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!
What a beautiful idea! I can’t wait to purchase a shirt!
1. The shirts designs are fabulous.
&
2. It’s so encouraging to see someone using their talents to support another family.
Hugs!
I can’t wait to order my shirt! Thrilled to be able to contribute to your dream 🙂
Awesome! I LOVE your designs-and am very touched by your charity. Can’t wait to buy one!!!
Question: What size are you wearing? Also,they look to be a lightweight material, similar to “slub” cotton-is that correct?
Get it, girl!! LOVE the t-shirts, they look so dang comfortable (on top of being super cute!).
These shirts are so cute and I can’t wait to purchase one so I can help you and your friends with this beautiful journey! God bless you guys!
Every single blog post I read from you does nothing but inspire me! So with that I just want to say THANK YOU!
Enjoy your week and good luck with the T-Shirt sale!
This is just so amazing and literally brought tears to my eyes! As a family currently in the adoption process, I personally know how difficult and rewarding this path can be. I will definitely be back on the 10th to purchase a shirt! God Bless!
The Holland Family
I’ve been following your blog the last few years. You are both so awesome!! I can feel your spirit radiate through your posts and wish you all the best with your adoption and the many projects you have. I would love to purchase some of your shirts. Can you tell me how to order?
Thank you so much, Karen! I appreciate your kind comment so much!
I’ll publish a post next Monday with instructions on how to order the shirts! 🙂
I would love to order a shirt! You didn’t mention if they were cotton or a blend, and do the sizes seem to run true, or a little smallish, etc? Thanks so much 🙂
Thanks, Jeanna! I’ll include all that info in the “launch” post I publish next week. I’m wearing a medium in the photo (so is Kevin), and they didn’t shrink much at all after we washed them. #Yay 😀
Looking forward to ordering next week. Wonderful idea!
LOVE! That is the first word that came to mind when I was reading your post. It describes how I feel about this post and it describes what you are doing.
I cannot wait to order some shirts! My daughter in law will love the daydream one as much as I will. ( I want both!)
Thank you!
Wow! I love how connected God is with your requests! Your posts blow me away! Such a worthy cause! May this venture be everything you wish it to be!
Yay!! On my birthday! I know what I’m buying myself! Y’all have such an encouraging and inspiring story. XOXOXO – Susan
Beautiful! I love your heart and how God is speaking to you. He is amazing! I will be ordering a shirt for sure. ♥ I have a good friend that adopted a precious boy from Haiti, so my heart is so full of excitement for you.
I can’t wait to purchase one, or two, or three! 🙂
Amazing! God is SO good!
Love reading the posts on your house updates and your precious child. Will you ship to Canada? Keeping you and your husband in prayer as you faithfully follow the path the Lord has set before you.
You are amazing and such an inspiration! Love the shirts! Can’t wait to buy one!
I still have chills! Isn’t that the best? To wonder and then look down and see that? OH MY! I had a wonderful idea for tees a few years ago and would love to move on it some day. I have an Etsy shop now so that keeps me busy along with my family/mom duties. I checked into a shop nearby and will probably hit the idea again. You know–someone smart once said “Don’t quit your day dream”. 🙂 Love the shirts! I may have to try one of those. It is appropriate for me and all my creative ideas.
This might sound a little crazy but what size(a) are you wearing? It will help me pick the right size, I think.
What a wonderful thing. And yes, I will be purchasing a t-shirt. or two!
Love the shirts!!!! Can’t wait to order!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What an answer to prayer!!! Blows me away every time!
Love your blog, love your story, and love your t-shirts! I am ready to order as soon as they are available. And I especially love the clarity with which God spoke to you through His Word yesterday — that’s a goosebump moment!
So love these shirts and planning on the “don’t quit your daydream” <3. Will these be unisex or women/male sizes.
It was meant to be! Sitting on pins and needles till Monday! Love the quotes.
I love it! Can’t wait to get one!
I want one or two of those wonderful t-shirts! I love them…and this has to be a ‘God thing”…isn’t HE marvelous!? Will watch to see when they are available for buying.
What a beautiful idea! I teared up at the bible verse….I will be ordering a couple of shirts!( Kevin did a wonderful job yesterday BTW)
Thank you, Tammy! 😀 And I will pass on your kind comment to Kevin, too! XO
Can’t see the screen through my tears. Will try though !!! Felicity xox
Layla! I love your passion. It feels awesome when God uses you to shine and show HIS love. You are beautiful!
Shelley
Love the shirts! I’ll definitely be ordering at least one next week! What a wonderful idea! <3
Super idea ! love the design & the passage, how apt!
Layla, I love those shirts and I will def buy two. Before I even got to the end of your post, the minute you said you were wondering what to do with the proceeds , my very first thought was to use it for your adoption and for another baby. Except in my mind I thought adopt another for you. But using it to adopt for another family is just as good! I can’t wait for your post next week letting us order. BTW, what size is your shirt you are wearing and what size in misses do you normally wear? I’m trying to decide what size I will want.
This is one of your most awesome post yet! I got tears when I saw the verse. God will do awesome things when we just slow down and listen. I will definitely be ordering Tshirts and also sharing this post and Monday’s post so that I can let all my friends in on this opportunity!
Wow-what a beautiful answer to prayer! Goosebumps.
I love those shirts and I love what they support. So excited for you guys. I’m totally going to buy one!
Layla,
Hey! (So this is random!) My husband and I were on a getaway in prattville this weekend. We ended up going to church on a whim that Sunday at 8 following breakfast. It was your church! Neat! Great church family you have. Everyone was so friendly. We are also in the process of adopting-think we have several mutual friends-which is how I found your blog. Excited about the shirts!
The T-shirts are so beautifull. I want 2 of the blue one. And I´m looking forward to the 10th of March 😀 😀 when I can order them.
I love reading your post. This one brought tears to my eyes. I love the t-shirts and can’t wait to order mine.
Would you please send out a reminder on the 10th about the t-shirts so I don’t forget to order one! Thanks
Hi Jane! Yes- I’ll be publishing a post all about the shirts and how to order them that day. Thank you for asking! 🙂
How do we purchase?
I’ll publish a post about them next Monday with details on how to order. Thank you for asking, Lisa! 😀
I love it when God gives a big shout out! Can’t wait to make a purchase.
Layla, these t-shirts are perfect for my son and daughter-in-law! They feel led to go live in Japan as missionaries, and are trusting in God for His provision. Your shirts will be reminders to them to have faith! I will be ordering one of each. 🙂
Beautiful….the shirts and your heart for Him. I have had similar experiences seeking direction and His purpose and sometimes He answers in the most poignant and tender way. I consider these grace-filled glimpses through the heavens to see Him more clearly. Scripture is alive and active!
This is so great. God is good. How wonderful that you know in your heart what he is telling you to do!
Love…..:)
Thank you for sharing this video. I watched it in its entirety and prayed along with the pastor. Theis video blessed me and renewed in me a longing that has been tugging at me for a while now.
Now about these t shirts – are they 50/50 cotton? Just want to know if I should buy true to my size or one size up just in case the shrink!
Thanks again for this post. I have been blessed.
Xoxo from the Midwest.
I’ll take two!
Layla, you are an INSPIRATION! My family is on a journey of our own, much different than yours. However, BOTH shirts speak volumes to & about our two daughters. GOD shows his presence in so very many ways. I cannot wait to order! Blessings to you and Kevin on your journey:)