Crowned Project: Intro

So here's the thing...I've got this idea for a project, although that's not how it began, but I'd like to share this idea with you. I'll try to keep my usual long-windedness (Is that even a word?) to a minimum. I know, good luck, right?

Well, I'm at ministry school in California, I'm working part-time, and my bills are more than my income. No worries, God is good, everything will get taken care of, people are making donations...all is good in the world; HOWEVER, I believe God gives us creative ideas and resources as a means to bless us and others. So here is what has been stirring in me lately...

I really like to knit; I feel like an old lady as I say that, but it really is enjoyable. So I was thinking about something fairly easy, yet practical that I could make that people would actually want to buy while also supporting me in my journey. The outcome - beanies! Why not? They're cute, it's fall, and Christmas is around the corner; plus everyone here wears them all the time. I thought these would be a great idea that people could get for themselves or as gifts for others since it's the holiday season and also bless me in the process. And yes, the beanie in my picture is mine - handmade with love and everything!

However, from this point the idea sort of evolved into a project instead of a simple idea to help out a little financially. I actually want to be able to bless others (aside from myself and those that will receive the beanies) through this project, and here's what Jesus and I came up with; ok, fine, it was more His idea than mine. 

There are a lot of amazing people here pursuing their dreams, figuring out who they are, starting over or just starting out, but the truth is they each have a story to tell, a testimony to release, a dream to dream and something to offer to the world, and I want to highlight it. So what does that look like exactly? I'm glad you asked. This looks like me making a beanie, choosing someone I've met along the journey to share their story and "model" the beanie, and then bless them with 20% of the proceeds that come in from the purchase of the beanie.  

Logistics: I'm actually making this a donation-based project. There will be a suggested donation amount for each beanie (they will all be different) that will help to cover material costs, time, and shipping, if necessary, so please keep that in mind. 20% of the donation will go to whoever has been highlighted and whatever is left will go towards my financial needs at this time. It may not be much, but every little bit helps! And again, the donation amount is only suggested, so more or less can be given. The first person that comments on the original FACEBOOK post on my page will get dibs on donating and receiving the beanie for the week. I'll connect with the first person that comments and then direct them to a PayPal link that can be used for the donation, and as soon as it's processed that beanie will be on it's way.

Another aspect of this idea has come from a study of Psalm 103. I started reading this passage of Scripture a couple of months ago and couldn't get past the first few verses, because God was highlighting so much to me, and one part in particular is in verse four where is says, "[He] crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion." I began to think about a crown or being crowned and some things that came to mind were that it represents royalty, authority, government, a transference (of authority or power from one generation to the next), family/sonship, and covering. So here's where I'm going with that. A hat, or a beanie, will literally cover the crown of your head - the topmost part of your head and the first thing typically seen when you enter the world at birth. Before each beanie is sent out, it's worn by someone that has a story to share and a testimony to release, so if you want what they have, just receive it when you receive the beanie (or even if you don't get the beanie); also, each beanie will be prayed over and blessed so that it may bless whoever receives it. In the New Testament, people took clothes that had touched the Apostle Paul's body, and those who received the clothes were healed and set free (Acts 19:11-12)...who knows what God can use a simple beanie for? Maybe nothing, but maybe something. 

So this is the Crowned Project; you've been given the introduction, and the first person's story along with the first beanie to be offered is soon to come, so stay tuned!