Is your house whispering to you? Have your living spaces kept in pace with the rest of your life? Did Grandma leave a battered trunk in your attic? Join us for this hearty homekeeping discussion.
I am a box hoarder. I keep empty boxes (original packaging or mail packaging) just in case I need to use them again. But I really need to dispose of them.
Oh yeah, I hear you about those Amazon boxes stacking up just waiting to be re-used. But then I remember how seldom I mail a package these days ... and then off to the recycle pile they end up going.
I used to move furniture around my tiny home a lot until Mike broke a toe in the middle of the night. Now I just rotate family keepsakes. I have my aunt’s and my grandma’s china cabinets that I “store” things in until I want to see them out. Then I swap something I’m tired of looking at for the new item. Keeps my decor changing!!!
Oh Tim would certainly resonate with Mike's broken toe. And using those family pieces to store things until you're ready for something new is brilliant. A refresh doesn't mean everything from soup to nuts has to be changed. Love that, Val.
Oh, what a beautiful post! It resonates with me on so many levels. Imagine our shock when, one night in January, I opened our front door to see a huge, white auction sign on our rented townhouse's front lawn! No warning. No heads up. Nothing. Just a huge, glaring, white sign telling us that our world was getting ready to change. It has been quite a shock to everyone who lives here but not a surprise to our loving Lord. So, here we find ourselves again. On this faith journey. This following Jesus with all our hearts. And yes, looking at every single item we own with a very critical eye as we contemplate a potential upcoming but extremely unwanted move. I love your beautiful shelves and all the changes she has seen through the years. So grateful to visit with you here this morning, steadfast friend. You are an enormous blessing to me. May you feel His presence with you in unexpected ways today!
Oh Cheryl, what a huge shock. Seismic. I am so sorry for what you are dealing with. But there you are, reminding yourself and reminding us that this is 'not a surprise to our loving Lord.'
If it helps, please keep us posted here. I know that others who read this chapter of your story will be praying for you. Like I'm doing right now even as we speak. I am believing that the Lord will have mercy on you and show grace and favor to you.
Thank you so much, Linda. Seismic. Yes! Lord willing, I will try to remember to keep you posted here. The prayers are most definitely appreciated. I believe alongside you that the Lord will have mercy on us and show us grace and favor. I was praying, and God spoke so clearly to me and said, "I will fight for you. You won't have to fight." Oh, how I am clinging to that and standing on His promise! Mom always told me that there are three things God can't do—He can't lie, He can't change, and He can't fail. Praise God for the things He cannot do! I love and appreciate you so much!
I love the seasonal rhythm of “quieting the house” this time of the year. Scrubbing a few walls while I’m at it, and leaving some white space for the eye to rest. Seems like it’s even connected somehow to preparing my heart and mind for the season of Lent and Easter.
Oh my. I never thought of that, Cathy. Fascinating how God can use even our daily tasks and decisions to prepare our hearts for springtime, Lent, Easter. Thank you for this wise insight.
I love. love. love your book shelves. My DIL made a monopoly game for our family: Bucheropoly. Instead of going to jail, you had to move the corner cupboard - LOL. Sometimes I've wondered if re-arranging is a hormone thing. I've learned the symptoms. I'm in the process of trying to make my small dining room a Coffee Bar. Last week I moved the long bench from behind the kitchen table and replaced it with only 2 chairs --symbolically, it is a big nest-change. Instead of a possible need for 10 around the table - it's ready for just six (sniff). There are lots of little changes, like undercurrents, that if done all at once would feel seismic. Your post really hit the season I'm in. (I bet your grandma's chest held memories, and she wanted someone to fill it with new memories. Maybe that's why she left it.)
Bucheropoly! I love that, Maryleigh. I love the coffee bar idea ... I talked to someone else who was doing that recently ... it makes a whole lot of sense. Very fun.
Yeah, moving that bench was a huge game changer. Very symbolic of the morphing into a new season of life. And so let's hear it for the little changes, those undercurrents that make upcoming seasons a bit less traumatic. I do hear what you're saying and I think a whole lot of readers will completely resonate.
I love how you listen to your home and let it evolve with you! Your journey from treasured clutter to curated simplicity is so relatable. That moment of stepping back, giving a space a breather, and then intentionally choosing what sparks joy—it’s such a refreshing approach. Your Granny’s trunk story made me smile. Thank you for inspiring me to rethink my own spaces with fresh eyes!
Linda, this is wonderful. We kinda of do this with changing of seasons especially after Christmas but my office with its bookcase has become cluttered as you write here and aha now I know what to do.
10 years ago we were living in our dream house in Colorado, three stories with views of the Rocky Mountains out of all the west facing windows on all three floors. It was meant to be our forever home. Our adult children had moved on with their own lives and the ten grandchildren were scattered in different states, visiting less and less as they got older and busier. I began to feel lonely with 4,000 sq feet of space, most of which we barely used. It took five years to convince my husband to downsize. Long story condensed, we sold that home and moved with ony two pods of our possessions. The rest we sold at an estate sale. We moved to Arizona into a new build, smaller, one story home. We brought one couch and loveseat, and three beds. No seasonal decorations. I kept 400 books and donated twice that amount to the local library. WE HAVE NOT MISSED A SINGLE ITEM! We have been here for five years and settled on an intentional minimalist style. It is so freeing.
Oh my, Marylou. This is awesome. So inspiring. All these trinkets we think we must have fade to dust, don't they. 4000 square feet to a smaller, one story home. All the possessions pared down to what's essential (books!) Minimal furniture. Maximum freedom. Fabulous.
You'd love Cheryl Smith's book Biblical Minimalism. Your stories resonate so well together! You'll often find her in the comment section around here.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story. I know there will be people who will be nudged forward to take some simple steps. Please continue to be a part of our conversations. I'd love that. Bless you.
Paula, thanks! It's interesting to dig through our archives and dust off words that are still completely who we are all these years later. I highly recommend!
Linda, I love the thought you put into your decor ... each "edition" of the dining room shelves looks good to me. I have too many other projects going right now for a full-blown shelving redo, but maybe I could stop and take out an unwanted book or two every time I pass by? I'm also looking forward to moving my parents' little kitchen table back into the upstairs nook when Lilly moves into an apartment next month. It makes a great writing space ...
What a great idea to edit a bookshelf bit by bit instead of one giant production that takes tiem and energy. Brilliant. Love that.
And I can't believe that Lily is moving into an apartment of her very own. It seems like only yesterday she was in middle school. I can't wait to hear how your new writing space unfolds. Wouldn't your parents just love that you're using their table as your home base. Wonderful.
Linda, I miss what you call Clutter Central! I loved the different items on your shelves and the colors and stories they held. In my opinion, the shelves are too sparse now! Your house tells a story of generations, keep it that way!!
I am finding myself collecting less and simplifying more. It's a work in progress but so freeing!
Early summer is such a lovely time to clear the decks and simplify, isn't it ...
I love your white shelves.
I am a box hoarder. I keep empty boxes (original packaging or mail packaging) just in case I need to use them again. But I really need to dispose of them.
Oh yeah, I hear you about those Amazon boxes stacking up just waiting to be re-used. But then I remember how seldom I mail a package these days ... and then off to the recycle pile they end up going.
I used to move furniture around my tiny home a lot until Mike broke a toe in the middle of the night. Now I just rotate family keepsakes. I have my aunt’s and my grandma’s china cabinets that I “store” things in until I want to see them out. Then I swap something I’m tired of looking at for the new item. Keeps my decor changing!!!
Oh Tim would certainly resonate with Mike's broken toe. And using those family pieces to store things until you're ready for something new is brilliant. A refresh doesn't mean everything from soup to nuts has to be changed. Love that, Val.
Linda, those shelves look lovely! It is amazing how refreshing our homes also refreshes our souls! Blessings!
Yes, yes, Joanne -->'It is amazing how refreshing our homes also refreshes our souls!'
I know there are people who poo-poo this whole concept but I fully believe it's true. Thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one.
* phew *
My space has been calling me too. Love you photos and willingness to try something new.
I grew up in a house where nothing was never ever moved once it was put in place. Need I say more?!
Oh, what a beautiful post! It resonates with me on so many levels. Imagine our shock when, one night in January, I opened our front door to see a huge, white auction sign on our rented townhouse's front lawn! No warning. No heads up. Nothing. Just a huge, glaring, white sign telling us that our world was getting ready to change. It has been quite a shock to everyone who lives here but not a surprise to our loving Lord. So, here we find ourselves again. On this faith journey. This following Jesus with all our hearts. And yes, looking at every single item we own with a very critical eye as we contemplate a potential upcoming but extremely unwanted move. I love your beautiful shelves and all the changes she has seen through the years. So grateful to visit with you here this morning, steadfast friend. You are an enormous blessing to me. May you feel His presence with you in unexpected ways today!
Oh Cheryl, what a huge shock. Seismic. I am so sorry for what you are dealing with. But there you are, reminding yourself and reminding us that this is 'not a surprise to our loving Lord.'
If it helps, please keep us posted here. I know that others who read this chapter of your story will be praying for you. Like I'm doing right now even as we speak. I am believing that the Lord will have mercy on you and show grace and favor to you.
Sending love this morning, friend.
xo
Thank you so much, Linda. Seismic. Yes! Lord willing, I will try to remember to keep you posted here. The prayers are most definitely appreciated. I believe alongside you that the Lord will have mercy on us and show us grace and favor. I was praying, and God spoke so clearly to me and said, "I will fight for you. You won't have to fight." Oh, how I am clinging to that and standing on His promise! Mom always told me that there are three things God can't do—He can't lie, He can't change, and He can't fail. Praise God for the things He cannot do! I love and appreciate you so much!
'The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.'
- Exodus 14:14
Amen and amen! I claim that. Thank you!
I love the seasonal rhythm of “quieting the house” this time of the year. Scrubbing a few walls while I’m at it, and leaving some white space for the eye to rest. Seems like it’s even connected somehow to preparing my heart and mind for the season of Lent and Easter.
Oh my. I never thought of that, Cathy. Fascinating how God can use even our daily tasks and decisions to prepare our hearts for springtime, Lent, Easter. Thank you for this wise insight.
'Let every heart prepare Him room ...'
I love. love. love your book shelves. My DIL made a monopoly game for our family: Bucheropoly. Instead of going to jail, you had to move the corner cupboard - LOL. Sometimes I've wondered if re-arranging is a hormone thing. I've learned the symptoms. I'm in the process of trying to make my small dining room a Coffee Bar. Last week I moved the long bench from behind the kitchen table and replaced it with only 2 chairs --symbolically, it is a big nest-change. Instead of a possible need for 10 around the table - it's ready for just six (sniff). There are lots of little changes, like undercurrents, that if done all at once would feel seismic. Your post really hit the season I'm in. (I bet your grandma's chest held memories, and she wanted someone to fill it with new memories. Maybe that's why she left it.)
Bucheropoly! I love that, Maryleigh. I love the coffee bar idea ... I talked to someone else who was doing that recently ... it makes a whole lot of sense. Very fun.
Yeah, moving that bench was a huge game changer. Very symbolic of the morphing into a new season of life. And so let's hear it for the little changes, those undercurrents that make upcoming seasons a bit less traumatic. I do hear what you're saying and I think a whole lot of readers will completely resonate.
I love how you listen to your home and let it evolve with you! Your journey from treasured clutter to curated simplicity is so relatable. That moment of stepping back, giving a space a breather, and then intentionally choosing what sparks joy—it’s such a refreshing approach. Your Granny’s trunk story made me smile. Thank you for inspiring me to rethink my own spaces with fresh eyes!
'from treasured clutter to curated simplicity'
Oh I love how you put it, Veronica. It sounds like the perfect byline!
Linda, this is wonderful. We kinda of do this with changing of seasons especially after Christmas but my office with its bookcase has become cluttered as you write here and aha now I know what to do.
You're right, Deborah, there's something about cleaning up after Christmas that seems to spark some kind of 'aha' moment for many of us ...
10 years ago we were living in our dream house in Colorado, three stories with views of the Rocky Mountains out of all the west facing windows on all three floors. It was meant to be our forever home. Our adult children had moved on with their own lives and the ten grandchildren were scattered in different states, visiting less and less as they got older and busier. I began to feel lonely with 4,000 sq feet of space, most of which we barely used. It took five years to convince my husband to downsize. Long story condensed, we sold that home and moved with ony two pods of our possessions. The rest we sold at an estate sale. We moved to Arizona into a new build, smaller, one story home. We brought one couch and loveseat, and three beds. No seasonal decorations. I kept 400 books and donated twice that amount to the local library. WE HAVE NOT MISSED A SINGLE ITEM! We have been here for five years and settled on an intentional minimalist style. It is so freeing.
Oh my, Marylou. This is awesome. So inspiring. All these trinkets we think we must have fade to dust, don't they. 4000 square feet to a smaller, one story home. All the possessions pared down to what's essential (books!) Minimal furniture. Maximum freedom. Fabulous.
You'd love Cheryl Smith's book Biblical Minimalism. Your stories resonate so well together! You'll often find her in the comment section around here.
https://amzn.to/4aT0rFw
https://www.biblicalminimalism.com/
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story. I know there will be people who will be nudged forward to take some simple steps. Please continue to be a part of our conversations. I'd love that. Bless you.
Correction: I love what you wrote years ago. Lol
Linda your shelving looks fantastic reimagined! I love you wrote years ago, it's beautiful and oh so true. I am so touched by your words today.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend 🤗❤️
Paula, thanks! It's interesting to dig through our archives and dust off words that are still completely who we are all these years later. I highly recommend!
Linda, I love the thought you put into your decor ... each "edition" of the dining room shelves looks good to me. I have too many other projects going right now for a full-blown shelving redo, but maybe I could stop and take out an unwanted book or two every time I pass by? I'm also looking forward to moving my parents' little kitchen table back into the upstairs nook when Lilly moves into an apartment next month. It makes a great writing space ...
What a great idea to edit a bookshelf bit by bit instead of one giant production that takes tiem and energy. Brilliant. Love that.
And I can't believe that Lily is moving into an apartment of her very own. It seems like only yesterday she was in middle school. I can't wait to hear how your new writing space unfolds. Wouldn't your parents just love that you're using their table as your home base. Wonderful.
Linda, I miss what you call Clutter Central! I loved the different items on your shelves and the colors and stories they held. In my opinion, the shelves are too sparse now! Your house tells a story of generations, keep it that way!!
Ah, not to worry, little sister. The shelves in the little guest bedroom definitely have the ancestors well represented ...
I loved seeing the shelve’s alterations! Every piece tells its own story, doesn’t it?
You're right!