28 Things we Love About Sarah for her 28th Birthday
25 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in family
28 Things we Love About Sarah
1) Your hair. (S)
2) The way your eyes and lips move when someone tells you something interesting. (L)
3) Your “Flipper” laugh. (S)
4) Your rawness. (S)
5) How you’ve memorized every word on the “Abba” CD. (L)
6) The way you type like you talk. (L)
7) Your prayers. (S)
8) The way you listen with your head and your heart. (L)
9) The fact that I feel comfortable just being myself around you. (L)
10) Your perfectly manicured eyebrows. (L)
11) The way you interceded, I can feel when you are praying for me. (L)
12) Your quest for perfect brows. (E)
13) The way you love me and share your BFF with me. (E)
14) I love your face- with your deeply observant eyes and incredible smile. (E)
15) Your “Donk.” (S)
16) The way you love my buttercream. (E)
17) That you are the only person on planet earth that calls me “Austin”. (S)
18) That I can ask you to spontaneously dance anywhere… And you will. (L)
19) I know that you will call me best friend your whole life. I love that! (L)
20) That you call me big brother. (S)
21) That you and Ruth drove over 600 miles because you love me. (L)
22) Being half naked on the beach in Florida… just living in the moment. (L)
23) The way you can remember exactly what year a song was released, title, and artist. Those are some mad skills. (L)
24) Your enthusiasm about life and love of family. (S)
25) Singing “Pop Goes my Heart” and drinking wine. (L)
26) I love that you are not scared to vajazzle!!! (E)
27) You accept me good, bad, or a cry baby… But I think you like me bad the best 
(S)
28) That you order at Starbucks like it’s still your job “Half skim, 162.7 degrees please” (S)
We love everything that makes you “YOU”
Love, Steve, Lindsey, and Eugenia
The Love of God is Stronger Than…
11 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in faith Tags: christianity, creative writing, God, love, mysticism
The love of self.
The desire to forgive quickly.
The wrong that we have done.
The emotional pain that we bury deep inside.
The worship that we force out during a church service.
The daily devotion time that we skip when we feel too busy.
The standard of worldly beauty.
The cry of my newborn baby.
The cry of my heart in the midst of confusion and pain!
Listening to the Shadows
09 Sep 2011 1 Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: christianity, creative writing, deception, doubts, fear, garden of Gethsemane, Jesus, Lies, worry
You ever have those days where your faith is shaken? The days when nagging thoughts of discouragement are much more readily available than those of hope? And then you go ahead and mix in a little self condemnation because you should be able to trust God in ALL circumstances…. Yep, just as I thought, I am not the only one who does that!
A couple of days ago I was stuck right there in the midst of discouragement and confusion. But my heart’s response was different than before: I did not revel in my pity-party long at all. Instead, I started telling God everything that was on my heart and mind…. It wasn’t pretty! Some thoughts didn’t even make sense! They were portions of words and phrases, muddled by tears. I began with what I was feeling and then went a little deeper into the lies that the enemy of my soul wanted me to attach myself to. And at that moment I heard God whisper, “You are in good company.”
I was a little puzzled by what He meant.
I began to think about Jesus, and the time he spent here on Earth. It dawned on me, He had a time when He could have let the voices in the shadows win. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He wrestled with some powerful spiritual forces. Even though Jesus desperately wanted to do the will of the Father, he was extremely afraid. It’s easy to recognize that Jesus was fully God, but we don’t always remember that he was also fully MAN. Matthew 26:36-38 “Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray. He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death…”
What could cause the son of God to be “overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death?” What were the voices in the shadows taunting him with? I imagine they were probably whispering phrases like this: “Your death will not accomplish salvation for all men.” “If your Father really loves you then He would not ask you to do this.” “You do not have enough power to endure what is ahead of you.” The lies that Jesus heard that evening were enough to shake him to the core. Luke22:44 “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Wow, that is some serious emotional trauma.
Then Jesus asks the Father, not once, but twice- “My Father, if there is no other way, and I must suffer, I will still do what you want.” Matthew 26:42. I am encouraged by this admission of weakness from the most powerful man that ever walked the earth. Jesus is honest with God and asks for a different option. And in the very same breath Jesus places his trust back into the Father’s hands. He is basically saying “Daddy, I do not want to this, but if I have to I believe that you are strong enough to help me endure.”
I am so glad that I am “in good company.” I believe that Jesus listened to the shadows long enough to take their lies straight to the Father. I also love that He can identify with my weakness!
Whatever the shadows are telling you today, present them before the Father. Take your last bit of emotional fortitude and exchange it for the strength that only He can provide!
God Wants to Celebrate You
31 Aug 2011 1 Comment
in faith, Uncategorized Tags: Angel, christianity, God, Jesus, Religion and Spirituality, Righteousness
“God will entrust you with revelation to the degree you trust Him with mystery.” Bill Johnson
A few weeks ago I had a little day dream, a God picture, a vision… whatever you’d like to call it. God often communicates with me in this manner, He knows my heart and my love for beautiful scenery. It is always special when He allows me these tiny glimpses into His reality. I have to come to believe that God is both beautiful and powerful at the same time!
So here’s how it happened, I was sitting on the playground at work listening to the distant squeals of my kindergarten class. Even though it was a steamy July afternoon, the clouds were arranged beautifully and I was taking advantage of the quiet moment and communing with God. All of a sudden I was observing something quite grand that was taking place in His reality!
On a deserted shoreline, with a perfect sunset lingering on the horizon there stood Jesus with four angels on each side of him in a half-circle formation. The angels were stately looking men who were almost transparent. There also stood my friend Sarah; she was just a few feet away from the outermost angel. Jesus stood looking at Sarah as an overjoyed groom on his wedding day. The two angels closest to Jesus on each side had their bodies facing Him singing praises to God. The lyrics flowed with majesty, peace, and joy!
The two outermost angels on each side were facing Sarah and singing her praises. They sang of victory, of miracles that had taken place, and of wonderful things that are yet ahead. Sarah stood in disbelief that she was invited to such a sacred occasion. Then Jesus summoned her to fall into His arms. She took a step forward and He met her there; arms wide open, she collapsed into His embrace. They danced together, laughed together, and wept together.
The celebration lasted as long as she needed and when she turned to walk away Jesus invited her to return the next evening. She smiled politely and walked away. She had every intention of accepting His invitation. The next morning, however, she was overwhelmed with the weight of righteousness (the flesh kind, the self- improvement kind). The feeling that “When I get it together, then I can truly enjoy the presence of God.” So, she made a list of goals to accomplish and thought patterns to avoid. IF she could be successful throughout the day, then she would allow herself to attend the evening interlude.
Of course she fell short of the goal because self- improvement never has enough power to shift our spirit! The change that we so desperately seek can only be found in His embrace. And can only be solidified when we recognize our position in His righteousness!
Just like the glorious transition of the setting sun, our transition from filth to righteousness only occurs within His embrace.
Jesus simply wants to celebrate you. EVERY part of you!
It only takes a few
28 Jul 2011 4 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: christianity, companions, creative writing, Friendship, relationships
In high school I was involved in several school activities, social, and church groups. Therefore I had TONS of friends, probably close to 100 peers that knew me pretty well. I was never really concerned about popularity or status, I just had a lot of friends because of my activity level. I enjoyed being surrounded by friends with common interests. I was involved in the Medical Academy (Health Occupations Students of America), JROTC, Captain of the Lady Hurricanes weightlifting team, 4-H Myakka Allstock (for showing dairy cows), and U-Turn youth ministries and drama team. Each circle connected me with people that shared a common interest, but each group was segregated. I could play the part…. I was a strong leader in some and a yielding follower in others. They all got out of me what they wanted. I guess I let them have that power.
My Dad used to tell me, “At the end of your life, if you can count on one hand how many friends you have, then you are truly blessed.”
That statement seemed so bazaar to me at 17 years old. However, 10 years later, I replay those words in my head at least once a week. The lesson that my Daddy was trying to teach me was to cultivate true friendships. Put your effort into a few that will carry you through life. Sometimes they really carry you. I have a few friends that patiently listen when they could tell me to shut up, encourage even when their own lives are broken, spend time even if their schedule does not permit, and truly pray when I can’t pray for myself!
Those friends, I can count on one hand and I plan on carrying them with me for the rest of my life. They make me better, stronger, real. I am thankful that God knows what I need and has placed friends in my life for His purposes.
“Would I be with you any less?”
12 Jul 2011 2 Comments
in faith, family Tags: christianity, creative writing, fear, love
For quite some time I had a huge flaw in my personal theology which I carried close to my heart. I had written in the belief that God had every reason to distance himself from me because of my failures. I’d picture Him behind a locked door saying, “You can access me again, once you get your life straightened out.”
It wasn’t until recently that I discovered this clause in my theology. Here’s how it happened…. I was standing near my seat at church during a very powerful altar call, praying for the lives that responded, but not feeling particularly inclined to pray with any of them. So I turned my prayers to self-inspection. I stood there and thought, “I’m kind of glad that I don’t have anything major to get rid of.” (I am sure God looked at me with a smirk at this point). As I stood and quieted my mind I heard the spirit of God saying, “What are you afraid of?” Wow, the list that came pouring from my heart was raw and honest. I began to weep as I pictured myself before the body of Christ being crucified. Choosing to hold on to all of my fears meant that I must stare into the eyes of my Savior and say, “Your sacrifice was not enough”. I did not want to feel that way about the one who exchanged His life for mine. As the flow of tears became stronger I began to let go of most of my fears.
The one that remained was the newest and strongest…. The fear of losing the child that was growing in my womb. The joy, the promise, the future that was nestled inside me. The voice of the of the Lord once again spoke to my heart saying, “Would I be with you any less?” It was then that I realized that the distance between us is created by choice. I choose to allow Him access or hold Him at arm’s length. He can remain intertwined with me in any circumstance IF I allow Him. He is not afraid of my failures or embarrassed by my imperfections.
Donald Miller’s book “ A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” is helping solidify this revelation. He says on page 108, “The most often repeated commandment in the Bible is “Do not fear.” It’s in there over two hundred times. That means a couple of things, if you think about it. It means we are going to be afraid, and it means we shouldn’t let fear boss us around.”
1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
What’s Within You is Greater than What You See
12 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: christianity, creation, creative writing, God, hope, potential, purpose
Warning, some would call me a mystic so if you get lost in all the details… I’ll catch ya next time.
Around the end of May we had some friends, Terry and Heidi, visiting from Washington State. Terry is a photographer and lover of the great outdoors just like Steve. Terry said he wanted to see the ‘real Alabama’ so we decided to take him down to Bibb county. If you familiar with this part of the state then you know that several ‘real’ and some not so glamorous examples of Alabama can be observed there. However, the beautiful and often overlooked Cahaba River courses through these parts. So we were on a mission to show these northerners a hidden jewel.
We arrived around 11 am with the intention of taking a canoe tour. After calling the rental place, the boys decided that it would not be the best idea to take pregnant girl into waters that contain some rapids. I was a little bummed, o.k. A LOT. I love a good adventure, especially one that is uncharted. I felt like I was ruining the experience. So we drove down a narrow dirt road next to river and stopped at the first spot where the trees on the bank bent their limbs to allow a glimpse at the beauty of the Cahaba.
Steve and Terry unloaded their camera bags and began to assemble their cameras. Heidi and I strolled over to the bank to find a better view. The boys began snapping photos and talking technical camera lingo and I quickly became bored. Deciding that I didn’t need a chaperone, I began searching for a path that would allow me to easily wade in the water. Taking a picture was not enough for me; I wanted to feel the river. The first view was beautiful, but I was curious about what could be seen around the bend. Further down the dirt road, I found another access to the waters and discovered a sizeable patch of Cahaba Lilies. These flowers are very rare and only bloom from mid- May until the end of June. Their roots are fascinating; they sprout up between the river rocks and soak up the sun. “The Cahaba Lily requires swift current and direct sunlight to flourish.” They are a magnificent sight.
I was enjoying the day, really soaking up the beauty of it all, but I was still searching, not sure for what, just searching. So a wondering I went, no longer able to hear the voices of my crew. I found a shoal and a jetty of rocks where I sat and took in the view, my toes in the cool water and the sun dancing on my shoulders. I was mesmerized by the landscape that God created for me to enjoy. I stared at the details, the rise and fall of the hills, the perfection of the rock, smoothed by the current; I was attempting to memorize it for later retrieval. And as I sat I realized that there was not a thought in my head, heart or soul. It was a beautiful moment and I did not was to clutter it. Then God’s spirit whispered to mine saying “… And this is not even created in my image, but you are.” I felt unrestrained, salty tears running down my cheeks. I felt beautiful, wanted… charged. God’s spirit began to gently convict my soul because most days I live just to get to the end. I do well enough; I am kind, cordial and often helpful to others. But I don’t cast that image of beauty, of purpose on others.
I don’t ever want to get so caught up with living that I forget to experience.
God, as I See Him
12 Jul 2011 2 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: christianity, creative writing, God, mystic, perspective
I’m so excited to have helped my incredible wife get this blog/website up and running!
My wife sees God and LISTENS to God like no one else I know.
Lindsey Austin has a firm grip on God, as she sees Him. She sees God in the sunset, she hears Him in the waves, and she touches Him through her prayers. She truly finds God wherever she is.
I cannot wait for you to join her in this mystical journey. There’s no telling just what you’ll find out about her and her God.
I’m blessed beyond explanation to have her as my best friend. The best friend that I couldn’t live without.
Sincerely,
Steve Austin
