July Notes

Hellooooo Summer!!  Warm greetings to all!
How is everyone enjoying their summer so far?  
We just got done with Fireworks selling season and we were beat, glad we are done being in the TNT tent at Coborns Parking Lot in Sauk Rapids for 10+ hours per day for 2 weeks and we are thankful for our customers (many repeats from years past) and our friends for stopping by.  It was a good year and the temperatures were absolutely perfect for being outdoors all day!  A few windy days that weren't so much fun and one super super windy day that was challenging for product and nerves alike, however we survived that too.
​Now...on to more outdoorsy events, but this time with jewelry and hubby with his BBQ Sauce and Crafts....

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Date: Thursday, July 18, 2024  
Event:  Art In The Gardens  (NNB & Sauce/Crafts)
Time:  10 am - 6 pm
​Where: Munsinger Gardens, 1301 Riverside Dr. SE
Town:  St. Cloud, MN

Date: Saturday, July 20, 2024  
Event:  Arts Fest  (NNB only)
Time:  9 am - 3 pm
​Where: Robinson Park
Town:  Pine City, MN

Date: Friday & Saturday, August 2 & 3, 2024
Event:  Flekke Fest (NNB & BBQ Sauce/Crafts)
Time: 9 am - 4 pm each day
Where:  KR Digital Frame & Gift Shop, 15 Central Ave. S
Town: Elbow Lake, MN

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NOTESNBLING:

My creativity was a little set back for the month of June and July due to getting ready for and selling Fireworks for two and a half weeks with all the preparations and then being there to sell each day.
However, I always manage to make something here and there, so here are a few new things:

I had so much fun making these!  The earrings have Tierra Cast components.  If you know anything of Tierra Cast, they are an American Made company that closed end of last year after being 35 years (I believe) in the business and it is a very sad loss for all makers.  Due to "supply-chain" issues which sadly we seem to hear way too much about, they decided to shut their doors.  So whenever I find Tierra Cast components, I try to snatch them up, as they are quality made in the USA and I prefer those products for my jewelry.
All the bracelets are leather and components I get from a company in the Cities.  They truly are so fun to wear!  The magnetic closure thin leather ones make a great addition to any "arm stack".  The Buckle bracelet features nice soft chunky leather cord for a cool look that even a guy can wear.
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LASTLY:
Last couple of months I had shared a bit what I have learned at a ladies retreat a friend hosted.  It was quite insightful to ponder on the Seasons Of Life....  Here is the final installment:

The Old Age Season Of Life. They shall bear fruit in old age, they shall be fresh and flourishing.  Psalm 92:14.
​This is really great news to read, as this season is one that's not much talked or thought about, especially when we are young or in prime of life and we are doing our thing, working, creating, running a business or whatever life has for us to do.  We are not taught in a Sunday Service how to prepare for old age and what we might expect, spiritually, physically and emotionally.

​It's one of those things that when you get there you kind of have to work through some acceptance of things and pondering the question "what now?", "what am I going to do with the rest of my life?".  Our bodies don't function like they used to, so we face losses (teeth, hearing, eyesight, surgeries) and we grieve those losses.  We also find that many of our own aging friends are passing on and leaving us behind.

However, there are some advantages as we get older.  We have learned from past mistakes and can help others to not make them, we have gained wisdom, we are more careful with our choices and we value things differently.  We embrace family, friends, people in general a lot more than before.    There are advantages such as discounts seniors get and the best of all is "Silver Sneakers", where I can go to the gym without the monthly charges!! 😊

Psalm 92:14 says that we can remain spiritually alive, vigorous and fruitful, even in old age!  Fruitfulness glorifies God and accomplishes His will for our lives.  It is our spiritual fruitfulness that demonstrates we are true disciples of Jesus Christ and it brings glory to God.  By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit so you will be My disciples.  John 15:8.

Even though we are aging, God is still at work in us, refashioning us into the image that we were made for, the image that's after the likeness of Jesus and as we are being formed into His image, His glory is being shown through us.  ​But we all with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.  2 Corinthians 3:18.  

Although now we must live each day prepared to be with the Lord and since we don't know when that day is, we must live every day fulfilling our purpose, which is to glorify God in everything we do and say.  Our heart attitude matters to God, if we garden, do crafts, go to or sell at craft shows, still are in the workforce or going on vacations more than before when we were working.   We may now have more chances to spend time with our friends, a neighbor, family or young people we can positively influence through the life experiences we have gained. 

Therefore.... Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  WHATEVER YOU DO in word and deed, DO ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, GIVING THANKS through Him to God the Father.

May you all have a wonderful July and summer fun.  I will see a lot of you at the shows that are coming up!  Looking forward to hugging some necks!

With gratefulness and joy,
Sam