I know I often speak of home, but it is truly something I am passionate about. Home should be the place you long to get back to. It’s always fun to go out on an adventure, whether it is your big shopping trip of the month, or a little get-a-way for the weekend, no matter if I am gone for an hour or for a week, HOME is where I love.
Home is what you make of it. Do you seek to make it a place of beauty. A place of warmth. A place of quiet rest. A place of abounding laughter and fun. It can be all these things and more.
It doesn’t take a lot of STUFF to make it this place. It takes effort. It takes the Lord.
Is there strife there? I know occasionally there is everywhere, but lead by example and work towards ending that strife, even before it starts if possible.
Is there uncomfortableness? Work towards comfort. Chairs, pillows, blankets, books, the things you love that surround you. Words on walls and pictures that remind you of your joy, your peace, your family. You are not trying for a museum… this is your home! Make it a place you can live in. Home can be beautiful and comfortable.
Does everyone scatter when you are home? Everyone seeks out their own corner for quiet? That’s fine too, and we all need a space of our own, but for a while, make sure you come together and enjoy one another.
Are you not home enough? Start making time for home. I know when you have a lot of activities, it can be very difficult to get everyone home for any amount of time, but search out a time and try to make that time very special, with a good meal, maybe a family game, a book on cd, even a family movie… but make sure to make time to linger around the table and just talk. No cell phones, please… except to take a picture and capture the moment… My family knows this is how I am. 😉
Are flowers in bloom? Pick a few… it is amazing what a few flowers can do to create a beautiful space. I’ve told you before when we plant our summer garden, I almost always try to plant a wildflower garden as well. That way I have fresh flowers to gather from as often as I want! This year I hope to plant a LARGE patch. I’m eager for that!
I posted a quote with the picture below on my instagram.
Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.
-William Morris
I try to adhere to that. I want to use what I have and have what I use or love. The jars of grain are scooped from each week. The measuring cups are able to be pulled off the wall and used, (those came from my mother in law and I just love them) The flowers drying across the beam in the kitchen are from special occasions. The joy sign is something I got on clearance at Christmas and it is a great reminder to me, to always choose joy instead of anger, frustration or hurt. To try to keep on seeing the good and finding the happy in all situations. It will probably remain out all year around, just probably moved from here to there occasionally.
Your home may have a totally different look than mine, it may be neat and tidy and less stuff around… that is perfectly fine, everyone has different tastes and what makes them feel homey and comfortable. I would just like to encourage you to make home a priority and time with your family there a thing to look forward to… It’s rewards are worth it.
Every family is different and I don’t expect to know what best suits your family, but I do know this… our time with our children is very short, and there are SO many options out there that can take that time away, so please make time for family. Make time for home. Make time for enjoying life in the space you have… This is what memories are built around and heaven knows we want those to be sweet ones.
You are truly a lovely home-maker!
You make me smile, my friend. Thank you!
Your home is beautiful!!! I love it and your inspiring words.
Chas, I love,love,love the pictures you share especially of your kitchen. I would so love to be able to sit at your table and fellowship with you. Enjoy your day. Blessings joann
Great post! You have a lovely home! Love the openess and your shelves! I love being home as well, such comfort!
Katie, Thank you so much for your visit and the sweet compliments. The open shelving idea came when we didn't have the money to afford any more cabinets, but needed MUCH more storage space. It worked and didn't cost us anything but the cost of nails. It was a great blessing!
JoAnn, thank you so much. I know, what a sweet time that would be! Have a wonderful day as well! xoxo
Thank you so much, Heather! I appreciate that more than you know! xoxo
Thank you for sharing your lovely home and thoughts. Your table and all of those great shelves make me drool! Ha, Ha. Blessings, Carolyn