Making Our House A Home

Where we live really matters. I'm not talking apartment versus house. Renting versus owning. Living in a neighborhood versus living in a residence hall (which is what I do since I run the place).

What matters is how we feel when we're at home. When we walk in the door, do we let out a sigh of relief from the day and feel relaxed? Do we feel safe and comforted? Do we feel cozy (my favorite feeling)?

Does our home feel like a place where our family lives and loves?

If you're anything like me, you go to great lengths to fill your home with beautiful things. Purposeful items and memory-filled trinkets. You love a great Pottery Barn knockoff and would never buy what you could make (for much less mind you).

So I'd probably say that our homes feel like places where our families live and love and make messes and cuddle and jump on the bed and kiss goodnight.

But when we're at home, snuggled on the couch or washing the dishes, do we feel God?

Before we made our house a home, God was there, waiting for us to unpack and join Him. He fills every nook and cranny of our space and longs for us to view our homes as a place of worship and reflection. A place where we can dwell in His presence.

I love having beautiful reminders of Christ and His love around our home. Things I can see throughout the day to help me stop and think about Jesus. I also love having these little pieces around for others to see and know that our house serves the Lord.

I was honored to do a product review for (In)Courage and  DaySpring. Their Inspired Deals this month features items for our homes that celebrate our savior.

I was given this gorgeous piece by Urban Soul. 

Although it's a little hard to tell in the picture, it's not just pure black, but instead has a great texture of gray shades.

This month has been a hard one, and Kyle and I have needed to rely on the Lord's strength more than ever. We really can do anything through His strength is there when our strength isn't.

What do you have around your home that speaks to your faith? What reminders do you like to keep?

(In)Courage and DaySpring are offering a $35 credit so you can add a few things to your home. 

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment about what makes your house a home.

For extra entries, spread the word! Leave a comment each for bloggin, FBing, tweeting, etc.

Please know that shipping charges will apply to the winner's purchase. Giveaway ends Sunday at midnight.

How lovely is your dwelling place,
   LORD Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
   for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
   for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home,
   and the swallow a nest for herself,
   where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
   LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
   they are ever praising you.
Psalm 84:1-4


** I received this item free from Dayspring to review. The opinions in this post are all mine.