Congratulations, Jamie!

From a total sign hog (and her older sister).

About 8 years ago my husband went to have burritos with friends.

And came home wanting to take out a small business loan, learn how to screen print and start a clothing company.

They even named it that night.  Right there in the little taqueria.

Disciple Clothing Company.

I was 8 months pregnant with Kayla.  And hormonal.

Making rash decisions left and right.  So I agreed.

But it really was the perfect fit.

Jason was our ridiculously talented graphic designer.

Drew was a marketing genius with 104,789 myspace friends and connections to EVERY band on the planet.

And there was Branden, my brother, and his crazy sales skills.

And Dave, our self-taught screen printing workhorse.

It seemed like a slam dunk.

And, looking back, it was.  We had a blast.

All the printing was done in our garage and our living room was always filled with boxes.

We took a crash course in Christian Musical Festival 101.

Spirit West Coast: Del Mar and Monterey.

Joshua Fest.

Creation Fest.

Joy Fest.

Every Fest known to man.

And though it was hard work, those were the best of times.

Dave and Drew worked together in youth ministry.

So we had unlimited access to cheap (we paid them in clothes) labor.

And they worked hard.  And we are forever grateful.

We met lots of wonderful people.  Amazing companies.  Lifelong friendships.

It was very exciting to see a dream that was born on a whim over chips and salsa come to fruition.

And a little company based out of our home garage grow and make a name for itself.

Sadly, in May of 2007, a band threatened to sue us over trademark issues.

Although we were growing, we were still too small to fight against a record company.

So we hung up our screens, closed up the garage and called it a day.

R.I.P. Disciple Clothing Company.

It was fun while it lasted.

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But enough with the sad stories.

Guess what?!

My blog turns one on March 8!

And I’m giving YOU a present.

A $50 store credit to Make Pie Not War

Alana Little is one of those wonderful people we met during our Disciple days.

She is gorgeous, hysterical and full of life.  She lights up a room.

And her company is amazing, too.

Just leave a comment below and you’re entered for a chance to win.

And I don’t even really care what you say.

You can head over to Make Pie’s Etsy shop and tell me what you’d buy.

Or just “hi” is fine.

You can even tell me that you love bands that sue over trademark issues.

Whatever your little heart desires.

Winner will be chosen randomly.

“Like” Make Pie Not War’s Facebook page for a second entry.

Tweet about the giveaway for a third entry.

Just leave me separate, additional comments saying that you did.

Giveaway will go through Tuesday, March 8.

Winner will be announced on Wednesday, March 9.

Alana’s jewelery is beautiful.

And I’m so excited to share it with you.

Happy Birthday, little blog!

Planting a church is hard work.

Primarily because everything starts small.

Which can be discouraging and difficult.

Because our world says that numbers = success.

In life.  In business.  And especially in the church.

But we also know that true community happens in the smallness.

And for that, I am thankful.

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Small Groups.  Life Groups.  CommUNITY Groups.  Grace Groups.

We don’t exactly know what we’re going to call them.

But they’re starting.  On April 6th.

And we’re going to hack.

Last night we had our initial planning meeting.

To discuss goals.

Structure.

Outline.

Dates.

How the safety seal on a gallon of milk makes a nice engagement ring.

Also, Dave and I appointed Jamie church secretary.

Before everyone else arrived.

Because she’s cute.  And has a new MacBook.

So if you attend Hope or are in the San Mateo area,

we invite you to be a part.

Wednesday nights.

Staring April 6.

Come hack with us.