How to Create a Simple Wreath for Fall and Winter

Today, we are going to start with a little history lesson on wreaths because I was curious so I did some research. Wreaths date back to the Persian Empire where they were used a sign of power and authority when they were worn on the head. Over time, wreaths were hung on doors to represent victory in Rome. Later, believers hung wreaths as a symbol of everlasting life and as a sign that Christ was welcomed in their home. Today, wreaths are generally used as welcome to guests and as a household decoration. And while wreaths were typically made from greenery, today we use a plethora of items and objects to create unique, decorative wreaths.

I started with some wooden embroidery hoops in different sizes that I picked up at the thrift store.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! I love looking at nature reflected in still waters. When the water is tranquil enough I can often see what is being reflected better and more clearly than looking at the actual thing. There is so much anger and offense, frustration and worry these days that all create rough and violent reflections of who we truly are. When we respond in anger without calmness, people are unable to see a clear picture of Jesus and his love that we are called to mirror. Worry and anger do not cast back who Jesus is. It is okay to be upset and angry about what is happening in our world, but let's stay calm in our response putting love above all else so that people can truly see a love and a peace that can only come from God. 

Comfortable Casual Cozy Boho Bedroom

I have been waiting to share the rest of my guest bedroom with you because it is not quite finished. But, it may take awhile to find exactly what I am looking for and more importantly, I am learning to not wait until everything in my home is just right before I invite guests in. 

So, please, come on in and check out this fun comfy, casual boho style wall I am putting together in my guest bedroom.

If you have been following along (if you missed it, check out my earlier posts HERE and HERE), I am working at creating a multifunctional guest bedroom with a cozy, comfortable, casual, boho vibe. I decided I wanted to paint something fun on the wall the bed would be on. I chose an arch, rainbow type detail.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! I have been spending some much appreciated and enjoyed time in old growth forests. I am amazed at the size of the trees and love seeing the huge stumps of trees that have passed on. More often than not, new trees are growing on and out of the fallen, dead trees as the forest is constantly renewing. It is a reminder that God always intends for new life to come from old. When we choose to love and follow Jesus, he asks us to get rid of our old lives and ways in order to allow him to work and grow afresh in our lives. Sounds easy enough, but oh, how we love to cling to our old ways and God knows this. I have observed the more decayed the tree is, the more new life is springing out of it. The more we let go of our old selves, the more we let Jesus have our dead rot, the further he can grow good things in us. Let hate, anger, impatience, greed, fear decay on the forest floor of our pasts and let his love cultivate a novel good.

Simple Found Fall Decor

My goal for the past few years has been to reduce the number of holiday decor bins I have--last year I reduced my fall decor to one plastic tote (plus one for costumes), and I got rid of four Christmas bins.

 I knew this year that I wanted to keep things simple and sparse in my new home, and after putting out the fall decor I wanted to use, my bin is still two-thirds full.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! Most of us have been standing in some deep waters lately. What started as a toe-dip or wade into challenging times, has become a full drudge into murky and unsettling spaces that seem to want to drown us. Holding on to our faith life vests through it all is not as effortless as we may have believed. I know many of us have struggled to keep our heads above water and we long for Jesus to pluck us from the raging water and set us safely on dry land. God does not say he is going to protect us from all hardships, but he does promise us that he is will be with us. Jesus is standing beside you and I, holding us upright as we ford the grueling waters we must pass through. Stand firm in faith when relentless life drenches you,  knowing that God will not let you drown. And, in time, may we realize that the waters that engulf us are also life giving streams that change us as they wash over us and strengthen us.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! Do you know what renews your soul? For me, it is being out in nature, in the trees, on a mountain, or near water. God knew that we were going to be stressed out, overworked, burdened, and so he told us several times in his word to rest, to give our troubles and worries to him. When we try to manage our stress our way-- with control, overuse of alcohol, food, exercise, internet, anything we use to escape, anger--we do not find rest and renewal. God tells us many times in his word to come to him for rest, to get quiet and still. We are all facing challenges in these uncertain and tumultuous times. Let's quit trying to control tensions and pressures our way and let's give them to Jesus. Oh, and let's remember to practice kindness too along the way.

Creating a Cozy Guest Room on a Budget

Moving to a new state for hubby's job meant I had to leave a job I loved, decorating and merchandising the antique place where I had a booth. It was a small job, and I only worked a a dozen hours a week, but I so enjoyed styling booths. I felt like I made a difference where I worked, that people enjoyed the displays I created, and that they helped sales. When people asked me what I was going to do when we moved, I would cry because my answer was, "I have no idea." I still don't know how to answer that question, although I am looking into some things--focusing more on my blog again is one of those

My new blog focus is sharing how I am decorating our blank slate home and sharing how to make a builder basic house a home with personal style on a budget. I am having fun and am excited to share new projects with you all.

I am working on our guest room, making it multifunctional and warm on a budget. This cozy sitting area came together with garage sale and thrift store finds.

Easy DIY Coffee Mug Rack

I am not sure what it is about a good coffee mug rack that I love, but I do think every home needs one! I Not only are they the most logical place to store mugs, but a mug rack makes it easy to see and find coffee cups and says to guests, "Help yourself, sit, enjoy a warm cup of something yummy."

This easy, DIY coffee mug rack took less than an hour to make.  All you need is a scrap of wood, some hooks and stencils.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! If you have been reading my blog, you know that I recently have undergone all types of changes--a job change for hubby, a move out of state, leaving a job I loved, and after 27 years of "in-home parenting", we experienced the sometimes celebrated, often times dreaded, empty nest. While I have known since the day my children were born that some day the home spaces they filled would be vacant, I was unaware of how I would receive that emptiness. It has not been an easy season and I have been slow to accept this transition. But through it, I trust God's truths. I know that life's seasons are set up by God and more importantly, I trust that he is present in all of them. God is in the waiting, he fills the emptiness, he sits with me when I am not okay, when I am unsure about what to do next. Whatever season you are in, wait, trust, be at peace, and KNOW that our Father who loves us beyond measure has a plan and a purpose for each of us.