I can’t believe it’s already December! I swore when I began this creative journey I would not give up… I wouldn’t go for more than two weeks without posting.  That was my goal. My goal now is to only put out work that people, friends like you, would want to read.  And that’s creating quality pieces that deliver inspiration to the world around us.  I call it selective writing another friend calls it obedience.  Either way, I’ll take it. 😉

 In this month of December, I’m excited to share that I will be embarking on a new journey.  I am going to share 12 of my favorite “festive” holiday design ideas with you.  These are the things that I’ve created in our home to help rekindle the Christmas spirit within us.  It is my hope that you may use one; or if I hit a home run, two ideas, in your own home.  So here it goes….  I’m signing myself up willingly for intentional accountability.  This month I will be embarking on a project called, The 10 Designs of Christmas: A Holiday Series.  I hope you will join me for more!

Now, because we’re officially accountability partners, I should share a little something with you. Confession: It was my full intention to start this project yesterday. But, let’s be completely honest… Well, let me ask you: Do you know what yesterday was? It was that magical shop-holiday that one marketing genius across America created just for those that fall prey to a fantastic deal. Yes, Cyber Monday! And sadly, their prey… Muah.  Every time I planted myself in front of the computer, mysteriously and uncontrollably my fingers began to type “Cyber Monday Deals USA Today” in my google search engine.  You can check my cookies. I’m not even kidding.  Please pray for me… I clearly have problems.

Okay, so now that the slate is clean, let’s kick this design series off right. Do you remember that old door that I found downtown at a salvage yard? This summer I posted a picture of it and it looked a little like this…

 

 

And now, it looks a little like this…

 

 

What I love most about it is that there’s a story behind this door.  We’ll never know the story but we sure can dream of how it was once used.  That’s the beautiful thing about marrying the old with the new.  It creates an architectural interest that cannot be replicated.  And not to worry, for all of those moms that think this isn’t kid friendly, my husband, God love him, attached a coiled wire that is attached to a bolt that is drilled into a stud.  This door isn’t going anywhere!

A few final points worth sharing:  I love the look of whimsical berries next to something that’s so structurally strong.  This creates visual interest and suggests that opposites DO attract.  Which would be evidence as to how I ended up with a man who could wear the same FD shirt every day of his life.  Another point worth noting, the weight along with the layer upon layer of the berries makes this space look rich and heavy; which, balances out the strong solid structure of the door that sits next to it.  Together, they’re a perfect pair.  But alone, it’s just another boring vase with berries on a random stand and a big ol’ wooden door.  And finally, the sign next to the door states the heart of our home, ‘Do Something Small with Great Love.’  Because that’s what we’re called to do.  Remember, of all things LOVE is the greatest and most powerful thing in the world.  So love someone today that’s hard to love.  And, do something small for the least of these.  Because at the end of the day, our children will become what they see.  And you my friend, are the most powerful demonstration of Love that God could ever bring into their little world.

Welcome Home. ❤