[100 facts about me.]

Part 4 of 4.

1. My favorite flower is the daisy. As, Meg Ryan says in You've Got Mail, "Daisies are such friendly flowers." And, they are. You can't help but smile when you see one.

2. I love snow globes!!! I have been collecting vintage ones and ones from places that I visit for years. They make me smile BIG. :)

3. I kind of want a tatoo, but I kind of don't. I think the whole fear of needles thing and pain involved will probably keep me from getting one. I know. I'm a wimp. Who knows. Maybe I will get up the courage one day.

4. I really enjoy watching birds. Our backyard always seems to have lots of birds. (Maybe that has something to do with the bird seed that I periodically put out there. hee hee.) My favorites are cardinals and hummingbirds. So fun to watch.

5. I {heart} old typewriters. If I could, I would own several. But, I don't have the space for a large collection. So, I enjoy the one that I do have and use it often in my creations.

6. Whenever I go hiking or am near a lake or just out in nature I always look for heart shaped rocks. I have a bowl of them in my bedroom. When I find one, it's like finding a love note from God. Makes me happy.

7. I broke my right collar bone in high school when I rolled my car. Sad, sad day.

8. I learned how to crochet this year and I would like to learn how to knit, but it kinda intimidates me. I have dreams of all of this wonderful stuff I would like to make.

9. I love vintage/retro decor. I love how warm and welcoming it all is. I would love to redo my house and have brighter colors with lots of fun vintage and retro furniture, accessories, etc.

10. One of my regrets is that I wish I had written down and paid attention more to the stories that my grandparents told me when I was younger. They had so much to share and I didn't appreciate that enough.

11. I collect pieces of junk mail, envelopes, cardboard, tags, parts of boxes and packaging, etc. and recycle them into art.

12. GiGi is not my real name but a nickname given to me by my niece Ali. When she was little she couldn't say Gina, so she called me GiGi. I love the name GiGi, but don't really like the name Gina. So, thankful for Ali!!! :)

13. I have never been on a mission trip and really really want to have that experience.

14. I don't like coffee or tea at all. But, I really want to!!! I would love to enjoy a coffee with my husband or a cup of hot tea with my daughter. I have tried and tried and can't get past the bitter taste. I keep trying though.......

15. I can NEVER remember a joke that has been told to me. I literally have to right it down or read it right before I try to tell it or I will forget it completely. It's like I have a mental block or something.

16. My second home is in Powder Springs, Georgia with the Newlins. I can spend large blocks of time there and feel completely at home.

17. Owls are my favorite. :) Which may explain my much used phrase "HoOtiE hOo!!"

18. I am part of a small group that is redefining church family for me. I have never been a part of a group of people who are so real and willing to share the struggles in their lives. Everyone is so encouraging and uplifting. There is an intimacy to this group that is unbelievable. I have learned so much from them and have been encouraged in ways that I could not have imagined.

19. I could watch the movie While You Were Sleeping over and over again and never get tired of it. Love it!

20. I have never been to a dance of any kind. Ever. I sometimes wish Brett and I would get all dressed up and go dancing. But, then I remember. I don't know how to dance.

21. I really don't like texting. I know it's convenient, but I would rather talk to you on the phone so that I can hear the tone of your voice. Talking is more personal to me. I like personal.

22. Nothing has touched me in my life like God's answers to my prayers. He always has a much better plan than I do and I am so glad He is in charge.

23. I love seeing things through the lens of a camera. I {heart} taking pictures!!! I would really love to take a photography class so that I could learn more about my camera.

24. I don't really watch sports on TV except for golf (my husband's favorite and I enjoy it too), but I love watching sports live. Particularly, basketball, football, hockey and golf. Basketball is my favorite though!!!

25. One of my all time favorite verses in the bible is Zephaniah 3:17: "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

[100 facts about me.]

Part 3 of 4.

1. Nothing and no one has amazed me like God has. What He has done in my life and the lives of others is beyond my comprehension.

2. I tend to tear up easily over happy or sad things. I even cry at commercials. Sometimes, I find it very frustrating that I can cry so easily.

3. I HATE to argue. If you enjoy arguing for fun and try to argue with me, I will shut down and not talk. I will not argue for sport or debate with you. In my mind, it does not serve any purpose. If you want to share ideas with each other, I'm all for that. But, I won't debate or argue my stance with you.

4. I have broken both of my littlest toes. One I broke twice and the other one once. Gracefulness is certainly not one of my skills. Good thing I never wanted to be a dancer. But, I kinda wanted to be a gymnast at one point. Just for a moment.

5. If I am angry with someone or disagree with someone and need to talk things through with that person, I will get very quiet and talk slowly because I am trying to choose my words very carefully. I don't want to say something in the heat of anger that I will regret later.

6. I almost always sneeze in 3's. Don't know why, but I do.

7. I tend to be very trusting of people. I usually always look for the good in others until I have a reason not to. And, even then, I still want to see good in them.

8. I {heart} wood grain in almost all forms. Real wood, fake wood, contact paper, printed paper, rubber stamps, etc. Something about it just makes me smile.

9. I am completely blown away by Abbey's artistic abilities!!! The way she thinks and sees things astounds me. She is so fearless in her art and photography and I love that. She inspires me. all. the. time.

10. I cry almost every time we sing in worship. The words always get to me and I feel like God is speaking specifically to me through song. My heart just feels like it is going to burst wide open. I love the intimacy of praise for my Father.

11. Life art is a big part of me. I want to tell my story and the stories of my family. What we believe, how we lived, what was important to us, our faith journeys, etc. I love documenting it all with pictures and words.

12. I have had the following jobs: receptionist for a photographer, sales clerk, front desk personnel, receptionist, operations manager, auto paint repair, administrative assistant, and mom (my favorite one).

13. I exercise regularly but generally don't really "love" it. However, I am now doing yoga and I must say I really really LOVE it!!! I have never felt so good. I love how it releases tension, stretches and lengthens me and seems to help my joints feel healthier.

14. My one true addiction is chocolate. I RARELY miss a day of having some form of chocolate. And, it has to be dark chocolate. No milk chocolate allowed. Thank you very much.

15. When I was younger, I always dreamed that I would live in the country and own horses when I grew up and that I would ride them every day. I'm not sure when the dream changed. Maybe when I realized how much work it is to take care of them.......

16. I really really wish sometimes that we didn't have email. I would love to send and receive mail more often than I do. There is something about getting a note or letter in the mail. It's intimate. Personal. It's like a little surprise just for you. Nobody else. And, especially not for the 50 other people listed in the address line of the email.

17. I have always wanted to be able to sew like my mother. She can literally look at something and just make it. It's crazy. I have neither the skill or the patience that she has. I always wanted to be able to make clothes and cool things for my home but my skills are pretty limited. I guess it might have helped if I had enjoyed sewing in the first place.....

18. My favorite gifts received are handmade ones. That someone would take the time to make me something makes me feel incredibly special.

19. I am the oldest of 3 children.

20. I could not have made it through 2010 without E or Nellie by my side. They helped me to endure, stay focused, and not give up hope. I am forever indebted to them both and love them greatly. They are both gifts from God.

21. My deepest daily desire is to be closer to God. I want to find Him in every day and have an intimate relationship with Him. I have learned that I can't find Him in the word only, but in everything around me. He is constantly working around me, through me, and through others. He is everywhere!!! I just have to keep my eyes open for Him.

22. I played basketball in grade school and my dad wanted me to play in junior high, then high school and then college. But, basketball practice was at the same time as a math class that I wanted to take. I chose math. And thus, there went all my dad's dreams of me being a basketball star. Sorry, dad.

23. I collect buttons. I have for years. And, I have the jars upon jars to prove it. But, in all fairness, I do use the buttons in my art and various projects. So, they are given happy new homes. :)

24. To this day, I cannot parallel park. I will walk 10 blocks before I will try and parallel park.

25. If I start playing solitaire on the computer or a handheld electronic version, then my day is toast!!! I cannot stop playing!!! I always think, "Just one more game." It's crazy.

[100 facts about me.]

Part 2 of 4.

1. I have small toes and I consider them my best feature. Between my 2nd and 3rd toes on both feet the separation between those toes does not go down as far as all of my other toes. E refers to them as "web" toes.

2. I have zero tolerance for emotional games. I hate passive aggressiveness and manipulation to get what a person wants or to cause another person to feel guilty. Be honest with your emotions and feelings with me so that I know where I stand and I can correct anything that I have done wrong. I might not like what you have to say, but I respect honesty.

3. I cannot leave the house without earrings in my ears. I feel naked without them.

4. If we could afford it, I would want a pool in my backyard so that I could swim laps every day in the summer. This might explain why I have web toes.

5. I wish I were more skilled at make-up and hair. I have always wanted to be able to have hair that is cut in a really cool shape and do a "smokey" eye and have flawless make-up. You know, like the "grown-up" women who look so put together in their cute clothes, heels and amazing hair and make-up. But whenever I have tried I end up looking like a clown with freaky hair.

6. I am extremely afraid of severe weather, but I have learned to control my fear and stay calm since I have had a child. Inside, though, my heart is always racing at the threat of what is to come.

7. My right eye won't open as wide as my left eye. It becomes even more evident when I am really tired.

8. If I could, I would get a massage every week. Nothing relaxes me more or releases the tension in my shoulders better.

9. I clench my teeth in my sleep when I am stressed. In fact, I have clenched so hard during some very stressful times that I have broken one of my back teeth in half all the way to the bone.

10. I have never had braces (I have very straight teeth) and I have never had a cavity. :)

11. I enjoy wearing a little bling whether it be diamond studs or sparkly shoes. Sparkle makes me smile.

12. I really want a pair of red high heels to wear with jeans and skirts because I think they are so sassy and the perfect pop of color for any outfit, but my right foot was injured by a can a few years ago and prevents me from wearing most high heels. :(

13. My favorite sound is Brett's laugh when he really gets tickled. It is awesome and always makes me laugh. :)

14. I love old bookprint, newspapers, paper, cards, etc. I love how it feels and smells. I can see so many ways to reuse it.

15. My favorite game is Scrabble (and Bananagrams because it's pretty much the same).

16. One of my best memories of all times is when my Granny let me bake my first cake all by myself. She gave me the recipe, told me where the ingredients and utensils were, told me to ask questions if I needed to and then left the room. I couldn't believe that she trusted me that much. It was awesome!!! She was so amazing.

17. I sometimes wish that we dressed like the women in the 50's and 60's. They always looked so put together and polished in their dresses. And, let's face it, those dresses were so flattering no matter what your shape.

18. If you gave me a choice between vegetables or fruits, I would choose vegetables. I will take a plate of steamed broccoli over strawberries any day. I like fruit. I just like veggies better.

19. My favorite relaxing activity is reading. I love getting lost in a good book, but I seldom have the time to read. If I start a book, I don't want to stop reading it until I get to the end.

20. My idea of a perfect meal is a chili cheese coney with onions, no mustard and fritos.

21. My favorite piece of jewelry that I wear every day is my Granny's wedding set. It reminds me of how happy my grandparents were and how much they loved each other. Inspires me to be the best wife I can be and look forward to all of the happy years ahead with my sweet man.

22. I have a very large stash of candles. I really enjoy the warmth and scent that burning candles bring to a home. I always light one or several when I'm stressed or need to pray. They help me to refocus and be calm in the moment.

23. I have often wondered if I am adopted. I don't think I look much like anyone in my family. I am the only one with fair skin, freckles, and blondish, reddish, brownish hair. But my parents tell me I am really theirs. I'm not sure I believe them.

24. I battle daily internally to control things that I would never want others to see in me. The days I succeed are the ones that I am letting the Spirit lead me.

25. I have always had a crush on Tom Selleck. Ever since Magnum, P.I. And, I pretty much will watch anything that he is in. I don't know if it's the moustache or the laugh or the smile or the eyes. Probably all of the above. If I ever met him, I'm pretty sure I would not be able to speak coherently.

[100 facts about me.]

Part 1 of 4.

1. I have always secretly wanted to be the funny one. But, sadly I'm not. I usually end up trying too hard and fall flat on my face.

2. I have a love affair with fonts that can neither be explained or understood fully.

3. I am a sensitive person which is one of my greatest strengths and one of my greatest weaknesses.

4. I love old movies (30's, 40's, 50's, 60's). They make me smile big.

5. I love organizing stuff. Rooms, closets, drawers, etc. I like having everything in its "place." Unfortunately though my rooms, closets and drawers can look a bit chaotic at times.

6. I have to have to do lists for my day or I will not be productive and I will fritter the day away.

7. I have high expectations of myself and I feel like I am constantly disappointed.

8. I know for a fact that God is forever faithful and works ALL things to His glory.

9. Up until junior high I didn't really have any friends. In fact, in grade school there was a group of girls that were extremely mean to me and made me cry. I was often lonely and sad.

10. The first thing that I fell in love with Brett was his sense of humor. He can always make me laugh. I'm a sucker for a boy who makes me laugh.

11. I cannot refuse Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts that come to my door selling cookies and candy. I just can't. They are always so polite, cute and intent in their purpose.

12. My answer to every problem big or small is chocolate. As well as for every celebration.

13. I admire both my brothers' abilities to go up and talk to anyone. I struggle with that so much. I have to literally have a whole conversation in my head before I can make myself go and talk to someone I don't know or that I don't know well. It makes me very uncomfortable. I'm always afraid of saying the wrong thing or looking like a fool.

14. My favorite kind of days are cloudy or rainy days. I always feel like I get so much done on those days. I know. I'm weird.

15. I have always wanted to travel to Italy, France and Greece. I am infatuated with the history, architecture and unbelievable beauty of it all.

16. I have always wanted to learn sign language. It is such a beautiful language to me. I think it would be so cool to be an interpreter or teach sign language.

17. I am a creative junkie. I love to make things from bits and pieces of paper or fabric or recycled materials. I love the satisfaction of creating something new and the sense of accomplishment that it brings.

18. I have always been a bit of a perfectionist, but am constantly learning to let go of control of things. As I've gotten older I have gotten better at this. Unfortunately, I imparted that perfectionist attitude to my daughter and have had to teach her that everything doesn't have to be perfect. Ahhhh, the mistakes of the parent manifested in the child.

19. I am a night owl. I love the quiet of night. I can think so much more clearly later in the day. I prefer to sleep in and do mindless tasks in the morning. But, alas, life doesn't really work that way and neither does my husband. :)

20. I am entertained daily by my family. I never know what is going to come out of their mouths and usually it is something that makes me laugh or smile.

21. I would like to have a career doing something creative, but I am much better at numbers and administrative tasks. Plus there's the whole fear of failure thing.

22. I love mysteries. My favorite books are mysteries. My favorite tv programs are mystery type programs (i.e. CSI, Burn Notice, Psych, Castle, Criminal Minds, Chuck, etc.). I love the supsense and figuring out whodunit.

23. Insecurity is my biggest enemy. Even though I may seem confident and self-assured, I can assure you that I am insecure. My biggest fear is that I don't matter to someone. God constantly has to teach me that I matter to the most important One of all.

24. If I could get away with it, I would pretty much wear Toms every single day. Oh wait. I almost can do that. :)

25. Nothing makes me feel more like an adult than stopping at QT for a soda whenever I want to. Silly. I know. But it's true.

doubts, fears & insecurity. oh my.

so, i recently found out that someone that i kinda thought i was sorta close to really doesn't like me much at all and the only reason given was different personalities.

i'll be honest. i was shocked. like jaw dropped to the floor shocked. i had absolutely no idea.

usually, i can tell if i'm rubbing someone the wrong way or if they just don't care for me. but, i literally had no idea.

it stings to find out you aren't liked or cared for. especially when you think that person really cares about you and it turns out to all be an act. and, when you have a long history with that person. it stings alot. kinda like when you rip a bandaid off. only worse.

then the numbness comes.

and then, the questioning.

satan totally twisting it all in my head and making me question all my relationships.

who really cares for me and who is just "tolerating" me?

who do i matter to? do i really matter?

a constant barrage of questions in my head with everyone i come in contact with.

i feel like i'm walking on eggshells. all. the. time. i hate it!!!

i have to stop listening to satan in my head and let God grow me through this. this is an opportunity for me to learn and grow. i can't waste it being filled with insecurity.

so, my prayer. that God keep molding me into someone He can use to His glory and that i let go of all the insecurities that hold me back from being who He wants me to be.

sweet silly boy

me: "where's my drink?" (after seeing brett's QT drink)

brett: "um, we can share. it's cherry coke."

me: "so, you didn't get me a drink?"

brett: "yes, i did. i told you it's a cherry coke and we can share."

me: "but, you didn't REALLY get me a drink."

brett: "yes, i did. lovers are supposed to share."

me: :)

how could i fault him for that???

new day

love love this quote i found.

this is the beginning of a new day.
you have been given this day to use as you will.
you can waste it or use it for good.
what you do today is important because
you are exchanging a day of your life for it.
when tomorrow comes,
this day will be gone forever,
in its place is something that you have left behind.....
let it be something good.

{intentional.}

convo at dinner

abbey: it feels really weird to feel my eyeballs moving when i put my fingers right below them.

brett: (fingers on side of face and tongue pushing out his cheek) it feels really weird to feel my tongue moving.

brett again: (fingers on forehead) it feels really weird to feel my brain moving.

me: head in hands. shaking my head.

brett: do you feel your brain moving too??

it's official. i'm the only sane one in my family. i live with freaks!!!

new specs

here you go folks.
new specs.
tell me what you think.
vote on one for my facebook profile pic. :)

cheesy i know.

but would you expect anything less?

things swirling around in my mind......

first, while i was studying today i found this in my bible in the life application notes. felt like it was definitely worth sharing.

Satan's Plan

Doubt
makes you question God's Word and His goodness

Discouragement
makes you look at your probelms rather than at God

Diversion
makes the wrong things seem attractive so that you will want them more than the right things

Defeat
makes you feel like a failure so that you don't even try

Delay
makes you put off doing something so that it never gets done

it is so interesting to me that seeing something written down like this brings it home even more. i KNOW that satan is the great deceiver. i KNOW that he will do whatever it takes to make me lose my focus on God. and yet, i let him use those 5 things to derail me over and over again. i especially struggle with discouragement, defeat and delay. so, as i read that very short list i have to ask myself "why?" why do i let him deceive me like that??? makes my word for the year seem even more perfect for me. to be intentional in not letting satan blind me from seeing truth and removing my focus from God.

second, as i was talking to my dear friend elizabeth i mentioned some things that i heard in worship sunday from our minister terry rush and she asked me to share. i've been struggling with how i've been treated or how i perceive i've been treated by different people in my life and this lesson by terry just seemed to be aimed directly at me. pierced my heart to be exact. so here are some of the points from that lesson that really struck home........

irritations and frustrations that we experience in life are part of the process of dying to self. we are all selfish though and want to avoid all of that. we resent dying for those that will not appreciate it. but we need to REJOICE!!!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade -- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith -- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you may have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
...I Peter 1:3-9

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." ...I Peter 4:12-16

ouch!! i have been spending so much time with an attitude of "i don't deserve this." i haven't been Christ-like at all!!! i need to die to self. even when others are sinning against me. Christ was the ultimate example of this. He died to himself on my behalf. He died so that i could be with God. Christ intentionally went to the cross with a purpose. my soul. my eternity.

"For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved though His life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." ....Romans 5:10-11

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such oppostion from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." ....Hebrews 12:1-3

i have to learn to die to myself daily because i am other people's hope of knowing Christ. i need to empty myself of EVERYTHING but love. i need to be willing to intentionally die for a purpose.......

it's that time . . . .

the beginning of a new year. and, time for me to choose my word for the year. i've been thinking and praying about this word for a while now. i really want God to guide me in my focus this year. and i keep coming back over and over to "intentional." it really encompasses what is deep in my heart this year. my desire to be intentional with the relationships in my life with my Father, my husband, my daughter, my parents, my brothers, my in-laws, my friends. my desire to be intentional in studying the word and really living it. my desire to be intentional in my prayers, my actions, my thoughts, my words. my desire to be intentional in bringing God glory in all that i do.

God brought me this verse today after i decided on this word......

"As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever." ~ I Chronicles 28:9

that says it all. He knows my heart and my intent. i want to live an intentional life for Him. one that will glorify Him. one that will show others Him living in me.

intentional.

feel free to dance

so a couple of weeks ago i was sitting in a target parking lot.
waiting for abbey's friend to drop her off to go home with me.
while i was sitting there i glanced out my window.
saw the best. thing. ever.
really. best. ever.
there were 3 teenage boys out in the freezing cold.
no coats.
doors to a red truck open.
music blaring.
and, they were dancing for all they were worth!!!
seriously. busting a move.
dancing like no one was watching.
i smiled.
i laughed.
i cheered!!!
then i drove by and gave them a thumbs up.
which of course encouraged them to dance even harder. :)

hope.

"Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without words and never stops.....at all."
~ Emily Dickinson

pity partay

so, i have been indulging myself in a good old pity partay the past couple of weeks. ugly i know, but true. wrapped up in why i haven't been noticed, cherished or appreciated. silly really. allowing it to balloon into full blown insecurity. bottom line. me. me. me.

i love how God works through my poor attitude and my selfishness. despite my "me" attitude He loves me so much that He will direct my heart to what i need to hear. He brings my focus back to Him. tonite while i was studying i pulled out a workbook from a study that i had participated in years ago called "Loved by God" by Liz Curtis Higgs. as i was flipping through the pages i came across this prayer in the margin and it struck me directly in the heart.

"Heavenly Father, I confess that so often my focus is on me and what I want, and I get angry when I'm lied to or betrayed. Help me replace my anger with patience, my judgment with forgiveness, my selfishness with generosity. Teach me to extend to others the same mercy I so desperately need from you. Help me accept your will for my life and the lives of those I love....."

ouch. guilty. my focus has been on me and what i want. i have been angry and selfish. not at all what i want to be. the complete opposite to be exact. so tonite that will be my prayer so that i can in some small way understand God's love and mercy for me..........

going thru the drive-thru.....

so, we went thru the drive-thru at whataburger.
we ordered 2 cokes and 1 tea.
that's all.
nothing else.
we received the drinks and straws.
then the girl asked if we wanted ketchup, salt or pepper with our order.
hmmmmm.
yes, please.
we always put ketchup, salt & pepper in our drinks!
i think she might have had a long day.

i am reminded once again......

that my God is so BIG!!!
He knows what i need before i do.
He has me in the palm of His hand. always.
He brings just the right people at just the right time.
He reminds me that He is there.
He is gentle with my spirit.
at a time when i am struggling He brings me relief.
He loves me despite my weaknesses.
He reminds me to have courage.
because He goes before me!!!

He brought me back to this verse today. one that i needed to be reminded of.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you........The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." --Deuteronomy 31:6,8

i was reminded by a sweet friend that my shoulders aren't big enough to handle what i want to put on them. only God can shoulder the things in life that we can't control. He goes before me. He is my protector. my shield. what do i have to fear? absolutely nothing.

let it go

why is it so hard to let go of hurt feelings?
especially when they are hurt by people you love.
like family members or dear friends.
maybe it's easier to hold onto the bitterness.
so you can build a wall of protection around yourself.
so you won't feel the hurt again.
i know in my spirit that i want to let go.
but my flesh wants to protect itself.
desperately wants to keep the pain away.
such a battle raging within.
i pray that God will guide my spirit.
i pray that He will heal my heart.
so that i can just.....
let. it. go.

ta dah!!!!

it's official!!! we have opened our etsy shop!!! go to etsy.com and search our name: fourteen23

we will be adding product the next few days. we will also be adding new products on a weekly basis. so check back often to see what we've been up to!! we will be setting up a new blog for fourteen23 to give new product updates and sneak peeks. check back here in the next week or so and i will have a link for the new blog on the sidebar.

we also offer "alchemy" in our shop which is a place to request custom items. if you see something in the shop, but have a different "vision" use this feature and i'll try to meet your customization.

upcoming items (by me): christmas mixed media art, christmas embroidery, brooches, and totes

nellie rae and i are so excited about this journey and thank everyone for their support and encouragement!!! you guys rock!!! now tell all your friends about our shop!!! no, really. tell all your friends.

hugs, gigi :)

this girl rocks.

my abbey.

she seriously totally rocks.

tonite she gave a presentation.

in front of the whole church about her mission trip to haiti.

she said she was nervous.

so couldn't tell.

her voice was steady and calm.

i was amazed at her confidence and poise.

you could tell that she was forever changed by her experiences.

she has such a different outlook on life now.

she has grown so much spiritually.

she has matured.

her focus has changed.

she is God-centered.

her faith has grown deeper.

her heart softer.

love the journey that she is on.

love watching God working in her life.

God totally rocks!

mellow yellow.

so, we are revamping the office/art studio this weekend. putting shelves up all along the walls so as to get things off the floor. yay!!!! and, painting the room a happy yellow. below are the ones that we chose from. unfortunately the pic doesn't look anything like the paint chips do in real life . . . . . .


and the winner is . . . . . . .


the pic is supposed to show a paint chip that is a lovely golden, warm yellow. {insert frownie face here.} oh well. beach umbrella will brighten the room considerably and make it a happy happy place to work/create. :)