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Not bigger, But greater

we planned, we prayed
 we prepped, we prayed
we I cried, Micah prayed

It seemed like such a long week leading up to such a short day
a day that I had BIG dreams for
a day I had been thinking about and preparing for this past month (plus some)
a day God used to not only teach me more about myself that I want to change but increased my passion to want to serve Him even more.

I had planned on forty to fifty people
God only needed eighteen
I planned on making hundreds of pairs of shoes with MY large number of guest
God knew exactly the amount he needed cut
I wanted the backyard filled to the brim with people 
God wanted an intimate setting with hearts willing to serve and hands willing to work
I wanted to raise a certain amount of funds from all the donation pieces
God doubled that amount making sure every guest went home with a prize and still leaving half the prizes available for me to raffle online
I wanted everyone I know to fall in love with this organization at this party
but God used the event as a stepping stone to new opportunities to share it with so many others
more than I could imagine

As always God poured out His blessings in over abundance. He took my "big dream" and made the reality of it better. It wasn't bigger just greater.
cheerful cutters Summer and Nichole
(these gals blessed my socks off)
 I'm not gonna lie. I cried while cleaning up. Not sad tears by any means but ones of joy. I was so overwhelmed as we counted the donation money and packaged up the cut shoes. I couldn't believe the hearts of the people who came to help and the new people I met in the process. I wanted to leave all the decorations up and host another party the next day, and the day after that. 

I thought about the words Micah spoke as he gave a devotion and shared his heart about Sole Hope. How as I was packing up the last few pairs of shoes and as I felt the material pass through my fingers and into a ziplock bag I was reminded of the words he spoke
"Even today as we dedicate this time to cutting fabric, as you touch this fabric with your hands and as it passes between your fingers, I want you to realize and think about the journey this fabric is going to go on.  It will travel to Africa. It will be sewn into shoes and will be placed on the foot of a child which will provide relief and protection."

The thought of this blessed my heart and all I wanted to do was stop cleaning and cut more.
The heart of God radiates through this organization and I'm humbled to play even a small part in it.

Thank you all who donated, thank you all who came to help trace, cut and assemble. Thank you all who prayed and thank you Sole Hope for doing what you do.

Stay tuned for the online raffle of additional goodies left over from the event. You don't want to miss it!

16 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for all the work and love that you all put into this event. We were all blessed by the opportunity to serve. I loved that comment by Micah, it totally touched my heart.

Allison said...

I just got chills reading this...I can sense through your words that your party has Ephesians 3:20 written all over it! God did exceedingly more than you expected. God Bless you!
truly inspired.
-Allison

Autumn said...

You are an amazing lady with an amazing husband. Your hearts for the Lord are so inspiring. I have truly enjoyed sharing in this project and watching it unfold. Thanks to you and Alissa I will be volunteering for the Sole Hope booth at l local festival clear across the country from you!! God is so good.

Anonymous said...

Oh, so exciting! :) God does amazing things through people who trust in Him!

whitney f said...

I LOVED being a part of this!! You and Micah did a wonderful job! Please let me know if you need anymore help with this project!

Rags to Stitches Blog said...

What an incredible day!! I'm so blessed to know you and Micah. You guys did an amazing job with all the details for the party. God works in such big and amazing ways and it's such an incredible honor to watch him at work. Love you guys!!

vintage grey said...

Hi Nat, what a blessing of a day it was! So happy to hear how the Lord worked through each of the details! God is so good! Wishing you a beautiful week! xo Heather

Kacia said...

I am SO proud of you!! And so honored that I could "take part" from a distance + for sure through prayer!!

The event looked just MARVELOUS + your heart shines in each photo!!

xoxo
Kacia

Unknown said...

So proud of you and Alissa! You guys did a great job!!

Unknown said...

That is wonderful! It looks like you hosted a wonderful party and I'm so glad so many people came out!


Christen :>
www.anunordinaryhello.com

Unknown said...

THIS is amazing.
Praise the Lord. His plan is always better than ours!

Jenny Holiday & Aaron said...

So so fantastic Nat!!! :) BRAVO!!!

xo Jenny

Heather @ Glitter and Gloss said...

This is such a beautiful post, Nat!! you guys blessed so many with the wonderful shoe cutting party you threw! Big hugs to you, my friend!

No(dot dot)el said...

I am coming back tomorrow to read more about this when my eyes aren't burning. Looks like a beautiful event.

Anonymous said...

Oh this is so amazing. God is so good!

Kristin said...

Girl your heart is amazing! I am so impressed with your accommodations and turnout. God is working through you and it is CONTAGIOUS =D