oklahoma on our hearts

The images coming out of Oklahoma give me itchy feet. Helping others rebuild is where my heart beats strong.

The Hunk and I actually first met back in 2007 on a construction site in Chalmette, Louisiana, where we worked to rebuild a church decimated by Hurricane Katrina. We returned to work on that site the following two years and had the honor of attending the opening service in the sanctuary we helped build. After sweating, crying, hoping, building, laughing and ministering together, we have a forever family in Chalmette and some stories you wouldn't believe.

The hunk did a lot of that brick work, and built the sign out front (left). 

We want to pick up and go when the call comes. Not just once a year, but regularly as the Lord calls. As we embark on an empty nest, I want to be more intentional about ordering our life in a way that makes us even more available to serve.  It's not out of reach, but it will take planning and focus to put feet to our hearts' desire.

Fortunately, there are organizations in place that do just that - organize and plan to make the most from our offerings. If you have an itch to help, but don't know where to begin, Ed Stetzer posted a great intro to getting involved in disaster relief.  His tips hold true for any kind of rebuilding mission.  This is HARD work, y'all, but the most rewarding work we've ever done.

Ready to roll up your sleeves? You can sign up with Samaritan's Purse volunteer network.

Lastly, do not underestimate the act of giving financially. It takes money to rebuild. Lots of money. There is no such thing as a "small" contribution. Here are some wonderful folks who will handle your donations with integrity:
Disaster Relief Oklahoma 
Convoy of Hope
The Salvation Army
Operation Blessing

Rebuilding takes time, and our friends in Oklahoma will be picking up the pieces long after the rest of us have fallen back into our normal routines. Each visit we made to Louisiana revealed how little could change while so much was being accomplished. And they continue to re-build.

If you have a heart to serve in any capacity, can I encourage you to take the next step toward action? I don't want to sit on my couch wishing I could do something. I want to be ready to do something. Will you join me?

five minute friday: song

I love my bedroom and the way the dappled light comes through the window as the sun rises. My side of the bed offers the perfect view of shimmering leaves and dancing light. I especially relish the times of year when open windows bring bird song riding in on soft breezes. This morning was one of those mornings. Isn't it just like God to begin a new day with song filling the air? I like the birds' attitudes... start each day singing your heart out. Then, when life wakes up and starts yanking me around, my song will be the echo in my head that I can't shake. :)

Join the "writing flash mob" every Friday, and write unabashedly for 5 minutes merely for love of the written word. :) 

hand-drawn fun

This year I've partnered up with Christine at Great Oak Circle to make hand-drawn elements for her custom logos and designs, and I'm having too much fun doing it. Christine is a creative guru at branding and design.  She's also keeping me busy.  We're working hard to offer fully customized looks for folks who want something fresh and different in a clip-art world.

Here's a peek at what I've been up to. It's pretty exciting (and kinda weird!) to see my doodles "out there" on the world wide web. If you're looking to spruce up your blog, Etsy banner, Facebook page or just need a new look for an old logo, let us know. I'd love to draw your doodles for you!

five minute friday: friend

Friend.

Riding bikes everywhere, nowhere.

Guitars in the park, fingers numb.

Song voices praising.

Long walks and private dream conversations.

Boys that were.

Creating art, wee ones sleeping.

Beach refuge from life adventures.

Mundane and magical tangled in one.

Men that are no longer.

Aging and grace, fighting, releasing.

Motherhood heart things, life celebration.

Miles and miles, right here always.

Never apart.

Friend.

Join the "writing flash mob" every Friday! Write unabashedly for 5 minutes merely for love of the written word. :) 

dresses for africa

My friend, Lynne, came over to get my help whipping up a couple samples of these little pillow case dresses her congregation will be making to send to Africa. Oh. Em. Gee. they are all sorts of adorable. And addictive! Once we started sewing we saw oodles of creative possibility to make them special.
This was our first attempt -  it is a large. We used the extra-large arm hole size because the pattern looked sooo small, but once assembled we realized the pattern makers knew what they were doing. Imagine that. ;)

There is also a pattern to make shorts for boys from a t-shirt and some elastic.The beauty of this project is you don't need to be part of a group or make a minimum to participate. You can find all the details on the Little Dresses for Africa site.