We have a fairly large island with bar stools in the kitchen where we usually eat our meals. The dining table (right next to that island) however, usually ends up being the dumping ground for, well.. everything!
Between my projects and the debris of three kids, it's always such a mess that it really doesn't get used for its intended purpose. It's just a big flat surface to toss things on.
Today, I'm trying an experiment. What if I filled that table surface with something pretty? What if there was no room for the JUNK?
I decided to try setting a pretty table-and leaving it that way- in hopes that our temptation to let the junk land there will be somewhat curbed.
Plotting this experiment to fill a space with lovely to keep out the junk gets me thinking...
Our minds are a lot like this, aren't they? It's so easy to let the not-so-pretty in, and spend lots of time wallowing in it. And I don't think it's enough to just try to avoid letting the bad stuff in.
Every day we see and hear about ugly things. We may even have some very challenging relationships in our personal lives. Without a plan to combat the "mental junk" of our struggles and negative thoughts and emotions, it will inevitably pile up with unhappy results.
In order to effectively deal with the negative junk in our minds, we must make an intentional effort to fill that space with something good and positive. The more we intentionally fill our minds and hearts with life giving, hope filled words, the less space is available for the things that pull us down mentally and emotionally.
I want you to know that this is something I've wrestled with for years (probably my whole life) and only in the past few have I been able to practice, and see the results of, getting intentional about the good I put into my mind.
Today I was reminded of this lovely verse from the Bible:
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
I wonder if it is going to work for my dining room table?? I guess we shall see : )
Sharing this week over at:
twelveOeight-Pretty Things!
The Dedicated House-Make It Pretty Monday
The Ivy Cottage Blog-Cowgirl Up!
Homemaker On a Dime-Creative Bloggers Party
Cozy Little House-Tweak It Tuesday
Vintage On A Dime-Welcome Home Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style-Wow Us Wednesday
Timewashed-Blissful Whites Wednesday
StoneGable-Tutorials Tips and Tidbits
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson-Share Your Cup Thursday
Embracing Change-Creative Inspiration
The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home
Common Ground-Be Inspired!
French Country Cottage-Feathered Nest Friday
I love your table and your devious plan to keep the junk away.
ReplyDeleteWe liken living in a small house to living on a boat. We literally have "a place for everything" and work to keep everything in its place. But when our kids are visiting, it's just like your house - even if I have the table set.
Lovely bible quote.
Beautiful table, I love all the small details and the birds. Great analogy, and oh so true! Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteWow my dear this is the type of dinning room I always dream of! Just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI love that verse so true!
Hi Jeanette, I've nominated you for the Liebster Award!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sewsweetvintage.com/p/liebster-a.html
wonderful job!! Our kitchen table is also our landing spot for junk and everything in between!!
ReplyDeleteI love this post, that has always been one of my favorite scriptures. It seems that the world if full of bad news, so we need to keep the "good news" in our hearts! Jean
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteSuch an inspirational post. My favorite vignette on the table is the tiny paper birds on the plate. They sum up your message - so simple.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful - just absolutely beautiful. Came over from Timewashed!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Beautiful too!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanette, A very beautiful post in so many ways! I hope your plan for keeping the dining room clear is successful. I just love the little bird and nest on the candlestick, and the paper cutouts on the dishes. Linda
ReplyDeleteGreat Job your table is beautiful. Love the little cut out birds.
ReplyDeleteKris
Your dining room is beautiful! You have created a really lovely tablescape!
ReplyDeleteGreat post with a wonderful illustration! Your table does look beautiful. I love the little nests you created in the candlesticks!
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
What a beautiful room & table scape ~ I love all the wonderful touches
ReplyDeleteright down to the little hearts & birds on the plates.....
Cheryl
As Joel Olsteen said in a recent sermon, "turn up your Victory channel. Don't listen to the negative.. the hardships. No, change the channel". That has stayed with me so I completely understand your point of view. I just want to congratulate you on your dining room table. I'm such a huge fan of cloches so that made me smile. And the little paper cutouts on each plate? I adorable!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful....is it working?
ReplyDeleteLOVE your chairs!
Beautiful. Very charming & inviting yet classy. Love it!
ReplyDeleteAmber @ The Honeysuckle Bus Stop
It is all lovely!!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Deb Vintage On A Dime
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. Love the table setting and that is one of my favorite scriptures. I display the same Bessie Pease Gutman print. It is adorable. I found you through Share Your Cup and am glad I did. I am also in Colorado, in the Springs. I'm a new follower, come on over and visit some time. I'd be honored if you followed me back!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post! :)
ReplyDeleteWell, you sure filled it with a beautiful tablescape. I can't imagine anyone wanting to junk it up now. The table cloth is beautiful and I love birds! I agree, it's important to feel our mind and thoughts with good things to keep the bad out. That's why I like the idea of having a special song that you think of whenever something bad pops into your mind. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
What such a beautiful post and tablescape!! It looks gorgeous. Your newest follower from Embracing Change. :) Can't wait to read more of your blog.
ReplyDeleteKathy @ www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com
What a pretty table scape, and i love that birdie! Would love if you came and linked up with us at the Humble Brag. We give away free ad space every week!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.oneprojectcloser.com/the-humble-brag-link-party-18/
loving especially the little bird confetti--so charming!
ReplyDeletepopping over via frenchcountrycottage and hope you'll stop by when you have a moment.
smiles to you and happy weekend.
michele
This is absolutely stunning! You will be one of the features tomorrow at Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Pop on in and grab a feature button for your blog. Hope to see your prettiness again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
ReplyDeleteLove it all - so pretty and perfect!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us!
Stacey of Embracing Change
What a lovely practice- I'll try to do the same! Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDelete