Infinite Gifts

Two weekends ago, the Women's Ministry at our church held an In-House Retreat with guest speaker Ann Voskamp and worship leader Jenny Pruitt. There were hundreds of women coming from all across the country to join us in listening to Ann speak. They sold out the sanctuary and had a live-feed held in the gym (that's a lot of women)!!!

If you didn't already know, Ann Voskamp is the NY Times Best-selling author of "One Thousand Gifts", writer for Dayspring, and blogs at "A Holy Experience" daily. She is so sweet, soft spoken (she talked with such clarity and gentleness), and sincere!!

I had wanted to serve in our church in some way and some of my photos were going to be used for the Women's Ministry website (nature, sunsets, etc) and for the blog as well. One morning after Bible Study, Debi asked if I would be interested in taking photos for the upcoming event.....

(In my head)...."WHAT??!! Would I?! Me?! Are you kidding?! OF COURSE!!!"

(But I answered hopefully calmly)....."Yes, I'd love to! I already bought a ticket!" 

(Still I was thinking).... "Oh my goodness!!! WHAT??!! Ann Voskamp?! Take her picture?! I can't believe this!! I hope I do a good job!!! I need to learn how to shoot in manual better!"

Seriously, it was all I could do not to jump up and down!! HAHA!!! What a GIFT!!! But, I was way too nervous and I only told my mom, Matt, and Haley what I was going to do. I mean, I'm NOT a professional photographer!!!! It's just a hobby I enjoy/think I'm ok at......

Anyhow, that's not the purpose of my post. I just wanted to share some photos and quotes from the retreat with you :)

Friday Evening: March 23rd

The women started to line up outside a half hour before the doors would open and it started to wrap around the side of the church. Everyone was happy to be there and looking forward to a great night. Volunteer staff were around to help those who still needed to purchase tickets, get some refreshments, find a restroom, get to a seat, or purchase a book. 

Debi welcomed everyone for coming and started us off with prayer. Then, Jenny Pruitt and 3 girls helped lead the praise and worship. We sang a few hymns and a few contemporary songs. Hearing hundreds of voices singing in unison really gives a beautiful heavenly longing.

After watching a short video, Ann took to the stage.

This is where she talked about how Satan was against us using a pen. He hates any writing utensil. He doesn't want us to write down our gifts and be thankful or find joy. Which hit me on so many levels: I used to be an avid journaling gal (I still do occasionally), write down my prayers, and now with writing letters to my brother. 

"What if I opened the clenched hands wide to receive all that is? 

A life that receives all God in this moment? Sisters, will you?"

 This photo gives a glimpse at how dark it was in there.....

Definitely a good chance for me to work on my photography skills :)

Saturday Morning: March 24th

Opening up with talking about her fear of public speaking and Agoraphobia, which
had us all laughing, yet it was very open and honest.

"Do I trust the Bridge Builder?" 

Trust is the bridge from yesterday to tomorrow, built with planks of thanks." 

"Giving THANKS to God for what He has done 

because I know he holds me through the Cross of Christ"

"God is always good and I am always loved"

At the end, she shared with us her stories and involvement with Compassion Intl.

I gave the book "One Thousand Gifts" to my mom for her birthday last year and she loved it. So, I knew I had to get her a ticket and have a weekend with her! She drove down on Friday afternoon and we had lunch before arriving early at church. She was so excited just to have a reserved seat with her name on it! Ha! While I was running around taking photos, she met some ladies from out of state and enjoyed the retreat. After Saturday morning's events were over, we enjoyed a lunch at Five Loaves and discussed what Ann talked about. It was a very special weekend and even more blessed to spend it with my mom.

My mom talking to Ann

I just love this photo :)

And you have the chance to listen online to Ann's message!!! *it's not up yet

Since I was running all around and couldn't take notes, I know I will be listening again!!!! 

ALL IS GRACE

Wordless Wednesdays {The Hunger Games}

I look forward to seeing The Hunger Games!
It comes out this weekend! Anyone else seeing it?!
The books were better than I expected. If you get the chance, do read the books first!!
(I linked up some reviews- it is PG-13- the books include violence and romance)

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Coton Colors {& a Giveaway}

Have you ever heard of Coton Colors?!!
Well, even if you have, I'm about to tell ya a little bit about this wonderful company!!

Founded in 1995, Laura Johnson was inspired by the celebrations of her own life. As Laura's life progressed through the years and her family grew, the Coton Colors line evolved and still continues to!

Coton Colors' products are some of the most coveted pieces for decorators and gift seekers across the nation. Their products are available in more than 3,000 stores (WOW!). With it's humble foundations (Laura's own garage), to the company it is today, not much has changed in being a leader in the giftware industry encouraging it's customers to mark all the celebrations of life with fervor!

{For several years I have bought many of their products and I love each and every one!! I guarantee you'll love their stuff!!}

So, I'd like to share with you a couple of the things that Coton Colors offers to celebrate life with:

Happy Everything

The most popularly known product of Coton Colors is their Happy Everything line. Their top-selling piece is the Original Platter which features 69 interchangeable attachments (WHOA!).  The range of attachments aren't limited to just the 4 seasons and major holidays- they are for the Happy EVERY Day (and changing the attachments for different events is so much fun)!!! It would be special to have an attachment for your child's birthday, the first day of school, high school graduation, or even a family member's wedding day!!
HINT HINT: These make awesome gifts for teachers, parents, and friends :)

Happy Everything has also been made into other great pieces (as seen below)!!
Don't these just make you SMILE?!! 

Magnetic Chalkboard, Picture Frame, Wreath, Message Board, & Cookie Jar

 

{I love my Mini Platter (on the R) & enjoy decorating it for the holidays!}

Cookbook

The NEWEST addition to the Coton Colors family is the "Happy Everything Cookbook"!! :) 

The book includes:

* 70 delicious recipes paired with beautiful photos & tips on every page

*Decorating ideas that include Coton Color products with style & simplicity

*All of the recipes are centered around 11 Memorable events 

*Each individual recipe is unique enough to be made for any occasion

The cookbook is so new, in fact, it hasn't even hit the stands yet!! If you Pre-Order your cookbook before November 3rd, you will receive a signed copy by Laura (the creative Designer) & Susie (the fabulous Cook)!!! They are also having a Happy Everything Cookbook Holiday Tour (check to see if they're coming to YOUR city) to share their cookbook & meet fans!!! 

What a perfect gift to give to someone that loves to cook and host parties!!

Think Pink

Since it's still the month of October, I thought I would share that Coton Colors is dedicated to the cause for raising breast cancer awareness. For every pink ribbon attachment or believe/hope/pray ornament purchase, they are donating $1 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The ornaments can even be personalized with a name & date or a special event!

Seasonal

There are several different seasonal items to use in celebrating throughout the year. I especially love their serving pieces for a holiday party or family get together! (The new chevron pieces are my favorite!!)

They have great items for Thanksgiving Dinner, a Harvest Party, or enjoying Halloween

Throw an Easter Egg Hunt with these sweet items :)

 

Have a girlfriend getting engaged or married? These make great gifts!!

{I have the "Just Engaged" picture frame given to me by my BFF}

The Christmas items are SO stinkin' cute & they even have Religious themed products!

{I have several of the Christmas ornaments and like hanging them on my tree each year!}

 
How cute are the new Chevron pottery pieces?!

Collegiate

Coton Colors has an awesome selection of leading Universities (39) and Greek (15) items to choose from!! They have ornaments, picture frames, plates, wreaths, baby gifts, wedding gifts, and platters (you name it!) to tailgate with or decorate on Gameday!! Grab some gear and cheer on your favorite team!!

{Had to represent my alma mater & the hubs}

BLOG

And last, but not least, is the Coton Colors blog. The blog was started by Laura (the owner and creator) over a year and a half ago as a way to celebrate life and share new ideas. By being a subscriber to the blog, I'm able to receive firsthand knowledge about products, giveaways, discounts, decorating ideas, and fun features. I love it! Head on over, check it out, and become a follower now!!

I hope y'all enjoyed reading about the amazing things that Coton Colors has to offer! :)

And now one of my lucky readers has the chance to win THIS........

A Mini Happy Everything plate & Party Hat attachment

{A $60+ value!!!}

To Enter the Giveaway:

REQUIRED

1. Go to the Coton Colors Website & comment BACK HERE on my blog with your favorite item!

Extra Entries:
OPTIONAL

2. SUBSCRIBE to Coton Colors Blog
3. LIKE Coton Colors Facebook Page

4. SHARE this Giveaway on your Facebook
5. TWEET this Giveaway (include @lifeasapepin & @cotoncolors)

*PLEASE leave a SEPARATE Comment for each thing you do!!!!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED


The Giveaway Ends:
Tuesday NOVEMBER 1st, 2011  
@10pm EST
US Residents Only

Celebrate Life in Style!

{This giveaway is for Life as a Pepin readers (please subscribe thru email, follow with GFC, or subscribe to posts if not already). The giveaway product was sponsored by Coton Colors. Once the winner is drawn, I will provide them with the winner's information (Please allow time for a response and the mailing of your prize)!!! I did not receive monetary compensation for this giveaway, but was provided with a "Born to Blog" ornament and Press Materials. Facts were provided by Coton Colors/The Mayfield Group. The views and opinions are my own.}