ALY ALLEN | THE BLOG

well. it feels weird to be back here in this space. i haven't regularly blogged for over a year. i'm feeling like it's time for a redesign but that's beside the point. i'm really here to tell you about Hope Spoken conference that i attended in dallas 2 weekends ago. everyone has been saying how they need time to process everything. i'm no exception. what i'm about to share is really an email i wrote to casey and danielle a few days after i got home, but i've edited and expanded a little. there is still so much more in my heart and mind that's not quite ready to come out: i'm finally sitting down to pour out my heart after such an amazing weekend. the first thing that's hitting me is these three girls went with a dream and a mission and a calling from Jesus, and were brave to walk through the door and keep going, as danielle  describes it. i'm sure they imagined how beautiful it would be but i don't think they could have imag...

it's funny how this blog has seen a few distincitve waves. seasons of lots of writing, seasons like the last six months, of almost no writing. i don't know if i'm back for good. i just know that there are things on my heart that i feel like i should share. so however long God places things on my heart, and however often He gives the time to write, that's when i'll be here. all day long, i'm in my head. always thinking, praying, dreaming. sometimes my thoughts and prayers and mess get so thick and heavy that it's hard to wade through it all. more often than not, really. and those are the times i journal, write, create, draw, design, sing. just unplug from my mind and plug in with my soul and the things God made me to do.  there are so many prayers constantly rolling around in my heart. most of them are offered up for things and circumstances that are completely out of my control. prayers for our family, for other people, for big dreams and small ones....

i remember the day so vividly. it was a long day of mothering and diaper changing and probably lots of meltdowns. both from me and the kids. i had this cloud hanging over me, just looming there. i was wondering all day long: is this it? not in a hopeless kind of way, or ungrateful for all that God has given me or demeaning the importance of raising children... but just wondering if God had plans to use me in a bigger way. and hoping the answer wasn't no.  there are particular things that i know He has for me, dreams He's given me. and those will unfold in due time, but i wondered if my words, my story, my life and experiences could be used in a way to bring Him glory right now. i'd been blogging for awhile and sharing my words and felt like i really had a ministry budding here, but it had begun to feel a bit pointless. it was a season where i wondered if anyone could hear me. was i just typing onto an empty screen, for my own benefit? was i reaching anyone with the goo...

goodness this blog has been neglected... i'm here because i wanted to tell you about the holiday/christmas cards that appeared in the shop today! there are 8 different designs to choose from and THIS WEEK ONLY they're on sale at 50% off , as sort of a grand-opening-early-bird special. the fun part is, even if you don't have your family photos done yet, you can still order a card today as sort of a pre-order, but wait until you have your photos ready to customize and finalize everything. if you order one card and decide after getting photos taken that a different card will look better, we can easily "exchange" designs! (i won't issue refunds, though, just a switch to another one of my designs). here's how it works: 1) go here and buy the one you like 2) send me an email or etsy convo with your photo and last name you want on the card (first names if applicable)... if you don't have your photo yet, no problem, just let me know! 3) i'll m...

so it's my anniversary week. my husband and i will celebrate 8 years of marriage tomorrow, June 12. to celebrate with you, i thought i'd offer free shipping in the shop this week! enjoy! [only available for U.S. addresses, thanks for understanding!]

so i havent been around for awhile. i know. there was a time, for about six months, where i blogged 3 times a week and had posts planned, written and scheduled a few weeks in advance. i was trying to "grow my blog" but, quite frankly, it didn't work and i got burnt out. that's just the honest truth right there. the thing is, lately i haven't had time and i haven't felt inspired to share anything. not at the exact moment i'm sitting at the computer anyway. i do miss it though. the few of you who were reading and feeling encouraged by whatever i shared... that was worth it, right? because sometimes it can be discouraging and it can feel downright defeating, like a waste of energy. putting your whole heart out there for 72 people to read and go on with their day. you wonder if it's really futile after awhile. if your time could be better or more wisely spent.  everyone likes to say that you should write whether 20 or 20,000 people are reading, bu...

i know, i barely blog anymore. but i need your help :) i've been searching around for a new phone case. mine is over 2 years old and it shows. apparently i'm in a mint/aqua/turquoise mood today. which one is your favorite? help me choose! i really love the blue aztec one but i'm not that trendy or cool. i think the ombre herringbone is probably more me . but i still can't decide... Aqua Ombre Ikat Chevron iPhone 4 Case-Mate Cases by jenniferstuartdesign Browse Ikat Casemate Cases Mint Big Dot Case-Mate iPhone 4 Cases by jenniferstuartdesign Browse more cases for iPhone 5 at zazzle.com Aqua Ombre Herringbone iPhone 4 Covers by jenniferstuartdesign Shop for iPhone 4 Covers online at zazzle.com Ikat Scallop Waves iPhone 4 Case-Mate Cases by jenniferstuartdesign See other Modern Casemate Cases at zazzle Mint Polka Dot iPhone 4 Case-Mate Case by jenniferstuartdesign Browse another iPhone 4 Cover Aqua Cute Girly...