Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Craft (04/23/26)
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TITLE: Take Care of Yourself | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marlene Custer
04/30/26 -
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Recently I have encountered several articles urging readers to set aside their screens, and improve their self-care, by taking up a hands-on hobby. What would you like to do with additional time? My thoughts immediately turned to scrapbooking. With several grandchildren, and having spent a few years in Southeast Asia, I have had plenty of reason to preserve memories. Recently, however, I have focused more on making greeting cards. Having been an elementary school teacher for many years, I am comfortable with scissors and glue. It is a natural for me, and does calm my spirit.
As I think about this, my mind is drawn to the Master Crafter—God Himself. Not only did He make the world and everything in it, but He crafted us in His own image. (Genesis 1-2 NIV) As God led His people to the Promised Land, He gave Moses the pattern for the Tabernacle, which was to be set up in the wilderness. To aid in this, God gave Bezalel, Oholiab, and others the ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts. If you are not already familiar with this story, I urge you to check out Exodus 35:30-35 (NIV). Crafting is a ‘God thing’. Scripture introduces us to many who were gifted in making things with their hands—Noah and Joseph were skilled in wood products, Dorcas and Lydia excelled in sewing skills, and Paul crafted tents to name just a few. Is it any wonder that crafting has so many benefits?
As I contemplate all these skills and their value, I wonder how many of these will be continued in the eternal Heaven. I can’t help but think these skills will become part of our worship. Author Randy Alcorn concurs, “God created his image-bearers to glorify him in creative accomplishments, and he’s pleased by them. We should stretch our vision of what’s in store for us. God’s redemptive work is far greater than we can ever imagine. (1)
I don’t know about you, but the prospects of music, art, sports, and crafts without being tainted by sin, really excites me! So I, too, encourage you to put away your screens and gadgets for periods of time, to work with your hands, or engage in other activities that enhance your creative, God-given abilities. You may decrease your stress, enhance your fine motor skills, and more importantly, bring glory to your Creator.
(1) Randy Alcorn, Heaven, Tyndale Momentum, 2004, pages 414-415.
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