m'lynn johnson | design • life • inspiration

Waiting Souls

2012-01-24T08:38:00.003-06:00

My fingers just played the notes, my lips just sang these words from the hymn Sweet of Hour Prayer. I then let them them to sink into the depths of my heart.

Fears Cripple, Love Moves

2012-01-22T11:53:00.005-06:00

What's holding you back from accomplishing great things? What's keeping you from obeying the Lord and allowing him to use you in more ways than you could ever imagine? What pulls you down and keeps you from running full force in you work, relationships, and activities?

For me, it's fear. Fear is the biggest thing holding me back from living my best life – the life I know I should be living right now in this moment. Fears are crippling, they paralyze. They hold us back from a potential opportunity of great accomplishment. Love is action. It moves, it brings freedom, it motivates. Love releases the glue that binds us to fear. Love drives out fear.

There is NO fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear. -1 John 4:18

After reading several scriptures, books, and blogs on fear, I have been encouraged to write down my specific fears and tackle them on a daily basis because fears cripple. I have set up two categories of fears.
The first category is general fears:
I'm afraid of what older people think of me.
I'm afraid of large groups of people I don't know.
I'm afraid of harsh criticism in my work.
The second category is today's fears:
They are very specific to things I am facing today. I'm not comfortable sharing these on here...not in fear, but for privacy sake.

These are the fears that grab ahold of me. We constantly wrestle back and forth, back and forth. Many times, I have let fear win and I've missed out on an incredibly life changing opportunity. Fear feels tangible, like a wrestling match, but it's just that...a feeling that paralyzes . Nothing more than a feeling in our minds.

I'm tackling my fears today. Will you? I'm letting perfect LOVE drive out fears that have kept me from action..from becoming something greater than myself. Will you?

Just a Few New Loves

2012-01-20T09:57:00.001-06:00

For my birthday, my oh-so-wonderful-friend-Heather-who-has-to-put-up-with-me-everyday gave me this adorbs owl tea set. I'm in love.

I found this lovely lady when looking for a whale necklace (long story) for a dear friend. Oh Hello Friend had the perfect tiny whale necklace in her ETSY shop. I was blown away by the product and its' packaging that I ordered a few more items from her...

Uniquely crafted, eye-catching, hand sewn business cards by LouLouDreaming

Oh to be able to accessorize like this fierce woman. Atlantic-Pacific, you have inspire me with stunning color combos, breath taking textures, and fierce beauty. Thanks for keeping me up past my bedtime.

Office Additions

2012-01-19T09:45:00.001-06:00

Just a few new additions to the office.

Reading: January

2012-01-18T09:22:00.004-06:00

Sometimes, I dream of a nook like this full of all kinds of colorful books.

Here is the January reading list. Most are re-reads, some are 5 minute reads for quick inspiration. The other books are found on my lovely Kindle that my in-laws gave me for Christmas. I just love that thing.

Weekend Food

2012-01-16T09:28:00.002-06:00

Food is an experience in our house.

From the Pasture

2012-01-14T10:23:00.000-06:00

My Office Hours

2012-01-11T08:33:00.009-06:00

I have been asked several times lately about my work hours and particular work habits since I work from home. I have also heard the comment, "oh, so you really are working...???". Unfortunately {in my sinful pride}, that comment offends me because I know the ridiculously long hours and incredible amounts of energy I pour into the success of our lil' business.

No matter what business you own: cattle, farming, retail, landscape, real estate, design, art, anything else imaginable, your business becomes a lifestyle. You don't have set hours because it infiltrates your life. You live your work and your work is something that matters...something bigger than yourself...it can even be your ministry....

When I began working from home, I was afraid I would become so distracted by my freedom that I would not work enough. And that was indeed my struggle at first. If I needed groceries, I would go get them at any point of the day. I volunteered for an organization that required a lot of my time and thought it was ok because I worked from home and could find time later to do my work. If people asked, I said yes. I soon saw how inefficient I was.

I needed parameters.

So I began to schedule my office hours and my work day better. I volunteered less during the day. I would work when Justin was not home. I would go to my office when he left in the morning and stop working when he got home. I worked Saturdays and Sundays since he wasn't home.

The problem is that Justin can work those hours. I can't. I need rest, friendships, a creative outlet. I need to find inspiration. I need to renew my mind. I need to turn my "work-mode" off.

I needed stronger parameters.

With much thought and prayer and advice from older, much wiser folks, I began to balance my priorities.

As described above, if I don't balance my priorities I become a work-aholic and that's no longer a ministry. My top 5 priorities are: 1. Faith 2. Family 3. Friendships 4. Career 5. Health. All of these mix and mingle and overlap, but balance is the key. When #4 Career outweighs #5 Health, I don't have as much energy and my work suffers. If #1 Faith gets neglected, I'm totally lost and live on my own selfish ambitions.

When I'm asked how much I work a week, I tell people that my business is a lifestyle. I'm constantly reading, pondering, and dreaming of design and marketing, but my office hours are set and I seek to find balance in the other hours of my day. These are the MOST important hours of my day.

I open my office door no sooner than 9am every morning. Before that I make time to:

feed my incredibly hard working stud of a husband (don't tell him I said that).
hit the gym.
fill my soul with the Word.
"make a joyful noise" on my child-hood piano.
write hand written notes of encouragement or thanks.
preserve my thoughts in a journal or on this blog

and I {try extremely hard} to close my office door by 6pm every evening or sooner. I say no to Saturdays and Sundays and late night client emails or calls or texts. I say yes to lunch breaks and mid afternoon naps when needed. In my "out-of-office" hours, I fill my time with:

feeding my husband and spending solid, quality time with him.
finding inspiration for design.
having coffee or lunch with a friend.
taking Lulu for a walk.
mentoring or being mentored.
filling my mind with powerful words from books on small business or faith.

When solid parameters are set and I find balance in my priorities, I'm so much more powerful and effective. My time is not my own. I am full aware of this. Praise the Lord my time is not my own or else I would waste it carelessly on myself.

Weekend Escape

2012-01-09T12:45:00.000-06:00

I turned my computer off this weekend. I said no to work. I said no to tv or blogs. We went to the pasture. I left my cell phone at home. I took my camera, a book, and a white mutt named Lulu. I gave myself freedom to stay as long as we needed to. I also gave myself freedom to explore creation, my heart, my vision, my goals, my mission....

I got my toes muddy. I took a nap in the green grass. I found inspiration and it has motivated me. I found productivity in escaping from the norm and I'm better because of it.

"Once you get over the fear, then it's a cinch," she said. And then she leaped into a mountainous and unexplored region of her heart.

Happy Monday, now go make something brilliant happen this week.

In My Dreams

2012-01-07T10:53:00.003-06:00

Work with Enthusiasm

2012-01-03T09:23:00.003-06:00

It's a new year and the holidays are over. I've been having trouble focusing...getting back to the grind. So many distractions are flooding my work day. I needed clarity and focus, motivation and truth. I found this:

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Ephesians 6:7

It's a New Year: 2012

2011-12-31T18:49:00.001-06:00

In the beginning of 2011, I chose a single inspirational word that I desired to live out throughout the year. The word I focused on was grow. Looking back on 2011, it has been a beautiful year of growth in my life: in my faith, in my business, and in my relationships.

This year, I don't have a word or any resolutions. I'm beginning 2012 with hopes and an expectant heart. My hope is that I would know the Lord more and that He would give me the desires of my heart.

These are the desires of my heart:

encourage others

strive daily to become this woman

pray for the nations

see beautiful places

be a better planner and do not eat the bread of idleness

don't sweat the small stuff

buy and fix up a farm house in the country

let my gentleness be evident to all

begin traditions (inspired by this book)

practice hospitality

live, speak, & breath James 1:27

make a joyful noise

How Sweet the Sound

2011-12-27T11:11:00.006-06:00

A few weeks ago, I was given the piano I grew up playing. Since I haven't played for the last eight years, I've spent the last few weeks re-connecting to this beauty. I want to learn to play hymns and even teach my (future) children the basics. I did not have a hymnal so about two weeks ago I printed off two hymns from the web: Amazing Grace and I Need the Every Hour.

Yesterday, around 3:45 my heart began to feel anxious. It was an uneasy feeling. Justin and I were going to go to his parents later to celebrate Christmas and I thought maybe I had forgotten a gift for someone. I double checked. All was well. My heart began to race....

I did the only thing I new to do to help relieve an anxious heart. I read through scripture:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I then sat down at my piano and began playing and singing Amazing Grace and this racing heart began to slow......

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Dad texts to "please call him." Granddad has been living with Alzheimer's for 10 years...10 years of dangers, toils, and snares....

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

I return the call...in His kindness the Lord has healed Granddad, his chains are gone...oppression has ceased.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

I wonder how free Granddad must feel at that exact moment...healed in Jesus's arms. I am humbled in the death, reflecting on every good thing the Lord has done for the sinner's salvation: creation, incarnation, death, resurrection. It's all good and worthy of praise....even in the loss of a loved one....especially in the loss of a loved one.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Now more than ever, I understand the scripture He has set eternity in the hearts of men.
I look forward to once again playing dominoes with Granddad and "helping" him work the module builder if perhaps there is cotton to be stripped in heaven.

Weekly Meal Planner

2011-12-26T09:35:00.006-06:00

I've spent a lot of time thinking about the verse that reads "she does not eat the bread of idleness" in Proverbs 31. That bread of idleness looks different for everyone, but this is what it looks like in my life:

the lack of planning: meals, my work day, workouts, devotionals, finances
over planning
social media
blog surfing
shopping
watching lame tv shows
confusing watching tv for much needed rest
over-searching for a home to buy
becoming to busy or lazy to care about important things
and the list could go on and on

The one that sticks out to me lately is planning meals. When I'm idle and do not plan, we just end up going to "grab something real quick." The fresh produce I buy is fed to the worms (literally) and our money is spent on expensive food. Idle....

Sooooo, I've designed and printed these weekly meal notepads to help plan for each week.

How do you avoid idleness? I would LOVE tips!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T15:18:00.002-06:00

Our hope is born, it's our joy and our salvation. Merry Christmas to all!

Expectant Hope

2011-12-23T12:40:00.007-06:00

The last advent candle was lit last night while we celebrated our third Christmas together. This is our first year to spend the month preparing for Christmas through advent in our home. We used this weekly devotional. At first, it seemed odd for just the two of us to celebrate advent (before we even have children old enough to teach the meaning of advent), but the month of preparation filled our hearts with an expectant hope of a coming king. The hope that once anticipated, and now anticipates anew, the reign of a Messiah, who will bring peace and justice and righteousness to a broken world.

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Create Daily with Alisa Burke

2011-12-07T09:11:00.004-06:00

One of my favorite designers is Alisa Burke. Not only does her work fascinate me, she is a habitual seeker of inspiration and this encourages and inspires me. Here is a video she recently made for an online class she is teaching called Create Daily.

Here are some of my favs from her:

Christmas Card Wreath

2011-12-04T09:42:00.004-06:00

I have never had a good place to display all my Christmas cards throughout the holidays so my heart leaped a bit when I found this Christmas Card wreath of Martha's. I usually take inspiration and put my own personal twist on it....not this time. I stole the idea and copied it to a tee. It was more than easy to make and cost $5. Bring on the Christmas cards!

Big Book of Parties

2011-11-30T18:14:00.003-06:00

It always feels good to complete a project and this one is done! I poured many many hours, tons of energy, and much thought into this project. It has been one of the largest projects we have worked in the past year. It is 228 pages of vendors, articles, and advertisers in The Woodlands. We worked on this for six months and it has finally arrived as a finished product.....awwww the Lord is good!

Isaiah 26:12 has been at the forefront of my mind
"All that we have accomplished you have done for us."

Herb Butterball

2011-11-28T09:17:00.004-06:00

Yesterday afternoon, I did something I've never done before....baked a Butterball, which is pretty outlandish & a brave task for someone like me. First of all, I have never been a Betty Crocker type lady. I always fled from the kitchen. Things have changed a bit since I've been married, but I'm still not one to bake and cook and spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Secondly, I have a very, very weak stomach when it comes to weird smells or textures....and thawed turkeys have the oddest feel to them: the neck? slimy skin with tiny bones? gizzards and the heart? someone please agree with me to make me feel better about this.

But I toughed it out and baked this 12lb sucker because they're pretty cheap right now. I grabbed ingredients that sounded good to me: onions, fresh herbs from my little garden, butter of course, salt, pepper, mayo...because it makes since on a turkey sandwich right?....(don't ask, I don't know why I grabbed mayo).

Cooked for about 2 hours and this 12 lb bird was wonderfully moist with a nice hint of fresh herbs. Thanks Granny for your tips! It turned out wonderful (although it looks gross....)

Christmas Crafts

2011-11-25T09:18:00.003-06:00

I've heard this comment a lot recently, "those people who get out Christmas decor in November are ______."
I sit quietly in response to that comment because I'm one of those people. As soon as Thanksgiving is over, my mind is set on filling our house with Christmas: crafts, decor, music, smells, warm drinks....
Here are some fun ideas I look forward to making this season.
Martha Stewart made this Christmas card wreath using wooden clothespins and a large embroidery hoop. Perfect way to keep all the cards we receive.

A few of these pincone pomander ball would be perfect hanging over the dinner table.

I started a burlap Christmas pillow collection last year and these would fit right in.

and this Christmas painted burlap banner over the mantle.

Merry Christmas & Happy Crafting!

Thanksgiving Blessing

2011-11-23T15:17:00.005-06:00

I'm most thankful for the ways I see the Lord at work in our lives. I have recently found myself literally giggling at how good he is (and I'm not normally a giggler). He has revealed to us his sovereignty in the small & large things: in completed jobs, in friendships, in Justin's work, in conversations, in our patience, in sweet comments from clients. He is good to us. We are humbled and content.

The Season of Advent

2011-11-22T12:35:00.005-06:00

We are getting close to the time of year were Advent is observed. Christ is coming, he has come and he will come again. Advent is a time to slow down and reflect on this truth. It is a season to consider the first coming of Christ and patiently ponder His second.
As we wait, observe, and ponder this miracle, I want a physical daily reminder for us. After doing some inspiration searches, here are the fun ideas I've found.

Little canvas packets strung across the mantle. Each packet is full of wonders...

My sweet friend Astrid at Red Red Completely Red makes these advent tea calendars. A cup for everyday of December.

Or maybe these rustic advent candles on the dinner table, lit while we eat to remind us of the season. I'm going crazy over the little Rosemary & holly berries.

Anyone else have great ideas to celebrate advent?

Happy Fall

2011-11-21T17:34:00.001-06:00

My FAV Pinterest Board

2011-11-19T09:41:00.004-06:00

On every computer I've ever owned I have had a folder named "inspirations" where I have saved images from the web of whatever, for whatever: landscapes, patterns, elements, designs, wedding ideas, graphic ideas, website screen shots, tiny details, HUGE details....anything that inspires me. My hard drive has been saved thanks to Pinterest. Pinterest allows me to "pin" all of those things I love from the web onto a categorized online board so I do not have to save them to my hard drive. I can then go back and look at my inspiration boards when needed.

I must warn you, it can be addicting so don't blame me when you spend a few hours of your day pinning away.

One of my favorite boards is my Funky Pattern board (found here). I'm obsessed with large, bold patterns right now...enjoy!

11•11•11

2011-11-11T16:01:00.002-06:00

Clearly, today is a day of 11 so I'm writing 3 sets of lists of 11s....does that make since?

11 books worth reading
1. The Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent
2. Crazy Love by Francis Chan
3. The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee
4. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
5. EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey
6. Quitter by John Acuff
7. The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Sterns
8. Radical by David Platt
9. 1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp
10. The Starfish and the Spider by Ori Brafman
11. Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper

11 of my favorite blogs
1. my work blog (although it gets neglected, I love it!)
2. Red, Red, Completely Red
3. A Holy Experience
4. Design Seeds
5. Alissa Burke
6. Design Work Life
7. Paramore
8. Kisses from Katie
9. Stitch
10. Shauna Maness photo blog
11. Desiring God

11 of my fav places in the world
1. anywhere with Justin, doesn't matter where
2. Sagerton, Tx
3. floating down the river
4. Barcelona
5. wide open pastures with a blanket and a book
6. Ireland
7. Berlin
8. Downtown Bryan
9. Riverwalk in San Antonio
10. Kyle Field
11. Paris

Recent Design Work

2011-10-22T16:10:00.006-05:00

Have I mentioned lately how much I love what I do??? No.....??? Well let me spend some time doing that since I feel blessed beyond what this soul could ever imagine.

I'm crazy about the work I do and this little business we are building. Even on my worst days, I wake up eager to get to work on these awesome projects on our plate. Every client we meet and have the honor to work with amazes me. We truly work with the most incredible entrepreneurs I have ever met. They inspire the heck out of me and they are driven visionaries who are excellent in their field.

If you don't keep up with our work blog, you really should because it's our heart and soul written out on the web. And we would LOVE your support as we continue to build our business. I posted some recent design work on our work blog, but I wanted to share it on here as well. This is a visual branding project we have worked on for a real estate agent. Fun stuff. Love this kind of work!

Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Cake

2011-10-18T18:21:00.007-05:00

I have been a busy bee over here working on the biggest projects of my life: one of them being a 200(ish) page magazine/directory that will be printed 30k times. It's due to be complete at the end of the month. I've learned so much during this project. Mainly how to balance life...or that I must be intentional about balancing my life...but that's its' own blog in itself another day....

Amidst this busy-ness, I recently looked out the window and welcomed fall. Ah sweet fall, how I love thee: cooler temperatures, color change in the leaves, perfect running weather, shorter days which means cattlemen come home earlier, pumpkin decor, and pumpkin foods & recipes....

Here is my latest pumpkin obsession: Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Cake. This cake is moist and full of flavor. When eaten while sippin' coffee, you will be taken to a blissful place. I did anyways....then I went back to that blissful place a couple more times throughout the day.....then I had to go for a long run to burn off some calories...

8 Tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted & cooled
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. salt
1 3/4 cups flour
1/3 cup milk
1 cup chocolate chips

1. Preheat over to 350 & coat a 8" square or bundt pan with cooking spray.
2. Mix together butter, sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree and vanilla. Stir in baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Stir in 1/2 of flour, then milk, then remaining four, stirring until just combined (do not over mix). Fold in chocolate chips.
3. Bake for 45-60 minutes. Let cool and serve with cool whip!

My next pumpkin recipe will be Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins which are accused of being Starbuck's knock-offs....I'm 100% ok with that.

Great Father of Mercies

2011-09-21T18:59:00.005-05:00

How do you handle situations when you have been accused for doing (or not doing) something when you have peace that you have done no wrong.

Today, I made meatloaf and took my frustrations out on the ground beef/ketchup/Parmesan cheese mixture....

And while (wo)man-handling that ground beef/ketchup/Parmesan cheese mixture like never before, I was reminded of the gospel...the sweet, sweet words of my saving grace. Thank you Lord for the daily reciting of the gospel inspired by this book and prompted by the spirit.

Without your sweet mercy I could not live here. Sin would reduce me to utter despair, but through your free goodness my spirits revive, and He that first made me still keeps me alive.

That ground beef/ketchup/Parmesan cheese mixture took a beating like no other meatloaf baked in this house has before....

Your mercy is more than a match for my heart which wonders to feel its own hardness depart. Dissolved by your goodness I fall to the ground, and weep to the praise of the mercy I’ve found.

Topped with bacon and tomato gravy, the ground beef/ketchup/Parmesan cheese mixture gets shoved into the oven...the outside of my pinky finger gets burned.

Great Father of mercies your goodness I own, and the covenant love of your crucified Son. All praise to the Spirit, whose whisper divine seals mercy and pardon and righteousness mine.

And as I'm reminded of the gospel throughout my war with the meatloaf, my hurt and frustrations lessen. He is lifted higher, I am made lower...

All praise to the Spirit, whose whisper divine seals mercy and pardon and righteousness mine.

Still counting the 1,000 gifts:
672. great Father of mercy
673. being able to freely praise that great Father of mercy
674. meatloaf healing of a hurt heart
675. the covenant love of the crucified Son
676. by thy free goodness, my spirits revive
677. divine whispers

I Need Your Help!

2011-08-31T20:11:00.008-05:00

I'm pretty darn competitive. So it doesn't come to much surprise that my fav tv shows are competitive cooking on the Food Network: Cupcake Wars, Chopped, Ace of Cakes, Top Chef, and.......recently The Great Food Truck Race. Chef Tai, one of Bryan/College Station's gourmet food trucks that serves HEAVENLY food on the street level, is in the contest to be on the next season of The Great Food Truck Race. So our little (competitive) marketing business helped him out with this video to remind people to vote so he can be on the show.

Turn up your speakers, check out the video, share it with your friends, and go vote for him! Tai is the only Texas truck in the race and has a good shot! We just need your 10 votes everyday.

(if you wonder what our business does all day in regards to marketing, this is just one example)

Guest Post on Red Red Completely Red

2011-08-29T21:09:00.007-05:00

Want to meet one of the craftiest bloggers I know? Not only is she insanely cute and crafty, she is also English and has the most adorable accent ever. To make things better, she is in love with Texas. Go check out Astrid's blog at Red, Red, Completely Red where she writes about her love for all things red. She was so sweet to ask me to write a guest post while she is traveling. I wrote about this burlap wreath I made for my naked front door...check it out here. Thanks Astrid, I'm honored!

Seven Times a Day

2011-08-26T09:22:00.007-05:00

Seven. The number signifying completeness...

Seven times a day I praise you....

Seven times a day I wait for your salvation

Seven times a day....when often once a day is all this selfish heart gives.

Let us remember 7 ...and have hearts that give praise seven times a day.

Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. I wait for your salvation, O Lord, and I follow your commands. I obey your statues. for I love them greatly. I obey your precepts and your statues, for all my ways are known to you. -Psalm119:164-168

Counting the gifts brings praise 7+ times a day
124. health
125. my faithful Nannaw and her servant heart
126. grandparents, we love you dearly
127. my eyes with no need for contacts or glasses
128. baking these strawberry cheesecake cupcakes with my best friend
129. a fresh, new office
132. water, clean water
133. breath
135. thunderstorms
136. thunderstorms followed by rain
138. the Lord's faithfulness
139. morning rains
142. electricity coming back on in the middle of the night

Whatever Is...Think About Such Things

2011-08-17T20:13:00.006-05:00

Things have gotten crazy-busy-project filled-exciting-stressful-new-fun-and-wonderful for our little business. My mind has been full of work and I've become that person that when asked, "how are you?" answers, "oh, just busy."
I get this pain in my heart when people answer with "busy." It's so sad to me. Our time here is too short to be so busy....I fear becoming that busy.
And this is what I've become during the last month....oh-so-busy...
I should've been working on work related jobs, but I had the urge to re-do our office this weekend. I painted the walls a seafoam blue and used bold black patterns for accents. I wanted to add some decor pieces that would remind me to slow down and enjoy this beautiful life the Lord has given me.
I love this print piece I found on Pinterest. The words were exactly what my busy-minded self needed to be reminded of daily when I sat down at this desk to work.

Source: etsy.com via M'Lynn on Pinterest

I grabbed a black piece of cardboard for $2.99 and a white paint pen for $3.57. I printed out the words on pieces of paper, traced them with a pen leaving an imprint in the cardboard, then painted over the imprint with the white paint pen.It's hard to remember to count the gifts in the midst of busy-ness....
90. garage sell finds
93. modern day miracles
95. helpful Mark at post office
96. a growing, healthy, sweet Mackenzie
97. lunch with her parents, her real parents
98. adoption
99. a free moment during a hectic day to clean my kitchen
100. mission minded friends who are willing to travel to drill wells for people without
103. a free Saturday to the Lavender Fest in Chappell Hill
107. lavender scented sea salts
113. patience
114. friday night date night
116. rest
118. a weekend office re-do
121. the perfect color wall paint the first time
122. just enough paint the first time
123. rest

2011-08-16T16:34:00.005-05:00

Burlap is my go to medium for ~~most~~ all of my home decor projects. I'm head-over-heals in love with this fabric because it is so inexpensive, it has wonderful texture & colors, and it helps fill my home with a rustic-country flare that suites our decor and agriculture lifestyle.

My latest burlap project just happened to have a little touch of red to fit in with Astrid's love of the color. Inspired by the wonderful wreaths I found and pinned on my Pinterest board HERE, I made this scrappy burlap (with red) wreath to welcome guests into our home.

I used exactly one yard of burlap, a heavy duty wire wreath frame, and fabric scraps left over from previous projects. No sewing was required, just knotting, tying, pinning, gluing, and twisting.

May this burlap (with red) wreath be a pleasant way of welcoming our friends and family into our burlap filled home.

Gift 62. Humbling Black Eyed Susans

2011-08-02T07:47:00.007-05:00

These last two weeks have probably been two of the most humbling weeks of my entrepreneurship career...

If it could go wrong, it has...

If it was planned, it didn't happen...

If it wasn't planned, it happened...

If I didn't know how, I couldn't figure it out...

If I baked, it burned...

If I had a cup full of black coffee, I spilled it all over the beige carpet...

If I researched, it was too little too late...

If I asked, they didn't know either...

If embarrassment was at stake, it eventually covered my face...

If it was on my list-of-things-to-do, it was never scratched through....

If I prayed, it wasn't the answer I sought after...

But, I continue to count the gifts because thanks feeds my trust:

51. SOS Women's Retreat-much needed
56. two cardinals fighting over the highest branch in morning's garden
57. butterflies on butterfly bush
60. speed of the hummingbird's wings
61. busy bees focused on doing their job of pollination
62. black eyed susans in full bloom that humble me even more. lower and lower. everything that sustains them comes from above...64. communication through sign language
65. God singing over me Zeph 3:17
69. zucchini/carrot bread for breakfast
77. the basil perks up almost instantly after receiving the water it needs
78. I perk up instantly after receiving the living water I need
80. jeans covered in calf poo, medicine stains, blood from who knows who or what...and I have the privileged to wash those jeans
82. praying with a client, this is why I work
83. working from home
86. Psalm 119
87. waiting for a cattleman to come home after a long, hard, miserably hot day of cattle-working duties....I wait, & wait, & wait with chicken fried steak, mashed tators, & gravy growing cold on the kitchen stove...and I have the honor of feeding this man, why He has chosen me as the one to feed this cattleman is beyond what this timid heart could ever imagine...grace.

Rosemary Infused Olive Oil

2011-07-29T09:02:00.005-05:00

Rosemary is my all time favorite herb. Here's why: it smells absolutely wonderful, it's drought & heat tolerant and grows beautifully in Bryan/College Station, can be used in the kitchen or easily planted into a landscape, it tastes heavenly when cooked with chicken or infused with olive oil drizzled over anything and everything. It is the herb for love, friendship, and remembrance.

I'm headed out later today for a women's retreat. You may remember it from last year. I talked about it here. We will be talking about herbs in my group this year. That's why rosemary is on my mind. I need this retreat. I need to re-focus. After the hectic-ness of this week: projects, deadlines, last minute changes, stress, research....I long for rest. I need to find peace & joy, hope & freedom....I need to be filled with the Lord.

45. the fragrance of herbs, a reminder of our creator
46. rosemary infused olive oil
48. making connections with old friends 20 years later, it's quite the small world\
50. lavender flower tea

Gift 30: Brilliant Artists

2011-07-26T06:50:00.011-05:00

I started this list in a hand written journal. The thought was that I would write gifts down as they come to me, and then transfer each gift to this blog. But I found myself not writing some gifts down or trying to make them sound "pretty" since they would go public on this blog. I felt robbed in a way....like I was missing some of the most precious gifts. I decided not to blog them all. That allows me to embrace them all fully, with no worries.

16. very much needed complimentary email from client
20. hamburgers, over sized buns -praise the Lord for over sized buns!
23. niece's 9 yr birthday
24. books soaked in backseat from leaky water bottle -reminder that stuff fades
25. couples baby shower to celebrate adoption: men grilling, girls playing with babies
26. electricity
27. wrecker neighbor Tim who gladly popped the lock for a friend/mom with a 1 year old in her arms
30. Brilliant artists using their talents in a powerful way like this:

41. summer fruits for breakfast
42. husband chef for the night

Tj Maxx Finds

2011-07-20T18:59:00.007-05:00

A quick stop at TJ Maxx led to a few home decor finds, funky patterned skirt, a birthday gift, and a graduation gift all for under $30.

{gifts}
11. an incredibly smart, creative business partner/friend
12. rain fall outside an opened window while I work
13. a cattleman counting his cows standing on the back of the tailgate
14. London Fogs with Earl Grey tea & steamed soy milk, 2 honeys

More Gifts

2011-07-17T07:58:00.005-05:00

8. nephew snuggled up in my arms
9. salebarn smell on a plaid button up shirt after a long day at the sale
10. "I love you" flowers...orange because "they stand out"

1000 Gifts

2011-07-16T14:19:00.006-05:00

1,000 gifts...

Eucharisteo: grace, thanksgiving, joy all bundled together...

Living it out daily, deep...

God glory in small moments...

Ann Voskamp's book 1,000 Gifts came to me at just the right season. Isn't it sweet how that stuff happens.

Here begins nails driving out my habits of discontent and driving in my habit of eucharisteo:

1,000 gifts:

1. early morning brewed coffee
2. afternoon rain showers
3. the song birds' song at daylight
4. adoption stories

5. $.14 ice cream trip to Spoons
6. quick trip to San Antonio
7. vacuum lines in freshly vacuumed carpet

Summer Reading

2011-07-09T12:46:00.005-05:00

I have recently gone crazy buying books from Amazon.com. Books are just so darn cheap and Amazon just knows me so well. I hear them whisper to me in such an alluring voice:

"M'Lynn....you will also like this book..."

and

"M'Lynn....customers who bought this item also bought these. You will like them too"

and

"Don't you want to buy this book too, they are usually purchased together..."

I also seem to listen to that Amazon whisper. Here is my July-August book list.

Always

2011-07-06T08:28:00.006-05:00

I woke up this morning in awe of what the Lord has done for us (previous post). There have been other babies come in and out of the picture, chaos abounding. But this one is here to stay, his promises true. He has not delayed, our God has come through!

Oh My God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, his promises true
My God will come through always.

Adoption

2011-07-05T16:40:00.008-05:00

Beautiful....

Adoption is absolutely beautiful.

I have never seen anything more selfless than what I experienced today.

My heart is overjoyed for our friends. After 2 years of waiting, hoping, and praying for this baby, she finally came!

Beautiful as ever; small, sweet and oh so innocent.

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families. -Psalms 68:5-6

He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord -Psalm 113:9

Freedom

2011-07-04T17:08:00.004-05:00

Freedom is on our minds because it's the 4th of July.

But it has been on my heart for a while. This book has a lot to do with it all.

Freedom to live, to do, to not have to do, to pursue, to run, to reach, to touch, to be bold, to explore, to rest. The chains of the "law" that once wrapped around my weak heart have began to fall off. As the Lord has led me to live under the freedom of his grace, I am no longer motivated by the guilt or shame that once prompted me to do or not to do.

"Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace."
Romans 6:14 (NLT)

Happy 4th of July!

Pasture Study

2011-06-29T09:20:00.005-05:00

While he works, I study design elements of the pasture through a lens:
line, shape, direction, size, texture, color, balance, harmony, & rhythm

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Psalm 37:3

Big Kid Vege Salad

2011-06-26T16:22:00.008-05:00

There are some foods that I know I should like to eat. Normal people like them. Not to mention they're incredibly healthy. But I cannot force myself to eat them alone if I was held at gunpoint: tomatoes, cucumbers, cauliflower are a few of those.

This summer I have been trying out new spices, oils, dressings, herbs, and any type of combination of these foods to get me to eat them.

I have found it! This vege salad has won my heart over this weekend and I have eaten more tomatoes and cauliflower the last 2 days than I probably have in my whole life. I have resolved to make this dish weekly and over-indulge in these veges I once despised!

Ingredients:
broccoli
cauliflower
cherry tomatoes
mushrooms
garlic
provolone cheese (there is special power in provolone cheese)
extra virgin olive oil
oregano
white balsamic vinegar

Very Berry Color Study

2011-06-25T09:22:00.010-05:00

In anticipation of the 4th of July, I bought every berry I could find at the grocery store yesterday. Since fireworks are banned due to the drought this year, we will celebrate our freedom through colorful, fruity desserts. Justin has no problem with this...

fresh berry color study:

Live Creatively

2011-06-24T08:04:00.013-05:00

I'm inspired by hearing & seeing how creatives stay creative. Their stories ignite in me a desire to live creatively. I sometimes have to remind myself to do these, but here is a list of things I do to keep me living creatively...

Inspiration

2011-06-10T18:24:00.009-05:00

One of my biggest challenges as a young designer is finding inspiration....real-unique-pure-original inspiration.

It's easy to repeat other good designers. I go crazy over the works of certain established designers...I sometimes even call them to tell them how much I love their work...

But the mark of a true designer is creativity found in originality.

Creativity and originality are two words near and dear to my heart right now....

When I worked as a landscape designer, I would get frustrated because management did not allow or much less demand the designers to seek inspiration. Should I have done this on my own? Of course, but I didn't. I was worn out at the end of the day and had little company pride.

Since I've been on my own, I feel like I've flown. I've grown more as a designer than I would ever had working under a "boss." (another sign the Lord's favor is upon our business).

I now study design....

I invest in renewing my mind as a designer....

I continually seek inspiration....

I pray for creativity from the ultimate designer of all things good...

I read, read, read, read, and read some more.....

I open my eyes to details....

I capture inspired moments through my camera and then study them....

I'm a different designer now and anticipate the day when I am asked the honorable question of...

What is the inspiration behind you work?

A question that never crossed my mind when working under "management."

Above is our latest work inspired by the natural, pureness of the Texas hill country prairie which happens to be the location of the plant-derived oils the massage therapists at Mineral Bodyworks use during their massages.

5 Days, 1,800 Miles

2011-06-04T10:37:00.007-05:00

We just returned from the 2nd longest road trip I've ever embarked on. We traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico for Justin's college roommate's wedding. We packed up and headed outta BCS on Thursday at noon (just in time for Justin to have checked calves that morning).

From Bryan to Temple to Lampasas where we stopped at the Saratoga Inn which was a HUGE walk down memory lane for Justin. Then to San Angelo, Big Springs, and FINALLY Seminole where we met Mom, Dad, and the Pages.

We even got to see Miss Kendall graduate from Kindergarten. Kendall, you are such a joy to us and we're excited to see you grow up!

Next stop: Belen, New Mexico but we first had to drive through hours and hours of the desert. We stopped at the Valley of the Fire in NM to snap this picture. I've also realized this is the only picture of NM I took during the whole trip.The wedding was great. The roadtrip was long but fun. Our 2 year anniversary celebration was great. I'm ready for the next wedding roadtrip!

Heaven is for Real

2011-06-04T09:09:00.007-05:00

Would you do me a favor?

Would you go to Wal-Mart or Target or Amazon or any other book store and buy this book:
But only start reading it when you have nothing else to do that day. Once you start reading all other chores, work, and daily life gets put on hold until you finish it.

After you read it, give it to someone else to read.

I will confess, this book has changed my whole perception of heaven. For real.

As I shared this young child's story with Justin, he was slightly weary that the author may have made some of these events up to sell to gullible people like myself. Either way, my thoughts of heaven have changed.

Before reading this book, I thought heaven as a very formal, bright place where everyone did the exact same thing for eternity. And I thought that exact same thing we would all do for eternity was sing loudly. Seriously. That's kinda what I had pictured in my head.

While reading the book, my perception of heaven became so much more personal and my anticipation level for that day has risen! Whether this boy's experience was exact or not, it has led me to seek scriptures on heaven and to anticipate the day all the more.

Here's another book to grab while you're out: The Gospel Primer

It will take me a few months to even be able to talk about this small, 100 page book.

Two Years of Marriage

2011-05-30T09:58:00.005-05:00

Two years ago God gave us the gift of marriage. At the time, we had no idea what that meant. No clue.

Even though we had been through 2 different marriage counseling classes with pastors, read a few books on marriage, attended a small group class, and had seen many other marriages throughout our lives (good, bad, and very ugly), marriage was still brand spanking new to us.

Since that day two years ago, God has been revealing to us what his desire for marriage is and it is one of the most precious gifts he has ever given us.

Thank you Justin for sweetly and patiently teaching me about submission.
Thank you Johnson family for raising such a strong and humble son.
Thank you Lehrmanns for your wonderful example and encouragement.
Thank you Sunday School teachers for showing us what marriage is according to the Bible.
Thank you friends for encouraging spiritual growth and discipline in our marriage.
And thank you Lord for giving us the gift of marriage for us to enjoy during our short time on earth.

Here I Am

2011-05-21T09:31:00.010-05:00

Long time no post. Since I'm a list lover, I'll list out what we've been up to.

-Something internal in my camera broke so it was in the hands of the Geek Squad for 5 weeks (a pox on the Geek Squad for that). Hence no blogs since I feel a blog is incomplete without pictures.

-Our friends Jay and Hortencia had their 25th wedding anniversary. They basically had another wedding: she wore a beautiful white dress, he wore a suit, the kids wore bridesmaid dresses or suits, made complete with wedding cake, food, dancing. I'm so doing this after 25 years!

-Buerger/Schmidt wedding in Stamford 2 weekends ago. I will be forever grateful for the night Courtney Buerger invited me to hang out with her and her cool friends. One of those cool friends just happens to by my husband now.

-Finished this website (it's my fav so far)

-Had a photo shoot (I don't like being on that side of the camera) As shown below, we are really good at listening to our clients....

-Hosted TCC's first marketing event in Houston. Overall it was pretty successful (all glory to Him).

-Baked 10 Strawberry pies because strawberries are on sale now.

-Finished reading Crazy Love with our small group. Our hearts are changed, our lives are looking different.

-Started reading Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. My aunt Martha sent this book to me. So sweet of her!

So now you know why I haven't posted....not to much excitement around town. I feel like I need something to inspire me to more creativity....more craftiness.....more expressiveness.

He's Alive now I'm Alive!

2011-04-24T14:31:00.004-05:00

This Easter, my heart has been overwhelmed with the miracle of the resurrection and the living God we serve. He's alive and because of that we're alive!

This has been my "Easter" song that I've played over and over this weekend to remind me that since He's alive now I'm alive and death has no sting on me.

There is no power in heaven or hell
That can keep me from the love of the Father on His throne
There is no power in heaven or hell
That can keep me from the love of the Father on His throne

Chains of sin can't hold me down
Even death itself can't keep me in the ground
Chains of sin can't hold me down
Even death itself can't keep me in the ground

Death, where is your sting?
Grave, where is your victory?

He's alive
He's alive
He is risen

My God's not dead, He's surely alive
He's living on the inside, roaring like a lion

In love with Tiny Prints

2011-04-23T17:44:00.004-05:00

I have to give a shout out to www.tinyprints.com. Last Saturday, Johnathan and I took some quick pictures for his high school graduation invitations outside my house (I'm not a professional and will never claim to be one so don't judge my photography skills)..

(isn't he adorable!)

After our lil' photo shoot, we picked our favs and uploaded them to a invitation layout we chose from all the really cute layouts Tiny Prints has. I ordered them on Sunday and they arrived on Thursday. LESS THAN A WEEK! Pretty spankin' amazing if you ask me! Easy, great service, and great quality. I've NEVER been disappointed.

Check them out if you need any type of invitation or announcement. You will be just as happy as me (and Johnathan's mom!).

Reads

2011-04-10T16:55:00.006-05:00

Recent/Current Reads:

Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper

and Crazy Love by Francis ChanOur hearts are changing because of these books....

Both are excellent, life shifting books and I HIGHLY recommend them. Let me know when you're done.

Aggie Women Hoops: More than National Champs

2011-04-07T17:56:00.011-05:00

What a sweet season for the Lady Aggie Women's Hoops. You can't ask for anything more than for a National Championship. I feel like I won this championship when all I did was go to each home game and a few away games....I think it's because of all the credit the coaches and players gave to the fans.
I LOVE this team, the girls, the coaches, the other fans we met along the way. They are special and shaped history for Texas A&M University, women's basketball, and College Station. The coaches and players point to Christ in their game. Praise the Lord and gig'em!
I do really appreciated all you Red Raiders and Baylor Bears routing for us along the way...pretty sweet when a Red Raider says WHOOP in voicemails or on facebook!

This season was really sweet for more than just a National Championship. I made a new friend. I met my 14 year old neighbor Ashley one day in early December as the season began. She was dribbling a basketball in front of my house and I asked her if she wanted to go to a game with me since she had never been. She asked her Grandma, but what normal Grandma would let her sweet, beautiful 8th grade granddaughter go to a basketball game with a complete stranger. So after I met Alberta, Ash's grandma, in person she let her go.

And she began going to every game with me. Justin and I got season tickets, but Ashley soon took Justin's place at the games (because what cattleman in their right mind really likes basketball?)

I watched one of our players, Adaora Elonu invite Ash to their locker room (which is fit for a queen) after a big win. Adaora even took the time to shared her faith with Ashley...so sweet to watch! I saw Ashley's 14 yr old heart lite on fire that night. Today she is filled with JOY when she gets to talk to any of those players.

She's been with me to church...I've been to her church. Both of our hearts changed a little bit from that.

Such a sweet friendship was developed over a basketball season....even more precious to me than a National Championship.

Ashley and me at the celebration party when the team got home from Indy (approved by Alberta, I got her out of school to come with me!) Heather (my partner in crime), Rae (she yells a LOT during games), and Ashley (the sweetest one of all of us)

Ashley is working to earn enough money to go to Texas A&M basketball camp this summer. If you're local and have any odd jobs, hire her so she can go to camp! (she loves babysitting!)

Colors and Textures from the Garden

2011-03-26T18:23:00.009-05:00

I spent this Saturday in the garden getting dirt under my fingernails. I've missed plants: mainly the colors and textures...

moss

ice plant

rosemary

english ivy

cordyline

hens and chicks

purple hens and chicks

clearly, not vegetation but I couldn't resist....

just some work

2011-03-24T11:49:00.007-05:00

I love when people say "have fun with it" and they mean it. I hate it when people say "have fun with it" but they really mean make it look exactly like what is in my head....

Here are a few that said "have fun with it" and they meant it...these are fun!

this website
www.oilranch.com

print ad

registration form

noble wife?

2011-03-24T11:01:00.005-05:00

There are certain phrases I have heard over the years from people I know that have stuck with me. Most everything I ever heard went in one ear and out the other, but there are a few that hit me and I will never forget.

I have no idea who said this. It may have been a Sunday School teacher of mine when I was young. She said this about her friend:

"my friend ______ never speaks anything bad about her husband, she honors him by speaking kind words about him to her friends."

I was probably in Jr. High and the last thing on my mind was being a wife...but it stuck.

What would it look like if we honored our husbands (and God) enough to only speak kind words about them in front of our friends.

I've tried to do this...because I remember that phrase, but I find myself prefacing useless comments with "My husband is so funny........". I say things like:

"My husband is so funny, he takes our cups to work with him and he never brings them back..."

or

"My husband is so funny, he can't seem to put his dirty clothes in the laundry basket"

That's not funny at all and it does nothing for him or the person I tell that to....it's completely unnecessary. Not to mention it makes me look like a foolish, chatty wife.

Fail. Epic failure because I haven't seen that as disobedience until now. I'm so quick to point out when other women put their husbands down...

This is on my mind because Justin's birthday is coming up and he deserves all honor and praise for being the man he is with a heart that desires to live for Christ. Why I would ever say anything tacky about a man like that is beyond me...

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. -Proverbs 31:11-12

Work from The Creative Cup

2011-03-01T17:41:00.021-06:00

The last 2 weeks have been unbelievably amazing for The Creative Cup. God has really led us to some awesome clients who own amazing businesses! Here are some recent jobs Heather and I have been working on.

Belinda was a college roommate of mine. I have never, ever met anyone more dedicated to anything they have put their mind to. She has influenced me in so many ways and I love this girl to death. I stood in her wedding, then she stood in mine! Belinda has a heart for helping people live a healthy lifestyle and she loves Jesus.

Belinda is a chiropractor at Crossroads Chiropractic Clinic in Abilene. She is wonderful at what she does and I'm not only saying this because we're friends. She has adjusted my back twice and I have never been the same since. We helped her develop a logo, facebook profile picture, and re-designed her website. Check it out HERE !

The Oil Ranch is a Texas themed event facility that hosts corporate events, educational field trips, and individual families. They are promoting agriculture and Texas history. You can do the following at the ranch: milk Buttercup the cow, ride horses, swim, rope a mechanical calf, hay rides, steam engine train rides, and so much more.

We are working with the Oil Ranch to re-design their website from this http://www.oilranch.com/ to something that looks like this....
We are managing their facebook fan page and have developed profile and landing page images.
We are also working on a marketing and sales plan for the ranch. This is the smart stuff that Heather is in charge of. I'm not that smart....I just like pretty things. She adds the logic to our company.

We're just two girls doing what we love and loving what we do.

Bowtie Lasagna

2011-03-01T07:37:00.004-06:00

I made a recipe last night that fed 15 people (with leftovers) and averages out to a little over a $1 a person. It's pretty much a glorified Hamburger Helper that is quick to make and goes a looooong way.

(I doubled everything on this recipe except the sausage to feed the 15)
1 lb hamburger meat
1 lb HOT sausage
1 c Mozzarella Cheese
5 c Bowtie Pasta
1 large can of spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce
1/2 c sour cream
Onion
Garlic Powder
Salt
Pepper
any other Italianish seasonings

Brown hamburger meat and sausage with chopped onion (more onion is always better). Season to your taste buds.
Cook bowtie pasta & drain. Drizzle with EVOO.
Add spaghetti sauce, meat, and 1/2 cup sour cream to pasta. Combine all.
Season with anything Italianish. Use as much as you want!
I sauteed mushrooms in lots of butter and added them to the mix as well.
Spoon half of meat/pasta/sauce in baking pan and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Spoon the other half of mixture on top of the cheese and top with another layer mozzarella of cheese.
Bake until cheese melts.

I have to blog all these food discoveries or I will forget them. I always go back to THIS recipe...it's pretty much heaven on earth.

Encouragment Today?

2011-02-28T23:57:00.003-06:00

I've been filled with much needed encouragement today from someone very dear to me, another sweet lady I kinda know, and someone I've never met.

They encouraged me to keep on doing and using the talents I have been given....

because these talents have the power to bless others.

Will you be an encouragement today?

She probably needs it...

Where'd She Come From?

2011-02-28T23:12:00.011-06:00

I wrestle with this question: God, why did you make me like this and not normal?

I draw on walls at all hours of the night...
and use a strategic method of sticky notes as a to do list....

my daily calender is on this wall...
I doodle bad jail house tattoos on myself while our small group discusses deep thoughts like loving Jesus, unanswered prayers, adoption, and fasting....My husband just rolls his eyes...and I try to hide it from normal people

BUT

God is revealing to me that he can and will use the way he made me to show love and bless others...

AND

It's not really even abnormal or weird to him...he is after all, God of creativity.

Dreams

2011-02-19T16:42:00.003-06:00

Lifetime, you get me every time

2011-02-13T17:14:00.003-06:00

PS, I Love You is on Lifetime this afternoon. This is the ONLY movie I've cried from start to finish during and the only reason I went to Ireland while studying abroad.

So I spent the afternoon watching Lifetime and giving this blog a much needed facelift....what do you think of the changes???

Video

2011-02-13T15:47:00.003-06:00

Remember a few months ago when I asked all of you to buy tshirts for local women attending a retreat??? If not, go back and read THIS.

I found and fell in love with the song Daughter of the King by Donna Stuart and felt like it fit the theme of the retreat. So I made this video with pictures I had taken. It's definitely amateur quality, so if you comment please don't critique the quality...

ETSY: Infinity Scarf

2011-02-09T07:11:00.004-06:00

We don't live a normal Saturday and Sunday for a young newlywed. My husband leaves at wee hours of the morning to chase cattle so I'm left alone until late, late in the evenings....

and....

I kinda like it....kinda (not always, but kinda)....

It gives me my me time. And I need that time. You who know me know this about me. I thrive on "me time."

Within the past 6 months, I've been sewing during that "me time." It's quite therapeutic (unless my fabric is knits then I want to pull my hair out and kick and scream like a child)

Encouraged by my cattle chasing husband, I opened an ETSY shop to sale these Infinity Scarves I've been sewing. I've been looking at SEO for ETSY. Basically, the more key words you have on your listing and across the web the more you will sale (hence the reason this blog is packed with certain words).

Check out my new Infinity Scarf listings and as always special thanks to my wonderful, beautiful, hard working, intelligent, sweet hearted model who has started her very own blog: Caught by Grace. So proud of you!

Infinity Scarf: Vintage Pink Floral

Infinity Scarf: Vintage Floral Gray

Go explore ETSY...it's packed with fun, creative people who constantly inspire me! And if you have any suggestions, please send them my way!

Prayers Lost in Space

2011-02-08T08:00:00.009-06:00

I'm convinced that my prayers are getting lost somewhere between this love seat I sit on every morning and the God of the universe...

All of them...the big ones and the little ones....

I get how the big ones could get "lost" (and when I say lost I mean not answered in the specific way we requested)

The big ones like:

"God, please please break the cycle of injustice and bring this sweet baby to our friends' home where they will fill her with love and truth, guidance and understanding." The answer to the prayer we've been praying for 1.5 years may simply be "not now" or "soon" or "I have bigger and better plans that you don't need to know" so we continue to pray in hope...

I get the big ones...they're easy for me to surrender in faith...clearly His ways are higher than my ways...I know this quite well.

But it's really tough for me to understand why God doesn't answer the simplest of prayers that I have asked for over and over for weeks and months.

The prayers that could be answered in the simple snap of his fingers...the easy stuff that doesn't involve adoption agencies or life changing events....I'm talking about basic stuff here...what's so hard about that???

These questions led me to these obvious blockers...

Sin (Isaiah 59:1–2 )
Disregarding God's law (Proverbs 28:9 )
Lack of compassion for those in need (Proverbs 21:13 )
Pride (James 4:6 )
Disobedience (Deuteronomy 1:43–45 )
Wrong motives (James 4:1–3 )
Doubt (James 1:5–7 )
Broken relationships (Matthew 5:23–26 )

And in every simple prayer I've presented in anguish for weeks and months, I can point to one of these as a possible blocker.

It's time for a re-evaluation of the heart.

a White on White moment

2011-02-04T08:59:00.009-06:00

Although white is not technically a color {but the presence of all colors}, it is my favorite....
So when I woke up this morning to snow dusting the yard I had to take an opportunity for a white on white moment. Inspirational words associated with white:
openness, truth, kindness, cleanliness, purity, wholeness, completion

organization + me = FAIL

2011-02-01T10:00:00.009-06:00

My "word" for 2011 is GROW...

Keeping that in mind, I need to GROW more organized. I am the LEAST organized person you will ever meet. The office in our house is currently serving 4 purposes:

Justin's work space
my MJD office (canvases)
my Creative Cup office space
and guest bedroom

And because of this, it is a complete disaster...I have pictures but would like to keep all my friends so I won't post them.

Since growing more organized has been on my mind, I've found these inspirational pictures...

not a fan of the colors, but LOVE the idea

source

lose the pink and I'm all over this look

source

shelves, shelves, shelves...maybe my husband can GROW in his carpentry skills and build me shelves on every wall..

source

I've also decided to apply to be on HGTV. While searching for organization inspiration, I found this headline:

"Now Casting Families in Need of Organization Help!"

Don't you think Justin would be perfect on HGTV??!??!

Beautiful, Treasured Gift

2011-01-24T16:57:00.004-06:00

Sittin' in Starbucks, sipping on a hot tea in the midst of an ugly day, I have just written this phrase 16 times:

You are a beautiful, treasured gift from above. You were created to do wonderful things and I have full confidence in you. Much love, M'Lynn

in journals going to 16 strippers who dance at the Silk Stocking {or Dirty Sock if you are a BCS resident.}

As I write the words beautiful, treasured, gift, created, wonderful, confidence over and over and over and over and over again, the words are directed less at the strippers and more to myself...precious words that I need to hear over and over again.

My ugliness being no worse than theirs, I am reminded that I am a beautiful, treasured gift form above and I was created to do wonderful things....I often have a tendency to forget that

intimately acquainted with me

2011-01-19T09:51:00.003-06:00

to infinity and beyond...

2011-01-10T16:27:00.007-06:00

I can't stop making these...

isn't she gorgeous...

January: Blue & Grey

2011-01-09T14:23:00.006-06:00

If January had a color, it would be shades of blues and grays...

especially on rainy, chilly days like today

sources from etsy: Morning Coffee, Rosette Bobby, Scarf , Necklace , Felt Hat , Gray Coat , Photos

I Sew on Saturdays: Scarves

2011-01-08T17:12:00.002-06:00

My Saturdays usually go like this:

morning run (or walk) with Lulu, coffee & breakfast, then some type of creative fun, while possibly cooking/baking for the week, and almost always ends with hauling cattle into the wee hours of the night...

This Saturday, I sewed...

Inspired by Witch Hazel and Etsy,

I sewed infinity scarves because I can't get enough of them...

ps it's awkward to take pictures of yourself..

off to haul cattle!

A Fav Texas Place: the Riverwalk

2011-01-07T09:20:00.004-06:00

#1 fav place in Texas: floatin' down the river
#2 fav place: the Riverwalk

One Word: New Year

2011-01-05T22:10:00.002-06:00

Instead of making a long list of burdensome New Years resolutions, I have been inspired by Astrid at Red Red Completely Red and others in the blog world to choose one inspirational word and focus on living that word out during the year.

The word I chose is GROW:

I want to grow my business
grow my relationship with Christ
grow more aware of the needs of others
grow to be a better wife to my husband
grow our savings account
grow strong relationships with other women

scrappy blank note cards

2011-01-05T16:19:00.002-06:00

don't judge my stitches on these blank cards...I am self taught and like to break all the rules

25th Year of Blessings!

2011-01-01T14:12:00.003-06:00

I have been blessed beyond imagine for 25 years of my life!

Are you ever too old to put wiggly eyes on everything in your house???
If so, I never want to be that age!

Southwestern Chicken Black Bean Soup

2010-12-30T12:56:00.004-06:00

I thought I should share this quick soup since I have made it twice this week and I'm having it for lunch as I type. It's also Cattleman approved.
1lb boneless chicken breast, cubed
1 tbsp oil of choice (to cook chicken and veges in)
1/2 chopped onion (or more)
1 jalapeno, seeded & chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced (or more)
2 can chicken broth
3 cups frozen or fresh corn
1 can rinsed black beans
1 tablespoon lime juice
salt
hot pepper sauce (I use Tabasco)
pepper
cilantro (optional)
baked tortillas chips, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and cooked rice are optional but mandatory for complete satisfaction

-Saute chicken until no longer pink. Remove and in the same pan saute onion and jalapeno pepper until tender. Add garlic and saute 1 minute (ish) longer.
-Stir in broth, corn, beans, lime juice, 1/2 tsp of salt (or more), 1/2 tsp of pepper (or more), and the rest of the chicken. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
-Add cilantro

Scrabble Babble Wall

2010-12-29T08:52:00.009-06:00

Sweet family members,
Thank you so very much for the Christmas money we were given this Christmas. You are too generous and we deeply appreciate it.

Justin will probably be very responsible with his Christmas money and buy things he really needs like handkerchiefs and work jeans and undershirts....

I'm glad my husband is responsible because I'm not...I will spend it on silly things that I have been eying for a while like a rug for under our dining room table or a certain fabric pattern to make the purse I've been wanting to make or this

magnetic Scrabble game on a random wall.

Materials bought with Christmas money:
Rust-oleum Magnetic Paint: $21.56
Scrabble game: we already had it just never seem to play it
Magnetic tape: who doesn't have this laying around the house???

I believe that every one who loves all things fun needs a magnetic wall no matter your age. I am also convinced magnetic walls add value to your home AND most importantly...magnetic walls improve your marriage as shown below.

(this message was waiting for me before I turned the corner for my morning coffee)

Week 52

2010-12-29T08:51:00.002-06:00

Will anyone agree with me that week 52 is the BEST week of the year???

Week 52 sits between Christmas and New Years, two of the best holidays of the year. Most people have the whole week off of work, school, and other extra activities. If you have to work during week 52 you just get real excited because it's a short week anyway.

I yearn for week 52 every year like my husband yearns for dessert after dinner. I plan my events for week 52 day by day and even minute by minute..

During week 52, I re-organize closets, cabinets, files, rooms, garages. I watch a ridiculous amount of Pride and Prejudice and Little Women and any other movie that puts me in a warm, cozy, and nostalgic mood while drinking warm drinks...AND I find myself doing ridiculous craft projects that have been calling my name all year long...

Thank you Week 52...I don't know what I would do without you.

(Some of you asked if I put up a Christmas tree, here it is and I haven't taken it down. that usually happens during Week 1 because that's a sad thing to do)

Winter Snow

2010-12-28T09:30:00.006-06:00

I wanted to share with you what I believe to be the most beautiful song I have heard this Christmas season...enjoy with a blanket and a warm cup of _________ (fill in the blank).

written by Audrey Assad on Chris Tomlin's Glory in the Highest cd

Christmas Card

2010-12-21T21:08:00.009-06:00

Have I visited my own blog in the last 11 days???

NO!

So does that mean I have visited others blogs lately???

NOOO!!!

I am kinda over my blog this month...I may or may not come back to faithfully writing after the holidays...

We are just soaking in the goodness and joy of the Christmas season by removing a layer of self-absorption to give an even greater gift: TIME for each other and to others.

I'm convinced that at the birth of Christ Mary and Joesph wholeheartedly cherished every minute and second of those sweet events and did not get distracted by Christmas shopping, decorations, sending cards, wrapping, baking, and cooking...

So we are doing the same...

And we were reminded last night by a horrible accident that God gives and takes away, so we are cherishing the minutes and seconds of everyday that he has given us by simplifying...

The TV has been turned off...

Christmas cards were NOT sent out...{I guess this blog post could be this year's Christmas card}

Christmas treats were NOT baked...

Our gift to each other will be a trip to Christmas in the Park with Lulu...

The stress of Christmas shopping has been next to none...

And here are some Christmas quotes, verses, and thoughts that have been on our heart:

-Christmas is salvation by substitution: The perfect Son has come to pay the price for sin…

-He became what we are that He might make us what He is.

-Christmas is revelation by humiliation: The sovereign Creator has become a slave of creation…

-And being made perfect, he {Jesus} became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him. - Hebrews 5:9

-The mysteries of Christmas: The baby in the manger is God.

-For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the {best Christmas} gift {ever} of God. - Ephesians 2:8

Merry Christmas friends and family!

JOY

2010-12-10T10:34:00.005-06:00

This Christmas season, my heart has been full of JOY! Usually, busy-ness creeps in and ruins the joy of Christmas, but it's been different this year. My busy-ness has led to JOY!

This has been my busy-ness...

I set my canvases up at a booth last weekend at the Christmas Arts and Crafts show. For some odd reason I've always wanted to do a show like that. It was a blast! We had tons of visitors and met some really cool vendors!
Special thanks to Morgan and Heather who helped me both days, the Kings who let me borrow props, and my husband who had a sweet attitude and encouraged me to do it when I got down.

Take a look at this: Jesus Said Love. These ladies are committed to making special gifts for other ladies to show love. I'll share more about this later...so much JOY
Share-the-Gift: 1500 kids in BCS may not eat over the holiday break because the school feds them their 1 meal a day. 1500 families received 2 bags full of food that (should) last them throughout the holidays. Delivering these bags brought such JOY!

Johnson Family Update

2010-12-05T21:56:00.007-06:00

I'm in trouble with Grandma Johnson for not posting lately (according to my husband's latest report)....have you ever been in trouble with Grandma Johnson??? I don't know that I have been, but she is a mother of 3 boys, so I'm posting in hopes to get on her good side again! Grandma Johnson, please do not stop writing us letters because I have not been bloggin'. I get so excited to see those letters in the mailbox each week!

Happy HAPPY (4 day late) LATE birthday to my sweet mother. See how sweet she is...on the day of my wedding she was more concerned with tying my corset properly than commenting on how HUGE my arms looked...so sweet of her! (clearly you can tell how concerned Jenn was about those HUGE arms!)

We Love you Mom!!!

Thankful Thanksgiving: 11

2010-11-25T09:06:00.009-06:00

{Granny & Papa's yellow ash tree in front of their back door that greets your with a warm Thanksgiving welcome you as you walk in.}

It's Thanksgiving day and today I am thankful for my salvation made possible by one act of one man, Jesus Christ, the giver of life and every blessing we are thankful for. Thanks to the big man above who is able to do abundantly more than anything I could ever ask for or do!

It's actually Saturday, not Thanksgiving day. I missed the day and am making up for it this morning. Justin and I made a quick trip to Sags early Thursday morning for a day full of laziness, football (WHOOP!), playing games, and food. Short and quick but it was fun fam time and a really good driving time with my hubs.

Our friends, the Kings, could not spend time with their kids and grandkids on Thanksgiving so they cooked and served food at the Salvation Army all day Thursday. Just a warning, we may do this next year. Not because we don't enjoy quick Thanksgiving trips, but because that is an great opportunity to love with actions and in truth.

Thankful Thanksgiving: 9 & 10

2010-11-24T16:37:00.004-06:00

I skipped yesterday but who noticed...

1. Every piece of furniture in our house was given to us (except one piece that was practically given to us). What a financial blessing that has been! Thanks to all your donors out there!

2. I have wonderful in-laws that I am so thankful for (I have learned that not everyone does) That helps out so much!

3. The 2 new clients The Creative Cup has gotten this week!

4. Heather, my partner in this madness, friend, and encourager. She brings me down on so many levels (but in a good way). I'm the visionary, she's the mastermind.

5. Lunches with girlfriends! Have I ever confessed that I used to not like girls very much? I was missing out on sooo much!

6. An awesome talk with a friend the other night about Christianity and his confessions of how much he HATES everything about it. Conversations like those keep me on my toes! LOVE 'em! Anyone know of any good books concerning this? A Case for Christ is all that comes to mind...

Thankful Thanksgiving: 8

2010-11-22T08:10:00.003-06:00

1. my toys that make me happy: MacBook Pro and my camera
2. We live in a community with plenty to do! It's the perfect place for us!
3. A fightin' Texas Aggie win against Nebraska on Saturday night!

Thankful Thanksgiving: 7

2010-11-21T18:14:00.003-06:00

1. SOS Ministries and the work they do here in BCS. My (little) involvement with them has changed my life and I'm soooo grateful for that.
2. music and lyrics of all genres that inspire me.
3. The Salvation Army. We painted there today for firstserve. The local Salvation Army feeds so many, clothes so many, and aids so many emotionally, physically and spiritually. Love it! I may volunteer Justin and I to be bell ringers this holiday season...

Thankful Thanksgiving: 6

2010-11-19T21:38:00.004-06:00

1. Our military and their families and all the freedoms they have provided and continue to provide for us. My heart goes out to them during the holidays as they may have a family member gone.
2. the Food Network, it inspires me to cook more
3. The school teachers who taught me and all my friends who are school teachers now: I am so thankful that you chose a very difficult, stressful profession and are impacting so many young lives

Thankful Thanksgiving: 5

2010-11-19T07:54:00.005-06:00

I thought I was dying last night from the beginnings of a kidney infection. Yes, I JUST got done saying how thankful I was thankful for our health and lack of doctor visits just a few days ago...I typed way to soon!

So today I am thankful...

1. that I can walk today without pain.
2. for a husband who fed me last night and cleaned the whole kitchen while I'm laid in pain.
3. for Doctor Adams who stayed at work after hours and gave me the medicine I needed to feel 99% better today.

To those who called last night, I will call you back today...

And thanks for the comments you leave. It's fun and encouraging to see them! I was getting a lot of trashy comments by bad people doing bad things all over the internet so I am moderating them first to keep it clean.

Thankful Thanksgiving: 4

2010-11-18T05:55:00.002-06:00

1. all of our living expenses are met every month
2. our white mutt Lulu who brings so many smiles into our house by some of the silly things she does and the looks she gives us (we won't mention the bad stuff she is guilty of)
3. We always have clothes on our backs. Sometimes...well, often...Justin wears jeans with holes in inappropriate places, but it's clothes none the less. I had this "thought" of going a whole year without buying any item of clothing over $10 because 1) we have plenty of clothes in our closet right now and 2) to humble ourselves because sooooooo sooooooooooooooo many people in this world do not have a fraction of what we have.

Thankful Thanksgiving: 3

2010-11-17T08:41:00.006-06:00

1. our health, neither one of us has been to the doctor since we have been married

2. our ABF teachers, the Kings and Wilkinsons: the ways they have loved us and the things they have taught us.

3. The changing of the seasons and certain things we do during that time of year that brings so much happiness and joy...

Spring: camping trips as it warms up, watching the trees leaf out and flowers begin to bloom, laying out in the warm sun on green grass reading a book
Summer: relaxing out by the pool, floating down the river, cold drinks, grilling steaks,
Fall: eating/drinking pumpkin and other seasonal foods, Aggie sports, changing colors of the trees, longer walks/runs with Lulu, camping trips as it cools down, the hubs getting home MUCH earlier from work,
Winter: Christmas decorations set up in our house, warm drinks, Christmas lights, trips to visit family, snow, soft pj pants

Thankful Thanksgiving: 2

2010-11-16T09:02:00.005-06:00

1. our house
2. our website is up and running! www.thecreativecup.com this means we can start looking for more work!
3. Ruby, my lil' Dodge calilber that gets me here and there with no issues and with the same gas mileage of Pearl, my old Mits Eclipse

Thankful Thanksgiving: 1

2010-11-15T08:21:00.002-06:00

I want to write a list of 3 things I am thankful for everyday up until Thanksgiving day...

1. My parents, whom I got to spend a lot of time with last week!
2. Food is always on our table!
3. Basketball season has started! So thankful this keeps me occupied and helps prevent me from becoming a nagging wife while my husband is off buying cattle at all hours during their super busy season.

The Beauty of a West Texas Cotton Farm

2010-11-11T09:28:00.003-06:00

The sun rises

and the sun sets

and you get to experience both of those beauties on a West Texas Cotton Farm without any obstructions for miles blocking the view

Typography of a West Texas Cotton Farm

2010-11-09T19:19:00.001-06:00

Let me throw this out on the table: I'm a kinda font snob...

I could probably name every font that comes with Microsoft Office in bold or italics
I'm not proud of this! I wish I could be proud of a much cooler obsession...

I'm a sucka for fun, funky fonts used in cool way...
So since "font snob" is one of my personality traits, I'm on the constant look out of how fonts are used...
and here are the fonts on a West Texas Cotton Farm

A West Texas Cotton Farm

2010-11-08T21:03:00.009-06:00

My dad has been brave enough to ask me to come home to help strip cotton for a few days....and by brave I mean BRAVE...I'm known to tear equipment up around here ....

and I tear up BIG machines....
Big, expensive machines with tons of gears and levers and switches and hydraulics...

So I'll be here on this big piece of expensive equipment with my little camera capturing small details of a West Texas Cotton Farm for the next few days...
Prayers are appreciated!