Breathe Life into Your Dreams

Love this! Great words to finish a wonderful week!! This artwork was created by @ofheartandhome and @susannaapril 

Book Publishing

Wow... WOW! I am overwhelmed by the amount of support and encouragement you all have shown towards my brother and his little book. God is oh so very good. I shared this story to inspire you but, actually, YOU all have supported and encouraged him!! Some of you have even asked to purchase a copy. I'm just so thankful for you all! What a blessing and amazing community IG is! He just can't believe it!! He looked at me and said,"I only have one book! How am I going to copy it for them?" hehe! I am trying to find a way for you to purchase this book without an outrageous price. Do any of you have any suggestions or know of a company that would help?

Elvis Presley Quote

     I can't tell you how much I love this quote. I think we all feel this way. What's amazing though, is that this quote couldn't be more true. God has something in store for each one of us - we each have a purpose and a journey that was specifically designed with us in mind. When you turn your life over to God, things are going to happen to you. In God's eyes, the small things can prove to be big and the big things - small. He fills us with certain passions and gifts that are a part of our story. We just have to seek Him out to determine which are heavenly and which are worldly. Have you asked God to show you what He has in store for you? It just might surprise you what He can accomplish through you! Our God is the God who parted waters, helped a young boy defeat a giant, used a woman named Esther to save her people, walked on water, and changed the heart a man persecuting Christians - who would later go throughout the world spreading the Gospel. No friends, you were not created to walk mindlessly through this life. You were put on this earth for a reason. And those dreams you have in your heart or that amazing journey God is leading you on - none of it is impossible or too big for God!! I'm dying to hear your thoughts and dreams!! Please share them with me!! 

Sale

     Just wanted to let you all know that today is the last day of the big holiday sale in my shop. www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com 

Becoming - The Unfolding of You - Jeanne Oliver

     Friends, do you know @jeanneoliver? I'm sure most of you do!! 😊 I recently discovered her website and have not been the same since. You know that feeling when you have found something that so utterly delights you that you want to either sit and cry or squeal with delight and shout it to the world? Well, that's exactly how I felt when I discovered her and her site!!!! (What an incredibly beautiful soul you are@jeanneoliver!!!) Well, she has created along with several other amazing ladies, a free course called "Becoming - the unfolding of you". Today was the first week and launch of the first videos. Besides crying my eyes out and just wishing I could jump through the screen and hug Jeanne so tight, I was blown away and absolutely inspired by her story she shared as well as her great passion for Jesus! Ladies, please, go sign up and join in on this amazing creative course! It will change your heart and life - at least it is for me! It's so beautiful and peaceful! I love that there will be a little creative video included with each week. Go to her account. The link is in her profile 😊😊😊✨✨✨ 

January Book #1

     Good Morning my friends! Here is the official launch of our book club!! Book #1 is Preemptive Love (buy here @preemptivelove). We will read this book for January and have discussion on it the last day of the month. I understand that the timing is a little off for this month but we will work it out!! Please, don't feel panicked or anything like that. We are going to have so much fun and learn so very much!! I'm eager to read along with you all and see how God directs us and changes our hearts!! You all are beautiful and have such lovely dreams!! God has huge plans for each one of you!! 

Book Club

     Would anyone be interested in a book club? I really enjoy reading and learning new things but sometimes I have a hard time finishing books. I have always wanted to join a book club for several reasons. 1. You have a schedule and time frame to help you finish a book 2. You have friends to discuss the book with 3. You learn oh so much through reading books 4. Many different subjects can be covered and different time periods Anyway, I am hoping to put a book list together and would be so happy if you would like to join along!! We can read a book each month and have a little fun discussing it here on IG. I would love to hear your thoughts!!

Create Love Project

     Friends, I have something that I am unbelievably excited to share with you!! Photographers from all over the country, are teaming up to "be change" in this world. We are each offering a free photo shoot to a family or individual that has been through some tough times lately and could use a little love and sincere care and encourage in their lives. As I specialize in ladies portraits, this is who I am thrilled to offer a free session to. But now we need your help. We need nominations for families and individuals!! I'll be posting the guidelines and info in just a sec. This life is so much more than living the norm... it's about stepping outside of your comfort zone and sharing Jesus's light with others! God gave us talents and gifts for the ultimate purpose of spreading his word... this includes being different than the rest and walking by faith!! I'm so proud of and thankful for @heatherglasby putting this amazing project together! 

Women Entrepreneurs Interview - Summer Bellessa

(photo credit Liza Boone)

This week's "Women Entrepreneurs" feature is absolutely amazing! I pray and hope that each week's interview encourages and inspires you to go after that dream God has placed on your heart and ultimately walk by faith.  I know,personally, that I am always encouraged by the testimony of each of these incredible women and their beautiful hearts. I'm so thankful for the willingness of each to share their story and personal walk with God.  Ladies you are changing the world and winning hearts for HIM! Today's interview is with my sweet encouraging friend Summer Bellessa! For those of you who don't know Summer, she is an actress, fashion blogger, art director, magazine editor and half of The Girls With Glasses Show.  

Summer, you are beautiful inside and out! I can't wait until the day I can give you a big hug in person!

(photo credit Michelle Herrick)

1. What was the first major break/blessing that helped you embark upon your journey as a female entrepreneur?

The first thing that helped me was having supportive parents. My mom always made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to. She also invested in my dreams. After that, there's a long line of small things and choices I was able to make to start a life of creating, including meeting people with complimentary talents, being exposed to things that influenced my vision, and having a vision to move forward.  

2. Where do you gather inspiration?

All around really. I love to look at magazines, watch creative movies, see traditional art shows and the Internet, of course. We are so lucky to have such vast libraries of quality images on Pinterest and inspirational videos at our finger tips on YouTube. But if you look at these things too much, it can also be stifling. It seems like everything's already been done. When I have an idea, sometimes I won't even do a search till I've finished the project, so I'm not influenced by what others have done, and sometimes I do a thorough search so that I can make sure I'm putting a different spin on the project than what's already available and out there. 

3. As one half of The Girls With Glasses Show and founder and editor of Eliza magazine, what would you say are important qualities to possess when working with a team and co-partners?

I look for people who are talented, who have a similar style, who are already working hard, and who are friendly and easy to work with. It's also great to work with people who have a similar life's purpose and goal of putting good/quality things in the world. Lastly, a great partnership is one where both parties are equally getting good things from it: experience, klout, exposure, etc.

4. If you had one piece of advice to share with women entrepreneurs, what would it be?

The most important thing is to make sure you have a relationship with God. He's the most important business partner to have. He can give you insight, inspiration, and guidance. The second piece of advice is not to compare yourself to anyone else. You have your own specific path, and no one else can do the things you can in the way you can. Be careful how you measure success. If it's in dollars, advertisers, productivity, being better than someone else, etc. those are all things that can fluctuate and change, your feeling of worth shouldn't. Knowing you're giving your all, and being inspired, help keep you steady. Also having a support system that you are an invested part of, friends, family, church, etc. is a big help. This is a long piece of advice, but I also wanted to add, that sometimes you make sacrifices for your family. You say no, or skip out on great opportunities to be a good wife, or a great mom, or a caring friend/sister/aunt/etc. And sometimes the universe rewards you, but sometimes it doesn't. Other people might do better, or take your opportunities, and if you can come to peace with the idea that you are in the place that you're suppose to be, and make the best out of that, then you will live a happier and fuller life, and that's really what it should be about. 

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Summer! Love ya! Be sure to check out the following links!

The Girls With Glasses Show Website: http://thegirlswithglasses.com 

The Girls With Glasses Show Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCog6Gt8nuQQr4jisX9GT5bQ?sub_confirmation=1

Free to be Me Journal Interview

     Hey friends!! Just in case you didn't see it, I wanted to let you know that my dear friend Mel of @melbee_photography shared an interview with me on her blog (http://melbee.squarespace.com/new-blog/) about Free to be Me Journal. If you have been wondering how this account began, all of your questions are answered! I'm so thankful for the opportunity to share it with you all. Have a WONDERFUL day friends!! You all are SO special!! Photo credit to my dear friend Vanessa of Butterfly Sparks Creative (http://butterflysparks.tumblr.com)

"Faith & Trust" Necklace

     Loving this necklace!!! This "Faith & Trust" necklace is a one of a kind and up for $18. Available at www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com

Free to be Me Journal Interview

     Good morning friends!!! Today is a VERY special day!! If you have been wondering about how "Free to be Me Journal" began, well your questions have been answered. My dear friend and incredible photographer Mel (@melbee_photography)has featured me on her blog today for the purpose of sharing how this account came to be. I'm excited for you all to know more about the purpose of this account and see how God orchestrates everything so perfectly to bring about His glory!! YOU all are so encouraging and inspiring to me and I know God has GREAT things in store for you!! The link to the interview is in my profile. Thank all of you who follow along and desire to break free from society's norms and soar through faith in Jesus!! Love ya Mel!!! Photo credit to my dear friend @butterflysparks 

Photo - Monica Silva

     Photo and caption by @mrs612mlt Every post in her gallery, is captured and expressed through the eyes of her son. "Although you maybe among many, the simplest way to stand out is just to stand up. I choose to stand up, otherwise, I will be engulfed by a sea of beautiful pumpkins. Plus, mama may not be able to see me & it is almost time to go. Being lost without mama is not fun. No matter where I am, being with mama is always being home."

"Beloved" Necklace Giveaway Winner

Photo by @nc_mountaingirl. So happy that your received your necklace!

Trust Him Necklace

So happy with this one!  "Trust Him" is available for $26.  Love the different textures and lovelies used to make this necklace.  One of a kind!  www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com

Faith & Trust Necklace

Trying something new... I have accumulated a lot of supplies and am combining some of my favorites.  This "Faith & Trust" necklace is one of a kind and up for $18. www.iwonderoriginal.storenvy.com

May I pray for You?

     Good morning friends!! I hope you all have a super fantastic day today!! Is there anyway that I can be praying for you? 

Dare to Dream?

     Think about this today. I ask that God help me humbly accept the path that He has chosen for me and be confident in the talents he has given me. He is not a God of fear but a God of trust and faith!! You are here for a reason. Don't let frustrations or struggles in your life cloud this this truth or overcome your walk with God!!

Women Entrepreneur Feature - Mary Krause

Good Morning friends! Oh my! Today's interview is absolutely packed full of encouragement and inspiration. I'm always so incredibly excited to share with you each interview because the power of someone sharing their story is amazing. It speaks right to our hearts and reminds us to walk by faith and not sight.  Our interview for today, is with a very dear friend of mine who has encouraged me so greatly.  I'm constantly moved by her story and faith and always leave her Instagram feed feeling so inspired and reminded to turn over the reigns of this life to my Heavenly Father. She is an absolutely gem and I'm so thankful for having her in my life. May I introduce, Mary Krause! 

1. How did you come to realize your gift/talent for creating hand stamped items?

I have to admit that I have not always been a very confident, risk taking person, so starting an online etsy shop was quite the stretch for me to do alone, but my daughters, Eleanor and Madelyn both played a big part in encouraging me to do so.  I knew that the Lord had blessed us with certain gifts in our creativity and that HE had also planted those desires in our hearts to share those talents with others.  We sought to open HOPEhomemade as a faith based shop, with our main focus being to honor the Lord in all we did and to encourage others in their faith as well.  I knew that it would also be a wonderful learning experience for my daughters... a way for us to connect as a family, and an opportunity to teach them how to run a shop and do things to the absolutely best of your ability, because that's what the Lord expects of us all.  I'm so glad we did, because the Lord took my fears and turned it into faith as HE blessed us with sales and customers that were so kind and life giving in their words.

2. Where do you gather inspiration?

I gather inspiration, first and foremost, from the Scriptures.  You just can't go wrong!  There are so many Truths tucked away in the Bible and I love reading a passage from my devotions and being inspired by it.  I can then, in turn, encourage others in that same lesson that God has taught me, which has been phenomenal to watch unfold!  I believe that we are here on this earth to share the Gospel with everyone we meet, and also to encourage fellow believers in their faith walk.  The fact that God can minister through this weak vessel is just astounding.  I definitely feel unworthy and you know what? I am.  BUT! Christ IN ME, the hope of glory, is able to turn my many failures and shortcomings into His beautiful story, woven one day at a time, by His grace, for His glory!  I am also GREATLY inspired by hymns of old.  The stories of hope and redemption, from days gone by, have often times been written out of times of great loss and tragedy.  Their faith strengthens mine and the encouragement and depth of substance that they carry inspires me every time I hear them.

3. If you had one piece of advice to share with women entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Well, I certainly do not feel qualified to give out any advice to women entrepreneurs, but the one things that I would say is to seek God in everything and when you know that He has called you to do something, BE BRAVE in it!  This is something that I struggled with my whole life, but when God used my girls to push me out of my comfort zone, He blessed in ways I couldn't have imagined.  If I had stayed in my comfortable little bubble, I would have missed out on some of the greatest blessings!  I am learning that we are called to be bold ambassadors for Christ and when He calls us to a certain task, because of a certain gifting, He will finish that work that HE started in our hearts if we just simply trust HIM.  Remember, self focus = INSECURITY, but Christ focus and fixing your gaze on HIM = ULTIMATE CONFIDENCE!

Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HOPEhomemade
Instagram: mary.krause

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Mary!  Friends, please go and check out Mary's shop and especially her instagram feed! Your life will be changed.

Wonderful Evening

     Oh this girl... Anytime I get to see this friend of mine I get so excited!!! She has a beautiful heart for God and is always so encouraging. Last night, my family had a photo session with Vanessa and it was an absolute blast... so excited to see our photos! Make sure you head on over to @butterflysparks and @kelliandvanessa to follow this gem! She shares such heartfelt words, gorgeous photos and really encourages you to be change in the world. Love ya, friend!!!