Have you ever been called out of busy-ness? That is exactly where the Lord has and is leading me right now. I have for quite a few years been making crafts with my hands and selling them each fall and winter. It started with beading jewelry, then moved into candles and then to fudge and specialty juice making ( rhubarb juice and rhubarb-raspberry juice). It has helped me help invest in things for the kitchen, my craft making supplies and this last year my camera. It has been very nice but it has costed. Each year I work like a maniac and it took away a lot of time from my home and family. The last few months every time I would start thinking about at what I had to do this year plus the supplies I needed to get for the craft fairs was to stressing me out. That is when the Lord gently kept nudging me to be still and rest in Him. Rest in Him and not worry about what I had to do to provide for some extra things. He wants me to rest in that even if I didn't do all these extra things He would provide a way for me. I have been feeling that my attention has been so busy with other things rather than where I was suppose to be. That is... loving and serving my family with my full attention. I need to put more of my energy in to our little homeschool and take care of my home and family...better. So for now and probably till I am done homeschooling my boys. I won't be doing craft fairs.
Well, I think it is a wonderful idea! You can do as much or as little as you like with no rushing about! And a blog shop is the only way I'd be able to get my hands on some Canadagirl crafty goodness!
ReplyDeleteYou know the answer to this my friend. But do not overwhelm yourself, in fact, I think that not doing anything for awhile is the best course to take...let Him show you sweet Mary.
ReplyDeleteMaria
Yes, rest! Perhaps this is a sabbath year for your fair crafting? I am reading the Old Testament and this reminds me of how God told the Israelites to set aside a lot of time to allow the land to rest. We are no different. :-) I like the idea of a store page. Much slower paced. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good idea, be sure and get an account set up with Pay Pal. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteRest. Like Jenn I am reading in the OT about the sabbath year. I pray many blessings on you during this season.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be a good idea. Some times we need to step back...you might need time to rest, to think. An online store would give you the freedom of selling when you're able but not put too much pressure on yourself.
ReplyDeleteI've thought about doing something similar (selling knitted items) so I'll be interested in your plans. :o)
God has also been showing me that business is not the way to godliness. God's work that He has for each one of us as individuals is often so different than what we have planned in our own minds.
ReplyDeleteI think a "little store" on your blog would be lovely, as long as it won't cause you too much stress or become overwhelming for you.
I had a sabbath year last year from gardening and now I am looking forward to growing a few things in my backyard this year. I would love to see a little store on your blog. The things you make are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI have been enjoying the beautiful photos you have been posting. Makes me want to visit the mountains again.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving lovely comments on my blog.
Margaret
I think it is good for you to take a break and just do what brings you joy as far as crafts.
ReplyDeleteTake care of your family first.
BTW, your snow photos look so beautiful.
First, I have been there many times. Trying to figure out things myself and being caught up in the busyness of things the Lord didn't have for me.
ReplyDeleteTo me craft fairs sound very stressful. There are time limits, deadlines etc... I think an online store would work out great for your situation, as the Lord leads. I know the Lord gave me the desire to work online a year or two ago, but He didn't provide the job until last November. I tried to 'create' a job for the longest time and when I finally stepped back, gave up on it and allowed the Lord to do what He wanted, He gave me the job. So keep giving the idea of a store to the Lord, He'll guide you on the if and when. And knowing the Lord, if it's something He starts it will be even better. Maybe a family owned business in the future? Who knows. :)
I think that is a wonderful idea!! At least that way you can craft at your leisure and still provide for those fun extras.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Deborah
Following the Lord's leading, Mary, is always the right way to go. I, for one, would love to see a "shop" tab up there at the top of your blog! The Proverbs 31 woman was a busy woman to be sure. She not only worked willingly with her hands providing for her family's needs, she also earned money from the sale of her handiwork! Certainly she enjoyed seasons of rest in addition to taking a Sabbath rest each week. We are wise and obedient when we step back from time to time for rest and refreshment of mind, body, and soul. Praying the Lord's blessings upon you, my friend. :)
ReplyDelete~Lisa
I think that you are wise to listen. If it's prompted by the One who loves you best... how can it be a bad idea? :)
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think it sounds great.
Blessings, Debbie
I second and third all the comments the other ladies have left here :-) God will show you when, where, and how. Perhaps this might be a season in which you pass along all the business-savvy you've accumulated to your boys, and let them set up a business of some sort. I think entrepreneurship is an important thing that we can have our boys gain experience with before they step off into manhood. It is one thing to know how to work and make with our hands. It is quite another to take what we've made and turn it into income. May God bless you and your family as you seek Him for this time!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Lori
called out to rest -- oh, yes!
ReplyDeleteI think a small little craft stores sounds great.