Decor - Lindee

     Photo by Lindee(wildflowerhome_photo)!  Absolutely loving the green!  Her feed is full of DIY and decorating ideas.

Beach View

     View from our balcony.  Trying to soak in every second!

Wonderful Words - Amy Boliba

     Today I am honored to share with you something that has blessed me immensely.  How often do we not post a photo or have to "stage" a photo before we take it because we think it's not good enough?  For me, ALL of the time!  It's something I'm working on.  Well, I am excited to share with you Amy Boliba's (@amyboliba) thought provoking post about this subject.  I'm so happy she shared her thoughts - leave a comment of some way you struggle with this topic.  Let's build each other up instead of tearing each other down!!

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Here's me being real folks.  A couple of y'all wanted to see the outside of our home... and out of embarrassment or whatever I said something like it's not ready yet!  And now, I'm thinking what's to be embarrassed about?  This is what paying as you go looks like.  I mean, dream with me for a second, imagine a front porch going along the front with white wood siding on the house and yellow shutters to match the door.  Imagine some rocking chairs and a porch swing and big pots of flowers and ferns hanging.  That's what I see, thanks for dreaming with me! :)

DIY - Washi Tape Piano Keys

     Adorable DIY by Katie Schiltz(@ktschiltz).  I'm always inspired by her incredible photos full of home decor and simple ideas for DIY projects.  Her feed is a must!

You Are Good Enough

     I have to be honest... I feel this way a lot!  Sometimes I feel that there is NO way I can do anything because I'm not good enough and that no one will ever care what I do.  Do you ever feel this way?  I am so glad that we serve a Heavenly Father who loves us no matter what our circumstance.  We don't have to worry about dressing the coolest, having perfect hair, or owning the greatest business in the world.  He loves us as we are and cherishes our hearts.  If we can trust Him, we are taken care of and led along the path He created for us filled with amazing adventures along the way.  So friends, if you are struggling today, know that YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH!! Please comment below with a story or thought about how you experience the above subject.  Take time to read each other's comments and respond with encouragement.  We can learn so much from one another and need support!  

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!

No.41 - Changing the World

     If you haven't heard of or followed @no41, please go check out their organization!!  Here is their mission statement:

"No.41 uses fashion to provide sustainable employment and empower women to create change for themselves and their community." Such a wonderful and beautiful purpose.  It reminds me to wonder how I can help or change my own community - to be change instead of wishing for it.

Photographer - Sarah McAffry

     Gorgeous photo by +Sarah McAffry .  Sarah is one sweet lady and takes stunning senior portraits!  Stop by her feed for some photography inspiration.  Knoxville, Tennessee - you are super blessed to have such an amazing photographer that radiates Jesus' light!

Small Business Thoughts

     Powerful words!!! Repost from @whistleandflute

Steal Like an Artist

     Sorry I've been a little m.i.a. lately, but I'm really trying to savor the last days of summer and prepare for the LAUNCH of I WONDER ORIGINAL!!! Oh I've been dreaming and planning it for so long!  Sometimes the going can get rough and that part is definitely not over yet but... feeling so lost and out of control sometimes makes me feel closer to God.  I'm a control freak and perfectionist :( When I realize that I can do nothing and feel so overwhelmed, I am reminded that I am not letting God take over the reigns.  Really... there is empowerment through my weakness.  I'm learning to trust God so much more and am realizing how great and powerful He is!!  I am absolutely nothing... but when He works through you, you can accomplish great things for His glory!  Quick side-note - READ THIS BOOK!! It's incredible!

Stay True to Yourself

     It's so easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing.  Sometimes we feel that we have to be just like the other people/or person to be good enough or to impress them.  Hairstyles, clothing, way we talk, and personality are things we try to copy in others.  It's so important to stay true to ourselves and feel comfortable in our own skin.  We are all so so different... life would be boring if we were all the same.  What makes you you and me me is part of our calling in life and God's plan for us!

Want to be Featured?

  Use #freetobemejournal(for instagram) to submit any content that meets with the requirements in the "contact" page above. (or use the contact page to submit here) THis is your time to shine and help others get recognized!! Let's get the word out!

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!

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!!!! :)