Progress!

I know I am a bit late, but Happy New Year! As I reflect on last year I am so amazed at the way the Lord has blessed me spiritually, naturally, and creatively. If I had to sum up the year in one word it would be "PROGRESS."

Not long ago I was pregnant and very discouraged. I wanted desperately to use the gifts I believed the Lord had given me but I couldn't find the time or the confidence to use them. I thought I would never be able to create and sew until my children were grown and out of the house. I thought I would be here for years: in front of this computer admiring all the beautiful things the women in cyberworld were able to create ... because they were more talented and disciplined than me. I used the excuse that my mother wasn't a homemaker and because I was "starting from scratch" with no idea of how this whole thing worked, I was at a disadvantage and as a result I couldn't successfully juggle all my responsibilities and my creative desires.

In October of 2009 these self-defeating thoughts along with morning sickness prompted me to email Rae of made by rae. I had long admired her work and wondered "how did she do it all?" Honestly, I wasn't expecting a response but she gave me some of the best/honest/comforting advice I had ever heard ... she doesn't do it all! In short, she told me she prioritizes her (really cute) kiddos, doesn't watch much TV, and doesn't post every day. Then she encouraged me to just go for it and start the etsy shop I've been thinking of starting because it would be a major confidence booster. That email along with support from my hubby and friends (and lots of grace and wisdom from the Lord) helped me and motivated me to move forward.

Since then -- with the Lord's help -- I have sewn 3 skirts, 4 hospital gowns, 4 aprons, 2 chef hats, 1 dress, 1 pair of shoes, 1 bow tie, 2 neckties ... refashioned 1 cardigan and 1 t-shirt ... stenciled wedding decor,8 t-shirts, and a tote bag ... helped design Christmas cards & birth announcements ... maintained a family blog and started this blog ... all while growing as a Christian, a wife, a mother, a homemaker and a daughter! Even though I have not yet started an Etsy shop I know I've made progress!

This blog and you, my followers (though few for now), have pushed me to make major creative advances and for that I say thank you! I believe bigger and greater things will come this year and I hope you stick around...for even more progress.