Remember when I used to post a fun little "yay it's the weekend high five everyone" post every Friday? No? That's because I only did it like two times, probably.
But! As I mentioned in a previous post, I can share more behind-the-scenes of my work these days; and I've always got random stuff to share, so I'm going to try and start it back up again. For real this time. Unless I lose steam after two more. We'll see how it goes.
What I'm working on:
Every December, Kingsland puts out a missions publication to let people know where we are, what we're doing there, and how to get involved. Omar (my boss, our missions pastor, storyteller extraordinaire) handed the task off to me as soon as I came on the missions team, and I've been running with it since.
The final project will be a 40-page magazine with stories and photos from each of our international ministry partners (and some local spotlights, too). I've had a blast interviewing church members who have served in each location, and it's been too long since I've really gotten to dig into layout (hello, InDesign, my old friend). We're supposed to send the whole thing to print November 9th, so I'm frantically interviewing and writing the last half of the stories for it as we speak and trying to finalize the spreads along the way.
If you're ever curious how it's looking day-to-day, I put layout updates on my Instagram story pretty frequently. Trying to use that platform to better share my creative process for other nerds like me who love that stuff.
When I'm not working on the magazine, I've been developing a marketing strategy for Manna House, a local men's addiction recovery facility. As soon as I heard the story behind the nonprofit and laid eyes on the campus, I was in love. Manna House doesn't only provide all the treatment and support that comes standard with a recovery program, guys; it focuses on spiritual development for the men taking part, and there are on-site businesses — a coffee shop, bike shop, thrift store, and garden — that provide residents the opportunity and dignity to financially support their own recovery program. Maybe I'm way off, but I think after the humility it takes to admit such a deep need for help, these guys deserve the respect to be a part of getting it for themselves.
Anyway, I put together a plan of attack for their social media this week, including some photo and video content our team will create for them, and I'm excited to see how it all comes together. Check out the site now, and I'll share links to all their platforms when we've implemented some changes! Hoping to get a lot more eyes on the ministry, because like I said, I think what they're doing is so important and the way they're doing it so cool. Big Manna House fan.
Randoms for your weekend:
- I got sick a couple weeks ago and watched a bunch of documentaries. The Fourth Phase (but of course) and Unbranded (LOVED) were new, 180 Degrees South was an oldie but goodie. All made me stir-crazy.
- Someone asked me recently to list my five favorite blogs, and Erin Outdoors was one of the first I mentioned. She's always good for photography and adventure inspo (that's what the cool kids say these days amirite), but lately she's been sharing a lot more behind-the-scenes of how she does what she does. Good stuff!
- The Spurs season started on Tuesday night, which made me miss Tim Duncan, which sent me down a rabbit hole of old Tim Duncan retirement articles, including this one: Tim Duncan Was Big Fun.
- As temperatures dip slightly below Raging Death Oven Sauna, I'm trying to figure out if there's actually anything to do outside in Houston. This article made me a feel a leeeeetle better, but I'll be honest, I am not yet convinced. COMMENT WITH SUGGESTIONS PLS.
- A good, good word.