Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
It has been almost a year now since I decided to stop taking ads on my site. It is a decision that I still stand firmly behind and have not regretted once over the past year. Things have not changed but I have a weight pulling on my heart for something new.
I don’t have the largest amount of readers out there (far, far from it) but I do know I have a good readership (THANK YOU!) and because of that I am always looking for a way to make a difference. I want to use this platform to do some good. I have been struggling lately with this idea of servanthood. I read this post on The Friendly Fox a few months back and it has stayed with me since. Motherhood has really, truly brought out a servants heart in me. I have always like helping others but becoming a mom has stretched my heart in new ways. It is something that sometimes doesn’t come easy, but having a little one who needs you every minute of the day really puts your own selfish desires in perspective. I try my best (and I do fail a lot!) to daily find true joy in being a mother to Rowan and to serve her with a pure heart.
As she is getting older, it has become clearer to me that I need to show her what servanthood is. Not only in my actions towards her, but in my day to day with others. I want her to grow up with a huge heart for people. I want her to be humble, helpful, and to put others first. I know the best way to do that is to model that to her. This is why I have come up with a new plan for ads…
As you can see, there are now ads on my site again. I have not reached out to companies for ads- I still don’t want to bombard my content with obligated sponsored posts. I didn’t want to owe anyone anything. The ads were chosen and put there by me. They are all affiliate links which means when you click on them and purchase something I get a small percentage. Rowan and I will now be doing 1 service project a month with the money generated from these ads. It may not be a lot but it will be something. We will do a post each month on the charity we chose and share how we were able to donate and help with the money. Each month I hope to pick a different charity/organization and figure out a way to be able to get Rowan involved. I know she is still young and may not fully understand, but it’s a start to teaching her about having a servants heart.
If you would like to help out, I ask you be mindful in your online shopping this holiday season. I have chosen ads from my favorite stores and if you remember, make sure to click one of the ads on my sidebar before you shop. You may be going to buy gifts for your loved ones but you will also be helping spread some good in a much bigger way!
Thanks!
If you want to start shopping here are some great deals!
MADEWELL: 25% OFF & FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING! CODE: TREAT
J.CREW: 25% OFF! PLUS, FREE SHIPPING ON $150+. USE CODE COLOR25
p.s. this is totally off topic but I know everytime I post a picture of Rowan wearing her fox coat people ask where it is from soooooo… It’s from a etsy shop called Little Goodall.
p.p.s Melissa had a similar idea at the beginning of the year. Love that girl!
Ah Jen, such a great idea. I really resonate with the desire to start early in modelling goodness and putting others ahead with my wee man too (Levi, 18 months).
It feels really natural and the funny thing is that I think even though they are so little, they already have such an awareness of justice and fairness. It’s already built in them and I love that our job as mothers is to develop that sense of justice into one for good. Keep going – Rowan (and baby girl to come) will find this one of the greatest gifts you could give them as their mamma. x
What an awesome idea! My oldest boy is at the age where I want to teach him serving others, too. This Christmas we will go through his toys and bring them to some kids who don’t have any!
Jen this is such a beautiful idea and thought. Such a great way to use something like ads for a good cause. You are definitely setting a wonderful example for your little one. I admire your honesty and your dedication to making a difference. We should all learn from you! Can’t wait to read about your experience! xo
I’m feeling so inspired by so many bloggers lately…to help. And thanks for finding a way to stay true to yourself and give back! Such an amazing example for your kiddos:)
What a great idea. I will definitely do some online shopping through your ads. I think it’s amazing how you want to show Rowan at such an early age that giving back is important. I’m always looking for ways to give back this time of year. Thanks for helping keep that spirit alive all year long.
Such a wonderful idea and the perfect time of year to start such a project. I can’t wait to see the charities you and Rowan help out. Every little bit helps and will make a difference in someone’s life. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Jen. 🙂
Jen you’re truly such an inspiration – this is a wonderful idea!! I can’t wait to do some shopping via your links + how fun to see which charities the money will be going to. Martin & I give to a few each month and it’s such an important thing to give back! Yay! xo
The gospel quote at the front of this post kind of threw me off, but I love this idea. It’s a beautiful way to give back, spend quality time with your little girl and teach her about generosity and kindness. I don’t think these are values taught to us through scripture, but rather values taught to us by our parents and families – no matter the religious affiliation or active non-subscription to religion. Kudos to you for this wonderful gift you’re giving to Rowan. Have fun!
Hi! What size of the minnetonka’s does Rowan wear?? I want to buy some for my goddaughter for Christmas and at a total loss as to what size! She will be 2 in March. That coat is SO cute!
This is a really great idea Jen and I admire your pure heart! I really hope this goes well for you 🙂
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
This brought tears to my eyes! I have been visiting your blog every day since i was pregnant with my now two year old daughter. I am drawn to your blog because you have such a warm heart. I can see it in every post about your daughter. I love seeing what activities you do, crafts, decor, style. I think you are an amazing mom and I am very glad that you choose to share your life with us on the internet 🙂
jen, i love the way you show everybody how rowan grows up.
you are a wondeful mami and i always enjoy your posts
here and in instagram (its me trasherin).
just go your way and i wish you just the best with the new baby girl in a few weeks!
xoxo :*
What a beautiful idea.
I seriously think you’re the best.
This is a great idea but careful about instilling in her ideas about “others coming first”. She must also learn assertiveness and give value to her own needs and wants. Many girls fall into this trap and become servile doormats that people take advantage of.
This is such a great idea! I love what you are doing. I hope someday advertisers will want to use my site so I can do something similar. This is very inspiring. Happy (American) Thanksgiving!
You are so right, Jen! Modeling is the best way to teach. Thank-you for reminding all of us 🙂
I don’t comment often, but I felt compelled to comment this time and tell you THIS IS THE BEST IDEA!! What a fantastic way to “pay it forward”! I simply love it!
Jen, this is awesome. You heart is beautiful! Be blessed & happy Thanksgiving!!
this is such a wonderful thing to do jen. you are seriously awesome!
Thanks for being so real and honest! You are such an inspiration. xx
I’m so glad to hear that post meant something to you, Jen! I know we’ve talked about choosing to be stay at home moms and all of that, and man what a joy it has all been! I love you guys and I wish so badly we could have our little wild kids play together. One day it will happen, I know it!
xoxo
I love this!! Such a beautiful thing to teach your daughter.
Great idea! I just finished writing a paper on Servanthood for a class at school.
Love this! A few years back this video, http://player.vimeo.com/video/30556886?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0 , really touched me. And made me a bit sick. So, we asked the family members that bought our boys gifts to spend 1/2 less than they would and the other 1/2 on a place we chose; which happened to be our local nursing home. So, they gave us money so our boys could go buy slipper socks, lotions, and crossword puzzles for the elderly, who sadly get hardly no visitors on Christmas Day. Christmas morning we woke and brought all the gifts we bought and received to the home and distributed and chatted with the “old folks” 😉 Then the boys got to celebrate the way we do. During the Holiday Season, especially, it reminds me that we have so much, and give so little, and teach our children the same. This is a great idea to do throughout the year.! What a gift to give Rowan!..and baby girl #2!
Love your blog and really love that you are doing this!!!!!
What a great idea! I love your perspective on servanthood, and what better way to show that to your littles than with action. I’m wishing you loads of luck!
Jen,
This is beautiful and reminds me of my friend’s small non-profit Benevolent Bakery.
One of my sons classmates (5 years old) asked his mother what they could do to try and change the world. Her response was baking bread – they (mom and kiddos) began to bake bread every week which they sell to friends and neighbors. They charge just enough to pay for the ingredients and the profit goes to purchase fresh produce from local farmers which is donated to the local food bank. I know your post will inspire others to use their creative talents to serve!
Molly
PS – Thanks for the shout-out! Rowan is just precious in her fox coat.