design

What Every Office Needs

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IMG_05271So, I only worked Wednesday through Friday this past week… so maybe a 3-day work week is what everyone needs!

But in the past two weeks I have decided that an afternoon break around 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. is made perfect with toddler MegaBlocks. Every office should have them. I want to be clear that they need to be “Mega” size. The small interlocking blocks can get… well serious (have you seen The Lego Movie?). Large blocks have limitations and you get to be creative without thinking. It is the best way to wind down the day or clear your mind when you are stuck.

To really help make certain you do not get to consumed in your block creation and change it from play to work, add a toddler (preferably a boy) – they will willingly knock it down for you!

Even if you don’t have blocks in your office, find something to play at each day. I’m certain it will bring a smile to your face on even the most stressful day. : )

Household life and balance…?

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Balance? I’m not sure that gets achieved daily in my world, but maybe over the long run.

Each day is a new adventure as school is out and both Tim and I are in the house together all day. Finding new rhythm to each getting our own work done – job hunting and design respectfully, helping each other in our respective work, and then working on house projects together. As we work to accomplish the to-do list and be productive in the waiting process (seeing what job will open for Tim in the fall), we are enjoying time together and time with our little guy.

The daily routine of the house seems to fluctuate and I almost find myself checking to see what day it is. The fall and spring activities have all reached their summer break and summer weddings are in full swing with programs, place cards, gift boxes, guestbooks, and favors to be designed. Small businesses are in need of logos and business cards. And the basement that was nearly finished… well, we organized all of the finished the living areas which means – I am still working on the basement!

Life is always full of change.

It is in the moments of change or waiting for direction that I remember the value of the day and God’s direction in the past. From living in Rockford, IL to Chicago to moving to Des Moines, IA there is no possible means that I could have planned my life. But taking steps to follow God one day at a time has led to a life so rich and full that I am glad my plans and thoughts rarely seem to “workout” in the way that I thought they would.

Balance is found when I let go and walk slowly… maybe today I’ll just take a few minutes at a time. God can handle the day, the week, and the next month quite well.

What’s the best way to organize?

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Especially when the are looks more like a condemned dump site (or close enough to it!)…

Get excited about it! What do you want to do with the space, the time saved not hunting for things, the money saved not re-buying things you already own! What other reason make you excited to organize?

I want to create a room for our second child, an office where everything is organized and TOGETHER in one space, and a kids play area that has room to run.

That chore is going to require some organization and rearranging of furniture. I know that many experts say to try to find new pieces or organization systems to help you get excited and create a new system, but my goal is the opposite. I do not want to buy any new pieces. I want to reutilize what I have, organize, sort, throw!

I have decided a few things. The new office/play area is going to be in the unfinished basement, but…

  • I want to WANT to go down there.
  • I want my son to LOVE playing down there.
  • I do not want to feel like I am in a dungeon. : )

And the random pieces of wood in my basement and garage, they are going to be re-purposed for good!

The goal is to be finished with the basement by the end of April and the second bedroom by the end of May. So, hold on because weekly updates are going to be coming. I’m sure some weeks will be more productive than others. Watch as ideas unfold and the progress becomes a finished project. Oh boy here we go!

I’ll post pictures when there is progress… but right now I’m not willing to show my complete chaos (in the end I’ll post before pics)! : )

Decisions

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In last couple weeks, we have had decisions placed in our household to make. I like the easy decisions like…

  • My child is crawling out the crib…  Decision: move them to a bed.
  • Should I get that new pair of pants…  Decision: The budget is empty, done deal.
  • My friend is sick and needs help getting to the doctor… Decision: Of course I should help!
  • Should I buy a bag of  Cadbury Mini Eggs… Decision: Well this one takes more thought; the smart health answer is no, but… : )
  • In light of some decisions, I do not even mind the endless decision of what to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner and the three snacks a day my toddler eats (although if a maid wants to show up at my house and start cooking to make all of those decisions for me that would be great!)

But then there are decisions that force us to weigh out short-term and long-term gains. Decisions that force us to choose trust. Trust that God is in control even in a situation that may seem to others like a train wreck waiting to happen. Decisions that take days to discuss and consider. Decisions without clear answers or direction, real right or wrong, good or bad ramifications. Decisions that can only be clarified through priorities and what attitude you will choose in the future based on your current decision.

Psalm 90:12 is a verse that God impressed on me this last year and it becomes helpful in making decisions that seem otherwise difficult. The verse states “Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (NIV’86). The things that matter most are relationships with God and people and our most precious commodity is time. Time is also the commodity over which we have no control. Our days are numbered, none of us know how many we have left. We need to live and plan for the future with wisdom and leave the day without regret because it may be our last.

Some decisions result in choosing that even if we are down to the last $10 we are going to trust that God has brought us this far and He NEVER, EVER walks away. Although at times life may feel like God has walked away when that last $10 is gone (check out the prophet Jeremiah, Daniel in a den of lions, the book of Job), God does carrie us through to completion in Him – not our stuff or our American way of thinking. In God’s economy following through the trial is better than walking away in the process.

What does this blog have to do with design anyway! The design of our days is sometimes found in the decisions small and big. So the design of our life should be based on our priorities and values. Life is short. Make decision based on the design of the life you want to create not just on the momentary feelings. (And, yes, that is how I am calling this blog relevant to design!)

And, if you want direction on making decisions check out “Ask It” http://northpoint.org/messages/ask-it/ – a teaching series by Andy Stanley of Northpoint Church in Atlanta, GA.

Decisions

Fog, Work & a Tree

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It is a marvelous thing to have work to do. All day long the fog has hovered outside my window as I have had the privilege of completing another full day of designing drafts for various projects and people. The fog actually brings a comfort to sitting and working all day. I do not feel as if I missed anything by not going outside. Nor, do I feel stuck indoors, I find myself thankful to be cozy inside. In fact, it may be a new record, my son has not even requested to go outside once today. It must be a cozy indoor day.

My workspace is filled with the smell of fresh pine thanks to a beautiful, very thick 8′-4″ Frasier fir standing in the living room. I do not think we have ever had a nicer Christmas tree. I think I work in the best office one could ask for.

So, as orders are filled for Christmas Countdown cards, Christmas cards are designed to bring hope to others, and marketing materials for small businesses are organized to bring information to clients, I am grateful to have such incredible blessings. Lots of work to be done, cozy foggy weather outside, and a beautiful tree (that will one day have decorations) to work beside.

May the goal of December be to remember all the blessings recounted last week at Thanksgiving and turn them into blessing for others. Enjoy the start to another wonderful season of giving!

Christmas-1

But God

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him [God], and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

These popular verses ring so true, but are so difficult to walk in. I’m not sure where your Monday morning finds you, but I know that for several in my circle of friends it finds them with many more questions than answers. Difficult marriages that require clinging to God and trusting Him for strength each day to love their spouse anew, a deep longing for children with seemingly no options left, a financial hole that seems it will only end in ruin, a diagnosis that has no hope with it, a layoff with no idea where the next job is going to come from,or a daily threat of layoff as one heads to work each morning and new co-workers are given the pink slip. And then there are those in the world who are trafficked, homeless, broken, blind, marginalized, and left empty – where does trusting God fit in there? Where is He in the “daily grind”?

Kind of a downer isn’t? We see our problems, BUT GOD… oh these words break through to the human spirit and in all circumstances we can find hope. Even if the hope is that this life is merely a few years. A breath. Seventy or eighty years if we are lucky. BUT eternity in paradise is coming – not just a resort – but a true everyday life of paradise that will last without end. After celebrating our 10,000th anniversary, we’ll just start over – working, loving, praising, rejoicing. No tears, no fears, no worries… true life. This life and its trials preps us for a marvelous life ahead.

And there is a “BUT GOD” right now. God gives joy. He gives peace. He gives strength.  God’s presence changes everything and He is Emmanuel – God with us. God sometimes brings new journeys, paths, and relationships we would have never found if not for the struggle. God gives miraculous healing. God gives a new job. God always gives more than we could ask or imagine.

Even in hardship, maybe particularly in hardship… God is present. To be honest, I understand fear and uncertainty right now in my life. I am reminded to hold everything loosely and rest in God by choice of will and not emotion. I have to bring Him the emotions of feeling out-of-control (which He reminds me I am), overwhelmed, fearful, uncertain, and wondering why He has brought me to this place. BUT GOD’s character, His heart His love overwhelms emotion. He brings peace and reminds me that no matter how difficult life may get, He is still the only one who can bring life and destroy it. He is the only refuge in an uncertain world that has had a whole history of continuously uncertain times and struggles. In God we trust not our savings account or 401k, not our ingenuity or strength – we trust in Almighty, Holy God.

Your life has been beautifully designed. If you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Master, God of the universe, You can find a refuge. If You are not certain if there is a God, let alone one that would step into your fear and mess – seek Him. He will be found, and He longs to be close to the brokenhearted. See the beautiful design of your days and moments cannot be seen in the momentary plights of today, you have to keep waiting for the masterpiece to be completed.

“God teach me to follow Your directions, to know Your ways. Teach me to walk in Your marvelous light of Truth. Give me a heart that fears only You; for only You can destroy and only You can bring life. There is no one and nothing greater than You. I will worship you from the depths of my being. With my whole heart I will give You praise. You will be glorified forever and ever; I want to bring You glory every moment of everyday. Your love towards me is extravagant; I am overwhelmed by Your faithfulness. You rescued me from the depths of hell. I was dead and You gave me life!”
Psalm 86:11-13 Paraphrased by Heather Haxton

But-God

Thanksgiving & Christmas Cards… what do they cost?

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Are you trying to decide if you would like to order Christmas cards?

Well, maybe the following information will help you to decide!

Why choose LeATev instead of one of the many, many other options?

Personal service, no templates to follow. It’s like going to a premier stationery boutique where you get one-on-one attention. Plus, we simply like getting to know and serve people so it is a fun way to connect with you and help you share your year and encourage those who matter to you.

Timing and budget is set at the beginning of the order process. We will work to meet your timeline and stay within the budget requested. You will receive proofs after our initial consultation and initial information is received. Nothing will be printed until you have given your final approval. In general, it is recommended that you order a minimum of two weeks before you would like cards to be sent out.

Extras.

Want to make your life even simpler… Send your Thanksgiving/Christmas card list to us. We will print your addresses, your return address, and put them in the mail for you!  Order before December 1 and all you have to do is pay the postage!

If you order after December 1, we can still mail your cards for you, but there will be a $15 minimum charge for printing and labor.

Price.

Cards range in price from $.75 – $1.50 each… you can get more complicated with card design (i.e. multiple folds, unique shapes, oversized cards, letterpress cards) and then we will have to do a custom quote. Within the cost you will receive cards and envelopes ready to be sent out. If you would like to get simpler or you have a very long list… the cost may be less.

For those living in the state of Iowa, a 6% sales tax must be added to all sales. Shipping will be charged at the lowest price possible and rarely goes above $5 per order unless a rushed timeframe is requested.

Want to place your order?

Send an email (heather@LeATev.com), give a phone call (515) 447-5974, leave a comment below, send a message on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LeATev). Simply contact us!

Work in Progress

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The week is full with end of the month items to complete, paintings to finish, photos to touch up, and cards to design. Plus a few random projects of my own that got started on a weekend… and are still wanting a little attention. In other words my whole house/workspace is in progress!

My computer at work, my painting studio space (yes, it is in a play pen!) and my bedroom that needs me to spend a few evenings with it! 🙂

Hopefully, next Monday… I’ll have a few finished items to post!

What a blessing it is to start the week over and work! Here is a look at my “workspace” in progress. : )

Work-in-Progress

Happy 4th!! Give Freedom.

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Life, liberty, and justice for all! I am thankful to be an American citizen. It is nothing I have earned, I was born into the privilege. And I am so thankful for the many men and women who have protected American rights that we may still have freedom to worship and serve. We have so many choices that many around the world cannot possibly fathom. And it is our choice to use what we have for the benefit of other people next door and around the globe.

My son has recently chosen to be picky (or at least try to be picky) about the food he is given. My husband simply looked at him and noted that we have already somehow started raising a choosy American consumer at the age of 1. Other kids would not have the option of choosing the food on their plate, they eat what little they have – there is no option.

The blessings that we have been given are given for us to give and encourage others. We look around our home and find lots that we can give. Sometimes one just looks at the monthly budget and does not see how it is possible to pay bills let allow give generously, but when you look beyond the checkbook you’ll find talents, possessions, time, love, kindness, prayer, support that you can give no matter what your financial status may be.

At LeA’Tev we are grateful for each service and product that is purchased. Each purchase allows us to contribute toward organizations that are working on behalf of justice for victims of human trafficking and slavery in America and around the world. The first half of this year has allowed LeA’Tev to contribute to International Justice Mission (IJM).

So, happy 4th of July! Enjoy celebrating freedom, have a good old American BBQ and find ways that you give to others.

4thBBQ

Serving…

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The start of summer marks many people heading out on short-term service projects all around the world.

It is a privilege to serve Jesus Christ with every talent that you have been given. If you have breath, Jesus has a purpose for you! So even if you may not think what you can do matters – serve! Loving God and loving people are the only things that matter in life and the only things that truly do last forever.

I have been privileged to serve several ministries throughout many years using graphic design and interior design. From decorating ministry buildings for the season, selecting design and color during the construction process, creating graphics, or simply creating set designs to accent the message being taught; I have been grateful to serve with what God has entrusted to me to use.

Watch LeA’Tev on social media this week to see a few of the graphic designs created for non-profit ministries and non-profit ministries supported by LeA’Tev.