I experienced the hardest year of my life when I was a junior in high school. I suffered from severe anxiety, and I think that is a big reason why I fell in love with the art of pottery making. I was taking Ceramics 1 that year, and while I loved every art class I had (and tried to take as many as possible), there was something about pottery that stole my heart. It was the process. It was being so wrapped up in creating that my mind felt safe.
When I graduated from high school, I had NO IDEA what I wanted to do with my life, which is why I didn't go to college. Why go if you don't know what you would go for? That summer, I saw an article in a Better Homes and Gardens magazine about a pottery studio in Georgia, complete with colorful photos of stacks of pottery dishes.
It was my dream.
A couple months later, I saw an ad in a local paper for a pottery open house/fall show at a studio about 20 minutes from my house, so I convinced my mom to go with me, and there I talked to the owner/class instructor about classes and SIGNED UP!
Fast forward 5 years and here I am, with my own business. Sure I'm not a millionaire, but I'm doing what I love and that is worth more to me than any amount of money.
I can't tell you how many things I look back on now and can say without a shadow of a doubt that God has had His hand in all of this- working out the countless obstacles I have faced. He always has a purpose and a perfect plan.
We don't need to know what tomorrow holds. He has that all figured out for us. We just need to be faithful with today.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11
I feel like I'm in my own special place when creating something, it just doesn't let the mind wander and keeps me focused on the good. This was such a relaxing post.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I LOVE THAT WHITE mug! Excited for when it (if it) hits your shop!
ReplyDeleteSecond, amen to your post! :)
Thank you for reminding me that I don't need to know all the details of where I'm going and why, but I have to have faith that God has a plan for me and it will all work out for my good.
ReplyDeleteLove your designs...you are truly using your gift!
you are amazing friend. i loved reading this :) and i love how the Lord works. i wish i lived close to you so i could come see you do this. i think it's so cool....and i think you're cool. love you!!
ReplyDeleteI loved this post =) Your work is amazing...I need to order something asap. Thank you for sharing your story, I am so happy you were able to discover what God had in store for you! Have a great weekend love!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! I started ceramics my junior year of high school, and took ceramics in college as well. I haven't touched a pottery wheel in 8 years now and I think it's hurting my soul. : ) My husband also took ceramics in high school and we are hoping to one day have a wheel and a kiln at home. Someday!
ReplyDeleteNatalie - how wonderful to see a young person following her dreams and watching God's blessings all over it!
ReplyDeleteyay, yay! i love hearing about your story and what a cool one it is! i love to hear how God is working in other people's lives. thanks for sharing, friend!
ReplyDeletenatalie, you have such a sweet heart. thank you for sharing this story. your pottery and the work God is doing in you is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSO awesome!!! You are inspiring!!
ReplyDeleteTruly inspirational.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for following your heart and doing what you love to do.
to be secure in those ideas and beliefs at such an early age--invaluable. your work looks beautiful and it's obvious you love it. again, invaluable. blessings!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this post! I love your work and I love how you love God and trust him! Thanks for sharing! <3
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