Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday January 30, 2010

Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday post. For over twenty-five years I have collected various spiritual and inspirational quotes and messages. My hope is that when you read these, you will pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share this post with a friend who just so happens to be in need of reading what I am sharing today.

One of my all time favorite Christmas gifts was a book given to me this past Christmas by my son’s family titled Interior Wisdom by Leah Richardson. Because of the shape, size, and weight of the gift it was obvious I had received a book. Oh how I love books! With great anticipation, I unwrapped my gift to find a lovely design book. On the cover was a beautiful dining room which begged me to look inside.

As I thumbed through the pages I saw many photos of interiors and interior design elements. Then, I noticed the scripture. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” Proverb 3:4-5  As I began reading the scripture, I noticed there were also inspirational words. I flipped back to the book jacket to read the overview of the book. “…she shares the ways her spiritual walk influences her design, offers beloved verses that have inspired her work and includes a centering prayer (she has a prayer at the beginning of each chapter which is titled “Pray with me…”) to help the reader understand how important it is to include God’s wisdom in the design of our homes and our hearts.” (I love that she included the word hearts).  I pause for a moment and think to myself, “gosh this book is right up my alley!”

Next I turned a few pages to read about the author. In “A Note from Leah,” she shares her journey which began when she was feeling devastated after being fired from her job in corporate America. This led her back to school to pursue a degree in Interior Design. At the time of her firing, Leah did not realize it was God’s sovereign hand at work. Though in the years to come, it became very clear which she explains in Interior Wisdom.

Reading her book jacket, I learned that besides her interior design business, Leah also lectures with Leah Richardson Ministries.

Two of my favorite scriptures in her book- Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”  Hebrews 3:4 “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.” Don’t you think these are both so appropriate for anyone designing and building of a home!

One of my favorite quotes is “Excess encumbers our life more than enhancing it.”

Blessings.  …susan