Love the Home you Have

My current read is by Melissa Michaels, author of The Inspired Room blog. Although she has been blogging for years, this is her first book, and I was honored to receive a free book in the mail from Harvest House publishers if I'd tell you all about it. Gladly!

Melissa is a true house lover to the core. She loves architecture, decorating, and everything that goes into making a cozy home. She is a pastor's wife and has lived in many different styles of homes. The beginning of the book gives an overview of the homes she's lived in, and what she learned living in each of them.

The whimsical artwork throughout the book helped me not be overwhelmed by pages of words, since I usually consume more photos and less words.

Her conversational way of writing was so relateable as she expressed the struggles of wanting a beautiful home. I think we can all relate to the "if only's"...

I love how she works through the unrealistic expectations of having the perfect home we see in magazines, but also explains that our longing to make our surroundings beautiful comes from being created in the image of God, The Creator. The universe He created is both orderly and beautiful, and the homes we desire is our art, the story of who we are. What a freeing concept!

She encourages being authentic and purposeful with creating your home. She explains that there's a tension between the state of daily chaos and your evolving style. She talks about setting long-term goals and encourages quick fixes. I love the idea of creating a purpose statement for your home.

So many times as I have been reading this book, I've thought, "I thought I was the only one who had these ideas!" Melissa loves driving through neighborhoods at night so she can peer in the windows, and is constantly wanting a more organized, clean, and beautiful home. I chuckled as she explained how she used to have a notecard for every bin in her basement with the contents listed. She came to the realization that her system needs to be easier, and not high-maintainence. I've done the same thing, and realized see-through bins are sooo much easier!

At the end of each chapter she has a little homework area where she encourages thoughtfully thinking about your home.

I'm about halfway through the book. I just read the chapter on "Decluttering the Nooks and Crannies". I completely agree with her idea of designating each area of your home for a purpose. Also, I know since I can be a procrastinator like her, scheduling a party or just having some friends over can kick me into high gear when it comes to de-cluttering and getting projects done.

Love the Home you Have is available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and iBooks. If you're a house and home lover like me, treat yourself to a good read on a rainy, spring day like today!