by Stacy Turley | May 24, 2022 | Behind the Scenes, Uncategorized |
God works in mysterious ways…for sure. Sometimes He works in a coffee shop in Westfield, IN, through conversations that are overheard and misinterpreted! I hate to use the word “eavesdropping”. “Eavesdropping” sounds so wicked. I prefer to say “overheard” or it-was-quiet-and-their-voices-carried or something less intentional. 🙂 This was the case on an early weekday morning in the fall of 2021. I was sitting in one of my favorite coffee shops working on my Bible study, and I “overheard” a lady sitting at a table nearby talking to a client of hers. She was using words like “design”, “layout”, “color scheme”, etc. I thought she must be an interior designer. My husband and I had been contemplating talking to an interior designer to get some ideas on updating the interior of our home. So I decided to stop her on her way out if she left before I did since I was sitting near the exit door.
Now I am not going to say that I dilly-dallied to make sure that she left before me, but I certainly did not speed up my quiet time to leave before her! Their meeting was wrapping up, so I rallied myself to speak up and stop her. I bluntly stated, “Excuse me, I overheard you speaking with that gentleman. Are you an interior designer by chance?” She stated that no, she was not an interior designer, but a graphic designer. Really!? Now that is a turn that I was not expecting. I let her know that being a graphic designer was even more intriguing to me than an interior designer. I told her that I was seeking a website designer and if she would consider meeting with me to learn more. She said, “YES!”
That is how I met Amy Durbin from Fat Cat Sam Designs!
Amy is amazing! We spoke on the phone first to talk about my vision for a website, the purpose and intention of the website, ideas/styles for a logo, audience, and ideas for the subpages and growth of the website, and also my personal story. She was interested and excited about the challenge. We decided to meet in December 2021 to talk about the specifics.
At our first meeting, Amy had already been noodling over logo ideas and colors. At the same time, I had been pulling examples of logo ideas that I liked for other companies. When we met, she brought in her initial drawings based on our phone call. She felt drawn to the idea of circles and how circles represent completeness, community, and wholeness. This is exactly what I had been thinking too and many of my samples included this idea. We already felt connected and in-tune with each other regarding the design elements. And I really felt heard by Amy. I was impressed with how well she listen to my ideas and was able to incorporate what I was speaking to a visual representation that portrayed the same message. The final logo is a very close edit of one of her original designs.
We worked closely together for the next four months. From December 2021 to April 2022, she created the website stacyturley.com. She incorporated so many of my ideas by using her own artistic flair. I love the result and I treasure Amy. I am grateful for the friendship that grew out of this relationship. She is so talented and you may contact her directly too! Her information is on My Favorite Things – Other Stuff.
I believe God had a hand in this chance meeting. Even if it was through eavesdropping or overhearing someone else’s conversation in a quiet coffee shop. I have experienced so much joy and gratitude by meeting Amy. Here are some of the things I am grateful for:
- I am grateful that the Holy Spirit nudged me to speak up.
- I am grateful for the change meeting as it reminded me how God provides for the little things in our lives if we listen and respond to him.
- I am grateful for the easy way Amy and I communicate and understand each other.
- I am grateful for Amy’s creativity and talent.
- I am grateful for the final result. It so perfectly expresses my vision, Amy’s creativity, and God’s purpose to reach other women who need to hear how valued they are…how loved they are…just they way they are.
QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
- What are the big things and little things each day that you are thankful for?
- Take a moment to write these down in a notebook. How does it make you feel when you read over them?
- Do you feel more joy or peace or contentment than before after reviewing this list?
- How have even negative experience brought about change that you may be grateful for?
- What has made me smile or laugh recently?
- How can I make this a daily habit in my life to document the big and little things that I am grateful for? (Join the Circle of Friends and receive the Gratitude Worksheet and 34 Gratitude Prompts. Just mention GRATITUDE in the Message box.)
PRAYER: Abba Father, you love us more than we can imagine. You desire a relationship with us. You have a plan for us. You want to prosper us and give us hope for the future. (Jeremiah 29:11). I know we have this hope through your precious Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you, God, for your Son and the sacrifice He made for us to conquer sin and restore our relationship with You. Thank you for speaking to us through the Holy Spirit….through the tiny nudges we feel each day to respond to you. Thank you for the big things and the little things in our daily lives to remind us that you SEE us, you HEAR us, and you FEEL our pain and our needs. Thank you for never leaving us alone for you are always with us. Lord, help us to remember these promises. Amen.
Hugs & blessings, Sweet Circle,
Stacy
by Stacy Turley | May 22, 2022 | Favorite Things Archive, Other Stuff |
Prayerful Journal – AUGUST 2023
I stumbled across this website on Pinterest. I was especially drawn to the Prayerful Journal!! And I LOVE it! It is a great way for me to use and pray through the daily scripture prompts from the same company, as well as document the Truth of who God is, who I am as a child of God, and what I am grateful for each day. I also document my prayers for the day in the same journal. I bought the one in MINT as found HERE. But there are other options too! Check them out!
Spurgeon and the Psalms – Praying the Psalms – AUGUST 2023
This is actually a book, but I included it here as a tool I am using for a deeper prayer life in conjunction with the above Prayerful Journal! Check it our HERE on Amazon.
Standing Pencil Case Large Capacity by HousolutioN – AUGUST 2023
Alright…truth be told. I am an office supply junkie! I love all my pens, pencils, highlighters of all colors with me all the time in my book bag. This is a great organizer for me and it also holds my extra pencil refills and sticky notes. So fun in PINK. Go to Amazon for more information HERE.
Pacific Sourdough Bakery in Waldport, Oregon – AUGUST 2023
Oh my word!!! Fantastic! My husband and I drove to the coast in Waldorf, OR in July. We saw a sign for fresh sourdough bread and thought…”Why not!!” When we followed the sign to the bakery, we found a line of people waiting to get in. Well…this is now even more intriguing. We HAD to get in line and try this out. The bakery was closing in 15 minutes and we had no idea if we would make it in before closing or before they ran out…whichever came first. It was worth the wait! If you are ever in Waldport, Oregan, then you MUST check them out. For more information click HERE.
Gratitude Journal Worksheet
by Stacy Turley. Download the worksheet for FREE.
34 Gratitude Prompts
by Stacy Turley. Use these to help stimulate your brain on how and where God is blessing you in the big and small things of everyday life. Download the worksheet for FREE.
Lifecoast Bible Crafters – Early 2023
The women – Sisters in Christ – at Lifecoast Bible Crafters changed my life. My hubby and I spent the month of April 2023 in Palm Coast, Florida. I found this group on the internet while looking for a women’s ministry group I could participate in while in Florida. These women welcomed me, supported me, and prayed for me! They included me in the fold of friendship and I can’t wait to see them next year. If you are near Palm Coast, Florida…check our Lifecoast Church and this group!!
Center Pull Yarn Winding Tool – Early 2023
I love center pull yarn while I am working. This tool makes it easy to hand wind your yarn with a center pull even while traveling and on the move. Super easy to wind and easy to store. Take this with you in your notions pouch for convenience! Check it our HERE at Knitpicks.com
Blueberry Cottage Yarn and Wool – Early 2023
in Plymouth, Indiana!! Visit my hometown and this awesome knitting store in the heart of downtown. You will find knitting, crocheting, weaving, needlepoint, embroidery and other fiber crafts. Free sit-n-knit whenever they are open with coffee and cookies! Join others while working on your crafts and make some new friends. Go to their website for more information HERE.
Office Supplies – April 2022
I LOVE office supplies including journals, planners, pens, pencils, etc. Here are some of my favorite finds in the office supply world.
- Simplified Planner by Emily Ley found here.
- Navy Gingham Pen by Emily Ley found here.
- Refillable Writer’s Log by MemoriesMadeCustom on Etsy here.
Rothy’s The Point Shoe – April 2022
“I only have one pair. It was a birthday gift to me. But I LOVE their mission to use recycled plastic water bottles in order to help eliminate waste on our planet to make their products. Check them out here!
Amy Durbin – Graphic Designer – May/June 2022
I have been blessed to have met Amy Durbin, owner of Fat Cat Sam Designs. She is a talented Graphic Designer who created my logo and website. You may reach her at amy@fatcatsam.com
PILOT FriXion Erasable Pens – May/June 2022
I really like these erasable pens. Looks like a pen but surprisingly correctable with the eraser. Smooth writing experience and some fun barrels and colors too. Here is one option on Amazon for a polka dot barrel! Click HERE!
Gratitude Journal Worksheet – Ongoing
by Stacy Turley. Download the worksheet for FREE.
34 Gratitude Prompts – Ongoing
by Stacy Turley. Use these to help stimulate your brain on how and where God is blessing you in the big and small things of everyday life. Download the worksheet for FREE.
Thrive Causemetics
I heard about Thrive Causemetics from a podcast that I listen to periodically. The podcast hosts review products they love each week. I love to check out the ones that inspire me and this is one of them!! Thrive Causemetics has a great mission of giving back to the community to help women “thrive”! I love the mission, and the products are wonderful. Some of my favorites so far are the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara, the Brilliant Eye Brightener, and the Triple Threat Color Stick. Please Email me if you try these out. I would love to hear about your experience!
The Roasterie Coffee Company – Kansas City Coffee Company since 1993
Oh, yum!!! I am a bit of a coffee person. I love, love, love good coffee. I prefer decaf (otherwise I am awake all night,) and flavored roasted coffees. I tend to drink it black unless I am drinking it as a dessert. Then a bit of non-dairy cream is lovely. The Roasterie Coffee Company makes some great coffees. Some of my favorites are Betty’s Recipe and French Caramel Cream. The seasonal coffees are also fantastic, and they will be released in the fall. Click HERE for the link to the Roasterie Coffee Company and more coffee selections.
by Stacy Turley | May 22, 2022 | Crafting Tools / Pattersn, Favorite Things Archive |
Chunky Crochet Garland Pattern – AUGUST 2023
My garland has seen better days as it is about 3o years old! I saw this on Pinterest this week and I may have to make it! Check out the garland HERE.
Funny Knitting Coffee Mug – AUGUST 2023
Oh my word!!! What a discovery!!! So perfect and shared with my by my dear friend Angie L. The mug says, “I will not buy any yarn until I use my yarn stash at home. And then I laughed and laughed.” Check out the mug on Amazon HERE!!
TLYarnCrafts – Early 2023
I love everything about this site, this shop, and this creative artist Toni Lipsey!! You cannot go wrong with any of her videos or patterns. She is a wonderful teacher and talented fiber artist. She focuses mainly on crochet and Tunisian crochet. However she is dabbling in knitting too! Check out her website, blog, and shop HERE.
Clever Poppy – Early 2023
Oh my word!!! What a discovery!!! I found this website on Pinterest for an online embroidery class called Home Sweet Home. My grandmother taught me the basics of embroidery when I was about 8 years old. However, I had long forgotten how to do it. My grandmother was so talented with embroidery, fiber arts and quilting. I saw this class I was drawn to learn as a remembrance of her and her passions. Thanks, Grandma Ruby Saltsgiver and thanks to Clever Poppy for this class and the membership!! I am now a member and already have my next kit to learn more. Check our their website HERE!!
Crochet Hooks – April 2022
by LettoWorshop on Etsy. Crocheters!!! These are addictive!! I found them when I had a thumb injury. My doctor said I can only crochet if I have a really thick handle to reduce the strain on my thumb. They are beautiful, handmade, and high quality. The owners Stanislav and Julie Rudenko from Ukraine are so sweet too. Find them here.
Crochet Hooks – April 2022
by Furls Crochet. They are the Steamline Resin Crochet Hooks. Gorgeous colors, lightweight, and also a bit thicker in the handle. Here’s the link.
Done in a Weekend Baby Blanket – April 2022
by Jess Coppom at Makeanddocrew.com. This is a free pattern online found here.
Macrame X-mas Décor – Chrismas Tree 1 – April 2022
by All Day Loft. Every Christmas I make ornaments for my kids. Here is the pattern from December 2020. On YouTube here.
Lion Brand Yarn Mystery Box – May/June 2022 Post
My husband will say that I likely will need no more new yarn for the rest of my life. It is true that my stash grows more quickly than I can create and finish new projects. However, for all the yarn lovers, (and I imagine this is true for fabric, jewelry, (insert hobby)), we all agree that there is NEVER too much of a good thing. Well, this good thing is a fun little surprise in the mail! It is $60 worth of yarn sold for $14.99. I have purchased and received two of these and I have NOT been disappointed. Love the yarn that comes in and I have gotten enough of one color/type to make some great projects. Find more on Lion Brand Mystery Box here.
Tunisian Crochet Hooks by Denise2Go – May/June 2022 Post
My new favorite thing…Tunisian Crochet!! I have been obsessed with this new-to-me hobby of Tunisian crochet since March 2022. I have a set of hooks and a teacher I love (see Online Inspirations below for TL Yarn Crafts). It’s good to keep our brain challenged and if you want to try something new and surprisingly easy…check our Tunisian Crochet and the hooks by Denise. Here’s the link.
Campfire Cardigan by Make & Do Crew
One of my finds this week! I actually purchased the pattern today on Etsy HERE. Shhhh…don’t tell my husband! I have so many other projects all lined up!! Cost is $4.30 for digital pattern only.
Heartland yarn by Lion Brand
I can’t wait to get my hands on this yarn. I have been assured that it is incredibly soft and perfect for all types of knitting and crochet projects including garments. It holds its shape and is perfect for snuggling in blanket or cozy sweater. I bought this for the project above…the Campfire Cardigan. My color selection is Voyageurs, Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands and Wolf Trap. I hope these colors will look great with jeans or khaki pants. Here’s the link.
by Stacy Turley | May 22, 2022 | Favorite Things Archive, Online Inspirations |
The Currently Reading Podcast – AUGUST 2023
I love to read and this is a great podcast to get ideas. The hosts Meredith and Kaytee share the books they have read or are currently reading. They provide non-spoiler details and their opinions. I have read some good ones due to their advice. And they make me laugh! Check them out on Podcast Addict HERE.
That’s Clever Crafting Ideas – AUGUST 2023
I am a Pinterest addict with many, many, many boards. My personal “handle” is @slt46074. Here is the link to my That’s Clever board for inspiration and ideas! Click HERE for immediate access.
MeetUp App & Website – AUGUST 2023
Are you wanting to get connected to other people with your common interests in your area? I was recently introduced to this fantastic app from my dear friend Terri D. I love this app! I have started two groups on this app. The first group is Graceful Hands Sip N Stitch for fellow fiber artists to get together and sip coffee while working on our projects. The second group is Rare Disease & Autoimmune Support Group. Our first meeting in later in August. I am hoping this will be a safe environment for supporting and encouraging each other as we work to Choose Joy in our circumstances. Click HERE to learn more about MeetUp and join in to share the fun!
Positive.News – Early 2023
Positive News Magazine provides rigorous journalism on what’s going right in the world. For a brighter outlook on our news and world events, check out their website at positive.news HERE.
Craft Project Ideas – Early 2023
I am a Pinterest addict with many, many, many boards. My personal “handle” is @slt46074. Here is the link to my Craft Projects board for inspiration and ideas! Click HERE for immediate access.
Let’s Read the Gospels Podcast – Early 2023
by Annie F. Downs. This podcast is all about reading all four gospels every month for the entire year. She changes the order and the Bible translation each month. Click HERE to learn more about the podcast and the supplemental study guides.
That Sounds Fun – April 2022
A podcast by Annie F. Downs.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – April 2022
A podcast with Fr. Mike Schmidtz. This podcast is for all who want to hear the Bible read by an energetic narrator. He also provides comments on the passages at the end of each reading. This is for all denominations.
She Reads Truth – April 2022
Daily devotionals for kids, women, and men at shereadstruth.com.
Reading – April 2022
For book lovers, modernmrsdarcy.com. Anne Bogel offers podcasts, reading lists, blog posts, and a readers’ membership community
TL Yarn Crafts – Tunisian Crochet tutorials – May/June 2022
Want to learn something new Check out Toni Lipsey and her YouTube channel for how-to’s and patterns on Tunisian crochet! But be careful!! You may become addicted like me!! Here is the link to her channel.
Melanie Ham – YouTube video creator for Crochet, sewing and other DIY Stuff – May/June 2022
I have subscribed to Melanie Ham’s channel for years! She is so sweet. She is clear with her instructions and is always full of bright ideas and inspirations. Check out her channell for more DIY projects or gift giving ideas that you can make! Click HERE for the link.
LECTIO365 App
I heard about this app from one of my podcasts. It is a FREE daily devotional resource to keep you in the Word of God and focused on prayer every day. It has an AM and PM devotional. You may read along or allow the narrators to read to you while you rest in God’s Word. Here is the link to the App information and to download for iPhone and Android.
First5 App
I have a subscriber to the First5 App for many years now. I use it in my (mostly) daily quiet time. It is a FREE daily devotional for the first 5 minutes of your day. A study guide is also available for purchase to accompany the App devotionals if you want to dig deeper in the Word each day. This App is through Proverbs31 Minitries with Lisa Terkheurst. Click HERE for the link.
by Stacy Turley | May 22, 2022 | Favorite Things Archive, Music |
Whole Heart: Hold Me Now – AUGUST 2023
by Hillsong United. View on YouTube HERE.
The Goodness of God – AUGUST 2023
by CeCe Winans. View on YouTube HERE.
Best Christian Workout 2023 – AUGUST 2023
Public Playlist on Spotify created by jimmydooley81. 130 songs. Link is HERE.
Grace Got You – Early 2023
by MercyMe. View on YouTube HERE.
Blessings – Early 2023
by Laura Story. View on YouTube HERE.
Ain’t No Grave – April 2022
by Bethel Music and Molly Skaggs. View on YouTube here.
Canvas and Clay – April 2022
by Pat Barrett ft. Ben Smith. View on YouTube here.
Her Little Man – April 2022
by Jami Grooms. This was the song my son Mitch and I danced to at his wedding to my beautiful daughter-in-law Shannon. It brought tears to many. View on YouTube here.
Try – May/June 2022
by Colby Caillet. View on YouTube here.
Worn
by Tenth Avenue North. View on YouTube here.
Reckless Love
by Cory Asbury. View on YouTube here.
Brave
by Sara Bareilles. View on YouTube here.
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