As a result of all that Jesus has done for me, I live to see others lives transformed. In a world where encouragement, a friendly hug, or a kind word seems to have lost its place, I hope to inspire, motivate, cheer on and nurture those whom God brings into my life.
I am passionate about taking things that others discard and creating beauty. Whether its children without a mother or father, teenagers who long to feel the warmth of a loving home, or discarded items of junk that others ‘throw away’, they make their way to Christmas River, our exquisite slice of rural life on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia.
I am a country girl who loves my husband and four biological daughters dearly, and also the many foster children God brings through the doors of our home. We aim to provide a place where children feel safe, are nurtured to wholeness, inspired to greatness, loved without limit, and are free to discover their God-given destiny. Where the spirit of Christmas flows all year through. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Broken hearts and broken dreams can heal here. It is a place of love and cuddles, songs and laughter…A place where great memories are made. As well as people, I also love to gather the broken pieces of life – chipped china, faded linen, cracked furniture – and transform them. Many are given new uses as we paint and polish, cut and glue. I love the process of creating, and hold regular sales where we sell our unique designs to customers who love to find something different.
We hope you find joy and inspiration in these pages. Join us on our journey…we would love to hear from you.
Blessings, Shani
5 Comments
October 4, 2007 at 9:17 am
Thanks for sharing a part of yourself and your life great to hear about constructive lives. God bless
October 8, 2007 at 10:44 am
Hey Mum,
You are such an amazing inspiration. You are so strong and always so positive and have helped me through so much. Your home is always so welcoming, and i feel like such a part of your family. Thankyou for being you, and giving me guidance and reassurance when i need it. Love you!
October 11, 2007 at 3:12 am
SINGING AMEN!
Your house is soo comfy and theres just an awesome feel about it as soon as you walk in. And dont worry i will always there to supply cakes, cupcakes and slices while you guys work away making old things cool again :)
April 23, 2008 at 2:52 am
mum, i love you.
you make such unreal stuff..
love chooky
xo
September 15, 2008 at 6:24 am
Hi and thanks for visiting my blog. I’m not sure how you found me but I;m glad you did. Sounds like we have an enormous amount in common. First to answer your questions,We do do our business full time. We have a large spot in a store and keep it full and overflowing. At Christmas we put on a large Christmas show that involves several venders with similar types of goods. This show is unique in that I have turned it into an amazing fund riser for the youth at our church as well. They run a fun and cozy cafe during the show and also assist customers. We do a huge amount of set up and decor to insure a wonderful warm atmosphere. All of our kids are involved in the show in one way or another. It is 2 days long and and an incredible time with friends and family. Our whole church is behind us and help pull it off. We also do a couple other shows and it depends on the show as to if we bring the kids or not. If they have an interest we bring them along. At Christmas we help all of them choose a sellable craft to work on so they will make some money. One of the girls makes a certain type of sheep every year,they are always sold out early on. I highly encourage you to pursue the refurbishing if you are enjoying it. We truly enjoy the hunt and giving items new life. I am so interested in your fostering. I have a huge interest or maybe passion for children,especially hurt and needy ones. My husband unfortunately doesn’t share the passion. I am also so happy to hear you and your family found the Lord. It certainly gives life new meaning.I was blessed to be brought up in a nurturing Christian home.I didn’t realize at the time what a gift that was. Well thanks again for checking out my blog and I hope to hear from you again. Love Kathy