How They Make Home.

She has a delicious scent plug-ins in her room. She is the queen of accessories and always knows how to glam up my outfit when I come over. She has her mementos, pictures, and verses decorating every corner of her room. She carries her iPod station or Macbook around to whatever room she is in and she picks the perfect playlist to set the desired mood for the atmosphere - whether it is a lazy afternoon by the pool or an early morning getting-dressed session. She opens mango salsa and spinach chips for an afternoon snack.

This is how she makes her space

beautiful.warm.inviting.home.

She is my sister.

Her fridge contains organic ingredients and healthy, raw dairy products. As an act of love, she spends time in the kitchen preparing meals and trying out new recipes for her family. She sets enticing snacks out all day long. She arranges the place mats at the dinner table closer together in order to facilitate better conversation and deeper community during the meal. She turns music on and has oil scent plug-ins. Visitors are greeted by the running water up the walkway, a welcome sign, and an unlocked door.

This is how she makes her space
beautiful.warm.inviting.home.

She is my best friend's mom.

She has a pot of freshly ground coffee brewing. She has a variety of coffee creamers to choose from to make every cup of coffee special. She arranges the furniture to facilitate easy conversation. She has at least two candles in every room and buys seasonal scents. She doesn't wait until company comes to light them but instead enjoys them every day. There is a music station on the counter and the sounds of worship music can usually be heard streaming from that corner. Musical instruments are placed around her house, cultivating an environment of creativity. She delights in the expression of beauty.

This is how she makes her space

beautiful.warm.inviting.home.

She is my mom.

I have been observing these women lately. I feel so "home" in their presence. I feel home in their "space." I have been observing what they do to cultivate these atmospheres that I enjoy so much. And, outside of their warm and loving personalities, I see some similarities.

Music.

Scents.

Food.

Conversation settings.

Aesthetic Beauty.

They all make a distinct effort to include these things in their home experiences. As I continue to build my home, I'm grateful for these woman (and others in my life) who I can glean from.

What do YOU do to create the environment you love in the space that you call your own?

July Rain

I have been contemplating all this July rainfall.

I love the summer. I love the sun, I like the heat and I love the beach. I like summer clothing and I love to feel free.

And the pleasure I find in summer has been constantly interrupted by many wet and gray days this past June and July.

As I was thinking, I came to a realization - obvious on the surface but deeper in meaning. I realized that: Some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world receive the most rain.

And as I thought about that concept, I pondered the state of my own heart.

My heart loves summer in the metaphorical sense. Sunshine, carefree days, freedom, and easy laughter. Easy. Fun. Pleasure.

But through the rain, comes growth. And through the rain, comes beauty.

The more rain, the greater the growth and the deeper the beauty.

This year, I have had a hard time not asking God “Why?” as it seems the rain has been continuing to fall on my heart. But as I look at pictures of His creation - of the lush rainforests and majestic waterfalls - I receive enough hope to keep on soaking up the rain that He allows in my life. Because - In His time, He makes all things beautiful. In His time.