I wasn’t planning on sharing this story – the story of how the lamp print came about – but it seems appropriate after all of the wonderfully positive feedback and questions about it. It is pretty personal to me and if you aren’t in the mood for long-windedness and rambling, please feel free to click away. I am not offended.
So here it goes :
In May of last year I was beginning to really enjoy blogging {I started doing it a little more regularly in January of 2010 when I combined my business & personal blogs}. I found myself composing blog posts in my head as I washed the dishes or nursed the baby, I took extra photos of life just in case they were blog-worth and I started expanding my vision of what my little stationery business looked like. As I played around on my blog, I began to get comments : and followers : and it felt really good.
I’m the type who thrives off of positive feedback and is crushed when I disappoint. It is not something I am proud of admitting and certainly an issue I am working through. I wish I didn’t care so much about what others thought of me, but if I’m being really honest, I do. A lot.
So as I was gaining followers, I had to really check my motives with this blogging thing : was I simply doing this to gain approval of man {or woman}? I would read another blog, see on the sidebar how many followers they had and then compare myself and feel completely inadequate. Yuck. That is not a fun place to be.
So one afternoon I had a quiet few moments to pour out my heart to the Lord in the form of – what else – my private blog. {I love to journal and find that I am much faster at typing than writing, so I created a blog to be able to do that – password protected, of course!}.
In those moments, I came across this verse:
Philippians 2:3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
That really hit me – I didn’t want my motivation to be selfish or based on impressing others {both in my blogging and in life} but only in what could help others, inspire them, encourage and bring God glory. That really became my prayer.
A few days earlier, I had returned from an amazing women’s retreat where we had looked up our names to find out the spiritual connotation and the scripture that went with it {from this book of names}. On this particular afternoon I looked up the verse that went with Emily and it was this:
Matthew 5:16 {New International Version}
16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
For some reason, this didn’t really make sense to me. What did letting my light shine have to do with the name Emily, and more personally, in my current life situation? So I looked it up in another version to see if it brought clarity – and oh how it did.
Matthew 5:16 {The Message}
14-16“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand”āshine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
I’m not sure if you’ve ever had this type of experience – when you feel like Scripture just comes alive and speaks right to your heart? That is what happened to me with this passage. It felt as though God’s will for my life just came together for me : and it felt so good.
What I got from this scripture is this: Whatever I did, whether on a blog or in daily life, my sole purpose was to speak God’s name. Because I did have a small following on my blog, I felt I had a public ‘platform’ from which I could do it. I knew it wouldn’t always make me popular, that I could lose potential business and that I may never have tons and tons of followers. But I realized that “by opening up to others, I [could] prompt people to open up with God”Ā – which really was what I wanted in life. I didn’t {and still don’t} feel like I needed to share my faith all the time, but I loved that I could just be open about who I am and that maybe that could also bring Him glory.
Are you still reading? Sorry, this really is long-winded and I hope it is making sense.
As I was contemplating this all, I looked on my office floor and saw a stack of papers waiting to be recycled. On the top was a print out of a lamp silhouette I was going to use for a project. And it dawned on me : I should put this scripture on the lamp and make a print for my wall as a reminder of my purpose.
And so I did.
My intention was really just to create this as a reminder for me, but when I shared it with a friend and she suggested turning it into an art print, a whole new facet of my business began.
I think having scripture in our home is so important, but I’ve had a hard time finding ways to incorporate it. I’m not really a fan of the traditional scripture art with photos of snowy mountains or vast meadows {do you know the ones I’m thinking of?} so I decided to come up with a few that are a bit more graphic, modern and simple.
I have a million more ideas for future art prints, and I love hearing suggestions for new ones. If you have a favorite verse or saying, please let me know!
{already in the works are: Twirl, Be Intentional, 1 Cor. 10:31, the great commission, the Aaronic Blessing – I will add them to the shop as they become available}.
Thanks for bearing with me on a roundabout story of how the lamp print came into being. It is personal, like I said, but I guess that is what this blog is all about – sharing myself with each of you and {hopefully} bringing God glory through it all.
{if you are interested in the art print collection, please click HERE}
This is an encouragement to all who believe.
I find myself hiding under a bucket many times. I know that this year I am
to go out and be with others, communicating what the Lord has done in my
life. I appreciate your sharing on your blog and I enjoy receiving your monthly email with your very creative goodies inside. Its one of my favorite emails!!
Keep up your incredible God Project. It’s amazing.
Emily, I love this post! I feel like I relate to it on so many levels. Although I don’t know you {in person} I feel like you are one of my good friends that just lives up the street. I love being one of your “followers” (: I love reading your blog for many reasons, but really love that you are true to who you are and aren’t afraid to share it. Keep up the lovely work!
I always enjoy receiving your e-mails and looking at the new up-dates. Thank you for sharing your testimony of Heavenly Father and of the Scriptures. I too have a strong testimony of those things and more. It is nice to see on a design blog that is also designing our lives, our surroundings, and uplifting our spirit. Thank you for all you share and do.
Emily, I love your blog and thanks for admitting that you struggle with things, as we all do. I look forward to seeing your posts in my stack of email. Some days, I am struggling so much with being a single mom of a teen and your posts bring me peace and keep me grounded. Thank you so much! Ć¢ā¢Ā„ As many others have said, you are an inspiration!
I LOVE this story and ALL of those verses. I just started blogging and have been asking God how He wants to use it to glorify him! You are such an inspiration. Any tips would be appreciated!
From one “Emily” to another…this really hit home for me! I also blog and this shows me how I can glorify the Lord and let my light shine through the blog! I love the lamp print!!!
Love your site. Love your transparency. :) Funny, I’ve been wanting to share inspiration for quite sometime as well. I was elated to actually get something accomplished on Labor Day as well…our miracle definition canvas: http://heaven-sown.blogspot.com/2011/09/our-labor-of-love.html
Thanks so much for sharing the visions God gives you…I sincerely believe He gives them for a reason…and being a light is definitely one of them!
I just started reading through your blog and was already loving your style– and then I got to this entry and starting loving your blog for a whole other reason! Your thoughtfulness and warmth shine through– keep up the good work of letting God shine!
What an encouragement. I would love one of these prints as a constant reminder of who I am, and what I am here for. xo
Thank you for sharing that story. I really felt like it was for ME. I have been struggling with all of this creative energy inside, wanting to do something for sooo long, praying for something to push me to start. Reading your blog and a few others, I have finally started doing some projects and it feels Great!! Time to let my light shine….. Thank you again!!
I love this post because it is important to find personal meaning in scripture, and also to have scriptures in your home, if not merely in books also in art and daily reminders and I love your idea because I’m kind of getting burned out of the really pretty fonts on tiles and wood planks, which are nice, but get overwhelming to my meager decor at times. I also have been through the self discovery process of why do I have my blog, why do I wear make-up, why is spending resources on beautification, crafts, hobbies, etc, can be wholesome rather than all about personal glitziness. (new word?) Our talents and skills can reflect Christ and his gifts to us of our life. Anyway, I completely agree with the scripture about our light shining.
Love,
Paige
It is such a blessing that I found your blog today. I am always looking for new decorating/design ideas and it is twice as awesome when I find a blog that also encourages me in my faith. I keep a prayer journal, too. Mine is old fashioned though, on paper!
My favorite verse is Philippians 2:15 (New International Version ĆĀ©1984)
so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
Can’t you just see that put together with stars and swirls? Such an inspiring verse!
This is the first time I have ever visited your blog and I feel like this post was just for me! Thanks for letting me in on what our name means and how I can use my life to let God’s love shine!
Would love it if you would share the background (yellow with polkadots) that you framed the lamp print with! Gorgeous. When I was 10 or 11 my grandma suggested that I find a favorite bible verse and commit it to memory. So I set to work finding a favorite verse. It turns out it’s not an original favorite, but I see it everywhere 26 years later! “By grace you have been saved through faith. This is not your own doing but a gift from God, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8
Thanks for sharing your heart. What a breath of fresh air! I really liked the lamp print, is it available as a removeable wall decal??
i love the word: Overjoyed. It just seems so happy and amazing sounding. It’s like it inspires me to have this over abundance of joy in my life. that would be awesome!! :)
I just received one of my prints today, LOVE it.
i am so glad i scrolled down and read this post….jones design company rocks!! it’s overwhelming with so many blogs out there. it’s refreshing when somebody goes out on a limb and is true to their authentic self. thank you so much. you gained a followers here. have a beautiful sunday!
okay, you got me at Intentional…….
enjoy your site. Thanks for being authentic in your writing and designing!
Thank you for sharing the story – and for letting God shine through you via your blog.
(Have you ever considered getting some of your work made into vinyl wall art?)
Thanks you Emily, I am enjoying being a mom, the first few months were rough but now -what a joy she is. I am little embarrassed you peeked at my blog- I’ve almost abandoned it, poor thing. You’ve inspired me to keep writing and posting. I’ll be posting the story of how I started drawing later today. Thanks for being so open, it’s encouraged me to do the same. Enjoy your weekend!
Love hearing the “back story”. Thank you for sharing. So glad the Lord led you in this direction.
It’s wonderful to know the story behind the design! My recent purchase of your print will now have extra meaning. Just a thought…what about adding this story (short version) on a beautiful piece of paper slipped into every print purchased. Another way for your light to shine! :) Thanks Emily!
Wow. I really love your transparency. That is a rare quality today, even among Christians. I just want you to know that your “light” really is shining! I see God all over your blog and I know He must be pleased. Keep it coming!
After finding the home of my dreams (modest as it is), this became one of my favorite verses:
“He put your feet on a wonderful road that took you straight to a good place to live. ” Psalm 107
Your light is glorious. Keep shining.
i love this {and just placed my order for the lamp print}. So thank you for sharing the word and good news! A favorite our familys is: {Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.} Simple, and true. Love your site! :)
Shared your website here http://everydayclever.blogspot.com/ and here http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=134853513215198
This lamp was the first thing I was attracted to when I was first browsing on your site. This was after deciding to have Matthew5:13-16 be our family verse and have all of us memorize it. I love that you now told the story behind it! Let your life shine…it’s all for God’s glory, and to cause people to give thanks to God. You may also be popular in the process, but that’s not the goal! God knows your heart, and I think it shows on your page as well. Thanks
I LOVE this! I want to purchase one!!! And my son’s name is Aaron, so I’m looking forward to the Aaronic blessing!
I am a mother of a 2 and 3 year olds and life gets a bit crazy…daily. Anyway, your blog is a breath of fresh air, and most inspiring is you are a women of God!
Thank you for sharing that amazing journey of the lamp print. I appreciate the faith we share and the fact that you are willing to put it all out there for “the world” to see. What a great idea for your prints! I worked at a Christian bookstore, so I am very familiar with the vast meadow prints. Yours are way cooler but with the same truth. Also I VERY MUCH enjoyed the “be intentional” post as well. I just didnt’ get the time to comment before now.
Happy Thursday!
Thank you for your candor about your faith. That and your beautiful home, project ideas and tutorials will definitely keep me coming back! I have a chronic pain nerve condition and James 1:2-4 have become my life verses. Maybe you could do a “joy” print from that passage or one like it.
Thank you for sharing. I loved the print before now even more so.. I also agree about most Christian based artwork, this one is more my style also
Thank you for sharing the story! I think so many more people feel that way than we realize (me included!) I love the print — well done!
Thanks for sharing the story behind the print… (which I LOVE by the way!) I agree with you about a lot of the “Christian” art and I think you have a niche here. A lot of women struggle with the same things and naming it out loud just makes us realize that we are not alone. It gives us all courage to make the same commitment in our hearts… to have only One on the throne! Thanks and God bless you!
I am one reader you will definitely NOT be losing for sharing your faith. I fell in love with your blog because of your beautiful home but finding someone who I can relate to in life and faith keeps me coming back.
My request? Make your prints available in 5×7 . In my small home I like doing clusters of smaller artwork so I can enjoy more!
I have recently become disillusioned with organized religion as a whole. Through certain personal experiences, I have seen that sometimes those who claim to be the most “devout” can also be the most self-serving, arrogant, and heartless. Your blog has been a refreshing reminder of what a blessing true, pure faith can be, and I thank you for that. While I read your blog for the design tips (which I love, by the way), I find the faith that pervades your writing to be reassuring to the soul. Your faith, honesty and authenticity are rare, I think, and I’ve no doubt touches each and every one of your readers – even those who do not consider themselves “religious.”
Beautifully put….thanks for sharing!
What a lovely post today. I admire your honesty, creativity and talent, but above all your love for the gift that God has shared with all of us. Your blog is an inspiration to so many others. I hope you will continue to “let your light shine.”
Emily, you make your readers want to be your friends! Thanks for sharing your heart. I’m interested in seeing what you can do with a scripture I’d like to use for our new business. Your work is inspiring. Love seeing how people use God’s gifts to them to become gifts to us.
Yes, you are a light – thank you! You are encouraging and refreshing.
Just ordered the lamp print from your site. I also think it’s important to have scripture in our home. And I KNOW what you mean about the traditional ones with snowy mountains and etc. :-)
I would love to see Philippians 4:8 in your shop. I have a daughter who is about to enter the teenage years soon and this is the verse I’ve been wanting to display in her room.
God has been dealing with me about a lot of the same things. Thank you for sharing your heart. It touched and motivated me :)
Thanks for the explanation – makes the print that much more meaningful. I also love Romans 8:28 – my life verse.
you are a light and a blessing. thank you!
Thank you for sharing about the print. I noticed it in the previous post. My life verse (at least for this season of my life) is Matthew 5:14. It is actually my email handle :) I absolutely love The Message and how fresh the Word can be. I’ve understood some tricky verses using by reading what The Message translation said. My awesome mother got me a NIV and The Message side by side study bible so I can go from one translation right to the other.
thanks so much for sharing this. it’s amazing how God can place things in our way to remind us how much he loves us and what we’re here to be. you were that for me today. i love everything about your blog, and really appreciate it. thanks so much, Emily!
I love your post Emily. You have such a genuine and transparent heart which I love so much! I love the lamp and have been really attracted lately to lamp shades with print but this is the BEST!!
Tammy
I love this message. I share in your excitement about when something speaks right to your heart. What a wonderful read, thank you.
I love how God works! And I’ve loved this print since you introduced it… it’s on my wish list! :)
Thanks for sharing, inspiring! God Bless your family and business!
Love the post!!! Thanks for speaking so clearly about something many people struggle over.
Oops, I meant to say…..in addition to all your external giftings.
Love you Emily!! What a beautiful spirit you have in addition to all your external :)) I, for one, would totally love a “Be Intentional” print. Such very, very powerful words!
Thank you for sharing! I’ve only recently started following your blog and love both your design aesthetic and your great reminders of seeking God first! I too am currently hoping to incorporate scripture and meaningful items throughout our home as a reminder to our own young family – so please do keep the art pieces coming!
Emily,
I am so glad that you shared this with us! When I saw your blog post the other day about your office, I was drawn to that lamp print (I couldn’t quite make out all the words in the small picture, though ;-). Isn’t it wonderful how God uses the talents He gives us to bring Him glory AND give encouragement to each other?! You are a blessing to me and many others with the beauty you bring to your world. I would love to see you design other prints like this–we all need beautiful reminders of the gospel in our daily lives!
Thank you for sharing this…. always Inspired
Emily,
I am laughing and freaking out all at once! God amazes me! I’m a huge fan of yours: your style and work inspires me (LOVE “Twirl”)
Anyway, some girlfriends and I are in the process of launching a “giving circle” here in San Antonio/Texas Hill Country area called The Sister Project. In a nutshell, we’re a Christ-loving group that pools resources to help women in need. God led us to Matthew 5:16 as our founding verse…the MESSAGE version rocked me just as it did you. LAST NIGHT I was thrilled to launch our new blog/website and the MESSAGE version of Matthew 5:16 is what God put on my heart. I want to visit with you about having some prints of this verse done for my “sisters.” SHINE!
Thank you so much for writing such an uplifting blog. I can really connect to your thoughts and I love hearing about your faith and how it affects your life. It’s SO encouraging to be able to connect, even across the internet, with another believer! And even though you are so talented you still seem really approachable which I really really appreciate :) So from one Emily jones to another – THANKS!! I’ve never heard of the name/verse thing but I’m going to look into it and I LOVE the lamp cameo, it’s BEAUTIFUL! I was thinking about putting a print of it in my room in a frame that’s been waiting for the “right” thing forever :)
wow emily! i have been following your blog for only a short while, but i am so encouraged and inspired by reading every single post! i am not only inspired by the creativity and style of the things you create, but mostly by your passion for the Lord! it is so wonderful to see that you are who you are, and you are willing to share about it, for everyone to see! and through that, your readers are getting to know God more, therefore encouraging them to get to know Him in their personal quite time. keep it up sister!
<3 mk
love this! thanks for posting! what an encouragement! i so love your blog (i am on some crazy crafty creative kick these days and have many flowers, pillow, wreath, ruffle dish towels… to show for it. my sewing machine doesn’t know what to think since she has been hidden away in the top of my closet for years. and my hot glue gun is not cutting it. he will soon be replaced with a more project friendly model. anyhow, so thankful that you blog and that my sweet friend michelle pointed me in your direction!
I am so glad you posted this. I was wondering about the shade myself. This answers the questions along with a light in my heart you’ve just turned on. I love reading your blog and you’ve really inspired me on so many levels. Very moving and genuine. Thank you Emily!!
Soooo beautiful.
You are so on track with the whole concept of doing all for the glory of God. I have to admit I struggle with that too, especially since in my case, my love language is words of affirmation. It’s definitely the Father has to keep working on in me. I love your prints that use scripture! They are fun and definitely worth hanging on the wall. I look forward to seeing what else you come up with in the future.
Emily, I love your story as I too have questioned myself on my motives for blogging. The Matthew verse is one of my favorites……the message is exactly why I named my blog as I did! You are an inspiration and a light to others. I enjoy your blog so very much.
Twirling in the Light…Emily, life is good!
Very beautiful. Thank YOU for being a light through your blog and for showing an example worthy of Him. You are an example to me. :)
I absolutely loved this post! It actually made me a little teary-eyed. You are right, it is so easy to get hung up on what people think. Thanks for reminding me that bringing glory to God is really what matters. xoxo
Thank you for sharing this story! I love this scripture and this translation just hits you right between the eyes, doesn’t it!?! I would LOVE to see you do an art print with the, “as for me and my house we will serve the LORD” verse from Joshua 24:15. maybe with some sillouettes of a family or a house?? just an idea….thanks again for all of your inspiration! :)
AMEN!!!! You hit the nail on the head with this one! And as soon as finances allow I will be purchasing one of these prints. Absolutely beautiful!!
AMEN!!!! You hit the nail on the head with this one! And as soon as finances allow I will be purchasing on of these prints. Absolutely beautiful!!
What a beautiful poster and a beautiful reminder!
Hi Emily, I’m writing to you from my quiet little corner in Vermont. Isn’t it funny how we see ourselves vs. how others see us? I read your post today with a little bit of awe. Your blog and everything you do is so classy and amazing, so pulled-together and conf ident, yet you and so many others still feel a little bit of that self-doubt. Well, I think you are amazing, and your faith just makes you even more amazing!! Lisa
I checked out your art collection and I LOVE the pear with the fruits of the Spirit… I may just have to gift that one to myself!
I can see you…….twirling.
xoxo
hi emily, i have been following your blog for awhile. today’s post got me to comment! i think it was wonderful! i too have done the “i don’t have as many followers as her” routine with my blog. i am also at a point where i need to figure out exactly why i blog? thank you for sharing this. i saw the lamp print, but didn’t realize what it had on it. agreed on not wanting typical scripture prints adorning my walls….you are on to something that will be a welcomed way to share God’s word for someone like me!
oh my word! I feel the same way about wanting scripture in our home, but do not know how to without it looking cheesy. I would love to order a print of Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. you can email me if you are interested. my home is decorated pretty traditional. in green, red, brown, so I wouldn’t want anything too edgy.
You are endlessly refreshing, chipped nails and minor flaws worn on your sleeve make me want to high five you!! Your transparency is inspiriing in some way for me … and I too have the flaw-of-feedback, I half expect a chorus of family members to praise my dinner as soon as it hits the table – thank you for the reminder that it is not about praise.
Emily,
I’ve left comments before and I will leave yet another :). Bottom line: You Get It. You are doing all things for God’s Glory–even at the risk of your own reputation. “Blogland” needs more committed, serious-about-their-faith, yet “see-me-with-no-make-up” transparent, Christian women. Oh, who also have a killer instict about designing and decorating and prove it with every post!
Continue to trust the Lord in your ability to speak to women through your blog and seek His guideance on what He wants to do THROUGH YOU! Meanwhile, keep up the wonderful tutorials and tips and designs. Everything is such an inspiration. (ps. I am GOING to buy your pear art print for my new house!)
Keep Twirling!
{kimberly}
I’ve loved this print from the moment I saw it. Your post makes total sense, and the lamp speaks to me. It is on my queue of in-the-near-future purchases (for my husband’s sanity and wallet, I’m pacing myself on the shopping thing this year!) For ages I’ve been looking for “…he leadeth me by the still waters…” Psalm 23 is dear to my heart, but I can never find a more modern take on the design of it. Love that I’ve found you!
what a treat!!
i had bookmarked your “shop” and had hoped to purchase the lamp print this week. well, i just purchased both it & majesty. i hopped over here because i love your blog. i think you home is amazing. just amazing.
what a treat to open today’s entry and see your heart….& the story behind the lamp!
i want more! no pressure, but i love finding current ways to display scripture throughout our home. i look forward to seeing your creations!
xo
Love it Emily! I just received the print and am SO excited to have it up in my home. My favorite verse for the past few years has been “Be STILL and KNOW that I am God.” In a world that seems to demand and praise chaos, I find a whole lot of peace & power with just this simple verse. I’m pretty sure He’s got it all under control for us if we give it up to Him :-) Thank you so very much for sharing your personal thoughts…..I hope it touches all the right people!!
Sister you are on a roll lately. First I must say your Be Intentional post spoke to me and I have had several discussions with other women who I’ve turned on to your blog about it. They too loved it.
Then there is that darling office of yours…amazing. Love the wall
And now the story of the lamp until today I really couldn’t make out all that it said (old eyes will do that for you). It too has spoken to me and inspired me to do the same kind of wall. I love the idea of art work that represents the Be Intentional post.
Keep it up you’re doing a great job!
……and this is why i LOVE reading your blog….you are an inspiration to me. so, thank you for shining your light to all of us. can’t wait to purchase this print!
This post makes me beam. The Message hasn’t really been a favorite version but in this case…. what a beautiful message from the Lord. I’ve always loved the word “Shine” for this very reason. God wants us to SHINE for Him. He wants to SHINE through us.
So maybe you could add “Shine” to your new art print list!
Now I must go shop. :D
Oh how I loved this post… and the print idea!!! This post could not have come at a better time for me as I am having all of those same thoughts and feelings you did. I started my blog summer of 09 but I really just started actively blogging. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings.
~Ashley
Hi again – just wanted to tell you that I loved your post yesterday and fell in love with the lamp print (as I did with the “mighty to save” verse in the nursury which has such meaning in my life). I am so happy that you share your thoughts on God and share your life each day on your blog….it is actually the first email I look for each time I log on! The thing with blogging is that there is no face to face it is just type to type…but it still has meaning and hearts can speak to each other either way! God Bless you for sharing! You are a light in my life! : ) Jill
This is such a wonderfully honest post, so encouraging to read!! Thank you for sharing your heart with us… I’ve been searching for really unique Scripture prints for the same reasons. It’s so important to have TRUTH all around us! So thankful to the Father that He made those verses come alive for you and what a NEAT way to bring that into an art form that we can share in too!!
Loved this post! Thanks for being brave and for being a light! My life verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” ESV The first version I read was in NIV and it said “Be joyful always” and I like that better, but the new 2010 NIV changed it to Rejoice.
I love your art prints and am excited to hear that you will be adding more! Your blog is, by far, my favorite……you are an inspiration to me :)
This post was amazing!! Emily, I am so grateful I found your blog last year. Thanks to the famous… Nester. You inspire me in so many ways. Love your decorating, your fashion, your designs and especially your strong faith. I wish we had a Bible study. Did you form your own or was it with your church?? Enjoy your day!!
This is exactly why your blog is my favorite…and I subscribe to countless blogs. I’ve always followed because I loved your creativity (I totally copied your foyer!); but, after I read your posts about being “intentional”, and “twirl”, your blog has become something much more for me…beauty for my soul!
Beautiful. I love how God brings things to our attention. I feel like your story was meant to be shared with me today :) Thank you!
Your blog is one of my very favorites because it feels like I am having a cup of tea with you when I read it. You have inspired and blessed me so many times… Thank you. and that sounds so empty.. but take it with a hug and some tears from me.. God bless!!
colossions 1:10-13 – phenom exhortation!
Oh, Emily – it is when we are real in the Lord and transparent that we bless our Father in Heaven, and truly do things in the name of Christ! As a recovering ‘people pleaser’, I understand the struggle, and pray that God will be relentless to show you that you have an audience of One (Three in One, to be exact!), and that is where we recieve the true love and blessing, b/c we humans are SOOOOOOO fickle! Oh, the freedom as we are slowly released from it – and it WILL happen and IS happening to you – we are being sanctified daily – by His grace! Oh, I just LOVE how God made you, dear – I so wish I could meet you someday so I could really love on you! :)
Oh, Emily! I almost commented on this yesterday, then clicked away. That’s an awesome story and concept. Thank you for shining for the Lord–and for sharing your heart. My favorite verse is Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV.) I’d love to see what you do with that! Blessings!
I too am looking for ways to incorporate Scripture into our home decor that isn’t so, how to say, 1993? Looking forward to see what else you come up with!
that is so funny. ok so my name is Emily, and not only was my favorite verse the Thessalonians that you have in your office, but my birthday is 5:16…..so naturally all the verses that are my birthday I like to read and see how they pertain to me. Thanks for posting and love your blog. I am on it almost everyday, and you have inspired me to do my own….also I hope you don’t mind I “borrowed” your genius of the chalk board wall only I did half in my dining room {I have chair rail..} and composed my own version, will post pics soon…..your an inspiration to many and keep up the great work!!! love your stuff!
wow, this post was so great. you are so talented and isn’t it nice to know that you are living out the life God meant for you? I love it when I read a Bible verse or something and feel like God led me to that verse for a reason. your art prints are gorgeous! love everything about them!
I loved your story! :)
Thanks for sharing your heart! Bless you!
And shine you do! Thank you!
What a wonderful story. I love the way the spirit finds the most magical ways to touch us and communicate with us, and if we are open and aware, blessings just fall into our hands. I have recently wondered about my motivation for blogging too. I was judging that it was egocentric and narcissistic and thinking that there was probably something really wrong with the whole thing. I couldn’t quite feel right about why i needed to put myself out there, show my “stuff”, and share my dysfunctional life. I’m still not totally sure, but what i have figured out is that it is wonderful to be with “like minded people”. Sharing with others who appreciate the same things, creativity, humor, color, composition, and just making things prettier, be it a bathroom, a garage, a garden, a corner….
For some reason we “see” and crave the beautiful…
What do you think, …do people like us get to decorate in heaven,? Maybe some are warrior angels, some are peacemaking angels, and we get to be the angels that do cloud swirls and colors, and hang ice crystal chandeliers in floating mansions dripping with fragrant snowy white and peach roses, beside azure lakes?
Cindy
I clicked on the link for that lamp in yesterday’s email when it came because I liked it so much, so thanks for sharing the story! I will have to remember to look at it again tonight when I get home from work.
I am new to your blog. So glad I found it and so glad you posted this personal story! I love it and I love your art prints! Definitely adding them to my wish list! ;)
Lovely. Thanks for sharing.
And while you might not be able to see – I do check your blog regularly….
in my Bible Study this week, someone was telling the group how her resolution for the year was to “walk light”. free of debt, free of doubt, free of drama. Putting God first and casting her burdens on Him. I thought the phrase was inspiring, and that it would make cute art :)
Emily, I love Love LOVE your prints and am so thankful for a beautiful way to display God’s word. A favorite verse of mine is Deuteronomy 31:6. Can’t wait to see new ones!
It’s like you write what I think. Loved this post so much. And I love that print!
logging onto my pc in the am, one of the things i look forward to are seeing if you updated your blog. i don’t know how I came across it, but am sure thankful I did! i recently purchased the lamp and the fruits print with two things in mind (lamp for our recreation room, fruit as a gift for my good friends birthday). through your expression of art (one that I trust the Lord has put there) has overflowed into our home, as we use the rec room for our women Bible study. I intentionally bought the lamp to share with my sisters in Christ who would find such encouragement and inspiration from it. thank you for being honest about struggling with people pleasing, I was two minutes shy of getting hurt feelings from family members when I read this post. So..forgive my longwindedness, but I praise the Lord that I found your site to get inspiration from and to share with others. keep rocking..and shining.
Emily…your open and loving spirt is what draws so many of us to your blog. You are such a precious example of Christ’s love and compassion. I too have loved the lamp print for many reasons and plan to have one of my own soon! Of course from your shop! Thank you for sharing and giving so much! My favorite blog by far.
your vision of art and scripture is the same one I have been given for my business! and with everyone’s different abilities, there’s no way that the Word of God won’t cover the Earth! so great!!
i love how open you are. what a great verse (and how beautiful it is reflected in your creative lamp print). i just discovered your blog recently and i love it. thanks for sharing and i look forward to more of your blog and your art work. *laura*
I love this print, and I love the story behind it! I really appreciate your openness and transparency. God’s love and light are evident in your words, your decorating, and your creativity. Keep shining!!:)
Emily – thanks so much for your post today. I’ve been debating over the past few days whether to order this particular print. Knowing the story behind it makes me want to most definitely get it…I just LOVE when the holy spirit speaks so clearly. I’m ordering this for my husband’s Valentine’s Day present – he often says that he wants our marriage to reflect an “open house” (words in your print) where anyone would feel comfortable dropping by at any time – now that is something I’ve had to grow in – on any given day the apt can be a wreck! I’ll have to write him a letter to go with:)
Thank you for this! I would love to see what you could do with my verse: Psalm 119.32: I run in the path of your commands for you set my heart free. I actually have this tattooed in hebrew and like a bracelet on my wrist.
Awesome post! Thanks so much for sharing! Love your blog!
Love, Love, Love….That’s all I can say about this post. You are so great for sharing. Keep shining your light in your everyday life and to all of us out here following along….I would love to see you do something with Deuteronomy 6:4-9. It’s so funny you posted this because I was just thinking as I looked at your prints the other day if you took special requests for art prints….well here you go!!!
Thanks for answering my question and for sharing the lamp “story”. I can’t wait to order one-I love all your prints. I loaned my Message bible to my college daughter- now I’m going to have to buy another one… I’m a “guppy” at blogging, and appreciated your honest thoughts on motivation, etc. JC
LOVE this post! Thanks so much for sharing! And no, it didn’t feel like you were rambling!
I am a new momma, new Jones Design follower and a beginning photog working on a re-brand and re-launch of my biz after the birth of my sweet little love-bug just over 5 months ago! I have only been following your blog a few days, but I am SO inspired by so many of your posts, and this one just topped them all off! :) I am SO with you on so many of these thoughts you shared…thanks for being bold enough to share…
Oh – and I can’t wait to see more of your scripture prints! TOTALLY agree that the “traditional” prints with scripture are not my fave…LOVE your style and thought behind what you do!
Blessings to you!
Awesome!!!
Love it! I am trying to find a creative way to put scripture into my baby boy’s nursery (due in June). I really love Micah 6:8, “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Emily-Thanks for sharing such a personal story. I suffer from the same “disease” you do…in the way of thriving on praise and cringing at rejection. And I find my daughter picking up that same trait(something I don’t want to happen!) I love your light!
Thank you so much for sharing your heart!
I love the lamp print – As a “Christ Follower” myself, that is my desire as well – To shine with His light – to bring His hope to a needy world.
I love your blog, but more than that, I love your heart. Your love for God and for people is so evident. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your story Emily. You’ve encouraged me this morning just when I needed it. I love that the Lord tells us something and then confirms it in ways that are deeply personal. Like others who’ve commented I always leave your blog feeling better and inspired. You are the best!
Thank you so much for sharing this… it touched me in many ways. I also feel, like many others, that hanging scripture on my walls are excellent reminders every day. Often times though… they are just sticky notes posted on my cupboards with scripture that struck a cord with me that morning. I love your prints… please keep it up! I will be sure to buy one in the future!
Emily, I think I’ve been hanging around your blog for about a year. I made my way here from Holly’s blog. I sincerely find your blog inspiring. You are so creative, you are chic (your WIWW posts), thoughtful, religious without being self-righteous, and genuine. I always come away from your blog feeling better. I appreciate your honesty, and I think so many of us can relate to the feelings you just shared (we just can’t express them nearly as eloquently). My word for 2011 is LIGHT. I chose the word to remind me of two verses that I have written on note cards sitting on my desk. Matthew 5:16 and 1 John 1:7. I noticed the lamp print and the verse on it, and it was just another reminder of the verses I’ve been thinking about. I love it when that happens. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and being you.
What a sweet testament to how the Spirit moves through words! I was drawn to the print in your previous blog; what a treat to read about its origin. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Thank you for sharing with boldness. It is inspiring and encouraging. I love how your prints incorporate Scripture in a fun way. I was set on getting the “Be thankful” print, but now I’m kind of attached to the lamp one . . .
Very profound. What a wonderful ray of light that was shed on you… I really enjoy your blog, your beautiful pics, fabulous ideas and introspective thoughts. Thank you. ;o)
Thank you for sharing… I love it when God speaks to us so clearly!
There must be something about creative talents and the need for verbal affirmation that goes together. I have been asking myself the same questions as I decorate my home or plan a baby shower. Am I doing all of this out of graciousness toward my guests or to bring approval to myself? I’m afraid the honest answer uncovers such mixed motives. Just know that you are not alone in seeking to allow the Lord to purify your intentions. Seems like the longer we walk with Him, the more layers He peels back, huh? Ouchy, but good.
Your honesty is refreshing. I have not only grown to love your blog, but it truly inspires me. I don’t even know you, but you are a woman that I definetly admire and look up to.
This is my favorite.
Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version, ĆĀ©2010)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,Ć¢ā¬Ā declares the LORD, Ć¢ā¬Åplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Love the story of your lamp, thank you for sharing. I think your scripture artwork is refreshing and a great idea – I want to surround myself with scripture, but like you said, so much of it is just not ‘me.’ Looking forward to seeing more!
What a lovely read today. I can relate to how you feel. I recently started a blog and most days I try my best and when I don’t receive a single comment and I check the google analytics and I’ve only had 14 visitors for the day I tend to get really down on myself. I’m obviously doing something wrong, right? I really enjoy your posts, your style and the scriptures today really spoke to me. Thanks for being you.
Thank you for your openness. I so enjoy visiting your blog. You are a very talented and creative person. I love your ideas and your personal testimonies. Thank you for giving of yourself. I love the lamp print! The verse that seems to be my husband and mine’s “life verse” Ecclesiastes 3:1. Again, thank you for sharing.
Forgot to mention…one of my favorite reminders is to “count your blessings.” I look for prints of it all the time, and haven’t found one that really speaks to me yet! Would LOVE to see your take on it!
Emily, I love you. I love your blog. I love your testimony. I will not stop reading your “ramblings,” nay, I will devour them with almsot the same passion with which you have written them! You ARE a light in a very weary world, increasingly filled with pretentious, hyporbolic bloggers…you SHINE! Keep turning that lamp on every day for the rest of us!
thanks so much for sharing, emily. and you’re right–there is so much, well, bad scripture are out there that I’ve given up decorating with it. but it’s so important to surround yourself in His word. thanks for making these beautiful, accessible prints! {can’t wait to buy some as gifts, too!!} xo, l
So encouraged by your transparency and your desire to show the realness of our God. You have such a unique platform to make His name great in creative way! You are beautiful, my friend!
love this. the blog world is so so so weird…people can pretend to be who they want to be, not who they really are. so it’s refreshing to read someone being honest. and also someone who loves Jesus. double whammy of goodness.
What a fabulous story! I too have been in the same boat and need to be reminded that I am a light unto the world. I absolutely LOVE the lamp print!! What a great idea!
I recently made some scripture art for my husband on our anniversary. I wanted to incorporate my photography and our family verse into a single work of art. If you want to check it out you can click here for the how to:
http://ericaharless.blogspot.com/2010/12/diy-artwork.html
Emily, your honesty is inspiring. That scripture is one of my faves, and I love your idea of modernizing scripture prints. (very much needed – and I think you are probably onto something huge. consider contacting Dayspring or Lifeway.) Romans 12:2 speaks of being transformed . . . how about a butterfly? Why am I making suggestions to you – you are the creative genius.
This is great! Thank you for sharing!
I think I saw the ‘Twirl’ printed in your office or nursery? If you are really fond of that word, you might like this: http://www.katespade.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4438647&cp=4335770.3569684. I saw it and thought it was really cute!
Thank you so much for sharing this Emily! I am the same way about wanting others to like me and care about what they think of me. I hate that I’m like that, but I am. I compare myself to others and I know I shouldn’t. I’ve really been working on that because as Psalm 139:14 says “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” God made us with the good qualities and the not so good qualities and we should just accept our faults and that we’re only human, and move on. Your blog is such an inspiration to me personally, thank you for who you are. As for verses that would be inspirational to me in an art print, I love Psalm 139:14 and also Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Love this! Thanks for sharing. It’s so reassuring to know others struggle with approval. I was actually going to suggest using 1 Cor 10:31 {love that verse}. But I also really like Phil 1:3 “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.”
What a beautiful story. I think you are doing a great job at letting your light shine before men. I love the prints I got from you. I can’t wait to see what else you come up with!
I love Proverbs 3:5-6: 5 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways aacknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
I also love Joshua 24: 15 “Choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Have a great day!
Precious testimony!! May He bless you as you continue to honor Him in all you do! :)
“…but I loved that I could just be open about who I am and that maybe that could also bring Him glory.” I was just reading about this yesterday how that the world will see Him when they see Him in me – my life – lived intentionally as His. Thank you for this blog and your art and your home and your sweet family and your sharing. You are precious.
I just received the lamp print in the mail that I ordered from you. I love it and can’t wait for the Zeph 3:17 one since it is one of my favorite verses AND of a friend of mine’s. Wish it was done by Valentines Day… it would be gifted to her. :-)
Oh Emily, you are so humble! I love that about you. This is such a confirmation for me as I have been praying about similar things with my own life and thru my blog. Thank you for the encouragement. Oh, and I love the prints. I love to decorate my home with scripture too, but I want to do it unconventionally. I have a scripture that always helps me thru a rough time it is 1peter 1:7, that might be nice on a fireplace mantle silouette.
I love how you apply your faith through real life application. You are a light!
Wonderful post Emily, and I absolutely love the prints!! I want to order a few, and I was wondering if you had any ideas on creative fun ways to frame the prints. I never would have been able to come up with polka dot matte for the lamp, so I’d love to see any suggestions you have! I especially love the bird prints…they’ll go perfectly in my living room!
Emily thank you for sharing your heart! I love the story behind the lamp print! I love printed words and using scripture around my home in innovative ways. My “baby” blog is titled, “Light of The Home”. I hope that those who read my blog are influenced by me to hopefully love their home more yes, but also love the one who is the light of the world. Keep it up!
Thanks for being so open and transparent- I loved this post! I think we all fall into that same trap as bloggers, and that is such a great verse tohelp put things in perspective
Thanks so much for sharing, Emily! God Bless You today and always!
Thanks for sharing Emily – I enjoyed that. I am a very private person, but started blogging to try and sell my art on etsy. Art that I started because I wanted to share God’s word with others – to hopefully affirm to those on the fence that His word matters. I’ve been side-tracked along the way, but need to channel my energies back into my art – I think – hmmm. So difficult to know what to do! Thanks for this post !
-Trish
What a word of encouragement, to be bold in the way we let our light shine. Thanks for the refreshing reminder of what we were put here to do! Love your new approach to displaying scripture in such a modern and stylish way!
What a lovely post. Im not a “religious” person but have felt that push lately to find my own relationship with god and allow my children to have the chance to form one with him also. I appreciate your words because hearing them gives me a chance to think about what I need to do in my own life and how important this relationship is. Thank you so much and enjoy your day!
emily,
what a wonderful post. one thing is true, usually if you are facing a battle others are too. thank you so much for sharing your story I am deeply encouraged. i love your blog and anxiously await each post. you are so creative and have a true gift!
thanks again for sharing
lyss
hahah…you read my mind. I looked in your shop and you already had a psalm 139 print! Thanks!
I love these prints! I was just in a bible study where we talked about putting up art that was intentional, purposeful, and life giving to our family. I would love a print about Psalm 139 “For you are fearfully and wonderfully made.” That verse is very special to my daughter and I’ve been looking for something to hang in her room! =)
Emily, I didn’t see the original lamp print post but this one caught my eye today and I was enthralled the read the entire thing. I so appreciate your honesty. The print is beautiful!
I so needed to hear that this morning. Thank you for writing from your heart and sharing how God is working in you. It is very inspiring. Just ordered two prints to keep in my workspace as a great reminder.
Emily:
I would love to have a print with Thessalonians 5:16-18. It is one of my favorites and I know it is one of yours as well!
I love when scripture comes alive. I’m so happy it did for you. I’m going to get off this computer right now and do my bible lesson for today! And I have been interested in that print for some time. Now it speaks to me even more. Can’t wait to see the others you will be sharing in the future. I remind my kids all the time that it only matters what God thinks about you, not others. Let’s go out and make God happy with us today!
I love how your inspiration came about. It brings even more meaning to the print.
Wow, what a touching post. I often feel the exact same way and I so appreciate your honesty. This was a great way to start my morning. Thanks for the reminder of what we are really here for.