Exposed

Larry and I spent Sunday reading excerpts from Jeremy Taylor's, The Rules and Exercises of Holy Living (regarding humility). Everything we read was powerful. I would stop reading every few sentences with jaw dropped open. Taylor has much insight into the motives of our hearts, and at times I felt completely stripped down and naked. The quote below is a good example. I strongly encourage you pick up this book for more.

Never say anything, directly or indirectly, that will provoke praise or elicit compliments from others. Do not let your praise be the intended end of what you say. If it so happens that someone speaks well of you in the midst of a conversation, you are not to stop the conversation. Only remember this: do not let praise for yourself be the design of your conversations. (Devotional Classics, page 270)

-Jeremy Taylor

What's In a Name? | Blog post from Superwife Productions

Here is a post that wrote for SWP on how we decided on the name Superwife Productions. :)

Since we launched Superwife, we've received a number of questions related to it's name. We are often asked, "How did you come up with the name Superwife?" As Larry's wife, this can be a difficult question to answer, as I immediately want to make a disclosure statement assuring people that I am by no means "superwife". So, here is a little story of how SWP came to be.

Larry and I were married in May of 2009. About a month after being married, I noticed that Larry still had me programmed in his phone as Courtney Coker and this just did not seem fitting. So, with batting eyelashes I hinted that an adoring nickname was in order since I was after all his new blushing bride. A couple of weeks later I noticed that he had changed my name to Superwife. Ah, much better, I thought to myself.
Fast forward to October. Larry threw me my very own surprise party and premiered our long-awaited wedding video. At the end of the video, Superwife Productions flashed across the screen, along with the sound effect of a big, wet kiss. [Swoon]. I loved it and it meant something really special to me - and he knew that it would.

Okay, fast forward again. Last year Larry was asked to do a wedding video for his friend Dustin Maddux and his bride-to-be, Heather Cunningham. We were thrilled about the opportunity. As we began to prepare for their wedding, it made sense that we could use Superwife Productions for their big day as well. It was during this time that we were beginning to brainstorm about building Larry's freelance business. As time went on and the business began to take shape, we had many, many discussions about potential business names, but we just kept coming back to Superwife.

And that's it, really. It's just a name, born out a husband wanting to encouraging and spur on his wife with a silly nickname.

But to prove I am no superwife, I will first direct you to Proverbs 31. Nothing will humble a woman quicker than this Proverbial woman. Secondly, I will leave you with a quick top-ten list of some of the things that keep me in superwife-in-training status:

1. I leave mounds and mounds of clothes piled up for weeks at a time, rather than hanging them in their rightful place.

2. Larry does way more dishes than I do.

3. I leave the toothpaste cap off - always.

4. A go to bed at 10p. And I have a night owl husband.

5. I can be a very bad listener, particularly when Hoarders is on.

6. I have been known to be much more temperamental than Larry. Who isn't though?

7. I might do leave hair on the shower wall occasionally.

8. I regard macaroni-and-cheese as a complete meal.

9. I leave a trail of my belongings from the bottom of the stairs on up.

10. I spend a lot of our hard-earned money on coca-cola at Sonic.

Superwife Productions | Dallas/Ft. Worth Videographer

Hi friends,

It has been a long time since I have posted, but here I am!  I just wanted to give you all a quick announcement.

In early January we soft launched Larry's new business, Superwife Productions. This is a place where Larry can direct people to his video work and begin to increase his freelance business. When we initially launched, we had included that in addition to helping Larry with business operations, I would also be offering creative design services, such as websites, logos, promotional materials, etc.  In a very short of time, I realized that I am maxed out.  It would be so silly for me to take on any additional work right now. (We only have one night a week to see each other as it is, but I will save that sob story for another time).  I have since removed myself from this role and will only be helping with Larry on SWP's business operations, communications and marketing. I am still interested in doinf creative design when I have time, but I am mainly devoting my energy to my counseling efforts and hope to quickly begin accruing my hours after graduation in May (ahem...a mere 16 weeks away.)

Anyway, back to SWP. If you know of anyone looking for a shooter/editor (videographer), please feel free to pass them on to Larry - we are heavily relying on word-of-mouth referrals at this point. He is currently accepting projects for adventure, documentary, legacy, narratives, weddings, ministry and whatever else you may have in mind. I am dying for him to do a "Day in the Life" family session!

There are a number of places that you can connect with SWP - please help spread the love about SWP.
Website | Blog | Youtube | Facebook | Twitter

We love you!

Merry Christmas from The Causeys

We sure are wishing everyone a Merry Christmas from McKinney!  It has been such a long time since I have posted, but I have been greatly enjoying some much needed rest after having such an intense semester at school.  Since I last posted, I passed my departmental (praise God) and completed my time at Freedom Stones. I will be starting my practicum in January at Hope's Door in Plano. I am really looking forward to it.  

But, as of right now, I am very much enjoying only working three days a week and soaking up my extra two days off by spending quality time with Larry, Christmas shopping, cleaning, playing with our new puppy, Jack. It's been such a blessed time for me. I have been able to slow down and drink deep of the gifts of our Savior. 

As I posted on facebook, Larry and I are going through the Jessee Tree Advent Book, written by one of my favorite blog authors, Ann Voskamp.  She asked that we only share the link through her page or facebook, but I encourage you to check it out on www.aholyexperience.com. It's not too late to jump in now, or you could go ahead and download the book now and save it for next year.  She is an incredibly gifted writer and she has really helped us focus on Jesus as we wait for Him to come. 

I pray that each of you are also able to slow down this Christmas, and enjoy the bountiful gifts that have been lavishly poured out on us, starting with a baby in a manager. 

Much love!

Windows

Our apartment is filled with windows. There is no need for any lights to be switched on during the day because the sunlight streams in at any given hour.  Most people love the idea of having windows illuminating their homes, but for me this is a real problem, particularly when it comes to the kitchen window.  I prefer to keep the blinds down until dusk, because if left open the sun floods the kitchen and living area with its bright rays.

I pull them shut.

Larry pulls them open.

I shut.

He opens.

Repeat.

I know how much Larry loves letting in the natural sunlight.  He loves to open windows too, without screens on, but that's another story. I love the idea of having them open too. Really, I do. I think about all those little cottages in my favorite magazines and how the sunlight burst through the window panes just like so, with subtle sun flare illuminating the golden retriever laying on their spotless white rug.

But when I open the blinds, the sun exposes...

Dust that gathers on the end table.

Dog hair that clings to the sofa.

Streaks that miraculously appear on the refrigerator.

Crumbs that surface on the counter tops.

Sneaky cob webs crafted in the corner.

A tile floor that suddenly needs to be mopped.

Fabric that has begun to fade.

Quite simply, a home that has been lived in.

While most people cheer for daylight savings time, I hate the idea of having a home lit up until nine o'clock in the evening.  That's just more hours that I need to keep those drapes pulled closed.  Once the sun passes over that last hill in the west, I can draw back the drapes, pull open the dusty blinds, and enjoy the house filled with dim lamps and soft candle light.  Each room has a lamp in my house.  Some have three. I would continue to buy more, but my sweet husband has put his foot down.

Just like that, I feel better.  I look around the house and it looks calm and cozy.  There is no evidence of my housekeeping failures, no smudges to attend to, and no more work to be done. Seemingly anyway. 

Huh...

Is this what I do with my Jesus?

For it says (ESV):

You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. Psalm 90:8

For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Luke 8:17

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. John 3:19-20

But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible... Ephesians 5:13

Too often I ask the Lord for revelation afresh.  I ask for more of His light in my life.  But His light reveals my wickedness and sin.  And so I picture this...

He swings wide the drapes of  my heart.

I shut them.

He opens.

I shut.

Repeat.

I don't shut Him out because I desire less of Him in my life.  Not at all.  In fact it's quite the opposite.  But that light of His just makes me look so messy.  And that mess compels me to jump up and start cleaning. No time for rest here.  Dust this. Mop that. Sweep there. Bleach everywhere.

Oh, how He's teaching me to stop looking at how the Light makes me look a mess. The Light is not about me at all. It's about Him. And how in spite of all of my measly efforts to keep things clean and pristine, I can't. I just can't. And so, if I will just be willing to sit still long enough to rest while the Light streams in, I may just be so overcome by the Light that all of the crumbs and cob webs begin to disappear. Or at least they will no longer define me.

Now, about those blinds in the kitchen...

May His Light burst forth for you and I both.

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:5

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

Causey Tips and Tricks

One of the things that I love about being married (but certainly not limited to being married) is determining what works for our family.  We strive to use as many organic and natural home remedies as possible, but I will be the first to tell you that we are not rigid about this. So please, no need to point out that I seem inconsistent because I desire to eat organic chicken, but have no problem gulping down a large soda.  I.am.inconsistent. :)


I want to share some of the things that we do or use regularly in our home.  I hope that you will also share tips and tricks that you and your family practice. I have too many to share all at one time, so I will start with just a few.

White Vinegar 

We use white vinegar to clean just about anything! Counter tops, sinks, toilets and tile floors.  It is a great natural cleaner, free of chemicals and odor absorbing.  It does have a pungent smell but it does not last too long and as mentioned before, it actually removes bad odors. 

Olive Oil  

I use this as a hair conditioner weekly.  Add 1/4 cup of olive oil to wet hair and put in plastic cap for 30 minutes.  Then rinse with tepid water and shampoo (may need to shampoo a couple of times). You can also use any leftover oil to moisturize your body, to shave your legs or to soften chapped lips.

Cinnamon 

In an attempt to save money and reduce the number of chemicals in our home, I use cinnamon (sticks or ground) to fragrance our home.  Just simmer water and cinnamon to make your house smell like fresh baked goodies.  You can also add nutmeg and cloves to alter scent. Though I like this smell, I would love to find other natural options.  If you have any affordable suggestions, please let me know!

Weleda Skin Food 

I adore this body creme!  The scent is a little more citrusy than I would prefer, but it works so well, I don't care.  It's also little pricey for what I use as a body lotion, but it does such a great job at keeping your body hydrated without harsh chemicals that I think it's worth the price.  

 

Home-Made Deodorant 

Yes, I make my own deodorant and I think it works better than any store-bought product out there. It's simple to make, last a long time and it's super cost effective. Here is how to make it:

1/4 c Corn Starch 

1/4 c Baking Soda

5-6 Tbsp Organic Coconut Oil (you will need to sit jar in a pan of hat water to liquefy. Mash all ingredients together until it's mixed together and then let harden in fridge in either a wax mold or travel dish.

You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil if you prefer some scent. 

Okay, that's enough for tonight.  I am sleepy! Soon I will share about plopping, homemade carpet stain remover (puppy pee anyone?), and ways to avoid bottled water.

House of God

This morning I read Tullian Tchidjian's blog and was challened by one of his four-part blog post. He writes:

In the opening verses of Isaiah 6, what the prophet encounters first in the house of God is the glory of God: “I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple” (v.1). It doesn’t first say he encountered well-dressed people or hot coffee or influential power brokers or a booming sound system or a great organ. What he caught site of first was God’s glory.

There’s a growing trend in some churches to offer door prizes to any returning visitor. One church visited recently by a friend of mine promised him a ten-dollar Starbucks gift card if he came back the following week.

Isaiah shows us the door prize that awaited him when he walked into the house of God—the uncomfortable, wrecking presence of God’s glory: “Woe is me!” (v.5).

To read his entire blog entry, go here.

Heaven Came Down

Yesterday morning, Jesus carried Walker Jack Rainey home to heaven. 

Soon after Walker was diagnoised with a rare and aggressive tumor, the Rainey family contacted our agency to discuss needs for childcare.  I was instantly drawn to the family and the way that Chad spoke of his son, their plan of action, and most of all their faith in a good God. I met with the family in person to discuss their needs and I even entertained the idea of a way to help this family myself seeing that they lived so close by to my home. Walker was deemed precious in my sight from the moment I layed eyes on him and it was obvious that his parents swelled with infectious pride. I have since watched Walker's blog closesly, always waiting for the day that Chad and Missy would announce that he was set free from cancer.

I had always hoped that "free" would be here among the land of the living.  But nonetheless, today Walker is indeed set free.

And Chad and Missy's faith in Jesus continues to inspire and wreck me.

To read more about Walker's ridiculously beautiful and fruitful life, go here. I believe that their faith will leave you changed.

Please pray for the family's healing and that Jesus will be ever near in their darkest hour.

Beauty for ashes, Lord. Beauty for ashes...

**The first song now playing on my playlist is Held, by Natalie Grant. These lyrics are some of the only words that seem to come to my mind and lips when I think about the loss of the Rainey family. **

Panera on a Monday: A Story

A few days ago I mentioned on Facebook that I had the most bizarre experience at Panera Bread.  I wanted to share more, but it required more words than my status update would allow, as you can clearly see by the length of this post.

On Monday I headed up to Panera bright and early to study for my midterm exam.  I was anxious about cramming nine chapters into my brain for a mere four questions.  I like going to Panera because they have free wireless and I can cozy up in the back corner and typically be left alone.  Not this time.

A couple of hours into my study session a large family settled in for lunch behind me. Soon after, another gentleman sat himself at the tiny table directly next to me.  I was deep in thought and had my earphones in, so I just quickly noticed him in my peripheral.  A few minutes later he stood up and I noticed that among his greasy, tousled hair and unshaven gray beard, that he was sweating profusely through his heather grey t-shirt, particularly in his chest region.  I initially thought he must have been working out, but he was in normal clothes. As he went around to the coffee bar, I studied him as he walked away.  That's when I noticed that he had two large poop stains on the back of his shorts. I could not believe it.  Nor could I believe that I was going to be camped out next to this guy for who knows how long.

He soon came back to his tiny table and tiny laptop, and all the while he was trying to talk to the children at the other table and was laughing at every little thing that they did.  I was anything but focused on studying at this point, and as my husband has communitcated to me, I am not the most discreet observer. :) Glancing his direction occasionally, I noticed that his socks were filthy and that one of his soles flopped when he walked. He was an absolute mess, but he did not appear homeless, but rather unclean and extremely socially awkward.

When he finally said something to me, he simply pointed to the tattoo on my heel.  He said, "I just noticed your little cloud there. It's cute." I simply said thank you and then returned to my reading, to politely relay that I was not able to engage in conversation.  A few minutes passed and he said, "Your feet are so small. If you ever committed a crime the police would be looking for a nine year old". I managed to curve my lips into some kind of polite smile and again, returned to my reading.

All that I could think was, "I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR YOU SAY ANYTHING ABOUT A CRIME"!

About this time, another women sits on the other side of me and she is the most odd little pregnant woman I have ever seen. She looks intently at me and gives me the strangest smile while holding her belly.  She sits and continues to look about - as if in a daze. 

Then, following her is another women who I would say is in her fifties. She headed straight to the back asking where another outlet was. She then starts chatting with everyone around her and starts climbing the furniture to close all of the blinds in the back of the restaurant. I noticed while her back was turned that she had these high-rise jeans on with a shirt that only connects near the neck, exposing her entire back.  "So odd", I thought to myself.  She sat down and announced that she was going to be getting on a conference call and that she can be quite loud.  Of course.

I turned my music up.

Then the gentleman taps on my desk to get my attention. I remove my earphone (becoming a bit frustrated at this point) and I focus my attention on his face. 

***Disclaimer - I have this awesome disposition where I feel like I am "on to people".  My husband calls me Crime Dog McGruff because I am always convinced that someone is doing something wrong or bad and it's my job to bring these people to justice.  Hilarious really. So, please picture Crime Dog McGruff kicking in at this point.***

Back to the gentleman...he was typing on his computer and stopped me to ask a question.  This is what I heard, "How do you spell mass killing". Can you even imagine the horror on my face?  I am quite certain that I looked at him in disgust as I shook my head, while also trying to look past him for a manager, police officer, body guard, a grown-up! :) I repeat back to him after a while and say, "Mass killing"? He said, "Huh? No, how do you spell mas-cu-line?"

[body begins to relax]

"Oh, masculine", I say cooly. What an idiot.

After the spelling bee incident, I can't help but laugh at myself.  I text my hubby, who I know will get a kick out of this and then I simply step out of the building to phone my mom to let her know about my Crime Dog McGruff faux pas. We have a good laugh and then I am really ready to get back to my text book.  I walk in, sit down, put on my earphones and pick-up my textbook.  It's after maybe a minute that I realize the woman from the conference call is now off the phone and wait...is she...no, really?...is she talking about me? I remove one earphone and look in her direction and yes, she absolutely is talking about me.  She then says to me, "Must have been a really important phone call for you to take that call outside. You can talk in front of us you know?"

I am so confused.  I let her know that it was a private call. And left it at that.  I wish she had too.

I put my earphone back in and then I soon notice the woman packing up her things, all the while chatting with the gentleman and pregnant woman. Before I realize it, she is standing right next to my chair.  Again, I remove my earphone and ask, "Can I help you?" She then looks at the man, and says, "See what I mean? She sees me as a problem child.  Once a problem child always a problem child. If you don't conform with the masses...yada yada yada".

At this point, I have been looking for a reason to leave this psycho-section of Panera for an hour and so I stand up, quite ruffled mind you, and begin packing up my things.

She then says, "You don't have to leave, I'm leaving soon anyway".

I then tell her, "I am just trying to study for a mid-term. I don't know what I did to you, but I don't have time for this". She replies, "I am just looking for some involvement here". I quickly announce, "I came here to study. I am not looking for involvement".

Again, she says to the man, "See what I mean.  They just don't care. This generation...."

I walk away in complete bewilderment.  Did I seriously just sit next to a guy in poopy shorts AND get into a heated argument with a manic, middle-aged woman (who apparently thought I was in high school)?

And the worst part - they made me CRY! :)

The End.

The Wilderness

Last week we loaded up the car and headed to Creede, Colorado to enjoy YL's Wilderness Ranch. Although it was technically a work trip for Larry, we were surrounded by tons of fun and forever friends. This was the first time either of us had been to Wilderness, and my first time to ever go to a Young Life camp period, and I can easily say that my experience was indescribable. Joy, excellence, amazing food, smiles and cheer-offs abound. If you ever get the chance, check it out and if you have teenagers - SEND THEM HERE for the summer.  They will be changed.

Here are just a few pictures from our road trip.

Goodnight, y'all. So excited to sleep in my own bed tonight!