Last year when I attended the Influence Conference I had a different attitude and mindset than I normally have at conferences. I went there with the desire to meet and make new friends.
I’m usually the type of girl who would rather stay with “my people” and NOT meet new women.
Because honestly? It’s easier. And sometimes I like to be lazy when it comes to friendships. #notproud
I often have a hard time opening the door for new people because it’s uncomfortable. And y’all, I hate being uncomfortable.
But, sometimes God’s best work is when you go out of your comfort zone and do things that stretch you.
Meeting Nicole, from Two Little Fish, last year was one of those moments for me.
Two Little Fish is a business that Nicole started for the sole purpose of GLORIFYING GOD. And Nicole is amazingly generous.
From the minute I met her I knew God placed her in my life to inspire and encourage me.
Sometimes I’m selfish. When I heard her story I instantly felt encouraged to be more like her. To give more freely.
Her business designs, manufactures and sells handmade bedding. The most gorgeous, unique custom bedding I’ve ever laid eyes on.
But the best part is they get their fabric from Africa. They actually employ the women who make it! And not only that… 100% of the proceeds goes to charity.
I’m amazed at the work that she does.
I remember meeting her and thinking, “WOW, she inspires me.”
Which probably in my brain sounded more like — “She’s the bomb dot com.” Ha! #dorkalert
And then I recall laying in my hotel room that night reflecting on how I normally don’t open myself up to new friendships and how the second that I finally did… I met someone wonderful.
Funny how God doesn’t just like to say, “Psssst. Hey you, I think you may like her. (in a quiet tone)”
Instead he says, “BAM! Isn’t she amazing! (in the loudest voice possible)”
It taught me that I need to trust Him more.
Phew, when I do. He doesn’t just throw me some so-so friends. He blesses me with the best. Girls and women that I feel like I’ve known my entire life.
When she asked me if I would want to photograph some of her bedding in SJ’s nursery…I was so excited!!
I love styling and staging rooms, especially with really cool fabric.
But I mostly said yes because the truth is… if and when I have to re-do a nursery? She will be who I go to. EVERYTHING about her style and fabric is so perfect to me.
One thing that remains true to me… I only share things with you all that I LOVE and ADORE. Because I want you to always know that the things written here are the things that mean something to me.
Things that make my world go round!
As much as I loved the bedding all done up with the pillows…I loved the simplicity of the sheet and the quilt just as much.
I can’t explain how much fun I had playing around with this bedding in SJ’s old nursery. I say old because he now shares a room with his big brother Bents. This nursery has been empty for quite some time.
I know that this will be the room where our new child will sleep. This will be their space. So while I was in there doing this photo shoot I couldn’t help but to stop and pray.
When I finished taking pictures I text a few to Nicole and she thanked me.
But the truth is? I thanked her. Because something about being in this nursery gave me hope for our adoption. It made it real again. And sometimes, after 2 years of waiting… it doesn’t feel real.
I can’t wait to get the call from our agency. To know whether we are going to be adding a little girl or another little boy. And you better believe that as soon as I know? I’ll be calling Nicole to start my custom order!
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A little more about Two Little Fish:
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