Home Sanctuary

Patient Trust, by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Patient Trust

Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are quite naturally impatient in everything
to reach the end without delay.
We should like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way to something
unknown, something new.
And yet it is the law of all progress
that it is made by passing through
some stages of instability—
and that it may take a very long time.

And so I think it is with you;
your ideas mature gradually—let them grow,
let them shape themselves, without undue haste.
Don’t try to force them on,
as though you could be today what time
(that is to say, grace and circumstances
acting on your own good will)
will make of you tomorrow.

Only God could say what this new spirit
gradually forming within you will be.
Give Our Lord the benefit of believing
that his hand is leading you,
and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself
in suspense and incomplete.

—Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ

 

Are you impatient with the "intermediate stages" of your journey? 

I am.

I want to "get there." I want my growth to be finished. I want to be able to measure the distance I've gone and stand proudly upon my achievement.

Yet God seems to take His time. He doesn't rush what He is doing.

God is every bit as involved in the shaping and maturing process--the "in-between"--as He is in the final masterpiece.

Today, let's be patient with our incompleteness. Let's remember that God is with us at each step of the journey. He is for us and He is creating something beautiful in us.

We can trust Him to complete His work...even if it takes a very long time.

Blessings,

Rachel

 

 

Walking with Henry is my newest book, available now.

 

Ask the animals and they will teach you. Job 12:7

 

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
    or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
⁸ or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
    or let the fish in the sea inform you.
⁹ Which of all these does not know
    that the hand of the Lord has done this?
¹⁰ In his hand is the life of every creature
    and the breath of all mankind."

Job 12: 7-10

 

I love the words in this passage. Its poetry just speaks to my animal-and-nature-loving soul.

I'm reminded here that the Bible was written by people who spent much of their lives outside, in tune with the seasons, tied to the land, mindful of the animals that both served and fed them. They observed the wildlife and the trees and the skies as easily and naturally as breathing.

Of course the wildness of the earth and its creatures spoke to them of the divine, just like it still speaks to us in modern times.

Perhaps we lack the proximity to nature that our ancestors had. In our neighborhoods, behind our fences, inside our temperature-regulated homes, we rush to work and responsibilities with a quick check of the weather forecast on our smart phones. We are fortunate in many ways to live free from the forces of nature, and yet...It beckons to us.

”Step outside,” it says.

Notice.

Observe.

Listen.

Be still.

Even the gentle eyes of our sweet family dogs and cats implore us to slow down and pay attention. Creatures of God’s hand, they know secrets about life that elude us in our busy suburban rush.

I’ve been blessed with a couple of donkeys who have gifted my life with laughter and exasperation. As I’ve traveled around telling their stories, people have pulled me aside and whispered their own: a dog who shows unconditional love, a kitten who has learned to trust, or a chicken who provides eggs and sustenance. They seem embarrassed, surprised that their pets have revealed something of God to them.

But this is the way of God’s creation. Everything speaks of Him.

And I simply say, “Ask the animals, and they will teach you.”

 

Available for pre-order now

Beautiful Nooks

 

 

I've always had a thing for nooks. 

I love small spaces that are tucked in corners, or under staircases, or in out of the way spots.

There is nothing like a comfy chair, a cup of tea or coffee, a good book...in a personal space that's all your own.

I think of my home office as a nook. It's an odd little room that is the size of a large closet - I have no idea what its purpose was when this house was built - but it's perfect for me.

 

 

Lately, I've been pinning photos of nooks into a new Pinterest board. Here are a few of my inspirations.

I'm a sucker for white shiplap, thank you Joanna Gaines.

 

I don't have a summer house, but if I did, I'd like it to have this nook:

 

 

 I want this chair. And the plates that spell "READ."

 

 

For more inspiration, go find me on Pinterest! Spoiler: I'm into glamping, farmhouse style, paint colors and books.

On Monday, I'll share what I'm working on in my little nook office....stay tuned for a little "reveal."

For When You're Just Surviving - {remember this}

This post first appeared here in 2015, but it's message is for you, for today.

 

 

I planted it more than a decade ago.

 

A lavender plant in a four-inch pot that held a tiny dream.

I was so hopeful back then. We'd moved to the country from our suburban neighborhood, and I imagined that someday I'd have a beautiful lavender farm on this place.

I could just see it: row after row of fragrant purple mounds that would be part of our new life and business.

But first, I'd see how well lavender would grow in the hardscrabble ground. I knew it wouldn't be easy. People told me it didn't have a chance. I chopped a hole in the rocky soil and set it in anyway.

"Go, little baby," I urged it. 

 

And then life got tough.

 

The economy tanked.

We had to work hard to make ends meet, all while trying to finish raising our family in the whirlwind of high school and activities. The stress made my chest hurt at times. My husband and both lost sleep. We were exhausted, spent.

I abandoned the lavender farm dream, and went into survival mode.

The little plant was nearly forgotten in the years that followed, but somehow it hung on through blistering heat, record-setting drought, ice storms, and finally, torrential rains.

Every now and then I'd pass by it on the path, and see the small mound of silvery green foliage and marvel at its tenacity. Though alive, its growth was stunted by both the elements and my lack of care.

 

Not once did it flower.

 

It just survived.

 

It was like all of its strength was used up to simply stay alive, and there wasn't a single drop left over for something as frivolous as a bloom.

 

I understood, only too well.

 

Sometimes, just staying alive is the best you can do.

 

 

Surviving is victory.

 It is victory enough.

 

Then the other morning, Tom pulled me outside. "You'll never believe it!" his eyes danced with a secret. 

Our footsteps hurriedly crunched down the path on the hard ground. He brought me to a standstill in front of the lavender and pointed with a flourish. 

"Take a look at this."

 

''Aaaaaahhhhh!" 

 

My breath escaped in an awestruck sigh.

Fresh purple blooms floated above the green mound like a tiara. The warm breeze made them dance, tethered on their stems lest they frolic away.

 

 

 

I sank down in front of it and slowly rubbed the colorful florets between my fingers. The distinctive scent immediately permeated the air and lingered on my skin, and I had to smile.

 

 

 

Baby, you survived.

You made it.

Just look at you.

 

 

The ground around you is nothing but rock that doesn't hold water.

And yet you found a way to put down roots.

The drought nearly killed you, but you clung to life anyway.

The harsh elements seemed to stunt your growth, but braving them made you resilient.

You didn't let neglect stop you. 

You just kept going.

Year after year.

 

And even when no one gave you any hope of surviving...

you did it anyway.

 

 

 

You are strong.

You are brave.

And you are spectacular.

 

 

Sometimes, just surviving whatever it is you're going through is victory enough.

You've got to just hang in there. Keep on going. 

Cling to life.

Hold tight.

Because there will come a day when your roots will hit water, and your leaves will open, and you'll send up new shoots that are made to hold flowers like banners.

 

 

The sun will come out...and you. will. blossom.

Your day will come.

 

 

Maybe it's already here.

It's the day when "just surviving" is over, and your flowered tiara will float above you in a fragrant testimony to all that you've weathered.

Victory, my friend.

 

Remember this:

You will survive.

And you will bloom.

 

 

The desert and parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.

Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.....

they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.

Isa. 35:1-2

Friday beauty: Bring the outside in.

 

One of the unanticipated serendipities of choosing Fridays to write about finding and creating beauty at home, is that my eyes have been opened in new ways to see beauty.

My goodness, beauty is everywhere! 

 

 

I've become much more aware of my senses - the things that smell good, look pretty, feel nice, taste delicious and sound sweet...these are such gifts, and I think they are here for us to enjoy them.

I've made a deliberate effort to celebrate little snippets of beauty when I find them.

 

One of the most delightful ways to celebrate beauty is to bring the outside in.

 

Although spring is around the corner, I found some dried grasses and pods outside that made me smile. They're coming inside with me.

 

 

 

They will add texture without a lot of color - and sometimes that's just the right touch.

 

Now, I loved this post over at Thistlewood farm about brightening a dreary day with natural elements. Decorating a mantel like this definitely feels like spring, especially when you spray paint twigs and branches a gorgeous blue!

Via Thistlewood Farms
 

Around here, the wildflowers will soon be blooming - the blue bonnets are already popping up - and I've gathered up some small bud vases to have handy for a plucked bloom or two.

I'm forever inspired by Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper, who always finds a way to bring the outside in. I found this darling bud vase in her store and love its charm.

 

Via Magnolia Market

There is something about touches of nature, brought indoors, that are calming, reassuring, and grounding. It's as if our souls are thirsty for tangible reminders of God's grace and beauty, and these provide small tokens of His essence.

Nature helps us disconnect from the digital clamor around us, and reminds us, not only of our Creator, but of our place within His good creation.

 

We are created to be connected with our natural world.

 

We do this by spending time outside in creation, and by bringing the outside in whenever possible.

Isaiah 55:12 For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

What a picture of joyous celebration - outside - among the trees and hills. Each tiny flower, each twig, each blade of grass sings His praise.

How will you bring the outside in? What is your favorite decorating touch from nature? Are you inspired to try something new?

Have a beautiful Friday, everyone!

 

 

The Beauty of Perfect Pillows - and permission to have them

 

I travel with my bed pillow.

That's how much I love and need it.

It supports my neck just right, and helps me get a good night's sleep. It's worth all the space it takes up in my luggage, even if I have to pay extra for baggage.

There is nothing better than sleeping with a good pillow.

In recent years, I've made a point of replacing all of the old bed pillows in each bedroom with better ones. Nice ones.

I've found that nothing says "sanctuary" like wonderful pillows, and plenty of them.

 

Considering that we spend one-third of our lives in bed, choosing the perfect pillow is essential for getting good sleep, and promoting overall personal health.

So how do you choose the right pillow?

 

These days, there are lots of options:

Stomach and back sleepers should choose a pillow that offers support for the neck, and is not super lofty. I personally love my contoured memory foam pillow, similar to this one:

The downside to memory foam pillows is that they tend to absorb body heat, so look for one with a good cover to help keep it cool.

 

Side sleepers should look for something puffier to fill in the space created by shoulders, to keep the neck aligned properly.

Most pillow packaging will show which body position it is designed for, and it's important to know how you sleep. 

 

Filling: From hypo-allergenic fills to down feathers, there is a pillow for every preference. You can even find fillings made of buckwheat hulls, which shift along with your positions. I love down pillows, but have found that the "synthetic down" kind are just as comfortable, and retain their shapes a bit better. Pillows with a combination of feathers and down are an option that help keep the shape and support, while offering the softness that feels so delightful.

 

Speaking of softness: the level of packing makes all the difference. A firm pillow will have a higher level of material packed inside, while a softer pillow will obviously have less. I stand in the pillow aisle of the store and literally hold the pillow to my head and neck to see how it will actually feel. 

I choose a firm, king-sized pillow as a "body pillow" to put between my knees when I lay on my side, and to support my arm. I can't sleep without this extra pillow in bed with me...it's that important.

 

My favorite place to find good, quality pillows at a reasonable price is HomeGoods. For my guest beds that don't get lots of use, I look for medium soft pillows with a polyester filling. One day I may spring for down filling, but the ones I've found there do the job beautifully.

They literally whisper, "come and sleep, you know you want to."

Now, if you are like me, and you put yourself (and your own personal comfort) last on the priority list (what with the needs of others and all), buying a new pillow for yourself feels like an unnecessary luxury.

I want you to stop that thinking right now.

 

I hereby give you permission to go get yourself a new pillow.!

 

Shoot, go ahead and get two.

For the cost of a meal out, you can dramatically improve your sleep, alleviate your neck and back problems, AND you'll feel absolutely pampered in the process. 

Finding your perfect pillow will be the best thing you'll do for yourself all year. 

 

Tell me: what's YOUR favorite pillow? Firm? Soft? Down? Foam? 

 

Beautiful gallery walls for your photos

 

Chances are, you have a hodge podge of framed prints, loose photos in drawers, and a gazillion photos stuck in your phone or computer. You'd love to figure out a way to display your favorites, but need some inspiration to pull it off.

Framed photos can proliferate like bunny rabbits and end up looking cluttered instead of artfully arranged.

 

That's where a gallery wall can gather up your photos into a wonderful display.

 

Not only will it make your photos shine, it will really add to the feeling of warmth and fun in your home.

I recently made a gallery wall by turning recent family photos into black and white prints, and framing them in simple black frames. Using one color for frames creates a clean, uncluttered look, even though there are lots of them on the wall.

I did not use a fancy layout system for my wall, but basically started pounding nails. My thought was that I will continue adding to this collection, and I want the freedom to "add on" without getting stuck in perfectionism. All the frames are from Walmart, and I chose differing sizes and matting combinations to keep it interesting.

 

 

Here are a few inspirations that I collected on Pinterest and elsewhere to get me going.

This is from Pottery Barn, and I love the use of clocks and street signs mixed in with this travel themed collection.

 

I love this idea, using an old door to display photos! Instructions are on the website.

Via photogmommie

 

Kara at LillianHopeDesigns designed her wall with the "just start hanging" technique. By combining photos with rustic signs and frames, she created a fun, yet meaningful grouping.

via LillianHopeDesigns

 

If you don't feel comfortable eyeballing things and pounding random holes in the wall Pinterest is again to the rescue with tons of layouts you can borrow. This is from livelovediy.com

 

A few tips:

When putting photos together on a wall, I find that simple is better.

• Edit the photos you want to display so that they have similar color palettes if possible, and lay things out on the floor so you can see how they will look together. You can also tape things off on the wall, or use butcher paper cutouts...but I'm personally much too impatient for these techniques. Find what works best for you.

 

• Go for symmetry, but you don't have to be religious about it. I think the best word is "balance" when mixing sizes and shapes!

 

• Finally, don't be afraid to make mistakes. Holes can be filled (or ignored) if you don't like your first placement. My walls look like a woodpecker got loose in the house, but generally nobody notices that but me. I keep a little container of PatchNPaint on hand to take care of the obvious ones.

 

So...need a weekend project? A gallery wall gives you nearly instant satisfaction, and you'll love seeing your favorite photos artfully arranged in your sanctuary!

What's YOUR favorite gallery tip??

Finding Beauty: Remote Controlled Candles - Um, yes!

This week, I found something I never knew I needed, but immediately fell in love with:

Remote controlled flameless candles.

 

These things are THE BOMB! Oh man.

Now, I have always loved candles, and I regularly light them around the house. I like to have candles going in the morning when I have my devotions, and usually have one on my desk during the day. I buy tea lights in bulk, and have lighters stashed all over the house. Nothing beats the flickering flame for adding warmth and a true sanctuary feeling for me!

Quite unexpectedly, I stumbled into Candle Innovation 2.0.

I found these at HomeGoods while shopping for something else. HomeGoods is dangerous that way.

 

I've used battery operated candles before and have always disliked the fake flames. But when I saw these, I hoped they would work for some wall sconces I have.

 

They came in sets of three, so I had to buy two sets. Each set came with a remote control (one remote can control all sets) and can be turned on and off with a click of a button. 

....FROM ACROSS THE ROOM!!!!!!!

And because the "flame" is set low in the candle, they look absolutely realistic.

I put the two "leftover" candles on my dining room table, then went back for another set of three for my bedroom.

 

With the remote next to my bed, it's easy to turn them on and off without even getting up. They give a soft, romantic glow...although in full disclosure they've been best used to set the mood for sleep during the time it takes me to transition into sleeping mode. I like to read for at least a few minutes with my ipad (light turned waay down, thanks to Lauren's sleeping tips last week) and the candlelight in the room is perfect. 

No more worrying about burning the house down by a forgotten candle.

I found other styles available online through Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and several other places. I will be buying more sets in the tall vanilla style for my (windy) outdoor seating areas, and for inside my fireplace in the living room. (I have candle holders set inside the fireplace for when I want to have a little glow without having a real fire.)

 

The key is making sure the "flame" is low enough in the candle so you can't see that it's not real. Source: Lights.com

 

Several of the sets have timers that you can set so they light automatically for a certain number of hours and then turn off. I think that's worth an extra few dollars.

For someone who isn't a "gadget girl," these have been a delightful discovery. 

Have you made a recent "beautiful find?" I'd love to hear about it!

Now....go light a candle! You can never go wrong with a little candlelight to create a warm atmosphere and welcoming "sanctuary!"

Trouble sleeping? Try these tips for beautiful sleep.

Today I'm welcoming my oldest daughter Lauren to the blog as a guest contributor! Lauren is a creative (graphic and web) designer, besides being a wife and a mom to two of my darling granddaughters named Ivy and Hazel. :) I've asked her to write several posts on sleep for us, as this is an area I know many of us sometimes struggle in, and it's one she knows quite well. First, she'll tell us a bit about her story, then share two unique tips for getting better sleep.

 

 

 

My sleep problems began the year I became a mother. And no, it wasn’t because of the precious little girl needing to be fed a few times throughout the night. While my daughter, Ivy, and sweet husband, Robert, slept soundly through the night, I would lie awake for hours trying to go to sleep.

 

What began as the typical new-mom response when a baby wakes up (you know the kind - “Quick! Get the baby!” and associated adrenaline rush) turned into a challenging way of life for years.

 

Insomnia has been something I have struggled with for almost four years. At it’s worst, I’d get less than four hours of sleep most nights for a month or more. There were days when the thought of the impending night would loom over me, making me sick with worry as the evening came to a close.

 

The nights never seemed to end and I’d finally greet the day - sometimes, without even an hour of sleep - only to face the next 12 hours of caring for Ivy and as well as my second daughter, Hazel. It was extremely frustrating not being able to fall asleep or have a reason for this problem. I wasn’t ever particularly worried or stressed about anything specific. My mind would not “shut off” while the hours ticked by.

 

The main concern, then, became sleep itself. The anxiety stacked up like a wall that I could never seem to climb over into restful sleep.

 

I’ve tried many remedies and my quest for better sleep is still ongoing. I recently emerged from a months-long bout of insomnia that peaked around Thanksgiving and recently is showing signs of retreating again.

 

Since I've had to become a student of sleep issues, I want to pass a long some things that I've learned. You’ve probably heard of many common remedies like taking a warm bath or drinking chamomile tea. But I have a few tricks up my sleeve that you may have not considered trying. In this series of blog posts, I’ll be sharing some tips to help you get better sleep.

 

Today, I want to talk to you about light and darkness.

Dim the lights and device screens in the evening.

Did you know that humans are extremely sensitive to light? In fact, various wavelengths of light (remember learning about that in school?) affect the level of melatonin in our bodies. Melatonin helps control your sleep and wake cycles. When you are exposed to light - especially blue light wavelengths - melatonin levels are low. As the day gets darker and the sun goes down, melatonin rises to help you fall asleep, get deeper rest, and wake with alertness. However, artificial light hinders your body's ability to produce more melatonin before you go to bed. That’s why looking at screens in the evening or in bed is so bad for sleep.

Start by dimming all the lights in your home a few hours before bed. I usually just keep one or two lamps on in the living room. If you need to turn on a light during the night, use very low watt lightbulbs and avoid looking at your phone. And if you like to read in bed, use a dim reading light.

 

You can also take charge of your devices by dimming the blue light emitted from their screens.

• Did you know there’s a handy setting for this on the iPhone and iPad? It’s called Night Shift and it will automatically dim your screen at a set time in the evening.
• I even found another iPhone/iPad hack called Zoom that can dim your screen even more.
• If you use your computer after dark, download a free app called f.lux which also dims your screen to a more orange color.

 

But what about the TV screen? There’s an accessory that will help.

And by accessory, I mean eyeglasses. Because most flat screen TVs are very bright and don’t have the ability to dim the blue light, you can wear orange-tinted glasses to offset the blue. I know what you’re thinking, “That’s a little extreme.” And yes, the pair of glasses I own are not cool-looking by any means!

 

But out of all the remedies I have tried, wearing the glasses in the evenings have made the biggest difference!

I wear these dorky lenses in the evenings beginning a few hours before bed. They are the deepest orange lenses you can get and they block all blue light, even from standard light bulbs. You can find much more attractive lenses online, but these were less than $10 and were a cheap experiment to see if it helped. When I wear the glasses, I can feel my eyes and brain relax, and I’m actually more sleepy by the time I go to bed. I believe that by incorporating these glasses into my evening routine I was able to finally get relief from weeks of sleeplessness.

I've got many more tips to share with you in the coming weeks.

 

I'll share things like my favorite things to listen to to promote relaxation before bed, other natural remedies, and my experience in getting professional help for my health and sleep issues.

Have you ever experienced a series of sleepless nights? I'd love to hear about it. I really look forward to talking about this important issue.

 

~ Lauren

Redecorate by shopping your own house

On Fridays this year, we are going to talk about how to bring beauty into your home sanctuary - by making it look pretty, sound peaceful, feel soothing, smell wonderful, and be filled with good tasting food.

That should give us plenty to discuss, huh?

 

Today, I want to show you how to showcase meaningful items that you already have, by creating a centerpiece or focal point with them.

After I took the Christmas stuff down, I was ready for a clean, minimal look. Do you feel that way too, after all the garland comes down? I love it while it's all up, but man! I'm so ready for a fresh look!

My favorite way to redecorate is by "shopping the house." It's free, and it's fun.

It's also free!

I do this by wandering from room to room, usually with a handful of chocolate chips in hand (helps me think), and I look for items that are raising their little arms and yelling, "Pick ME! Pick ME!"

"You poor little set of books," I murmur. "You've been jammed in the corner of this bookshelf for far too long!" 

I take them out and dust them off. They belonged to my grandpa, who was a Lutheran minister for forty years. They make me think of him, and make me remember him praying the Lord's Prayer at the dinner table.

I pause to enjoy the memory. How I loved him!

Now, for something to set on top of the stack. Waaaay up in a cabinet, behind the candles, sits my grandpa's old movie camera.

 

Perfect! A perfect pairing.

 

 

Wait. I'm going to need a small tablecloth to anchor everything. To the linen closet I go.

A vintage embroidered "topper" is just the right size for my large brown coffee table. It breaks up ALL THE BROWN in my living room, and sets off my display. So glad I bought 15 vintage toppers for my daughter's wedding five years ago! Plenty to choose from.

I really should iron this, but I'm on a roll and don't want to stop.

 

 

I like where this is going.

Now.

Something tall. Think, think.

This blue-green garage sale vase still has some Christmas greenery in it (I missed it when I boxed everything up). But berries are "wintery," not just "Christmasy," right?

 

 

 

 

Maybe if I add......

 

...a bird's nest? YES.

 

I found the bird's nest this fall, and love the creativity that went into making it! Twigs, grass, leaves...here's even a bit of dried snakeskin around the outside! Gosh, it makes me smile.

Now, a display looks best in groupings of three's...maybe fives. Don't even think about junking it up with seven.

 

My soul is longing for "less" so I opt for three.

 

This "R" was a Christmas present. I had placed it charmingly on my bedroom dresser and was happy with it there, but hey, when you're shopping the house you just grab stuff. Sorry dresser. Most of the time, I gather more than I need, and then just try out different groupings.

 

 

Want to do some redecorating/arranging of your own, WITHOUT SPENDING A DIME?

Here are a few takeaway tips:

Try anchoring your collection with a cloth or tray. It will make it feel cohesive and give it more "weight."

Look for things of differing heights and textures.

Go for groups of 3 or 5 if possible, but don't get all legalistic about it.

If something is too small, place it on a stack of books, chunk of wood or whatever else you got.

Look for similar colors to tie your collection together, but don't get too matchy-matchy. (I like the way the red books look!)

Look for the items that are waving their little arms and yelling "Pick ME!" Give them their day in the sun.

Edit. Rearrange. Look from lots of angles.

PLAY!

Don't feel like you have to put EVERY MEMENTO on display at once. Fewer IS better. (If some items complain about not being chosen, just tell them, "Next time, little one.") (They'll be fine.)

 

Now - GET GOING! Go add some beauty to your home by shopping the house!

And feel free to post pics to our Facebook page! We'd all love to see!

Let us know: what item(s) will you enjoy displaying?