diamonds [aren't] a girl's best friend.

A few years back I saw the movie "Blood Diamond" and was really impacted by it's message. Before seeing this movie I had no idea what a conflict diamond was. You may not either. Conflict diamonds are stones that are mined and produced through the forced labor of men, women and children. They are produced in areas that are controlled by rebel forces. These rebels and warlords sell these diamonds and the money is used to fund their ciivl wars in Africa. Many died for the sake of diamonds. These diamonds were being sold in retailers across the world. A study showed that 83% of diamond buyers in the United States do not question the source of their diamond.

BrilliantEarth.com 

In 2003, an initiative known as the Kimberley Process was introduced to reduce the flow of conflict diamonds. The majority of diamonds sold in retailers today are conflict-free. However-may diamond retailers fail to provide sufficient assurance that their diamonds are in fact conflict-free. After seeing "Blood Diamond" I began to do some research on the subject and stumbled across a website called Brilliant Earth. They make sure that every gemstone is mined in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Their diamonds are mined in Canada and Namibia and are 100% conflict free. They also give back a portion of their profits to African communities that were affected by the diamond industry. So before you (or your loved one) go to buy a diamond: ASK where it came from! 


Oh and P.S. : Dear future husband: I don't know who you are. But just in case you are reading this : I like that ring. :)

[top five] danielle-isms.

[sayings.]

1. oh that's cute!

2. huh?

3. this is the best salad i have ever had.

4. i don't know--i was homeschooled.

5. what key is this in?

[bucket list.] *not in order*

1. sit on the giant horse at p.f. changs.

2. be merrily married to my prince and have tiny little homeschooled rock star children.

3. go to wherever God sends me and love whoever He puts in my path. 

4. see my [many] dreams come true.

5. live in a cottage and name it after a jane austen character/place. 

[places i want to go.]

1. new york city.

2. london.

3. prince edward island [canada]

4. north carolina [aka the land of nicholas sparks.]

5. italy. 

palm sunday.

We decided to do a really creative/meaningful Palm Sunday service this year at Verve & Velocity (the student ministry at The People's Church in Franklin.) We didn't have a sermon in either services. Instead we developed a worship service consisting of students reading selected verses from Palm Sunday to the ascension. We took communion. We fervently worshipped.  I have to say that I have never seen such a passion for worship amongst our students like I saw today--God was really moving. The service was entitled "show me what i'm looking for" based on the song by the same name. A HUGE thank you to all of our band and tech crew who helped make this day possible! We are so blessed to have such talent---but even greater than that--we are so blessed for the hearts of those who serve alongside us. We serve a great God. 


Here is a sneak peek into today's set list:

*Background/intro music: "Passion of the Christ" soundtrack*

Video: "Steve Harvey introduces Jesus"

Flute Solo: Oh the Wonderful Cross

Search My Heart (off of Hillsong United's new album "Aftermath")

Salvation is Here (Hillsong)

Hosanna (Hillsong United)

Show Me What I'm Looking For (Carolina Liar)

Divine Romance (Phil Wickham)

How He Loves Us (David Crowder Band) 

Beautiful Things (Gungor)

Rise and Sing (Tomlin) 

In keeping with the theme: I took paper grocery bags and wrote words of what we are looking for on them: LOVE. PEACE. MERCY. GRACE. RESPECT. JOY. HOPE. and had them lying on the ground mixed with palm leaves in the hallway/stage area.

[my top five] rainy day movies.

because April showers bring May flowers. . .

[warning: they may or may not be all chick flicks]

                                                    

the measure of a lady.

This past weekend a few of us ladies from our small group packed a picnic consisting of organic sparkling water and desserts (for what is a picnic without chocolate?) and headed out to Arrington Vineyards. We just finished going through the book "Scouting the Divine" by Margaret Feinberg. The last chapter of the book took place in a vineyard! It was my first time there and the scenery was absolutely spectacular. We laughed. We ate. We read Proverbs 31 together. 

I've been thinking a lot lately about the kind of wife and mother I will be one day. The Proverbs 31 woman is a SUPER WOMAN. I see so many attributes from her in my own Mom--who is like Martha Stewart on steroids. I don't remember my Mom ever getting tired of seeing me in musical after musical. Running my sister and me from basketball game to talent show. Homeschooling me and cooking dinner. Being the most devoted pastor's wife. Discipling dozens of women in between running a house hold.  I remember (and know) an ever-loving woman who is graceful and patient.  I am absolutely blessed to have been raised by a Proverbs 31-esque Mom. The Proverbs 31 woman has taught me this: It is definitely possible to be a : wife + mom + rockstar for Jesus. And? I'm looking forward to it. 

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. . .She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." 

[song of the moment.]

i remember.

Tonight I accompanied my little niece London to the infamous Chuck-E-Cheese. This place has been delighting kids (and twenty-four year olds--ahem) for decades. As I watched the little children run crazily from one game to the next I thought about my childhood birthday parties which were spent in this place which has a rat for it's mascot. He is a rat--right? Why couldn't he have been something cute like a bunny? Besides the point. These days Chuck-E covers Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus songs instead of the "YMCA" he and his buddies used to rock out in my day. I began to think about my childhood. I began to think about my Grandpa.

 My grandpa J.D. Ford passed away a few days ago at eighty years young. He was the toughest man I knew. He was an entrepreneur and businessman.  He always smelt like asphalt. He forever wanted me to sing country music. (Sorry Pops--never gonna happen.) He came to every church musical I was ever in. He gave me $100 every year on my birthday with a card that read: "I hope this fits." He ended every phone conversation with this: "Tell everybody you had a chance to see me." Thankful for the man that he was and awful blessed to have been his little Danielle. I remember.