New Beginnings

I’d like to introduce you to Jan, and have her tell the story of her New Beginning. As I mentioned in my last Blog, Knocked for a Loop , life can bring hard things that sock us in the gut.

For Jan, The End came in early 2010. With a divorce after 27 years of marriage, Jan was feeling pretty defeated. She tells it like this:

 I felt lost, defeated and worthless. I didn’t have any confidence.  Not only did I lack confidence in my abilities, but in myself as a person. I felt like a failure—like I had nothing left.

Later that year, my sister, Kathy asked, “If you could do anything, what would it be?

I’ve always wanted to own a consignment shop. Kathy asked if I was willing to invest my tax return money. Her philosophy was, if it didn’t work, I hadn’t risked much. I would have another tax return the following year. So, with that seed money I purchased clothing racks, found upscale clothing at yard sales, and bought out two shops that were closing. Then, the store in Limington Meadows came available and I rented it.

The name of your shop is New Beginnings Resale Boutique.  There is a story behind the name isn’t there—you found inspiration and hope in a particular Bible verse.

Yes, a verse I’ve clung to during this time is 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away, behold all things become new.

To me this verse touched many aspects of my life starting over. I am a new creature: I rededicated my life to the LORD. The old things passing away and things becoming new -- this was my marriage ending and my new life beginning. It is also your old clothes becoming new clothes for someone else.

Sounds like a step of faith! I’m sure there have been ups and downs along the way. How has God provided your needs? What special blessings have you encountered?

God provided  in many ways since being on my own and opening the shop. In the last three years I haven’t been able to find a full-time job. But, He has met all of my needs. We have never done without. It came by way of extra hours at work, tax return money—anytime there was a financial need, the money or the opportunity to make money showed up. I have also learned to live my life claiming God’s promises. He promised to provide all my needs—I only need to be faithful to Him.

One of the biggest blessings for me is being able to provide clothing to the Veteran’s Home, Teen Challenge and the women’s crisis shelter.

It sounds like this brings you a lot of satisfaction. Tell us about that.

I love having people come into the shop. There are some return customers that I truly enjoy—Lindsay, Lisa and Mary are just a few. I love to watch them shop. They get so excited. They talk from the dressing room. Sometimes I get worried that other customers will think I planted them to get people to shop there.

Sounds awesome—like the beginning of a new community.  So, tell us, where are you today—It’s been three years.  Do you see yourself differently?

Definitely! I am more confident. I think I am stronger and my relationship with God is growing daily. .  I like who I am becoming.  I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish, and I owe all of it to Christ!

What would you like to tell other women who might be where you were three years ago?

Starting over truly is a new beginning—A fresh slate. Allow yourself to grieve, but don’t let it dominate your thoughts. Is there something you have always wanted to do? Having a goal is good therapy. And, surround yourself with a good support system—this is vital.

Jan's story is inspiring! I can attest to the amazing way God has led and blessed her during this journey. Because you see, I am her big sister. I have watched her New Beginnings and seen her emerge as a beautiful butterfly.

I hope her story will encourage you too,

Jeanne

Update on June 20, 2015: New Beginnings Resale Boutique is no longer in operation. The Lord has brought even more new beginnings for Jan. She is doing wonderfully in her new location. Feel free to contact her via this post and I will pass it along.

Resources you may find helpful: 

One of Jan's favorite songs by Laura Story: BLESSINGS

Day 17 - 31 Day Blog Challenge

New Life - New Beginnings

Winter is finally waning here in New England. We’ve been clobbered by storms and sunshine has been hidden. I think a couple of weeks in a sunny climate during February or March would be a good idea. It’s not a passing fancy—every year I think the same thing. My full-spectrum light is barely keeping my foggy head above water and I am on the lookout for any sign of spring.  

I walk every day hoping to see a swelling bud or hardy crocus. I notice the subtle changes in the landscape; shrinking snow piles, widening roads, and the changing track of the sun (when it decides to appear). March is the home stretch. I can do it, one day at a time. 

It helps to have a pre-spring plan. Will I plant something different in my herb garden? Where will I place my shepherd hooks to display my flowering pots? I imagine my lawn chair settled nicely in the shade waiting for me. And, I picture the bursting colors outside. 

Spring is all about hope; I love seeing new growth and new life awakening in the dormant world outside. Spring is full of promise. The trees, gray and lifeless come to life again with renewed beauty. Oh, how I long for it! 

The wintered soul also longs for new beginnings—new growth, swelling buds on pruned branches—new life. Lifelessness can be transformed through the promise of Christ. The old is gone, the new has come. The Risen Jesus breathes life into the withered heart and causes it to burst with hope. Hope in the One who redeems the darkness and shines light in our world.

 

 

Jesus came to chase away the darkness of sin and death. He accomplished victory on the cross—sin forgiven—spiritual death defeated—eternal life offered to all who believe and call on His name. He took on your sin, my sin and paid the debt so we can be free. We can stand before a Holy God without condemnation because of Jesus.  

No sin is too great. The Easter season is a reminder that He paid it all and washes away our guilt by His blood, shed on Calvary’s cross. But death couldn’t hold Him because victory and forgiveness were being accomplished in the tomb. When He rose on the third day, our chains fell off—death and sin no longer could bind us. We are set free by the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world.

Do you know Jesus? He calls each one to Himself—the question is whether you will believe or turn away. 

Salvation is simple:  

Acknowledge my sin and need for forgiveness; this separates me from God 

See Jesus as the only One who can pay the price; His final sacrifice was necessary 

Ask Him to take away my sin and shame; He restores me to a relationship with God 

Believe in Him as the One who saves and redeems; embrace Him as Savior 

Through Christ you are cleansed from sin and in relationship with God for eternity.  

He gives you a heart to please Him and a Spirit within you to desire Him and live rightly. He sent His Holy Spirit to indwell everyone who calls on the name of Jesus as LORD to empower us to live our lives with a power that is far beyond our own—making a difference for eternity. 

I pray that winter is waning in your soul as hope grows through the message of Jesus Christ. Spring revives the earth and the gospel message revives the heart. 

If you have called on the name of Jesus today, will you let me know?  Send me an email and I will be privileged to pray for you and encourage you in your next steps of faith. Or, maybe like me, you need a fresh glimpse of His work in your life—renewal—revival. I pray He showers you with rain of refreshment.

 

Praying for spring to come,

 

 

Jeanne

 

Is It Spring Yet?

I got up the other morning and outside my window I saw this little critter popping up in the middle of my snow laden backyard. He lounged on his belly, looking toward the sunrise and seemed to enjoy his new vantage point. All looked quiet but the emergence of my little friend (I’ve named him Max), makes me realize there is a lot going on below the surface. I can just imagine the intricate tunnel town going on in Max’s world.

In my world, the New England winter has knocked the stuffing out of me. It isn’t often that we get both bitter cold and record snowfalls. This year we got a good dousing of both. Massive snow piles encroach on my driveway. Temperatures of below zero with a wind chill blast each time I step outside. Three feet of heavy snow covers my roof. I was starting to get a little nervous as daily reports of roofs collapsing in nearby towns until John fashioned a roof rake and pulled some of the snow down.

Yes, I am ready for spring!

What seems like bleak, dark and frozen is ready to burst forth with new life. Max’s city in the snow, birds trying out their voices during a warm tease, hickories beginning to blush their first buds of spring….oh, something to hope for. Bring on the sun. I’ve been living in the gray since November. I will dig my way to the surface to find the pregnant sunrise, just like Max.

Sometimes life is like the dark winter. Everything seems hidden, frozen and lifeless; a winter of the soul. But the hope of spring isn’t far off. I just need to dig my way toward the Sonrise. There I will find hope. In the Son I find life. In Him I find the hidden beauty, a message of hope in winter. If I am willing, He will open my eyes to see it. He peels away the darkness and awakens my ears to the song of spring. He woos me to new life and new purpose, one He has been quietly orchestrating under the surface.

So, if winter has its hold, keep on hoping. Keep on believing. His work on our behalf, though it often seems hidden and silent, continues day and night. He will bring the spring to your soul and a sunrise to your heart. Hope awaits: New life and new beginnings as you believe and trust in Him.

What signs of spring are giving you hope?

Believing,

Jeanne (and Max)

2011: New Beginnings

Where are you going?

Been stagnant?

Tangled?

In limbo?

Hanging on?

Go back to your reference point

Remember His faithfulness

Anticipate new things

One step at a time!