One Gift Can Change A Life - Year 6

Sun is beaming in through my windows this morning and the air was crisp when I walked the dog this morning. Hot steamy coffee sits next to the computer and I'm looking forward to church in a few hours. Fall is such a beautiful season and I'm grateful to live in a place that gets all four seasons (sometimes within a week!) Today it's raining and cooler in Honduras, a high of 83º. I long to be there again with our artisans. Soon, I hope!

I'm reflecting on the month so far. Always looking back with gratitude for God's provision, and looking forward with prayer for wisdom and God's hand of protection and favor on behalf of His daughters in Honduras. This week will launch our ads for the holidays - "One Gift Can Change A Life". And we will begin to shape our website and posts to suggest gifts for our loved ones as we all shift our spending.

In Honduras, our artisans are hard at work finishing stocking up on our best sellers before they turn their attention to designing for spring. And we are just weeks away from welcoming a new family member there, so we are down one set of hands in the office as her maternity leave has started.

I was reading about the beginning of Jesus' ministry this morning and the disciples panicking in the storm while Jesus slept. It sticks in my head because I can look at our numbers, our bank account, the upcoming bills and payroll, and then the need to spend for advertising...and I panic a bit. Where is this going to come from? Will our faithful supporters shop with us again this holiday season? Will we find new customers that will join the mission with our ad spend? And then I remember the God who has been faithful through the last 5 holiday seasons. I can't put my trust in events or ad channels, but I can put my trust in Him who called and equips and then sustains.

Here is what I'm praying this morning and I would love it if you would join me:

1. Praise and gratitude for His constant provision and care for this mission to provide jobs for His daughters in Honduras.
2. Continued healthy pregnancy and safe delivery of the new baby in Honduras, and healthy mom and baby going forward.
3. Wisdom and favor for our ad campaigns, a strong return of sales on our ad spend.
4. For the faithful return customers to again make a choice to holiday gift shop with Alegria.
5. For our Joy-Partner stores to see huge sell through on their Alegria pieces this holiday.

I'm also praying for you, that God would return to you 10 times the blessing you give to Alegria with your shopping with purpose. And yes, ONE gift can change a life!