Calvary Love.

If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting “Who made thee to differ? And what hast thou that thou hast not received?” then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I find myself taking lapses for granted, “Oh, that’s what they always do,” “Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that,” then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, “You do not understand,” or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other’s highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I hold on to choices of any kind, just because they are my choice, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am soft to myself and slide comfortably into self-pity and self-sympathy; if I do not by the grace of God practice fortitude, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I myself dominate myself, if my thoughts revolve round myself, if I am so occupied with myself I rarely have “a heart at leisure from itself,” then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If the praise of others elates me and their blame depresses me; if I cannot rest under misunderstanding without defending myself; if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I crave hungrily to be used to show the way of liberty to a soul in bondage, instead of caring only that it be delivered; if I nurse my disappointment when I fail, instead of asking that to another the word of release may be given, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not forget about such a trifle as personal success, so that it never crosses my mind, or if it does, is never given room there; if the cup of flattery tastes sweet to me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I refuse to allow one who is dear to me to suffer for the sake of Christ, if I do not see such suffering as the greatest honor that can be offered to any follower of the Crucified, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I slip into the place that can be filled by Christ alone, making myself the first necessity to a soul instead of leading it to fasten upon Him, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I wonder why something trying is allowed, and press for prayer that it may be removed; if I cannot be trusted with any disappointment, and cannot go on in peace under any mystery, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

That which I know not, teach Thou me, O Lord, my God.

-Amy Carmichael 

Rising from the wilderness.

It was He who knew me in the wilderness, in the land of drought. (Hosea 13:5)

Resting in Him. Thankful for His promises. & trusting Him for tomorrow.

Fair Trade Mother's Day.

Do you have a mother? If so, Mother's Day is coming up, & what better way to celebrate than by giving her a handmade goodie from Africa?! Not only will she have an adorable item to wear, share, or use, but the purchase will also be helping a brother or sister in Africa. It's like the gift that keeps on giving. 

For the fashionesta: 31 Bits is the perfect gift for the mama who loves accessories. 31 Bits is a socially minded business designed to give internally displaced women in Northern Uganda an opportunity to counter poverty. By giving their beneficiaries access to the international market, they are able to earn an instant income, providing homes, food, and education for their families. Their program equips women by providing literacy education, financial and vocational training, holistic care, and strong support systems, empowering individuals to further their careers and attain social equity. Learn more here.

 For the on-the-go mom: No. 41's signature bag is the perfect "everything bag." (...not to mention their adorable aprons!) No. 41 started on a whim and a prayer in March 2012, with the intent of teaching young women from the Noel Orphanage in Gisenyi, Rwanda (ages 18-25) not only to sew, a culturally relevant trade that would always sustain them, but to give back to their community through a feeding program supporting local schools. Learn more here.

For the mover & the shaker: Sseko sandals are adorable, and their possibilities are endless. For a daring mom who wants to always keep things fresh, this is the way to go. Sseko began as a way to generate income for high potential, talented young women to continue on to university. Sseko has graduated three classes of women. Every woman who has graduated from Sseko is currently pursuing her college degree. In addition to our university-bound team, Sseko also employs a full-time team of women from all walks of life. By creating an environment of dignity, honor, creativity and dedication, Sseko Designs provides the opportunity for women in East Africa to end the cycle of poverty and create a more equitable society. Learn more here.

 For the happy homemaker: Noonday Collection has a little bit of everything. From journals to tea towels, wooden salad servers and more! The passion at Noonday Collection is to connect you with the lives of artisans struggling for a better future while styling you along the way. Fashion and design are a vehicle for opportunity and change. You, too, can be a voice for the oppressed! Learn more here. 

For the world traveler: Whether it be a passport holder or a camera strap, His Imbaraga has you covered. His Imbaraga is a business located in Gisenyi, Rwanda producing handcrafted leather products. It was designed to support the community of Gisenyi by providing men with a sustainable job and allowing the proceeds to benefit the greater community. When you shop at His Imbaraga you are truly purchasing with a purpose. We can’t wait to share all of the exciting ways we will be able to give back to the community with your help! Learn more here. 

Adoption Fundraiser Giveaway!

From Sprouts by Rose Kren: Sterling Silver Africa Love necklace ($45.00).

From Murabelle: Chevron Infinity Scarf ($26.50).

From Casey Leigh: a small add space ($25.00).

From The Tiny Twig: The No Brainer Wardrobe e-book, for you & a friend ($16.00).

From Sseko Designs: Brown Straps ($10.00).

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All of these items plus much more! CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO ENTER.

PS- please take some time to look around the wonderful shops of all of our sponsors! 

Bigger.

"But my God is bigger than that. & He wants to set the captives free." 

As I was sitting in a church and watching the horrors of sex trafficking flash on the screen, those where the last words I wanted to hear. In my sinful flesh, I wanted revenge. Taking the innocence away from women & children -- & making a profit off of it -- is something only a monster would do... Right? I mean, traffickers are filthy & anything but worthy of His love...not to mention the men who pay to have sex with six year olds.

Then I heard a whisper, are you anything worthy of My love?

I'm so quick to judge & condemn... But I often forget, these men are enslaved too. They are caught by the lawless one & are being used by him in this dominion of darkness. & as the man on the screen -- who had been a trafficker for eleven years -- shared his testimony of how the Lord captured his heart & changed his life, I didn't know what to think. It's as though I forgot that Jesus died for the unrighteous, the rebellious, the disobedient, the arrogant, & the sinful... I being chief among them.

Oh, that He would break my heart for the lost & hurting... no matter who they might be. Because He is bigger than their situation. & He is worthy of their praise.

Lift up Jesus.

Photo taken by my friend, Natalie.

"Our apathy toward the mission of God is not because of lack of knowing what to do. It is our blindness to his glory and grace that keeps us satisfied with nominal Christianity. If you want to light a fire under your church for the mission, don't simply trot out your goals; lift up Jesus." -Brad House

Oh, may we see His glory. & may we, as Christ’s Bride, be so bold as to follow in the footsteps of our Savior... no matter the cost, no matter the time, no matter the social consequences. Throwing aside all selfish ambitions, may God’s people identify with the poor, marginalized, & oppressed. & through that may we see the poverty of our own hearts. 

Above all, may we lift up Jesus.

Adoption.

"This is the stage you realize God can put a vicious fight in you for a kid without your blood coursing through his veins. Those early doubts about loving a child without the helpful instincts of biology are put to rest. Of course, you don’t know this kid yet, but you love him in your heart, in your bones. You’ll fight like hell to get to him. You can’t think of anything else. You are obsessed. You dream about him like you did when you were pregnant. You realize that when God said He sets the lonely in families, He meant it, and He doesn’t just transform the “lonely” but also the “families.” He changes us for one another. God can create a family across countries, beyond genetics, through impossible circumstances, and past reason." -Jen Hatmaker

As we are waiting for a referral of a preschool aged child from DR Congo, we have found this to be true. The Lord has already grown our hearts & we are so excited to announce that our family is growing in this way. & we would love for you to follow along with us through this journey! Click below to visit our adoption blog & learn more about our growing family.

Life is sweet.