Strength for Every Season.

How it began.

For more than twenty years, I have served in ministry alongside my husband. Through those years, I have walked through beautiful seasons and difficult valleys – and life with Jesus has proven to me over and over again that He truly is the anchor. In every valley he faithfully provides a spring.

As I raised my daughters and watched them experience seasons of their own, I began to understand the truth of His faithfulness more deeply. None of us is exempt from heartache, uncertainty, or failure. No matter how hard we try, we will never be able to hold everything together – but Jesus can. We often believe it is our job to hold tightly on to Him – but life has taught me – that all along it’s been Him holding us. We may walk through the fire, but He meets us there. And even if we emerge smelling a little smoky – He so gently restores and renews.

During these valley seasons -the thistles- the women of the Bible began to come alive to me in a new way. Ruth lost what appeared to be everything, yet God led her into a future better than she could have imagined. Esther was an orphan, yet God positioned her for purpose! Jesus saw right into the very hearts of Mary and Martha and met them both right where they were. Rahab’s past didn’t define her future – she was redeemed. And the stories goes on.

The first 31 Beads bracelet was created for one of my daughters as she walked through a difficult season in middle school. It was a daily wearable reminder to have courage and remain true to who God called her to be – even when that meant walking through a season of loneliness. Seasons are just that: seasons. They’re not final destinations – just a very necessary part of our Journey in Christ. The message in my heart became much bigger than one bracelet.

Lk (inspiration behind 31 Beads) – wearing the very first ‘Esther bracelet.

It became Thistle and Fig – a place for women in every season.

The Thistle represents the painful times, while the fig represents seasons of fruitfulness. Both are part of our stories, and God is right in the center of both – refining us, keeping us, and faithfully holding us through it all.