May 12, 2012

I’ve been SO busy getting ready for my first-ever Arts & Crafts Show! Not only am I one of 18 artists, but I’m coordinating the entire event with some very special people.
My new & forever friend (Roxanne) and I have been leading the “Arts & Crafts For Hope” small group every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, since February. At each meeting, we teach on and discuss the issue of human trafficking. We also provide helpful information to emerging artists to bring success beyond our hobbies. We’ve offered tips on using Facebook, Etsy, blogging, Twitter and other modern day ways that artists can sell their wares beyond a “brick and mortar” store. We’ve also given lots of helpful ideas that we can all use as we participate in this art show! This group has helped Roxanne and I plan the entire show. We’ve done so much: inviting talented artists, planning and promoting the show, setting up, and coming up with many creative ideas for fundraising.
It is our goal to raise $5,000 to donate to  Project Rescue, an amazing ministry to women and children found in sexual slavery. We’ve gotten children involved by asking them to donate their artwork -100% of each sale will help children victimized by human trafficking. Our artists are donating items for a silent auction and they have all agreed to give 10% of their sales to Project Rescue. We are excited to see emerging artists selling alongside seasoned artists… all to fight modern day slavery. Wow! I invite you to join us for this spectacular event. It truly is Art with Purpose.

Category: CREATIVITY, FAITH, PURPOSE | No Comments »
Tags: Changing The World, Dreams, Highland Church, Human Trafficking, Paper Art, Project Rescue

March 19, 2012

Flossy The Rabbit Mixed Media Magnet Decoration - available at www.alteredstory.etsy.com

As a stay-at-home mama and busy pastor’s wife, my main focus goes to my family and church. However, I have a husband who is always encouraging me to pursue my dreams.
As my budding interest has turned into a real passion to fight modern day slavery, my husband has been my biggest encourager. And, he knows I’ve always enjoyed doing crafts… especially paper crafts. So, I’m excited to share that because of his nudging and inspiration, I’ve combined these two interests into something exciting!
In recent months, I’ve been pouring much energy into my new handmade goods business, Altered Story. By using my still-blooming talents, I’m able to make a difference in the world by spreading awareness about modern day slavery through my crafts. I alter vintage goodies and wonderful old books into new treasures. My hope is to help alter the stories of slaves around the world. I share with potential customers the reason behind what I do. And, I donate 10% of profits towards supporting anti-trafficking organizations that work to protect, rescue and restore.
I can attest to this: putting my attention and effort into helping slaves around the world by creating lovely things has given me such a GREAT appreciation for my blessed life. Surprise! This new adventure has been altering my own story for the better, too! And, I’m so thankful.

Category: CREATIVITY, FAMILY, PURPOSE | No Comments »
Tags: Altered Story, Human Trafficking, Husband, Mixed Media, Rabbits

March 15, 2012

The Journey Continues

It’s been a long journey since my last post.
I started this blog years ago, as a journal of sorts. I posted a bunch regarding my upcoming trip to Moldova (June, 2009). I was on a mission to learn more by actually going to one of the largest source countries for victims of human trafficking. During the entire year before my trip, I researched all I could about human trafficking. I arranged for interviews with people working firsthand against it. The trip was amazing and I learned so much about modern day slavery. I intended to share all about it, here. Not surprisingly, however, it was also emotionally draining. And I returned exhausted from all I’d taken in about this terrible reality.
Real life set in and I had a lot to catch up on. Feeling a little overwhelmed, I set aside my self-imposed guilt and decided it was OK if I didn’t write about my experiences, right away. I would give myself a little time.
Well, that “break” was prolonged simply by living the busy life of a mom, pastor’s wife, and multi-tasking go-getter.  Then, I hit a period of feeling absolutely terrible as a friend and family member. I went through a very long time knowing I just needed to shut up. (Ever been there?) After that humbling season, it had already been an embarrassingly long time since my last post. So, I felt I should have something really good and meaningful to say before I posted. But, that never materialized. Then, I felt like my blog was too out-of-date to post anything new.
Thanks to much technical & design help from my hubby (and his motivation!), I’m ready to begin again! We’ve made changes, revamped and redecorated. I even edited old posts with good links and updated info.
So, here I am! It might take time to get back in the swing of this. I’m choosing to leave my old messages as a foundation for what I write in the future. It’s a growing thing. You’ll probably see some posts about that trip to Moldova. And, I’ll still be sharing about faith, family, creativity and purpose, like before.
I welcome you to this new part of the journey! Thanks for joining me!

Category: CREATIVITY, FAITH, FAMILY, PURPOSE | No Comments »
Tags: Blogs, Moldova, Writing

March 3, 2011

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December 12, 2009

In November, Amy and I shared at our church about our trip to Moldova, Eastern Europe. We traveled there to learn about human trafficking and discover more about the worth of one person. One orphan. One victim of trafficking. And our own, individual worth, found in Jesus Christ. If you’d like to listen to our messages through podcast (Amy’s first, mind second) you can listen here: listen here.
I hope you will be inspired to take the next step in your own journey of faith. You are worth it.

Category: FAITH, PURPOSE | No Comments »
Tags: Human Trafficking, Moldova

November 25, 2009

A special card made for newborn Juliet to match her baby quilt.

It’s so fun to make cards! You can personalize them with your loved one’s name. You can rub on images that add dimension next to puffy stickers. You can reuse your favorite stamps and color them in using crayons, pencils or paint. Most importantly, you can give them to those you love who will know that you took an extra moment out of your busy schedule just for them.

Category: CREATIVITY | No Comments »
Tags: Cards, Gifts, Quilts

November 25, 2009

Here is a video from the band Bluetree, that shares the story of the song, “God Of This City.”

Category: FAITH, PURPOSE | No Comments »
Tags: Human Trafficking, Music

November 25, 2009

This is the first book I will recommend to those who are interested in the issue of human trafficking. It shares about sex slavery in a way that is easily read and accepted. It has statistics and information, but readers won’t get lost in details because the authors share personal stories that keep your attention.
I read through the entire book in one sitting. It shares about the work of Project Rescue and the powerful hope we have in Jesus Christ. It inspires readers about what can be done through the working of the Holy Spirit through people like you and me.
I am thankful for those working with Project Rescue, right now. This is an annointed ministry fighting great battles. They are freeing women from the bondage of sex slavery and taking in the children of these workers, so all may live a better life. The Grants and others working in Project Rescue’s ministries around the world need us to team up with them. Through our prayers, our financial help and by sharing information, we can help them to make a difference. Thank God for Project Rescue!
Missionary David Livingstone is quoted in the book, “Sympathy is no substitute for action.” As a mom and pastor’s wife, I’m busy with the work God’s set right before me. I wish I could do more to combat trafficking. Maybe God will lead me to future works. But I’m reminded, from this book, that the greatest work I can do to combat human trafficking is to pray. I pray for spiritual and physical freedom for sex slaves around the world. I pray for those working with victims to be filled with the supernatural power of His Holy Spirit. I pray that He will fill me, so that I will be ready if He should ask me to move to the front lines. Prayer is something I CAN do. And, so can you.
A prayer from the book: “Dear Lord, please save the millions of women and girls who are being exploited in sexual slavery; and use my life and resources to save at least one.”

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Tags: Book Reports, Human Trafficking, Prayer, Project Rescue

October 14, 2009

Autumn Matchboxes

Ok.
So, I’ve been a little preoccupied by the responsibilities of daily life. It’s been way too long since I’ve done anything crafty. But, I managed to spend a couple hours being semi-creative, the other day.
I wasn’t “feelin’ it,” if you know what I mean. Sometimes I like what I do. Sometimes I don’t. Sometimes it’s just nice to have accomplished something. I’m hoping this little project gets my creative juices flowing, again.
These matchboxes are a great idea if you are looking to utilize small papers, rub ons, fabrics and stickers that just don’t fit anywhere else. They add personality when placed next to your pumpkin spice candles. And, they’re practical, too. Keep a decorative bowl of them in the bathroom. Just sayin’.
May you be inspired to just get out your stuff and go for it, too. If it stinks, just light a match.

*Thanks to my sweet sis-in-law for this artsy idea.

Category: CREATIVITY | No Comments »
Tags: Gifts, Matchboxes

August 12, 2009

1. Sign your passport BEFORE you show it to the airport check-in clerk. “This would have cost you 5 hours in customs…”
2. Don’t attempt to check in online if this is your first time traveling internationally. You may regret it.
3. Please don’t act like you are from a small town in Wisconsin. There is such a thing as overuse of good manners. Thank you.
4. Use all your 5 senses when going on a missions trip. (Unless the man behind you on the 9 hour flight has greazy hair and supernatural body odor.)
5. Never fly Air Moldova. Unless you like mob “lines,” rude employees, cancelled flights and hearing what translates as, “No, I’m sorry.  We cannot help you.” However, the classic style of the flight attendants might have been worth it all.
6. Be prepared to pay double digits for internet access. Or, learn about and obtain SIM cards before the trip so that you don’t need to pay for internet access.
7. Be flexible. You may need to fly through a few extra countries to get to your destination. Your credit card may not work. Your second credit card may not work. You may need to sleep at the airport or a 5 star hotel… who’s to say?
8. It’s great to try everything; there are numerous new foods to discover. But, try to avoid the sliced, raw pig fat if at all possible.
9. Bring anti-parasite medication. ‘Nuf said. (see #8)
10.  Be grateful for the journey. Every single thing you experience will become a part of who you are. You will never be the same.*

Category: FAITH, PURPOSE | 1 Comment »
Tags: Changing The World, Missions