Three Favorites Thursday--Wreaths

A few months ago I shared my book page wreath.  It was the first wreath I ever made and I loved seeing it on my door when I came home. I need to find a new spot for it though because it really isn't an outdoor wreath.   I am trying to decide what kind of a wreath I should make next.  Here are a few Pinterest ideas. :)

This one would be great in a craft room. 

Source: somethingcreatedeveryday.blogspot.com via Jen on Pinterest

This one would be fun for Christmas.

Source: bhg.com via Jen on Pinterest

I am wondering if I could do this fabric one in fall colors for autumn.

Source: iaminthearmytoo.blogspot.com via Jen on Pinterest

Over The Top--Women of Faith

I don't even know where to begin my post about the Women of Faith Conference.  The two day event was amazing and I was so blessed to be able to attend!  I am just going to give a few highlights so I don't over-share for those who want to go yet...don't want to ruin all the surprises!

Lisa Whelchel--You may remember Lisa as "Blair" on The Facts of Life.  Personally I was a bit young to watch that show when it was airing, but that's okay. :)   Lisa talked about friendship and her struggles to learn how to be a friend and "pick" good friends as an adult.  Some of what she said really hit home.  Her book, Friendship for Grown-ups, is a new one on my "to read" list.

Mandisa--You may remember Mandisa from American Idol a few seasons back.  She has since become a popular Christian music artist.  Loved hearing a few of her songs and I plan to go look up more of her music.  One of my past complaints at the Women of Faith conferences was that all of the speakers spoke about their husband and kids and seemed to be talking to the ladies in the audience with a husband and/or kids--which is great, but made me feel a little left out.  Us single ladies have struggles too.  I wanted to feel like I belonged at the conference even though I don't have a husband or kids.  Mandisa got my attention when she sang "All the Single Ladies" in a medley of songs.  She also shared a little of her struggle talking about having a "Single Awareness Moment" and going to food to fill the hurt instead of taking it to God.  That was enough to make me go--someone understands!  She didn't have to have a whole talk on being single, it was enough to make me feel like I belonged, like there was someone else like me there.  I love how real her songs are which is fitting since the name of her album is What if We Were Real.

Patsy Clairmont--I have heard Patsy speak each time I have attended this conference. She is hilarious!  I love hearing her talk even though usually my stomach hurts from laughing afterwards.  I love how she can share hard stuff and make me laugh, and yet share deep biblical truth while doing it.  
Our seats were close to the stage and "porch" where the speakers sit.  I moved to a closer row for a minute to get a picture of the speakers standing together when Patsy walked up to the person nexted to me to thank them for coming.  I asked her if she would be willing to take a picture with me and she graciously said yes!

And a few more pictures:

Hanging out during one of the breaks

The Praise Team with Patsy Clairmont and Sandi Patty 

Check out the Women of Faith website to find out more or to find dates for a Women of Faith conference near you.  Don't worry if the conference for your area has already happened for this year.  I saw dates for next year already--mark your calendars and plan on attending.  You will be glad you did!

I received 2 tickets in hopes that I would share details about the conference on my blog.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Get In, I'm Driving CD Review and Giveaway

     **********This Giveaway is now closed**********

     In college I heard a song that fit was I was going through and it has since become one of my favorite songs.  "If You Want Me To" by Ginny Owens is one of the most played songs in my itunes library.  That is why I was thrilled to be able to review her new CD Get In, I'm Driving, which comes out tomorrow, September 13.

Here is a little background about Ginny Owens:
     A three-time Dove Award winner, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2000 New Artist of the Year recipient, and multiple ASCAP Award winner, Ginny Owens has sold nearly one million albums. A top performer on the Christian radio charts with hits like “If You Want Me To,” “Free” and “I Wanna Be Moved,” among others, Owens’ music has impacted mainstream audiences at Lilith Fair, the Sundance Film Festival and the White House. Her music has received widespread film and television placement, including songs on the popular WB series’ “Roswell” and “Felicity.” Owens was featured on national television, including NBC’s “Today” and CNN, for her contribution to help rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

     Born and raised in Jackson, Miss., Owens was discovering melodies on the piano almost before she could complete a sentence. Songs began to emerge from her fingers as the vision began to leave her eyes and by the age of three. A degenerative eye condition left Owens completely blind. Despite her physical challenge, Owens pursued a music career. Songs provide a window into a world Owens can’t see and an outlet for her to express her thoughts and dreams. Owens’ unique musical style and inspirational lyrics continue to appeal to Christian and mainstream audiences alike.
   In 2005 Owens launched The Fingerprint Initiative, a hands-on, non-profit organization designed to “bring hope to the world, one project and one touch at a time.” The organization has partnered with and raised money for groups such as Compassion International, International Justice Mission and Habitat for Humanity.

     When I first started listening to the CD I was a little disappointed.  The style of music was so different than I was expecting.  Some of the songs have a blues or jazz feel to them and I just wasn't used to or expecting that.   I kept listening though and I am so glad that I did!  Ginny writes her songs from the heart and the lyrics have depth, emotion, and meaning to them.  After listening to the CD a few times I found myself singing the songs throughout the day.

    I can't choose just one favorite song so I will share a little bit of two songs

"Joined At the Heart" is a song that is written from the point of view of new parents talking to their baby.  The chorus says: 
"We are humbled to be*part of a greater story*written by the author of miracles and stars*and as this journey unfolds*there is one thing we know*God has made it so we are forever joined at the heart."

I also like "Lay It Down," check out these power packed lyrics:
"Lay it down*everyone's got a burden*that's just part of livin'*so take the one you're given*and lay it down*don't let it define you*You're not strong enough to carry that around*go ahead and lay it down"

If you would like to learns more about Ginny or her new CD, Get In, I'm Driving check her out on: Facebook
The website
iTunes (Preview the single "Before You Fly" here)

All right, here is the good news for you...You can WIN this CD right here!  One reader will win a Get In, I'm Driving CD.

To enter:

Required Entry:  Simply leave a comment on this post. You can just say hello or tell me if you have heard any of Ginny's music before...anything (as long as it is kind :)  )

Extra Entries: 1: Become a follower of my blog (see top left sidebar). Leave me a separate comment telling me you are a follower.

2. "Like" Ginny Owens on Facebook. Leave me a separate comment telling me you did so.

I have been having problems with spam comments so if you leave a comment and it doesn't show up right away, don't worry!  I have to approve the comment and then it will show up.

This giveaway will end at 10:00 p.m. PST on Friday, September 16 2011. Winner will be announced on blog and will have 48 hours to e-mail me their address.  Please leave me a way to contact you by e-mail if you want me to inform you that you have won.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Women of Faith Conference--Over the Top

  I am super excited, this weekend I will be attending the Women of Faith conference! I went two different times with my church a few years back and posted about it here and here.  The speakers are usually funny, but also share deep truths.  Not to mention amazing drama and music.  I am counting on a good time!

Check out Women of Faith  to find out when this conference is near you.

And check back early next week to see my thoughts on this conference and (hopefully) a few pictures. :)




I received tickets to go to this conference so I could share it with you.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Three Favorites Thursday--Silhouette

I have a Silhouette project that I have been working on and can't wait to share.  In keeping with the Silhouette theme my three favorites this week are all Pinterest pins that could be made using a Silhouette.

Isn't this just the cutest Christmas decoration.  I need to find out where I can get a shadow box like that!

Source: stampinat6213.blogspot.com via Jen on Pinterest

This made me laugh.

Source: etsy.com via Jen on Pinterest

I love the simplicity of this one.  Great reminder.

Source: jillruth.com via Jen on Pinterest

Giant Flower Ring

Quite a while ago I read on a blog (not a clue which blog) how someone took a cute button and cut the shank off to make a ring.  I saw this adorable flower button at Joann's and I knew it would be perfect for a ring! 

The hard part was actually finding a ring blank for the flower. I had to have my Sister-In-Law mail me one that she had found in IL.

There is a specific tool to cut off the shank on a button, but I just used one of my jewelry pliers and cracked it off.  I used Gorilla super glue to glue the flower onto the ring blank. 

Super easy, super cute!

Here are a few parties I link to:

Tatertots and Jello

I {heart} Naptime

Keeping it Simple

DIY under $5

Not Just a Housewife

Fireflies and Jellybeans