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Wooden Treasures from Heaven
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Frank and Darlene Primeau - New Boston, MI - photography by Jennifer Laura
"Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in Heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moths destroy." Luke 12:33
Good Tuesday to you all. Did you find the strength you never knew you had yesterday? http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-20894-Detroit-Methodist-Examiner~y2009m10d4-The-way-we-grow There were some tremendous examples at Applefest this weekend of perseverance. Many of the people you meet at these festivals are individuals who through faith, passion and necessity have found themselves doing things they never would have dreamed of. Today's column is going to focus on Frank and Darlene Primeau, a blessed and wonderful couple who have a home-based business called Wooden Treasures in Monroe, Michigan. Frank is an incredibly gifted scroll saw artist who discovered that he had a gift for woodworking in an unusual way. Frank and his wife spent 5 years living in a monastery out west. It was here that he developed his skills. The wonderful couple also spent 4 years in a Mission in Alaska. They have certainly been around. This unusual start to their business has brought along with it unusual and blessed inspiration for the very pieces that they make and sell.
Among the pieces displayed this weekend was an incredible and intricate clock. (see below picture, it is the clock on the left) Frank proceeded to explain that the design was German. You can see an amazing attention to detail in this beautiful piece. Frank let me know that the very first one that he had made (which was stolen) contained one small flaw. He marked the blueprints so that he would never make that mistake again. After seeing his amazing work, I believe him. I also know that no person in the world would have seen that mistake. Frank, however, takes great pride in his work, and it shows. Each piece has a story behind it, and he will let you know the inspiring and sometimes humorous origins for his beautiful work. The clock, along with the other pieces, are expressions of a man who has deep faith and a deep commitment to what he does. The piece that stands out the most, however, is one that is simplicity itself. It is called Saint Scooby.
The German Clock(left) - New Boston, MI - photography by Jennifer Laura
In the center of the tent there hung an ornament that looked a bit like Scooby Doo with angel wings. That is exactly what it is. Frank and Darlene made the first of this wonderful ornament to give to their daughter who was fighting cancer. It was meant to bring some joy and peace to a difficult and painful situation. Their daughter made a full recovery and Saint Scooby has been around ever since. Frank had this to say about the very special ornament, "I have only ever sold about ten of these, but I have probably given away over one hundred." It turns out that when Frank or Darlene find out that someone is ill, they will send a card with Saint Scooby inside of it. The care and concern that they show to individuals far outweighs any concern they have about becoming rich. Frank admitted that the craft shows do not always make money, but they have a much larger mission. They are truly wood working missionaries. At this thought, Frank humbly remarked that he was only trying to help people. It stands to reason that if more Christian Outreach had this as a priority, than the world would be forever changed. Instead of a multi-million dollar corporation, Frank and Darlene are reaching one person at a time. A carpenter that touches one life at a time, that sounds familiar doesn't it?
Saint Scooby - New Boston, MI - photography by Jennifer Laura
Other inspired pieces included two crosses (see below). One that contained the Nativity scene (left), and one that was made up of scenes that followed the life of Christ from His birth through to His resurrection(right). There were also several angel ornaments and a beautiful "Christ is Born" ornament (see below). You can see that the price tag is in the picture below and it was selling for $5! Amazing that such a beautiful hand made piece was so inexpensive. There were many other inspirational themes available. Almost every piece has a story behind it that is as inspirational as the person who created it. Mixed in to all of the "heavenly work" was a terrific sense of humor. There was one piece that contained the scroll carving of a buffalo. (see below) At first glance this seems to be just a creative choice, but there is a great story behind it as well. Frank let me know that while they were out west, he saw a sign for a Native American business and there was underneath the sign what appeared to be a stuffed buffalo. He pulled the car over to take a picture. Darlene had only one problem. "I don't think it's stuffed" was all she said. Frank assured her that it was and proceeded to get the photo. While standing next to the buffalo he heard a sound that surprised him. It was a snort. Upon further investigation, it turned out that Darlene was right. Thankfully this was a tame buffalo, but Frank exercised the appropriate level of expedience in walking away. The piece that he made forever commemorates that very special and very alive buffalo. There are two morals to this story. First, your wife is always right. Even if she's wrong, she's still right. Second, if you are going to take a picture of a stuffed buffalo, make sure that it is actually stuffed. All in all, Frank got a great story and a beautiful piece out of this experience.
Two Crosses - New Boston, MI - photography by Jennifer Laura
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Christ is Born - New Boston, MI - photography by Jennifer Laura
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Buffalo Clock (upper right) - New Boston, MI - photography by Jennifer Laura
Frank and Darlene Primeau are a fine example of the ingenuity that comes from necessity. The very thing that made our greatest generation so great. So what can you do? First, call Frank or Darlene over at Wooden Treasures. The business number is 1-734-735-7357. Order a Saint Scooby or an angel ornament for a loved one. They are less than ten dollars and are a hand made treasure. When you make this call you will find yourself speaking with one of the most humble and grateful people you will ever meet. The second challenge is this, follow the example set by the Primeau family. What gift do you have that can be a blessing to yourself and others. It may not make you rich, but many of the best things you ever do won't. Instead, you will find yourself impacting lives and making people smile. You may not be able to put that into a bank account, but I hear that Heaven has a terrific savings plan for those kind of treasures (see the verse at the top of the page).
Tomorrow's article will focus on more of the gifted individuals found at Applefest who have turned their passions into a business. There is no shortage in our Great State of people of passion and faith who have followed a dream. Each one is a treasure of inspiration just waiting to be found. So tomorrow come and continue on the treasure hunt of faith. Until then, God bless and keep reading.
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