He makes beautiful things out of dust.

That includes me. And you.

Today’s podcast guest, Megan Craig, reminds of us of this Truth when she repurposes metal and gemstones into new creations.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone away, behold, the new has come!” {2 Corinthians 5:17}

Back in 2012, Megan started the company New Eve Jewelry, “which got its name from Eve in the Bible – God’s first woman. She gets a bad rap, but the truth is that God redeemed her, sending Jesus to bear the punishment for her rebellion. From the moment Eve ran back to God, He made her new. Each piece of New Eve Jewelry, handcrafted with repurposed materials and semiprecious gemstones, serves as a reminder of this. No matter what we’ve done or what our circumstances look like, rich new life can always be found in Jesus.”

Maybe that’s what you need to hear today. That God is continually making you new. He is doing the work, in His never-ending, merciful way. Which means you haven’t fallen too far. You haven’t failed too often. You aren’t forgotten. He sees the beauty in you and only needs you to surrender to the gentle transforming work of His crafting hands.

In this episode, Megan and I chat about her journey starting a business. And how the people around us believe in our potential more than we do. We spend time talking about ethical purchasing. How we want to make good shopping decisions but often don’t know where to go. Thankfully Megan lists some fab fair trade companies. Lastly, we discuss the work-at-home mom challenges. And how we can make any job harder with the burdens we add to the calling.

With Mother’s Day only a few weeks away I want to make sure y’all have some great gift options, either for yourself or your mom/MIL/Grandma. Check out these New Eve Jewelry pieces all under $40 (+ S/H) and I’ve included the Scriptural inspiration Megan used for each:

Horizon Amethyst + Monogram Necklace $38

“Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” {Hos 6:3}

Consider the Lilies Earrings $28

“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” {Luk 12:27}

Marvelous Light Bracelet $38

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” {1 Peter 2:9}

Warrior Arrow Studs $18

“Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” {Psa 127:4}

Megan has MANY more gorgeous pieces on her site. AND until May 3rd, she is offering listeners 15% off (with a special discount code mentioned in the show). 

Definitely also check out the fair trade companies linked below. So many great gift options! Oh, Megan wrote a great post with a Mother’s Day Ethical Gift Guide).

Connect with Megan:

  

What we chat about:

• Megan’s “Crazy Idea” Journal and how her hubby supported and equipped her to pursue those dreams.
• Allowing people in our lives to dream.
• The new life Megan is giving to discarded materials.
• The reminder of how God is using all of us and giving us new life.
• The wonderful organization where Megan donates a portion of her proceeds.
• Realizing where our clothes/accessories come from and making ethical purchases.
• Great ideas for where to buy ethical fashion (Mother’s Day, perhaps?).
• Tips/thoughts for the mom working from home.
• Evaluating the decision to start a business/ministry/etc.
• When we make something from God a burden by looking around and comparing and striving.
• Being stay-at-home moms who require “something else”.

Links Mentioned:

• Feeding the Orphans
• True Cost documentary
• Elegantees (Affordable luxury t-shirts made by sex-trafficking survivors in Nepal.)
• Raven & Lily  (Beautiful high-end fair trade fashion)
• Sseko Designs (Fair trade shoes and sandals.)
• Fashion and Compassion (Fair trade jewelry and accessories.)
• Esther’s Hope  (Jewelry and accessories handcrafted by single moms in Ghana.)
• Project Free2Fly (Handbags made by women rising above their circumstances in Cleveland, TN.)
• If you want to hear another conversation about staying at home vs working outside the home: Ep 95

How to listen to the podcast:

1.Listen on the blog. Click through to GodCenteredMom.com and click the play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch – There are a lot of great podcasting apps. Apple has a free one (that I mentioned) in the app store, there is also one called Downcast. It allows you to search for shows, subscribe to them and even speed up the audio. If you don’t have an iDevice, you can listen via Stitcher.

3. Subscribe to the Podcast – access the podcast in iTunes (Click here to access via iTunes). You can also search for it on your smartphone app (like the ones listed above) and subscribe.