Bartling Family

Book club

2011-07-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to be in a book club. I majored in English because I thought it was "like" being in a book club, for crying out loud...only I had to write lots of papers. Yet, I had never been in a genuine, honest-to-goodness book club. I was invited last year to be a part of one, but scheduling never seemed to work out. This year, in February, I decided to take the plunge and start my own. Six months into it, and I can honestly say, it has been a blast! Last month we even had a few new people join the group, so we are up to 12 women now. We usually meet at a restaurant for food and drinks and end up talking about everything under the sun (and the book, too). It has definitely been a blessing, and I might get down-right depressed if we had to stop meeting. I often get asked for suggestions on books to read by others, so I thought I'd share what our book club is reading and some other good recommendations.

2011 Book Club Reading List

February - Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese (fiction) - one of the most beautifully written stories ever! It takes a little time to warm up, but you will feel blessed once you finished it...like you just devoured literary art.

March - A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul E. Miller (non-fiction) - best book on prayer I've ever read, hands-down!

April - The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls (memoir) - Book club favorite.

May - Loving our Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk (non-fiction) - Great ideas in this here book.

June - The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (fiction) - Be ready to get wrapped up in such a great story that you will be depressed when it is over. Love! Looking forward to reading another one of Morton's books.

July -– Tiny Sunbirds Far Away by Christine Watson (fiction) - Just finished! Terrific! This is in CNN's list of top summer reads for 2011 (and it was).

August - Room by Emma Donoghue (fiction)

September - Half The Sky by Sheryl WuDunn (non-fiction)

October – The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley (fiction)

November - The Hunger Games - Book 1 by Suzanne Collins (fiction)

December - Catching Fire - Book 2 by Suzanne Collins (fiction)

January 2012 - Mockingjay - Book 3 by Suzanne Collins (fiction)

Other good one's:
Bossypants, by: Tina Fey - because we all need a good laugh

Half Broke Horses, by: Jeannette Walls - this is somewhat of a sequel to The Glass Castle about the author's grandmother

Sarah's Key, by: Tatiana de Rosnay - Great WW2 historical fiction

The Help, by: Kathryn Stockett - I've already recommended this book, but the movie is coming out soon, and it is truly a great read! Must read!

The Mark of the Lion series, by: Francine Rivers - The ONLY Christian fiction I'm not embarrassed to say that I've read. It is good...seriously good y'all. Would read it every year if I had the time. Chad has even read it, and loved it!

Hope this gives you some good reading ideas!

Evening at Mandola Winery

2011-06-25T07:40:00.001-07:00

My baby girl is turning ONE in just two short weeks! I am proud to say we made it a whole year! I bought her this yellow dress with white polka dots for Easter, but conveniently forgot (since the dress at this point had captivated me with its cuteness) that our church doesn't meet on Easter, but instead goes downtown to grill one thousand hamburgers to share with our homeless friends. Her little yellow dress wasn't really the appropriate attire for the occasion. None-the-less it had to be bought and had to make it's way into a portrait somehow, in some way. Well, I finally found a good reason to dress her up (before she outgrew it, no less). The Haynes family was in need of some family shots, so we decided to make an evening of it. Mandola Winery in Driftwood sounded like a perfect fit. As soon as you step on the property, you feel like you have been transported to the Italian countryside. Impeccable landscaping (despite the extreme drought level in Central Texas), beautiful fountain amidst the garden, vineyards, a clay tiled-roof, stone villa...PERFECT! Not to mention the food is pretty delicious, too. Another great part about the venue is that scattered amongst the oaks are picnic tables. You can order food from the restaurant to-go, then enjoy your meal with a glass (or two bottles if you are us) of wine in this gorgeous setting. Absolutely the best way to dine with children!

Here is some shots from the evening:

Elaina

Luke

The Haynes Family

Latest pics of the kids

2011-06-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

I took these portraits of the kids this past Feb. Elaina was 7 months and Luke was almost 4. You can tell in the pics how much they love each other. I am going to Mandola Winery to take Elaina's One year and Luke's Four Year shot tomorrow. I'll post those soon along with some good book suggestions. I started a bookclub six months ago and we've read some good ones. I'm definitely not the best blogger. Thank you Jessica Jett for your encouragement :)

What!!! It's been SIX MONTHS since my last posting!

2010-06-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

I know! I am really not a very good blogger. I desperately want to be though.

Update:

I just read my past two blogs and I realized two things.

One, I still haven't posted Chad's adoption story. I know I need to do this, but I will be giving birth in three weeks, so the likelyhood of that happening is slim. It will happen eventually (maybe?) ;)

Two, I made a list of all these books I want to read this year in my second-to-last blog entry (and let me tell you...I have been a reading machine), but have NOT read most of the intended books on my list. I didn't realize it, but apparently I had been going through a fiction deficiency in my reading diet, so there has been A LOT of fiction reading going on this year. What I have read is:

The Help
Same Kind of Different as Me
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Sarah's Key
Water for Elephants
The Shack
The Glass Castle

And I am reading now:
Tara Rd by Maeve Binchy
Radical: Taking Back your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt
A Modern Girl's Guide to Bible Study by Jen Hatmaker (I am actually in a Bible Study being lead by the author! Very cool!)

On the deck:
Irresistible Revolution
Half the Sky

Should I be reading What to Expect...blah, blah, blah? Probably. It seems with the second child things are just not nearly as a big deal as it was the first time.

One more thing, since we've moved out to the country and are living on a ranch, we don't have high speed internet. We have wireless internet connection which is not that great. This is the biggest reason why I have not been that great about uploading pics and keeping up with the blog. The process is painfully long, and frankly I just don't have THAT much time on my hands. Chad and I have uploaded some newer pics from this year on our facebook pages if you are interested. No, there are NOT any picures of my baby bump. You must see me in person if you want to see me in all my glory ;) I don't care to have any pictoral evidence of my current state of, shall we say...growth.

We are so excited about meeting Elaina, and have been busy preparing for her arrival. Pink is definitely the color d'jour these days. My c-section is set for July 9th. Luke is as excited and prepared as he can be for the newest addition. There is no doubt in our minds that he will be a great big brother. Hope all is well dear friends.

Much love,
Darsey

Favorite Moments of 2009

2009-12-29T08:24:00.001-08:00

1. Finding out we are expecting another Baby Bartling (July of 2010 :)

2. Meeting Chad's birth mother, Terri, and her precious family. (I will post the story soon, I promise!) She is such a special lady!

3. Moving back to Central Texas (an experience that was both bitter and sweet)

4. Enjoying the blessing of having so much more time with our families...especially celebrating birthdays and holidays!

5. Every time our friends from Fort Worth came to visit us! We don't know if we would have made the transition as smoothly without all your visits. What cherished time!

6. Reconnecting with Central Texas friends and meeting new one's!

*The Baretto Family

*The Grubh Family

*The Walker Family

*Small Group Friends

7. Every single Sunday at the Austin Stone Community Church

8. Moving to Austin (such a great city!) We are living on a ranch in a brand-new house on over 1/2 an acre! Luke loves all the room to run and play outside...that, and there are cows to go visit nearby. We also see deer, rabbits and we've even seen an owl a couple of times. It is so serene and tranquil here. We are really enjoying our new home! Anyone who wants to come visit is welcome. We have a very comfortable guest bedroom and bath.

9. Summer Concert in the Park in San Marcos - great family fun (live music, lawn chairs, coolers filled with favorite beverages...what could be better!) Also, playing/swimming/floating in the Blanco, San Marcos and Comal River. *Check out more pictures from a previous blog post: Summer Concert in the Park.

10. Watching Luke grow and develop. He is the greatest blessing of our lives. Everyday is filled with so much laughter and love. Here are some current pics of him (can't believe he will be three in four months!)

11. All the answers to prayer!!! It is truly AMAZING to see God work and experience the comfort of a Savior during difficult times. We are so thankful to the Bartlings for providing a roof over our heads for seven months! You can't thank someone enough for that kind of blessing! Through all the struggles of this year, we have seen that God DOES always have our best interests at heart, but sometimes you have to go through a storm to experience and enjoy the calm that follows. We pray for all who we dearly love that 2010 is full of God doing great things in your lives. Not only can you trust Him with your storms, but you can know that for as many tears as you sow through the storm, you will experience equal joy and so much more. We have found that C. S. Lewis was right when he wrote in The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses:

"Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling around with drink and sex and ambition (entertainment, busyness, money, materialism) when infinite joy is offered to us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."

*italicized addition mine

The fact is, Chad and I really loved the life we had in Fort Worth. Many parts of it were very good and Godly, but there were parts of it that weren't. As many have heard Chad say, "I was really fine with the kingdom I had built for myself." Well, that kingdom fell, and it really hurt to watch it fall, but God had a great plan for a holiday at sea in our future. In order for us to experience that great adventure, our kingdom needed a new KING. It wasn't a very pretty takeover, either. We held on to it until our knuckles ached. It is such a tempting tendency to claim and reclaim the position of king in our lives, isn't it? Honestly, it is a daily battle. We have found in the last year that the more we give the throne up to it's Rightful Owner, the better off we are. We ARE far to easily pleased. God has great adventures in store for all our lives. We have to be brave and step out of the slum in order for him to take us on those great adventures. We also have to recognize that the slum we too often settle for sucks and is a cheap thrill at best! By slum, I mean sin. We have to recognize and pay attention to those areas in our lives and fight against them so that we can experience the "infinite joy that is offered to us." A joy that we didn't even know was possible. The way to fight is through repentance. Acts 3: 19 & 20 says, "Repent therefore, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus." *emphasis mine. This is a process that we have really come quite familiar with this year. Repentance has lead to refreshment and the presence of the Lord in our lives. I highly recommend going on a repentance test drive if you are feeling distant from God. You will no doubt find His refreshment and His presence soon after. It is not fun to see the ugliness within, but it is so worth it to be brave and face it! Not many people have the guts to do this, and for them, the slums may be the best they will ever know. I am so glad that our God is a God of all kinds of love, and at times, that love is a tough love. He will go to extreme measures for us not to settle for the slums. That is exactly what happened in our lives this year, and it is a blessing that we are eternally grateful for.

Favorite Books read in 2009

2009-12-29T06:46:00.000-08:00

1. Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker
God used this book (and our church - Austin Stone Community Church) to awaken an area of my relationship with God that I blindly didn't realize was not really making the jump from my "good intentions" to my actions. If you feel like something is off in your walk with God, read this book!!! It is about the author and her family's journey to rediscovering their faith, and how God redirected their focus from protecting their comfort and climbing the social ladder to serving "the least of these." The author is local, too (Austin area)! If I could afford it, I would give everyone I know a copy of this book, then relentlessly ask if they read it yet :) I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book!!! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE read it :)

2. Desiring God by John Piper
I had to put on my big girl panties for this one :) Super theological and takes some time to go through, but completely BRILLIANT and transformational! Very convincingly makes the point that perhaps the greatest commandment in the Bible (outside of loving God and loving others) is "Delight yourself in the Lord." Most likely, I will come back to re-read this book A LOT in the years to come. Piper's contributions to Christian theology are such a blessing!

3. Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Trip
Great parenting book! Focuses on the heart behind a child's behaviors instead of just correcting a child's behavior. Helps parents bring the Gospel into their parenting. It also has a very helpful study guide that would be great to go through for your family.

4. The Tangible Kingdom Primer by Hugh Halter & Matt Smay
This is an eight week study that is wonderful small group material. It will help your small group get on track and missionally (outwardly) focused. If you feel like your small group is stuck in a rut, definitely check this study out! Would also be a great study if you are starting a new small group. It will definitely get everyone started on the right foot. NOTE: not available on Amazon. Only available on The Tangible Kingdom website.

5. The Blessing by John Trent & Gary Smalley
A great opportunity to reflect on your own childhood and the way your parents raised you...especially what could have been missing (meaningful touch, a spoken message, attaching high value, picturing a special future, an active commitment). Then, through that reflection, you find inspiration on how you desire to raise your own children. It is so important to honestly look at the past to decide where you want to go in the future.

6. Premeditated Parenting by Steve Nelson
Another great parenting book. Very practical advise! Encourages parents to be proactive in their parenting, not reactive. Very funny, too! Author doesn't act like he is a perfect parent that has it all figured out and shares many of his own experiences where he dropped the ball.

7. Thomas Jefferson by R.B. Bernstein
Really interesting biography on T. Jefferson. Less than 200 pages, so it is not a big time investment.

8. Ester by Beth Moore
This is a 10 week womans' Bible study that is AMAZING! I went though this study right when we moved back to central Texas and going through a really uncertain time. God used this study of Ester to speak a lot of vision and encouragement to me, and in turn, for me to speak vision and encouragement to Chad. It was such a blessing!

9. A Celebration of Sex by Dr. Douglas E. Rosenau
Every married couple should have a copy of this book!!! Dr. Rosenau doesn't leave anything out. He writes very directly and openly. It will transform your bedroom life :) Bow-chika-wow-now!

10. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (still reading this book, great fiction!)
I hardly ever read fiction, but I got a Kindle for Christmas (thank you, thank you, thank you Mom and Dad!), and this was the first book I downloaded. So far, I can't put it down! It is set in Mississippi in the 60's, and explores the social tension that existed in the south during this time. A different character is the narrator of each chapter, so you see the story from many different angles. LOVE THIS BOOK, so far :)

Books I am excited to read in 2010:

The Irresistible Revolution
Holiness by Grace
Same Kind of Different as Me
Death by Love
Vintage Jesus
Sacred Marriage
When People are Big and God is Small
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide

Blanco River Weekend with the Lewis'

2009-07-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Lewis' are our dear friend and sweet neighbors when we lived in Fort Worth. After our move back to the Hill Country, a precious little girl joined their family...Annalee. Luke and James had a BLAST playing in the river with their daddies, riding on their bikes and wearing Matt out with jumping/lifting/crashing games. The mommies really enjoyed their mommy float time with cold beers and good conversation (and no kiddos!). This was such a great weekend, and we honestly can't wait until the next Lewis visit!

CLASSIC PICTURE!!! It is going on the wall, for sure!!!

Imagine the boys 20 years older and the sippy cups are replaced with bud light. Funny thought, although I really don't want to think about them being grown-up too much.

I think this was the only time Annalee got a little frustrated! She is such a easy-going baby! I love the honesty in her eyes.

It was such a fun weekend, but by the end, both boys were exhausted! This sweet picture proves it!

Barber Shop

2009-07-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

This barber shop is where 4 generations of Bartling men have gotten their hair cut. I thought is was definitely a good opportunity to bring my camera along, and I am so glad that I did! I got some really great shots and I just love the old-school feel of the barber shop.

Summer Concert in the Park

2009-06-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to city park in San Marcos to watch the Derailers. You just may find us in the very spot every Thursday for the rest of the summer, we had SO MUCH FUN (not to mention it was free)!!! Luke literally danced the ENTIRE evening (non-stop!). No one there made use of the dance floor more than Luke...I am not exaggerating! We brought a couple lawn chairs and a small cooler with a few beers and some wine. It could not have been a better time! I took the opportunity to take some portraits of Luke with the beautiful San Marcos river as our setting. I included one of my favorite nature shots as well...enjoy!

Aren't these plants beautiful!?! Once they bloom, they have little white flowers.

Luke hardly ever leaves home without his "yee-haw" aka cowboy hat or Ernie, who you will find in most of the shots below.

Lots of my shots of Luke dancing were blurry because he literally never stopped moving!!!

He clapped after every song (not sure if it was for the band or himself ;)

Luke and Jenna

2009-05-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

Friends Forever

We went to Fort Worth for a dear friend's 30th birthday two weekends ago, and I got some precious pictures of Luke and his good friend Jenna. They are so sweet together and play so good together, too! Even though we have moved, and it has been six months, Luke and Jenna still get really excited when they see each other. Tera and I had a ball watching them play one morning on the bed. Most of the pictures are from that morning. I thought it would be fun to commemorate their friendship with a blog entry, not to mention they are two of my favorite subjects to photograph : )

Psalm 90

2009-05-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

I had a friend point me in the direction of Psalm 90 this week. It is really powerful, and I am praying this over my family right now, and I am praying it over the lives of friends and loved ones as well. Verses 12-17, especially.

Chad is desperate need for God to bring certain situations in his business to a close. Mainly one situation that we are praying will be completely resolved by May 15th. If it is not resolved by then, more drastic action will have to ensue. We are desperate for God to intervene. Please join me in praying Psalm 90 over the next couple of weeks.

Psalm 90: 12-17

12 Teach us to number our days carefully
so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.

13 Lord-how long?
Turn and have compassion on Your servants.

14 Satisfy us in the morning with Your faithful love
so that we may shout with joy and be glad all our days.

15 Make us rejoice for as many days as You have humbled us,
for as many years as we have seen adversity.

16 Let Your work be seen by Your servants,
and Your splendor by their children.

17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us;
establish for us the work of our hands-
establish the work of our hands!

With love,

Darsey

Living becuse of God...

2009-04-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

I have got to share with you something that has been rocking my world since I read it this earlier this month by Mike Donehey from Tenth Avenue North. It is a journal entry from the band's website about not living for God, but living because of God. Here it is:

Break Me Down

“Come, let us return to the LORD.

He has torn us to pieces
but he will heal us;
he has injured us
but he will bind up our wounds.”
-Hosea 6:1

Excuse me, what?!!
Who has torn us?
Who has injured us?
The Lord?!!!
Wait a second there Hosea, didn’t you mean to say Satan has torn us?
Or maybe bad people?
You sure that’s not a typo or something?

Personally, I think one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to reconcile in my head
and my heart is this idea that a loving, merciful, compassionate God
would hurt me.
And not on accident either, but purposefully and willfully.
God will unapologetically tear me into pieces so that He can heal me.
And you.
Strange huh?

And I suppose it isn’t so terribly surprising coming from a prophet who was made
to marry a harlot. If anyone would know something about being hurt by the
Lord it would be him right?
I don’t know if you know the story, but
I mean, just put yourself in his place for a second.
There you are. The man. The dude. You’re the prophet over all of Israel, and
you’ve been keeping yourself pure, praying every day for the woman that God will
give to you and then He finally speaks, but its not at all what you were hoping for.

God: “Hosea.”
Hosea: “Yeah Lord?”
God: “It’s time.”
Hosea: “Ahhhh Yeaaahhh! That’s what I was hoping you were gonna say.
Time for a wife right Lord?”
God: “Yes Hosea, it’s time for a wife.”
Hosea: “Ooohh, I can’t wait!!! Just tell me though God, is she hot and holy?
Cuz you know, I’ve been keeping myself pure, and I just know you’re gonna
reward me with a wife that’s hot and holy. That’s all I’m asking for because,
hey, that’s what I deserve right?”
God: “Well, not exactly. I don’t think she’s quite what you had in mind.”
Hosea: “Wait, what? …..Oh… I see! She’s even hotter and holier than I thought!
Oh yeah Lord, I know how you work!
God: “Well, no.”
Hosea: “What you mean, no?”
God: “Hosea, I don’t know how to tell you this, well, of course I know how to tell you this,
I’m God, it’s just, well….she’s a prostitute.”
Hosea: “prosti-what?”
God: “Prostitute. Whore. Lady of the Night.”
Hosea: No, no, I know what it is, but a PROSTITUTE!!!
God: Yeah, I know that’s not what you were planning, but its what I was planning, so you’re
gonna marry her.
Hosea: “I’m gonna do what?”
God: “you’re gonna marry her, but then of course, she’ll cheat on you, and sell herself
so you’ll have to go buy her back.”
Hosea: “Go what?”
“Yeah, you’re going to forgive her and buy her back and when she cheats on you again
and has children with other lovers you’re going to love them and take her back again.”
Hosea: “Come again?”
God: “you’re going to love her kids and take her back.”

Long awkward silence

Hosea: “What’s her name?”
God: “Gomer.”
Hosea: “Oh Come on!!!”

Now I apologize if you’re name is Gomer, but you do have to admit,
it’s a rather unfortunate name, and an even more unfortunate situation.
But the Bible records that it did happen.
Maybe not exactly like that, but God did tell Hosea to marry an adulterous wife.

And the reason that the Lord supplies in Hosea 3
Is that their marriage was to show us how he loves his people.
He loves his people like an adulterous wife.

And the story is so insanely beautiful when you see it from that angle,
but when you look at it from Hosea’s angle it’s just plain crazy.

Think about what you’d say if your pastor got up in front of the congregation and
announced that he was about to marry a whore. What would your response be?
Now, I’m not suggesting that every one go out and marry someone from the local
street corner, but I am saying that it is evident that God will do whatever He has to do
to bring you to a place where all you want is Him.

He’ll break you, He’ll hurt you, He’ll ruin your plans, and He’ll tear you into pieces,
and He’ll do it all out of a perfect holy love.

And look, I know that sounds crazy, but think about it for a moment.
A lot of people want to use God to give them something other than Himself.
If we’re honest, we’ll admit that we all do it on some level.
For instance, we don’t have sex until we’re married, because then God owes us a virgin.
We give 10% of our income to a church, because then God owes us prosperity and wealth.
We pray and pray and pray, and then God owes it to us to answer and give us what we want.
And in all those cases, Jesus is no longer the end, but simply a means to something else.

You’ve got to see that in Hosea’s case, or perhaps in the case
of that one friend of yours who thinks marriage is the goal of their existence.
Don’t laugh. It might be you.
But if you think about it, It would actually be unloving of God to go
and make our marriage perfect and make that person fulfill our every hope and dream.
Why?
Because that person will die.

That marriage will end, and if your whole life and existence and joy depends on another
human being, you will inevitably be in for heartache.
Just read the Twilight series (it’s true. I’ve read it, though I’m not proud of it)
and see how the heroine Bella, how her entire life falls apart when her vampire
lover leaves her. Put simply, If our joy rests entirely upon human love or
vampire love, or any other kind of earthly love for that matter,
then one day, our joy will be destroyed.
Is this making sense?

Of course, marriage is just one example.
Money. Security. Fame. Obedience. Sex. Drugs. Worship Music.
If our hope is set in anything but the living person of Christ, then we’re just setting ourselves
up for failure. And so God, in his infinite and everlasting love, will do whatever He has to do
to break, bend and conform his people’s hearts to Him.
He will no longer be the means to some other end, but the end Himself.

Like a surgeon who has to cut you open,
so God must tear us apart to create in us a new heart.
A heart that is obsessed with Him alone.
But unlike a doctor, He doesn’t just use a knife. He uses the most bizarre people,
circumstances, and tragedies to change our hearts until they only treasure Him.

He will break us down.

And it will be painful, scary, and altogether beautiful.

Friends, if the Lord is tearing down your world today,
if all the walls on your so carefully constructed plans are caving in on themselves,
then ask Him in faith, God, are you my treasure?
And if you find the answer is no, then ask Him to bring it on.
Break out the scalpel. Tear down the walls. Let loose the storms.
Ask Him to do whatever He has to do, until you can proclaim with the psalmist,

“Whom have in heaven but you,
and earth has nothing I desire besides you.”
(Psalm 73)

All this world is fading away anyway right?
Then take heart.
This life is not about succeeding.
It’s not about changing the world.
It’s not about living with purpose, or leaving a legacy
or making the maximum impact with your life.
It’s actually not even about living your life for God.

Did you hear me?
Don’t live your life for God.

Live your life because God.

Because He has loved us, redeemed us, and because He is all that our hearts are longing for.
It’s no longer about what you do with your life at all, because He is your life.
May He do whatever it takes to open our eyes to see that.
He is the means and He is the end. And everything in between is from his hand.
It can be terrifying at times, I know, but its worth it.
Believe me, and I guess more importantly believe Him.
It’s worth it.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing
with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
-Romans 8:18

“”Come, let us return to the LORD.
He has torn us to pieces
but he will heal us;
he has injured us
but he will bind up our wounds.

2 After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us,
that we may live in his presence.

3 Let us acknowledge the LORD;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.”
-Hosea 6:1-3

There is more expounding on the idea of not living for God, but living because of God. Here is the link to Mike Donehey's Journal:

http://tenthavenuenorth.com/blog/2009/02/28/dont-live-for-god-chapter-6-continued/

Love,

Darsey

Two post in one day...

2009-04-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

I guess I am making up for lost time, and I have something else to blog about.

Recession + suffering = a gift??? Check out these links and let me know what you think...

http://media.austinstone.org/

http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/rebels-guide-to-joy/the-rebels-guide-to-joy-in-suffering\

My thoughts:
It is encouraging to know there is a reason/purpose to today's recession that includes a gift/blessing/promise through the suffering some are experiencing today. Being a direct casualty of the recession, I am encouraged from these messages to suffer well, and that this experience should not be wasted, but instead, used to gain perspective on the life I was living pre-recession. Wasteful...yes, fearful...yes, entitled...yes, really trusting God no matter what...no.

I am so glad that God is teaching me so much during this time. It isn't pretty sometimes. I've had at least four temper-tantrums in the past six months that rival my two-year-olds daily outbursts. I've never seen a purification process that is pretty. A diamond comes from black coal being pressurized over a long period of time. In order to get all the impurities out of gold, it has to undergo a melting process. Many people feel like they are experiencing pressure and melting in their lives today...including myself at times. Could be due to the recession, or maybe something else. Maybe its your health, maybe its the death of a loved one, maybe its debt, maybe it's and unhappy marriage...whatever. Could it be that this pressure and melting is a blessing? Each and everyday we forge through this trial, I am finding that it is.

A New Start

2009-04-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been FOREVER since I have made a blog entry. Most of you know how crazy our lives have been the past few months. We said a sad "goodbye" to Fort Worth and "hello" to the Texas Hill Country, Wimberley to be exact. Our lives have changed dramatically. We want to thank everyone who has been praying for us. We definitely have needed you prayers. We have good days where we can see God refining us, sustaining us and starting something new in our lives, but then we have bad days when we can't understand why so much has been taken away, or why Chad's business is still a mess, or why we can't move on with our lives until EMG is straightened out in whatever way.

There is no way around it, we are going through a trial. We've been frusterated with God at times. We've heard it said that He is big enough to handle however we feel. God knows us better than we know ourselves, so we figure we can't fool him with a contrived facade of how we think he wants us to feel. In all honesty our hope has been bruised, and it hurts to hope sometimes. As I was driving home from helping my Dad at the restaurant last week, I expressed to God that my soul is just groaning and aching for for Him to redeem and restore...not just what is going on in our lives, but for others we care greatly for as well. We know that is what God is in the business of doing...redeeming and restoring, and we are beyond ready to see that happen. A lot of the Christian cliche's have been hard to stomach, but God's Word has been faithful to encourage and support us through this difficult time. Here are some promises we are clinging to right now.

Psalm 9:10
"Those who know your name will trust in you; for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."

Isaiah 41: 9-10
"You whom I took from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners, saying to you, 'You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off.' Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah43: 18-19
"Forget the former things. Do not dwell in the past. See, I am doing a new thing!...I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

And good ol' Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness not for evil, to give you a future and and a hope."

Although we desperately miss all we left behind, we are forging ahead with our lives here. We are really enjoying our families. Over the past few months, we have gotten to celebrate birthdays and holidays that we haven't gotten to celebrate together in years. We are really enjoying the outdoors. The pics below are of an afternoon visit to Perdenales Falls State Park (only 30 minutes away). We are really enjoying our friends who have come to visit us from Fort Worth. We are glad to be the Hill Country connection for everyone!!! We are really enjoying the church we've been attending...Austin Stone Community Church in Austin. Jesus is moving in powerful ways at this church! If anyone wants to go with us, there is always an open invitation. There is an awesome energy there, a young crowd, alternative/rock music and a message that will surely penetrate your soul.

It is my hope to be better about keeping up with this blog and share our lives (the good, bad and ugly) more consistently. I keep up with a few blogs where people are open and vulnerable enough to share their struggles, and it really is inspirational to read how God is working in their lives and circumstances. We do live in a fallen world where people suffer and go through painful experiences. I do believe that God uses struggle and pain to make us more compassionate and loving people, and also to reveal his power in our lives. I hope this blog finds you all doing well.

Love,
Darsey

Mommy + me

2008-12-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

"Mommy + me" portrait sessions are one of my very favorites. Here is Courtney and her son Brian. You may remember baby Brian from a past blog posting. He was the baby in the beaver hat...one of my favorite images since I've started doing childrens portraits. I haven't posted black and white images in a while and I just love the nostalgic feeling it produces. It is just timeless. Thanks Courtney for spending the morning with me back in September. It was so much fun!

Miss Addy

2008-12-04T08:36:00.001-08:00

I have known Addy's mom for a LONG time! All the way back to 6th grade when I moved from Red River, NM to San Marcos, TX. Then, what do you know, we both moved to Fort Worth. It was such a privilege to photograph her little girl. She is such a pretty little girl! We had so much fun, and Addy was such a great listener. I have a very special place in my heart for her. A few months ago, she would ask her mom, "where is baby Uke?..." (talking about Luke). Isn't that so cute? She really took a liking to the brown teddy bear, so he is lucky enough to be featured in many of the portraits with Addy.

Des + J.D. elegant picnic wedding

2008-11-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

First trip to the deer lease!!!

2008-10-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

Well, it is officially bow-hunting season in the Bartling home. We are doing things a little differently this year. We aquired a 20 year old travel trailer (The Nomad), and we are making hunting season a family affair. One of the other gentelman hunters out on the lease said this on opening weekend: "The family that hunts together, stays together." Well, that is our objective and goal.

It has been so nice to disconnect from everything. We wake up in the morning, turn on some Hillsong, eat breakfast and drink some good coffee. I've even learned how to drive a four-wheeler myself. Luke and I go searching for cows while Chad hunts in the late afternoon.

So far we have been out to the lease twice, and Luke loves it! There is a swing, slide, four-wheelers, cows, deer, a big tractor, dogs and a goose. What little boy wouldn't like all of that?!! We are going to attempt going out with Chad on a hunt next time. Luke may spoil the hunt with all of his"dee-daw's," but is worth a try. Here are some shots of our first time out there. Oh yeah, Chad has been working hard at providing some yummy game for us to eat. So far, he has gotten one pig and one doe. Great job baby!

Lizzy and Bekah

2008-10-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

I first met this precious family in Oct. of 2005...I can't believe it has been that long ago! Chad and I traveled with our good friends Tim and Leslie to visit the Albrights in Croatia. Lizzy was literally weeks old. I can't tell you enough how much this family has blessed our family. They are so encouraging and inspirational in their walk with Christ. It is always amazing to hear how God is working through them in Croatia. The past three months, they have been back in the States to visit friends and family, and we got the privilege of spending an evening with them. It was such a sweet evening full of food, fun and fellowship! Laura was telling me how difficult it is to get professional portraits in Croatia, so we set a date for a photo session right then and there. The girls were so good that day. I hope you enjoy the pictures Albrights. It was a pleasure and blessing to serve. Love you guys and miss you tremendously already! Maybe one of these days God has in his plan all of us living together in the same town...Heck, I'll even settle for the same country!!! You guys will continue to be in our prayers.

Sweet Jenna

2008-09-15T17:37:00.000-07:00

What a blessing it was to get to photograph this little girl for the 3rd time. I took her newborn portraits, 6 month portraits, and now she is ONE YEAR OLD!!! Time has flown by, that is for sure. Jenna is one of Luke's favorite friends. They absolutely LOVE playing together! Jenna has one of the most angelic faces I have ever seen. What a beauty! We love you, Jenna (Tera and Andy, too!). Our lives are all the more rich because of your friendship.

She got pretty tired of me there at the end. I don't blame her...she was workin' hard! It is exhausting being that cute!

Almost 17 months and a Wed. afternoon

2008-08-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I was trying to decide what to do for our dear friend Brandy who has watched Luke every Tues. and Thurs. for the past eight months while I devote some time to this whole photography endeavour. Starting next week, Luke will be going to a Mother's Day Out program that is literally next door to Chad's office at Bethesda Community Church, so this is Luke's last day with Brandy. This was a really hard decision for Chad and I to make because Luke loves Brandy, and we know how much Brandy loves Luke. Never-the-less, certain factors led us to a place where the decision had to be made. I really wanted to do something special for Brandy to convey how much we appreciate her and all she has done for our family. It was a no-brainer...I would give Brandy a picture album with a few photos of Luke from the time she started watching him (9 months) to now (17 months), and leave most of the album empty for her to collect little memories of the other children that she cares for. Well, I didn't have any current pictures of Luke (since most of the pictures I have taken lately have been of other children), so we had a fun afternoon in the front yard, and he was a wonderful subject! Brandy, if you read this, I hope you enjoy your little gift, and thank you for inspiring me to take some pictures of Luke yesterday afternoon. We had a blast!

Handsome Alex

2008-08-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

All I have to say is, how lucky was I to get the opportunity to hang out with this little guy! I tell ya, I have absolutely no idea how these adorable, little people keep landing in front of my camera. Alex's parents have grown to become such wonderful blessings in our life. We are so grateful for their friendship and constant encouragement. The entire photo shoot went so well. Mom and Grandma had no problem getting little Alex to crack some big smiles. They wanted to document him in his Baptism gown and have some casual portraits. The photos below are a compilation of their favorites and mine as well. I hope everyone enjoys!

#11

#15

#28

#36

#69

#73

#78

#110

#190

#204

#212

#234

#254

Kutie-pie Kamryn

2008-07-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

I was so honored when Kamryn's Mom asked me to take her two-year portraits. We got to know Jennifer and Brian through some mutual friends, and now they go to Hope Works and have joined our home group. They are such a blessing! Anyhow, back to Kamryn...I have been sitting-on-go, ready to photograph this little girl and her beautiful, brown ringlets and her big, brown eyes! It was my hope to capture her fun personality...that her spirit would be adequately translated in her portraits. I don't think the photo shoot could have gone any better. Kamryn was definitely at her best. Happy 2nd Birthday, Kamryn!!! I have just loved watching you grow-up this past year.

Cutie-pie Emma + family

2008-07-10T07:37:00.001-07:00

I just love this shot! It's so girly and sweet, I'm not used to girly with my boys.At this point, she had had enough of me and the camera. Isn't that such a sad face? I love all the expressions of children. They are not filtered and so genuine.
All she needed was her daddy to rescue her from the strange lady and her camera.
Awe...all better!
A girl's gotta have cute shoes!

Emma in her Baptism gown.

4th of July and the last few months

2008-07-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

Too cool for school!

Luke got to see his first 4th of July Parade today...

Luke and his friend/neighbor James (they have grown so fast!)

What a patriotic little boy!...sucker in one hand, and American flag in the other.
So excited to watch the parade with Daddy!

The other night we found him sitting in his toy basket reading a book. It was pretty cute.

We went to San Marcos the first weekend in June for the Texas Reds Reunion.

The Miller Girls are together again. It has been too long since we got a picture together!

What an amazing night! Each and every one of these women have been such a special part of my life. It was so great to see them all again. Cheers until next year, ladies!

To cut...or not to cut. That is the question!

2008-05-31T11:39:00.000-07:00

Alright guys. We need your help. Chad doesn't want to cut his hair, and I do. We need your input. Here are some shots over the last couple months. You tell us...cut or no cut. Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

This is how it started. Cute curls on top of his cute little head.

This is what it looks like now.

Long on the top-part of his head and about a stage 1 mullet in the back. Is this considered child abuse? He is going to hate us when he grows up, isn't he?

I know...he wears it well, huh?

Hope Works Mother's Day and Baby Dedications

2008-05-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

Francis Family

2008-05-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! I just wanted to post some images of my last photo shoot with the Francis family. I met Brandy through some close friends when I was looking to find some help with watching Luke a couple days out of the week. Brandy is so gifted with children! Luke absolutely loves going to her house and playing with all the kiddos. We had such a great time on this photo shoot. We went to the Kimball Art Museum, and it was such a gorgeous spring day. Landon, who is two-and-a-half years old, was sure to keep my shutter button on my camera pushed at all times! He is a mover and a shaker, that is for sure! I could barely keep up with him and all the cute stuff he was doing. Beau was really great sport. He went along with all my crazy ideas like laying down in the grass and putting his feet in the water. We had some great photo opps. Thank you for all you do, Brandy! You are such a blessing to our family.

Little Nathan

2008-05-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce you guys to little Nathan. Isn't he a cutie pie? I was introduced to his mom, Fancy, through a good friend of mine from college, Jennifer. Fancy and I had so much fun during this photo shoot! She was so great to let me try the "bath in the kitchen sink" idea. I love that shot! Nathan was such a happy baby. He was so tolerant of us changing his outfit a gazillion times. He has so many precious facial expressions, it was hard to pick which one's I wanted to share.

My Blind Date

2008-05-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

Alright, I just have to tell you guys about something that happened yesterday. This is hands down one of the nicest things, if not THE nicest thing a friend has ever done for me. Yesterday afternoon Chad got home from work and we were playing with Luke on the floor in his room. It was around 5:30pm, and I got to thinking about what we were going to do for dinner. I asked Chad what he thought, and he told me that I had to get in the shower and get ready because someone was coming over. I said, "Awe honey, how sweet, you got me a stripper." (Of course, I was kidding!) He said that whoever was coming, was going to take me out for the evening, and that I had the night off. Let me tell you guys, I was speechless! I proceeded to get out of my sweats, and get ready for a night out with someone...who, I had no idea? I told Chad whoever it was must be a really special friend to go to such lengths for me. No kidding, I felt like I was getting ready to go on a blind date. I was so nervous and excited. I was trying to speculate who on earth it could be.

Well she showed up right on time, 6:30pm. She brought me some flowers, and she took me to dinner. We had such a great time, and I hadn't felt that special to a friend in a long time, if ever. Thank you Tera Self! You have inspired me to make other women in my life know without a doubt that they are special and loved. I hope this blog inspires others, too. There is a real power in the sincere friendship of our girlfriends. It is something that is too often neglected. Thank you Tera for being such an amazing friend. God has definitely given me a blessing in you.

Also, thank you to my husband for being so supportive and an important part of this evening. Thanks for being on "Luke duty." I have no doubt you boys had a great time playing chase all night long.

Tera and Jenna

The Mahaney Cuties

2008-05-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

Check out these sweeties! Braylon and Brinley were so much fun to work with this past weekend. It took Braylon a little while to warm-up, but once he did, we had a blast. Candice (Mom) brought the tu-tu and pearls for Brinley to wear and she wore them well, I must say. Hope you enjoy the sneak peak, Mahaney family! See you soon!

My Birthday in Mexico

2008-04-28T13:35:00.001-07:00

Thank you to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday! I would have to say this one was far better than the last couple of birthdays. Two years ago, I was prego, and last year, I thought it wouldn't be much fun to go to a birthday party where the birthday girl cries the entire time...I was having a severe case of the baby blues. Thanks to my amazing husband, I got to celebrate this year with three Mexican waiters from the hotel who sang at the end of the birthday song, "Hoochy, coochy tonight." - very memorable, by the way!

We stayed at the Excellence Resort in Puerto Moreles, Mexico which was wonderful. We would highly recommend it. On the third day, we went to see Chichen Itza...the eighth wonder of the world. It was really interesting and HOT! It definitely satisfied the side of us that likes to enjoy culture and adventure that you can't get at and all-inclusive resort.

Luke stayed in San Marcos with both sets of grandparents. He got nice and spoiled while we were gone, so it has been really fun so far this week getting back to normal (yeah right!). For some reason, he likes to be held A LOT now and doesn't want anyone to leave the room. He also learned this really funny face. We call it "stinky face" or "the bubba." Check it out...

I would like to publically thank my sweet husband for such an enjoyable and relaxing vacation. Thank you for all your planning and thoughtfulness. I couldn't imagine my life with out you. You are a joy! I love you, and I have to say that you look damn good in that $5 hat!

Regan and Brian III

2008-04-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

Regan

Regan and Brian III

Brian III

Luke's 1st Birthday Party

2008-04-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

Well, the first birthday party was a success! Why would I consider it a success? Two words...Face and Cake. You can't get much better than that for a first birthday party. Luke had a great time. We had the party at Uncle Ralph and Aunt Debra's lovely home in their beautiful new backyard with the Ridglea CC golf course in the background. It was a warm, spring day. Brandy brought a Sesame Street bounce house for the kiddos. Her son, Landon, got a bloody nose. There was great food and refreshing drinks. We could not have asked for a better day. What made it even better were all the family and friends that came to celebrate with us. We are so blessed with such supportive and loving people in our lives. We could not have made it through the last year with out each and every one of you. I can't wait to see what this next year has in store for us. I love seeing the world through Luke's eyes. Everything is so intersting and extrodinary to him...buttons, strings, dead leaves on the ground, grass, dogs, books, balls, music. He reminds me to look for the excitement in even the simplest of things. I am beginning to realize my child just might be teaching me more about life than I am teaching him. God is so good. He blesses abundantly. He is so faithful. I know all these things just by looking into the eyes of my son. He is a gift from above.

"Every good and perfect gift comes from above." James 1:17

Yeah! Face in the cake!

Daddy is getting in on the action!

The Ladies' Man
Jenna and Luke

Luke and Addie

Jenna had a little too much fun! She wore herself out!

He loves his puppy dogs. Awe, what a sweet boy!

Luke is one whole year old!

2008-03-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

Well everyone, it has been a while since I've posted a blog. I guess I'm a bad blogger. I have the best intentions though. Well, since the last blog I posted, Luke has FINALLY learned to crawl. We were definitely starting to get worried. He is definitely a kid who likes going at his own pace. We have also started giving him some grown-up food. He loves sliced peaches, potato soup, mac-n-cheese (what kid doesn't like mac-n-cheese?) and a bunch of other stuff. He keeps trying dog food as well...that has been interesting. If anyone has any ideas on how to deal with this issue, let me know. We are pretty sure his first word is "dog", other than that it is just random "dada's" "nana's" and "baba's" all the time. He does point at the dogs and says "dow." Anyhow, we are getting ready to celebrate his first birthday with close friends and family. We can't wait!

"Yeah! I'm turning one year old!"

"What do you mean, I don't get to drink beer for my birthday?

I have to wait 20 more years!"

"What are you looking at?"

"OOOOH! I see a puppy dog...they are my favorite."

I like books a lot, too!

Jenna Self

2008-02-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

Jenna is now 6 months old, and she is absolutely precious! She is definitely one of the prettiest baby girls I've ever seen. I took Jenna's newborn portraits, and the Self's were so sweet to have me back again. Tera is really one of my biggest cheerleaders in my pursuit of my photography endeavors (outside of my husband, of course!). I am so grateful for her friendship! Andy and Tera host our homegroup on Thursday nights, and God has shown us that friendships based in Him are so fruitful when He is at the center. What a blessing they are to our family!

Self Family

2008-02-12T12:48:00.000-08:00

Little Jenna Mae was born in July to Andy and Tera. We go to Hope Works with this sweet family and they host our home group. Jenna is only a few months younger than Luke, and we are always calling them boyfriend/girlfriend. We can only hope Luke will have girlfriends as precious as Jenna. Keep you eye out for Jenna's six-month pictures coming soon. We will be taking those this week.

The Thornton's

2008-02-12T12:12:00.001-08:00

Emma Grace Thornton was born in Nov. 2007. Cory asked me to do her maternity portraits earlier in the year, so it was such an honor to be asked to come back and take Emma's newborn portraits along with some pictures with her older brother C.J. who is two years old. The Thornton's are such a great family, and I am so blessed to call Cory my friend. Here are some of the images from both photo sessions.

The Deckard Family

2008-02-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

Lacy and Derek are a very special couple. They were so much fun to photograph...they are a lot of fun period!!! I know Lacy from high school and we both went to A&M, which is where she met Derek. Then, along came Polly, their Great Dane, who was such a good girl all day while we took pictures all over Fort Worth. We went to this great church with beautiful red doors, downtown and to the museums. As of a few weeks ago, Lacy called with news that they added another great dane to their family. Congratulations you guys!!!

Luke is 10 Months old

2008-02-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

Well, I must say this has been a really interesting month! We rang in the new year with a cold and an ear infection. After that, Luke had an allergic reaction, to what?...we don't really know. He did, however, have an aweful case of hives, and the only treatment was steroids. Let me tell you, babies and steroids are no fun. I don't think they have anger management treatment for babies, but if they did, we would have signed him up. We were at the pediatricians office a total of 5 times in the month of January! Other than being sick a lot, Luke is doing great! He is still trying to crawl...he will go up into a push-up position and then pull his knees underneath his body, but from there, he's not sure what to do. He really enjoys standing while he holds onto furniture. There is a possibility that he will be walking before crawling, no matter how much Chad and I try to encourage him otherwise. He is getting so much more personality by the day. There are definitely more and more laughs each and everyday, too.

Chad and I got a much needed vacation at the end of January. We went to Pagosa, CO with our dear friends, Tim and Leslie Strickland as well as Andy and Tera Self. We skied Wolf Creek, and as the locals say, "It was epic pow, man!"...which means, the powder was great! We had such a wonderful time, and we look forward to going again. Chad's parents came up and stayed with Luke while we were away. They were such a blessing! It was so nice to know Luke was in such good hands. I am starting to realize how important it is to get away...when we got back, I felt like I was able to be a better mom and wife. It is always good to take a step back and gain some perspective. There is no better place than the Rocky Mountains, to replinish and refresh your outlook on life. God is so good to provide such beauty for us to enjoy.

White Family

2008-01-23T12:50:00.001-08:00

Danny and Jessica have been waiting expectantly for their little bundle of joy for quite a while now, and praise God...she is finally here! Kate is only about 10 days old in these photographs, and she is so beautiful. She is a really sweet baby too! Chad, Luke and I headed up to McKinney Sunday to bring a pot roast and hang out with our dear friends. Chad and I know Danny from grade school, and we all went to Texas A&M together.

Haussecker Family Portraits

2008-01-23T12:07:00.000-08:00

Eric, Sarah, Kirsten, Noah, and (making his world debut soon) baby Owen are a family I hold near and dear to my heart. Eric and Sarah are very close friends from high school. Eric has been in Afganistan serving our country for most of 2006 and the beginning of 2007. It was such an honor to photograph this growing family. Many times I felt tears in my eyes just seeing them all together again. We went to a near-by park and to the Fort Worth Zoo. It was such a wonderful time.