Painting the Exterior Doors

So after this weekend I am now one little step closer to finally having our exterior paint job finished.  I really can't wait to be totally finished and share all of the details of the project- but until then, every small step forward is a mini victory for me.  We now have one completely painted exterior door and two more almost completely painted.  I squeezed in every once of spare time and hopefully if the weather cooperates I can finish the rest today!  So here's my door painting process, there is really not much to it...

This is our back door, you can see the pretty new paint on the walls and trim (I love it so much) and then we have the orangey red door that I'm just not into.  It really isn't totally awful but it's just not really me.  What color did I decide on?  Purple - yes purple.  I don't think purple will be everyone's cup of tea but I liked the idea and went with it, you can scroll down and check out the final product if you want to just skip ahead.

So the only taping off I did was the actual door knob and lock.  When painting the door I just kept it cracked open so I cook carefully run down the edges and not get paint on the trim.  I also had a drop cloth (well an old beach towel) covering the steps so I wouldn't make a gigantic mess.  I have painted almost every inch of this house, at the point I almost feel like a professional -almost.  

Check out that purple, I'm crazy.  So next I used a brush to get all of the edges and indentions and things that a roller couldn't do.  When deciding on a paint finish I just asked the paint guy at home depot what he recommended and went with that.  It's a semi-gloss durable paint for exteriors by Behr.  Honestly, it may be a little too glossy for my taste but I'm hoping that with it being an exterior door that some of the shine will dull a little over time, but I can live with it for now.

And here's my first pass of the roller.  I did not use any fancy kind of roller or small roller size.  I just used a cheap regular sized one.  After painting our house and trying out different ones I really could not tell a difference on the exterior.  To me, the actual high quality paint was what made the biggest difference.  Some people would probably disagree with me but that's just my experience.  

I still needed another coat, especially to fill in the spots around the edges.  

And here's the final product all purply and stuff.  It actually dries much darker and isn't quite as bright purple as the wet paint looks above - see I'm not that crazy.  I know most people wouldn't go for it but I like it.  It's different and adds a little hint of color.  It really almost looks black from the road, most people probably won't even be able to tell.  So now hopefully I'm off to finish the other two today, if the weather allows me.

The wall paint looks so different in these two pictures- this bottom photo is more accurate to the actual color.  

Hope everyone had a great weekend!  Any of you guys get any looming projects completed this weekend?  What color door does your house sport?  Any other purple doors out there?? Do share!

Linking Up Here!

Fall Wreath Project

The three fall like days we have had over the past few weeks have me really looking forward to a cooler and more laid back time of the year and I'm feeling the fall spirit.  So it was time to update our door wreath, of course.

I didn't spend a dime on this wreath and just used things I already had.  I had an old gold metallic wreath form that I've had for years that I decided to use, I think I bought it after christmas for a couple of bucks years ago.  I decided I liked the gold for fall and didn't want to cover it up so I just grabbed some scrap fabric in a few colors - mustard, teal, black and gray.  I used an old t shirt, an old fabric placemat, scrap felt and scrap fabric.  The only other thing you will need for this project is a glue gun.

After I had made all of my little fabric flowers I still felt like I needed a little something so I grabbed a few beads and buttons from my stash and added a few in and then I had this - I love it!

Here's my tutorial on how to make felt flowers.  I also used this technique for a few of the fabric flowers as well and I like the way it turned out.  Here's a tutorial from Jones Design Company on how to make the t shirt roses - really simple and a great tutorial.

I love that I spent nothing on this and that I was finally able to use that old wreath form. I love a free project! 

One of these days I'm going to get around to painting our doors, its the last little bit in our exterior painting project to be done....maybe this weekend?? It's definitely something I am going to try and aim for.

Thanks for joining us today!  Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Share Your Story: Lindsey

 

It's Share Your Story Wednesday! Today we are blessed with the precious Lindsey.  Lindsey has such a gentle and kind spirit and has a huge heart for serving others.  I can't wait for you to meet her! 

Tell us a little about yourself: My name is Lindsey, I am a freshman in College attending the University of North Carolina in Wilmington where I will be studying to become a nurse. I was raised in a loving Christian home by my parents Tim and Sharon. I also have two brothers, Bradley who is twenty-two and attends North Carolina State University, and Wesley who is fifteen and in High School. Throughout my high school career I was on the Varsity Cheerleading squad and really enjoyed the girls, sport, and the life lessons that God thought me through it. However, my greatest joy came from hanging out with friends, staying involved in my youth group, and of course my soft spot for children.

How did you become a Christian? I was raised in a Christian home, so God was nothing new to me, and I am very grateful for that. My dad’s job caused my family to relocate so when I was five years old we moved to Apex, North Carolina; here we found an amazing family in Salem and were quick to join. Going to church to me was something I was forced to do and that I wasn’t very happy about, however this all changed once I joined the youth group. My freshman year I had the opportunity to go on the youth groups annual trip to Caswell summer camp, I was hesitant at first but I wanted to be involved with my youth group and heard that Caswell was a trip you shouldn’t pass up. It was here that God become real to me. I began to realize that my life was to be devoted to serving God and following Him where ever He was going to take me. Being a Christian in high school isn’t easy; we are different from everybody else, and having loving, Christian friends to experience fellowship with was a blessing within its self. God blessed me, and all of the other youth, with a strong and solid support system through Salem Student Ministries. Two people who were very influential in my salvation are Justin and Megan. They taught me what it meant to live a life for Christ. They also allowed God to work through them to help me through the struggles and pressures of high school. Not only are they my youth leaders, but my spiritual role models. For this I am extremely grateful, and I know that God will continue to use them in amazing ways. 

Tell us about a tough time or valley you have experienced in your life -My junior year of high school I found out that I was experiencing minor medical problems. I was afraid for my future and what it had in store. I was confused and wondered why God was allowing this to happen. I grew angry toward the situation and felt hopeless and helpless. Over time I distanced myself from God and began to resent Him because of my illness. My youth group, being my main support system, was there for me and helped me realize the truth. The truth was that my God is stronger than any struggle that I face, and through that I found peace. This illness was actually a wonderful blessing and I am so grateful that God has put it in my life. It taught me so many valuable life lesions. I’ve learned that God uses these valleys in our lives to allow us to cling to Him, grow closer to Him, and trust in his almighty power. It has given me the sympathy I need to help other people who are suffering, which led me to choose a career in nursing. By becoming a nurse I can show Gods love to other people by letting them know that there is a great God who loves them just as much as I do. 

What would be your advice for someone going through something similar?  My advice for anyone who is going through a rough patch, or valley, is to cling to Christ. Let Him use these tough situations for His glory and understand that no matter how tough your situation may be God will never leave you or forsake you. Through these experiences you have the opportunity to grow closer to God and create an intimate and deeper relationship with Him. Use your hardship, grow from it, and share it with others.

What is a favorite memory or event from your life and how did your faith grow through it?  One of the most memorable moments of my life would have to be our youth group’s international mission trip to Costa Rica. It was a trip of firsts for me, first plane ride, first international trip, first experience with another language, and a firsthand encounter with culture shock! God worked in so many miraculous ways in Costa Rica, and surprisingly the language barrier wasn’t a problem. We were able to feed the homeless, play with orphans, do yard work, street evangelize, and witness door-to-door. This week was filled with emotions that I had never experienced before. God was working though each and every one of us by using all of our specific talents for His glory (what a great God!). The people in Costa Rica were lacking many things that Americans consider “common essentials.” However, they seemed so happy and content. This made my heart ache to know that all of these things I was blessed with I took for granted, and didn’t even need! Through this experience I saw God in a different light. I understood that life isn’t about material possessions, the grades I make, who I'm friends with, or what I wear; but it’s about the God you serve and how you serve Him. Although it was such a unique and amazing experience to go work for Christ in Costa Rica, there are always opportunities to be a missionary where you live. Even if you are at work in your cubical or a high school student at your desk, God can still use you to show His unfailing love. 

What advice would you give other teenagers?  Being a teenage girl in high school is one of the toughest things in the world, and not to mention you are adding your faith into the mix. The pressures to fit in and be popular are tremendous, and you can’t conquer them without Christ. I have always struggled with the idea of “never being good enough.” I would cry to my mom because I didn’t think I was cool enough, pretty enough, smart enough, or talented enough. I thought that everyone was better than me. But that’s so false! I had let the world put pressure, stress, and anxiety in my life that I couldn’t handle on my own.  God made me in His image with specific talents and gifts that I can use to benefit His kingdom. All of the things that high school feeds you are wrong, and once you start focusing on pleasing God and not the world your life will change forever. Being a Christian may cause you to lose friends, or may even prevent you from being the most “popular” kid in school, but you have to remember that Jesus didn’t have it easy either when he was dying on the cross for our sins. High school was stressful and I know that college isn’t going to be any easier, I will be tempted to do things that I would of never imagined, but I must stay strong in my relationship with Christ, cling to Him, and he will sustain me. 

What are some of your favorite bible verses?

Palm 118:5 (NLT) In my anguish I cried out to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) Do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, For I am your God I will strengthen you and help you, I will lift you up with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 55:22 (NIV) Cast you cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. 

Philippians 4:6 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

Colossians 3:17 (NIV) And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Thanks so much for Sharing Your Story with us Lindsey! 

Pumpkin Inspiration

Wait, is it October already?  I'm feeling a little out of the loop and I'm ready to get a little crafty with the new change in season and all.  I really love this time of year and one of my favorite things about the fall is pumpkins.  I love a good ole traditional orange pumpkin but I'm also loving all of the new creative things I've been seeing as well.  Here's a little pumpkin inspiration to get you and me into that fall feeling.

I love these fabric decoupaged pumpkins from Tatertots and Jello, who doesn't love a good chevron?

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So simple and sweet, I love the country feel of this from Craftberry Bush.

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Thistlewood Farm is one of my favorite blogs to check out, her house is like a magazine cover and I love her painted state pumpkin!

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Whipperberry created these really fun pumpkins with paper and wire - I love this! This could totally been done with scraps, which equals spending no money - you know I love that.

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These are another paper pumpkin craft from BHG, really simple and I love the colors.

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I'm loving all of the metallic spray painted pumpkins on pinterest - these are some of my faves from Real Simple.

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Are you inspired?  I think I am.  Now off to figure out a little pumpkin project....

Thanks for stopping by today!  Tomorrow we have a Share Your Story coming your way to check back!

Decades Party

Over the weekend our girls ministry hosted a decades party for all of our high school girls.  We dressed up, ate lots of sweets, danced and just had fun being together.

We also talked for a little about the timelessness of God.  It's amazing to think that throughout all of the changes of this world our God is always the same.  Here are some thoughts...

God and Time:

For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. Psalm 90:4

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 peter 3:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Malachi 3:6 “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2 

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Numbers 23:19

Us and Time:

For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 1 John 3:20

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! 31:15

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, Galatians 4:4 

God has created time and he is outside of it unlike us.  We need time to function, to measure our days. Time should be a reminder to us of how much we need to rely on the Creator of it.  It should remind us that we are not in control and that our loving and gracious Father is.  Time points us to God, because He doesn't need it, He thought of it, He is outside of it and we are not.   Next time you check the time, remember who it is that created it and that created us and sent His perfect son at just the right moment. 

Making Chalkboard Labels

I have a little mini project going on, I feel like it's been going on for quite some time.  It's one of those things that keeps evolving over time.  It involves our laundry room, specifically our storage area (one of the only storage spots in our little house).  Here is where we began, this was right after we moved in and this spot had just become the go-to dump site while we were figuring things out.

It was a hot mess, let's be honest.  So it finally came time for this room to get some attention and it received a bright paint color, white trim and shelving (a little upgrade from what we had).

And then, it was kind of looking like this.  We sort of halfway organized it, still better than the before but still struggling to figure out the right plan for everything.

Oh, and then we got some new laundry bins from crate & barrel - I love these.  That definitely helped the crazy laundry sorting/organization (or lack there of) going on.

So, now we are stuck here - and quite frankly it just isn't working for me.  Part of it is the fact that it still isn't organized correctly and part of it is the aesthetics.  The different colors, the crazy overflowing boxes...  I just don't like it, and so I don't try and keep it neat.  I think that's a thing with me.  If I like the way it looks and functions then I will try harder on keeping it that way.  If I don't, then it turns into a mess and I feel like I'm always battling it. I'm tired of being in constant battle mode with these shelves so a mini project was necessary. My first little project for this space was to get uniformed labels that weren't ugly.  I'm starting small people, you have to start somewhere right?  Here's my current label situation -

I also think I forgot to mention that I'm trying not to spend a fortune on this, and I especially didn't want to spend a lot on labels.  So here was my quick and cheap fix - chalkboard paint.

I grabbed a bunch of labels (I have a ton of these for some reason that I can't remember what for) and a can of chalkboard paint and went to town spraying.  Take it easy, light even coats. 

I ended up doing three light coats until I was pleased with the coverage.

After a day of drying, I was ready to re-label.  I really like the idea of being able to change my mind on what's inside and being able to just erase and re-write plus the whole chalkboard thing is kind of in right now - and I kind of like it.  

If you are wondering about the usability since it is a paper label - it's still totally wipeable.  I actually made extras to test different methods and it even held up well when using a very lightly dampened cloth - so I was sold. 

I'm still busy working on some more easy solutions for my shelves so I will share more later!

Thanks for stopping by today and have a great day!