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!

One Little Word 2016

Hello lovelies!  I hope that you had the most amazing Christmas and that your heart {and body} have found a little peace and rest.  I know I am enjoying a little bit of down time with my loved ones!  

I so look forward to this time of year!  While I love the season and Christmas and family and all of the celebrating, I also love the calm after the storm... reflecting on the blessings and also recognizing what I DON'T want to do the next year.  I know this time of year gets hectic for most people. This year seemed extra stressful to me. I hate to even say that out loud because I am just so darn sick of the glorification of BUSY!! 

In case you are new to my blog and business {welcome!!}, each year, for the past 7 years, I choose ONE LITTLE WORD to focus on in the year to come.  FOCUS is not something that comes naturally to me, so I know that I need to be intentional.  My words in the past have seemed very easy to land on and they have been BIG and EXCITING and FULL OF PASSION.  Choosing my word for 2016 has NOT been easy.  I would land on a word and be convinced that I had found it, then a few days later, feel strongly about another powerful word. Some of these words included... JOY, BOLD and CONFIDENCE.  Those are fun, right!? They just weren't meant to be MY word.

There is this verse... it just kept persisting... I wasn't sure why, but it just kept coming back to mind

I was reminded of situations over the past few months that needed attention, situations where there was busy-ness, but no peace.  Situations where I allowed negativity to over-take my thoughts.  Why is it that we can have an overwhelming amount of support, encouragement and praise from most, but when there is one "not-so-kind" word spoken about us or our work, THAT is what we dwell on.  I was not okay that I wasted any amount of time and effort entertaining thoughts that were not life-giving.  I knew that if any of my girlfriends expressed these feelings to me, I would immediately remind them how loved and valued they were and that those hurtful words from one person should hold no merit!  Why would I not have the same standards for myself. I am the daughter of the most high God and His plans for me are TRUTH!  That is when it hit me.  I was not hearing His words because there was too much noise!  Both literal noise and the noise of busy-ness!  

There was a sense of peace as I landed on my one little word for 2016...

While I will also strive to be purposeful and passionate and brave and bold, my primary focus this year will be to just "be" and "have" quiet.  That means eliminating the "noise" that keeps my heart from hearing God's voice.  That means taking the time to do some yoga and meditation. It will mean turning off the TV and Radio sometimes.  It will mean slowing down to really put life in perspective when necessary.

Friend, I pray that this year YOU will be blessed and that new adventures will find you.

I pray that you would be intentional about your life and not take one moment for granted.

You are so loved!

I have created this 14k Gold-filled piece for myself for this years word...

{I will be listing this, along with other new designs throughout the week!}

BRAVE

"She believed she could, so she did!"

Dear beautiful, wonderful girl, 

That's right, I mean YOU! Do you have any idea... 

How amazing you are?

How smart you are? 

How talented you are?

How BRAVE you are?

There are so many things about you that the world needs more of!  What are you waiting for!

Steph and I have been working on this idea for a good while now... it's funny how the most beautiful things in life come from some of the most painful things.  The concept of "Brave" was born of some really trying circumstances... trials that looked different in each of our lives.  Even in the midst of adversity, both of our hearts desired to make beauty from what seemed broken...To rise above our circumstances that seemed hopeless...To trust that His plan was so much better and so much more fulfilling than anything we could hope for in taking the easy route...To move past the fears that kept us from being our very best version.  This was going to take bravery.

 THAT WAS IT! 

 There are women everywhere, just like us, with a story to tell.  With burdens that seem so big to carry.  With dreams that they are too afraid to explore.  Is that you?  What is it that has you paralyzed?  Can we just sit and chat for a minute?  Are you ready {go ahead, grab that coffee!}  Please hear me out on this...

You are bigger than that job loss.  There is something better than you had imagined just waiting for you, but you have to go get it!

That divorce that turned your world upside down and completely stole your confidence does not define you.  Your beauty and value are not found in a man.  YOU are so very loved and treasured.  If it means saying those words in the mirror until you believe it, then do that!

That child that is sick was given to you with very careful and intentional consideration.  It's not going to be easy, but every precious moment that you are present and choose to live life to the fullest will be so worth it. You GET to be his/ her mother and your fierce love is an inspiration to all that know you!

That dream you've had since you were little, you know, the one that keeps popping up.  The one that brings a sparkle to your eye and passion in your soul every time you think about it!  What is holding you back from pursuing that?  Your age? Money? People might think you're crazy? They may not like it?  Who cares!  At the end of the day, you have to be true to YOU! It might take a lot of hard work?  Heck yeah it's going to take a lot of hard work!  Nothing rewarding ever comes easy!  

What is it in YOUR life that is going to take some Bravery to move forward?

You have what it takes inside of you to be BRAVE, you just have to choose to access it!

We are so very excited to announce our 3rd and newest candle in our collaboration series. 

BRAVE was created with a beautiful blend of fresh scents chosen to inspire and uplift.

{including top notes: white grapefruit, petitgrain, tangerine and clementine.  Mid notes: mandarin, mimosa petals, geranium, lemon and basil.  Base notes: Bamboo, juniper berries and musk}

The candle comes with a removable, hand-stamped, stainless steel charm that says "she believed she could so she did" along with an arrow charm that can be worn on a necklace or attached to a keychain once the candle has burnt out!

Each candle is 9oz with a 70+ burn time 

$20.00

If you are interested in purchasing one of our candles, please visit 

One Love Candle and Bath {online}

In Store at:

530 Windsor Road

Loves Park, Il  

SO IN LOVE

I have found the one whom my soul loves
Song of Solomon 3:4

 

 

 

Doesn't the sound of that just make your heart smile!

I have always loved this verse and as I've gotten older, have been more and more intentional about trying to live in it's truth.
 

I think we sometimes see the big screen and assume that if our relationship doesn't model that type of connection, we must either be with the wrong person or we're not worthy of love.
 

I assure you, God has other plans.

I think of the person that I was when Dennis and I were first married 16 years ago. Thank you Lord that he stuck around!! I have always been in love with this man, but I was selfish, independent and more often asked "what can you do for me?" rather than "what can I do for you?" 

I love the way that it's said in the NLT of Genesis 2:18  "Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make a helper who is just right for him." 

 

I GET to be that helper to my husband!




THAT IS A HUGE HONOR!

I didn't always see it as such.  I've {slowly} discovered that it's not about  getting what you want in that relationship, but about growing together, encouraging each other and loving one another, even when the road is bumpy.  and if you have been with someone for any amount of time, there WILL be bumps in the road, but the way you handle those bumps together will only build strength in that relationship.








I understand that some of you may not be in that relationship yet, but please take heart... God has it under control.  Don't rush to get there, trust that in His time,  YOU will certainly find that ONE that your soul loves!

As many of you know, I have had the AMAZING pleasure of collaborating with Steph of One Love Candle and Bath on our now second candle together.

 

We wanted to create something that focuses on this kind of LOVE and encourages nurturing and embracing that love.

SO IN LOVE was born!




It features a complex blend infused with six essential oils featuring a rich base of amber, vanilla, musk and sandalwood with lively top notes of jasmine, lavender and orange. The beautiful glass jar is adorned with a hand-stamped, keepsake tag that says "I have found the one whom my soul loves." that can be removed and worn on a necklace or added to a keychain.

We are so proud of and excited about this collaboration!


 Steph is absolutely amazing at what she does and I am so in love with this scent! It appeals to both men and women and is just the perfect, romantic blend.








Once again, we had the pleasure of working with the amazing Kelly Hubert on photography.  I am so very thankful for this trio of ours!  Kel just gets it!  We tell her our vision and she runs full speed ahead to make it even more amazing than we even had planned.  She has the most beautiful heart and is so dedicated! YOU are such a blessing, my friend!







In addition, a HUGE shout out to DC Estate Winery in South Beloit for allowing us to do our photo shoot there!! This place is GORGEOUS!!!  If you are in need of a beautiful wedding location, or you just want to get away and do some wine tasting... {they even have art and wine classes} Please check them out!!














Steph and I pray that you will love and embrace our latest project!!  That you will spend time nurturing the love that is right in front of you and remember what a treasure that is!
You are so very loved!












You can find SO IN LOVE for sale at these locations...





Infinitely Sweet in Rockford, Illinois
Milkman's Wife in Rockton, Illinois
The White Trunk in Rockford, Illinois
The Mission Shop at Rockford First





Online at...


www.shoponelove.net



www.lisdunndesigns.etsy.com

 

 

One Little Word 2015: PURPOSE


pur·pose

 

noun

1. the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

 

verb

1. have as one's intention or objective

 

 

This will be my 6th year choosing a "word of the year"... my "one little word", if you will!

I have loved the process of deciding on the most poignant word to sum up my focus and objective for the year to come.

 

2014 was an eye-opening year.  In a good way!  My word for 2014 was "confidence" and the year before it was "choose"  I really tried to be intentional about my choices. 

Primarily, the choice to allow God to direct my path. 

This was a BIG one! 

Giving up control is not in my nature.  Does that come easy to anyone?

Because of that one choice;  my family was strengthened; my business was blessed & new, beautiful & encouraging friends came into my life.

 

I don't know if it is the fact that I'm getting older or wiser {or a combo of both} but I have grown to value and embrace the fact that I was created for a purpose. 

Life is so much sweeter when your accept that!

God does not make mistakes and I have learned that His plans are ALWAYS better than my own!

 

My word for this year... PURPOSE... came to me a little over a month ago.  I waivered back and forth between a few other strong contenders, even landing on the word "Imua" which is Hawaiian for "move forward".  I even shared this one with a few family members, but with every other word that I chose, I kept coming back to "purpose".   It just embodied all that I wanted to focus on moving in to the New Year.  

Last night I came across this as I was going through my Pins on Pinterest and it was the confirmation that I needed!! 

 

 

This is it!

I want to use what I have and what I can do to help others!

I want to be purposeful in my relationships.

I want to live each day knowing there is a purpose for it.

I want to encourage others to embrace their purpose.

 

Have you given thought to the idea of "one little word" 

If you haven't yet decided on a word and need a little push, here are a few words to inspire you...

 

Simplify

 

Intentional

 

Love

 

Embrace

 

Change

 

Move

 

Grace

 

Confidence

 

Focus

 

Trust

 

Courage

 

Breathe

 

Gratitude

 

Dream

 

Inspire

 

 

Whatever you decide, go in to 2015 with great anticipation that big things are about to happen. 

You are so loved and so valued and were created with a purpose!

 

*If you have chosen your word for 2015, I would so love to hear what it is and why you chose it!

 

 



In It For Good!

"The king will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me'"  

Matthew 25:40

I love this!

If you have been a follower of my blog or my Instagram feed, you know...

I LOVE MY CHURCH!!

I love that they breathe life into their members.

I love that they are always on a mission to help in any way possible.

I love that if they are called to move, they do it BIG!!!

The Original Conference is all of this encompassed, but focused primarily on strengthening women and their heart for God.

and THERE IS ALWAYS A MISSION

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend the big conference this year, but was able to get to an Original Night recently.  So for me, it was really the first I heard about the initiative IN IT FOR GOOD!

To say the least, I was REALLY MOVED!  

Moved to do something!

It was a really emotional night and I couldn't get it out of my mind.  I remember the first time I ever heard of Human Trafficking, I was so sick!  It was probably six years ago and my daughter was just beginning her teenage years at the time.  I think if you're a human being, this travesty breaks your heart, but if you have girls... it is magnified.  That could be my daughter.  

The initiative IN IT FOR GOOD will benefit Zoe International, Mercy Ministries and SHE Rescue Home.  Each women taking on the challenge is asked to raise $200 for these organizations.  

I WANT TO BLOW THAT NUMBER OUT OF THE WATER!!!

I have created 2 pieces of jewelry solely for this initiative.  50% of the proceeds from these items will go directly to the IN IT FOR GOOD initiative.

The Necklace is an antiqued brass that measures 30" long and is embellished with 6 handmade tassels {inspired by the Original Conference decor!} and a hand-stamped charm that reads "IN IT FOR GOOD" 

$22.00 ea.

The cuff is approximately 7" and is made of burlap and lace sewn to aqua leather and feautures hand-stamped and hammered metal with the words "IN IT FOR GOOD" and is finished off with a beautiful toggle clasp!

$16.00 ea.

If you would like one {or more} of these items, please leave a comment below or you can email me at lisdunn@frontier.com

Another huge THANK YOU to my beautiful friend, Kelly for modeling for this project and always being one of my biggest fans!!

Please feel free to spread the word!! Share this on FB, Instagram, Twitter, email, whatever you can think of!  

Bruised but not Broken

Oh, how I have missed this place!!

I haven't taken the time to be still long enough to verbalize thoughts and happenings for quite some time. I apologize to the 3 of you who actually read my blog;}

 

Something happened a few days ago that really made me pause... like literally... the wind was knocked out of me for a brief moment and I didn't move.

 

I rushed down my front steps, as I do most days, to get the mail.  Only on this day I hadn't taken into consideration that it had snowed...then melted... then froze.  Oh, I'm sure you can imagine what happened next. 

 

I bit it!  I mean... REALLY BIT IT! 

 

As in, if someone had seen it, had a camera and posted it to youtube, it would have millions of hits because folks would be laughing hysterically at my misfortune {once they realized I wasn't really hurt, of course;} 

 

You know when people say "it happened so quick!", well this happened so quick!  Thanking God now that it wasn't worse and I can laugh at it, but I actually hit my head on the stair and didn't move for a moment.  There was no one around to see me if I had been really hurt {unless they were peeking out their window laughing hysterically!}

 

After a moment, I got up, dusted myself off and rushed back inside.  Didn't bother with the mail... that would have required walking further and in the event that someone did see, I wanted to save myself the embarrassment:/ 

 

So, now I have a bruise on my right elbow, my left forearm, my thigh, my back and my pinky {which I swore was broken because I couldn't move it for about an hour and then it swelled up to double the size!} but I am just fine!!! Thank you Lord!!!

{Random fact: I love battle wounds!  I was thrilled when I lost 5 toenails while training for my first half marathon...disgusting, right!}

 

Funny how random scenarios lead to profound insights.

 

Hence the title of this post... one of my fave Joss Stone songs, "Bruised but not broken"

 

So many thoughts of this past year in particular, came to mind. 

 

Things not happening the way I had hoped

 

Being hurt and disappointed by others

 

You know, just life sometimes!

 

But it reminded me too, as in this particular situation, I may be bruised but certainly not broken!

I am still very much alive and as long as I am, there are SO many things to be thankful for!

 

So I wanted to take a minute to show you a few things that I am thankful for right now...

 

Fall

{pinterest}

 

Encouraging Words 

  {all quotes from my my pinterest board WORDS}

 

God's work in the lives of my children!! and the amazing youth leaders at Rockford First who put so much time and energy into these young lives!! {That's my Mikah in the yellow shirt;}

 

 

 There are so many more things to be thankful for... I'll add more later;}

Blessings to you all!

 



Na Da Farm Recap!

I promised that I would share a little glimpse into the Nada Farm Show, so here it is!!!

{Unfortunately the only camera that I had was my phone:/  Not the best pics, but you get the idea!}

 

 {my space}

Oh, I wish you could have been there.  This show was even more amazing than I imagined!

Jason and Anne Marie have put together an event that is like no other!

Such a warm, inviting and inspiring atmosphere!

 

As I have said before, I visited the show a year ago and absolutely loved it.  I felt like my items would be a great fit and I was so excited to be invited to be one of the vendors this year!

I have a fun story... as a business owner, I had an idea in my head of what I hoped would happen...

Gentle reminder... DON'T PUT LIMITS ON WHAT GOD CAN DO!!!

It started with "well I hope I at least...", 

Then my expectations got a little more daring "If I could bring in X amount, I could..."  

Can I tell you, God showed up in big ways and went WAAAAAYYY beyond what I expected.   

As he always does!!  

 

I met so many wonderful women who were following their dreams just like me!

I had so many wonderful new customers that supported me and offered great words of encouragement!

 

 {the VERY few pics that I took... you can view the full vendor list here}

 

I feel so blessed!

 

If you weren't able to make it out for the fall show, be sure to check it out in the spring!

God is Working

It has been over two weeks since my last post.  Dog gone it, I was finally on a consistent schedule and then was completely blind sided!  

However painful, sometimes these detours are necessary. 

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds" James 1:2. 

Not because it is enjoyable or easy, but because of the person you will become for having gone through it.  

I am in a better place today than I was a few weeks ago.  It is amazing the amount of emotions that our hearts and minds can accommodate!  One thing is for certain, I love my life and I trust my God!  There is a common theme that has been present over these past several weeks... GOD IS WORKING. 

 Even when I don't see it in my time.  Even when I don't "feel" like he is.  Even when the world views a situation as hopeless, GOD IS WORKING. 

I didn't have a lot to say today, but some times less is more.  I know there is someone that needed to be reminded of this today!  You are so loved and so amazing and there is no one quite like you.  Give yourself some grace because you get up each morning with breath in your body and recognize that today is a brand new day!

 {as always, please feel free to use my design for yourself!}

Motivation Monday... Because you can!

It has been just over a week since my last run!

It only takes 2 or 3 days, not only to see the physical decline but to really feel the mental and emotional impact of not running.

I WILL NOT go that long again!

Just after I got all of my babes out the door this morning, I took off for a run.  

Here in Northern Illinois, it was a beautiful and perfect 50 degrees {where was this weather on 10/10/10 for the Chicago Marathon!!?}  

Life happens, we get busy and let's face it, there is always an excuse, but there is this sweet subtle voice that I'll often hear when I'm a little off track with my workouts... 

Run because you can!

I received a text from a sweet friend a while back that will forever resound in my heart... 

"Please tell me that when we get to heaven we will run a marathon together"

Cait is the sweetest, most determined and most amazing teenage girl you will ever meet!  Because she was born with CP, her body physically will not allow her, right now, to run.  

Her goal... to walk across the stage at graduation in May, 2013!  

She is giving every bit of strength, energy and will in therapy to achieve this goal.  There is not even an ounce of doubt in my mind that she will walk across that stage!  She is fierce like that and she is confident in the source of her strength.  Her life verse is the same as mine:} 

I can do ALL things through Christ who Strengthens me. ~ Phil. 4:13

So I have to choose... daily...to honor her, and for those battling similar restrictions, 

I will run because I can.

{I created this poster in an 8x10, please feel free to print this for your own personal use!}

Linking up today:
Making the world cuter 
Skip to my Lou
Creating my way to success
KDBuggie Boutique
Six Sister's Stuff

Lots of Love, Lis