Let the decorating begin!

As of today, my move to Dallas is less than 2 months away! Oh how the time flies!I started a list of things I need to do before I leave and things are slowly getting checked off. (I love lists and checking things off is my favorite!) So, you can imagine how happy all of this makes me! The most recent "to-do" that got checked off is "Find a roommate and a place to live." Well, actually, I didn't "find" anything. It found me! A little over a week ago, a current DTS student contacted me about sharing an apartment on campus. Her previous roommate graduated so she was looking for someone to fill her place. Of course I said yes! Especially after I found out that we are 94% compatible on the DTS roommate-matching website (which I equate to match.com)! And, she's also a Christian Education major. And, she did full-time student ministry for 6 years. And, she's funny, outgoing, and super proactive about getting things done. Basically, (at least from what it seems) she's like the perfect apartment-mate for me. I say apartment-mate because I'll be getting my own room and bathroom and we'll just have to share a living room and kitchen. The other awesome thing is her living room and kitchen are already furnished! Score!

Which brings me to checklist item number 2: "Figure out how you're going to decorate your new room!" This one gets me super giddy! I love design, art, and decorating, but I haven't had an opportunity to decorate anything (besides my room 10 years ago). Here is where Pinterest becomes my best friend! I have an entire board of decorating ideas. I guess from all those pins, you can conclude that my style is kind of shabby chic with a modern twist. 

Here are the basics I'd like to incorporate:

1. Neutral (grey/cream) solids

2.. Bright/pastel accents

3. Lots of coordinating patterns (especially chevron)

4. Modern (maybe upholstered) bed frame

5. Vintage (more just thrift store) accent furniture

6. Old maps, globes, treasure chests, chalk boards, picture frames

It will be cool to see what I actually end up doing. Pinterest is one thing. Decorating on a grad student's budget is another. Stay tuned for the final result!

Here are some photos from my Pinterest board of inspiration:

Random Things I'm Learning:

First day of camp! (The new location is AMAZING!)

1. I should never pass up the opportunity to serve. MGC Kids Camp is this week and I feel like I'm really missing out. When I'm at camp, I feel like that's where I belong. I'm serious. If I could do anything and be anything, I would be a full-time camp counselor. Jesus, kids, and nature - it doesn't get much better!

2. I need to treasure the day-to-day moments spent with family. I found out this morning that the little 5-year-old nephew of one of my friends died last night in a tragic accident. My heart has been heavy all day as I'm praying for God to supply the family with transcending peace and comfort.

Late night tea with my silly boys! 

Grace + works. This has been on my heart lately.

3. Pretty much all DTS students are super cool. So far, I've been contacted by three girls who are looking for roommates for the Fall and all of them are so cool. I look through their Facebook profiles (I admit, I'm kind of a stalker) and I think, "Wow! I can totally be your friend! You're so cool!" Jesus pretty much radiates from all their photos, statuses, activities, etc.

4. God can do miracles in people we "write off." I saw this happen this weekend as one of my old friends from high school recommitted her life to the Lord. Praise God that His love never fails and never gives up, even if we do.

5. I need to live in the "now" and not live in expectancy of the next big thing. God operates even in our boring, ordinary lives. I must be faithful and trust Him. I need to "bloom where I'm planted!" (I love that part of my "homework" for my online DTS class is to read and respond to a devotional every day! If you're not doing this yet, check out My Utmost for His Highest. It's available as a free PDF.)

What is God teaching you? Do share!