Six years ago, I walked around a bend (metaphorically speaking) and there was an unexpected gift laying in my path. I leaned over and picked it up, full of curiosity. It turned out to be a nudge into the world of hand lettering.
It actually happened that I’d been enjoying a coloring session (with a good old-fashioned kids coloring book) when it hit me: why couldn’t I create my own Scripture-based coloring book? I’d always loved to doodle, and I love encouraging people to meditate on God’s Word, so the thought struck a nerve and I started doodling some designs.
The coloring book project never quite got off the ground. I started a few designs, only to discover how much I had to learn about drawing and lettering artistically. But that led me to start exploring the creative lettering world, and I was hooked.
I’ve always thought in words—complete with fonts and layouts and colors—but I’d never imagined trying to put those word pictures down on paper. Then all of a sudden, God allowed me to see how it could be possible. And as I started to dabble in it, I discovered an ability that I’d never even dreamed of having.
The thrill of putting on paper what I see in my mind is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before!
It seems tailor-made for the way God created me. And it’s even more exciting to hear how God uses those designs to encourage others and remind them of His precious promises! In fact, part of me wishes He had allowed me to discover hand lettering a long time ago!
But He knew when I was ready to not just enjoy hand lettering for my own pleasure, but learn how to use it for His glory.
And the adventure continues . . .
In fact, I’m making strides to shift from hobby to side business. You may have noticed more items in the shop lately or received some emails about them. I’m working hard to design and create and plan, and am learning everything I can about starting my own business. Side note: it’s not for the faint of heart!
But as fun—and intense—as it is starting a business, God keeps reminding me that He must always stay FIRST in my life. Psalm 1:2 speaks of the man who does not listen to the world’s counsel (in this case, eat/breathe/sleep business ideas and marketing) . . .
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,and on his law he meditates day and night.
That is the person whom God will deem successful!
Not the one who earns thousands of dollars or makes a “big name” for themselves on social media, but the one who delights in HIM with every fiber of their being.
Not the one who eats/breathes/sleeps all the current marketing practices, but the one who spends quality time with God before getting busy.
That’s what I want in my own life, and it’s also the lifestyle I want to encourage with my art! To think biblically in the everyday. To love God’s ways more than our own ideas and desires. To delight in God’s Word more and before anything else.
I don’t entirely know where this hand lettering journey will take me. Maybe it’s just for a season, or maybe it will offer a long-term change. But I know the One who’s leading me, and I’m walking by faith every step of the way!
Have you ever discovered an unexpected ability or interest that God used to change your life’s direction?