Faith, Freedom & Fireworks--America's 250th

Faith, Freedom & Fireworks

This year, we celebrate 250 years of the United States of America. What an incredible milestone!

I often find myself wondering what our Founding Fathers were really like. What would they think if they could see America today?

I believe they would be amazed by many things—the advances in technology, medicine, communication, and the opportunities available to so many people. At the same time, I think they would also be saddened by some of what they see. Healthy debate has too often been replaced with insults, division, and personal attacks. We don't always agree, and that's okay. But I believe we can disagree while still treating one another with dignity and respect.

I'm currently taking classes to earn my paralegal certification, and one of the topics we've been studying is the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Reading those documents has given me an even greater appreciation for the wisdom and foresight of those who laid our nation's foundation. They understood the importance of protecting individual liberties, and over the years our country has continued building upon that foundation to expand rights and opportunities for women, minorities, and many others.🇺🇲

Despite our imperfections, I am proud to be an American. Our nation has endured wars, economic hardship, tragedy, and growing pains. Through it all, America has continued to strive toward becoming a better nation.

One freedom I especially treasure is the freedom to practice my faith. As a Christian, I am thankful that I can worship openly, attend church, and speak about my faith without fear. Scripture reminds us that freedom is a gift from God. Galatians 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." And 2 Corinthians 3:17 tells us, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." I also appreciate that people of other faiths—whether Jewish, Muslim, or another religion—have the same freedom to worship according to their beliefs. That freedom is something worth protecting.  One nation under God.  Psalm 33:12 says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." 🙏

My gratitude also extends to the brave men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in our military. Their sacrifice has preserved the freedoms we enjoy every day. Their courage deserves our deepest respect and thanks. Home of the free because of the Brave. 🪖🇺🇲🎖

Of course, Independence Day is also filled with simple joys—warm summer evenings, hometown parades, backyard barbecues, laughter with family and friends, and fireworks painting the night sky with brilliant color.🎇🧨

As a maker, fireworks have always reminded me a little of crafting. Every sparkle is unique. Every burst creates something beautiful for just a moment. Handmade creations are much the same. Each tumbler, pen, keychain, or gift I make is created one piece at a time, with care, creativity, and a little sparkle mixed in. No two are exactly alike, and that's part of what makes handcrafted items so special.

Bible verses that fit this message:

- Galatians 5:1 — "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."

- 2 Corinthians 3:17 — "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

- Psalm 33:12 — "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."

- Romans 12:18 — "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

- Micah 6:8 — "Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God."

This Fourth of July, I hope you'll take time to celebrate not only our nation's history, but also the people around you, the freedoms we often take for granted, and the simple joy of creating memories together. Romans 12:18 reminds us to "live at peace with everyone," and Micah 6:8 calls us to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God."

From my family to yours, have a safe, joyful, and blessed Independence Day.

God bless America.

❤️🤍💙🇺🇲

June Reflections: Glitter, Grace, and Gratitude

June arrives like a burst of sunshine and glitter — full of long evenings, baseball games, celebrations, vacations, vendor events, and creative inspiration. The summer solstice reminds us that the days are long, the flowers are blooming, and life feels beautifully busy.

This month brings so many reasons to celebrate. Fathers Day gatherings filled with laughter. Graduations marking new beginnings. Weddings and anniversaries celebrating love and commitment. New classes, fresh opportunities, and exciting adventures ahead. Even the simple things — warm weather, a good conversation, a rhinestone project spread across the craft table, or cheering at a baseball game — are blessings we sometimes overlook.

As creators, many of us spend June making all the things: glitter projects sparkling under bright summer light, rhinestone tumblers shining with thousands of tiny stones, handcrafted gifts made with love for life’s special moments. Creativity itself is a gift from God. The ability to create beauty with our hands reflects the Creator Himself.

But if we are honest, busyness can sneak in quietly.

Schedules fill up. Orders pile up. Events crowd the calendar. We rush from one thing to the next, and before we know it, we have spent more time checking to-do lists than thanking the One who made all these blessings possible.

I catch myself doing that sometimes.

In the middle of all the excitement and activity, I forget to slow down long enough to simply say, “Thank You, Lord.”

Thank You for family. Thank You for opportunities. Thank You for creativity. Thank You for provision. Thank You for another season. Thank You for every small joy and every answered prayer.

Scripture reminds us in James 1:17 that “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” Every blessing — both big and small — comes from God.  Not just the major milestones. Not just the big successes. Every good thing.

The laughter during summer evenings. The customers who support small businesses. The friends who encourage us. The strength to keep going. The peace after a difficult season. The creativity to make something beautiful from ordinary materials.

All of it is grace.

So this June, while the calendar stays full and the projects keep sparkling, I want to be intentional about gratitude. Not rushed gratitude. Not a quick prayer while multitasking. Real gratitude.

Maybe that means watching a sunset without scrolling a phone. Maybe it means praying before opening the next order. Maybe it means thanking God while placing rhinestones one by one. Maybe it means simply sitting quietly and recognizing how faithful He has been.

Life moves fast. Summer moves even faster. But gratitude helps us slow down enough to recognize the goodness of God woven through every moment.

And honestly? Glitter is prettier when your heart is grateful. ✨

Trusting God With Your Work and Creativity

If I’m being honest, there are days when everything flows… and days when it feels like nothing is working.

Days when you feel productive, inspired, and confident.

And then there are days when you’re wondering,

“Lord… am I even doing this right?”

Whether you’re running a business, working a job, raising a family, going to school, or creating something with your hands—those feelings are real.

Because this isn’t just about crafting.

It’s about showing up in your work—whatever that looks like—and trusting God in the middle of it.

That’s where this verse keeps speaking to me:

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.” — Psalm 37:5

Not might act.

Not if everything goes perfectly.

He will act.

That doesn’t always mean instant results or everything falling into place overnight.

Sometimes it means He’s working behind the scenes—guiding you, strengthening you, and shaping your path in ways you can’t yet see.

Here’s the truth we all need to remember:

✨ Your work has purpose.

✨ Your effort matters.

✨ The place you are in right now is not by accident.

And the world may measure success by numbers, recognition, or results…

But God sees something deeper: faithfulness.

Are you showing up?

Are you doing your best with what you’ve been given?

Are you trusting Him—even when things feel uncertain?

That’s what matters.

So today, whether you’re:

Heading into a long workday

Building something of your own

Caring for others

Or simply trying to stay motivated

Remember this:

You’re not just working.

You’re walking in purpose.

And even when it feels quiet…

God is still moving.

💜

From Broken to Beautiful: What Easter Teaches Us About Renewal

From Broken to Beautiful: What Easter Teaches Us About Renewal

April has a way of waking everything up.

After months of gray skies and quiet stillness, spring steps in like a gentle reminder that life is not finished—it is simply waiting. Trees begin to bloom, tulips and daffodils push through the soil, and the world slowly shakes off its winter hibernation. What once looked lifeless becomes vibrant, fresh, and new.

And right in the middle of this season of renewal, we celebrate Easter.

Easter is not just a holiday—it is the ultimate story of transformation. It is the reminder that even in our darkest, most broken moments, God is still working. Through the sacrifice of Christ, we are given something we could never earn on our own: redemption, grace, and new life.

There is something deeply comforting about knowing that God does not expect perfection. He meets us right where we are—messy, flawed, and unfinished—and begins a work in us that only He can complete. What the world might see as broken, He sees as redeemable. What feels like an ending, He turns into a beginning.

I think about this often while I am creating.

Every handcrafted piece I make starts out simple. A plain, colorless stainless steel tumbler. Just a blank surface—nothing special at first glance. But then comes the process. Layers of paint. Careful placement of glitter. Time, patience, and epoxy transforming it piece by piece.

It does not happen instantly. There are moments in the process that look messy. Imperfect. Unfinished.

But slowly, something beautiful begins to emerge.

What once was ordinary becomes something unique. Something meaningful. Something worth treasuring.

In a small way, that process reflects what God does in us.

He takes the raw, unpolished parts of our lives—the mistakes, the struggles, the seasons where we feel stuck—and He begins to transform them. Not overnight, and not without process, but with purpose. With intention. With love.

Just like no two handmade creations are exactly alike, each one of us is uniquely designed. We are not mass-produced. We are intentionally created, crafted in the image of God, with purpose woven into every part of who we are.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

And here is the truth that Easter reminds us of:

We are not defined by our brokenness.

We are defined by His ability to restore us.

This April, as you see the flowers blooming and the world coming back to life, let it be a reminder of what is happening within you too. Renewal is not just something we see in nature—it is something God is constantly doing in our hearts.

You are not too far gone.

You are not too imperfect.

You are not beyond repair.

You are a work in progress—and that is a beautiful place to be.

Spring is also a season of celebration—graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and meaningful moments worth remembering. If you are looking for a thoughtful, personalized gift, I would love to create something just for you. From custom tumblers and pens to unique keepsakes, each piece is handcrafted with care and designed to reflect the person receiving it.

Because just like those creations…

you, too, are being made into something beautiful.

From Winter to Bloom: Trusting God with New Beginnings

From Winter to Bloom: Trusting God with New Beginnings

I love spring.

The sound of birds returning.

Buds forming on trees.

Flowers peeking through the soil after months of cold.

Grass turning green again.

Warmer temperatures.

Longer days filled with light.

Spring feels refreshing. Everything that looked lifeless suddenly begins to breathe again. After a long, cold winter, the world slowly wakes up.

And every single year, it reminds me of something deeper.

From Plain to Beautiful

Transformation is what I do in the craft room.

A plain tumbler becomes a sparkling beauty.

A simple, dull pen becomes a rhinestone-covered statement piece.

What starts as ordinary becomes something eye-catching and unique.

But here’s the honest truth: the transformation doesn’t happen instantly.

There are layers.

Dry time.

Patience.

Trust in the process.

Sometimes it even looks messy before it becomes beautiful.

Sound familiar?

God’s Transforming Work

God does the same thing with us.

He takes us as we are — not polished, not perfect, not “finished.” He doesn’t wait until we shine on our own. He takes us into His hands and begins the work.

Through His Word.

Through seasons of waiting.

Through lessons we didn’t ask for.

Through growth we sometimes resist.

If we believe and study His Word, He transforms our hearts to reflect Him more and more. It’s not about becoming someone fake or flawless. It’s about becoming new.

Just like spring doesn’t rush the bloom, God doesn’t rush our growth.

Winter seasons may feel long. Cold. Quiet. Even discouraging.

But roots grow deep in winter.

And when the time is right, what was hidden begins to bloom.

Trusting the New Beginning

Maybe this season feels like early spring for you.

Not fully warm yet.

Not fully blooming.

But something is shifting.

Trust that.

Trust that God is working beneath the surface.

Trust that what feels dormant isn’t dead.

Trust that new beginnings often start small — like buds on branches or tiny shoots pushing through frozen ground.

Transformation takes time.

But in His hands? It is always worth it.

And just like spring returns every year without fail, His faithfulness does too.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

Do Everything In Love

Doing Everything in Love

February is traditionally a month when we think about love. Maybe it’s because we’re growing weary of cold, dreary winter days, and love gives us something bright and positive to focus on.

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Do everything in love.” Simple words, big challenge. Sometimes, this is hard. In moments of anger or frustration, it’s easy to act out of vengeance or impatience rather than love. Yet God calls us to let love guide everything we do.

Love shows up in many forms—loving a spouse, a child, or a friend. It can even be as lighthearted as loving your favorite candy, snack, or hobby—like crafting and glitter! Each hand-crafted piece we make receives a little love (and prayer) as it’s being created, turning ordinary materials into something beautiful.

Love also shows up in how we appreciate the world around us: the beauty of nature, the changing seasons, or even the quiet moments we might otherwise overlook. And challenges? They, too, can be an opportunity for love—when we respond with patience, kindness, and grace, even when it’s difficult.

So this February, take a moment to reflect: how do you show love in everything you do? Even small acts—words of encouragement, a thoughtful gesture, or a little creativity—can shine with God’s love in the world.

New Beginnings

New Beginnings

 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

2 Corinthians 5:17

As 2025 comes to a close, I find myself intentionally focusing on the year ahead. A new year brings new beginnings—a fresh start—and Scripture reminds us that in Christ, we are continually being made new.

God promises that He has a plan for us. His plan is to prosper us, to love us, and to provide exactly what we need. He also reminds us that His ways are higher than our ways, beyond human understanding. What feels impossible to us is always possible with God.

He has proven that truth in my own life time and time again. For a long season, I prayed for God to intervene. There were moments when His silence felt heavy and the challenges felt unbearable. Yet, in His perfect timing, unexpected events unfolded—and blessings followed in ways I never could have imagined.

As I look forward to 2026, I do so with hope and trust in God’s continued guidance. New beginnings for me will include enrolling in online classes, continuing to grow in my new job, spending intentional time with family, and making thoughtful adjustments to my craft business.

Let me say this clearly—my craft business isn’t going anywhere. I’m not closing up shop or disappearing. However, I am making adjustments to ensure I have balance in my life and the time needed to succeed in my coursework and other responsibilities. This season will be about working smarter, not harder.

What to Watch For:

💻Updates to my online presence

🛍A continued focus on customer service

🖋Thoughtful changes as my plan comes together.

Be sure to watch my Facebook page for details as they roll out.

Crafting remains my therapy—my way to de-stress and recharge—so I will absolutely continue creating. I’m incredibly grateful for each and every person who has supported me along the way. Your encouragement means more than you know.

As I step into the new year, I look forward to continuing to help others—whether through my profession, through church, or through creating custom handcrafted products made with care and purpose.

Here’s to new beginnings and trusting God’s plan. 💜