• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • SHOP
  • BLOG
  • WHOLESALE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Hearts and Sharts

A Little Cute, A Little Unexpected

Signs From Above

December 8, 2015 by Hearts&Sharts 22 Comments

Hi. So, yeah, another personal post.

The last one felt a little weird to write but once I got it out there, not so weird. Did that last post open the flood gates? I dunno, maybe. Maybe it’s just too dang cold to paint furniture and it’s making me warm and feely inside. I do know that a lot of crazy things have happened in my life in the last few years (even more so lately) and I really feel like I have to share. I see signs from above all the time. You can call me crazy, doesn’t even bother me.

This is incredibly personal to me because of the way God has changed my life. I do realize that most of you come here for DIY inspiration, before  & afters, and maybe a toot joke here and there. So I understand if this post might not be what you were expecting in your inbox, but I’d love for you to hear my story. I had someone unsubscribe recently and cited my Jesus Y’all page as the reason, so if you don’t want to stick around, that’s cool, too.

Signs from Above || Hearts & Sharts

If you haven’t read my post about how I found God, lemme give you a quick rundown. Lived in Texas, bought a house with fiance, Mom died in car accident 6 month’s prior to wedding, got married, got a book from Dad called “God I Have a Question” by Dr. James Merritt, read it cover to cover, decided I wanted to be baptized and wanted Dr. Merritt to do it. It was a fleeting thought because Dr. Merritt was in Atlanta. Two weeks later, Hubs got an offer to move to Atlanta for work. This was the first sign that I saw that was so blatant that I couldn’t ignore. We moved. Was baptized at Dr. Merritt’s church.

Okay, so, here’s the part where you might call me crazy. So, 11:11. There are tons of theories about people who see this number all of the time and lots of articles about how it’s the “universe” telling you something and blah blah blah. I mean, it gets kinda deep and I don’t buy it until I substitute “universe” for “God”. I started seeing 11:11 almost every day after Mom passed away. She passed away on 4/1, which is four ones, 11:11. You’re rolling your eyes, I can hear it. I wasn’t working at the time and wasn’t on any sort of schedule, I was planning the wedding, dealing with her estate, every day was different, yet I always caught myself thinking “What time is it?” at exactly 11:11 am. I tried so hard to tell myself that it was my inner clock but things would happen that would convince me otherwise; that they were signs from God.

A few weeks ago, my phone was acting up. It kept telling me that it was low on memory and couldn’t function properly. Rather than delete any images, I reached for my SD card dish, which is this creepy thing, and grabbed a mini-SD card I had in there. I had three to choose from, I just picked one and popped it in, the phone was working so I went back to my business. Then I started wondering what was on that SD card and how there must be some old, ridiculous, silly pics on it, so I clicked on my gallery to check it out. It was from Mom’s phone. The first images that came up were the last pictures she ever took from the night she died. Her phone had been crushed and I had taken her memory cards out of her phone. She had been out with friends and there they were; happy, smiling, alive. It felt like a punch in the gut. I put my phone down and looked at the date on my computer; 11/11. Double gut punch. I took a minute to freak out internally and then went on about my day, ’cause these are coincidences, right?

Later that night, I was laying in bed taking a dumb quiz online about what color would look best on me. Green. Freakin’ green. I do not look good in green. I thought about how it was Mom’s favorite color, put my phone down and went to sleep. A few hours later, Hubs and I were woken up by someone screaming outside. It was the voice of a female and she was clearly distraught. She was screaming “Mom” at the top of her lungs. It became clear that she had been locked out of her house by her parents. She screamed and cried and it brought back so many memories of my relationship with my own mother. It wasn’t the best. We argued all the time, I ran away or was kicked out so many times and we had screaming matches that would rival the worst of ’em. I felt that I knew exactly what this girl was feeling. It broke my heart all over again and made all of the old wounds feel fresh. I was nauseous and filled with regret about my relationship with my Mom. The girl started yelling “help”, which I felt gave us no choice but to call the police, regardless of whether or not she was actually in danger. The police came and we went back to bed.

Guess what time it was. Yeah, 11:11 on 11/11.

About a week later, I got an email from a freelance editor saying that she had great news and that she wanted to send a photographer and stylist out to shoot our home for a BHG special interest mag feature. I read the email on my phone, closed the email app to my phone home screen; 11:11.

So, I don’t really buy into the whole “one with the universe” schtick that 11:11 theorists put out there. I think God knows that that’s something that I pay attention to, that I am open to, and He uses that to give me little signals. Or to just generally freak me out, because that’s what happens a lot of the time. I think He communicates this way with all of us, we just have to keep our eyes and hearts open.

Mom’s birthday was 11/19. When I woke up that morning, I told God “I’d really love to hear from her today.” Another voice in my head reminded me that she always said her “birthday was just another day”, so I didn’t think on it too hard. I went about my day and while I was having lunch, I checked my Instagram notifications. There was a comment on one of my photos from a guy who follows me. (I’m totally following him, too, because he’s a producer of one of my favorite shows ever, Big Brother.) I clicked on the notification and it took me to the image he had commented on…. 27 weeks deep in my ‘gram, a pic of me and mom.

A photo posted by Dena (Holley) Stormer (@heartsandsharts) on May 10, 2015 at 6:55am PDT

  Tell me that’s a coincidence.

Atlanta Magazine has a new publication called HOME. Their winter edition just came out and I ran out and bought two copies because they mentioned my name (and published the word “sharts”!).

In good company on the pages of @atlantamagazine’s quarterly mag HOME. So happy to be a part of @dwellwithdignity and to get to work with amazing people for such a wonderful cause. @stevemckenzies @julieminteriors @gordondunning @ajwdesignsinc @egyptsherrod ?❤? #NameDropper #HeartsAndSharts #DwellWithDignityAtlanta   A photo posted by Dena (Holley) Stormer (@heartsandsharts) on Nov 25, 2015 at 4:34pm PST

After finding out more deets on my photoshoot for the BHG Special Interest mag, I googled the photographers. Same people who did the cover for the issue I was just mentioned in.

Signs from Above || Hearts & Sharts

Source

So, that one might not seem so crazy to you, but I have literally never been in a magazine and that connection just seemed…. weird. The feature they photographed for that magazine also had an old wooden cuckoo clock that was acquired through travels. We have the same clock.

Signs from Above || Hearts & Sharts

Source

The photo shoot was scheduled and we had family coming over for an early Thanksgiving so I hit some thrift stores to try to fill some empty frames hanging in our living room gallery wall. I spotted a Roger Miller record that I couldn’t pass up. I snagged it, took it home and thought to myself, “This record cover looks so familiar, do I already own this record? No, no way. I just organized my records in record cabinet and this one wasn’t in there.“

When I got home, I started cleaning the house to prep guest rooms for family. I walked into our main guest room and saw this:

Signs from Above || Hearts & Sharts

The Skynyrd album had fallen over and there was another previously purchased Roger Miller record just sitting there. I’ve had these records propped up in here for several months just because the colors match the room and forgot they were even in there… No one ever goes in that room and the air vents are closed so a gust of A/C breeze didn’t just knock this over. Coincidence? Gremlins?!

The photo shoot was this past Wednesday and I hit the mall looking for something to wear. I had spoken to the stylist about an outfit and mentioned that I had a dress that I had made from a vintage chintz of my grandmother’s that I also used on our kitchen curtains. How Von Trapp.

Signs from Above || Hearts & Sharts

She said that she thought that would be a great part of the story so I planned on wearing this dress but wanted something in the same color as the skirt to cover my arms. I shopped all dang day, carrying a swatch of fabric with me. No luck. I gave up and bought a navy blue cardigan and just planned on wearing jeans. The next day was photoshoot day and my StitchFix happened to arrive that day, a day early. In it was an olive green cardigan that matched this dress perfectly.

Shut the front door.

I mean, what the heck? What the heck?!?! I completely refuse to believe that all of these things are coincidences. Crazy things like this happen in my life on a regular basis.

Maybe I’m just looking for connections between everything…

Or maybe these are signs from God.

Little messages letting me know I’m on the right track, I’m right where I need to be or I need to take that moment to just be fully aware of His greatness. I strongly believe He is guiding me through life. He brought me to my husband, who literally made me do a 180 and get my shiz together, He brought me to Atlanta, He’s given me so many opportunities and so many blessings that I am completely overwhelmed and can’t do anything but give Him all the credit for all of it.

I ended up wearing the green sweater with jeans for my pic in the magazine; one of the photographers and the stylist made the call. And you know what they said?! “You look great in green.”

Friggin’ green.

If you’re missing a loved one, know they are here with you. If you need God in your life (we all do), He’s right here, bro. He’s listening, He’s watching and He knows exactly what we need.

Okay, let’s do that thing; right hand on your left shoulder, left hand on your right shoulder. Squeeze.

That’s from me.

Love you.

Free Christmas Printable || Isaiah 9:6
Thrift Score Thursday

Comments

  1. Katherine says

    February 23, 2016 at 1:38 am

    I love this post! I’ve been having a LOT of similarly bizarre things happening to me lately. Just a few minutes ago I found a tiny 3 pack of watch-type batteries sitting on my husband’s vanity. On closer inspection I see that they’re the size I need for a wooden house I jazzed up extensely for Xmas this past year. I just put the house away about 2 weeks ago after telling my husband how our son’s toy takes the exact size I need for the house. The house not only didn’t come with batteries but it wasn’t marked anywhere, either! I need 3 batteries for the house. Weird! They’re wrapped in plain plastic! No packaging! I hear The Twilight Zone music playing…

    Reply
    • Hearts&Sharts says

      February 23, 2016 at 11:50 am

      So creepy but also very awesome! Thank you, Katherine!

      Reply
  2. Lynn Clark says

    January 31, 2016 at 3:48 pm

    Dena, I think that many of us steer away from religious posts due to the dogma and rigidity of organized religion. People who have true faith and allow others to believe whatever and however they deem best are to be respected. Your post was lovely. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

    Reply
    • Hearts&Sharts says

      January 31, 2016 at 6:10 pm

      Thank you, Lynn. Very sweet!

      Reply
  3. Lesley says

    December 9, 2015 at 5:37 pm

    I love this post. I love God. Thank you for sharing! I agree, you know, that we (all His kids) find favor in big situations, and also in the every-day mundane. Hugs!

    Reply
    • Hearts & Sharts says

      December 9, 2015 at 8:01 pm

      Thanks, Lesley! Hugs right back atcha!

      Reply
  4. Anna says

    December 8, 2015 at 11:29 pm

    Goosebumps. I think you’re precious and while I am not necessarily a believer in God, I wouldn’t unfollow you for your beliefs. That’s just plain silly and I’d miss out on all the sharts. <3

    Reply
    • Hearts & Sharts says

      December 9, 2015 at 9:16 am

      Thank you Anna! Muah!

      Reply
  5. Sally says

    December 8, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    Great post! I don’t believe in coincidences, God knows us inside and out. He knows exactly what and when we need something.

    Reply
    • Hearts & Sharts says

      December 9, 2015 at 9:17 am

      Thank you, Sally! He’s amazing!

      Reply
  6. Debrashoppeno5 says

    December 8, 2015 at 7:09 pm

    Thank you for sharing

    Reply
    • Hearts & Sharts says

      December 8, 2015 at 7:37 pm

      Thank YOU for reading, Debra!

      Reply
  7. Bobbie Hart says

    December 8, 2015 at 6:56 pm

    Nope, no coincidences, Babe. He loves you, and he just knows you’re listening…and I think he likes your sense of humor, so he enjoys messing with your head a little. I mean, does it get any better than that? Thank you for this cool post.

    Reply
    • Hearts & Sharts says

      December 8, 2015 at 7:05 pm

      Thank you, Bobbie!!! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Tammy says

    December 8, 2015 at 6:47 pm

    Gal – you are so awesome. I just felt I needed to tell you that. I also believe God “talks” to us in ways we can understand. Yes, He can and does use these odd things just to let us know He is near. I believe He also allows our loved ones in Heaven to bless us by allowing these “signs” to touch our hearts exactly when we need them most.

    Hugs…

    Reply
    • Hearts & Sharts says

      December 8, 2015 at 7:05 pm

      Thank you so much, Tammy! He is pretty amazing. Hugs right back atcha!!

      Reply
  9. Donna says

    December 8, 2015 at 3:47 pm

    Just so you know, you’re not alone, this “shiz” happens to me ALL THE TIME!! The numbers 11:11 and 12:34.
    I started to tell someone when I would get these “feelings” and then when it happened I would say to the person I told “see”. It’s a wonderful gift to feel the Spirit,.
    Thank you for sharing,
    Blessings be to You,

    Reply
    • Hearts & Sharts says

      December 8, 2015 at 5:05 pm

      So glad, Donna! Sometimes I think I must be crazy, like, these aren’t hidden messages. These are blatant hey-listen-to-me-right-now messages. You are so right, it IS a wonderful gift! Thank you, Donna!

      Reply
  10. chris aka monkey says

    December 8, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    love this post xx

    Reply
    • Hearts & Sharts says

      December 8, 2015 at 4:58 pm

      Thank you, Chris!!!

      Reply
  11. LizzieB says

    December 8, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    Dena- I was sitting in the drive thru of Taco Bell looking thru emails. I came across yours and I have to admit, I am one of those people who doesn’t really care for ” religious posts” . Having said that, I am now in my driveway tears streaming down my face from your Awesome post ! I too believe that God speaks to me in quirky, serendipitous ways, and today was thru your blog! Thank you for sharing your light and your stories about your mom! Btw, my bday is 11/11! We are called to be Salt and Light!! Much love-Lizzie

    Reply
    • Hearts & Sharts says

      December 8, 2015 at 5:02 pm

      Oh my goodness, Lizzie! Your birthday is 11/11?! Dude. So glad you commented and so glad I posted this today. Thank you!!!

      Ps. I’d love to know what you got from Taco B. I’m starving right now.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Instagram

Cards are 5 for $20, if you're looking to stock up Cards are 5 for $20, if you're looking to stock up 🎄
.
#HeartsandSharts #griswoldfamilychristmas #nationallampoonschristmasvacation #moosemug #christmascards #stationerytrends #thebusinessbitchTM #cousineddie #cousineddy #griswold #illustration
Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a bag of dicks Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a bag of dicks, amiright?
.
Stickers, Cards, Totes - in the shop.
shop.heartsandsharts.com
.
#HeartsAndSharts #StationeryTrends #HandmadeBusiness #FaireWholesale #CuteShit #Sharts #bagofdicks #tote #christmasgiftideas #funnychristmasgifts #handmadeAF #handlettering #stickeraddict #stickers
Pairs well with wine for an easy Christmas gift. H Pairs well with wine for an easy Christmas gift. Handmade AF and the sharts ship fast. 😍🧀
.
#HeartsandSharts #PaperCampAlum #GreetingCards #FaireWholesale #tsbcalum #wineandcheese #wine #cheese #teatowels #foodinstagram #kitchengifts #repeatpattern
Got a pickle lover on your Christmas list? I do - Got a pickle lover on your Christmas list? I do - he's getting an assortment of pickles and one of these babies. Easy peasy Christmas gift - lots more in the sharty shop!
.
Shop.heartsandsharts.com
.
#HeartsandSharts #PaperCampAlum #GreetingCards #FaireWholesale #tsbcalum #repeatpattern #pickles #picklelover #stationery #ihavethisthingwithpink #easychristmasgift
Gnome enamel pins are back in stock! They went so Gnome enamel pins are back in stock! They went so fast last year! Snag a few while they're fresh - they make the best sock stuffers!
.
#HeartsandSharts #gnomes #enamelpin #pinjunkie #pinaddicts 
#pinoftheday #pinsofig #gnome #pinstagram #pingame #stockingstuffer #gnome #christmas2021 #christmasgnomes
I ship fast as f*ck, boiiii! . #HeartsandSharts #P I ship fast as f*ck, boiiii!
.
#HeartsandSharts #PaperCampAlum #GreetingCards #FaireWholesale #tsbcalum #snailmail #snailmailforever #princealbertinacan #santa #holidaycards #christmascards #sendmoremail
Pink is literally my favorite Christmas color ever Pink is literally my favorite Christmas color ever.
.
Custom repeat pattern on handmade tea towels, in handmade packaging. 
.
#HeartsandSharts #PaperCampAlum #christmas2021 #christmasgifts #ihavethisthingwithpink #teatowels #DallasMaker #ShopSmallDallas #WomenOwnedSmallBiz #Christmastrees #repeatpattern #surfacepatterndesign #textiledesign
Took almost an entire month off of IG without real Took almost an entire month off of IG without realizing it. Don't ask me what I was doing 🥦
.
#HeartsandSharts #PaperCampAlum #GreetingCards #FaireWholesale #tsbcalum #shopsmalldallas #blitzen #christmasgifts #teatowels #readytoship #stationery
Load More... Follow on Instagram
SIDEBAR ABOUT SECTION

Get sharty updates in your inbox!


SHOP ICON

FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK

BLOG POSTS

Shop Updates + GIVEAWAY

Dwell with Dignity Atlanta || Sept 2015 || Hearts & Sharts || heartsandsharts.com

Dwell with Dignity – September Install

Another Rast Campaign Hack | Hearts & Sharts | www.heartsandsharts.com

Table Into Bench & A Rast Hack

Furniture Refurb: Five Dollar Chairs

DIY Mid-Century Modern Media Console [VIDEO]

Chair Makeover and a Giveaway!!

  • Shannon H.Shannon H.

    Super freakin cute!

  • David S.David S.

    My wife was totally amazed with the craftsmanship and attention to detail. Our friends are very impressed with the ONE OF A KIND DESIGN. I hope there's plenty in inventory as this is a must have! We couldn't be happier with this product.

  • Heather B.Heather B.

    Pretty much the greatest kitchen towel of all time. You are the Bees Knees!

  • WitAndWoodWitAndWood

    Flag is currently flying! Love this bag and so does my daughter so we grabbed the one with the pills for her. Well made bags with fun designs!!

  • WitAndWoodWitAndWood

    Another fun bag! My daughter will love this...on Christmas...when I give it to her. :) Or I will love it, when I decide to keep it.

  • JacJac

    Adorable. Perfect birthday card.

  • Barbara A.Barbara A.

    Super cute. Well made. Thick material. Will look great on my son's bed!

  • Manda J.Manda J.

    The card was perfect quality. Super fast delivery. Thank you!! Both me and the card recipient loved it.

  • Jim W.Jim W.

    "Such a cool little nod to one of our fave films.... looks brilliant when printed and framed. Bargain."

  • Lizzie E.Lizzie E.

    "awesome, i love it! can't wait to frame it!"

  • Rebecca P.Rebecca P.

    "Loved that I got to preview what the pillow would look like before receiving it! Wonderful all around!"

  • Colleen S.Colleen S.58 Water Street

    "This pillow was a gift from Jasper to his humans, and they love it! It is well made, with quality materials, and shipped promptly. I'll be ordering more from Dena!"

  • Shelly M.Shelly M.

    "Loved the service and quality I received from heartsandsharts! I informed the seller that I needed this for a gift within the next month and before I knew it, the pillow cover was being shipped within the first few days! I was very impressed. My friend absolutely loved her customized pillow cover as well! Would definitely recommend :)"

  • Alan M.Alan M.

    "The quality is great and the service is very fast! We have bought two pillows as gifts and our family members love them!"

  • Melissa G.Melissa G.

    "Love it! I ordered the "Let's Kick It" pillow in green and it's perfect. It's great quality and came very quickly. I get compliments on it from all of our guests!"

  • Maggie P.Maggie P.

    "My friend received her custom-made Airstream pillow. She is so pleased. Thank you for your expedient service and your design of the pillow. We are all very "Happy Campers".

Get Updates!

75 dena@heartsandsharts.com
Google+
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • SHOP
  • BLOG
  • WHOLESALE

© 2022 · Pretty Creative WordPress Theme by, Pretty Darn Cute Design || © 2022 · Hearts & Sharts . All images are property of Hearts & Sharts unless otherwise noted. You MAY NOT use these images without prior written consent. Please review my disclosure notice and privacy policy for more information.

subscribe pop up
never third party