inspired by | emily

each friday on the kreatid blog, I’m shining a spotlight on a different person who I admire on a regular basis…the people who inspire me (whether in person on on-line) to strive to live every day, creatively.no matter what their creative medium is,no matter what their vocation is,if I admire them, you’re gonna be introduced to them!in·spi·ra·tion [in-spuh-rey-shuhn] nouna thing or person that inspires.she must have asked me a dozen times "WHY me?"the fact that she need's to ask only furthers my reason of finding her admirable...she just doesn't see herself the way the world see's her. :)in my relationship in knowing her, there are fve words that I regularly associate with her:joyful - because she teaches me to look for it on a daily basis...which is rare in a world where the glass is typically looked at as half empty;honest - she smiles when she is disclosing the truth's about herself...her "elephant dust bunnies" if you will ;)creative - her shoe photograph she submitted way back when I was doing challenge's exposed what I supposed was there...she claims she's a re-creator...I disagree. God made this girl with a unique creative outlook on life and I love getting to see how she see's everytime she pick's up a camera.domestically-awesome - technically that's two words...BUT it's true. everytime I walk in her house, I get a sense of home. she just is amazing at creating a home environment that isn't just welcoming and comfortable for her family, but for the many that get to join them...it's a gift even though she would try and convince you otherwise. beside's being hospitable, she's an incredible cook and was the first woman to take the time to show me how to meal-plan in an effort to provide good food that's less stressful to make for a novice cook like me. my faith friend says "failing to plan, is planning to fail." and that MUST mean that emily does not fail. ;)encouraging - the main reason I chose her to be today's INSPIRATION | friday...she has been nothing but encouraging to me since the day I met her. and I know I'm not alone in thinking this...when she comes up in conversation...THIS is what is said first in describing who she is...encouraging. :)I'm happy to introduce you to someone I admire greatly...meet emily. :)

describe ‘you’ in ten words

this was one of the more challenging questions for me. I am not able to focus long enough to describe me. I am ordinary and simple and loved beyond my comprehension by an extraordinary and awesome God. 10 words version: I am ordinary and loved by an extra-ordinary God.

Why is finding joy so important to you?

The honest truth is because I am such a complainer. Looking around at this world in 2013 there are far too many things to bring me down. It takes effort, a conscious choice to ‘be a noticer of the good’. I am also really hard on myself, so much that I fall into the deception of the enemy, so I have learned to search for THE JOY that God surrounds me with. It IS there. HE IS orchestrating, every day. I pray consistently for the ability to see THE JOY in my routine and ordinary and then GIVE THANKS for it. In a way it is a lot like training your eye in photography. It is a discipline that takes practice. Once you get it down it is amazing how the subject through your viewfinder changes.

Who or where do you look to for inspiration?

Outside my window and inside my bible. The Creator and his creation amaze me, daily. The newness and growth that take place season by season, year after year, all by God’s design are so encouraging to me.

What is your favorite inspiring quote/bible verse?

Bible verse: my life verse is Proverbs 16:9 “In his heart man plans the course of his life,but God directs his footsteps.” I have this crazy ability to try and plan and control things around me. My normal involves creating a Plan A, B AND C. I used to think it was a strength of mine. And then for a few years it felt much more like a curse. A couple of years ago, the trying to control everything wasn’t working out so well and I was struggling. My sister showed up on my doorstep, to pray with me. We stood in my kitchen and she prayed. I sobbed. It was that night, that God opened my eyes to the ‘why’ behind my desire to plan, control and keep things in order. A very uncontrolled and unpredictable childhood. I had never seen the connection until that night. I was finding safety and security in knowing how things are going to unfold, or what I can do if they head in a certain direction. This is not a good thing when it comes to depending on anyone other than me. I’ve held this verse deep in my heart for 15 years but it is now that I find such freedom in knowing that no matter what I plan or DON’T plan, God is in control. The neat and organized parts of my life and the smudged and downright messy parts can all bring Him glory, if I let go and give him control.

Quote:

There is always something to be thankful for. –unknown I have no idea where I picked this quote up, but it stuck. And now it is painted on a big red sign that hangs in my living room. Over a decade ago I started recording three things I was thankful for each day. It seriously changed my perspective and grew my heart. My days can be very routine and ordinary, which can lead to some serious pity parties and doldrums. It goes back to finding the JOY. When I wake up and look at my to do list ( you knew I have to do lists - it comes with the planning curse) I can easily fall into the, “bleh I have to clean bathrooms again!” but I quickly capture that and find the thing to be thankful for. And then I thank Him for it. “Praise God I don’t have to leave my home to use the bathroom. I can get hot or cold running water whenever I want. I am blessed with two healthy boys, who could work harder on their aim, ehem.”

What lights you up on a daily basis?

Jesus. To be his and to know that if I get out of the way, he can use me for his work. Joe. To be his and to know that he saw something in me others did not. Our boys. To be theirs and to know that no matter how fulfilling or challenging parenting is, God is bigger than it all. And my coffee. There is just something about brewing up my own shot of espresso (ok 2-4 shots, depending on what is on my to do list), it helps me feel thrifty, productive and industrial all at the same time.

Where would you escape to in the world and why?

I would love to soak up the country life in old farm house that is over 100 years old. Waking up and setting my bare feet on old wooden floors. Witnessing the sun rise over a field that has been planted & harvested for decades. Spending the days walking through fields and driving back country roads in an old pick up truck and the evenings snuggling Joe in a porch swing, wondering what stories this farm could tell.

If you could be a super hero, what super powers would you have and what would you name yourself?

This was the last question I answered, I just don’t know. Maybe the ability to turn anything into chocolate? My name? I’ll introduce myself later, after we finish eating our weight in chocolate.

Where do you find your guilty pleasures?

MY coffee. Anything chocolate. Getting hooked on a new show from the comfort of our couch, by his side. His = Joe, just in case anyone needed further explanation.

Do you have a collection? Or do you want to collect anything?

So as I was thinking about this I realized that I ‘unofficially’ collect chairs. I have several different styles scattered throughout my home. Officially I collect old cameras and words. They are my love language and I see such strength and beauty in the art of words.. Oh and I have a collection of those flattened penny souvenirs. Joe and I started collecting them our first year of marriage. It isn’t something I look for on vacation or outings but I get a little giddy when I see one at the right time.

Hobbies I enjoy?

Any type of treasure hunting. Antique stores, garage sales. I don’t always know what I am looking for. I suppose I enjoy the adventure of the hunt as much, if not more than any treasure I may find. Toss in a friend and some travel and I am in my happy place. I love working with my hands, in all sorts of ways, photography, graphics design, refinishing furniture, sewing, knitting, cooking.

How do you balance mom/friend/domestic goddess?

Any advice for those who are less than? I don’t. If I am not falling off, then Jesus is knocking me off my block. I put the FREAK in control freak. The past two years have been a journey of GRACE, GRATTITUDE and his GLORY. I am still learning to slow down, be present more and do much less. When tackling anything that is a challenge I find it helpful to start with just one part of it, don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by the big picture. And don’t compare yourself to others. A very dear friend of mine once said that ‘everyone has a story’. This is so true. And trust me, what you ‘see’, most often doesn’t give an accurate preview of what that story is. Just because my sink rarely has dirty dishes in it doesn’t mean I need Jesus any less. My floors may be clean but I still have ugly in my heart. I am learning that the balance in any area of life is to keep your focus on Christ. Have you ever noticed the tight rope walker, or the dancer as they spin around again and again. They have their eyes fixed on one point. This allows them to maintain their balance. Fix your focus on HIM and balancing everything else is easier. Also double tall iced mochas, and stashes of cashews & chocolate chips do wonders.

Brother’s/sister’s? where are you in the birth order?

Youngest. I have one older sister. Growing up she was often a 2nd mom to me, and these days she is one of my closest friends. I’ve learned how rare this is and how blessed we are to share what we do.

Are you OCD about anything or pretty chill?

Anything? EVERYTHING! I’m so bad, I have to laugh at myself. I’ll never forget when our niece, whom I love and adore, was living with us while attending GCU and I used to get so irritated when she would make a pb & j sandwich. She would pull the pb from the fridge door but always return it to the middle shelf. I work at going with the flow and not planning. Really, the last vacation our family took, I purposefully wouldn’t allow myself to start packing until the day before. Usually I would start a list 2 weeks in advance. God has been so faithful in bringing women alongside me that are not planners. It shows me daily that he IS in control and that I don’t ‘have to’ have it all figured out.

Something that is from your childhood, that not a lot of people know about?

I didn’t earn my ‘domestic’ merit badge until my first year of marriage. Joe taught me how to do laundry. I only knew how to cook French toast and macaroni & cheese. It wasn’t that my mom didn’t attempt to teach me, I just didn’t take notes.

What is a nickname(s) you’ve been called in your life?

Pickle, Emers, Auntie Em, Punkin

Favorite articles of clothing?

Blue jeans (the more faded and torn the better), t-shirt and bare feet. Oh and I’m totally obsessed with Lady Eleanor wristbelts. They are like tattoos. I got one and then had to get another…I think own 10 now?!

Favorite band/song for inspiration?

I don’t have ‘a favorite’. Music itself inspires me. I am fascinated with how it can transport me to a specific moment in the past and bring an old emotion to the surface in an instant. I tend to be drawn towards unique voices and storytellers. Jewel, Alanis Morrisette, Simon & Garfunkle, The Civil Wars, Van Morrison, Marie Hines. It depends on the task at hand too. I love to edit to Florence & The Machine, Avett Brothers, Vampie Diaries. If I am in the kitchen you’ll hear Marcy Each, Marc Cohn, James Taylor. Dance party in the living room? BEP, JT, Michael Jackson. And the season. I realized about a year ago that I switch up my tunes with the seasons. Does anybody else do that? Steve Miller Band and The Sundays have been removed from ‘summer’ rotation. Peter Gabriel, DMB, Otis Redding & Uncle Satchmo are in the ‘fall’ line up. I love soundtracks too. Little Women, Dreamer, Twister, Gladiator, Dan In Real Life. Listening to and singing songs of praise of worship is when I feel closest to my Savior. CXVI, City Harmonic & Brandon Heath are regulars on my playlist. But as of late I’m nearing obsessed status with Rend Collective Experiment, and The Digital Age. Also my parents slathered my childhood with music so I’m no stranger to the Woodstock lineup and enjoy soaking up my lovechild roots. Peace, love….JOY. wink wink.

Favorite three blogs you like to read?

Lately I tune into http://www.emilythomaswrites.com/ I met this girl a few months before she moved. She is so refreshing. She loves Jesus. She loves her roles of wife & mom. She tells life, as it is, messy & challenging and she does it in a way that makes me laugh so hard that my coffee sprays out my nose. http://time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/ I won a book of Darlene’s and have been following her ever since. She encourages wives to love their husbands. I think all too often wives gets lost after motherhood. http://www.chattingatthesky.com/ author Emily Freeman introduced me to the ‘freedom’ that comes from receiving God’s grace. http://lysaterkeurst.com/ I check into Lysa’s blog regularly. She reminds me that my crazy is actually somewhat common, and that my God loves me through my crazy. Did you say three? Oops. That was four.

Top three magazines you would buy?

I’ve subscribed to MaryJane Farms for 5 years now. I purchase it for friends and family as gifts. I get excited when it arrives in the mailbox. I won’t even crack the cover until I know I can sit down and get lost in it. The images, the interviews, the products, the writers, the recipes, the simplicity, the nostalgia. It is a total escape for me. Apparently I’m not good with numbers, you asked for 3 blogs, I gave you four. You asked for 3 magazines, I gave you one. hahah.

If you could encourage young women (14-21) to be anything, what would it be?

Be genuine to yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others. Be prayerful. Ask God to reveal the gifts & talents he has given uniquely to YOU. Be brave. Trust God to use you and your abilities for His purpose. Be thankful. God loves you AND he cares about the little things in your life. Be watchful. He is working all around you, revealing himself to you in the moments.

If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?

I would LOVE to be a storefront window designer. Is that what they are called? To work with my hands, have no limits on creativity, and even though you are doing the same thing over and over, no two windows would ever be the same.

When did you first pick up a camera?

I don’t actually remember. Maybe 8 or 9? For as far back as my mind goes, I’ve always viewed life in snapshots.

What would you say to someone who is just starting out in photography-land?

Prepare yourself to be amazed. Do it because you love it. Art is subjective, not everyone will love what you do, that is ok, as long as you love your work. Take risks. If you aren’t nervous before a shoot, you are doing something wrong. Find a mentor and soak up all that you can. Find a few peers to learn and grow with. Being supported and challenged to grow is a must.

How many places have you lived in your life and where would you call home?

2 places. Seattle WA, born and raised. Gilbert AZ, raising our own. Home will always be wherever Joe is. Secretly I’m hoping someday that will include a town that gets all four seasons.

Who have been the key-influencer’s in your life?

The obvious answer for me is my Grams, my mom, my uncle Tommy & aunt Mary, my sister and my husband. And for obvious reasons, they taught me the ‘how to’s’ of life. The encouraged me and loved me for me. But equally important in the ‘key influencer’ department are my dad, the mean girl, the boy who dumped me on my birthday…those who challenged me, hurt me, pushed me to grow and become stronger. But if there was one person that really changed my direction in life, it was my Young Life leader. She pursued me and shared Jesus with me. My life has never been nor will ever be the same.to stalk see more of emily, check out her blog pixbyemily.blogspot.com! :)