Everyone is born with creativity. But those people who appear to be super creative have a secret. They know that creativity has to be developed and exercised to come easily. I am on a quest to immerse myself in creativity of all kinds. I hope you will join me!

 Tonight was Girls' Night In at the rescue mission.  GNI is a women's ministry for the women of my church. Tonight, we had kind of a beach party with a game of beach bingo, popsicles, and decorating flip flops for the craft.

When we go, we hang out with women of all ages, who are there for all reasons. In the last four months, the number of women residents has doubled. Things are tough here in Michigan and not getting better yet. It is not always easy to design a craft that everyone can do with success, but I knew they would like flip flops.

This is the pair I designed.  I layered colors of felt circles and flower shapes, stitched the layers together, and glued the flower to the shoe. I made circle templates for tracing, and we got down to business.

 The only time they get to do projects like this is when we come. Some of the women do not have experience with crafts at all. I found some who had never made a single stitch with a needle and thread. After a couple craft projects with us, they find their stride and creativity starts to blossom. I love this part.

 Oh, the piles of craft materials we have gone through.

 These were made by a young girl. I love that she made the dark outlines.

 Here she is with her Mother. Mom thanked me and we had a chance to chat. Daughter loves to do crafty things, but she never gets the chance. Mom does not craft and does not want to craft. But, Mom hovered watching through the whole project. It is an awesome feeling to see the pride on both faces. Living in a rescue mission with 60 other women, being told what to do and when, there is not much opportunity for pride or creativity. I love that some felt squares and 2 hours of our time can bring real smiles.


This gal went completely to her own design. It may be only felt on a flip flop but there is no substitute for a good job well done.

That goes double for women following God's call to use their skills to encourage those who really can use it.

Take your Vitamin C!

The women at my church have an ongoing ministry at Grace Centers of Hope, a rescue mission in Pontiac, Michigan. We go on a Friday night and just hang out with the women residents of the mission. They are of all ages and stations, and are there because they were homeless or working through an addiction, or both. They live in the mission for a year, so we get to know them.

Tonight, we had a Valentine party and potluck dinner.  We had tons of food and we ate until we were stuffed. It was great! I am so blessed by the women who give up their Friday nights to go, and even more so that they cooked today to furnish dinner.

Young daughters came with us tonight. They had spent time and effort this week making valentines for the women. Handmade. How great are these young girls? They sweetly handed them out to the ladies.


After dinner, we set up to make a craft.  The Amazing Helen supplied us for this one.  Thank you Helen!

Concentration as she fringes her piece of felt for her pin.

Our girls made several so they could make sure each of the tiny girls there had one to keep.


All of our girls together.  Get ready girls!

Lining up, almost there....

Six beautiful girls, friends, even though they just met tonight.

I think I speak for all of us when I say that giving of your time and effort to encourage someone else brings wonderful blessings in return. Especially after a busy week, thought given to helping someone else who needs a bit of support is the best way to end the week.

Share your vitamin C!