Calm before the....

I wanted to capture some pictures of where we've spent our last week! It's truly incredible that all this has been set up in 4 days! Our children have thrown their coats and boots on each day as we've gone over to set up. They love being a part of what's going on. They love coming alongside and helping with whatever might need to be done. Whether it be sorting, arranging, dressing STELLA (the mannequin), or using the carpet sweeper (do I ever love that they love that job!)they are eager to serve. I've loved hearing their voices and laughter through the isles of clothing as they played tag, or hide-and-seek with the other children.
Praying for incredible opportunities tomorrow

Our Welcome Area, getting to meet the faces of those in our community!

Our middle daughter and her best friend both 4 yrs old, organized all the children's shoes, they had such a fab time modeling them. Never to young to fall in love with shoes :)

Accessory Central! Lots of great scarves, earrings, bracelets and TONS of handbags!

The Goods...

Stella, the mannequin! Outfit put together by: Ry&Kara Design... our two little assistants!

New to YOU Clothesline!

Here we are in yet another cold Canadian winter! The snow this year has been incredible! There's been no need for making snow forts as it seems they just appear on your front lawn. Feet and feet of snow! Each year for the past few years, we've hit the streets in London and run a coat drive. We've gathered coats, boots, hats, mitts etc. and those who have a heart for the homeless, and the addicts. We've had an incredible team each year whose desire isn't to brag on what they've done, but those who have the heart of the Father filled with compassion desiring nothing more than to share a hot breakfast, coffee and the message of Christ with those they'd come in contact with that day.

This year, we felt to do something different. For the past month we've been gathering clothing from friends, family, neighbours, co-workers etc, and are running a 'Free Used Clothing Store' in our building. We had a pile of bags donated. Last night while we were sorting, I'm not kidding when I say the clothing is multiplying. The bags that came in, compared to the clothing that's hung is NOT comparable. The room is literally filled with all kinds of goodness! Incredible finds and name brands, some clothing with tags still attached. The people who gave, didn't give their rags! Truly the spirit of giving and unity is in the house. Those donating from other churches and local businesses. Volunteers coming from near and far to help bless the community He's entrusted us with. Here's a preview of the 'Clothesline' in it's beginning stages! Pray that lives will be touched and forever changed as they come through our doors of The Sanctuary. We're praying for MUCH opportunity to share the life changing gospel Jesus Christ with who come through our doors this Saturday!

Our helpers came big and small. This is just the start of the children's shoes, I think we have close to 100 pairs.

Back at it!

Well, I find it hard to believe it's been over two years since I last blogged! I so desire to share with you what 'Spire Jewels' is all about. Please, let me set the stage. Last May I had the privledge of meeting a group of people that for 2 years I had heard so many incredible stories about. My husband Jamie had been going to Rwanda, and ministering to the people there for over two years. I had heard testimonies, miracles, healings... I had heard about wrestling matches, games, weddings, and so much more. I couldn't help but feel their laughter and tears through every photo I encountered. The Lord blessed us with three babies back to back, so I hadn't had the desire, nor felt released to physically go to Rwanda until this past May. What an honour! After being in Rwanda for two weeks, the Lord started birthing things inside of me. Desires and plans for the women and children there. We are set to go back again in the spring, this time our oldest daughter is going with us. For months we have been speaking 'creative ideas and inventions' to come across our congregations paths. One day while checking my email, I came across a link, I clicked it ... and instantly...and I mean instantly something inside of me awoke. I clicked through a few pictures, then went through them again. I knew this was something I was to do. I was Inspired by this jewelry. Hence 'SPIRE JEWELS'. I wasn't looking for a hobbie or another thing to throw on my plate, but there was an excitement inside of me. Almost instantly I called for my oldest son..... we are two peas in a pod, always up for excitement and an adventure! I said 'get on your coat', (now he's homeschooled, so when he realizes he's being released from his work... yeeow the smile and excitment that lights up in this boy is electrifying.) He said 'Where are we going?" I said "Antique shopping.... well the excitement drained from his face... but not from mine, I ran out the door with him in tow! As I was barging out the door, I realized I'd never been antique shopping or even knew where an shop was....but thanks to the good old blackberry we found our way! As soon as we graced the doors of the shop, I felt as though I was in my grandmothers house, the beauty the furniture was incredible. We peered through booths and shelves until we found what we had come for..... BUTTONS! I know the crazy homeschooling button collector... call me what you will, but I believe this idea fell in my lap, not by accident, but was a God ordained opportunity for me to raise and help fund our mission to Rwanda. I do not know the lady whose pictures I came across on the net, I still am not sure how the link or pictures crossed my path. She lives in another country. But one thing I do know is that our God is a God who aligns things. I know there are times in our lives we feel as if we aren't making a difference. We wonder if we are inspiring anyone to go on and be all that God's ordained and called them to be... but let me tell you I believe the Lord spoke prophetically to me through this. We have no idea, who we are influencing, who we are inspiring. Some people we'll meet and some we won't. But know that your live counts, that you are making a difference. That you have the potential to influence many...whether you see them or not, people are watching. So live your life.. make it count!