The Wonder of Pets Luke 12:6 117 A Pleasing Aroma Leviticus 2: Outbuildings 1 Timothy 6: Letting Your Candlelight Shine Luke 11:33

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1 Contents Introduction Psalm 133:1 9 Firm Foundations Isaiah 33:6 13 Being a Woman of Influence Proverbs 14:1 17 Designing a Peaceful Place Isaiah 32:18 21 Blue and Green People Revelation 4:2 3, 6 25 Patterns of Living 2 Timothy 1:13 29 Making an Entrance Psalm 100:4 33 Living in the Great Room Deuteronomy 31:12 37 Fabulous Focal Points Philippians 3: A Big Change for Small Cost Proverbs 31:10, 13, Light and Shadow Revelation 21: Getting Organized 1 Corinthians 14:33, Master Bedrooms Hebrews 13:4 57 Wallcoverings Psalm 20:5 61 Bringing the Outdoors In Psalm 52: The Challenge of Little Blessings Proverbs 22:6 69 Family-Friendly Designs Psalm 127:3 73 A Safe Haven 1 Samuel 25:35 77 Peaceful Boundaries Proverbs 15:25 81 Caring for Heirlooms and Treasures 2 Timothy 1:14 85 Space for Temporary Residents 2 Kings 4: Designing a Homework Center 2 Timothy 2:15 93 Expanding Outdoors Matthew 12: Cleanliness Psalm 51:1, Seating Revelation 3: Easy Entertaining Hebrews 13:2 109 Fantastic Flooring Exodus 3:

2 The Wonder of Pets Luke 12:6 117 A Pleasing Aroma Leviticus 2: Outbuildings 1 Timothy 6: Letting Your Candlelight Shine Luke 11: Choosing and Using a Designer Proverbs 15: Bathroom Sanctuaries Psalm 68: Fountains and Water Psalm 36:9 141 Combating Mildew Leviticus 14: Divine and Human Plans Proverbs 16:9 149 Using Skilled Craftspeople Exodus 31: Designs for Caregiving John 19: Creativity 2 Corinthians 5: Teamwork Proverbs 4: Preparing Your Home for Winter Matthew 6: Happy Hideaways Matthew 14: A Proper Place for Possessions Proverbs 15: A Moving Experience John 14: Wonderful Window Treatments Joshua 2:12, 17 18, Accessories Ecclesiastes 8: Decorating with Mirrors 1 Corinthians 13: Organizing a Home Office 1 Kings 10: Storage Systems Proverbs 21: Viewing Your Blessings Psalm 48: Blessing Your Home Numbers 6: Index 213

3 Beautiful Places.qxd 5/17/04 12:56 PM Page 13 Meditations on Firm Foundations ISAIAH 33:6 He (God) will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. Day 1 Thank You, God, for Your promise of a sure foundation even though sometimes I feel shaky. Day 2 What are the rich stores on which my life and my home are built? Day 3 Thank You for granting me salvation and wisdom and knowledge. Day 4 How can I properly fear You? Day 5 Teach me how to anchor my home on Your foundation. Day 6 Grant my loved ones and me a renewed sense of our treasure in You. See photo #2

4 Beautiful PLACES, SPIRITUAL Spaces Firm Foundations Ahome is an earthly foundation. As children, it is the first environment we know, and from it we learn what to expect from family and outsiders. Our home lives will determine how we look at and approach the rest of the world and the rest of our lives. In her book Your Life, Nancy Carmichael said: It is one thing to have a wonderfully decorated and furnished house; but is the house for you, or do you exist for the house? We have real fellowship when we feel safe with one another, when there is earned trust in the relationship. Fellowship is for us, the real people with real needs. There is nothing sweeter than authentic relationships. THE BASIS FOR SOCIETY All aspects of our lives are touched and affected by the atmosphere of our homes. One of the most important things that we can do is to establish a home that is joyful, comfortable, and encouraging to those who dwell there. Home life shapes families and societies. Architecturally, a well-designed and well-constructed home is one of the finer accomplishments of humankind. But a home is more than bricks and mortar. It is a place where family members can receive physical, emotional, and spiritual nourishment. As Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, Safe, affordable housing is a basic necessity for every family. Without a decent place to live, people cannot be productive members of society, 14

5 children cannot learn and families cannot thrive. Our homes should not only reflect our personal tastes but also express the personalities of all those who live there. Personal mementos and heirlooms passed down through the family can make a house feel like a home. Most people stop short of finishing their homes. They get the major pieces of furniture and maybe an accessory or two. But that is just the foundation. It is the little things color, texture, pattern, wallcoverings, area rugs, pillows, a soft throw, plants, artwork, and treasures collected throughout your life that truly make the difference. BEGIN WITH LOVE Firm Foundations One of the most frequent questions I (Sharon) hear is Where do I begin? Start with something you love. Whether it s a piece of artwork, a rug, a lamp, a chair, or even a piece of wallpaper, it doesn t matter as long as you love it. Then build the space around that treasured item. Learn to collect things. The objects we collect tell stories and hold memories. Finding and living with objects that we love can bring joy. The secret is to make choices that are right for you and your family. Arrange or rearrange in a way that makes life simpler and easier. If your children hear the words no and don t every time they enter or use a room, it means your home rules are overruling practical living, and there is something wrong with the choices you have made. As Carole Mayhall says, Being a keeper of the home is a big task, but it won t 15

6 Beautiful PLACES, SPIRITUAL Spaces be overwhelming if you keep trying to simplify your home as well as your life. 1 Here are some tips for improving the foundation of your home life: zallow your home to be a living home that adapts to meet the changing needs and lifestyles. zevaluate your space and needs. Prioritize the tasks that need to be addressed in each room. If you expect children to do homework in the family room, then provide them with a table or desk. zdon t let the fashion of the moment dictate your spaces, because you will end up sacrificing function and personal taste, which will directly impact your enjoyment of life. zmake room for fun. Create safe spaces where children can be themselves. zbe respectful of each family member s privacy and personal possessions. zdesignate a place or room as the listening space. As a child, my family s spot was the kitchen table. We gathered there to express our feelings, converse with each other, and gain acceptance and recognition. NOTE 1. Carole Mayhall, Come Walk with Me (Colorado Springs: WaterBrook, 1998),