Journals and Noodles

Things have sure been interesting lately!  Let me share two stories with you.

Journals for Japan

At the beginning of the summer, I had made it a goal to begin a new hobby.  I chose bookbinding as it held an interest to my book lover's mind.  So, I began by fiddling around with some materials, looking up ideas on Pinterest, and generally watching a lot of how-to youtube videos.  It turned out, I liked it a lot.  A whole lot!  It was a fun summer hobby that scratched the creative itch I'd had for a while.

Then, in May, I was thinking about journal-making when a thought crossed my mind.  I could make journals and sell them for Japan .  Immediately, I dismissed the thought.  I was overloaded with work and didn't have the time for a new project.  Until God grabbed the idea back out of the air and said "I think you need to take a look at this."  I argued that it was too much for me.  I was busy!

And that's when he smiled at me.

"Just do this for one month and see what happens." He said.  I had the feeling that he was challenging me.   I said okay - though I was not yet convinced.

I told one of the girls from my small group about the idea and she encouraged me to give it a try.  

A month later, I had a small shop on Etsy (a site that sells handmade and vintage items online), about a dozen journals for sale, and had sold enough to make a profit.  I was thrilled!

God came through just like he said he would.  As usual.  :)

I now get to use my journals as not only a way to help my budget along, but also as a tool that helps people to recognize their story and how they are important in the Grand Adventure that God is writing.  Check out the inside cover of one of my journals sometime and see what I mean!

More of the story of how God is using my shop for His Purpose can be found in the About section of the shop:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/JournalsforJapan/about/

Please take some time to browse through the Journals for Japan shop and see if anything piques your interest! 
 

Taste of Missions

Last Sunday was Calvary Church's event called Taste of Missions!

Tables full of food from all over the world filled the atrium with exotic smells and flavors.  People dressed in clothing from their host nation served small portions of food to give Calvary a taste of their country.  Many local ministries hosted tables as well, making it a full missions experience!  

I got to host a table for Japan with the help of my mom and my mentee, Ashley!  We served cold soba noodles and hot green tea while sharing some of the culture of Japan with people.  I also hosted a table full of my journals, which many people graciously supported.  It was a wonderful event at Calvary that helped more people understand why missions is vital to our purpose as a church and how it all works together to build the Kingdom of God.  

That, and I got to talk to a lot of wonderful people about my heart for Japan!  

More interesting and exciting things are on the horizon!  Can't wait to see where He leads me!

Me and Ashley in kimono!

 

The "Ends of the Earth" tables