Winnefred Writes

August breathes in lazy sweet summer days and breathes out new pencils and paper and books. All the glorious school supplies sum up the dreams of my elementary school days when August rolled around. But if we’re being real here – stocking up on school supplies was my favorite back-to-school ritual all the way through senior year of college. There, I said it. I was the tall, 22 year old girl frolicking down the aisle in Target with fellow 2nd graders, loading up my cart with all. the. supplies.

So this year is the first year since kindergarten that I haven’t gone school supply shopping. It may sound silly coming from a college grad – but this is a big change that begged me to buy a new set of pens anyway. This year was different than any before. I traded in my textbooks in for drawing paper instead! For me – -school work has taken a new life into business work, which is my absolute JOY. I’ll always treasure my school days though – especially growing up in a small college town with some of the best teachers to this day. Now I get to cheer on my friends who’ve started their first years of teaching too!

One of the most amazing parts of my job is I have the opportunity to create products for you, no matter what your job might be. You: the teacher, mom, nurse, accountant, event planner, marketing director, doctor, dog walker, nanny – my passion is to create products that speak to you no matter what your day holds. But today, my heart writes to the educator – the teacher, principal, librarian, school nurse, counselor, crossing guard, coach – whose heart is set on August and joyful chaos and school supplies. Proverbs 22:6 is for you.

Looking back at my school years, many of my teachers paved the way to where I am now as a business owner. From reading countless books and writing my own stories, to learning cursive and sending postcards through the school mail, to creating my own business at mini market (and winning the competition!!), they planted seeds in my heart that still live and grow today.

To all the teachers and school supply fanatics alike, happy school year. You are changing little lives. You have much to offer. You are seen and known and loved. You have God’s Spirit living and shining through you in your classroom – whether His name is spoken or not.

Keep this school supplies art print on your desk or in your classroom as a reminder of your special God-given purpose in your corner of the world. Or if you love a teacher – – give them this print! (Also available in notecards!) Shop –> HERE!

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Here at Winnefred Austin, we are ALL about supporting young minds and the teachers who nurture them. Earlier this year, we invited you to join us as Winnefred Austin began to sponsor a child in Haiti through Compassion International – an incredible Kingdom-building organization which provides opportunities for education, tutoring, church programs, health support, and more for impoverished children worldwide. When you purchase from Winnefred Austin, you are supporting and taking part in a mission dear to our hearts. And just a little update on our child – they are sooo excited to be starting 2nd grade this fall!! (We’re just giddy and so proud). If you are new to our sponsorship story, read about it –> here!

I write today with piles of markers, pencils, papers, and notebooks with left-handed scribbled words piled high on my desk. I’m neck deep in product development these days. To an outsider, my studio desk looks nothing short of an Alabama tornado or a Gulf hurricane – – but this is what I bring to the table today. So whatever you are bringing to the table, let it be there. I’m a full believer that God works in processes (and messy tables too!)

On Sunday morning my mom and I came across the same hymn. (I’ll let you in on a secret…hymns have been an anthem around here lately and we’re pressing into it. To be continued!) Mom saw this hymn on the ever lovely Instagram and I stumbled across it in Tim Keller’s Every Good Endeavor book. It’s an 1800’s hymn by Cecil Frances Alexander called All Things Bright and Beautiful.

Here she goes:

All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
each little bird that sings,
he made their glowing colors,
he made their little wings.
The purple headed mountain,
the river running by,
the sunset and the morning,
that brightens up the sky.
The cold wind in the winter,
the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden,
he made them every one.
The tall trees in the greenwood,
the meadows where we play,
the rushes by the water,
we gather every day.

Having just come back from a trip to northern Pennsylvania, home of Lake Erie, it’s funny that we both came across this hymn on the same morning. It seemed as if a nod from the Lord reminding me to sit in awe of His creation. In a season of product development here at Winnefred Austin, these words are refreshing. It can be so easy to put pen to paper and forget to look up at everything around me. We all can get that way sometimes, right? But as I create, I am co-creating with God because God made everything! All things bright and beautiful, great and small, wise and wonderful – – He made them all!

Throughout this year I have been reading and re-reading Genesis 28 – – Jacob’s encounter with God at Bethel. Genesis 28:16 says,

Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!”

Not only did God create us; He is always with us. No matter where we go – – even Jacob on his solo journey in Genesis 28 – – we are never without God. But as we set off putting pens to paper or whatever it may be, we often fall asleep to God’s presence and the wonder of His creation. We are not called to journey through life with our eyes closed! If I closed my eyes to finish a drawing, it would be a disaster in the end. We are called to be awake people. Awake to God’s creation – – the birds and their tiny wings. The sunrise and sunset – – the trees and gardens that grow. The merciful and wonderfully creative hand of God makes the world around us come alive every morning.

When Jacob woke from his night’s rest, the morning’s dawn broke with new revelation too. In that place, Jacob encountered God in a new way. While God was there all along, Jacob was asleep at the wheel. When he went to sleep the night before, he did not acknowledge God’s presence. But when he woke up, God reminded him of His presence and promise. So Jacob set a stone as a memorial marker and named the place Bethel, meaning house of God. He set the marker so he could remember this place and remember God.

A lighthouse marks a ship’s place in the water so it will remember how to find shore again. We need markers in our lives to remember God, too. Since He created everything and lives within us, we have banners marked in our hearts through the Spirit. As we go on through every step of life, God’s creation – – all things bright and beautiful – – are markers to remind us of His presence and promise. He creates and He lives.

I made a new friend named Alys during my week at the beach. She’s all kinds of classy with a side of sandy toes and iced coffee. I couldn’t help but want to fit in and be just like her. Perhaps you’ve met her too?

Alys’ grand palm trees are the first greeting you will receive at her front door. Each tree is perfectly planted in a hospitable row – – the soul sister to my Enneagram 2 wing 3 soul. Her decorating tastes are nothing short of Joanna Gaines – – marigold shutters, mint green iron gates, pops of pink flowers.

Alys seems perfect at first glance. You’d think she has it all together, but I’ll let you in on a little secret. She’s really just like the rest of us gals and there’s a lot more than meets the eye. Inside Alys is a construction zone. Houses are being built on seemingly every side street. Metal chain-link fences camouflaged in faux greenery line the neighborhood lanes as a barricade to hide messy worksites. Yet still from the outside there is a sort of beautiful and silent order about the place, sealed with a white-toothed smile. But her put-togetherness didn’t trick me for long because we’ve all been there. We each have our own construction zones in one way or another.

God, Creator of the heavens — He is, remember, God. Maker of earth — He put it on its foundations, built from scratch. He didn’t go to all that trouble to just leave it empty, nothing in it. He made it to be lived in. -Isaiah 25:18 MSG

If you haven’t picked up on it by now, Alys is actually a place on the 30A map somewhere between my other friends, Rosemary and Seaside. Houses are being built there faster than donuts sell at the Donut Hole on a Saturday morning. (if you know, you know!) I spent a fun morning with Alys last week to wander the dreamy beach streets and snap some Austin Tall Tote pictures because, ya know, business gal things. But now I’m home reflecting on my morning there. Sometimes, thinking of a place as a friend reveals qualities we seek not only in a friend, but in a feeling of home and belonging within ourselves. It also uncovers observations of desires and insecurities for us and for our friends too.

Alys made me think: Why are we so quick to hide our side of crazy and buy into the misbelief that we have it all together? Why do we strive to appear to be a certain way to others? Why do we hide progress and cover up construction? If you’ve ever built a house, then you’ll know what I mean. You can’t hide bulldozers and cement trucks even if you wanted to try! So why do we try ourselves? The process of clearing land, pouring a foundation, setting boards and beams, and the whole Fixer Upper ordeal is time consuming and thrilling all at the same time. The place you will call home is being built right before your eyes. And best of all, you’re part of it! You walk every step with the builders from groundbreaking day until move in day. You want to tell everyone about your project too – – not to boast, but because of the pure excitement of creating a place to live.

Thus God, The Holy of Israel, Israel’s Maker, says: “Do you question who or what I’m making? Are you telling me what I can and cannot do? I made earth, and I created man and woman to live in it. I handcrafted the skies and direct all the constellations in their turnings.” -Isaiah 45:11-12

Guess what!

We work with and serve a builder everyday: the ultimate Builder! The Lord is building something beautiful in us. He built us from scratch and He’s not finished yet. From the inside out, God is crafting us in His image to become more and more like Him. We wake up everyday with God’s Spirit living inside of us. Yes, His home is dwelling in you and me! So there’s no need to hide our personal construction fences with faux greenery or “do not enter” signs. We’re just kidding ourselves and those around us. We’re placing unrealistic expectations and building houses on sand. That’s not a heart-home worth building, even if it’s on the beach.

Speaking of the beach…We are all in this same boat together and we can ride the waves on Jesus. And waves are pretty amazing because each one crashes differently. Sitting at the beach, I watched the waves go in and out of shore. Each wave ebbs and flows at different places and times. Waves crash in an endless cycle, but God sees each one individually. They crash together in His orchestra – – a symphony of sounds made beautiful as water meets sandy shore. We’re like the waves because we’re always moving forward. Sometimes we have to ride a few waves until we catch our current, but we don’t give up hope. Waves don’t race to meet the shore first. Often times they link tides and roll together.

Fear of inconveniencing others because of our progress is not invited to the beach party. Fear of judgment and comparison aren’t invited either. Instead, what if we rolled together like those waves, construction zones and all? God didn’t go to the ends of the earth, and he didn’t send His son for our world to be empty, without connection. He made everything to be lived in fully – – both in space and within ourselves. We are made to be in connection with God and with each other – – much like the beach towns nestled along Highway 30A. Each one is wonderfully different with unique offerings, but all share the same road.

My hope is for this space called Winnefred Austin to be a tidal wave that brings us all a little closer to God and who He made us each wonderfully to be. The words I write, the drawings I create, and the products I sell are my waves to carry out the gifts God gave me – – all to the praise of His glory. I invite you to join in and bring your gifts to the beach party, too. The more the merrier, friend! Let’s roll together. Let’s celebrate the construction projects God is building in our lives.

P.S. – – I can’t wait to get back to sweet 30A and get a coffee from the shop at Alys Beach. You bet you’ll find me there with my Austin Tall Tote and good company, too.

Happy weekend, friends… Ashley here! It’s hard to believe that just about a week ago, I was walking across the stage to graduate college. For a day I prepared over the course of four years, it was one of the fastest days ever! It was such a special day surrounded by my closest people – – one I will treasure for a long time. I am incredibly thankful to have been recognized as Samford University’s Outstanding Entrepreneur and Who’s Who. Yes, the tassel was worth the hassle as they say!

This week before the “real” work begins, I took a road trip to Nashville. If you read my previous posts about Bethel and my last road trip to Nashville (read here!), then you’ll know that God always shows up on my solo drives. I love taking longer drives without any music or distractions because I am keenly aware of my surroundings – – which is not only safer for driving, but it’s refreshing for clearing cluttered thoughts and inviting for the Lord to speak. This drive was no different than before. It was my first trip since graduation, and my soul was yearning for a quiet time to process these college years and the times to come.

Somewhere along the route I saw a semi truck that stood out from the others. Huge letters on the back of the truck simply read Philippians 4:13. And that was all. To refresh my memory I looked up the verse when I got to Nashville.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13

My hand immediately went to the necklace I was wearing because it read STRENGTH on the front and Proverbs 31:24 on the back! A graduation gift I received last week.

She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. -Proverbs 31:24

Wow. God was speaking strength over me on my quiet ride to Nashville as I drive into season of new excitement and adventure mixed with unknown – – one road trip and one stop at a time.

For the first time in 16 years I am no longer a student. From the day I stepped foot in my kindergarten class at Root Elementary School to last week when I accepted my diploma from Samford’s President, Dr. Westmoreland, I bore the title of student. Now I am no longer a student, but I am still me – – exactly who God made me. I am finding out more and more each day. This drive reminded me that God goes before me on the road. He’s my “ride or die” the whole way. His Spirit lives in me so I never go alone. He always shows up on the freeway, freeing me from whatever comes to entangle my path. He clothes me in strength and dignity so I can laugh without fear of the future. So I will fix my eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Yes, HE strengthens ME!

These words speak so much truth to this recent grad gal. I am over the moon joyful to be embarking on business ownership full time, and I truly believe the Lord will take this dream of mine to places only He knows. I’m along for the ride. Thank goodness I don’t have to know the entire route, let alone steer solo.

Maybe you can relate. You recent grad, new employee, city transplant, newlywed, empty nester, fellow entrepreneur, first time homeowner, fill-in-the-blank. Wherever you may be today. When seasons change the road may seem unclear, and seeing past the fog on the horizon can feel impossible. But we are not responsible for holding the entire map in our hands. What’s the point of knowing every turn? Following a map is safe maybe, but it’s mundane too. We’d miss the adventure along the way – –  every pot hole, traffic jam, detour, sunrise, sunset, hill, and valley that make the route part of our story. And that is equally as important as the destination because our story becomes part of the greatest story of all. God tells His story through us! God is not a God who tells us to turn left in 500 feet or to take the first exit on the roundabout. He gives us nods and nudges along the way, bringing us closer to Him.

Bob Goff said something about points and how God uses points in our lives to bring us back to Him. I think he’s onto something there.

So wherever you may be on your drive, be fully present and engage with the God who guides, protects, provides, and encourages us through every turn. Delight in the plot twists and detours, too. I’m right here with ya, friend!

Thank you for keeping on this adventure with me. There are so so so many new + exciting things comin’ for Winnefred Austin. Fasten your seat belts!

xx, Ash

It’s Maundy Thursday, friends! Spring is in full bloom and I am soaking in every drop of sweet Alabama sunshine in between rain (not to mention 4am storm wake-up calls). This Lent season has been the fastest whirlwind of senior year of college ending, and a new season of life post-graduation beginning. Easter comes later this year than usual – – just a few short weeks before all the graduation festivities. But I’m glad, because I am reminded through this Lent and graduation season that we are a sent people. Yes, we are sent by God to go out into the world and do the works He planned for us to do. We are sent because He sent Jesus. During Easter we press into all Christ has done for us and all He has prepared for us.

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will comes and make our home with each of them.” -John 15:23

Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them, so they can be made holy by your truth. -John 17:17-18

Yes I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me and I in them will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. -John 15:5

Jesus is our home – – our starting place. The Spirit lives inside of us because we love Him, and is with us no matter where we go. These words are so comforting for starting a new chapter in life. These words are wonderfully different for each of our unique stories but united by a common truth: God goes before us to prepare a way for us. Just as He sent Jesus into the world, we are sent into the world too. We are sent to share the home we have in God so He can bring all His children there! Living as a sent person looks different for everyone, thank goodness. We are free from comparison because we are each sent with individual gifts! We can celebrate and encourage one another in these unique gifts, working together for the God who works for His glory and our good.

And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”  -Mark 16:15

Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father.    -Matthew 5:14

Easter tells our story of redemption – – the victory is already won! Now we are sent out to share the good news with others, letting God’s light shine through us. We are called to be good stewards of the relationships, opportunities, and gifts God has given. Now we can cultivate opportunities for others to foster the same light to shine for God through them!

Happy Easter from the Winnefred Austin gals. Wishing you a weekend of peace, joy, and rest with your people. Listen to the song Driven by Love by Lindy and the Circuit Riders – – my jam this sent Lent season.

For the first year ever, Lent has my full attention. I’ve always known it’s the season leading up to Easter, but I have never truly pressed in every day from Ash Wednesday up to Easter Sunday. Anyone else relate? Some say Lent is like Advent, but in the spring for Easter instead of Christmas. Others say it’s that time when you give up something like chocolate or Instagram…I agree, but I am learning there is so much more to this season, and the purpose goes far beyond the act of “giving something up.” Instead of giving something up tangibly for Lent, I am opening my hands and giving every burden and desire to Jesus daily. It’s a posture I want to carry far past this season of Lent, too. There are so many changes coming with graduation just a few weeks after Easter; I feel the sense of urgency and remembrance of Lent even more present.

I went to my church’s Ash Wednesday service and came home with a daily Lent Bible reading plan through the Gospel of John. The first 2 days I read through John 1. I have read this chapter many times, but the last verse jumped off the page in a way I had never noticed before.

“I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.” -John 1:51

In this verse, Jesus is referencing Genesis 28 when God meets Jacob at Bethel.

“As he [Jacob] slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway. At the top of the stairway stood the Lord…” -Genesis 28:12-13

I was amazed – – if you’ve been following along my most recent posts, BETHEL is my word for my current season of life. There it was again in my first day of Lent reading! Something so profound is unveiled in one small verse, and I had noticed it for the first time. So I dug deeper into what these words mean to me.

In John 1, Jesus continues the story of Jacob at Bethel from Genesis 28. Jesus says that he himself is is the staircase – – the only connection between heaven and earth. He is fulfilling the foretaste of God preparing His people for the arrival of the Savior through a vision of a staircase. God worked through Jacob generations before Jesus walked the earth and his name was known. In John 1 Jesus tells us a new story: we too can enter the house of God. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life; the staircase! No one can enter the house of God without him. Jesus came to earth fully human and fully God, yet he lived a sinless life and paid the ultimate price to bring us home.

Jesus is the way no matter where I go. He has gone before me and walks with me. He brings me home as he makes his home in my heart. Through trials, pain, waiting, and even immense joy – – he is building something beautiful, even if I cannot see the full staircase. He is with me every step. He is the solid foundation – – tearing down walls and expanding rooms; rearranging furniture and inviting community inside. He is the center; the hearth and very heart. He is the staircase – – connecting me to the Father. Pressing into these truths is my focus for Lent this year. He is all of these things for you, too. Will you let go and trust the Builder this Lent season? Let’s practice this posture so it will be natural for all times to come.

“One thing I ask of the Lord – – the thing I seek most – – is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” -Psalm 27:4 & 14

Happy Monday, friends – – Ashley here! I have another Bethel story for you. This one is a little different than the rest, and it has made my heart almost explode with joy!!

This time last week I was at Bethel Music’s concert here in Birmingham. It was a rather expectant evening because Bethel is my word for 2019, but I never expected God’s presence to fill the space with such powerful and joy and healing.

In the past year, I have been to Haiti twice. Yes, both were vacations – – BUT through both times I was there, God opened my eyes to the unimaginable need in this country. I still cannot wrap my mind around how somewhere so beautiful can be suffering from such extreme poverty. Things I will never, ever fully come to understand. Since then, I have felt a pull to help children there. (Side note. If you don’t know me – – children are one of my greatest passions. I was actually planning on becoming a teacher before I felt called to follow my dream of starting a business!) I had prayed for God to open my heart to whatever He had for me, and until last Monday night, I had not really come to an answer. So I waited.

About halfway through the concert, some of the Bethel musicians talked about Compassion International and the incredible work they have seen happening first hand for children living in poverty worldwide. They were wholeheartedly for this organization and had placed envelopes around the room with children needing sponsorship. Many seats around the room had an envelope, but my seat did not have one. So the night of worship continued on and I did not think too much about it. A little while later, I noticed something was under my foot that definitely had not been there earlier….

It was an envelope.

I knew before I picked it up that it was for a child in Haiti. And of course, it was. Even now as I share this story with you my eyes tear up and I get all the goose bumps. I knew with every part of my heart that God had placed this child in my hands to sponsor. While all of these things were unfolding, Bethel began to sing their song “Child of God.” No joke! These moments have marked me for the rest of my life.

I wanted Winnefred Austin to have a role in this sponsorship because I believe in the power of giving and sacrificing to help others in need.

I’m sharing this story with you because I want you to be apart of it, too. As a Winnefred Austin customer, you are part of it. Yes, you get to share in the joy of giving this sweet child hope for their future! I love Compassion International because not only are they providing basic needs to these children, but they are permanently established in these communities to share God’s love every day.

As this year unfolds, God is just beginning to show me how He is working through the word Bethel in my life. I am part of a women’s business Bible study and our amazing leader calls it “sacred echoes.” I think she’s right! Do you have a word for this season you’re in? Seek one out and press into it, I so encourage you.

Thank you for continually supporting and encouraging me on this crazy wonderful journey called Winnefred Austin. My cup overflows. To learn more about Compassion International or to sponsor a child of your own, please click here.

Yippeeee! We’re celebrating half a year of Winnefred Austin this weekend – – can you believe it?! Time flies when you’re having fun, friends. Thank you for joining us on this adventure as our story unfolds a little more every day!

The Lord has been faithful in showing me a lot in these early days of Winnefred Austin. Our last post talks about my word for 2019 – – Bethel – – and it’s amazing how much meaning and revelation can be packed into one little word. My church in sweet Avondale started a Bible reading plan, and I have been venturing through Genesis and Exodus. My inner writer has been mesmerized by the stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In Genesis 28, the story of Jacob at Bethel resonates with me here and now – – in the midst of business dreams, last semester of college, and everything in between. I love how God speaks to us still today through His Word of old.

What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you. Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it! It is none other than the house of God, the very gateway to heaven!” The next morning Jacob got up very early. He took the stone he had rested his head against, and he set it upright as a memorial pillar. Then he poured olive oil over it. He named that place Bethel (which means “house of God”), although it was previously called Luz.

-Genesis 28:15-19

In Genesis I see a common thread of faithfulness. God went before Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and all their generations to come. Through prosperity, through famine, through settling, through moving – – His purpose prevailed. He prepared a way through the wilderness and walked with them every step. This thread weaves into our lives too. No matter where we go, home is with the Lord. What’s more – – WE are God’s house on the move. He lives in us, going with us every step. And we have the chance to share God with others so they can be at home with Him too! Yes, He uses us to carry His home to the hearts of others.

These thoughts of home have beckoned me to ask – – How do I host God’s home in my life? I hope you’ll ask yourself this question, too. I’ve found how vital this question is both as a business owner and college gal with life moving in every direction. Digging into this question starts from the inside out, and God has turned my life gloriously upside down to show me how BIG His love really is – – how near He is even when I walk through the wilderness.

Since October I have had a migraine every day. Weird I know. And most definitely out of character. I lived on my college campus since freshman year, and I loved it. Halfway through this year, though, I moved off campus for my last semester of college – – something I had not planned or even seen coming. But my migraines had gotten so persistent that it became the only option due to the environment which I was living. (Out with the mold and in with the new, if you know what I mean.) If you get migraines, I am right there with ya, friend. They are not one bit of fun and a lot of times extremely difficult to unearth the cause.

So in the midst of incredibly exciting JOY of starting Winnefred Austin, I have been battling these mysteriously unmoving headaches. But I know I cannot let them steal my joy – – no way! Hosting God’s home in my heart not only means looking inside and taking care of myself, but continually inviting others inside too. My closest people mean the world to me – – you know who you are. Through doctors appointments, coffee dates, late night talks, or a simple text message, they remind me what it is to foster God’s home on the move. You remind me too. I am continually amazed at all the people brought in Winnefred Austin’s path. You’re here for a purpose, I believe it!

I won’t bore you with every detail, but my headaches are improving and I have seen a little light shine off in the distance. All the possible factors made the perfect storm for this monster headache, and healing takes time. Lots of it. So I’m dabbling in Paleo-ish and trying my hand in yoga. I’m getting plenty of rest and digging deep into God’s Word. I’m continuing to fully follow this passion poured out in Winnefred Austin. And most of all, I’m waiting. And trusting the God who led Abraham and his descendents to the promised land.

I’m excited to see the next 6 months of Winnefred Austin unfold – – after college graduation and (finally) pursuing my owner/artist gal/bag lady job full time – – hallelujah!! SO MANY more things are coming for this business o’ mine. Tag along – – it’s going to be fun!

P.S. if you have any Paleo favorites, send ’em my way. #NoMoreCheezits (for now…..)

 

 

In this Christmas season, I have been busy like every other human – running here and there in a holiday frenzy of joy mixed with pure craziness. Through finishing fall of senior year final exams, moving out of the dorm, working 2 Christmas markets, mailing out online orders, and everything in between, I found rest in reading Annie F. Down’s newest book, Remember God. (If you need a Christmas break read, RUN and order it!)

Spoiler alert…On the very last page of the book, Annie wrote about the day of Epiphany – January 6th – when the wise men made it to Bethlehem to meet baby Jesus.

January 6th was a day of epiphany in Annie’s life too, so it made me think back to where I was on January 6, 2018. I knew I was somewhere in London, so thanks to the camera roll on my phone, I looked back to find out more.

January 6, 2018 was the day I stepped foot in Notting Hill for the first time. Some friends and I were in Shoreditch that morning and we took the Tube to Portobello Market in Notting Hill that afternoon. ALL the heart eyes for Portobello Market. Local vendors, artisans, and antiques everywhere, so ya know I was one happy artist gal.

While in Notting Hill, I fell in love with the local storefronts, quaint buildings, and old fashioned whimsy. Inspiration was everywhere. It felt like something I wanted to be a part of; a feeling of belonging. That day was my first glimpse of gold among the misty London streets.

Little did I know, January 6, 2018 was the spark of something curating in my heart: the next steps for my company. It was the starting point that led me to discovering Winnefred Austin’s story.

Boom. Epiphany.

It’s amazing to look back at the days that have unfolded since then and God’s thread weaving every piece together. It’s amazing that one day was so significant and I didn’t even know it yet.

I wonder what the wise men thought when they finally made it to Bethlehem to meet Jesus, a tiny baby. Did they fully know they were fully known by a baby sleeping in a manger? Did they know such a small beginning would change everything? It’s an epiphany that fills me with awe time after time again. It makes me pause in the busyness of this season and remember. Remember the true reason we are all here for these days in December. It’s pure, it’s simple, it’s all I need.

Epiphany. It’s the whimsy of God’s kindness showing up in places unseen – places I may not even know He is working. Even when I can’t see around the next bend in the road, He beckons me to follow. Even if I take some detours or stops along the way, I don’t walk alone. Neither did the wise men. Neither do you, friend.

Across oceans to London or across town to home, I am reminded of God’s faithfulness regardless of location or circumstance. He is able to do more than I can ask or imagine. And that’s what I want to hold onto this Christmas season.

All glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. -Ephesians 3:20

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The pastor at my church unpacked this verse yesterday. It never ceases to amaze me that God sends the words our hearts need most exactly when we need it–whether we want to admit it or not.

Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks are commands for us regardless of circumstance. In good times, in bad times, in healthy times, in sick times, in stressful times, in peaceful times–we are to rejoice, pray, and give thanks…All with a grateful heart. Oh how I need to remember, especially in these days of balancing immense joy with great unknown. College seniors–you know exactly what I mean.

In this week of Thanksgiving, I am especially reminded of all the gifts and blessings that abound in my life. Take a minute, friend and remember too. Even in the little things, I find true joy and thankfulness. We need to remind each other to take a step back and remember. It’s so easy to forget when we’re in the middle of day to day routine.

I was challenged at church yesterday to give thanks–a posture of true gratitude–without grumbling in the process. How easy is it to grumble about traffic, the weather, too much to do, or people driving us crazy?! Stress is real, and it’s really easy to brush it aside with complaints and let it build. We’re human, which means we are prone to wander and prone to grumble. Amen? But there’s good news! In gratitude regardless of circumstance we receive the gift of grace, which spurs peace in our hearts. And God gives grace abundantly, even when we fall short. Will you remember to respond with gratitude instead of grumbling with me? I think we all need a little more grace and a lot less complaining. I can testify! And it won’t always work out perfectly, but it makes me take a step back first and remember.

Life as a business owner is especially at risk for comparison and striving and setting unrealistically high expectations. Grumbling is a treacherous consequence when things don’t go as expected. But you know what? God knows what I need more than I can begin to understand. He knows what you need, too. Dwelling in a posture of thankfulness instead of grumbling instills peace and fullness of the Spirit.

Let’s remember the gift He gives us daily – mercy that is NEW every morning!

My church’s worship band released an album and one of the songs speaks so directly to these verses. The song is called Rejoice by Redeemer Community Church. Give it a listen!

I will rejoice, Oh I will rejoice. I will give thanks to you my God. No matter the day, no matter what comes my way. I will rejoice, and I will give thanks to you….

Let’s remember the gifts we have been given together–rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all circumstances.

Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving holiday!

xx,

Ashley