We live in a broken world and because of that sometimes it can be difficult to feel love that we all need and deserve just by sharing this earth together. Sometimes when we are young something happens to keep us from the love we are meant to have and feel. And sometimes as adults we end up depriving ourselves of love because we think we deserve less & believe we are unworthy. We become good at putting ourselves down & putting ourselves last. We take on the burdens of others and let ourselves be emotionally high-jacked. We get anxious and depressed and find it hard to trust.
I’m learning that Jesus wants to fix our broken & sad bits. I think he wants us to put up boundaries that will help us tend our gardens and in turn serve him better. If we are not being honest & speaking truth about ourselves, we are not being true to the people he wants us to be. We are snowflakes- all made beautifully different and here to let our light shine & be perfectly us.
What does all this preaching have to do with design? It is my story & part of my healing. I have learned to self-care by making my space safe & calm & lovely. I can sit in a dome chair with a book and I can light a lavender candle to calm my spirit. I can add a few nests here and there to make me smile.
It is not a waste or an extra. It is caring for ourselves by creating beauty. It is the landscape of our lives. It is the backdrop. It is the sky and the sunset. It is the large oak tree and the grass under our feet. It is caring for ourselves through a small vignette with old clocks that remind you of your grandmother’s home.
Don’t underestimate the power of design in your life and your healing from a broken world. It has made joy in my world, under my roof. Your nest is also sacred and important and deserves care & warmth. It should be a place where you experience safety and comfort.
Wishing you all a cozy throw, the soft light of a lamp, fresh greens from a tree and heavenly peace.
Oh my gosh you just nailed it guuuurrrl! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! So very true. I always thought this way, but your words were perfect! Perfect! Wishing you peace and healing, and the love you have so willingly given to us! Merry Christmas Christen!
Awesome! 🙂
Dear Christen, this is exactly the journey I am on and He is teaching me, to love and celebrate me ( something I did not have as a child). To build my nest, and He has provided many things, treasures that warm my heart and make my soul alive. He has been teaching me about speaking the truth in love, for my own sake and for the hearers, for their freedom ( that is a tough one, but I am doing it with His leading, and heart. Also boundaries and say yes when I feel to, while being true to me, and the same with “no” when others have expectations or would have me perform, and it is not in my heart to do so…a lot of learning and leaning:):) I knew there was something special about you and I was drawn to you when I watched your videos…the Lord has used you in my journey and helping me to express, be creative with my own hands and loving what I am doing…it isn’t work at all..it is a passion:) Much blessings
Your best blog post ever! Thanks for letting us not feel guilty about putting our creative juices to work. It’s so easy to forget ourselves and the need to feel we must take care of everyone else before ourselves. God Bless and Merry Christmas!
That was beautiful…thank you! Wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas!
Hey Christen!
Great post!
Psalm 16: 5-6 ” Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I have tried to always allow God to “set my boundaries.” Proverbs 16: 9 “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”
Alright, I’ll stop with the preaching now! Have a very blessed Christmas!
Pam
What an inspiring message!! The content as well as the most perfectly penned words of insightful description of why we designing women are the way we are, is amazing Christen!. I love your spirit, your transparency, your gifts and talents, and your willingness to share your craft, home and family with all of us. An individual may never be able to articulate why a certain blog becomes something that they are drawn to daily- to check in, as it were- not just for design, but to connect with an unspoken kindred spirit.
I need to keep your words visible in a special place in my home. I have been forever touched. Blessings to you and yours this season.
Awesome post, and I couldn’t agree with you more!!! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us:) Have a beautiful and blessed Christmas!!
Sally
Thank you, Christen. Your message is so timely. You are beautiful inside and out. Merry Christmas and I wish for you many blessings in the New Year.
Beautifully spoken! Exactly what my heart is feeling! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Christen, I couldn’t agree with you more!
My home has always been my sanctuary, even as a young woman (took MANY years for my hubby to understand all my constant “feathering”). I love this post and your blog. Wishing you a blessed holiday!
I applaud your courage in sharing your journey. Just from reading the comments here, it is clear that you are helping and building others as you build and heal yourself. Such a worthwhile effort. Well done! And Merry Christmas.
Marian
Wow! Couldn’t have said it any better! May the Good Lord Bless you and your family this Christmas!