The Ramsey's

help...

2012-02-08T17:18:00.000-06:00

Sofriends I have a confession, I haven't cooked (like really cooked… chopped, stove-top, oven...the whole deal) in like a month. Justin would tell youthis is not an exaggeration (although I do tend to do that). It’sfrustrating because I love to cook it is creative, inspiring and fun to me.Although at times a little stressful to be honest, I struggle to get it alldone in a timely manner and still warm at the table. Probably due to my lack oftime management skills (I easily get distracted, I say its the artist in me).So one of my goals (you will read about in an upcoming post) is too startcooking again and trying new things I've not cooked or don't know how to cook.This is where you come in; I need suggestions especially any tried and truerecipes you love!

Onanother note, as you all know my health hasn't always been the best. I'vealways been encouraged to eat healthy and well like us all I'm sometimes betterthan other times. And well, right now I'm determined to get through Februarybeing healthy. Currently I have even more of an incentive to be and eathealthy, since we have been actively and prayerfully trying to get pregnant. Whatthis means for us is... more Fruit, more Vegetable (less cooked), more Fish,more whole grains & nuts. With less sugar, especially my addiction ofchocolate and less meats especially red and chicken (maybe twice a week).

Foodfor thought: I've been doing more reading thanks to a friends encouraging andher own recent diet without meat. I agree that meat really isn't as good forus, or as important as we've always been told. Our cholesterol increasesdrastically with meat consumption. Not to mention some of our bodies are not ascapable at processing meats. For instance, the Blood Type Diet (which hashelped me a lot through my own health issues) suggests that a person with bloodtype A eat meat rarely, (lean red meat 0-1x, chicken 0-3x WEEKLY). So why havewe been eating meats (especially chicken) in multiple daily proportions?

ThanksSociety...

Pleaseleave me a comment with your favorite recipes or suggestions... I needencouragement and Help!

My Healer

2012-02-06T14:33:00.000-06:00

Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt... God is Here? Where he spoke to you (maybe not audibly). But perhaps by giving you exactly what you needed at the perfect time, without you maybe even realizing it?
I had one of those moments this Sunday during church (HFBC) I was truly moved by the song "Healer" in worship! As I was crying out in voice and tears, I thought "Wow this is my anthem in so many ways." Justin sweetly grabbed my hand and held it tight. While a friend in front of me must have sensed it too because she turned and sweetly acknowledged me.[I pray these words speak to you as much as they did to me]

"Healer" by Kari Jobe
You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease
I trust in You, I trust in You

I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus, You're all I need

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease
I trust in You , Lord I trust in You

I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus, You're all I need

Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands

Nothing is impossible for You

Nothing is impossible
Nothing is impossible for You

You hold my world in Your hands

I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need

Oh yes You are, yes You are

And I believe You're my portion
Lord I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus, You're all I need

More than enough for me

Jesus, You're all I need

You're my Healer!

[I Would love to hear about You're moment, please share]

Bonus Video

2012-02-06T14:27:00.001-06:00

{Kari Job - Acoustic version of "Steady My Heart"}

a year of {Jubilee}

2012-01-02T13:27:00.002-06:00

{celebration, a season of rejoicing or jubilation}

Jubilee was every 50 years, according to ancient Hebrew custom, were the debts were cancelled, prison terms were terminated, and people forgave the resentments held through the years.
But, the Cross makes every year the Jubilee year!
Jesus death cancels our sin and gives us freedom to be forgiving. This is the 'acceptable year of the Lord for us' (Luke 4:18.19)

What if we committed this whole year to be one in which we set people free by loving them unconditionally and forgiving them unreservedly? That can happen through us only if it happens to us. Forgiveness is the one gift our Lord offers that we can't have unless we give it away. Think about it, what would your year look like?... {Would there be peace? love? freedom? life?}

Steps to a Jubilee Year: 1 accept forgiveness 2 ask for forgiveness from any person you've hurt 3 offer forgiveness to those who hurt you.

Make a list of people who need your forgiveness. Now what is the Lord telling you to say and then be that, assuring them that they are forgiven.
I want my Jubilee Year to start today!

better late than never...

2012-01-02T12:38:00.005-06:00

I know you're thinking... geez kelley its been over a year since the last post. I'm sorry. I'll make a resolution to be better in 2012! Although I should ask you to forgive me now because I know I'll still never be great at this. (I simply forget)

Happy New Year from the Ramseys!

Praying God's Blessings for you and your family in 2012!

Bday Boy or chicken you decide?

2010-08-04T10:20:00.004-05:00

July 21st was Justin's 27th Birthday!
Happy belated Bday!
Our sweet friends joined us for dessert that night
and the restaurant had him (as you can see) dance
around like a chicken, because of his age.
AWESOME!
Thanks Becky for video!

One of my favorite things..

2010-08-04T10:17:00.002-05:00

to do is get to buy new fonts! (i know totally lame)
And today is the day! I have been eyeing a few for a while and Gleam Design Studio is excited to have 3 or so new Ah-mazing Fonts!
I will send something to show them off later...

God calls us Beloved!

2010-08-02T13:21:00.003-05:00

(This is for the women... not that many men, besides Justin read this)

It is amazing to me how many women (especially Christian Women) live a life full of shame. Honestly shame we place on our-self. We lay these burdens and struggles upon our image of "self" and walk around beaten down and "not worthy". I was reminded of that a lot this week in my own life and by a dear friend, Becky. She wrote on her blog about shame and how tenderly our God has been speaking to her in regards to her struggles. I so closely relate to her and in this struggle - I too became a Christian later in life at 15 & still always feel this pressure to perform in life and in my walk with God. But God simply calls us to him to be, not to work at something. He already did all the work on the cross with Christ Jesus. (please click above to her link and read, you will be profoundly and deeply moved - PROMISE! thanks becky)

Last night speaking with Justin I realized just how insecure and un-confident I feel most of the time. WHY? I kept asking him and myself and well God revealed it to me though I am still processing it fully - He said it is because I am working to gain confidence and security by my performance driven living. Instead of living as HIS beloved chosen by HIM. (And honestly I am ready to embrace this fully, everyday walking this truth out - join me)

"But now in Christ Jesus you who were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He himself is our Peace." Eph. 2:13-14

"All Beautiful, you are my darling; there is no flaw in you." Song of Songs 4:7

the day the music wouldn't stop...

2010-08-02T12:47:00.002-05:00

I am trying to do work right now (design work that is), which is hard enough today because I woke up with a migraine this morning. But that's not the point ... As usual there are at least 6 programs open, and numerous files in illustrator not to mention on the web all open at once. Which if you have ever seen me work on my powerbook and know me well...your laughing!
Needless to say I have a lot going on...
Well right now there is a soundtrack playing (constant) music and I don't know where it is coming from! It is driving me crazy I have spent the last hour searching through all my windows - looking at blogs and websites to see where the music is coming from to only find - I have NO IDEA!
I guess the only thing left to do - is completely CLOSE ALL PROGRAMS & START OVER

Ha - how does this happen to me...

(oh man... luckily my migraine isn't coming back from the ghost like random music)
And in case your interested songs played so far: Owl City - Firefly's, Moth's Wings - Passion Pit,

drooling over...

2010-07-22T13:51:00.003-05:00

Love this J.CREW video and song!
And of course I am drooling over something - the trench coat & fedora...

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/summer2010collectionvideo.jsp

2010-07-15T15:20:00.004-05:00

Happy 4 Year Anniversary Justin!

I can't believe it has been 4 years already...

<< First song playing is for you - our song

<< 2nd song playing "Lucky" by Jason Mraz
& Colbie Caillat

"I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard...
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I'm lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday"

I am lucky to have you in my life, LOVE!
Thanks for loving me patiently and BIG.

king of anything...

2010-07-13T18:33:00.006-05:00

I adore this song and video today!
Enjoy the video is so fun and creative.

The Doctor will see you now...

2010-07-13T14:16:00.005-05:00

So proud of my loves first week in Houston
practicing (finally) as Dr. Justin Ramsey!!!

(image from Graduation in May)

Don't worry friends he doesn't wear the robe
every day to the office - though that would be funny!

:: Evvy ::

2010-04-01T15:59:00.004-05:00

Today I had the joy of watching sweet Evelyn (Evvy)
for a few hours and she makes my heart melt:
Just could not resist the urge to show her off to people, is that a beautiful baby!
She likes to hold hands, be in her toy jumper, SLEEP - the girl took an almost 2 hour nap (which made me nervous cause her mom & dad said she would only nap for 30mins. to an hour).
She also likes to play with her hands in her mouth - which as an almost Dentists wife I know that is a first No No - so i worked hard to keep her thumb out of her mouth.

Evvy thanks for a great morning!

The Ramsey Cog

2010-04-01T15:32:00.003-05:00

So as many of you have heard us say that we think our cat (Annabelle) is part dog. Therefore we call her a cog (part cat, part dog)
Yesterday proved that even more:
I was in the living room when I heard something happening in the kitchen, I looked over and Annabelle was coming out of the pantry dragging into the kitchen a Ziploc bag of Jade's dog food.
This has never happened nor should it happen so I was shocked. I was wondering what was going on with her so I went to check her food bowl and sure enough it was completely empty (Justin had forgotten to feed her) and well she was letting me know.
Good Job Annabelle you got my attention and a full belly.

... to come

2010-03-17T11:17:00.003-05:00

Justin and I went to Costa Rica a few weeks ago and we have pictures, videos and story's to share (we will try to do it very soon)

p.s. Not sure if we ever shared that Justin signed a contract with a dental practice in Houston Midtown called Floss - he begins working once he gets his license which is around June. We are excited for him to finally be a Doctor very soon.

:: Loved ::

2010-03-17T11:10:00.003-05:00

I am currently reading:
Abba's Child
The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging
by Brennan Manning (author of The Ragamuffin Gospel)

It is another must read especially if you don't feel as if you understand or always feel God's (unconditional ) Love! Thank you Stephanie for the suggestion it is a perfect read right now - I am lucky to have you!

a process

2010-03-17T11:07:00.001-05:00

As many of you know, currently I am in an unusual phase or journey of truly seeking after God's Best for Me (physically, emotionally and not without spiritually)

Physically:
By God's provision I am much more able to focus on my health which includes something new a physical therapist who (praise God) is very knowledgeable with head and neck problems. She is working on getting movement and strength back to my neck and 1,2 & 3rd vertebrae (which were hurt due to a car accident in high school and have only increasingly become more of a problem in correlation with my jaw dysfunction). I am already able to tell a difference. I believe it has started to slowly lower my pain level and migraine severity. So Justin and I are excited to have added this to what we have already been doing for the past few years.

Emotionally:
I am in christian counseling working through a 8 week group counseling program. Which mainly feels like a huge sanctification project. Thankfully that way of thinking brings a lot of hope, I pray I am becoming more like Christ for His Glory. I remember in college being told that you know your in "sanctifcation" when your hurting & growing - "It's a painful process" one which makes you tired but exhilerated. I feel both at different times, and sometimes all at once.
But I am hopeful... learning so much about myself - things I hate, things that need to change by God's grace and things that make me who I am. (I put it this way in my journal on Feb. 9th):
Who am I? - Well I'm learning more and more thanks to my God who has me on a ride, journey - adventure into what he wants me to be now, later and when I'm 80. I am hopeful & gracefully looking forward to what that looks like and knowing I'll be a better wife, sister, daughter, friend and one day mother because of the pain and struggle I endure now (for this short time).

Spiritually:
I am right now reflecting upon the thought that some of us have 2 concepts of God (intellectual & emotional). It is important that our emotional concept is brought in line with a true understanding of God. Basically I want to know and feel God more deeply and in a new real way!

Learning to abide in Him means that we consistently draw on the resources of His matchless Grace... then we are made like Christ!
("abide" means "to dwell, inhabit, live, reside and rest")
I am trusting HIM in this process...

a must read...

2010-03-11T10:50:00.005-06:00

I just finished "quickly" reading
same kind of different as me
by Ron Hall and Denver Moore.
Which is now part of my must
read list - it was inspiring! (and
so much more)

...my first thought once in the
5th chapter was "how have I
not read this sooner" especially
since it was a gift more than a
year ago. (Thanks Annie)
This story of unconditional love and
the reality's of life made me think about
what really happens to people when they
allow God to run their lives!

If you have read it (which I am sure
most of you reading this probably
have ) I would love to hear what you
thought and how God spoke to you?

*I can share my Must Read List - if any of you are interested

2 signs

2010-02-17T14:38:00.010-06:00

Here are 2 recent signs that make me not believe in "global warming"
Sign 1:
December 4, 2009 - Houston got between 2-4" of snow

(I apologize for the long video & for being such a dork)
This was a big deal at the time - especially since it was
Jade's first snow! But now after sign 2 (below) our little
snow storm was a let down...below is way more amazing!

Sign 2:
North/East Texas got up to 12" of snow last week
here are images of my Parents Winter Wonderland
Home in Nacogdoches, Texas.

on days such as this...

2010-02-11T14:54:00.000-06:00

I would prefer to be snuggled up next to a fire
with a warm mug of hot chocolate. To me nothing
is better than that especially with the cold weather
we have had. The last few days have been a
reminder of just that and today is no different -
if I had a fireplace that's what I would do to avoid
the cold and none stop rain. But since we live in
a 3 story townhouse which means no fireplace,
all I can do is dream of how much I like them
and what I would want our fireplace to look like
in our next or future home and of course later
I'll make a cup of hot chocolate!

Dream with me...

> this one reminds me of the great
rock fireplace at my parent's house

...or outside

forgiven much

2009-11-23T13:09:00.000-06:00

The person who has encountered God's grace- really, deeply experienced it - will show it! It is a traumatic event when our need for mercy is revealed. It changes our whole perception of everything. I want to be someone who has tasted the sweetness of mercy, and invites others to the banquet where it is served.

"He who has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:47

::jewels::

2009-11-23T13:02:00.000-06:00

I asked for any jcrew jewelry for my birthday
and sweet Justin took me to get this...
I love it and the bracelet was a steal!
-thanks

FROG NATION!

2009-11-14T11:35:00.000-06:00

GO FROGS!!!!
6:30 tonight against Utah
We are so proud of our Frogs No. 4,
ESPN Game Day show and a sold out Amon Carter!
Couldn't get any better unless we were actually in
Fort Worth to experience all the fun.

deep thoughts

2009-10-29T17:30:00.000-05:00

(from my devotional... passed down from Grandma Martha Haney)
...The first evidence of Saul's deeper problem was exposed when he blundered ahead in making a sacrifice without Samuel and then led the people into battle without clear guidance. Saul found it difficult to trust God to be his only strength. He never got his heart into the rhythms of the Lord's guidance! He lived on the level of talent rather than the Lord's gifts. God was never really personal to him. In Saul we see our potential and our problem. There is no substitute to habitual obedience, constant trust, and God's resources for our needs.

1 samuel 8:1-15,35 & 1 Chronicles 10:13

jcrew love

2009-10-29T17:24:00.001-05:00

Not going to lie... Melanie I agree with you
j.crew is worthy of having an obsession over (guilty)
especially when they create things like the above.
The clothes, styling, graphic design, photography
and playful attention to detail is inspiring and revolutionary!

I asked for anything j.crew for my birthday especially their
antique jewelry! I often find myself spotting their jewelry items
on Pottery Barn customers and drooling.

...HEB heaven...

2009-10-26T11:06:00.000-05:00

I have always really enjoyed grocery shopping,
I know not many people do. But something
about the fresh produce the deals, the planning
what to cook for the week or what to cook for
the first time - it inspires me and excites me.

Justin and I went for the first time to the brand
new HEB on Buffalo Speedway last night. It is
amazing - its like a normal central market but
with everyday grocery shopping and incredibly
cheap DEALS! oh... the fun!
We decided to not go anywhere else for a while.
"Here Everythings Better"

::intriguing::

2009-10-23T09:15:00.000-05:00

I have always been intrigued and mesmerized by clever and conceptual company branding and identity... here are a few I have found during my inspiration design time!

www.mm-sf.com

Denis Olenik

Sarah Walsh

sneak peak.

2009-10-16T18:13:00.001-05:00

This will soon be used for a style spread, the photography
is amazing and was shot in a fabulous home. I love the antique,
glamorous and regal feel it has, yet still unexpected.
I'll show you the full layout and spreads later...

p.s. I love typography!!!

random updates

2009-10-16T17:21:00.000-05:00

.... so i have been sick most of the week... its been an odd week and Justin could attest to it being unfortunate or as he would say "unlucky". I injured my behind on Tuesday by being clumsy -- then couldn't sleep that night due to back, rib, and crazy bad side pain. Which of course I thought happened from my bum injury - but after a full day of icing, heating and go to the chiropractor who said I was fine. My symptoms increased & changed: fever, exhaustion, constant headache, cough and dizziness. I began to think ... maybe I have the flu (which I have never had).
Well... after much rest, I am thankful it has not been as bad as I have always heard it could be.

.... Thursday AM Justin left for Minnesota (he is there now) and had several interviews today, which he said "went well," he thinks it is a very good program.
Honestly I was hoping he wouldn't like the program to make our decisions easier. Though that's not the case and I was the one that strongly encouraged him into going (to check out all our options). We now more than ever need your prayerful help for God's leading...
Minnesota is cold and far away therefore is not our first choice but God is much better with our future and we want to ultimately place it in HIS hands!

... hope you like the music playlist I have added to our blog!
It is the beats that fills my days right now. Music has always been influential to me - it brings me into different moods, inspires, energizes etc... especially as I try to be creative at my computer most days (for long lengths of time)!

current BSCENE magazine

2009-09-25T13:23:00.001-05:00

*i know this is past due but just wanted to show off the great issue!
click here than once in the website click to the right of the cover image
where it says (issues) to look through it.

BSCENE issue September/October 2009

My Crazy Pup

2009-08-30T15:57:00.000-05:00

Whenever we go out to my parents house, we always bring Jade with us because she LOVES to swim in their pool. She'll stay in the water all day if we let her. Lately she has started this new thing where she makes "happy noises" when she gets excited about something. Watch her give Kelley a High-Five .....

I think Jade's 2nd favorite thing about going to my parents house is that she gets to play with my brother Jacob. All I have to do is say his name and she starts going crazy! What a funny pup.

God speaks!

2009-08-20T12:20:00.000-05:00

I find it absolutely amazing when I feel as if God is speaking to me in every possible way. It is such a feeling of "shelter" to know the Maker is trying to teach you something and will do so anyway possible. Whether its by using things you read, conversations you have, struggles in your life, etc... he will show you that "lesson". Mine has been about worry lately.
(here is one way he spoke to me in my devotional - hope it speaks to you too)

Surrendering Worry
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Luke 12:25

"Do not worry." It is one of Jesus' most frequently repeated commands. It is also one of the hardest to obey. Worry comes naturally. We say we just can't help it. (We can.) We say it's just part of who we are. (It is part of who we WERE naturally, before faith in Christ - not now.) We justify i by saying that Jesus wants us to think responsibly about the future. (There's a huge difference between being responsible and being worried.)
Our problem with worry is a heart issue. It's all about whether we are surrendered to God. Do we really trust Him to take care of us? Do we believe that He will lead us in His will and that His will is always good? Do we really value His plan, even when His plan leads us through difficult circumstances? If the answer is "yes" to all of these, then we have perhaps recognized Jesus as Lord in the way that He desires. But for most people the answer to these questions is "no" - at least occasionally, if not frequently.
(Best Part) Think about what's really in your heart when you worry. If we are worried and anxious, we don't really accept His lordship, do we? If we have really submitted to Him, we trust Him to handle our lives. They are in His hands, and WHATEVER He chooses to do with them is all right with us, even if His will is difficult. The path is His, the means to live it are His, and the outcomes are His. This is what surrender is all about. And if we're really surrendered, we're not worried about it.

"Worry is an intrusion into God's providence." -John Haggai

time passes too quickly

2009-08-17T10:55:00.000-05:00

Justin headed off today to his first day of his 4th and final year of Dental School!
It is crazy to think that he has already finished most of it and will soon be a Doctor. He didn't want to head off to school this morning (but who honestly wants to go to the first day back of school - not many people) But I am so proud of him and excited for his final year - as he finishes and learns how to be a great care physician and doctor to his patients. What an exciting time!!!

As I have been reminded this morning - time will fly by and it doesn't get any slower as you get older (as I have been told by many older friends and acquaintances). So enjoy what you are given and make the most of it, especially taking notice of when to love, when to share grace and glorify God in all your ways!

Aniston loves her brother...

2009-07-31T10:06:00.000-05:00

and cameras (like a true diva) however Aiden
is only interested in the tv (like a true boy)

(our niece and nephew)

DIY...dreaming

2009-07-31T09:36:00.000-05:00

I am in heaven...

After reading Melanie's post on Urban Outfitters new DIY projects ... my mind started thinking about all the things I could make ( if only I had the time and money ) I would buy so much of these items for my one day - craft room! Don't worry I would make you all gifts...

Coldplay Concert on My B-Day!

2009-07-26T14:00:00.000-05:00

So this past week Kelley pulled off a Great surprise by taking me to see Coldplay in concert out at the Woodlands with our friends Ryan & Annette. It was an awesome show! Thanks for a great bday Kel! You're amazing and I love you tons!

Check out some videos we got during the concert....

At one point in the show they came out and played on another stage in the middle of the audience. We were 10 feet away as they sang a rendition of the famous Michael Jackson's song "Billie Jean"!

creative... love it

2009-07-21T14:57:00.001-05:00

Sopocani 100% Juice bottle and label design
designed by Peter Gregson Studio for juices and jars for serbian, made in monastery Sopocani - amazing with the bottle looking like leafs and the handwritten text and logo.
Love it, and hoping it will inspire me today!

3 years tomorrow!

2009-07-14T10:43:00.000-05:00

WOW - time fly's I cannot believe Justin and I will be celebrating 3 years of marriage tomorrow!
Praise God for he is gracious and loving to us!

Love you "blue eyes"

SYTYCD & GRO

2009-06-26T20:11:00.000-05:00

So Justin and I love So You Think You Can Dance, we watch it each week.

And thursday night we re-winded 3xs as I tried to convince Justin that the song playing during dancer Jonathan's farewell video was Green River Ordinance - Justin of course didn't believe me so I told him fine "Shazam it" (which is an amazing iphone app that can identify music) Well after 3 seconds he said "No Way" it was GRO and their great new song "On Your Own"! HOW AWESOME is that!

For those of you who don't know GRO, they are a Fort Worth band (about our age) that we have watched and followed for years now - way to go GRO on your career!

{the king of pop}

2009-06-25T22:37:00.000-05:00

I am kind of surprised that I honestly have been saddened by the news of his passing.... but I shouldn't be surprised since as dancer I feel as if I grew up dancing/listening to everyone of his songs (we probably all did). He inspired me as a kid and I still love every song!

It is not possible to keep still and not dance when a Michael Jackson song is on.... (come on) beat it, thriller, smooth criminal, rock with you, scream, black or white. They are amazing!

Click below and see if you can keep from dancing... you can't.

tribute to the man of the moonwalk and more

...uh oh

2009-06-25T13:02:00.000-05:00

I am feeling overwhelmed with lots of work to do before tomorrow and the pressure for it to be GOOD. Also feeling out of ideas and inspiration....

... thoughts from Monday night tv

2009-06-23T14:22:00.000-05:00

First of all, Jillian is crazy to keep Wes on the Bachelorette and send Jake home - but I am excited to see what happens when Jake comes back later on -- at least the previews made it seem that way. I have intuition that Jake will probably be the next Bachelor and that Wes will not sell more than 10 albums.

Second and most importantly, my heart breaks for Jon and Kate. I have been a fan and watcher of the show for at least 3 years now. And it breaks my heart to see them or anyone for that matter get to a point where they can't attempt to work things out and instead choose divorce. This poor family - my heart and prayers went out to them as I watched.

Justin and I were discussing it a few weeks back and we kept saying that the problem these days that lead to so many divorces is the parents putting the "kids first" before each other and their marriage. If it weren't for the couples marriage the kids wouldn't even be there in the first place. This is something Justin and I feel very strongly about -- please help us remember this and married friends out there engrave this in your heart and brain: Your Marriage comes FIRST before the kids, job, money, and life. Your spouse should be before your kids - your spouse is the one you said vows to and made a covenant with God before your family and friends. If the two of you are working on your relationship first, then of course what is "good for the kids" will naturally follow.

hush

2009-06-23T09:50:00.000-05:00

my brothers video of my sweet niece Aniston, we love when

she says hush because she knows she is cute!

{inspiration for today}

2009-06-10T16:50:00.000-05:00

quote by -Addison-

update*

2009-06-05T16:56:00.001-05:00

Grandma Haney's tests went well they were not able to find any blockage or anything they needed to fix -- so that is good news. She will be home tonight, after laying flat on her back for 4 hours (the part she told me she dreads). Thanks for the prayers!

Her 80th birthday this past December!

prayer for Martha

2009-06-05T10:32:00.000-05:00

my grandma is having a procedure or heart test in about an hour to check for any blockage. She has had it done before and is not worried - however I am asking for prayer for her. She is a strong Christian woman and would love to know that others are praying for her because she honestly believes in the power of prayer.

thank you!

{blueprint excitment}

2009-06-02T11:06:00.000-05:00

A year 1/2 ago my favorite magazine Blueprint by Martha Stewart ended, I actually had a subscription... and was so sad. It was like domino but much better, the focus of the magazine was all about designing your life! I was always inspired by each issue (it was actually the only magazine I can claim to have read from front to back) The design/typography was top notch and inventive. I picked up the very first issue May 06 in the airport to New York (a vacation with my college roommates). However when recently looking back through my collection, I realized I was missing one (issue #3) of the only 8 issues they printed. So 2 weeks ago I started searching for the issue on ebay I ordered one and it came in the mail last night!!!

I was so excited, words can't even describe!

If your interested the magazines old blog is still up (though they stopped updating) It still has lots of ideas and inspiration!

beautiful scandalous night...

2009-06-02T10:33:00.001-05:00

Go on up to the mountain of mercy
To the crimson perpetual tide
Kneel down on the shore
Be thirsty no more
Go under and be purified

Follow Christ to the holy mountain
Sinner sorry and wrecked by the fall
Cleanse your heart and your soul
In the fountain that flowed
For you and for me and for all

CHORUS:
At the wonderful, tragic, mysterious tree
On that beautiful, scandalous night you and me
Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white
On that beautiful, scandalous night

On the hillside, you will be delivered
At the foot of the cross justified
And your spirit restored
By the river that poured
From our blessed Savior's side

CHORUS
Go on up to the mountain of mercy
To the crimson perpetual tide
Kneel down on the shore
Be thirsty no more
Go under and be purified
___________________________
(one of my favorite songs- played this morning and now its on repeat, so the words can keep speaking to me)
Click here for a listen of my favorite version by Robbie Seay Band.

{souja boy remix}

2009-05-29T11:34:00.000-05:00

love this kid... actually know his mother

Justin and I hope our kids will be just as fun and funny!

2009-05-19T09:57:00.000-05:00

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude. " Denis Waitley

LOVE THIS - thanks Melaine for thoughts...

new BSCENE magazine

2009-05-19T09:51:00.000-05:00

May/June 09 issue

click above & take a look through it I am proud!

the need of having no need

2009-05-19T08:52:00.000-05:00

>> my devotional yesterday

Revelations 3:1-6

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (vs.6)

The Church at Sardis had no need, vs. 1 they look to be alive but yet are dead inside. The church was known for its life, but Christ said that it was dead, though it had prosperity, it was dead in what really mattered. Materially there was life, but spiritually it was dead.

Jesus challenged the church at Sardis to wake up and strengthen what was on the point of death. He wanted faithfulness. The church had drifted from the source of its life in Him. He wanted vitality. The church is to live out a style of life motivated by Christ, lived in freedom, expressed in service and communicated with joy. AUTHENTICITY!

Though Sardis had no need - being adequate, successful, prosperous - the Christians were satisfied and pleased with themselves and their church. They had worked hard and now they settled back to enjoy being the church with their own select few whom they loved and who loved them. How delightful... and dangerous!

Strange, isn't it: we work hard to plan and provide for a comfortable life. We use our energies and skills to get life to a place where it is controllable and tolerable. Responsible only for ourselves and those we love. But in so doing we engineer ourselves out of a place of receiving grace. The result of our own careful management is often that we take control and no longer need Christ!

This is what happened at Sardis, and it has happened to many of us. Christ being only an addendum to an already full and carefully planned life. He no longer is Lord of all life. Becoming instead a pleasant helper to accomplish our purposes and to keep our lives running smoothly toward our goals we have established. We want him to help us when there is sickness or trouble, but we no longer need Him to guide, save, or forgive us.

Thank you Lord for exposing a life like this! The good of life can keep us from the great life of dependence on Him and a costly concern and care for others.

Thoughts for the Day:

If we arrive at where we are headed, where will we be? If we achieve our goals, what will we have? If we accomplish our purpose, will it be God's best for our lives?

>> I felt awakened and convicted after reading this. I have been having a tough week 1/2 with a constant migraine or headache - therefore physically, emotionally, and spiritually worn down. Justin reminded me last night that the Lord often speaks to me in great ways when I am broken and helpless (like now with my health). So with that hope, I pray God would reveal what he desires to teach me. Perhaps to put him first over this world or be content in life yet striving to know him better and make him glorified more!

Since contentment is such a big struggle for me right now - I have a feeling that is part of the lesson. I get dissatisfied with worldly things: not having any money, which in turn means I can't do the things I want to, Justin & I still being in school (which sometimes feel as if your not living out Your Life Yet) However is such a lie to fight against.

It's not about the end goal or accomplished result but the journey both hills and mountains, valleys and canyons - I don't want to arrive, I want to live for God's Best each day!!!

I hope His words above speak to you as much as they did to me.

fort Haney

2009-04-28T14:55:00.001-05:00

>>the weekend after Easter Justin and I went to Nacogdoches to my family's (now) farm. My parents have a large garden to now keep them busy. The new farm and (swing-set) fort was revealed to the family and cousins. We had a great time and my Mom & Dad put so much energy and effort into making it great even with 90% rain in the forecast. Luckily God provided several hours of rain free play time. The kids Annie (niece), Aiden (nephew) and Caleb (my cousin's son) absolutely loved it!! Why wouldn't they - look at the amazing fort my dad built - the thing has 2 slides, climbing wall, swings, 2 sand boxes, a scope and much more...

one day our kids will really love this!

what?

2009-04-20T00:25:00.001-05:00

gay dorms at TCU i thought my dad was sort of joking when he told me he heard this on national news... I am shocked and outraged and speechless...

(anyone else?)

we should do something (but what?)

...and i want too

2009-04-16T15:01:00.000-05:00

thanks to linnie, i might have found what i have been

looking for all my life (or at least the past 4 years)

this would make bubble baths last for hours,

I love this!!! ...please JR (hint, hint)

pottery barn

{learning}

2009-04-16T14:13:00.000-05:00

i am amazed that even after 25 years I am still learning so many things about myself and figuring out what I like, love, what I want to do with my life and so on...

I guess learning never ends.

One of my sweet friends older brothers once gave us great advice before her wedding-

Marriage is beautiful you have no idea what your getting into... the beauty is in forever getting to know each other, that's the adventure and what increases love.

I guess the same thing that makes marriage beautiful also makes life beautiful- " the getting to know, and learning about"

I pray you have a weekend full or getting to know yourself and the people around you!!!

{samples}

2009-04-16T13:39:00.000-05:00

here is a little glimpse into what I have been working on...

wanted to do this a year ago...

2009-04-15T14:48:00.000-05:00

But finally just sat down and did it.

Most of you know that I am a design snob (sadly) so I would have much rather had the time to create from scratch a blog design however - lets be honest I don't have the time for that... so instead I spent far too long trying to make what I did have okay. I like things to be pretty and interesting, but yet always hate what I do. Which I know is silly but oh well.

I have no idea what this blog will turn into or what it will mainly be about: Justin and I , Jade and Annabelle our dog & cat, or me and things I love. Guess we will have to see...

Here is Justin and Kelley's blog! enjoy