be.

    Reply
  17. meg duerksen says

    October 10, 2009 at 9:38 pm

    amen.

    finding the energy in the first place is the hardest part!

    Reply
  18. SZM says

    October 11, 2009 at 12:51 am

    I am the mom of two boys, 12 & 14, and this is something I constanly need to work on. Thank you for the words of inspiration. Great post and love the photo.

    Reply
  19. SZM says

    October 11, 2009 at 12:52 am

    oops, sorry for the typo…constantly

    Reply
  20. Anonymous says

    October 11, 2009 at 2:27 am

    I am a silent reader of your blog… I found thru another blog… yada yada.. BUT… I just had to say thank you. I love this post. I love lots of your posts. I am not a blogger myself, just do it privately for my own records.. but I appreciate blogs like yours. You are real, and unassuming.

    I am going to print this entry and tape it in my bathroom.

    But I was wondering.. What is the reminder you have above your sink?

    Thanks again.

    Reply
  21. Ruth H. says

    October 11, 2009 at 4:41 pm

    Thank you for this reminder! This is a concept that I have been taught over and over, but still struggle to achieve. On a very personal note, I can pinpoint a time when we truly achieved that ideal "energy" as a family in our home. During the month before our little daughter died, and was home thanks to Hospice, we had the best feeling in our home. We were so focused on making the most of the time we had together, and not letting other things get in our way. And, as a family, we were very conscious of making our home a peaceful and calm for our daughter. As painful as that time was, I cherish the memory of the way it felt to be in our home then.

    Anyway, sorry to write a novel of a comment, but I wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed your blog since discovering it a few weeks ago. Thank you for helping me to grow as a mother and homemaker.

    Reply
  22. Nancy says

    October 12, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    Yes, yes, yes. I have been "hurrying up" too much too. You are so right about the energy i put out and how it makes the home positive/negative. Thanks for the soul search this am! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Erin says

    October 12, 2009 at 6:13 pm

    So true! I've been thinking a lot about that lately and a post you wrote awhile back about over scheduling which is what I think is going on with us right now. I feel like I'm always rushing the girls to something and it's making us all burned out and in a bad mood. Which does affect the energy in the home. Thanks Sarah – as always – for such a good reminder.

    Reply
  24. Laura says

    October 12, 2009 at 8:58 pm

    and I was just about to post the VERY SAME THING.

    That quick mention of Nie's has been the ONE thing I have taken and held onto and heard repeatedly in my mind.

    And it has left me sad.
    Because the energy in my home is NOT the energy I want. And if I am the sole person to create that energy for my family than what does that say about me?

    And is it ironic that my children are downstairs screaming as I write this??? Dont know if I should laugh or cry!

    Reply
  25. Kimberly says

    October 16, 2009 at 7:27 am

    Thankyou for being so honest about the powerful and sometimes daunting role of setting the energy for our homes. I sometimes resent it but it doesn't change the fact of it. It is so important to start with gratitude each morning.

    Reply
  26. Jaime @ A Place Out West says

    October 17, 2009 at 2:52 pm

    So, so true. I saw Nie on Oprah and that statement resonated with me too. You explained it well, and I think we all could use that reminder sometimes! When I'm having one of those days, my mom always tells me that I'll get back what I give out.

    Just found your blog through Chris and I am excited to browse through your other posts!

    Reply
  27. Likely says

    October 26, 2009 at 5:40 pm

    That energy that they talked about in Nie's home…. I wish they would have elaborated on it… I am a member of the same church and Nie is a friend of mine… Maybe she can elaborate on that "energy", which we refer to a lot in our faith as The Spirit. I am sure that is what they are talking about. Nie has the Spirit of God in her home.

    Reply
  28. Laura says

    November 3, 2010 at 3:07 am

    yes, what IS the reminder above your sink? Is it the quote?
    Thanks!
    Laura

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Sarah Turner

When our first baby was placed in my arms I knew there was no place I wanted to be other than home with him every day. Twenty five years, and five more babies later, (six children, now ages 26-8), I still feel the same. I blog here about motherhood, how to make a house a home, easy recipes, and simple living. You can read more about me here.

21 years of our best-loved, most-used quality toys!

Follow by Email

Recent Posts

  • Sorting, Saving and Storing Children’s Keepsakes-A Quick and Easy Guide for Busy Moms
  • No-Clutter Easter Basket Ideas
  • Favorite Kitchen Items
  • Favorite Smoothie Recipe
  • Bathroom Organization-Five Tips For Purging and Organization

Topics

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer

Clover Lane is participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my disclosure.

Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular. Just an o Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular.  Just an ordinary Monday morning breakfast counter after the kids leave for school.  Because ordinary gets the short hand in our culture but really it's extra special. 
It's a symbol of unselfishness, contentment, prudence and gratitude.  There is a certain peace about the ordinary.  It's the opposite of temporary-it holds the joy of contentment and gratitude and prudence all in one hand.  It's lends itself toward peace, and a settling in, not a constant search for more or less or anything.  Ordinary is authentic and good enough- in short it's a gem in disguise. 🍃
I love my home and I hope you do also. With all t I love my home and I hope you do also.  With all the imperfections and maintenance it requires, when I pull up and walk in I want to stay, to relax, to feel safe, for daily life to be easy, and to care for "home". I want simplicity, ease, convenience.  To me when my home is simple, without being filled to the brim of things that just take up space I love it best.  I hope if you've participated fully or even partially as time allowed in 40 Bags in 40 Days you've found that joy and pride in your home.  I plan to share more little challenges and tips as the year proceeds to trouble shoot areas and keep maintenance effortless and the house love flowing.  Daily life in our homes should bring us joy and ease while we care for our families, we should be thoughtful stewards of our money and of our time and simple living is the answer to that. 
Thank you for participating! 🏡
I think this is one of the best things about the 4 I think this is one of the best things about the 40 Bag decluttering process.  When I know what I have and have removed all that I don't, it cultivates more discretion and caution about what I bring back in.  I think there is also some realization of how much money is wasted on fads, or thoughtless purchases.  It's quite eye-opening.  I've become so much more careful, and find we all take better care of things, as do my children.
The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days! I've tackle The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days!  I've tackled all the areas of my home with exception of my oldest daughter's room (not the photo)- which she is excited to work on this week.
The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean an The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean and straighten up.  And then the more enjoyable it is to actually sit in that room.  It's not a hard equation, all it takes is ruthless purging-and not just little things but larger items also.  Functional furniture is the key and very few decorative pieces especially when children are in the home, makes life so much easier. 
🍃
As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge I'm hearing from so many of you what a difference it has made in your appreciation of your homes, a certain contentment, and at the same time a thrill of looking in on the organized kitchen, closet and living space.  I agree!  I love purging, cleaning and organizing a space and then going back later that day just to get that wonderful sense of accomplishment.  It makes such a difference! 
🍃
A lighter, fresher, calmer home is the result of de-cluttering.  I even had a participant who had been planning on listing her home, start 40 Days just to get her house ready to sell, and then was so ruthless in the process and also thrilled by the results that they decided to stay put in what seemed like a new home to them.  What a savings of time, money and energy. 
🍃
Next week I will be talking maintenance and answer all questions! ☀️
Tips For Shared Kids Rooms- This bedroom has seen Tips For Shared Kids Rooms-
This bedroom has seen every configuration possible.  With kids spread out 18 years apart, I've had to be creative over the years-which I think is the key to sharing rooms.  It is all possible-I consider it a rare luxury and privilege to not have to share a room although I know that is not the norm today. 
🍃
I like to create a simple look with white furniture (this ends up making room transitions easier also when moving someone out and someone else in.) I also like to match bedspreads for a cohesive look. 
🍃
Clip on bed lights save space. 
🍃
A simple shared book shelf can hold a child's special books and knick knacks and if necessary can be assigned per shelf.
🍃
When my kids were younger I had my dad build me a large wooden roll out box for under each bed.  This held each child's toys. 
🍃
All clothes are kept in a closet instead of dressers to save space.
I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags progress and tips.  My excuse is the stomach flu ravaging us all here in the last week with me being the last to fall and the slowest to recover.  On top of that the weekend before I tried to roller blade (don't even ask how many steps I made it) and majorly bit it.  Thankfully I think I just sprained my arm. So I've been using one arm for nursing sick children back to health, and doing whatever cleaning and cooking and straightening I can do.  Alas, last week was a wash.  We have two weeks to go.  I'd like to continue and end on a high note.  How about you?  Even a little de-cluttering counts! Spring is in the air and I can't wait to throw open my windows and let fresh clean air circulate through my fresh clean orderly home. ☀️🌷🌱
Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to th Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to think that the more things they have the happier and more occupied and loved they will feel.  Nothing can replace human interaction and I've found that too many toys has the reverse affect.  They cause overwhelm-just like us - we'd rather sit in an orderly space than one filled with too many things to do and too much stuff.
☀️
When it comes to kids closets here are some tips-
1. Hand me downs don't all have to be received.  Or received at all.  Be choosy and keep just what they will use and need.
2. When children are presented with too many choices, tension and acrimony can exist.  Being able to open a closet with a reasonable amount of outfits can create more peace.
3. Cultivating independence in care of clothes is easier when there is less and the space is simplified and organized. 
☀️
More tips coming on the blog this week.  I am moving my blog platform so I can't make any promises - it's under construction and that's exciting!
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Disclosure

Copyright © 2021 · Memories on Clover Lane · All Rights Reserved
Please do not duplicate anything on this blog without written permission from the author.
Disclosure: Amazon affiliate links used.