Greater things... Introducing my new ASSISTANT!!

Some days I have to pinch myself because I am so in awe of the way that God has orchestrated the details of my little business. Not because everything has "just happened" but because I am seeing the fruits of so many years of prayers and perseverance.  

One of the most amazing things is, like it says in Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us", We have these ideas of what "good" things are supposed to look like in our lives, and then He says "I hear what you're saying, but MY plans are for something even greater!"  

This was the case with someone that He has brought into my life! For the past two years, I have been saying that I really need to hire an assistant, and for the past 2 years, business has continued to grow beyond what I can handle on my own.  Now, I have an amazing support staff in my family!  They are always there to help when I am overloaded, but most of them also have other jobs and school. So I began to pray that God would bring me the right person to help me, and He delivered in a way that only He could!  In the short time that I've know her, this girl has become a dear friend & sister with the most beautiful and bold servants heart.  On her first day of training, I explained to her all of the things I may need help with... some fun, some mundane.  Her response was something that gave my heart that final sense of peace.  She said "I don't care what it is, I am just happy to serve you!"

 I am so thankful for this girl and I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to my new assistant, 

Julie Scaduto!  

LDD: A few of your favorite things…

JS: Life verse: Psalm 139:14(NIV) I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Color: Mustard Yellow (I know, weird right??? I blame my grandmother. She had mustard yellow accents in the room I slept in when I went to her house. I guess it just reminds me of her and the beautiful flowers she grew in her flower garden at her house.)

Food & Drinks: Tacos, Tacos, Coffee and did I mention TACOS!  Also, my moms creamy chicken and rice casserole.

Music: This is always changing, but right now I am really into Justin Townes Earl, Rend Collective, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and Leon Bridges. Basically anything I can sing and dance to I love!

Hobbies: I absolutely love to sing and worship so that's probably my favorite hobby. I also love to go hiking. I love soaking up the presence of God there, just being surrounded by the magnificent beauty that he created is my favorite place to be. Oh, and cooking!!!! I find it extremely relaxing to prepare a meal for my family and friends.

LDD: What made you want to work for Lis Dunn designs?

JS: I love the heart behind the company. I received my first Lis Dunn Designs piece from my boyfriend Brice almost two years ago and it was stamped with one of my favorite sayings "better things are yet to come". He has been telling me about his student's mom who was donating all of the proceeds of one of her designs to help some of his kids get to summer camp so obviously I checked  her out on instagram, pinterest and facebook to see what this lady was all about. I fell in love with Lis's elegant pieces, her passion for helping others and her heart for Jesus. I finally met Lis at the Main Street Market in spring of 2014. After we had chatted for a bit I told her "if she ever needed help with anything to let me know" and she responded with "I actually might take you up on that". I had no idea those words were going to come out of my mouth, but it happened so naturally. I knew at that moment this woman was going to be in my life for a reason. Since then I have had the privilege of getting to know Lis and her becoming a wonderful friend. I am honored to be a part of this wonderful business. Lis truly is the real deal. She loves God not only through her daily life but especially through her business. That is something that I admire and am glad to be a part of.

LDD: How do you feel you can best contribute to this company?

I love accessories, fashion and all things pretty(especially gold glitter) so I know this is a great fit. Haha but honestly, I am so excited to come alongside Lis and help her business grow and flourish the way I know God has plans for it to. My brain is already filling with ideas and inspiration for pieces and photoshoots. I am also a planner and decorator so I cannot wait for our shows! I am most excited to be making pieces that are affecting the lives of those wearing them just like I know her pieces do for me.

Welcome to Lis Dunn Designs, Jules!!

Dear Sweet Teenage Girl

This is for you, sweet girl

I remember what it was like to be a teenage girl... and oh how I would love to go back and embrace that girl and love her more and tell her how beautiful and loved and treasured she was. That the body she was so ashamed of was actually a beautiful vessel for running races, giving the biggest hugs and carrying the very best gifts that she could ever imagine!  

I remember feeling like I wasn't enough.

I remember the pain of my parents divorce and the first time I really felt depressed and wondered if anyone would miss me if I were gone.

I know what it is to feel the loneliness and shame of an eating disorder.

I remember feeling like if I didn't fit a certain mold, I would be an outcast and disliked.

and how alone I felt when all of my friends were headed off to college and I was going to be a teenage momma!

oh, there were so many times that I fell short and disappointed people and compromised on things that I knew I shouldn't.

but you know what...I know this sounds crazy now, but can I tell you how incredibly thankful I am for all of those struggles!  I have seen God use every one of them for good!

There are some truths that I have learned through the pain and the celebrations that someone needs to hear right now...

1. You are SO not alone on this journey, even though it feels that way sometimes!

2. Those problems that you are facing right now... I know they seem like the end of the world, but they are not going to destroy you! You have so much more strength within you than you can even imagine!

3. Those bully's {or maybe even "friends"} that tear you down... They're unhappy with themselves and it likely has absolutely nothing to do with you.  Do not give them power over your life!

4. YOU be the one to build you up!   Don't rely on a man {or anyone else} to do that for you! Write out and repeat words or scripture that inspire you to be your very best!

5.  Seek out friends that will call you higher!  Surround yourself with people who not only want to listen to your struggles, but will celebrate your successes.  And more importantly, YOU be that person to others.  It will have an amazing impact on your life! 

5. As long as you have breath in your body, there is an amazing purpose for your life.  It may not be obvious now, but please trust me on this one!

You are so very loved and treasured!