Here I Swap 2021

 SIGN UPS ARE NOW CLOSED! IF YOU MISSED THE DEADLINE, NOT TO WORRY. WE'LL HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT TIME.

Happy five-year mug-swap-iversary! We made it to a milestone of mug swappery. High five for that. 

Now, I've got good news and bad news.

Let's rip off the band-aid. Bad news: Every year, there's a handful of ladies who sign up and, for whatever reason, don't end up sending a mug. This is bothersome to me. I know it's sad to the couple of ladies who don't get a mug. So, please, if there's a remote chance you'll forget, not follow through, or change your mind about this down the road, please X out of your browser now.

The good news: I'm still giving the swap a go this year, despite having four kids 5 and under, homeschooling, and trying to keep track of my dairy farming husband. It may not always be feasible, but for this year it is. So thank you for being understanding if I don't reply to a query or email super fast. I'm probably wiping up spilled milk or breaking up a squabble over who gets to wear the Davy Crockett coonskin hat first thing in the morning.

A few reminders on how this works:

 1. I'm going to pair you up with another Lutheran gal and send you both the information you'll need to know about one another (names and addresses, etc.).

2. Put together a little care package for her. Add as many goodies to the package as you'd like -- as long as it doesn't cost you more than $20.00 -- but you have to at least include a mug. (Thus . . . a mug swap.)

3. Stick that package in the mail! Sending an email to your swap buddy to let her know it's on its way won't hurt either.

4. Wait for your package to arrive. If you don't get it around the time it should arrive, send an email to your swap buddy and politely check in.

 If you're 21 or older, sign up by clicking this link and filling out the form. 

• Sign-ups close October 3, and you'll receive information on your swap friend by October 23. (Yes. It may take me that long. I'm not getting any younger, people.)
  

• Send the mug/package by November 10.

• Post a picture of your swap package when it arrives. Use the hashtag #hereiswap2021 on Instagram, Facebook, or whatever socials you're currently digging.
  

• Finally, I'm hoping this swap remains a helpful, joyful way for Lutheran women to encourage each other, but unfortunately, I can't be held responsible for your partner's actions. If she doesn't send you a package, feel free to follow up with her via email or tag her on Facebook. Let the Law do its work.
• Now let's get swapping!

Here I Swap 2019

 Lutheran ladies, it's mug swap time! (I was going to post the "Let's get ready to ruuuuuuuumble!" video here but that didn't seem quite appropriate.)

Now read this next part closely.

Closer.

Closer still. 

A little more. 

There you go! 

1. Ready to swap mugs? You sign up here. 
2. I pair you up with another gal and send you both the information you'll need to know about one another (names and adddresses, etc.). You're matched up with one person, and she's matched up with you.
3. You put together a little care package for her. You're free to add as many goodies to the package as you'd like -- as long as it doesn't cost you more than $20.00 -- but you have to include a mug. (I mean, this is why it's called a mug swap.)
4. Stick that package in the mail! (But seriously, for real, because having to track people down who don't hold up their end of the bargain makes me grumpy.)
5. Instagram your pumpkin spice latte while waiting patiently by the mailbox for your buddy's package to arrive for you. Or don't. Whichever. 

Are you game?

 If you're 21 or older, sign up by clicking this link and filling out the form. 

• Sign-ups close September 15, and you'll receive information on your swap friend by October 1. (Yes. It may take that long to send all the emails out. I'm a wife and a mom of three 3 and under. You understand.)

• Again, after reading up on your new friend, head to Walmart or Home Goods or any place in between to put her fall swap package together, which must include at least one mug.

• Send the package -- along with a little note with your name and how she can connect up with you -- by October 15.

• Post a picture of your swap package when it arrives. Use the hashtag #hereiswap2019 on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Wait. Do people still even tweet? 

• Finally, I'm hoping this swap remains a helpful way for Lutheran women to encourage each other, but unfortunately, I can't be held responsible for your partner's actions. If she doesn't send you a package, feel free to follow up with her via email! A healthy dose of the Law never hurts, amiright? 

Are you excited yet? Sweet.

Let's get swapping!

Here I Swap 2018: Registration Open

Guys.

Guess what.

It's mug swapping time!

Year 1: 115 Lutheran mug swappers.
Year 2: 511 . . . in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. 
Year 3: TBD. (I'm scared. Yipe!)

This year, because some ladies were a little over all things fall -- turns out not every gal loves her some pumpkin spice lattes -- we're swapping Advent and Christmas mugs . . . and maybe even a recipe or two.

Also, not sure why Amy Grant doesn't sing that Advent is the mooooost woNDErful tiiiiiiime of the year but WHATEVER.

Now read this next part closely because things have changed a bit.

Here's how this swap is going down:

1. You sign up here. 
2. I pair you up with another gal and send you both the pertinent information you'll need to know about one another (names and adddresses, etc.). This is different from previous years. You're matched up with one person, and she's matched up with you. The end.
3. You peruse that information, which will give you a glimpse into her style, winter drink preferences and personality. You can friend her on Facebook if you want or shoot her an email introducing yourself. If you'd prefer to stay behind the scenes until she receives your package so that it can be a surprise, that's fine too! Either way.
4. You put together a little care package for her, based on that information. YOU MUST, AT THE VERY LEAST, SEND HER A MUG. Beyond that, you're free to add as many goodies to the package as you'd like -- as long as it doesn't cost you over $25.00. Again, this part is up to you.
5. Stick that package in the mail!
6. Channel some Advent penitence, and wait patiently by the mailbox for your buddy's package to arrive for you. 
7. Eat, drink and be merry . . . but not too merry. It's not Christmas yet!

Are you game?

 If you're 21 or older, sign up by clicking this link and filling out the form. 

• Sign-ups close September 30, and you'll receive information on your swap friend by October 30. (Yes. It may take that long to send all the emails out. I'm a wife and a mom of three under 3, so sometimes things take me a looooong time. Please be patient!)

• Again, after reading up on your new friend, head to Walmart or Home Goods or any place in between to put her fall swap package together, which must include at least one mug.

• Send the package -- along with a little note with your name and how she can connect up with you -- by November 15 so that she receives it in time for Advent and Christmas.

• Post a picture of your swap package when it arrives. Use the hashtag #hereiswap2018 on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat. You can meet even MORE Reformation-lovin' ladies that way!

• Finally, I'm hoping this swap will be a fun way for Lutheran women to encourage each other . . . and enjoy a few Advent- and Christmas-themed goodies along the way, but unfortunately, I can't be held responsible for your partner's actions. If she doesn't send you a package, feel free to follow up with her! A good dose of the Law never hurts. :) 
• Enjoy!

 

2017 Here I Swap -- Fall Mug Swap update and FAQ

Hi, ladies. If you signed up before midnight on Friday, August 25, good news! You're in.

Also . . . 507 of you! We did it! We hit 500. Whew.

When will I get an email about who my mug buddy is? Between now and September 11, you'll receive an email outlining your mug buddy's style, fall loves and other information.

Any suggestions on how to put this package together? As a reminder, after reading up on your new friend (feel free secretly to check out her social media pages too!) and getting a feel for her style, head to Walmart or Home Goods or any place in between to put her fall swap package together. Please spend at least $10.00 but no more than $25.00.

When do I need to mail the package? Send the package -- along with a little note with your name and how she can connect up with you -- by September 25 so that she receives it in time for October and the Reformation.

Packaging tips? Be sure to wrap your mug well. Bubble wrap is your friend! One layer of tissue paper ensures that your buddy will receive a broken mug with only a handle to drink out of, which is virtually impossible.

What happens when I receive a package myself? Post a picture of your fall swap package when it arrives. Use the hashtag #hereiswap2017 on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat. You can meet even MORE Reformation-lovin' ladies that way!

What if I don't get an email from you? If you gave me a fake email address or one you don't check often, chances are, it's gone forever. But if you gave me a real email address and haven't heard from me by the end of the day on September 11, feel free to shoot me an email so that we can see if my email ended up in your Spam box or waltzed off elsewhere in outer space.

Here I Swap 2017 - - Registration Is Open! -- UPDATE: And now it's closed!

YOU GUYS. THIS IS THE YEAR: THE 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF SWAPS.

No, wait. It's the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, and that's cause for celebration! Hopefully you're doing plenty of that already -- hymn sings, anyone? -- but when it comes to this kind of awesomeness, you can never have too much.

That's why it's time for Here I Swap 2017. Last year, we had about 150 ladies sign up. Don't you think we can make it to 500 this year?

I do.

This year, we're swapping coffee mugs along with a little something that says the season of fall/autumn. (Bonus points if you can work in Reformation swag.)

Here's how it works:

1. You sign up here. 
2. I find another gal with similar interests and then send you her contact info and other pertinent information. 
3. You peruse that information, which will give you a glimpse into her style, theology and personality.
4. You put together a little care package for her, based on that information. YOU MUST, AT THE VERY LEAST, SEND HER A MUG. Beyond that, does she love pumpkin spice lattes? Get her a drink mix! Does she adore fall-scented candles? Send her one! Is her favorite hymn "A Mighty Fortress"? Order her an LSB from CPH! This part is up to you. Once you've got a mug, you'll simply need to piece together a fall-themed care package that you think she'll love -- and it can be as simple or involved as you'd like. 
5. Stick that package in the mail!
6. Channel your inner Katie Luther, and wait patiently by the mailbox for YOUR care package to arrive. While you're busy finding a gorgeous mug and putting together a kind fall-themed gift for your new friend, another woman will be doing the same for you!
7. You'll now have met two new friends -- one you've sent a package to and one who's sent a package to you -- and perhaps even recited your Small Catechism while doing so.

Are you game?

• If you're 21 or older, sign up by clicking this link and filling out the (short -- I promise!) form. 

• Sign-ups close August 25. You'll receive information on your swap friend by September 11. 

• After reading up on your new friend (feel free secretly to check out her social media pages too!) and getting a feel for her style, head to Walmart or Home Goods or any place in between to put her fall swap package together. Please spend at least $10.00 but no more than $25.00.

• Send the package -- along with a little note with your name and how she can connect up with you -- by September 25 so that she receives it in time for October and the Reformation. 

• Post a picture of your fall swap package when it arrives. Use the hashtag #hereiswap2017 on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat. You can meet even MORE Reformation-lovin' ladies that way!

• Finally, I'm hoping this swap will be a fun way for Lutheran women to encourage each other . . . and enjoy a few fall-themed goodies along the way, but unfortunately, I can't be held responsible for your partner's actions. I'm hopeful people are signing up who will actually send their swap packages, but if you haven't received a package by October 15, please let me know at adrianeheins@gmail.com if your partner doesn't come through so I can check in with her. *If I find out someone didn't mail a mug, she's banned to swapping purgatory. But seriously, you'll be out of the running for a year, and it will take a papal bull to get you back in the swap. Or something along those lines.*

Ready? Let's get swapping! Sign up now! 

Here I Swap 2016

Next year, the Lutheran church celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation (like we needed a reason to celebrate), but it never hurts to start rejoicing a little early. 

Like, a whole year. 

Thus, Here I Swap 2016. 

It was such a treat to have 135+ ladies take part in this year's swap, including three ladies from Canada and one from Norway. 

And the packages they sent! Sweet goodness. They were filled to the brim with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, all the kinds of chocolate, monogrammed mugs, personalized mugs, hilarious mugs, handmade items, hymn verses and lots of joy in meeting another sister in Christ, no matter where she lives. 

So get ready for next year's swap. Bookmark the blog so you don't miss out on the announcement. Get your mug-dar on.

September 2017, we're coming for you . . . with our coffee mugs, our hymnals and our comfort, which is found in Jesus alone! 

PS If you took part in the swap and haven't received a package by Friday, September 30, shoot me an email, and I'll check in with the gal who had your name. 

Here I Swap: Reformation Mug Swap 2016

I have a small . . . issue . . . with coffee mugs. It's not that I collect them. It's just that I can't part with them. 

But it's not an addiction. No, really. I can stop whenever I want. 

There may be something like 30 vintage Pyrex coffee mugs in a box in the basement. And we may have a small collection of dairy mugs that have udders for feet. And I'm not saying that we each have coffee cups from our grandparents' homes that remind us of them, but ok, we totally do. 

So naturally I think it'd be a great idea to add yet one more mug to the collection . . . by hosting a mug swap for women who love Jesus, the Reformation, its theology and maybe even a good beer and pretzel now and then. 

It works pretty simply. 

• You sign up. I pair you up with another gal and send you info on your partner. 
• You read up on her style and favorite color and what Scripture passages offer her the most comfort and then go find her a mug that will fit her to a T. 
• If you're feeling up to it, make it a little care package. Does she love chocolate? Toss some in the box! Does she have a favorite hymn in the LSB? Get her a little gift card to CPH! Does she thrive on welcoming people into her home? Add a little tablecloth. This part is up to you. You only need to send a mug, but adding a few personal touches won't hurt her feelings any. 
• Send the package by a specific date so that it arrives in time for October and any Reformation celebrations she's planning on doing. 
• Channel your inner Katie Luther and wait by the mailbox for your mug to arrive from the gal who got YOUR name and info. 
• Meet two other women who love Jesus, "A Mighty Fortress" and coffee as much as you! 

How's that for easy? And fun!

We may never stand before princes and councils and utter the words, "Here I stand," (well, actually, we might at the rate things are going), but in the meantime, we can definitely give thanks to God for the people He has placed in our life and say:

"Here I swap!" 

As Christian -- and specifically Lutheran women -- it can be hard to meet other women who make the same confession, and it's my hope this is a way to connect some of us as we look forward to celebrating 500 years of Scripture alone, grace alone, faith alone. 

Details 

1. If you're 21 or older, sign up by clicking on this link and filling out the (short!) form. 
2. Sign-ups close August 25, and you will receive information on your mug swap partner by September 9.
3. Take a few days to check out your new friend's social media pages to get to know her and her style. 
4. Head to Walmart or Crate and Barrel or any place in between to find a coffee mug she can fill with java or tea and sip while reading her Treasury of Daily Prayer each morning. Spend at least $5.00 on a mug but no more than $20.00. This is a new friend, after all. She'll love a nice mug!
6. Send the mug -- and a little note with your name and how she can find you on social media so that you can connect up -- before September 23 so that she receives it in time for October and Reformation celebrations. 
5. Post a picture of your mug when it arrives. Use the hashtag #hereiswap2016 on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Heck, you might even meet a few other Reformation-lovin' ladies that way!

They make take "goods, fame, child and wife" -- pretty sure that goods includes cute coffee mugs -- but in the meantime, we can remind one another of our baptisms, add marshmallows to our cocoa and rejoice in new friendships made over a common faith . . . and maybe even a love of coffee. 

Update: The swap is now closed! Thanks to all who signed up! 

* It's my hope that this swap will be a nifty way for Christian women to encourage one another -- and enjoy a pretty mug during their morning coffee -- but unfortunately, I can't be held responsible for your partner's actions. I'm hopeful people are signing up who actually intend to send mugs, rather than just receive them, but please let me know (adrianeheins@gmail.com) if your partner never sends a mug so that I can reach out to her.