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.
🙂
I love this! Sharing your joy in Jesus!
Thanks so much for putting yourself out there Kevin. So brave, real and beautifully raw. Even us wayward Catholics can relate 😉 Each day I look for the “hand of God” to be revealed, or enacted, in my life-an Ignatian principle. Your video was an obvious one today!
Be well.
Thank you, Lynn! 🙂
Kevin, your testimony just made my day. Thank you so much for ‘braving it’ to share it with the world. I pray The Lord uses it deep and wide. I don’t know exactly how long I’ve been following this wonderful blog, but I know it’s been long enough to notice the changes/transformation in you both that spill over onto to these virtual pages, and it’s made my heart soar. Knowing we love the same Lord Jesus makes visiting your blog an even greater joy than before. Thank you both for this wonderful post!
Thank you, Shelley! Your comment just made MY day! 🙂
Praise God! I have followed your blog since 2008 and I can see the change in you through your posts! May God’s favor continue to be upon you & Kevin!
Your sister in Christ,
Darlene
Thank you so much for the comment, Darlene! And thank you for continuing to keep up with our craziness! 😀
I love your blog and now I love it even more! Thank you for sharing a great testimony!
” God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” Acts 17:27
Thanks for sharing your journey! God is good.
Thank you for sharing this, Melissa!
Kevin and Layla,
Thanks for sharing and helping my heart to be full.
Thank you for stopping by today, Dawn! Your sweet comment made me smile! 🙂
Wow, that was so powerful. And it spoke straight to my soul. Thank you for making it Kevin, and sharing. I have goosebumps as I type this. God Bless you, Daily.
Thank you so much, Carol!
Kevin, what a blessing to hear your story of God’s work in your life! Thank you for sharing in such a public way! God is faithful, as your story demonstrates, and He pursues His own!
Thank you, Jenn! 🙂
Awesome posting and video! So wonderful to be found! Thanks for sharing – God is good.
I watched the video testimony. Welcome to being restored to the Body of Christ. I needed to hear your story this day. So much sadness, hard stuff going on with me, my dear husband , and lots of loved ones also seriously ill, and tragedy and on and on that today, God knew I needed to hear your story, the filling up that empty feeling by our Lord. Jmy lifelong verse that The Lord has taught me new things as I travel life I found at age 12, not knowing this was a famous verse. I learned it and found it in my KJV Bible: Thou wilt show me the path of life. In thy presence there is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Blessings
Thank you so much for sharing that verse with me, Gwen! It is so true!
Thank you so much for sharing this Palmers! I’ve followed your blog since 2009 and noticed a shift in your perspective over the past couple of years. Now I know why and am praising God with you. He has and will continue to use you both for His glory 😉
Thanks you for leaving us such kind words today, Bonnie! I appreciate it so much. 🙂
I was out of town yesterday so I missed this, but just go to watch it. Wow! This was so incredible. Thank you for being willing to share how God has worked in you. I am so blessed to know you both and to see how God is continuing to use ya’ll! This is just the beginning, I know it! 🙂
Thank you so much, Ashley! You have been such an inspiration in our lives. God’s love shines through you so brightly and it is such a blessing to have you in our life! God has big plans for you! 🙂
Aw that is sweet. We all were lost until He called us home. What an awesome God He is.
Amen, Denise! 😀
Kevin, your courage to speak out for God is inspiring. Particularly, in times like these when God is getting pushed out and dismissed everyday. I pray for a worldwide awakening and when people like you speak out it gives courage to others and then on and on God’s power can emerge strong and passionate. Thanks for stepping up and speaking out for faith.
Beautiful! Nothing else needs to be said 🙂 Besides “tears” !
Kevin Can’t wait till you record your first Worship Album ! 🙂
That would be awesome, Ginny! 🙂
Thank you, Kristin!
It gets me every time too, Kristin! 😀
Your testimony, Kevin, was so helpful and so true. My husband is a church planter and we have been in the business of starting ministry and connecting people to God for as long as we’ve been married. Sometimes we…I…take for granted the Gospel, the community and the truths that you found at Centerpoint. I loved it when you said that you used to write songs about being lost and now you write about being found. God is so good to find us. Thanks for sharing and blessings on you both. -Susan
Thank you for the kind words, and the good work that you both do! God bless. 🙂
Oh, Kevin, what a beautiful, inspirational testimony. Layla, thank you so much for sharing this with us! May God use you in ways that are beyond your imagination!
Thank you, Kelly!
Kevin, what an awesome testimony you shared. I could feel His love while you were talking. You can see the joy in your face. I am so happy for the two of you. His purpose for your life is being revealed. Blessings for having the love to listen.
Thank you so much, Mimi!
AMAZING…tears in my eyes and lump in my throat I write this…HAPPY is how I am feeling – thanks for sharing your JOY – congrats on finding your path – BLESSINGS to you as you continue along!!
Kevin and Layla~What a wonderful testimony Kevin gave. Very honest and open. I love his smile at the end of the video when he says “I’m found”. Praise the Lord!! Praying for you both and the sweet little child who God has chosen to make you a forever family! God bless you both ~Linda
I love his smile at the end too, Linda! God’s really been inspiring me through Kevin, and I’m so thankful that I get to share part of that with you here. Thank you for praying for our family, too. Can’t wait to e-introduce you to the little guy/gal! 😀
Oh no, why can’t I see the video? I clicked onto your blog as you suggested and I see a black screen. Help!
Nan
Hi Nan! The video is hosted on Vimeo so it should be viewable on any computer or mobile device. Sometimes if all you see is a black screen it means that the video is being blocked in some way by a security system on your computer, or it might be a browser issue. What browser are you using to surf the web? I hope that helps. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. This really touch home. I had almost lost hope for someone I know. This post made me remember that not all is lost and there is hope even when the situation seems hopeless. ;~))
Thank you, Becky! There is always hope! 🙂
L and K,
You two just rock. What can I say? I am moved to tears, and I am so full of Godly pride in your testimony and willingness to share it! May God continue to bless your lives in all He has in store for you.
I, too, can’t wait until you record Worship music for us to enjoy!
Jeremiah 29:11 -He knows the plan!!
Thank you so much, Teresa!
Well T, I think YOU rock too! Thank you for sharing such a sweet comment with us. Off to look up that verse! 😀
I am not a religious person but I don’t have to be to appreciate the eloquence and peacefulness that I just witnessed. You two are an amazing and inspiring young couple.
I am 42 and my partner is 46, we were lucky last year to be blessed with what was missing from our lives. I gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl after 6 IVF attempts, our lives are complete. I can’t wait for you to meet the one that was meant for you, the wait is so worth it, you’ll see xx
Congratulations Toni! We can’t wait to get our little one home. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Thank you SO much for sharing that with us, Toni! What a kind comment, and what AWESOME news about your little one!!! Smiling big time over here for you right now! 😀
Layla and Kevin, THANK YOU from the bottom of my full heart for sharing your story . . . . you both have and are an inspiration to me, as you help me on my ever evolving journey, called life! sending blessings and lots of love to you both! xoxoxo
Thank you, Donna! Sending our blessings and love right back to you! 🙂
Amazing! Loved that you shared this, Kevin. Yesterday my husband and I went to a brand new church. We haven’t been to church in probably 20 years, although we both have strong Christian foundations. We both feel like the part of us that belongs with God has been sleeping and now, after yesterday, was gently awakened. Your post is a beautiful testimony. Thank you and God Bless you and Layla!
Thank you for the sweet comment, Nan. I’m so happy the you and your husband felt awakened yesterday. I can definitely relate to you guys. God’s timing is perfect! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing Kevin’s testimony here. I’m so very glad I watched it. God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good.
You’re so welcome, MaryKay! You are right about God, and I’m so glad I got to connection with you, through Him, today! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your beautiful testimony, Kevin…I have been blessed by it…
Thank you so much, Linda!
Awesome! Thanks for your bravery in sharing your personal story. It can be so scary to really put your soul out there like that. What a powerful testimony y’all have and what wonderful witness this is, Kevin. I am so happy for you both! Just goes to show you, God knows you, loves you, desires a relationship with you, and persistently calls you. It’s up to you to answer the call; and when you do what fulfillment will follow! 🙂 Continued blessings to you both as you shine your light. I think y’all are so adorable!!! Can I be your surrogate Mom? Auntie? Older Sister? :p
Thank you for the encouraging words, Kitty! When my associate pastor asked me if I would be willing to share my testimony on video, I though my heart was going to beat right out of my chest. I was so nervous! But I am feeling so blessed by all the wonderful encouragement here today. Thank you for the words of wisdom and kindness! 🙂
Kevin & Layla,
This (wannabe decorating and DIYer) grandma has to tell you this. As many times and I have loved, loved, LOVED your inspirational posts about decorating and DIY projects, this post has to be my all-time favorite because Kevin’s video is what life is all about; not filling our lives with our plans but realizing we were put here for God’s glory. How awesome you have figured this out at such a young age! (Yes, mid-30’s IS young. :-)). I’m so excited to be able to watch both of you grow in the Lord and look forward to hearing even more about what He is doing in your lives in the days to come! Thank you for sharing your hearts and your testimony. It made me cry.
Now about my dated living room … 🙂 IT will make you cry … lol.
God bless both of you!
Such an inspirational message and beautiful testimony!
Just gotta say…EEEEEEEK! I remember your band! Definitely remember ‘Downfall’ because my boyfriend (at the time) played it over and over. I had no idea that was you.
Thank you for the kind words, Lora! I’m so sorry that he made you listen to that over, and over! Ha! j/k
Thank you for sharing this beautiful testimony. I’ve followed your blog for awhile now and I love it, now I love it even more 🙂 May God bless you as you follow Him.
Thank you Kevin and Layla for sharing. Your testimony is super encouraging and I praise our Lord for your faithfulness.
GUYS! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS!!! I follow your site bc I love design inspiration, but I love Jesus more ( : and I was praying for you guys the other day and told the Lord I would love to hear your testimony! I’m SO PROUD of you guys for being open and honest about your faith. I hope you are SO ENCOURAGED that you hear from Him!
Wow. That’s all…. Wow! (again)
Thank you for an awesome testimony of God’s love and grace, drawing you near. You are both such a blessing, and I pray that you are blessed in return. ♥
You turned me into a big cry baby. What a wonderful testimony!
Beautiful, Kevin. Powerful words made their way to you—and so eloquently and spot on for so many hearts and souls, including mine. Won’t it be amazing to watch the next phase unfold before you? Blessings and miracles to you and Layla and your family to come.
Hi Layla & Kevin,
I’ve been reading your blog for almost three years now but this is my first comment, I think 😉
Thank you for sharing this sweet video!! I remember your posts after first visiting your church and praying that you would meet Christ there because I felt that His Spirit was poured out on you already. I have seen Spiritual growth in your posts throughout the last year and i feel so happy for you both! You reflect His love in your relationship and we, your readers are blessed! I think Kevin’s story is something to be treasured. I can’t wait to witness the Great things to come!
Rachel
Awesome! Thank you for your post. My husband and I have moved away from our beloved church and have moved twice (two different states) and haven’t gone to church for 10 years and I miss it… But so nervous about finding another. It is harder when you are older I think to feel like you belong. I love a young church. Thank you again
Wow, that blew me away……Kevin, you could not have said that any better, and your testimony blessed God so much…..and you will receive many more blessings in return!! Nothing can fill that God shaped void like God! He will direct your path…..as long as you let Jesus be your best buddy! xoxo
What a wonderful testimony! Thank you so much for sharing! I’m so happy that I have been following you. You two are such a great blessing to me!
Kevin thank you so much for sharing your story and Layla thank you for putting it on your blog for us to read.
Kevin,
My heart is so full right now hearing your words but seeing your heart. It was so evident that truly you have found The Peace that passes all understanding. Your joy is contagious, your love evident and your peace real. I am so very thankful that God connected us this year. One of my great joys in life is watching others grow in God’s grace along this journey that we can life. In all of the sharing that we do about design and photography I hope that when we look back we will say, ” most of our conversations were about The Lord.” Love you Brother.
Cindy
Absolutely beautiful!
I, myself, have not been given the gift of faith, but it’s so lovely to see two people happy and fulfilled by religion. The fact that your relationship with god is expressed with kindness and humble hearts makes me happy to have you both in my life (even if it’s just through the internet).
Alicia, I don’t know you, but I just have to reply. Your comment…”I, myself, have not been given the gift of faith”, really caught my attention. God has already given you the ultimate gift of all time…the gift of salvation – by dying on the cross for your sin and mine. He had you in mind when He died. All you have to do is accept His marvelous, life-changing gift. You will NEVER be sorry!
Your testimony brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Our God is Awesome!
Blessings to you,
Darlene
As much as I love to see your decorating make overs, I am overwhelmed by the make over God did in your LIFE. Neat testimony. Thanks for sharing. Ultimately, this is a forever make over!
Wow! Bless him. I’ve followed your blog intermittently for some time so I’m familiar with your journey, but not so much the spiritual piece, though it is clear you are Christians. I’m always looking for a unique way to reach my own teenage children spiritually and I plan to use this video for the next lesson that I teach them. I think I will just have them watch it and then write a paragraph about how it touches them and impacts their views on God. Thank you for sharing. It was beautiful.