One of the unanticipated serendipities of choosing Fridays to write about finding and creating beauty at home, is that my eyes have been opened in new ways to see beauty.
My goodness, beauty is everywhere!
I've become much more aware of my senses - the things that smell good, look pretty, feel nice, taste delicious and sound sweet...these are such gifts, and I think they are here for us to enjoy them.
I've made a deliberate effort to celebrate little snippets of beauty when I find them.
One of the most delightful ways to celebrate beauty is to bring the outside in.
Although spring is around the corner, I found some dried grasses and pods outside that made me smile. They're coming inside with me.
They will add texture without a lot of color - and sometimes that's just the right touch.
Now, I loved this post over at Thistlewood farm about brightening a dreary day with natural elements. Decorating a mantel like this definitely feels like spring, especially when you spray paint twigs and branches a gorgeous blue!
Around here, the wildflowers will soon be blooming - the blue bonnets are already popping up - and I've gathered up some small bud vases to have handy for a plucked bloom or two.
I'm forever inspired by Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper, who always finds a way to bring the outside in. I found this darling bud vase in her store and love its charm.
There is something about touches of nature, brought indoors, that are calming, reassuring, and grounding. It's as if our souls are thirsty for tangible reminders of God's grace and beauty, and these provide small tokens of His essence.
Nature helps us disconnect from the digital clamor around us, and reminds us, not only of our Creator, but of our place within His good creation.
We are created to be connected with our natural world.
We do this by spending time outside in creation, and by bringing the outside in whenever possible.
Isaiah 55:12 For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
What a picture of joyous celebration - outside - among the trees and hills. Each tiny flower, each twig, each blade of grass sings His praise.
How will you bring the outside in? What is your favorite decorating touch from nature? Are you inspired to try something new?
Have a beautiful Friday, everyone!