Inspired by... YOU

 

Have you been enjoying the "best of" posts popping up all over blogland this last week? I've enjoyed the opportunity to catch some posts I previously missed.

After reviewing the top ten blog posts (based on your page views) on Inspired by... I noticed that many of the post dates were early on and since so many of you are new followers I thought you might enjoy a recap in case you missed some of the favorites!

Here's the inspired countdown...

 

#Ten

The Hoots!

#Nine

Inspired Noel #3

 

#Eight

Noel

 

#Seven

Before and After Projects

 

#Six

Inspired Noel #1

 

#Five

Tote Makeover

 

#Four

Free Printable

 

#Three

Fabric Pumpkins

 

#Two

Flaws Turned Fabulous

And the most viewed post

of 2011

Inspired Noel #4

I hope you saw something new and inspiring today!  Thank you all for following, commenting, pinning, Facebook-ing and just plain viewing Inspired by...

 

I hope to continue to inspire you in 1012!

 

Blessings on your New Year,

Inspired by... serendipity

 

Welcome to another...better late than never...

 

New to Serendipity Sunday? Every Sunday I share with you the unexpected and wonderful things I found that week! Finding unexpected and wonderful things is what serendipity is all about!

I apologize for being late with today's post. I wanted to post at least one picture from the book signing event last night and had to get them from my mom after church today. But before I get to that, I have a couple of truly serendipitous finds to share with you.

 

50th Google Follower!

A BIG thank you and shout out to Holly who blogs over at Simply Life Photographs! Not only was she my 50th Google follower, but she is a sweet, fellow-Texan and I'm thrilled to have made a new friend! Thanks, Holly!

 

Free Subway Art

Janet over at Today's Fabulous Finds has done it again! Click on over and check out all her Thanksgiving Subway Art options! Two different designs and lot's of color choices! Great job, Janet!

 

A New Experience

Okay, technically, this was not serendipitous. I had two weeks to stress over not think about this event (not unexpected) and it was, well, awful (not wonderful), but since I talked about it here the last two weeks I felt this was the best place to give you the wrap up.

I guess I should clarify that it wasn't the event that was awful. And the experience was an important one for me to have had.  It's more about the fact that my stomach, nerve endings and vocal chords have a way of high jacking my brain and having their own personal earthquake whenever I have to speak in front of more than one three people. My blood-pressure plummets to my toes and, well, you get the idea... awful.

 

Me talking to the one person that did buy a book, for which I am grateful!

I realize that may be way more than you wanted to know about me, but there was no way I could write a post about how wonderful this event was when I felt like throwing up the entire time. (You can sort of see the pale, deer-in-the-headlights look I was sporting in the pic above) I do, however, appreciate the opportunity to promote The Books and I had a wonderful group of supporters and people praying for me (maybe some of you?) and that made all the difference.

 

The roses my "agent" bought for my display table. These did qualify as serendipitous!

 

Kudos to the Bulverde Spring Branch Library. They really did a wonderful job of promoting this event. And to Shawnna Poor for her coordination efforts. Unfortunately, the event was a prelude to their Star Gazing event and the clouds rolled in like a blanket around 3pm, so there weren't very many who showed up.

So, today is Sunday. A new day. The event is behind me and I got an extra hour of sleep before church this morning (thank you Daylight Savings Time). Life is good!

 

What makes your palms sweat?

 

Blessings,

Inspired by... serendipity

 

Welcome to another...

 

With the threat of wildfire and dealing with medical issues with my dad this week, there were definitely unexpected things happening! Unfortunately, they weren't the least bit wonderful.

Here are a few unexpected things that were wonderful:

 

This sweet image arrived unexpectedly in my inbox this week. (Thank you, Susan!) This tender image of a dove protecting her young beneath her wings reminds me of Psalm 91:

He will cover you with His pinions,and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

We needed Your refuge and protection against the fires this week. Thank you, Lord.

 

My Grateful Dry Erase Board was featured on Michelle's lovely blog, Faith, Trust and a little Pixie Dust! Thanks, Michelle!!!!

And last, but certainly not least:

 

Janet at Today's Fabulous Finds released her Fall Subway Art print this week!  I love Janet's subway art prints! She always chooses just the right words to capture the essence of the season or holiday! Her Fall print is available, free, in 16 color choices! Just click on the image above to go to her blog to download your copy!

 

What serendipitous finds did you have this week?

 

Blessings,

 

If you were featured, don't forget to grab a button!

 

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Inspired by... butterflies

Do you know anyone who doesn't love butterflies?

There is just something about these flying flowers that lifts our spirits and makes our hearts smile.

The are so free and delicate...

... their beauty and allusiveness appealing.

Understanding the complete transformation...

Source

...and rebirth they go through is a beautiful picture of what can happen to each one of us when we come to accept, know and love the person of Jesus Christ.

Butterflies are such a powerful example of this and have been such a blessing and joy to me in my own life, that I have included mentioning them, in some way, in each of The Books.

In Starflower, in particular, I use them as a physical and visual reminder to Sarah about living in victory over sin. 

Here's an excerpt:

With a jolt, Sarah realized that although she had confessed her sin and turned away from it, she hadn't forgiven herself. She was still allowing her past to control her future. In both her relationship with Jerry and Daniel, it was her shame that was controlling her actions and her responses.

I give it to you, Lord! I know you’ve already forgiven me, but this time I’m releasing it to you. I accept the washing of your blood. I forgive myself and ask you to restore my joy. Help me everyday, Lord, to live in the victory you died for me to have. Amen.

      A tickle at her fingertips caused her to look down and she marveled at the creature still perched on her finger; its golden wings moved slowly, up and down, as it continued to cling to her. Suddenly it took flight joining the others in the air.
      New life! Rebirth! Thank you, Jesus!

(If you're interested in reading more, click HERE)

My friend, M.E., is particularly inspired by butterflies.  Her love for them inspired me to create this subway art for her for her birthday this year.

It's sized 8x10 and I'm offering to you as a free printable. 
I only ask that you become a follower and take a moment to comment and let me know how you think you might use it.

To download: you must first click on the image to open it in a new window in its highest resolution. Then right click to save it to your computer.

I also want to give a big shout out to Janet at Today's Fabulous Finds.  As the name suggests, she always has something fabulous to offer and her subway art prints are the best! 

Click on over to get her latest, Summer Subway Art printable now!

Thanks for the inspiration, Janet!

Are you inspired by butterflies?  I'd love to hear about your experiences.  And if you like subway art, both Janet and I would love to hear your suggestions!

I hope these pictures of God's flying flowers have brought joy to your heart today.

Blessings,

Linking up with these parties: