oh the places she will go // A fundraiser for Amber

I met Amber when she was just about to turn 16 - in fact - I went to her Sweet Sixteen birthday party. and I consider myself lucky to have met Amber and her entire beautiful family.

When I was 19, I moved to North Carolina. Within days after my move, Lynn (the mom) invited me into her life - from that moment - I knew that the Marshall family would become part of my life. And I was right. Wayne (the dad) married my husband and I - what a beautiful memory that will be forever.

Amber and Lauren came to visit me in the fall - xoxo

I write all this to say that my sister, Amber is going to London for a year to work alongside Cru:

"In September, I am moving to London for a year to intern with Bridges International, an organization under the umbrella of Campus Crusade for Christ. We will primarily work with international students on university campuses supporting them, creating community, and equipping them with the Gospel. I have had an unexplainable desire to move to London for years now. I had no ideas how this desire would come into play, but God, in His perfect timing, opened the doors. This is the first year of the internship program in London, and the first time that Bridges International interns will be on campuses outside of the United States. There are no coincidences when you're walking with God."

Learn more: give.cru.org/0742215

London is expensive. Amber is making sacrifices. She's looking for financial/prayer partners. That's when I thought I could help her. I created a few new cards with verses that spoke to Amber about London and I am selling them on my shop. This month, I am going to donate a portion of my sales to Amber.


// Details //

• Before you finalize your purchase, make sure to include AMBER in the note/comment box. 
• Shop now and help Amber raise her support.
• Fundraiser ends August 31st
• Check back in September to see how much you helped her raise!

So, stock up on some pretty stationery & support Amber. Shop here.

with joy,
Aneta Nina

PS - I designed a set of four cards for this fundraiser. I was inspired by a song Amber sent me - it was a song that spoke to her while she was making her decision! Listen here.

On making friends...

I still can't believe we live in Colorado. I often lay in bed thinking about the move that took place two summers ago and the reasons why and how we ended up living here!

Despite feeling homesick at times, I do trust and know that we are here for reasons we may not understand. What I can say, that for myself, I have experienced personal and spiritual growth.

Within the last two years, Steve and I have bonded with amazing people that I am lucky to call some of my best friends. When we first arrived, I was overwhelmed with the idea of making friends. I had to learn that if I want something, I have to make it happen. I can't just sit there waiting for people to pay attention to me. And in all honesty, that would be selfish and self-centered - and in all honesty - I did that for the first few months after our move to Colorado.

I remember "crying" to Steve about how hard it was to make friends. But in my complaining I realized that I wasn't being ANETA. I wanted people to stop what they were doing to pay attention to the new girl, but that plan didn't work because it was selfish. Instead of reaching out, loving, inviting, engaging...I was complaining about how I didn't have any friends in Colorado.

So, I invited and engaged and slowly, but surely, I made incredible friends!

My husband always reminds me that my joy and happiness shouldn't be based on other's actions. And I agree, but I forget. I am responsible for my life and actions no matter how people treat me. Yes, I will fail - I have and I will, but I'm thankful for grace that teaches me to be better in the middle of my selfishness. Grace that allows room for trial and error.

with joy,
Aneta Nina

ps - I included a free printable for you - it's the last photo!

((photo via))

((photo via))

Free 8.5X11 printable // Wherever You Are - Jim Elliot

It Doesn't Change God // It Changes Me

I kicked off 2013 with a commitment to prayer. Every year, I like to choose one word that I want to work on - to make a priority - and prayer came to my mind. ((you can read that here))

I wanted to make my prayer life stronger - for it to be without ceasing - for praise to outpour. Last night on my run (training for my half began, grr), I was listening to Rend Collective Experiment. When Alabaster came on, my feet stopped and I began to worship. And this quote came to mind: 

I need to posture my heart daily. To see life clearly so I can lift Him high and not myself. I can make this life all about myself. I am not perfect - I make mistakes daily - and I am thankful that God doesn't keep tally of my mistakes, but sends me His grace! That I am found in Him.

I didn't write this today to tell you about my life progress - but to share what I am learning and struggling with hoping that you will feel encouraged and inspired.

Before I go: Did you listen to Alabaster?? Do it and tell me what you think!

with joy,
Aneta Nina

givewithJOY // Custom Orders

I have been busy busy with wedding invites, programs and lots of other custom orders. I was afraid to offer them because it could involve lots of emails back and forth... And that has happened, but it's not bad at all. In fact, I love communicating and making things beautiful for people.

Wedding invites have been really fun! I love talking with bride-to-bes and saving them money at the same time. Making invites beautiful and unique doesn't mean you have to pay top dollar - I mean people just toss them anyway, right? So, I am in the let's make it beautiful at a low cost business ;)

Take a look at some of the custom orders that I have completed:

business card & logo

wedding program

logo :: sound sayings

etsy banner

Let me know if you have a custom order you'd like for me to design :: Visit givewithJOY.

with joy,
Aneta

Date Night Ideas

I've only been married for three years, but I've dated this incredible man since I was 17! We have been on lots of dates and we continue to do a date night a week. We value our time together as a couple growing and deepening our relationship. But it has to be more than seeing each other every day doing the day-to-day things. We try to do simple and fun activities together, and then at times we go all out...you just gotta make time for each other!

Here are a few ideas that Steve and I enjoy doing together:

Date Night Ideas

• Bowling - We found a place that's $12 per person for unlimited bowling. We usually bowl until are arms start hurting! 
• Fort night - Build a fort like you use too. Buy your favorite foods (Sour Patch Kids) and watch a movie.
• Find a new coffee shop to try - Back in high school we use to go to a bookstore, grab some coffee and play scrabble.
• Play games together - Phase 10 is a fun game to play with just the two of you. Although, I don't play anymore. Steve ALWAYS seems to win in that game...ALWAYS!! 
• Toss a football, play tennis or go for a run together
• Eat dinner on the patio with a glass of wine - Easy and cheap! 
• Turn off the phones and T.V. and read together 
• Devotionals at a coffee shop
• Visit a small town - Living in Colorado we have found fun little mountain towns that we can enjoy in one day. 
• Go for a walk or hike
• Take a picnic to the park and go fishing
• Take a trip to the library - I reintroduced Steve to libraries...
• Explore downtown - We don't go downtown often, but it's fun to act like tourists in your own state.
• Go fishing
• Watch the sun rise or set
• Visit different farmers market and ride your bike 
• Bike rides are always a great choice

Those are some ideas that are different from going to the movies and going out to dinner (which we love both). What do you like to do?

Photo: Rachael Hope Photography

with joy,

Aneta Nina