Grace by Grace Room Challenge: Every Item Has a Story

Little by little I am getting the hallway cleaned out and things put where they go. It feels so nice to know we can have someone come upstairs and not fall over things or see so much clutter they would think there in a hoarder home which is how I felt more times than I can count.

One of my favorite things about Grace by Grace Room Challenge: Hallway Reset is every room has a spot and if not then that is where the decluttering comes in and organizing isn’t just creating a cleaner home—it’s rediscovering the stories behind the things we choose to keep.

As I continue working through our hallway for the Grace by Grace Room Challenge, I’m amazed at how many memories have been tucked away in plain sight. Every box I open reminds me that our home isn’t just filled with “stuff.” It’s filled with moments from our family’s journey.

This week, I found a few treasures that made me smile. The first is a beautiful three-piece rug set from DD’s Discounts. David helped me pick them out, and every time I walk down the hallway, I’m reminded that even something as simple as a rug can make a room feel warm and welcoming. It’s amazing how one shopping trip together turned into something that makes our home feel more complete every single day. It also allowed me to date not only myself but my husband when we went shopping.

Of course, no cleaning project in our house is complete without a break for refreshments! While taking a much-needed pause, I reached into the icebox for a bottle of Core Water and a Tru Moo Chocolate Milk. Sometimes the little things help keep you going when you’re sorting through boxes, organizing shelves, and deciding what stays and what gets donated.

Another item I uncovered was a coaster from a set of four that I purchased at a craft fair back when we lived in our mobile home. I remember walking through the booths, visiting with local vendors, and finding handmade treasures that added a personal touch to our home. It’s incredible how one small coaster can bring back memories from years ago.

This coaster was something I picked up and put back down because they were $15. To me $15 is a lot of money for a set of coasters that may or may not get used. I walked away but couldn’t step thinking of the pretty pink Butterfly and the verse from 1 Cor. 1:4 I Always Thank God For You.

As we walked though the craft fair David said I saw something I want to look at. Go ahead and keep walking and I will catch up to you in a minute. I did and we finished the Craft Fair and went to the car. When I opened the door laying on my seat was the coasters.

David went back and got them for me because he said he wanted me to always know he thanks the LORD for me and Charlie and that is how I feel about David and Charlie. Even though I only have one of the coasters left it has never been used as we use it as a decoration in our home. At the moment its sitting on our Ice Box in my Snack Bar/ Coffee bar area but can be moved at anytime by anyone.

I also came across Fablehaven, which is a series of 5 children’s books and it is a wonderful children’s book that reminds me why I love encouraging kids to read. I believe books have a way of opening doors to imagination, adventure, and family conversations. Finding it again made me think about all the wonderful stories we’ve shared over the years and how books continue to be one of the greatest gifts we can pass along.

As I continue clearing out the hallway, I’m also setting aside items that can bless someone else. Every donation box fills a little more each day as I prepare for our Christmas giving. It’s a reminder that letting go doesn’t mean losing memories. The memories stay with us while the items can find new life in another family’s home.

This challenge has never been about making our house perfect. It’s about creating spaces filled with peace instead of clutter, gratitude instead of guilt, and purpose instead of piles. This why I’m taking it one room, one shelf, one memory, and one box at a time. After all, that’s what the Grace by Grace Room Challenge is all about.

Question for my readers: Have you ever found an item while cleaning that instantly brought back wonderful memories? I’d love to hear your story in the comments.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates