Did you know Vision of Hope runs a shop? Reclaimed Hope, LLC, our nifty thrifty shop, is located in Brookston, Indiana and sells a variety of upcycled décor and jewelry made by VOH residents. This store helps financially support the ministry of VOH, gives residents opportunities to grow in job skills and is a wonderful way for us to meet more people in the community and tell them about this Christ-centered residential program.
Recently we have had four craft days at VOH in order for residents, interns and staff to dedicate some serious time to stocking up on our inventory for the shop. We have made a variety of different crafts, including magazine beads, friendship bracelets, beaded key chains, greeting cards, painted vases, crocheted earrings and other bead and paper crafting.
Our craft days have been successful on many counts. We finished many projects that we will be able to sell at Reclaimed Hope. We have enjoyed the craft days’ different schedule and the chance to fellowship with one another over unique craft projects. We have also benefited from sanctification opportunities that come through working on crafts!
Fighting Perfectionism
We have certainly had some experiences of working on a craft, hoping it will turn out just the way you envision it in your mind, and then facing the reality that it hasn’t quite turned out how you hoped. There are ways we can grow in our artistic skills, but there also come the realization that we cannot be perfect, even at what seem to be simple craft projects. What an opportunity to focus on worshiping God in your heart, glorifying Him with your attitude and response even in the struggle to improve your crafting skills!
Perseverance
When you realize the craft is not as easy as it looks, or you have a lot less natural talent than the person working next to you, you can be tempted to give up. However, that wouldn’t help us grow our craft inventory! Faithfully, persistently working on a friendship bracelet pattern that is proving difficult helps us develop patience and perseverance in small ways, but those small steps can encourage us to practice perseverance in our walk with God.
Receiving Instruction and Correction
Receiving instruction is a part of life, and certainly a part of craft days. There has been teaching and correction as staff members have shown residents different projects to work on and given feedback on projects that need improvement. Proverbs 19:20 tells us that wisdom comes from accepting instruction. We have had opportunities to put this proverb into practice by gladly listening to the instruction.
Encouragement
Some ladies have more natural talents and artisitic abilities than others. I would put myself at the lower end of the artistic spectrum! As we have been working on projects together, we have had lots of chances to practice encouraging and edifying each other.
Our craft days have blessed us not only with unique, handmade treasures to sell, but with lessons in Christlikeness! If you would like more information about Reclaimed Hope, visit our Facebook page, Reclaimed Hope, LLC. We would also love to have you visit our store in person and check out some of our upcycled crafts!
