God works in mysterious ways...this past weekend He worked through jewelry. Crazy, I know. But His ways are not ours! Over Christmas, I passed around prayer and financial support lettersto my various family members for my upcoming mission trip to Berlin, Germany. This particular trip has been a prayer of my heart for the past two years, so finally having the opportunity to go is a blessing I am beyond grateful for. I jumped right in. Then comes the financial part...and that dollar sign was big.
However, I know that God provides for His purpose. I have seen Him provide in so many ways before, therefore the prayers have thus changed to asking for His provision if He would have me to be a part of this journey...and for that faith that He will provide.
I hate asking for money. More than anything else. So, handing these letters to my family took great steps of courage and faith for me. I have learned that God provides through His people, and that He blesses through using them to provide. So I swallowed hard, trusted that He will move hearts as he sees fit, and asked for prayers as He works through me and through this team He has assembled.
My cousin texted me the next morning. She generously offered to donate a portion of her profit if I would host a jewelry show for her. I love the jewelry she sells...so it was a no brainer. Host a party, eat great food, play with jewelry...I was beyond excited!
But more than being excited about the party, I was humbled that God took my fears and showed me that I could trust Him. He showed me that the people I love have truly given of themselves for His mission. He began to whisper the promise that I am supposed to complete this journey.
So we threw a party.
However, I know that God provides for His purpose. I have seen Him provide in so many ways before, therefore the prayers have thus changed to asking for His provision if He would have me to be a part of this journey...and for that faith that He will provide.
I hate asking for money. More than anything else. So, handing these letters to my family took great steps of courage and faith for me. I have learned that God provides through His people, and that He blesses through using them to provide. So I swallowed hard, trusted that He will move hearts as he sees fit, and asked for prayers as He works through me and through this team He has assembled.
My cousin texted me the next morning. She generously offered to donate a portion of her profit if I would host a jewelry show for her. I love the jewelry she sells...so it was a no brainer. Host a party, eat great food, play with jewelry...I was beyond excited!
But more than being excited about the party, I was humbled that God took my fears and showed me that I could trust Him. He showed me that the people I love have truly given of themselves for His mission. He began to whisper the promise that I am supposed to complete this journey.
So we threw a party.
Aimee sells for Premier Jewelry. Premier is a faith-based company that empowers women to be successful and reach goals through individualized work schedules. It really is an amazing opportunity...and I have loved watching Aimee excel at what she does. I can't imagine that there is a greater Premier employee out there!
For her to offer me this opportunity meant the world to me.
For her to offer me this opportunity meant the world to me.
Not only was I able to be amazed at God's provision financially, I was able to see how blessed I really am. The photos above and below are a little blurry, but they mean so much to my heart because they remind me of where I have come from. I come from two families who love deeply and serve selflessly. I have learned to live from some of the greatest men and women on this earth. As I sat looking around the room, I realized I was surrounded by some of those very women...those women who came to support me...because they truly love me, are fully invested in my life, and are completely devoted to praying for me.
And of course, you cannot have a party without some great food.
**ENTER: Mom...the greatest cook I know.**
**ENTER: Mom...the greatest cook I know.**
I was going to have some store-bought German chocolates, maybe some potato chips, and definitely some coffee.
She dreamed up this grand idea of having authentic, German recipes. So she slaved over this awesome "Bee-sting" cake and these AMAZING soft pretzels. They are literally the best soft-pretzels (other than Auntie Anne's, of course...) that I have ever had. I'm not even exaggerating this time, guys.
She dreamed up this grand idea of having authentic, German recipes. So she slaved over this awesome "Bee-sting" cake and these AMAZING soft pretzels. They are literally the best soft-pretzels (other than Auntie Anne's, of course...) that I have ever had. I'm not even exaggerating this time, guys.
So, Aimee, thank you. Thank you for your love, support, and prayers. Thank you for providing such a wonderful kick-off to this amazing journey I find myself on. You have blessed me in ways I don't even know how to put into words.
To all of the wonderful women who are in my life: God has used you to shape me. He has used you to chisel my rough edges, He has designed you to inspire me, and He has poured grace over my head through your hearts.
I am on this journey until the end... and I couldn't do it without all of you.
To all of the wonderful women who are in my life: God has used you to shape me. He has used you to chisel my rough edges, He has designed you to inspire me, and He has poured grace over my head through your hearts.
I am on this journey until the end... and I couldn't do it without all of you.