Thoughts on 2010.

2010. I remember dreaming of that far off year while in high school. In fact, one of our English teachers had us write a letter to ourselves saying what we would be doing in 2010. Funny thing is, I'm sure none of us would have been able to predict all that has happened from then to now, and for those of us who believe in Jesus, He is the one who writes our letter of what our lives will be like.

We just recently got back from the URBANA '09 missions conference in St. Louis, MO, which was held in the Ram's Dome. It was an incredible experience, worshipping with 24,000 others who are interested in or committed to missions. Wow! We were sent off with practical ways to reach out to those who are our neighbors here and now instead of "waiting" until we begin missions.

As believers, we have a command that is for all who believe, not just those who feel specifically called. We are commanded by Jesus Christ, Himself to go to all nations and make disciples. For some, it's a matter of reaching out to those at work, school, or in the neighborhood. For others it may mean moving where God is leading, whether across town or state or to another country. For my husband and I, it is the later, moving to another country. However, in which ever way we feel God leading us, one thing is clear. We are not exempt from His commission at any point, whether we are in process of going "there" or staying where He has placed us. The body of Christ, His Bride, the Church, has the purpose of lifting up Jesus. SO many times we get caught up in our Christian world, in our own churches and ministries, (which are all good things), but if we are not intentional about reaching out and moving beyond those who know Jesus, we are missing the point.

I know for me, I have a few specific things I will be doing differently this year in order to better be in obedience to Jesus' mandate. If all things are His to begin with, including us as He made us, and then bought us by the blood of Jesus, then who are we to say whether we will go or stay? I'm looking for Him to lead in my life in greater ways than before.

What about you?

Life Lessons from a Laptop

Well, this last week my computer hit an all time low. It was being upgraded (much needed!!) and well that meant storing pictures and files and music on an external hard drive to make room. Too much stuff. That was my computer analyst's diagnosis (my brother). He told me I had to get rid of the junk and store it somewhere else. Then in the midst of it all, another friend offered to take a look at it and see what could be done. It ended up needing to be defragmented. And after that, I needed to delete programs that were taking up space but not being used. (Bear with me if you're lost in the computer jargon. I don't get much of it myself!)

SO I was thinking. A lot like life right? Just when things get busy, sometimes our inner lives hit an all time low, unable to process all the details and circumstances because there's so much junk clogging up the "memory". And usually it ends up coming out in a "computer crash" style where we blow up or have a good cry. But it really doesn't have to be that way if we take time to do regular updates and maintenance.

If we take the time to deal with the junk in our lives (unforgiveness mainly, and also give the stresses of life to God who never meant for us to try and live through them alone), then there is room in the memory. Then we can be "de-fragmented". The Holy Spirit can shine through the cracks of our fragmented lives and we are made whole by the Father God. Pretty amazing.

And deleting the programs. I have been convicted lately that many of us have too many "programs" jamming up our lives. I mean really! So many things that we just "have to do". I think most of us are addicted to stress or at least the adrenaline of activity. I am trying more and more to be less of this kind of a person. I really want to take time to consider what things I add to my schedule and life (programs) and then let them run and really really enjoy them fully. I would consider myself a "recovering workaholic" trying to find a healthy balance that is pleasing to God. So, in the midst of illness and several circumstances God in His grace and wisdom "slowed me down" so I would be forced to take the time to pray and thoughtfully consider the possibilities before jumping in with both feet! With this year soon ending and a new one beginning quickly, I find myself reflecting and once more reconsidering my "programs" thinking through which ones should be deleted and which ones God would have me continue.

Guess I really missed my laptop. And I'm thankful by the way that it's got some life left still. I almost destroyed it with too many files and programs, but things seem to have improved greatly. I could say the same about life. I'm thankful for these lessons God has brought me through, though at many times painful. I almost burnt out with too many programs and activities (all good things I might add). Things seem to have improved greatly. But only by God's grace. With all the frantic activity, I really missed knowing Him. I mean really knowing Him (not just an on-the-go Bible reading and prayer). When there's more room on the hard drive of my life, there's plenty of space for this priority. And while it requires regular maintenance, it's well worth the time!

Thanks for reading. May God encourage you where you are.

It's time-- a little color

Well, it's been a little while since I've posted. (Partly because we've had computer issues.) But it is time again to do a Thankful post.

So, I'm SOOOO thankful we have finished painting the entrance, hallway and living room in our house. The new color is wonderful and it makes the room seem sunny all the time. We're very pleased with it and also it is nice to know you've completed a project which turned out even better than expected. (Makes it worthwhile.)

I'm thankful for my Tuesday morning study, I'm continually learning along with the ladies and loving the time we spend together in the Word.

I'm thankful for the nice weather we've been having (warmer temps and sunny days)! I just think of the snow and clouds we had last year this time.

I'm thankful for my Spanish students who are excited about learning Spanish and who are advancing very quickly!

And I'm also very grateful for those who have ordered jewelry from my new business. It excites and encourages me to know that others enjoy things that I've made. (And since I love doing it so much, that's a really good thing!)

Amado Mío for some friends

Here is the latest. This is a custom order for a good friend and her husband. It is the same design as my necklace (see earlier posts), but with different swarovski birthstone colors and initials. The larger round disc is sterling silver 1" in diameter with the words "amado mío" hand stamped and darkened around the bottom border. The smaller discs are also sterling silver, but are 1/2" in diameter with the initials centered on the piece. They are embellished with two swarovski crystals and hung on an 18" sterling silver ball chain. If you are interested in your custom order, or a gift for someone else, feel free to comment below or go to my ETSY shop. Enjoy your necklace A!

Blog-worthy song

What an awesome reminder that God is near.

Fall Update

Hello! Well, we're well into the swing of things here. Pretty incredible how the absence of a "schedule" during the summer months really takes its toll in September and October getting back into it! We're starting the Tutoring/Mentoring Program this week (TUESDAY!!) and have added several other things to our schedules as well.

I think now that the weather is cooler and I've finally gotten many things around the house organized (or re-organized), I am finally enjoying the Fall-ness of drinking hot cider (or cold) and soups. Fall seemed to come really soon this year, or maybe it was that Summer never got that hot. But at the same time, it's a little sad to realize that it will be darker for another 6 month stretch and colder. Still, we're finishing up a few things on our "to-do" list to help with that this year (including a warmer,lighter, & brighter paint job for our living room, hallway and entryway). I'll have to post pics of the finished product.

I keep thinking about how God is so good to us. How even though we have our struggles, and pain and trials, He has placed us in these circumstances so that our character can become more like His and our hearts softer towards others. Perhaps having to be indoors more has brought about deeper reflection these days, but it is good. Funny how so many times we see our struggles as bad, negative things, when in God's economy, they're really good. It all depends on perspective. I'm not saying that I WANT to go through some of the things we're facing, but I do want to have a good perspective knowing that God, who is good, is giving me (us) the privilege of walking through these things with Him. And that ultimately, He uses all things for the good of those who love Him and keep His commands. Now, that's some good news!

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!)

Drumroll please......

So, finally, as promised, pictures of my latest creations IN SILVER. It started yesterday actually when my husband, looking at yet more practice copper washers I was heartily pounding away on, said, "Copper makes your neck green." So, I had to look and yes, my neck was sporting a green line. So, I'd have to say I'm a purist. Silver and white gold for me. That was actually my goal all along(not to have a green neck, but to do silver stamping). It just took a little while to work up the courage. I mean a mess up on copper is only a few pennies down the drain (when you buy washers at your local hardware store). Silver on the other hand is increasing in value and I didn't want to risk messing up. But I did. I risked it. And I'm very pleased with the results. I still like the look of copper, but mixed with silver and definitely a silver chain!


Now, I'm wondering if I should do Etsy or just take orders from people I know and do them this way for a while. (If you're interested and would seriously consider purchasing pendants or a necklace, please let me know, leave a message. I'd love to hear your thoughts.) And one more thing. What should I call this new venture of mine? I'm going to do a surprise give away to my favorite inspiration for a name. Here are the pictures: (We had to do them inside tonight, so enjoy the flowers on our dining room table also!)



This will be a gift for someone special. :) Got the idea from her actually. (BTW, the shadow on the bottom is me taking the picture.)



This is a wedding gift for a dear friend I met in Costa Rica. Congrats April & David!



And this, the beginning of my own silver, memory jewelry collection. I have dear hubby's and my initials as well as two crystal beads of our favorite colors/birthstone colors. And the larger disc is Spanish, amado mío, meaning "my beloved".

Finally, hand-stamped copper pendants

Well, as promised, here are a few pictures of what I've been working on these days. They're not finished (they need necklaces or bracelets added to them), but they've been fun. And hopefully the recipients (who will immediately know who they are) won't be reading my blog before they get them. :) Anyway, it was great fun. I watched a video on beaducation.com (free) and also downloaded an ebook by tfakler off of Etsy in addition to taking a stamping class at Edy Beady's in Canton, Ohio. If you're interested in getting into this, I can share contacts/websites I've found, etc. Here are my latest pieces:



The Spanish word, Hope, also contains the idea of waiting. (If you're not waiting for it, you can't hope for it.)
A few pieces for some friends. :) For my mom. Her motto.
My latest favorite piece, copper hand-stamped, and embellished with moonstone (sparkly purplish bead) and jade.

I'm considering Etsy and maybe doing some to order. We'll see. It depends on how much interest there is.