giving back

2014 Giving Tuesday

I'd be remiss to have a big Cyber Monday sale yesterday and NOT follow it up with a recognition of the Third Annual Giving Tuesday! I just wanted to take a minute today to highlight two of my favorite local non-profits. Hopefully neither of these will be a surprise to you, as they are both such a big part of my heart that I've mentioned them numerous times around here. 

The Motherhood Collective

This group saved me... they offered me a safe place to go during one of the most vulnerable seasons of my life. They embraced me and my loud mouth and quirky ways, despite my new-mama-lack-of-knowledge. They taught me that every mother is different, that we are all simply doing the best we can, and that we need to be easy on ourselves (AND one-another). They gave me permission to make mistakes and to explore different options for myself and my family as we journeyed through our new chapter of parenting. 

The work The Motherhood Collective is doing is great... recognizing (and respecting) the time-sensitive season of early motherhood and providing a kind, gentle, supportive AND educational environment for mamas all over our area... it is truly invaluable. 

If you are currently an expecting mama and/or in the early stages of motherhood, or if that season of life is a passion of yours, PLEASE get connected with this group! 


Allow The Children

Confession... I was never interested in overseas missionary work. Like, ever. Until I married into a family passionate about it. I was invited on my first ever international mission trip in 2009 and the experience absolutely changed my life... it changed my heart and overall perspective on life.

Allow The Children is a local non-profit organization that cultivates partnerships with other Bible-believing non-profit organizations around the world to help provide financial and biblical resources to those in need. They do this through many avenues, including running a child sponsorship program, running free medical clinics in faraway villages, offering Pastor training Programs, the list seems endless, really. 

Allow The Children has been used by God to alter the course of the lives of many, many people around the world... including my own. The work God is doing through this organization is so good and so needed. I hope you'll take a minute to learn more about them and consider sponsoring a child or supporting another project they currently have going on.

Happy 4th of July! | Operation: Love ReUnited

Happy 4th of July!

Today is one of my FAVORITE holidays... I love everything about today. The summer activities, the fireworks, the cheesy attire I can get away with wearing once a year, the hot dogs and picnic blankets and bluegrass concerts! (I know, that's random... but for some reason I hear more bluegrass music played on this holiday than any other.) My family and I celebrated the holiday yesterday at a local festival. I am getting ready to head out here in a bit to go enjoy a big family cook-out with my sister and her kiddos, also. So fun!

I just wanted to take a moment real quick and draw attention to an organization I am proud to be a part of. I have been a vounteer photographer for Operation: Love ReUnited for over a year now and it has been such an awesome experience. This organization brings together photographers who are willing to donate their time and talents to give back to the troops and their families. If you or someone you know has a loved one that is deployed (or is getting read to deploy), you may qualify for up to two free professional photo sessions! This is a great way for photographers everywhere to give back to those who sacrifice so much for us.

Check out my website here for more information, or click over to the OP: Love website to find a photographer near you!

If you are a photographer and you are interested in getting involved, click here for more information.

Yay! I am so proud to be an American! Happy 4th of July, ya'll!

p.s. I miss you, Tommy!