Magnolia Grace

Hopeful Sundays: There Is Nothing Greater Than Grace by Marshall Hall

2012-01-15T22:40:00.002-05:00

Je t'aime 2012

2012-01-02T16:49:00.000-05:00

For the past couple of years, I've made it a priority to do something new and/or extra-fun every month. It can be something small like learning to correctly say "I love you" in French (which I did just learn at Christmas from my cousin who's a French tutor) to something big like buying a house (which I did this past November). I have found by making this a priority I am much more open to new experiences that God may have for me that I may not have done before simply out of fear or thinking I'm going to look stupid or a host of other reasons I could come up with.

Trying new things hasn't always come easy for me. Honestly, it still doesn't. I'm a perfectionist; I only really like to do things I know I'm good at. I don't like to fail; I don't like to look like I don't know what I'm doing. But, by trying new things and doing them even if I feel kind of stupid, God has taught me some amazing things and given me some wonderful moments I wouldn't have had if I hadn't been willing to try something new.

As I look down my list of new and memorable things in 2011, I am amazed at what God has done in my life this past year. I went back to school, was honored to write a guest post for (in)courage, had the wonderful opportunity to interview Annie Downs, saw stamps I designed for Unity at the summer CHA show, had a book of my designs published, was a bridesmaid at my little brother's wedding, bought a house, volunteered at and attended some amazing concerts, saw relationships begin to heal, made some new friends and was involved in two awesome Bible studies.

There were emotional ups and emotional downs, but what it ultimately comes down to is trust. Following God can be a scary thing because most of the time, it seems that our plans are not His. While God helped me so much in 2011 (I know I couldn't have gotten through the year without Him) and answered many of my prayers, there are still struggles and unanswered prayers that will continue into 2012, relationships that still need to be mended, unfulfilled dreams that may never be met and questions I may never know the answers to.

I want to continue trying to stay on His path, not mine. I want to trust Him and obey where He leads because when I let Him take the steering wheel, He shows me just how beautiful life can be.

And just maybe I'll try taking dance lessons this year, which is the new thing I've been tossing around in my head. :)

Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. ~Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

Christmas 2011

2012-01-01T15:27:00.002-05:00

Even though it's the same day every year, Christmas always seems to come and go so fast. I made an effort this season to take more photos which is one of my resolutions for the new year, to take more photos and document more even though I don't really make resolutions. Oh well, that's another post. I hope you had a blessed Christmas and New Year's-mine was filled with lots of good things.

Celebrating the birth of Jesus with family at my parents' house; what a difference a year makes

On a side note, don't you love the polka-dot balloons my mom found! :)

Finishing up Christmas tags

Sofa shopping at Ikea; beautiful Christmas lights on the way back home

Baking, baking, baking .... had to include cupcakes, of course!

Picked up a vintage chair from my great-aunt; can't wait to get this re-upholstered with colorful modern fabric

Amy Grant & Vince Gill Christmas concert

Hopeful Sundays: Joy to the World by Andrew Ripp

2011-12-11T00:18:00.000-05:00

Quite possibly my favorite version of this song I've ever heard!

Walk In Faith

2011-12-06T19:19:00.000-05:00

Image from here

I've probably mentioned this before, but I don't believe in coincidences. I believe every minute of every day is part of God's divine plan for you. Some moments make sense and some we may never understand. But, it's truly beyond amazing when you think about how God weaves our lives together using each of us to play pivotal roles in each others' lives in big and small ways. Many times we don't even realize the impact we might play in someone's life. A simple smile and a kind "hello" to a stranger could be the first act of kindness that person has seen in days, a compliment could be just what someone needs as a bright spot in an otherwise dreary day and a Bible verse at the end of an email could speak volumes to the recipient.

Since I don't believe in coincidences, I know that God is definitely speaking to me this week due to the fact that the same Bible verse has popped up randomly in my life the past three days in the form of my pastor's sermon on Sunday, an email from a designer on Monday and a devotional email today, which ironically enough was from last week, but I was only now getting around to reading it. Even that I don't believe is a coincidence. I wasn't supposed to read it last week; I was supposed to read it today.

I LOVE how God does things like that. But, one thing I've learned this year is that just because He's showing me encouragement doesn't mean things are going to work out exactly like I envision them working out. I believe those signs of encouragement mean that I'm on the right path, that I'm doing what He wants me to do even if I don't see how it's all going to work out. It's about walking in faith, not by what I can see.

Healing

2011-11-26T22:36:00.000-05:00

A year ago at this time, my family was still reeling from the death of my beloved grandmother. It was the first holiday season without her and the pain of losing her threatened to tear us apart. We were lost, each of us trying to figure out our life without her in it. Some of us clung to family, while others pushed loved ones away.

The holiday season was far from joyous.

This Thanksgiving, we felt like a family again for the first time since Grandma's been gone. There is still pain, but as I sat at the table this year and saw the smiles, heard the laughter and felt the love, I knew that God was beginning to heal us.

Life without her is not easy; it never will be.

But, she loved us all so much that she is never far. I feel her presence often and know she would have been so happy with us this week as we carried on family traditions that she established.

There are many days I long so much to have her physically here, to hear her voice, to feel her arms wrap around me in a hug, but I know her journey was complete; God wanted her home.

Grief can't be rushed, but I saw this week that if we let Him, God will take that pain and redeem it. It won't be quick and it won't be easy and it won't be fun, but He will use it for good.

I'm also learning it's a continuous journey ... one step forward and two steps back. We've just got to keep on walking and when we can't, He'll carry us.

Hopeful Sundays: If That Don't Make Ya Wanna Go by Sonja Isaacs & Jimmy Yeary

2011-11-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

Haven't posted a music video in a while on a Sunday. I love Sonja's voice!

Twinkling Lights

2011-11-19T23:07:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the video for Christina Perri's song "A Thousand Years"? If you haven't, click here; the song is beautiful and the video is gorgeous. I've never even watched any of the Twilight movies or read the books, but I instantly loved this song the first time I heard it. I think it might have something to do with the hundreds of twinkling candles sparkling in the video ... makes me want to stock up on tea lights.

Photo from ShoppingBlog.com

Tunnel Vision

2011-11-16T23:36:00.001-05:00

There are days when I'm extremely focused; I go to work, I make my to-do list for the day and I get everything done I need to. In fact, I was so focused working this morning I nearly jumped out of my chair when my phone rang. But, then there are those days I'm easily distracted; I try to focus but get pulled away by a conversation, something sparkly or simply an email that at the time seems way more enjoyable than what I'm working on. I have too many of those days than I care to admit.

And sadly, I also have those days when it comes to my focus on God. Days go by that I stay extremely focused on Him, reading my Bible and striving to do exactly what He wants me to, not what I want. Then there are days where I lose my focus. I get distracted by work, by relationships, by opportunities, by hopes, by wishes and I start spending more time thinking about those things than I do about Him.

That's dangerous territory and I'm always grateful when I feel Him nudging me telling me I need to realign myself and turn my eyes on Him and nothing and no one else.

My Bible study leader mentioned just last night that we are to have tunnel vision when it comes to our relationship with Jesus. Focus on Him; we still see everything else but it's in our peripheral vision, all that other stuff isn't as important as what our focus is. And while we may not always know if we're making the right decisions or not, He just wants us to follow Him and do our best.

He's in control; He'll take care of the rest.

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

Photo from Photography by Gerri

Chevron Crush

2011-11-03T22:27:00.000-04:00

My current addiction? All things chevron, although I guess I've been loving it for awhile as evidenced by the background design on my blog. :)

Chevron Pouf

Chevron Earrings

Chevron Chair

Chevron Vinyl Wall Decals

Chevron Sign

Chevron Bracelet

Chevron Clutch

Photos from Etsy sellers as linked above

Labels

2011-11-02T19:15:00.000-04:00

Do you ever wonder how long it will take you to learn something?

How long will it take until I don't let people's words bother me? Evidently and quite possibly, the answer is my entire life.

I have spent the last two days a little upset by a comment someone made about me, a label of how they view me. It's not that the comment was horrible, but the label wasn't expressed as a positive attribute. I know I shouldn't let it bother me; I know I should just let it go, but sometimes that's not easy to do, is it?

What some people view as a negative might actually be the thing that God uses in your life to make the biggest impact for Him.

And labels, well, I only need to be concerned about the important ones such as ...

I am God's child,
I am a follower of Jesus,
I am His forever

... those are the only labels that matter.

Image from persimmon&pink

Hopeful Sundays: That Sounds Like Home To Me by Gaither Vocal Band

2011-10-23T00:06:00.000-04:00

Remember when I used to blog? Yeah, I can barely remember it either. :) October has turned out to be a very busy month leaving very little time for blogging, but hopefully in November I'll have more time to get back to it.

Love this song by the Gaither Vocal Band! Still can't get over seeing them in concert a couple of weeks ago-an amazing show!

Growing Pains

2011-10-12T19:59:00.000-04:00

In the past month, life has gotten busier than usual. Life is happening, change is happening, and it's not bad change, however, any change involves loss in some manner. I find I'm trying to treasure the ordinary moments a little bit more, hang on a little tighter to each day as I tend to do anytime I know my "normal" is going to change. I like routine, I like comfort, I like stable. As much as I complain some days about doing the same things over and over, that's ultimately where I feel the safest.

Change involves being outside of your normal, outside of your comfort zone; change involves risk and taking a risk doesn't feel safe. But, God doesn't call us to lead a life where we feel safe and comfortable; He calls us to trust in Him and be willing to step out in our faith and do whatever He calls us to do even when we don't know if we can do it.

If nothing ever changed, nothing would ever grow. My pastor often comments that if you're not growing, you're dying. It's through change and growth that we learn the most about ourselves, about life and about God, and the closer we can become to Him.

I'm at a point in my life where I can't even picture where I might be in a year, in five years, in 10 years because I know He's leading me, but I have no idea to what or to where or to who. It's truly one day at a time asking Him to lead and guide me and to give me enough light to just know the next step to take. I surely can't see the entire staircase---I can't even see beyond the next step, but I know Who can see all the steps, and I know He won't lead me down the wrong ones.

I got to see the Gaither Vocal Band during one of their Homecoming Tour shows this past weekend and fell in love with the song called "The Promise" performed by The Martins. Just listen to the words and be reminded of the promise that will never be broken.

PS. Please check out Elizabeth's blog here where she is participating in the 31 Days series. Elizabeth's series centers around letters to her future daughter. Besides writing letters herself, she has asked other writers to share and I was blessed to be one of the guest writers on her blog. Check out my post here. Thanks again Elizabeth-I loved being a part of your series!

Be Still

2011-10-05T23:00:00.000-04:00

Life has been extra-busy the past couple of weeks

which is probably part of the reason this Peace Be Still print stood out to me.

Many times we need to be reminded that regardless of deadlines to meet,

appointments to make, errands to run and chores to complete,

we can have His peace if we're just still long enough to feel it.

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. ~Mark 4:39 (KJV)

Photo from Persimmon & Pink

Out of Chicken Salad

2011-09-26T00:00:00.003-04:00

Earlier this week, I had lunch with a friend at the local coffee shop. Every time I eat there, I get the same thing---chicken salad. In fact, I don't even have to tell them that's what I want anymore; the girls there know that's what I always order. Seriously, this stuff is delicious!

That day, they were out of chicken salad due to large orders and their delivery guy being late. What was I to do?! I honestly didn't know what to order. Chicken salad was what I wanted, it's what I like, it's what I had planned to eat all morning for lunch.

Sometimes, life feels that way.

You look up at God and think this isn't the life I ordered, this isn't the life I had planned, so what is it You want me to do?

Life isn't what you expected at this moment and you're at a loss of which road to take, which direction to go.

I have a tendency when I'm confused and don't know what to do to not want to do anything. I get scared that I'll make the wrong choice, so I freeze up and don't take any action. But, I'm learning that regardless of what I do, if I'm moving, if I'm trying to push on and do what I think God wants me to, He will make His plan work out even if I mess up.

God is mighty; His plan will always prevail.

Even if I make the wrong decision, He will still use me and if I let Him, He will turn that wrong choice into something beautiful. But, He can't do that if I'm not willing to get up and do something. He doesn't want me standing still.

If you find yourself in one of those confusing don't know what to do situations, keep moving, keep pushing forward, keep exploring the options and most importantly, keep praying for God to shine His light on your situation. He probably won't show you the entire staircase, but He'll give you just enough light for the next step.

Photo from tasteofhome.com

Grateful ... Thankful Thursdays

2011-09-22T00:00:00.002-04:00

Just a few things I'm thankful for this week...

Discovering I'm a Beaver personality type in Bible study, which explains oh so many things

(By the way, aren't those beaver die cuts adorable?)

Season 4 premiere of Castle this week---she remembers everything! If you watched it, you know what I'm talking about. I'm addicted to that show.

Finally getting to make a rainbow cake for a photo shoot at work---not only was it delicious, it made for a really fun work day, which after a very stressful week last week, was a huge blessing!

Inspiring reading---one down, three to go!

God's peace---some days you feel it more than others, but it is always there.

Photos from Little Scraps of Love, ABC and ImJewelee

Hopeful Sundays: My Hope Is In You by Aaron Shust

2011-09-18T00:00:00.001-04:00

You Are Enough

2011-09-17T19:45:00.000-04:00

It's been one of those weeks where you can literally feel the devil shooting his arrows at you.

It's been several days of feeling like no matter what I do, how hard I work, how much I push, how hard I try, it's just never enough.

I'm sure I'm not the only one, but days like that start to make me feel like who I am as a person isn't enough ... I begin to think of all the things some people don't like about me and think if only I was _________ (fill in the blank), then things would be different and _________ (fill in the blank) would like me more.

Thinking like that only leads to feelings of rejection and discouragement, feelings that personally make me want to stay home in bed all day which is what I felt like for the majority of this past week.

But, that's exactly what the devil wants; he wants me to believe all of those lies.

And, that's what they are---LIES.

God made me and you who we are for a reason, and that wonderful fact gives me so much peace because I know He accepts me and you just as we are.

With Him, we never have to pretend to be somebody we're not.

There is no mask because He knows it all. He knows our flaws, our mistakes, our quirky personality traits and you know what, He still loves us and He always will.

This quote came across my Twitter account this week at the perfect time:

Your worth is found in HIM, not in them. ~Coleen York

And remember that with God beside you, you are always tough enough no matter how big the lion appears to be. ( I had this card in my mailbox this week by an anonymous someone.)

You are always enough in God's eyes and that's all that matters.

Hopeful Sundays: Takes A Little Time by Amy Grant & Vince Gill

2011-09-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hopeful Sundays: Beautiful Things by Gungor

2011-09-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

God can make something beautiful arise from the worst situation ... out of dust, He makes beautiful things.

Bookworm

2011-09-03T16:11:00.000-04:00

While shopping for bridal shower game prizes and baking supplies, I got this for myself today.

Can't wait to read it!

The List

2011-09-01T19:30:00.000-04:00

Photo from Yvette Inufio Photography

In the land of fairy tales, Prince Charming is always tall, dark and handsome, so it's only normal that those attributes make their way on many a young girl's wish list for her future knight.

As we grow up, our wish lists for a future mate change and hopefully, we learn quickly that tall, dark and handsome doesn't mean he's necessarily a prince. There are far more important character traits to consider when choosing who you will and won't go out with.

But how many of us actually make a list? A wish list of character traits that our ideal mate would possess. Sure if he's tall, dark and handsome, that's a plus, but let's be realistic. What's really important to you? That he's a Bible-believing Christian? That he's family-oriented? That he's respectful of others and you? That he believes in communication? That he makes you laugh?

I was recently asked by a pastor friend for my list, the same pastor who initially had me make a list a couple of years ago. While looking over the traits I had written many months ago, I discovered that I could mark some of them off because I've learned that some things I used to think were deal-breakers aren't so much anymore. I've learned that above all the traits I hope my future mate might have, what I really want is just a decent, considerate guy who loves God above everything else, a guy who is sincere is his faith, a guy who accepts me just the way I am. And, it's a plus if he can make me laugh and he loves music!

What's on your list? Sense of humor, good manners, talkative, quiet, athletic, adventurous, good work ethic? For all you singles out there, I would love to hear your thoughts on what traits would make the cut on your list. And, for all you who are married, what traits would you have put on your list had you known then what you know now?

Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. ~1 Timothy 3: 2-4

The Sweetest Pompom Love

2011-08-31T20:00:00.000-04:00

It's a good and bad thing when you discover a new favorite blog. It's good because you get so inspired by the beautiful photography and creative and innovative ideas, but it's bad because you could spend the rest of the night looking at this one website. Which is exactly what's happened to me while looking for tissue paper pompoms. My new blog fascination? The Sweetest Occasion-check it out, but make sure you have a few hours to spare.

Oh and for that sweet person who left a nice comment on my last blog post, I apologize because I accidentally deleted your comment when I tried to moderate it on my phone and now it's nowhere to be found. I promise to be extra-careful when moderating comments from now on. :)

Photos from The Sweetest Occasion

Guard Your Heart

2011-08-30T19:18:00.000-04:00

As Christians, we know that the devil is roaming the earth constantly looking to destroy whatever goodness he can. But, there are some times in life when we become more aware than ever how much of a thief the devil truly is ... we start to see how easily he steals joy, happiness, gladness, peace and contentment from us. And, sometimes, we even make it easy for him to do it. We let our guard down, and we quickly slide into feelings of sadness, anger, discouragement, fear, etc. I know I do it much too often.

Last Friday, I attended a very cool concert by Lee Ann Womack at a gorgeous outdoor theatre outside of Indianapolis. It was a beautiful setting and a beautiful night ... but I didn't enjoy it, not like I should have. Instead, I spent my evening discouraged about a lot of things I have no control over.

Keeping your heart guarded against the devil's attacks is a daily battle and one that can only be fought with God's power. I'm striving to start every day with His word and with His help, turning the lock on my heart so no good thing can be stolen.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ~1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. ~Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Hopeful Sundays: God Don't Make Mistakes by Jamie O'Neal

2011-08-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Coloring Irises

2011-08-26T07:25:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it?! I actually made a card this week! That probably seems unbelievable for those of you who have been reading this blog since it was more artsy/crafty given the fact that I haven't been too crafty the past several months, but I'm getting there. I needed a card for someone at work, so I pulled out a flower stamp I designed awhile ago and got to coloring and layering. There's something about coloring that's calming ... I think I need to do it more often.

Blessings

2011-08-25T19:34:00.000-04:00

Joining in on thankful Thursday ....

It's been one of those weeks where I've been battling a negative attitude and unhappiness. I feel like the devil's been on full attack mode with my feelings the past several days. I end up feeling bad that I feel the way I do because I know God has blessed me beyond measure and I have blessings upon blessings to be thankful for ... here are just a few.

1) The counsel, encouragement and laughter of a wise Christian pastor in my life
2) The ones in my life who accept me for who I am, bad mood and all :)
3) Music!
4) Friends who ask how I am and genuinely care what my answer is
5) Chick flicks like 27 Dresses and When in Rome
6) Inspiring Christian books such as this one ... I'm buying that one this weekend.
7) Little winks from God that remind me He is always listening ... I don't know what He's doing, but I do know that He's listening ... always

Hopeful Sundays: Hope Now by Addison Road

2011-08-21T00:00:00.002-04:00

Letting Go

2011-08-20T00:12:00.001-04:00

Photo from AlwaysLOVEPhoto

Letting go of loved ones, letting go of dreams, letting go of expectations, letting go of relationships ... sometimes all life feels like is a series of letting go.

I'm not good at letting go. I tend to hold on ... tightly ... to things and people I love. It breaks my heart when relationships end, when a chance for a dream to come true fails, when I have to say goodbye to someone I love, when life as I know it changes.

I forget that this life isn't mine---nothing I have is mine; it's all God's. And, He asks me to stand here with my hands open wide ready to give up anything and everything for Him.

Most of the time when I'm asked to let go, I do it kicking and screaming.

Amid my struggle, I hear Him whisper ... hold onto Me, I am your Constant, I am your Rock, I am the One who will never leave or change. You never have to let go of Me for I will never let go of you.

How grateful I am for that truth.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. ~Psalm 19:14 (NIV)

His Mighty Power

2011-08-16T23:16:00.000-04:00

Photo from Enduring Arts

As Christians, I think it's often easy to forget that we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us---this print is a beautiful reminder of the truth that nothing is impossible with Him by our side.

PS. Check out other pretty prints from Enduring Arts here and the artist's blog.

Hopeful Sundays: You Will Find Me by Andrew Ripp

2011-08-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Who We're Becoming

2011-08-13T16:00:00.000-04:00

Photo from SEVENART

A few years ago, I got the idea to hold a kids' craft event at my church. My pastor was all for it. Since we didn't have many little kids that attended our church at the time, I designed and sent out flyers and letters to several local churches. I had everything planned and was excited. I felt it was an avenue God wanted me to pursue and might be something that could become a regular event in the community.

Guess what? Not one person signed up. It was discouraging and frustrating. It was hard for me to understand why the entire thing fell apart when I truly felt it was something God wanted me to do.

I remember my pastor at the time telling me not to get discouraged, that sometimes just because something doesn't work out the way we planned doesn't mean God didn't intend for us to attempt it.

I have had several times in my life where I felt all the signs were pointing in one direction and I felt certain (well, as close to certain as my second-guessing nature allows me to be) that I could finally see the path that God was leading me down.

Instead, there's always been a twist in the action when I get those feelings and things don't pan out like I thought they would. It's because of those twists that life many times feels like a guessing game. I often wonder if I'm making the choices God wants me to make, am I following the path He wants for my journey? I pray and hope that I am.

I believe sometimes part of attempting something and it not working out is to see how obedient to God we are. Are we willing to take a risk on something that hasn't worked before on the sole basis of it's because God is asking us to do it? It's the place where obeying and trusting God comes into action.

If God lays an opportunity at my feet, who am I not to take it just because I can't control the outcome? It may work out and it may not, but that's not the point. The point is did I obey, did I trust?

It's in those moments where He's chiseling away at us molding us to become who He wants us to be, preparing us for the next adventure. As I've heard some wise people say, it's not about whether we get what we want or not---it's about who we're becoming in the process.

Stitching & Punching

2011-08-13T14:51:00.000-04:00

It seems like forever since I've blogged. The past couple of weeks have been extra busy with getting back into the swing of things at work after a week off and this past week, I've been spending every evening working on bridal shower invitations for my future sister-in-law's shower. The invites involved lots of punching and machine-stitching; I was pleased with how they turned out and they were fun to work on. Now to get to work on the wedding invitations ....

Hopeful Sundays: What Faith Can Do by Kutless

2011-08-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hopeful Sundays: Mansion Over The Hilltop by Ricky Van Shelton

2011-07-31T00:00:00.004-04:00

Book Club

2011-07-30T18:50:00.000-04:00

I've been in Nashville on vacation this week and while I love my laptop, it was so very nice to be separated from it for a few days. Now, I'm enjoying the last remaining hours of vacation before jumping back into the work week on Monday where I know I'll be greeted with a bundle of emails. But, I guess that's what I get for not checking emails while I'm away. While catching up on my blog reading, here are a few books I'm either looking forward to getting or are currently reading.

Cannot wait to get Angie Smith's new book; fear is something so many of us, myself included, struggle with on a daily basis.

I really want to learn to sew something more than just a pillowcase and I love the style of Camille Roskelley's projects.

A friend surprised me with this book a couple of weeks ago. It helps you start to see that the so-called "coincidences" in your life aren't "coincidences" at all.

You know any book associated with Design Sponge is destined to be gorgeous!

Photos from Thimble Blossoms, Amazon, and Design Sponge

Hopeful Sundays: Better Than A Hallelujah by Amy Grant

2011-07-24T00:00:00.002-04:00

Chicago Trip

2011-07-23T14:48:00.000-04:00

While it was a work trip to Chicago this week, we did take time out on Monday to make a stop at Crumbs Bake Shop. I never realized choosing a cupcake could be so difficult!

We also visited IKEA, my very first visit. That place is huge, but filled with lots of cool items!

A stop at IKEA, a cupcake shop and of course, Anthropologie---not a bad way to spend a Monday evening.

While at the show, I was excited to see some of the Itty Bitty stamps (little birdies above and bear below) I had designed for Unity at their booth. Love this company!

Where You Lead, I Will Follow

2011-07-18T12:00:00.000-04:00

Remember back in April when I wrote about interviewing the sweet and talented Annie Downs? Click here if you don't or if you weren't reading my blog back then. :) Anyway, here's the short story: I discovered Annie's blog last year and instantly connected with her writing. I read her book which I highly recommend, took a writing class this spring and decided to email her to see if I could interview her for a paper I was writing for the class. As you can see, she said yes and not only did she give a delightful interview, but I made a new friend, which is always a good thing! Plus, she introduced me to The Frothy Monkey!

Annie is all about following where God leads her. In fact, she is currently in Scotland. Click here for that story. I love how she listens for God's voice and follows Him wherever that might be even when fear wants to hold her back. Her story is truly an example of how God will lead us if we just let Him.

What follows is the article I wrote, which I thought would be fun to post considering I've got a new blog design. Thank you again, Annie!

For most girls, being named homecoming queen would rank as one of the happiest moments of their lives. For Annie Downs, it wasn’t. After she was crowned, she spent the night crying into her pillow; she believed she had won out of pity because she thought she was ugly and overweight. “I liked my friends so much, and I disliked myself so much,” Downs said. “I had so many lies (about my body) in my head I didn’t know I didn’t have to believe.” As she laid there in bed, little did she know what was ahead. What the devil intended to use to hold Downs back was what God intended for her to use to help build His Kingdom up, but she would need to be willing to follow Him wherever He led.

Downs, who grew up in Marietta, Georgia, is now a freelance writer living in Nashville, Tennessee. She has written numerous articles and stories that have been published online and in magazines, and last year released her first book From Head to Foot, written for teenage and college-age girls struggling with self-image.

Raised in a Christian home, Downs was saved at the age of 4. “The only area of my life I’ve never doubted was that decision,” Downs said. A natural-born story teller, Downs grew up loving to write stories. However, it never occurred to her to become a writer, so she studied elementary education in college and became a teacher.

Downs was happy with her life in Marietta; God had helped her overcome a lot of the self-image lies she faced as a teenager. She had a good job, a home, friends and family. She had no intention of moving. While participating in a Bible study in 2006, Downs felt God open her eyes to her true calling as a writer. “As much as I lied as a kid and made up stories, the Lord said this is what I made you for. This is your gift that the enemy has stolen, and I want you to take it back. So, I did,” Downs said.

Shortly after, Downs began researching magazine writing and started submitting articles to various publishers. God began opening doors, and before long, the workload became too much. “It got to the point I couldn’t teach school and do the amount of writing I was wanting to do,” Downs said.

It was during this time that Downs started writing From Head to Foot, a book she says she wrote to honor the 16-year-old she was and others like her. “This book talks about my personal journey, my image and self-worth, and how do you worship God. What inspired me to write it is this is what I wish someone would have said to me as a teenager … if I would have been brave enough to tell,” Downs said. “Being in high school is hard, and being in college was hard for me. I wanted to pay homage to that girl—to who she was and to her struggles.”

As her writing career grew, Downs felt the Lord telling her to move to Nashville, a city she had never visited and where she had no friends or family. “‘Move to Nashville’ was a command,” Downs said. “I felt God saying, Give up what you know.” It was one of the hardest things she’d ever done. “It was scary, and it was awful, and the first couple of months, I cried all the time. I thought, this will never be home,” Downs said. In August 2008 with her book half-finished, Downs left the comfort and security of her home state to begin a journey, having no idea where or what it would lead to.

While Downs struggled to find her place and a community of friends in Nashville, she continued to write, and in January 2009 she finished her book. She signed with an agent in April of that year, but after 12 months with no sign of a book deal, Downs hit an identity roadblock. “What if I’m not an author? Who am I?” Downs said she asked herself, “What if this isn’t His plan?” God used that time as a healing process, showing Downs that her identity isn’t in what she does. “I’m Annie whether I write a book or not. No one picks me because I’m an author. People pick me because of who God made me,” Downs said.

In August 2010, a friend asked Downs if she had considered self-publishing. Downs was reluctant, but began researching the idea and decided to try it. This allowed her to hire a good friend to design the book cover, and From Head to Foot was released in December 2010. “None of this would have happened if I hadn’t moved,” Downs said. “God knew how to give me gifts before I even knew what I wanted.”

Not getting a regular book deal became a blessing as Downs realized the community of friendship God had given her in Nashville. “There is a lot of value in having a strong network of friends and colleagues. I never made friends here with the intention of connecting them with my business,” Downs said. “Seeing that network of friendship has been such a gift.”

Downs knows that today’s teenagers face huge challenges in living the lives God wants them to live. “I think it’s harder to be a teenager now than it’s ever been. There are so many voices,” Downs said. Her advice for every young woman today is to simply be herself: “Be you—be godly and be fun and be loud or be quiet, whatever you want to be—just do it,” Downs said.

Downs may have written her book for teenagers and young women in their early- to mid-20s, but women of all ages identify with the honest struggles Downs shares. “You connect with your audience by being real, by being honest, by being open and by having boundaries,” Downs said. “I can’t imagine not telling that story because I genuinely want girls who are like me, or who aren’t like me, to connect with my story. How dare I hold back when the opportunity to rescue someone from a life I wanted to be rescued from is right there … it leaves you a little wide open, and you have to be vulnerable, but you’re rescuing someone else, and that’s worth it to me.” ●

Hopeful Sundays: There's Power In The Blood by Lari White

2011-07-17T00:00:00.001-04:00

Crumbs Cupcakes

2011-07-16T18:52:00.000-04:00

I'm traveling to Chicago this week for work. There's a big trade show happening called the CHA show where all the craft companies come together to present their new collections. Before going to the show, a couple of us are planning on making a stop at Crumbs. It's a must---just look at their selection!

Photos from Crumbs.com

Thirsty

2011-07-16T16:33:00.001-04:00

Photo from Honey and Jam Photography

For most of us, life is busy ... sometimes, busy enough that reading your Bible and quiet time with God gets pushed aside for a day, two days or more just because something else needs to be done.

It happened to me a week or so ago; I had so many things I needed to do trying to work ahead for a couple of upcoming trips that I didn't have my regular time with God for a couple of days. Yeah, I knew He was there and I said a few quick prayers throughout the day, but I didn't have my set-aside time with Him. And, I felt it ... that feeling that something just wasn't quite right, that something was missing, that I hadn't done what I really needed to do.

I found myself struggling and allowing things to bother me that I might not have had I drank from His Word that day.

But, I find myself feeling thankful for those couple of days because it reinforced my need and all of our needs to recharge ourselves daily with His Word. We are all thirsty and He is Living Water.

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14 (NIV)

HGTV's Design Star-Season 6

2011-07-11T18:27:00.000-04:00

I don't know what you'll be doing tonight at 9:00 Eastern time, but I'll be watching the premiere of Season 6 of Design Star. Love seeing what designers do in creative challenges!

Photo courtesy of HGTV

Hopeful Sundays: The Light In Me by Brandon Heath

2011-07-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

I feel like we need a Brandon Heath song today, so here you go. :) Let your light shine ....

New Blog Design!

2011-07-04T19:14:00.000-04:00

July 1 kicked off the second half of the year and I thought what better way to celebrate that than relaunching my blog with a new design! Melanie from Elegant Custom Blogs did the new design and I think she did an amazing job, plus she's an absolute sweetheart to work with! I highly recommend her if you're looking for someone to re-design your blog for you.

As we enter the second half of the year, I'm curious to see what God has planned for me. Some highlights of the first half include going back to school, having stamps debut at CHA, volunteering at Winter Jam, guest posting at (in)courage, and interviewing Annie Downs, all of which I never expected I'd have done just a year ago---just praying I make the choices He wants me to make and pursue the opportunities He wants me to pursue.

Hopeful Sundays: God Bless America by Martina McBride

2011-07-02T23:32:00.000-04:00

May you have a happy and safe Fourth of July! God Bless America!

Trust, Hope & Faith

2011-06-29T23:06:00.001-04:00

Trust in the Lord

Hope in the Lord

Faith in God & His timing

... three very important reminders that keep popping up in my life lately.

Photos from Persimmon & Pink, Around the Island and Loving God, Loving Others

Hearts Against Hunger

2011-06-27T18:26:00.000-04:00

Did you know $1 can provide seven meals for a child in need? One dollar isn't a lot of money, but it can make a huge difference in a child's life. Just imagine what $5, $10, $25, $50 could do!

Please consider joining in Hearts Against Hunger, a virtual food drive hosted by the lovely Melanie at Only a Breath. Click here for all the details.

Several bloggers are joining together to raise a goal of $1,500 to provide 10,500 meals for hungry children.

Want to help? It's quick and easy. Click here to donate to Feeding America. No amount is too little.

If you'd like to sponsor a child or help children worldwide, visit Compassion International.

If you'd like to join in promoting the food drive, email Melanie(at)OnlyaBreath(dot)com and let her know you are spreading the word on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Melanie has also provided us with Hearts Against Hunger buttons you can feel free to share on your blog to get the word out!

Hopeful Sundays: Please Forgive Me by Michael English

2011-06-25T22:47:00.000-04:00

I attend a larger-size church where the song lyrics are posted on large video screens, there's a horn section in the band and you can download the sermons from iTunes. While I love my church and am encouraged in my faith almost every week when I go there, there is something special about a small country-style church with a congregation that doesn't number in the hundred's, where there's an upright piano in the corner and where you can find the Holy Bible and hymnals still in the pews---reminds me of all the time I spent going up and down the pews as a little girl while my Grandma cleaned the church next door to her house.

This past Friday, I got to see Michael English perform at a church just like that. He gave an amazing performance and testimony and you could feel God's presence. Below is a video from the concert which I thought was perfect for this week's Hopeful Sundays feature.

I'm Thankful ...

2011-06-23T15:00:00.009-04:00

I'm thankful how God continues to whisper "hope" in my life even when I don't always feel hopeful.

I'm thankful for opportunities and possibilities.

I'm thankful that I work with some really wonderful people.

I'm thankful for comments that warm my heart.

I'm thankful for my new earrings that a friend made me, but more importantly, I'm thankful for friendship.

I'm thankful for a trip to Dairy Queen on a Wednesday night just because.

I'm thankful and looking so much forward to seeing Michael English in concert this Friday.

Now, it's your turn---join in the thankfulness every Thursday at the Undeserving Grace blog.

Words

2011-06-22T22:12:00.000-04:00

I've started keeping a stack of Bible verses and Biblical-based quotes next to my computer at work as a visual reminder that no matter what happens throughout the day, God is there and He is my strength. It's my ammunition against the devil's attacks when he slips in and tries to turn an innocent comment into words that threaten to ruin my day or when he tries to convince me that I'm just not good enough. When I look at God's words of truth, it doesn't make whatever's bothering me go away, but it does cause me to stop and remember that He is the source of true peace. Words are powerful and His are the most powerful of all.

What I'm Loving This Week

2011-06-21T18:46:00.000-04:00

As if I didn't love Anthropologie enough, they had to come out with adorable polka-dot curtains with some very cool origami pleating at the top.

And, I know Anthropologie's prices can be a bit expensive which is why I love their sale section, especially these accordion drops earrings, which are more than half off their original price. Orange or yellow, so hard to choose!

Speaking of choosing colors, this resin necklace from J.Crew is so pretty, but choosing which one to buy will be the difficult part.

Photos from Anthropologie & J.Crew

Hopeful Sundays: When I Cry by Marshall Hall, Guy Penrod & Wes Hampton

2011-06-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Taking A Ride

2011-06-18T00:00:00.005-04:00

Roller coaster photo print from AdrienneClaire9

One thing I’m not is a roller coaster girl. Granted, I’ve never actually ridden one, but I believe they’re one of those things that you just know if it’s for you or not. And, it’s definitely not for me.

The ups and downs, the lack of control, the not knowing what’s around the bend---sounds a lot like life, doesn’t it?

Only, unlike a roller coaster, you don’t have a choice whether or not you’re on this ride. If God has chosen you to be born, He has a plan for you and you better buckle up. And, while each of us is on this journey called life, we’re on different coasters. Some have constant ups and downs, some have waves of ups before taking a deep plunge and some seem to have way too many dips in the coaster than others.

Sometimes, it would be nice to be able to take a breather---a chance to sit out for a week or two and watch from the sidelines. I think most people would agree the ups and downs can get tiring after a while. But, we wouldn't realize how awesome the ups are if we didn't have the downs.

Whatever part of the ride you're on right now, Jesus is with you. Whether we’re at the top of the mountain or in the bottom of the valley, He is there. He will celebrate with us in our happiness, He will comfort us in our sadness and He will give us strength through the journey when we grow tired.

He is our only constant—I am grateful for that truth.

… but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings of eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. ~Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Inspire Me

2011-06-17T13:20:00.000-04:00

This blog used to be more artsy and crafty with posts about the different projects I was working on, but in recent months it's become more of a Christian-based blog, which is the direction I feel this blog is ultimately going. But, I also just honestly have not felt inspired in quite a while to make anything artsy and crafty to post. This could be that sometimes I feel God leading me in a different direction and it could be that I've been working on a big design project for the last few months and have not had the creative time or energy to make anything else. I'll share all about that big design project in a later post. :)

Sometimes, you get in a creative rut---burned out so to speak. Everything looks the same and nothing is exciting enough to make you want to create. That's where I've been.

The new Mollie Makes magazine, which I was excited to find at my local B&N the other evening, is the first thing in a long time that has made me want to sit down and make something. It's filled with fresh and modern crafty ideas; the pictures make you feel good when you look at them! And everything looks doable, not too hard, which is just what I like. Here are some peeks inside the latest issue....

Oh, I also picked up the latest issue of Elle while at the bookstore. I already have blonde highlights but am really loving Rachel McAdams' hair color on this cover--seriously thinking about the color for myself. A girl needs a fun change every now and then.

Hopeful Day: Just a Closer Walk With Thee by Sonya Isaacs

2011-06-14T23:41:00.001-04:00

I did not get a video posted for Hopeful Sundays this past weekend due to my Internet being off, so this is a mid-week Hopeful Day post. Love Sonya's voice! Sadly, this video cuts off towards the end.

Hopeful Sundays: The Lord's Prayer by Selah

2011-06-05T00:00:00.001-04:00

His Next Move

2011-06-03T19:08:00.000-04:00

Painting from Grace Art

Do you ever read a blog post that makes you stop and think about how you're viewing something? One of Holley Gerth's posts this week made me do just that. Click here to read it.

I know that God has my story written; He knows every twist, every turn, every plotline that has taken, is taking and will take place in my life.

That's His job to know the details, to know the going-ons behind the scenes--that's not however my job, although you wouldn't know it if you knew how much time I spent trying to plan out what God's next move might be. I try to figure out in my mind what God is going to do next, why He's doing something the way He's doing it and how all the plotlines will work together.

I can literally make my mind race imagining all the scenarios like a choose-your-own adventure book.

But, I realize that I truly can't begin to know what God is doing---there are details He's working out behind the scenes that I have no clue about. Neither can any of us.

So, instead of trying to jump ahead and read the next chapter of my story, I need to focus on living today's page and make sure I'm following His adventure for me, not my own.

HOPE ... Never Let It Go

2011-06-01T22:38:00.001-04:00

Walking the line between continuing to hope that what you want to happen will come true and being able to let it go peacefully if it doesn't feels like a delicate balance beam you might fall off of at any given moment.

We are called to always hope no matter the circumstances, but we are also called to lay down our wants, our expectations, our desires and our dreams if it's His will.

Sometimes, what we hope for isn't His will. That's difficult for me to even write, but I know that it's the truth.

As I sit here writing this post, I think of several people in very different situations who are striving to hold onto the hope that the painful place they find themselves in will turn out the way they desire even though they know it might not. When we look at the earthly facts, it's easy to lose hope sometimes because it appears the odds are stacked against us.

But, we can't forget, myself included, that our God is mighty and full of surprises. Statistics, odds, chances, facts, etc. aren't important to Him. It might appear that what you hope for could never happen and it might feel it's impossible, but with Him, nothing is ever impossible.

Just when you think it can't happen is when He just might surprise you.
Hold onto your hope--never let it go.

Photo from SportsPosterWarehouse

In The Kitchen

2011-05-30T21:46:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone had a good Memorial Day ... the picture above shows how I spent my day--baking chocolate cupcakes, sugar cookies and Nutella cupcakes. This was actually my first time trying Nutella. I've had enough people tell me it was really good and I've spent way too much time pouring over the yummy-looking Nutella recipe photos on Pinterest that I had to try it out myself. I was happy to find out all those people were right-it's delicious!

And, since I didn't get a Hopeful Sundays video posted yesterday, here's a little music for you today.

Continue to HOPE

2011-05-26T22:34:00.001-04:00

Sometimes, life feels like a big, tangled ball of confusion;

sometimes, it feels like God has said "no" too many times;

sometimes, it feels like you're nearing your limit ...

it is in those times, I find myself treasuring God's signs of encouragement even more than normal,

for they are awesome reminders to me that God is there, He is listening, He does hear me.

I just have to continue to HOPE.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Simply Hue photo from shopruche.com

Hopeful Sundays: Peace in the Valley by Faith Hill

2011-05-22T13:19:00.000-04:00

Grateful

2011-05-19T19:18:00.000-04:00

Too often, it's easy for me to concentrate on what I want but don't have rather than the multitude of blessings that God gives me every day. I'm happy to be joining in on the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop happening at Undeserving Grace!

Here are just a few things I'm grateful for this Thursday:

*No cavities at the dentist this week

*Brandon Heath's fall leg of his Leaving Eden tour was announced today and he will be coming nearby for two shows-gotta get tickets for both shows

*Cute shoes

*Laughter with friends

*Hearing the perfect song at just the right time

*Spending Tuesday night shopping with my mom

*The Bible-His Word: So grateful we as Christians have this amazing book

*Messages from God to keep on hoping-thank you for these, God!

What are you grateful for this week? Join in the fun by adding your post to the blog hop!

Hopeful Sundays: Leaving Eden by Brandon Heath

2011-05-15T12:00:00.001-04:00

There is hope ...

Ferris Wheel

2011-05-11T06:00:00.003-04:00

There's something about this time of year that always makes me want to shop for clothes. This is an adorable dress, and it's only $39.99, which means you can afford the cute belt that completes the outfit!

Photos from ShopRuche.com

Out of My Control

2011-05-10T19:37:00.000-04:00

Photo from Sweet Evie

I took piano lessons for almost eight years from the time I was 10 until my senior year of high school. One of the most important things those lessons taught me, well besides the fact that I really never liked playing scales, was that the more I practiced, the better I got. I knew if I wanted to play Moonlight Sonata, I needed to practice it over and over and over again. I knew that I had some control on my ability to play.

Sometimes, I wish life was more like practicing piano.

I wish that with practice I could make things different. If only I could work hard enough to change things---if only I could make my uncle see what life is really about, if only I could find my brother an awesome job where he deserves to work, if only I could bring my cousin home, if only I could find that right guy and not feel like I'm having to give up my dreams of marriage and children, if only I could ease peoples' pain. I could go on and on with this list, but the fact of life is there are so many things we have no control over no matter how hard we try to work at them, no matter how much we practice, no matter how badly it breaks our hearts.

If it's God's will, there is absolutely nothing we can do to change things, and for a control-minded person like me, that's a really hard thing to accept sometimes.

So, what does a person do? I believe there are two choices: 1) abandon your faith and try living life completely on your own and fall flat on your face while doing it, or 2) cling even tighter to Jesus and have Him alongside you. You'll still have struggles, but the only way to have any peace is through Him.

For me, I'm going with number two. I have no idea why some things happen the way they do, but I do know that I can't get through this life without Him nor do I want to.

Hopeful Sundays: Walk on Water by Britt Nicole

2011-05-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

Jelly Slingbacks

2011-05-07T09:00:00.002-04:00

I wore jellies when I was a little girl, so I can't help but love these shoes.

Photos from BHLDN

He Will Catch Us If We Fall

2011-05-06T22:25:00.000-04:00

Photo from Urbandesign

I'm a planner, a thinker and an over-analyzer.

I can't begin to count the amount of time my mind has spent on "what-if's." I have wasted so much mental energy trying to plan out every possible scenario that I know I have let opportunities pass me by because I was too afraid of taking a chance ... because what if it didn't work out like I wanted it to? What if I got hurt? What if I failed? What if someone thought I was stupid for trying?

I am excellent at talking myself out of almost anything because I don't like feeling nervous, I don't like feeling like I'm not enough. It's much easier to just not take the risk. The thing is it's not about what I like; it's not about what's easy. It's about following, obeying and trusting God, and knowing that whatever happens, He'll be there to catch me if I fall.

When I read Holley Gerth's blog post today and later heard Britt Nicole's Walk on the Water, I knew God was speaking to me. He's been speaking to me a lot lately about taking a chance even when I don't think I'm the right person to be taking that chance.

I don't know God's plans for me; sometimes, I don't even feel like I know what the next step is He wants me to take. But, I do know that when I pray for direction, He gives it in one way or another. I just have to listen and keep my heart open to taking chances even when they're ones I don't feel comfortable taking.

Adventures in Painting

2011-05-06T19:35:00.000-04:00

So, I fell in love with this chevron painting that I found via Pinterest (oh, how I adore that site!) and I decided to try my hand at making my own version. Instead of gray, I went with turquoise. Still finishing up on touch-ups.

Hopeful Thursdays: In God's Time by Randy Houser

2011-04-28T19:02:00.000-04:00

I usually post music videos on Sundays, but today I heard this song and had to share. I listen to a lot of music, and every once in a while, a song comes along that really touches my heart. This song is one of those. It speaks to so many people on so many levels. The lyrics are beautiful. Take a listen.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T00:00:00.002-04:00

HE HAS RISEN!

Happy Easter!

Photo from Free Christian Wallpapers

Good Friday

2011-04-22T14:07:00.000-04:00

Darkness covers the earth, but Sunday is coming.

Photo from Free Christian Wallpapers

Dress-Up Time

2011-04-19T19:11:00.000-04:00

Why do all the pretty dresses have to be so expensive? Sigh ...

Photo from Anthropologie.com

Small-Screen Diversions

2011-04-18T10:00:00.010-04:00

I've recently become addicted to The Shark Tank, so addicted in fact that it's not enough that it's on once a week. I'm even watching clips of it on YouTube. I think I like seeing the unique and sometimes crazy ideas people come up with. Plus, I love it when someone has a cool idea and one of the sharks decides to invest and you can see a dream coming true for that person.

Other shows I've become addicted to lately:

~CMT's Next Superstar-I don't watch CMT that often because they don't broadcast that much music, however, I'm loving this hour each week of watching up-and-coming singers try to catch their big break. My favorite? Steven Clawson-love his voice! Plus, Wynn Varble is hilarious!

~Bethenny Ever After-The first season of this show didn't interest me at all, but I'm now hooked and I'm not even really sure why. I just enjoy the show.

~Celebrity Apprentice-Should I even be admitting I watch this show? I know a lot of people can't stand it, but I like it, especially winding down on a Sunday night before the hectic work week gets started.

~Castle-This isn't a new addiction for me, but I can't make a list of favorite shows and not put this one on.

Photo from epguides.com

Hopeful Sundays: The One by Brandon Heath

2011-04-17T00:00:00.002-04:00

So looking forward to seeing this guy in concert tonight!!!

Pin A Flower In Your Hair

2011-04-16T14:48:00.000-04:00

It's pretty much a given that after I saw these ruffly flowers, I've decided I need to sign up to take Elizabeth Kartchner's Corsage Flowers class on her new Make Something Splendid site. They're just so pretty and honestly, I'll look for any reason I can to wear something ruffly! Click here to visit the new site. The photographs are reason enough to visit!

Photos from Make Something Splendid

A Joyful Journey

2011-04-15T19:14:00.003-04:00

Photo from Happy Deliveries

I was reminded this week how most of us, myself included, are so quick to make judgment calls. Our society views certain jobs as more successful than others and that a person's intelligence level is based on how many diplomas they’ve earned; that you’re weak if you don’t push back and that your worth as a person is based on how busy you are. Just because someone does things a little differently than me or you doesn’t mean their way is wrong. Yes, if it’s Biblically wrong, it’s wrong--that's without a doubt. But if it's something that man has deemed "not the norm," there's probably nothing wrong with it.

Everybody is on a different journey and no journey looks exactly the same. We each have our struggles; we each have our issues and the best we can do is to offer love and support to the ones God has surrounded us with.

Hopeful Sundays: That's God by Jo Dee Messina

2011-04-10T00:00:00.002-04:00

Nashville Photos

2011-04-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

Can you tell I'm currently addicted to using instagram? :)

Hopeful Sundays: I Bowed On My Knees by Michael English

2011-04-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

This song almost always makes me cry-so powerful when you really listen to the words. It's amazing to think we will see Jesus face to face one day.

Stepping Out

2011-04-02T18:23:00.000-04:00

Two weeks ago today, I was packing to get ready to go to Nashville, Tennessee for a few days. Ah, it was so beautiful there-75 degrees and sunny, which made it that more difficult to come back home where it was 32 degrees and freezing rain. Brrr ... cold. So, I keep looking at the photos I took of blooming flowers and green grass to remind myself spring will come ... it really will. I'll post some of those photos later, but remember this post? Well, of course you probably do since it wasn't that long ago, but there was a reason I posted it that day. That was a day I stepped out of my comfort zone .... WAY out of my comfort zone.

If you know me at all, you know I'm a little quiet, a little shy, especially around people I've never met. It's not normal for me to set up an interview with a person I don't know at a trendy coffee shop I've never been to for a 45-minute discussion. It's completely out of my comfort zone! But, that's exactly what I did last Wednesday with the lovely Annie Downs, who by the way is exactly like I thought she would be---friendly, sweet, easy to talk to, funny, etc. If you don't know who Annie Downs is, click here to buy her book, which you really, really should do. :)

I still can't quite believe it happened, but I have the recording of the interview and an autograph (see above) as proof.

Why was I interviewing her, you might be asking. It's for a writing class I'm taking. Several weeks ago, we were to compile a list of article ideas. I came up with several that I would love to see happen, but wasn't really sure any of them would work out. An article about Annie and her book was on that list. I knew I was going to be in Nashville and I knew Annie lives in Nashville, so I thought why not take a chance. I felt like God was saying "Let me show you what I can do, but you've got to be willing to put yourself out there." So, I e-mailed her and prayed that God would let His will be done. The next day, I had an e-mail back saying yes.

I was nervous and thought what have I gotten myself into? I couldn't believe I had been bold enough to ask for a face-to-face interview. She didn't know who I was. I'd never done an in-person interview before with someone I didn't know-what was I thinking? I didn't know how to interview someone. Plus, the coffee shop where we were meeting looked like it would be filled with cool, artsy people. I was going to look totally out of place. The enemy's lies filled my mind---I didn't know what I was doing, I'd probably say something stupid, it wouldn't work out, etc. But, I knew if God wanted me to do this .... He would work it out.

And He did. Thank You, Jesus, for helping an introvert take a step outside her comfort area. And, thank you to Annie for being so, so kind!

Hopeful Sundays (or Mondays): I Won't Let Go by Rascal Flatts

2011-03-28T18:47:00.001-04:00

I love this song because it reminds me that no matter what, God won't let go. I can almost hear him whispering the words to me. "Don't be afraid to fall, I'm right here to catch you, I won't let you down ..."

Take That Step

2011-03-23T12:00:00.003-04:00

Everybody has their comfort zone---places they feel comfortable at, people they feel comfortable being around and things they feel comfortable doing. Some people's comfort zones span a much larger area than others. I, for one, have a small comfort zone. I know my perimeters and that's where I like to stay, but I know that I am not supposed to live in my comfort zone 24-7, because if I did there would be a pretty slim chance of risk or failure.

Most times what God calls us to do isn't something we feel comfortable with; He wants to stretch our boundaries so that He can show us what He can do if we just believe and so He can continue to shape us into who He wants us to be. I have felt for awhile that God is continually trying to pull me out of my comfort zone, calling me to do things that make me feel a little nervous, anxious and insecure. In all honesty, most of the time I just want to play it safe doing the things I know I know how to do.

I'm currently in the middle of Beth Moore's Breaking Free Bible study and one of the comments in the book states that as Christians, Satan either wants to ruin our testimonies or make us so emotionally handicapped that we're ineffective as witnesses for God. If I only stay in my comfort zone, I can be pretty sure that I'm probably not being as effective for God as He wants me to be.

And while trying new things can be exciting and even end up being fun, it's not easy, especially taking that first step. However, when you take that step outside your comfort zone, God will show up and He will amaze you.

"God does not call the equipped. He equips the called."

Photo from Mothball Charlie

Everything's Coming Up Flowers

2011-03-21T12:00:00.001-04:00

Popular graphic designer and blogger Joy Cho and her husband Bob were featured on Emily Henderson's Secrets From a Stylist show this past weekend, which has quickly become one of my new favorites. I loved the pink table Emily used in the first makeover for Joy and Bob's room, but it didn't end up staying when Emily changed things up to combine both Joy and Bob's styles. My favorite thing in both makeovers? The wallpaper, which was designed by Joy!

Photos from hgtv.com

Hopeful Sundays: Carry You by Amy Grant

2011-03-20T00:00:00.002-04:00

J.Crew Loyalist

2011-03-19T11:22:00.000-04:00

Dear J.Crew,
I'm sure you sent the 20%-off gift card to thousands upon thousands of your customers, but I'll be honest and admit that I felt quite special that you consider me a "J.Crew loyalist" when I opened the envelope from you this morning. Add to that that I'm on vacation this week and will certainly be dropping by one of your stores and you can only imagine my J.Crew excitement. Perfect timing J.Crew, which I'm not surprised given that your clothes are pretty much close to perfect! Thank you for a good mail day!
Kindly,
Brooke, J.Crew Loyalist

Photos from J.Crew (motorcycle cardigan, liberty shirt, maritime dress)

Repinning

2011-03-18T19:05:00.000-04:00

A designer friend of mine recently introduced me to Pinterest. Yeah, I know I'm way behind the times on this one. If you're like me and are just learning about this site, it's entire concept is based around people "pinning" photos to inspiration boards. Besides pinning your own favorites, you can follow other people's boards. I just can't get enough of this site. Inspiring photos covering about any subject you can think of...I could spend hours gazing at clothes, accessories, baked goods, prints, rooms and cute puppy dogs. Seriously, is this not one of the cutest puppies you've ever seen? Just makes me smile.

Screenshot of Pinterest

Hopeful Sundays: 7 x 70 by Chris August

2011-03-13T00:00:00.001-05:00

How Are You?

2011-03-12T19:08:00.002-05:00

Most of get asked several times a week how we are, not necessarily that people really care, it's just become a standard greeting. I've done it, you've probably done it, you know the routine. You pass someone you know in a store, at work, at church and they ask "how are you?" You're expected to say a number of different things such as "great," "fine," "ok" or "good" just as long as it's positive. Many times, that's an answer we can honestly give, but have you ever been having a rough day and just wanted to be honest, open up the window to your world a little and admit that you're struggling, that you're feeling a little sad or angry. I know someone who did that once and the person who asked the question almost acted offended like she didn't really want to know. She was just being "polite."

I had a conversation this week with a pastor about this very topic and how so many relationships are superficial because people don't share. He said he knows some of the similar struggles people go through who are sitting in cubicles across the room from each other and if they could only open up to one another, they might find a connection and a support.

However, opening up in today's world can be rough. One, we don't always like to admit our struggles, and two, people don't always make it easy to share. Sometimes, we open our windows and we get instant judgement for how we feel, which is what causes some people to permanently seal their windows shut. Opening your window requires vulnerability and if someone tells you you shouldn't feel the way you do, you're probably not going to share with them anymore.

I'm trying to be more honest and real in my daily encounters. Sure, I still have those people in my life I have to put a smile on for even on those days I don't feel like it, but I'm learning that when we find people we can be transparent with and open with about our thoughts and feelings, that's when true relationships are formed. When you realize that someone else feels the same way you do about something, deep connections can be made and God made us to be relational beings. We're not meant to live alone on an island even though some days we might feel like we'd like to.

The same pastor I talked to this week once told me that you feel what you're going to feel, meaning someone shouldn't be telling you how to feel. If you feel it, you feel it. What matters is how you deal with that feeling. Are you going to let the enemy sway you down the wrong road or are you going to put it in God's hands?

I'm not sure where I'm going with this post, but I guess the message is that I just want to be someone who when I ask "how are you?," I really want to know, whether you're feeling good, bad or in between because I don't want superficial relationships. I want relationships that matter.

Photo from honeytree

So Pretty

2011-03-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

I have a weakness for pretty things like paper straws in glass bottles, honeycomb tissue poufs and baker's twine in a rainbow of colors....sigh. You can find all of these pretties and much, much more at Shop Sweet Lulu.

Photos from Shop Sweet Lulu

Hopeful Sundays: Carry Me Through by Dave Barnes

2011-03-06T00:00:00.005-05:00

The Lord will carry you through. Love this song by Dave Barnes.

Stylish Singing

2011-03-05T18:30:00.000-05:00

I haven't been too much into American Idol for awhile, but I'm back into it this year. I really like Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler as judges and I really loved the treble clef blouse Jennifer wore several weeks ago during auditions. Too bad her blouse is sold out, but if you're crafty, you can always try making your own like this gal did. Click here to see her inspired creation!

Photo from buddytv

Modern Vintage Design

2011-03-02T12:00:00.003-05:00

I haven't bought a design book in awhile, but I'm thinking this one from Emily Chalmers looks very good. I always love the styling and photography in her books.

Photo from Anthropologie

The Waiting Game

2011-03-01T15:00:00.001-05:00

I had lunch with an old friend last week. We talked about waiting...we're both waiting on things we'd like to come true for us, but they're just not happening.

Waiting is HARD.

I sometimes think it would be easier if we just knew the answer to whatever we're waiting on. Yes or no, at least if we knew, we could work on accepting it.

However, that's not how it works as we're all aware of. Part of trusting God is believing and knowing that He's working all things out for our good, no matter how painful it seems at the time. I think one of the hardest things as a Christian is when you feel like you're really trying to follow what God wants in your life and you pray and pray about something and the answer keeps coming back "NO." Then we're left to wonder....does that mean it will never happen or that the answer is "no...not right now?"

Then, if you're anything like me, you sometimes start to focus too much on whatever you're waiting on and giving it too much attention and then we're getting into idolatry territory, which is a whole other topic.

The thing is we don't know what God's plan is. We don't know if He plans to make our deepest desires come true. That's where trust comes in.

"Trust and obey, for there's no other way..."

Whatever you're longing for and waiting on today, hold onto the hope that He will fulfill that desire in His time and in His way, and trust that whatever the outcome is, that He ultimately will be what fulfills you. Nothing and no one else can.

Photo from uncommon

Twinkle Toes

2011-02-28T21:14:00.000-05:00

Since seeing this post, I can't stop thinking about these shoes.

My birthday's in two weeks if anyone would like to surprise me. ;)

Photo from Amazon.com

Hopeful Sundays: Amazing Grace by Lari White

2011-02-27T00:00:00.002-05:00

In remembrance of my grandmother who passed away one year ago yesterday.
Miss you so much, Grandma-I rest in the truth that I will see you again one day. You are forever in my heart.

Gotta Love Gadabout

2011-02-23T19:24:00.000-05:00

I love when I get pretty e-mails that brighten my day, especially when it's a hectic day filled with deadlines. A lovely e-mail was in my in-box this afternoon announcing that Gadabout, which according to the line's website means "An endless pleasure seeker; a traveler in search of enjoyment and amusement; one who roams or roves for social activity", is now available at one of my favorite stores Rock Paper Scissors. Considering that I love fashion and pretty stationery, it's no surprise that I adore this line and its whimsical illustrations featuring pretty dress, cute shoes and modern accessories.

Photos from Rock Paper Scissors

Hopeful Sundays: God is There by Diamond Rio

2011-02-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Giveaway Update!

2011-02-19T18:51:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Elizabeth who won the Dayspring Coupon Code Giveaway! Elizabeth, please send me an e-mail and I will send you the coupon code. Congratulations and thank you to EVERYONE who entered!!! Thanks also to (in)courage for the opportunity to host a giveaway!