Yesterday I finally completed a special project I had been working on for a while.
A friend is organizing a fundraising garage sale and farmer’s market event for the camp where we serve. I decided to join with a table of handmade items—hoping to offer a mix of rustic signs and shabby-chic décor. Time, however, slipped away from me, and I couldn’t finish nearly as much as I’d planned. Still, I focused on what mattered most and completed the one piece I truly wanted to make: a sign I call “Margaret’s Verse.”
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Margaret and her husband Alf were the instruments God used to start this camp many years ago. The ministry began humbly with a small boat, few supplies, and a lot of faith. Over time the property was developed into what is now Camp Homewood, a year‑round facility that welcomes thousands of campers each year.
God has blessed Margaret and Alf with many long years. They are well into their nineties, and Margaret remains spirited and strong. Her faith is rooted deeply in Scripture, and she has countless stories of how God has worked in ways that once seemed impossible during her life.
Around here we’ve taken to calling a particular passage “Margaret’s Verse.” Often during conversation she will reach out, take your arm with surprising strength, look you in the eye, and say, “But you know, ‘Our God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or imagine. Ephesians 3:20.’”
This declaration fits so many moments—it applies to almost every subject of conversation because she has seen God’s faithfulness time and again. That confidence, built on decades of experience, is what inspired the sign.
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In addition to “Margaret’s Verse,” I’ve been making other signs framed in antique windows. I love working with old windows—the character of the wood, the old glass, and the way they bring warmth and history into a home. Each window is unique in size and patina, so every piece becomes one of a kind when turned into wall art.
One of the pieces was inspired by sign-making artist Aimee Weaver and features a chalkboard on the reverse side so it’s both decorative and functional. Right now that piece is tucked in my entryway, but it will be at the sale.
I don’t typically list large items like these in my Etsy shop, but I plan to add a few of them for anyone who wants to purchase online. Because each window has its own dimensions and finish, no two signs will be identical. When I have more items listed in the shop, I’ll be donating all proceeds for the rest of the month to support Camp Homewood’s ministry.
If you’re local, the fundraising sale will be held this Saturday, September 22, at 451 7th Ave, Campbell River, BC. It’s a community event with a variety of vendors and homemade goods. I’d love for you to stop by the table and say hello—there should even be coffee and cinnamon buns.
Working on these pieces has been both meaningful and practical: meaningful because it supports a ministry with deep roots in our community, and practical because it has pushed me to focus on what I can finish well. I’m grateful for the encouragement I’ve received from friends and for the example of people like Margaret and Alf, whose faith and service continue to inspire.
Thank you for reading about the project and for supporting local, handmade work that gives back. Your interest helps keep small ministries going and celebrates the stories behind each handcrafted piece.
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