Thankful Thursday - What's new?

Well, we find ourselves in full swing mid-September here in north-east Ohio (which also means the weather has quickly cooled off as well!). José and I were able to make a quick trip to visit Asheville, NC, to see family, friends and our church family there. We had a wonderful time! In addition to beginning Fall Ministries at church (including Backpacks of Hope, Tutoring, Choir, Youth Group, TLC-Ladies' Bible Study, and Small Group to name a few), I have also officially started my new business "Something Beautiful Studio". I had been looking for a way to do what I love while bringing in a little additional income and this is it! I make hand stamped jewelry and am excited to see where it goes. Who would have thought?

We're thankful for a safe trip to NC after a rough start with car trouble. For a wonderful time with Family, with Friends, with the Youth we previously worked with and for everyone at Cornerstone! We would have liked to stay longer as with any vacation. :)

We're thankful for the schedule that Fall brings. We're excited to begin new things and re-start some we were involved in last year as well.

We're thankful for YOU as well! We truly are grateful for people who love and support us on this journey. We'd love to hear from you! (You can leave a comment below if you'd like.)

Thanks for reading and journeying with us!

The name

Well, as you know, I've been contemplating putting my jewelry on Etsy and have finally decided to take the plunge. It's a little daunting, the uncertainty of many details still to be hammered down (pun intended), but I feel it's a good opportunity to share my talent and passion. The name I have decided upon is: Something Beautiful . You can find my Etsy under: MelChinchillaDesigns .

About the name. I was reading and reflecting today on how the Lord often takes the ashes of our lives and transforms them into something of beauty. He has done that over and over in my life, and recently in a powerful way. I was reminded that He takes us through hard things, through things that agonize our souls in order that He may be beauty in our lives. Often the beauty He brings is something new made out of something old in our lives, but created and crafted in such a way that it is redeemed, healed, and amazingly breathtaking. Something He alone can do. Yes, I suppose I am speaking in parables, riddles, and bursts of thought, but I don't know that I have the words to explain it as deeply as I know it in my heart.

What will it look like? Well, Something Beautiful Studio is my outlet for creativity. It will be as unique as the one who wears the jewelry creations. I am currently hoping to focus mainly on sterling silver hand-stamped jewelry and still offer a few beaded creations. The diversity of stamping is that I can virtually create any number of pieces using phrases, words, names, dates, or portions of Scriptures which will be wearable art.

It's a big leap that is characteristic of this time in my life, and I'm excited to venture out. Feel free to give feedback. I am looking forward to what this new venture becomes.

So, it will take a while still to get things made and uploaded, but it's a challenge I'm looking forward to! (Check out previous blogs for ideas of what is to come!)