This hangs on our wall by the entrance from our garage. As we slip off our shoes, I'm reminded - "there's no place like home".

Two years ago Forbes magazine dubbed my hometown among one of “America’s Fastest-Dying Cities”. This year we ranked 9th among the magazine’s “Most Miserable Cities” in America. Our closest city to the north - Cleveland, Ohio - was voted NUMBER ONE as the most miserable city! This is not a list you want to be ranked on!

How did we get to 9th place? The newspaper says, crummy weather, high unemployment, high rates of violence and crime, problems within the education systems, corruption with public officials and poor sports teams.

The newspaper says I live in a miserable place! But I beg to differ!No matter where my home is – a hut in Africa, a city studio apartment, a ranch in the west, an igloo in the north, or a home in the 9th most miserable city to live in – God, the giver of joy is there! My joy is not dictated by weather or public officials but by my hope in Jesus!

I’m in agreement with Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home!”.

Do you sometimes feel like your home is a miserable place? You have the power to turn it around. The woman influences the entire tone of the home. We all know the saying “if momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”

Hold your tongue. Build your family up with your words. Create memories and special moments by adding special touches like lighting a candle or baking a cake for no reason at all. Work hard to create a joyful haven, a peaceful rest, and a place of growth for your family. Do your best! Be creative and glorify the King of Kings as you manage your home. Our homes are a form of worship.