Gladness and Songs of Joy

Zephaniah 3:17 has been a favorite verse long before I knew that "Alegria" appeared in it twice!  Do you know about Zephaniah? And what was going on in Israel and Judah at that time?  Zephaniah was God's profit warning his people that Babylon is about to come and conquer them and take them into exile. Why? Well, God is a Father to this nation and like a good parent, when kids are off the rails and not making wise choices or listening and obeying, He is going to practice some tough love. He needs to regain their attention.

But in this chapter, Zephaniah is delivering this promise - the exile will end, they will be brought back home. He IS (present tense) living among them. (they are not abandoned, only being disciplined) AND when this is over, He is going to save them.

Here is the part of the verse I adore because as a parent, I know this feeling. Pulling my child into my arms and loving them with everything in me. Delighting over them. And singing over them in the night when they are scared or sick. Nothing on earth makes my heart rejoice more than my children. And how much greater is the love of God than my imperfect human love?!  And when I read it in Spanish - Alegria is gladness and joy!

Today, I'm praying gladness and joy to be sung over our artisans in Honduras, that work now at Alegria, and those who will join us. We WILL reach 30 by 2030, even if we have started so slowly in 2026 - know that God is working behind the scenes. Do not lose hope and pray that those awaiting a job will also be protected and not lose hope. The enemy wants to keep these women enslaved in poverty, exploitation and hopelessness, BUT GOD!

I'm also praying gladness and joy to be sung over our Joy-Partner stores - that their inventory of Alegria will fly off the shelves in the next few months and they will be moved to restock and continue to be part of the mission.  And for new stores to join us and be blessed by Alegria in their stores.

And I'm praying gladness and joy to be sung over YOU, our Joy-Creators! That the pieces you wear will make you feel lovely, and that you will be able to tell others about our mission and artisans. That you will be able to shop more, and choose to give Alegria for gifts. And every time that you bless Alegria, that God would bless you 10 times over!

This week, we are going to be starting a fall campaign for online sales - join me in praying for wisdom in how we communicate and how we set up the advertising so it will return in greater sales.

And I will also be at the Centralia Hot Air Balloon Festival in Centralia Illinois. Please pray for safety and for good weather and a huge turnout and sales.

Lastly, this week in Honduras, we are wrapping up our next shipment. We are still awaiting some supplies (always silver). So as with every month, we would love your prayers for shipments both to Honduras for supplies, and to the US with the finished jewelry.  For safety and health for our artisans and their families.