Growing up in Des Moines, Iowa is about as glamorous as it sounds. With no professional sports teams in the state and zero major shopping outlets around, these things were very exciting to me when visiting other cities.

One of my most nostalgic memories of my childhood was shopping at Fashion Square Mall with my mom in Scottsdale, Arizona. The iconic aroma of the Dillards shoe department (where we always walked in) still instantly triggers all those happy afternoons.

My favorite pit stop on our tour of inspiration, style ideation, and perhaps a box of double chocolate chippers (RIP Paradise Bakery) was, without a doubt, Anthropologie.

As a young girl, the only thing that seemed affordable on my budget of stashed chore money was the stationery table. I’d graze the spread of thick, patterned, dotted-and-dashed journals like it was my day job, fighting off my inner voice trying to convince me that I needed them all.

The greeting cards were not only within budget but also glimmering with possibility. 

Prints with catchy sayings like “You’re the Bee’s Knees!” and “Love You to the Moon and Back” quickly stole my heart and became a personal mission of mine to collect. Whenever we were in Anthro, I’d pick up a new one or two. Thus, my card collection was born.

The hunt, anticipation, and uncertainty of if I’d find a dazzling new memento kept me hooked. Whenever I found a new card, you’d have thought I’d won the lottery. I would hold up the cellophane-displayed card to my mom and give a big brace-faced smile. This was my Super Bowl.

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Fast forward to my post college years, and I started collecting Red Wing pottery, just as my mom and grandma had done for ages. I still scour every antique shop and local outlet for the smooth, shapely, ceramic dishes, vases, and trays that I could add to the mix. I well up with hope as the bell rings above the door of a consignment shop when I walk in. The chase, the hunt, the possibility—I love it all.

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As both a lover of collections and of living a full, vibrant life, I’ve learned that I can collect some powerful things every single day.

Gratitude.
Joy. 
Delight.
Inspiration.
Beauty.
Goodness

They are not only available to me but raining down on my life from Heaven constantly. This is a miracle I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to understand. God is so kind.

As I go through my days, and as I collect different sprinkles of delight here and there, I’ve found it helpful to ask myself: am I seeking out these things like 

Am I collecting evidence of God’s faithfulness each day? Am I storing up this treasure of Heaven like I am these cards and vases?

I have joked that the Holy Spirit gave me a Master Class on Mindset in 2025. He made it so abundantly clear not only how important our mindsets are, but just how vital it is that I clean mine up as I keep stepping into the dreams and callings He’s given me.

What we look for—what we collect in our minds—is truly everything. It matters what kinds of thoughts we hold onto and how avidly we seek beauty and delight every day.

In the sunsets.
In positive conversations with coworkers.
In a blooming rose.
In the golden morning light.
In the fact that my legs function and I can go walk anytime I’d like.
In the fit of laughter with my husband.
In the outfit that sparks joy.
In the ideas, creativity, and what-if’s abounding around every corner.

It’s available, always. And God is in it all. 

I want to collect every ounce of evidence I can that His love and beauty is tangible, present, and overtly directed toward me. I want to stand with open hands, receiving His gracious gifts and pointing back to Him with awe and wonder as the ultimate Maker of love, life, art, and wholeness.

The collection of ideas, faith, hope (or despair) we collect in our minds will most likely determine the direction (and quality) of our lives. Our minds are precious. I want to do everything I can to protect and empower mine.

Here’s to seeking and wrapping our arms around the goodness and beauty of everyday life—often hiding in the middle of uncertainty, fear, doubt, and sameness. It’s pure, radiant, and lovely, and it’s waiting for us. 

Post Scripts 

— Similar perspective for living the day in front of us—

— Joy is waiting here for you today—

— Collect these beautiful and holy musings, and then share them on the internet, please!

— Also, I saw all these Magnolia (Hearth and Home) pieces in Target and couldn’t believe my eyes. So much beauty!!! Links and images below!

— If you’d like a thought partner in your content and creation this year, I’m currently taking on a few new clients and would love to work with you. Your art is too good not to share!

— In other news, this hair brush has been sparking major joy for me! The best stocking stuffer I got. Scratches your scalp in the best way… never going back!

The brass tray is amazing (would be great by the kitchen sink with soap on it) / Also the wood scalloped tray is darling / The pedestal clock is classic—we have it in our living room and love! / The amber glasses are moody and would add a great vibe to a fun tablescape

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