2011 September — We are THAT Family

Stuff

8:54 am Bykristen

Wow. I’m blown away with all your incredible t-shirt wisdom and advice. Y’all are the best ~~readers~~ friends, ever.

I have someone doing an official tally for me, so there will be a clear winner. But I’ve pretty much decided to do more than one shirt, add kid’s sizes, throw in a v-neck with a URL and a partridge in a pear tree.

Can I share some stuff with y’all to pray with me about? I’ve just got the heavy feeling and I need t-shirt-loving friends to lift me up. I’m even adding bullet points:

Tomorrow is our first Fair Trade Show in Houston for Mercy House, where we will be selling the girl’s products. Exciting! In the middle of that madness, I’m speaking at a Girl’s Leadership Conference and then rushing back to the show. I’m thankful for volunteers!
My neck pain has reached new heights, and now I’m having a lot of arm numbness, pain in my shoulders and wrists and just generally not able to turn my head much. Reluctantly, I’m seeing a new neurosurgeon on Monday morning. I’m scared. But I think it’s time.
Maureen is sick (Mercy House Director and daughter o mine). I don’t have a lot of details, but I do know she’s scared of doctors and hospitals after losing her sister and nephew in them last year. Please pray for healing.

I love y’all. Really. love. y’all.

Happy weekend.

Filed UnderMy Life 26 Comments

What Would You [Pay to] Wear?

10:17 pm Bykristen

I’ve finally narrowed down the new Mercy House t-shirt choices (with some objective help from ~~my kids~~ strangers).

It wasn’t easy since we had so many great entries, but now it’s up to you!

What would you wear? Please cast your “vote” in the comment section and tell me your favorite shirt or two (listed in no certain order):

Even if you don’t normally leave a comment or have no plans of buying a shirt, would you please consider sharing your opinion?

Choice #1 Africa (inspired by the Rolled Art the girls make) created by Tanell. Various color shirts

Front: (women and unisex version)

[Back: mercyhousekenya.org]

Choice # 2. Gothic Love Mercy (women and unisex version), created anonymously.

(women’s version)

[back: MercyHouseKenya.Org]

2. Unisex Version

[back: MercyHouseKenya.Org]

Choice #3: Green Africa on a Navy blue shirt (v-neck women’s; round unisex), created anonymously.

Choice #4: Word Art (in various color choices), created by Randy Doleman.

[back]

Choice #5: Behold-Women’s fit created by Tanell

[front]

[back]

You can leave a description or just a number 1-5 with your choice. Thanks so much for helping us choose!

Filed UnderMercyHouse 497 Comments

WFMW: Pinterest

9:54 pm Bykristen

Well, I’ve gone and done it. Even though I said I wouldn’t.

I’ve fallen down the Pinterest hole and I can’t get out.

I’m really new. But I’m in love.

It’s basically an online bulletin board…you can search for subjects like ‘recycled magazines’ and find the most fabulous ideas! For awhile, I just searched, but I went ahead and started my own boards and I’m a “pinning” fool:

Want to follow me?

I’ve already found so many fabulous ideas for Mercy House products and fair trade shows we’re starting to do, so it’s a good addiction right??

Like this amazing paper bowl:

Did you know the shape was created by blowing up a balloon and once the pieces were glued into place and dry, the balloon is popped. Our girls are trying to make them this week!

Do you pin? tell me your address in the comments and I’ll follow back!

Filed UnderWFMW 108 Comments

God’s Heart For You {Giveaway}

9:51 pm Bykristen

*Update on Winner* Congrats to random comment #144 Marcy!

I’m reading a new book. It’s by my bedside, near the tub, within finger’s grasp…

It’s a devotional I didn’t know I needed. I’m being reminded with every page of God’s great love for me. Oh, sure, I know He loves me. But sometimes I think subconsciously there are strings attached to that love–If I, when I…and there’s not. He loves me. All of me. Simple (and profound) as that.

In God’s heart, I am….

Enough.

That’s my word.

1)  Think of your answer to ”In God’s heart I am…”
2)  Write your word and take a photo. Have fun & be creative!
3)  Share your photo on facebook.com/InGodsHeart.

Visit In God’s Heart to learn more…

Holley is more than just the author of some amazing books. She’s my friend. Someone who asks “How are you, really?” And I can tell her- even when the answer is yucky. She asked that during my health crisis this summer. I let my guard down and told her exactly how I was doing.

I love the heart God has given her for women. She gets us. This book will touch you deeply and lead you home. To Him.

I’m giving away a copy of the book, God’s Heart For You and two beautiful items (winner’s choice, $50+ value) from the Blessings Unlimited, God’s Heart For You Collection (see all choices here):

and some beautiful greeting cards, for you to encourage those around you:

In God’s heart, I am ___________________.

So, what’s your word?

Please leave a comment with your word (and then go participate over at Holley’s if you want!):

This giveaway ends on Thursday.

Filed UnderGiveaways 148 Comments

Just Beachy

10:54 am Bykristen

I fell in love with people on the Internet.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I spent this past weekend with many of them:

It was an awesome time of brainstorming, planning, dreaming:

Compassion Bloggers

A time to reconnect.

reflect & relax:

But something was missing.

It was YOU.

That’s why I’m so happy to tell you that (in)Courage is planning to bring the Beach House to you (in) REAL LIFE! April 27 &28, 2012. You can read more about it here.

It will be a fantastic global community event that you won’t want to miss, with a one-of-a-kind Beach Cast, fabulous content from your favorite (in)Courage bloggers and community. Real life fun! You can host or attend. I hope someone does it in my neck o the woods. Or I might have host my own and ask my inner introvert to step-aside.

P.S. I feel head over heels in ♥ with Dayspring all over again. We prayed over the meetings and invited God to lead and direct our efforts. From the President on down, I am in awe of this company. And no one is giving me a red cent to say so!