Remember that daydream I blogged about a couple of months ago?
It had to do with t-shirts.
These two to be exact:
I’ve got oodles of other designs floating around in my brain and on my computer, but I’m just going to start with these two. I’m going to put ’em up for sale next week, and just see how it goes. Who knows- it may be really fun and turn into a new Lettered business, or it may be a one-time thing, in which we discover that we totally stink at packaging and shipping shirts!
The folks at Mammoth Printshop will be printing this first batch for us, and we’ll offer small, medium, large, x-large for $24, and xx-large for $26.
I’m going to put them up for sale here on my blog for one week, starting next Monday the 10th. I’ve been praying for weeks about how to best use any proceeds we receive, because sharing them has been on my heart from the start.
Fast forward to yesterday morning.
Kevin woke up before the sun because he was scheduled to play and sing at all three services at church. I woke up after the sun, and as I was getting ready, I had another conversation with God about what to do about these shirts…all the while, this blog post sat unfinished on my computer screen across the room.
I sat amongst friends at the 11 o’clock service while our pastor shared a message about Nicodemus and his face to face time with Jesus. About ten minutes into the sermon, he read Luke 3:11 and my jaw landed squarely on the Bible in my lap:
My eyes filled with tears, and I couldn’t nudge Kevin quick enough. He was in the seat next to me, and we exchanged smiles after he looked up from reading that sentence in my Book. 🙂
Seeing that verse made it crystal clear that we were to split the proceeds and help another child who doesn’t currently have a family or home. So here’s what we’re going to do: We’ll use half of the proceeds from next week’s sale to help cover some of our upcoming adoption costs, and we’ll share the other half of the proceeds with another family that is in the process of adopting. Kevin and I sat down to pray about who “the other family” was this morning, and one couple quickly sprang to our minds. They’re names are Neal and Stacy, and they live in Prattville. I had the pleasure of meeting Stacy at a women’s event at our church last year. She is so precious and kind, and she’s documenting their adoption journey at 1heart4always.blogspot.com if you’d like to swing by and say hello! I haven’t told her about our fundraiser plans yet, but I did text her this morning and asked if it would be okay to share her blog address here today. She texted back and said yes (yay!) and also mentioned some incredible news. She and her family finished and mailed off their dossier THIS MORNING! When I read that, I knew instantly that God had put them on our hearts for more than one reason, and I was so thankful to be able to celebrate that HUGE accomplishment with her today!!
*****
So with that, I extend a very heartfelt thanks in advance to anyone interested in buying a t-shirt next week. Your contribution will help bring two babies home from two different orphanages in Haiti, and for that, we will all forever be grateful! XO
PS- If you’d like to watch Pastor John’s message about Nicodemus, just click the play button below!
Vicki
I love that God is speaking so clearly to you. And I love that you are helping make a family!
Pat
Layla, as so often happens, God kinda hit me up side the head with this post and with Pastor John’s sermon. It spoke to me this morning and was exactly what I prayed for last night. I can see why you love your church and wish I was able to hear Pastor John every Sunday. You are blessed indeed. Can’t wait to order a shirt as well!
Tessy
I love this 🙂 I love how God works. How He whispers in our hearts and then gives us the clarity right when we need it. I am an adoption T-shirt junkie. I don’t think I hardly wear anything else now a days.
Lindsay J
Love your t-shirts and I love your heart. You are an inspiration. What an incredible Godwink you had.
Chris Ackford
I would like to order two xxl shirts. I just know you are going to do well with this new ‘business’. Although I live in Canada I have a Michigan address which I will supply you with when the time comes.
Chris Ackford
Debbie Brack
I love to see how God shows Himself! My husband and I have recently moved back to Oklahoma from Texas, and even though we left wonderful family (including 2 grands), friends and church, we have seen God show us over and over the reasons we are where we are! We have already made great friends, moved into a small fixer-upper (LOVE!) and found a church home. God is good! I love your t-shirts and know it’s going to be a wonderful venture!
Ter'e Crow Lindsay
God Winks!!!!!!
(as I wipe my eyes)
I love you kids!
gloria
Incredible. Love when He puts neon lights to point the way! Cant wait to get a shirt : )
Donna
I love how God speaks through His Word! I hope you never doubt how intimately involved He is in your life! Continue to obey what He shows you and He will reveal more! The shirts are beautiful. I’ll be buying some too.
Beverly
I know what’s going in mine and my hubbys’ Easter baskets this year! Love, love, love, THEM! And to know that it is going to help 2 families makes it that much special. God’s preparing me to go on my first mission trip to Haiti in January 2015 and I know ministering to kids is where my spiritual gifts are so these shirts just tug at my heartstrings!
Tania Russell
Wonderful!!!! I’m in!! Please set aside a size small of the “don’t quit your daydream” T! What day will you post them for sale?
You and Kevin are truly inspiring!
Layla
Thank you, Tania! They’ll go up for sale here on our blog on Monday the 10th! 😀
Melanie
Wonderful post!!
Lindsey Gray
Oh I can’t wait to buy both of those shirts! Just love love love them and love the cause even more!
Maureen
Love these shirts! I so hope you will ship to Canada!
Stacy Doolittle
That’s wonderful Layla! I can’t wait to order a shirt and am honored to be just a tiny part of your wonderful story!
Lin
I have a feeling that you will have more requests than shirts and that is such a good thing! What a wonderful thing to be able to help 2 children and their families. Count me in!
Beth F.
Stories like yours give me the chills knowing that God is working in the lives of those He calls His own! He is always on time! I wish you and Kevin the very best in your new venture and remember…if He brought you to it, He will see you through it!
Deborah D
Definitly want one of each T-shirt in XXL. Let me know the price and shipping.
Leslie Anne @ Fairhope Supply Co.
T-shirts have never given me goosebumps till now!
Good luck!
Lisajane
what a wonderful thing to do
can I get one to New Zealand?
I feel drawn to not giving up on my day dream…
LJ x
Catherine Greer
Hi Layla,
Please, please set aside a Daydream shirt for me in the equivalent size of Men’s size Small (for my 13 year old son)! He always says to me, “I just love to daydream” and I say, “That’s when God is going to give you your BEST ideas.” I really don’t want to miss out on the first batch of the t-shirts, so please set one aside if you can! I have a feeling they may sell out in a flash…
Hugs and what a fabulous idea…plus what a beautiful product!
Catherine
Darlene
Wow, that was powerful! I believe God just dropped that sign squarely in your lap! Talk about a clear sign. It just couldn’t be any clearer. I bear witness to that! So excited for you & I will continue to pray for God to continue to bless you & meet your every need. I love the shirts & definitely want to purchase the daydream one. Such a good reminder. I can’t help but think you guys are on to something! God has so many unique ways in which to provide for & bless His children. Blessings to you both!
Stacey Dawn
Love that you followed the prompting of God. Love that you are helping another family adopt a child. Love the tshirts…. Keep following Him…. and thank you for sharing your walk.
Toni
I will order shirts for sure. There is nothing better when you hear His message direct to you, especially when you have prayed to hear it. His touch guided me to get my First Responder’s license and I will take EMT next year.
Maria Magdalena
Thumbs up to this! 🙂
It´s always fun & interesting to read your blogg… have caught more than one idea… 😉 All the very, very best to you & your loved ones!
Emily R.
I missed this post the first time – so glad you linked over from the blinds post! I have a feeling you’re going to run out of these beautiful T-shirts QUICK. Such a lovely idea! And that blue color is just amazing. 🙂
Kim Barreca
Please email the way I can order tshirts!!! <3 kim
Camilla @ Something Is Done
Thank you for this timely reminder that God speaks, when we’re willing to listen =).
Elizabeth Joy
That is so fabulous. I had goosebumps from your post and how God answered your prayer. Absolutely amazing! Thank you for sharing and bless you on your journey!
jodi
Layla~ I LOVE LOVE LOVE these and can’t wait till Monday! I am so excited to help contribute!
Jodi
Sheila
Awesome story and great design on T’s! Any thought to ‘women’s tapered fit’ or V-neck?
Amy R.
I love the shirts! I can’t wait to get one or two and help get those babies home!
Ter'e
Your personal messages always gives me some sort of little blessing. I look at you and Kev as “conduits”. Today I went back and read the Comments. WOW! What a powerful following you have. Thanks to all of you who have such a strong spiritual message. You never know who’s heart you touch. Some of us need an extra nudge now and then.
Claire DeRosa
Count me in for a t-shirt. I’ll look for details next week. I love the day dream shirt. I have a “very” small handcrafted jewelry business and that t-shirt is so me. If you don’t mind when you do this I will spread the word on my fanpage, personal fb page and blog. I have been a reader of your blog forever and just think you guys are wonderful. You both are truly blessed. Claire
Erin
You guys are wonderful. The end.
hello haha harf
chills.
<3
Katie @ On the Banks of Squaw Creek
This is so awesome! I will be sure to order a shirt!
Lori
You both continue to amaze and inspire me.
Jackie
I have a feeling you are going to sell out of those T-shirts! We adopted two boys from Russia in ’08 and ’10, so we are passionate about adopting. My two oldest boys will rock the shirt your husband is wearing! Planning on purchasing two! ~Jackie
Rebecca
I would really like to get 2 of this 1 XL and 1 L when you get them up and running. It may just be a flash in the pan but I me and my sister would love them. Are these men’s sized t’s or women’s sized t’s Thank you in advance
-Becki-
Layla
Hi Rebecca! They’re unisex t-shirts, and they run pretty true to size. (They don’t shrink much at all after you dry them). Thank you for your interest in them…I appreciate it so much! 😀
Christina
What a wonderful and blessed idea. I can’t wait to order one and help a child who needs it. ♥
Janna
For some mysterious reason, I ‘m catching up on everything going on with you and your t-shirt(s) post just floored me! As i type, I’m talking to God about “A fish and 5 loaves” miracle for my family. During a time when I absolutely should not be spending, I’m being lead to do just the OPPOSITE. A few scriptures are coming to mind and I’m stepping out on faith and pushing the proceed to check out button. Thanks for offering opportunities for God to be magnified in your life and mine.
Layla
Janna- your comment just warmed my heart so much!!! I am in the middle of a Bible study about Gideon and I was just doing some homework about “loaves and fishes” last night!
Thank you SO much for your encouragement…I will be saying a special prayer for you today! 🙂 XO
Jackie
Thanks Layla I needed to hear that message!!