Write It On The Walls with Guest Trish Smith
Oh, you are in for a treat! My friend and co-author of my first two books, Trish Smith is here today. She is a crafting whiz and Jesus-lovin’ gal; glue gun in one hand; Bible in the other! That’s my bio on her. Got many of her homemade wares in my home. And some from the online decor business she has too. (You are gonna love it!)
Now, for her professional bio: (gotta keep it classy!)
Trish Smith is a wife and Army mom, co-author of the books, Homespun Gifts from the Heart and Homespun Memories for the Heart. She is an independent consultant for Blessings Unlimited and is an active crafter and knitter. She loves to weave Scripture into her crafting and gift giving to share the story of what God has done in her life. Check out her website at http://www.myblessingsunlimited.net/trishsmith
MAKING SCRIPTURE THE HEART OF YOUR HOME
The home I lived in as a child is much different from the one I live in now. It was full of fear and chaos, confusion and pain.
As a child I longed for a quiet, peaceful home like the one my friend lived in – a clean, serene place where friends were invited, family was embraced, and supper was eaten together around the table.
Because of these beginnings, as an adult with a home of my own, I have made it a priority to create a haven for myself and my family. I wanted to create an environment of rest and nourishment away from the bustle and chaos of the world outside my home.
I felt that I, as well as my family, needed to be able to come home to a haven of rest and relaxation so that we could head back out into the sometimes harsh world of school, work, and just plain life, refreshed and ready to meet the challenges.
Over the years, the conviction has grown in me that, as a Christian, I just can’t keep this to myself – I need to remember to invite others into my haven as well and share that refreshment! This just wasn’t something that I learned to do as a child – it wasn’t even allowed. Maybe some of you are in the same boat – you might not have seen how to do this growing up. But it is something we can learn to do. Just pick up the phone, make yourself do it if you have to. Guests probably won’t care if your house is as clean and neat as a magazine cover, they just want to know they are welcomed and loved!
As I have worked at creating and sustaining this environment of peace in my own home, I have become convinced that a crucial part of that is surrounding and immersing myself with Scripture, even in my decorating.
As I look at and absorb the truth around me, it focuses my mind on what God has done for me. When we sprinkle verses around our homes, those who enter will see our testimonies, planting a seed inside their hearts that, when watered, will produce a harvest. So, here are some ideas to get you started…
~ Write the verse “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105) on the bottom edge of a lampshade. Simply write out the verse in pencil in your best handwriting first, and then take a fine-tipped permanent marker to go over the pencil lines. This would be great on the lamp where you normally sit to have your quiet time with the Lord – a reminder to focus your mind on what He has to teach and where He is directing.
~ On neutral-colored burlap or linen pillows (handmade or store bought), again, write out a verse in pencil. Then, use a simple backstitch to go over the handwriting with your favorite colors. How about “Love is patient” with an outline of a heart below? I can’t tell you how often these pillows reminded me to be patient with my family while I had them displayed for Valentine’s Day! Or, get a package of 2 standard pillowcases in the color of your choice and stitch the words “I am my beloved’s” on one, and, on the other, stitch “my beloved is mine” from Song of Solomon 6:3. I just gave a set of these pillowcases as a bridal shower gift – they were a hit! But, if you make some for yourself, what a great way to focus your thoughts and emotions on the blessing lying right beside you – just as your head hits the pillow!
~Do you have a favorite hymn that helps focus your thoughts and desires back on the One who made you? Try taking a photocopy of the hymn, enlarged to fit in a frame whatever size you desire. Then, dip a paper towel in some tea and gently dab the tea on the paper, taking care not to get the paper too wet. Just a little will do the trick – you just want to antique the paper a bit. Then, simply place the picture in the frame and hang in a place of prominence in your home.
~For a small chalkboard, I simply took an old silver platter from a garage sale (the more patina, the better!) and painted the inner tray with chalkboard paint. I used a plate hanger to hang this on a wall in my kitchen to help me with memorizing Scripture. I can always wipe off the verse I’ve just learned and move on to the next. If you have the room, try painting an entire wall with chalkboard paint. Then, keep track of schedules, chores, menus, and add a memory verse for the whole family to learn. You can even make your own chalk paint in whatever color you want by adding 2 Tablespoons of unsanded tile grout to each cup of flat wall paint. You’ll want to put on 2-3 coats. Wait until dry and rub the whole area with chalk to condition the paint. Wipe off and you’re ready to fill the space!
~For many years, I have been making Scripture signs to sell, for friends and family, and for my own walls. Just print off a banner on the computer and cut out the letters with a small utility knife. Place the stencil over a base-coated board whatever size you choose (I like to use crackle paint for my base coat). Then, use a stencil brush with a small amount of paint on the brush to gently tap or pounce the paint into the cut-out letters. The trick is not to have too much paint on the brush at any one time. You can always go back over something, but it is much harder to take paint away if it bleeds underneath your stencil. Choose your verse based on where the sign is going in your home. I have “Create in me a clean heart, O God” above my laundry area. What a great reminder to me to come to Him in confession and repentance. He gives restoration!
~Here’s a great idea for blessing those who enter your home. Again, first with a pencil, write out these verses from Numbers 6:24-26 above and around your door frame. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Then, simply use a paint pen to go over the words with paint. As your guests leave, say a short prayer over them that includes this verse. What a way to help your guests feel loved!
~Finally, there are many companies that offer lots of home décor and gift items that emphasize Scripture. Blessings Unlimited is one that I am involved in. I just love all the products – reminding me of my faith, the truth of Scripture, meaningful beauty. Everything they offer is encouraging and uplifting, both to me around my house and, hopefully, to all those who enter. Check out the catalog at www.myblessingsunlimited.net/trishsmith for our full line of products.
These are just a few ideas to help get your creative juices flowing. Think about where the Word of God would fit into your home décor and would minister to your family and guests. Have fun with it…it just makes the verses that much more memorable.
For the GIVEAWAY today, I am going to send one of you a mug from Blessings Unlimited. You can have a choice of one of the four Reminders of His Love mugs: Beauty, Blessings, Gratitude, or Wonder. Click here to take a peek at them.
There’s a verse inside the bottom of each mug – so cute!! Choose the “Gratitude” mug if you need a Thank You gift. Or, choose the “Blessings” mug if you simply need a reminder after your last sip of coffee that “Each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me.” (Psalm 42:8)
Reply to the post below to enter the giveaway and make sure you mention which of the Reminders of his Love mugs you would like to receive! Blessings to you today!
REMEMBER: For tomorrow’s idea swap and share, be thinking of your best decorating idea, tip, object, theme, centerpiece or DIY project. Bloggers, get a post ready. Others, you can leave yours in the comment section with a description or a link to what it is you like so we all can see.
Finally, we are also interacting over at Karen Ehman’s Book Studies on Facebook. Click here to “like” the page & join us.
I think I would choose the beauty mug. I often need to be reminded to see myself through His eyes.
I keep a journal of inspiring scripture that I take out and read when I need blessing, but I would love to have them on display, especially the blessings mug.
Thanks for the great ideas! My mother always had her favorite bible verse written on an old fashioned chalk board, near our entry way (“This is the day the lord has made…”). I now have it, and treasure it so. I’ve also followed her example, and added my own favorite verses in various ways around the house for my kids to see.
Love all the mugs, but the “Blessing” one is my favorite.
Love these ideas! I’m craving God’s word right now and I’m anxious to write it everywhere–lampshades, walls, pillow cases, vases, sew on pillows. These are fantastic ideas! The mugs are beautiful! The Blessings mug is my favorite~
Love these great ideas for having scripture around the house…..Blessings mug is just what I need!!
I have thought about selling Blessings Unlimited products. They are so special and would make great gifts or accents for the home. Thank you for the ideas to be creative and write on the walls. I love the idea of “The Lord bless you and Keep you” over the doorway as my guests and family are leaving. Love it!
Enjoyed all your decorating ideas today. I, too, use scripture to decorate my home. I also frequently make hand-crafted gifts for wedding and baby showers. Fell in love with the scripture pillowcases. Great reminder of the blessing of our spouse. Yes, my favorite mug is “Blessing”.
Great ideas! I love the Blessings mug!
What lovely ideas! The ‘Gratitude’ mug would be wonderful to have…
I wish I could do some of the suggestions in this blog but my handwriting is atrocious even when I am trying to be careful. God did not bless me with good handwriting. But I bet I have a friend or two who would be willing to pencil some scripture on painted wood for me! and they are non-christians so exposing them to scripture would be good.
I am a basic sewer. For my decorating tip I buy the matching sheets to the comforters for my beds and take the top sheet and sew matching valances for my windows. It is “sew” easy and it ties everything together.
I have bead-board in my kitchen. I have been thinking of writing scripture above it stencil style. I really like the idea of filling my home with scripture. Loved the blessing around the door idea. I like the beauty mug best. Thanks for the inspiration.
I love these ideas for getting God’s Word in the home. I love the Blessings mug.
Either mug sounds great! your home sounds like a wonderful sanctuary.
I like the Blessing mug; the Scripture is so true and seeing the words each day would help me to be more aware and thankful of them. Thank you for sharing your ideas in decorating.
I love the blessings mug!!
I, too, grew up in a house hold that was very tense and hospitality was the last thing on my parents minds. I am married to a man who would be happy living in a cave if it meant that he would not have to associate with people! I love the idea of repurposing a yard sale find into a wonderful life-affirming gift. I have only recently come back to Him and have started displaying scripture in my home. In fact, the first piece was a gift from my daughter that I display in my living room! God gifted me with a stroke and after that, I have not felt the “itch” to create, but before my stroke, I was able to make just about anything with a needle and yarn or thread. I would be happy to recieve the Wonder mug if I am chosen the winner. I have always had an inquiring mind! Reading your post today has started the first “tickle” of an “itch” in me, thanks!
I especially like those pillows! How creative!
For the mug…beauty. I love that verse.
I have alot of scripture in our new house. I love to be refreshed by God’s word as I go about in our house. It is a constant reminder of God’s love for me.. I love the word graditude., that would be my favorite mug. I am so grateful for what God is doing in my life!
I am such a “non-crafty” person, but I think even I can handle some of your awesome ideas! Thank you so much for sharing them. (I would love the “Gratitude” mug)
Thank you for the decorating ideas. I friend of mine made us a 12×12 tile with a scripture on it for Christmas a few years back. It decorates one of my bedroom walls.
If I am chosen as today’s winner, I would love the ‘blessing’ mug.
Thank you again and blessings to you!
These are great ideas though doubt I could do most of them as least without help. Would probably have to go with the Blessings mug
I love the scripture mugs! They are so feminine looking. I think the one I like best is the Blessings one, with Gratitude coming in second. I also appreciated your guest writer today.
Love your ideas about sharing scriptures and blessing others! Can’t wait to paint a verse around a door frame! I think I like the “beauty” mug :)
Thank you for your wonderful ideas. I would loved anyone of the mugs.
Mary
What a great post! I have various Dayspring/Blessings Unlimited/various other Christian decor items throughout my home and I love the little daily visual reminders. These mugs are adorable, I especially like the gratitude!