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friday.

Went and cracked the blinds to let the morning sun peek through and crawled back into bed. The sound of the ceiling fan whirling around was the only sound through the house.

One thing about having kiddos that are night owls- they sleep late. Which is really nice.

There is really is nothing sweeter than snuggling in the morning.

I pull my tshirt blanket (that I sleep with every night) all the way up to my chin, curl my legs up and start thinking about life.


Chris is upstairs in his office working, Ainsleigh is asleep in her crib and I have Aiden sound asleep by my side- the dogs both at the end of the bed.
I could pick the sweet smell of Aiden sleeping out of a million.

When it comes to myself I’m a perfectionist- I’m my own worst critic. When I went to Blog Sugar last year, I’ve written before that something I really took away is that I don’t have to do it all. It’s okay. 


Life has thrown me a few curve balls lately and something I wanted to tell you all is that the Dallas Conference is still happening- website is finished, speakers are lined up (and have been praying) and the agenda is penciled out…. but it can’t happen this year (2012) like I first hoped. I know waiting on God’s perfect timing is what needs to happen. So when the time is right we will pick a new date for the event and a new launch date. 

Something else that has been hard pressed on my heart this week is the making and living of a beautiful life. Not like what you might first think when I say that- but more taking the time to cherish, enjoy, celebrate every little thing. 

I desperately want to live a beautiful life…and to inspire others to do so.
What are ways you do this?


It’s interesting because the people I am most drawn to have a beautiful perspective on life, marriage, God, parenting, etc….it’s like fresh air for my soul.


I read this post yesterday and it also made me think about how to create a beautiful life for my family…for Chris and my kiddos. I loved this post. Maybe it’s the artist in me but as a very visual person I can totally appreciate this.

Also… for those interested.. This is Chris’ 11 min Short Film made for the 168 Film Festival inspired by Luke 21:16-19. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.

He won 4 awards for this film! 
Inink.
**remember to scroll down and turn the music off at the bottom of the blog!

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Lifestyle

April 13, 2012

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  1. Elisha(: says:

    this post is oh so beautiful. casey, you really are a beautiful writer!!

  2. Amanda says:

    Thank you for sharing what is on your heart sweet friend. And, thank you for allowing me to share what is on mine! 🙂

    http://www.redbarncandlecompany.com/2012/04/whats-happening.html

    XOXO~Amanda

  3. Ellie Coburn says:

    You remind me so much what is sweet in life. Beautiful post by a lovely lady. Happy sweet Friday Friend.

    Enjoy your weekend.
    Love youu!

    -Ellie

  4. seriously IN LOVE with your blog!
    your posts are always so lovely.
    you remind me of me!
    LOL

    definitely a stalker of yours 😉

    happy friday darling!
    don't be a stranger and say hi sometime!

    xxxx

  5. Thank you for this post. I, too, had such similar thoughts this week (Jorgensen Better Together) It's like sitting in church on Sunday morning and feeling like the pastor is speaking only to YOU!

    It's so inspiring to be part of a network of strong, beautiful, amazing women! From one 'Super Woman to Another'… Ashley

  6. Thank you for such a beautiful post. I, too, shared in your 'curve ball' week and felt as though I'm reading my thoughts on a page (Jorgensen Better Together). Kind of like when you're in church Sunday morning and it seems like the pastor is speaking directly to YOU!

    I feel so blessed to be part of a community of such inspirational, beautiful, amazing women! From one 'Super Woman' to another…hugs!

    Ashley

    Jorgensen Better Together

  7. NickandCaeli says:

    Casey,
    I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, too, about how I can better live a beautiful life. I truly believe that faith in God will lead me there. I have been relying so much lately on Proverbs 3:5-6.

    "Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    Lean not on your own understanding.
    In all your ways, acknowledge Him
    and he will make your paths straight."

    After the first of the year, my dad was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. My dad is my best friend and I was just devastated. But in a time when I thought I'd be so angry at God, I've never relied on Him more. After an almost 60 day stay at the hospital, my dad made it home. He still has a long journey ahead with chemo but he's home. You can read about that and see some pictures here…
    http://nickandcaeli.blogspot.com/2012/03/homesweethome.html

    Also, after I found out that my dad had cancer, I wrote a quick reflection (which turned out rather long) but I referenced your blog and your inspiration from Leslie about finding beauty in the difficult things in life as well. That story really stuck with me and I was determined that through my family's journey with dealing with cancer, I would be ok with being a "melancholy girl." I want to find beauty in the hard times and see how God is expanding my trust in Him. See the post here…

    http://nickandcaeli.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-always-thank-god-for-you-because-of.html

    Thank you for your honesty. It is an inspiration to me!

    Sincerely,
    Caeli

  8. I know your conference will happen exactly when it is supposed to. And when it will inspire others to live beautifully too.

    http://www.kellywestover.com/2012/04/kellys-krazys-two-year-old-tantrums.html

  9. I really love Chris's video-it gave me goosebumps! you must be so proud!

  10. tahnie says:

    Casey, please pray for the Verrall family. Their daughter who was my age (late 20s) passed away this week from Cystinosis (the same condition I am loving with). It is hitting me hard. It is so tough on our very very very small community. I soak up moments with my girl, I laugh every chance I get, I take lessons from the hard stuff, I know my time here is limited and truly think the secret to life is to be kind, have fun, and love til your heart hurts. Thank you for reminding me of that and for reminding me to have faith. My most recent blog post is everything on my heart.

  11. that movie was awesome!! wow. i loved it! great job, chris! after the trailer, i would've paid to go see it!

    on my heart:
    http://lookingglassblog.blogspot.com/

  12. Jessica says:

    I really enjoyed the short film your husband made! It was really quite moving! I also enjoyed the guest appearances by you and your sweet daughter. Thank you for sharing!

  13. Laura says:

    so this is funny.
    Not funny "ha ha"…more like funny "ironic".
    Because I too have had some hard blows…and I know the great danger of allowing myself to feel great despair and grow despondent.
    I struggle with envy, and giving what truly matters priority.
    The only way I crawled out from the darkness below, was by looking up.
    I crave beautiful things…beautiful people who live beautiful lives. And so I make sure to surround myself with just that…I choose my friends wisely. I choose what I read wisely. I make good positive use of my time.

    Last week I was in a rut. I have been sick. I felt like every bit of creativity had been sucked from my bones.
    And then I found your blog.
    And a light inside of my soul was turned back on….

    so you see…that's the funny "ironic" part.
    While you are concerned about living a beautiful life, you encouraged me to make my life all that it can be.

    I think authenticity is very inspiring.
    Keep it real.
    Live for God.
    And make every moment an offering.
    That's what I try to do.
    And that's what attracted to me to your lovely space in blog land.

  14. Courtney says:

    Casey, I've been reading your blog for a while now and I just love it…always so inspiring to me. I just watched Chris' video and it brought me to tears. It was beautiful…absolutely beautiful

    XOXO

    Courtney

  15. Courtney says:

    Casey, I've been reading your blog for a while now and I just love it…always so inspiring to me. I just watched Chris' video and it brought me to tears. It was beautiful…absolutely beautiful

    XOXO

    Courtney

  16. Lauren says:

    It's true. We need to cherish every single moment. The post I am leaving is something that was on my heart this week. After so many wonderful people left me sweet comments, and reading this, I feel renewed & ready to look at life differently.
    Thanks for another inspiring post.

    http://www.laurenrebecca.com/2012/04/life-lately.html

  17. Lottie says:

    I am having a bit of a curve ball week too–its been a bit too down for my liking but I am trying to see the beauty in the little things and embracing the changes.

    Love your words.

  18. AMY PALMER says:

    The film was so moving and inspiring! It definitely touched me today.

    -Amy
    http://theblankpagesblog.blogspot.com/

  19. Sadie Dear says:

    I'm leaving this tab up until I get a chance to watch the film later! My kiddo has been running wild… Meanwhile? I totally get trying to catch curve balls, as I am living in one now. But I feel the best way to a beautiful life is trusting in God's work, so that is what I am doing! Thank you for sharing your heart.

  20. this post kind of makes me want to crawl back into bed. 🙂 but it also makes me want to enjoy life to the fullest. love it.

  21. Sarah says:

    The conference will be so awesome because you'll have the extra time you need to get things line up just the way you like them =) I think you do a good job inspiring people to live a beautiful life =)

    – Sarah
    agirlintransit.blogspot.com

  22. I love your blog and I'm with you on wanting to know how to live a beautiful life. My husband left me for another woman when I was 7 months pregnant and I have a hard time getting past that. I have a beautiful son who gives me joy, but I want to find and create beauty. It seems like a simple concept, but it is so difficult.

  23. Anonymous says:

    Key to living a beautiful life? Keep it simple. It's really as easy as that.

  24. Love this! Dave and I love the mornings that we can stay in bed a little longer and snuggle- I can't wait until we add some kiddos to the snuggling mix 🙂

    http://www.mallorieowens.blogspot.com/2012/04/power-of-music.html

  25. Chris' video chills me to the bone. Beautiful and poignant. It truly shows the strength it takes to have faith and the benefits from having it, even when all hope seems lost. You really have a very talented husband, as if you don't already know that. 🙂

  26. Cindy says:

    Really cool movie!!!

  27. Tarah says:

    love this post. love that your littles are night owls. love how you share your life through writing. you have one talented little fam.

    http://lilmisssweeney.blogspot.com/

  28. Kassie says:

    Mmmm love this.

  29. I came to link to your par-tay and can't for some reason…however, here's my post. http://leemeandthegirls.blogspot.com/2012/04/bees-babies-and-bloom.html
    Warning though Casey: it's about grieving for a friend over her traumatizing birth story, so please don't click on her birth story link. You have better things to do today that be sad or scared while beautiful Apple is snuggled in your belly. 🙂

  30. I think finding beauty and happiness in the small things is what makes life beautiful. It's usually not the big events that bring me the most joy, it's recognizing and appreciating the little moments: the smell of fresh cut grass, the sound of rain, a cup of my favorite tea, snuggles and movies with the husband, laughter, music, walks in the woods, a smiley puppy face…

    And remembering that no matter what blows life deals you, God holds you in the palm of his hand and can turn anything into something good. His love is that big!

    XO
    -Charity

    http://atallshipandastar.blogspot.com

  31. This post reminded the importance of God's word in my life. I want to be the best me for my daughter, not just the worldly me. Thank you for also inspiring me to use my blog to share my faith more.

  32. Daisy says:

    I just found your blog and all I can say is that I love your faith. It is so rare to find people who talk about Christ as openly as you and your family (specially on a big blog). I love and admire that. New reader, glad I found it.

    Daisy Girl

  33. Franchesca says:

    Casey I know the conference will be nothing short of amazing. And God's timing is always best. Please let me know if you need anything at all. I would be honored to help you any way I could.

    I think about that too, living a truly beautiful life and cherishing those moments from day to day.

    lots of love to you friend xo

  34. pakosta says:

    your hubby is AMAZING!
    love his work!
    My daughter who is 10 is really getting into making stop motion videos with her AMerican Girl dolls and wants to be a National Geographic photographer! She would love to see more of his work! where can we see it all?!
    tara

    p.s. if you want to see any of her videos, your kids might like them, they are pretty cute! she is using my youtube account: tarapollardpakosta37

  35. Anonymous says:

    God will guide you to do your conference when the time is right. Just count on Him to tell you when.
    I try my best to lead a beautiful and simple life from day to day as well. It's a.struggle but something I know can be done.

    Xoxo
    Peacelovedecor.com

  36. Can I confess, I'm kinda glad the conference date got moved? As soon as you mentioned it, I wanted to go, but I already had that weekend booked…I just get this feeling like some really good things are going to come out of your conference-beautiful things : )

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