Well, a lot has happened since I last posted. The Lord has really been working in many different ways. As most of you know we are originally from Texas and are looking forward to a visit back home. Because of the higher cost of living and some complications with our home in Texas (that we still own) we haven’t had the money to even consider purchasing 6 plane tickets plus a mini van rental for 3-4 wks. So, as we were preparing a special gift for my Nana’s birthday, Nate became downcast and sad. As I drew him out he revealed that he was sad and wanted to visit Texas. So, I piled the kids up on the couch so we could talk to Jesus about it. We told Jesus that our hearts desire was the be able to visit our friends and family in Texas and acknowledged that He owns everything. We asked Him to provide for us in whatever way he saw fit. That very same day Jeremy received a bonus at work. He’s also in a season of overtime right now. I was beginning to despair because of him working so much and the Lord graciously revealed to me that this was an answer to our prayer…Jer gets paid for overtime!! And, just a few months ago they were not allowing him to work overtime!! And, the situation with our home in Texas is getting worked out …our leasing agent hasn’t paid us since July so we’ve been paying two mortgages. Then, a work from home packet came in the mail and he grabbed out two flier from it. As I was cleaning up the desk I found them…one he said to throw away and the other he asked me to look into. The guy we ended up talking to about it is a Christian who was homeschooled and his mom actually knows our senior pastor’s mom. And, he talked with Josh a few times about 15 yrs ago before his first book, “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” was published. Small world! :o)
And, now we’ve officially started our own cottage business: PathLight CandleWorks. It’s an answer to our prayers and to a heart’s desire that I’ve had for some time. Many times I’ve had the question run through my mind, “What can I do to bring in some money?” Well, this is such a joyful turn of events…my husband is leading in this (not me trying to convince him we should do it). It’s uniting us as a team…he’s the business/marketing/computer guy and I’m the crafty one. :o) It’s also an answer to our prayers concerning how to instill a work ethic in our children when we don’t live on a farm! :o) We don’t want them to think that life is about playing and being entertained all the time. This will be an opportunity to teach them a skill, math, economics and a work ethic…plus many more things, I’m sure!
Nate has already come up with two ideas…”I know what we can put on our candles….we can put memory verses on them!” And, he had the idea of putting candles into baby food jars.
The premise behind the name of the company is that God’s Word is a lamp and a light. We hope to attach God’s Word to each candle…the Lord encouraged my heart as I was praying to Him about this opportunity that we should use our company to help others spiritually…and since His Word by the power of His Spirit is what truly opens eyes and transfers us from darkness to light that is what we want to give each person who purchases our candles. God’s Word alone lights our path and gives us wisdom and guidance for a life pleasing to Him. And, another thought I had as I was praying for His help in following my husband’s leadership in starting this company was from Revelations 21 and 22 where it is revealed that in the New Heavens and the New Earth Jesus will be the Light. He is the light and the gospel is the ONLY thing that has the power to transfer anyone from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light.
One more thing…the difference between the candles we’ll be making and the ones you can buy in the store is that they will be made out of Soy instead of paraffin. Paraffin is a petroleum product which is why they produce so much black soot. This is toxic for us to be breathing, so the soy candles are healthy candles that support the American farmer instead of the petroleum industry.
For His glory alone,
Mindy