Writing Project: LifeChange Ephesians

The other day, I mentioned that I just wrapped up a major writing project, but I never shared any details about my latest work. In January, I commenced writing eight lessons for the LifeChange Ephesians series, published by NavPress. Basically, NavPress enlisted me to write group sessions to go along with a previously published Bible study on Ephesians {pictured above}.

I really enjoyed this project because it allowed me to walk slowly through the entire book of Ephesians. I realize that I'm biased, but I think it's a fantastic resource for a small group that wants to dive deeply into Scripture together. The study divides the book of Ephesians into 14 sessions, with a learner's book for participants to work through at home and lessons to work through as a group. I worked on the latter part, and now it's available for purchase.

If you're searching for a study that takes a focused look at individual books of the Bible, the LifeChange Series is the way to go, and, of course, you should definitely start with Ephesians.

Until next time, grace and peace.

Crickets Singing in the Background

Well hello, sweet friends. Have you forgotten what it feels like to see a new blog post from me? Several weeks ago, I decided to momentarily close the etsy shop and take a little break. I never intended to take such a break from the blog as well, but life spun out of control for a little while, and I simply had to tend to the chaos that had become our daily lives. It had gotten to be too much for me to handle.

I'm still trying to find the perfect balance between work and life. I'm not there yet, but I'm working on it.

I've finished all of my major writing projects and I've gone to youth camp. I've washed about 511 loads of laundry and changed as many diapers. I've gone running and rocked with Micah and read countless books. I feel like life is finally back under control (for the moment, anyway), and I'm ready to slowly add a few things back.

I quietly reopened the etsy shop at the end of last week, and a couple of orders have already rolled in. I've also got a smaller writing assignment to complete in the next couple of days. Life right now is good.

I know that there is much to share with you, and I've been promising you updates and backstories for a while now. I'm planning on handling some of that over the next few weeks. I promise I won't be gone for nearly as long next time. You'll be hearing from me soon!

Until next time, grace and peace.

Minted: The Sending Good Cheer Challenge

I know that it seems as if all of my posts lately revolve around Minted, but that's because it's been a very busy month in the Minted world. Today, voting opened on the Sending Good Cheer Holiday Challenge. Designers submitted over 2,000 entries to the challenge, and the quality of design is simply overwhelming. Because of the staggering number of entries, the Minted staff made a first cut, narrowing the field of designs to 700. Of the eight designs I submitted, two were selected to move on to the voting round. I've already shared both of these designs with you, but I wanted to relink you to them so that you may rate them if you have a free moment. Here they are:

M is for Married

I'm totally in love with diagonal stripes right now. They're a bit preppy and vintage-y, and I love the subtle character they add to this "M is for Married" Christmas card that doubles as a wedding announcement.

Twice the Meaning

I'm also totally in love with banners, as evidenced by the recent redesign of snippets. They're perfect to highlight important details in a design, including a brand new baby's name, as on this "Twice the Meaning" Christmas card that doubles as a birth announcement.

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It's ironic that the two designs selected were the two I submitted first. Although I'm sad that the rest of my designs got cut, I'm glad that at least a couple made it to the voting round, which will be open for the next five days. If you have some free time, please rate my designs by clicking on the images above, then spend a few minutes rating some of the other designs you see. You'll be blown away by the talent of my fellow designers.

Thanks for your support!

Until next time, grace and peace.