Work and Rest

The mission that started and motivates Alegria is jobs - so when we have an abundance of work, we are on mission and rejoicing! Our Christian Products Expo trade show went so well and we wrote so many orders from it and took so many orders from the Faire Market that we've had to do some emergency work. Thank you God and thank you Joy-Creators for praying with us. Please bless and thank the Lord this morning with us - God is good, He is faithful, He is our provider and He is our sustainer.

It's also the time when that tent and our display pops up all over, like this weekend at the Centralia Hot Air Balloon Festival. Well, it doesn't exactly just pop up...but after about 2 1/2 hours, it's popped - LOL! And when the sun goes down, and the balloons start glowing, our tent is hopping with new and old Joy-Creators joining the mission. And our online sales tick up as fall seasonal shopping and Christmas shopping starts.  These are blessings upon blessings. Harvest season. And it is indeed hard work, that we are grateful for.

Erika reminded me this week in a message as we were designing for Christmas and winter that we need rest. Sometimes that message goes the other way, she's a crazy hard worker too. I love work. I was walking to my car yesterday morning thanking God for my work with Alegria. God loves work. But He also knows we need Sabbath. Joy-Creators, would you pray that our work will continue to bring a harvest? That we would see another artisan have a job this fall? Would you pray as I continue to work towards creating a small salary for me also? - a worker deserves to be paid. And I'm not working to get rich, but to have my work earn a salary for me along with all the artisans. This is 100% dependent upon our marketing efforts and design work, and on you as Joy-Creators continuing to do your gift purchasing with us, and your seasonal accessorizing with us. Your choice matters. Your dollars have power. Skip the big box and Amazon this season and shop with Alegria. We are working so hard to create gifts you'll love to give and they'll love to receive.

And finally, would you pray for peace and rest for us so that we can continue to work hard?  I'm praying for you this morning to have that same rest and peace. God is good. We love Him and we love YOU!