Work Days Worth

Thursday Morning, 9:33am

2010-12-09T09:33:00.000-06:00

I parted my hair on the other side today. I don't look any different or I'd post a picture, but we'll see what happens. At this point I feel good about it and my walk to work was considerably easier because the breeze blows east while I walk south, therefore my bangs didn't flop across my face the whole way. I also didn't have to walk straight with my shoulders angled. It's a strong breeze! It makes for funky bangs some days.

Have a good day, now.

Sarah

Flag Banner DIY

2010-11-19T14:08:00.001-06:00

I've been a little absent. I know it and I apologize. But I'm back with a sweet little sewing project I just whipped up! I had a world map, some fabric remnants from an old project, and a fancy new sewing machine to boot! I made this up on the fly. Here's what I did:

Flag Banner

Step 1 - Trace and cut out triangles from the map.

Step 2 - Pin the cut pieces to the fabric and sew a straight, basic stitch:

Step 3 - Cut out the long sides, leaving the top open. You can figure out how you want to pin the ribbon later. This will give you the room to tweak how you need:

Stitch detail

Back

All sewn and cut! Ready to pin on the ribbon.

Step 4 - Pin flags to the ribbon of your choice, and sew:

When pinning on to the ribbon, make sure you measure an equal distance from flag to flag. I eyeballed it, as I do with most of my projects, so I couldn't tell you how many inches are in between each flag.

I chose to sew a strait line all the way across the top of each flag and through to the next. If you do this, be sure to pull the ribbon tight as the machine chugs along. My ribbon was a bit narrow and thin and easily puckered when I didn't keep it tight.

Step 5 - Make sure all is secure. Cut off all rough edges and stray threads.

Step 6 - Where to hang? I haven't decided yet. Or even if I'll keep it for myself. But here it is:

Viola! That was pretty easy, right?

Sarah

Holiday Prepping

2010-10-20T10:00:00.004-05:00

We are already more than 1/2 way through October, which means the holidays will be here before we know it. With that thought in mind I've begun my search for a Christmas card. I have never sent out personal cards, so this year will be a first for me.

I know in the past I have always loved receiving a card that includes a picture of the sende, so that is what I'm wanting to do. First up, picking out the card.

Do I want to do a simple Flat Photo Card?

Or perhaps a Photo-Insert Greeting Card?

Do we want to include a Christmas letter?

This is the reason I'm starting my search now. We've had a very eventful year and I'd like to share that with our friends and family.

Here are two of my favorites so far:

flat-card :

folded-card:

Maybe if I'm lucky I'll score some cards at Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon. Or perhaps I'll find an online coupon code!

Anyone else getting ready for the holidays this early? I have to start preparing now because if this year goes anything like the past few, my procrastination will sneak up and take over.

Cassie

Growing Up A Room

2010-10-18T16:36:00.008-05:00

Surprise, here I am! I know I've been missing-in-action for a little while, but I'm back. Thankfully Sarah was faithful and has been keeping busy with some awesome projects like chair recovery and apartment updating.

The last time I posted was while visiting Sarah in the great state of Texas. Since returning I made a much-needed update to our master bedroom.

I finally got some new bedding! I searched IKEA like crazy but couldn't find anything I was really sold on. During an impromptu visit to Target I found exactly what I was looking for. Extra bonus: found it on clearance for 40% off!!

The color goes great with the blue/grey color scheme I'm slowly integrating into the room.

Next up: wall paint, which just so happens to be my decorating fear.

-Cassie

Move Update

2010-08-27T12:02:00.003-05:00

Amanda and I painted the master bathroom and bedroom off the hall last night. We are dealing with dark sage green, bright denim blue, and lots of tan as the existing paint colors. So here's what we are doing instead:

Isn't it great?! So easy and clean and fresh in comparison to hard man-colors. Each color belongs to a room and stands alone with a little more radiance then this would allow. But as a whole, walking through the place, there's a cohesiveness to the lot.

Aesthetics is VERY important to me.

I'll post Before/After pictures soon :)

Sarah

Moving Day Is Upon Us

2010-08-26T10:43:00.001-05:00

See that?

Those are the keys to

my new home.

Moving day happens this Saturday.

But painting starts tonight...

Sarah

Woodland Chair

2010-07-26T14:44:00.006-05:00

I did something this weekend I've never done before. Something I've always wanted to do. I reupholstered a piece of furniture! I've had this one piece that I've wanted to re-cover for a year or more now, but after much research, I think it will have to be done by a professional. But now I was left with this itch to still do it! But to what? I've thought of every way possible for my first piece and just don't know if I can pull it off.

Then I was given a couple of chairs that I thought just had a few screws and staples to handle. Excellent, I'll just conquer those! I was totally wrong though. Cassie had come to Texas that weekend and I'd told her about a DIY possibility. She was pumped and brought her staple gun since I didn't have one. We were out and about and I picked up fabric that I loved and I knew I'd use. It was going to be great! But at the end of the day, Cassie and I were on the floor pulling as hard as we could in opposite directions and the seat wouldn't budge from the base. Fail. We lugged them out by my dumpster and someone had ganked them within the hour.

So now I had this fabric... A fantastic pattern of origami woodland creatures native to those I saw in Alaska! Mmm! I knew I would totally use it because I was so fond of it and it went really well with my decor. I was thinking about incorporating it into my bedding or a throw pillow... hmm. Then on Friday, I remembered that a co-worker had a chair he'd snagged for a makeover but didn't want anymore. It was one of the old chairs in my church's choir loft:

You can see the good shape and the potentially easy project this would probably be, right..? So I started at it. I began by unscrewing everything I could and then started removing the old staples. The maroon-ish fabric wasn't coming off as easily as I assumed it would, considering that it was disintegrating in certain areas. And the staples were breaking off in most places rather than coming out of the wood. Grr! Don't even get me started on the original foam:

Alright, alright, so I got it all off and wiped it clean. Baby's ready to paint!

I took her out to my back porch and spray painted the wood with a low gloss, black, outdoor furniture paint. I painted the hymnal side rack separately, to attach later. I wanted to maybe paint parts or not at all? But the wood was pretty banged up, so the choice to paint it all black was the right one.

Next was upholstering the separate piece that attached to the seat back. Initially, the only difficult part of this piece was lining up the fabric the way I wanted it. I wanted the wolf and the white bird to be as centered as possible, while still seeing the moose. In the end, I had to dig through the new fabric and find the holes in the back where the screws would go to re-attach it. Oi vey.

Below is a picture of the back and front. The back side needed a single piece of fabric to lay square since it would be partially visible. This was a bit of trial an error due to the fact that the staple line had to be in the right spot to be hidden under the wood it would attach to.

Next was the seat. I had purchased a few yards of plain , white cotton to wrap the seat first, get that secured good and tight, and also to mess with to plan out how I'd lay the main fabric.

I got the base down nicely. It was looking good and I was feeling good. But as I kept going I had to do all of these crazy folds and corners. So after many folds and temporary stapling, my Woodland chair was starting to work with me.

It took two days, some fabric, a staple gun, and some cuss words, but I had myself a new treasure. Here's the finished product:

I would love to tell you exactly how I did it and what type of corner fold I ended up using. But the fact of the matter is, I'm an illustrator. The only knowledge I had in my bank was present wrapping and a few DIY articles over the years. I seem to pull these projects off most of the time by messing with things as I go; trial and error. Here's what she looks like with a few Anthropologie catalogs in the side rack and some old art text books underneath. I'm pretty friggin' pleased:

Project Breakdown

Chair: Free

Fabric: white - 2 yds at $3.99; woodland - 2 yds at $7.99

Staple gun: $8.99

Staples: $2.89

Foam: Free (original)

Total: $35.84

Sarah

What If

2010-07-23T12:50:00.000-05:00

Sarah

Currently, July 16

2010-07-16T09:18:00.008-05:00

Today's where-we-are-at-this-very-moment post is extra exciting! Why you ask?! Because we are BOTH currently here:

However, the guys are all playing video games, soo... the excitement looks more like this:

There will be more interesting pictures later. Giddy up.

Cassie & Sarah

Neglected Mailboxes

2010-07-06T20:24:00.010-05:00

I am a large advocate of the written word. While emails are easier, quicker, and well, free, there is nothing better than opening your mailbox and finding a personal note addressed to your name.

I have been searching around for a nice set of stationary and it made me wonder how many people actually own personalized paper and notecards. Something with your name embossed on each set and a design that expresses a little bit about you.

I like the simple playful look of this. I feel like it also carries a feel of formality with the name in the bottom corner.

Again with the fun and formal. While I'm not a big fan of the color, the design is simple and sweet. The script fancies it up a bit, which is always nice for a thank you note.

Something blue and bubbly was bound to catch my eye.

Personalized stationary has always been a fascination of mine. I've been collecting different letters, notepads, and papers for as long as I can remember. You can always score some great deals at garage sales where people are selling a basket full of mismatched items for .25 or less. I use those pieces and cut images out and place them onto other cards. Each piece can be personable and one of a kind.

I always feel silly when people ask me where I got a card or stationary set because I don't have an answer, except that I personalized it for the given occasion.

The simple act of cutting out a few shapes in a card and attaching a colored sheet of paper to the backside for a nice pop is an easy and fun way to jazz up an otherwise boring piece of stationary.

Sometimes I wonder if I was born a century earlier than intended. Every time I watch 'Pride & Prejudice' it takes a few days for me to accept that there is no real Mr. Darcy walking through the night to come and sweep me off my feet (which is probably a good thing, I don't think Stephen would be a very big fan of that happening)!

My next idea is to try and make myself some stationary with addressed envelopes. I have high hopes. If only I knew calligraphy. This may require some online ordering...

-Cassie

Currently, June 25

2010-06-25T13:58:00.001-05:00

Sarah
Texas
1:55pm

This just turned to...

...this

...really fast.

Cassie

Florida

1:25pm

My bags are packed.

Family reunion in Biloxi this weekend! Is it 5:00 yet?!

What I Wore Today

2010-06-10T13:42:00.000-05:00

If you're curious.

Sarah

Currently, June 8

2010-06-08T11:27:00.000-05:00

It has been over a month since we gave you a quick snippet into our lives at-this-very-moment. I've been slacking while Sarah has given you lovely eye candy with that fabulous octo-couch (that sounds worst written out) and that dreamy lemon-drop necklace.

Cassie

Florida

10:20am

Work is crazy

Time to play my turn in Scrabble against Sarah

Sarah

Houston
11:13am

On the phone with an electronics company.
This person is from New Zealand. This is altogether pleasant.

Desired Octopus; Chiseled Drop

2010-05-28T14:30:00.003-05:00

I went to Anthropologie yesterday after work. I just wanted to pick up some of my current favorite handcreme in "Wish," and ended up dreaming of outfit combination's and beautiful couches and whimsical tea cups and the beautiful dinner parties I would host in my eclectic home.

I saw that my couch is still there, yet to be purchased:

It's quite lovely! This is a piece that I'm afraid I don't know how to compromise on. I'm really good at cutting costs and finding look alikes and finding designer goods at half-off places or making things myself. But this couch I don't think I can find anywhere else. You saw how expensive it is. And I still need to get my car worked on. One day...?

As I walked past my Amelie Sofa, I remembered that I'm in need of freshening up my wardrobe a bit. I like to save up money to buy good pieces of clothing, as I know the cheap ones aren't typically well made. I'm saving some money for various things that I've needed for a while now, so I'm not in a place to go buy Anthropologie jeans and dresses and octopus sofas. However, one way to spice up/freshen up is with good accessories. Whether it be shoes, a bag, a belt, or some jewelry, something bold and versatile can really add some change to the appearance of things. Having a new accessory can force your mind to look at the existing clothing you own and put it into new combination and pairings that you wouldn't normally arrange.

For example: I have a brown button down with a big sherbert orange flower pattern on it. (That sounds horribly ugly, but rest assured these colors are soft and quite welcoming. You know I would never choose to wear Thanksgiving colors. Even on Thanksgiving.) I have this belt and I noticed the buckle had the same tone as the orange in the button down. Hmm. I like how it looked belted at my waist's bend so I kept going. I grabbed my cobalt blue, chunky, beaded necklace that I made and it linked the belt right in. The blues were excellent with each other, and they stood out more because the orange flowers were their color compliment. I changed the medium wash jeans for dark denim, threw on my camel colored peep toe flats, and there you have my example ;)

So, as I said before the example, I remembered that I'm in need of freshening up my wardrobe a bit. I had a "Wish" in my hand as I floated over to the jewelry cases, and I stumbled upon this lovely dream:

Hello, hello? Divine I tell you. This piece is the exact shade of the peachy parts on my skin. I have a thing for elephant gray. I love yellow. Divine. I struggled a bit at first because I loved the green one. But I have two other necklaces that have this green color. This peachy one I have nothing like.

So I went for it.

And I love it.

And I'm wearing it right now with a peach tank with a ruffle around the neck, a heather gray, short sleeved, long cardigan, and scruffy jeans.

Happy Friday to you readers and to you, Cassie.

Sarah

Lord of Lords

2010-05-21T10:51:00.008-05:00

When my heart is heavy I call for the Holy Spirit to intercede and pray on my behalf as it says in Romans 8:

Romans 8:18-26, Future Glory

¹⁸For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ¹⁹For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope ²¹that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. ²²For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. ²³And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? ²⁵But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

²⁶Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

This has always been an amazing truth. One I can't always seem to swallow. When I find myself in this place, I also seek music. I seek a good minor chord. Lord of Lords, by Hillsong, is a song I can sing when my own words don't come. It's a song to sing when I don't know what I need.

My friend, worshiper, and next album cover, Tommy Lynch, asked me this week to help him lead worship at a retreat this weekend. He said that he had one song in mind that he knew would be perfect; Lord of Lords.

My heart is a bit lighter knowing that I can sing this with my friend and lead His people in this song, that calls out from my heart to the Lord of Lords, "I am Your servant come to bring You glory as is fit for the work of Your hands."

Sarah

The Happs in FL

2010-05-15T11:24:00.011-05:00

I recently tried a new project that kind of tested my patience. For years I have wanted an upholstered headboard, and I finally decided to make one myself. It was going to save me tons of cash, and anything I can do that will save us money and add character to our house is at the top of my list!

What I discovered, as usual, is that when I finish a project I figure out shortcuts. If I decide to make another headboard down the road I can whip that thing up in a few hours, and it will be nicer than the one currently sitting in my master bedroom.

I got the wood, the staple gun, the fabric and the batting. Then I constructed this baby:

You know what this reveals more than anything? It's time to update the bedding in our room!

The headboard also needs something that makes it pop. I'm thinking some buttons or maybe some tacking.

Now you know what I've been doing over here in Florida. We are excited to be planning a trip to Texas in July. It will be so much fun to hangout with Sarah in Houston. I'm sure it will be one jam packed and awesome trip.

Cassie

"I Draw Things" Brings In The Tees

2010-05-07T12:04:00.007-05:00

I have a drawing blog that I've had for a few years that started when my friends were always seeing me doodle. They said I should keep those or display those in some way. I couldn't understand why because some of these were on napkins or a place mat at dinner. But alas, I Draw Things was born.

On the side of the webpage, I have a column of fellow Blogsters and websites I find inspiring. One of the inspiring blogs is Enthos. Enthos is a design company that did some tshirts for my brother-in-law's camp, Zephyr, a few years ago. Some Summer Staffer tees, you know. My bro, Tyler, told me they did good work and he knows my style and thought I'd like them to. A "check out their website" kind of conversation.

So one of the Enthos guys somehow made it over to my drawing blog and saw that I'd listed them on my site. So he did some viewing and loved the bird I drew for Cassie and posted this:

Rad. We connected via email and he sent me this puppy:

The best part of it all is that this dude likes my stuff, I got free stuff, Cassie's piece is now in Florida, Enthos is in McCallen, TX, i.e. I'm effecting the USA, and the tee he sent is yellow. I look BAD in yellow, but somehow this shade is great! It's buttery and soft cotton. Mmm, buttery. I'm hungry. and it's lunch time.

I'm out!

Sarah

Currently, April 30

2010-04-30T07:51:00.010-05:00

Cassie

7:48 am

Pensacola

It's Friday and I'm at work early

but it's Friday, so let's do this!

Sarah

8:06 am

Houston

Late for Work! Messing up my

jewelry drawer to find the

right piece! "Yes. This one!"

✓ Check!

2010-04-22T13:06:00.001-05:00

I adore this!

✓ Amazing calligraphy

✓ Feminine touches
✓ Masculine colors

✓ Beveled edges
✓ Scrabble tiles

✓ Elegance
✓ Whimsy

Sarah

A Harkening, Episode 4

2010-04-21T16:10:00.011-05:00

I'm currently at home while the washing machine gets repaired. See this post below for a reference and possible visual. "Burt" is the alpha repair man here. With his hair, tight wranglers and gum chewing, you can see why I chose his re-name. The other man is speaking only Spanish when not talking to "Burt." He looks like a nice enough fellow; I shall name him "Hermano."

Before you read the following dialog, please know that these two gentlemen are speaking about wires within the wall of the washing machine. And scene:

[Scene]

Burt: It should fire up black and white right there.

Hermano: Okay. Tell me when you're ready.

Burt: Stick it in there.

                            Hermano: Black then red is coming. I can try this right here.

                            Burt: Ohh, try it again. Let's take this off... You take this off.

                            Hermano: I don't want to get my hand stuck.

                            Burt: Mmm, that's dirty.

[Scene]

This is where things got a little intense. I cut them off after the dirty talk started after opening up another side of the machine.

The names of the individuals have been changed for the privacy of those mentioned.

Sarah

Currently, April 21

2010-04-21T15:42:00.003-05:00

Sarah

3:38 pm

Houston

Sitting at home while the washing machine gets fixed.

Can you see this guy's hair? And the glasses. Look at his glasses.
Total Burt Reynolds with the gum chewing, too.

Cassie
3:22 pm
Gulf Breeze

Gulf Breeze? Try Gulf Freeze in this office!

Reunited

2010-04-19T09:51:00.010-05:00

I am speaking for both Sarah and myself here, but this weekend was pretty fabulous!

Sarah & her cutie boyfriend came to Florida for a wedding and I was lucky enough to hang out with her as much as possible :D

The weekend consisted of lots of talking, enjoying the florida sun, and late night coffee! I had a great time and can hardly wait until we can visit each other again {theRingls visit Houston, July 2010}.

Here are a few previews of some of our time together.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend as well :)

-Cassie

Fun Furniture Finds

2010-04-11T18:16:00.013-05:00

I was searching Craigslist this afternoon and came across the weirdest thing.

In case anyone is looking for a haunted couch, I found one... and for only $100 !

I couldn't pass this opportunity up and let this go unnoticed. Do you want to watch Ghostbusters as much as I do now?!?!

-Cassie

p.s. I included a re-post below so it's easier to read. The description is enlightening. And for all you skeptics, the 'discoloration' in the photo is from the spirit(s), not the flash of the camera.

Haunted Brown Couch! Take It Away! - $100 (West Pensacola)
Date: 2010-04-11, 6:05PM EDT
Reply to: removed for protection of the potential "ghost(s)" ^{[Errors when replying to ads?]}

Hello, hello! I am here today selling my mother's lovely couch from a lovely semi-haunted house. Truth be told the spirits don't bother us and we don't bother them but you'll be able to see evidence of the little guys in the photos by the way of faint orbs that appear in the shots.

Despite the actual creepy factor the couch is very comfortable with thick squishy cushions and has bore witness to five seasons and half of Lost. It's seen many college friends needing a soft place to crash, and my mother's Sunday naps in front of NASCAR. I'm sure that once the spirits acclimate to your home and you see just how much this couch matches your window treatments you will love it too!

Location: West Pensacola
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Currently, April 9

2010-04-09T09:41:00.001-05:00

Sarah

9:28am

Houston

Breakfast and my work face.

Cassie

9:46am

Pensacola

Morning caffeine FTW.

Moving Foward

2010-03-30T09:41:00.019-05:00

My husband sent this to me today and it impacted me a lot. It touched my heart and, more importantly, my stubborn brain. I have been struggling with loving Christ with all my heart, mind, and my soul. I was worried that I was getting burnt out on the 'religiousness' of it all. I have finally allowed my heart to remember that it isn't about the legalism that the world sees, or our 'high church attendance'. It's about my personal relationship with my all-loving and all forgiving God. I'm so glad I have a husband that encourages me without making me feel belittled, and constantly shows me love when I feel so very unworthy. I hope you are touched by this like I have been...

The Greatest Impact You Have May Come out of Your Pain

by: Donald Miller

Have you ever met somebody who has been hurt, wrongfully hurt and is bitter about it? It’s difficult to have compassionr, even though they have a right and reason to be bitter. We may want justice for them, and may even have empathy, but there is something imperfect about the story. And yet I find bitterness is easy when I’ve been wronged. Vengeance is a normal reaction, it seems, a human reaction. What else are we supposed to to with our pain?

Years ago I read a book called Country of my Skull, about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. The TRC was a commission put together by Nelson Mandella to hear cases of crimes against humanity committed under apartheid. Mandella asked Bishop Desmond Tutu to head up the commission.

When asked what sort of people Tutu wanted to serve with him, he answered he wanted victims, people who knew firsthand the atrocities of apartheid, those whose lives had been ripped open, who’d lost families and loved ones. But what he said next would change my life forever. Tutu said he did not just want the victims who had stayed victims, but he wanted victims who had forgiven the guilty, who had the moral character to give of themselves when they had every right to be angry and vindictive. These people, Tutu said, are the most capable to help others heal, because they have the education of empathy, they know what pain feels like, and can guide the bitter into forgiveness and strength, and the guilty into reconciliation. He called these people wounded healers.

At the time I read that book, I was working on my own book about growing up without a father. And at the time, having to mine my own childhood, I was tempted toward bitterness. It was Bishop Tutu’s words that steered me clear of sharp rocks.

When we stay bitter, we don’t grow, and we don’t help the people around us. What God wants to do with our pain is turn it into ministry, into an empathy that will heal others. Some of the darkest seasons in your life may turn into a gift for somebody else. And if we are willing to allow our pain and hardship to be used to help others, our pain is given dignity.

I’m often asked if I could, would I change my life so that my father would have stayed around. That’s a difficult question to answer, honestly. Were it not for the pain in my life, I wouldn’t have started The Mentoring Project, and potentially millions of young men would not be provided a positive male role model. I believe in a God who can take our pain, heal it, and use the empathy to spread light rather than darkness. So in short, I do not wish for anything in my life to have been changed, no matter how hard.

To be sure, there are some dark things that happen in our lives that require the aid of somebody else to help us through them. Sexual abuse is, perhaps, the worst kind of pain. Sexual abuse in your past is best aided by a counselor. But after the process of healing, even the hardest, darkest pains can be transformed to help others.

So my question is, what does God want to do with your pain? Is it a blessing or a curse? My prayer is that it would move from the former to the latter, and you would become a wounded healer.

What pain in your life does God want to use to help others?

-Cassie

A Harkening, Episode 3

2010-03-26T09:35:00.002-05:00

At my second job I do a lot of computer work. I'm sitting, typing, thinking about what I will do when I get off today, when the following conversation happened:

[Scene]

Janet: What you need?

Wally: Oh, just something to suck on.

Janet: Well, I've got some candy...?

Wally: No, I wasn't looking for candy.

[Scene]

The names of the individuals have been changed for the privacy of those mentioned.

Sarah

Mmm, Shiny

2010-03-25T09:53:00.001-05:00

Hi. My name is Sarah and I'm typographaholic.

{Hi, Sarah}

Here is some typography design that I adore. I ache to make words and letters look this delicious...

Images courtesy of http://www.lukelucas.com/.

Sarah

Currently, Mar 18

2010-03-18T12:31:00.001-05:00

Sarah

10:14am

Houston

Working? Maybe. It's a good hair day.

Cassie

12:16pm

Pensacola

Gardening? Yes! Not so good a hair day...

Getting my gardening on!

Greater Evidence

2010-03-04T15:01:00.002-06:00

"My grace is sufficient for you." –– 2 Corinthians 12:9

If none of God's saints were poor and tested, we should not know half so well the consolations of divine grace. When we find the wanderer who has nowhere to lay his head, who yet can say, "Still will I trust in the Lord;" when we see the pauper starving on bread and water who still glories in Jesus; when we see the bereaved widow overwhelmed in affliction yet having faith in Christ, oh! what honor it reflects on the gospel. God's grace is illustrated and magnified in the poverty and trials of believers. Saints bear up under every discouragement, believing that all things work together for their good, and that out of apparent evils a real blessing shall ultimately spring –– that their God will either work a deliverance for them speedily, or most assuredly support the in the trouble, as long as He is pleased to keep them in it. This patience of the saints proves the power of divine grace. There is a lighthouse out at sea: it is the calm night –– I can't tell whether the structure is firm; the tempest must rage about it, and then I shall know whether it will stand. So with the Spirit's work: if it were not on many occasions surrounded with tempestuous waters, we should not know how firm and secure it was. The masterworks of God are those people who stand in the midst of difficulties, steadfast, unmovable, ––

"Calm mid the bewildering cry,

Confident of victory."

Those who would glorify their God must expect to encounter many trials. No one can be esteemed before the Lord without many conflicts. If, then, your path is marked with many trials, rejoice in it because your life will provide greater evidence of the all-sufficient grace of God. As for His failing you, don't even dream of it –– hate the very thought of it. The God who has been sufficient until now, should be trusted to the end.

Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon

Sarah

The Storque

2010-03-04T13:09:00.005-06:00

Recently I have been enjoying the browsing world of Etsy.com. It is so easy to go on the site and look at page after page of items. Some of the things make me wonder if I could do them myself, while others have me pulling out my credit card. It gives me a sense of euphoria.

While I was browsing the site I came upon something I had never noticed before. Etsy has a blog. On that blog they have a feature called How Tuesday. I'm sure you are wondering what in the world How-Tuesday is. Well let me give you the DL.

Basically some of the writers give step-by-step instructions on how to do really awesome projects.

This is the most recent that I instantly fell in love with!

My favorite part is that it's something cute, but not too complicated. Now If I had some mad awesome artistic skills I would probably decorate some items and try to sell them myself. However, that is not my forte. But that doesn't mean I won't at least try a coffee mug or two...

-Cassie

Hypotheses with Sarah: The Circulatory System

2010-02-27T23:40:00.002-06:00

While laying on my side with my head in my hand reading Cassie's last post below (I added the link in case you don't want to scroll down a few finger flicks), I started hearing a click in my inner ear. I got to the part where Cassie talks about Bernie and Bernia and realized the click was to the same rhythm as my heartbeat. The upon raising my head out of my hand... it stopped. Hmm. Head back in hand, commence to click. Weird. Oh, no, that is actually my heartbeat. Why is it...?

My Hypothesis: When my hand pushed against the bottom rim of cartilage on my ear, it caused enough pressure from the weight of my head to restrict the blood flowing through a vein in that area in or by my ear, thus causing the blood that was traveling though the vein to surge in a noticeable (and audible) force, in direct rhythm of my heartbeat.

Sarah

Ideas from Textures

2010-02-26T10:18:00.015-06:00

When passing some time the other day I happened into a fabric store. I am currently working on making an upholstered headboard so it's time to start looking at fabric. While browsing through the aisles I had a realization that astounded me. How long had it been since I've browsed fabric? When was the last time I walked down the rows to touch all the pretty options that hang in front of me?

Back in high school I didn't have a car. No car=No Job. So to make money I made bags and sold them. I took 'orders' of what colors/patterns people wanted and would whip up a lovely creation and charge a whopping $10. I still have some of my 'early projects' stashed away in the office closet today. A nice reminder of my beginning sewing skills. I thought I was the queen of all sewing when I made a swimsuit for myself. Heck, I still wear the top of that bikini when I get the chance to lay out in the beautiful Florida sun.

It was a really strange moment to think that it had been all the way back to high school and my early college years that me and Bernie (my sewing machine) were hanging out regularly. I got my very own sewing machine, a lovely Bernina, for high school graduation. The poor guy has been stuffed away in our guest room closet next to an old dresser that needs refinishing... poor guys.

After seeing & feeling all those lovely fabrics I couldn't help but feel the loss of an old hobby. Time to change that. I need to stop thinking about buying curtains in the stores & on all the fun decor websites (sorry Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, JCPenney, Pottery Barn, and IKEA). Me and Bernie are gonna go out for drinks and get re-acquainted. Well, I'll get a drink while I see if I can remember how to thread a needle and line up a spool. Non-alcoholic of course, the combination of wine and needles doesn't sound like it would be a successful start...

Here are a few of my inspiring finds...

Aren't they lovely? I think it's time I got to work on some curtains and pillows! I wish Sarah lived closer, I know she would love to help me use the 40% off coupon I found with a simple Google search...

-Cassie

For Cassie

2010-02-23T10:47:00.002-06:00

Cassie asked me to do a drawing for her a while back. She said she wanted a black and white, sketchy looking bird drawing. She gave me this image as an idea of what she wanted...

Good starting block for me. I didn't think much about it, but when I was on a retreat with the fools from work, this little one came to me. All I had was my sketch book and a pen, but she likes it!

You Floridians will have to go over to she and Ringl's new place to see it. My iPhone didn't take the best photo. Hopefully it will bring some whimsy to a happy little corner of Homestead Dr.

Sarah

[5 Things]... for fun (Cassie)

2010-02-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

5 Things I Am Looking Forward To:

Leading a group of 9th grade girls this weekend for our church's Disciple Now. I don't expect to get much sleep...
My brother coming in town next week (which usually means a pot roast dinner at my parents), Score!
Being a mom one day.
Completing the upholstered headboard for our bedroom.
Wedding Weekend in May. My little brother gets married on a Friday in Florida, my friend Sara Ray is getting married the next day, in North Carolina. Driving through the night after the 1st wedding to get there Saturday for the 2nd wedding should be a memory maker.

5 Things I Did Yesterday:

Put in a ridiculous amount of Oakley orders at work.
Car pooled with Stephen because the rental car was due back. We are officially a 1 car family.
Fell asleep in the Walgreens parking lot while waiting for Stephen to get off work, (then got in trouble with my dad when mentioning said nap). It was accidental, which may make it worst...
Had a delicious salad for dinner and felt proud. Then I got hungry and had 2 packs of PB crackers and a chocolate chip muffin. 5 points for trying!
Watched LOST with my hubby so he could catch up

5 Things I Wish I Could do:

Get up at 5:30 on the weekdays. Ah heck, I'd settle for 6:30!
Go on a trip with Shaw and Sarah. RV Road Trip planning commence!
Have a goat. Found quite a few on craigslist for free. He/She would be our very own lawn-mower!!
Have my long hair again. Do-Not-Cut-Short-Ever-Again!
Run a 5K without stopping. What once was possible can be again, right?

5 Places I’d Like to Travel To:

Egypt. I want to ride a camel...
Western hemisphere of the United States. I want to experience a warm day without massive humidity.
Spain: Gorgeous and Delicious!
A cruise. I've heard they're wonderful when you go with friends/family.
New England. Stephen went for a summer and loved it.

5 Great Things I've Found Online Lately:

Our bed on amazon.
Grooveshark.com - it's completely changed the way I clean and workout.
An amazing site: http://knockoffwood.blogspot.com The writer posts how-to plans for furniture. She gives you every detail you would ever need. The most current item that I would LOVE to think I could do is this fold-down desk. Who am I kidding, I want to build like 8 different things that she has posted on there! Did I mention it's all FREE?!?! Amazing!
These 2 necklaces on Etsy: 1st Necklace & 2nd Necklace
I love all things stationary related.

Cassie

[5 things]... for fun (Sarah)

2010-02-18T09:39:00.003-06:00

5 Things I Am Looking Forward To:

Going on this retreat with my graphics team this weekend. Just waiting for the van to get here...
My best friend since 6th grade, Leigh, is coming to stay with me with her daughter for a whole weekend in March!
My one year anniversary in March (approximate; can't remember the exact "first date" date) with the best man I'll ever know.
I'm going to buy some new jeans soon.
I'm reading Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon. A great devotional. I look forward to it every day.

5 Things I Did Yesterday:

Created a brochure.
Sang it out at band practice for Sunday Worship.
Laughed with my boss.
Kissed my boyfriend.
Packed for the retreat.

5 Things I Wish I Could do:

Lose 10 more pounds. Maybe that's too much...
See Cassie and Ringl.
Get a dog.
Get a manicure and pedicure every week. Throw in a massage while I'm asking.
Get a new car. Or a used one. Just one from this century, really.

5 Places I’d Like to Travel To:

Spain: I need to come see you again.
Alaska: You were good to me when I was young. I need to come back.
Hawaii: That's a given.
Paris: I need to see the painting my ancestor did that's in the Lourve.
Italy: Mmmm.

5 Great Things I've Found Online Lately:

This is one of many great necklaces my sister makes
Cute tree bookshelf
Great video, Fleet Foxes, Mykonos
Style.com app. Fantastic.
Nerf Swords

Cassie's turn!

Sarah

Florida's States

2010-02-17T18:17:00.010-06:00

Living in the Sunshine State of Florida for the past 20 years I am continually amazed at the crazy weather cycles. When people think of Florida or see post cards it's all beaches, sunshine and sand. I'm gonna let you in on a little local-tip, that's not Florida. Maybe if you live in Miami, but even then you have afternoon showers every afternoon at 12 and 2pm.

When you live in Florida there are a few ways to describe where you live. Florida in itself has a few different entities. The state has some invisible borders that most people don't know about. Kind of like the middle-east, those borders can get confusing.

Here's the low down:
-Panhandle, aka: Panama City and LA (lower-Alabama)
-Jacksonville and the 'College Towns' (FSU, UF)
-Orlando (which apparently describes ALL central FL, you know because of Disney World)
-Then there's everything below Orlando, aka: Miami (aka: Not Florida)

Then things get even more wacky when you reach Orlando. There are a few things that are really helpful when traveling to central-florida and below.
1) Be bi-lingual. While I wish I could speak fluent Spanish, I can not. My 2 years of high school spanish, and semester in college just didn't do it for me long-term memory wise.
2) Have air-conditioning. Of course this is true for all of florida, but especially the further down you go!
3) Rain Ponchos. Store them, everywhere! Car, House, Work, Purse... be prepared!
4) Portable Blow-Dryer! Trust me ladies, this would be a sound investment. Sweat, Rain, or unexpected sprinkler - you can never go wrong here!
5) Pools-Pools-Pools! Either live in an apartment with one, or become BFF's with someone that has one. You can never go wrong with a cool-dip in the spring, summer, and "fall"!

There ya have it. A few tips from a local. I personally haven't been below Orlando, which is almost an 8-hour drive. Miami is just under 12 hours! Ya... Florida is kinda big. But, as the saying holds true, Everything's bigger in Texas!

-Cassie

Drink, Swallow, Mmm!, Wait...

2010-02-16T10:22:00.002-06:00

Sarah

Aunts, Ho!

2010-02-12T14:21:00.002-06:00

Can I just say, if you can get in on this aunt (or uncle) stuff, you should. Here are my sister's kids in order of birth... Sadie, Tessa, and Jack.

I'm not a kid connoisseur, generally speaking, but they've changed my mind about many things. I see an encourager and friend in Sadie, a leader and defender in Tessa, a loyal intelligence and physical strength in Jack, and a lover in all of them. And blue eyes! Our beloved Cobb family's blue eyes! And Tyler (their dad, my bro-in-law) has a lovely pair, too :)

There have also been some funny conversations with them. They are all clever and surprising with their thoughts and I've written some things down. I think I'll have some new flash episodes of A Harkening with these conversations. Stay tuned for that!

They are on my mind because I haven't seen them since Christmas and my mom went down there for the weekend. [sigh] I should visit soon. Maybe Shaw can come with.

Sarah

Accidental Wish Grants

2010-02-12T07:00:00.004-06:00

I had a really weird thing happen to me yesterday.

I've mentioned before that I work part-time. Well because of that I have 1 day off during the work week, and I usually use that day to run errands. Although I don't like the income of working part-time, you will never hear me complain on Thursdays, especially when I'm lounging around the house with my late-morning cup of coffee.

Yesterday, after finishing my errands, I was driving home and had something totally bizarre happen.

Where we live there are quite a few roads that are 35 mph. Then there's me, and I'm a 5mph over the speed limit kinda gal, unless I'm on the interstate (but let's just keep that between us). So when I was going 38 on my way home I made a new friend. Well, we aren't actually friends, but I thought he wanted to be because he was riding so close to me. We eventually came to a part of the street where you can pass, and well, he did. He didn't just pass me either, he totally left me in his dust. I'm not an aggressive driver, but I may have mumbled "he should get pulled over" after he passed me.

Well, you can't imagine how surprised I was when about 1/2 mile down the road I saw him punch on his brakes. Then, I saw why. Turns out there was a cop parked and waiting for his next victim. I ended up passing them both parked on the side of the road.

I didn't mind that he passed me, for all I know he had to pee real bad and was rushing home. When I passed by those 2 cars that cop looked mad. He was t-i-c-k-e-d that someone would speed that fast in his territory.

How weird is it that I made a wish and it came true? I wished a guy a traffic ticket, and he got one. Oh and trust me, it was probably a biggey!

So, to the guy who passed me on Hamilton Bridge Road today, my bad.

Cassie

Phalanges & the like

2010-02-10T08:00:00.003-06:00

I don't know where you are reading this from, but here in Florida it has been one crazy cold winter! It seems like the weather can't make up it's mind. Last week it got up to 70, and when I walked outside to head to work this morning it was a chilling 38. How are people supposed to dress appropriately with this randomness, or set our thermostats appropriately?

In these cold months I have discovered that the chilling weather doesn't just affect me outside anymore. Our house has something I'm not used to: tile, and a lot of it! I'm not just saying that either, it's all over the dang place. In almost every-single-room. There's the living room, den, dining room, kitchen, laundry room, hallways, and bathrooms. Do you know what happens to tile when it's cold outside? It's gets cold and stays cold! There is no warmth to it like there is with carpet. No cushioning under your feet to keep your toes warm. I don't think I've worn socks so often in all my life since we moved! This new tile is cold, hard, and super chilly.

With this tile-discovery I have been on the hunt. The hunt for floor warming items. You know what I've discovered? Rugs are crazy expensive! I suppose I could buy something cheap and temporary, but that seems wasteful. On my search for floor-warming items I found a lot of cute things, and the most recent really surprised me...

I actually found these items at Walmart. Personally, I was floored. The reviews on all the items were really good, and the prices were affordable! While I'm not a huge fan of walmart, and usually opt to pay a little more for items to avoid the place, I think their online site may see me visiting in the near future. This way I won't run out of socks so quick!

Cassie

New Series: A Harkening, Episode 1

2010-02-09T14:03:00.009-06:00

On the way out of Firehouse for lunch with my handsome, under the weather boyfriend, I heard an interesting section of a conversation that inspired a new series of posts, entitled A Harkening. This is another term for eavesdropping. It sounds quite lovely I think, and since Cassie and I are ladies, this is what we will call it. Here is the first entry to our newly anticipated series, A Harkening:

[Scene]

Two guys near the exit are having a good 'ol time on their lunch break:

Guy 1: ..."Define animal."

Guy 2: "Domesticated sheep?"

Guy 1: "Try feral horse?!"

Together: "Bahahahahahahahaha!!!"

[Scene]

Sarah

Chirping the Alphabet

2010-02-09T13:46:00.003-06:00

I thought I'd start with a bit of an introduction about myself, so here's a brief intro:

Let's see... I live on the panhandle of Florida and am currently working part-time for a sunglass company, putting my college eduction to good use (insert sarcasm here). I figure I can't complain too much because I have a job to go to and can help pay those bills we keep getting in the mail.

Now, I would like to say that Stephen and I were pretty upset when the other Stephen moved to Texas. However, it has since brought great joy and laughter into our lives (aka: my dear friend Sarah!) I have a countdown going on my computer and calendar everytime they are coming into town. Who doesn't love a countdown?!?!

Stephen and I made a big leap and bought our first house in December. It's pretty exciting, and has us living a solid 30 minutes from both our parents doorsteps (who happen to live less than 1 mile from each other).

I have come to find that I really enjoy DIY projects, and my heart truly believes that nothing beats finding a good deal on items to adorn our house with! Bringing me to my reason for this post...

Isn't it ideal ?! I think it's a great blend of practical meets charming. Plus, it's in the window sill of my kitchen, so I get to look at it all the time between cooking & dishes, which since the move seems to be code for putting a pizza in the oven and filling the dishwasher.

Either way, I thought it was only fair that since I get to stare at them all the time you should at least get a peek.

and don't worry, I'll be sharing many more snippets of our new mortgaged-sanctuary in posts yet to come ;)

Cassie

Sunday School Lesson

2010-02-07T14:24:00.004-06:00

I heard such a great lesson in Sunday school today, taught by a dear friend. Enjoy.

No Comparison!
February 7, 2010
Kim Smith

Main Text:
"Better is one day in your court than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." Psalm 84:10

1. In Psalm 84:10, there is a comparison of two places: the presence of God vs. the elsewhere.

Psalmist's conclusion: The Presence of God is better.
His words are boastful.

2. In Philippians 3:8, Paul compares two places: knowing Christ vs. everything else.
Philippians 3:8 - "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."

Paul's conclusion: Everything else is loss. Everything else is rubbish.
Loss, Greek meaning, "damage"
Rubbish, Greek meaning, "excrament"

What do we do with "elsewhere's"?
We confess it.
We surrender it. (Under His feet, under His Lordship, under His rule)
We stay and dwell there.

3. In Psalm 84:10, the word "better" is the Hebrew word for "towb" (adjective). The Old Testament Lexical Aids defines it as "good, easy, beautiful, excellent, lovely, delightful, joyful, fruitful, precious, pleasant, to do well, that which is right."

Group discussion:
Why do you think we continue to settle for the lesser of the "elsewhere"?
not having an accurate view of who God is
battle with the balance of an effort to (a) put on the things of the Lord and once in the presence of the Lord, (b) accepting his grace enough to stay there

4. Dwelling in the Presence of God is not just about the satisfaction that we get in Him, but it is about His glory.
John 15:5, 8 - "...he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit... This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

"Under the most favorable circumstances in which earth's pleasures can be enjoyed, they are not comparable by so much as one in a thousand to the delights of the service of God. To feel his love to rejoice in the person of the anointed Saviour, to survey the promises and feel the power of the Holy Spirit in applying precious truth to the soul, is a joy which worldlings cannot understand, but which true believers are ravished with. " Charles Spergeon

Resources:
Key Word Study Bible

Sarah

Tune My Heart to Sing Thy Grace

2010-02-05T12:55:00.007-06:00

Last Friday I lost my voice.

Just flat out gone.

Oh, dear.

I am one of the worship leaders at my church and God's allowed me to sing in this band for the last five years. There's a need in me to sing. Whether I'm alone or on that stage, I feel like I am at my lowest, most submissive, most vulnerable place before the Lord... and a few thousand people in front of me and online through our webcast. Crazy to be comfortable here, I know, but we were all made to worship, and singing is how I do it best.

So this past Sunday I was on the schedule to sing in all three services. I got a little worried that I wouldn't be able to by then. Since I'd never lost my voice before I really didn't know how long this might take to go back to normal, and I HATE disappointing people by pulling out of what I've committed to. I drank tea and took some meds to help with my cough and prayed that I would be able to lead on Sunday.

Friday, no sound. Saturday, honking goose. Saturday night, Alright I'll go to sound check. If I need to sing tomorrow, the Lord will just bring it back. At 7:00am, I don't know who sounds completely normal, and I sure didn't. But I was making descent sound and staying on pitch, so I went with it. The 9:30 service seemed to go really well, and then the 11:00 service went even better. My voice was coming back! But when I would walk off stage it would get all bajiggity again! Cracking, honking, dry, sick voice. I would try to hum a little note or sing a line from a song I'd just sang on stage and only air was coming out. Huh.

The 6:30 evening service came about. Time to do it all again! Now, I'd been chasing honey all day and it was seemingly doing the trick. Next to pineapple juice, honey is the best thing to have on your throat, so I had a bottle of the sweet stuff and a bottle of water on stage and I'd just down a teaspoon real fast before the lights went up. The first words out of my mouth were, "all of you is more than enough for all of me" and the last words were, "you are on your throne, you are God alone." Amenamenamen. When I walked off stage I was overwhelmed with wonder. The Holy Spirit had sung through me when I was up there leading, and this is what I ask him to do each time, but this time was so apparent…

When I tried to talk to people after that set, my voice was breathy and cracking again. I coughed all night long, and the next (and I'm still not back to normal), but halleluiah, it's not me up there! It's all God. So much so, that when I hear the play back of the service, it takes me a second to recognize myself. The encouragement I’ve gotten from people who heard me on Sunday is incredible! Their words always minister to me and I keep them in my pocket so I can remember that this isn’t about me. The voice I’ve been given is a gift and the major factor in my story. I’m so grateful to have it and to have a church that lets me truly use it for the good of the Kingdom.

Oh, Lord, may I always seek your voice to sing through mine, and may you remove it all when I seek to hear my own.

Sarah

First Post: Some Questions For the Bloggers

2010-02-04T11:28:00.003-06:00

In an attempt to kick off our new blog, we are going to answer some very random questions for you readers out there. Enjoy.

1. What movies can you watch over and over again, and still love?

S: Xanadu, Good Will Hunting, Fever Pitch, Tombstone, Wayne's World

C: Employee of the Month, Pride & Prejudice, The Simpson's Movie, Lord of the Rings Trilogy

2. What would be your song of the week?

S: This has been an off week for me with my music listening. I've been more into the instrumental stuff than anything else. It's been a movie score kind of week.

C: 'Bring me to Life' by Evanescence on my long drive home after work. Wakes me up for the work I have left for me at home... Does laundry ever end?!

3. How's 2010 treating you so far?

S: Well, I'm sick of being sick. But other than that, you can't go wrong with the love of a good man in your pocket and a steady job. I'm happy to meet 2010.

C: So far so good! Stephen and I bought our first home in December so we are having fun settling in. I'm waiting to see what God has in store after some crazy events in 09. I'm just really excited to see what's to come this year!

4. What do you like most about Cassie/Sarah?

S: Other than her year round tan and rockin' abs, she's a fantastic listener and relater. She's got an easy going personality and I admire her uncanny ability to fall asleep in random places with people around.

C: You mean besides her rockin' hair, amazing fashion, great voice, fun personality, hip artistic skillz, AND the ability to snatch up a fellow Stephen?

5. What is your dream car?

S: Ah, yes. I love a good vintage muscle car. I would really like a 1969 Camero SS.

C: Haha, I'm so car-dumb. Maybe a Volvo?! They're safe, right?

6. Top five favorite bands of all time:

S: Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Sundays, Queen, Ray LaMontagne, AquaTree

C: The Beach Boys, Val Halen, The Cars, Metallica, Queen (yes, I said it, Queen!)

7. What's up with us both loving bearded guys named Stephen?

S: First of all, I assume we both love a luscious beard. Who doesn't? Secondly, those beards are attached to two very different men that have a love for similar things, like gadgets and hotties. We must be similar, too then.

C: I'm going to have to agree with Sarah on this one. There's something about a beard that makes men look ruggedly handsome. It's funny because Sarah's Stephen looks older and 'work appropriate' with a beard. My Stephen, however, looks like he's been outdoors camping and should probably shave for an 8-5 job - thankfully I married a rebel ;)

8. Where should we vacation soon?

S: Everything we seem to have done so far includes road trippin'. Therefore, I say we plot out a trip where we stop off a few places we've never really seen before. A vacation escapade!

C: Somewhere relaxing! If we were loaded, another country! Realistically, maybe Tennessee?! I would love to go West, maybe to CA ?!?! But if the eastern border of Texas is an 8 hour drive, I don't want to think about California's distance... it all seems to add up to 1 thing: Road Trip!

There you have it! Eight random questions about your bloggers, Sarah and Cassie. And eight, of course, will most likely be the number of choice for this blog as it is the number of hours between Sarah and Cassie. Aww.