Wristruth accomplished mission

Neat email sent to me from a woman who received a wristruth as a gift. This is the heart of treasurebags…right here. Click text below to read story…

 

Wristruth accomplished mission

More wristruth…

Thank you for visiting my blog! It’s the dog days of Winter here in Wisconsin and rather than mope about it I’m choosing to hunker in and commit my time to new creations. Here’s a couple of new things that are meant to inspire truth AND help you with a fresh perspective. Only a few more weeks until Spring- the groundhog said so.

New Wristruths!

Happy New Year Everybody!

 Attached to this page is a promotion I am doing for the month of January. What a perfect time of year to remind your spirit to walk in a specific truth for 2012!  For any wristruth ordered by January 30th (my birthday!) you will be entered in a drawing for a free custom wristruth!  For more details…Read on!

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 Need a reminder of truth for the New Year?

Inspire your spirit to believe His truth for 2012 with 

          Wristruth by treasurebags,  …formerly known as gracelets,

would love to have the opportunity to adorn your wrist with a word of truth for the New Year.

What word might inspire, equip and encourage YOUR heart in 2012?

 here are the Details:

 You can place an order in a few easy steps.

1. choose a color combination from the wrist truths shown above or on the wristruth  page.

2. Choose your word.

3. Tell me if your wrist size is small(6 1/2) medium(7 1/2) or large(8 1/2) and lastly

4.do you prefer a flower? or no flower.

And then just leave the rest to me and anticipate a stunning creation custom made for you. Each piece of wristruth is individually hand created and no two are ever exactly the same. Fabrics will be artfully chosen and put together like a beautiful mosaic based upon your color choice. If there is a pattern you really love just let me know and if it’s available I’ll do my best to include it in your piece of wristruth.  Each bracelet is $30.

 If you place your order on or before January 30, 2012 you will be entered in a drawing for a free piece of wristruth, whatever you’d like which will be announced on my blog February 1st. I will email the winner! Good Luck!

email me at dana@ treasurebags.net  I Look forward to hearing from you!

“Where your treasure is there your heart will be also.”

Countdown to Christmas…

It seems to sneak up on me every year, no matter how early I pull out the decorations, glitter the house, do the shopping, wrap the gifts and plan the menu. There never seems to be quite enough time to get it all done. Is it because there really isn’t adequate time or is it because we try to do too much, expect too much or perhaps we make it about what it’s really not. Is He receiving our praise through our efforts?

Seems funny to me that there is so much emphasis on decorating and making things looks beautiful and sparkly when the event we are celebrating actually took place in polar opposite conditions- a stable, dark, dirty and about as primitive as conditions get. I struggled with this for years- the conflict between wanting things to feel lovely and festive and then coming to reality about the real conditions and meaning of Christmas. I guess the great thing about this struggle is that it challenged me to seek Him for wisdom re: what the season really suggests and how to glorify Him through it all.

One of my favorite parts in the story of the birth of Jesus is when  the  angel comes to the shepherds and scripture  says the glory of the Lord  was shining around them and the shepherds were afraid. But then the angel says,

“Do not be afraid. I bring good news of great joy that will be

for all people.”
And then it goes on to say that suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the hightest,

 

and on Earth peace to men on

whom his favor rests.”

How awesome would that have been to witness the sky singing praises with these humble shepherds to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Oh so awesome!

And then this precious part of the story when the shepherds decide to go look for the baby that they have just been told about it says they hurry! They can’t wait to find this amazing family.  Then after they see them they are filled with an overwhelming excitement about what they have seen and what has been told to them about this baby. They must have shown great enthusiasm because the scripture says that all who heard their story were amazed. 

And then this is the part that gets me every time.. .
It says Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. She takes it all in -savors every moment. Everything about that evening and what led up to it was a treasure that bubbled up inside of her. Can you even imagine what was going on inside of her heart? Take a second and think… really think about it.  I think about how I feel when my boys have accomplished something that means everything to him. Or when I’ve been blessed with a great evening together as a family, or when God answers a prayer, or seeing my children awarded for something they did well. The joy inside and the awe of God’s power to do what he wills in and through us is simply stated…

a miracle.

I want my heart to know and my actions to speak that  everything I do this Christmas is done for the glory of God so that I can experience the supernatural gratification that Mary had, knowing that is was ALL about Jesus.

So now when I decorate, I do it in honor of Jesus.
I ILLUMINATE the house to represent the glory of the Lord.
I GLITTER to remind myself of the humble means by which Jesus came into this world.
I SHOP to be reminded of the gift we have in Jesus.
I WRAP pretty packages and place them under the tree to remember that Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed into a manger.
I PLAN my menu to prepare for the time we will have as a family to go humbly before God together in prayer and thank him for his wonderful gift.
And I DECORATE to tell the world that,

“On this day a Saviour has been born to us, 

he is Christ the Lord!.”

Much love and Merry Christmas…ALL for his glory.

Team with me to provide shoes for those that have never had a pair…

 

 

I’ve been praying about a place to give in return for the gratitude I have to God for giving me an amazing passion and desire to create bags and accessories that inspire, encourage and equip women to walk in the love, freedom and truth of Jesus.

This is my prayer answered…

I am IN LOVEwith this ministry and this couple. They inspire me and encourage my heart to walk daily in seeking his presence in everything I  am and everything I do.  Through this deepened dependence I know that the willingness and desire to serve others becomes a natural desire of the heart.  I am grateful to them for setting the example. For being real and doing the hard work of persevering, representing Godly characterand ultimately offering hope to so many that would normally be living in a hopeless situation.

For anything you order or purchase from now until Christmas, I will use a portion of that sale toward the purchase of a pair of shoes. Thank you for teaming together with me to truly be the feet of Jesus this Christmas. I appreciate each one of you!

 

 

for more detail re: the shoe project please visit the Life Today website:

http://lifetoday.org/outreaches/christmas-shoe-project/

from crutch to clutch…treasuretruth #9

One of a mother’s greatest fears when her son plays a contact sport like football is, you guessed it, an injury. There’s something about seeing your baby boy (we all know he’s not a baby anymore, ha) on his back on the 40 yard line that takes your breath away. A 30 second unannounced reprieve during the second quarter can feel like a lifetime. This was my experience more times than I want to remember and my experience last night with my youngest.

We ended up in urgent care. Three x-rays, a few ice packs and a pair of crutches later we were on our way- all on the evening before the first day of school.

The next morning I insisted on helping him into school to which he refused the help, at least MY help.  Over and over I begged and pleaded with him, “Please let me help you, please!? Let me carry your back pack, at least to your locker?”He responded, “No Mom, I’m fine! I can do this myself! It’s no big deal!”After feeling rejected first but more importantly concerned for his safety carrying a backpack with no former crutches experience, my spirit was prompted to release my concerns and give them to God. I decided I would, “Trust in Him with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways acknowledge Him and He would make my path (and my son’s path) straight.”Proverbs 3:5

God had a reason and a plan for all of this and my job was not to understand it all but to trust Him.

And then I started to think about how similar we can act when God offers us his help and how He can feel rejected by us and concerned for our safety. We all live on crutches, metaphorically speaking. We are injured women on so many levels… emotionally, spiritually, sometimes physically. Our loving God is constantly offering us his hand. I began to think about how often I refuse to take the help He’s offering. I just tell Him, “It’s okay God, I’m fine, I can do this myself…it’s no big deal!”

What are the things that get in the way of receiving His help? Well like my son, it may be embarrassment; “What if my friends see my mom helping me and they laugh at me?” OR pride; “I can do this MYself, I don’t need anyone’s help”, OR humility, fear, you fill in the blank. I decided to let the boy do it alone, but not without watching every step he took until he entered the school. I was ready to run to his rescue if there were any mishaps.

God watches us like that. “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

And Jesus went to his father every chance he had. Even on the cross thinking God had turned his back on Him…even then. There was nothing he didn’t tell Him…nothing.

He waits to hear our cries for help. and hopes we choose to receive it. Please remember to let him help you. Cry out to him. Tell him where it hurts, what it feels like, how it is.

And Like the Police song, Every breath we take, every move we make, He’ll be watching you.

what’s the story?

Enclosed with every wristruth will be attached this story of how this accessory came to be and it’s significance in the life of it’s owner…

The Wristruth Story

According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary…

TRUTH, v.1. Conformity to fact or reality; exact accordance with that which is, or has been, or shall be.

BRACELET, n.1.1. An ornament for the wrist,2. A piece of defensive armor for the arm.

and the two became one…

Wrist truth n. 1. a unique and beautiful ornament made to adorn the wrist that offers truth to the heart and armor for the spirit.

just for you..

The word displayed on this gracelet has been prayerfully hand chosen as a reminder to walk boldly and equip you with confidence in this truth.  It is lovingly recommended that this charming truth telling gem be worn on your left arm, the one closest to your heart.

“For as she thinks in her heart, so is she.”

Proverbs 23:7

Courage…my pal has been blessed with it.

I had the privilege to spend a week in Texas with my precious friend Gayle. She has been a shining beacon of light and truth in my life, not to mention a friend to crack up with, shop til you drop with, get caffeinated with and have all night pajama parties with. Blessed am I that I have a friend who isn’t afraid to be lovingly honest when I call to share my trials and struggles in life. With Godly discernment she councils me in truth- not always what I want to hear but necessary for me to walk and grow in the wisdom and grace of God.  And now SHE faces a major trial. In November she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is fighting and winning this battle with grace, faith and amazing COURAGE-A wholehearted display of her dependence on her faithful Maker. In this photo she exudes “radiant” beauty. Thank you Gayle for all you are to me and for all of the ways you continue to bless me by being my treasured “truth” telling and Jesus loving sister. You continue to grow from amazing to MORE AMAZING. I love you with all my heart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share in Gayle’s journey and see  what God isdoing on her CaringBridges website:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gaylenovak

TreasureTruth #9… HE is the giver of all things…

GPS,counselors, hair dressers, comedians, trainers, spouses,

health clubs, massage therapists, diet plans, movies, music, clothing, books,

internet…

and the list goes on and on and on and on…… We depend on these things to bring us joy, give us direction, help us make the right decisions, keep us fit, enhance ourWhew! There are an abundance of resources just waiting for the opportunity to enhance our lives…just waiting.

What if we were to replace many of our familiar resourses with GOD’s resources?

Look at these verses and see what happens when we depend on Him instead of what we are used to. Pay attention to the return on our investments…

Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwellin the land and enjoy safe pasture.Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.Commit your way to the Lord,trust in Him and He will do this, He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you. John15:7

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. Isaiah 30:15

The Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah30:18

My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Let’s put this into application by taking a short walk through an example or two in my life.

Hello Mr. vulnerability…nice to see you again.

Example #1

Lots to do, harried schedule, messy house, disorganized in every way. We are leaving town next week so I am busy doing laundry, packing, preparing for grandma and grandpa’s arrival, organizing kids schedule while we are gone and on and on as the story goes. I decided to take my usual Monday morning workout time and commit my way to the Lordby doing some spiritual exercise instead. I may have not received the physical reward I would have from sweating, burning calories and building muscle but the time I spent with the Lord in prayer and conversation gave me the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in my crazy busy Monday. There is a verse in 1Timothy that says,

“Physical training is of some value, but goldliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Now THIS type of training has TRUE value…eternal value. I will choose to go to the “giver of all things” this morning instead of the Y.  I am trusting by doing this He will stay true to his promise of making my righteousness shine like the dawn and making the justice of my cause shine like the noonday sun. I can tell you right now I feel shiney already.

Example #2

I am prone to anxiety. Always have been, maybe always will be. I take everything in, I feel very deeply, I want to fix every problem and cure every ailment. My bar is high, very high and for these reasons I can become affected not only emotionally and mentally but physically as well. My shoulders get tight, my chest feels heavy, I become restless, irritable, sensitive and quite frankly, a little depressed.

Often times, most times, I spend countless hours analyzing why I feel so horrible and focus on those things. Is it my diet, my workout or lack of workout, my relationships, is there something wrong with me? Fear sets in and I find myself leaning on my husband, friends, counselor, food and sometimes family. I look for someone safe to vent to, complain with and cry on. Usually not very effective.

But the more I experience trial; through God’s grace, I realize that HE probably allows these things to happen in my body to remind me that my strength and peace comes from him and only HIM! And with Him there is nothing to fear. When I go to the “giver of all things” instead of my usual resources and tell HIM about my fears and simply ask HIM to take my anxiety away he really does! But not until He is finished teaching me something great about who He is. Works EVERY time. Thank goodness He never gives up on me.

Rejoice in the lord always. I will say rejoice! let your gentleness be evident to all. the lord is near. do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to god and the peace of god which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in christ jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

So to wrap, I will not say that all of these very desirable resources listed at the top of this post are a bad thing. I believe God has given us those things as well because he loves us. What I AM saying is, use your God given discernment to recognize WHEN you are becoming too dependent on those things and forgetting who the TRUE giver is. Let us not be so quick to run to those things we THINK will give us what we need and be zealous to run to the ‘giver of all things’, our Jesus, who knows what it is like to carry a burden or two, to say the least. He gives us Better.

HIS divine power has given us EVERYTHING we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of HIM who called us by HIS own glory and goodness. 2Peter 1:3

Your challenge is to check todays’ ‘to do’ list and find at least one thing on it that can be replaced by something better- perhaps a prayer, some time of worship, an act of service,  somebody’s forgiveness. Replace it with something that comes straight from the

“giver of all things”.

Have a great day full of the giver’s gifts.

A few of my favorite things…

This was one of my favorite Christmas orders by far. Kate ordered each one of her daughters a gracelet this year with a specially  chosen word. The greatest part of all was to watch these precious ones open their gracelets together. They were so excited which filled my spirit with an abundance of Joy.Thank you Kate for blessing me!

So fun…such treasures…so blessed.

This is Sweet and beautiful Jewel.Her word was treasure,which as you can clearly see, she certainly is. Jewel, your name and your spirit truly are a reflection of a precious Godly treasure.

This is Makeda. She got the word promise. Makeda, the promise of the love of Christ shines through your beautiful smile.

And this is Faith. Her word is faith.  Faith, you are blessed with beauty, creativity and as we can see in your eyes, the priceless gift of faith.

“A few of my favorite things…”