my friend amanda organized a very cool event to raise money for joel and jess.
it was called Jewels for Cora.
she used her premiere jewelry business to bring women together from our church and community
that all love the mcclenahan's.
all of amanda's profits went straight to joel and jess.
so….we had a jewelry party….but it was much much more.
we were blessed to hear stories of jess and joel before cora came in to their life.
i didn't know them then so this was very touching.
and hopeful.
to hear some stories of their dating and early marriage…
that joel is funny and jess is a wonderful wife.
i cried…
then we heard of the excitement of when cora was coming
and the fun that was had over the 11 months of her life.
i loved hearing those stories.
10 women read 10 different comments recently left on the macs blog that talked of their strong faith
and how cora is changing lives all over the world.
it was comforting to be in room full of women who all had the same heart for cora's parents….
broken….wishing it hadn't happened.
after the stories, we had a jewelry show….with models.
oh yes…I GOT TO BE MODEL!
i think i was "the old lady model" but that's ok…i had on cute jewelry. :)
(no photo…but it's the truth…i promise)
after the show it was time to shop.
i am looking forward to wearing my necklace.
(i got that turquoise one right in the middle of that table above.)
each time i put it on will be a beautiful reminder to pray for jess and joel.
amanda….great job pulling this night together.
i know you had tons of help but you got this all going and kept it so organized.
it was lovely.
you made it so special.
Sandy - Will Amanda let us place online orders to add to the jewels for Cora party? I am so jealous of you and all of your very cool women friends! Who knew Kansas was so cool?! (don’t take that the wrong way) 🙂
carissa... brown eyed fox - a place bursting with beautiful women inside & out!
wow !!!
so glad to be able to share… see… the pics!
princess lasertron - you live in such an amazing place
jackie chappell - how could you have had any idea that you would be moving to such a community ??
thank you for the brite spot you add to my day..
jackie from sunny florida…says thank you … =)
katy - Awesome! What a wonderful idea. You all did a great thing by getting together and doing this. Thank you for sharing.
traci - what a special event. how fun to be a jewelry mode. you wouldn’t have been the old lady model – crazy girl!!
kathy b - Thank you for sharing this event. Your photos captured the loving spiritof comfort that was obviously present.
2 Corinthians 1:4-7
Kathy b
shelia - What a wonderful idea and thanks for sharing. Its amazing what God’s people can do when we do what he wants..live in community and love each other. Thanks for the encouragement. What a lovely testimony!!!
Ashley - What a wonderful event. What wonderful friends! My family is continually praying for baby Cora’s family.
sandy toe - How wonderful….this family I am sure is blessed by everything.
sandy toe
Christy Lewis - That was such a wonderful idea! The story of Cora has touched me so deeply and I think and pray for her family everyday. I love reading your blog! You are such a wonderful and inspiring woman! Thank you for everything you do on your blog!
alyssa - It was a very nice evening. And I’m pretty sure you weren’t the ‘old’ model. I don’t think we are that far in age.
Lazy Mom Leslie - What a fantastic idea! It sounds like you live an in amazing community!
Sara - Thanks for sharing. I am always curious about how these things unfold when I read about them happening, and as usual, like with the etsy shop, your community is amazing. There is such love for Joel and Jess and it makes me feel less anxious for them. They will get through this with people like you surrounding them. It is still horrible and awful and I can’t imagine the pain, but they will get through it in time and with much love around them.
Laura Phelps - beautiful.
I live far from you all…and I don’t know any of you,really…
but I pray for Cora every day with my children
your friendship and faith is so inspiring
Karina - Thank you SO much for posting about this. I have been pacing the floors up here in Canada wondering and waiting…for what? I’m not sure…But after buying some pinafores on etsy to help raise money for the playground, then your announcement of the staggering sum raised, there has been a sense of void, almost disappointment that the collective effort did not restore sweet Cora to her parents’ arms.
I, too, am touched by the love and support in your community as I sit here feeling lonely in mine…there are many of us who admire from afar via the web, and have been inspired by recent events in Newton – if only it weren’t at such a terribly high price! Cora continues to reach far and wide, thanks to bloggers like you. I guess we now wait to see the playground built…
Tess S. - my heart is deeply touched by the kindness, and strength of your community. it’s beautiful.
Kate - Meg
I can’t tell you how much I Love your blog. I am an avid follower/fan. I can tell you are such a beautiful Christian woman/wife/mother/crafter/photographer. My husband says you are my BFF I’ve never met. There is an old big historic home we are hoping to buy from an older couple in this next year or two. And your home is absolutely stunning. We share the same taste. All of your pictures of your house have me so excited, dreaming and brainstorming for what I hope will be our “future home”. Thanks so much for sharing everything including your Christian Faith.
Your blog friend in South Cental KS, Kate
Heather - Each and every time I read your posts about events like this I am in complete awe over the women you know. How on earth did you get such an amazing circle of friends? You are truly, truly blessed.
Lately I have been feeling an immense void in this area of my life. It’s difficult to make new friends when you’re not in high school anymore. 😉
Jennifer - such a beautiful tribute….
susanne p. - that was amazing. what a sweet thing for the community to pull together for this family.
danyele - oh my goodness…what a great evening. it was honoring to joel, jess and cora and fun too…then there’s the fundraising! great idea. i love how many creative and heart warming things are continuing in honor of a great fam.
kasey - what a beautiful story.
xo
Kristin - Hello! I found your blog through Julie at Joyshope. Your photos are amazing and your pillows are adorable! I too, have been touched by Cora’s story even though I am all the way in California. I bought a bracelet from the etsy site and think of little Cora every time I wear it. This event looks amazing – wish I could have been there!
Starnes Fam - Things like this remind of how genuinely good people are. Out of tragedy, people are bonding, growing stronger, finding a new and refreshed love for those close to them. I must think God intends for us to do this.
Beautiful party and lovely post.
MMW - I thought it was amazing how help from blogland supported the Nie Nie Dialogues author. And now this is the next most amazing work God has blessed with via blogging and the internet. Praise Him! I cry with emotion love and gratitude each time I read about sweet baby Cora and all the love going into her memory. It really is witnessing, isn’t it?
Deputy's Wife - What a wonderful thing everyone is doing for this family.