Proverbs 17:1 "Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife."

The message here is that the atmosphere of your home is more important than the contents. Even though Jesus was very clear when He said "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." (Lk. 12:15), it seems to me that we often confuse the issue and equate possessions with happiness. It's so easy to think that if my children (or I) only had ________, then they (or I) would be more content or happy.

Scripture however is clear that the most important thing is the atmosphere of our homes, and that is something we create by who we are. I have seen many blogs, and books for women advocating tea sets, and beautiful tables etc. While those things are very nice, they still miss the heart of the issue, because the focus is still on things creating an atmosphere of peace, harmony etc. People make atmosphere by who they are and how they live. May we be such lovers of the Lord that where we are is transformed by who we are.