As I shared in my last post, “My Whirlwind of a Summer,” our home has been packed with friends, family, and strangers who became friends, all summer long. It’s what I love so much: an open home. Since the very first moment I moved out on my own, my desire has been to create a “Welcome Home” mentality: a place where friends and family are comforted, where stresses of the day are washed away, and where guests yearn to pull up a seat and stay because real life happens. We welcome and encourage sharing both the beauty and bedlam moments of everyday life.
That desire has looked different throughout the years. Sometimes it was as simple as a mug of hot coffee in my college apartment or inviting weary studiers in for Rice Krispy treats, while at other times it has meant 100 people of all ages mingling on our homestead.
One lesson I’ve learned through time is that to truly cultivate the spirit of a “Welcome Home mentality,” it can never be about me. It must be a reflection of Him. To truly swing wide one’s doors, both literally and figuratively, it means offering a time when one person, if even for a few minutes, feels welcomed and valued even if the schedule is “too full”, the housework has crumbled or the food is store bought. It’s about being available, not perfect, but present and available.
It also means touches throughout our home that speak life. One of the first things people notice are scriptures, prints and accessories that breathe LIFE to our guests. Friends comment about all the words that speak truth on the walls or mugs with encouraging words. Yes, sprinkled throughout every nook and cranny are both handmade words of encouragement, as well as products by DaySpring that inspire a Welcome home mentality.
Not only do they grace our walls, but most of my friends and family have been recipients of my favorite DaySpring products. Whether for birthdays, weddings or something little “just because I’m thinking about you,” they have affordable and meaningful home decor, cards, and gifts for everyone.
For years now, I’ve had the privilege of being a contributing writer to their site through (in)courage, so when I found out they’ve brought a Christians Celebrations line to participating Walmarts (head to the card section area), I was thrilled. I won’t have to always order online.
Our daughters take after their momma in wanting to write encouraging words and verses in their room. Our teen loved this new chalkboard cross.
Last week, I spontaneously snapped this picture during our service because it warmed my heart to see our girls faithfully taking notes in their journal. (See what I shared about this moment over on IG.) I had already given them these DaySpring journals even before I was asked to share about their new line at Walmart. Yes, we truly love this heart behind this company.
We are so excited about this new Dayspring line and now you have a chance to win a prize package of DaySpring products worth $40.00.
For a chance to win, first head to www.DaySpringChristianCelebrations.com and check participating Walmarts. Check out the neat, new products.
- What fun ways would you decorate to live out your faith? Is there an items that catches your eye for a friend? (answer in comment for one entry.)
- Head to Walmart, locate products and then submit how you’d live your faith through the Christian Celebrations products. Snap a picture and let me know for ten additional entries.
- Follow me on Facebook or IG (jenschmidt_beautyandbedlam) and share this post for additional entries. (Let me know in the comments you did this.)
Entries close Sept. 12 and then I’ll announce the winner Sept. 15 via email.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of DaySpring. The opinions and text are all mine.
My 15 year old twin daughters are going to be confirmed this Fall. The last of my 4 babies. I love the pic of your girls journaling and would love to get them new journals and small crosses to remind them of his love for them both. Hugs, Sharyl
Jen Reply:
August 31st, 2016 at 4:42 pm
@Sharyl, What a special time for your family!! Our babies are all growing up on us. 🙂
I really like the chalk board cross. I think it would be great to have our memory verse reference in.
Jen Reply:
August 31st, 2016 at 4:42 pm
@Kristi G, We’ve started doing that too.
LOVE the chalkboard cross…can’t wait to see what our Walmart has… But thanks so much for sharing!
I would love to have new items to welcome people into my home. My 21 year old daughter who lives with me is expecting twins in 11 weeks. I did not see this happening in my 60 year old life. It is exciting, yet overwhelming. Please pray for my daughter Ana and myself. We will be welcoming twins soon and hopefully some wonderful friends and family members to support Ana and the babies!
Peyton, CO was the closest Wal mart to me.
Shared on FB. 🙂
As you know, there are some inspiring chalkboard free printables on Pinterest that I have framed and love!
I love Grace!!! That is so perfect…
We are moving to a house that will be better for us as we age. Oddly, you walk into the kitchen as you enter the house. There’s a little window on one side of the back wall that would be perfect for the Grace sign. A good reminder that God’s grace has always been the thread that runs through our lives. Thanks, Jen!
Jen Reply:
September 9th, 2016 at 9:24 am
You are so welcome, Shelia 🙂
I love the chalk board cross. I would write memory verses on it. Thank you!
Instagram follower. Thanks.
FB follower. Thanks.
It is great to be able to have choices like Dayspring at Wal-mart when looking for a small gift. I thought the little blue candle and a journal would make a great gift. Thanks.
Jen,
I have followed your blog for several years now and find you to be such an inspiration! I am currently going through chemo and cling to my faith daily. I have uplifting scripture scribbled all over my house to keep myself reminded that he is with me in my battle and to remind all my visitors of my faith. I would love to have that lovely chalkboard cross to write my daily inspiration on.
I have visited the dayspring site and will visit walmart “when I get well” 🙂 and I will send you that photo!!!!!!!!!!
I follow you on facebook.
Jen Reply:
September 9th, 2016 at 2:57 pm
Mendy – I am SO very sorry to hear about your chemo! I’ve walked that road with friends and now how long those days can be and yes, reminders everywhere are key. So very sorry to hear about this and I will be praying for your recovery. xoxox
Jen Reply:
September 21st, 2016 at 12:26 pm
Guess what? You won, yes, you did. And honestly, I didn’t rig it. IT was a random computer generated winner and obviously orchestrated by the Lord. 🙂 I’ll need your mailing address. I’ll email you now privately.
facebook follower