It's My Intention

What happens when I don't reply

2012-02-18T09:11:00.000-08:00

Andrew and I are silly. We act like little kids a lot, we laugh pretty hard.

This is what Andrew texted to me while he was walking home from work the other day.

Usually he texts saying he is on his way home...and I quickly respond.

I didn't respond on Thursday and this is what happened.

I feel like I need to say that I think it is hilarious when people say booty.

He is my favorite! Have a happy Saturday!

Valentines date and watch it Wed.

2012-02-15T16:11:00.000-08:00

This Valentines day the 3 of us went out!

I guess this is how I really look

But let me be honest, this is totally how I feel!

So for Valentines day, we went on a lovely date on Gift Certificates. We ate dinner at Terilli's and then went to Studio Movie Grill for dessert. I think we spent $10.00 on a delicious dinner, a movie, and coffee and dessert.

The movie we chose was "The Vow". I know that I cry a bit more than normal cause I am preggers, but this movie was out of control tear jerking. I cried for more than an hour of a two hour movie!

I am not sure that it is one I will be able to sit through again.

The story is based on a real couple. They were on the Today Show on Feb 13th. Watching them was absolutely beautiful. They are clearly believers and I loved listening to them speak about marriage.

I am making this my "Watch it Wednesday"- It is the Clip from the today show. Do yourself a favor and listen to them share their story...and if you want to see the Vow, you should, but let me warn you, I enjoyed the real story so much more than the movie one...It was too gut-wrenching!

The today show wont let you post the video, but here is the link.

GO and WATCH!

Easy Eats

2012-02-14T07:17:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve, my mother in law made a white chicken chili in a crock pot. I remember it being really great so I asked her to send the recipe along. I made it this weekend and Andrew and I could really not believe how stinkin good it was. It was so easy to make and the flavor was amazing.
It doesn't seem fair to not share it.

Ingredients::
1 1/4 lb boneless skinless chicken - or however much you want
2 15oz cans o great white northern or navy beans-drained. (I actually did one of each)
1 15oz can of hominy or White corn. (I used both, but I may skip the hominy next time...my mother in law drains, I drained half the corn)
1 pack of Taco Seasoning
1 41/2oz can of chopped green chilies...I am going to double the chilies next time
1 103/4oz can of Cream of chicken soup
1 14oz can of Chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream
optional:: Monterrey jack cheese, Salsa, Tortilla chips.

Here is how you whip it up.
Put chicken in the crock pot.
Top with beans and corn.
Combine the Seasoning, chilies, soup and broth in a bowl, stir it up, and pour over the top of the ingredients in the crock pot.

I cooked for 6 hours. I pulled the chicken out before serving and just pulled it right apart and re-added it.
(If chicken doesn't shred, it is not cooked through)
Once the chicken is back in the pot, add the sour cream.

Serve with some cheese and some salsa...and some tortilla chips.

DELISH!
Especially on the "colder" days!

Enjoy!

product placement

2012-02-13T12:49:00.004-08:00

It is not often that I talk about a product, but...Superbowl Sunday found me and some friends talking about hair care.
I thought it was really interesting that most of the girls said that they use shampoo for a short amount of time then switch because they haven't really found anything that they like.
One of the girls and I had both switched to an Organics shampoo and neither of us finished the bottle because our hair felt like straw. And I do not want to spend an arm and a leg on shampoo and conditioner.

So, that is the lead into my post today.

Over our Christmas break my mom had put a lotion into the bathroom for us...you know like a "guest" use lotion and soap. It was this.

I have only ever loved one lotion as much as I love this.

(Which was a discontinued after sun balm made by Hawaiian Tropic which smelled like dreamy coconut and sunshine...just sayin.)

Because I loved the lotion so much, I was shopping and saw this new line of Aveeno shampoo and conditioner.

I bought. I used. I love!

One of my friends handed me this product to use and so I thought I would give it a try...

Between the lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and Frizz eaze, I feel like I have the softest skin and hair in all of Texas...

I thought you may one of the "girls" who cant seem to find the right combo without spending bank...you should check these out!

Watch it Wednesday

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is the most ridiculous use of a guitar I have ever seen...and I mean ridiculous as in "it's totally crazy and amazing".

This is "Walk off the Earth".

What can you do?

2012-02-06T09:32:00.000-08:00

Most of you know I work for His Voice Global, we are constantly working to forward the kingdom and I believe in the work we do...which is why I work for them!

I just wanted to share a few things with you today. Sorry if the image is hard to look at, but it is real life.

We are so excited about what the Lord is doing with His Voice in 2012.

We are celebrating leap year by doing a February push called...

The goal here is to get 29 new monthly supporters by the 29th of this month.

To celebrate our newest partners we are going to do a drawing each week in February and give away a fun bundle. This weeks bundle is a Shirt from Vive and a Lecrae album.

If you have something that you believe in and give to (above your local church), thank you. If you are looking to do more, please consider being a partner to His Voice Global.

This year we are expanding our work in India and we are beginning to feed orphans in North Korea.

We are also going to be working in other regions in South Sudan and so much more!

Its so easy to become a partner. Just click here and fill out the form. Make sure to click on the box that makes it a reoccurring monthly donation.

This weekend we received new news from some other cities in Southern Sudan where there is currently a hard hitting famine. There is an estimated 100,000 people left without anything to eat aside from wild fruit and honey. We are going to begin working to help the people of this area. Bishop delivered some Bibles and first aid kits on his first trip. This trip was to see where and how we can be of help.

This is an image we received from Bishop, (our on the ground lead in South Sudan) from his trip.

This is a 5 year old boy and his 3 year old brother.
Their parents were murdered and 5 year old is now the primary care giver to this 3 year old.

Being a partner with His Voice Global means bringing the Gospel and other earthly needs to this situation, and others like it.

The more monthly supporters we have the more we can do here, in India and in North Korea.
Help us bring real HOPE into these situations.
Consider being a monthly supporter. You can donate as little as $10.00 a month. Again, Just click here!

Thanks for stopping by.

Its the small things.

2012-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I posted one of those "silly" moments between me and andrew. There are a lot of them, but if I don't write them down, I seem to forget. On to the story...

Andrew had been studying/reading literally all day. I had a lunch meeting and decided to bring him a big-ol' diet Dr. Pepper for a treat.
Once I got home, I had to send some e-mails. I got my work done, then I had another thing I had to do on the computer.

As I started tackling this goal, I immediately began getting frustrated. This is not something that happens to me all that often (now that I am a grown-up), but I was verging on tears. I just kept saying things like, "You have got to be kidding me!" and "This is absolutely the most ridiculous thing ever!".

Poor Andrew just sat by for a moment...and then...He moves over next to me. I just gave up and dropped back so that I was laying across the couch.

He leans down to my belly and says, "hey baby, this is your daddy."
(he pulled my shirt up over my belly to kiss the little babe) and continues...
"your mommy is really frustrated right now. This doesn't happen very often so don't worry. When she gets like this you just need to let her go for a minute and then cuddle her and support her...then you make a joke about something to get her to laugh."
(remember, I am still laying back, now with my eyes closed) He goes on in a continued sentence-still talking to baby. "Do you want some Diet Dr. Pepper?"

I start laughing a little, then I feel a drop. I look up, he has his straw pulled out of the cup and over my belly button, dropping soda into it to "share with the baby."

I was done! I was laughing sooooo hard the frustration left! looks like he knows exactly how to deal with me and is training the baby to do the same.
Love that guy.

Body movin'

2012-02-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to Bible Study. Andrew and I lead few songs of worship before we dig into the Word. I had only felt the baby move like 4 times. Last night we finished our songs and sat down and as the Word started to be taught, the baby went nuts. I felt it move a lot. Afterwards we went to a friends house and sat around for a while. We got home late and when we were lying in bed, I felt it again; Just moving like crazy. I told andrew and so he reached over and set his hand on my stomach. It wasn't 5 seconds and I felt it. Just as I did, sweet Andrew gasped and his face had the most precious expression. The babe put on a little show for daddy and allowed him to feel the movement about 4 more times before it stopped moving. It was a really magical moment and I am not sure I will ever forget the look on Andrews face. Just absolute awe, wonder, excitement and surprise...and relief.

Man, kid. We sure do love you a lot!

In other news, I am getting really bored with drinking so much water. I am trying to find things to supplement. Lemonade gets to sweet...and I am not a fan of really sweet (these days). I love carbonation, but also getting tired of flavored water. So, my go to drink this week has been awesome.

a squeeze from a lime, a squeeze from a lemon and a little bit of Agave nectar for just a little bit of natural sweet. Fill with ice, add water and viola!

Watch it Wednesday

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

So, recently this video has been moving across the posts lots of people...including Ellen.
I feel like I need to tell you, in case you didn't know that Trip and Tyler (the two guys who make these videos) work with NorthPoint church a lot, they are hosts at Bigstuf camps, they hosted Catalyst last year and they are very well known in the church circuit. We have been playing their videos for about two years and I always laugh because they sort-of walk the line...I decided to post one of their earlier videos which I think is hilarious and then the most recent popular hit.

So, without further ado....

This is one from last year some time.

This is the most recent one.

you can see many more on this site. http://www.youtube.com/user/dontbethatguyfilms/featured

I hope you laughed at least a little!

Have a great day!

Dreams

2012-01-30T09:39:00.000-08:00

I have heard people say that during pregnancy, dreams get weird. This freaked me out, because normally my dreams are fairly strange.
Well...They have started. The last three nights have been nuts. I told someone yesterday that I wake up exhausted because I am living adventures all night long.

Short review...Last night I was kidnapped by two men trying to make money off of returning me, but then ended up in the Alps, rescued by an animal who told me to zip-line across a river (by holding onto a chain), found a lantern, and then the fairies helped me by leading me through a secret garden filled with "dwarfs" (like the 7) who watched over me till I ended up in the Gap (yes, the clothing store) where I worked folding clothes by the pool at my childhood home where I kept watch for the Tiger that then attacked my brother in my parents room. I woke up as Josh was slaying the tiger with a knife...a steak knife...it was a rough fight.

aannnnnddddd.....Good Morning!
Any of you ladies have crazy dreams while pregnant?!

In better dreams news, Andrew and I have been reading through the Bible this year. We have just a few chapters left of the Old Testament, but just wrapped the New.
This imagery from Revelation 22 is way more up my alley when thinking of things to dream about!

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God ill be their light, and they will reign forever and ever."

Amen.

Have a blessed day today, friends!
S

The family portrait

2012-01-27T10:31:00.000-08:00

Many of you know at least one or two members of my family, and I am sure, by now, you feel like you know Fred and Charlie...unless you are a new follower. I am going to let you in on a secret. Although I am a photographer, by education and even trade, we do not do well family photos.
Almost all the photos I have of me and Andrew are pics we have taken of ourselves...holding the camera. When it comes to the "whole" Welker side of the family there is always some big ordeal. It is quite humorous in retrospect. The kids are nuts, Josh doesn't love posing in the pictures, mom has to look great, and make sure that dad looks great and even though we will all be in the same place for like 5 days, we have to SCHEDULE the time that we are going to take the pic.
Last Christmas there was a beautiful snow and the air was hazy and we all went outside and ended up with these really beautiful photos...which were used for this years Welker Christmas card...yes, the photo was a year old.
This Christmas I laughed because I just wanted to take a photo of the family. We will all be together in August and there will be a new addition to the photo, so these pics...they are just for fun. Well, when I saw how they turned out, I about died with laughter. If you know my family I think you will be able to tell exactly what was going on in these but in the case you don't, I will caption them. I will show you in the order they were taken in. I hope you at least laugh a little...and I would love to hear about what happens when your family gets together and wants to take a pic!

Fred, in a good mood, ready to roll!

Charlie, hair did...lookin fly...ready!

Dad...cracking my mom up...ready and in place first while I do light check and the kids get prepped.
This may be my favorite pic of my mom...ever.

Dad...being awesome.

This is my favorite. Mom and dad are serious. Andrew in place. Michelle is making sure Charlie is good to go, Josh holding Fred while he has a breakdown about having to put his truck down.

All in..everyone smiles...dad not quite ready and Fred is mad.

Better...Fred still mad.

Imagine everyone saying, "Fred, come on...just one pic!"

Notice Fred's face here...This is in response to me first saying, "do I have to put you under my feet to get you to smile?" no smile.
"then I will bring you over here, sit on you and put you under my booty."
Booty...Gets em every time.

almost.

lets try another way.

KIDS! LOOK UP!

oh wait...a ragdoll...(Which I think is hilarious!)

Freds Almost smile. Charlie getting bored.

And...Josh was sniffing Michelle right before this one...which made her crack up...
But it was as good as we were gonna get!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERY BODY!

Watch It Wednesday

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Often, almost weekly, I come across a video that just needs to be shared. I watched one on Monday night and I cried. I laughed so hard. I decided to make Wednesdays "watch it wednesdays". So here is your first one!

Alana, Age 6, Best Beauty Pageant Kid, Ever - Watch More Funny Videos
While I watched and laughed, Andrew watched on and commented, "This is my fear."

Have a great day!

Birthday Dinner Menu

2012-01-23T11:56:00.000-08:00

For Andrew's b-day dinner gathering, we went with Italian. I love Italian food as much as the next person, but I love the fresh, light dishes much more than the heavy cream sauces. We chose a penne pasta with a vodka sauce for one dish and the other was chicken scampi. I like Olive Garden's scampi, but it is usually a pit to oily and buttery for me. I found this recipe and it was delish! Like, maybe it was my favorite thing I have ever made.
It takes a bit of time, but if you like this kind of dish, it is totally worth the work.

So here is the recipe. You can also find the recipe here. I made a few slight changes.
It easily makes food for 4.

WHITE SAUCE

1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup milk , hot

SCAMPI SAUCE

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons fresh garlic , crushed
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon dried cilantro (optional)
2 teaspoons italian seasoning
black pepper
3/4 cup white wine
1 cup chicken broth

REMAINING INGREDIENTS

1/2 lb angel hair pasta , cooked and drained
1 green and one red pepper , thinly sliced
1 red onion , thinly sliced
10 garlic cloves , roasted
2 chicken breasts , sliced
olive oil

Directions:

For white sauce: Heat 1 tablespoons butter in sauce pan, add 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 2 minutes on med. heat. heat stirring constantly. slowly add 3/4 cup hot milk (hot so it won't get lumpy). Set aside. (Make sure that the white sauce is hot when adding to the scampi sauce). I had problems getting the lumps out, so I put the whole sauce in the Magic bullett and processed it, it was AMAZINGLY SMOOTH!
For scampi sauce: Heat butter over low heat. add the garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper and black pepper. cook for about 2 minutes on low heat. add the wine and chicken broth. stir until combined. (I simmered for about 30-40 minutes). add 1/4 cup white sauce and cook till slightly thickened. Again, I had lumps so it went back in the magic bullet.
ROASTED GARLIC: peel all the outside peel/paper off the head of garlic. cut at the point for an easy release of each clove. rub the opening with a little evoo. wrap in foil. bake on 400 for 30-35 minutes. when the garlic has cooled to the touch you should be able to squeeze it out of the 'paper' shell of the individual cloves.
In a large skillet, saute chicken in a little olive till nearly done. add the peppers and onions, saute till chicken is done. add the sauce. saute until everything is warmed. add roasted garlic cloves. serve over pasta.

The Pasta will have a nice thin coat of sauce...and it is so good!

We also had::
a Caprese - fresh roma tomatoes, fresh Mozzerella, and Basil with a little EVOO and some sea salt.
Bread and dipping sauce
an olive tray with different olives
two green salads

And btw, Italian is the way to go, because leftovers are AWESOME!

have a great day!

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/olive-garden-chicken-scampi-yummy-copycat-179336#ixzz1kJRQRrle

I've said it before...I will say it again.

2012-01-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

When we met, I never imagined that he would want to marry me.

I admired his love for people, his constant encouragement of everyone he spoke to, and the way he never says a negative thing about anyone.

I admired his kind heart his desire to be like Jesus.

I loved being led in worship by him, and worshiping with him!

The moment he asked me out, I knew he was my prince charming. Before he asked me out...I wanted to marry him. Some people don't believe in fairy tales. I am living in one. My best friend, the love of my life, is who I get to spend every day with.

He constantly sweeps me off my feet.

He makes me laugh so hard. We have so much fun together.

He makes me feel beautiful and he tells me I am every day. He encourages me, constantly, to be better. He values me and shows me that he does through word and action.

He has never gotten angry or frustrated with me and constantly works to make sure we are communicating clearly. He is patient and kind.

He leads us in ways that are GOOD. He prays constantly for me and for our growing child. He prays with me, that we will be God honoring with our lives and our marriage. He prays for his friends. I completely trust him with every important decision. He is wise. He is prayerful.

He is my best friend in the whole world and each day we say so.

I love and respect this man more than words could really say.

Before Andrew, I didn't really want to have kids. Once I was with him I realized that no matter how we came about having kids, it would be near criminal for Andrew to exist without some kid having him as a daddy. He already is an amazing uncle and I can't wait for our baby to KNOW him!

Hey baby, get ready, you have the best daddy. He tells me every day that I am doing a great job making you, and tells you every day that you are doing a great job "growing in there". Every day he tells you he loves you and prays over you.

If you are a boy, you have so much to learn about being a man.

Just watch your dad as he loves us and take notes. He is the best man I know.

If you are a girl, watch how he treats me, loves me, and shows me he loves me. Watch how he loves you and never settle for ANYTHING less than what you see.

Andrew, On your birthday, I hope these words aren't new. I do my best to let you know how much I love and respect you on a daily basis. I know that life without you would be just okay and with you it is absolutely better than anything I could imagine. I truly thank the Lord everyday for allowing us to be married and to serve together. I am so thankful for you! I love you.

Happy 30th Birthday, my Love!

Sarah

Blogs? really?

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

More sweet tears have been shed over your congratulations, encouragements, texts, tweets, and facebooks...AND BLOGS! I had two friends write about hearing the news.

theorangelens.tumblr.com/
http://amyliveslife.blogspot.com/

As I read Amy and Alessandra's posts I just felt more blessed that I could have imagined.
Tears. Sweet, sweet tears.

I love you friends. Thank you so much for your support and excitement.
I am more excited than anything that the Lord is getting so much glorification for this miracle!
I couldn't have asked for anything else.

This is the video we shot to tell the student at Highland Park UMC. They do these every week with each life group leader...this was mine.

The post that took me 5 years to write.

2012-01-11T19:40:00.000-08:00

This is actually one of the hardest posts I have ever written.

In my time of blogging, I have been very open about my life. I have shared lots of thoughts about not being able to have kids. I have written a lot about the faithfulness of the Lord, my marriage, and our ministry.

I have written about how much I love my friend's children, my nephews, and how I do love to hear about my friends pregnancies and I rejoice with them. All that is true, although sometimes it has been hard. I have been honest about that.

I have also been adamant about how I know that the Lord is GOOD.

I have preached this more times than I could count;

From Ephesians 3,

"²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

I believe this with all that is within me...HE WILL DO MORE THAN WE COULD ASK OR IMAGINE. Glory to God.

So the thing is...He has done more than we could imagine.
this post is my first from the other side.

Andrew and I are going to have a baby.

Baby Beard is Due June 21st.

Seeing that line on that pregnancy test stunned us to silence. We stood there, then we hugged, and then immediately Andrew prayed a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving. I mean, what else can you do!?

It is the most exciting, joyful, un-believable, blessing I could imagine.

Breaking the news has been more fun than ever because there were so many amazing friends and family praying fervently for us. So many that we didn't even know. There have been so, so many joyful tears. Even now as I write this I am crying. It is just an unbelievable miracle.

This is the most precious photo of my grandmother finding out. Before this, the last time we spoke, I told her that I didn't think that Andrew and I would be able to have kids...

She opened the picture of the sonogram.

Okay... and here is a pic of the baby's face.

This is the picture she was holding.

We already love it more than we could imagine.
GLORY TO GOD!

Thank you for being a part of our journey!

I like to brag....what??

2011-12-22T14:56:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, my brother is an artist.

He actually has a show in St. Louis coming up and a show in Baltimore...if you want to go, I will post the deets soon.

I just want to brag on him for a second.

Recently, he submitted some pieces into on on-line art competition based out of New York called Dave Brown Projects....

and he won FIRST PLACE!

I am so proud of him. To read more, click here.

This is the piece that was highlighted!

Anyway...just a brag on my bro. I am really proud of him and love him A LOT!

Way to go JOSH! Love you!

My sweet, sweet nephews.

2011-12-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

This is a story I got via text from my sister-in-law today. It was so sweet I had to share.

She said,

"We are listening to some really gorgeous chorale Christmas music on the radio and the boys were completely enraptured for a few golden moments. Fred broke the silence and said,

"they are the magic people...like the magic of Jesus...Mom do we have magic?""

Michelle she went on to talk about how God created everything and that God is very magical and mysterious and that we are all made like him, so everything is magical... so she asked

"dont you think?"

to which he derailed, asked what's for dessert and jumped in the coats.

(which is where they are in the above picture!)

I just love that though, the magic people, like the magic of Jesus...Music will do that to you!

It's Christmastime in the city

2011-12-14T14:36:00.000-08:00

This photo may be a bit misleading. It looks like we are cold and all bundled up. I am fairly certain that it was almost 60 degrees...That is Texas for you. It was rainy.

So, if you know me and have ever been around me for the holidays, I am a sucker for all things Christmas. I love the lights, the trees, the music, the movies the foods and all the friends that gather. This year, I was told, "You have to check out Highland Park Village, it is amazing." I am not sure what I thought it would look like...but holy cow, I was not ready for the trees to be covered like this.

and people, there are so many of them....easily more than 30, probably more like 50! It is so bright and beautiful to me...breathtaking. I wish this picture could do it justice, but just look how many lights are on that one tree and then imagine it down both sides of the street and then some.

Some of our favorite christmas music this year has been

Matt Wertz - Snow globe,

Seryn and Friends - Seryn and Friends Christmas,

Folk Angel - Comfort and Joy,

and we just found the new Hillsong - Born is the king.

If you like kids, Hillsong or Christmas...or pretty things, watch this. It is beautiful!

A different kind of gift.

2011-12-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

As you know, I work for His Voice Global.

This year for Christmas, our project is providing each orphan in South Sudan with 2 new sets of clothing. The sets include a top, bottoms, and shoes.

Each set only cost $20!!!

That is it! We are trying to provide 205 kids with 2 sets each, so that is a big goal of 410 outfits.

Our friends Ben Cox and Tyler Dodds, put this video together for us.

If you want to make a difference with your giving just go HERE and donate now.

Make sure you write "Christmas Project" in the designation box.

Here is a pic of the first round of kiddos who have already received their clothes!

Also, we would love for you to follow us on twitter and like us on facebook. You can do that by

clicking here for Twitter and Clicking here for Facebook.

Thanks Friends!

Love you all!

White Rock Marathon Weekend

2011-12-05T16:01:00.000-08:00

This weekend was a really great one for Andrew and I. It was White Rock Marathon weekend and for us that meant that we got to see lots of friends who we adore! Allyson Lean and Tim Fritson made the decision a few months ago to run the Dallas 1/2 and full marathon for two reasons. It is flat...and the weather is nice.

Well...it was flat.

It ended up being around 42-44 degrees on Sunday, which would have been nice, however...IT POURED DOWN RAIN!

The two ran and Kelley Rowe, Jenna Wiles, Melody Fritson and I tracked them and cheered loud. They killed it!

After the thawing had begun! Kelley, Allyson, and Jenna...Allyson's medal says 13.1!

Tim and Melody post race.

Mile 7! Pouring rain!

Allyson surprised us and jumped out of the crowd, so I don't have a pic of her face on mile 7.

Post race. Allyson may look like she is happier than Tim in this pic...but at this point her goosebumps were bigger than thought humanly possible and she was shaking a lot! haha!

This was right after crossing the finish line. This is where I brag on our friend a bit. He finished 26.2 miles in 2:54. Ridiculous. We are so proud of you!

And these are the finishers! Seriously, you two, We love you and are so proud of you!

WAY TO GO!

Is it Christmas time?

2011-12-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

So, I have this personal dilemma. I am fairly certain that people make fun of me for it. So, here it is.

I HATE being cold. I get cold, my toes get cold, my bones get cold and I cannot get warm for hours. I get miserable! I just hate it. so much.

I LOVE snow.

The way I see it is that if its going to be cold, it better snow. Otherwise that freezing is pointless.

So we just moved to Dallas in April. Everyone asks, "Oh, so you made it through the ridiculously hot summer?"

To us it wasn't so bad. I ran outside almost every day all summer (sure, it was early in the am, but I never thought it was as bad as these Texans say it was).

Now that it is December, and it does get into the 30's at night, I am a little sad that I am not going to see much, if any, snow at our new home.

I got this video from my brother in Indiana two days ago. I was so jealous. But...I have to keep telling myself that this beauty comes with FRIGID weather.

We, on the other hand, drove around with this last week!

Christmas in 60's?

Sorry folks in the midwest who don't love snow, but I am praying for a good hard Christmas snow in KC and St. Louis!

Does anyone else deal with this silly dichotomy?

Advent

2011-11-30T07:41:00.000-08:00

Growing up, we didn't celebrate "Advent". Not in the church traditional way. My grandma made an awesome Advent calendar for all the grandkids and we would get little gifts everyday...but when I started attending the Methodist church and they spoke about the Advent season (like I was supposed to know what that was) I was totally lost. Having been in the Methodist Church for 5 years now, I now know that it is really just the celebrating the Lord - day by day - leading up to Christmas.

Here in Texas, we are a part of a church that we LOVE! Highland Park United Methodist Church has been such a blessing to be a part of. One of the resources they have offered is this book. Songs of the Season. It is an Advent devotional written by members of our congregation. One of the devotions is even written by a student in the youth group, who leads worship with Andrew. It is so fun to take the time to read these and then discuss the questions together. If you have kids, there is even a family section with ideas on how to discuss certain things with your kids, or activities for you to do.

So if you are looking for something for the family to do together during this holiday/advent season, just download this pdf!

http://www.hpumc.org/files/AdventDevo2011.pdf

Flavor

2011-11-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

This week there are two flavors I cant get enough of.

Grapefruit juice. Which is weird, because my mom and bro used to eat them all the time growing up...I would eat them too, with a ton of white sugar. Over the last year, I have decided that I love the sweet tart!

Apples. A good juicy fuji apple is hard to beat...and with Andrew's home-made peanut butter...there isn't a much better dessert! I used to also not enjoy an apple. I would only eat them if my mom sliced them and had a big bowl of them...Not so much anymore.

What flavors are you into these days?

good

2011-10-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

This is something I have been thinking about for a while, but was struck so hard by it yesterday in church that I knew it would be the very thing to break by lack of blogging streak!

I use the word "good" in two very different ways.

First, there is the way I say it in reference to things like food and how I'm feeling. If someone says, How are you. "I feel good." When I say that, I don't really mean "the best". I mean, "fine". I mean, "good. not great, not bad."

But then there is the way I use it in reference to the Lord.

I am thoughtful and slow to speak the sweet words that "God is Good."

When I say "good" here, I mean. ULTIMATE GOOD. The only Good. The Definition of Good.

To some of you, I know I have even whispered it with conviction "He's Good".

When I use the word good in reference to the Savior of the world...I mean it.

It stirs a deep emotion in me to call God good.

He is Good.

Yesterday, in church, my new friend Krista was leading worship and she sang the song "You are Good" by Kari Jobe.

As we sang the words over and over again, "You are good, You are good" my heart swelled!

I couldn't help but to stand and lift my hands and weep at the Goodness of my Lord.

I hope you take a second and listen to this song. I hope it is LOUD TRUTH to you today! Believe it, God is Good.

God let me rest in your goodness. Let my life reflect your goodness.

Dont Judge me!

2011-10-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

two things. One personal and one for work.

I am going to start with the work and keep it simple with a link!

November 6th is Orphan Sunday. If you want to join in on that day to support the orphans His Voice Global works with, we are asking you to throw a party!

So, If you are at all interested in this idea...CLICK HERE!

Now onto personal!

Andrew and I watch very serious shows, thick plots, mysteries...this kind of thing. I, however, love a good light hearted comedy. You will never make me deny that my roots lie in shows like the Cosby Show, Growing Pains and of course Saved by the Bell. I enjoy silly comedy.

This all comes back around...hang in here with me...I may be known in certain circles as the one who "laughs so hard at herself she makes herself cry!". I have probably said it here on this blog, that it is because "I know what I think is funny, so I say what I will laugh at". Does this make sense to anyone else?

Here is the connection...I wanted to watch something silly and for just a few minutes and we realized this new show "New Girl" has started and got really mixed reviews. Well, we started it and deary, deary, I think I found my best friend.

Meet Jess.

okay, I know it's Zooey Deschanel but I have no idea if she is anything like her character or not. The show is about this girl (Jess) who lives with boys and its basically about how they interact. The thing about the show is that I think she is HILARIOUS and the rest of the show is shrug worthy...but there were multiple times per show that I was crying due to my laughter. I actually looked at Andrew with tears streaming down my face and said, "She gets it!" and I meant my humor. By all means, she is a dorky dork and the truth is...she tells horrible jokes, speaks in different accents and voices and sings her way through situations...and people look at her like she is weird and the boys always roll their eyes at her. But I love her. I totally relate to this character and wether or not the show is horrible, I laughed harder at her than at any show I have watched in the last few years.

So friends, if you really wonder how I act in my home, or wonder what kind of humor really cracks me up, sit back, ignore the guy in the pink and his slut comments, and watch her work her magic.

I at least know Allyson will get a kick out of it!

Hope it made you at least smile!

Oh coome on...she's funny! right?

What's goin on.

2011-10-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I am back in good ole TX. I spent 2 weeks traveling around cold MO (where I got to see so many people...it was so great!) and working to complete the first ever His Voice Global Weekend...I would call it a success...and I hope if there is ever one near you, you should come.

At work we have some fun things going on. Like our new video!

Our friend (Andrew and me) Dexter Evans edited it, and our friends at Balmorhea let us use the music. Friends, Balmorhea is magical. There are no words, just some of the most beautiful music you have ever heard. So, if you are one who likes music and appreciates when it is GOOD...Please check them out! They will thank you...and so will you...thank yourself...for listening.

Also, today is the release of our new Shirt release with VIVE.

Me in a girls L

The cutest man ever (My dear Husband, Andrew Beard) in a regular L.

VIVE is a great partner with us and we would love for you to get one and then help us get out the word of His Voice Global. To read about why the shirts say "LISTEN", just go HERE!

As far as personally...well Andrew and I have never spent 2 weeks apart from one another and as far as I'm concerned, it isn't really anything I am interested in doing ever again. We have been laughing a lot and cooking a LOT! We have moved on to some fall recipes, which make our house smell like fall...

Have you ever made home-made apple sauce? Seriously, take out your crock pot. Seed and core some apples. Sprinkle with cinnamon. (that is all we do, but you could add brown sugar, or vanilla, or carmel) Turn on the crock pot, wait a few hours and then stir...the apples fall apart, your house smells so ridiculously amazing and you are eating some healthy delicious home-made apple sauce!

As of now, we don't own a TV, so we are trying to decide which shows of the Fall we will watch and where we can find them online...this is a fun thing for us!

Andrew started Seminary and is not only doing well, but I think he is actually enjoying it!

As far as running goes, I took a week off and hit it with Andrew when I got home. We ran 3 miles...I waited a day and finally ran 6.2! I seriously couldn't believe that I could run that far.

I tweeted about this, so now I will clarify. My tweet spoke about how one of my favorite benefits from running is that I get to share my accomplishments with my brother. Well, when I told him I ran a 10K, he was so proud of me...this from the dude who runs 20 like its nothing. It makes me feel special.

Okay, that is enough random thoughts to keep you busy for a minute, but thanks for stopping in. Also, I am starting to read more on marriage stuff...so that I may feel smart enough to teach on it one day. I hope to share some thoughts with you soon!

Love you, Missed you, glad to be back!

Sarah

4. Really?

2011-09-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

Today is Fred's 4th Birthday. He is my nephew...and I love him.

I remember seeing him for the first time...I cried.

I love this little guy so much. It is a really strange thing to me that he can have conversations that make sense. He is a funny, smart, and a totally cute little 4 year old. I pray for him and his little bro. all the time, and while it is fun to think about what he will be like when he grows up, it is a blast to watch him be a kid.

The last time I saw him, he wanted to go on a run with me and listen to "The Cave" (mumford and sons) What kind of kid does that! He is a constant joy in my life.

Love you Fred! Happy Birthday!

feeling like fall

2011-09-07T09:15:00.001-07:00

This time of year marks such beauty in MO. The temp drops cold at night and the days sunshine warms you enough for some to say "I'm hot". This is the first taste of "missing MO" I have had since moving to the fine state of TX. I have been thinking about the anticipation of the fall festival (hehe), the smell of the cold fall mornings-drinking coffe on our front porch, the leaves changing to such brilliant colors of gold, orange and bright red (like this one right outside of our window in Liberty). I sigh. I sigh because I know that Fall will not shed its brilliance on good ole Dallas, TX quite like it will in Liberty, MO.

BUT.

This morning I woke up and drank coffee while reading. I said goodbye to Andrew and then I laced up my running shoes. I stepped out my front door and breathed a different sigh. It was a beautiful morning. Sunshine...right around 70. (high today 89) And I went. I ran and I smiled as the sun kissed my skin and I breathed a cooler air into my lungs.

I finished my run and stood on my front stoop and looked out. I realized...this is TX fall. I hate being cold and this is supposed to be the weather till November...at least. I can open windows.

As I sit here typing now there is only one thing going through my mind. I think of a little curly red headed girl as she belts with all her might. "I THINK I'M GONNA LIKE IT HERE!"

(note I have made appropriate changes to my blog page to make up for things which TX cannot provide)

saucy

2011-09-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

A while ago I made this pizza that used this delicious sauce made with cilantro instead of a tomato sauce. I loved the flavor so much that I started using the base sauce and adding stuff to it and putting it in and on everything.

The base is this:

a huge handful of cilantro

EVOO (I add like 1/8 a cup to get started)

2 jalepenos (Seeded)

blend.

If you want it thicker add less EVOO

Sometimes I add less cilantro and more EVOO and then add some brown sugar and almonds and make it a salad dressing for an asian salad with mandarin slices, celery and snap peas...(and lots of fresh spinach)

Lately I have been adding honey and pistachios and adding it to mexican food.

I put it in green chicken chili enchiladas last week and this week I added it to mexican pork tacos (like in the place of sour cream). Something about the sweet nutty flavor goes so well with spicy mexican dishes.

So, if you are looking to sauce things up and add a fresh new flavor...here is my contribution to your food!

3 years and 4 months.

2011-09-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

So this is me. I was 3 years and 4 months old. I watch this and think about what is written on my heart. Has the truth of what I am saying filtered into my life?

The Lord is my Shepherd. I Shall not want.

I am so thankful to my parents for teaching scripture as such a young age. When I was 3 there was absolutely no way for me to know the power that these words held. I most definitely would never have known how, 28 years later these TRUTHS are things that I cling to, and base my everyday living on. Thank you Lord for allowing these words to be a part of my existence.

kindred spirits

2011-09-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

This year for vacation we went to Destin, FL. We usually do a Panama City beach vaca, but our vacation this year was not as much about where, but about who. Yes, we were in Destin, and got to spend time on the beach, but more fun for us was getting to spend a week with our dear friends, Jacqueline and Derek Garcia. We met at National youth Pastors Convention, November 2009, in Atlanta...and we have seen each other in person exactly 4 times; when we met, last year on vacation (we met them for dinner), at NYWC this previous year in Nashville...and in August when we spent a week at their house!

It is hard to explain our relationship with the Garcias, but I try with the words "kindred spirits". It is a daily activity for me to figure out how we can all serve in the same place. The Lord is our common bond, but it doesn't hurt that we have a ton of similar interests, and that Derek may be the funniest person I have ever met. We just LOVE them...that is all. It was a refreshing week that we needed and we were so blessed by their hospitality and more than that their company...and their dog, toby

...I know, I almost didn't say it...but I liked toby and I feel bad keeping it to myself.

here are some pics for you to look at.

Andrew and I went on a date!

This is a photo I took about 10:00pm. I love the results of a long exposure shot at the beach. It makes the world look magical.

The Garcias. Love.

The start of my day.

2011-08-22T13:24:00.001-07:00

This morning I went for a run with my hubby...who is hott. And then I got home and got this

video texted to me...

I may have shed a tear.

Love you Fred. Happy First day of Pre-School!

Do you make art?

2011-08-15T14:53:00.000-07:00

If you are an artist or a crafter, I would like to ask you to consider donating a few pieces of what ever you create to our His Voice Global Weekend. We are doing a kind of "Goods for Orphans" table and all the proceeds will go to build the fourth Orphanage in South Sudan.

The point of doing this is to let people know that being engaged in local missions is as easy as making it a part of your everyday.

Take Brooke Lynn Photography for example. Brooke has a heart for the orphans of Sudan. She contacted me and asked how she could partner...how she could do something. As the conversation went on she decided to donate half of her profits to His Voice Global. Practical. Thinking Global, acting locally.

She is in St. Louis so if you are too, check her photos out here and her blog out here. She is pretty awesome.

I will be selling some wicked cool t-shirt scarves and screen printing some goods. Want to add to the table? Let me know if you are interested!

My Job

2011-08-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

Working with His Voice Global is sort of a dream job for me. Right now, I am working on a conference which will be held in Bolivar, MO.

We will be spending the entire weekend of Sept 23rd-25th discussing and teaching holistic missions. The tag line for the weekend event is "global engagement with local roots". As His Voice Global is not a "sending'' organization, we feel like part of our duty is to give practical ways to make a global impact while being locally rooted.

I love attending conferences so I am loving being on the other side of things. We have speakers lined up that I cannot wait to hear from!

Some of the speakers and breakout session leaders are Amber and Vernon Burger, Dave Becker, Adam Thomason (founder of Red Revolution) and Dr. Rodney Reeves (Author and professor at SBU). One of my favorite things that will be happening is the His Voice Worship Band led by Zack Atchley will be there...I can't wait to see him and his beautiful family!

If you have any interest in healthy, holistic missions, you don't want to miss this weekend. Just click here for any details you may need!

Top ten days of my life.

2011-08-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Last week, Andrew and I went on Vacation. We got home on Saturday from a mission trip to Costa Rica with our new church (Youth) and realized that if we could make it to Florida by Sunday night, we could jet to PCB on Monday morning and surprise our old youth group students (LUMY) and go to their closing camp session with them! We called their new leaders, Joy and Elliott...also some of our best friends...and they said, "Bring it on. This will be a great way to show the students that we are a community that goes beyond location." And as it turns out, the weeks theme was "Konnect" which made it a perfect and fitting surprise.

God bless Joy and Elliott - Thank you guys for letting and making this happen!

So, Monday morning we got in the car to head to PCB, I was so excited I was shaking! this is not a stretch of the truth. Elliott had figured the best way for us to show up would be for them to check out and load the bus and then meet in the lobby and gather them all together to give a last minute talk about "deep connections". That is when Allyson came and got us and we walked through the sea of students at Bigstuf and around the corner and there they were all in a circle, being led by some of our dearest friends (which is such a blessing, because we know their leadership is strong and TRUE and that they will love and pour into these students just as we did). As we turned that corner one by one they saw us and it was one of the most BLESSED moments of my life. Here is a really shaky video of it!

The thing that set this over the top was the way the Lord really just spoke to me over the next hour. Guys, there were so many tears. Grateful, happy, blessed tears of joy and love. I got to hug the heck out of these amazing students. I got to look at their faces and tell them that I love them. AND I DO!

I am going to try to explain this and I hope it makes sense. I felt like all of the laboring over the souls of these students for the last 5 years was just resting in front of me. It has been 5 months since I have seen some of them and when they saw us and teared up and ran toward us and hugged us for long sweet hugs, It was I like I felt the most amazing peace and rest and blessing from the Lord saying, "This is the reward of pouring out your time, your prayers, your wisdom, your sanity, your sleep. This is the reward of your seeking after Me in leading these kids. This is what your life is about. This is living with purpose. Your love of these people has made a difference for MY KINGDOM."

I seriously cannot explain what I felt, so I am chalking it up to the ministering of Holy Spirit to my soul. It was the greatest was squeezing Nicks face and hugging so tightly Christian and Daniel and Shelby, getting to see Kaylee and Chelsea before they head off to college, praying next to Kelley, Bailey and Krista and worshiping with my arms around Holly and Delaney next to Madison and Amy, Seeing one of my small group girls (Katja) as a leader to Josie and Alyssia, seeing Allyson, Katie, Werm and Aaron lead...and seeing one student there who will only know Joy and Elliott's leadership and being so blessed by that thought. Looking at all these blessed students and knowing that they are in good hands of leadership, watching Joy and Elliott lead them... just...wow...DEAR LORD I SAY THANKS!

If you are one of our students, I hope you know how much we adore you and long for you to run after the TRUTH of the Gospel. We pray that you will give your lives up to it! I cannot explain how amazing it was to see your faces and wrap my arms around you! You are beautiful and cherished! Don't give up. Trust Joy and Elliot and let them lead you...they are wise and will work through your "stuff" with you. Let them unpack scripture with you!

And...know that we think of you often and will always be connected! (and you can contact us anytime!)

Oh, the things he says.

2011-08-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

Since moving to TX, I have only posted one of those "funny moments" between Andrew and me. It isn't that they don't happen as often, is that I tend to forget when they do happen and so I don't write them down. Then later, I am all, "Andrew, what was that really funny thing you said?" and that is always weird...so they don't get posted. But sometimes...Sometimes...things are so awkward and funny that I don't forget. So here is a short story from last weeks vacation in Destin, FL.

DON'T JUDGE ME!

Me to Andrew: "Okay, I do NOT mean this to sound racist, but every black person I know doesn't like being in the sun because they don't want to get darker...but there are a lot of black families who vacation on the beach in Destin."

Andrew to me: "Okay, I don't want to sound closed minded, but I can't believe I married a racist."

Have a great day!

Reflection

2011-07-31T09:10:00.000-07:00

This is my work group from Costa Rica.

Just got back from Costa Rica and am getting ready to walk out the door for Florida...read some of my thoughts on Costa Rica Here!

too busy?

2011-07-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

Upon this post going live, I will be in Costa Rica with Andrew, working with many high school students (something I miss) and ministering to Costa Ricans, alongside of Costa Ricans.

I am excited about leaving. I am excited about seeing Andrew.

This post doesn't have anything to do with those things though. Friday night, I met with an old friend. One of the things she said was, "Christian people are so busy, I mean, they are doing good things, but they are just...busy."

This hit me like a ton of bricks. I haven't stopped thinking about this one statement: and we talked for like 5 hours, there were a lot of statements made.

As I drove home I kept thinking, "how is it, that a group of people who make such strong claims on community could cause one of its own to say that we are too busy for relationships."

I mean, I really do see what she was saying...but I am praying that it isn't truth in my life, or in yours. How do we really feel about our relationships? our community? are we too busy to keep up?

One of my favorite things about our move to TX is the fact that we had an almost immediate community. Phil, Jessi, Amber, Vernon, Ethun, Neil, Dexter, Stephen, Bill and Alessandra just to name a few welcomed us with open arms and immediately we had deep friendship. Sharing life is good. Having deep thoughts is great, but discussing them is even greater. Talking about marriage and Jesus with folks is a sweet, sweet thing. I have been blessed to have Ethun, Jessi, and Amber here. Just, ready.

I sincerely pray that I am not to busy to be the same blessing to them...and others.

Now, to our community we left in MO, I really don't want to be too busy for you...so stay on me and you know we love our skype dates so lets schedule some of those!

Miss you!

life lesson I learned through running

2011-07-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am pretty good about knowing my limits and when I need "pushing". I am aware of the need to push by the fact that I am really good about being comfortable. I am actually pretty great at getting to the point where I am "good" whether it be spiritually, physically, socially or creatively, and then I sit there. I sit there till either (by the grace of God) God pushes me, through Andrew, a friend, through music, or in my quiet time, to humble myself and accept the stretching that brings growth.

Lately I have been sitting. I have been sitting physically and spiritually. I feel "good".

I have been running between 2.5-3 miles about 4 or 5 times a week, I have been attending Bible study on Thursday nights, reading books, and have been spending time in prayer and the Word...but I haven't been pushing myself.

Wednesday, I was on a run. I was running and my music was playing and the song "arms open wide" came on. I ended up listening to it like 3 or 4 times. I wanted to shout along with it. It was that time when "all of a sudden you hear it differently"

Take my life I lay it down
At the cross where I am found
All I have I give to You oh God

Take my hands and make them clean
Keep my heart in purity
That I may walk in all You have for me

Oh here I stand
Arms open wide
Oh I am Yours
And You are mine

Take my moments and my days
Let each breath that I take
Be ever only for You oh God

Oh here I stand
Arms open wide
Oh I am Yours
And You are mine

My whole life is Yours
I give it all
Surrendered to Your Name
And forever I will pray
Have Your way
Have Your way

Oh here I stand
Arms open wide
Oh I am Yours

And You are mine

I realized that if my Whole life is the Lords, and I really "Give it all"

I will push myself, because God wants HIS BEST for my life, not my "good".

So, yesterday I pushed myself physically. I ran 4 miles...AND IT SUCKED. I can run 3 pretty easily, I ran 3.3 on Wednesday and it felt great, but yesterday, I went further and faster and it hurt. I even had to walk for 3 blocks. BOO! But I know I am better for it and it will help my grow in my distance and endurance.

As far as Spiritually goes. I am working to stretch. Harder, bolder prayers. Reading the Word with more intention. Actually memorizing those scriptures I write down during my reading.

The refining process is almost always never fun, but is ALWAYS worth it!

Take a listen!

Being a Texan...and summer

2011-07-21T14:04:00.001-07:00

Well, The thing is that winters in MO are long; long and FREEZING. Did you know that I hate being cold. Like, I truly believe that my bones get cold and they take a long time to thaw.

Upon our announcement of our move to TX, I stated that I am excited to live in a place that is warm and sunny.

We moved in April, had some brilliant 70-80 degree weather for about 3 weeks...some wicked storms around the first weekend in May and then it happened. What happened? 100 happened. 100 has come and hasn't gone. Like it has literally been above 100 degrees every day for two solid months. One day, my car "temperature teller" read 117. NO LIE!

I have come to realize the coolest part of the day is as the sun is rising. This is when I run. If I miss that 6:30-8:30am time slot, I will not go running - because I would die.

Three paragraphs up, I said, "I stated that I am excited to live in a place that is warm and sunny." I may have even said "Hot" in my original statement.

Through many conversations of people telling me "Texas heat is a killer" I made a claim.

I said, "I will not complain about the heat for 1 year."

This is me...not complaining about the heat. today it wasn't supposed to hit 100 and people are actually saying that it is a cold front. WHAT?

Some things I have to get used to:

-Sweaty Back

-Burning my legs and arms on my car upholstery

-Sweaty legs

-growing my hair out so I can put it up

-Drinking extra amounts of water

-wearing shorts (I have worn jeans 3 times total since moving here)

-Not wearing hoodies...which is one of my favorite clothing items.

-being freezing inside places always bringing a long sleeve for indoors.

So, here is the thing. I do love the heat, but I think I am ready for a small break in it. One or two days or like one cooler evening...I would even take the low 90's.

The other day, Andrew and I headed out for a run at 7:30. It was cloudy and breezy...I said, "Wow, it feels great out here, its almost cool."

Andrew laughed at the time, but later tweeted "it was in the 80's #perspective"

I really do like the heat...I am just thinking the snow-peaked mountains of Colorado sound nice this time of year.

I am thanking God we don't have the humidity that MO has, if we did, I may need to complain!

6 years

2011-07-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

Six years ago Andrew and I began our wonderful life together. We joined a team. We have prayed for the ability to offer one another the love of the Lord, that unconditional love. We know that we fail one another, but it is not our intention to do so. We are gentle and kind to one another. We are patient with one another and we work to encourage one another. I pray that we have brought out the best in one another. We pray that our marriage can be used as an example to others.

I thank God almost everyday for allowing Andrew and I to serve in this life together. I know that I tell funny stories a lot on this blog, but let me be absolutely serious for a few lines.

Andrew is the Man that I could have never dreamed of. He is honorable, honest, bold, loving, grace filled, elegant, sensitive and NOBLE. His character is admirable and he speaks truth into my life on a daily basis. He loves me in a way that makes me feel feminine and cool, which is kind-of a neat trick. He is supportive. He prays with me, for us, and for our friends...fervently. He challenges my thinking and listens to my ideas. He is funny, and not the kind of funny that just makes fun of other things, but like, smart funny. He is soooo Hott! he is my best friend and he makes me feel like a beautiful, loving wife. I pray that I can be a reflection to him of the Love of God that he is to me.

Six years ago, Andrew and I got married.

Today he got on a plane to Costa Rica for a mission trip...and I am a proud wife...and I will join him next week!

Thank you Lord for the time we have to serve you as one!

I love you Andrew!

Andrew got new glasses.

2011-07-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have had so many moments of, "Oh, I need to blog that" but then I forget what it was or how exactly something happened that made it funny. But one thing I know is this. I think I am funny. I have this horrible knack for making myself laugh so hard I cry. This is something I was known for in Liberty. One time Kelley Rowe and I were talking and I claimed the idea "I just know my sense of humor and what makes me laugh...so say the things that I think are funny" or something along those lines.

So this story may not be funny to you, but I totally cracked myself up.

backstory - Andrew is known around our house to have a short attentions span. If we are cleaning and he is supposed to go through mail that has been on the table, he will start at the table and end up syncing his phone or cleaning the bathroom...It is almost comical and has grown to be endearing. I think its hilarious.

Story - Andrew goes to the eye doctor and comes home with new glasses.

s - "How did It go?"

a - "Fine, I think I'm practically blind in my left eye."

"well that's not good...good thing you went to get new glasses"

"Yeah, he also said I have astigmatism"

"What really is astigmatism?"

"Its like when the shape of your eye is a little off and you can't really focus"

"Maybe you have a double astigmatism!"

followed by a really sarcastic wide eyed smile...I laughed hard, he smiled...and probably thinks I am a weirdo!

BTW - Andrew's new glasses look Hot! #Justsayin

Friends...literally, forever.

2011-07-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

Last week, Jessie Rochat, used to be Stough, called and told me she was gonna be rolling through town with her Kids, Taylor and Reece. And then she told me Jordan was going to be with her...Jordan is her little bro.

These visits are such blessings to me because I have known all four of these people since they were born. I called Jordan "Jordie" and it didn't feel right anymore, because he is 15 and grown up. He is almost as tall as me for crying out lout!

I love these people so much. SO MUCH. They are my family. They have shared every big moment of my life with me and I know that no matter what happens, I can always count on them to love and support me. I hope they feel the same!

Jessie, Jordan, sweet little Taylor and Reece, Thanks so much for stopping by to see me! I love you sooooo much and am so grateful to have you as my family and dear friends! (I was sad to miss Jake and Gwen, but I will take what I can get!)

FRIENDS!

2011-07-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Matt and Jodi came to town and we had so much fun! It was such a blessing to get to spend time with our dear friends. We did a lot of stuff, and as I am looking through the images to post, it seems a lot of "stuff", means eating.

We did all go running together on our first morning, and then we took a trip to Austin. Here are some photos of our time!

We ran...and then went to BuzzBrews for breakfast. It was so yummy!

There was a break between meals...We went to Ikea...and then we hit "In-N-Out". Jodi had never been before and Matt loves it and Andrew and I love it, it was a no-brainer.

Jodi's first time!

We then headed to Austin. We hung out at Barton Springs and then went to watch the Bats!

After the Bats, we went to Polvo's...my favorite place to eat. The next day (July 4th) we hiked up to Mt. Bonnell.

we met with Matt's Aunts for lunch at County Line BBQ, made a quick stop at Whole Foods, and then headed back to Dallas!

Thanks for coming down friends! We love you so much!

July 1st...The day.

2011-07-07T10:22:00.000-07:00

On July 1st, I turned 31. I should say the Wednesday before, Andrew and I were taken out to eat by our friends, Phil and Jessie Dieke, Elizabeth (Ethun) and Neil Mosely, and Dexter Evans. We chose BlueFish (sushi) on Greenville...DELISH! But, I am a dum dum and didn't take any photos.

Leading up to the birthday, I had a goal of running 3.1 miles on my 31st...And I did, and so did Andrew. We woke up and trucked it out. You should note that we are not "runners", so this is "Kinda a big deal". We were met at the end of the run with a house w/ a sprinkler and Dexter Evans ready to go to breakfast with us!

This is us right after the run!

We went to Company Cafe, where I ordered a delicious meal of all kinds of grilled veggies, salsa, on an egg omelet! YUM

I got these beautiful flowers from Andrew..there were 31 of them! (he is the best)

We went and picked up "our daughter"(Jenna Wiles) from the airport. We all went to lunch and got Fro-yo and then we dropped her off at TCU!

We stopped by the Burgers and said hey to them while in Ft. Worth.

The day ended with our friends, Matt and Jodi coming into town. We went to Urban Taco and spent tons of time chatting away.

It was a blessed Birthday and I am happy to say

that I love the life the Lord has asked me to live!

travel

2011-06-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

Man, this month has been a whirlwind!

Andrew and I went to Mike and Chrystal's wedding in Liberty, MO. Got home on Sunday. Andrew left on Monday and returned on Thursday (from a camp scouting trip to FL/LA). I left with the His Voice crew on Friday (KS, MO, and INDIANA!) Andrew left on Saturday and we both landed at the airport within ten minutes of each other the following Saturday...which was last weekend. This week we have played catch up on cleaning and grocery shopping and have spent a decent amount of time working as well.

This is a new life for us. Traveling to different places and not seeing each other for days at a time? WHO HAS EVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING?

I'd be lying if I said this change was easy for me, but I would also be lying if I said it was the hardest thing I have ever done. My husband is my BEST friend and I cherish the time we get to be together. So for the next two weeks we will be going on lots of dates and having lots of fun...cause the three weeks of July are equally CRAZY! Thank God that He is Good and our foundation is built on him! Every day we spend together, in my opinion, is more fun than the last!

AND....

Here are some pics from my jaunt up to Indiana!

This is Charles, he will be one on July 2nd!

Charles, Josh, Michelle and Monkey Welker (this is my brother and family)

...That monkey is Fred and he barely sat still for a photo....

But this pic of my dad holding him is priceless, look at that smile!!

And of course he had to make a face!

This trip had a ton of great moments, from work meeting that were fruitful and encouraging, to family sitting around the Tramel living room laughing, to reading at the pool and running at my parents home (with my MOM!!!), but the highlight for me was when I took Fred on a run with me and from his stroller he said,

"I'm so glad you commed to see me Sarah, I love you so much"

BEST WORDS EVER!

Thanks for stopping in...And as a reminder...Tomorrow is my birthday.

31.

My new favorite thing

2011-06-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

As you have read, (if you have read) I began doing the Couch to 5k. I really liked the program and was well on my way to running for 45 minutes without stopping. Until I got to the intervals of 5 minutes, and thought I was dying, I could not breathe and my knee was already hurting me.

I went on a road trip with Amber and Vernon Burger (and their littles), and we got to talking about running, running shoes and running technique.

Vernon gave me a few tips and the next day I had a three 5 minute interval run and felt like I could do it again.

Some of the things are such simple correctives. Some are...well...not.

He also recommended that I read this book.
I finished this sucker and wanted to run all day! Not that I could, but I desired to!

It is written by a man named Christoper McDougall, check out his blog for tons of other tips and stories and races.

The thing about me is that I liked to run, but couldn't run long enough to actually feel like I was a runner. Plus I have a brother who can run like a bat out of hell. (one time he asked me if I wanted to go for a run, I asked, "How far"..."not far, like 13 miles"...true story) I was a miserable runner and on top of that have terrible knees and lower back problems...Christopher had similar problems!

So...Here is the update. I am by no means fast, but I can run and I love doing it. Today I knocked out a 25 minute interval with a smile on my face...the only stop was to change shoes...I am breaking in my new ones) The pain is almost entirely gone in my knee when I run now and I have found myself waking up earlier than the alarm to jump up and get those shoes on. (I even woke up earlier than Andrew the last 2 days...which is NOT normal)

So here are some tips that changed my running and then Check out Christopher's blog for a ton more tips on technique.

1. I am a heel striker, this is where my knee problems come in. And takes a ton of concentration for me to change. DON'T land heel-toe...strike down on that padding your body gives you like you were standing still and jumping from the ankle...your strike should be near the front of the foot, stabilizing with your big toe and kicking back the track, or road. Then bring those knees straight out. Our hard-core running shoes with heel pads make it hard to strike correctly and since I have knee problems, I decided to work into these...Merrell Minimalists.Thanks Mom for the B-day gift. I love them, I feel great and my legs and feet are thanking me!

2. straighten up. "RUN FROM YOUR CORE" is the phrase that changed my running life. I could not breathe when I ran. I was hunching and gasping...and this one leads to number 3.

3. If you can not conversate (have a conversation) you should probably slow down. We try to push ourselves to go fast, but that should not be our goal, at least at first!

There are a few more great tips that I have learned since these three, but Christopher has already typed and videoed them. So check out his blog...seriously.

I will end with my new favorite pic of me!

This is me Saturday Morning, 7am at the top of a hill in Missouri!

Happy Trails!

My Dad...a guest post.

2011-06-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well the time has come again you lucky people...another guest blog post from the husband of the amazing Sarah Beard...Andrew Beard...

Thank you. Glad to be here again. Now I guest blogged awhile back to highlight and honor my amazing mom, Anne Beard. And with the next parental holiday upon us, here I am to honor my pop, Scott Beard. I want to take a few moments to share some reasons I am so thankful to have an amazing father.

-When I was growing up my dad was a traveling sales man. He was often gone Tuesday-Thursday every week. My dad lived this grueling travel schedule to provide for my mom, my two brothers, and myself. Though he was often gone during the week he did everything he could to spend time with us when he was in town. I have vivid memories of family days together, family game nights, and Saturday morning breakfasts together. Even when I was in high school and worked Saturday mornings, my family would all wait for me to get back home so we could eat together. So we could spend quality time with each other and with my dad. I try to spend quality time with family as best as I can because of those special times.

-My dad was a worship leader in addition to being a salesman. Almost every Sunday from Jr. High on I would go with him up to church to get the sound set up. I had no idea at the time that one day I would be a worship leader and would work for a church. His dedication to using his gifts and talents to glorify the Lord have directed the way I live my life.

-My dad has always loved music and theatre. We went to lots of shows and concerts when I was young. With me often singing and dancing, I was enrolled in dance classes. Through dance I had the opportunity to perform at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, MO. The shows ran for about 10 days and my dad came to every single one of my performances one summer. I remember feeling so loved that he went out of his way to see every performance I did. I want to be supportive and encouraging to others like he has always been for me.

-I don't know all the details, and I don't want to paint an inaccurate picture of true events, so some of the details have been left out. But when I was younger a family friend of my mom and dad shared with me that when she knew my dad in college he was known as a rebel. Apparently, an organization/class he had been in in college had taken a different direction then what many students in the class felt was where it should be going...so my dad led a walk out. How awesome is that? They walked out, dropped the class and then started another student led group with a direction they believed was the best for the group. As of a few years ago (and maybe even still today) that group is still in existence. When I heard that story, I knew that my dad believed in standing up for what is right and doing whatever it takes to make it right. I love that and I hope I have that same courage.

-Growing up I never remember seeing a repair man around the house...unless his name was Scott/Dad. My dad had grown up fixing everything, so he knows how to fix just about everything. I love that about him. Dozens of times over the years I've tried to do projects on my own and I end up calling my dad, because I'm stuck and he knows how to do it...even from a distance. One time in college I was trying to install a fan in an old house I lived in and the wires that hung down from the ceiling did not match what I needed to correctly attach the fan. I called my dad and he knew the color of the wires before I even told him and he knew what to do. Unbelievable. As well, we've spent lots of hours crawling under/leaning over a car which at the time were not necessarily the most thrilling moments of my life, but are great memories of my dad and his determination to accomplish a task. Thank you dad for saving me lots of money and from electrocuting myself.

-After I graduated High School my parents moved to Texas and I went to college in Springfield, MO. Through some crazy turn of events my dad left doing business stuff and stepped into full time ministry. Sarah and I moved to a church in Liberty, MO and then a year later my dad had taken the leap to pastoral ministry and was moved to that same church we were at as the Associate Pastor. So for the last 4 years I've literally shared an office wall with my dad. Getting to see his drive, dedication, and devotion to the Lord and expanding His Kingdom was such a blessing. My dad has amazing gifts of music and leadership. As many of you know a few months back we left that church and moved to TX. We were sad to move on, but knew this was the right move. In the midst of saying goodbye to literally hundreds of friends, students, and church members. I was able to keep it together and not shed a tear the whole time...until I said goodbye to my pop. I knew I would see him again, but saying goodbye to the daily visits was sad. It was an amazing blessing to work with my dad and I wouldn't have changed those 4 years for anything. Now we are at our new place in TX and funny enough, my dad has gotten moved to another church in Hamilton, MO. Once again, he continues to impress me and inspire me with his consistent excitement and dedication to whatever season of life he's in.

-Thanks pop for being the best dad a guy could ask for. Because of you I know what's really important in life. I hope someday if I'm a dad I can be half as great as you. Thanks pop. I love you. Happy Fathers Day...your tie is in the mail...just kidding.

Andrew

Below are a few photos of my Dad and our family. Enjoy, and I hope you all are thankful for your father and/or father figures in your life. Happy Fathers Day.

Here we are dancing in Connecticut...totally normal.

Here are my parents on their wedding day.

Here they are this past Christmas.

31 flavors

2011-06-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

PEOPLE! My birthday is just a few weeks away! I will be 31 on July 1st.

30 has been brilliant! This has really been one of the best years of my life. Full of change and growth, family, friends, so much LOVE, a renewed intimacy in my relationship with the LORD and a continued blessed marriage to the most wonderful man I know.

Since my last birthday,

July 2nd - Nephew #2 was born. Charles Phoenix Welker. The cutest little nugget with a constant smile!
I watched as students gave their lives to the Lord. I was able to disciple some beautiful young women.
I have felt love and support from so many people. I cannot begin to express the joy that brings!
I have made some new friends that are turning out to be the best.
We said good-bye to 150 of the most wonderful kids I will ever have!
We sold a house.
We moved to TEXAS! what?!
We got new jobs!
and so much more.

For my birthday it seems I am always stuck on what to tell Andrew that I want. This year I want some perfume and a new pair of lighter running shoes..

Other than that,well, I don't want. I don't need anything.

If you haven't stopped by in a while, my new job is with His Voice Global. This is the group I went to Sudan with in 2005. We are currently working in South Sudan, India and North Korea.

(click the link or message/call me to find out more!)

Guys, I am so excited about the work that His Voice is doing! I cannot begin to tell you how blessed I feel to be a part of this team!

For my job, for the first year, I am raising support for my salary. I stressed about this for about 5 minutes, then I realized that the Lord is faithful and good, and wants to use us to do his work. So, I began sending out letters and did exactly ONE post asking for support.

Today, I checked my status on support raising. I am raising $24,000 this year. As of today I am at $17,450. In just 3 months I have reached 72% of my goal. I have $6,550 to go. This is such a huge blessing and I am totally humbled by this generosity!

So, for my birthday I am asking one more time.

Will you donate $31.00 to my salary, (either monthly or a one time donation) as a gift to me for my 31st birthday?

This would not only be a blessing to me, but also to so many orphans could use more of my attention!

so here are two ways can give.

Click here. Fill out the form and in the designation type "Sarah Beard Salary"

or send a check to

His Voice, Inc.
PO Box 331311
Fort Worth, TX
76133

with "Sarah Beard Salary" in the memo.

I love you and am so thankful to know people care enough to stop by and check in!

Sarah

Mike and Chrystal's wedding weekend in Photos

2011-06-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

Started out road trippin! Phil and Jessi and Andrew and I got into the car on Wednesday evening and after a little over an hour of traffic in Dallas, we hit 35 with vigor and headed to Kansas City!

For the wedding of...

Mike and Chrystal!! Congrats you two we love you!!

I didn't seem to use my camera at all over the weekend, so thanks to the LUXE photobooth (Which made the best wedding favors ever) , I am going to get to share some lovely people with you!

Thursday evening I caught up with my "son", Tucker, got to see Allyson for a minute and got to catch up with Katie Loew for a bit, while the guys were bachelor partying.

Friday morning I was able to see some of my fav people and

Celebrate Kelley Rowe's Birthday. I got to see Jenna Wiles and Allyson Lean as well.

We had the rehearsal lunch and dinner on friday afternoon, which left Friday night open.

These two (Jenn and Gareth) hosted a gathering at their house which included,

Phil and Jessi

Me and Andrew

and Katie and Brittany.

It was a blast to just hang out and catch up. We were hoping that Mike and Chrystal would join us, but you know how wedding weekends go!

The next day was wedding day and was filled with so much fun, love and people.

we even got to sit with

Steve and Dana

and

Josh and Maddi and Ruth.

We ended the day hanging out at McCoy's on the Patio for like 5 hours. It was a beautiful night! Sarah Hicks and Carolyn Mimms (sorry if I spelled that wrong) even met up.

These following pictures, and basically every other person pictured are the folks who joined us! (minus Steve and Dana, Josh and Maddi, and Scott)

This is Vanessa and Robert, they joined us too, but this strip was too funny to just post one of the images!

Mike and Chrystal didn't show up to McCoy's either...Don't know why.

It was such a great weekend and we loved seeing y'all!

NOW COME SEE US!

Seriously though, come on down!

in the car...

2011-06-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

the other day Andrew and I were riding along in the car. I don't even know the subject of which we were speaking. What I do know is that Andrew said this,

"Each day is a present, that is why we call it a gift."

thought you might like that one!

Green and Gray

2011-06-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

Our new living room is green and gray. We had a hard time getting the green to feel the way we wanted it too. Finally, while perusing the pillow/curtain/material section of Ikea, I realized that I just needed to make the pillows. So...I did. Here is what the finished product looks like.

I made the comic strip looking ones, and the stripes!

And, while I am showing you that angle, the coffee table you see there was one of the few pieces we could not part with when we moved. We found the old door in our old house basement and sanded it and cut it into two pieces. (The smaller one was sold) We sat that door on a red bench for close to two years on our house while we searched for the perfect bottom...then one day we were at Marshall's in Zona Rosa and there it was, a scratched up coffee table with the perfect legs. A screw here, a screw there and Andrew completed out cute little coffee table!

Hope your day is beautiful!

We leave tomorrow for Michael Robinson's wedding to Chrystal Wright. I cannot believe Mike is all growed up! Maybe I will run into you!

Love to yours

Sarah

rooms and chairs

2011-06-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

We had a mudroom in our old house, here are some before pics.

We used a paint stripper on the floor to get it as bare as we could.

We used a martha stewart paint for the walls (Bayleaf), we used a bright white for the trim and ceilings. We put in a little bench and viola!

This is one of a set of rocking chairs we had. They were pretty rough, but after a little wood filler and some outdoor spray paint they looked pretty awesome!

Before

After

More than a week

2011-06-01T15:13:00.000-07:00

It has been more than a week since tornados destroyed Joplin, MO. I thought I would write about it right away, but I just couldn't. I do not love the fact that 2 months ago I could hop in the car with a bunch of folks and go, but now I am not able to do that. I do not love that so many lost everything. I do not love that I know some of these people.

You know what I do love though.

I love the outpouring of love these people have seen. I love the restoration that is being brought to families. I love the hands and feet of Jesus in MOTION by the church. I Love that people are teaming up to do something to help. I love that people are using their God given gifts to help.

I love that Churches, like Freshwater in Bolivar are going all the time to help and helping us know what to do!

I love that musicians, like our friend Kenny (Whose family lost their home), post songs like this on line!

I love that other musicians make an album to help the city. Songs For Joplin!

I love that VIVE Clothing company would make a shirt where 100% of the proceeds go to Joplin relief.

I LOVE THIS

So now on to something I think is funny...

This is what is printed on the front of those Joplin shirts.

In a previous post, I talk about how texans fly their flag in their living room. I was stating how strange this is for us in the rest of the country cause in reality, no one really knows what their state flag looks like.

I cracked up when I saw this shirt, looked at it for a minute, and then realized that it was the seal from the MO flag! AWESOME! It took me a minute.

Just sayin...and provin my point.

Love you all, thanks for all you are doing!

Sarah

Run with me...or jog it's whatever.

2011-05-25T07:30:00.001-07:00

Let's say we all set a goal to run a 5k for a fundraising event...we train individually and come together and run it for a cause? Interested?

Recently, since moving to a place that invites me outside on a regular basis, I have been waking up and going for a jog. I have never been a runner, but I have been a jogger. In college and then right again after marriage I jogged a steady 2 miles a day. I did this strictly for exercise purposes, but really grew to love that time where I was alone with my thoughts. It was a time when I gathered myself together. Sometimes I meditated on some music and sometimes I spent the entire time in prayer. Sometime I just moved and breathed and took that in and then there were the times when I jogged because I had negative energy coursing through me and if you ever work out, you know that once those endorphins kick in, your energy quickly changes from negative to good.

So, since I have been here, in TX, I have tried to make a habit out of getting up, going for a jog or a walk, reading my Bible, praying with Andrew and then starting my day of work...sometimes taking a shower first! :)

The thing is, if I am going for a jog, I set distance as a goal. There is a loop I jog constantly. it is 1 mile. I take off down my back steps and then take the loop on and done...I realized that this is like a two song workout...I mean, its better than nothing right.

My parents came into town this last weekend and we walked, but I didn't get up and do my routine. So this morning was my first day back. BUT YESTERDAY. Yesterday, my friend Melody Fritson, posted a blog on how she has been running. Her husband Tim is a runner...like my brother is a runner..."you know, just a short 6 miles" is their response when you ask how far they ran this morning.

So, I read her blog and realized, I need a running tool. Something to build me up to a distance. I have always thought it would be cool to run a marathon...but lets start with a 5K.

She said a friend recommended the app "Couch to 5K", She also said she loved it.

So, this morning, I decided it was time, I downloaded that sucker and went for my first jog with a goal.

My report. I LOVED IT!

I was able to drop all of my fav. exercise songs into the app, and as you go you get a coach.

Imagine, walking to music......"DING" "RUN"....music..."DING" "WALK"....music.

It was easy, I am working toward a goal, it gave me 25 minutes of walk/run instructions and I feel great!

(It didn't help it is in the 80's with some bright sunshine...which I LOVE)

Then I followed it up with a fruit and yogurt smoothie.

For more running tips, check out Melody's Blog!

and seriously, if you want to meet up and run, I will plan it! just comment on my blog!

out of retirement

2011-05-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

I came out of retirement this last week. Retirement from Wedding Photography.

Stephanie was in the college group that Andrew and I first led in Springfield, MO. Last weekend she married her love. DJ. It was beautiful and I am blessed to have been a part of it. Here are a few of the images.

house guests

2011-05-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing that Andrew and I love It is Jesus, but another thing is each other and the next is people! We Love House Guests!

Yes, we do just have a one bedroom house, but who says you can't make it feel cozy.

There is so much joy that comes with sharing.

Here is a photo of our most recent house guests. We have had house guests, but these are the first since we have officially moved in and been unpacked and have a bed that doesn't deflate...so we got a little excited.

This is Scott and Holly Erickson. You can see so much more about what they do and who they are by clicking on their names. I am sure that you noticed Anders first, he is a little nugget and smiles all the time! He is presh. So, a word about them, even if you don't have time, sit click his name and watch the Crucifixion According to Radiohead. If you are looking for something delish to whip up, click on her name!

We love the idea of having a mint on your pillow, like a little goodie when you arrive at someplace...mix it up and do something that will go along with your guests personality!

Cotton Candy was our choice for these guests. In the future, I will probably do something state themed (simply because it is cheesy), but Scott, Holly and Anders live in Houston.

(Bedding from West Elm - on sale!!)

Since we didn't figure Anders was going to be taking a shower, or needing a towel, we decided to layer a baby gift on top of the towels. (He looked pretty sweet in it!)

(Onesie from Target)

I think it is a basic rule that when people come from far away to stay at your house, make sure they don't have to ask for something they may feel silly forgetting...like deodorant. I love fresh flowers in my home, tulips are my favorite, so I always have fresh fresh flowers when guests come to stay!

Just a peek into something I just really enjoy doing...oh and they left these for us. (the yellow "banana candle" for the monkey to hold! LOVE IT!

love you guys, it was wonderful to have you!

what a day, and it's only 2:30

2011-05-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

5 things that have made this day brilliant. (Aside from my adoring Husband and Jesus)

1. Sweet texts from friends this morning. (Katie Loew, Allyson Lean, Karen Campbell, Melody Fritson)

2. Went for a run and listened to the Passion CD (Here for you)... Jesus all for you!!!

3. Got the gift of words from Kelley Rowe...I cried really, really hard...in a good way.

4. I got to talk to my mom.

5. Paul Rasmussen preached about mothers day using the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel chapter one. He brought beautiful promises from the scripture and spoke extremely beautiful words of peace that ministered to my heart today. Check out the sermon here...should be posted soon!

Mother's Day - Your Kingdom Come

2011-05-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

My last post may have been a downer, and for that I am sorry...here is what I am left with!

As Our Own stands in the gap with motherly love for more than 60 girls in India who have been rescued for certain horrific futures of neglect, exploitation and enslavement.

"The extreme poverty in India places girls at great risk for exploitation, enslavement and neglect. Girls are regularly abused and degraded, forced into lives of bonded labor, either in organized begging or in the sex trade. These girls will face a dark, horrific future - unless someone intervenes. God has opened the door for As Our Own to rescue girls before they are exploited, giving us the privilege to care for each one as our own - for life. We are building strong communities and training strong leaders, all to break these cycles for girls in future generations."

Today we are giving lives to women in honor of the Women we love the most.

Wether they are moms or not, we are fighting for justice in the name of our true Father.

So to truly celebrate Mother's Day for all it is worth we made donations to As Our Own

In honor of My mom, Christa Welker.

In honor of Andrew's mom, Anne Marie Beard.

and in Memory of Maureen Patricia Rowe.

Kelley Rowe - Your momma would have been so proud of you! I want you to know that even though we aren't in India I feel like I claim this over you from the above quote.

"God has opened the door for me to rescue you before you are exploited, giving me the privilege to care for you as my own - for life. We have a strong community and I am training you to be a strong leader, all to break these cycles for girls in future generations."

You, my dear beautiful girl, are a true blessing in my life...and while we both share a sadness for complete opposite reasons on this Mother's day, we both rejoice in the Hope we have in our Lord and Savior and the HOPE we can share with others. I am so proud of you and I know that your life will have great impact on this world. "Your Kingdom Come"

I Love You!

God bless you on this Mother's Day!

Mother's Day - Why this day might suck.

2011-05-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

These are the thoughts that are always the hardest for me to express.

The reason It is hard is because I don't want anyone feeling sorry for anyone.

These are my honest thoughts.

The day is Mother's Day...so if you exist, you, at one time had a mom. You either loved her or you didn't get along...maybe you didn't even know her. But you had one...so that is fact.

This day is hard for me 2 fold.

1. I have no kids, not for lack of trying. On every day, I am more blessed for more than I can account. I am blessed on Mother's day...but this particular day, tomorrow, mother's day, is a little painful.

Especially in the church - especially when they don't recognize that it can be a painful day. Truth is, I tear up every mothers day at church. I do not have gaping wounds about this and I am not even sensitive about it. I love my life and I know that we will have little rugrats running around sometime, even if we have to go get them...It is just a matter of all the other Mom's being moms. It is so sweet it hurts. Yes...I realize that sounds selfish, but if you know my heart, you know that if you have kids, I ADORE THEM and I am blessed by your family! I love when you call me with the news of your pregnancy. I REJOICE WITH AND FOR YOU! AND here are photos to prove it... some of these are old! And I don't have any pic's of Reece Rochat, sorry Reece, soon enough little nug(short for nugget)!

Burgers: we need to take some pics!

There are so many more kids in our lives, this is just a little sample.

2. I just left LUMY, in our youth group, at the time of us leaving we had 5 students mom's die.

3 of which were girls. One of which I'm extremely close to. Mothers day holds a different meaning to a teenager who is neither a mom or has a mom to celebrate...I don't know what else to say about this. Except that today I pray for Ally, Kiana, Ethan, Dakota, and Kelley. I love you guys so much!

So, these are my two reasons Mother's day might suck.

Even so, I am blessed and am especially excited about this next post...

Mothers Day - Anne Beard

2011-05-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

First of all, let me say that I have the greatest, most thoughtful mother-in-law of all time. I cannot believe how lucky I got! The Lord not only blessed me with an amazing husband, but with a husband with a mother who taught him how to be a "man" in the Purest sense of the word. I am sure Scott had something to do with that too...but today I am celebrating Anne!

For the rest of this post, enter my guest blogger!!!!!

Everyone welcome ANDREW BEARD!

Thank you, thank you...you're too kind.

Well, it's Mother's Day Weekend. This is the weekend when CVS, Walgreens, and gas stations do some of their biggest flower and candy business with forgetful sons and dads. When I was in High School our prom was always the Saturday before Mother's Day, so there I was...every year in Hy-Vee at 1 in the morning buying a Hershey's bar and a Mother's Day card...I was very thoughtful. But...though unfortunately I haven't improved in the planning ahead department very well, I've come to be a person who reflects much more. So, with this weekend upon us I've been thinking about my Mom (Anne Beard) a lot.

When I was growing up my Dad traveled a lot for business. He was on the road most weeks Tuesday-Thursday providing for my mom, my two brothers (Brian and Thomas), me, and our endless list of activities (mostly my endless list of activities...looking back as an adult, I was a really expensive child...sorry about that). But due to my dad on the road three days a week, my mom was extremely busy carting us around, keeping us dressed and fed. In the midst of that craziness my mom was unbelievably organized. In fact when I reflect back, I cannot believe how my mom kept everything in order so beautifully. I can barely keep myself together now...I cannot imagine having three sons running amuck through my house draining my bank account. So on this Mother's Day I would like to celebrate and recognize some of the amazing things/memories of my mom Anne Beard.

-My mom uses lists like nobody's business. Her planner is full of her life broken down into lists. She one time told me that if she was mugged she would tell the mugger to take everything, but leave the planner. With that list she keeps everything in order and she takes so much joy in crossing something off that list. I've even seen her cross out, then ex out, then scribble out, then even tear off the item that she accomplished off the paper in the planner. I've found myself sometimes even listing things to do, that I've already done just so I can cross them off.

-My mom is the queen of volunteers. Growing up she was (and still is) constantly volunteering at church, at non-profits, and at food kitchens. As I remember it during the summer my mom would drag us to church to fold bulletins and newsletters for what seemed like forever on a beautiful sunny day, but I'm sure it was just a few hours. She still helps fold the bulletins and newsletters happily every week. In fact, a few years back my parents skipped celebrating Thanksgiving and spent the day delivering food to people who couldn't afford their own Thanksgiving meal. I believe my parents being so giving of their time, money, and gifts is part of the reason I work in the ministry today.

-One of my favorite memories is during the summer my mom would often be up and running errands at what seemed like the crack of dawn. As she would head out she would walk into my room and let me know that I needed to get up and do a list of chores (that I would inevitably not hear because I was still asleep). Regularly the next thing I would hear is the garage door opening because she was now home...and I was still in bed...without accomplishing a single chore. I would jump out of the bed, run to the kitchen to check the list of chores she left for me, and as best as possible try to make it look like I had done those chores while she was gone. My mom told me many years later that when she would get home from running those morning errands she could hearing the scampering of feet when she walked into the house and knew exactly what had happened. I was rather disappointed, I thought I had fooled her.

-My mom loves chocolate. So growing up (and still today) when I couldn't think of what to get her for holidays, it was going to be chocolate of some sort. We got her chocolate everything. I remember her once getting a huge pill that was made out of chocolate. My fear is someday she's going to let us know that she doesn't even like chocolate, but she doesn't say anything because she is so nice...

-My mom always found ripe bananas and chocolate chips as an opportunity to bake banana bread and chocolate chip cookies. I often find myself now checking out the ripeness of bananas and always wanting to make cookies.

-My mom has the best memory of anyone I know. She will definitely remember every one of my friends, their names, their spouses names, what they do, and more. I love it. She always knows who I'm talking about when I tell stories and asks lots of questions.

-Once when I was a kid my mom was out running errands and my brother and I got into an argument. He locked himself in his room and I proceeded to kick a hole through the door with my bare foot...whoops...I knew I was in trouble. So I laid down hoping I would wake up and it would all be a dream...but it wasn't. I then heard the van pull into the driveway, so I decided that I should soften the blow by going out and seeing if my mom needed any help bringing anything in. When I was standing outside her door helping her open it and asked "can I help you with anything?" She responded with, "what did you do?" Dang...she saw right through me. Despite my shortcomings, failures, and disappointments my mom continues to love me. I feel so unbelievably blessed to have such an amazing mom.

Thanks mom for all you've done and had to put up with. This world is a better place because you live in it. I love you. Happy Mother's Day.

Below are a few more pictures of my amazing mom.

Mothers Day - Christa Welker

2011-05-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

Man, my mom.

I have heard "I love your mom!" More times than I can count.

I love her too. She is a best friend!

I feel like, when I start to write, I am totally overcome with emotions about my mom.

I love her so dang much.

First of all, I have to say that I am the woman I am because of my family and Jesus Christ. She has shown me what it means to seek first the Kingdom of God. My mom led me to the Lord when I was a little girl, sitting in my bed.

When I was thinking about what I was going to write, I had sooo many memories cross my mind. A lot of them were things we don't really talk about. I thought, this is the perfect time to bring those up. I am not sure how long this list will be but I am totally going to number it!

1. My mom is the WORST poser for photos in the world! Like the weirdest. Family photos are always an ordeal cause she always looks so silly. Josh and I always laugh so hard at how awkward she is...so these are 2 of my favorite photos of her...she won't like either of them. but they are her in real form!

her laugh in this one is priceless...but how is she standing? haha!

don't you love it?

2. We always had people living with us. Like...all the time. Some of you, my readers, lived with us. Our house was truly a home.

3. I remember this one time when mom and I were cruising down new 21 in her toronado with the moon roof opened...and we were jamming to "Do the Bart-Man". She cranked it FULL OUT! We just laughed and let the wind blow our hair!

4. I can never remember a time when my moms Bible wasn't on that ottoman in our living room. It was there because every morning she would wake up, drink her coffee and read.

5. It is because of my mom that I like sea food. One summer she was trying to finish a book, we got in the car and spent 20 glorious days of the summer in Panama City Beach. I read, she wrote and we went out to eat each night...

we tried different fish every night so that I could be a well rounded and knowledgable seafood connoisseur.

6. One time, my mom and I got into a fight before school, I think I was in 3rd grade...She felt bad for saying something that she didn't mean (i think it was that she was going to put me in a foster home - HAHAHAHA). She bought me a rose to give me when she picked me up from school. She came in to get me and left the windows down in the car. We got in the car and there was a stem sitting on the dash board. Someone had pulled the whole bud off of it. HILARIOUS! I am laughing now just thinking about it. She was FLAMING mad and really upset.

7. The one fashion thing my mom did that I still stand behind hating is this: She cut ALL of her hair off and dyed it purplish red...Josh, do you hear me on this one? seriously, I could barely look at her. And she picked me up from school and it was just that way! I was shocked!

This is how she normally looks if you have never met my mom...

And yes, she always wears heels and she always is always stylin!

8. Our yard and house was always beautiful.

This taught me 2 things. You work for what you have and you take care of it...and then you share it with everyone. My mom would work, weed and prune the yard as soon as there were sounds of spring. She still does. What a joy it is to watch the labor of your hands produce such a beautiful scene! The house was always beautiful, which is something, but more than that, even though it was beautiful, it was FULL. Full of people. Our friends were over all the time. It was always just stuff.

I remember countless times when I picked bouquets of flowers from our yard for my grandma and for my teachers and for my friends...etc. SHARING!

9. Interestingly enough this leads me to what maybe shapes my "person" more than any other.

One day when I was in elementary school, Steve showed up. Steve. A high school student. One of my mom's high school students showed up at my house. Now, this was rare, my mom worked like 30 miles away. My mom took me into my room and explained to me that Steve needed a place to stay because his mom kicked him out of his house, so...she brought him home to stay with us. WHAT??? WHO DOES THAT? The older I get and the more I work with students the more amazing I find this. My mom only cared that Steve felt alone. hmm. I think that this act of LOVE may have impacted me as much as it did Steve. (he stayed with us for quite a while)8. I watched my mom, the summer of 2008, totally release a burden she had been bearing for YEARS, when she came as a leader to Bigstuf camp with LUMY. Her and Anne both came. How many moms would do that? It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. It was like watching her totally transform. Tears.

10. I have always admired how hard my mom worked and was still able to have time to spend with me. At one time she was working at school, tutoring some boys and teaching night classes. (Probably to support her shopping habits)

Some of these are serious and some are silly and they are just a few! But one of the things I love the most is that my mom is completely honest with me.

Mom, you are the most beautiful person I know. I know it sounds funny for a daughter to say this to her mom, but I am so proud of you. I know sometimes you wonder why I do some of the things I do, but it always comes back to being obedient to a Holy God that you taught me so much about. I cannot thank you enough for the support you are constantly giving me and the UNCONDITIONAL love that I receive from you. Thank you for allowing the Lord to change your life so many years ago so that I would know how to let Him change mine.

I love you so much!

Please forgive me for posting those pictures!

Mothers Day - post series.

2011-05-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

I felt I have a few things to say about mothers day, and the best way for you to not feel like you have to read a whole lot, I will go ahead and just do a series. So this is just the explanation post.

This series will most definitely bring you a guest blogger too!

Hold on to your seats blog world!

Here it comes...

Video from Students to us...

2011-05-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

This video was made for us when we left LUMY (Liberty United Methodist Youth)

If you know us at all you find this funny...if you know our leadership styles, you will think its Hilarious, and if you don't know us, you may think it is just weird.

We were absolutely amazed at how many ridiculous things we either do or have done that people remembered. We love you guys! Thanks for paying attention!

Also, the one where she is putting water on her face is me making myself laugh so hard I cry...

Sunday was Fun day

2011-05-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, Andrew led worship at the Youth Led Cornerstone Sunday. Cornerstone is the Contemporary service at Highland Park UMC.

Click here to watch the entire Sunday service.

It is pretty great, so if you have time you totally should.

It will only be up till next Saturday so look soon!

For some highlights, in my opinion, click the above link and then check out the following.

(These are ALL YOUTH)

17:35 - Lauren Bagwell - Slam Poem - Senior

31:46 - Wes Cole - teach - senior...scripture read by T-Pitch...reminds me of Danny Folk. hahaha!

43:16 -Youth Staff Video (andrew is not in this one) - Transform ya...hilarious

47:04 - Andrew Beard and youth band...(only two weeks practiced!) - Closing song. by the way, there are 3 7th graders in this band. Electric, keys and drums...redonk!

Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe!

2011-05-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

I love to cook, but I do not post recipes. Mostly because I don't usually use recipes. I sort of start with a basic recipe and then take a few liberties.

Our friends Holly Erickson's blog "Feeding the Masses" is full of recipes and they always look DELISH. I wanted to make something new this week, but I wasn't sure what to make so I went searching through her old recipes to see if there was anything that sounded too good to pass up!

Then I found it. Filed under 2009!

Bourbon-Mango pulled pork!

BOURBON-MANGO PULLED PORK

1 bag frozen mango
4 lb. Pork shoulder
2 T. ground black pepper
1 t. kosher salt
1 t. chipotle chili powder
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
2 cups water
1 t. chipotle chili powder
2 t. honey
1.5 oz bourbon whiskey
1 (12 oz) bottle BBQ sauce

Put pork in slow cooker with black pepper, salt and 1 t. chili powder. Pour in balsamic and water. Low 5-8 hours. Puree mango until almost smooth. Pour into a saucepan with honey, 1 t. chili powder and whiskey. Bring to a simmer until darkened. Stir in BBQ sauce remove from heat. Drain pork, shred. Add all together. Cook on high 1-2 hours.

I made it yesterday and will be having it for dinner again tonight...and I can't wait to eat it!

Thanks Holly!

Shout out!

2011-04-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

On Monday April 11th we had to pack the UHaul. Andrew's mom and dad came over, his dad took a day off work. My parents drove over from St. Louis. AND THEN...the unmentionable. I am totally ratting some folks right this moment.

This is the group that showed up on a Monday at 10:00am.

Kelley Rowe (shakira), Sarah Beard, Andrew Beard, Kelsea Hoge, Drew Hansen

Krista Christmas...I mean Koch, Allyson Lean and Wermy...AndrewMichaelWermelskirchen.

Not pictured. Katja Jones

Yes, there are HS students who skipped school to help. Should I have said something about that...well, I didn't.

After we packed up we took a few pics of us on our porch for the last time

and then took all of those who helped us to Chic-fil-a. Minus my parents, they hit the road.

The next morning, as I have mentioned, there was a group of students at Starbucks at 6:00am. We did take a couple of pics.

And then the road.

Thought you would enjoy some images!

Love you guys!

Sarah

New Look

2011-04-29T19:57:00.001-07:00

I felt like it was time for a new look for the blog. I am not sure how long it will last...it is sort of like my hair. If you wonder what that means, see these photographs.

(hmmm...I wonder what will be next?)

The new background photo was actually taken by Andrew Beard on his iPhone using the hipstamatic app at Bigstuf. If you work with youth, you should totally check it out!

and another thing(s)

2011-04-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

I feel I have to make a note to Texans who may not know me. I love it here and I am sooo not judging your pride, I am commenting on how no other state understands your pride, so they fear the state itself...but once you are here...It is pretty great.

Please, do not be offended.

and my #6 thing.

EVERYTHING SWEATS MORE HERE! Like, I put a few ice cubes in my drink and in like 4 minutes I have a swimming pool. (that may have been a stretch - But I said they were sassy thoughts)

All in all...this has been a blessed move and I am truly loving it here.

My sassy thoughts on Texas

2011-04-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

I have been here for exactly one day past two weeks and there are a few things I have noticed that I would like to comment on.

1. First of all, I think Texas has gotten a bad reputation due to the people who live here who "LOVE TEXAS MORE THAN LIFE".

Seriously, I was hanging out with Hayley White (a freshman at TCU) this weekend and she told me that one of her friends has hung the TX flag in his dorm room...Look, I am not exactly certain what the MO flag looks like, and I like MO and all, but NEVER would I fly a MO flag in my place of residence...plus that just wouldn't go with my decor.

Would I ever get a MO mascot tattooed on my body? ...um...if I really have to answer that, I have not done a good job "being me" on this blog. There are too many (as little Fred would have said-when he says too many, he means more than 1) people with some sort of TX Pride Tattoos. True.

All that to say. It is a pretty sweet place. I mean, here it is the end of April, everything is just as green as can be, flowers are bloomed everywhere, mid to upper 70's and 80's every day and lots of things to do and a ton of outdoor sitting.

2. This one isn't about TX as a whole...just my mentality on the city we live in. The city we live in is what I like to refer to as "wealthy". We were walking the other day and we walked past a house in our neighborhood for sale, the listing price? Just a measly 1.9 mil. No bigs. This has put things in perspective for me. I tweeted a few days ago about living above your means, and how that will create a false sense on need. That was prompted by this walk.

My thought was, you buy this giant house at 1.9 mil and then who has the furniture to furnish this...and once you own a house like this, you don't just fill it with Target and Ikea...and you "Need" to have furniture in every room...Need...Need...want...would like...it would be fun for me if...IT IS NOT A NEED! I NEED to be reminded that I don't NEED.

3. TEXAS HAIR. Here I go. I have decided that Texan women didn't plan on having big hair. The air is warm and humid, much like a MO summer. It is not miserable at all, it just makes your hair a little bigger than normal. I am sorry, there isn't anything I can do about it. It is just what the case is. The reality, I am learning, is that you get used to your hair having this extra "bounce", or "body" or what ever you want to call it and then when you go to a dryer climate, your hair looks weird, cause that isn't what it normally looks like! Thus...Texans make their hair bigger when they are away from home.

4. Healthier options. That is all...there are soooo many opportunities to choose to be healthy where we live now. There are sidewalks EVERYWHERE. you can literally walk for MILES with out having to step on the street. There are grocery stores that cater to every personality, Whole Foods and Central Market to name a few.

5. It is not weird to be 30 and single or 30 and married and have no kids. this is a nice change...Not one person has asked us "when are you having kids?" LOVE THIS.

okay, there is a list of 5 for you...expounded upon in maybe too great of detail.

Love Y'all! haha

Here we are.

2011-04-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

Well, We moved to Dallas, TX!

Crazy.

We moved on Tuesday April 12th. We have been here two weeks exactly. On that particular Tuesday we arrived at Starbucks at 6:00am to be greeted by students who woke up at the crack of dawn to come and say good-bye. It was a beautiful morning.

Katie Loew and I hopped into my car and Andrew and his mom Anne hopped into the UHaul!

We pulled into our new home right around 3:30 or 4 and we were met by a few students and a few of the youth staff from Highland Park UMC.

While we were unloading the UHaul, Andrew received 2 phone calls. The first one was Perkin's Seminary. They were calling with the official "You have been accepted" news. This was a relief...even though we weren't worried.

the second call was our realtor. The news that came was "you have officially closed! You sold your house!"

Done and Done. All together a pretty darn good day.

If I have ever underestimated the Goodness of God, this move/transition period did more than put Him and His goodness into perspective for me. How faithful our God is!! Amen!

So, we aren't completely settled just yet, but we are def. getting there. Here is our new little home. We love it and we live in a spectacular area. So, if you wanna pack your bags, there is all kinds of sleeping room in the living room! We have a couch and 2 blow up mattresses! Come on down!!!

This is the office/entertainment center! This is where I do most of my work!

leaning shelves from Crate and Barrel

this awesome Monkey

from ZGallerie

Boxes from Target and Ikea

Basically if you just turn around from the first picture this is what you see. This is our living room. It is a pretty decent size! All it is missing is some curtains and YOU!

Couch from Ikea. Kivik.

Paintings from Josh Welker

This is our dining room...there are still some boxes in this space, but this is our table and bookshelf!

Orange files from Ikea. Vase from Hobby Lobby. Flowers from I.O.Metro. Rug from Pier 1.

This is our cute little kitchen. I am not gonna lie, it has been a little tough going from our awesome previous kitchen to this one, but only because it isn't open to the rest of the house! Other than that, not having a dishwasher gives me time to be prayerful and since I hated un-loading the dishwasher, putting dishes away now is as quick as turning around! I honestly don't mind it...and for those of you who will try to rationalize that I have only cooked for 2 "so just wait", I have already had 2 dinner parties where I cooked some big ole meals!

Still don't mind it!

Side table from Ikea

This is our bedroom! The door to the left is actually our back door. Kinda funny going in and out through the bedroom...you cant see the bed, but it is a huge bed frame that had 2 giant drawers on each side. Great for a small space with little storage!

Bed and Mirrored Wardrobe from Ikea. Drop leaf table is a vintage hand me down. Vases from ZGallerie, Art is from Venice.

That is all for now! I will be back soon to give you some of my thoughts on Texas and life!

Love to you and yours!

This very moment

2011-04-07T11:27:00.000-07:00

This very moment I am sitting at my desk in the Liberty United Methodist Youth Office for the last time.

To my right, Andrew is sitting in a chair, while to my left Werm and Katie sit at Andrew's "old" desk composing their first e-mail to the youth families. Allyson stepped in for a minute and then had to leave. I wish she was here, but she has school work to get done...and that is more important than me having all three of my little babies in the office. Yes, I called them my babies...yes they will all be 21-23 by the end of this month.

I am just really proud of all of them and love them!

It is a weird feeling here.

like, I am on the last chapter of a book I have devoured, loving every word that drips from the pages. A loss for the end, but such an overwhelming satisfaction that I know exactly what I need to know for my curiosities to be satisfied.

I am 100% confident that we did the work that the Lord had for us in the time here. I am also 100% confident that the Lord has carried the youth here to a place to get them ready for whats to come.

Much love you to you and yours.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Next Step.

2011-04-04T09:39:00.001-07:00

Well, as most of you know, I am going to work for His Voice Global. Some of you may not know that I am raising my own support for a year.

I am going to ask my readers to just check out what is going on here and pray about wether or not you would like to partner in some way with me for 1 year.

this is the letter I am sending out...

Dear Friends,

These photo was taken 6 years ago. It is me next to a sweet little boy who had his teeth checked for the very first time. I was in what would now be called South Sudan. I joined some of my very best friends, Vernon and Amber Burger, on a journey that would change my life. I went on a trip as the team photographer (this is the only photo I found with me in it!) with the organization formerly know as His Voice for Sudan, but is now His Voice Global. This trip changed my heart and made clear my understanding of the Truth that without the Gospel, every one is poor. Without the Gospel, there is no hope. I have not yet returned to the Sudan, but there is a longing in my heart to do so. If you haven’t heard from me in a while, you may think this is a letter asking you to support another trip...this is not the case. I am writing because as of April 15, I will be a full-time employee of His Voice Global.

What is His Voice Global?

I want to tell you a little bit about His Voice. If you want to know more, you can ask me, or you can go to www.hisvoiceglobal.com. Our goal is to strengthen the local church by promoting the reality of God's holistic vision to reach people. When Vernon went to Sudan and listened to Bishop Taban's vision for orphans, he decided to partner with them and carry out the orphanage ministry with a 100% indigenous staff. It has been very important to us that the Sudanese would recognize the power of the local indigenous church. One of the failures of the West has been to go over and run things in such a way that the local people become dependent on the West for vision, constant financial assistance, etc. Many Sudanese have been hurt by this approach. We have looked to see how we could cast vision with Bishop Taban and his wife Anngrace in such a way that we would all benefit from mutual discipleship. One of our prayers is that this ministry will be a testimony to all. When we take time to go and listen to the local people's vision for their own churches and communities, many more goals can be accomplished in more effective ways. His Voice has also begun work in India. You can read more on-line if you are interested.

My Role with His Voice Global

As orphanages, schools, medical clinics, farmland and wells develop, we need more people to go and train and also to support the work being done financially. I am hoping to form some brilliant partnerships with people all over the world so we can continue to change lives and restore people and countries to a Holy God. I have been hired as the Director of Promotions and could not be any more excited about what the Lord has laid out for the future. Andrew will be working for a church and attending Perkins Theological Seminary. While he is busy with his job, I will be working on a two year commitment to His Voice. I will need to raise support for one year as we at His Voice reach the next bracket of non-profit status. My hope is to raise $2,000.00/month to cover my salary.

The Reason you are Receiving this Letter

I am writing this letter to ask you to partner with me.

I am asking you to join my team. To be a partner. To spread the word about what His Voice is doing and the hope it offers to the future of not only the countries it is affecting, but the HOPE it is offering to countries that need restoration through a Savior. You can be a partner simply by letting me know that you want to be a part of what we are doing and by keeping our work in your prayers. If you would like to have Vernon come and speak or see how you or your church can get involved, let me know. You can e-mail me at sarah@hisvoiceglobal.com. You can also keep up with me on my blog, Sarahbeard.blogspot.com
You can make a one time donation in my name toward my salary.
You can make a monthly donation in my name toward my salary. This, of course, would be the most beneficial for Andrew and me.

To make a tax deductible donation follow these simple instructions:

Go to Hisvoiceforsudan.com.
Click on Partner with His Voice
Scroll down till you see the “Donate Now!” box. Click it.
Fill out the information on the next screen. It should look like this.
Make sure that you put my name "Sarah Beard Salary" in the Designation box. This will insure that your donation goes to nothing except my salary.
Once you have submitted the form please continue by praying for me. I would love to hear if you have chosen to support me. Please send me an e-mail at sarah@hisvoiceglobal.com.

Thank you so much for your time and your support!

LOVE YOU!!!

Sarah Beard

816-810-5534

Remember those shoes?

2011-03-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

I posted a bit ago a book and some TOMS that were created in honor of Dan Eldon...

Well, one of my favorite people...Kelley Rowe...and I got together the day I got home from TX, and she gave me these.

AHH!

Kelley, you totally didn't have to do that...And THANK YOU!! I love you and I love the shoes...But more than anything, I am so proud of the woman you have become and that you have let me be a part of your life. Even if we take pictures that look like this!

HAhahahahaha. Worst Pic Ever...but funny.

Things change

2011-03-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

As everyone knows, Andrew and I are moving to TX. Dallas, TX. This is crazy...for so many reasons. There are so many things that will change with this move but the one that I think about the most is the fact that Andrew and I will no longer be working together all the time. Yes, our ministry to the world is together, always, our day jobs are, however, separate.

I cannot begin to count the number of times during the last five years that someone said to me, "how do you do it? How can you work all day with your husband...if I had to do that we would drive each other nuts!"

Working side-by-side has been the most wonderful experience. We are and forever will be a team.

I feel like I have been mourning the loss of our complete days together. I know that this is what most every other couple in the world does on a day by day basis, but that just hasn't been the case for us in the last 5 years. Our first year of marriage was not how it is now. I worked all day, he worked evenings. I photographed weddings on weekend days and evenings, he hosted the Skinny Improv on weekend nights. Sunday we went to church and Sunday night we had college kids over. We made it just fine. It is just that I love our time now.

So, as the Lord has been abundantly good to me, I have been praying for healing here.

I have spent the last 5 days traveling across the states engaged in amazing conversation, not just with my road "crew" (Which was only Katie Loew) but also with all lots of girls on the phone.

I realized that I have spent next to no time on the phone with people in the last 4 years. I think I have felt like if I am on the phone and with Andrew then I am ignoring him...but I am always with him. This brings me to the point...I had a wise person tell me that I will just have to learn how to work the "new normal" and it will be fine. I am realizing that I will be able to communicate better with friends, especially ones that are far away.

So, as things get closer I am learning that change can be so good and am praying for both Andrew and myself that we will learn to love and serve each other in new and different ways. If you feel like joining in on that with me...I would be more than blessed to have you!

Note - Andrew has never said that he feels I don't pay attention...I took that one on myself.

- Sarah -

Airplane humor

2011-03-18T13:28:00.002-07:00

Andrew and I went to Texas a week ago and I got home yesterday. He is still there and will get home on Sunday night.

I have a lot to share and a lot of pics to post, but I am gonna go slow.

Look for a lot of posts this week and here is one to kick off the fun.

We got on to the airplane and the flight was nearly empty. We were flying Southwest so we were able to choose where we wanted to sit.

We decided to take an exit row seat so there would be more leg room.

As we sat down Andrew looked up at the signs that told you what you would need to do incase of an emergency.

He looked up at the pictures and said, "Whoa, if there is an emergency...my eyes will shoot out these red lasers."

I laughed sort of a loud blurt and then took my phone out to take a pic...then the flight attendant walked up and said, "Can I ask what you are doing?" (He was just curious)

I told him the short story...he laughed and shook his head.

thanks for stopping by!

1/2 a cow

2011-03-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

Last night Andrew and I went to Matt and Jodi Turnbough's to celebrate little Sophia turning 1!

The night was full of Johns shenanigans, lovely food and as always wonderful conversation.

This is a video of John singing - Jesus Loves Me...note that he is only 2 and 1/2.

We were talking about how Matt and Jodi bought 1/2 a cow and so they have all this meet in their basement. I personally do not love red meat and it is almost never my first choice...unless I am at Texas Roadhouse, I love their sirloin kabobs...Anyway...

Andrew finds out that it lasts for a year or so and that it is really worth the money (if you like to eat red meat) so he says "wow, maybe we should look at doing that..." he started to trail off a little as we made eye contact...my eyes were saying "you really think we would eat that?"

Then he says, "Do you think we could buy a whole chicken?"

I love that man!

Love at first site

2011-03-09T10:26:00.001-08:00

I have never fallen in love at first sight...but today I fell in love at first Site.

Check out this rug here.

www.trendir.com/

Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? Sigh....

Thoughts on having faith

2011-03-08T11:35:00.000-08:00

First I need to let you know that I have been informed that Andrew's bird, Chuck, actually died when Andrew was in high school.

Other than the radon test everything seems to be on track for a house sale! Praise the Lord. This is HUGE!

This time in our lives is a little out of whack. Balance is something that we are having to work really hard to have. Having one foot in TX and one in MO (in the sense that we have to get things in place there, but we have quite a bit of work to wrap up here) is making the day to day living a little overwhelming.

From day 1 of this entire process...even before deciding to move...God has been clearly leading.

I have all sorts of thoughts on discernment and God's leading, but I want to share about me having faith.

In this particular scenario, God's leading has been so evident for us. I have seen God's faithfulness in such a new way. A bigger way that is so much clearer than I have ever experienced before.

We felt a stirring move - A job is presented to Andrew.

Andrew wants to go seminary - The job offers seminary.

I need a job - I get offered a job.

we need to sell our house - Things are looking good.

we need to find a place to live - we go to look this week.

Our hearts have been stirring about a few different things that this move will accommodate.

So...I say this to say that things have been almost "easy". I have been viewing this as God blessing us for our obedience and willingness...like what I do has any bearing on Gods goodness...you know? Anyway. As I have watched God pour out blessings on us I have these moments of "OH MY GOSH - WHAT IF..." like it isn't going to work out. You know, I have watched God do unreal miracles recently and yet my faith fleets.

I see this happen with the disciples in Matthew 8:26 and with Thomas in Matthew 14 and the disciples again in Matthew 16. These men hang out with Jesus and watch him work it out and then have to be told "YE OF LITTLE FAITH"! I am in the same boat. I find myself about once a day saying, "Sarah if you seriously think that God is not going to take care of this you don't really believe that God is who you claim him to be. He is Faithful!"

I guess I just want to confess...While my faith is strong, I sometimes put limits on the faithfulness of God.

Love you guys.
thanks for stopping by.

Chuck

2011-03-07T08:42:00.001-08:00

Last night after the really long day was done Andrew and I decided it was time to "turn in". We headed into the bedroom and just fell on top of the covers, still fully dressed from the day. We were really, really still for a few minutes, and then I asked, "Andrew, If you had to pick a best-friend, that is not me, to spend every day with, who would you pick?"

Pause

"My Bird Chuck."

pause

"Andrew, Chuck died like when you were in 5th grade. You wanna spend every day with a dead bird?"

he turned his head to face me and with a disappointed look replied.

"too soon"

he rolled over.

I laughed. hard.

ReVive

2011-03-03T10:02:00.001-08:00

As most of you know, I am getting ready to start a new job as a part of a team that I completely believe in. His Voice Global. I will be talking about this a lot more to come, but first I want to just share with you a small way you can help.

We are currently working on raising money for the 4th His Voice Orphanage. This amazing company

has partnered with us and is giving $10/shirt to build the 4th orphanage. This is awesome and you can now play your part in changing lives of many kids. Just choose one of these awesome shirts and click on the link below to purchase!

Shop the ReVIVE project here!

Just some stuff

2011-03-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

It has been a week since I have posted. I feel like I have thousands of things to write about, but am feeling really tired. I actually should be studying for a bible study right now, but I wanted to at least drop a line here.

We got an offer on our house, only to counter it...and their family talked them out of a two bedroom...I am trying not to be bitter.

I would love to just sell and be done with it...but I know it will all be fine in the end.

Anyway, we have decided that near the end of March we are going to have a huge sale at our house and price almost everything and just SELL STUFF! We are ready to clean house and take the smallest truck down to Dallas. If we have anything you would like, let us know...I am not selling artwork, but most other things (including lots and lots of clothes) are for sale.

Since I am talking about getting rid of stuff, I should make a note that I did get a little excited when I saw this today.

It is the iPad 2. It is just really pretty. Check it out here.

I know I am not too exciting today but there will be more to come soon. love you guys. Thanks for stopping by.

Sarah

learning is fun this week!

2011-02-23T14:40:00.000-08:00

Here is the thing I have been learning. Our obedience is demanded and in return we shall not want.

Have you read the 23rd Psalm?

It says, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want"

It also says that "He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

These two sentences lead me to this conclusion.

When I allow the Lord to lead me, as He knows how, it is not for my benefit, but for His, and in return I shall not want.

My life isn't about me, it is for His Name.

The last few days the word "Obedience" has been resonating within me. I was going to title this post obedience, but on Monday, my friend Rachel's post was titled the very same. See how this is a reoccurring thought? Then we looked at this Psalm in staff meeting yesterday as well, two other people Kelley and Katie blogged this week on things that had to do with obedience.

I have never desired obedience more.

But now it is time to praise God publicly for some times of me "Not wanting."

On Monday, Andrew and I were at work fairly early after a late night, we grabbed some bananas and headed out of the house. We worked till a little after 1:30 and had to run to Walmart since we are working on the house. We were both really hungry, and we were both exhausted and neither of us wanted to cook. While at Walmart and I get a text from Kelley, previously mentioned Kelley. She works at Red Robin and asked if we wanted a meal and she would deliver it. HECK YES. So we placed an order and we had lunch/dinner at 3:30 in our living room. Praise Him. This may seem small to some, but anyone in the middle of a big transition knows what a blessing it is to not have to cook at the end of the day.

On Tuesday, we went to work. We pulled back up to our house about 5:30. The outside of our house is being painted and worked on and since I am praying that we will be showing the house we are keeping it extra clean. So as soon as we walked in I started with the floors. I started sweeping and then I was going to vacuum and then swiffer and then touch up any little scratched areas with stain to make the hardwood sparkle.

I had every intention on making dinner.

As I was sweeping, our neighbor, Susan, walked up to the front door.

(I just learned her name yesterday).

She said,

"I don't normally do this. I see you are moving and I heard the story this morning. I am so happy for you guys. Our obedience to the Lord is so important, and things will just start to fall into place when it's so right. You are two lights at this corner and you're leaving us, but it is really exciting, and I heard today and I went home and was making dinner and I just felt the Lord say to me, "make them dinner and take it to them," I don't make the best friend chicken, but I do make good cornbread, and I argued with the Lord for about 45 minutes but I knew I couldn't sleep tonight if I hadn't been obedient. So, here is your dinner."

I wanted to cry. Her obedience is as radical as any. And Andrew LOVES CORNBREAD. The Fried Chicken was awesome too and all we had to do was put it in the oven for a re-heat as we finished the floor.

Again, HUGE BLESSING!!! Thank you God and thank you Susan.

I am learning that God is always wanting us to know that he loves us and will use us to help teach others what we, ourselves, are learning, all while driving the point home to us.

God is good, faithful and He is crazy about us - and if I don't tell you that, than I am not being obedient.

Thanks for stopping in.

No, I don't NEED them...but I really want them.

2011-02-22T12:26:00.001-08:00

Dan Eldon was an artist and a photographer. He was an journaled avidly. I have his book "The Journey is the Destination".

Which is basically his journal that his mom put together and published after his death.

It is absolutely beautiful!

I got a pair of Toms for Christmas from Scott and Anne Beard and I have literally worn them every day since. Because I love them so much, I decided to take a look at the website and I stumbled upon these.

Check them out here!

Yes, they are Dan Eldon inspired Toms Shoes!!!!! Come on! SWOON!

I support Dan Eldon, Toms and having cute shoes.

random conversation

2011-02-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

Today is Tuesday. There are a few things about Tuesday that make the day amazing!

1. It is pad Thai Tuesday. This means you purchase one pad Thai and get one for ONE DOLLAR.

This is something that I will miss when I get to TX.

2. It is Starbucks Tuesday. This is a tradition that Andrew and I started at the beginning on this school year. We come to this booth...

at our local Starbucks and meet up with our students...college age people come first and then high schoolers come across the street when they get out. We even have some jr. highers whose parents drop them off.

Those are some of the reasons I love Tuesdays.

The title of this post is about this conversation that Andrew and I had. I just think it is funny the way conversations work..

Background facts on today's conversation.

-Andrew asked me to cut his hair.

-Beth is the name of Andrew's x-fiancée (who cuts hair) and also the name of our Director of Communications at work. We needed to send her an e-mail.

-When we walked into Tasty Thai we saw some people from church who may be coming to look at our house tonight.

Once in Tasty Thai, Andrew went to wash his hands. I sat down and got my phone out to shoot an e-mail to Beth (at church). He got out of the bathroom, sat down.

I say, "I'll be done in a second I am e-mailing Beth."

"Oh cool, my old girlfriend?"

"Yeah, I am checking to see if she would cut your hair."

(smiles and then silence)

I finished the e-mail and then was thinking about the fact that someone could be interested in our house...so I say,

"man, wouldn't that be awesome?"

Andrew replies, "Yeah, if beth could cut my hair? That would be awesome."

silly.

um...

2011-02-20T21:27:00.000-08:00

This morning at church someone was giving an announcement and I quickly noticed that this person was saying "um" a lot. Then I noticed Andrew (whose arm was around me) tapping my shoulder. Then I noticed the correlation. Every time this person said "um" Andrew tapped my shoulder. I giggled a little and wispered with a smile, "Stop it!"

I sat for a second and leaned over to tell him something. As I was thinking about how to start my sentence and make it as short as possible, I said. "um.."

He tapped my shoulder.

Love my life.

It's a buyers market

2011-02-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

We listed our house today.

CRAZY! this is real life!

If you know anyone interested in the cutest little historical home in Liberty, MO...send them to me! It is a 2 bedroom one bath house and it has been an amazing place to live.

PRAY IT SELLS LIKE A HOT CAKE!

Kitchen with granite counters

Master Bedroom and Den

Living room

Front Porch

Living and dining room

The News Is Out!

2011-02-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

As you know, Andrew and I have been working as a team, in the same office, doing a team-work job; Directing the Student Ministry at Liberty United Methodist church.
Our lives are about to change.

For the last year or so, we have felt the Holy Spirit stirring in us. A "change is coming". That is all we got. Throughout the last year the one re-occurring theme was seminary for Andrew. What ever it was that the Lord held next for us, it included seminary. In October we were given two different opportunities, one that would offer me work full time in the Chicago Land area which would then give Andrew the option of being a full time student, and then another one that would offer Andrew a full time job and Seminary (included) in Dallas, Texas. After a few visits to two very different cities we were left at a complete stand still. We had do idea what we were going to do but had complete peace about moving.

So...We had some amazing people come along as a part of this process and speak into our lives. They prayed with and for us about seeking out our giftings and what we felt like our callings are. (We have been having this talk for a year and it was just great to have people partnering with us.) As we prayed, we started having visions of ways the Lord could use Andrew with the opportunity that was more geared toward him...and then I had a phone call with a friend, Amber Burger. We have been friends for 11 years and have never lived in the same city. She is one of my go-to's. I LOVE THIS WOMAN! So we were chatting and I offered an idea for His Voice (See blog to your left) and she offered me a proposition. She said they were looking for someone who could develop ideas just like the one I had...and then she dropped the bomb. She said they were moving to Dallas...which is where the job offer for Andrew is, and that she would send me the job description if I would like her to. I said yes.

I met with Amber and Vernon over Christmas Break and Andrew and I just knew it. This is what we are supposed to do...

So....................................

We are MOVING TO DALLAS TEXAS!!!!!!!

IN APRIL. April 10th will be our last Day at LUMC!

Andrew will be attending seminary at Perkin’s School of Theology in Dallas, TX and working for Highland Park UMC as the worship leader for the student ministry. The church is closely tied to Perkins, so they are paying for his schooling which is a huge blessing. I will be working for a His Voice Global as the Promotions Director. I actually went to Sudan with this group in January 2005.

The last few years have been an incredible time of growing, learning, and serving in Liberty. Needless to say we are grateful for the opportunity we've had to serve the students here. We have learned so much and will remember the lives we've hopefully impacted and the ones that have impacted ours.

We are sad to move on, but are thankful for our time here and are looking forward to our next season of life. We are so excited to see what the Lord will do next with our lives, but since making this decisions, I have also been having dreams and visions about my roll at HVG. The next two months will be a busy time of prayer, transition, and preparation.

I think that is enough for you today, but I will definitely be posting more soon as I have all kinds of fun things to share!

And the winner is...

2011-02-15T06:54:00.001-08:00

HEATHER!

I did a drawing for the final 100 Mix and boy am I glad we are not stuck with the choosing! I will be working on the mix and sending it out. I will be posting the full list here in few days.

Heather, send me a message with your address so I can send you your goodies!

Congrats!

Sarah

Matched - Play - Giveaway

2011-02-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

I began this book yesterday. I have been hearing about it for a while now from articles in Entertainment Weekly (which I read every week). I decided I was ready for my next fiction book. I just finished the Hunger Games series and have read Twilight and Harry Potter...So, they say this is the next young adult series that will take the world by storm.

I read this section last night and I have not been able to stop thinking about it:

"The Society chose to keep the hundred best of everything when the culture became too cluttered: Hundred Songs, Hundred Paintings, Hundred Stories, Hundred Poems. The rest were eliminated. How can we appreciate anything fully when overwhelmed with too much?"

I have been thinking all day. If we had to pick 100 songs, 100 Paintings, 100 stories and 100 poems, how would we decide....So this is the fun part. I am challenging you to comment on this post.

Which songs, painting (pieces of art), stories, and poems would you choose to be in the 100 that we keep?

I want to focus in on the songs because I would like to make a playlist according to my readers.

Once you have submitted a total 100 songs, I will make a "the Last 100 songs" album.

I will that have a drawing based off the people who comment with answers on this post and the winner will receive a brilliant and crafty "Last 100 songs" album in the mail!

I will start with 2 of the songs I hear and want to hear again.

-The Scientist - Coldplay

-With Everything - Hillsong United

If you want to know more about the book or read an excerpt Click Here.

Gungor - Beautiful Things

2011-02-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

I was told about this song somewhere around a year ago from my friend Jennifer Agnew. I didn't look it up.

Last week Andrew got this album and when this song played, I about wanted to smack myself for not having looked it up a year ago.

Do yourself a favor. Hit Play, close your eyes and be blessed.

Love you all!

Sarah

I told you I was talking...Catfish (SPOILER ALERT)

2011-02-04T22:23:00.000-08:00

Here it is. My follow-through from last week.

Nev, Rel and Henry are friends and Rel and Henry are filmmakers. They film life, as Nev gets the first painting from Abby and her family begins corresponding with Nev, the two (Rel and Henry) Decide to point the focus of their filming on Nev and this relationship he is starting with Abby's older sister Megan.

If you haven't watched it, please go and do so then come back and pick up the reading here.

There are a few points in the film where I sat completely amazed at these men.

When they realize that things aren't as they seem, they begin to call out Megan, but then decide that they will just go and confront. This is maybe a normal reaction, but what happened next was so unreal to me.

When they show up on Angela's Porch (this is Abby's Mom) she just hugs Nev for so long...AND HE HUGS HER BACK. As the story unfolds it is Henry who says something along the lines of "I don't want to embarrass her". This was such a telling statement of the integrity carried by the guys in the car. I tried to think about what It would feel like to be them, to be Nev and I am fairly certain that I would have led with the questions and followed with making someone feel really, really, remorseful. Yes, I would have guilt tripped the heck out of some one. Or, I may have just started screaming, "Have you no decency?"

So, then Nev finds out that Abby doesn't paint and we see him take a sec to step into the bathroom to recoup and then we see him and his friends playing in the water with the family. What the heck! Guys, then they stayed for 4 or 5 days to have meals with and hang out with the family. I just don't think I have seen this kind of kindness and compassion for someone displayed by a character let alone a real person.

I watched the special feature, which was an interview with the three gentlemen who made the film and I again was shocked by the kindness showed to Angela and her family. In the features, Nev says "I sympathized with her". He said that. He did not say "I felt sorry for her".

I have to say, It challenged my integrity. How would I respond to this? I just have to know...WHAT DID YOU THINK??