Soli Deo Gloria
Over a decade ago, I was knee deep in the toddler years with 2 chuckle faces 15 months apart. While I claimed I was united with Christ, my actions proved quite differently. On any given day, you could find me numbing with screens and/or attempting to "build my own empire." I put that in quotes because it was far from what I hoped it would be, both in how I measured its success and how it filled the holes in my heart (spoiler: it didn't even remotely come close to even patching the holes). I couldn't understand how Scripture could promise peace + joy, but for some reason, I wasn't a recipient. After all, I was a Christian wasn't I? Didn't the promises apply to me?
Being an Xennial put me prime in line for "internet fame" and I chased it diligently. Until one day in 2021, the Lord met me there. He put another internet "personality" in my path and she showed me the TRUE gospel. It was then and there the Lord removed the scales from my eyes and I saw my depravity and desperate need for a Savior.
Turns out, I had been trying to sanctify myself. 🤦♀️ Y'all. That's not how it works. I even KNEW the passage in Ephesians which tells us it is by GRACE we've been saved -- NOT of our own works! Guess that's the difference between head and heart knowledge. God had to do the heart surgery. And, praise His name that He did!!
While this Etsy shop began in my scaly-eyed years, it has remained steadfast in its purpose - to glorify and honor the Lord. However, my motivation has wildly changed. Before, I wanted to sell items in the NAME of Jesus, but for my own empire. It's wild how simple it is to think we're honoring the Lord by spreading His name, but neglecting the thing He wants the most -- our hearts.
The items you see in my shop now are an outpouring of His love over me. I keep my profit margins LOW, while still covering the cost to make them, ship them, and the Etsy fees associated because I want y'all to be inspired to love God more because of an item (or items) you've purchased.
The money used to buy supplies -- His.
The time given to create -- His.
The income earned -- His.
The creativity shared is a way I bear and share His image.
What do I have that I did not receive?
My hope and prayer is that because of our interaction, you will see, feel, and share His love in a Holy Spirit-driven way. Soli Deo Gloria! To God be all the glory!
💛 Caitlin