What to do with this...

This past weekend I went to a vintage show. It was a little disappointing and most things were vastly overpriced - except for this fabulous suitcase! I have always wanted a vintage suitcase but now that I have one I don't know what to do with it.

The outside is just how I like it, but the inside needs some repair.

Which got me thinking - isn't that a lot like people? Our outside may be fine and look just how we'd like it, but our inside needs some work. In this case of the suitcase it is a little worn, a little torn, and a little discolored. The little bits of everything make for a mess. When we allow the little bits of everything get to us, we allow a mess.

At a church I was visiting with a friend a couple weeks ago the preacher said these words that stuck with me, 

"Are we more concerned with the inside of our house, or the inside of our house?"

I took this to mean: Am I more concerned about how things look and if they are cleaned up instead of how my attitude and heart are?

The answer is usually a resounding 'YES' for me. I guess its time to pray for a good ol' heart change. There's nothing like that!

In the mean time, I'll go right on ahead and try to find a way to change the inside of my suitcase, too. If you have any suggestions I would love them!

Have a fabulous week. -K

My Favorite Space

In the new house I have a favorite spot. Its the built-in bookshelf in my room. I'm obsessed with it. I love to wake up in the morning and just take in the objects sitting around on the shelves and reflect on how blessed I am.

Each shelf has a theme: giraffes, my brothers, fiction, non-fiction, etc. I spent (and still spend) a good deal of time arranging everything so it was just right. Ya know how it goes: turning a frame a quarter of an inch to get it right. Or scotching something over an inch so its seen clearly. I love it!

I'd share a picture of my whole room, but I've still got a few what-do-I-do-with-this-stuff piles lying around. So, here is a before shot, when I was just bringing things in.

That blue dresser is a find off of craigslist. Its original paint on this piece from the '40s and I treat it very delicately.

And here is everything put on it! My walls really aren't that bright of a yellow. Pretend the coloring in this photo is more of an autumn sunset.

One of the best things is waking up and reading "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good." Psalm 118:1. I immediately get that song stuck in my head and spend the morning thanking God for this life I live.

A few things I'm thankful for:

-The C-Group I lead for youth group on Wednesday night. Leading has taught me so much.

-The 9th grade girls small group on Sunday mornings. Its very hard to be a freshman in high school. It may be even harder to think about all the things they deal with daily! 

-My new job. I love it. The end.

-The hope for the future. I told my girls this morning one of my favorite sayings,

          "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans"

Have an amazing week!