Sunday, July 30, 2006

7.30.06



You know, God is really amazing. The thing that always blows me away is how He knows our future.
Every little detail.
He allows things to happen in our lives,
puts desires in our hearts because He KNOWS what is coming.

So for the past three weeks I've been flowing with ideas for teaching classes. I have a spiral notebook that I jot down ideas in and there are pages full of notes I've written, sketches I've drawn, projects I've been inspired by... but why was I doing this? I had no idea. I just knew the ideas were coming and knowing me, I had to write them down or they'd be lost soon. I had even written a long blog post about 2 weeks ago all about "what do I do with all of these ideas when it's so hard to teach on a regular basis?" Wow, I really wish I had published that blog entry. But it felt a little whiney to me, so I just erased it. It helped me to write it all down and allowed me to nail down what I was feeling...but I so wish I had published it. I had no "big picture" for all of the creative flow. I just recorded it, blogged about it, erased it, and waited on the Lord. (frustrating like you wouldn't believe!) :D

Enter Pink Martini Designs. At the very last minute of their design team call I decided to send some of my ideas and work to Amy Goldstein, the founder and owner. She called me, we chatted for a while, and she offered me a spot on their amazing design team. WOW, I was thrilled! I shared with my scrapbooking friends and my family. And then it hit me. THIS is why I had all of those ideas flowing! THIS is where I'm supposed to direct that creativity. You see, Pink Martini Designs sells scrapbooking class kits to scrapbook stores. So the design team develops projects, turning project ideas into classes for teachers. This is the place for all of those ideas I have in that notebook. Isn't that amazing? God is pretty cool like that. I'm sure glad HE is in charge. :D

Of course I'll still be teaching sometimes, but this is the perfect outlet and opportunity for my schedule.
God is good!

Oh.....the photo above is of some really cute little felt and crochet flowers I picked up at Walmart! Aren't they fun? 97 cents a package, baby! They were in the aisle with the ribbon by the roll. You can click here to see more detail...

Happy Monday!
- Jennifer

"Delight yourself in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." ~ Psalm 37:4,5

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW! Just plain WOW! God is good, isn't he? I love this story. It makes me happy. And it makes me even happier that it happened to YOU and that you know the why of it all. Jennifer, this is your gift and your blessing. Rejoice and be happy (as I know you are). Love you much, my friend!

Sarah said...

That is SO awesome, Jen!! Congrats! Gods timing is PERFECT-for EVERYTHING. Here's a verse that came to mind for you as you continue on this fantastic path He's laid before you! ;)
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."-Ephesians 16:3

It's a refreshing inspiration to share our faith and how it boosts our God given talents! THanks for sharing yours!!! ((hugs))

and uh...ala Napoleon, "Congrats on the new P.Martini gig...luckyyyy. gosh." ;)

Melissa said...

I love when god blesses us when we are least expecting it. how great that you have a place to put all those good ideas to work :)

those felt flowers are too cute!! I need to make a trip to walmart now ;)

Anonymous said...

I love your posts! They always make me smile. Congratulations! :)

Kim said...

Congrats on the new "gig", Jennifer. Can't wait to see some of what you got planned.

Cheryl Wray said...

Great post! You're right--God always knows His plans for you. Even when we have no clue what's going to happen!!

Anonymous said...

What a great entry!

Susan said...

congrats on the pink martini call...great entry!

Dee said...

Thanks for sharing this Jennifer. This is about the 4th place today that I have gotten the message about waiting on God. I am not very clear on what he is trying to tell me to wait on Him for right now but I am willing to obey. So happy for you! I hope your experience with this new DT will be blessed.

Mandy Ford Art & Illustration said...

That's so awesome! God's plan isn't always easy to see, but sometimes it just hits you right in the face!! :)

I have some of those flowers from W's too...they are super cute!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jennifer! I found your blog through Stacey Kingman's! I just wanted to tell you I've enjoyed my visit! :) And this bible verse you posted is one of my favorites! Have a great night!

Anonymous said...

Jen--
That is soooo awesome to hear how God worked everything out in His own timing for His own purposes. How encouraging... I just wanted to let you know how excited I am for you with these doors God has opened and say how proud I am to call you my friend! :)

Hugs--
Megan :)

Unknown said...

You are so right Jen!
His plan is always so much better than we could ever imagine and often we don't see it right away!
That's probably a good thing too. :)
I'm so happy for you with how things are working out in your life.
You are so very talented and have so much to offer.

Anonymous said...

So true - I'm always amazed but how God works when I stand back and stop telling Him what to do. A lesson I'm continually learning...

Congratulations!!!