You'll have to check this out. My nephews Will and Sam singing I've Been Workin' On the Railroad.
so funny!
Holiday Open House 2015
10 years ago
Monday, September 08, 2008
Keepin' Austin Weird in Iowa
Isn't my mom adorable?! I got her this shirt because she is wild and funky. She's artsy and fartsy. She knows how to brigthen up her stairs and is not afraid to add polka dots. She knows how to put on a great performance...if you haven't experienced that, let me tell you that she received a "10" and a "best performer" rating for her performance in this video. I really think she would fit in in Austin! Don't you think?!!? (except for the hot weather.)
I LOVE HER!
I LOVE HER!What?!
What in the world is going on!? is this for real?! For some reason I could see my bro-in-law (Joe) doing this song!
Jesus is Still Alright
I seriously can't get enough of these guys. I had a good laugh today with this one.
Free People
I'm lovin' these styles from Free People. I visited this store at the Domain and said out loud, "I could seriously buy everything in this store." BUT...there is absolutely NO WAY I could afford anything. Even the little tank tops were $50.
They have super cute stuff.
It is really making me want to make my own stuff. I'm thinking about taking a sewing class. My mom got me a sewing machine a couple of years ago and I'm VERY sad to say that I have not used it. :( I know, sad. (don't be mad at me mom!) I absolutely LOVE it and LOVE the fact that I own a sewing machine, I just don't have any clue what to do or how to use it! Hilary has used it several times to make baby towels.
I have vowed that before the end of the year I will learn and create cute things. (maybe I will actually be able to contribue to our mom & daughters journal, "Things With Wings"!)
They have super cute stuff.
It is really making me want to make my own stuff. I'm thinking about taking a sewing class. My mom got me a sewing machine a couple of years ago and I'm VERY sad to say that I have not used it. :( I know, sad. (don't be mad at me mom!) I absolutely LOVE it and LOVE the fact that I own a sewing machine, I just don't have any clue what to do or how to use it! Hilary has used it several times to make baby towels.
I have vowed that before the end of the year I will learn and create cute things. (maybe I will actually be able to contribue to our mom & daughters journal, "Things With Wings"!)
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Creative and Orderly
I was so blessed by this reading this morning during my quiet time. It's from Beth Moore's book "Whispers of Hope" the reading was from Genesis 1:1-27; 2:1-3
God recorded His word through the pens of inspired men chiefly for one reason-to tell us about Himself. In the first few sweeps of ink, He demonstrated something vastly important among His attributes: He is CREATIVE. Scarcely before the ink could dry in the first sentence, God revealed something else-He is ORDERLY.
Only God could combine wholly creative and completely orderly. Some of us are refreshingly creative and others, thankfully, are orderly; but often we can hardly abide one another. If wisdom prevails, however, we eventually discover we need one another or our different contributions are unbalanced and lacking.
God, on the other hand, needed no one to complete Him. He created the heavens and the earth simply because He wanted to. Afterward, He looked on His perfect blend of creativity and orderliness and said, "This is good-very good in fact." God still considers a blend of creativity and order an effective way of working with us. If you are His child, God is working in your life in both creative and orderly ways. He desires to be entirely creative with you. Do you allow Him the freedom?
What God is doing in your life right now may not make sense to you, but it's not because He's nonsensical. It's because He's creative. God wants us to surrender to His will, but we tend to want a blueprint of His plans so we can decide whether or not to surrender. In John 21:21, after Christ gave Peter a glimpse of his future, Peter asked a question splitting at the seams with human nature: "Lord, what about him?" Like us, Peter derived a strange sense of security from sameness. As you search for your calling, do you attempt to find someone He is using in exactly the same way? Stop! Of the six billion people on this planet, that person may not exist-because God is creative.
Some can easily relate to the variety in God's plan. We thrive on creativity. Sameness bores us, but we still need the dependable security God offers. Creativity by itself creates only chaos. Our perfectly balanced God is also orderly. He has a day-by-day plan for your life. That's why it's so important to meet with Him-you guessed it-day by day.
Had you been a spectator during only the first three days of creation, you might not have judged it as good. What good are seed-bearing plants with no sun for photosynthesis? In His wisdom, God knew the work was good because He knew what was coming next. He knows what's coming next for you. That's why He can judge His work in you as good. Give God room to be completely creative. Meet with Him daily as He unfolds the plan in perfect order. He's really good at what He does.
God recorded His word through the pens of inspired men chiefly for one reason-to tell us about Himself. In the first few sweeps of ink, He demonstrated something vastly important among His attributes: He is CREATIVE. Scarcely before the ink could dry in the first sentence, God revealed something else-He is ORDERLY.
Only God could combine wholly creative and completely orderly. Some of us are refreshingly creative and others, thankfully, are orderly; but often we can hardly abide one another. If wisdom prevails, however, we eventually discover we need one another or our different contributions are unbalanced and lacking.
God, on the other hand, needed no one to complete Him. He created the heavens and the earth simply because He wanted to. Afterward, He looked on His perfect blend of creativity and orderliness and said, "This is good-very good in fact." God still considers a blend of creativity and order an effective way of working with us. If you are His child, God is working in your life in both creative and orderly ways. He desires to be entirely creative with you. Do you allow Him the freedom?
What God is doing in your life right now may not make sense to you, but it's not because He's nonsensical. It's because He's creative. God wants us to surrender to His will, but we tend to want a blueprint of His plans so we can decide whether or not to surrender. In John 21:21, after Christ gave Peter a glimpse of his future, Peter asked a question splitting at the seams with human nature: "Lord, what about him?" Like us, Peter derived a strange sense of security from sameness. As you search for your calling, do you attempt to find someone He is using in exactly the same way? Stop! Of the six billion people on this planet, that person may not exist-because God is creative.
Some can easily relate to the variety in God's plan. We thrive on creativity. Sameness bores us, but we still need the dependable security God offers. Creativity by itself creates only chaos. Our perfectly balanced God is also orderly. He has a day-by-day plan for your life. That's why it's so important to meet with Him-you guessed it-day by day.
Had you been a spectator during only the first three days of creation, you might not have judged it as good. What good are seed-bearing plants with no sun for photosynthesis? In His wisdom, God knew the work was good because He knew what was coming next. He knows what's coming next for you. That's why He can judge His work in you as good. Give God room to be completely creative. Meet with Him daily as He unfolds the plan in perfect order. He's really good at what He does.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Hotel Cafe Tour
Hotel Cafe Tour in Austin.
October 17. The Parish.
The lineup for Austin:
Ingrid Michaelson
Meiko
Priscilla Ahn
Erin McCarley
BROOKE FRASER!
My heart is racing.
I heart Austin and I heart Brooke Fraser.
It's on my calendar.
October 17. The Parish.
The lineup for Austin:
Ingrid Michaelson
Meiko
Priscilla Ahn
Erin McCarley
BROOKE FRASER!
My heart is racing.
I heart Austin and I heart Brooke Fraser.
It's on my calendar.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Love Me
"Love Me" by JJ Heller
I can't stop listening to this song. It is on my heart and my heart breaks thinking about those who are wanting and yearning to be loved. I've been in that place of just wanting to be loved for who I am. My heart then rejoices that Jesus loves deeply, loves in a way that satisfies my yearning for love. It's a love that true and a love that is just what I need. Here is a video of this song and the lyrics.
Logan Show Performance - Love Me
He cries in the corner where nobody sees
He's the kid with the story no one would believe
He prays every night, "Dear God won't you please
Could you send someone here who will love me?"
Who will love me for me
Not for what I have done or what I will become
Who will love me for me
'Cause nobody has shown me what love
What love really means
Her office is shrinking a little each day
She's the woman whose husband has run away
She'll go to the gym after working today
Maybe if she was thinner
Then he would've stayed
And she says...
Who will love me for me?
Not for what I have done or what I will become
Who will love me for me?
'Cause nobody has shown me what love, what love really means
He's waiting to die as he sits all alone
He's a man in a cell who regrets what he's done
He utters a cry from the depths of his soul
"Oh Lord, forgive me, I want to go home"
Then he heard a voice somewhere deep inside
And it said
"I know you've murdered and I know you've lied
I have watched you suffer all of your life
And now that you'll listen, I'll tell you that I..."
I will love you for you
Not for what you have done or what you will become
I will love you for you
I will give you the love
The love that you never knew
I can't stop listening to this song. It is on my heart and my heart breaks thinking about those who are wanting and yearning to be loved. I've been in that place of just wanting to be loved for who I am. My heart then rejoices that Jesus loves deeply, loves in a way that satisfies my yearning for love. It's a love that true and a love that is just what I need. Here is a video of this song and the lyrics.
Logan Show Performance - Love Me
He cries in the corner where nobody sees
He's the kid with the story no one would believe
He prays every night, "Dear God won't you please
Could you send someone here who will love me?"
Who will love me for me
Not for what I have done or what I will become
Who will love me for me
'Cause nobody has shown me what love
What love really means
Her office is shrinking a little each day
She's the woman whose husband has run away
She'll go to the gym after working today
Maybe if she was thinner
Then he would've stayed
And she says...
Who will love me for me?
Not for what I have done or what I will become
Who will love me for me?
'Cause nobody has shown me what love, what love really means
He's waiting to die as he sits all alone
He's a man in a cell who regrets what he's done
He utters a cry from the depths of his soul
"Oh Lord, forgive me, I want to go home"
Then he heard a voice somewhere deep inside
And it said
"I know you've murdered and I know you've lied
I have watched you suffer all of your life
And now that you'll listen, I'll tell you that I..."
I will love you for you
Not for what you have done or what you will become
I will love you for you
I will give you the love
The love that you never knew
Found
I wanted to share some sweet lyrics. Our new worship leader Aaron Ivey wrote this song and we've been singing it in church. It has blessed me over and over again.
Jesus, Healer of brokenness
Savior, Fixer of troubled souls
Redeemer, turning my eyes to thee
Mighty God, just and merciful
Oh God of beauty and grace
You are my resting place
All of my life is found in You
You've taken my brokenness
Made me whole once again
All of my life is found in You
I'm found in You
All my security, my destiny
What lies ahead is found in You
All my hopes and dreams
And my thoughts unseen
All my wants are found in You
What I dread and fear
All that weighs me down
All my trust is found in You
My sustaining breath
All that gives me strength
All life-giving is found in You
Jesus, Healer of brokenness
Savior, Fixer of troubled souls
Redeemer, turning my eyes to thee
Mighty God, just and merciful
Oh God of beauty and grace
You are my resting place
All of my life is found in You
You've taken my brokenness
Made me whole once again
All of my life is found in You
I'm found in You
All my security, my destiny
What lies ahead is found in You
All my hopes and dreams
And my thoughts unseen
All my wants are found in You
What I dread and fear
All that weighs me down
All my trust is found in You
My sustaining breath
All that gives me strength
All life-giving is found in You
Today
I enjoyed this that a friend passed on to me. I believe it's from "Purpose Driven Life"
Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling and I'm finished with wavering, I've made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me", character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything God entrusts to me.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime, anywhere, anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one!"
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."--Hebrews.
Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling and I'm finished with wavering, I've made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me", character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything God entrusts to me.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime, anywhere, anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one!"
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."--Hebrews.
Weather Forecast
I'm happy that right now it is 78 degrees and the high is only going to be 92!! YES!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Movies in the Park
Last weekend some friends got together to go to the movies in the park. Every summer, Alamo Drafthouse sets up a huge screen in Republic Square park downtown and they show a movie the last Saturday of the month! and it's free! FUN!
Here are some pics.
Wendy and I doing...a dance...or something...
Wendy, Leona and I...
Do I have anything in my teeth?...um...no, not at all.
Anyone guess that movie? (that wasn't there or didn't know about it)
Here are some pics.
Jen and I...
Wendy and I doing...a dance...or something...
Wendy, Leona and I...
Wendy and I...don't ask...
Do I have anything in my teeth?...um...no, not at all.
Anyone guess that movie? (that wasn't there or didn't know about it)
Jumping in the Pool...Fully Clothed
So this happened the other night. Travis, Hilary and I were sitting out by the pool one evening. Hilary and I decided that we wanted to jump in the pool....fully clothed.
I then decided that if we were going to do that, it needed to be documented.
So I ran and grabbed my camera and grabbed a couple of towels.
It then turned into a not so spontaneous thing...since I grabbed my camera and some towels.
Travis was the commentator and we jumped.
Then when we got to the apartment and weren't quite sure what to do since we were completely soaked.
Travis came up with the tricky towel technique. We went along with it and we laughed a lot.
See for yourselves...
I then decided that if we were going to do that, it needed to be documented.
So I ran and grabbed my camera and grabbed a couple of towels.
It then turned into a not so spontaneous thing...since I grabbed my camera and some towels.
Travis was the commentator and we jumped.
Then when we got to the apartment and weren't quite sure what to do since we were completely soaked.
Travis came up with the tricky towel technique. We went along with it and we laughed a lot.
See for yourselves...
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Noah
Just so Noah doesn't feel left out. Here he is takin' it easy. Here is a classic Noah story to make you laugh.
Brown Boys
OK. so maybe I'm missing my nephews and niece. Can you tell?!
I had to post this picture too...of some of the most handsome boys in Iowa. Will, Sam and Max.
I had to post this picture too...of some of the most handsome boys in Iowa. Will, Sam and Max.
Lily Margaret
My lovely started preschool today! She's been waiting so long for this day! 
Isn't she lovely!? You can read more about her day on my sister's blog.
I love her. Sweet Lily Margaret!
Isn't she lovely!? You can read more about her day on my sister's blog.I love her. Sweet Lily Margaret!
Jackson
My nephew Jack turned 12 this last weekend. Can you believe it?! 
Isn't he handsome!? He is such a blessing to this family! He's so cool. Love you Jack!
Isn't he handsome!? He is such a blessing to this family! He's so cool. Love you Jack!
VOTE!
You all need to go here and vote for my friend David Ramirez. It literally takes 15 seconds.
If he wins he gets to play on the Dell stage at Austin City Limits. HUGE deal.
All you have to do is enter your email address, it will send you a confirmation email and make sure to check your email and click on the link. That's it.
Check out his music here.
He's awesome! I got to "open" for him at a party last year. He's a great guy and you should all go and vote NOW! GO! and tell your friends to vote. blog about it and VOTE!
If he wins he gets to play on the Dell stage at Austin City Limits. HUGE deal.
All you have to do is enter your email address, it will send you a confirmation email and make sure to check your email and click on the link. That's it.
Check out his music here.
He's awesome! I got to "open" for him at a party last year. He's a great guy and you should all go and vote NOW! GO! and tell your friends to vote. blog about it and VOTE!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Free Music
There are a couple of amazing albums I wanted to tell you about, and they are FREE!
The first one is "Painted Red" by JJ Heller. Click here to download.
The second one is Phil Wickham's "Singalong". Download here.
The first one is "Painted Red" by JJ Heller. Click here to download.
The second one is Phil Wickham's "Singalong". Download here.
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