We are excited to continue to build the Life Lived Beautifully team! A few weeks ago we introduced our new Design Intern and Shop Assistant. Today, we would like you to meet our beautiful, talented, and passionate marketing intern, Tina Stanley! Grab a cup of coffee and meet Tina!

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Introduce yourself like we are having a cup of coffee together. What kind of coffee/tea would you drink?

Hi, I’m Tina Stanley and I am a recent college graduate from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa where I studied advertising and marketing. I graduated last spring and am now a full-time Marketing Coordinator for the Iowa Bankers Association. I’m also a part-time painting instructor at a local studio, Pinot’s Palette. Originally, I’m from Northfield, Minnesota where we’re known for our “Cows, Colleges and Contentment.” As the youngest of five sisters, I appreciate real conversation and real laughs. I love connecting with women and listening for a way to encourage and affirm. I love old movies, mustard yellow, traveling, pumpkin pie, my family and the opportunity to create. I admit, I’m unable to drink black coffee … But, with a splash of cream and one (or four) scoops of sugar I’m ready to caffeinate! 

What does a normal day in your life look like? 

My day starts with 2-5 pushes of the “Snooze” button. (I’m working on it …) I throw on some business professional attire and I head to my kitchen. I cook up an egg on toast and read my bible. Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm, I’m at the office and do anything from graphic design to event planning to social media marketing. The evenings are busy with regular activities with my church’s community group (or watching Gilmore Girls with my roommates). I’m thankful for my full schedule!

What is your definition of a “life lived beautifully”?

I believe a life lived beautifully is a life transformed by God’s promises. As a Christ-follower, we are promised abounding grace, relentless pursuit, unconditional love and a radiant joy. As a heart absorbs these promises, a divine peace and assurance inspires a life to live beautifully with the desire to glorify and honor God. 

When did you start following Jesus?

I am so thankful I grew up in a Christian home. My parents loved God and wanted their children to know Him. I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was eight years old, but I didn’t understand what that fully meant. When I was 13 years old, my dad died unexpectedly from a heart attack. The shock surfaced brand new feelings and experiences with God. I believed God was good, but I couldn’t entirely understand why He would choose this situation for my family. As I struggled with identity and uncertainty through high school, I was okay with having an apathetic attitude towards God. My freshman year of college rolled around and I was empty, unhappy and tired of pretending. After many struggles and hard choices, I decided to recommit my life to Christ my sophomore year of college. I finally understood (and continue to learn) that God’s grace is undeserving but completely unending. God is jealous for our heart.

What are some verses you cling to?

This month I’ve been learning a lot about resting in Jesus. Lately, I’ve been clinging to verses about the peace that comes from knowing God, despite tough circumstances and the world’s example, like Philippians 4:6-7, John 16:33 and Isaiah 26:3. 

What are some of your favorite books?

My favorite book right now is Love Does by Bob Goff. His stories and message really inspired me to view love as an action. From Love Does (along with You and Me Forever by Francis Chan), I learned that it’s better to take action than to do nothing. Sometimes your actions will result in a disaster, but it’s better to move forward with God than stand still by yourself. 

If you could tell every woman reading this blog one thing God has laid on your heart, what would it be?

I would say this: You’re already seen as a life lived beautifully to your Creator. God made you exactly how He wanted you to be and He knows your heart. The LLB team is excited to encourage you in your walk with God, but a life lived beautifully is not a goal to achieve, it’s a peace from understanding God’s promises. And, it’s important to know that your life this very minute is valuable and beautiful to the God who made you and He simply desires a personal relationship with YOU!