Please welcome the lovely Jennae England to My Messy Desk as our very first #MASTERPIECEMonday feature. I met her in 2015 at She Speaks (a conference put on by Proverbs31 for writers and speakers seeking to glorify God), and her bright and lovely personality drew me in from the start. In fact, finding out about what she does was the inspiration for this series.
*What special skills and abilities has God given you for the work you are doing? How did you discover them? How are you using them to serve His creation?
Since I was a little girl, my interests led me to planning, designing, and drawing plans. My dad told me I should be an architect because I loved to design house plans. My best friends and I created a secret club, and I took it upon myself to make sure we were structured, organized and consistent with our binders and hand written documents - I even made detailed maps of our (imaginary) world so everyone had the same picture in their head. So basically, other than “house plans” becoming “floor plans” and “secret clubs” becoming “weddings and events”, not much has changed! Now, as a florist and wedding planner, I not only get to dream up ideas, keep people organized, and make as many checklists as I want - but I also get to support, encourage and pray for brides as they prepare for their wedding day. This is truly a gift to be part of God’s bigger picture as He prepares His bride (the church) for Himself.
*How do you ensure your vocation always gives the glory to God?
We can’t actually ensure that, but the flowers we work with always do! “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” ~Romans 1:20 By being creative, we reflect our God who is creative: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” ~Revelation 4:11
*What MESSY struggles have you overcome along the way?
Back in the early days, we had no idea how to design flowers! Our gracious Lord weaned us away from depending on hired designers, but it definitely got messy along the way. Beyond that, the ins and outs of running a business are MESSY. Not having enough money to pay the bills. No idea how to increase sales. The economy crashing down around us. Dealing with taxes and licenses, fee upon fee, restriction after restriction. Employees. Customers. People in general. We have been in some incredibly discouraging, overwhelming situations - and as soon as one passes, there’s another one to take it’s place! And we rejoice. Because our God ALWAYS conquers. He has proven Himself faithful to get us through every single time. He overcomes the obstacle in such a way that only He could do it, so we are reminded once again that HE is our only refuge, HE is our only strength, HE determines our steps - whether that be to sustain us a little longer for the calling He has given us, or to redirect us to something else. We are so grateful that He keeps us dependent on Him.
*Do you have any special MEMORIES you call on when you need to boost your confidence?
Every time God brings us through something difficult, He seals His call on our hearts all over again. He brings us through trouble, and then renews His vision for us. Refines it. Makes it more clear and more tangible than it had been before. These moments are our memorial stones (Joshua 4:7). On a tough day, I can call on memories of tougher days (there’s plenty to pick from), and the incredible ways God rescued us or sustained us. That gives me confidence to keep walking forward, saying “He did it for us then, He will do it again!”
*What is your definition of success in your area of expertise?
Happy customers!! If we can meet the need they come to us with, bless them and encourage them and equip them to be a blessing to their family, friends, or strangers that they’re seeking to bless, then we have done our job. Because the Lord gave us a mission to bless people so that they can bless others. HIS approval is our success.
My name is Jennae England, I’m a florist and wedding planner at Chocolates & Posies in Clovis, CA. My mom owns the store and many of my friends have worked with us through the years. We have way too much fun together… and eat way too much chocolate!
Find Chocolates & Posies on their blog, Facebook, or their website.
Great to “meet” you Jennae! Thanks for sharing your faith with us. Inspiring. He’s done it before - He will surely do it again. TRUTH! Hugs, Susan
I love this glimpse into Jennae’s life of faith — and her business. It’s all one, isn’t it? Thanks for sharing a slice of your busy life!
That’s the idea, Michele! Faith and all our life united for God’s glory!
What a sweetheart! Nice to meet you Jennae- your answers here are so gentle, wise, and uplifting! Praise the Lord for His faithfulness to you and the delight He gives you in your work! Thanks for sharing with us today!
She is gentle, prayerful, and wise in real life, too!
Such a wonderful example of how we can use our God-given gifts in our vocation and to bless others! That’s God’s plan for us - to lift Him up and share His love through our unique talents. Beautiful lady, and beautiful flowers too!
Yes!!