The Getting-the-House-Ready-to-Sell Whirlwind

Whew!

It's been some ride.

The endless conversations, the whispered praying-without-ceasing, the confirmation in our hearts that YES, we always said we'd know when it was time to go and now it is.  The straight out, exhausting non-stop nuts and bolts of our month long side-by-side work to get the house to its absolute Sunday best.

And then all those endless hours of watching HGTV finally paid off as we staged each room 'just so,' a warm and homey {but not too personal} invitation to prospective buyers to imagine making themselves at home in this place.  Followed by the act of signing papers as we put our home out there for all the world to see.  And then our You Tube debut!  {Be sure to click on the gizmo on the bottom right to get the big picture!}

video

It's all been a real trip.  In the best sense of the word.  Really.

And you guys, well you've been the BEST cheerleaders ever!  As I began to share our transition journey, you surrounded me with the sweetest encouragements and virtual hugs, heaven-sent prayers and emails as I put my heart right out there on the table.  And I quickly realized that you were coming with me and I wouldn't need to say any online good-byes.

Can I tell you that this is an immense gift since there are so many difficult in-person farewells going on?

In a nutshell, here's a few things I learned in the whirlwind of getting the house ready to sell.

1.  If you ever made a list, now's the time.
He had a list, I had a list, we had a list together.  If anything or anybody had to be contacted / bought / accomplished / scheduled / checked out in some way, shape or form, it needed to be written down.  Period.

2.  If you ever stuffed a folder, this is it.
Every scrap of paper, every receipt, every estimate, every bit of information was kept in one easy-to-grab location.  I lost count how many times I flipped that folder open to dig some kind of much-needed paper out.  I blessed the day we thought of consolidating every bit of info into one place.

3. If you ever underestimated your abilities, forget about it.
I've always been a coach potato and never knew a screwdriver from a hammer{well, almost}.  But it was all hands on deck to get everything done in the very small window of time we had set for ourselves, so I had no choice but to climb ladders and strip wallpaper and spackle a million nail holes and haul garbage and make big decisions much more quickly than I would have preferred.

4.  If you ever bought supplies, buy more than you think you need.
You think you won't, but you WILL run out of paint or caulking stuff or paper towels or mulch.  Always.  So we bought more than we needed, no matter what it was, and we were able to return the leftovers easily.

5.  If you ever said 'thanks' right and left, this is the opportunity.
To our realtor team and the photographer they sent our way to capture the beautiful pictures for the listing ... we hit it off with them all right from the first minute.

To the guys at Home Depot and the hardware store and the garden center.  They know their stuff.

The flooring installers and the appliance delivery men deserve some kind of medal.  They didn't get bored with our questions and observations or irritated by our obsessive insistence on details and minutia.  We tipped them well and called their bosses and sang their praises.  I hope they get big fat raises.

And then there was the patience and grace we had to keep extending back and forth to each other, husband and wife, as we got under each other's skin on more than a few occasions.  And the great relief in knowing that God was right in the midst of all the craziness as we forged together 'round the next corner.

Literally.

Let's talk houses.  

Updating, staging, listing, selling.

*

THE TRANSITION JOURNEY ~ AN UNEXPECTED SERIES

In Which This Is All So Very Bittersweet

Dear Linda  : :  Answering Your Questions About the Transition

For Sale . . . Our Much-Loved Haven

The Getting-the-House-Ready-to-Sell Whirlwind

Leaning in the Whirlwind

The Sheer Joy of Kindred Spirit Companionship

Honoring My Clients As I Close Up Shop

3 Things I Loved Most About House Church

Choosing Light-Hearted Responses

Moving On

*

visiting with Kelly  *  Mary  *  Holley  *  Lyli  *  Leigh  *  Emily

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For Sale . . . Our Much-Loved Haven

All's been scrubbed and staged ... 

our best foot forward in every way we can make happen.

Some gorgeous photographs for the online listing have been snapped by Wendy, 

capturing the essence of this place we've fondly called home.

The real estate sign spreads the news, 

holding court along the roadside.

A lockbox stands at the ready, a willing sentry, 

an invitation to turn the key and take it all in.

We eagerly welcome browsing guests, 

confident that God has just the right family to make our home their own.

After 21 years, our beloved haven is for sale.
To say I have mixed emotions would be a great big understatement ...

*

THE TRANSITION JOURNEY ~ AN UNEXPECTED SERIES

In Which This Is All So Very Bittersweet

Dear Linda  : :  Answering Your Questions About the Transition

For Sale . . . Our Much-Loved Haven

The Getting-the-House-Ready-to-Sell Whirlwind

Leaning in the Whirlwind

The Sheer Joy of Kindred Spirit Companionship

Honoring My Clients As I Close Up Shop

3 Things I Loved Most About House Church

Choosing Light-Hearted Responses

Moving On

In Which This Is All So Very Bittersweet

My fingernails are shot.  To the quick.

Broken and peeling all over the place.  Down to the nubs.

Not 'cause I'm nervous.  Nope.  It's been because I've been working those babies {and the rest of my bones} to the bone.

Literally.

The last month has seen me trimming and digging and hauling and planting and spreading all things dirty and life-giving in springtime's soft breezes.

Scrapping and peeling and stripping wallpaper, warm glue-y water running down my outstretched arms.  And the spackling.  Oh the spackling of those million little nail holes where all my kitchen collectibles used to hang so proudly.

Decision making, scads of choices each day from the smallest details to the great earth-shaking ones have left my brain a bit be-fuzzled.  Did I tell you that Home Depot's our new best friend?  And that we've lost count how many times we've traveled out 44 to the hardware store?

Sorting and boxing up and bagging and delivering hundreds of objects that I'm not using, not loving, not keeping.  Hundreds.  The resale shop, library, thrift store, and auction house rub their hands with glee as they reap my losses.

Updating and organizing and rearranging.  And oh ... the cleaning.

Everything.  Except the painting.

The man did that ... and ALL of the heavy lifting, relentlessly plowing through our seemingly endless must-do list, keeping us laser focused and moving ahead like a speeding freight train coming 'round the bend.

After 38 years, we're moving on, friends.  

After spending pretty much our whole adult lives here in NY, we are headed to our beloved Cape Cod, Massachusetts shoreline.  We're off to do the next season of life in the haven of rest I have cherished since I was 7 years old.  My parents and sister are nearby.  A little house seemingly designed for us, the place of His choosing, nestles on a quiet wooded street eagerly awaiting our upcoming permanent arrival.

My emotions are so very mixed.  It's all so bittersweet.

We leave some very dear friends here.  It's been hard for them watching this all unfold.  I know it.  They've told me so.  I see it in their eyes.  Every minute we've shared in recent days, every conversation has meant the world.  I cherish these people.  To say that I'll miss them would be a ridiculously vast understatement.

We leave this beautiful valley where the man and I grew up together as husband and wife, have experienced our greatest highs and the deepest lows.  We've raised our girls here, welcomed our grandbabies through the doors of this very house with wide open arms.  And said tearful good-byes to far too many friends who headed off to other vistas from this very transient area.

But it's my counseling clients that I'm most concerned about.  My pastor's heart just loves these courageous, insightful women.  Together, we've ventured down into the scariest pits and reached up to heaven's heights in their paths toward healing, wholeness, and growth.  Sending out all those letters explaining what and where and when was the hardest task in this whole transition process.

I've been counseling for 13 years.  Can you begin to understand how torn I am with leaving this ministry that's nestled so close to my heart?

Pray for these dear women as I help them transition.  And if you have any prayers left over, I could use some myself.

Bittersweet this is ...

The house goes on the market.  Next week.

*

THE TRANSITION JOURNEY ~ AN UNEXPECTED SERIES

In Which This Is All So Very Bittersweet

Dear Linda  : :  Answering Your Questions About the Transition

For Sale . . . Our Much-Loved Haven

The Getting-the-House-Ready-to-Sell Whirlwind

Leaning in the Whirlwind

The Sheer Joy of Kindred Spirit Companionship

Honoring My Clients As I Close Up Shop

3 Things I Loved Most About House Church

Choosing Light-Hearted Responses

Moving On

*

P.S.
Would you accompany me on my transition journey?  I would so love for you to be a steady companion along the way.  You can subscribe here.

P.S.S.
traveling with Kelly  *  Mary  *  Holley  *  Lyli

8 Smart Choices That Will Breathe Fresh Life Into Your Home

It's frigid outside in this neck of the woods.  Icicles hang hardened by blustery wind.  The sky's the color of bleached slate and we nestle inside, ladling hot soup into bowls ready and waiting.

We curl up by the warm glow of candlelight or fireside, faded sweatshirt atop turtleneck layered to keep us warm, fuzzy vests and well-worn slipper socks comforting us with their soft touch.  We embark on endless wintertime hours with a faded quilt tucked snug, books and handwork and laptops at the ready.  Quiet music plays ... or the television drones.

And somewhere deep within us, there's a winsome place that longs for huge breaths of fresh life ... even though spring .  is .  months .  away.

But these eight choices? 

Most are fairly simple.  Yes, they might expend some energy ... and yet only one or two require a bit of cash.  These tasks completed bring a contended sigh of relief.  A smile that wends its way down to the soul.  The encouragement of a job well done.  And gratitude for the haven that over time, has become our space, our place.

Home. 

Yes, these we can do ...

 

 

 

  

 #1.  fling those windows wide open

 

Even if it's only 15 degrees out and the wind is blowing mightily, I've been opening a window or two when I change the linens, clean the bathrooms, or when some heavy-duty cooking threatens to make the house smell like homemade chicken soup forever. 

 

Our rooms are just begging for fresh breezes to visit and flow freely, even if just for a few minutes.  Stale air, nestling germs, and airborne dust mites have no choice but to flee.

 

Sure beats a chemical-laden air freshener, yes? 

 

We definitely sleep better at night when that window is cracked just a wee bit.  And sometimes we may even get to hear a lone bird chirping a solitary winter song.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 #2.  bid a fond farewell to all things Christmas

 

Nobody hates saying good-bye to the window lights more than I do.  I so love their twinkling glow on a dark winter's night, welcoming me home after a long day's work. 

But they've been up and running since mid-October.  Enough already.

 

And it's time to deliver the last of the gifts, read the cards one more time, roll up the wrapping paper, pack the decorations well, and toss or donate anything and everything that's not worth holding on to.

 

Go ahead and keep a little light aglow or a tiny, fluffy snowman here and there if you'd like.

 

But around here?  I'm done and happy to welcome my home back to its simple pre-holiday stillness.  

 

#3.  clean out & clean off the fridge

Inside and out, this appliance is always in use.  Opening the doors, tossing anything that's past expiration or looking a bit strange, and giving it a good scrub down is a not-at-all fun but necessary chore.

And if the fridge is sagging under the weight of endless magnets holding up all manner of receipts, notices, artwork, lists, bills, take-out menus, and photos?

Well, it's time to be ruthless.  Our family to-do list goes on the white board.  That stays.

The kids' pictures are in individual frames that cost about 79 cents a piece.  Love that.

And I always need quick access to scrap paper and a pen.

Done.

Everything else that's been hanging around? 

Outta there. 

 

 

#4.  replace the grungy shower curtain

 
Enough said.  Who needs mold or mildew taking up residence in what should be one of the cleanest spaces in our homes?  For $2.99, I love this crisp, clear plastic sheet that lines the toile curtain.

And while we're in the bathroom, it takes all of about a half hour to empty the medicine cabinet shelves and the random drawers, clean them good, and toss any expired meds and all other objects past their prime.  If you're unsure if a medication should stay or go, give your pharmacist a buzz.

#5.  dig out the good linens & put them to work

 

Far too often we tuck away precious possessions that, put to good use, would give us real pleasure.  This quilt is one of my favorite things, a lovely treasure discovered in my mother-in-law's cedar chest.  Yes, I'm very careful with it and the bed is strictly off limits to the little ones when it comes to trampoline bouncing. 

I use this handcrafted spread often, with great appreciation for the still vibrant colors and exquisite craftsmanship.  And very fond memories of the woman who raised the man I married. 

 

With the right care, some quilts can be wonderful accessories that travel with ease around our homes.  The quilt back up in picture #1 just came out of the washer and dryer after its annual stint as a Christmas tree skirt.  It's also made appearances as a tablecloth {when we weren't dining}, and as a cozy throw over sofas and chairs.  For $39 at a tag sale, that vintage baby's been a real good friend.

#6.  toss those old newspapers & magazines

More than 6 months old?  You can bet that if they haven't been read by now, they probably never will be.  Gently used magazines get shared with family, friends, or donated to the library.  And newspapers get recycled.

#7.  snip something crisp & alive on a winter's walk

Whether it's those wonderful bittersweet vines, fragrant boughs of evergreen, or dried pods and seeds still hanging in there, I love grabbing the snippers and bringing an armload of nature's treasures indoors.  And the brisk walk to head there and back again?  Very much needed right about now.

#8.  finish up a project

 

My eldest daughter couldn't say 'no' to this FREE vintage buffet, a leftover from her neighbor's garage sale.  The thing weighs a ton, and the endless sanding and repair took more time than she would have liked.  But determined to get her car back inside the garage for the winter, she recently wrapped up her big redo. 

 

Now painted a crisp white, the old buffet has morphed into a wonderful storage workhorse with a whole bunch of drawers where the little ones to store their bountiful craft supplies ... and several big ol' cubbies that hold their stash of puzzles and games.

 

All for the cost of some paint ... plus a whole lot of love-fueled energy.

 

*

 

What are you doing to breathe life into your mid-winter home?

 

Any projects underway ... or homekeeping tips to share?

 

Do tell!

 

 

*

 

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sharing this post by using the social media the links below

 

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visiting with Mary & Holley

Haven * autumn nesting delights

Our homes are meant to be welcoming havens,
not secured fortresses.

 

These scuffed doors are just begging to be opened wide,
not bolted shut.

 

Those tables are designed be generously shared,
not surfaces to display a lonesome centerpiece.

 

 

 

We were created to do life in the company of others.  There is that deep cry of the heart to live in community, to be fully present to those God brings onto our pathways, to open our doors to fellow sojourners in need of safe harbor.  This simple offering of ourselves, our bread, and a resting place is a most sacred calling.

And the beauty of it all is that there's not one right way to live this out. 

We've each got our own quirky personality, special giftedness, unique life story, and housing situation.  The practical hands-on application of living out this call to hospitality will sparkle and shine with our own individual imprint. 

 

We've been hoodwinked along the way by the glossy magazine spreads and the way-too-perfect Pinterest pins.  We have gullibly bought the lie that our homes must be immaculate and decorated 'just so' before we put the welcome mat out.  But that's simply not biblical.  We are called, dare I say, commanded, to open our hearts to the worn and weary. 

 

1 Peter 4:9 tells us to 'cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.'  Other translations include the clear warning to do so without grumbling.

 

And that joy, my friend, is the secret. 

 

Simply put, God absolutely loves when we grab hold of these cheerful giving opportunities.  The offering of a safe haven to another soul is a gift back to Him, the overflowing of a grateful heart that has experienced grace and blessing.  Even, and especially, when it's been a long week or we don't have much more than a can of soup in the cupboard.  Or when there's dust on every surface and piles are strewn from here to there.

That's when His grace kicks in and His power is displayed.  Because it's all about Him and not about us.

The truth is this ... 

 

Somebody, somewhere, needs something that only you can offer.

 

And He, the Multiplier of the most ordinary of loaves and fish, is able to take our feeble offerings and turn them into priceless, life-altering, abundant gifts for a weary heart that needed the listening ear and the prayerful companionship that only you could give.

 

Because when all is said and done, the roof over our heads and the bread on our tables are not ours.

 

They're His.

 

 

    

* * * GIVEAWAY UPDATE! * * *

Every comment you're leaving during this autumn nesting delights house party puts you in the running for one of the two giveaways of Myquillyn Smith's book, THE NESTING PLACE.

And like any decent party, there's going to be a goodie bag waiting for EVERYONE

who's joined in the discussion along the way!

There's still plenty of room at the table for YOU to join in the discussion!  The giveaway ends Friday, October 24th at noon {eastern. US only, please.}  Here's the details of the giveaway and links to all the posts.

*

sharing life with Holley

Pets * autumn nesting delights

There's no four-footed furry creatures padding around our place. 

 

The man was traumatized when he was a little guy as dogs chased him down the street, nipping at his fast-moving heels on his daily trek home from school.

 

Sigh.

 

And there's nothing with blue and white wings obsessively gnawing on the window sills like they used to, no black silken coats sidling up to be stroked.  There's not a creature that barks {unless one of us has had a particularly gruesome day} and if one of us is wide awake at night, we can't put the blame on some wee rodent endlessly racing on a squeaky wheel.

There's no Oreo or Ariel.  No Piper or Josie or Chirpie or Spice who call these four walls their home.

 

But ... there are ducks.

Four of them to be exact.

The good news is that they don't bear our last name, but our neighbors'.  And I just love it when they come to call.

Whether they're slowly waddling around like they own the place or gleefully chasing each other across the lawn, one goes nowhere without the other three in tow.  And I can't help but believe that they really seem to enjoy visiting with us before merrily heading back down the driveway toward home where they belong.

Their not-too-early morning quackings are music to my ears.  Really.  Their zany group dynamics are amusing for this counselor to behold.  And best yet?

We don't have to feed them.  Clean up their messes.  Pay their vet bills.  Or do a blessed thing except sit back and enjoy their antics.

Quack.  Quack.

As we were all hanging around talking about our wardrobes the other day, Andrew happened to mention that he was enjoying the company of his 17 pit bulls ... 'kinda like big happy throw pillows,' he mused. 

So ... this online welcome mat is out for you and your pets!  Do tell us about your animals!

 

*    *    *    GIVEAWAY UPDATE!    *    *    *

 

Every comment you're leaving during this autumn nesting delights house party puts you in the running for one of the two giveaways of Myquillyn Smith's book, THE NESTING PLACE.

 

And like any decent party, there's going to be a goodie bag waiting for EVERYONE

who's joined in the discussion along the way!

 

I just can't wait! 

 

There's still plenty of room at the table for YOU to join in the discussion!  The giveaway ends Friday, October 24th at noon {eastern.  US only, please.}  Here's the details of the giveaway and links to all the posts. 

Slumber * autumn nesting delights

You KNOW that autumn's arrived in all its wondrous, life-giving glory when ...

you spread a treasured patchwork quilt on the bed and tuck in the heaviest flannel sheets

and gently drape yet another quilt on top ... that old frayed and raggedy one

you fling open the window wide and breathe the freshest, crispest air deep into your lungs

eyes close peacefully as you burrow into the soft nest of pillow and warm bed coverings, breathing deep as you pray yourself into the slumber that slowly takes hold of soul, mind, and body 

His angels smile as they silently orchestrate and protect the rejuvenating sleep of His beloved

and the sacred benediction of the moonlit night's stillness overshadows all else

 

//

 

Each and every comment you're leaving during this autumn nesting delights series puts you in the running for one of the two giveaways of Myquillyn Smith's book, THE NESTING PLACE. 

 

I'd so love to know that you've been spending time with us during this beloved transitional season.

 

The details of the giveaway and links to all the posts are here.

 

//

 

visiting with Holley

Makeover * autumn nesting delights

You might remember Jenn from back in July when she shared her gorgeous mane.  Well, my energetic youngest daughter called one afternoon a few weeks back, all kinds of breathless and excited.  She had decided to pull off 'a little living room makeover' to surprise her husband when he returned home from a business trip.

 

AFTER

A YEAR BEFORE

An oval rug with the softest melange {love that word!} of braided greens and blues sets the tone
 for what's to come!  Look past the big green sofa to sneak a peak at one of the old wooden IKEA chairs with the well-used white canvas slipcovers.  The vanilla covered walls.  The not-all-that-decorated mantle.  Random collectibles on the shelves.  And those oppressive bamboo blinds.

 

*

 

Now ... back to the phone call!

 

I quickly checked my email to see the results ... and ooh-ed and aah-ed as I scooped up every detail. The gorgeous blue / green / gray tones highlighting the fireplace and shelves {my absolute favorite shade - especially with white trim!} Sunlight streaming bright through those huge windows, now unhindered by the heavy old roll-down bamboo blinds! 

 

And those chairs. Were they new?

 

*

Her game plan? 

 

Jenn ...

 

*  Took down those big old bamboo blinds and did a bit of touch up with spackle and paint.  {And then sold those cumbersome babies at a garage sale!}.

 

*  Painted the area behind the built-in bookcases and TV to match the color she had already used on the walls in the adjoining kitchen to the left.  She used BEHR Winter's Day.  {I think she might be musing about painting the rest of that fireplace wall the same subtly gorgeous shade.}  The basket on the bottom left shelf holds diapers and wipes for a someday addition to the family, and the baskets on the right corral the kids' library books.

 

*  De-cluttered the bookshelves and focused the attention on the fireplace where she displays the large white mum, fun random pumpkins, and a handful of autumn twigs gathered from the woods behind the house. 

 

*  Spray painted the black IKEA chairs white with 6 cans of RUST-OLEUM Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Semi-Gloss white (bought with a Home Depot gift card!}  She figured that with the endless sanding and re-spraying, this was the hardest part of the re-do.

 

*  Found 2 matching shower curtains for those chairs {yes, shower curtains!} at Marshalls for $18 each.  And did some smart bartering with a dear friend - babysitting in exchange for the new handcrafted slipcovers that brought together the room's shades of blues and greens.

*  Hauled up the big old wicker toy box from the playroom, where it now holds center stage in front of the sofa for pretties, snacks, and whatever. 

Jenn said that the makeover took about a week, mostly in the evenings after the 4 kids went to bed.  And the best part?  The whole project cost less than $100.  She told me that her inspiration was her birthday gift of THE NESTING PLACE ... and that she 'loves how the room looks in the evening, when the toys are picked up and the lights are dim ... very relaxing.'

Have you created a little adjustment or a makeover to your living space recently? 

Do tell!

 

 

//

 Our autumn nesting delights giveaway could be
a wonderful housewarming, birthday, bridal shower, or Christmas gift!

 

 

Leave a comment and you'll be in the the running for one of the two copies

of Myquillyn Smith's book, THE NESTING PLACE! 

The details about the giveaway and links to all the posts in the series are here.

 

//

 

sharing the makeover with Kristen

Feathering * autumn nesting delights

I wasn't halfway up the driveway when I realized it was misting out.  Heavily.  The gray skies hung low and looming, a damp chill had descended, and it struck me that a morning walk was truly a miserable idea.  So, ever looking for excuses, I turned right around and headed back inside.

Truth is, I really didn't want to walk vigorously this morning.  I wasn't all that into stretching my muscles or getting the blood flowing briskly through my veins.  The cry of my heart was to simply be still.  To stay indoors. 

And feather my nest.

It wasn't long til the sneakers were off and the fluffy slipper socks on.  A mug of tea was brewing, all steaming and flavored with herbs and honey.  I sipped as I picked up the phone and checked in with my parents.

And then I began to putter.

For there were sheets and quilts that needed to be pulled up and smoothed out, pillows fluffed and arranged just so.  Clothes that needed to be hung up the right way.  And clean wash that needed to be tucked away into half empty dresser drawers.

Dishes awaited their trip to the dishwasher and counters needed to be rediscovered under random piles carelessly strewn. Bathrooms awaited a wipe down and floors desperately needed to be reacquainted with the vacuum.

Books and receipts and mail, the week's accumulated odds and ends, begged to be tended to.  There was dinner to consider, emails to answer, posts to read.  And one to write.
 

Feathering is this counselor's therapy.

Puttering around as I care for our nest speaks peace to somewhere deep inside.  Doing so in solitude and silence restores my energy - physically, mentally, emotionally.

I do love a rainy day at home.  And it is in this movement through the most routine of tasks, in the sacred handling of the simple daily chores, that He restores my soul.

I feel His pleasure.

 //

I've simply been wowed by the numbers of you coming by for this little autumn house party! 

I just love that YOU are gathering here with us. 

If you'd like to jump into the conversation, you'll put yourself in the the running for one of the two giveaways of Myquillyn Smith's book, THE NESTING PLACE!  Simply leave a comment below.  If it looks too complex, not to worry!  Simply email your thoughts to me at Linda@CreeksideMinistries.com and I'll post them for you.

And here's where you'll find details about the giveaway and links to all the posts in the series.

The welcome mat is out ... for YOU!

//

feathering my nest with Holley

Housewarming * autumn nesting delights

'How lovely is Your dwelling place,
O Lord Almighty!

My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young -
a place near Your altar,
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;
they are ever praising You.

Blessed are those whose strength is in You,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.'
~   Psalm 84:1 - 5   ~

Dear Lord ~

You've given us just the faintest glimpse of our someday heavenly home.  When we think deeply about all Your promises, we know that nothing on earth can hold even the dimmest candle-glow to the majestic glories above, the awesome wonders that You are busy preparing for those who love You.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Til then, Lord, we live for You right here.  We are grateful for a place to lay our heads
that's safe and warm.  We say the sincerest grace over a too-hot bowl of fragrant soup
and the warm, slightly overcooked bread that comes out of our own ovens. 

We experience a kind of sacred joy in the dailyness of the creative, simple pleasures of homekeeping ...
and thank You for the imperfect loved ones who give those four walls meaningful life
and a quirky beauty.  And we offer all these bountiful graces back up to You
with all the praise that's deep within.

Warm these temporary earthly dwellings and our awaiting hearts with your merciful love, Lord. 
And we will be forever grateful.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

 

*

 

There's no better way to kick off this little autumn nesting delights house party than inviting

our Creator God to be amazingly active in our conversations back and forth!  I can't help but believe that He's going to invite us to something deeper and more substantial along the way ...

 

Sign up to get every post over here.

 

Jump into the conversation each and every day and you'll put yourself in the the running for one of the two giveaways of Myquillyn Smith's book, THE NESTING PLACE!   

 

Check out the giveaway details and each day of the series over there. 

 

/ /

   sharing this Housewarming with
   Barbie  .  Sandra  .  Lisha  .  Janis  .  Courtney  

Christmas * Plain & Simple

 

 

 

dressed for winter, the gingerbread gang hide out 

right smack dab in the midst of this favorite collection of woodenware 

 

 

these two join hands in front of the jam-packed crock,

proudly showing off their cozy red scarves

 

 

and then they join their buddies, hanging out for just a minute

on the vintage aluminum spice rack

 

 

 

 

all four grin with glee as they end up standing at attention

in front of the much-used canister set

 

 

the candles have been lit at dusk since mid-November,

a gentle welcome seen from far up the hill and way down the street

 

 

 the old bells gently chime, announcing the arrival of all who visit

and bidding a sweet farewell at evening's end

 

 

tiny hands craft snowflakes from red and white striped popcorn bags,

while nibbling on leftover sprinkles from freshly decorated cupcakes

 

 

 

priceless old and young Santas make their annual appearance,

gathering in and around an ancient ancestor's spice cabinet

 

 



 

 

tall twigs rescued from the back woods fill an old green mailbox,

providing a safe place for stockings to rest quietly til Christmas Eve

 

 

 

trees that faintly glitter shield a gathering of Santas on the mantle,

overseen by a treasured Cape Cod map

 

 

 

 

fragrant eucalyptus fills an old enamelware bread tin

 tucked inside the fireplace constructed of old reclaimed bricks

 

 

 

 

Grandma's prized ornaments are welcomed from a collection of vintage glass jars,

safely stored since last year's appearance on mantle top

 

 

 

and a stray box of old orbs is unearthed with great delight,

a last minute basement discovery just begging to be opened

 

 



 

 

gentle hands smooth an ancient bed covering,

 arranging the soft folds under an awaiting tree

 

 

 

 

a chipped and faded family gem

is hung with a smile and great care

 

each cherished ornament carries its own valued

memories of generations of Christmas celebrations

 

 

delicately transparent and tissue thin,

 few of these fragile beauties remain with us

 

 

 

 

but the beautiful, life-changing truths of the Nativity never depart,

the never ending, firm foundation of all that is celebrated with grateful hearts

 

*

 

'For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord ...'

Luke 2:11 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and

 

INSPIRED BY CHARM