Cheerful. That is such a wonderful word to describe a home, isn’t it? . 

When used in the form of a noun, it means “optimism, happiness and confidence.” An example of cheer as a noun is, “His dad was full of cheer as he watched his son play his heart out in the game.” But when used as a verb, it means, “to shout for joy or in praise or encouragement.” An example would be, “You could hear the dad cheer for his son as he played his heart out in the game!” Hear the difference? In the first example, cheer is what the dad possessed – happiness and confidence in his son as he watched him play. But in the second example, that possession has a voice! His cheer overflows from within the dad and is expressed toward his son.

Here are 5 ways we can bring possessed and expressed cheer into our home life:  

1. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence,” Ephesians 3:12  –  To personally know Jesus Christ through the power of His gift of redeeming grace, leading us to experience new birth in Him, is the way we possess genuine cheerfulness. Proverbs 15:13 says, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful.”  Cheerfulness begins in the heart….it is quite literally a matter of [a transformation of] the heart. If you do not know how to have a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, listen to John MacArthur share “Fifteen Words of Hope” or you can read the entire transcript of his message.

2. Decorate with inspiration.  Nothing speaks louder, softer, or deeper than spoken and written words. When family and friends can walk through your home and read uplifting and inspirational verses and/or poems, and prayers, their own heart is cheered. Actually, the Bible tell us that biblical encouragement works to cheer the heart like medicine – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22  –  Consider making your own signs, (if you are the creative type!), or find someone who has been given the talent. Or you can simply use framed verses or handwritten note cards with scripture or prayers placed throughout your home. Just remember, words touch us … especially the words of our Lord.

3. Open the drapes! Lift the blinds! Swing open the windows! Let the sunshine pour in!  When the sun is rising in the morning, it is such a cheerful invitation to embrace a new day! To see the sunshine pouring in the windows, casting shadows, and causing morning smiles to sparkle, all seems to highlight a cheerful atmosphere that God’s new mercies and mornings faithfully bring.  Look at each room of your home and consider how you may can make some changes so that the sunshine is not obstructed and can come pouring in each room and space.

4. Have fun in the kitchen.  The cliche’ says that “a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but the way to a child’s heart is “quality time” … and one place in the house where so much fun, laughter, and cheer can be expressed is in the kitchen. Find a cute little apron for “him and/or her” and let them roll up their sleeves to bake, cook or just help create a masterpiece of a meal. If preparing food for the family truly is what you enjoy, then find ways to include others in your meal prep because it truly can be a fun way to ‘flavor’ mealtime with cheer!

5. Always have surprises!  A cheerful deed can sometimes be felt the most when people are surprised with our love and care for them. Those little unexpected things like coming home from school to a plate of cupcakes and fresh picked flowers. Or a frisbee covered in berries and apple slices and placed on the porch swing just waiting for little hands to come, find and enjoy! Maybe a new soft blanket for your teenage daughter after she’s had a long day at soccer practice. What about a couple of tickets to your husband’s favorite sports game … just because!  And why stop there! How about a “happy” for a co-worker left on their desk, or a gift delivered to a friend’s front door that you ordered off Amazon? Just small gestures like these say, “Nothing brings me more cheer than cheering for you!”

    I know I said “5 Ways”…. but I just want to give you 3 more!

    6. Music. Music. Music.  There is something about music that stirs up cheer in our heart. When you are in your home, maybe consider turning off the TV, disconnecting from media and techie things, and simply play uplifting happy music.

    7. Plants, greenery, and fresh produce.  There is something about plants, greenery and fresh fruits and vegetables that also enhances a cheery disposition. It’s because “living” things just seem to promote a sense of appreciation for what has God created. It’s untampered with. A fresh ivy or a vase of tree branches, or a bowl of fresh lemons and limes ready for a cold glass of tea is just a natural way of inspiring cheer in the home – a happiness and optimism that is full of gratitude for what only God can do.

   8. Create rooms that welcome with cheer. When a room is dark, weighted with too much clutter, strode with too many objects, and overloaded with heavy fabrics it does seem to have an impact on how people feel in that space. But when a room is light, bright, not too decorated, and has a very simple and warm style, it really does uplift the mood and helps create cheer. Hang that inspirational sign we mentioned earlier, provide blankets, fluffy pillows, few knick-knacks, and welcoming uncluttered spaces offer such a cheerful feel to the room.

I hope you’ve been inspired in ways that you can bring cheer to your home. Always have fun…keep the laughter…don’t be too serious….pick your battles…and most importantly remember,

“God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7