This is probably one of my very favorite things we have hanging on our wall — handmade by our friends in South Africa with reclaimed pallet wood.
Right now, it has the Lent verses from our She Reads Truth study displayed on it and it hangs in our home as a constant reminder of one of our family hearts and passions: to wisely steward what God has given us here to make a difference in South Africa and around the world!
It also encourages my heart to think how God is working in mighty ways halfway around the globe. The fact that there is a woodworking shop committed to teaching the locals skills, strong work ethic, and how to create beautiful and practical things in one of the poorest areas there in South Africa using wood that would otherwise be thrown away reminds me how God is in the business of redemption. {Read more and see more pictures about the woodworking shop here.}
(It’s Day #18 of the Go to Bed Early Challenge and I was in bed close to 10 pm last night — I was wiped out after a long day of filming the #MakeOverYourEvenings course yesterday! {You can see a behind-the-scenes video we shot here, if you’re interested.} We have another day of filming today to do some promos and b-roll and then it’s a wrap! I can’t wait to share the finished product with you in April — and part of the proceeds will be going to make a difference in South Africa!)
Are you joining me for the Go to Bed Early Challenge? If so, leave a comment on this post to let me know how you did with your go-to-bed goal last night.
We’re in this together… And if you didn’t hit your goal, that’s okay! Give yourself grace, don’t beat yourself up, and know that you can try again tomorrow!
P.S. Read more about the Go to Bed Early Challenge here. Need some help and inspiration to go to bed early so you can get up and use your mornings well? Download Day 1 of Make Over Your Mornings for free (scroll to the bottom of this page to sign up for it!)
I have a habit of laying my clothes out for the next day I have to work. Also, I prepare my lunch and snacks for the next day to bring to work. I did go to bed at a reasonable hour last night, but I forgot to make my lunch and had to make it this morning. I was able to do it, but my morning goes a little better if my lunch is put together the night before.
Silas is so darling! His smile made me smile, what a joyful boy!
🙂
Crystal, are they selling their products internationally/online/through any fair trade shops in the U.S.? Thanks.
They aren’t yet — but we’re hopeful it might be happening in the future! That’s a big hope and dream!
What a cool piece to have hanging on the wall. I love it! I have been sticking fairly close to my 10-10:30 bedtime and it is making such a difference for my wake up times. I am actually not using an alarm clock most of the time-trying to let my body wake up more organically. The only trouble is, I am very trained to wake up with one and I think I miss out on getting up a little earlier a lot because I let myself fall back asleep. My biggest struggle, still, is falling asleep during morning devotions. If anyone has any suggestions for keeping myself more awake, I’d be open to them.
love the woodwork and what it means to our friends in South Africa. Thanks for your encouragement and may that work thrive in the days ahead.
Yes! I so agree with this comment!
I LOVE that piece of beautiful art!!! I grew up in West Africa (Liberia, Nigeria and Ivory Coast) for 14 years, and have many hand-made items that mean so much to me. So I really love your wooden wall hanging – just gorgeous!
Also, it was so fun to see your behind-the-scenes scope of your filming! I love your video courses. My friend introduced me to your Mornings course, which I absolutely loved. I took several video courses last year, and your Mornings course was my very favorite! I loved the combination of short video, workbook reading and daily project. I hope your 2nd day of filming goes well and I’ll be excited to see the finished product soon!
Aw, thank you so much for your kind encouragement!