Tag: writing

What Not and My Epic Crash and Burn

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello, fellow travelers and friends,

How are you on this fine June day? I hope the sun is shining on your side of the street. As for me, well, the weather was lovely, but I got my tail feathers a little singed on WhatNot yesterday. Let’s just say… the show didn’t go as planned. I know it takes practice, but whew—what a hit to the ego!

When my husband and I lived in Texas, one of our favorite weekend adventures was going to estate sales. We had an antique booth in Alvin, Texas, and honestly, it was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. The people were wonderful, the atmosphere was welcoming, and everything about it just felt right.

That love for vintage and antique treasures never left me, so I decided to give WhatNot a try. I started sourcing vintage and antique items, watching shows to see what people were buying and what was trending. I didn’t have the funds to dive into the big pallet pulls like some sellers do, but I’m slowly working my way up—one piece at a time.

I’m doing this because I want to help my husband with the overwhelming stack of medical bills we’ve built up over the past three years. Most of it is because I was in and out of the hospital during that time—including one stay in the ICU where I crashed twice. But by God’s grace, He wasn’t ready to take me home just yet.

My husband works so hard to provide for us, and even with insurance, we’ve still been left with a heavy financial burden. So, even though we didn’t have extra money to invest in WhatNot, we set aside a little to help me get started. I also had some handmade items for products—like tumblers and jewelry—that I already loved creating. It just felt like the right time to take a step of faith and try.

But you have to build up a following, and I have not yet. We had two shows where we made money and a few nada shows. It is hard to talk to yourself with no one in your live and even harder to have no sales. I have scheduled a show every day this week at 5:20, and then on Friday, it is a PJ party with your favorite food and drink while you watch and shop.

So, if anyone has suggestions, I would greatly appreciate them! At 63, I think I can learn! Tonight is vintage Avon and household knick-knacks!

God Bless You!

Resolutions Fail

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello, Fellow Travelers!

As we step into the second week of January, I want to pause and reflect with you. Statisticians often point out that by this time, many of us have already abandoned our New Year’s resolutions. If that resonates with you, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

Personally, I don’t set resolutions. Instead, I create a list of goals I’d like to accomplish throughout the year. It’s a flexible, evolving list that grows as I do. Today, I’d like to share a glimpse of my goals with you, not to boast but to inspire and encourage you to think about what matters most to you in this season of life.

Here’s a portion of my list:

  • Finish writing the children’s book manuscripts I’ve been storing for years.
  • Complete the fiction and non-fiction projects I’ve started.
  • Find ways to share my work and contribute to our household income.
  • Read through the Bible in a year.
  • Make more cross bracelets and keychains to give as gifts.
  • Honor God in my home.
  • Tithe faithfully.
  • Listen to and cooperate more with the Holy Spirit.
  • Say “yes” to godliness and “no” to ungodliness.
  • Join a church and actively participate.

Some of these are continuations of what I’ve already started, while others are entirely new adventures for me and my family.

One of my more practical goals is to exercise regularly. I’ve started riding a stationary bike—thank you, Goodwill! As my legs grow stronger, I plan to try a ballet DVD because dancing brings me so much joy. On the nutrition side, we’ve committed to eating at home to prioritize health and save money. Meal planning has been a game-changer for us: we create a weekly menu, shop on Saturdays, and post the plan on the fridge for accountability.

You might be thinking, That’s great for you, but my schedule is packed with appointments, kids, and endless obligations. Trust me, I understand. I’ve been there too. But here’s a gentle challenge: carve out two days and two hours that are just for you. Communicate this clearly to your family—ask your spouse and kids to step up and help. It’s okay to stop doing everything for everyone.

Of course, life doesn’t always cooperate. There will be moments when you or a loved one gets sick, or you’re too exhausted to exercise or stick to your Bible reading plan. It’s easy to feel defeated in those moments, but don’t let temporary setbacks derail you. When you’re ready, pick up where you left off. If you were reading the Book of Matthew and stopped at chapter 8, but your plan says you should be at chapter 14, start at 14. If you have time, go back to what you missed. Life moves forward, and so can you.

Remember, this journey is not about perfection—it’s about persistence.

Time passes quickly. Kids grow up, parents age, and we find ourselves at the end of our earthly journey sooner than we expect. Let’s make the most of the time we have. Be kind—it costs nothing but can mean everything to someone else. Love as many people as you can. And above all, praise God through it all.

You’ve got this, my friend. Let’s walk this road together.

God Bless You!
Joni

9/11 Past Become Our Future

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello Fellow Travelers,

Today marks the anniversary of a day that forever altered our lives—September 11, 2001. I vividly recall sipping my morning coffee, kids safely at school, and watching Good Morning America when the unthinkable happened: terrorists attacked the Twin Towers. The shock of that moment was palpable when my dear friend called, urging me to turn on the TV. The reality of it all sunk in as I reached out to my mom; we both feared that America was on the brink of World War III. That afternoon, I found solace in prayer at church, a ritual that helped me navigate the harrowing days, weeks, and years that followed.

Winston Churchill’s words resonate deeply: “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

This stark reminder feels incredibly relevant today as we witness a disturbing trend in America. Our college campuses and younger generations seem lost in a haze of idealism that veers dangerously toward communism and socialism. Meanwhile, our government continues to send 50 million dollars a week to Iran—the very nation that harbors intentions to undermine our country. Our actions against Israel contradict the biblical promise that those who oppose Israel will face divine retribution. It seems to me that we are witnessing the gradual withdrawal of God’s favor from America a consequence of these misguided choices.

Our society has also systematically removed God from our schools, governments, and homes. So, when we cry out for help and receive no response, let’s not be surprised. The echoes of our past actions are catching up to us, and the path forward requires deep reflection and a change in course—along with a lot of Prayer!

Today, when you remember the past, plan for the future. Start by asking your representatives about the money we send out of this country. Become active in your communities, churches, and schools. We desperately need change.

God Bless You!