He sees you

I've been thinking a lot tonight about the power of the hidden place. For years, I dreamed of singing on big stages and doing big things for God as a worship leader. Things changed when I started having kids. I stepped off the stage and into a home with diapers and baby food and Legos and endless laundry and dirty dishes. So often, I would cry in my kitchen as I swept the floor. I would get on my knees on the hard linoleum. And I would ask God why I never got to do the things in my dreams. And He began to do a work in my heart. He began to show me the power of the hidden place; the beauty of invisibility. The multitudes may not know my name, but HE knows my name. I may not have a microphone, but I have the ear of the King. He bends down low to hear the songs in my mouth. Every melody, every cry, every prayer - He is captivated. And He is listening. And my songs and prayers are doing something in the spiritual realm. >> So I say to you out there who are reading this - there is POWER in your worship and intercession in the secret hidden place. Your Audience of One is listening. You have stirred His heart to move and act. Do not despise your invisibility. HE SEES YOU!

release the sounds of heaven

Oh God, would You release the sounds of heaven? 

In our lives, in our homes, in our marriages, in our children;

in our churches, in our neighborhoods, in our cities? 

Would you use us, 

our worship; our prayers; 

our service to others; even the works of our hands; 

Would You use us to shift our atmospheres; 

to bring the healing power of the Holy Spirit

 to those who desperately need a touch from You? 

To release the sounds of heaven into wherever we are, 

to bring Your kingdom; 

to bring You glory!

You are my everything

imprinted only by force and purpose...

I mailed off this custom necklace yesterday. A man named David had me make it for his wife. It is stamped with Ruach Hakodesh, which means "Holy Spirit" in Hebrew. He sent me the email below after I emailed him the photo. (I asked permission first to share this) His words totally blew me away and gave me an entirely new perspective on what I do everyday. Praise God!!

"I have always loved the Hebrew script - and to have it hammered into metal is such a picture of how the word of God should have its imprint upon our hearts. He is set as a seal upon our hearts... Like the signet of the King imprinted upon the wax seal of the document, the promise endorsed and enforced by the King Himself.  But so often, our hearts are not as softened, or as warm as fresh wax...often more like metal...imprinted only by force and purpose. As if the purpose of God is so relentless, that even hardened hearts can be made His. As if He has replaced the harsh and terrible clang of Calvary's hammer with the soft tapping of His Spirit upon our hearts...with the tapping of your tools upon metal revealing His ancient Word..."

 

truth for your sunday

endless ocean

I just made this new necklace. I used a hammered sterling tag pendant, raw quartz, and natural amazonite beads. It reminds me of the ocean, and also of one of my favorite songs, "Endless Ocean" by Jonathan David Helser.

Here's the video:

In the beginning You were singing
In the end You'll still be singing over me
In this moment You're right beside me
You're everywhere, You're in the air that I breathe

You are an endless ocean, a bottomless sea

In my sin You kept loving
There's no end to Your forgiveness and mercy
Every morning You keep coming
The waves of Your affection keep washing over me

All those angels, they are swimming
In this ocean and they still can find no shore
Day and night, night and day
They keep seeing new sides of Your face

There's no end to the affection You have for me

 

every life counts

We are all part of the puzzle. 

Every piece is important. 

If you finish a puzzle, except for one piece, people are definitely going to notice the missing piece. It will be glaringly obvious. 

The same is true with the body of Christ. 

We ALL have a role, a purpose. 

We are ALL important and valuable to the Kingdom of God. 

It's so tempting to compare ourselves to others and think that they are more important in the Kingdom. That they are doing more for God. That they are somehow better. 

But that's just not true. That's a lie from the enemy. 

So, I am telling you today - 

YOU MATTER. 

YOU ARE IMPORTANT. 

AND YOU ARE AN ESSENTIAL AND NEEDED PIECE OF THE PUZZLE. 

WITHOUT YOU, THERE IS A GLARINGLY OBVIOUS MISSING PIECE! 

Every life counts. 

You are special!

monday inspiration

This is what God the LORD says - the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: 

“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness."

(Isaiah 42:5-7)

what is love?

Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

 Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.

 It always protects, always trusts, 

always hopes, always perseveres.

 Love never fails.

 

stand by and see the salvation of the Lord

What a promise! 

Whatever situation you find yourself in today, stand by and see the salvation of the Lord! 

He will deliver you! He is fighting for you on your behalf!

****************************

I found this little sermon clip on youtube this morning and it really encouraged me!

This is my favorite thing he said,

"Force your eyes to be attentive to the deliverance that God is strategically aligning for you."

Take two minutes to listen to this with your heart and be blessed! 

Hope it encourages you and builds your faith!!

my word for the year

J O Y 

my word for 2014!

"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, 

at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11 

I took this photo last night, right after I got home from church. I was asked to lead the worship at the moms meeting. It has been a very long time since I've done that! I was nervous, but God met me and really blessed my socks off! I felt so much peace, and God really met us with His sweet presence. Tears were shed, hearts were touched, worship rose up to heaven. It was such a wonderful time. I was so encouraged! 

 

It's never too late. 

Hope is in my heart. 

2014 is gonna be a great year! 

A year to step out, face my fears, and take new ground. 

 

"If God is for me, who can be against me?!" (Rom. 8:31) 

 

The Lord is teaching me to be a seeker of joy in unexpected places; to find pockets of His divine wonder in the mundane events of my life. To earnestly seek, to go hard after, to excavate and unearth joy that's hidden and buried. oh, the pleasures He has waiting for us if we are willing to search for joy in the mundane. There is always more of Him to be discovered. More of His goodness, more of His love, more of His character, more of His pleasure and delight in us, His beloved children! 

Lord, let me be a seeker of joy!

Let me seek to find:

joy in the little things 

joy in the mundane 

joy in the journey 

His beauty is everywhere, I only need to have eyes to see it!

Hallelujah!!

***********************************

Has the Lord led you to pick a word for the year? I'd LOVE to hear what it is!

Lora

Holy Spirit, you are priceless

My sweet Ruth is turning into a real beauty, inside and out! I love her so much. 

The other day, I overheard her singing a little song she made up. She was singing over and over again in her sweet little voice, "Holy Spirit, you are priceless."

How amazing is that?! I am so proud to be her mommy.

Here's a song to uplift you today and draw you into God's presence :) 

soaring on wings

{isaiah 40:31}

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. 

they will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary, 

they will walk and not be faint.

matthew 11:28

surrounding my family with handmade treasures

I've been thinking a lot lately about the benefits of surrounding myself (and my family) with handmade things. And I realized recently that as I look around my home, there are so so many treasures around me that have been made by my own two hands (or someone else's). Whether its pillows and curtains, quilts, toys, embroidered pieces, carved wooden signs, etc.... And I really love that. I love that my children can grow up around things that have been lovingly handmade, and not just around things that came out of a factory. I think that it fosters creativity in their little spirits. It shows them that they can create things with their hands that bring joy and happiness to those around them!

I recently got the cutest little handmade doll from Kylie over at her etsy shop, Hidden in My Heart Dolls. She is such a sweet Christian woman, who loves handmade (and vintage) just as much as I do!  Here's Ruth's new doll happily resting on her bed. (I made that little vintage chenille pillow behind her a few years ago)

Ruth named her doll Sally. :)

Isn't that little dress made out of vintage linens the sweetest? 

And those pigtails. Love it!

And here's the cutest little feature that is on all of Kylie's dolls -

a hidden heart pocket, perfect for sticking little love notes and prayers inside for Ruth to find!

(and the boy dolls have a quiver on their back to put the notes inside!)

Ruth and Sally

And I recently had some fun sprucing up a blank wall in Joseph and Robby's room!

I found this awesome handpainted and decoupaged wooden sign from Emily over at her etsy shop, Simply Dashing Decor

And I made the denim and ABCs garland to hand underneath the sign. I am really pleased with how it turned out! I still want to add some other things to the wall (maybe a letter J and R, or an anchor, or another wooden sign.)  I'd love some other suggestions, if you have any!

"You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. 

How happy and prosperous you will be!" 

Psalm 128:2

To live is Christ...

 

"Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity." (John 12:25)

 

"We have our choice. We may live for self, take good care of our lives, not exposing them to danger, not making sacrifices, looking out for our own interests, and we may prosper in the world; people will commend our prudence and congratulate us on our success. We may reach old age hail and well preserved, and greatly enjoy our accumulated honours and possessions. This is one way of living...

 

The other way is to forget self; not to think of nor care for one's own life, but to throw it away in obedience to God and unselfish service. People will say you are foolish thus to waste your golden life, thus to sacrifice yourself for the sake of the others or in Christ's cause. But was Christ Himself foolish when he went to the cross? Let the redeemed church be the answer." 

 

(from "Come Ye Apart by J.R. Miller)

stories from my booth

Well, it's been three days since Harvest Fest ended, and I am still processing everything that happened. I don't feel like I have the words to say to convey all that happened. And I know I won't really discover all that God did until I get to heaven. So many stories and miracles happen over time and in the secret place, so I may never know the extent that God moved in the hearts of the people that came into my little booth over those four days. But, I want to take a few minutes and write down some of the stories while they are still fresh in my mind.

Here I am on the second day of the conference, wearing my pretty new (size 8!) dress. I felt so good in that dress, y'all! I am truly so happy in this photo.

And later that day, my dear friend Maria (who watched the children the first three days of the conference) brought the kiddos up to see my booth.

This necklace, called the Key to Oneness, symbolizing the union we have in Christ and also in marriage, was bought by a lady who was going to give it to a friend of hers that was going through marital problems. She wanted to get her something that she could wear that would encourage and remind her to keep fighting for her marriage and that God could restore it! So awesome!

I gave this sweet girl a necklace last year at Harvest Fest that was stamped with the word "survivor". She was fighting cancer. She came back to my booth this year, still wearing the necklace. Now her tumor is gone and she is cancer-free! HALLELUJAH! She shared with me that she wore it almost every day over the past year to remind her that God was her healer and that she would survive! This encouraged me so much to hear that my little necklace played such an important role in her journey!

I found that little well charm at an antique store a few weeks ago, and knew I should get it. I waited and waited for inspiration, but it never came. Then on the first night of the conference, the speaker was talking about revival. He kept mentioning wells in his message. Lots and lots of well analogies. And also kept encouraging the congregation with the phrase "spring up oh wells", more specifically "spring up oh wells of revival". It was really powerful. And when I sat down the next morning to make a few pieces for my booth that day, I knew what the Lord wanted me to make with that well charm! Isn't God good?! His timing is perfect. I sold it later that day to a sweet woman that was so touched and encouraged by it!

Then, the next evening, the speaker's message (it was a different man than the night before), spoke all about breakthrough. And how it comes through the vehicle of love (for God and for others). I sat down the next morning and made this necklace to reflect the message. As I was making it, I felt the Lord say "breakthrough comes on the wings of love". Later that day, the speaker from the night before came by my booth and I was able to share with him how his message inspired that necklace. He was so encouraged and touched! And a woman came by my booth later to buy it. I asked her if it was for her, and she said, "No, I am buying it to give it to the speaker so that he can give it to his wife." Isn't that awesome? I know he must've been so touched to receive that! 

My sweet friend Jen sent me some little antique charms a few weeks ago, and this amazing glass slipper charm was in the bunch. I knew right away that I wanted to make something with it. I prayed and prayed about what to make and then I looked up songs that were in the movie Cinderella. The one called So This is Love really struck me as a perfect picture of our love relationship with Jesus. The lyrics are so beautiful!

So this is love, hmm
So this is love
So this is what makes life divine

I'm all aglow, hmm
And now I know
The key to all heaven is mine

My heart has wings, hmm
And I can fly
I'll touch every star in the sky
So this is the miracle
That I've been dreaming of

Hmm, hmm
So this is love

On the first day of the conference, a sweet lady (and customer for years) came up to my booth and was immediately drawn to that necklace. She told me about a story where she was going through a difficult time. She went to a women's meeting at her church. At the meeting, each round table had a special and unique centerpiece. She was the only woman sitting at her table and in the center of her table was a glass slipper. The Lord began to speak to her about how she was his princess. That He was her prince. And how beautiful and valuable she was to Him. The women's ministry gave her that glass slipper to take home that night and she has it displayed now in a glass case in her house, as a constant reminder of what the Lord showed her and deposited in her heart that night! So she was so excited to buy that necklace to wear around her neck to remind her all the more that she was His princess. So awesome!

My sweet husband came by a few times to visit me at my booth. I love this picture of us!

I took this photo of the crowd worshiping during Saturday night's service. I just love seeing the hunger and passion for God! 

a little corner of my booth 

and another corner 

Here's me at my booth on Sunday, drinking coffee. Coffee was a staple for sure over those four days. It takes a lot of energy to be there all day, speaking with people nonstop, praying for people, encouraging, etc.... But it's totally worth it! That kind of stuff truly makes my heart come alive!

Sunday was the last day of the conference. I didn't realize that there was a Sunday evening service, so I didn't plan for a sitter that afternoon (Clint was going to be gone from 3pm on). So, I didn't know if I'd be able to be at my booth that afternoon. I was able to find a babysitter around 1pm - she was there at the conference and she has sit for us before, so I was excited to find her! I kept feeling from the Lord that I needed to be there at my booth until 7pm. Around 4pm, there was nobody around. It was so quiet, and lots of people started taking their booths down and closing up. I was tempted to do the same, but I kept feeling the Holy Spirit say to me to stay until 7. Sure enough, right at 7, all these people started coming out of nowhere. And my booth was non-stop busy (with lines!) till 8:30. What a blessing! One sweet girl came around 7 and just hung around in the back of the lines waiting. She told me she wanted to be my last customer. When all the people had left, she came up and started to share with me about how her experience last year at my booth changed her life. (You can read about it here in one of my booth stories from last year). She went on and on about God had moved in her life over the past year, and how it all started with that little necklace and the word the Lord gave me for her and my prayer for her. So amazing! And it was the perfect way to end my time at Harvest Fest this year. I am glad I stayed till 7! :)

This year's booth experiences were interesting in that most of the awesome stories involved people that I sold jewelry to in the past years' Harvest Fest conferences. So many sweet women came up to my booth to share with me all that God had done (and is continuing to do!) in their lives, all started by the experience of getting a necklace from my booth. So crazy. And amazing! I am constantly amazed at how God is using this little thing called {eager hands}. It is such a privilege and honor to be used by Him like this, in this curious and unique way. I am honored that I can be just a small part of the journey that God is taking them on. So often, I think that what I am doing with all of this is so small and insignificant, but God uses these conferences and events to remind me again that He is using these works of my hands for His glory, and He is continuing to use them years after!

I've said it before - I am more convinced that ever before that if we dedicate whatever we are doing to Him, He can take it and use it in a far greater capacity than we ever imagined! Who would've thought that these little necklaces of mine would be used like this?! Not me. I am blown away by the creativity of God. He goes to such lengths to communicate His love for His children. He is always working, always reaching out to show His love and affection. It's truly mind-blowing.

And thank you all so much for praying for me. I could totally feel your prayers!! 

It was an amazing time. I am so thankful to the Lord for using me in this way! Praise Him!!

 

harvest fest time!

Harvest started today! It was a wonderful first day. Too tired to write any stories from my booth, but I wanted to share a few photos. I would LOVE your prayers!!

lately...

As you can see, the weather has been absolutely gorgeous lately! I believe that fall has finally made its appearance! Hallelujah! Fall is my favorite season!

 Here's a little something I put together on my kitchen island the other day to welcome Fall. :)

 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a HARVEST if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

I took advantage of the beautiful weather this weekend and went for a walk/jog outside. 

It was so nice! Did a quick two miles.

Definitely breaking in my fancy new running shoes! 

(Thanks to my brother Paul and my parents who so generously helped me buy them! I had to get new shoes because I wore holes in my old ones! haha)

I don't normally take dressing room photos, but I had to document this one! I went shopping at JCPenney the other day to try to find some new clothes for me to wear at my booth at Harvest Fest. I brought back this dress to the room in a size 12, hoping I would be able to fit into a size down from my normal 14 (the size i wore before i started working out, etc). It was way too big! I went back out in the store to find a size 10. They only had an 8. I brought it back anyway, knowing it would be too tight. It fit perfectly. I was crying in the dressing room! Total shock and total joy.

I cut my thumb pretty badly last Thursday night, so I wasn't able to make make any jewelry over the weekend. I used the time to go shopping for supplies instead. I went to one of my favorite little antique shops called The Knife Shop. The 90 year old owner, Bill, has lots and lots of great vintage and antique jewelry. I always find the best stuff in there!

Here are some of my newest treasures from The Knife Shop and from my sweet friend, Jenniffer. (She sent me a box filled with vintage jewelry that arrived just after I got home from the antique store.  What an amazing friend!) So now I have lots and lots of awesome goodies to create with and add to my stamped pieces and antique key necklaces! I cannot wait to sit down and create with these one of a kind pieces!!!! 

I sat down last night for the first time in four days to try to make some jewelry. I made this necklace using one of the vintage chains that I found at The Knife Shop. I also used an antique key and made a hammered pendant that I handstamped with "revival". It felt so good to create again!

"If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chron 7:14 

And here's a pic of me yesterday. I got dressed up for church and I felt pretty in my new top (that I got for $4 at JCPenney!) and a gorgeous necklace that my friend Allison gave me. I am feeling so good in my new body! As of this morning, I've got 11.5 pounds! The diet and exercise is really paying off! And I feel GREAT. I am so so thankful to the Lord for all of His help in my efforts to get healthy. It's been amazing!!

I'll leave you with a photo of my new spruced up wreath on my front door. I wanted to decorate it a little bit for Fall. I used a bit of antiqued crocheted lace, an antique key, a handmade bird, a handmade brooch my friend Joy gave me. I love how it turned out! 

I am so thankful that we are entering Fall. It's such a wonderful time of year for me! Harvest Fest is in only a week and a half. I have so much to do to get ready, but I know that God will help me accomplish all that He wants me to do! And I am very expectant - I know He is going to do amazing things!!I would love your prayers for strength and stamina and grace as I prepare! And more importantly, that God would use me to bring hope and encouragement to His daughters!