For Christmas this year, my youngest brother gifted us a new (to us) fisheye lens… and OHMAN have we had some fun with it. I’ll be posting some more silly pictures from the fisheye soon, but here are a couple of photos that the hubster took the other day while we were hanging around the house.
Posted in Everyday Life, Nish Happens, Photography
I was skeptical.
The email came through, asking if I would be interested in partnering with an organization that “raises money for the world’s greatest causes and charities.” How can one organization do so much for so many causes?
I doubted.
I’ve been approached by charitable organizations before, non-profits and for-profits alike, asking about partnership, asking about exposure, asking about being a blogger for a cause. I had only committed to partnering with one when the email came through, and that one was World Vision.
But then Ryan emailed me. He sent a link to Sevenly, and I have to say, I was impressed. Really impressed. He sent over a YouTube video, a press kit and information about how Sevenly works, and I was immediately interested.
It’s a brilliant model, really. All based around the number seven, Sevenly seeks to alleviate the burdens of seven of the biggest causes across the globe: Hunger, Water, Slavery, Aid, Disaster, Medical and Poverty.
It works like this:
Just last week, they raised over $14,000 for the Somaly Mam foundation. By selling one t-shirt and hoodie design. Fourteen thousand dollars went towards freeing people from the bonds of slavery. That’s INCREDIBLE!
This week, the charity they’ve partnered with is Autism Speaks, hoping to raise money for families with Autistic children during a time of need.
Here’s a list of other organizations that Sevenly has partnered with and raised money for:
Impressive, right?
In full disclosure, Sevenly is actually a for-profit organization. They refer to themselves as a “More than Profit” social good organization… similar in line with TOMS Shoes and Warby Parker.
I’m excited to see how Sevenly continues to grow, change and do good around the world. And I’m honored to partner with them! Go check out the website and take a look at their amazing designs, read the stories, and be inspired.
__________________
Sevenly and I would like to offer a giveaway to one reader here at The Outdoor Wife! Simply leave me a comment, and tell me what organization you’d love to see as a Sevenly partner.
One comment per person, please!
The winner will receive a few goodies from Sevenly: One of their uniquely designed t-shirts, stickers, and wristbands.
(This giveaway will close on Sunday night, January 22.)
Posted in Sevenly
I walk to Temple Square from my house. It’s a quick walk, only about 10 minutes if I hustle. It’s all downhill going, so the walk home is always a good workout.
Walking through the big iron gates, I admire the architecture, read the infographics in the Visitor’s Center, and chat with the missionaries while Rowan smiles and flirts from his stroller, always with his trusty Hot Wheels car in-hand. I like hearing their story – where they’re from, why they wanted to be a missionary, how they’re enjoying Salt Lake City.
The Temple missionaries, usually young women or an elderly couple, always ask me if I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I always politely answer “No, I’m not,” and explain “But, I am a believer in Christ, and I am a part of a local church here.” This usually incites some good conversation.
During one of my trips to the Temple, I was offered a copy of their Scriptures, as “a gift from The Church,” the young man said. I thanked him, brought the book home and began to thumb through the pages while Rowan snacked on an apple. I remember a conversation I had with my dear friend Allison. She was asked by some missionaries in her neighborhood to read the entire Book of Mormon. After thinking about that concept at length over the course of the last few weeks, I thought “That’s actually a pretty good idea.”
See, here in Utah, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes up over 60% of the population. Yes. Over half of the entire state is considered Mormon. Which, if you know anything about Utah, that probably doesn’t surprise you.
But, as I’ve been living here in Salt Lake City, a short walk from one of the Saints’ most sacred sites, I realized that I know very little about my LDS friends’ beliefs. Everything I’ve learned about the Mormon faith has been through others, primarily people who were never Mormon, or who used to be Mormon and are no longer. Which isn’t bad, per se. The people I’ve learned from are extremely smart, analytical, knowledgable, and I trust them.
But.
But, there’s something that I think we’ve lost in our culture of immediacy. We’ve lost a sense of discovery, hard work and independent thought when it comes to learning about other faiths. We take to our computers and scan Wikipedia for a few bullet points. We ask our friends. We maybe read a book or two, but even that is rare these days.
Aside from my friends who used to be members of the LDS church, I’m not sure I know anyone else who has willingly read The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price (these are the three primary scriptures in the LDS faith) in their entirety.
Some of the reason is time, and I get that. We all have limited spare time to research and learn on our own.
If we’re honest, some of the reason is fear, too.
As a mainline, protestant, evangelical Christian, I’ve been taught to keep other faiths at arms-length. Never let it too close, and for heaven’s sake, PLEASE don’t read their Scriptures. Right? Don’t get me wrong, I think at some level, it’s healthy to not engage emotionally and it’s healthy to know where I am in the steadiness of my faith. I should always be evaluating that and making smart decisions.
But, at what point will I decide to grow a pair & be intellectually honest? How can I engage a thoughtful, genuine conversation about the LDS faith WITH people OF that faith, without even knowing what their Scriptures say? Without ever touching the pages and reading the words for myself, how can I talk about it with any kind of integrity? It’s too easy to slip into hearsay and assumptions. And frankly, I’m tired of assuming. I’m tired of not being self-informed. I’m tired of putting my foot in my mouth & looking like an ass… it’s awkward, uncomfortable and I’d rather do the work towards a fuller understanding. I feel like I owe it to my LDS friends, neighbors and colleagues to sit and read for a while.
So, over the course of the next year, I’ll be reading the Scriptures of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I’m grateful to have people I trust on both sides of the Mormon faith… those who were once LDS and are no longer, and those who are currently LDS and active in their faith community. I know I can go to them with hard questions and get honest answers. I know they’ll dig in with me and help me understand. I know they’ll keep me upright, and they’ll honor both my desire to learn, and my desire to stay true to Christ as I’ve come to know Him through the Bible.
I might post more about this as the year progresses, I might not. But, I wanted to be open about what I’m pursuing & why, in hopes that it might spark a conversation about what it means to really learn about other beliefs while staying true to our own.
Posted in Church, Faith, Nish Happens, Utah
Tagged Book of Mormon, Latter-day Saints, LDS, Mormon, Salt Lake City, Utah
When I was pregnant with Rowan, I kinda bucked the trends. I didn’t read a bunch of books about pregnancy, birth, or even raising kids. I’ve always had this “come what may” attitude about parenting… and life in general, really.
Even though I didn’t read much, I did read some. And the first blog I found in my journey was Simple Mom.
I loved how Tsh & her contributors sought out to live a more simple life, so that they were freed to live with more intention.
Hubster and I don’t really have a family motto, catchphrase or vision statement… but if we did? That would be it. We crave the simple life. Everything from our spare time to how we spend our money, and how we live in community to how we raise our kid. It’s a passion, a heartbeat, and honestly? Something we struggle with, too. It’s a daily choice to live simply & intentionally.
So, when I found Tsh and Simple Mom, I was hooked from the first post.
And last month, when she asked me to join the Simple Mom team as a contributor? I was SO EXCITED. Honored, surprised, but ohsoexcited. Writing alongside the Simple Mom team is a dream come true for me in my blogging and writing experience thus far, and I can’t wait to jump in.
I’ll be writing primarily about getting your family outdoors… and how it’s a lot easier than it sounds. I hope you’ll join the Simple Mom team throughout the coming year as we share our stories about intentional living.
Posted in Adventure, Blogging, Everyday Life, Nish Happens
“So, what do you do?”
Hubster and I get asked this a lot.
This. We do this.
(hubster is in the green helmet. hands off, ladies. there are plenty of good lookin’ single guides I can introduce you to.)
I’m getting ready for summer already!
If you’re interested in taking your family rafting this summer, talk to me! Or visit our website.
Posted in Adventure
For the first time ever, I opened up sponsorship opportunities here at The Outdoor Wife last November. And can I tell you something? I’m in need of a steep learning curve! But these women have been so patient with me and have offered me grace as I learn. I’m so grateful for my two sponsors who offered to partner with me through the end of 2011. Let me introduce you to them & their awesome products!
My first sponsor is Joanna Osborne, a Scentsy consultant. Have you heard of Scentsy? No? Well, you NEED to learn about it. Scentsy is a direct selling wickless candle company! Their products are AMAZING. I have two Scentsy warmers in my home and they give off the most calming glow & they fill my house with the smell of cinnamon and vanilla. I love how easy they are to use, how long they last, and the quick ordering process that Joanna offers. You simply plug it in, add a brick or two of your chosen scent, and enjoy.
For the month of January, Joanna is offering free shipping on orders of $75 or more for readers of The Outdoor Wife! Make sure you drop her a note before you order so she can help you with the shipping code. You can find her over at her Facebook page, where she offers giveaways every month!
______________
My second sponsor is Alissa from Rags to Stitches Boutique. She makes amazing handmade accessories for your laptop, iPad, or tablet… along with Christmas stockings and accessories for your kiddos!
I wish I had an iPad so I could wrap it in one of her iPad Snuggies. Anyone want to splurge on an iPad for me? No? Why ever not?
For readers of The Outdoor Wife, Alissa is offering 15% OFF your order with the code “HOHOHO” (We’re still in the Christmas spirit!)
Head on over to Rags to Stitches Boutique to pick out some fun tech & kid accessories!
__________
I still have sponsorship spots open for the month of January! If you’re interested in getting your products in front of a thoughtful, loyal audience, I’d love to chat with you about the opportunity! Contact me anytime.
Posted in Sponsorship
To the year past and the year to come, I am grateful for each of you.
2011, you have blessed me richly, peeled back the veils of my eyes & opened my heart wide and raw and I’m not the same as I was when we started out together. You brought me up and down and twisted sideways and there were times when I couldn’t tell if I’d ever stand stable again. You moved our little family into three houses in two states. You sent me to another continent – a trip that left me with the thinnest skin.
2011, when we started, we had plans & dreams. Most of those shifted with the wind and months passed, but we remained faithful and pressed into each day, some with more faith than others. You taught me so much, but patience most of all. As we passed through, I felt like I had my hands tied behind my back, vulnerable to your whims & changing tides. But you proved to be a great year. God used you in the biggest ways to change me as a wife, a mother and a woman altogether. I am wholly different and this new skin suits me just fine.
You weren’t always gentle with me, 2011. I felt ravaged and laid out, sucker-punched and vulnerable. You made me question everything. You reminded me that I still have demons to stare down and the battle isn’t over. I lost my temper more than I care to admit and sometimes, I let the darkness swallow me whole. But, dangling from the limbs, there was always a rope to climb out. Somehow, we made it through you.
No, you weren’t always gentle. But you were often kind & full of abundant blessing. Rowan grew up so much. He’s only two now, but I can’t remember life before him. He stayed healthy and strong. I’m grateful for that.
You saw me to Bolivia and back. I still struggle with what I’ve seen. I still struggle with how I respond. My heart is so tender and I hang onto that trip with heavy sobs and a mind of wonder. The Bolivia trip started in you, 2011, but I think that the aftershocks will last into the infinite years to come.
2011, a tip of my hat to you, for providing incredible music – the tunes that came through you played as a soundtrack to my life. Bon Iver’s “Holocene” sweeps me into another world entirely. Jay-Z and Kanye’s “Ni**as in Paris” is a monstrous & brilliant hip-hop anthem. Gungor’s album is ethereal. Adele’s voice could raise the dead. Florence + The Machine gets played with windows down & at a loud volume. The Civil Wars reminded me why music is important – it ignites passions and emotions buried deep.
____________
And now, my attention moves to you, 2012.
You, with your fresh paint and open canvas. What do you have in store for us? Will we spend months in anticipation of something? Will we feel stable and grounded – the first time in years? Will our roots start to grow in here?
Will I make a mess of you? Will you make a mess of me?
I don’t know what you’ll lay out in our path this year, but I’ve chosen a name for you.
Like years past, I abandon the ways of resolutions and instead, choose a theme. A rhythm. A word.
You, 2012, are my year of YES.
I know you’ve got tricks up your sleeve that I can’t see yet… surprises that I’ll welcome and some that I’ll dread. But, regardless of what you put in front of me, I’ve determined that I’m jumping into you with two feet and reckless abandon.
I’m going to say yes to you.
I’m going to say yes to Him.
I’m going to say yes to Erik and yes to Rowan and yes to the mess. I’m going to say yes to letting people into my unclean house and heart alike.
I’m going to say yes to the beautiful broken transformation. I’m going to say yes to things that scare me. I’m going to say yes to things that I love.
I’m saying yes to wearing my heart on my sleeve, even though it probably means it’ll fall off and shatter a few times.
It scares me to death, this thought of saying YES to all of you. But I’m going for it.
I’m all in. I’m all YES.
Bring it.
Yours,
Nish
Posted in Everyday Life, Faith, Nish Happens, One Word
After consuming far too many calories in the form of bacon on Christmas morning, we took to the hills and went on a walk.
I hope your Christmas Day was merry & bright!
Posted in Everyday Life
I knew, upon moving to Salt Lake City, that I was moving to be a part of a community. It’s a unique one… one that values the messy and real things of life. It’s a community that challenges each other and grows alongside each other and we watch each other flourish and transform.
Shortly after our move, we found ourselves jumping into the small group (or House Church, as we call it) that met in our neighborhood. It was one of the largest groups in the community and it was in the middle of some major changes, leadership and location, being the biggest. It was only a month later that we were asked to host the group in our home.
Providing a space for people to gather is easy for me. It brings me joy & a sense of purpose. Hospitality is a gifting of mine and having a house full of people doesn’t stress me out at all. There’s always coffee ready to be poured in our house, and our front door is always open to whoever wants to stop by.
I like providing a space for people to meet, to talk, to challenge each other, to grow together and for people to spread their wings and try new adventures.
The same is true for everything I do online. Specifically, A Deeper Story.
A year ago, I wanted to provide a space that nobody had provided yet. A space where writers who love Jesus could gather, talk about hard issues & messy ideas with grace and an abundance of love. A place where newer writers could find their voice and cultivate it alongside people they trusted. A place where writers could be unafraid to really let it fly… where creative control was really theirs, where nobody sliced and diced their pieces before they were published.
I wanted to offer a space where writers could be a little bit Banksy: Paint powerful word pictures of Truth & human experience on an unlikely canvas.
And so, I did what I’m good at: I simply provided a space. The rest is history and all the credit for any sort of growth & influence needs to go straight to the sensational writers that fill that space every week.
Since its inception, A Deeper Story HAS seen exponential growth and depth. The writers have gotten even more bold and more raw with their words. The mess really shows some days, but the beauty of Truth is always between the lines.
Voices have been found – not just by their owners, but by publishers. Editors. Agents. Print and online publications.
And I guess that’s the nature of the thing, really. When you provide enough space for wingspan, eventually they’re going to use it and fly.
And then, you’re the one being left behind.
I’ve struggled with that lately. As book deals get offered, articles get reprinted elsewhere, speaking opportunities are presented, paid blogging gigs roll in, I have found myself with my feet firmly planted on land, seemingly unable to get myself even halfway up a tree, let alone in the sky.
But after some serious thought, prayer, and long conversations with people, I’m learning that it’s okay to be on the ground, cultivating the land for things to grow and building runways for inevitable takeoff.
Maybe I don’t need to be a star player in the game. Maybe I simply need to build stadiums so the game can be played at all.
I think that’s where I’m most needed right now.
I have a million ideas for book proposals, posts and written pieces. Perhaps one day, I’ll put them to good use and see where takes me. But for this moment, maybe being an architect is the best gig of all.
I can tell you one thing. Watching everyone fly and thrive and flourish makes for one hell of a view. I think I’m going to enjoy it for a while.
Posted in A Deeper Story, Blogging, Nish Happens
I saw this shocking image on Facebook today, and thought I’d post it here.
May we all have a bit more perspective as we approach Christmas.
Location:A little Christmas perspective.
Posted in Blog
