On July 2 the drive was made to deliver the summer items we had sewn for the babies of the CVICU. It was a very emotional and wonderful drive that day due to the efforts of some incredible women. Because of their efforts, the delivery for Arkansas Children's Hospital for summer was truly a summer splash! We were able to deliver 106 shirts and 72 blankets!!! In addition, 4 beautiful quilts made by a young girl learning to sew with her grandmother. This was the most shirts we had ever delivered at one time!!! It was OVERWHELMING! Wonderfully overwhelming!
In May we were unable to have our sewing group meet due to an unexpected passing. There was some concern (apparently only by me) of how would we ever meet our desire to make a big summer splash with our Summer Delivery. Our April meeting had been fantastic. We had some new ladies join us and really got a lot done for the upcoming delivery. However, as I looked at all the finishing steps that needed to happen, I didn't think it would be possible before July arrived. There was a lot to be done as you can imagine with a result of 106 shirts! When we were able to meet again in June, the ladies were ready to go! They worked fast and focused. Then, they took some home and we did another short meeting later in the month. More and more finished shirts just kept appearing. It was as if Jesus just kept breaking the "bread" and more and more was ready.
I thought by now I had learned to expect miracles when you are doing the things God puts on your heart. This delivery reminded me I still have a lot to learn about how big my God really is and how much He simply wants willing hands. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by willing hands and beautiful hearts. And, I look forward to see what He will do with the Fall Delivery! It's going to be amazing and we hope you will join us!
Come be part of something incredible. Join us the first Saturday of each month as we fellowship and sew for the little ones!
Monday, August 7, 2017
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Spring has SPRUNG! And so did the ACH delivery...
I got up early, before the sun, April 1 for our April sewing day. There was a big stack of shirts to get ironed. They had been sewn together at our March sewing meeting, trimmed, turned, and now just needed ironed so they could be closed up and snaps added. Closed up means a person hand sewing the opening between the two layers of fabric closed. I knew I had ladies coming with hand sewing skills. And, I was thankful as this is not my area of expertise. To be honest, most sewing skills are not my area of expertise.... Fortunately, God fills in those gaps with others!
I looked at the big stack, it was about double the normal amount we had done in 2016 each quarter. I was floored we had done so many. But, this also meant that with only a few of us, many of the shirts would simply not get done in time for the delivery to the CVICU at Arkansas Children's Hospital. It just wasn't possible. I took in a deep breath and told myself it was OK, that God provides the workers as long as we are willing to follow His will, but it was OK if they weren't all done. There was simply only so many hours in a day. Whatever got done, we would deliver. And, it would be fabulous no matter what. It was OK!
Then, the ladies began to show up. They sat down and begin to sew what was already ironed as I continued to iron more. I kept ironing, they kept visiting while hand sewing, I kept ironing, they kept getting more done! I finished the ironing and began to put snaps on the shirts. Another lady stopped by to help and began to package the completed shirts. We kept going and enjoying the fellowship as we worked. When our time was almost up for the day, the ladies asked "are there any more to close?" I was floored! Somehow ALL the shirts were closed, we had snaps on almost all, and they were packaged ready to go. How had such a feat happened?!?! And, why after all these years did I doubt what God would accomplish through willing hands? The result?...
The Spring delivery to ACH included 100 Blankets, 1 beautiful quilt, and 79 shirts! When we arrived, they were thrilled. Parents had been asking if there were more shirts coming. It was a fabulous delivery. Make sure to take a moment and check out the photos!
One of our ladies even took the time to make some special Easter shirts. They are PRECIOUS! Look at all the work she put in to them!!! Those little chicks along the bottom, incredible!
I looked at the big stack, it was about double the normal amount we had done in 2016 each quarter. I was floored we had done so many. But, this also meant that with only a few of us, many of the shirts would simply not get done in time for the delivery to the CVICU at Arkansas Children's Hospital. It just wasn't possible. I took in a deep breath and told myself it was OK, that God provides the workers as long as we are willing to follow His will, but it was OK if they weren't all done. There was simply only so many hours in a day. Whatever got done, we would deliver. And, it would be fabulous no matter what. It was OK!
Then, the ladies began to show up. They sat down and begin to sew what was already ironed as I continued to iron more. I kept ironing, they kept visiting while hand sewing, I kept ironing, they kept getting more done! I finished the ironing and began to put snaps on the shirts. Another lady stopped by to help and began to package the completed shirts. We kept going and enjoying the fellowship as we worked. When our time was almost up for the day, the ladies asked "are there any more to close?" I was floored! Somehow ALL the shirts were closed, we had snaps on almost all, and they were packaged ready to go. How had such a feat happened?!?! And, why after all these years did I doubt what God would accomplish through willing hands? The result?...
The Spring delivery to ACH included 100 Blankets, 1 beautiful quilt, and 79 shirts! When we arrived, they were thrilled. Parents had been asking if there were more shirts coming. It was a fabulous delivery. Make sure to take a moment and check out the photos!
One of our ladies even took the time to make some special Easter shirts. They are PRECIOUS! Look at all the work she put in to them!!! Those little chicks along the bottom, incredible!
If you look closely you will see the details added to this sweet shirt and see why I deeply appreciate having such talented women helping us make a difference!
We are always looking for more helpers! There is always more to do! Please consider joining us or supporting us in our purchases as we MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER! Have a blessed day!
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Ending 2016 with a BANG!
What a fantastic and blessed year we had in 2016! We had our biggest delivery to date! What a BANG! Over the course of 2016 there were many that joined us in providing items for the CVICU at Arkansas Children's Hospital. And, I can say from personal experience, your gifts of items, money, time, and prayers make such a difference! Knowing that someone you have never met cares about your little one is absolutely priceless.
I had the opportunity to go to ACH myself along with my sister and deliver the Christmas Delivery. When we arrived, we grabbed a wagon to allow us to take in all the items and headed to the CVICU. We had to hold the items in the wagon so they didn't fall out! Once we got to the 4th floor, we found the amazing Libby. Like all the ACH staff, she met us with full smile. Of course, I don't think Libby is ever without a smile! We had hats, blankets, shirts, and a giant box full of candy for the nurses. It was Christmas, they needed goodies too!
A few months before this delivery, in October, we had a sewing retreat where the ladies that work so hard during the year just get away and enjoy. We had new visitors this year and as you will see in the photo here, they came bearing gifts! Check out all the little hats! 101 precious little hats! We then made a few red stripe beanies to add to them as well! Look at all the colors! Imagine all the work to have 101 hats ready to go!
I had the opportunity to go to ACH myself along with my sister and deliver the Christmas Delivery. When we arrived, we grabbed a wagon to allow us to take in all the items and headed to the CVICU. We had to hold the items in the wagon so they didn't fall out! Once we got to the 4th floor, we found the amazing Libby. Like all the ACH staff, she met us with full smile. Of course, I don't think Libby is ever without a smile! We had hats, blankets, shirts, and a giant box full of candy for the nurses. It was Christmas, they needed goodies too!
A few months before this delivery, in October, we had a sewing retreat where the ladies that work so hard during the year just get away and enjoy. We had new visitors this year and as you will see in the photo here, they came bearing gifts! Check out all the little hats! 101 precious little hats! We then made a few red stripe beanies to add to them as well! Look at all the colors! Imagine all the work to have 101 hats ready to go!
Our wagon was filled with 76 flannel blankets, 101 sweet hats, 32 beanies, and 52 shirts. If you take a moment to visit the Photos page, you will see pics of all these items. And, if you have donated, look closely and you will most likely see your donations in those photos!
Thank you for helping to make 2016 amazing! It has inspired 2017 to be even better! Look for an update on 2017 soon!
Be blessed, and thank you for blessing us! Happy 2017!
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Fall 2016 Delivery - WOW! Just WOW!
Obviously by the title you can tell this is a MUCH overdue post! But, the impact of what was done is never overdue! Over the end of Summer and into Fall we had several ladies invest time in helping us put together a Fall delivery for Arkansas Children's Hospital. And, simply put it was nothing short of amazing!!!We have ladies from 11 to 60+ (it's not nice to give ages once you get older :) ) each contributing time and effort. Some sew, some iron, some provide supplies, some cut....it all adds up! We have watched and enjoyed the fact that everyone can make a positive difference if they are willing.
In the fall delivery alone, we had 48 shirts (includes dress style and preemie sizes), 75 flannel blankets, 7 fleece blankets, 13 quilts, and 36 hats! Deliveries like that happen because several people each put forth a little of their time each month. More photos are on our photo page. Make sure to check them out!
I am always amazed as a delivery is finalized how much truly gets done. It just keeps adding up! The impact being made is truly a miracle in itself. Families in their worst moments are being given a gift that allows them to know someone cares about them. And, even bigger, someone cares about their little one. Giving someone that little "kiss on the cheek" in their hardest moment is beyond words.
I pray as you read this short update that you consider joining us in some way. You can give your time or your finances. For those who choose to give a little money here and there, know that it is not wasted! I wait until the biggest sale times to get the most for the money. Yes, the means standing in the cold on black Friday in front of the fabric store. But, to know I can get more for the money and have a bigger impact makes it all worth it!
Happy Fall! And now, bring on the Christmas delivery! It's being put together now!!!
Friday, July 22, 2016
Summer Delivery - WOW!
Over the last few months I crossed that bridge to officially being an empty-nester. And, I admit it was and still is HARD! My poor husband is still dealing with an emotional wife. However, the removal of a big bed means big sewing space! So as I moved furniture, organized fabric, and decorated...I shed some tears. We work hard to raise children as God would have us do, but it doesn't make it easy to then change your job description for adulthood!
I spent a few weeks going through every single piece of fabric I have and organizing. For you sewers out there, you know this took a bit of discipline and time! The result though was well worth the time. I had not expected the pleasant benefits I have experienced because of taking the time to set up the sewing space. I can spend the same amount of time on projects for Arkansas Children's Hospital with our amazing volunteers but be at least twice as productive! We can easily grab and use things without looking for them or setting up and taking down. The result of this change can be seen in our delivery for summer! There was a lot completed!
These volunteers turned out a beautiful bounty for delivery! There were 42 shirts (several were preemie size), 5 beanies, 4 crocheted hats, 3 lovies (small blankets), 2 blankets, and 74 flannel blankets!
For those that are new to this page, make sure to take time to check out the photos! Much of our fabric is donated! We have been truly blessed. The shirts are a custom design to work with all of the tubes, wire, and medical needs at ACH for the babies. We make these because nothing else exists to meet this need. The flannel blankets are actually used as a sheet under the baby. They are larger than a receiving blanket purchased at the store so they fit the mattress of the warming beds. More importantly than all of this, is that our gifts allow people in their hardest moments know that someone cares about them. They are not alone. This is our greatest gift.
I hope to see many more faces at our Aug 6 gathering! We are preparing our fall delivery! We have items to cut, items to iron, items to sew...any level of skill can make a difference. Come be a Difference Maker with us!
I spent a few weeks going through every single piece of fabric I have and organizing. For you sewers out there, you know this took a bit of discipline and time! The result though was well worth the time. I had not expected the pleasant benefits I have experienced because of taking the time to set up the sewing space. I can spend the same amount of time on projects for Arkansas Children's Hospital with our amazing volunteers but be at least twice as productive! We can easily grab and use things without looking for them or setting up and taking down. The result of this change can be seen in our delivery for summer! There was a lot completed!
These volunteers turned out a beautiful bounty for delivery! There were 42 shirts (several were preemie size), 5 beanies, 4 crocheted hats, 3 lovies (small blankets), 2 blankets, and 74 flannel blankets!
For those that are new to this page, make sure to take time to check out the photos! Much of our fabric is donated! We have been truly blessed. The shirts are a custom design to work with all of the tubes, wire, and medical needs at ACH for the babies. We make these because nothing else exists to meet this need. The flannel blankets are actually used as a sheet under the baby. They are larger than a receiving blanket purchased at the store so they fit the mattress of the warming beds. More importantly than all of this, is that our gifts allow people in their hardest moments know that someone cares about them. They are not alone. This is our greatest gift.
I hope to see many more faces at our Aug 6 gathering! We are preparing our fall delivery! We have items to cut, items to iron, items to sew...any level of skill can make a difference. Come be a Difference Maker with us!
Monday, June 13, 2016
Let's Talk About Those Ladies
I run in to people and they tell me "you do wonderful work, but I could never do that". I am here to tell you...you are WRONG on both accounts! Allow me to explain!
First,I want to clarify who does the wonderful work! The "I" that does wonderful work, is a "WE". There are a team of ladies that come and go as God knows our needs to make a difference together. I used to worry about who might show up each month until I realized God was filling the room and the supplies with exactly what we needed for just that month! It's hard to come to this peace, but when you do, it is truly amazing because you get to enjoy the journey and allow it to be the blessing it was designed to be. I say all this to remind those of you that pour in to others, that you must allow yourself to enjoy the journey and never let stress rob you of this joy. What gets done, gets done. And that is enough.
Second, I want to clarify who can do this! I want you to "meet" the women that do this and understand how God uses anything we are willing to bring to the table! This is just a few of the ladies we have had the pleasure locking arms with to make a difference. Take a moment to read about them and I am sure you will identify with at least one of them!
Lady 1: This woman has been sewing most of her life. She does fabulous hand work. She's one of those you can depend on to finish what she starts and she always comes each month. She comes simply with an open heart and asks what can she do this meeting. She's a treasure and sometimes even brings goodies to share. She works in the school system with kids every day. You know she should be tired, but she still shows up.
Lady 2: This woman has never sewn! She is however, passionate about helping others. She works with jail ministry and impacts many lives, but don't ask her to use a needle and thread! That's perfect, because she irons the items for the others to sew! She also cuts out items to be sewn. Skills are not needed. Just a willing heart. Her kids are grown, but are still an active part of her daily life. She spends time with her husband, time with Jesus, works full time, but still takes a few moments in a month with our ministry as well.
Lady 3: This woman sews well and is always willing. But, she is a very busy single mom running her own business. Those two things alone would give her reason to not be able to have time to work with us. What many don't know though is that she too has experienced Arkansas Children's Hospital first hand and understands the needs of those families. It is for this reason, she makes the time to join us each month. And, if her schedule doesn't allow, somehow she completes a ton of items at home and brings them by!
Lady 4: This is a young woman. Early in her marriage, working full time, and remodeling her home. The remodeling of a home can make anyone crazy and busy! This young lady though has grown up with sewing and has a big heart. She wants to make a difference so she does through this ministry. She sews, irons, finishes...whatever the need that month she fills in...willingly. Her smile is fantastic and brings such positive energy to our meetings.
Lady 5: This is a woman I have only met in person a few times. She is busy and has a daughter with health concerns that have led her to be at ACH many, many times for many, many days. She believes in this ministry and each year purchases flannel for us to use for blankets for the babies. Without items like this, we could not impact even a fraction of the families that we do. Resources are vital and she understands this. We are humbled by her gifts.
It is my prayer that you take a moment to see that God uses everything you are willing to give. It may be your time, your talents, or your resources. You don't have to be what you consider wonderful or amazing, just be you and it will be used. Together, we are wonderful. Together we are amazing. Together, we make a difference. I hope you will join us and be a Difference Maker too!
First,I want to clarify who does the wonderful work! The "I" that does wonderful work, is a "WE". There are a team of ladies that come and go as God knows our needs to make a difference together. I used to worry about who might show up each month until I realized God was filling the room and the supplies with exactly what we needed for just that month! It's hard to come to this peace, but when you do, it is truly amazing because you get to enjoy the journey and allow it to be the blessing it was designed to be. I say all this to remind those of you that pour in to others, that you must allow yourself to enjoy the journey and never let stress rob you of this joy. What gets done, gets done. And that is enough.
Second, I want to clarify who can do this! I want you to "meet" the women that do this and understand how God uses anything we are willing to bring to the table! This is just a few of the ladies we have had the pleasure locking arms with to make a difference. Take a moment to read about them and I am sure you will identify with at least one of them!
Lady 1: This woman has been sewing most of her life. She does fabulous hand work. She's one of those you can depend on to finish what she starts and she always comes each month. She comes simply with an open heart and asks what can she do this meeting. She's a treasure and sometimes even brings goodies to share. She works in the school system with kids every day. You know she should be tired, but she still shows up.
Lady 2: This woman has never sewn! She is however, passionate about helping others. She works with jail ministry and impacts many lives, but don't ask her to use a needle and thread! That's perfect, because she irons the items for the others to sew! She also cuts out items to be sewn. Skills are not needed. Just a willing heart. Her kids are grown, but are still an active part of her daily life. She spends time with her husband, time with Jesus, works full time, but still takes a few moments in a month with our ministry as well.
Lady 3: This woman sews well and is always willing. But, she is a very busy single mom running her own business. Those two things alone would give her reason to not be able to have time to work with us. What many don't know though is that she too has experienced Arkansas Children's Hospital first hand and understands the needs of those families. It is for this reason, she makes the time to join us each month. And, if her schedule doesn't allow, somehow she completes a ton of items at home and brings them by!
Lady 4: This is a young woman. Early in her marriage, working full time, and remodeling her home. The remodeling of a home can make anyone crazy and busy! This young lady though has grown up with sewing and has a big heart. She wants to make a difference so she does through this ministry. She sews, irons, finishes...whatever the need that month she fills in...willingly. Her smile is fantastic and brings such positive energy to our meetings.
Lady 5: This is a woman I have only met in person a few times. She is busy and has a daughter with health concerns that have led her to be at ACH many, many times for many, many days. She believes in this ministry and each year purchases flannel for us to use for blankets for the babies. Without items like this, we could not impact even a fraction of the families that we do. Resources are vital and she understands this. We are humbled by her gifts.
It is my prayer that you take a moment to see that God uses everything you are willing to give. It may be your time, your talents, or your resources. You don't have to be what you consider wonderful or amazing, just be you and it will be used. Together, we are wonderful. Together we are amazing. Together, we make a difference. I hope you will join us and be a Difference Maker too!
Friday, May 27, 2016
Spring has sprung and now comes Summer....
Our Spring delivery was fabulous! We actually had 2 deliveries! One in time for Easter and then one more because we finished up some more items! They were fabulous! Beautiful shirts, sweet blankets, and even a few hats! We have such wonderful and talented helpers making this happen.
The last delivery we even started new packaging for our shirts. In the past, we have simply delivered them unwrapped. They are now individually wrapped so they are more of a gift for the families to enjoy. We want them to know that they matter and that it was important to us to provide this for them. There is a sweet message on the back of the package that looks like this photo below.
In total, we were able to deliver 37 shirts and 69 blankets for spring! That is awesome! So many families were blessed! Click on the photos tab to see all the pictures!
Our June sewing meeting we will be wrapping up the items for our Summer delivery! The ladies have been extremely busy and it will be another wonderful amount going to ACH! Our June meeting is also going to be a little different in that we will be having a "Tea Party" as we sew. We will have tea and cookies to enjoy the afternoon fellowship.
You may ask why we would do a tea party... June is a very special month for us. Our daughter was born in June with her heart condition. We only had the blessing of her here with us for 100 days. Now we wait to see her again. All of those days were spent in the CVICU at Arkansas Children's Hospital. During the pregnancy, we talked all the time about having a little girl and dreaming of the tea parties we would have. So, we have them and think of her. She is 5 this year.
Our time in the CVICU was hard, but deeply and richly blessed. It was during this time our eyes were opened to what is happening there. Parents are coming in with these new babies and have nothing for them. They can't afford anything. Even if they could, nothing exists to buy that the babies could wear due to all the wires and tubes. This is why what we do is so critical. We are able to make the only item these families can put on their babies. And, we are able to let these families know they are truly not alone. People care about them.
We hope you will join us June 4, 2-?? and enjoy tea and cookies as we sew. Sewing skills are not required! We need everyone!
See you there!...
The last delivery we even started new packaging for our shirts. In the past, we have simply delivered them unwrapped. They are now individually wrapped so they are more of a gift for the families to enjoy. We want them to know that they matter and that it was important to us to provide this for them. There is a sweet message on the back of the package that looks like this photo below.
In total, we were able to deliver 37 shirts and 69 blankets for spring! That is awesome! So many families were blessed! Click on the photos tab to see all the pictures!
Our June sewing meeting we will be wrapping up the items for our Summer delivery! The ladies have been extremely busy and it will be another wonderful amount going to ACH! Our June meeting is also going to be a little different in that we will be having a "Tea Party" as we sew. We will have tea and cookies to enjoy the afternoon fellowship.
You may ask why we would do a tea party... June is a very special month for us. Our daughter was born in June with her heart condition. We only had the blessing of her here with us for 100 days. Now we wait to see her again. All of those days were spent in the CVICU at Arkansas Children's Hospital. During the pregnancy, we talked all the time about having a little girl and dreaming of the tea parties we would have. So, we have them and think of her. She is 5 this year.
Our time in the CVICU was hard, but deeply and richly blessed. It was during this time our eyes were opened to what is happening there. Parents are coming in with these new babies and have nothing for them. They can't afford anything. Even if they could, nothing exists to buy that the babies could wear due to all the wires and tubes. This is why what we do is so critical. We are able to make the only item these families can put on their babies. And, we are able to let these families know they are truly not alone. People care about them.
We hope you will join us June 4, 2-?? and enjoy tea and cookies as we sew. Sewing skills are not required! We need everyone!
See you there!...
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