Hello Beautiful Souls,

As we come to the end of July, I've been thinking about how shelter isn't only something we find.

Sometimes it's something we create.

Not with big, dramatic changes, but with small decisions that make life a little simpler, a little lighter, and a little more peaceful.

Sometimes shelter looks like saying no to something that no longer fits.

Sometimes it means letting go of what we've outgrown so we can make room for what's next.

This month we've talked about finding refuge in God's presence, creating little shelters in our everyday lives, and learning to set things down before we become overwhelmed.

As we close this chapter, I hope you'll carry one simple reminder with you:

You don't have to wait for life to become quieter before you begin living more gently.

Sometimes the first step toward peace is simply choosing what you're willing to carry—and what you're ready to release.

My Website

🌱 A Little Glimpse Into My Week

This week has been one of simplifying.

After a lot of thought, I've decided to say goodbye to CarriesHandmadeEssentials.com. While it has been a wonderful home for many years, I realized I wasn't using it the way I once did, and it felt like the right time to let it go.

Don't worry—I'm not going anywhere! If you want to order from me, just send me a message.

You can still find me at SkincareCookbook.com, and I'll continue sharing newsletters, books, and The Space Between just as always.

In fact, I've been making a few changes that I'm really excited about.

Beginning this month, The Space Between will have a new home on Buy Me a Coffee. Every new issue will be free for newsletter subscribers, while past issues will be available to purchase for $4.99. My hope is that it will become an easy way to build a growing library of gentle encouragement that you can return to anytime.

Sometimes simplifying isn't about doing less.

It's about making more room for what matters most.

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🌸 A Gentle Practice for This Week

Take ten quiet minutes and ask yourself:

"What is one thing I can release before this month ends?"

Perhaps it's an obligation.

A habit.

A guilty expectation.

Or simply the pressure to do everything perfectly.

Write it down.

Pray over it.

Then imagine placing it into God's hands.

Leave this month carrying one thing less.

Thank you for spending this month exploring Shelter with me.

Next month we'll begin a brand new journey with a new word, new reflections, and new opportunities to notice God's quiet work in our everyday lives.

Until next Monday,

Carrie