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INTERIOR Design Inspiration

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I follow a sweet gal named Tiffini on Instagram and she posted a really great quote over there on Friday. It read, “The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.”

It rolled up into my feed at the Perfect time.

I was still in bed, but I read it aloud to Kevin right after I had just watched him rushing nervously around the room:

Alarm. Shower. Closet. What am I going to say? Closet. What should I wear? Closet. Does this look okay? Bathroom. Blow dryer. I’m nervous. Bedside. Does my hair look okay? Bathroom. Water. Toothbrushing. Hair fixing. I need a haircut. I’m nervous, Hone!

Hone. It’s just one of the many pet names he calls me. It’s pronounced just how it looks, but it’s actually short for “Hone-y”…not to be confused with “Honey”. At some point along the way, it also morphed into “Oney”…pronounced “Own-y”, and not to be confused with “One-y”. 😀

Thankfully, the Insta-quote helped put things into perspective for him a little, but I knew he was still feeling intimidated about the conversation he was about to have. Intimidated about feeling vulnerable, and nervous about whether or not he could find the right words to articulate his story in a way that would help others. Shaky about sharing his heart in a very different way that day.

We never talked about whether or not I should go with him, which come to think of it, is really unusual. We go almost everywhere together, especially when one of us is nervous about where we’re going, but for some reason we had never discussed it that week.

I think we both must have subconsciously felt like this opportunity wasn’t about us being able to lean on each other. It was about leaning on the One who created it, and fully experiencing the peace that comes along with doing that.

Now I’m not saying Kev’s heart wasn’t racing as he drove up I-65 to Prattville.

And I’m not saying he knew exactly what to say when he got there…or even as he walked through the door.

I’m just saying that, in the end, the prayer he prayed inside our car somewhere along that interstate was Answered…and he definitely didn’t feel alone as he shared his testimony with our friends, Tommy and Billy, that day:

(email readers will have to click over to my blog to view the video above)

We squeezed hands tight between our chairs at church yesterday, as that video flashed up onto the screen in front of us. I think my heart was probably pounding just as hard as his was as we watched it alongside his parents and brother!

But like Tiffini’s Instagram quote said, he knows that it’s “important to his soul’s evolution” to Lean in these kinds of ways, and he’s hoping that sharing his experience will help encourage others who have found themselves in similar boats.

When we got home from church Kevin said, “If God gave me a talent, I want to add value. I don’t want to misuse it. I want to help create an environment where God shows up, and changes lives.” I wrote it down quick so I wouldn’t forget it. Hearing that was so important to my soul’s evolution, and my hope is that it makes your heart feel a little more Full today, too.

🙂

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Comments

    • Layla

      Thank you, Gina! It seemed like the most fitting way to describe what it was about! 😀

  2. Traci (@beneathmyheart)

    Layla and Kevin,

    Your friendship continues to bless me and my family over and over again. I cannot express enough gratitude to God for allowing our paths to cross.

    Kevin, your testimony is something my heart needed to hear. Being raised and active in church my whole life, I sometimes become numb to all the scriptures and the sermons. But your testimony struck a cord in my heart and awakened the joy in me of seeing the power of GOD in someone’s life. You found the answer that soooo many are searching for! Just like you said, “it’s hard to put into words.” But your words spoke so clearly of God’s unfailing love. And though many will try to dispute the life of Jesus or God’s Word, your testimony canNOT be disputed. You are living proof of a life changed by the power of Jesus Christ. God bless you for being courageous and for sharing your story. I pray that God would use it to bless MANY!

    • Kevin

      Thank you so much for leaving this sweet comment for me, Traci! I was so nervous to do this, but so glad I did! I’m so glad you are a part of our lives! 🙂

  3. Maureen

    This spoke to my heart! My husband and I have just joined a new fellowship Church and I know exactly the feeling he talks about after attending your first service. We left feeling alive! Almost giddy. So happy for you both as you continue to grow and prosper in the knowledge of His love.

    • Layla

      I tooootally know what you mean about feeling giddy, Maureen! We felt that way, too! Thank you for leaving us such a kind and encouraging comment today. We appreciate your e-friendship so much! 😀

  5. Dana

    You put your story in to words so well. My heart is full. We have to be willing to be available as God unfolds His plan for us. You are being a great example of that.

    • Layla

      May God bless you too, Kathy! Thank you for e-visiting us here today. Hope you have an Amazing week! 😀

  10. Cindy in Oklahoma

    So genuine and heartfelt. He’s a keeper, Layla…. life is truly about learning, growing, finding purpose and meaning and serving others because we love God. Thank you two for reminding me in such a quiet, touching way….

    I found your blog through Pioneer Woman a year or so ago, Layla, and try to catch what’s happening here at least a couple of times each week…. you just never know who will hear or see something you say or do that brings joy or comfort or inspiration to them. That’s our purpose…..

  11. Celeste

    Thank you for sharing such a touching and personal testimony. There’s nothing more fulfilling than living life dedicated to our Savior and I’ve been so encouraged by your boldness in sharing bits of your growing faith with us on your blog!

  13. Sarah

    BLESSING MY SOUL!!!
    I love your blog, but I am mostly a stalker of your site….not a commenter. Of all of the posts, …which have been many….Today’s is the best ever!! FOUND!

  14. Melody

    Thank you for sharing this video. I got teary eyed several times while watching this, I always thought there’s more to Kevin than the shy and quiet person he seemed to be 😉 Awesome testimony! Both of you are God’s children, stay with HIM!

  15. Jen (Balancing Beauty and Bedlam)

    Seriously? Seriously? ‘
    You have this non crier bawling on this Monday morning? Oh, sweet friends, what a privilege to have experienced just a tiny, tiny glimpse of what the Lords doing in your life last year with our Peru trip. Thank you for using your platform to transform your readers in so many ways and on so many levels of inspiration from making our houses into beautiful homes, to understanding what it means to really live life to its fullest. xoxox

  18. Danise

    There it is – that says it all: “If God gave me a talent, I want to add value. I don’t want to misuse it. I want to help create an environment where God shows up and changes lives.” This should be the goal for all of us! I wrote it down, too!

  20. Martha

    What an awesome testimony!!! Thank you for reminding us of the extraordinary miracle that happens when we start living within God’s purpose for our lives.

  21. Karie

    Wow! I will tell you I have followed you two for quite a while and even though we have never met I love you both! I find myself being so inspired by the two of you, by what you do, how you give back and the love you have for each other. It really is amazing and I do want you to know that your posts always seem to come at the right time for me and thank you for being who you are! You two are going to make some pretty awesome parents and thanks for letting us share in the journey with you! Enjoy your day!

    • Kevin

      Thank you so much for the sweet comment, Karie! We are both so excited to be parents. I can’t wait to get that little one home and start loving on him/her! 🙂

  24. Sandy

    So happy for you both! Very inspiring video Kevin and thank you for sharing it with your readers. You guys ROCK!

  26. Amanda

    Wow, what an inspiring video! I am a San Diego Interior Designer and too have felt once I finish school and find a job I will feel complete, but I have found the job of a lifetime and haven’t felt complete, so I am on my journey with God as we speak to gain that solitude. It’s helped my husband and I in so many ways!!

    Way to go guys!! I’m sure you’re a blessing to the church and to each other <3

  27. Brooke

    Kevin,

    Beautiful story. Thank you for taking the time to share with all of us!!

    God Bless You!

  29. Alyce

    Layla and Kevin,
    Wow! What an awesome testimony. I got tears along with you both. God is amazing and it is so great to read and listen to how He is working in and through you.

  33. Jeanine

    Wow, this was so beautiful – thank you for sharing it! I think it’s the best advice on interior design I’ve ever heard!

  35. Lisa

    I couldn’t not comment on today’s post. I am not one to follow blogs. But one day a few years ago I googled “painting dining room table” and stumbled on to yours. This blog has meant so much more to me than room make-overs (although I think you guys are the best in that arena). I have been so inspired and encouraged as you both have shared your life as it unfolds — it’s struggles, heartaches, fears and joys, triumphs and the never ending hope in all situations. I know God has been using you even when you may not have known it and He will continue to use you to change lives…. I know you’ve changed mine. –Thank you!!

  36. L nelson

    Thank you so much for sharing this with us today! I NEEDED to hear and read your post. Thank Kevin for his words and sharing his faith. We are loved by our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

  37. Meredith

    Beautiful and inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing. My husband and I had very similar feelings when we found God and our Church Home. And, I have heard so many others say they felt like the pastor’s message was “directed towards them” when they first began their journey to being born again. I love the way God gets our attention!

  38. Vara

    Just goes to show ya…”train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” That doesn’t mean he might not get sidetracked…once Jesus gets you, He will not stop pursuing you.

    Great video. Thank you for sharing that intimate moment.

    Bless you.

  40. Karmen

    That is so wonderful! What a fantastic, honest, heartfelt testimony. The impact will be so much bigger than you will ever know (this side of heaven). Thanks for sharing!

  41. Mindy

    “I used to sing about being lost and now I sing about being found” ~ love this and love this testimony. Being vulnerable can be hard but I can only imagine the lives this has the potential to change because of Kevin’s faithfulness to follow through and share his heart. Blessings to you both as He continues to use you both to inspire!

  43. Karina Golembiewski

    Layla, the video was perfect. Thank you for sharing, Kevin. It hit home because our family stopped going to church about 10 years ago after a wonderful pastor moved on to a different church in a different town. We felt lost for so many years, searching for the right church and it literally was taking a toll on us. Just this past August, we found a home church that is so wonderful and we now feel we are on the right path. I walked in to church that day and felt overwhelmed with emotions that I sat and cried most of the service. I felt home. My husband and I have had much missing from our marriage and I finally feel like it will all come in to place now that we have Christ back into our lives. So thank you for sharing and I wish you both the best. I have truly enjoyed following you these past couple of years.

  45. Sandra

    I am absolutely speechless! What a beautiful video – I am so thrilled that you shared it with us! Isn’t it amazing how having God in your life changes everything? I am so happy that you two have found such happiness and are so willing to share it with your readers. You are touching lives and showing us God’s grace – thank you so much for letting us be a part of your lives!

  47. Brenda

    Yay!! God pursued you Kevin right where you were. He doesn’t wait until we clean ourselves up. So grateful for His life-changing power!!

  48. Lorrie

    Thanks for putting yourself out there Kevin. God is always using us to plant even the smallest of seeds in the lives of others. I believe God will use you both thru this blog in ways unimaginable!

  49. Tiffany

    WOW! That was a beautiful testimony. Watched at work and I’m crying! You can tell the Holy Spirit has really touched you and is working within you. May God continue to richly bless you.

  50. Ruth Baumgartner

    Kevin and Layla, What a beautiful post. Is spoke to my soul. I loved your quote that you shared with Layla and she shared with us also. Thank you for causing me to think a little deeper about my talents and how I can use them to glorify God and help others to come to Christ! May God bless you in your journey. So glad to be an observer in it!