God's Purpose for You

"We've just got this few minutes on this planet... and God meant them to matter. They matter to him.  If you are a child of God and you were allowed to go through something difficult, I promise you it has purpose... The enemy thought it for evil, but God thought it, deliberated it, reflected over it, and knew He would use it… for good… for the saving of lives." -Beth Moore

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20

Bk

The Biltmore Estate

This post is a little out of order because it actually took place before the TEACCH training, but I wanted to explain the conference and the reason we were in Asheville before I posted these pictures. Since the TEACCH training lasted until 4:30pm Monday through Friday, we knew the only day we would have time to tour this beautiful property was on Sunday afternoon. With that being said, after a full day of flying (starting at 4am) my co-workers and I decided to tour the Biltmore Estate as soon as we arrived in Asheville, North Carolina. 

If you've never been, you should seriously consider checking it out.  This was my second time seeing it if that tells you anything.

As cliche as it may sound, walking across this lawn made me feel like a real-life princess:-). 

In fact, we decided to walk across it barefoot so we could soak it up as much as possible! 

Did I mention that I love these girls?!

This was pretty much the view of the 8,000 acre estate from every opening in the house. I think I could get used to that!

After we finished touring the Biltmore Estate, we decided to check out the Gardens & Grounds and the Winery. I don't have any pictures of the latter, but it was pretty impressive too.

I have a secret obsession with beautifully arranged flower pots.  This one did not disappoint!

Happy Weekend!

Bk

TEACCH Training

A few weeks ago, I had the awesome opportunity to attend a TEACCH Autism Program training with some of my new favorite co-workers.  To say that God had His hand on the way this trip came about is a bit of an understatement.  To make a long story short(er), let's just say I was invited to go on this trip before I was officially hired for a full-time position. I cannot even begin to explain how God works sometimes, but I know that He does. And for that I am thankful:-).

Since this was not your typical conference... it was a training where we literally worked from 8:30am-4:30pm for five straight days, we were only allowed to explore the city during the evenings. With that being said, we treated ourselves very well at dinner time and laughed until we cried more times than I can count. This group seriously stole my heart that week.  

Although I had heard alot about this training over the past few years, it was nothing like what I expected. In fact, it far exceeded my expectations.  It consisted of 18 attendees (all from different backgrounds... I was the only speech-language pathologist which was kind of weird at first), 5 trainers, and 4 students with autism. 

We were placed in groups of 4-5 attendees (typically not the people you came with, but Holly and me lucked out:0) with one trainer and one student with autism.  The first few days were full of lectures and setting up the work space, while the last three days were full of hands-on training with the students and structuring and restructuring specific tasks for the students.

Here's a picture of me with my group for the week! That's Weslie in the front right corner. She's from Charleston and joined us for dinner a few nights while we were there!

This was Shona's group. She was the main reason I was invited to go on this trip. I first met Shona over six years ago when I did my externship for this school district before I moved to Tennessee. If that's not a full-circle, I don't know what is?!

I realize this picture doesn't look like much, but when we first walked into this room all of the furniture was placed in a pile in the middle. The different groups were responsible for brainstorming together to figure out a way to use the furniture to create four work stations, a play area, an art center, a game area, a snack area, and a waiting area. Did I mention it had to be functional for all of us plus four students with autism to work in too?!

I cannot tell you how amazing this experience was. I loved every minute of it! These girls were so fun to travel, learn, and laugh with. 

Until next time,
Bk

p.s. Ignore the zinc strip sunlight across my nose!! Completely embarrassing. Especially when your co-workers start singing "This Little Light Of Mine" and try to use your nose to start fires. Thanks for keeping it real, guys! 

Now and Then

I.heart.these.people.

Bk

Lake St. John (in Pictures)

Thankful to have spent this Fourth of July with some of my favorite people at one of my favorite places.

Bk

Heart Matters

I am always hesitant to post articles related to marriage on social media websites provided my current situation... and if Satan could have his way, I would probably never talk about it again especially in a positive light. Fortunately, our God is bigger than all of that. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." He refuses to let prison, adultery, divorce, (insert your sin and/or trial of choice here), etc., etc. stop the gospel from being shared. If you don't believe me, just read Acts:-). 

Disclaimer: I also know that none of this is void of repentance, forgiveness, and grace.

One day I hope to share the story of how God has worked (and continues to work) in my heart to bring complete restoration and healing throughout this journey, but today the best way I can describe it is by referencing Psalm 25 and sharing this phenomenal article written by Tyler Ward for Relevant Magazine. Seriously, you should check it out. One of my favorite things Tyler Ward says is, "Our modern obsession with being happy often makes it far easier for us to love happiness more than we ever love another human." Wow.

With love, 

Bk

57" Rule

Since I finally started decorating my home again, I figured I would share one of my very favorite picture hanging tips. I used to never like hanging things on the wall (not necessarily from a decorating standpoint, but more or less from an OCD standpoint:-)) until I came across this little tidbit a few years ago. It's called the 57" Rule. I won't pretend it's the fastest method, but the results are well worth it! 

The idea is to always hang your wall decorations at 57" on center. In other words, the center of the wall decorations will always be 57" from the floor. It is believed this is the standard height that galleries and museums use when hanging artwork. Are you confused yet?! Keep reading...

Directions:

1. Measure and mark 57" on the wall.

2. Measure the length (from top to bottom) of your picture and divide by 2.

3. Measure the top of your picture to the hook on the back.

4. Subtract the totals of No.2 and No.3.

5. Measure up from 57" with the results of No.4 and put your nail here.

Example: (from Apartment Therapy)

1. Picture is 20" tall

2. Middle is 10" down from top (this should rest at 57")

3. Wire comes to 2" below the top

4. 10" - 2" = 8"

5. Lightly mark 8" above our first mark OR 65" on the wall

Happy decorating!

Bk

*I actually like to hang my pictures approximately 5 inches (depending on the thickness of my crown molding at the bottom of the wall) above the 57" which would make it the 62" Rule (instead of the 57" Rule).