1970's "Throwback"!

The world's ugliest carpet... I know, it's hard to believe that this was ever carpet that was considered "high-end", but I am told it was. Quite obviously it originated in the 1970's. But PRAISE THE LORD it has gone away, FAR FAR away!

(Not the highest quality photos, they were taken with my phone, but you get the idea...)

Out with the old (and I do mean OLD...) and in with the new. Here is the new carpet. I know it may not seem like that big of a deal to anyone else on the planet to get new carpet. But it is for me...and maybe from the illustrations here, you can somewhat see why. I am thankful today for carpet. Silly, I'm sure, but nevertheless, I am thankful for it.

Woo hoo, 70's carpet, NO MORE! Na na na na....na na na na, Hey hey, Goooodbye!

It's Christmas Baby, Please Come Home

This has LONG been a Christmas favorite of mine. It is from back in the 80's when I saw it on a video tv show called Top of the Pops (I don't know if anyone else on the planet remembers that other than me...It was hosted by Nia Peebles, don't know if anyone else remembers her either!) Since it was U2 I immediately loved it...still do. It's a blast from my past that I thought I'd share.
Enjoy!
Merry Christmas.

Who Lives in Your Head?

I got this today, thought I'd pass it on. It is a universal issue.

This was seen on a sign posted at a church:"Keeping resentment is letting someone you despise live in your head."
Let go of the resentment, because it only controls you. Being controlled by resentment will never make you happier, more fulfilled, healthier or more successful. Your only solution is to forgive, wholeheartedly, the person who has offended, however great the transgression and however evil you might think that person is.

No One Likes a Know-It-All

"Why you gotta act like you know when you don't know?"

That is a verse from a song that I've heard a couple of times. Every time I've heard it or think about it, it makes me laugh. Haven't you ever thought that about someone? "Dude, why you gotta act like you know when you don't know?!?!" Or have you perhaps even thought that about yourself?

I'll be honest, I used to have a problem with "not knowing" things. And I might even allow you to assume that I knew something that I knew nothing about, just so you wouldn't think I was stupid. That's the truth. I was that way, but I'm not anymore. Haven't been that way for MANY years now. It's too hard anyhow.

There are a ton of things that I am absolutely ignorant about and I know it and I'll tell anyone that needs to know. What I do know, I know well. What I don't know, I don't know!!! I realize now that it doesn't make me stupid. There are lots of things I don't know about. There lots of things I have no interest in knowing about. And that's perfectly OK. Thank you God, for the things that I do know about. I know about you and your love for me. I know about faith, hope, and love. I know about family. I know about forgiveness. I know about friends. I know about Christ and his death and resurrection. I know about salvation and true LIFE. I know about loss and perseverance. I know about disappointment and redemption. I know about many things that matter. I don't know everything on those matters. But learning more everyday is what it's about. If I don't know something, I'll tell you that I don't, but I will also go find out! Unless it is about quantum physics, then you can go ask someone else, because not only will I not know...I probably won't care either. Just being honest.

So why you gotta act like you know when you don't know? I am going to start humming that song to myself when someone is doing that and it is obvious. That will make me smile and probably giggle a little or a lot. In fact, I am humming it now. Maybe if you've heard it, you'll understand why it makes me giggle. It just is one of those things that is so true and such a reality that it is humorous.

Soooooo, why you gotta act like you know when you don't know?!?!?!?!?!?

Mended Relationship!

At one point this year, probably right around mid-summer, I had just about had it with a certain situation going on in my life and I almost just cut it out of my life completely. I was warned not to do it. In fact, someone close to me at the time, told me absolutely NOT to do it. But I was at my wit's end. I had a relationship that needed to end. We did not get along. We fought with one another almost daily. It was driving me crazy. It was too much work, took too much of my time and energy, and it didn't seem worth the hassle in any way. But, I try not to make hasty decisions. I try to weigh the pros and cons. I try to be able to see past the turmoil of the moment. So I waited. I allowed this relationship to continue. I made a tentative decision to wait and see what would transpire.

Over the past couple of weeks, I can honestly say that I am glad that I did. I made the right decision. Things now have completely turned around. It's amazing what can happen with a little time and a little patience. Plus with the heat of the summer not beating down on us and making us all the more agitated with one another, we've become close again. Finally. I am so glad I didn't cut the relationship short. It would have been a mistake.

I hope I don't come off the wrong way. Because when it comes to these kinds of things, I am usually pretty self-effacing. Even quite self-deprecating. But over the past couple of weeks, I can honestly say with joy and humility, not vanity or conceit, that I love my hair. I've had more good hair days over the past few weeks than I can remember over the past 10 years. I don't want to sound like I am bragging, I am not. I am thankful. I am surprised. I thought our relationship was done. I hated it, and it seemed to hate me. I was ready to hack it off. To sever ties. To end it. But I didn't and it's actually to my surprise, being kind. I don't know how long it will go on like this. In my experience, things that go well, really well, don't always stay that way for long. But for the time being, I really love my hair. It sounds vain to even say that out loud, but I'm gonna!!! I love my hair. Who knows, next week we could be on the outs again. But then again, who knows perhaps I've found a relationship that will last.

Tee hee.

I know, I am a dork!

The Brick

(I have read this before, but I hadn't seen it in a while. It always touches me, because I can see myself in it... Enjoy.)

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared . Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown.

The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?" The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop..." With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. "It's my brother, "he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up."

Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me." Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. "Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy! push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: "Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!" God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.

Love it!

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”

-Dale Carnegie-

I love the human mind...

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?

Finally...It's Time for Christmas FUN!

Watch Out...They Spit!

This was taken about a month ago at the State Fair of Texas petting zoo. I love this pic. And this kid loves animals. ALL of them. Camels too. Just getting some pics downloaded from my camera and ran across this one and it made me smile. I thought I'd share it. Have a great Friday!

Family

Each of us has a fantasy that our family will be like the Waltons, an expectation that our dearest friends will be our next of kin. Jesus didn’t have that expectation. Look how he defined his family: “My true brother and sister and mother are those who do what God wants” (Mark 3:35).
When Jesus’ brothers didn’t share his convictions, he didn’t try to force them. He recognized that his spiritual family could provide what his physical family didn’t. If Jesus himself couldn’t force his family to share his convictions, what makes you think you can force yours?

We can’t control the way our family responds to us. When it comes to the behavior of others toward us, our hands are tied. We have to move beyond the naive expectation that if we do good, people will treat us right. The fact is they may and they may not—we cannot control how people respond to us.

I can’t assure you that your family will ever give you the blessing you seek, but I know God will. Let God give you what your family doesn’t. If your earthly father doesn’t affirm you, then let your heavenly Father take his place.

God has proven himself as a faithful father. Now it falls to us to be trusting children. Let God give you what your family doesn’t. Let him fill the void others have left. Rely upon him for your affirmation and encouragement. Look at Paul’s words: “You are God’s child, and God will give you the blessing he promised, because you are his child” (Gal. 4:7, emphasis added).
[And] don’t lose heart. God still changes families.

-Heavenly Affirmation- by Max Lucado-

The Touch of God

by Max Lucado

May I ask you to look at your hand for a moment? Look at the back, then the palm. Reacquaint yourself with your fingers. Run a thumb over your knuckles.

What if someone were to film a documentary on your hands? What if a producer were to tell your story based on the life of your hands? What would we see? As with all of us, the film would begin with an infant’s fist, then a closeup of a tiny hand wrapped around mommy’s finger. Then what? Holding on to a chair as you learned to walk? Handling a spoon as you learned to eat?

We aren’t too long into the feature before we see your hand being affectionate, stroking daddy’s face or petting a puppy. Nor is it too long before we see your hand acting aggressively: pushing big brother or yanking back a toy. All of us learned early that the hand is suited for more than survival—it’s a tool of emotional expression. The same hand can help or hurt, extend or clench, lift someone up or shove someone down.

Were you to show the documentary to your friends, you’d be proud of certain moments: your hand extending with a gift, placing a ring on another’s finger, doctoring a wound, preparing a meal, or folding in prayer. And then there are other scenes. Shots of accusing fingers, abusive fists. Hands taking more often than giving, demanding instead of offering, wounding rather than loving. Oh, the power of our hands. Leave them unmanaged and they become weapons: clawing for power, strangling for survival, seducing for pleasure. But manage them and our hands become instruments of grace—not just tools in the hands of God, but God’s very hands. Surrender them and these five-fingered appendages become the hands of heaven.

That’s what Jesus did. Our Savior completely surrendered his hands to God. The documentary of his hands has no scenes of greedy grabbing or unfounded finger pointing. It does, however, have one scene after another of people longing for his compassionate touch: parents carrying their children, the poor bringing their fears, the sinful shouldering their sorrow. And each who came was touched. And each one touched was changed.

I'm a Snowman!

My kiddo found her Texas Rangers winter hat in a box of items that I deemed were too small for her. She instantly got excited, put it on, and exclaimed, "I'm a snowman!" I'm not really sure why she thinks the hat makes her a snowman. I thought it was absolutely adorable and it completely cracked me up! She ran around playing outside today in shorts and her "snowman" hat most of the day. She makes me laugh out loud. She comes up with new and sillier things every day. I totally dig this kid!!! She is the most precious little person I've ever known. What joy she brings into my life every day! I find myself thanking God for the blessing of my daugher countless times a day. I cannot imagine a day without her silliness, her laughter, and her smile. I am the most blessed mommy. She is sweet both inside and out. Even amidst tantrums and moments of frustration, all toddlers go through from time to time, I wouldn't change a single thing! She brings elements of joy to my life that no one else could. Innocence. Goofiness. Playfulness. Wonder. Inquisitiveness. Tender-heartedness. Purity. I just adore being a mom. I wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING.

Admirer...

I have a secret admirer. Only it's not secret. Well, yes it is, sort of. OK, that doesn't make any sense. Does it? I haven't had a secret/non-secret admirer in a long time. At least not that I was aware of, or maybe I wasn't aware of it because it was a secret. Argggh. This isn't making sense, is it? I have an...admirer. Maybe that's a better way of putting it. Only, I don't know who he is. Not because I don't know his name. I do know his name. I just don't know the person to whom the name belongs. But he evidently knows me. Isn't that odd? In fact, several people that I know, know this gentleman. But it never seems that any of us are all in the same place at the same time for them to point out who he is. Why doesn't this admirer just approach me? Shy? Perhaps. Maybe he's heard how MEAN I am in person. Muah ah ah. Seems a bit like child's-play, but nevertheless, maybe he really is just shy. That's alright. It's just nice to have a secret/ non-secret admirer. A girl's gotta like that, right? Well, as long as he's not one of those scary/crazy admirers. Although I am assured that he isn't. However, sadly, if one doesn't get past their shyness, we'll never know the potential or lack thereof. Because the shy-thing doesn't appeal much to me. Just one of my quirks, I guess. Many women LOVE the shy-guy-quality. Many are intrigued by it. I'm just not one of them. Sigh...

More to come?

Who knows...

How God Changed my Heart

Great Insight from Carrie Hudson (Special Guest, Song of Solomon Bible Conferences)...read on:

"Now, one of the Pharisees was requesting Him (Jesus) to dine with him. And He entered the Pharisee's house, and reclined at the table. And behold there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster of perfume. And standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet, and anointing them with the perfume." (Luke 7:36-38)

I think I have read over this passage of scripture many times in my life without giving it much thought. However, this past summer I read it again and the Lord touched my heart in such a way I cried from the first word to the last. I realized there was nothing I wanted more in my life than to be like this woman. The woman, who after hearing that Jesus was within her grasp, ran and got her best perfume to give to Him! To come without a gift…unthinkable! The woman, the sinner, who did not approach Him from the front, but stood behind Him, ever so humbly. The woman, who could not contain her emotion and overwhelming love, wet the Almighty's feet with her tears. The woman who used her hair as a towel to wipe away her tears from the King of King's feet. The woman who kissed the Lamb of Lamb's feet with her lips and anointed them with her finest perfume. This is the woman I want to be most like.

To give myself completely to the Lord. To serve Him and love Him with my very best. To know who He truly is and weep for my destitution and sinful ways. To love the Lord with all abandon and care not what the world around me thinks as I throw myself upon His feet. To serve Him daily and keep my focus upon Him and Him alone. This became my prayer, to be like her to love like this.

The Lord loves to answer prayers like this. He began to change my heart. I became much more sensitive to my sin and I wept over my sin. My love for Jesus became so much more than what it had been in the past. I became completely amazed at the love of the Father. My heart was changed, I was being changed. I cried out for there to be less of me and more of Him.

I continue to cry out to God daily and pray to love Him with total abandon. I know that this love is contagious, and as I bowed, my husband bowed. As I wept over sin, my husband wept over sin. As God changed me, God changed Him. He linked us together this way, and we are better for it. Because there is less of Carrie and Doug there is more of the Great I AM. And we are blessed.

-Carrie Hudson

What scripture is this? (3 different languages)

「 神 愛 世 人 ， 甚 至 將 他 的 獨 生 子 賜 給 他 們 ， 叫 一 切 信 他 的 ， 不 至 滅 亡 ， 反 得 永 生 。

لأَنَّهُ هكَذَا أَحَبَّ اللهُ الْعَالَمَ حَتَّى بَذَلَ ابْنَهُ الْوَحِيدَ، لِكَيْ لاَ يَهْلِكَ كُلُّ مَنْ يُؤْمِنُ بِهِ، بَلْ تَكُونُ لَهُ الْحَيَاةُ الأَبَدِيَّةُ.

하나님이 세상을 이처럼 사랑하사 독생자를 주셨으니 이는 저를 믿는 자마다 멸망치 않고 영생을 얻게 하려 하심이니라

The Fern and the Bamboo

One day I decided to quit.... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality..... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo."

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo".

He said, "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit."

He said, "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me, "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others."

He said, "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come," God said to me. "You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?",He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest and brought back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you........

Never regret a day in your life.

Good days give you Happiness.

Bad days give you Experiences.

Both are essential to life.

Keep going...

Happiness keeps you Sweet,

Trials keep you Strong,

Sorrows keep you Human,

Failures keep you Humble,

Success keeps You Glowing,

But Only God keeps You Going!

Have a great day! The Son is shining!!

God is so big He can cover the whole world with His love
and so small He can curl up inside your heart.

Spinning...but which direction?

This little thing really blew my mind. When you FIRST looked at it, which direction was she spinning? Clockwise or counter-clockwise? I can intentionally change it if I try hard enough, but at first it was spinning counter-clockwise for me. How about you? Funny, because I am left handed and they say you are opposite-brained from what hand you write with. Hmmm. And a lot of the right-brained list fits me better, but not all of it. So, no surprise, I am a bit of a freak of nature. Ha! Anyhow, I thought this was pretty cool and wanted to share.

My Collection

I have the greatest friends in the world. So, if you are my friend...THANK YOU, and if you are not...well, you should be, you'd be in great company. But it is funny, my friends are so very...well how should I say this???? VARIED. I have a well-rounded group of friends. And my relationships with each of them individually are just as varied. Some I talk to almost everyday. Some, once every week or two. Some, every month or two. Some are wild and crazy. Some are quiet, wall-flowers. I have friends that are always the same day in and day out, and some that seem to change daily. But all in all, I am incredibly blessed. I have friends...good friends. Loyal friends. Caring friends. Silly friends. Wise friends. Deep friends. Young and old friends. Giving and generous friends. Loving friends. Simply beautiful friends. A collection of souls that are so near and dear to my heart. Ahhh, the joy of amazing friends. Thank you God for all of the friends you have placed in my life and have so richly blessed me with. I am humbled and grateful for each of them.

3-C's

Seems like I am always running into 3 C's.

Well here is another set that I ran into today and I liked.

The Three C's of a Successful Relationship:

1. Commitment-The first key trait is Commitment. This is the foundation that undergirds every good relationship. Solomon says that "love is as strong as death" (Song of Solomon 8:6). Commitment is a serious thing because when we commit in marriage, we are also committing to a Holy God.

2. Communication-The second key trait is Communication. This is something that takes a lifetime of practice. But it has to be a serious pursuit, especially for men. In Song of Solomon 8:13, the Shulammite says, "Let me hear it (your voice)." Talking about what is happening in our life, both the big and small things, and truly sharing with our spouse adds strength to our relationship's foundation. And when communication breaks down, refer to #1.

3. Compassion-The final key trait is Compassion. We have to be sensitive to our spouses. Sometimes it is easy to take them for granted, to overlook their feelings, and to be nicer to others. Meeting each others needs, even during the difficult times, is a true act of compassion. And when being compassionate is difficult, refer to #1.

Based on what Solomon says your relationship can't go wrong if you concentrate on developing these three C's.

-Bob Hudson-

Worth quoting...

Repentance is not only saying, “I’m sorry.”

It is also saying, “I’m through.”

Tee Hee Hee!

Want to make God laugh out loud?!?!?!?

--Tell Him your plans.

Rainy Day Joy

Finally...Jacket-weather.

Little Bit was so excited this morning about the rain.

She LOVES rain.

Snapped a pic from my phone this morning to capture her rainy day joy in her little pink jacket.

Ahhh, cooler weather. I love it!

Foot Prints of Satan

I was in an emergency room late one night last week.Victims of Satan filled the halls. A child—puffy, swollen eyes. Beaten by her father. A woman—bruised cheeks, bloody nose. “My boyfriend got drunk and hit me,” she said, weeping. An old man—unconscious and drunk on a stretcher. He drooled blood in his sleep.

Jesus saw the victims of Satan, too.

He saw a leper one day … fingers gnarled … skin ulcerated … face disfigured.And he got indignant … angry.Not a selfish, violent anger. A holy anger … a controlled frustration … a compassionate disgust. And it moved him. It moved him to action.

I’m convinced that the same Satan stalks today,causing the hunger in Somalia … the confusion in the Mideast … the egotism on the movie screen … the apathy in Christ’s church. And Satan giggles among the dying.

Dear Father,

May we never grow so “holy,” may we never be so “mature,” may we never become so “religious” that we can see the footprints of Satan and stay calm.

-Max Lucado-

Happy Friday!

"As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back."

I don't know about any of you, but over the course of my life I have wasted WAY too many 60-seconds intervals upset with myself, someone else, or circumstances in life. Life is too short, too wonderful, and too precious to waste any of those treasured and numbered minutes...upset. Watch a sunset, blow bubbles with your child, turn up the music and dance in your living room, hug a stranger, use the good china, share yourself with others--your REAL self. LIVE and LOVE with reckless abandon! Give up the past, stop dragging it behind you. (Take it from someone who has done it long enough!!!!) Cut the ties that bind you, take a deep breath in, and go really live life and love deeply...it is exhilarating!

HUGS,

C

Power of Temptation

The tuna were running for the first time in 47 years, only 30 miles off Cape Cod. And they were biting! Last fall all you needed to catch one was a sharp hook and some bait. And the rewards for doing so were substantial. Rumor had it that Japanese buyers would pay $50,000 for a nice bluefin!That's why many would-be fishermen ignored Coast Guard warnings and headed out to sea in small boats. But what these new fishermen didn't realize was the problem is not catching a tuna—the problem comes after they're caught.On September 23, the Christi Anne, a 19-foot boat, capsized while doing battle with a tuna. That same day the 27-foot boat Basic Instinct suffered the same fate, while Official Business, a 28-footer, was swamped after it hooked onto a 600-pound tuna. The tuna pulled it under water.These fishermen underestimated the power of the fish they were trying to catch. That is what temptation does to us. It takes us by surprise. It looks manageable on the surface. Only after we hook into it do we discover its strength.—

(Edwards, Kent. Taken from Boston Globe, (10/2/99), quoted in Leadership Journal, “To Illustrate Plus,” Spring 2000, Vol. 21, No. 2, p. 69.

See: Proverbs 14:12; James 1:13-15; 2 Peter 3:8-15)

~Hooray for Hay~

Fall Fun

My little 'punkin' picking her pumpkin!

2 years old, today!

Happy Birthday my angel! I love you SOOO much!

Pure Joy

Oh my goodness...is there anything cuter than this smile? She is such an angel! Her joy bubbles right out of her. It is contagious. I catch it everytime I am around her. What a blessing she is!

I'm not THAT lonely!

I saw this over the weekend and laughed out loud. I had to get a picture. The good thing is that it did make me laugh... That's progress. But I also know that I have found Mr. Right. The only one that I need and the only one that is exactly RIGHT for me. We all know this, but sometimes we think that some human being is going to be able to sustain us as well and that is simply not true. God is all that we need. People are just a bonus! They are icing on the cake. They make this life a little sweeter, but alone, they are not enough for any of us. So, this scene made me laugh because I know that I am not going to sit around die waiting for Mr. Right. I know God has it covered. If he sends me an earthly love...I will be thankful, if He doesn't...I will be thankful. He's got it covered. So enjoy this pic...I did.

Feeling a little less wise today!

Even though my face feels three times its normal size, like something out of a cartoon, the mirror says it looks the same as it always does. The evil wisdom tooth that I have had problems with for the past 5 years is GONE. It wasn't that bad. I've got pain meds and plenty of care instructions. So now all I have left is the two bottom ones, which I will have to "save up" to have surgically removed. Perhaps in January. There's something to look forward to! Usually when I am "saving up" for something, it is actually something I want and will enjoy...not having things surgically removed. Oh well. This is life.
My dentist felt the need to continue to comment about how unusually big my wisdom teeth are. Bigger than most he's seen. Does that mean I am therefore, wiser than most?!?!? Ha, probably NOT! For such a tiny mouth (as he calls it) having huge wisdom teeth doesn't sound like much fun for the removal process. Well, I always knew I was extra special. I just didn't know in quite how many different ways!

Gettin' Outta Dodge!

Two days OFF this week! I am so excited. I've been working like a mad woman for several weeks and I need a break. Unfortunately, one of the days off will not be a day of fun...I will be having a wisdom tooth extracted. What fun! But the following day I will be off again heading out of town to take my little one on a fun-filled excursion for her birthday. (Shhh, don't tell her!) It will be a big deal and lots of fun for her plus a much needed day off and weekend out-of-town for her mommy! I need an escape...and it came just in the nick of time.
Blessings just seem to work like that. It seems that when life gets to be too much between work, family, relationships, finances, wisdom teeth, etc... up pops a load-lifter. A blessing. A 4-day weekend. A little time away with a silly little, curly headed angel. And I really need it, with all that has been on my plate and on my mind. I need a little dose of "vacation" even if it is just for a few days.

Thank you God, for "Time Off."

My Saturday

That had to be THE BEST massage I ever had...EVER! Wow. I will definitely be going back to him. (And no his name wasn't Sven...and he didn't look like a Sven either. Oh well) I've never had a professional massage before that wasn't with a woman. I was a wee bit anxious at first. Don't know why really, just the fact that it was a man was different for me. But he really did a great job. I don't know if it was because I asked specifically for a deep tissue massage or that maybe as a man he was stronger than the women therapists I've gone to in the past. I don't know, but it really helped! What a difference.

Anyway, I will be going back, for sure.

It was funny, I had a lot to do Saturday, after my time at the spa, for work, and I got a huge compliment from my boss about how calm and relaxed I was to be handling a big event, on my own, for the first time. I just smiled and said, "Thanks." Granted, I had worked VERY hard in the preparatory weeks and had every detail taken care of so that the event would be seamless, but the morning at the spa was just the final touch needed to get me through that challenge in a great state of mind.

Blessings EVERYWHERE.

I Can't Wait!

I am so excited! I have been working so incredibly hard the past couple of weeks! Two coworkers of mine have been off for two weeks so far and I have been doing my dead-level best to do my job, AND both of theirs without anything falling through the cracks. WHEW! It's been very challenging, but also a great experience. Thankfully one of those coworkers is back in the office today; however, the other still has no idea when he will be able to return, possbily another week. But there is relief on the horizon...

Saturday morning I am headed to the spa! One hour massage (with SVEN, tee hee! Ok probably not with Sven, but it was worth the giggle) and both a manicure and a pedicure. (Thank you Gracyn and helper, for giving me such a treat for Mother's Day! Good thing I saved it for a time when I really needed it!) I just cannot wait! It's been way too long since I've had a massage...over a year! I am SO looking forward to it. I wouldn't be so arrogant to say that I derserve this, but I definitely will be glad to indulge in it! Ahhhhhhhhh...

Wow, how profound is this?

Heaven is not here, it's there. If we were given all we wanted here, our hearts would settle for this world rather than the next. God is forever luring us up and away from this one, wooing us to Himself and His still invisible Kingdom, where we will certainly find what we so keenly long for.
... Elisabeth Elliot in Keep a Quiet Heart

Amazing Camp

I went out to my church's new camp (currently under construction) today. It was awesome. It is amazing what they are doing with it. It should really prove to be a place where kids and adults alike can come out, be in God's creation with one another and grow closer to God. I pray for all of the souls that will walk its path and that they may come to know and accept Christ there if they haven't already. What a beautiful place and what a blessing for me to get to go out there and see it in its early stages. I can't wait to head out there once it is ready to roll. Simply an amazing place!! What a great day!

My Little Black Dress

I did it, I did it, I did it! I can fit into my little black dress. Don't have anywhere to wear it, but Sunday morning when I was getting ready for church, I saw it hanging there in my closet. Since I have lost several pounds lately, I thought I'd just slip it on to see if it fit. The last time I put it on, it went on, but was a wee bit too tight, I looked like I might need to charge a fee for anyone to see me in it if you know what I mean! LOL. But not Sunday. Sunday, it slipped on and draped gracefully, like it was meant to. I just about screamed. I forgot just how pretty it was. WOW!. Unfortunately, it wasn't really a dress I'd wear to church since I dress pretty casual for church, and it looks like a dress you'd wear out on the town or something. So I put on another great little skirt suit, that didn't used to fit either, and it looked great too! What a difference a few pounds can make. Anyway, I know it's probably no big deal to anyone else, but it's been two years in the making and I am thrilled. The last few pounds may not have come off under the circumstances I would have preferred, but hey, they came off! So maybe I didn't do it so much, but life did it for me. And if that's the way it had to be...OK. I'm alright with that. Now, I've got to find a reason to wear that little black number, before it starts getting cool out. Any ideas anyone? LOL

(And no, that's not a picture of it, mine is much prettier...) (WINK)

Mufasa Spoke to My Soul

"You are more than what you have become."

--Mufasa

Disney movies...for kids? Yeah, probably. Remotely close to reality? Nope. If you are expecting or hoping your life will turn out like a Disney movie...get ready to be disappointed your whole life. There is no perfect princess or prince charming that will live happily ever after. Don't delude yourself. But the great thing is we can find love and joy with others, if we know it takes work, effort, prayer, and walking in faith. If we tune out the lies and deception of Satan who will attack us at every turn. But don't ever think it will be like Disney. Disney is fantasy...never reality.

I was watching the Lion King this weekend with my kiddo. And there was a line in it where the spirit of Mufasa tells Simba that he is more than what he has become...and I sat there screaming in my head that there is someone I want to say that to too. I want to scream it to them, but cannot. And then it hit me...stop focusing on that person. JUST STOP IT! Perhaps God is screaming that same sentiment at ME. "Carlotta, you are more than what you have become. You can be more and do more... for Me. You can be what I see in you. You can be the woman I designed you to be. But right now...you are not. Stop focusing on who else needs to change. See that you do...and that you can only do so with Me...your Father, your God!!!"

So, I learned something from a cartoon Disney movie. While I see so much more inside of others than what they are living and what they see in themselves...it is not for me to change them. It is not for me to knock sense into them. It is not for me to fix them. I can only change myself and I can only do that with the help of God through the Holy Spirit who lives within me! I am more than what I have become. I can change. If I want more boldness, God can help. If I seek more compassion, God can help. If I need more self-esteem, God can help. Whatever I need to do or change in order to become what He visions and what He planned, I CAN BECOME. I can never say, "This is just how God made me. If you don't like it, be mad at Him. He gives certain gifts to certain people, and I just didn't get that one...," that is BUNK! That is Satan's lie. God can give us what we need to become more and more like Him. If we just resign to "this is the way I am"...we are FOOLS.

I am more than what I have become. God help me to see that and to submit to You and trust in You to help me change!

Thanks Mufasa for the reminder of what my Father is trying to tell me too.

He keeps speaking to me...

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Psalm 34:18

Spellbound by Jesus

I am spellbound by the intensity of Jesus' emotions: Not a twinge of pity, but heartbroken compassion; not a passing irritation, but terrifying anger; not a silent tear, but groans of anguish; not a weak smile, but ecstatic celebration. Jesus' emotions are like a mountain river cascading with clear water. My emotions are more like a muddy foam or a feeble trickle. -----G. Walter Hansenin, Christianity Today.

Well, as all of you guys know, my emotions are strong, intense, real, and born from my heart. I have almost become apologetic for them at various points in my life. I will not do that again. Jesus was an emotional man. He loved deeply, to the point of tears on many occasions. He rejoiced deeply. He burned with anger too. His compassion was so strong and so deep I can barely even comprehend it. I want to be like Him. And I never ever want to feel the need to apologize for being real or for feeling deeply, for my Lord and Savior gave me that example. We are not hard-wired to be unfeeling, cold, and without compassion. We get that way from outside sources: hard childhoods, bad relationships, being wronged, being hurt, withdrawing to protect ourselves. It is not hard-wired.

We would not be asked to be like Jesus if we were innately incapable of it. We will never be perfect. We will never be able to be exactly as He is. But we are to strive, to learn, to be active and purposeful in seeking any way and all ways to be like Him. If we simply resign ourselves to the statement "this is just the way I am, " or "this is just how God made me", we have lost sight of our example. It is the easy way out. It is simply saying that we just don't want to do the work, make the effort, stretch and grow, because it is uncomfortable, maybe even painful. But in the end we are the ones who lose out on so many of the wonderful blessings God has for us. We just harden ourselves so much that deep deep levels of connection with others become impossible. And those deep connections are some of the most beautiful, treasured, and cherished blessings God can bestow on us in this life. Don't miss out. Don't remain hardened.

Look to your Savior to guide you and to be your example. He is a man of deep deep emotion and sensitivity, but strong and bold as a lion too. Watch and learn. Open up your heart and allow Him to show you and and guide you to the blessings He has in store for your life. Hardening yourself to protect yourself from the painful blows of life will create a lonely existence. Softening your heart to reflect that of Christ will bring you boundless blessings. But we all have the option of choice. Our choice can make us or break us. But it is indeed your choice!

The Internal Battle

I don't usually pay too much attention to celebrities and their lives/gossip and such. Just doesn't interest me. But I have been a long time fan of Owen Wilson. Can't really put my finger on why, he just makes me laugh. And I just love someone who can genuinely make me laugh! I don't think he's hot, I don't think he is a great acting talent. I just like him. It made me sad to think that while he is always silly and goofy and playful on the outside, that he had such sadness and turmoil on the inside. So much so that he'd "allegedly" attempt suicide. How many other people do we run across in this world that have such intense internal battles that they never share, they hold inside and unsuccessfully carry alone. It just makes me so sad. Someone like Owen who makes me smile just when I hear his name, has such deep sorrow is so sad to me. I don't know this man, never will, but I pray he can face his demons, find peace, and heal. I pray this for him, for me, and for all of those in my life silently fighting their own battles...alone.

Savin' Me

How differently would we share with others, as Christians, if we could see what this video shows? Take it beyond just saving actual lives but saving lost souls. This video gave me chills. As a Christian I couldn't help but take the concept a bit further. WOW!

Guilt and Grace

by Max Lucado

Sometime ago I read a story of a youngster who was shooting rocks with a slingshot. He could never hit his target. As he returned to Grandma’s backyard, he spied her pet duck. On impulse he took aim and let fly. The stone hit, and the duck was dead. The boy panicked and hid the bird in the woodpile, only to look up and see his sister watching.

After lunch that day, Grandma told Sally to help with the dishes. Sally responded, “Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today. Didn’t you Johnny?” And she whispered to him, “Remember the duck!” So, Johnny did the dishes.

What choice did he have? For the next several weeks he was at the sink often. Sometimes for his duty, sometimes for his sin. “Remember the duck,” Sally’d whisper when he objected.

So weary of the chore, he decided that any punishment would be better than washing more dishes, so he confessed to killing the duck. “I know, Johnny,” his grandma said, giving him a hug. “I was standing at the window and saw the whole thing. Because I love you, I forgave you. I wondered how long you would let Sally make a slave out of you.”
(Steven Cole, “Forgiveness,” Leadership Magazine, 1983, 86.)

He’d been pardoned, but he thought he was guilty. Why? He had listened to the words of his accuser.

You have been accused as well. You have been accused of dishonesty. You’ve been accused of immorality. You’ve been accused of greed, anger, and arrogance.

Every moment of your life, your accuser is filing charges against you. Even his name, Diabolos, means “slanderer.” Who is he? The devil.

As he speaks, you hang your head. You have no defense. His charges are fair. “I plead guilty, your honor,” you mumble.

“The sentence?” Satan asks.

“The wages of sin is death,” explains the judge, “but in this case the death has already occurred. For this one died with Christ.”

Satan is suddenly silent. And you are suddenly jubilant. You realize that Satan cannot accuse you. No one can accuse you! Fingers may point and voices may demand, but the charges glance off like arrows hitting a shield. No more dirty dishwater. No more penance. No more nagging sisters. You have stood before the judge and heard him declare, “Not guilty.”

God-Fearing Women

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Proverbs 31:30

Profound

"In prayer, it is better to have heart without words, than words without heart. Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin entice a man to cease from prayer. The spirit of prayer is more precious than treasures of gold and silver. Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan."
--John Bunyan

BEWARE!

I saw this today and LOVED it.

“Beware in your prayers, above everything else, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things ‘above all that we ask or think.’” --Andrew Murray

What I HATE!

I hate strep throat. I really try to not use the word HATE, it’s just one of those words that conjures up nothing but BAD feelings. But, the truth of it is, I HATE HATE HATE strep throat. It grabbed onto my little one and really put her through the ringer. If anyone knows anything about me, they know I have an incredibly tough time when my little one isn’t feeling well. My heart just breaks when she is in pain or is distressed or has to endure both at once.

The good news about strep throat is that once antibiotics are administered, within a few days there is light at the end of the tunnel. It does not last forever, although I was starting to wonder there for a moment or two.

Today my baby doll is better. She is her silly little self again. Thank God it had been SO long between her being sick this time. He has been so good to us. So even though I HATE strep throat, it did make me truly appreciate the good times--the WELL times. I just can’t tell you the relief this mother feels when her punkin is back to singing and dancing and chasing the cat around the house like a wild woman! Ahhh, she’s back!

Give it and You Will Get it

Forgiveness is the mental, emotional and/or spiritual process of ceasing to feel resentment, indignation or anger against another person for a perceived offence, difference or mistake, or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution.

Forgive and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

If we hope to receive forgiveness ourselves--we MUST forgive. I didn't say it. The Bible did. Wow. We ALL need forgiveness, each and every last one of us. We all need it, but are we all granting it? Something to think about...

Miami...Lessons

A few tidbits that I learned while in Miami on the High School Student mission trip:

1. Teenage girls are hilarious.

2. Teenage girls can be brutual and heartless to their friends.

3. Teenage girls can be fiercely loyal and nurturing to those same friends.

4. Teenage girls could not communicate without the word "like".

5. Teenage girls are shallow.

6. Teenage girls are deep.

7. I miss being a teenage girl.

8. But I'd never want to be one again.

Commitment

Song of Solomon 8:6
6 Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death.

Ruth 1:16-17
16 But Ruth said, "Don't beg me to leave you or to stop following you. Where you go, I will go. Where you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.17 And where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. I ask the Lord to punish me terribly if I do not keep this promise: Not even death will separate us."


What amazing families and marriages we would have if our society made this level of commitment to God and to their husbands/wives on their wedding day. WOW. What a different place this would be. Everything changes when we do things the way God designed them to be done. He designed this institution this way to bring us joy and comfort and support and protection, and to keep us from overwhelming hurt and pain and anger. I have seen the blessings flood over my life in the situations where I have changed my path and got onto His. WHAT A HUGE DIFFERENCE. I look forward to taking His path down the road of Commitment. I look forward to what that will mean in my life and in my family. I am sure it is something I cannot yet fathom. But I do know that changing my ways to His ways on this road that I am currently on has been a blessing bigger than I could have ever dreamed. It is like night and day. Coming out of the pitch black darkness into the warm sunlight. God has been faithful to me. I will be faithful to Him and to my sweetheart...always, without end. The verses above say it all. That will be the legacy I will leave behind...love and unwavering commitment. Wow, so beautiful.

Far Away

I love this song. I hadn't seen the video until it was sent to me yesterday...wow. (Thanks, W.)
So, I wanted to share it with anyone else who might stop by here. Enjoy! Get the tissues ready.

Miami, Here I Come!

Woo Hoo! I'm going to Miami...

Can't wait!
Details later...

Zacchaeus and the others...

Last night at my Bible Study group, all of the children that were there (which all happened to be girls) ended up singing all kinds of "church" songs. It was really cute and lots of fun. It brought back all kinds of memories for me. Do you have a favorite kid's church song from back in the day that you secretly still love? I have many...here are a few:

1. I Have the Joy Joy Joy Joy Down in my Heart! (It's funny though, I was thought it said that I had it on TUESDAY...instead of TO STAY! Huh, I wonder why I figured it was just on Tuesday's? Weird!)

2. Roll the Gospel Chariot Along (Anyone know that one?? I particularly liked the part that said, "...and if the devil's in the way, we will ROLL RIGHT OVER HIM!" I really got into that part!)

3. God Told Noah to Build Him and Ark-y Ark-y....Build it out of Gopher Bark-y Bark-y!

4. Zacchaeus Was a Wee Little Man and a Wee Little Man was HE!

5. I Don't Wanna Be a Pharisee....Cuz Pharisee's Are Never Fair, Ya See! I Don't Wanna Be a Sadducee, Cuz Sadducees Are Always Sad Ya See!

Just Two More Weeks!

I am getting excited. Our annual family-trip to Conway, AR for the golf tournament is getting closer. I took these pics last year from the back balcony of the club house. Beautiful, huh? I can't wait to head outta town!