I think I may have misled you (part 1)…

I have so many blog entries written in my head, and I am going to try to start typing them up so you too can enjoy them!

The first entry I want to write is how I think I may have misled you all.  I have given you the impression I love to create, and that is very true.  What I have NOT shared is my heart behind my favorite stuff.  I love to make gifts.  It is something that fuels me and gives me so much life.  It’s not simply the making of stuff.

Often, when I want to love or encourage someone I think of what they like.  You too can think through these three simple steps when needing a gift:

1.  I ask myself what they like?  What are things they enjoy to buy?  What are things they use daily?

2.  Thinking through those answers, I ask myself is there something I can make them that they would like/use/need?

3.  Based on what I come up with to that answer, I then go into picking out the fabrics, details, that will personalize that item for that individual.

I guess it’s the desire to make someone feel speical and unique.  “Time” is a huge love language to people.  The giving of  time in a fast pace/crazy world speaks to what we value.  People are special.  We are made to love.  We all are created masterpieces (Ephesians 2:10), so why not let a gift make your loved one feel that way!?!

I absolutley love making gifts.  I think it’s one reason why I can’t just make a ton and sell it, although I have done that with a few shows or on etsy.  But those techniques of what to do with my crafts grow old and don’t leave me wanting to do more of them.  I guess it’s also why I don’t like taking personal orders.  When asked to create a custom order for someone, I usually try to politely get out of it.  It’s so flattering, but they stress me out and make the “crafting process” less fun and enjoyable.  I guess it feels like work :), and we all have enough work.  Downtime activities should be FUN (in my book).

Well, I say all this because two weeks ago I was blessed with the opportunity to create some capes for three special kids!  We had our friend, Tim, who lives out of the country come stay with us for a week.  It was such an encouraging time to hear his heart and what God is doing through his family’s ministry.  While Tim was here in America, his wife and three kids stayed home.  They are all awesome.  Although, there is a lot of distance in between our two families, they are people who encourage and challenge us in what we are about and what matters in life.  We are blessed by this family and the life they live.  If you want to check out their story and hear more about life of an american family living overseas please check out their blog!

 

I have one more gift given recently that I want to share with you all.  It brings my heart so much joy!  Part two of  “I think I may have misled you” is coming soon!