Hey There!
The Christmas season is in full swing and many among us have been busy decking the halls with boughs of holly, dressing trees and stringing lights; and I’m no exception.
My heart has been singing as I’ve been stringing. That’s because I absolutely adore seasonal decorating!
Almost every holiday offers a reason for me to do a lighted window display. One day I’m going to work up the nerve to decorate for St. Patty’s day! Until then, I’ll have to enjoy my neighbor’s display. 😉
I couldn’t wait to decorate the interior of my home. Here are a few of my favorite shots…
This snowman welcomes friends and loved ones as they enter our home.
This ledge is a constant reminder that Jesus is the true reason for the season.
This friendly guy is nestled in a bouquet of poinsettias in the corner of our living room.
***
This past weekend I finally got around to finishing the exterior of our home.
Here’s our front window . . .
(It’s identical to last year. If it ain’t broke I don’t fix it!)
and the flower box under our window . . .
I believe that it pleases God when I work on making my home a place of beauty.
Scripture teaches the importance of women keeping a warm and loving attitude towards our family and our homemaking responsibilities . . .
“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God” (Titus 2:4-5).
God’s very own portrait of a virtuous woman is one who “works with eager hands . . . sets about her work vigorously . . . watches over the affairs of her household” (Proverbs 31:13, 17 & 27).
Having a heart that creates beauty is having a heart after God’s own heart.
The very first thing the Bible tells us that God did was to “create” (Genesis 1:1). Just imagine, of all the things God could have chosen to do first, He created!
Not only does nature reveal God’s glory; it demonstrates that God enjoys variety, loves beauty and is creative. God uses jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring splashes of color throughout all of creation to bring us pleasure and get our attention. I suggest we borrow a page from His playbook!
Use your creativity to make your home an environment your family can thrive in!
Some people are born with an extra helping of creativity. The rest of us can cultivate it: you can learn how to produce beauty by training yourself.
If you feel you’re lacking creativity, ask the Father to make you more creative! James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for what we’re lacking . . .
“If any of you lacks wisdom [or creativity] he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” [“or creativity” added]
If you’re wondering where to start, here are a few easy and inexpensive suggestions:
Add a seasonal decorative throw pillow . . .
Poinsettias (featured above with snowmen) are a festive and inexpensive way to bring the great outdoors into your home during the Christmas season. They cost relatively pennies on the dollar for the value they offer. The best bargains can be found at flower markets and the big chain stores.
Take the ledge of a window or shelf and merchandise it with buffalo snow (about $5 for a large bag) and whatever seasonal decor that excites you.
My favorite new additions this season are these adorable snowman jars which not only help to dress my kitchen but provide functionality as well. My kids will love to see them make an appearance every Christmas.
(I sort of have a thing for snowmen. 😉 )
Because my heart is at home for the holidays, I’ll be busy creating beauty. I hope you create some, too!
Merry Christmas from my home to yours!
Tiffiney
Chime in! Do you enjoy decorating for Christmas? Have any decorating tips to share? Holla back in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you and learn more!
I’ve shared this post at these fabulous faith and family link-ups.
I really like your style! I especially like your “Joy” pillow, and those new snowman jars. How fun for your hot chocolate bar! I’m glad to make your acquaintance. I found you on the Hearts for Home Hop.
Hi Michelle, I like your idea about the hot cocoa bar. How exciting that sounds. And I love the name of your blog. I must stop by for a visit.
Blessings,
Tiffiney
What a lovely and cheerful home you’ve created! Thank you for sharing with us.
“Having a heart that creates beauty is having a heart after God’s own heart.” I love what you said about creating beauty – we were created in the image of THE Creator, it makes sense that we should work a bit at creating beauty around us.
Hi Linda! Thanks souch fir stopping by. Glad you enjoyed your visit. Your blog is delightful and inspiring, too. Have a blessed day. ☺
Your decorations make me smile! 🙂 I love poinsettias and white Christmas lights. Such a pretty time of year!
Hi Sarah! Christmas decorations always bring a smile to my face and heart! I wish we could keep the lights up year round! Thank you so much for stopping by.
I love your snowmen and all the Christmas decorations throughout and around your home, Tiffiney! I think those jars with the ever ready hot chocolate mix and marshmallows is a great idea too! I bet your kids love that one for sure! Thanks for all of these great decorating ideas and encouraging us to get our “sparkle on” this Christmas! 😉
Hey Beth!
So great hearing from you again after all this time. It’s good to have you by my neck of the woods. I always enjoy visiting you. :o) So glad you enjoyed the decorations. Be well and thanks for stopping by!
Your home looks beautiful! Thank you for the reminder to embrace our creativity this holiday season.
Hi Sarah! Thanks for your kind words of encouragement, and thanks for stopping over. Have a blessed day!
Beautiful decor! I especially love your front window “A King is Born.” Glad to have found your blog for the first time today from #coffeeforyourheart.
Hi Sarah! Thanks for stopping over from coffeeforyourheart. What a wonderful community of bloggers gathered there. I’m so glad you enjoyed my window display. It’s one of my favorite displays because it is a silent witness about Christ to my community. Thank you for your encouragement. Have a blessed day!
WOW! You’ve really got a knack for making your home beautiful! That front window is incredible! And I love how you tie in to scripture the importance of making your home welcoming! Merry Christmas!
Hi Liz! With a blog titled “creative inspirations” I bet you’re pretty creative yourself. I guess a visit to your neck of the woods is in order. Can’t wait to stop by. Have a blessed day!
Great to see your email in my inbox today! You’ve been missed! I love all your decorating ! Love the lights on your mantle that hang down. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Val, I love ya like some cooked food! :o) (Thanks for checking in on me during my blogging break.) Of course, you’d be the first one to comment. How appropriate? Great hearing from you. Can’t wait to visit your neck of the cyber-woods. Merry Christmas to you and your as well.