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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / blog & handmade advice / {Mama + Biz Owner — Using the spare time you’ve been given to glorify God, part VII plus a Red Letter Words giveaway!}

{Mama + Biz Owner — Using the spare time you’ve been given to glorify God, part VII plus a Red Letter Words giveaway!}

November 2, 2012 ·
Filed Under: blog & handmade advice, giveaway, shop feature

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, comment #82, Jess of Follow the Journey!!! Check your email Jess! xoxo

Red Letter Words is our XL sponsor this month and we’re so happy to have them. Dee is the designer + enthusiast behind the canvas art shop {including prints, candles, gift sets, even fabric}. And this successful artist is also a mama to four kids… 4! As I enter into motherhood and evolve how I run my business to encompass my budding family, I am inspired by women like Dee. Read on for Dee’s interview in our new/continued “Mama + Biz Owner” series!

In fact, Dee is a dear friend of mine. We usually see each other a few times a year — at conferences or in Michigan {where I’m from/she currently lives}, and so just last weekend I got to hug her. We spent some time together on our journey home from Pennsylvania and let me tell you, it was a real treat to sit next to her on the flight. We talked about personal stuff and biz stuff, and I returned home to California seriously rejuvenated. The art Dee creates and shares via Red Letter Words is a true reflection of her heart. I’ll let Dee take over from here ;)


MEET THE DESIGNER// Hi, I’m Dee — wife to Tim for 19 years, mom to Katy, 15; Christian, 13; Max, 9; and Lily Grace, 7. I am a heart artist. A creativpreneur who visually shares timeless truth and beauty through art so everyone can know God’s heart and embrace their worth. You can find me at RedLetterWords.com, on Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram (@redletterwords).

When I started working on my art I didn’t start out thinking about it as a business but rather as a fun hobby. I really just wanted to incorporate scripture into decorating my family’s space and to share my faith through art with those who came into our home. It got to the point where friends of friends and their cousins, sisters, mother-in-laws, etc. wanted a print. So at the urgings of many, I started an Etsy shop. Totally out of my comfort zone but with that step out God took it from there.

Red Letter Words came after I had all my kids. My youngest, Lily Grace, was three when I first started on Etsy.  I found myself having little pockets of time between naps and school pick-ups/drop-offs to design. My prayer was that whatever spare time I was given I would use it to glorify God and I have been able to do this through my business.  As my kids are growing, though, I find myself saying “no” more often to work projects, conferences and traveling without them. I would rather spend that time with them — I will always have art in my house and my life, I won’t always have my kids in the house.

via Red Letter Words
I keep myself organized and inspired by writing everything down in notebooks — and I mean everything! Grocery lists, people to contact, goals, print ideas, prayer lists, design sketches. Entire product lines have been developed in my notebooks!  The notebooks are nothing fancy but each kind of reflects what kind of mood I was in when I bought them. Sometimes sassy or polka dotty, sometimes feeling extra powerful — like my favorite Wonder Woman notebook! Sometimes the basic 10 cent notebooks were the way I went and they are all FULL of my notes and lists!  Archaic? Yes!  Unorganized?  Sort of. But, I can usually find what I am looking for — I know that I wrote it in my notebook!  Does it work for me?  ABSOLUTELY!

As a rule, I strive to maintain a work/life balance. I make it a point to only check my email twice a day — usually once in the morning and once more after dinner. And as a household rule, no one ever has their phone at the dining table. Not ever.

via Red Letter Words
My words of advice for moms who are business owners or want to start your own business is to remember that everything has it’s season. It’s tempting to want to do everything, but I have learned that if I am trying to do everything then a lot of those things are not being done well.

And mom’s of babies — ENJOY YOUR BABIES! Take naps when they do! I know you hear it all the time but really truly cherish this time when you are their whole world and all they want to do is cuddle with you!

+ + +
GIVEAWAY// Red Letter Words is giving away ANY gallery wrap canvas print, up to 20″ x 20″ size {custom prints excluded}

To enter, visit the Red Letter Words shop and leave a comment below sharing a link to your favorite item {I will  be checking links — wink!}. For additional entries, pin via Pinterest up to 3 items from the RLW shop, leaving a separate comment below for each item you pin {up to three additional entries}.

Want to buy now? Dee’s entire holiday collection is 20% off during the month of November!

*Open to US residents only. Giveaway open through Tuesday, November 6th at 11:59pm PST. The winner will be announced the following day + shared at the top of this post. Good luck!

 

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Filed Under: blog & handmade advice, giveaway, shop feature

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116 Comments
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Elizabeth
Elizabeth
10 years ago

I like the Isaiah 40:31 print here: http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=298

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Trina Curran
Trina Curran
10 years ago

I love that you keep your notes all in a notebook! I do the same thing…it tends to work much better for my scattered mind, and it means I don’t have piles to sift through. :) I love this one! So many times I have way too many plans and I should remember this: http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=234

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Georgia Monroe
Georgia Monroe
10 years ago

Joy To The World in Red! http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=301

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Georgia Monroe
Georgia Monroe
10 years ago

http://pinterest.com/pin/283445370269082960/

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Georgia Monroe
Georgia Monroe
10 years ago

http://pinterest.com/pin/283445370269082956/

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Georgia Monroe
Georgia Monroe
10 years ago

http://pinterest.com/pin/283445370269082953/

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Meg
Meg
10 years ago

I’ve long wanted something from Red Letter Words! My favorite canvas right now is Take My Heart: http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=288

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Meg
Meg
10 years ago

Pinned Great is Thy Faithfulness, another favorite! : http://pinterest.com/pin/287808232407915058/

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Meg
Meg
10 years ago

I would love this one for my daughter’s room: http://pinterest.com/pin/287808232407915066/

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Meg
Meg
10 years ago

And this would make a really cute gift for a friend or family member: http://pinterest.com/pin/287808232407915070/

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Melissa @jonahbonah
Melissa @jonahbonah
10 years ago

http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=173

Love never fails.

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Jen @ Paisley Print Shoes
Jen @ Paisley Print Shoes
10 years ago

My mom sent me a link to your store and thougt we should be friends. :) I’m a fellow Minnesotan and I’m in the process of starting up my own store. Because of that I love this print: http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=315. Perfect for this season in my life! Can’t wait to blog-stalk your neck of the web!

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melissa whitacre
melissa whitacre
10 years ago

Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE MUSTARD SEED- http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=293 Can you imagine waking up to this everyday…how could one not put their best foot forward.

HUGS. :)

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melissa whitacre
melissa whitacre
10 years ago

Pinned to my RED LETTER ART Pinterest Board– http://pinterest.com/pin/43487952623260453/

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melissa whitacre
melissa whitacre
10 years ago

Pinned to my RED LETTER ART Pinterest Board— Keep Cal and Carry On–http://pinterest.com/pin/43487952623260448/

0
melissa whitacre
melissa whitacre
10 years ago

Pinned to my RED LETTER ART Pinterest Board http://pinterest.com/pin/43487952623260443/

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Krissa
Krissa
10 years ago

I love the O Holy Night print: http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=263

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Ashley
Ashley
10 years ago

I love this one: http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=49

It would be perfect, for my new home with my soon to be husband! We’re getting married in April

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Ashley
Ashley
10 years ago

http://pinterest.com/pin/104216178848609626/

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Ashley
Ashley
10 years ago

http://pinterest.com/pin/104216178848609630/

0
Ashley
Ashley
10 years ago

http://pinterest.com/pin/104216178848609632/

0
Kay
Kay
10 years ago

I just love SKU 1thessalonians516, it would be perfect for my husband for Christmas. This is a beautiful site, thank you for sharing.

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Kay
Kay
10 years ago

Oops, sorry, I had not seen that it is for U.S. only, plesae therefore delete my entry.

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Lauren
Lauren
10 years ago

I would love to win this one… http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=214 and give it to my daughter to take with her to college next fall.

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EFY
EFY
10 years ago

http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=30

I liked this piece with a quote from Jeremiah. God’s love is such a good gift.

0
Mary B
Mary B
10 years ago

This one is a current favorite: http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=275 I do have a couple of her products from her Urban Soul line. Love her stuff!!!

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Faye
Faye
10 years ago

I would love to have any of the scripture verses you have printed. Love your work.

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heather shults
heather shults
10 years ago

http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=185

Lovin’ this :) Thanks for the chance! This would hang proudly in our living room if I would be blessed enough to win.

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Melanie @ Whimsical Creations
Melanie @ Whimsical Creations
10 years ago

Let Your Dreams Set Sail is my favorite.
http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=122

Thank you for the chance to win.

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April LeCureux
April LeCureux
10 years ago

I love her She Knew series. I bought one for my new neice, “She knew that she was created in His image”. I always want her to know that God created her exactly the way she is for purposes that are amazing! I love all of Red Letter Words artwork! Amazing!!

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April LeCureux
April LeCureux
Reply to  April LeCureux
10 years ago

@April LeCureux,
http://www.redletterwords.com/index.cfm?cat_id=174 Forgot the link!!

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April LeCureux
April LeCureux
10 years ago

Also, pinned 3 of her pieces here: http://pinterest.com/AprilLeCureux/favorites/

0
Kathryn
Kathryn
10 years ago

Love this verse… http://www.redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=32

0
Heather Irene @ Rambling Rose
Heather Irene @ Rambling Rose
10 years ago

My favorite is “Take My Heart!” {http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=274}

0
Heather Irene @ Rambling Rose
Heather Irene @ Rambling Rose
10 years ago

Pinned “Take My Heart!” {http://pinterest.com/pin/180214422560488150/}

0
Alisha
Alisha
10 years ago

Love the Jeremiah 31 print in grey: http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=30
Great giveaway!

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Heather Irene @ Rambling Rose
Heather Irene @ Rambling Rose
10 years ago

Pinned Proverbs 3:5-6! {http://pinterest.com/pin/180214422560488166/}

0
Heather Irene @ Rambling Rose
Heather Irene @ Rambling Rose
10 years ago

Pinned “Give Thanks!” {http://pinterest.com/pin/180214422560488175/}

0
Shelley
Shelley
10 years ago

Love this pretty blue verse… http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=32

0
Shelley
Shelley
10 years ago

Give thanks!

http://pinterest.com/pin/186829084513190178/

0
Shelley
Shelley
10 years ago

Psalms 1 set…

http://pinterest.com/pin/186829084513190195/

0
Tracey
Tracey
10 years ago

I love big, fat, juicy giveaways! This is a really good one!

I couldn’t decide between: http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=319 AND
http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=275

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Cathy
Cathy
10 years ago

love the isaiah 55:12. i would put it right by my front door. http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=294

0
Cathy
Cathy
10 years ago

http://pinterest.com/pin/134334001356591596/

0
Emilee
Emilee
10 years ago

I love this one!!! http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=53

0
Cathy
Cathy
10 years ago

http://pinterest.com/pin/134334001356591563/

0
Cathy
Cathy
10 years ago

http://pinterest.com/pin/134334001356591562/

0
Allison C.
Allison C.
10 years ago

Love all them! My favorite is this one to remember the true meaning of Christmas:

http://www.redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=301

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Elizabeth
Elizabeth
10 years ago

http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=313

These are so great!

0
Allison C.
Allison C.
10 years ago

Love this one!!!

http://pinterest.com/pin/102949541453364273/

0
Allison C.
Allison C.
10 years ago

Such a good reminder of who we are in Christ!

http://pinterest.com/pin/102949541453364264/

0
Allison C.
Allison C.
10 years ago

One of my favorite scriptures!

http://pinterest.com/pin/102949541453364260/

0
Denise
Denise
10 years ago

It was hard to choose just one…but this one touches my heart,,,http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=173

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Denise
Denise
10 years ago

Absolutely perfect for the upcoming holidays! http://pinterest.com/pin/40462096622521972/

0
Denise
Denise
10 years ago

Still my favorite quote http://pinterest.com/pin/278238083200090477/

0
Denise
Denise
10 years ago

All time favorite sign! You really have and share beauty! http://pinterest.com/pin/278238083200090464/

0
Tracy
Tracy
10 years ago

I love all of your prints, especially “I knew… Rubies” http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=210

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Wendy
Wendy
10 years ago

This is my ultimate favorite!
http://pinterest.com/pin/143763413076472194/

0
Wendy
Wendy
10 years ago

I would love this for my childs room!
http://pinterest.com/pin/143763413076472189/

0
Wendy
Wendy
10 years ago

This is a great print!
http://pinterest.com/pin/143763413076472202/

0
Wendy
Wendy
10 years ago

I love this print, too.
http://pinterest.com/pin/143763413076472198/

0
Mandy
Mandy
10 years ago

LOOOOOVE this in blue, gallery-wrapped: http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=315

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Mandy
Mandy
10 years ago

Also amazing: http://pinterest.com/pin/255931191295641580/

0
Mandy
Mandy
10 years ago

This in white is my absolute fav: http://pinterest.com/pin/255931191295641588/

0
Mandy
Mandy
10 years ago

Simply fabulous: http://pinterest.com/pin/255931191295641601/

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danielle m.
danielle m.
10 years ago

LOVE all the old hymns but really love http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=274

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danielle m.
danielle m.
10 years ago

http://pinterest.com/pin/63331938481218637/

0
danielle m.
danielle m.
10 years ago

http://pinterest.com/pin/63331938481218636/

0
danielle m.
danielle m.
10 years ago

http://pinterest.com/pin/63331938481218626/

0
~Karrilee~
~Karrilee~
10 years ago

How can you pick just one?! OK – if I HAD to… it would be this one: http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=230 (and I would give it to my hs senior girlie so she could take it away to college with her… so she wouldn’t forget!!!)
~Karrilee~

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~Karrilee~
~Karrilee~
10 years ago

A Holiday Pin: http://pinterest.com/pin/156992736981855086/

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~Karrilee~
~Karrilee~
10 years ago

Pinned one of my favorite Hymns: http://pinterest.com/pin/156992736981855118/

0
~Karrilee~
~Karrilee~
10 years ago

I am my Beloveds! Love this one… ok – now I am done! Pinned: http://pinterest.com/pin/156992736981855141/

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Angie
Angie
10 years ago

http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=281

Love this shop! Thanks for sharing the interview :)

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Becky
Becky
10 years ago

I love the Swedish proverb “A shared joy is a double joy…”

http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?page=2

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Annie Barnett
Annie Barnett
10 years ago

My heart leaped a little when I saw this Gussy+Dee post. You two beautiful souls are teaching me much about this creativpreneur life. Crazy hard to choose just one, but I would love this one for our room: http://www.redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=281

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Jordan
Jordan
10 years ago

http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=25 this the was verse on my wedding invitations, love it!

0
Jordan
Jordan
10 years ago

love this one too- http://pinterest.com/pin/34199278391848951/

0
Jordan
Jordan
10 years ago

Another great one- http://pinterest.com/pin/34199278391848968/

0
Jordan
Jordan
10 years ago

oh, love this one too- http://pinterest.com/pin/34199278391848978/

0
Crystal S.
Crystal S.
10 years ago

I love the Guard Your Heart print :) http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=319

0
Jess :)
Jess :)
10 years ago

LOVE so many!!! Here is a favorite though….

http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=27

0
Jess :)
Jess :)
10 years ago

LOVE this!!!

http://pinterest.com/pin/187321665722350757/ Red Letter Words – JOY to the World wall art

0
Tonya
Tonya
10 years ago

http://www.redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=319

Love all of them!

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Jess :)
Jess :)
10 years ago

SO true!!

http://pinterest.com/pin/187321665722350785/ Red Letter Words – His Plan Prevails

0
Jess :)
Jess :)
10 years ago

One of my favorite verses!

http://pinterest.com/pin/187321665722350733/

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Lesley
Lesley
10 years ago

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2hZFl2/www.gussysews.com/2012/11/mama-biz-owner-part-vii/
Love this one!! Thanks.

0
Rebecca Park
Rebecca Park
10 years ago

http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=168

This was my Grandmother’s favourite verse.

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lindsay
lindsay
10 years ago

i have always wanted one of these signs! i pinned 4 different ones. i was sure i wanted micah 6:8 but then i saw this print of psalms 1 and knew that we needed it as a beautiful reminder…
http://pinterest.com/pin/144537469262529021/

0
lindsay
lindsay
10 years ago

i also love this one because i have a friend who could really use it right now. she has been through two losses this year and is scared to hope again, but i love this verse from hebrews:
http://pinterest.com/pin/144537469262528991/

0
lindsay
lindsay
10 years ago

this is my little girl gemma’s favorite song…
http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=276

0
lindsay
lindsay
10 years ago

the other one i love…last entry, promise :)
http://pinterest.com/pin/144537469262529008/

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Stephanie C.
Stephanie C.
10 years ago

coffee!

http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=119

0
Emily E
Emily E
10 years ago

http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=210
Such a sweet reminder

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Emily E
Emily E
10 years ago

http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=278

Favorite Hymn

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Emily E
Emily E
10 years ago

http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=90

Truth :)

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Kristen @ Joyfullythriving
Kristen @ Joyfullythriving
10 years ago

I love the “Love Was Born in a Stable.” How true, and perfect for the upcoming season! http://www.redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=100

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Kristen @ Joyfullythriving
Kristen @ Joyfullythriving
10 years ago

I pinned the True Love. http://pinterest.com/pin/100908847872267641/

0
Kristen @ Joyfullythriving
Kristen @ Joyfullythriving
10 years ago

Also pinned the Wait, Hope, Expect. I need that reminder! http://pinterest.com/pin/100908847872267663/

0
Kristen @ Joyfullythriving
Kristen @ Joyfullythriving
10 years ago

And I added this pin, too. You are My Sunshine? Precious! I do love all these! http://pinterest.com/pin/100908847872267693/

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Heathahlee
Heathahlee
10 years ago

I just did a post about shopping handmade shops this Christmas and had RLW in it! Love Dee, love her stuff! There’s no way I could choose a favorite, but I love this one! I’ll pin the rest! :)

http://redletterwords.com/index.cfm?Action=ViewDetails&prd_id=319

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