Today I want to thank you for helping to make my dream a reality...for fostering my hopes and urging me onward...telling me that my journey was worthwhile. Calming the demons that haunted me and told me that what I was doing was never going to be worth it all...the hours at my desk, working until my head drooped from exhaustion. I put myself "out there" here, on this blog, on facebook, and in my shop. And what I got back was positive energy, uplifting comments about how lovely my work was, and even glorious photos of you wearing the work of my heart.
You have made me feel so blessed that my hearts work has been there during your most special moments...soaking in the spirit of the extraordinary person that you are.
My prayer is that somehow I have touched your life. Even in the tiniest way...made you feel as special as you are, by adding something that connects us somehow. Because each thing I create is a prayer...a message of love and hope.
That is what you gave me. That is what I want to give to you.
I didn't give up...against all odds...against the deadlines and the illness and the life altering things. I kept on believing in my dream and my prayer, which was always something like this~
Dear God, bless the wearer of this work of my hands and of my heart...beauty that can only come from you, the source of all beauty. God, may I someday be able to bless others lives far beyond making something pretty for them to wear. Far beyond the confines of this desk and this body. I want my work to be meaningful, so that someday it will make the world a better place in the making of it. Amen
my table for making vintage jeweled collets |
My focus was never really on me. It was on you. Not on my wallet, but on the world. Not on the physical but spiritual, and how I could make this gift of mine something that would become eternal. I didn't know how I was going to do that making jewelry. I just knew that something propelled me forward. I dug deep and found the strength to keep going against everything that was thrown into my path.
I want the same for you. I want my journey to give you hope and belief in your dreams. If you follow spirit; follow hope, your life will become enriched and so will the lives of those around you because of it.
If you don't shine your light, you cannot lead others out of their darkness. So I decided to shine as bright as I could one small step at a time.
This new partnership with an amazing company, Creative Co-op, means more to me than a paycheck. Anything make will be a blessing to this family, but more importantly to others out in the world that are less fortunate. That is all I ever prayed for. My husband and I would lay in bed together at night and dream about Opening soup kitchens, and building wells in Africa, and free art classes and after school activities for local teens.
Creative Co-op did a beautiful job re-creating the work of my heart...beautiful collets and bracelets and earrings that made me breathless to see them in print~
I never would have guessed that prayer would lead me here. I just kept believing. I kept praying for guidance.
I don't mean to sound hokey, but please, keep your dreams alive. Nourish them every day. However you can. One small step at a time.Whatever they are. Keep moving. Keep swimming. Keep hoping.
I cannot wait to tell you where this takes us.
Jennifer-you have made so many of us grateful to have been touched by you and it is exciting to see new and wonderful things come your way! I wish you all the amazing success and fun you deserve ;)
ReplyDeleteSusan, you have bee with me since the beginning...pushing me onward and giving me the most amazing gifts! I intend to have the most fun being able to give back to my community...
Deletethanks for sharing this story and your work with us..wishing the best for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Nan! Big love to you. I adore your work so much....
DeleteJennifer, You deserve so much for all that you have been through and yet have kept persevering! You inspire me to do more and not give up! Who knows where your dreams will lead you?? The best of luck in all.
ReplyDeletexo
Mary
Jennifer you know how much your work means to me every time I wear it, especially the earasure necklace made with prayer beads. I not only feel inspired, but feel the prayers of others when I wear it. Maybe I listen a little a closer. I remember to dream. I am happy you keep discovering your dreams. One never knows where they will lead. We all have to believe, and dream, dream, dream. Reach for those stars . . . . Annette
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to have found your post tonight. Just what I needed. Thank you.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Sheila
So very happy you found me too!
DeleteSo very happy you found me too!
Delete