Winnefred Writes

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

The Word of the Lord came to me: I chose you before I formed you; I set you apart before you were born… But I protested, “Oh no, Lord! Look, I don’t know how to speak since I am only a youth. Then the Lord said to me: Do not say ‘I am only a youth’ for you will go to everyone I sent you to and speak whatever I tell you. Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to rescue you. This is is the Lord’s declaration. Then the Lord reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and told me: I have filled your mouth with my words. See, I have appointed you today…to build & plant.

Chosen. Set apart. Called. Reached. Known. Filled. Appointed. Cultivated.

Hey college gal – this Winnefred Writes is for you. It’s crazy to be walking into my last year of college, and lemme tell ya – it’s flying by! There have been exciting opportunities, immense joy, mysterious sickness, and fear of the unknown all wrapped up in one semester. In the midst of it all, God is ever faithful.

I came across the verse above in Jeremiah recently in the midst of a busy week with lots of weights on my mind. (Can you relate?) Somehow God knows the words we need to hear and whispers them with hope and peace. I wanted to share with you – no matter what stage of college you’re in today.

In this passage, God is calling Jeremiah to action, but Jeremiah’s instinct response is to RUN – as we see with other Biblical figures from Jonah to Gideon and many in between. This verse reminds me to draw close to God even when I can’t see the full picture. Here are some of the things He has been teaching me during these college days.

1. God chose you and set you apart before you were born – Take that in for a minute. He saw you before you took your first breath. Gives me goosebumps every time!
2. You are created with calling and purpose – both in living a life for the Lord and in how you each uniquely live it out. How can you live it out? Through your work! God works through you, too.
3. Every day is a gift. Take care of yourself. It sounds like common sense but seriously listen to your body–if you are feeling sick don’t ignore it…I can testify. Move a lot, sleep a lot, and make sure you’re eating your bananas.
4. Meet others where they are. Bob Goff says to treat people like you’re meeting Jesus. I like that. It goes beyond the golden rule–it changes the way we meet others and do friendship.
5. Stand up. Stand up for your friends and stand up for yourself. Don’t let people bring you down and definitely don’t let them say who you are. God does that.
6. Look up. My goodness girl – I need to hear this truth daily. Comparison is the thief of joy. I jam out in my car to Lauren Daigle’s song, Look up Child. We all need a little more looking up and a lot less looking around, amen?
7. Seek grace over perfection; patience over instant answers. Someone told me that patience is a sacred pace. It takes all the grace and surrendering perfection, but the process is equally as beautiful as the outcome.

I was learning more about this passage from Jeremiah and found a quote from Eugene Peterson –

My identity does not begin when I begin to understand myself. There is something previous to what I think about myself, and it is what God thinks of me. That means that everything I think and feel is by nature a response, and the one to whom I respond is God. I never speak the first word. I never make the first move. Jeremiah’s life didn’t start with Jeremiah. Jeremiah’s salvation didn’t start with Jeremiah. Jeremiah’s truth didn’t start with Jeremiah. He entered the world in which the essential parts of his existence were already ancient history. So do we.

I would love to encourage yall to listen to Lauren Daigle’s new album, Look Up Child. Listen to the songs “You Say,” “Look up Child,” and “Rescue.” Then I hope you’ll see. Most every song speaks to these verses from Jeremiah – it speaks so much truth into where we are right now! It’s my car jam on repeat.

You are loved. You are worthy. You have purpose. Now go get ’em girl!

Two of my most feared words as a business owner are lost packages. 

If you’re like me and thrive off of tracking packages online as they are mailed, then these words are definitely not something you’d want to hear. I find so much excitement in watching my package’s journey from point A to my doorstep. 

It reminds me how much goes into the smallest things just to reach me–then I’m reminded of God’s love and pursuit in the shape of a cardboard box. 

I’m always sending and receiving mail. It’s routine and familiar and usually easy–that is, until something goes wrong.

I had been eagerly waiting for our newest shipment of Austin Tall Tote bags (just in time for Market Noel and the Christmas season!). Then I noticed my tracking number was not routed to my door, but to an entirely different state. Phone calls, online chats, e-mails, and still nothing could stop those packages from going to the completely wrong address. 

Hold the phone! I was business gal freaking out for the love of tote bags. I thought they were gone with no way to return.

Finally, a kind soul from the shipping company connected me to the person who accidentally received my packages. I took a leap and gave her a call. Hold the phone again! She indeed had received them. The most beautiful part is she is a business owner, too! Out of kindness, she mailed them back to me. 

These moments that spanned over a matter of weeks remind me that nothing is lost from God’s sight. Not me, not you, not even lost packages. God calls us by name and we are His own, forever, eternally, found in Him. Instead of relying on a tracking number somewhere in the world placed on your life, fix your eyes on Jesus. He alone says who we are, knows who we are, and he meets us there. Even when we feel lost, He gives us peace beyond all understanding and a path to follow. 

Sometimes, He sends people in our path to help show us the way when we can’t see where to go next. 

Because of these lost packages, I am filled with hope that nothing and no one has to be lost forever.

(P.S. Austin Tall Tote RESTOCK coming soon!)

Listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” -Isaiah 43:1