Asher Daniel Chappell

Happy Mothers Day 2010

First and foremost I want to wish my mother a wonderful Mothers Day! I'm so blessed to be your daughter.

 I'm so glad you opened up your life to me at a time when life would totally change for you by having a baby. I'm so glad you decided after a day of preschool that you couldn't bear to be apart from me and you decided to take up the challenge to homeschool me. I'm so glad you gave me the gift of brothers and sisters.... and lots of them. I'm so glad you always were willing to let me follow my crazy ideas like painting the youth room or calling a piano teacher every day for weeks until she let me be her student or going to cosmetology school 4 thousand miles away from home. I"m so glad you lived a life of a pastors wife fairly open to us children...I learned so much from you that has been and will be invaluable as we prepare for ministry.  I'm so glad you sought out my heart and embraced my love for Dan and were very open and honest to be about the joys and struggles of marriage. I'm so glad you were so excited to share your wealth of knowledge about pregnancy and child bearing. I'm so glad you came and stayed with me those weeks after losing Asher. I'm so glad you've been my biggest fan in our adventure in adoption and fostering. I'm so glad you're my mother!!! 

 

uncanny how much I looked like Asher isn't it. (see pic of him on left side)

  

Many people ask me when I started to learn photography and I normally tell them that I can't remember it was so early. Because I was learning and watching my mom and her love for photography and her passion for documenting our lives. My mom LOVED to take our photos. She took tons of them. And one of my most favorites were ones she took in the bluebonnets. 

 

That, my friend, is a Texas tradition. Taking photos of your children in the fields of bluebonnets as they line the highways come springtime in Texas.  So, being the good Texan Mommy that I am. (I was born here so I can claim that) I took my children and took their photos in the bluebonnets!! 

  

 

 



 

 

I also have the wonderful blessing of having the most wonderful gift in my mother-in-law! I can't tell you how blessed I feel to have her in my life. I joke often that she fell in love with me even before my husband did. She is an amazing homemaker and a servant through and through. She too was by my side in some of the best weeks of my life and some of the darkest days of my life. I tell Dan all the time that I feel guilty for how much she serves me. But he laughs and says, Casey, she loves doing it and it brings her joy! I do believe him because it shows. She's not only the mother of my amazing husband but one of my closest friends.  I love you Judy! 

 
 

30 thousand feet and a 5K

I LOVE flying. I don't know what it is about it, but I love it.  Normally I sit on an isle seat so that Zoe and I have a little wiggle room, but this time I had a window seat (because it was close to the front and had an empty seat next to it...can't beat that!)  Well, it was such a God thing because I stared out the window almost the whole flight in awe of the beauty of the skies and the earth and the heavens from that perspective. 

Even going through the layers of clouds and turbulence somehow was showing my soul in those hours a different way to look at life.... a view at 30 thousand feet.  It's like the clouds were ready to consume us and looked as though they would once we touched them... and yes, we could feel the gusts and the pushing on the plane as it flew through them... but the clouds didn't consume the plane... they were just clouds...fluffy dark water saturated air. And we went right through them.... we had to in order to get above them.  

 

Once above them... we were able to see the fading sun vividly and see the beautiful rays of color it produced. The clouds who moments ago were ugly threats only adding to that beauty now when laid at the feet of the heavens and touched by the sun. 

Then the stars began to pop out and perfectly in place shone and displayed God's HUGENESS and greatness.  I needed to feel that. I needed to be reminded of the bigness of God. Somewhere between the little tiny dots of cars and street lights to the thousands of stars He placed in that clear sky I cried out to a very big God and told Him that I didn't understand and couldn't even wrap my head around the fact that He could hear much less care deeply about 1 insignificant person... but that I was choosing to trust that He could and does. So, I talked with Him and just told him my fears and hurts and struggles and visions and desires.  It was so very sweet. 

Then I felt it.... as we started our decent into the DFW area. I could start to make out the streets and city lights, we passed through those rough looking clouds again and let them hover over us threatening.... I felt the jolt of pavement as we landed and what was once a minuscule dot on the vast earth was now my whole world as I walked through and got my luggage and kissed my husband and loaded the car, fretted over traffic, huge shopping centers passed me by promising happiness and a new look,  restaurant signs wanting to fill my hungry tummy, and an apartment that will be all disorganized and need cleaning by the end of today.  

Traveling. Life. Babies. Family. Relationships. Sex. Work. Expectations. Schedules. Goals. Holidays. Church. Cleaning. Computers. ..... just a few of the things that demand energy from me in day to day life.  I would have added my walk with God to that list but that's honestly the one thing that keeps all those other things from consuming me, destroying me and from being the ultimate in my life. I also would have added Sin to that list too, but sin effects them all. It desires that each of those things, all of them if it takes that, would consume and destroy me and promise to be the ultimate.  That's the rub.... Walk with God and Sin.  

But I'm so glad that only the former is eternal.  Sin along with all the other things in that demanding list of things I so easily cling to will not exist one day.  Only the Joy unspeakable that comes with a relationship.... a totally undeserved relationship with Christ will remain. And that is worth living out all these other things and fighting for an eternal perspective on those things.  

While I'm grateful for the moments God gives me in the air... the reminders of His greatness... the new perspectives, I have to know that He's the same Big God down here in the mud and muck and while the clouds loom overhead. (Now, I'm know I'm sounding depressing and I know life is filled with joys and delights... I have only to look at the many blog posts I have highlighting those, but today.... in my heart right now,  Life is hard... it's mud and muck... it's cloudy and threatening.) 

A friend wrote this today after she ran a 5K yesterday and I needed this back down to earth reminder that we don't live at 30 thousand feet... above the clouds... unhindered sun and stars view...  We live here in the midst of so many things and threats and struggles. But that's the way God intended it to be.  One foot in front of the other..... 

(this is what really encouraged and hit home for me today...thanks for putting this down onto words Steph) 

Speaking of which, about that 5k.

It. Was. Hard.

I usually run 2-3 miles and it's no biggie. So either I have measured the mileage wrong in the past OR the 95 degree humidity was kicking my butt. To prove to you how difficult I thought it was, I thought I was coming up on the end and as I approached I saw it said

"1 MILE".....DONE!! Not to finish.

Here I was only 1/3 the way through and I began to think, "this may get tough." THEN we hit the VERY long stretch of shadeless, scorching, sun as we pounded the brand new black asphalt. It was HOT! And I was TIRED!
And I wasn't done yet. Not even close.

This is so much like life. This is so much like today. And I am so glad God lead me to run that race on that day. The day before Sheph's bronch.

Because I was helped to remember this...

Life is a race. And God urges us to RUN it and not just to RUN it but to go with endurance. That's the hard part.

We get surprised when the run gets hard. What happened to the leisurely jaunt through the park? Where is the breeze?

I'll tell you I was surprised. I was thinking with each step. THIS. step. SUCKS. step. I. step. WANNA. step. QUIT. step.

A lot like life. But God is not surprised that life can be hard.

In fact in books like Peter it implies we should assume life will be difficult. Not all of it, hopefully. Though I must mention that for a LARGE portion of the world, life truly began as a mission of survival and will be that way till death. There are so many who face starvation, disease, war, trauma, and others things that are unthinkable.

So I'm not trying to be morbid, just realistic. Just because you may not think life can be hard doesn't mean it won't be someday or that it isn't for most others. Again, I am not trying to depress you, just to help you be equipped to face life truthfully.

If you do venture to take such a risk, watch out.

Because you'll need a pretty big God to face it with you and come out hopeful. And you'll find out real quick whether the God you serve is the limitless God of the bible or a puny idol you have created out of your imagination and experiences, then slapped a GOD sticker on.

SO I ran and ran and ran and most of the time I wanted to give up. Here is where you think, "man those marathons can be hard....oh wait, that's right it is just 5K."

But it took all of me. And as I ran in the scorching heat, feet pounding the pavement, feeling as though I may never actually see the finish line, much less run to it, I kept thinking about one thing.

I kept thinking about my life...and the finish line. My life....and the heat. My life...and the hard pavement. My life...and how the breeze would blow when least expected, giving me a refreshing boost to keep going. My life...and the shade tree that would seem to pop up just in time to give me a break. My life... and the gracious folks holding a drink for me to grab like a spring in the desert.

It was all so much like the Christian life. There were times I really enjoyed the run. There was some shade, there was water, but there was much of it that was pure pain. And I had to ENDURE to finish well.

In Hebrews 12, God asks this of us. He not only promises his son, Jesus, to make it possible if we set our eyes on Him, but he also reminds us that Jesus, God himself, ran the very same race-actually worse.

He ran the Marathon. And I struggle to run the 5K. And he promises He has been there and will run this one with me.

SO I am filled with hope. Because as I ran, every ounce of me longed for the finish line and the rest that awaited me beyond it.

As I put one foot in front of the other, all I could think about was what it would be like at the end of my life to cross the finish line and fall into the arms of Jesus.

And know it truly was finished. That all that I loved in life would be perfected. And all that was broken would be eternally fixed. And I would behold the face of Jesus forever.

What a finish line. That will truly be worth the run. 

 

zoe and her soft and fuzzy

This girl LOVES anything soft and fuzzy. I think it's precious. Her constant chapped lips because she has to have the soft fuzzy thing touching her tongue.... not so precious. but oh well! 

* sorry I'm skipping my usual 10 on tuesday. not enough time in my day today!! :o)  

Jack ~ Six Months Old

Happy Half Birthday Little Man Jack!! 

If you remember, We Chappell's like to celebrate the very first 1/2 Birthday of someone's. 

Here are some sweet pics of Jack's 1/2 cake and present!! 

 
 





      
 I can't believe he's 6 months old!! He's sitting up on his own and almost crawling. He's almost in sz 4 diapers. (zoe remember was still in sz 1 at 6 months!) He watches every move big sissy Zoe makes and if she's nearby he's a happy boy! I love seeing his teeth come in and seeing his hand eye cordination develop. I love making him smile... he doesn't give his smiles away and really makes you work a.k.a. make a fool of yourself for them.  He loves playing with my face while drinking his bottle and his eyes never take their gaze off mine the whole time. mmmm... I love this boy!!!! 

 

It's starting to get really hard to be honest. I know he's not mine... yet he might be...and for right now he is...but for right now he's not. I know his parents do love him.... but do they know what sacrificial love really is? Are they in love with him or the idea of him? Have they changed from their past lives? Does Jack really have to be theirs while they are trying to prove so? They want to know from us what that looks like for them, but they don't even know what the rest of their sentence looks like for them either. I do feel for them and reading their letters does help me to have compassion on their situations. It's just hard. We are doing the hard work. We are loving this child when he has little to give back. We are paying for his every need. We have insured he knows how to bond by being the ones to bond with him. This is fostering. I know that. It's just hard. Most days I'm great and my heart is at ease, but the older he gets the more my heart and soul gets restless and has moments of panic at the thought of what might happen at the end of this year. I know it keeps me at my God's feet and my lips close to His ears... and I think in a big way that I'm okay and even welcome that tether to God. It's just hard. 

But it's also so easy. Easy to love him, easy to include him into our family, easy to care for him after having gone through the same motions 10 months before, easy to tell his story to whomever will listen, easy to watch him grow and develop, easy to have two sets of grandparents who have opened up their hearts to him as well, easy to have lots of aunts and uncles who LOVE him and love to hold him. (he LOVES to be held!!! which he is a 3rd born so Drea, maybe there is something to that theory.) And so very easy to call him my son. 

It's easy.... but boy is it hard.  

few things I love more...

than a road trip with these two! 

 
 

.....especially when they involve golf carts!  :o) 

my brown eyed girl

    
   
   
   
   
 
 
 

Ten.4.Tues. { life happenings }

1. This is my busy season. In 9 weeks I"ll have been to Raleigh and back 5 times. Whew! This last time I went without any kids and it was a wonderful break for me... but next time I'm bringing Zoe and then the next I'll bring Jacky boy, and the last one... will be just me + dan = 6th anniversary getaway! :o)  

2. Zoe is getting SO verbal. She is talking all the time and learning new sounds and words daily. This age is SO much fun!  

3. Jack turned 6 months!! (pics of his half birthday cake coming soon) 

4. Had the First Raleigh/Wake Forest All girls photographers get-together this last week. We met at The Flying Biscuit and featured cupcakes from the cupcake shoppe in Raleigh. So delish! Not everyone could be there but this was only the first of hopefully many gatherings to come. As a photographer, I LOVE to network. Mostly because those girls GET what my work is like... they understand what pressures and joys I handle with weddings, shoots, etc... And They are Creative Geniuses!!! So, just sitting next to them, I feel inspired. I love being around them.  (and why if I'm in TX now, am I putting effort into NC gals... because I can and I've been wanting to for a long time!) *and having lived somewhere for 10 years helps when it comes to networking and encouraging others and featuring vendors. 

 

5. Sad for me but happy for her, one of my good friends here is moving to the beach. She is going to LOVE being that close to the ocean and amazing sunsets and fresh breezes...but it's 6 hours away from me. I miss being 1.5 hours away from good ol' NC beach!! I LOVE the beach... truly. I love you too sami....truly.  

6. I'm amazed at the people I meet while flying. I'm serious. I met the most amazing flight attendant a while back who just spent so much time talking with me about adoption and then held Zoe for a long time. (this enabled me to read the airline magazine and feel like a real savvy traveler vs. a mom with 3 bags and a fussy baby)  This last trip home, I came prepared with 2 magazines and no baby. At the last minute I switched my seat up just one row. And ended up sitting next to the nicest woman.... who come to find out had like 180 things in common with me. She home-schooled her 4 kids, we had mutual friends, we had both lost a child(ren in her case), And we both loved and trusted a loving God... yet, battled with not being able to control the future.  We laughed, teared up, and talked the ENTIRE 3 hour trip. Anyway, I just am so thankful for God's providence in situations like that. We sat down as strangers... we de-boarded the plane as friends.  (AND I have 2 fun magazines that I can keep in the bathroom (because that's the only time I am alone) for leisure reading!)  

7. I'm starting a Gluten Free way of eating this week. I've been hearing more and more about it and just wonder if maybe it might be attributing to my hives (I deal with hive break outs probably 1 or 2 times a week for the past 4 years and can't find the source) SO... I'm armed with Elisabeth Hasselbecks' book and a ton of G-free bloggers and my amazingly creative cooking sister. I think it will be an adventure and help with inflammation of all sorts... and hopefully help me to lose some extra lbs.  Any of you have helpful hints or advice... comment away! 

8. Can I just say how Proud I am of my husband. He is LOVING seminary and eating it up. I don't know if it's the years as a teacher or the years we took off from seminary or both that is really helping him to study with diligence and write with intensity and depth. I love how he comes home and regurgitates all he's learning to me... then I learn and am washed with the truths of our amazing God. It took a while but the men at the seminary he's at are becoming his friends and he's feeling at home there more and more.  It's strange for me being at a place in life (school) that I know is only a short chapter designed to prepare you for the next chapter... being that it's not an end goal itself..so, that can lend itself to an unrest in where we are right now, knowing it will change, but it keeps me constantly running back to God who knows very well what is to come and what we need right now.  

9. I ordered diapers from Diapers.com this month, and really saved some money as well as had a huge box of diapers and wipes delivered to my doorstep in 2 days. I'm not sure if it will continue to save me money in the coming months, I"ll check and see before I order... but on my first order I got $10 off AND free shipping. It's hard to beat that.  ( and they DO take coupons... just takes a little longer b/c you send them in. but if you're ordering for the month or 2 months... it's worth it)   So, if you want to try it. Use this code CASE3738 for $10 off your order.   

10. I love going to Raleigh/Wake Forest and seeing dear friends and getting to be with my sister and her amazing little family. But I LOVE coming home to my babies and my man! I Love being a wife and mommy. I mean... that face just melts my heart to a puddle. 

 

Ten.4.Tues. { if I could be anybody }

Just 6 weeks after having my stomach cut open and having the life ripped out of me (or so it felt like)  I had friends who insisted on me going with them to Washington D.C. I don't know why this trip is so vivid in my memory and so impactive, I'm tearing up just typing about it... maybe it's because everything else surrounding it was a blur or that I was taken away from Raleigh for a bit....or that they were each so adventurous yet tender with me on that trip.  I don't know. I remember debating going even to the last minute. Could I really do this? I didn't want to leave Dan... or my little bungalow for that matter. And honestly, had it not been that 3 of my most trusted friends were the ones taking me, I probably would have backed out. But even though I was leaving comforts at home... I was accompanied by them. I'm so glad I went that weekend.  We laughed a lot. talked a lot. drove a lot. (driving for hours can be therapeutic) and took a ton of photos. I do remember us sitting at a restaurant and I asked them if they could be anything in the world, (money and talent not being issues...meaning if it took talent, you had it. if it required money, you had it.)  I find that you can learn a lot about someone's dreams and longings when you find out the answers to that question, especially when you get to talk about why they picked those. 

So, without further ado, that will be my top ten today.  

If I could do/be anything it would be..... 

1. A Talk Show Host (like Oprah) because, even though I love attention, I don't necessarily want to be the center of it, I'd rather have others be on the hot seat. And being someone like Oprah... or Rachel Ray or .... you get to meet SO many people of all kinds! And get invited to all the parties. I would LOVE that. 

2. An Author. just writing this blog has taught me that. I would love to have my thoughts, my story, my heart in a tangible book. And know that lots of people are sharing and jumping into those thoughts and words. Fiction or not? I don't know. I don't think I have what it takes for Fiction. I did think to myself after coming out of Nicolas Spark's latest movie... man, that man is talented. He had women of ALL ages flooding out of there... with their mascara running. (I think I've discovered I'm not a huge fan of his, someone always dies, (or maybe it's the cheesy movie makers that make his movies that I don't care for) although I do admire how he includes a twist that I didn't expect... I do like that. 

3. Photojournalist.  mm-mm... National Geographic would be the bomb to work for. They capture life in this vast world for all to see. I say photojournalist... but just watching series like Earth or Life on Discovery, makes me want to do video too. Although I don't want to know how long they have to sit somewhere to finally get the shot... probably days, and by then, I'd be a grouchy mess. Honestly, I would really love to capture war and battle zones. (also, if you haven't watched The hurt locker... you should. It was beautifully shot and well written.) 

4. Wedding Planner. Now, I would not want to be THE one in charge of it all, no thank you stress! But I would LOVE to be on a team that has to create ideas, make them on a budget, and make someone's vision come to life on their wedding day. 

5. Nurse. I really REALLY think I could have rocked at being a Nurse. I was a candy striper in high school at my local hospital and loved it. I love working long hour days (verses more short hour days) and I love interacting with people and getting to know other's stories. So, while I probably wouldn't love the paperwork involved, I think I would enjoy most everything else. (I really adore some scrubs!!!) 

 6. A Makeup Artist. I watched the latest makeup artist we worked with at a wedding work intently and artistically to bring out the best in whoever was in her chair. And she took the time to get to know who it was she was designing on. She had sooo many colors and sparkles and glosses to work with, mm-mm... I think I would like that. 

7. Singer. Okay, we said if talent wasn't an issue. In 7th grade I really wanted to be a singer, so much so, that at youth camp I sang a solo at the talent show. That was my first and last. I just can't sing....well. My mom, who thankfully was honest about issues like that, said I had a great choir voice. Meaning I can pick up the notes from someone next to me, but it's not within me like someone of you. I could listen to some of you sing for HOURS!!! Ang, Shelly, Bleeker, Dawntoya, and many others!!

8. Donald Trump's close friend.  Now, I don't think I'd want the stress that comes with that guys life. But I adore me the Donald!!! I would love to hang out with him, work on projects with him, you know, see how that guy works in person. He's a fabulous conversationalist and I like how he thinks. So, yeah, random, but I'd be his close friend.... I don't know what my job would be but the word philanthropist comes to mind.

9. Broadway actor/dancer. I would love the thrill of being behind the curtain with an audience on the other side... there are no take two's...there is no blooper reel... just you and that one chance to entertain the crowd. The quick set changes, the costume changes, the final bow, the cast comrade, I think I would really enjoy all that. (not to mention the joy of being able to express yourself through the beautiful art of dancing....mmm, that talent would be delightful.) 

10. 16.  Yes, I'd be 16 again. I'd go back and tell that girl to stop worrying about if anyone was going to marry her.  I'd tell her that she was beautiful just how she was then. To have fun, to be more relaxed and real in her friendships (especially with guys). To not hold others around her to a strict standard that showed little grace and was based on moral achievement. I'd go on more trips. go camping more. Manage my money better. Keep up my piano. Care for my sister more....not be so competitive with her, or to go to such lengths to be different.  I know all these things are things that you have to learn over time and through life experiences, so, these aren't necessarily regrets.... just things I'd tell my 16 year old self if I could... if I could be anybody.  

Here is one of the four of us from the DC Trip! Ang, Heather, Gena, Thanks for going out of your way to serve me and love me that weekend. It truly was one I shall not forget. 

 
 

 

 

  Click Here for the Washington D.C. Slideshow 

I adore young love!

I love shooting engagement sessions. They are so easy because you rarely have to pose them or try to create emotion...it's already there!! Young love is very photogenic. I had two awesome couples in the last week or so. Here are a few of my favorites! 

Blayne + Cari 

 



 


 
 

 



 

and Sam + Nick 

  
 

 

 



  

 
 

     
 

111 by 01.11.11 (3 month mark)

Well, I'm not where I want to be... but I'm further than I was. 

I'm down another 6 lbs. Making the grand total -20!! I'm going to have to pick it up if I'm going to reach my goal. ( going the pace I'm at now I'd be down 80lbs by then... which I know would still be wonderful and helpful, but what's a goal if you can't at least TRY to aim for it in the end)  Dan and I talk about things we can do this summer to really spend some specific extra time on our health, since he'll be off work.   

Ya'll can really pray for me this coming month. It's my busiest month of the year with 4 trips to Raleigh for weddings. (it's just the life of a wedding photographer!!)  I remember thinking last spring, how was I going to make it through all I had on my plate. But thanks to God's grace in my life I was able to accomplish all that I had committed to.  But I've found that my weight challenges are magnified in busier times. So, just pray for strength and grace and self control during these trips. 

But I am beginning to realize that what I used to be able to commit to, I can't anymore. I don't know if it's having 2 babies, or just a new chapter in life. But things are going to have to change... simplify...adjust... I can't juggle things like I have in the past.   

I'm really looking forward to this coming month with all it's trips, I miss so many from Raleigh that I love being able to visit them. But I'm also looking forward to this summer and the time spent with my family and just being.   

visit with nannie and uncle bill

Dan's grandmother Nannie, (which is her actual name...love it!) and his uncle Bill met us for breakfast while we were in NC. They brought Zoe a present and we had a great time playing and Zoe of course met almost everyone in the place. 

  

 
 

 

I'm going to just take this opportunity to say that I get a lot of questions from others about fearing how family members might accept or feel about an adoption of a child that is a different color than they are.  And I will say, that while some of the battle we face in transracial adoption is indeed generational and we must be understanding and patient of that generation, I've been so happy to see those who might and have indeed had questions about us adopting someone of another race, come to adore and treasure this little one. My advice to some of you is to not be afraid of the questions... the fears... the uncertainty of others. I remember having a really open conversation with Nannie about adopting an african american baby way before Zoe entered the picture. And I really respect the fact that she was honest and open and asked me her questions, because those moments aren't ones to get offended at or to hold on to later... but are moments that open up huge doors of communication and understanding.  Nannie LIGHTS up around Zoe. I love seeing that 88 year old woman smile and beam with pride at how smart her 1 year old granddaughter is.  I like that her Uncle Bill really makes effort to have fun with her and go to places where kids like to be, and I like that he thinks of her in giving gifts. Thank you Uncle Bill. 

My own Grandmother got a little flustered when I was looking through her birthday list and saw that she had written (black baby) next to Zoe's name. But I told her it was alright. I mean, she may have needed it to keep in her mind just who Zoe was.... but also I understand that she probably never imagined she would have a black great grandchild. And that she too at the age of 91 is seeing something that back in her earlier years would never have happened. It may seem like ages ago that our country had race issues big time and the majority believed something that we can't begin to understand.... but for our older relatives it was just yesterday to them.  So, I want to deal with each of my daughters new relatives where they are at in life and understand that change and acceptance happens often gradually, and to be amazed when it happens quickly. 

Adoption is a journey that doesn't just include you as a mommy or daddy but actually includes a lot of others who may or may not even get a say in the matter... but one thing is sure, God uses little ones to show, teach, love, people where ever they are at in life and to break down walls of misunderstandings, to bridge cultures, and to open hearts that never could have imagined opening in certain ways before. 

lil' monkey

A good friend gave Zoe a lil' monkey for Christmas... and let me tell you she loves this monkey. She can find him anywhere when you ask her to go get lil' monkey. (she also has a big monkey that she loves too... he's more of a friend that we love to act like he's talking to her) lil' monkey is her baby.... I'm amazed at how innate caring for a little one is for a little girl even at this young age. 

 

 

 


   
   

Ten.4.Tues. { Things I can't live without }

Okay, this is NOT the type of can't live without list of things that I would nessecarily grab if my house was on fire. This isn't the obviously things I can't live without such as my faith, my family, my passions, my friends, etc....  just a list of things that make everyday life doable and a little easier and more fun!  

1. Tweezerman Tweezers and Benefit Speedbrow 

I have been blessed with lots of eyebrows!!! growing up when people said I had brooke shields eyebrows I thought they were complimenting me. I think it was just the only thing they could think to say when they saw how massive they were. But thankfully my junior year  of high school the woman who would later become my cosmetology instructor helped me out and shaped my brows and gave this girl some hope!  The little colored tweezers at Sally's have been wonderful to use and they are brightly colored so I can normally find them in the depths of my makeup bag. Benefit Speedbrow has been the best shaping gel I've found, my sister (who also has a bounty of brows) told me that this product by mommie dots, is great for shaping as well (also great for baby's skin) and is a lot softer feeling than the gel but might not last as long as the gel for an all day hold.  

  
 

2. Mac & Mac  

This is where my cosmetologist self meets my photographer self and they both requested MAC to be #2 for different reasons.  

I love Mac makeup!! Their eyeshadows are 2nd to none. And ohhhhh... the colors!!! 

 I love Mac computers!! Their set up is 2nd to none. And ohhhh.... the editing ease!! 

 

3. Baby Exersaucer.

   My babies have loved this thing. It's really helpful in this doesn't like to lay down but not quite sitting up on their own stage. Doesn't Jack look thrilled to be having his photo taken. This is his, "mom... I'm sleepy will you please hold me" look. 

 

4. Bobby Pins.  

I was talking to my sister the other day and we were both laughing about how we (much to our husbands distain) pull out our bobby pins at the end of a day and they usually get tossed on the floor right by our side of the bed. For me, bobby pins are normally an everyday everyroom finding. I guess I just like having them in arms reach wherever I go. :o) But I love my bobby pins. Give me a few and I can do some magic with them. 

5. Shootsac 
 Shootsac has changed the way I photograph weddings or at any shoot for that matter. It's amazing. It's well worth the money paid for it. So photographers..... if you don't have one go get one. (although I can't wait for the tote & shoot to come out) 
  

 
 
  6. Blog Feeder. 

I've blogged about this before. But seriously, it's a lifesaver, and a Major time saver!!  I use Bloglines.com but Google Reader is a great one if you have gmail.  

7. My Hairdryer 

This is not just any hairdryer. It's the best hairdryer I've ever had. For a hairdresser, her hairdryer is like a faithful sidekick that sticks with you and can make or break your work day.  The first one I had I had until I ran it completely into the ground... it died. So I got this one and I haven't looked back since. It dries so fast and with so much volume... it's simply amazing!  I will get this same one again when this one gives up on me.  It runs about $90  but it's worth every penny. And it will last you years!!! 

 8. Dry Erase Year at a Glance Calendar. 

I've always been a At-a-Glance Product buff. I used their appointment books religiously for years as a hairdresser and a photographer. And I still do for the most part, but lately as a stay at home mom, I'm finding my Year-at-a-Glance Dry Erase Calendar on my wall next to my computer is Wonderful! I've used them for about 3 years now and it's just so helpful in looking at the coming months to know what's ahead. And it helps me be a better big picture planner.  

 

9. Melamine Bowls and Silicone Spatulas.

Six years ago a friend bought me Red Williams Sanoma Bowls as a wedding gift and they still serve me well today. Dan recently added some robin's egg blue Martha Stewart bowls to my arsenal. And I love those as well.  Melamine are the best bowls!!!!  And the perfect sidekick are W/S Silicone Spatulas and Spoonulas! LOVE THOSE! I use them for Everything! 

 
 
  10. Target + Starbucks

Okay, it's not really a thing... more like a place...well, two places to get wonderful things. But just an hour in the morning walking a buggy up and down their isle with a coffee in hand is amazing and very calming. Now, if you find something adorable with a little red sticker on it along your way... well now, that's just straight up Therapy. 

  

a very chappell easter

Growing up for me, being a pastors daughter, Easter Activities were mostly centered about what the church was doing that day. And being in Alaska I think a lot of times we had a church-wide potluck since most extended families lived "in the lower 48". A lot of holidays in Alaska were really centered around church family verses extended blood family. I really enjoyed that growing up. I miss those people a lot because they are like family to me. 

Last year we were in Michigan visiting Dan's extended family for Easter and this year we spent it with Dan's Mom and Dad and cousin (or 2nd cousin...however that works!) and then we ended it by going to church together for the 5:00 service. Josh it was so great to have you with us all day. Those brownies (from scratch) ROCKED! 

In Chappell fashion, of course we had Easter baskets. I remember getting them when I was really little but not as I got older.... I'm sure as a family of 9 kids the Easter basket tradition could get really expensive...not to mention that's A LOT of sugared up hyper kids! So, for now, while we just have 2 and we can monitor the amount of jelly beans Zoe can eat.... Bring on the Easter Baskets!!!  

  

 
 

 

And I just wanted to leave you with a link to a blogger friend's easter/good friday post. I really respect that she doesn't shy away from putting her heart and her love for her Lord into her blog posts. Thank you MckMamma! She really puts into words beautifully what Easter is truly about. So, while I love pastels, baskets, sandals, and jelly beans... what I really love is knowing the price that was paid for me to have sweet fellowship with my God and for an eternity of worshiping him where all these earthly joys will pale in comparison to the delights in heaven.... joy evermore increasing forevermore!! 

H A P P Y * E A S T E R * 2010

Living He loved me, dying He saved me, buried He carried my sins far away, rising He justified freely forever, someday He's coming, OH GLORIOUS DAY!!!

 
 

    Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

   Because He lives, all fear is gone;
   Because I know He holds the future,
   And life is worth the living,
   Just because He lives!

just blowing bubbles

Zoe loves her some older kids. She watches them, learns from them, follows them, she loves it. Honestly, it makes me want to adopt children just a little older than her... not just because Zoe would love it, but I think that they would too. I've always loved family dynamics, the older teaching the younger and the younger giving older ones purpose and love.  

Staying at my sister's in Wake Forest, Zoe got to play with the neighbor kids.  She Loved that!! And I loved seeing her get introduced to bubbles, candy dots, rain boots, and sidewalks. :o) 

 

 

 
 

 
 

And I'm a HUGE fan of super hero capes for lil' boys. I can't wait till lil' man Jack can run around in his super hero dress up of choice. 

 

 

sweet cousin mabel

 
 

 
 

  
 

April and Tash Spring 2010

I was SO glad to get to see my friend and her beautiful boy. :o) 

I hadn't been to their new place before so it was great getting the tour. Tash is so smart and growing up so fast. LOVE his curls....Love them! Tash showed Zoe how to go up and down the stairs, Zoe's still working on the going down part.  April's doing great. She's being faithful to her classes and she was super excited because she was about to get some teeth worked on the next day at the dentist. (I can't wait to see your smile again April!!)  

We talked about Easter coming up, and she showed me her pretty new dress that her mentor bought her. We talked about her younger sister, which she took care of growing up, and now that she's getting in contact with family members and such, she had just found out that her sister had died 2 years ago from a drug overdose. That really was hard for her to hear. But we were able to talk about how that could have been April so many times... and that God is showing April that there is so much more to live for, namely HIM, than a life on drugs that will only kill. 

We talked about our weight struggles. I told her that I'm sure it is hard going from drugs, being awake and walking the streets ALL day and night to not being that active and probably still battling cravings. I told her that I would much rather have her overweight than underweight and high right now. ( of course we talked about the importance of getting exercise and stuff) She just struggles of course feeling pretty and wants someone to love her. I told her MANY mom's are in that boat with her. And that our worth needs to come from within and how God loves us NOT how we feel about how we look.... because that will Never satisfy.  

So... check out these cuties!!! 

 

 
 

  

  

missing this family already

I'm soooo glad tot be home sweet home. I missed Dan and Jack bunches and bunches. But it's just been a day and already I miss this sweet family. I LOVE my lil' niece. She's oh so presh!! (as you can see. :o) I can't wait to see them next month.  

 

  

 
 

 
 
 

 

 

  

special mommy-and-me days

Jack is staying with my parents this weekend while I'm gone so even though I didn't fly out last night he stayed with them since I'll be flying out super early tomorrow. So Zoe and I have had a mommy-and-me day today. It's been so much fun. The other day Zoe spent the night with Dan's parents and Jack and I had so much cuddle time. I guess I don't realize how spread out my attention is with even just the two of them. So, I'm becoming a big fan of occasional special days with each of my children.  

Here is a photo of Jack on our special day, napping in the living room since little feet wouldn't trample him. (I don't have lots of photos of him from that day since cuddling and taking photos are a little hard to do at the same time.....and he told me he'd rather me hold him than take pictures of him. I complied... for now.) 

 

And here are some of Zoe and her special day, featuring her adventures in..... 

Blocks.... 

 

Pretty Sandals.... 

 

Puppy..... 

 

 

 

Obedience.... 

 

 
  

  
and the iPod. 

  

  

 

 
 

 

edible encouragement

I was supposed to fly out of DFW last night but major storms were brewing so it wasn't a surprise when they told me my flight was canceled. Then after 40 minutes on hold with AA and getting booked on different flights for today and twice they were canceled due to the plane not being able to get in last night thus not being able to fly out today (learned a lot about air traffic last night) I finally resigned to fly out Friday. A little bummed but glad for not having to fly in bad weather.  

But I am sooooo excited that I was home today because if not I would have missed getting these. 

  

A fellow hairdresser sent them to me as a thank you for sending some clients her way. What Stacie didn't know is that Chocolate covered Strawberries have for years been my VERY favorite!! But most of all, it was the thought that brought me to tears. (which was nice because nothing is better after a bunch of tears than chocolate!!)  I didn't expect it to impact me the way it did... but this was SO sweet of her to think of me...and to send something displaying her thoughts.  

There are so many people in my life that deserve buckets of chocolate covered everything!! And knowing what this feels like to receive this makes me want to be a lot more intentional with letting others know how much I appreciate them and am grateful for them. 

Stacie, Thank you for totally surprising and blessing me today with these sweet treasures of goodness. (they taste amazing!!) I love knowing that you get to love on my Raleigh friends and nurture their hearts while caring for their hair. You are gifted and I am so glad that you get to display that giftedness on those I love. Thanks for thinking of me and for totally making my day! love you. ~ Casey 

 
 
 
 

the only thing about winter I will miss...

Ten.4.Tues. { Mistakes I'm glad I made }

Okay, so just to clairfy... these are things that I wondered at the time if they would be a mistake or could have been a mistake or that others have told me would be or generally are a mistake. So, read on and you'll see what I mean. 

1.  Apprenticed instead of working a real paying job. 

I walked into the most popular photography studio as a teenager and told them I wanted to be a photographer and that I'd work for free if they would let me watch and learn from them. And so began my training as a photographer. The manager there at the time is now a big time photographer in california and gets featured on shows like Platinum Baby on WE. I don't really need anything, but it's nice to know that if I needed some connections in the world of photography I have them. I also spent a summer homeschooling 5 kids in Arizona in exchange for their mom training me in portraits and darkroom experience. I learned so much, not to mention I saw a godly woman balance life as mommy, wife and photographer, something I wasn't realizing I was learning at the time.  One of the best summers of my life!! I don't think I got a consistent paying job until I was 20 something. But the training and experience far outweighed what money I would have made. 

2. Went to "trade school" Vs. College right after highschool. 

Many people just assume that college is immediately what you do after 12th grade.  I left 2 months after I graduated for Cosmetology school in Indianapolis. I can't tell you how glad I am that I was trained for a skill prior to going through college. I was able to work a great paying flexible job and pay for most everything through college. Though my college experience was priceless and was where I met my husband and many others, it wasn't a place that had a lot of opportunities to gain experience in the professional world while going through school.  So I guess, my philosophy in this area would be to make sure your child has a working skill before heading off to spend 4-5 years in a classroom. At the end of college, even if they are a year or two older than most, your child then has a wealth of working experience which added to a degree is VERY helpful in the job market. I also found there isn't that pressure to make your college degree the end all for what you're going to do in life. 

3. Spent a summer on a whim. 

 A friend's husband was talking to me and mentioned that there was this camp being started up for kids and that I would be great at it. So, on a whim I signed up to be interviewed and got accepted to be on the team with Centri-Kid's first summer of camp. Now, I was one of the oldest on staff... about mid summer I realized why it was helpful to start younger...it was HARD work.  But that summer.. I discovered so much about myself being around 20 others who were also in the process of figuring out life. I had 20 styles of music to listen to, ( <3 they might be giants to this day!) 20 personalities to mesh with, 20 ideas to consider in almost everything since it was such a new program, 20 people who had 1 goal that summer... show Kids the love of Christ.  Little did I know that I wouldn't go on to be some big church's children's director like I had hoped at one point, but that I WOULD meet one of my best friends that summer and so many other amazing friends. Little did I know that I would suggest another friend to sign up the next summer and he would end up meeting his wife there. This summer had really nothing to do with what I was to do the rest of my life but WAY more about who I was to become.  *sidenote: This camp is an AMAZING camp to send your kids to. a little pricey but VERY Top Notch!!  

4. Fell in love with a man who I knew could become my spiritual leader.   

Of course every woman is taught  to date/marry someone who can already lead her spiritually, I was no different. That was probably first on my "list of requirements". And biblically it's something I think women should strive for.  I met Dan just weeks after he became a believer and I was pretty confident he was the one for me. However, each time we would get to the defining talk in our relationship he would aknowledge that he wasn't at a place where he could lead me biblically, and he was probably right.  But just the fact that he was able to admit that, made me know that he was someone that was on a quest to figure out what that looked like and how he could grow to be that man....and his actions proved so. During this time God was definitely working on me in many areas that I would have to change in order to become his wife..... so, he married someone "in the works" as well. But when I look and see who Dan is today and who he was when I met him.... I'm in awe of God's working in him. He leads me so well and his knowledge of God and His word is vast and ever growing. Honestly, I could never have actually known for sure what kind of leader he would be when I married him, there was lots of unknowns... and to say that God gave me a hunch would be kinda silly... but somehow I knew and God had given me wisdom and a peace in my soul that this man, was to be my husband. { thank you for loving and leading me so well Dan, You are a beautiful picture of Christ to me.  I love you with ALL my heart!!)  

5. Got Married with Debt   

Okay, so I don't recommend this to others on a typical basis, but hear me out. Dan and I both had debt when we got married and neither of us really knew how to handle finances well. We knew bringing debt into the marriage wasn't wise but it was such that we either didn't get married for a LONG time or get married and figure out how to get out. For about a year after we got married I discovered that I had been making getting out of debt an idol in my life and my marriage. I was horrible to Dan on many occassions because our finances weren't where I wanted them to be. Finally, something clicked and I was convicted of that, and I realized that God wanted to use this journey of learning how to use our money and possessions to glorify Him not to aquire comforts or desires. I don't know that I would have had that really sink in had we not had such debt.  Almost 6 years later now, we are still working on becoming debt free but we have learned so much and think that once we are debt free the temptation to go back will be far from us due to this journey... and we'll have God to praise for providing and getting us through. (Also, it was AMAZING and only an Act of God's people that we who were in debt were able to afford to bury our son and adopt a little girl privately in a few months time...Only God!!! we can't take the credit.)  

6. Had friends live with us for a year  

When we had two friends who were looking for a way to simplify their living situations and we had extra room where we lived, we invited them to come live with us. Now, if you would have asked me a while back I would have told you that it probably would be a mistake to have 2 single girls move in a live with a young married couple. But nothing could be further from the truth. It was such a great time of fellowship with them and honestly, I think it brought out the best in both Dan and I as well. They were so helpful in housework and always seemed to know when we needed someone to visit and talk with and also when we needed some space... of course when living with singles, they are almost always on the go so you are usually wanting them around more often than less.  Dan and I really got to know these two gals so much better and I love them very much and so enjoyed watching God work in and through their lives that year.  Would I live communually again, you betcha! Anyone, want to come live in a small apartment bedroom?  ;o) 

7. Didn't choose the closest church to home 

 In college I visited 12 churches before deciding on a small country church almost an hour away. I drove there often twice a week and sometimes more... normally staying all day on sundays. But that church, and those people there impacted my life in a major way. I learned so much there about loving people...where they were at, not ness where I wanted them to be. I learned about endurance and watched God change and grow lives over a period of years....and still am watching. They brought out best in me in so many ways. for that I'm grateful.  Then Dan and I decide to be a part of a church plant in Raleigh but we lived in Wake Forest... thus another 30+ minute drive. But that was okay. it was worth being there from the beginning. (more about TCC in #10)  Now, we live in Fort worth and drive almost an hour to get to church. Why, so many ask, when there are churches by the dozen nearby. yes, but already in the short time we've been at the Village we have grown there, and been taught and exposed to scriptures in ways we've never been, ways of doing ministry that we've never seen, and really have thought through why we have chosen this church and this group of people. I really believe that those things will be priceless when it comes...if it comes time for Dan and I to be in ministry in the local church as a vocation. But for now, and probably for the first time in my life, I'm totally content with being a very small part of the whole and feeling the freedom but also the responsibility of being just  a church member. 

8. Made my best friends my business partners 

 I've mostly been a one-woman show when it came to business. But when I started in Wedding Photography I realized I couldn't do it all by myself. So, I recognized a talented eye in my best friend and quickly snapped her up and taught her as fast as she was willing to learn... which was FAST! Then my other best friend borrowed my point and shoot one week and when she returned it I was looking through the pics she took and knew she had a look that both Ang and I were missing.  I thought "I've never heard of a 3rd shooter at a wedding" but that didn't stop me and soon the duo became a trio. And we've had an amazing 4 years shooting together! Now, at times it would have been easier to have a person come in that was already striving to be a photographer and one that wasn't so emotionally connected to me, so that when corrections needed to be made or moments get tense and stressful on the job it would just be business as usual. I think that's what most business people would tell you to do. But I'm so glad I didn't do that because I know these girls so much deeper now than I ever did before and we share a love and lots of experiences that we'll be laughing and talking about for years to come.  I can't wait to see all God's going to do in their lives with this amazing talent of theirs for capturing a moment in time and displaying it beautifully for the world to see and enjoy. 

9. Moved into a "bad" area of town 

It was a small bungelow on Seawell Ave in Raleigh..... the next street over was Idlewild and it was definitely wild! It was a struggling area that is trying really hard to restore the old abandoned houses and build bright colored ones in their place. That didn't stop the prostitutes from walking our street or the drug runners from riding their bikes up and down many times a day. But we moved in and thankfully had wonderful friends living right next door who had already gotten to know the area and it's inhabitants well. Never in my life would I realize how much I would miss such a "bad area" when we moved away from it.  I loved living there. I made "friends" with those who walked the streets and fed those who rode their bikes.  It was home. Once we moved here, searching for a house to buy was really challenging because I had that scene fresh on my mind... could I make it in these perfect suburbs? The need for Christ is still there it's just not often on your doorstep needing a bath and food.  We ended up not buying for many reasons and I'm okay with that. I still have in my heart that there are areas here, if God keeps us here longer, that I'd want to invest my life in, areas that others would classify as a "bad area" of town,  but an area that I could call home yet also reminds me daily that this world will never be our true home.   

10. Shared my deepest sin struggles and heartache with close friends and pastors.  

I know from growing up in the ministry that sharing and being open about sin and struggles and weaknesses can really bite you back. The church isn't a place that a lot of people know as a place where weakness can be exposed and others can encourage but not judge you.  But when Dan and I found ourselves like most marriages in a place where we couldn't see rightly and didn't know how to climb out of a pit of sin and baggage and idols in our lives, we thankfully were in a church that we knew would embrace us yet help us to kill sin and to fight for joy in our marriage and home. Dan is one of the most open and honest people I know when it comes to submitting to leadership and confessing sin he is being convicted of. So, his example of this really gave me freedom to be open and transparent about my pride and pain. Our church, our friends have embraced us, loved us, cried with us, prayed for us (this is HUGE), kept us accountable and most of all empathized with us as those who also fight sin and temptation and a constantly battle for who will be God in their lives and in their moments.  It's not popular to look and confess to being weak...especially when you're in ministry positions. But I can't tell you how freeing and how helpful it is when you don't have to fake the Christian life and act like things are fine when they aren't.  We all need this in our lives, I'm just so glad we needed it sooner than later. And, to know that even on our "best day" we still need God's grace and the accountability and love of His body, the Church. 

a day in the life of two little ones

{Playtime }

 

{ Bathtime }

 

 

 

 

{ Snack time. }

 

 
 

  

{ Tummy Time } 

 

 
 
 { Nap Time } 

 

 

 

 

 
{  T.V. Time } 

 

 

*she loves singing along and doing motions.  
 

{ Going to Grandma and Grandpa's } * this is the reaction that I get when I ask her if she wants to go over to Grandma and Grandpa's. So cute!!! 

 

{ Play time } 

* Peek-a-boo 

 
 
 { Daddy time } 

 

{ and LOTS & LOTS of mommy time } * pictured and not pictured above! ;o)  
  
 

 This is the Life!!!! 

Facebook,Twittering, and Blogging to the Glory of God (pt.5)

Why Blog?   

(adapted slightly from Abraham Piper's Desiring God Blog article Why Pastors should Blog ) 

To Write: through writing you delve into new ideas and new insights. If you strive to write well, you will at the same time be striving

to think well.

To Preserve: face it ladies, pregnancy and child raising leaves our memories a bit impaired. Blogging is a great way to remember

those special moments or the state of mind you were in at a certain stage of your child’s life. It’s also a great way to look back and see how you’ve grown as well as your child. Men, many of you are wonderful story tellers and humor us and 

To Teach: Your experiences are ones that you are learning from daily. So can others. You have a great opportunity to teach your

peers tricks of the trade in parenting or crafting or anything really. A blog is a great non-threatening way to help teach your parents about the way you are choosing to parent your kids. Trust me, your parents will be your top readers, especially if you post pics of the kids! They read what you write too, and what a great way to explain and show the results of your hard work and convictions in child  raising without it being a discussion in the moment but rather a thought out explanation. You are also teaching your children in the future;  as they read your posts when they get older and they see how you are living your life week by week they can see the challenges you faced, and adventures they went on, and the thought put into your parenting them, and your life lived out by your convictions, and your faith flushed out in every day life. 

To Interact: online interaction will never and shouldn’t ever replace personal interaction, however in the life of a busy mom blogging helps you tell a story or show off some photos to all your friends and family at once. You have to keep up with so many schedules at home and this lets you schedule your story telling and lets others read and see them on their schedule. Sometimes just a few sentences from a friend lets you know that she is thinking about you and keeping up with your life. That way when you do finally get to grab that cup of coffee you can pick up right there and not have to try to filter through your life the past few weeks trying to figure out what to share and what not to.

To develop an eye for what is meaningful: For good or bad, most committed bloggers live with the constant question in their mind: Is this bloggable? This could become a bad habit, but I’ll put a positive spin on it: It nurtures a habit of looking for insight and wisdom and value in every situation, no matter how mundane. If you live life looking for what is worthwhile in every little thing, you will see more of what God has to teach you. And the more he teaches you, the more you can teach others. As you begin to be inspired and to collect ideas, you will find that the new things you’ve seen and learned enrich far more of your life than just your blog.

To be known: Now this may sound selfish or egotistical, but hear me out. This aspect of blogging makes fellowship so much

sweeter between family members, especially extended ones who normally you wouldn’t share with regularly, church family, (sundays  can be a hurried time to talk but when you know what’s going on from monday to monday then it’s a lot easier to talk about meaningful things), and people you’ve never met. (there are new friends that you will make only because you took the time to blog) This also is important as life changes and you want everyone to know. As well as calling on prayer warriors and encouragers for when you are going through a hard time!

Edited to Add:  

***I posted and then forgot to include the link to the original article. So I really apologize to those who think I came up with this and to Abraham Piper who did write the bulk of this.  Dan always is saying how between the two of us we never come up with an original thought but that we are sponges for others wisdom, ideas, deep thought, etc... I'm so grateful for writers like the Pipers and many other blog and book writers that we glean wonderful information from. 

*Source  (some adaptations)  http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1156_6_reasons_pastors_should_blog/ 

Facebook,Twittering, and Blogging to the Glory of God (pt.4)

• Twitter is self-selecting. I find the people I Twitter with most are sharp theological thinkers, committed Christians with a tendency towards Reformed theology, yet are very different from me – and therefore challenge my assumptions, broaden my understanding and bring humor and joy to Christian life. A little bit of heaven here on earth.
• Twitter broadens my social world. I twitter with Christians who are Baptists, Emergent, Presbyterian/Reformed, young, old, single, married, scattered across the globe. I find out about missions and missional living. I’m learning good things about Emergents, pro-life Catholics, reformed Baptists and southern Presbyterians. I’m finding common ground. To God be the glory for leading his invisible and visible church with Christ at the head.
• Twitter brings us down to day-to-day living as Christians. I hear that Al Mohler, Ed Stetzer, R.C. Sproul – like eggnog. I find out that people whose books I read and theological contributions I value get tired, sick, like movies and play with their kids. In other words they don’t just read theology or dialog with the great books and great minds 24/7. This I find encouraging. The Incarnate Christ in his humanity and divinity is modeled in his saints.                                                           ~ source; mineandthine.com

Seven Tweeting Tips

(1) You are what you tweet. Are you an

encourager, a humorist, a businessperson,

a pastor - a complainer? People will

know.

(2) Craft your words. This may be

instant publishing, but it's still publishing.

Your words will last longer than you will.

(3) No cheating. Say it all in 140

characters. Don't use a second tweet to

continue your point.

(4) Don't answer Twitter's standard

question, "what are you doing?" Rather

than your flight plan, nap schedule, or

lunch menu, say something that will

benefit others.

(5)Don't over-tweet. If people quit

replying to you, it may be because they

can't keep up.

(6)Share Pictures On Twitter

Bet you weren’t aware of this, were you?

Using services such as twitpic.com you

can upload and share pictures on your

twitter account in your tweets.

Sometimes, the pictures speak better than

140 characters would. Not to forget that

they also add variety to your tweets every

once in a while

(7). Re-Tweet… With Thanks To

Original Tweeter

Sure you can copy others’ tweets. But be

ethical and credit them for it. So when

you decide to copy someone’s tweet, do it

with a @name (where ‘name’ is their

twitter username) preceding the tweet.

~ source/her.meneutics blog

Six ways to make the best use of your

140 Characters:

1)Use shorthand codes. LOL, RT, TYL, etc.

Some may call it tech speak or leet speak.

Acronyms and abbreviations for commonly

used words and phrases.

2) Be clear and concise. Make sure you are

not being redundant. Remove any words

that might be irrelevant to what you are

trying to convey.

3) Use URL shortening. This one is pretty

obvious and is even built in to Twitter.

However, there are some URL shortening

services that can save you a few more

characters than http://tinyurl.com/. I use

http://is.gd/ and another popular one is

XR.COM which even allows you to

customize the URL.

4) Use special symbol characters. You may

not know it, but Twitter accepts more than

just normal characters. You can actually

create hearts, stars, smilies and other symbols

that can represent words or ideas in just 1

character. TheNextWeb has created a great

tool called TwitterKeys which allows you to

have all these symbols at your fingertips.

5)Use Hashtags. A hashtag # is like a tag at

the end of your tweet. Your followers will

have an understanding of what subject you

are sharing right away and it may even

increase your chances of being re-tweeted.

You can also look up other tweets that have

the same hashtag. Here are some

examples… (#Reading:, #Motherhood:,

#lovemychurch #wedgewoodbapt,

#pleasepray, #vacation, etc.)

 Essentially,using hashtags in a twitter post creates a

grouping around some specific subject that

other tweeters can access, thereby viewing

all of the tweets from around the world that

have that particular hashtag in

them. 

Hashtags were first made popular in

2007 when Twitter user Nate Ritter tweeted

the following message: "#sandiegofire

300,000 people evacuated in San Diego

county now."

6) Be simple. This is a writing tip from

Copyblogger, “…simple words work better

than big ones. Write ‘get’ instead of

‘procure.’ Write ‘use’ rather than ‘utilize.’ Use

the longer words only if your meaning is so

precise there is no simpler word to use.”

~source twitip.com

 

Facebook,Twittering, and Blogging to the Glory of God (pt.3)

{ Facebook on the Missionfield:  from a missionary's perspective. } 

 I think she said it all beautifully so I'll just let her share and hopefully you'll love missionaries you know by connecting with them almost instantly today 

  SO SO MUCH has changed in the last 14 years I’ve been on the mission field.  When I first came, I could only look forward to hand written notes and typed newsletters being delivered in the mail.  There are still days I wish we could go back to that a bit and write more letters, but the benefit of the extreme progress in internet access, social networking and overall communication is massive!  It’s a huge blessing to read blogs where folks are just keeping you uptodate on what’s going on.  It is easy to feel alone and disconnected from your best friends and it helps so much to hear and see what is going on people’s lives.  I think another blessing in blogging is connected to those blogs that are more ministry directed, the ones that share the struggles, the highs and lows o f d ay to day ministry (whether it’s in the USA or overseas)…it’s an encouragement to know think “man, that person is dealing with something similar to what I’m dealing with in this relationship I’m ministering in.”  you’re immediately not completely alone, somebody else out there is experiencing the challenges you are.   Another area of blogging that enhances my ministry would be those blogs which are teaching or sharing resources or ideas…and the blogs which are basically sharing biblical truth.  We now live in a time in history where the most gifted biblical teachers are right at our fingertips…we just need to push ‘play’.  How great it is to be able to have access to a pool of teaching in order to be filled back up when you’re trying to be intentional in pouring out with your life.  I’m so grateful for all of you bloggers!

 Facebook has allowed an opportunity that we’ve never had before to connect with so many people instantly.  Prayer requests, what I’m doing, struggles, something funny that happened…instantly that information is out there…that’s a blessing.  And I think the even greater blessing with facebook (and email) is that people there can connect with me over here instantly.  You know, there are times that I don’t need a long email detailing everything going on in life or a sermon pointing me to biblical truth (all of those things are helpful and wonderful), sometimes what I need is just one line from my dearest friends letting me know they’re there…so many times a one liner like “I’m thinking about you today and I love you” has changed my whole day, has given me the little boost I needed.  Obviously, I depend on Christ and his truth…he’s my ultimate foundation…but it’s a blessing to be encouraged by the body of Christ…again, it reminds us that we’re not alone and we’re not forgotten.  

*emphasis mine

 

March 11 (111 update)

Yep, it's late and by the time you read this it will probably be the 12th. I wish it were the 12th, then I wouldn't have to write this. I'm kinda writing this with not a lot of enthusiasm tonight.... if fact I really didn't want to write tonight at all. 

I only lost 2 lbs this month. And I wish I could say it was because I probably gained a lot of muscle weight doing the exercise video I got. It's not. Because I have only done the intro part of the video a handfull of times.  

The truth, I eat my feelings. And this month has had feelings. In fact all months have feelings. That's one of my battles I fight and face. I eat to celebrate, I'm talking "feel good foods".  I eat when I'm insecure. I eat when I'm bored. I eat when I'm nervous or anticipating something. I eat because I love eating with Dan when we're together... I eat when he's not around because I miss him. And in those moments writing what I ate down... isn't part of the eating my feelings plan. So, I didn't for at least 2 of the past 4 weeks.  

I've never been a huge baking person but lately, I've wanted to bake everything I see, for everyone I meet.   

But ultimately, it's because I choose many times monthly, weekly, daily, to live in that moment. And what feels good at that moment....when zoomed out to big picture range... isn't good at all. I don't like pain, I don't like hunger pangs, I don't like thinking through so many decisions and fighting with myself in many ways. I don't like being weak and dependent upon God in all this. I want it my way and what feels good and what I like to do and eat often reigns supreme. I know I'm making choices that are not the best for me in the big picture of things...it might seem harmless in the moment but it's war and in war nothing is harmless.  I do want to keep fighting. And I know that it's only by my understanding of the power that God has given me to fight sin and that sin is powerless over me that I will ultimately be victorious over this struggle.  

 So keep praying for me. I'm glad I have you to be accountable to. This is humbling. But this is my journey and THIS time it's not going to end at the first really bum hard month.  

So, 14 lbs.... 97 to go. 

Facebook,Twittering, and Blogging to the Glory of God (pt.2)

Think through your status updates!!

• Start a conversation. Ask a question.. what do you think? Anyone know a good chinese food place in fort worth? What books have you found to be helpful in raising toddlers?  This connects you with others who may know a lot more on a certain subject you are interested in. And you might never have known you had that connection with someone unless you asked a question. And if your friend posts a update that asks a question or begs input... take a moment and comment, even if you don't know the answer you may know of someone who does or a website that has been useful to you for answers. 
• Share Experiences:  “going to see Alice in Wonderland” "Heading to NYC!" "Training for a 5K in June…can't wait"  Connects you to others  and Makes you a resource. Many times I've commented about a movie we were wanting to see and several people inquired about how it was and asked me to let them know if it was worth watching. So, not only does it help others in decisions they make but also has made me a better movie watcher...city experiencer... etc.. Because I know I have others that want me to put into words my thoughts about what we're doing. Also connects you with people who may be going to or about to do the same thing you are... and what a great way to add further depth into your facebook relationships is to find opportunities to see them face to face or talk about an actual upcoming event. 
• Share Information:  Equips minds and hearts & Motivates People  This type of update isn't one that's personal facts or opinions but just the facts! Jason Kovacs, who is head of the Abba fund that supports and helps fund adoptions, is great at doing this. i.e.  "Last yr 14% of ATX kids in fostercare were reunited w families, 26% were adopted & 57% aged out w no support. 57 PERCENT!"  "414 children in fostercare in Travis Co, TX....174 children r legally free & waiting to be adopted // Let's rise up church!"     I don't know about you, but that motivates me... and moves my heart!!

  

 

Avoid Sharing Too Much Information:  (just a few examples:) 

“just discovered such and such cleaner is great for cleaning puke off my minivan seats”  Okay, this might be great information for a mommy forum... but I guess my rule of thumb would be if you wouldn't share this information at the dinner table maybe it might be too gross to share on FB. (just my opinion) 

“fully effaced and  I’m at 7cc… ready for my epidural. Shouldn’t be long now.”  I'm all about knowing about when a good friend is going into labor and having a baby come into this world. It's beautiful. However,  Love your brothers! Certain information may be uncomfortable for them, yes, they can choose not to read your updates.. BUT, I think there may just be better ways of letting the online world know your progress without too many details. Again... this is just my opinion. if you're the type to give a play by play of the birth.. I actually enjoy reading them, just know that not everyone will. 

Having the worst day of my entire life... Very FEW people who have written this update really WERE having the worst day of their life so far.  It may be a really bad day but you might get more specific and I think you'd be surprised that people will pray for you and often that can change a really bad day into a day that contains hope and joy. 

Avoid Sharing not enough Information:

“Tomorrow!!!”  What's tomorrow? Please tell us. 

“ughhhhhhhhhh”  I use this a lot at the end of an update where I'm talking about what is frustrating me... but unless you just REALLY want to get a good ugh off your chest give us something more concrete we can pray and encourage you in. 

I just can’t take this anymore”  ....we don't know if you're talking about class or Life?? 

 Discussions of Theology as Tweets or FB Posts:

 Pros:

 -       It’s part of our daily lives. We live, breathe theology!!! There's really not an action in our lives that doesn't display our theology. How we understand God is crucial to everyday living. Thus, it should be a part of our facebook posts and comments. 

-       You have access to hundreds of people on Facebook. Believers and Unbelievers and Searchers. You have to be faithful to make much of Christ in all that you do and He will use your life to show others Himself. 

-       Provides a Venue for controlled discussion. MOST of the time. Some people just can't control themselves and thus should probably not comment or post things of this nature. I myself have had to hide certain people because I get too worked up over things that they say and am tempted to comment back in frustration or anger. So, I just hide them. But when I'm walking in grace then I can look at most posts with an understanding that not everyone thinks the same things I do or believes the same way I do... so can I learn from them? can I join in to the conversation respectfully and be okay if they don't agree. 

-       Can encourage someone who needed to hear truth that day. I'm thankful for those who post great quotes or verses on a daily/weekly basis. Because I need to be reminded of truth all the time. What I love even more is when someone connects those truths to something they are going through in life and how it's changed them or encouraged them. It really brings encouragement to life and so many will be able to understand and apply it to their own struggles and joys and daily walk. 

 

Potential Cons:

-       Does it edify others? Your Church? A certain group? People? The President? I know in the name of being a Christian many people have criticized other groups, aspects of culture, Lost people, and our President. Now, I'm not saying it's not okay to disagree with those mentioned, in fact we will disagree with them in BIG ways. But I've found there is a way to challenge the things we want to see change and there is a way to lovingly make others aware of possible dangers or policies. Challenge a way of thinking... not a person's being. 

-      Is it Loving????  Does it meet the 1 Corinthians 13 challenge? Is it gentle, kind, patient, seeks not it’s own. So many times facebook statuses can be about theology but reflect someone's impatience with others or seeks it's own...attention, pride,etc.. 

-       Does your life match up with what you’re saying? Is it practically lived out? Family members are often ones who will keep you honest about things like this. I know with having so many siblings, we're all the time reading what we post on facebook... and several times have had to challenge what someone might have written because it's not in sync with their daily life.   

-       Can be confusing. we have to remember that all kinds of people in all kinds of places in life are reading what we write. So, not everyone will come to your page with the same background or presuppositions that you have. And that's okay. But when you can try to be as simple as you are detailed, as Big picture as you are specific.  Just ask yourself before you post, will someone who wasn't raised in church or someone who doesn't attend seminary understand what I'm saying.. or have I given at least the resources to find out what I'm saying if they don't. 

1 Corinthians 10:33, "I try to please all men in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved" (RSV). 

-     Gives ground for discord. I can't tell you how many times I've posted something  with good intentions and it really opened up a can of worms. I feel that I'm not only responsible for my updates but also the comments others have following those posts. And most of the times I can usually jot a quick note to explain myself or clarify things. Sometimes I've just had to delete what I wrote and the comments too because I realize it wasn't encouraging and it provided too much opportunity for discord among friends... and among people who don't even know each other. I want to be one who encourages and brings people together. Just like in person to person... I need to know just who I can let my hair down around and talk about some things with and who I just shouldn't.   

Facebook,Twittering, and Blogging to the Glory of God (pt.1)

I had the honor of going to a women's conference this weekend and leading a breakout session on how to use online social networking sites to the Glory of God. I learned a lot by preparing for it and I knew I was coming to them as one who struggles to use it properly and lovingly and have a balance in my daily life.  But I thought I'd put my notes on here in a series of posts.  That way I can go back and reread them to remember often.   

* my first class was 8 elderly women who really just wanted to know more information about this www. world that was all around them. So we camped out on Emailing to the Glory of God. (I had assumed everyone wouldn't want to talk about email so I really didn't feel prepared... but it ended great and hopefully there are 8 more people who are committed to NOT resending long forwards of photos of cats hanging in trees, thinking they are going to get blessed that day because they sent it to 20 friends.  :o) No, seriously, it was encouraging to see them want to strive to better love those in their lives. 

Joshua Harris got me thinking how a certain passages of scripture, (with a few added phrases for our new electronic forms of

communication), could be useful to inform our e-mailing, blogging and tweeting. Here are a few suggestions of his with new

words in italics: Note: he is not re-writing scripture here, just imagining how a biblical principle would have an effect on these modern forms

of communication by applying what it says about communication in general.

Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my keyboard; keep watch over the door of my send button!

Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the Twitter feed of fools proclaims folly.

James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to read, slow to reply all, slow to click send.

Proverbs 14:7 Don't follow the status updates of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

Proverbs 10:19 When blogging is abundant, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains hiskeyboard is wise.

Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose comments on blogs are like sword thrusts, but the comments of the wise brings healing.

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome words be written by your fingers but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who read it.

Proverbs 18:2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinion.

Proverbs 18:21 Words kill, Words give life; they’re either poison or fruit -- you choose.

Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

* 1 Timothy 4:5 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer."

* 1 Corinthians 10:23 "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive.

* helpful verses to keep in mind as we seek to have a balance in life, striving for disciplined loving and effective lives that display the gospel to those around us. 

10 ways to Use Facebook to ENCOURAGE

others and Point others to Christ

1. Be Real. You’re more likely to impact

someone’s life by applying the truth of God in

your own personal situations vs. posting a

random verse or quote. showing others that you

have struggles brings the Gospel to life.

2. Be Purposeful. When you get on facebook have

a system or a pattern you follow that keeps you

using that time wisely. i.e. have friend lists that

you check and have those as priorities. Have a

time limit as well.

3. Be Rejoicing. Birthdays, Announcements, are

just some of many reasons you can be happy for

those in your life. look at those types of updates

as not just the 411 on others but as an

opportunity to take the time to speak

encouragement into the situation. (and

sometimes those are great times to speak truth

and wisdom into others lives as well, without it

appearing random) Avoid just saying "congrats" or just "happy birthday"

and say something that means more and is more

personal.

4. Be Cautious. Many times those you write to

will get your words within minutes and you can

write back and forth without a lot of time to

think over your words. This can be dangerous,

especially if you’re discussing something that

you might not agree with or that you feel

strongly about. Also tone is hard to convey over

typed words.

5. Be Kind. Even when speaking wisdom or

correction to others. Make it clear... Go

overboard with kindness and gentleness. The

person’s wall you may be writing on may be

able to handle a certain tone or way of

communicating may be fine, but other readers

may not. We have to take responsibility for all

possible aspects of how we’ll be understood.

6. Be productive. And I don’t mean by baking 100

too many “pies” or harvesting 100 too many

acres of “farmland”. Those can be mindless

activities that are relaxing to engage in but there

are so many more ways to make use of your time

on facebook. We as women have to fight against

idleness and some of you may truly have time for

online farming ... but if we’re really honest I

don’t know if that is the best use of our time

online.

7. Be Redemptive. Many people won’t embrace a

lot culture has to offer and you’ll hear often that

facebook isn’t for real relationships. I think

instead of joining the critique, even if facebook

isn’t your thing is to remind others that with all

things in our culture it’s the sinfulness of man

that corrupts our world around us, and that

Christ came to redeem us from that sin and to

redeem this world. Thus we can avoid that

“sacred vs. secular” debate. “do all things to the

Glory of God” turns drinking OJ into a very

sacred thing.

8. Be Current. Again, facebook may not be your

thing. But it will be your kids thing, or your

neighbors thing or a friends thing. Sometimes

being missional in our living means stepping up

and learning about something that seems

complicated and takes time in order to impact

the lives of those around us and those far away.

9. Be Close. Facebook is great for connecting with

old friends or classmates, but it’s also a great

public way to dote on those in your own family.

I know my husband comes home every

afternoon and checks FB, it makes his day when

I write on his wall and declare my affections for

him for everyone to see. Kids are no different! it

might seem dorky! But it’s a concrete way of

saying I Love You to teens and kids.

10. Be Amused. Often I have to laugh at what I see

on FB. People will say dumb things, People will

throw sheep at you, People will post unflattering

photos of you, People will tell you way more

than you ever wanted to know. So, in those

moments it’s really important to keep a sense of

humor and also to take things with a grain of salt

and have a big picture mentality.

"Make new friends but keep the old..."

  helpful tips in managing friends and friend requests.

 ·      BE wise.  Facebook can redefine the term friend a little and now we have access to people we'd like to be friends with or have things in common. But we still need to be wise with who we allow into that realm of information. As a photographer, I have friends on facebook that I'm friends with because I learn from their work, but their friends sometimes request me to be their friend and many times I don't accept because I don't know what photos they'll be posting and what their facebook posts may contain. Past flames (boyfriend/girlfriend) can be ones that you may want to use caution with. The enemy has a way of luring us into deceptive and lustful thoughts.  The enemy hates marriage and purity and will work hard but cunningly to attack it. Be Cautious. 

·      Use Lists. Organize your friends into manageable lists that you can check daily, weekly, monthly.  Before family get togethers…. Before Small Groups. Etc… Being a part of a small group at church I'm committed to loving and understanding and praying for this group of people. So, weekly, if not daily I need to be checking up on them, striving to encourage them. I do that mainly by having a list with all their updates in one place that I can access with a click.  Same with family members... facebook doesn't know who to put on your info. feed/home page. So take action and make a few lists and you'll find that you'll be a lot more effective in loving others in your life.   

·      Do you have mutual friends? I can't tell you how many times having mutual friends with a new friend has helped us bond and often instantly adds a much deeper level of understanding and trust. It's amazing the people God brings into your life, even if it's just for a time... He has great purposes. And through facebook I have see some of those purposes and have been blessed through those connections.  

·      Do NOT invite them to play games, answer questions, accept applications. It’s a fast way to lose friends. If you KNOW they like a certain game or WANT to answer questions about you or know what you think about them... then I think that's fine and can be fun. But A LOT of people don't and they don't want to be intended with those posts and invites. 

·      Find out if their on facebook much. To avoid frustrations at lack of response or interest. Especially if you’re a last minute planner/inviter. I've had this happen many times since I have access to online every day many times a day. Some do not. Some can't use it at work and you'll find they are on mostly on the weekends. Some just forget and don't use it hardly at all.  Knowing their level of interaction via facebook or twitter really helps with expectations. 

·      DO they have a blog or twitter mostly? what way do they share more intimately what their life entails.  Do they mostly just use email or twitter. I have friends that I'll email my blog posts to, or know that when I have information that I share on facebook messages that I just need to email that information to them in order to know they received it.  I have friends that they follow when I tweet and would get my tweet in moments but forget to check their facebook messages. So it just helps to know how best to love and communicate with your friends. It may seem like more work but relationships take work... and really, it's just a few minutes. 

.... hope these tips help. Lots more to come. :o)