Hand Stamped Necklace - Beloved

     Sometimes God uses our weaknesses to show us we need to depend and trust in Him. I absolutely cannot stand when people place last minute plans or 'ideas' in my lap and expect it to be a piece of cake. I know that's terrible to say... but it's true. I like to be prepared and while I am very spontaneous, I like to know ahead of time what others expect of me or want me to do. I want to be the best I can be. However, sometimes I think I try so hard that I become obsessed and become such a grouch. I forget that I'm not going to please everyone and that I am not ever going to be perfect. I forget that I have a Heavenly Father who wants me to lean on Him and to take my frustration away. Well, two weeks ago, my mom and aunt left for a mission trip with a few other ladies. They let me know two days before they left that it would be so nice if I would make a necklace for each of the ladies. Of course I said yes even though on the inside I was screaming and angry... once again, I was not trusting God to help me and I was again struggling with being a perfectionist. My mom wanted me to use my metal stamping supplies - stuff I bought months ago but have never attempted... Well... needless to say, I made a necklace but was not pleased with the outcome. I hurried to Hobby lobby with my grandma and she listening to my ideas and encouraged me to not stress. I began to pray and ask God to help guide me and for me to trust that He would take care of everything. Almost immediately, the design for the necklace in the photo above came to mind. The previous stress of making sure the necklace was perfect and meaningful for the ladies was gone. When I asked my mom and aunt what they wanted stamped on the necklace, they came up with 'Beloved'. When they gave the necklaces to the other ladies, one said that God had put the word 'Beloved' on her heart through scripture two weeks before. Also, a lady they met in the airport wanted one to buy one. So all of that to say... don't be like me! Put your life, faith, and trust in God!!! Give HIM your worries, fears and desires!! He will guide you and use you in ways you cannot imagine!! Let him lead your life!!!

Child of the one true King

     Love that you can dress these shirts up or down!! "Child of the one true King" tee available at www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com

Art in Shop!

     Good morning!! I hope you all have a wonderful day!! Thank you all for your encouraging comments during preparation and then the opening of my shop! You are amazing! I would like to ask a favor. Would you mind taking the time to hop over to the shop and tell me your thoughts - is it easy to navigate or did you notice any errors? I want to make sure I'm not missing anything or overlooking something. Thank you in advance!! Also, the paintings in the photo above are available in the shop!! Here is the link : www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com 

I Wonder Original

     I have been following along with each of your journeys and I'm so inspired by your dreams and passions in life.  You all are so amazing and encouraging!  I know God has incredible things in store for you.  Today I would like to share with you a piece of my dream... one that I was not aware of until God knocked me down and placed it in my lap.  I have a dream to open a shop "I Wonder Original" where I will set art, tees, photography, and a future e-course.  My desire is to inspire each one of you and to encourage you to follow your dreams because YOU are a valued part of this world.  I am so excited to share with you my brand new logo!

Photography - Deborah

     Doesn't this make your tummy start rumbling?  Photo and delicious breakfast by Deborah(@larksnest).  She has such a beautiful feed full of inspiring photos!

Happy Sunday Folks

     I hope you all have a day full of rest and basking in Jesus' love! Let your light shine!!

Today Take the First Step Toward Your Dream!

     Make today the day that you set yourself goals and take that first step toward embarking upon your dream.  Find books that can help you learn and grow in an area of interest, research online, NEVER EVER be afraid to ask questions!  Seek out the advice and wisdom of those you are inspired by!  I believe in you! Always pray!

Interior Design - Selina Lake

     Ok.  I just cannot get enough of Selina Lake's books!  So much inspiration and decor that I could actually do... many times I'll find a promising interior design book only to be let down by the lack of creativity or use of dull photographs - COMPLETELY different than the one on the cover.  Does that ever happen to you?  Well, this was absolutely not the case with Selina's books - she's definitely got it goin on!

Never Ever Take Blessings for Granted

     We each receive so many blessings each day that it's impossible to count them.  Remember to take time to thank our Heavenly Father! Life can change in an instant... don't let the frustrations crowd your thoughts that they overcome the blessings in life.

Do My Comments Matter?

     Sometimes I'll wonder about this.  But the truth is YES!!  Your comments do matter!  By leaving a comment, you can encourage someone, give helpful information, show support, as well as add valuable insight or opinions.  Even just commenting a little heart emoji lets someone know you are reading and it gives them a little boost in spirit.  You have the opportunity to share your voice!  Don't pass it up!

Let's Get the Word Out

     We live in a world that thrives on "I'm the best" = "You're not good enough."  This idea causes such stress, arrogance, discouragement, harshness and flat out heartbreak.  It really makes my heart sad.  I long for this account to grow into a community of women who break free from these ideas and instead unite to support and encourage one another... in life, business, dreams, and most of all our walk with God.  Let's get the word out there!  Please go to the first post and re-post the logo on your instagram account, website, or blog to share this movement! Wish I could give all of you a gigantic hug!!

Recipe - Figs Galore

     I love to try new things... especially food!  Here is a delicious and super simple recipe perfect for summertime!  

Ingredients:

Baguette - sliced and toasted

Ricotta cheese

Fig preserves - posted about this on my personal instagram (photography_2012)

Rosemary

Sliced Figs

Assemble in the order listed.

Faith Over Fear

     The first time I read this quote was when the fabulous Promise Tangeman shared it a few days ago... Since then I cannot stop thinking about the words... Powerful.  I want my dreams to be rooted in FAITH!  Most importantly, rooted in Jesus because I believe he instilled them in me.  Please share with someone who could use a little hug.

Elly Grace Creates

     This girl absolutely knocks my socks off with her creativity!  I am constantly blown away by her talent but most of all her heart for God.  Elly has recently been selling gorgeous embroidered pendent necklaces to fund her own dream of taking cello lessons! Love when girls realize a dream and find a way to make it come true!! I'm also lovin this photo she took of her recent project. Go check out this gem's work. Beautiful! @ellygrace.99 on instagram!

I Believe in You

     Words are powerful.  They can make or break a person.  Sometimes all we need is a simple "I Believe in You" to lift our spirits and encourage us to persevere.  My heart breaks for those who never hear these words... those who are constantly torn down and their fighting spirits beat to a pulp.  Please, don't be the one to tear someone down but choose the opportunity to speak life into them.  And for you my wonderful friends, I Believe in You!!!! :)