{You go nowhere by accident...}

Hello dear friends.

It has been a while, long while, since I have hopped on here.

I have not forgotten you.

I have thought about you often.

Many things have happened since our last chat. 

It is a season of change around here in many ways.

{God is good and He provides.}

I'll be back soon.

Until then...

Please enjoy the above.

It is something my Pastor says every Sunday and it is more real now than ever to me.

Blessings!

By His Grace,

Cole

Running for the Prize {Part 3}

This training, this running, can be so tiring.

It is by the encouragement and fellowship of other runners with me,

that I press on. 

I run for the the prize, the Ultimate goal.

I am running for my health...

 ...Both physically and spiritually.

 Source

Since I have started this race with others beside me, I can't help but see
the similarities between  the two.

Two puzzle pieces of the story, fitting together perfectly.

As a runner prepares and trains with a goal in mind,

so ought we to train our hearts towards HIM above.

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  

Philippians 3:12-15 NIV

We were not made to run this race alone. 

¹² Though one may be overpowered,
   two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  
Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV

If I hadn't shared my struggle/dream of wanting to get healthy and needing accountability, 

I would not have the running partners I do now.

Friends that I know will be waiting for me when the alarm screeches into the
early morning and my body screams, "NO."

When it comes down to it.

We need one another.

Do you have a "running" partner? 

Who do you go to for encouragement in running, in life? 

Do you find it hard to share your struggles, dreams?

{I admit it's hard for me, but so worth it when I do.}

By His Grace,

Cole

Welcome to this New Year! I am so happy to be back !! Back here with you! I've been making lists, getting organized, and seeking God's will for this space and...I'm excited!

We are still running. Somedays are easier said than done, but by the strength of God, I do it!

 Today...we completed our first 20 minute run! Woo-to-the-Hoo!

A prayer request & a thank you...

Merry Christmas!!!

  There is so much to be thankful for!

 

Thank you for sharing in the prayers for my dad who suffered 

a serious fall from heights a week and a half ago.

That is why it has been quiet around here.

It was so sudden, unexpected, and serious.

I sent out messages but did not make it on here.

I am so humbled by the out-pouring of prayers, thoughts, and love sent our way from those we know and those whom we've never even met.

From my whole heart...

Thank You....

 

Prayers were answered and he was sent home from the hospital on Friday

after being there since Monday.

There is still a long road ahead.

Would you please still pray?

Pray that God would touch him and heal his 5 broken ribs, his lungs, his intestines, and anything else we cannot see. 

 

Pray that we have wisdom to know how to help him.

I am so thankful to be with my family, my dad, for Christmas.

I've not forgotten about this series on, Running for the Prize.

The next one will come soon, but for now,

we are counting our blessings and spending these next few days together as a family, at home, not in the hospital. 

 

I wish each of you a Merry Christmas!!!

I pray that you are filled with joy and know the love of Christ.

I pray that where ever you are,

you know you are *loved*.

Loved by the most perfect gift sent from above.

-------

Excerpt below from an earlier post, "Gifts." 

A perfect gift sent to earth...

by humble means...

full of love, grace, and light.

weheartit

The gift of Jesus to each one of us.

A gift given to each of us to accept.

To know how much we are loved, known, and cared about.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,

and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only

begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 NKJV

Merry Christmas!

Cole

 

I will see you soon friends...

And the Winner...

of the wonderful DaySpring gift certificate...

Drum roll please...

Entry #2...

Elizabeth!!

Congrats Elizabeth! I'll contact you soon to give you your DaySpring code!

I hope all of you are having a wonderful Holiday weekend!
I know I am!

See ya soon.

By His Grace,

Cole

{Happy Thanksgiving}

Wishing you and your loved ones a beautiful day...
 

Giving Thanks
&
Living Thanks!

By His Grace,

Cole

Tomorrow I will randomly draw and announce our winner for the DaySpring giveaway!

Barn Sale Fabulous...

This past weekend I traveled over 4 hours to...

...visit my Best-ie from college {her and her husband just had their third child, a boy!}

AND

...to be a vendor in the Barn Sale!

WOO to the HOO!

I visited the Barn Sale last year as a shopper where I met some of the vendors...

Beki, Amy D., and Amy J.

They encouraged me to participate this fall and I am so glad that I did!

It was an early morning. 

Up at 5:00 a.m. and on the road shortly after 6:00.

Honestly, I only see 5:00 once in a day and it's not the a.m. ;)

It was so peaceful watching the sky turn its color as the sun peaked over the horizon.

I wish I would've stopped driving long enough to take a picture.

It made me think of the verses in the Old Testament of Jesus waking early,

rising up, and going out to pray.

Imagine the sunrises He must have saw!

I arrived shortly after 7a.m. and vendors were already there setting up.

A huge thank you to Celia of Lil' Miss Maya and her husband, and...

Josh and Beki for helping me with my canopy!

Here are some snapshots of the day!

...Lovely fields  surrounding us.

...My booth up and ready to go.

I love creating for others!

...Simply Created by Cole Journals.

I love using mine for my Bible journal.

...Simply Created by Cole Lovelies.

Baby bands, Headbands, Flower pins, necklaces, dessert stands.

...I finished setting up just as the sun was bursting through the trees.

Food Vendors setting up their goodies!

The Barn Sale had a lovely atmosphere with great vendors and shoppers alike.

There is an estimated 1100-1200 shoppers that came!

How fabulous is that?!

It was a lot of work preparing for it, but so worth it!

I didn't leave my booth often because it was just me.

Next time, I will definitely have someone there with me.

There were several friends and vendors I wanted to visit but didn't get to.

Next time for sure!

...Jodi was one of the vendors next to me who sold these fabulous, child capes.

It was so nice to meet you!

...Beki of The Rusted Chain was there selling her fabulous jewelry.

She is just as lovely in person as she is on her blog.

It was so great to see you Beki and to talk!

...Old and new friends and their booths.

 Amy D's booth was pretty awesome!

...Laura and her lovely wreaths. 

I love the orange, yellow,  and brown one up there in the corner.

It was great to meet you!

...It is pretty awesome how God is moving and working through this here blog.

I met the lovely Mindy Harris of Marigold Road.

She is so sweet!

It was neat to see how God opened up that conversation...

all from her fantastic headband!

{Can't wait to chat some more!}  

And...

Just to keep it real...

Here is a shot of the aftermath of a handmade show... ;)

 

Many things to put away, clean up, and begin working on for the next time.

But all full of...

Blessing!

It was such a great experience participating in the Barn Sale.

I love sharing Hope and encouragement with others through Creating.

Whether it be through the written word, listening, or creating with my hands.

God is so good!

Thank You to Josh and Beki for all your help!

You are rock-stars!!

 I still have a few things left, if there is something you want, just leave a comment on this blog or you can reach me at...

simplycreatedbycole(at)gmail(dot)com.

Please be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you!

Look for a Simply Created by Cole giveaway coming soon!

By His Grace,

Cole

I'm back...{barn sale & a vintage find}

...from the Barn Sale that is!!!

It was a wonderful weekend of Handmade vendors, baked goods, vintage finds, meeting creative vendors, selling some crafty goodness, meeting friends new and old, and spending time with my best-ie from college and her newborn, little boy! {Her third ca-ute child!!}

I'm starting my Monday off with a large Pumpkin Spice Latte and some Reading?

How about you?

I'll be back soon with all the goodness that is the Barn Sale!

For His Glory,

Cole

P.S.

Speaking of vintage...

Here is a great quote I found a couple weeks ago.

Should I go back and get it??? 

 

Opportunities & Pumpkin Spice Scones

Hi Friends!

Wow, I can not believe it has been almost 2 weeks since I've last posted.

I've been working like crazy on an opportunity to share Hope and smiles with others.

An opportunity to connect with some amazing, creative people!

I can't wait until next week when I can give you some pictures of this great experience.

I'll give you a hint...

in mobile phone picture of course!

I've also found a great recipe for Pumpkin Spice Scones and Pumpkin Spice Latte 

that I can't wait to share with you!

Until then...here's another snapshot.

 

I look forward to sharing with you this next week and

getting back into writing!

My soul is craving it!

Do you crave being the writer, reader, or both?

I have missed you!!!

Blessing Friends!

By His Grace,

Cole

 

{Fall Whispers In...}

...the cool mornings and nights,

...nature coming to life-breathing,

...faint whisper of wind chimes in the distance,

...sweet and savory smell of BBQ in the air,

...light dancing of the tractor wheel,

...pumpkin Roll candles,

...leaves every so slightly changing their hues,

...pumpkins,

...sounds of football in the air,

...bike rides,

...orchards,

...the neighbor hood alive, breathing in its last breaths before the cold, winter air.

...Thankful for all these.

The time to slow down and be.

How does fall whisper to you?

 By His Grace,

Cole

{Whispers of Fall...}

Hello friends!

I hope you have had a wonderful weekend.

If you are just joining us I'd like to share an inspirational journey with you...

...A Journey 5 friends and I shared the last two weeks...

A Journey that is still being lived.

This weekend was full of crafting, sewing, and time with family celebrating my dad's birthday.

Happy Birthday Dad!

I've taken on some new projects and it is full speed ahead.

I caught myself not finding time for rest this weekend and getting run-down that is...

until Sunday evening...

I remembered this post that God had laid on my heart and put it into practice.

It was hard for me to slow down, to be still, knowing how much has to be done.

But once I did...

I could hear the whispers of fall.

What are the whispers of fall you ask?

Well...

You'll have to come back tomorrow to find out. ;)

Until then..

Enjoy this picture of fall inspiration from my Pinterest board.

From marsh-madness.blogspot.com via Simply Created by Cole on Pinterest

I just love this idea for my entry way this year.

How do you like to decorate for fall?

Any great resources you would like to share??

For His Glory,

Cole

Loving This View...

...From my lounge chair in the backyard,

listening to the cicadas sing their song,

feeling the breeze on my skin,

watching the sky bursts into colors of yellow, then red, and orange,

stilling my soul,

taking a breath,

and counting gifts.

Just one of the things that Makes Life Lovely

What does your view look like?

Blessings, 

Cole

What I Love...{number 4}

Hi! {{waves}}

This week's What I Love is all because of my mom.

{Hi Mom!!! }

I recently ran some errands in "the city" a couple of weeks ago.

Our "city" is a  short  50 minutes away at the least.

{snort}

I decided that I would just grab lunch in town instead of waiting to eat when I got home.

I am so glad I did.

Recently, my mom has been talking about our local produce stand that has a great, little restaurant inside.

I had been there before to get produce but never ordered.

Let me tell you...

It was good!

Like....

fresh from the field good

{he he, hence a produce shop}

It was a cute, quaint, little space that has so much charm.

I loved the hand painted produce signs.

The rustic beams and bright, paper lanterns added so much charm.

It was full of natural light.

The food, awesome and fresh.

They had a to-die-for corn and black bean salsa. 

Oh. My. Word.

I was going to buy some, but they were out.

I know the next time I go there, I'm going to have to take the person that told me about it.

 

What little places do you love to eat at in your town (or one you visit) that is off the beaten path?

Have a Lovely Day,

Cole

Linking up with:

And then...it was over

Summer...that is.

As a teacher, I tend to describe my life in the ways of the school calendar.

While the season of summer is not over...

the freedom days of summer are.

Today I finished up our Reading area and...

I. Love. It.

I hope the students do too!

A soft, comfy rug.

Big, soft pillows.

A canopy overhead.

There is still lots to be done.

Finish putting the room back together and planning, lots of planning.

Sorry about the crickets around here this past week.

Lots of school work,

a rodeo,

a birthday,

a major migraine {boo},

meeting a blogging friend in real life {yay},

preparing meals,

celebrating a life,

Sunday service.

 Whew!

Lots for a week.

But, rest assure...

the crickets are gone.

They have left.  ;)

I am excited for this week and connecting with you.

So tell me...

How was/is your week?

Anything you'd like to share?

Have a Lovely Day,

Cole

{Why...}

Can you guess where this is taken?

Here's a hint... elevation 14,000+  feet!

The past 5 days, this Kansas girl has been enjoying some relaxation in the Colorado mountains.

Our family got together, it had been years since all five of us have been able to go.

My brother, sister, and I came back to our homes yesterday.

I believe I slept all but an hour of the ride and still slept when I got home.

I was tired.

I look forward to sharing some pictures with you about the trip.

But, for today it is re-group day. ;)

1. Laundry

2. Clean

3. Mowing the jungle yard in the 100+ heat (bleh)
4. Emails (your replies are coming)

5. And....reading for B90days!

Did you see the Garden Tour?

If you love to garden or if you are looking for some inspiration head on over.

There will not be a new {Thoughtful on a Tuesday} today.

But, here is a link to some previous ones for inspiration and hope.

{Thoughtful on a Tuesday}

Have I mentioned lately how much I love you guys?!!

You really do rock!

See ya soon.

Blessings, 

Cole

Coming next week...

... a garden tour...

full of inspiration and lovely!

Does this picture look familiar?
You may have first seen bits of it...here.

Do you like to garden?

If so, what do you plant??

Have a Lovely Friday,

Cole

Inspiration Workshop {Week 6}

Happy Thursday!

Are you ready for another Inspiration Workshop?!

Here is this week's prompt from Maggie of Gussy Sews:

"This week's prompt is PAMPER YOURSELF. We all deserve a little pampering, right? {right!} Whether you are a stay-at-home parent or a worker-bee, it's important to take a time out and take care of YOU. How do you PAMPER YOURSELF? Do you indulge in a spa day? Get a pedicure? Eat a yummy, gooey piece of chocolate cake? Show us in pictures {and text, if you wish} how you PAMPER YOURSELF! It could be something you've already done or something you want to do. I hope this prompt inspires you to take a little time to PAMPER YOURSELF. XOXO"

How would I pamper myself?

This one might shock ya....

but

.

.

.

.

I have never had a professional mani/pedi

Never.

Even through the bazillion many weddings I have been in,

We always just did our own nails.

Except for the bride. 

So...

I would spend the day

 with my besties getting a mani/pedi, and then 

hit the movie theater for the latest chick flick.

What color would I choose?

Something like this for my nails {I love the classic look to it}.

source

And this for my toes....

source

A little bit of sweet and sassy. ;)

How would you spend the day pampering yourself?

Come and join us:

Have a Lovely Day,

Cole