Everything I Do, I Want God to be a Part Of

Making jewelry and teaching about essential oils are not traditional tracks for work.  I started down these paths when my heart's desire was to be home to raise our daughter.  We didn't think we could have children and when I was faced with going back to work after having our miracle, I prayed for provision that would allow me to stay home. To quit my job meant cutting our household income by more than half but then, stepping out in faith is where fear and exhilaration collide. (I want to point out that it was during this time that Mark and I were not acknowledging God but we knew this decision was outside of ourselves. This journey would be part of the courtship of God calling us to Him.)

Obviously, this decision has not been one without sacrifice and some hardship. We go without some material things, we have to limit our travel  and when we had to layer 8 months of unemployment into the mix it was certainly a twist to an already ever-changing landscape of provision. We just know that, for us, it's all worth it.

Since the earlier days of learning new skills, building up supplies and finding my voice, the jewelry business has gone from a culturally-focused expression to a faith-based one. I turned it over to God and He has allowed me to minister to people through it.

In my essential oil classes, I have been able to speak of His provision through healing plants. I've been able to act out my faith through customer interaction and business training. Serving others has allowed me to do this well.

Both businesses were given by the grace of God, they belong to God, and so to God goes the glory.

To keep both jobs God-centered, I step out knowing this one thing: Success is not the point. Success is the symptom of God-given inspiration, courage and provision.

I have a lot of big dreams but I only want to get as big as God is still the center. If I feel myself moving away from that, I shrink my goals until He is again, sometimes to the next piece of broken glass or to the next drop of oil.  Following a dream isn't the scary part. Doing it without God is.

Whatever I do in my day, from cleaning the house to my businesses to taking care of my family, to serving my community, Lord, it's Yours. Thy will, not mine, be done.