Change

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their mind cannot change anything.” (George Bernard Shaw)  Well, I don’t know exactly if I am progressing…but I am making a change in this blog. I am attempting to bring it in line with my current situation.

For the past year I have been working to turn my passion for quilting, art, and crafts into a small business of sorts.  At present my sales are done at arts & craft fairs and festivals.   I am looking for ways to expand things and since I am not keeping up with this blog as I had orignially intended I am going to change this up with this blog.  I want to connect it to my life as a vendor at fairs and festivals.  I still want to keep a spiritual connection as I am hoping that as people who pick up my business card and check out the blog they will encounter the Spirit in some way.

I began doing events because I was looking for a way to “fund my habit!” Quilting and Painting ain’t cheap!  And really! How many quilts and canvas’ can you push onto your friends and family? However, I am discovering that this whole process has become a real joy for me.  First, I have the opportunity to work with lifelong friends and second, I am finding a way to become salt and light in a whole new way.  I have been so uplifted at times through the conversations with folks who come to my “shop.”  (my shop is under a 10′ x 10′ canopy!)  What a ministry is possible and where it may lead, only God knows and Him I trust implicitly!

This past year as I was beginning this venture it required a layout of funds to build an inventory and to get the necessary equipment to do this ‘job’ — purchasing a canopy for instance. By the way, did I mention that I have a wonderfully supportive and generous husband who keeps pushing me to go for it? Anyway, I am hoping that this year I might actually make a profit…..?!! (prayers please!)

All along the way I have sought God’s guidance for all that I am doing.  This is exciting as  my relationship with Him is deepening in ways I did not realize was possible.  For many years as an Officer I often felt confident of the Lord’s will and guidance.  Now I find that in some respects I am starting over in understanding which way and how the Lord is leading.  This is a whole new adventure for me in and of itself!  There are times when the way seems very clear and others when its not so clear and I find I must step out in faith.  I love it when He confirms my step but admit I find it disconcerting when He closes a door.  In all of this I absolutely love how the Lord can make life fresh and new all over again!  What an awesome God.

So, friends, pray for me and be patient as I try to work my way through this technology to get this site up and running appropriately.

I leave you with a quote from a favorite author, Frederick Buechner:

“Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.”  (from A Memoir of Vocation)