My heart will sing…

Right now, the song of my heart is this:

Don’t be afraid to step out in faith.

I’m learning to do this more. To surrender. To trust. To take risks, knowing that He is with me always, helping me write my story, one page at a time.

Is there something you feel He’s laid on your heart to pursue? Surrender your fear and allow Him to give you the courage to step out in faith. Because when we do, I think that’s when the truly amazing stuff starts happening—both in our lives and in our hearts.

xo,

{k}

October Inspiration

As a follow-up to my Fall Loves post, here’s a little peek at what’s been inspiring me this month:

hot cider & coffee (gorgeous images via A Beautiful Mess)

Adorable hats (image via Girl and Closet)

(image via A Beautiful Mess)

Fifties cat-eye glasses (image via Etsy)

(image via A Cup of Lindsey Joe)

This adorable owl costume (image via A Beautiful Mess)

Art journals (image via Awkward and Beautiful)

A few of my favorite October moments:

Drinking hot apple cider; visiting apple orchards with friends; going on a little weekend getaway with family; carving pumpkins; indulging in some new yummy fall candles/soaps for the fall and winter months, making pumpkin-ricotta stuffed shells; exploring some new creative dreams in my idea journal; and gathering supplies to start a new art journal.

I’m thinking about doing a post like this at the end of every month, a little recap of sorts—inspired by Elsie of A Beautiful Mess and Kyla Roma.

I hope the last few days of your October are lovely.

Here’s to fall + October goodness!

{k}

Weekending: Fall Festivities

I spent another beautiful weekend celebrating all things fall with a girls’ night trip to a local apple orchard; pumpkin picking and carving; and lots of delicious fall snacks (apple crisp, apple slices with sweet and salty caramel, banana chocolate chip muffins, pumpkin cookies, apple cider, etc. Yummo, right?) ;) It was a great girls’ night!

I love fall festivities. Do you have any favorite fall traditions? I’m still looking to add a new one to my list.

* * *

Today, the sun is out, and my heart is full.

{k}

Pour out your heart…

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.

Psalm 62:8

It can be a great comfort to know that no matter how we’re feeling, God wants us to tell Him. He wants to hear from us. He wants us to pour out our hearts to Him.

I’m trying to do this more. I want God to be where I go first—whether it’s to celebrate, or to question, to cry, or to vent. I want Him to be my first choice always when it comes to sharing what’s on my heart.

I believe that the more I do this, the deeper my trust in Him will be.

And that’s exactly what I hope for.

{k}

My Weekend Getaway: In Photos

 

(typewriter ribbon tins are so fun—a new vintage goodie to collect!)

It was wonderful to get away with family—and to have my grandmother with us, sharing stories about my ancestors and adding depth and detail to our history.

These are memories and snapshots that will certainly stay with me.

{k}

Shelter from the Storm

Hello, and Happy Monday!

I’m back from a little weekend getaway with family, feeling refreshed and inspired, after enjoying bright autumn scenery and sunshine, good food, and laughter. While I was away, I had the chance to visit a variety of quaint small-town artsy shops and boutiques. There were so many beautiful works of art to appreciate, but there was one piece of art in particular that caught my eye and stuck with me, even after I returned home. The name of the piece was “Shelter from the Storm,” and it was created by the artist Jan Heath. Her painting was a beautiful landscape of vivid blues and greens. The painting featured two bright green trees that stood swaying gently in the rain, with the larger tree bent protectively over the smaller tree. There was just something about this piece that really spoke to my heart. It made me think of the way God is always with us, always caring for us—in every season, in times of sunshine and times of rain. That truth is something that’s comforted me in all seasons of my life, because whether I find myself discouraged, questioning, wondering, hoping, or celebrating, I know my story is being shaped by the One who created me and loves me more than I can ever imagine.

Seeing and appreciating that beautiful piece of artwork was such a great reminder to me of why I create. When I’m writing or painting, I’m hoping that the finished piece does something in someone else’s heart like the tree painting did in me. I’m hoping that it speaks in some way to who that person is and where they are in their own life, that it would encourage and inspire them in some small way.

* * *

I’m off work today, catching up on laundry, grocery shopping, and all those things that are always left waiting for us while we’re away.

I’ll be back soon to share more photos from my trip, as well as this week’s scripture selection.

xo,

{ k }

I believe…

…hope is essential.

…in wearing colorful shoes.

…that a latte and a good book can turn a bad day around.

…that the light of Christ can bring beauty, healing, and renewal to a broken world.

…in living with lots of color and artwork.

…in the power of prayer.

…that every voice and every story matters.

…that my life is a story about who God is and what He does in a human heart (Shauna Niequist).

…that I am my best self, the most alive I can be, when I’m creating (Adriana Trigiani).

…that there’s joy waiting to be discovered every day.

…in marrying someone with whom you will be better for the Kingdom together than you were apart.

…in grace and forgiveness. 

…in friendships that encourage, inspire, and challenge you to become more of who God knows you can be.

…that a simple smile can make all the difference.

…that happy girls are the prettiest girls (Audrey Hepburn).

Be Strong. Take Heart.

Hope your week is off to a great start!

{k}

Weekending: Fall Photos

My weekend (in list and photo form):

* Catching up with a friend

* Lots of sunshine (perfect fall weather!)

*Apple orchards

*Cider

*Creative inspiration & new ideas to pursue

*Much-needed worship & quiet time spent in prayer

How was your weekend? Lovely, I hope! :)

See you back here soon for this week’s scripture selection.

xo,

{ K }