Growing up in the Netherlands, my mom, being a Proverbs 31 woman, encouraged my sister and me to be productive. My Dad, a God fearing and hardworking man, taught my two brothers to do the same. After we came home from school we first did our homework, had dinner with the family, and did our chores. The rest of the evening was dedicated to working on different projects. My mom taught me to sew, knit, and crochet, just to name a few.
Working Different Jobs
After high school I went straight to work and started out at a local bakery. Sometime later I had the opportunity to change jobs and started working at a bridal fabric and notions store. I was trained in Amsterdam to then go back home to run the business as a 17-year-old. A year into this job I realized I could no longer work for this company. I knew that business was done in an ungodly, dishonest manner and I could not, with a clear conscience, be part of that. Shortly after doing some job hunting, I found other work at a retail store. I began working as a regular sales person which lead to an assistant manager position. I loved the work and variety of business skills that I was exposed to.
While working the retail job, an opportunity arose for me to work at a Christian conference center, located in the beautiful, wooded area of Arnhem, just North of the Ijssel river. That truly was a wonderful experience.
Working with the young and old taught me so much about life and people. I learned that we all are different and unique, made in the image of Christ. We all are sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 2:23). During that period of time, by God’s grace, I recommitted my life to Christ and started living for Him. Even though I loved the work and the work environment, I knew it was time to move on. The previous company rehired me as a manager, but that was my last job before the Lord blessed me with Jonathan, my husband, and two beautiful children. As a result, I became a full-time mom and home-maker.
A New Chapter
After moving to the United States in 2003 and finishing homeschooling our children in 2011, I had more time available to make greeting cards. Originally I made them to give to family and friends, but being prompted by friends, I started selling them under the name LyLuDesigns. Recently I have picked up crocheting and knitting again and added that to the line of business. I just love working with my hands and finding new challenges to try. Aside from my daily household tasks, I enjoy decorating the home, trying out new recipes, and setting the dinner table in an inviting way so that guests or family will feel welcome and special.
This new chapter in our lives as a family brings much excitement. May the Lord be glorified in our workmanship and work ethics.
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” – Colossians 3:23-24
