Sweet Home Architecture: grace series

Showing posts with label grace series. Show all posts

Grace: What it Means to Me

12:00 AM | Labels: faith, grace series, personal

Grace is so many things. And it means something different to everyone. Throughout the past two weeks, we've heard what Katie, Megan, Jhen, and Leah have to say about grace. Now it's my turn! (:

To me, grace is found in the undeniable and never-ending love from the Lord. He alone died for our sins so we could have eternal life in Heaven. Our hope is in holding onto God, but grace is found in Him holding us even tighter. Grace is the Lord extending the offer of salvation to everyone. No matter your past, your struggles or your heart's condition...He wants you. Grace is found in the hope of the promises of our God. It is Christ giving us second and third chances. Sometimes I don't even understand the immeasurable amount of grace God gifts us with. I feel so undeserving of His love and His hand in my life. But that's when you know you're experiencing grace: an undeserved gift, freely given. And it tastes so sweet.

Grace was directing my path to a school I never thought I'd end up at. It was providing the financial means for me to be here. Grace was my mom's surprise visit to Seattle my freshman year when I had a break down. It was, and still is, being surrounded with loving friends. Grace was morning sunshine when I felt drained, a hug from a friend, an A on a project I put my heart and soul into, the encouraging words of a teacher, cards in the mail from my grandma, reading for pleasure, and meeting my best friend in Seattle. It was waking me up on the morning my roommate had a cardiac arrest in our dorm room. Grace was protecting her. Grace was surrounding the Doctors, her parents, and our group of friends. Grace was seen in her miracle recovery. Grace was and is a comforter, a peacemaker and a gift from a loving God. Without grace, I wouldn't be sitting here typing this. Grace is precious.

What does grace mean to you? Happy Thanksgiving, my friends! May you be blessed with love, family and laughter today! Can't wait to share with you what our Thanksgiving table looks like (:

Love, Grace & Truth,

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Grace: Leah from The Way We Are

12:06 AM | Labels: grace series, guest post

Today Leah, from The Way We Are, is sharing what grace means to her. She's fabulous and has a beautiful home. Lots of her own personal touches make her home a warm and inviting place to gather. And her family is just adorable. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time when families draw near and you can reflect on all the blessings in your life. Grace is God's grace in my life. I am so so blessed with a beautiful healthy family. A warm, cozy home. And lots and lots of love!

Thank you so much Michaela for having me! I think you are such an incredible lady and I love your amazing blog!

Thanks, Leah! You're great, yourself (: Make sure to check out Leah's blog which is full of beauty, elegance, lots of style and love! It's one of my very favorites.

Love and Grace,

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Grace: A Frozen Moment in Time

6:08 PM | Labels: grace series, personal

Sometimes Grace is just a mere moment or event or special memory.

Yesterday it snowed in Seattle. It was my very first Snow Day, as classes were cancelled. I felt like a little girl! Although the snow turned into ice and caused a huge hassle this morning in getting to the airport, I'm so thankful I was able to witness the first snow fall! {And, yes, I got home safely!} It was a delight and an answered prayer. {Read about praying for snow here}. To me, snow is a representation of Grace. It's beautiful, white, pure and refreshing. What in nature represents Grace to you?

Love and Grace,

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Grace: jhen with From Here to Eternity

12:47 AM | Labels: grace series, guest post

Hi everyone! Today we have the true pleasure of learning what Grace means to one of my favorite bloggers, jhen. Her blog, From Here to Eternity, is full of grace, as she writes each post beautifully and takes stunning pictures. Every time I read a post of hers, I come away feeling so blessed by her words. So, let's hear what Grace means to jhen...

Grace is...

I honestly had a hard time finishing this statement. I thought it would be easy... Grace is what I blog about on a weekly basis. So I had to go back to my roots, back to who I am and what I'm living, and ignore a post I wish I could write to share with you.

For me Grace is forgiveness. Grace is a second chance I've been given. Grace is the smile on my daughter's face and the hope in my husband's eye. Grace is the laughter I can hear and the joy in my heart after I caused one of my greatest heartbreaks.

Grace is the Forgiveness of Christ in me and the Hope I have each day. And Grace is the each day I have to extend it to another...

Grace is...

Grace is an undeserved gift the world so needs to receive.

A kiss, a hug, a simple smile, for a Hope they can believe.

It's the gift of love from man to wife, even after such broken years,

A choice to choose to make it last through bitter hearts and tears.

It's for the mother holding him so tight as each treatment wears him thin,

His brittle body loses strength with each breath that he breathes in.

It's for the father working hard despite his lack of pay,

His feet are tired, hands are worn, and he's seemed to lost his way.

It's for the orphan children without a hand to hold

As they innocently sit and watch their tragedy unfold.

It's for the pregnant mother who chose to give her away,

And for the anxious couple as they await their adoption day.

It's for the old and young with hearts yearning for a love,

The Grace the brings Forgiveness from our God above.

~jhen.stark

This is beautifully written. I'm so glad you could share with us, jhen. You're beautiful inside and out. Make sure to check out her sweet blog over here. You'll enjoy her photography, her family (and quite a cute little girl, may I add!), her life and her love as you read.

Love and Grace,

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Grace: Fashion Friday #8

12:00 AM | Labels: Fashion Friday, grace series

Since we're talking about grace, let's see what it looks like in fashion and hair trends!

Carrie Underwood was as stunning as ever at the CMA awards

I adore the flowy fabric and soft colors. The one shoulder is a wonderful accent!

Kate Beckinsale looking fabulous in this gown. Her hair is just as graceful as the dress.

The bottom of this dress is breath-taking. Of course, I'd never have anywhere to wear it...but I can admire it from afar (:

I love Taylor Swift's white overlay to the stripped fabric underneath. Girlie and fun!

Now for the hair:

Graceful Curls:

Julia Roberts hair is always divine. Luscious and rich and full of body.

Jennifer Aniston is a classic as well. I love the body this style has, but still keeping it young and fresh with the side braid! Easy for anyone to pull off.

Updos:

Love this updo my hairstylist did on me for a quick photo shoot!

And this one, too! {Hair by Lindsay Dabalos)

I adore Taylor's updos. The perfect amount of soft curls framing her face. Wish I could learn how to do this one!

Straight Up Graceful:

Drew Barrymore looks classic and beautiful with her super straight hair. Casual and delightful!

I'm pretty excited because I have the fun excuse of putting up some pictures of prom dresses I wore in high school! Here are some dresses that I felt graceful in:

Love and Graceful Fashion,

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Grace: Megan from Honey We're Home

12:05 AM | Labels: grace series, guest post

Well, I'm thrilled. Because today Megan from Honey We're Home is sharing with us her thoughts on grace! Being one of the very first blogs I ever read, Megan's has always inspired me. She has a beautiful home (have you seen her closet?!), wonderful decorating ideas, and the most adorable little baby. But it's her heart that draws me in the most. Every time I read her blog I feel like I learn more about how to be a good wife and mom someday. So special. So now, here's her idea of what grace is:

I’m delighted that Michaela invited me over to her blog to write about what Grace means to me. She’s such a darling young woman- beauty, brains, and a heart for God- I love that!

For me, Grace is God saving me and loving me unconditionally despite all the mistakes and foolishness in my past. And grace is His kindness towards me. Although we attended church (sporadically) when I was a child, my Mom and Dad always instilled in me that there was a God who loved me unconditionally and was always there for me.

Later, when I was in law school, I found a home church and intentionally gave my heart to the Lord. It was like a light was suddenly shining, lighting my path. I was so thirsty for God and His Word and I loved getting intimately acquainted with Him over the next several years. During that time, I also sang in the choir. Some of the most profound moments of joy I’ve experienced in my life have been when I am singing to God, worshiping Him- be it at church or in the privacy of my own home- or car!

So I leave you with a video of one of my favorite worship songs, Love So Amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITkZQ4CSFT4

Thanks for having me, Michaela!

Thanks, Megan! I grew up singing in choir, too. Singing is one of my favorite things to do-- especially in the car (; Sure wish we lived closer...I think we'd make great shopping partners! Make sure to check out Megan's adorable blog, Honey We're Home. It's fabulous!

Love and Grace,

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Grace: Interiors

12:25 AM | Labels: grace series, interiors

Grace is found everywhere in interior spaces, too! And there's no doubt that everyone will have differing opinions on what it looks like to them. Today I'll be sharing my favorite interiors that seem to exude grace to me.

Simply Graceful:

Nothing overdone or flashy about it. Just pure, cozy, and rustic. I see grace in the whimsy of the chairs and beautiful ceilings. The windows letting in tons of light also make me feel warm and peaceful.

Sleek white cabinets and porcelain white tiles with the contrast of the rich table color would be enough to make me want to stay in here for hours. {And hopefully cook something delicious!}

Grande Graceful:

The flowy curtains, crisp white and grand, undeniably elegant chandelier contribute to the feeling of this dining space.

Girlie Grace:

How could you not experience grace while taking a bubble bath in this bathroom with the soft pink, organic wallpaper ?!

This luxurious pink bedroom with mirrored accents and lush bedding had me at first sight. After the bubble bath, this is where I'd be headed (:

The ~~Great~~ Grace Outdoors:

Please take me here. I love the clear blue skies, luscious green grass, and calming effect the water has on this Southern California backyard.

This picture captivates grace because of what I see taking place here. I could see girl friends having a tea party, a family having a small lunch, a mom and daughter chatting about life, or a husband and wife enjoying their morning coffee together. The waterfall, windows with shutters, and beautiful trellis of greenery transport me to a small English bungalow in the middle of a graceful spring day.

Grace-filled Reception:

If I could imagine a beautifully planned, perfectly executed reception area for my wedding, this would be it. Why? Because to me, this room is the essence of grace. Soft colors, draping fabric, warm lighting, lots of flowers and sparkling crystals. Yes, please!

I'm drawn to soft colors, luxurious fabrics, lighting and warmth. What spaces exude grace to you?

{PS. Only one more day to enter my MadeByGirl giveaway. Go HERE! And if you've already entered, make sure you left me your e-mail on your comment if you're a no-reply commenter. Also, check back Thursday morning for the winner!!}

Love and Grace,

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Grace: Katie from The Bright Life

12:03 AM | Labels: grace series, guest post

Today we have the special treat of one of my blogging friends, Katie, the author of The Bright Life, to tell us what grace means to her. I'm so happy I connected with Katie in the last few months. We have a lot in common, between the Giants, being super close with our mom's, and both going far away to school. I really look up to her (: Here's Katie's take on grace.
grace is...
[in the order they came into my mind]

1. second chances. in my first semester at Point Loma, I slept through the first half of my first midterm. the professor, without any eye-rolling or lecturing, handed me my test when I walked in the door, and allowed me as much time as I needed.

2. the blessing of a husband who will learn and grow with me. [he also has the impressive ability to tell the difference between happy tears, sad tears and hungry tears.]

3. my dad, who took me out to lunch every Monday when I was in kindergarten, and, every time, without fail, said “Katie, I really like being with you” when we pulled into the driveway after lunch.

4. my mom, who’s somehow always known I was strong enough to get through things that seemed impossible. and bless her heart for listening to me all the way through.

5. the constant, quiet reminder to trust.

6. a family that isn’t perfect, but is perfectly full of love.

7. make that two families.

8. friends who have known you since before braces and have loved you the whole way through [even if you were a walking fashion faux pas for ALL of high school].

9. getting hired. and then finding out that I was one of the last to get hired before my company’s hiring freeze went into effect.

10. the predictability of Grandma’s cream corn at Thanksgiving. [and while we’re on the topic, can I let you in on a little secret? for a few years in a row now, I’ve gotten away with sneaking into the kitchen before dinner is over to scoop a serving of cream corn into a Tupperware, hiding in the back of our refrigerator, and then digging it out the next day, when all the rest is gone. selfish, isn’t it? ...or genius.]

11. the sweet, sweet memories from being a part of the PLNU xc and track teams. it’s amazing the things running can teach you.

12. and moments like this.

xoxo.

Thank you for sharing! You're beautiful inside and out. And I can't wait to actually meet you in person sometime (hopefully soon!) Go check out her blog over at The Bright Life. It's sweet and fun with Katie's adorable personality. There's beautiful pictures and lots of wonderful ideas!

Love and Grace,

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Grace: Day 1

10:58 PM | Labels: grace series, personal, thankful challenge

In a world that is fast paced we often forget to stop and be thankful for the blessings in our life. With Thanksgiving approaching, I decided to do a short series on what Grace is. Because it is through grace that we have any of these blessings in our life!

{Grace: noun, verb: immunity, a pardon for a wrong doing, favor or goodwill, strength, something that is beautiful or elegant, a prayer said before a meal}

This week and next I'll be sharing what grace means to me, where I have experienced it, how to show it, what it looks like in interior spaces, and in fashion. A few fun blogging friends will be sharing what grace means to them, too-- so stick around! Katie from The Bright Life will be here tomorrow sharing with us (:

To kick off this series, I sat at my desk and made a list of all the things I thought grace was. So here it goes:

Grace is...water to quench your thirst, seeing your best friend after months of being apart. The sunrise. Actually, sunshine in general. Grace is protecting a friend who was in a serious car accident. It's saying I love you, hearing little kids giggle, my daddy giving me a piggy back ride when I was tired of walking,

mom letting me skip school after a break up, grandma giving me the freedom to be messy and creative in the kitchen or doing art projects. Grace is my brother promising not to tell mom I broke something while she was home. Grace is my mom still finding out and laughing instead of getting upset. It's the sweet smell of a candle burning after a long day.

It's running into a pole at church when first learning how to drive, and my papa telling the church it was his doing, not mine. Grace is him keeping it a secret until well, me telling you now. It's found in the simplest things like my puppy cuddling when she's can sense something's wrong,

time spent with family, smiling, laughing, and paying it forward. Grace is knowing my mom is on my side, always.

It's found in flowing chiffon dresses that 'grace' the runway and in interior spaces that give off a sense of peace.

{Sarah Richardson}

I see grace in a pair of ballet shoes and a pianists' fingers scaling the keys. I hear grace in the ocean waves and my favorite singers. Grace is Jesus Christ saving us. It's the lighting in the perfect photograph.

{Gem Photo}

It's growing up in a loving home. It's the friends who stick with you when no one else does

and running into mom's arms at the airport. It's watching the leaves change color.

Receiving a handwritten letter in the mail.

It's forgiveness, it's a gift undeserved, but yet given freely. Grace does not hold grudges. It loves at all times with no boundaries. Grace is everywhere.

Where do you experience grace in your life?

Love and Grace,

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