Originally posted June 2019
I know I say this every time I share a Wednesday Story, but friends, this one is SO GOOD! Mckell is an amazing women of faith. Her story is one of learning to listen to the Spirit as he guides her to use her talents to bring women together. Her experience reminded me of this quote by President Nelson.
I hope that as you read Mckell’s story that you will pray for more promptings of how you can use your talents and spiritual gifts to help gather people together and change the world.
Hello There!
I’m so thankful for the opportunity to share a little bit about my story here on Emma’s blog!
My name is McKell and I have been married to my wonderful husband Dan for 18 years. We have 4 beautiful children; Isaac (15), Amelia (13), Eli (10) and Ivy (8). They are my everything and I love my family completely!
When my youngest started school full time a few years ago, I had a hard time adjusting to all that free time to myself. I went from my kids needing my full attention all day to complete quiet for 6 hours a day… and as blissful as that might sound, it was a rough adjustment for me! (I have since adjusted very well to the kids being in school full time, haha )
That first year was tough, and sent me into a bit a depression. Turns out, when I don’t have things scheduled out and people vying for my attention, I end up spending way too much time online shopping or scrolling Instagram, and there is NOT a lot of fulfillment in that kind of life. I had a hard time self- regulating my time and I needed something to change. I decided to start getting back into one of my hobbies… sewing. I have loved sewing since I was in Jr High, but the time I took doing it, came and went in waves. I would sew some things here and there for the kids when they were young, and tried a bit of quilting, but it was really hit or miss. Last year I decided to dive head first into sewing apparel for myself.
Not long after that, I got a very distinct impression that I needed to start a sewing blog and Instagram account… to which I completely ignored and shoved under the rug… for about 6 months. Thoughts came into my head like “Well that’s ridiculous… who cares about what you’re making?” “Why would you be so arrogant to flaunt what you are making like that?” “You don’t have anything to offer” and other untruthful lies. I have since learned that when you are about to move forward in your life in a positive direction, is when the adversary hits you the hardest.
But when the thought came again to start the sewing blog, I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I started my Instagram account @mckellmakes on March 13, 2018 and my blog shortly after that… https://www.mckellmakes.com/.
Looking back on this past year, I have learned so much about myself. Sometimes I think it’s trivial or silly that a sewing blog could make such a difference in my life, but it has. I am now an Advanced Certified Burda Sewing Instructor, I have learned photography, and blogging skills, and Pinterest, and SEO and other logistical things. I have been to a blogging conference and have been part of Facebook groups with other like-minded women. Not to mention all of the great women I have met through Instagram.
My days are more organized and I’m learning to manage my time better. I’ve gained confidence in myself and my abilities and I am continuing to learn and grow in so many areas of my life. My “silly little sewing blog” has given me a creative outlet, confidence and connections with other like-minded women that I desperately needed in my life. I can see that clearly now.
I am a maker at heart, and creation brings me so much joy. About six months after starting my blog, I got another impression that I needed to figure out a way to bring the joy of creation to women. I wanted to bring women together to find their creative sparks again, like I did. I toyed with the idea in my head of starting a business for awhile, but had a hard time putting one foot in front of the other due to fear and the negative voices that inevitably come. I slowly
started working on a business plan, and picked a name and a logo, and started on my way. I mentioned in a Facebook group that I was starting a business that would teach creative classes to women and asked if anyone would be willing to teach. Lynn, from Pocketful of Paint said she would love to teach a class, so I reached out to her and we met over lunch. I knew Lynn would be a great teacher and I felt really happy she was willing to teach my first class. I even liked her so much the first time I met her, I asked if she would want to room up with me at a blogging conference I was attending soon.
A few weeks later, I had a very clear and distinct impression to ask Lynn if she wanted to be my business partner. We had only met once, and I was really nervous to ask her, because starting a business with someone you’ve only met one time, probably isn’t the greatest idea. The impression was so clear and direct though, I couldn’t ignore it. I texted her and asked herbefore I could over think it or change my mind.
It turns out, it was an absolute blessing for both of us. This had been a dream of Lynn’s for some time as well, and we have become fast friends! The Lord is working on our behalf to help make this dream a reality, and things are completely working out for us. There have been so many little miracles along the way. I feel confident that The Makers Avenue will be a wonderful place for women to come, create and connect, and I can’t wait to see where this thing goes!
Looking back, I can clearly see how I needed to have faith in the Lord’s timeline and be willing to move when he prompted me. I’m so grateful I did.
Another thing I’ve learned through this process is recognizing the voice of the adversary vs. the spirit. The adversary will tear you down and make you feel like you shouldn’t move forward… stay comfortable… don’t progress.
The spirit will encourage you to ACT. And although I’m still working on deciphering the differences, I have the hindsight now to know that I have listened to the spirit in the past and acted on those promptings… and miracles are happening because of it.
Amazing story Right? Please check out Mckell on Instagram @mckellmakes @themakersavenue and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/McKellMakes/
A Jubilant Hope 