PARTY!

New Stuff!

This headband is great for anyone who wants to feel like a princess!

$25

This bracelet is a mother or grandmother's bracelet. The silver beads separate families. I have several different designs in this bracelet that are not birthstone beads. 

$20.

All jewelry is handmade and one of a kind.

You are precious in His sight.

Lists have always given me a thrill. But when I was given the task of listing ALL the words that describe who I am, I shuddered. Blah! As I wrote I did feel silly and a little self-absorbed but on I wrote. Outgoing, creative, compassionate, understanding, and sensitive are just a few examples of the describing words I had come up with.  After a while, I realized I had run out of those nice, colorful words that describe the person I am. Now, I moved to words that I didn’t necessarily love but were still me. Slight perfectionists, impatient, unorganized and not always gentle with my words were in the middle of this inventory. Moving on to those downright ugly describing words was extremely hard. Cringing, I wrote broken, glutton, angry, fearful, stubborn and prideful. Ashamed, I hid my list under piles of papers, stuck it in a notebook and crammed it under my bedside table. Walking away from the record of who I am, I passed a mirror and took a long look. Seeing the physical scars and signs of age deepened my shame. I felt ugly inside and out. The devil knows just how to get you even lower.

God has a plan for everything, even this now crumpled list. No matter what I am, what I am made up of or look like, or no matter what is going on in my life at the moment, I am HIS. I AM PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT. Even with my imperfections I am His true love, HIS – EVERYTHING about me is precious to HIM.  AND He longs for my attention every second and pursues me! It is just mind blowing. The more I trust His love, the less I care about all those ugly words. His grace, love and mercy are rewriting my list and teaching me to keep my focus where it belongs – on the one who calls me PRECIOUS.

Psalm 139:14 
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it.

Planting Seeds of Hope and Faith

My life has taken a fantastic turn. I was offered a job! Teaching 5th and 6th grade Math, Science, Social Studies and Technology has been a greater blessing than I could ever imagine. God in His infinite wisdom knew exactly what I needed when I needed it.

From recent posts you may have read about experiencing pain or discovered that I suffer from infertility.  Drawing from my gardening references in Feeling the Pain, I realize that I have planted many seeds in my life – doubt, anger and even bitterness. When will I stop comparing myself to others? Keeping myself from seeing God’s everyday harvest, I should have been planting seeds of hope and faith.

With this new turn in my walk with the Lord, I am discovering I am made for so much more than even I want for myself. He wants me to burst all over the world with His love and because of who He is, our God and King - I want to do that for Him. His gentle prodding has helped me to push the doubt, confusion, anger and bitterness away and focus on what He has for me in the now. Desperation has taken a back seat. Finally, I feel my focus shifting and I am able to say, “Your will oh Lord.” And whatever comes, I know He will be there.

My New Necklace!

Tags!!!

You can choose whatever you want for your tag. I chose my son's name and his birthstone. You could do Anniversary date, birth dates, names, initials or just words like love, breathe, live... or whatever you come up with. I LOVE this piece! $20

When ordering, keep in mind that each piece is hand stamped therefore no two pieces are alike. The alignment and spacing of the characters may vary adding to the charm and uniqueness of each custom piece.

 All sales are final on custom orders.

More Rings

 This ring is a conversation piece. The large blue green stone cannot help but be noticed. $10

 This large dented silver ring has a lot of character. When I wear mine people are always asking me about it. $10

 This is my Galaxy ring. The first one is Feb. and Dec. birthstones with small pearls floating around them. The next one is two Jan. birthstones with small pearls floating around them. I think this would be a great ring to do with his and her birthstones with the small pearls floating signifying you and your hubby being the center of your small world. $10

 This is my three birthstone mother's ring. Someone wanted one with Feb. birthstone and two small pearls on the side. I thought it was so beautiful I wanted to share it with you. $10

Little girls love to play dress up. This little girl daisy ring is just the thing for a young girl to play with. $10

All rings are handmade and one of a kind. No two rings are alike. If you see something you like shoot me an email.

Icky Fish

Floating at the top of the tank upside down the little fish was destined for a trip down the toilet. Nine fish, lucky enough to still be swimming, were speckled with white spots. Ick. What a funny and accurate name for a fish disease. At the pet store the kind man helped us pick out medicine and gave us advice. “Fish are very sensitive. Any temperature change can stress them out.” At home we treated the tank and made very sure that my son’s room stayed at an even temperature. After all our efforts, three fish survived. A couple of months later we added two more fish and a new thermometer. Who new fish could be so time consuming and sensitive?

We control the fish tank. We say when the fish will be fed, set the temperature on the heater, and clean it when we have the time. I can’t help but wonder if they long for control.

Like my son’s fish, the slightest change to my life can cause me to experience those icky feelings. I long to rule my own existence and try to wrestle away the controls my Savior so lovingly put in place to give me His best.  Selfishly, I want MY way. And because of this human behavior instilled in me at birth, born to sin, I am in a constant state of worry.

Grace is refreshing. Without it, I would be lost. Oh, thank you God for your unconditional love. A love so strong that it manages my environment, keeping me at an even temperature, helping me to stay pure and clean, guiding my steps. Acknowledging the tank I live in as His, giving everything to him - an everyday surrender - I am restored. 

Birth Rings

One birth bead, two, three or even four. (One and Two shown in October color. More pictures to come.) Each ring is a one of a kind and made in your size. $10

January to December

No two rings are alike.

A New World

“It’s like a whole new world!”

These were the words coming out of the mouth of my six-year old son. Fear had kept him from swimming and enjoying summer fun for many years now. My husband and I had worked with him, he had taken many swimming lessons, and we had threatened to not let him near water until he would try to go under. His stubbornness would not budge. Time after time when he would go under he would come up crying as if it were the end of the world. Until one day, I forced him under water. Grabbing his body to mine and cradling him close, I held his arms and legs and submerged both of us. Coming up, I expected him to throw a fit but before he could start I exclaimed, “Did you see the bubbles come out of my nose?” Laughing he shook his head yes. Doing it again and again I managed to sink him under in many different ways, each time with no tears. After that he took off on his own, swimming like a fish, and exclaiming loudly about how cool it was under the water. Thrilled, I gave him praise and was astonished at the change.

Month after month I live in a constant state of fear - fear of the unknown, fear of the future. This month I have decided to turned all that fear to my Lord and Savior. Lifting my hands to him, I visualize my fear and Him taking it and giving me peace in it's place. Peace, like arms cradling me, carrying me through the water, taking me under to a new world. 

For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

2 Timothy 1:7

Pea Pod Necklace

Three Peas in a Pod! These are my husband (Aug.), mine (Jan.) and my son's (Oct.) birthstone colors. 

Let me know what color's you want and how many you want and I can make you a cozy little pea pod to represent your family. Great for mom's! $15

January to December. 

Each pendant is a one of a kind and no two are alike.

Pea Pod can have as many peas as you like.

Reluctantly Writing

I have been putting this off. Not wanting to even address this issue that has caused so much pain, grief, and stress in my life, I have ignored the struggle within me to share this part of my walk with Christ. Close relatives and friends know of my pain, but where else does God want me to go-to reach? I do not want to be THIS person. I do not want to share this. This is not the way I want to glorify His name. I would do it with a miracle. He may have other plans. 

(I literally cringed as I wrote that. It actually hurt.)

Infertility. I walk with it everyday. I wake up to it. As I walk through the grocery store I endure it. People have no idea, but it is all around me all the time. Making others aware of this pain so that it might help just one other person is my goal.

A DEATH IN THE FAMILY

Grief is the most egotistical of all emotions, and infertility is grief—a grief that no one else understands. Most people don’t have a clue. When suffering through infertility, every day you wake up NOT PREGNANT opens a new wound. It’s another day of death. Every minute of every day is spent mourning the loss of a child-a brother, a sister, a life. They say that time heals all wounds, but not this one. Time is your enemy. Every day is another funeral, another failure. At least, that’s how I feel.

I FEEL ALONE

If you’ve ever experienced the loss of a loved one, you might have a frame of reference for what I am describing. That’s not to downplay the grief associated with death, nor is it to say that the feelings are the same. They aren’t. But they do share the emotional exhaustion and the intensity of pain. Infertility is death, but with this tragedy there is no funeral. There is no gathering of friends and family. There is no closure. And as so often is the case, no one will take care of you because they do not know they are needed or how to respond. You break all ties, further isolating yourself. You can’t go out because—heaven forbid—you may see someone pregnant or with a baby. You start skipping birthday parties and baby showers. There is no way you can endure passing around baby items. Family reunions are out of the question because a cousin has a baby on the way. Getting together “just to hang out” is no fun because they don’t understand. (And who wants to be with a bunch of happy people anyway or, the opposite, who wants to hang our with someone who is depressed?) You’re left without the energy or the will to so much as dial a telephone. Your loved ones begin to wonder, “What’s their problem?” Soon you become a punch line. “What do you think is her excuse this time?” Or even worse, they judge you and say, "I'm over it." But for the infertile it never ends.

HOW CAN YOU HELP SOMEONE YOU LOVE?

If you know someone who is having difficulty with infertility, understand that they need you. I can’t tell you what they need, except to know that you are there for them unconditionally. Unconditionally means when they are crying, weeping, screaming, out of their minds with sorrow and saying things or doing things they don't mean. Your relationship will likely be a little bumpy for a while. Heck, it might be a lot bumpy. You must take it upon yourself to single-handedly keep the relationship alive. Don't get too wordy. Saying "I'm sorry" is enough. A hug is better than trite words or long lectures that you think will help. At least once a week, you also need to ask specifically about their infertility and how things are going. Maybe they won’t want to talk about it. Respect that. But maybe they need to vent. Listen and be supportive; that alone will go a long way. Ignoring the issue only makes a person feel isolated and alone. Finally, I want to encourage you to be persistent. This isn’t a grief that gets easier with time. It gets harder. The longer they go through this, the more painful it will become and the more they will need you. One more word of advice if you are infertile: surround yourself with people who lift you up and who encourage. Avoid those people who are blind to pain and tear you down.

NEVER TRULY ALONE

This has been my life year after year. Five years of attempt after attempt at getting pregnant, I am exhausted but still trying. Anger has been a companion on my journey as well as bitterness and I fight with them everyday. The pain has become a friend that reminds me of the pain my Lord and Savior experienced on my behalf. If you want to read more on that read my article Feeling the Pain.

You can't connect with a loving God when your heart is filled with rage. And I have been filled to the point of explosion. When I am almost to explode, He reminds me of who I am and what He has done for me. What keeps me still trying? It is the picture of my Savior on the cross-the picture of hope. I cling to His faithfulness, His promises, and His unconditional love for me. This does not mean that I am going to get exactly what I want, but I continue to hope that my desires can match up with His plans for me. He shows me love when every morning I wake up with that death, that awareness of infertility, and I make it through the day. How could I ever leave Him? That would be insanity. He gets me through. The pain is never ending but I am enduring because of Him.

The Tree of Life Pendant

I love this piece. It is 1 3/4 inch across. I have another one that is 2 inches and it is just as beautiful. (Picture is just slightly larger than actual size.) The Tree of Life comes in many colors: Fall red, Spring green (shown), Pearl, Winter white, Summer green (Darker than shown), and an earthy brown shell color. Comes on a black cord with lobster claw clasp. Beautiful and so fun to make!
$20

Each pendant is a one of a kind and no two are alike.
Also beautiful as Christmas tree ornaments.












(More pictures to come with other colors.)

Potluck

The table was piled with food. Crispy seven layer salad, cheesy broccoli, savory fried chicken, creamy fried potatoes and so many different casseroles I lost count. The desserts earned their own table and consisted of many chocolate dishes piled with cool whip, along with cookies, cakes, and pies. It was a beautiful site to behold. The gym where the food was laid out had transformed from a place of sweating play to a place of gathering and worship. Strong arms set up tables. Chairs were squeezed together to make room for as many people as possible. Our church had a potluck dinner about every month and I looked forward to it like it was Christmas.

Even before the line was formed, I would spend my time in the church kitchen watching the ladies lay out the food. Old hands prepared nourishment for the young. Young mothers prepared food for their men and children. It was a bustle of activity you could not watch without anticipation. The air was full of love, joy, and togetherness. With the smell of food in the air and the kitchen made cozy warm from the ovens, I watched my church family work together towards one goal. When we were all finally gathered in the gym the pastor thanked the Lord for the food he had so lovingly provided, for the hands who had labored over it, and for a place to gather in freedom.

Standing in line, surveying the spread, I chose my first course. These special Sunday’s I liked to pretend I was the queen of England. I would start with my favorite food-the seven-layer salad. Oh, how I loved every bite, so different from the last. After, I would have my second course-meat and potato, veggie and buttery, soft bread. The last course would be a casserole and then I would be free to enjoy dessert. Dessert was never just one thing but a plate full of several different small pieces of each dish-my favorite part of the whole meal. On these special Sunday’s our parents never told us what we had to eat. We had freedom to choose. It was wonderful.

We were allowed to sit wherever we wanted. Usually, I sat with friends and enjoyed our silly stories and games. Sometimes, however, I would sit with one of those women who I had watched make the food. There were a few in the church who were like grandparents to me. I loved them. As I sat by them, relishing every bite of my meal, they would ask me questions about the happenings of my young life. They talked to me as if I mattered. They cared.

Church potlucks have sadly seemed to go out of style. Now that I am grown I realize what I loved most about sitting down and eating with my church family was the feeling of community and knowing I belonged to something larger and grand. Praying together. Nourishing together. Those old hands are now a cherished example of wisdom I am trying to glean. I was fed in that community until I was full. Fed and filled in many different ways.

My Signature Pendant!

My husband has called me Bird since we were dating. I really love his endearing nickname for me and the fact that as a mom I am creating a safe and comfortable "bird's nest" for my family. 

My Bird Nest Pendant can be made with pearls for eggs but I have several colors to choose from. You can even choose your birth color. $15.

Each nest is handcrafted so no two nests are alike.

The Importance of a Name

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Sitting in the broken down vehicle we all sighed with displeasure. The heat inside the van escalating, we opened doors desperate for a breeze only to listen to the sound of passing cars. Minutes crept by and the heat rose along with our sour attitudes. What would we do? Looking at our surroundings, I noticed a sign for Wankey Oil. “Wankey is a funny name. I’m glad my last name isn’t Wankey.” Some in the car smiled, the children laughed but one of the adults said, “I bet they have plenty of money to pay for anything they need. I would give up my name for that right now.” Pride for my last name, a gift from my husband, surged in me and my heart felt broken for them to be able to make such a statement. 

When we finally got back on the road the thought of my last name and its importance went around and around in my head. Oh, I would love to have a famous last name that would get me what I wanted and an inheritance to match. Who wouldn’t? My mind went deeper until a silent voice whispered in my ear telling me my name is not as important as I am making it. It is something but not everything. What is important is that I have my Heavenly Father’s name for me. His child. His beloved. His adopted one. And He has already blessed me with an inheritance-eternal life living in His radiant glory and love.

Still finding importance in my name as a gift from a family that has so lovingly taken me in, I also realize God has given me a family who has given an inheritance so much more important than money. What matters is what something is, not what it is called. Both sides of my family are lovers of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and they have passed this to me, my husband and now to our son. What an inheritance to be sure-the love of our Heavenly Father, eternal life, and an even bigger family to find comfort and support.

Dedicated to the many members of my family, all sides, who have shared their walk with Christ with my little family. Thank you and I love you!

Even a Dog has a Purpose.

Undersized, smelly but cute are the words that came to mind when I looked at the small black and white dog. His life had not started in the best of circumstances. The women who owned him had dubbed him worthless. He was a give away due to an overbite that caused his tongue to stick out of his mouth and markings that were not show worthy. As a result he was thrown in with a group of female cocker spaniels who would not let him eat his food. At 2.5 pounds you would think he would be too small to emit such a smell but he reeked. Taking pity on the small animal, we accepted him into our family. During his third bath I looked into his eyes and I could see something more than just his outside flaws. Even though he had been dubbed worthless, I could see him doing great things. And he did. This special animal has brought joy to the life of my family. Through horrible times he has licked away tears, loved a crying baby, given cuddles during times of fear, and caused many a laugh even during tense moments.  His purpose is clear. When I look at my special little dog who came from such meager beginnings, I always think of a favorite children’s song that I used to sing as a child.

HE'S STILL WORKING ON ME

By: Joel Hemphill

 CHORUS:

He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be. 
It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,
 the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.
 How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.

1. There really ought to be a sign upon the heart,
don't judge her yet, there's an unfinished part.
 But I'll be perfect just according to His plan.
 Fashioned by the Master's loving hands.

CHORUS:

2. In the mirror of His Word reflections that I see. Makes me wonder why He never gave up on me.
 He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray. Remember, he's the Potter, I'm the clay.

CHORUS:

Relief washes over me as I realize that many times I have felt worthless but I know my purpose. Serve the Almighty. My markings are wrong and I am not fully developed but I have been accepted into God's family. God knows what I can be and He is still pushing me towards His goal for who He wants me to be. How wonderful that in this world full of people who will judge and shut me out for my flaws and for who I am, I am still loved by a wonderful Savior no matter what I look like on the outside or the inside.

You’re Only Young Once.

They all flocked around me like birds to seed. Telling me their likes, dislikes, dreams and plans, I listened intently. Afraid to lose them, I kept my opinions to myself. This group of high school seniors was certainly doing and planning things I would never have dreamed of when I was their age. “You’re only young once right?” I smiled at the girl as she made the familiar announcement many before her have made. Inside my heart, love for these young adults flamed. Feeling the love of Christ inside me, urging me to share more with these students, his children, I took a deep breath. I hesitated. Fear crept in. Love won. Sharing with them my walk, my life with Christ, choices I had made and things I wish I could change, I hoped I was showing them she was right. You are only young once and youth is something you will never get back. Hoping I impressed on them not to waste their youth on bad decisions, the bell rang and we all went our separate ways. Some of them hung back and talked with me further, asking me questions. Amazed, I assumed they would have all judged me an old bore whom new nothing.

I may never see them again. Graduation has come and gone. Embarking on new adventures, they are starting their adult lives. Thinking about each one of them, I pray the Lord will touch their lives and they will be open to Him. The moment I hesitated comes to mind. For a moment there, I had considered just shutting my mouth and going on my way. The devil would have loved that. But the love my Savior has for each of His children and the love I have for Him, the one who has redeemed every one of my bad decisions, won out and I could not hold my tongue. Now I can only pray the seeds I planted will grow.

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. Isaiah 55:11

Button, button. Whose got the Button?!?

These are some of my favorite rings because they always make people ask questions. You can also coordinate them with your outfits.

Brown and Blue button swirl. This is a big ring and always gets conversations started. I LOVE this ring! $10

This is a great ring for a teenager or a little girl. Just darling. I have this in a larger flower too. $10

Dark green button swirl. A classic. $10

All rings are custom made to fit you and no two rings are exactly the same.

Me, Wonder Woman?

Embarrassingly, I admit, I love super hero movies. The characters fly, shift shapes, become invisible (oh, to be invisible sometimes), and have unimaginable strength and anything the mind can conceive. Watching them use their special gifts, I secretly covet their power.  As I watch super hero movies, I want to be anything but what I am.  If only I could be someone strong, confident, ready to take on the world with my super human strength, but all I can do is sit here and think about how small and weak I really am.

Small and weak is what I am compared to an almighty God, but in His eyes I am His creation, His love personified. How could I not be special? The Lord has endowed in me a super power. He has given me His strength to persevere through any problem. I am a wonder woman. When everything in me says to cry, scream, or vent I feel his strength flow through my veins. Even when I break down, in the pain and grief, when I try to run from Him, I know He is perusing me, bringing me back to safety and peace-I endure.

I CAN do all things through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13) Letting go of the past, I give Him my desires, and look forward to a bright future only He knows about. I persevere because of His awesome love, strength, and guidance. With Him I can take on this world and conquer all. How about that for super hero strength?

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

The Silver Look! (Sure to catch the eye of any bird!)

Birds have feathers, fish have scales, and we have jewelry. The Lord has given us ways of enhancing our beauty. Here are a few things that will enhance the beauty of your hands. Isn't God good!

This is my favorite ring and a favorite among my friends. I love the look and it goes with absolutely everything. Only $10.

I like to make this ring bigger and wear it on my pointer finger. It is a conversation starter. $10

The Silver Scribble ring is simple and elegant. $10

I call this ring Never Ending Love because the two sterling silver wires are wrapped around each other. $10.

All rings are custom made to fit you and no two rings are exactly the same.

Feeling the Pain

Turning the soil in my garden had rubbed a nasty blister on my hand. Ignoring the pain I continued to work, getting the wound dirty. Sinking my hands into the dirt, I could feel stinging pain but I ignored my sub conscious telling me to get some gloves. Later, as I cleaned up with warm water, the blister, which has been rubbed raw, lay open and throbbed with pain. Knowing my day was filled with chores I got out my first aid kit, which needed some serious restocking, and started putting a salve on the wound. As soon as the promised maximum strength pain reliever was applied the throbbing ceased. I stood there looking at my hand in wonder. My mind was instantly transported to my childhood when peroxide was poured on my wounds accompanied by burning and stinging and I realized how easy it is today to cover our wounds and not feel the pain.

My mind went even deeper, past the wound, past the surface pain and all the way to my heart. If only I could get the pain reliever down there. If only I could cover this pain. If only… This seems to be my constant mantra. Not wanting to think about all the pain in my heart I focus on my hand. Instantly a picture flashes in my minds eye. Jesus covered in blood, thorns on his head, crying, and eyes full of love. He endured such pain. Pain I cannot even fathom. Not only did he experience the physical pain from the cuts, stabs, and gashes but he experienced the emotional pain of having His Father turn away from Him and having ALL sin put on His shoulders. My sin. At this moment, looking at my hand, I know that I can dwell on the pain in my heart. I can look at those broken places and throbbing open wounds that reside there. I know that He is trying to mend them. He did not make my heart to look like this. Oh, just more pain I bring Him. Some wounds have been mended and scars remain but some I continue to reopen because of guilt, shame, or selfish pride. The pain is a reminder of what he has done for me. Maybe I can feel this pain. Drench myself in it if it means I am taking part in His sacrifice. Maybe I can find a way to look at the pain in a new way, because of His pain-His ultimate gift of love.

"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection
and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming
like Him in His death," Philippians 3:10

Hello

God has mercifully given me outlets-ways to bring about catharsis. He recognized a need for me to create early on. As a child I was always making and doing. My mother had her work cut out for her keeping up with her active, independent, strong willed, little girl. This blogs focus will be on those things that I create, how God has helped me in my life and all the ways he brings peace and purification to my life.