So... after we had the holidays behind us, I started my monthly obsession with the upcoming birthdays. As we drove back from seeing family in Roswell, I remember talking to Micah about the "funding" for these parties. Before we had the first party, we personally committed to using a certain amount of money for each party. It seemed like a lot at first, but then I quickly realized that the funds weren't sufficient enough for the parties I dreamed up in my head. Not surprising if you know me.
So, I started talking out loud to my ever-patient husband about ways to bring in more funds. After blurting out a few ideas, a voice quickly popped in me head saying "excuse me Mrs. Do-it-yourself... God here...why don't you come to me and express your needs first?" Ah - hah! Too often I jump into my problems head first and try to solve them on my own. Why do I do this when I could spare my self of all of the obsessive thoughts and worry. Ok God...show me the way.
So, as I began the party planning, I began to ask people for help. This is not like me at all. I do not enjoy asking people for donations. However, I felt the urge to "just ask." I thought the worst any one could do was say no and it was worth my pride to ask.
I started by asking a vendor I had found on Etsy (a website for very small businesses to sell mostly handmade items). Back in November, I had ordered a birthday crown for my daugther's first birthday from her and it was adorable. I loved it so much, that I made a point to send a picture of Adalyn in her crown to her. So, I thought, what would it hurt to ask if she could give me some sort of discount if I ordered a crown for each of the girls. I sent her an email explaining what we were doing and how any kind of a discount would be much appreciated. By the next day, she not only responded, she offered to make them monthly for no charge. Not even shipping my friends. Who does this for someone they hardly know? God had to have had his hand on this.
This inspired me to ask for more! Another vendor ( I do not know) gave me a code for 50% off everything I ordered. Followed by the printer giving me a large discount. I then got gutsy and asked Sams Wholesale if they could offer any kind of discount for birthday cakes. When speaking to the manager, she offered to donate both cakes at no charge.
Not only did God provide when I asked others for help, he brought people to me. I've been talking to many of my friends about my "volunteering" simply to share the joy and excitement that I felt. A sweet, sweet friend was persistent in wanting to help. She volunteered to purchase clothes for both of the children. And not just any clothes, fashion couture for little people! Then, another friend surprised me. She said she had been looking for a charity to donate an amount of money to every month and wanted to give it to me! She said she knew it would be used in a great way. I was blown away (still am).
People are amazing and God is so good.
I am more than exited about this party tomorrow. God provided in so many ways. I pray that I will not screw it up. I want Him to use me in as many ways possible. I keep hearing the song "Beautiful" by Mercy Me and it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. The message is that all of God's children are beautiful in his sight. Treasured, sacred, HIS. I pray that I can some how spread this message to these children. Of all of God's children, they need to hear it most.
Beautiful by Mercy Me
The days will come when you don't have the strengthWhen all you hear is you're not worth anythingWondering if you ever could be lovedAnd if they truly saw your heart they'd see too much
You're beautifulYou're beautifulYou are made so much more than all of thisYou're beautifulYou're beautifulYou are treasured, You are sacred, You are HisYou're beautiful
I'm praying that you have the heart to findCause you are more than what is hurting you tonightFor all the lies you've held inside so longAnd they are nothing in the shadow of the cross
Before you ever took a breathLong before the world beganOf all the wonders He possessedThere was one more preciousOf all the earth and skies aboveYou're the one he madly lovesEnough to die
You're beautifulYou're beautiful In His eyes
You're beautifulYou're beautifulYou are made so much more than all of thisYou're beautifulYou're beautifulYou are treasured, You are sacred, You are HisYou're beautiful
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