Vendor Spotlight: THE AUTRY'S

I have this friend.

And everyone who knows her knows that when God speaks to her she listens.

There are many times God tells her to do simple big things, like send an encouraging note to a friend who is carrying a heavy burden.  Or, drop a sweet gift by just to bless someone. Always, she hears God telling her to pray.  And she does.

Then there are times God tells her to do not-so-simple big things, like - adopt a child/children from Ethiopia. 

She has been here before, expecting a child through the miracle of adoption. Unbelievably, this little man will be five in December. There was a mountain to climb in order to bring this son home, and she did everything it took to become his mommy.

Here's the thing about how God talks to Marcie - He knows that she is faithful in the simple big things, and He gives her more. There is always a dream, something bigger than herself. A dream to make God's name known and to tell stories of what He is doing. 

He is doing A New Thing, always.

This time, God gave Marcie a vision to host a marketplace that would bring together others who are dreaming big. She envisioned a marketplace offering quality handmade items and works of redemption that would inspire - old things made new. 

And the Marketplace would give people a voice - to share their creations, to appreciate the creations of others, and to speak with the money they spend. At the Marketplace, shoppers could Purchase with Purpose! 

Since God always gives Marcie big dreams, He has also given her big talent. She is a gifted creator. A happy Marcie is a crafting Marcie. Her brain goes concept to finished product in 1.4 seconds.  Then, a piece of burlap and a few stitches later, you have a super cute Marcie original! (I won't mention the number of frequent flyer miles she's racked up at Goodwill and City Thrift.)

Here's what you can expect to find in Marcie's booth at the Marketplace...

Of course, behind every good woman, there is a bearded man....

Make no mistake about it, this is a family gig.  Marcie's husband, Jamie, is bringing this vision into reality - designing and constructing booths, troubleshooting the master plans, building pieces for her booth and.....

Wait a second - what's this? Jamie crafts, too?? No, folks, this was just an anomaly.  (When a man needs a ninja mask, a man's gotta sew.) He can, however draw some pretty mean farm animals. And, I am pretty sure Jamie was responsible for this....

I love this family. And I love that God spoke His message of "A New Thing" into the plans for the Marketplace because we are all eagerly awaiting the New Thing God is doing in the Autry family. Another adoption miracle.  Expecting from Ethiopia......

When you shop at the marketplace, you will be supporting this sweet family's adoption via ticket sales and a percentage of the profits from most of the vendors. And, 100% of the profits from Marcie's booth goes toward their adoption.

Doesn't that just make you smile?  Me, too!