Giving Thanks

Inspired by Jessa Anderson’s Good Things series, I decided to start a similar series at A Place to Dwell.

Following God’s instruction to us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, I want to keep a regular running list of all the good things He blesses me with even (especially!) during the more difficult moments and seasons.

Jessa explains her series as such: It’s simply a collection of the things in my life that are worth celebrating (big or small), and I find that writing them out especially helps me to overcome my tendency to complain. Life does come with frustrations, but I find that when I look at the big picture, they are usually small things in comparison to all the blessings God has graciously given. Even during our lowest moments, counting our blessings can remind us of the joy we have been given in Christ Jesus!

I love the idea of posting what I’m thankful for as a regular blog series, since it’s something I’ve done on and off in my journaling the last five years. It truly is such a good way to remember the joy we have been given in Christ Jesus.

So, welcome to post number one in my Giving Thanks series. ;)

Right now, my heart is thankful for:

The discovery of a delightful new market to shop at that’s full of delicious and healthy foods; the amazing church I belong to and the way my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ partner with me in prayer, encourage, inspire, and help me to know Christ more fully and completely; the perfect evening weather for a walk outside; my daily quiet time and the hope I’ve been finding in God’s Word; a new font to design with; an upcoming craft show adventure with my sister; hearing Jessa Anderson’s music for the first time today and connecting so completely with her lyrics; the best friends a girl could ask for; and last, but not least, this little blog of mine and all of my faithful readers.

And what about you?

Please do leave me comments to share what you’re thankful for lately. Let’s encourage each other and praise our wonderful Creator in the process! :)

November Inspirations


This sweet fall wreath from Smile & Wave

Cute tights like these from Katie’s Pencil Box

Vintage-inspired coats like these two from Anthropologie

This Let Your Heart Be Light glitter banner tutorial from Katie’s Pencil Box

(I wrote about it here, too.)

* * *

A few of my favorite November moments:

Creating new pieces of artwork; participating in my company’s holiday art sale; Thanksgiving with my family; and putting up my little Christmas tree.

I’ll be back soon with my Hello, December post.

{k}

Weekending: Apple Cider & Black-and-white Memories

How did the first weekend in October treat you?

My weekend was low-key and cozy, so I can’t complain. :)

I spent some time dreaming up new ideas for artwork. I worked in my idea journal, sorted through black-and-white photos to see what stories they’d inspire, and enjoyed mugs of hot apple cider, (of course!).

I also already checked something off of my 28 Things list:

10. Make a new pumpkin dish (perhaps a pumpkin lasagna or stuffed shells). I made Pumpkin-Ricotta Stuffed Shells (from a recipe in my newest Country Living magazine).

So, all in all, it was a good fall weekend.

I’ll be back soon to share a scripture selection for the week.

Stay cozy,

{k}

My 28 Things List

It’s time to share my 28 Things list. So, without further ado, here are 28 things I’d love to do in the next year. :)

1. Start a new art journal.

2. Memorize more scripture.

3. Invest in a new camera and additional photo software.

4. Continue to pray boldly.

5. Try my hand at songwriting.

6. Wear cat-eye glasses.

7. Make a larger-scale collage.

8. Host a dinner party.

9. Attempt to make my own homemade pasta.

10. Make a new pumpkin dish (perhaps a pumpkin lasagna or stuffed shells).

11. Actively pursue a few of the big creative dreams on my heart. Explore the possibilities. Take risks.

12. Find a favorite local coffee shop (besides Starbucks).

13. Find a Godly mentor.

14. Continue to learn and do all I can to prepare myself to be the kind of Godly wife a Godly man deserves.

15. Live with an open heart and open hands to receive all God has to give.

16. Fall in love with a new-to-me band.

17. Visit a local pumpkin farm. Carve/paint/decorate purchased pumpkins.

18. Find ways to encourage others to use the creative gifts they’ve been blessed with.

19. Tackle a few organizing projects I’ve been putting off.

20. Make it a daily practice to quiet my heart and mind, so I can actively listen to God.

21. Revamp my blog design.

22. Go to an art museum.

23. Take an art or writing class (or both!)

24. Start an actual weekly workout routine.

25. Go to more craft fairs.

26. Go to the beach!

27. Start a new tradition each season.

28. Begin every day by asking myself, What can I do today that brings more beauty, more energy, more hope? (Inspired by Shauna Niequist)

I’m excited to see all God has planned for the next season of my life. Life with Him is always an adventure. :)

What are some of your current goals/dreams?

{ k }

Vintage-inspired Fridays

Just for fun: a few pictures from my latest treasure-hunting adventure. This antique shop is a local favorite (housed in a 200-year-old one-room school house!). Isn’t it such a cute place??

Love the font used for “The Entertainer” logo.

I came home with this sweet little Brownie Starlet camera, a vintage camera for my sister, and a handful of beautiful black-and-white photographs I’ll be using in upcoming collages (stay tuned for a peek of the photos!).

The “Starlet Camera” font is pretty cute, too, no? Vintage fonts are the best.

* H  a  p  p  y    F  r  i  d  a  y !

{k}

Make Room for Creative Adventures

Another great inspirational image from workisnotajob.

What makes you feel alive? What inspires you? Are you making time for creative adventures in your life?

I haven’t done any painting, collaging, or creative writing in a while. I just might need to dig out the paints, collage goodies, and my brainstorming journal this weekend for a little creative adventure of my own.

Hope you’re having a lovely week!

{k}

Craft Show Recap (Better late than never?)

I realized I never posted photos from the spring craft show my sister and I participated in! :) Oops!

So, many months late, here’s a little photo story of our day:

Morning Coffee

You know my day HAD to start with a caramel soy latte. And this coffee shop has some of the BEST lattes I’ve ever tasted. ;-)

Business card display

On Display

It’s been a few months since I’ve sat down and created, and I’ve got some new ideas taking shape in my mind and heart. I’m looking forward to exploring them on canvas and wood. Plus, there’s another show this fall, and my sister and I are already dreaming up new display ideas. Can’t wait! :)

Hope you’re having a wonderful week!

{k}