It's one of those times where you stand back in awe and just watch as everything falls into place. It started with a blog, which led to a 5K, which led to a class, which led to an opportunity of a lifetime. I've been taking baby steps and giant leaps outside my comfort zone. It's been terrifying, honestly. But it has been so worth it.
I've been spending a lot of time lately meditating on gifts, talents, and burdens ... and what to do with them. Now that my kids are older, it's been a process of getting to know myself again. I've found that I still love art, photography, and story. And I have a huge burden for the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized. I, in fact, have an entire degree to show for my burden for the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized. My heart beats for justice and mercy.
What is the point of all this? Well, there is a contest to win a chance to join a delegation of women to travel to Uganda. The purpose of the trip is to connect with some of the women and children who have been affected by poverty, violence, and who have suffered. But these people have also overcome. Through the efforts of International Justice Mission and Noonday Collection, women are being empowered to break out of the poverty and violence that surrounds them. These organizations are offering a way for us to do something good. Whether it is changing the conversation and rhetoric surrounding consumerism, or educating about and eradicating violence and human trafficking, these are the things that make my heart come alive.
READ MORE ABOUT THE HEART BEHIND THE TRIP HERE
So this is art, story, and social justice all wrapped into one package. And I love everything about it. So I entered. Yikes!
This is probably one of the scariest and hardest things I've done in the last decade. Well, other than giving birth. But that is a different story for a different day. I almost backed out of entering because it requires soliciting votes. From people. Like, putting yourself out there and asking people to vote for you. I had flashbacks of running for ASB at the end of my sophomore year in high school because it would look good on a college application. Nevermind that I very obviously hated high school...needless to say I didn't win. Shudder. And then there was panic that ensued. Let's just say that self-promotion is not one of the gifts this introverted girl can call her own. But I have a husband who is kind enough to point out the irony of a person leading a class on living out your dreams and using your gifts and talents, but not entering a contest that would enable her to do just that because she was afraid. Well, there is that. Point taken. Thanks, honey.
So I entered. And now I am asking for votes. Your vote. Because I will need to be in the top 7 candidates to be considered for the next round, which means I need a lot of votes. I am humbled to have some awesome support. I get to offer the chance to win a $50 gift card that my awesome friend, Karissa Bresheare, donated from her fabulous company Gourmet Latte. Every time you vote (once a day per device), you enter to win! If you share my entry page, it is worth an extra entry. This is good coffee, people. Some of the best, and I am a coffee snob. It's just a small way that I am able to say thank you for taking the time to help push me one step closer to living out my dreams.
*UPDATE*
A wonderful friend and inspiration has agreed to donate a family photo shoot! Lissa is an amazing photographer and she is just an amazing person. She has a heart of gold and is an absolute joy to be around. And she SHINES! I'd have her take all my family photos if I could!
Check out her photography page here:
https://www.facebook.com/lissawhitlockphotography
Vote down here!! You can vote once a day per device (cell, computer(s), tablet) AND enter to win once a day! Thank you so much!
Instructions:
Click on the link that shows up in rafflecopter that leads to my personal entry page, and scroll down until you see the word "VOTE. " Be sure to come back to the blog and hit "ENTER" so you are entered into the drawing.
For an extra entry, you can share this blog post, one of my facebook posts, or my entry page. Just leave a comment where you shared it!
Voting is open through May 28th for the first round.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What is the point of all this? Well, there is a contest to win a chance to join a delegation of women to travel to Uganda. The purpose of the trip is to connect with some of the women and children who have been affected by poverty, violence, and who have suffered. But these people have also overcome. Through the efforts of International Justice Mission and Noonday Collection, women are being empowered to break out of the poverty and violence that surrounds them. These organizations are offering a way for us to do something good. Whether it is changing the conversation and rhetoric surrounding consumerism, or educating about and eradicating violence and human trafficking, these are the things that make my heart come alive.
READ MORE ABOUT THE HEART BEHIND THE TRIP HERE
So this is art, story, and social justice all wrapped into one package. And I love everything about it. So I entered. Yikes!
This is probably one of the scariest and hardest things I've done in the last decade. Well, other than giving birth. But that is a different story for a different day. I almost backed out of entering because it requires soliciting votes. From people. Like, putting yourself out there and asking people to vote for you. I had flashbacks of running for ASB at the end of my sophomore year in high school because it would look good on a college application. Nevermind that I very obviously hated high school...needless to say I didn't win. Shudder. And then there was panic that ensued. Let's just say that self-promotion is not one of the gifts this introverted girl can call her own. But I have a husband who is kind enough to point out the irony of a person leading a class on living out your dreams and using your gifts and talents, but not entering a contest that would enable her to do just that because she was afraid. Well, there is that. Point taken. Thanks, honey.
So I entered. And now I am asking for votes. Your vote. Because I will need to be in the top 7 candidates to be considered for the next round, which means I need a lot of votes. I am humbled to have some awesome support. I get to offer the chance to win a $50 gift card that my awesome friend, Karissa Bresheare, donated from her fabulous company Gourmet Latte. Every time you vote (once a day per device), you enter to win! If you share my entry page, it is worth an extra entry. This is good coffee, people. Some of the best, and I am a coffee snob. It's just a small way that I am able to say thank you for taking the time to help push me one step closer to living out my dreams.
*UPDATE*
A wonderful friend and inspiration has agreed to donate a family photo shoot! Lissa is an amazing photographer and she is just an amazing person. She has a heart of gold and is an absolute joy to be around. And she SHINES! I'd have her take all my family photos if I could!
Check out her photography page here:
https://www.facebook.com/lissawhitlockphotography
Vote down here!! You can vote once a day per device (cell, computer(s), tablet) AND enter to win once a day! Thank you so much!
Instructions:
Click on the link that shows up in rafflecopter that leads to my personal entry page, and scroll down until you see the word "VOTE. " Be sure to come back to the blog and hit "ENTER" so you are entered into the drawing.
For an extra entry, you can share this blog post, one of my facebook posts, or my entry page. Just leave a comment where you shared it!
Voting is open through May 28th for the first round.
In case coffee isn't your thing, you can vote directly here:
