Archive | July, 2011

“We Won’t Worry”…  Back in high school I spent several months in my science class learning about birds.  Yes, birds.  At the end of the school year we went to camp and because we were on the bird section still that ended up being our theme.  🙂  My team had shirts made and we went all out with our song and skit.  Fun times, but what I remember most about that season of learning was what the shirts said on them.  It was something like “birds of the air .com” and the www stood for We Won’t Worry.  Why should birds remind us to not worry??  Because of this “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matt. 6:26)  So ever since that time in school whenever I see a bird I am reminded that if Jesus feeds them then he will take care of me.  I am also reminded that since he provides for the birds he will provide for the orphans.  Because they have infinitely more value! He will provide food for his children.  🙂  Will you join in the blessing of helping?

Thank you so much to the lovely Amber from The Mod Antiquarian for lending me her clothing and styling this outfit! How appropriate that this shirt should have birds on it…I realized that after I had written this. 🙂

{Photos by: Jenn Lynn Images}

Two steps up the bunk bed ladder put me directly in front of an inquisitive little face.  Reaching out I gently pushed back the hair that fell on the downy cheek laying against the cotton pillowcase.  Soft doe eyes stared back at me from under long lashes and a little voice asked me to sing.  So I pulled the sheets up under her little chin and she waited patiently while I thought of a song.  “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.  Little ones to him belong they are weak but he is strong.” That song came to mind as well as, “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.  Red and yellow, black and white they are precious in his sight Jesus loves the little children of the world.”  A warmth filled my heart as I pondered that the orphans in India in the two homes we helped start now have someone to tuck them into a soft bed at night and sing them to sleep.  Oh yes, Jesus loves those weak, little, precious ones.  And so do I.

{Photos by: Jenn Lynn Images}

{Accessories and styling by Karen}

Woot WOOT!!!! Thus starts the last 30 days.  Are you with me??  Times running out fast to reach $50,000.  I need your help. 🙂  Will you tell your friends on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or whatever means you have?  Want to have fun?  Check out the “Throw a Party” page.  Its easy.  Trust me on this one. 😉

Total Raised: $7,827.32   Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has donated!!!

{Photos by: Jenn Lynn Images}

{Clothing and styling by: Karen}

I am a visual learner.  So if I can think of something in a picture form then it helps me express what I want to say.  I’m not a great writer.  (I’m sure that is obvious to all you wonderfully patient and kind readers.  Thank you for sticking with me.)  While lying in bed watching the sun peak through my window I started to think about dandelions.  You know how as a child you would pick one of those delightfully fluffy flowers, blow on it, and make a wish??  Then all the little parachute type seeds fly away to plant themselves elsewhere to flourish. Well my “wish” is that each one of you would help a child by donating today whatever you can and then to go tell others about this project.  That’s the planting of the seeds part. 😉  Together we can grow a whole field full of flowers.  We can give our breath to spread the word and give our resources to make a child’s dream of a safe home, education, and food a reality.

{Photos by: Jenn Lynn Images}

{Fascinator by: Fascinators Unveiled}

The countdown starts soon.  The last 30 days is coming up.  And I’m tired.  I feel empty.  Creatively empty.  Like I have nothing else to give right now.  BUT then I remember why I am doing this.  Little babies and children are hurting.  They have no where soft to lay their tired little heads.  I do this for them.  I’m staring blankly at my computer because I don’t know what to say that will move your heart to give to orphans.  I wish I did.  Yet I am happy because I do not do this project by my strength.  My strength comes from God.  Thank you to everyone who has been so generous with their money, time, and resources! It means so much to me.  You inspire me to keep going. 😀

Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

{Photos by: Jenn Lynn Images}

{Clothing borrowed from Heidi}

I sat on the bench and read my book while the voices of the many passersby were faded by the rushing of the waterfall.  The sun beat down upon my head and the breeze played with my hair.  Yet the best part was having my body misted by the tiny droplets of water pulled into the air from the crashing curtain of liquid.  It was so refreshing.  Individually the miniscule drops of water wouldn’t even be noticed but millions of them together made all the difference.  That’s how this project is.  One dollar doesn’t seem like a lot or even five dollars but if everyone of you gives that much together we can make a difference.  A rushing torrent that can’t be stopped.  Please join the movement and donate $5 dollars today.  It will make a difference in a child’s life.  And that is a very refreshing thing.

I just want to thank Liz over at Xtabay for lending me these beautiful vintage pieces.  I really can’t say enough how fabulous her pieces are.  Xtabay pays attention to quality and detail and it definitely shows!

{Photos by: Jenn Lynn Images}

{Clothing and styling by Liz from Xtabay}

Step, step, back step.  Step, step, back step.  Twirl, twirl, twirl.  Our bodies swirled across the slick wood floor as the sound of catchy melodies came loud and clear from the speakers.  We moved from the Lindy hop, to the Charleston, to the “Titanic”.  Then my cousin looked straight into my eyes and said, “O.K. at the end you need to jump.” “Jump?” I asked.   I hesitated as I was unsure exactly what he wanted and how it would go and even though I knew he would never drop me the fear was still present.  I gazed back at him and then jumped.  And he caught me.  As we spun around and around it was perfect.  I trusted and he didn’t disappoint.  This scenario is similar to how I felt about doing this project (and how I still feel at times).  God said to trust him and jump.  Take a leap of faith.  Yes there has been fear and hesitation but I know that in the end it will be perfect.  Not because it went exactly how I thought it should or because I executed it properly but because the One I am following is a perfect lead.  Will you join this dance with me??  Please give even $5 today to the sweet children in India who need your help.

There is a lovely vintage shop that I simply adore here called Xtabay and the generous owner Liz agreed to style this fun outfit today.  If you enjoy beautiful clothing then you should definitely check it out here.  Thank you Liz for all your help and for lending me these items from Xtabay!

{Photos by: Jenn Lynn Images}

{Clothing and styling by Xtabay}

Swish, swish, swish.  Ta da! With each stoke a letter.  My name in lights…even just for a second.  I love sparklers.  But that isn’t all I love about today.  I am so grateful for what we celebrate in America every 4th of July.  Independence.  Freedom.  It is so easy to take what I have for granted.  I have been given so much.

Happy 4th of July everyone! May you all have a fun day celebrating the amazing gift of freedom we have.  Take time to enjoy the day with your family and friends and a moment to recount your blessings.  And yes even as an adult sparklers still haven’t lost their charm… 😀

{Photos by: Jenn Lynn Images}

We had such beautiful weather at the beach yesterday.  My cheeks are all rosy and I am turning olive… The best part of the day was seeing my cousin experience the beach for the first time.  Pure delight and bliss in her beautiful, tan form as she raced down the beach and jumped in the waves.  Our toes squished sand while the breeze tossed our hair.  It reminded me of this picture I posted a while ago of some of the orphan’s first time to the beach.  It was such a blessing to be with my cousin as she had this “first” and I am equally grateful that these orphans are now in a safe home and having the opportunity to visit the beach.  Have a wonderful Sunday and check in tomorrow to see my 4th of July outfit.  Totally themed. 😉

Check this out to see how you can have a fun party and raise money for orphans! “Throw a Party“

{Photos by: Jenn Lynn Images}

Isn’t summertime just delightful??  I love that the weather gets warmer and everyone comes outside.  The grill sizzles and fruit salads abound while fingers get sticky with dripping ice cream cones and melted s’mores.  BBQ’s and parties….ahhh summer.  So I have something exciting to share with you!!!  You can have a party and lots of fun while raising money for orphans.  😀  All you have to do is click on our “Throw a Party” page at the top of the site.  It is super easy and it can be really whatever you want.  Nothing is too random.  Because these are miss.elaini.ous. parties. 😉  Just have your friends over for a pool party, basket ball night, picnic or whatever you desire and ask your friends to donate to orphans.  100% of the money will go directly to the orphans for things such as new orphan homes, education, food, and so much more.  Since I can’t be at your event I made this video.  Please forgive the dorkiness….plus it was my first time “on camera”.  Just go here to get all the details for your amazing party!  Wish I could be there and I can’t wait to see how creative everyone is to raise funds for orphans. 🙂

MissElainious – Throw a Party! from Christa Taylor on Vimeo.

{Photos by: Jenn Lynn Images}