rooms and chairs

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!