My wife never ceases to amaze me. This past Sunday we went to our home church and worshipped together; afterwards we were part of a group of hundreds who packed Christmas boxes for Operation Christmas Child (check this outreach ministry: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/…/). On our ride home my wife asked me to turn the car around after we passed a homeless man standing on side of the Interstate exit. She said the man just "looked so sad," so we went back, shared with him the love of the Lord and ended up driving him to get something to eat. After dropping the man off my sweet wife was in tears because of the hurt this man was experiencing. I was reminded of...
Election Day is tomorrow, and after months of endless insults and disclosure of improprieties Americans will decide who will lead our country over the next four years. This election is unprecedented in that it includes the 2 most unpopular presidential candidates in the history of our country; so the proper question would be: why are these our choices? I am not advocating for support of a third party, fourth party or any other party or person, my question is: why don't we have better and more palatable option? Is it perhaps that people are so sick of politics that no one wants to run for office anymore? Think about it, who wants to expose every part of their life...
Being a guy means I suffer with a common problem of male ego. We don’t always like to ask for help nor do we like to feel intimidated by what we don’t know. My first few trips to the lumber yard shopping for quality hardwoods were all about breaking that barrier. On my first trip I was asked by different employees if I needed some help, but I kindly replied “no thank you” and proceeded to walk around, observe the variety of woods, trying to not to look like I was new. After 30 minutes of “wandering” I finally swallowed my pride and went up to a guy and asked for help….and help I got! After that, it...
Lately I've been working on a "special" project. It's nothing complicated..... no new or innovative design............not particularly "fine" woodworking............and yet, it's immensely satisfying. I was asked to make toy cars to place in Christmas "shoe boxes" that will go to needy children with a message of God's love. Such a "small" thing...........but a welcome opportunity to allow the Lord to use my woodworking skills for something to impact the hearts of little ones I will probably never meet. Everything I have is mine only by the grace of God...........and that goes for my talents and abilities. As I cut, sand and drill these little wooden vehicles I can imagine the hands that may treasure a small toy and the heart...
This past weekend was The Prodigal Carpenter's first experience participating in a Festival or Artisan Fair. For anyone who has undertaken one of these, we don't have to tell you the amount of hard work that goes into preparation, facilitating, and post event handling. We learned a lot from our "initiation" into the outdoor market world. 1 Nothing replaces personal interaction with potential customers. The feedback was invaluable. It was affirming to have so many folks express admiration for the quality and craftsmanship of our products and admire what we do. 2. Know your Target Market. Handcrafted items of high quality are not produced inexpensively They take time, craftsmanship and quality materials. Consequently they're not what everyone is looking...
