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Graciously Woven

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Think Outside the Box

January 29, 2014 Comment : 1

“I took the road less traveled…and it has made all the difference.”
                                                                                
I started to journal again and I didn’t realize how much I needed it. Over the weekend I took some time to really sit, pray, and think about realistic goals: mainly in the direction of A Blue Swallow. Truth is I think a hundred things during the day and I have great plans, but I just don’t always write them down…because it makes it concrete and keeps me accountable. So I sat and wrote down my goals, hopes, and even dreams for the blog and the shop. Created an actual vision and direction that I want to go. Covered it in prayer and really reflected on some hard decisions I’ve made even this month and the decisions I need to make to better this vision.
Tonight I sat with Mike, more like he sat with me…because I’m not the best communicator even with things I hold dear to my heart (probably even worse when it comes to matters of the heart). He openly and sincerely asked me where is A Blue Swallow headed? What am I doing? I did respond with a side eye, but I digress. Mike has seen the long hours I’ve spent reading up on blogging and learning how to shape/create my own niche. The time spent painting and designing new cups along with the crinkling of paper and slew of supplies that has covered our kitchen table many times…where is it all headed? When I started this endeavor I had shared my heart, but kept it wrapped very tightly for fear of him “not understanding” which really was a lie, because he has been my biggest supporter. 
So we sat and really looked at profit, advertisements, money spent out of impulse/fear, and talked like people discussing a potentially budding business endeavor. Sure I initially rolled my eyes and felt stupid for letting fear have me spend that extra money I should have saved as a cushion, but I knew this talk was needed. Any great endeavor needs someone to sit you down and be honest and open with you. Ask you where and why you’re making your decisions and do you even see the light at the end of the tunnel. He told me to start thinking outside of the box and be more strategic…stop confining the walls of A Blue Swallow to a blog, shop, and social media. Let it grow and include those you love along the way. Which is completely against my nature, because I am an introvert. But he spoke wisdom.
This endeavor scares me…quite frankly I’m terrified it will just be another phase – because I’m a mom I decided to be a mommy blogger, or because I can craft I am a craft blogger/small business owner. When honestly that’s not what makes up my being at all. 
I am a wife and mother who truly believes that there is power in encouragement and gifts in the words we speak to others and advice that we share. I desire to be a platform for others that want to live out their passions and help be a rung in their ladder as they too achieve their dreams. I love small business, because it’s unique and a breath of fresh air…and truthfully it takes guts to spend money with no returns when you start. I am okay with A Blue Swallow not being one thing, but a mixed up myriad of wonderful things that allow us to connect and encourage one another to be something better than we were yesterday – whether that’s a better parent, business owner, crafter, or friend. 
Welcome to A Blue Swallow 2014.
Thanks babe.
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Comments

  1. Cara Jane says

    February 4, 2014 at 8:03 pm

    This is so very much where I am at right now. I've been praying a lot, asking for clarity, vision and to be a good steward over my time, because, truthfully, I am many other things before I am a crafter, blogger, seamstress, etc.

    Reply

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Carmen | Truth & Grace Living
In just a few months we’ll be celebrating 10 yea In just a few months we’ll be celebrating 10 years.

I love who we are today, because of how we committed to growing/learning through the last nine years. 

Working on ourselves has made room to see the worth and value of us together. 

Expecting your partner to be everything, fix everything, and fill everything - will leave you with nothing. For me to be at my best I have learned that space and role is reserved for Christ.

Releasing those expectations, owning your growth, and finding ourselves deeper in Jesus continues to be our glue. 

That and lots of random 😏 time... these kids didn’t show up on their own. #ourownmarriagegoals
Since December we have been practicing how to rest Since December we have been practicing how to rest as a family - real soul rest and it’s been life giving.

On Friday evenings we cook together and disconnect. Last weekend we made this challah bread and it was delicious! Mike and I look through new recipes to prep for our time. This recipe is on the blog!

Slowing down last year taught us how unhealthy being “busy” and doing more was for us individually, as a family, and even for our kids. We were functioning in rhythms that may have appeared to be beneficial - but had negative side effects. 

2020 allowed us to refocus and shift. Mike and I knew God desires for our home to benefit most - because it’s our first ministry. 

Family rhythms look unique to you and I pray yours is reaping the best it can this week ♥️ #familyrhythms #familyisourfirstministry
“Mom, I got a banana phone” [cue hysterical “Mom, I got a banana phone” 

[cue hysterical laughter] 

That’s it... that’s the caption and joke 😂 #humorwithkids
Follow Me... Through the gospels I see Jesus call Follow Me...

Through the gospels I see Jesus calling for people to follow him. Not to a program or an event - but the opportunity to watch him live life in Spirit and in Truth. Live in a way that brought each person closer to God not the creeds of religion. 

I remember the last few years of full time ministry for me how a mentor of mine challenged me to reevaluate how I was on boarding/leading people to Jesus. How was I teaching others to see Christ more than a method or strategy.

That work is different.

It’s also life giving. 

As I continue to read through the scriptures I’m reminded to clarify don’t follow me. JOIN me as I follow Christ and we’ll walk, grow, fail, and learn from Him together.

If we all saw each other as fellow students rather than how we believe our gifts elevate ourselves over one another. 

“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” Luke‬ ‭6:40‬ #readwithme30
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