New Sofa

I know it seems like all I talk about is the house but that's our biggest project right now. So, here's another update on the never ending project!
We finally got the sofa I have been waiting for. Also, a new rug to go along with that. Interface Flor is my favorite place to shop for rugs now- individual carpet tiles create 1 big rug- any size you want. Check them out www.flor.com
The ottoman doesn't have legs right now (long story) but those are coming in the next week. So...what do you think???

Here's where it's time to vote. I have a bookshelf I was going to use as a room divider but Mike's not so sure. Above is without it but below is with it. Let me know which way you like better. Thanks!

I'm Just the Decorator!

Well, when it comes to my house that is. God has really been reminding me of a lot of things lately, most importantly, that everything that I "own" does not belong to me, it belongs to Him, and He can take it away in the blink of an eye. As I studied that this week in my quiet time, I realized that I had spent so much time and energy picking out things for the house and being frustrated that I don't have the money for everything that I want, and I hadn't really consulted God about the whole thing. I prayed "God, I really hope you like everything I just picked out for this house you are letting me live in". That's a little silly but seriously, my new attitude is that it's Gods house that I'm living in and he is just allowing me to decorate it. I need to change my attitude in other areas of my life as well. I asked the question "how can I be a better steward of Gods property?" and came up with some things I need to change. I'm going to share those here to help remind me daily.

Finances
Create and stick to a budget. Rely on God to provide for our needs. Focus as much money as possible to pay off debt and get rid of car and credit card payments in one year (or less of course). Make a list of everything that we "want" and pray consistently over them- allow God to show us when we should purchase these items.

Mind
Continue learning. Keep reading and keep learning in my field, in leadership, and in Gods word.

Body
Take care of my body with good nutrition and exercise.

Possessions
Take care of the things we do have, even the little inexpensive things. Keep the house clean, don't leave things laying around. Don't be protective of our things, use them for Gods kingdom.

Relationships
Seek to find out what I can do for my friends. Be better about sending cards and giving gifts.

Talents
Use my talents to help others. It's okay if it takes some extra time and I don't get paid for it.

Well there you have it. I'm praying about each one of these things and I'll try and keep you posted on any new developments.

Dine by Design

Every year our church has an event called Dine by Design. The ladies decorate tables to their hearts content and then have a big dinner party complete with a speaker at the end. This year my theme was "Damask Road" and I had a lot of fun choosing things to decorate with. My tip of the day: they make rub-ons in scrapbooking with various shapes and words. I read somewhere that you can use those on glass so i did on my candle holders and they looked great. Then, decided to use them on the plastic cups you see on the table. They turned out great and even stayed on through the dishwasher. Thanks to my sweet friends for helping rub them on the cups the night we decorated. It does take a little hard work!

A smart find.

We found this at Pottery Barn and it's quite brilliant. It's not as modern as I typically like but it's so practical we had to get it. It's called a charging station or something and there is a built in power strip on the inside that you can plug everything in to and keep it organized and neat. There is even a little drawer up front for extra stuff. The only problem is, there is enough room for 2 more things to plug in but because the plugs are so big nothing else will fit. But I still like it. This color is on sale right now so it made it particularly appealing.

The furniture is in... well, most of it

I promised I'd post a picture of the room with furniture so here it is. Of course, I have moved the furniture already- the bookshelf isn't there anymore and we are still waiting on the new sofa to come in so in a month it will be different, and a month after that, I'm sure it will be different again. Thanks for the positive encouragement about the floor. We are really loving it!