Tuesday, November 30, 2010

COLORS continued...

A couple months ago, one of my sister's friends, Jessica Simmons came home from living in Thailand for a year. She worked with an organization called Destiny Rescue. They rescue girls/children from the rampant sex industries in Thailand, Cambodia, & Mozambique. They offer them an escape, place to live, education, different job opportunities, medical & physiological attention, etc. They also have a prevention program to educate targeted (poor) families so they are not subject to that future. They are an incredible organization. I had been familiar with them due to my friend and sister working with them in years past, so I was excited to talk with Jessica about what's been going on over there.

We all went to lunch a few days after she got home and we had a great time talking about family, friends, and her incredible year with DR. When we returned home, she saw all my scarves laying in our living room and we started talking about the benefit this year. With my sister home, I didn't even have a clear direction as far as where to give the money that was going to be raised! She just blurted out that DR was looking for job opportunities for the girls and that I should go over there to teach the girls how to crochet and we could sell what they made. She added that the money we raised at the fund-raiser could send us over there to start it all. And BAM. Just like that, it was done. It was almost as if, God had wrapped COLORS up in a beautiful box with gorgeous paper and bow, and sat it in my lap. Before I even said one word, I knew that this was it. I don't think I have ever been more sure about anything.

That's when it all started, and I can't even begin to describe what God has done since. I have been in a constant state of overwhelmness. (New word) Everyone that I know is helping, contributing what they can to this and as each day passes, I am becoming more invisible. Just like he promised. At this point, I don't even think I need to be there for this night/company to be all it will be, and that is how I know that it is all HIM. I am honored to be a part of it and to be surrounded with such amazing, talented people. Jessica Stewart, thanks for being my partner on this wild ride! Mayhay, thanks for the inspiration of all of this. Mom, for always supporting me & believing in me, always. Andy, your support means more to me than anything, you have NO idea! Munclefred (Jessica, Michaela, Meghan, Kayla), you are 4 of the most talented, fun people and our 2 companies will forever be BFFs :) Joseph Stagnaro, you can do everything and you are AMAZING at it all, don't you doubt it. Joe Brim, for the past years and this one, you are a constant fixture ;) Brittany, you have been there for me for the past 10 years, and I will forever be grateful for your friendship (and fudge ;) Natalie, just your words of encouragement and love are worth more than I could ever repay. Keenan, Tim, & Eric, all three of you have been there for my family for the past several years. You hold special places in our hearts for your generosity.

All of you, are why I know that this is from God. Thank you for allowing me to be small part. This night will be amazing, and it is only the beginning. God is about to open eyes and hearts to the realities of what is happening to his children on the other side of the world, and we are going to help change it! What an incredible mission. Are you ready?

Monday, November 15, 2010

COLORS (in all caps)

So this blog might be one of my favorites that I will ever write, for many reasons. The first is that it is extremely personal. And that makes me happy because when I am really honest and open, I feel like you know me better. Good or bad, you know my heart that means I don't have to pretend anymore. The second reason I am pumped about this blog is because it gives you insight into my heart (and God's heart) for this company we are starting, COLORS.

First I have to explain the way me and God work together. Several years ago, (when I was better about spending alone time with God), I would journal. I would journal my prayers to God and as silly as it sounds, he would journal back. I write in cursive most of the time (when I am trying to write with any speed or intention). One day when I was journaling I felt God speak to me and I didn't want to forget it so I immediately wrote it down. I wrote it in all caps so I didn't confuse my prayers and God's answers. And so the tradition began. I would pray (in cursive) and God would answer (in caps). It was lovely, and it's hard to explain. A dialogue was the only way I could tap in and listen to him without losing focus. I still do it if I really need to hear/listen to him, although, not as often as I'd like. I NEVER feel closer to him than when we dialogue. You may think I'm crazy/weird but that's okay, you all probably think that anyway :)

SO, I want to share one of our dialogues. In preparing for Scarf Some Sweets and launching COLORS, I was reminded of one of our conversations a couple years ago when God revealed to me his heart for this company. I am sharing it because I want you to understand the timing and hold me accountable to the standards that HE set. My next blog will explain how everything God said set all of this in motion and how it all came to fruition. It's incredibly exciting to be a part of this and I'm thrilled that you want to be a part as well :) Here goes:

Thank you God. I am so undeserving. Thank you for reminding me of "Colors".
COLORS. (IT WILL BE IN ALL CAPS , BECAUSE IT'S FROM ME.)
DON'T PUT A TIME LINE ON IT. A VERSION OF IT WILL HAPPEN. BE PATIENT AND FOLLOW MY LEAD. DO NOT PUSH IT. YOU WILL KNOW. JUST GO WITH MY FLOW. COLORS WILL HAPPEN! I PROMISE. IT WAS FROM ME. DON'T DOUBT IT. I WILL MAKE YOU INVISIBLE. LIKE THE INNER WORKINGS OF YOUR BODY, ESSENTIAL BUT NOT SEEN. THAT'S HOW YOU WILL KNOW IT'S FROM ME. YOU WILL BE THE HEART AND BLOOD BUT NOT SKIN. BUT DON'T WORRY, I WILL PROVIDE IT ALL AND IT WILL BE A GREAT WORK FOR MY NAME. I WILL RECEIVE ALL THE GLORY. JUST LIKE IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE.

Just like it is supposed to be. To you be the honor and praise. Work in, with, and through me.
Amen