Trade as One

Well, I thought I had made it through church today without crying, but no luck. At the end, they hit me with a video promoting Trade as One...fair trade products and their purpose. I immediately thought of every purchase I've made over this past month (and I'm ashamed to say it's been MANY) and the little thought I've put into who made it, where it was made, and under what conditions. Buying fair trade promotes justice and relieves poverty abroad. Instead of sweatshops, child labor and meager pay that does not provide enough to live on...buying fair trade provides for families so they do not have to live in poverty and horrible working environments. After church, we got to shop fair trade products...chocolate, coffee, jewelry, bags, etc. It was a moving shopping experience! My eyes have been opened - to spend thoughtfully and prayerfully, not just thinking of the good deal I may be getting...but of the deal the people on the other end are getting.

Look for yourself and be persuaded...

Trade as One

Small Group and The Stone

So, soon after we moved here, we found the church we definitely felt God leading us to. Every Sunday only confirms that decision! As I told Tarrah today...I'm not a cry-er, but I leave every Sunday with tears in my eyes because of the genuine worship and message and heart of this church. It is missional; believes in taking Jesus to the community and city; reaches the poor and downtrodden; works with non profits; has a wide variety of colorful people; and it is all a very beautiful thing. I feel that God has only been preparing us to be a part of this big picture. He is faithful.

So...we are ready to dive in! We found a small group and tonight was the first meeting. It's great because it's a new group with several couples new to town and the church. The bummer is that Tyler is in San Diego and I really didn't want to have to go without him, but the kids and I braved it and I'm so glad we did. Another girl was even there with her kids while her husband worked, so that was comforting.

Moving to Austin was an emotional, hard decision. But, everyday, I'm so thankful that we took the leap and came. Jesus doesn't "need" me...He is big enough to get the job done, but I'm so grateful and blessed that he "allows" me to be a part of his beautiful work of art. Fresh on my mind is Matt Chandler, his family, and making much of Jesus NOW. My prayer is that here in Austin, we do that like never before.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

I don't really like putting decorations up and I definitely don't like taking them down, BUT...I LOVE the time between Thanksgiving and New Years when they ARE up and the house feels warm and festive and cozy and beautiful. My mom always made our house so wonderful at Christmas time and helping her decorate the tree and make cookies, etc. are great memories to me. Porter helped me decorate the tree this year. Piper just played around us with hooks and balls, but they each had fun decorating their own tree to put in their rooms. This week we even have a nice chill in the air in Texas in December and "they" say it may snow tomorrow!!! Crazy. So, we are feeling jolly and enjoying the season in Austin. Adding to the happiness, my Christmas shopping is DONE! Never in the history of mankind has this happened this early. Now, I just have to get Tyler to mail them all out:) Side note of the season...I always find it a struggle to properly explain to the kids that Santa is a magical part of Christmas, but the real reason we celebrate is because of Jesus...and yes, you get toys for Christmas, but it's always most important to give to others who are without, etc. I pray their little hearts yield to the God who created and blessed them and who we celebrate not only in December, but year round. So, as I examine my heart during this season, I, too, am convicted that I need to give like it's Christmas and celebrate my Savior coming to save us everyday.

http://gallery.me.com/aprice26#100042