Front Porch Looking In

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2012-02-10T11:26:00.000-06:00

Resistance

Recently, I took an online coaching course to maintain my life-coaching certification and one of the courses was on inner resistance.

What is resistance? Basically, it is an opposing force hindering motion or action in a positive direction.

Resistance is what you experience whenever you make an effort to move forward in your life, relationships, career, health or any other important undertaking.

Resistance can be compared to the headwinds of life that you experience in pursuit of your goals.

Do you ever feel like you are swimming upstream, against the current? Sure, if you are simply maintaining the status quo in life you experience little to no resistance. But, no sooner do you decide to write that book, start an exercise program, finish your degree, start investing for your future, giving to the Lord’s work, breaking a bad habit, initiating a daily Bible reading and prayer routine and immediately you will be met with this unseen force called resistance.

Resistance has been defined as a malevolent force that attempts to sabotage your success. Proverbs says, “Patient persuasion can break down the strongest resistance.”

Because it was our will to come to you.

[I mean that] I, Paul, again and again

[wanted to come], but Satan hindered and impeded us.

1 Thessalonians 2:18 (AMP)

I have discovered the greater the goal or task one is pursuing the greater the resistance will be.

Take for example the Old Testament example of Nehemiah. The closer he arrived at finishing the rebuilding of the walls around Jerusalem the more the resistance was intensified.

Jesus was aware of the intensified resistance He faced the closer He got to the cross.

Sometimes the resistance we experience comes through well meaning friends and family members who are discouraging the pursuit of lofty goals. Beware and be ready anytime you attempt to play big in your life to go against the grain, to challenge the status quo or move beyond your comfort zone.

You will face RESISTANCE.

Keep pressing on!

Just a thought,
Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2012-01-27T13:52:00.000-06:00

Let It Go!

Three of the most important words you need to hear today, “Let It Go!”

I read a story about a little boy who came running into the house, he was upset and angry. His mother asked him, “What’s wrong?” The boy said, “Billy called me stupid.” “Do you believe that you are stupid?” his mother asked. “No.” “Great,” mom said, “now let it go!” And with that the whole matter was over.

One important key in life and in all relationships: Let it go. For those of us who are married, has your wife ever come to you with an old shirt of yours that she is tired of washing and wants to throw it away but for sentimental reasons you are reluctant to let it go? Well, when it comes to life there are some things we hold on to way too long – we need to learn to let it go.

When someone cuts you off in traffic, let it go.

If a competitor stole your client from you, let it go.

If you get an unfavorable email from a coworker who is venting to you about the last project you worked on together, let it go.

If someone did you wrong at some point in time, let it go.

Your previous employer did you wrong, let it go.

You friend betrayed you, let it go.

Let go of anger, and leave rage behind.

Do not be preoccupied. It only leads to evil.

Psalms 37:8 (GW)

It’s not worth holding on to it. Let it go, so you can move on, unfettered to your next destination. Far too many of us hold on to things that we should have let go of a long time ago. As I am writing this devotional, I can think of a few things myself. How about you? If we can practice letting go of the things we need to let go of, we can grab hold of the things that we need to hold on to.

As Tozer once said, “In the kingdom of God the surest way to lose something is to try to protect it, and the best way to keep it is to let it go.”

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2012-01-20T13:18:00.001-06:00

Faithlift

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 12 million plastic surgery procedures were performed in the United States in 2010.This is an increase of more than 60 percent over the previous eight years. It’s estimated that more than $10 billion a year is spent on such surgeries. The marvels of modern medicine that can slow down the aging process include:

· Live cell therapy

· Botox injections

· Liposuction

· Placenta Extracts

· Silicone augmentation

· Teeth whiteners

· Phony tans

· Anti-wrinkle creams

· Hair-coloring

· Hair implants

· Skin rejuvenators

So, why does there seem to be so much interest in maintaining a “youthful appearance”?

This question begs our attention because there is an underlying spiritual reality we must not overlook. The issue that theologian Paul Tillich has called the grace to “accept that you are accepted”. Knowing that God loves you just as you are, which in return, frees you to become the person you were meant to be.

Maintaining health, staying fit and looking good can be a healthy quest in life if pursued in moderation. However, we should never pursue these things at the expense of missing what is truly beautiful about you. Most importantly, the fact that you were created in the image and likeness of God. It’s all about inner beauty, “the hidden man of the heart”. As a face-lift helps tighten sagging skin, a faith-lift helps tighten sagging faith.

Faith that has lost its freshness if that faith is simply going through the motions with no real focus. When my faith is sagging, I get a lift from the promises of God found in His Word. There are three such promises found in Psalm 139, they are:

· God Cares for Me

· God Created Me

· God Considers Me

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2012-01-06T12:13:00.000-06:00

Imagine

According to bestselling author and wordsmith Frank Luntz, “Imagine” is one of the 11 most powerful words and phrases of this past year. As Luntz wrote, “’Imagine” is still the most powerful word in the English language because it is inspiring, motivating, and has a unique definition for each person. When you want to inspire, imagination is the language vehicle.”

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined

what God has prepared for those who love him.”

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

What could be possible if we lived more imaginative lives in this New Year?

I am aware that most references in the Bible related to imagination are not positive.

“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5 KJV).

One of the most popular songs of all-time “Imagine” touches on this:

Imagine there’s no heaven, it’s easy if you try,

No hell below us, above us only sky,

Imagine all the people living for today…

John Lennon

In spite of its misuse, Imagination is a gift from God. I love the words of Tozer: “A purified and Spirit-controlled imagination…imagination released from its prison and given to its proper place among the sons of the new creation. What I am trying to describe here is the sacred gift of seeing, the ability to peer beyond the veil and gaze with astonished wonder upon the beauties and mysteries of things holy and eternal.”

Or, as C.S. Lewis called imagination “the organ of meaning.” Imagination allows us to make sense of our world and plays a key role in our learning process and creativity.

It’s no wonder that Jesus taught in story form – our Lord was the most imaginative teacher of all time because He knew the power of imagination.

As Walt Disney once said, “Every child is born blessed with a vivid imagination. But just as a muscle grows flabby with disuse, so the bright imagination of a child pales in later years if he ceases to exercise it.” – The Quotable Walt Disney (2001)

Unleash your imagination in this New Year. Your work will take on new meaning. Your passions will find creative expression. Your dreams will have more possibilities. Your projects, assignments, and tasks will be infused with fresh creativity affording you new innovative achievements in your vocation.

The question is how do we live more imaginative lives?

Start with reading more and becoming more curious. Find environments that inspire you. Jesus retreated on many occasions to the desert, mountains and water. These sacred landscapes inspired Him. He referenced them in His teachings. After gazing upon a river He said, “out of your innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.” After gazing upon a vineyard He said, “I am the vine you are the branches.” Don’t just see objects; see through and around those objects. Jeremiah saw a potter working on a vessel and God used this incident to speak creatively to Jeremiah.

Awaken your imagination there is a world of creativity awaiting you.

“Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us. By this power he can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20 GW).

Just a thought,

Carl

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

2011-12-27T13:53:00.000-06:00

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-12-16T10:52:00.000-06:00

Assumptions

False assumptions prevent us from finding creative solutions to our problems and, thereby, limit our potential. Many people and business leaders live under false assumptions.

Assumption: “a proposition that is taken for granted, as if it were true based upon presupposition without preponderance of the facts” (Wiki).

People live with false assumptions that are formed early in life. This limits us; causing us to make false correlations about what we believe to be true. People have false assumptions about money. They believe the economy is a zero-sum game, which means more for one means less for another. It’s called a scarcity mentality. People have false assumptions about relationships, which in return undermine those relationships. It has been said, “Assumptions are the termites of relationships.”

In Genesis 20, Abraham falsely assumed that the godless people of the region would kill him for his wife because of her beauty. He concocted a fabrication that Sarah was his sister. In Abraham’s case, this false assumption caused him to disobey God.

The interesting thing about assumptions is that they can become self-fulfilling prophecies – predictions that directly or indirectly become a reality due to positive reinforcement between belief and behavior. For example, if someone believes that their boss is out to fire him/her, that individual may begin to unconsciously exhibit behavior out of fear that will cause them to be fired.

Fools base their thoughts on foolish assumptions, so their conclusions will be wicked madness

Ecclesiastes 10:13 (NLT)

Ever since the fall of man, we have a negative bias, and assumptions come naturally. We are wired to believe the worst about ourselves and others – instead of the best. False assumptions blind us to new opportunities. We must challenge our false assumptions. Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Don’t accept something at face value. Identify the false assumptions you are living under, and then challenge them against the truth of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s wisdom.

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-12-09T13:45:00.000-06:00

Convinced

for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.

2 Timothy 1:12 (ESV)

What are you convinced about?

For a brief stint, I used to be a telemarketer for a non-profit ministry that provided the Bible on cassette for churches. I was CONVINCED that what I was offering my prospective clients, i.e. the pastors of those churches was vital to their personal mission to get more people in God’s Word daily.

If I wasn’t CONVINCED then I wouldn’t be able to convince others. This is the failure of many people working in sales. They don’t believe in the service or product they are promoting. Going through life convinced about certain things is essential to success.

An athlete has to be convinced that his/her talent and work ethic will pay off. A student in graduate work has to be convinced that his/her hard work and sacrifice will pay great dividends in the future. In business, the leader must face the challenges head-on, believing he is equal to the task.

As you read this email, you must be convinced in your own ability and that you’ve got what it takes to become the best at what you do. I remember when UPS was interviewing me for a position, the first question interviewer ask me, “So, how’s the world treating you?” I responded by saying, “Sir, I’m treating IT pretty good.” He smiled and said, “I see. It’s not how it’s treating you, but how are you treating it. I like that attitude.” I was hired.

Now, there is a huge difference between being conceited and being convinced. Arrogance is when you think you know what you don’t know, which feeds your ego and sets you on a path to prove you are right; this always ends in disaster. Certainty, on the other hand, is when you know that you know and you know that you don’t know. This attitude strikes a balance between confidence and humility.

Be certain, be convinced and be persuaded “…that God is able to do what he has promised”

(Rom. 4:21).

The greatest joy in life is to be convinced of God’s love for you.

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-12-02T13:41:00.001-06:00

Take a Knee

“For this reason I bow my knee…”

Ephesians 3:14

In American football, a quarterback kneel, also called taking a knee, genuflect offense, or victory formation occurs when the quarterback immediately kneels to the ground after receiving the snap. It is primarily used to run the clock down, either at the end of the first half or the game itself, in order to preserve a lead or a win (Wiki).

Wow! Sounds theological!

“Taking a knee” is definitely a victory formation for the Christian. When we “take a knee” before the LORD we are never stronger or more empowered than at that moment. Taking a knee symbolizes our humility and dependency upon God.

Have you heard of Tebowing? It is a new craze made popular by NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, a devout Christ-follower. Tebowing is to get down on a single knee and start praying even if everyone else around you is oblivious or engrossed in some other activity (www.tebowing.com). You’ve got to love it!

Have you taken a knee today???

When others are taking credit or taking sides or just plain taking; that is the time we should remember to “take a knee.” When life is throwing more your way than you feel you can take, it’s time to take a knee.

As in football, you do it when you want to preserve a win, just before the end of a game. Kneeling before our Father in heaven in humble faith is how we preserve our wins.

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message...on a Saturday

2011-11-26T20:40:00.000-06:00

THANK YOU!

Thank You! These two words are the most powerful words in the English language, or any language for that matter. Saying “thank you” can never be overrated.

One of the first casualties in a “Me First” generation is the loss of a heartfelt expression of gratitude and appreciation. Mom knew what she was talking about; a simple thank you does go a long way. I read in an article recently about a 10-year study of 200,000 managers and employees unearthed that a simple “thank you” in normal business life can have profitable results. People work harder and are more motivated when they are thanked. This results in higher productivity and more profits for businesses. One article offers a list of 28 expressions of gratitude for those leaders who are too “thanksgiving” challenged to come up with their own.

With such phrases, as:

“I’m truly grateful,”

“Your contribution is important”

“You make my job so much easier.”

It should go without saying; our motive for expressing gratitude shouldn’t be about the bottom line. It should be about putting people first.

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

Philippians 1:3 (NLT)

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Thanksgiving Message

2011-11-18T13:18:00.000-06:00

Thanks for Nothing

What are some of the things you are thankful for this Thanksgiving season?

Paul said, “And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:8).

Consider some of these statistics:

♦ If you have food, clothing, and a roof over your head, you are better off than 75 percent of the rest of the world.

♦ If you have some money in the bank, a few bills in your wallet, and spare change lying around somewhere, you are part of the elite 8 percent of the wealthiest people living.

♦ If you are not battling terminal illness today, you are faring better than the one-million people who will not finish out this week among the living.

♦ If you have avoided war, imprisonment, and famine, you are faring better than the other 500 million people on earth.

♦ And finally, if you can attend worship service this weekend without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are ahead of the 500 million people in the world.

But does this mean…if we didn’t have the above-mentioned blessings, we wouldn’t have anything to be thankful for? Absolutely not!

Paul said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3)

We can give thanks for nothing. Nothing material that is. We have “spiritual blessings” such as, faith, hope, love and forgiveness to name a few.

These spiritual blessings are of far greater value and worth than any monetary blessings – which are only temporary. Don’t get me wrong—we should be thankful for all blessings both material and non-material, but our grandest blessings are otherworldly.

As someone has said, “Some count their blessings on their fingers and their miseries on a calculator.” In Christ we have been given a Grand Faith, a Glorious Inheritance and a Great Power.

Seven times a day I praise You…” Psalms 119:164

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-11-11T13:17:00.000-06:00

11.11.11

Today is rightfully being called a one-derful day. I thought we could have a little fun with this remarkable day.

After all the last time something like this occurred it was one hundred years ago (November, 11, 1911).

I thought I would look up the eleventh verse of the eleventh chapter of the eleventh book of the bible to see if there was a “hidden message” for us on this eventful day.

So here it is: “Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, ‘Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant’” (1 Kings 11:11).

Wow, with all that is happening with our economy here in America and the ‘occupy protest’ across our country getting violent, perhaps here is a solution. Reconnect with one and only Most High God embracing His covenant and statutes once again before we are torn apart.

Ok, after reading this verse I thought what about the eleventh book of the New Testament? Which happens to be the book of Philippians, but there isn’t an eleventh chapter, but here is verse eleven from chapter one,

“being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:11).

On 11.11.11, it is my hope that our world, our homes and our hearts will be “FILLED with the fruits of RIGHTESOUSNESS” which “come from JESUS CHRIST, to the glory and praise of God.”

We serve a one-derous God!

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-11-04T13:03:00.000-05:00

Life's Sweet Spot

Life has “sweet spots”. It’s a term that athletes are familiar with— especially those who play tennis, baseball, or golf. A sweet spot is a location where a combination of dynamics results in a maximum response for a given amount of effort, resulting in optimal output. You have a sweet spot, a God-zone, a territory, a spiritual state of flow. When you are in it you have a heightened sense of God’s presence and favor moving you along almost effortlessly.

Your sweet spot is what makes you different, special and set apart. Your sweet spot is based on your SHAPE (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality and Experience).

As author Bill George wrote in True North, “Your sweet spot is where what you are good at intersects with what you like to do. It is somewhere between your motivations which includes both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations and your capabilities your strengths and weaknesses.”

Our sweet spot in life is the exact location where we play to our strengths as opposed to “fixing” our weaknesses. Finding your own “sweet spot” is essential to reaching your full potential. All high achievers have weaknesses. Take for example: Moses, David and Peter, they all had real shortcomings yet they all found their sweet spot in life and thereby left their permanent mark. Moses found his sweet spot by kissing his life of luxury and pleasure good-bye. “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin…” (Hebrews 11:25). You could say Moses left the corporate life for a life of greater purpose. He chose a life of higher risk with even higher rewards. He found his calling which aligned his SHAPE around God’s purpose for his life.

In my own life, I discovered my sweet spot. Thirty years ago, I learned that I had a gift to communicate God’s Word to others. Long before I ever received financial compensation, I used my gift whenever, wherever and to whomever I could, until eventually, I ended up at Trinity.

When you find your sweet spot, beware of three things:

Learn to say no. You can’t do all and be all for others. Keep your focus on the great; not the good.

Don’t be a copycat. One man’s plan is another man’s poison.

Be realistic that you can’t do all things exceptionally well. Stick to your strengths and so leverage your weaknesses.

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-10-28T13:27:00.000-05:00

Almost...But Not There Yet

What does the word “ALMOST” do for you?

The word itself means “very nearly.” The Rangers almost won the World Series last night.

Almost is a word that should be used sparingly. Matter of fact it only appears eleven times in the entire 4000-plus-year-history of the Bible. Four of the most important words you can tell yourself in every area of your life: “Almost isn’t good enough!”

The almost syndrome, as I call it, causes us to fall short of achieving our best and settling for good enough. How many have given up just before they secured God’s best for their life, or even worse, never attempted to go all in with God’s plan because of the tyranny of good enough?

Paul the Apostle didn’t say, “I almost fought a good fight and almost kept the faith, I almost finished my race.” On the cross Jesus didn’t say, “Almost”. He said, “FINISHED!”

The saddest sentence in history containing the word almost has to be Acts 26:28, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” To almost do anything is to deny your spiritual heritage. You come from a long line of giant slayers, mountain movers, and kingdom shakers. Men and women of faith who paved the way for us, whose motto in life was anything but “almost.”

Those reading this devotional are anything but an “almost” person. You are an “all the way” person – so get on with it!

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-10-21T13:13:00.000-05:00

Secret to Living

Certain achievements and acquirements in life are not the result of focused pursuit, but are often the unforeseen or unintended result of an unrelated action. This is called a “by-product.”

Take for example: success, happiness and change are three common goals which people desire in their pursuit of a better, more meaningful life. However, we can’t exclusively seek out: success, happiness and change because by themselves they are elusive. Rather, success, happiness and change are the by-products of something else.

As, Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) wrote:

“Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities.”

True! Happiness is a by-product of making others happy. It is the result of living true to your values. Happiness is an outcome of living your life with integrity. You can’t substitute happiness with other things.

How about change? Change is a by-product of thinking new thoughts, doing things differently. Laying aside old assumptions and acquiring new perspectives.

Finally, success is the most elusive of the three. More people fall short of success, because it also is a by-product of preparation, excellence and hard work. It is inevitable that failure will have to be experienced at some level before true success can be attained. The bible is replete with examples of this.

Don’t make success, happiness and change your goals, but rather see them as the by-product of, “seeking first Christ and His kingdom and all these other things will be added to you” (see. Matthew 6:33). Herein lies the secret to living!

Just a thought,

Carl

State Fair of Texas

2011-10-14T13:16:00.000-05:00

Wednesday Mike and I worked a half day, picked the boys up from school and drove out to the State Fair of Texas, one of my absolutely favorite things to do every fall!! This year was super fun, Parker is just tall enough to ride the rides (he is exactly 36" which is the height requirement to ride), my parents met us out there and we had a blast. We rode a ton of rides, ate a ton of food - corn dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, caramel apple, fried cheesecake (see what I mean!), walked through the automobile buildings and dreamt of my next vehicle, played games. Here are some pics of our day/night at one of my favorite places.

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-10-14T13:09:00.000-05:00

At your best!!

We spend a third of our lives at our place of employment. Shouldn’t we enjoy what we are doing and why we are doing it? Yet, so many are stressed and frustrated over their job situations. I have a close relative that I chat with periodically and every time we connect he is always bemoaning his job situation. As I carefully listen, I realize that this person feels stuck and powerless. But in reality, we all have the power to make choices and develop skills that can ensure our personal fulfillment and professional advancement. At the end of our conversation, I empathetically ask him, “So, what are you going to do to improve your lot?” In other words, it is within your power to make necessary improvements, adjustments and or changes. How can we do that?

Here are a few tips:

(1) Look to the person behind your own nose!

Don’t be self-absorbed. Be self-aware. Sometimes a minor attitude adjustment or small behavior modification can change our fortune. Your behavior is a billboard advertising your character to others and ego can prevent us from seeing ourselves the way others see us. These are called blind spots and we all have them. Early in my career, a supervisor once pointed out to me a personality quirk that was keeping me from advancement in my job. I remember when he pointed it out – at first it stung and I was offended. Later, I realized he was right. I made the adjustment and improved my lot. Feedback is essential. We all need it. Who is giving you feedback about your performance?

(2) Your supervisor is the co-author of your success.

Like it or not he/she is your ticket to your next promotion. Make him/her shine, give him/her accurate information, keep your promises, foster loyalty and produce exceptional results. This will allow you to garner God’s favor and make you the last person that company lays off in times of crisis. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” (Proverbs 22:29).

(3) Always have your game face.

In the business world, it is a dog-eat-dog world and only the strong survive. What are you doing to improve yourself against the competition? David killed the giant not by luck, but by preparation. David was an expert with the slingshot because he practiced constantly. Don’t be a journeyman in your craft. Become an expert. BE THE BEST! Never do just enough to get by. Don’t be a half miler or a one miler. Be an extra miler. Do whatever it takes: read books, take classes, go to seminars, pick the brains of those who are where you want to be in life – do what it takes but NEVER, NEVER REST ON YOUR LAURELS.

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message - Oct 7

2011-10-13T13:10:00.000-05:00

Playing Big

“Play big or go home!” is a mindset that pushes us out of our comfort zone and into our growth zone. It takes us out of our play- it- safe mode into our risk mode and out of our “Oh I could never do that” thinking into “Why not me?” thinking. Humans defend the status quo because we are genetically predisposed to playing it small and playing it safe. It is our nature to prefer sameness over the chaos of change.

Playing big is what young David did in 1 Samuel 17 when he overcame the objections of others and his own apprehensions and faced the giant. David could have played small that day and history wouldn’t have been changed and we would’ve never heard of David, the son of Jesse.

Are you playing big in the world?

Or, at the first sign of any resistance, are you retreating?

Steve Jobs passed away this week. He was a great technological pioneer – he played it big and made a difference. I can only hope he placed his trust in Christ before departing. Here is an excerpt from a graduation speech he gave back in 2005 at Stanford. May his words challenge you.

When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right”. It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life.Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

Play big…you serve a big God!

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-09-30T13:24:00.000-05:00

Every now and then I'll read a Friday message that makes me feel like Pastor Carl is peering right into my soul, sending a message directly to me. This is how I feel about the following message. Happy Weekend!

What Got You Here, Won't Get You There

Back in 2007, Marshall Goldsmith wrote a book with the above title about how successful people become even more successful.

The book was a good read; but what I really loved was the title: “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There”

The title itself is loaded with truth…

What got you to where you are presently won’t get you to where you want to be in the future.

Where are you today? Is that the “there” you desired yesterday?  

“And it will be that you shall drink from the brook…and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there” 1Kings 17:4

Where is "there?" — and more importantly, how do you know when you have arrived?

"There" is the next place. It is the God-inspired destination in our adventurous journey of faith. It is usually not the path of least resistance that you presently find before you. It’s the next challenge that is around the bend that allows you to partner with God.

Have you identified your “there?” Could it be improving your life by eating healthier? Could it be managing your time better or investing more quality time with your loved ones? Could it be going back to school and finishing your degree? Or is it learning a new marketable skill that can open up new opportunities for you? Here’s a big one: perhaps reading the Bible more consistently and/or attending worship services more regularly.

To get there, we’ll need to make some changes. Because we all know the old saying, “If we keep doing what we are doing, we’ll keep getting what we have been getting, and if you don’t like what you’ve been getting then change what you’ve been doing.”

Today you have been granted a great gift from your Creator, the power of choice. The necessary choices that you need to make are within your power to make them—go all the way!

Just a thought,

Carl

Visiting Ville Platte

2011-09-27T20:57:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we made the 6 hour trek to Ville Platte, LA which is where my mom's mom is from (she passed away 11 years ago and I still to this day cry when thinking of her, RIP Nannie) Every few years we like to go there and visit a lot of our family who still lives in the area.

We usually stay in cabins at Chicot State Park, which are the same cabins my mom and her 3 brothers used to spend summers in when they were little. You can imagine how outdated they might be. Well the last time we went which was in 2009, they were building new cabins in another area of the park so this year we were able to stay in them. Talk about an upgrade! The boys had a blast, always searching for gators, playing with their cousins and exploring the outdoors.

Friday night we had dinner, all 21 of us, at the only restaurant in downtown Ville Platte - The Cajun Smokehouse. Saturday my mom's cousin Larry had the entire family over for a cookout and an LSU football watching party. We had an awesome weekend, I love going there and miss the entire family when we leave. Don't get to see them nearly as often as I would like and I feel happy especially for my mom, she misses my Nannie SO much and she is in her element when she is with her mom's brothers, sisters and family members reminiscing about old times. I know it makes her so happy to go back to the place where she has so many amazing memories with her parents. Here are some pics from our weekend...

my mom having her morning coffee with her two favorite munchkins

our cabin

Granna and her boys

magical sunrise

kiddos playing some football

cousin Talon, Parks and Carson

family!

me and the hubs, my LA fam talked me into getting an LSU shirt but my hubby couldn't be swayed from his Red Raiders

my cousin Mark and his wife Terah

my 3 most favorite people!!

Pastor Carl Friday Message...on a Sunday...

2011-09-25T18:57:00.000-05:00

Hey all! I am just now posting Friday's message because we've been out of town all weekend. More on our trip later but I wanted to share the message while it is fresh on my mind.

Get Up!

Success has been defined as getting up one more time than you have been knocked down. What a great definition. Life is difficult. Thanks to Adam and Eve the difficulty begins at birth. New life has always been associated with pain and sorrow, which inevitably gives way to joy and fulfillment. So, what do you do when life knocks you down? When a dream is shattered? A hope is deferred? A business venture sputters or fails? A marriage ends? You do what you have always done- Get back up one more time!

Many boxing fans can remember the epic fight on February 11, 1990 in Tokyo Japan, between Mike Tyson and James “Buster” Douglas. Tyson was the unbeaten World Champion. In the eighth round Tyson knocked Douglas down. Douglas was being given a ten count by the referee, but got back up before he was counted out. Later in the fight, he went on to knock out “Iron” Mike Tyson and became the new heavy weight champion of the world. I think God has His own way of giving us a ten count, and at nine if you’re not back up He starts counting over again UNTIL YOU GET BACK UP!

Even if good people fall seven times,
they will get back up.
But when trouble strikes the wicked,
that’s the end of them.Proverbs 24:16 (CEV)

If success is getting up one more time than you’ve been knocked down, what are you waiting for?

GET UP! GET OVER IT! GET GOING!
Just a thought,
Carl

A birthday celebration

2011-09-18T19:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we celebrated our little one's 3rd birthday with a party at Bouncetown. We had such a great day and I'm hating that the weekend is coming to an end. It passes too quickly. Here are some pics from our wonderful Saturday with family and friends.

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-09-16T13:16:00.000-05:00

Winning is an Attitude

You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win!

1 Corinthians 9:24 (CEV)

“Run to win.” In others words, winning is an honorable spiritual goal. The Bible is a book of winners and losers. Scripture catalogues the winners and the losers for our benefit, this is so we can learn from it and live. Yes, we all know that life has winners and losers. In professional sports, some teams don’t know how to lose and some teams always seem to find a way to lose (I won’t mention the Cowboys performance this past Sunday night).

Winning in life and business is about making extraordinary things happen. It is standing up against the odds, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. To win means to be successful or victorious. When it comes to winning there is not a winning formula. There is just a winning attitude. Some possess it and others have misplaced it. The attitude of a winner is a never-say-die mentality. An attitude that turns defeat on its head with a tenacious persistence that won’t quit until victory is secured.

What are the qualities of a winning attitude?

Selfless. Team comes first.

Serving. People aren’t a means to an end.

Steadfast. Opposition yields to patient endurance. All winners possess a stick-to-itiveness about them.

How’s your attitude of late? Come on, Winner! As the sword hilt read in Robin Hood: “Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions.”

Just a thought,

Carl

Happy birthday to my Parker!

2011-09-15T13:24:00.000-05:00

My Parkies is 3 yrs old today. We took cupcakes to his class this morning and will have his birthday party on Saturday. Happy birthday to my little love!

A Lubbock Labor Day

2011-09-10T13:02:00.000-05:00

Happy September! Our first weekend this month was spent with our Lubbock family. We got there last Friday around 9pm and just visited with the family before heading to bed. Saturday the kiddos did some swimming...

Until Carson somehow knocked his loose tooth on something when going down the slide. We all took a moment to deal with his freak out attack over his now VERY loose tooth...

He finally pulled it...he has now lost 3 and has another loose one at the moment...

Then it was time to head to the Tech game, Meemie and Papi were kind enough to stay home with their grandbabies for us...

The Red Raiders beat Texas State 50-10! I love going to college games, there is just excitement in the air, so fun! After the game we had some burgers at Hooters and then called it a night.

Sunday morning we got up and went to church. That afternoon they had invited some friends over for a pool party. Unfortunately a cold front had come in the night before and the high was only about 64 all day. Even with the pool heater, that is just too chilly for me. But the kids did swim a little bit and the guys played a few games of water volleyball.

That's pretty much it for our Labor Day weekend. Monday we got up, packed up our things and headed home around 11am. Traffic was not very fun, a 6 hour drive took 7 1/2 hours. Luckily Parker is getting to the age where he's not so bad in the car. He has his moments where he throws a small fit and the boys of course have their disagreements but for the most part if they have a movie to watch and some snacks, they are pretty good.

Hope everyone is enjoying this cooler weather as much as I am! We are about to each lunch and take the boys to the park on this beautiful Saturday : )

5 years and going strong!

2011-08-29T14:03:00.000-05:00

This weekend the hubs and I celebrated 5 years of marriage. We stayed at a cabin in Beavers Bend just the two of us. We made no plans, did no research of the area, we just wanted to sleep in, drink our coffee on the back porch, come and go as we please and that's exactly what we did. We had an amazing time!!

Our beautiful cabin

Friday we packed a cooler, headed to the Marina at Broken Bow Lake and ended up renting a pontoon boat for 3 hours. Not that I have seen a lot of lakes in my time, but this one is the most beautiful I have ever been to. Trees everywhere, a ton of hills make you feel like you are in the mountains. The water was so clear and it was the perfect temperature for swimming.

My captain for the afternoon. We had lunch on the boat and swam in our own private cove. I say private because there was literally no one on the lake that day. It was awesome.

Friday was our actual anniversary so after the lake, we freshened up at our cabin and had an amazing meal at a nice restaurant, Abendigos. After our dinner we watched The Town back at our cabin while snuggling on the couch.

Saturday morning we decided to go on a hike in the Ouachita National Forest.

We hiked 3.78 miles, it was HARD but also fun at the same time. The scenery sure beat the treadmill at 24 Hour I'll tell you that much! And it felt great especially since we weren't eating very healthy during our trip.

And of course I had to snap a pic with the Carson Creek Rd sign : )

Yes, we are professional hikers. Can't you tell?!

After our hike we were exhausted!! We went back to our cabin, had some lunch and then took a 2 hour nap. Ahh I can't tell you how good that felt! I can't even remember the last time I was able to nap that long. I seriously think it was probably before Carson was born. It was GLORIOUS : )

When we woke from our nap we headed into town to visit an antique shop we had seen while driving around the days prior. We browsed a little and bought gifts for the boys and our parents. After shopping we headed back to our cabin where we grilled burgers, baked an apple pie, watched Dinner for Schmucks and relaxed in the hot tub that was on the deck of our cabin looking out into the forest.

We truly had an amazing time! Of course a trip is no "fun" without a few hiccups in the road right? We actually had quite a few, first Mike had pink eye last week. Then Thursday morning we were packing up to leave and we took my car to get the oil changed, found out it needed 3 new belts and it was in the shop all morning before we could leave. $270 later, we were on the road to Oklahoma. Once we got there we noticed our original cabin that we booked the A/C was not working. I think the thermostat said it was 88 degrees inside the cabin. We called the owners and they had an A/C guy come out and repair it. We had a comfortable night in the cabin but the next morning we noticed it was not kicking on again, pipes were frozen over. At this point the owners offered to put us in a different cabin so we did have to move but honestly we liked our 2nd cabin a lot better so it turned out just fine. Lastly...I woke up with pink eye on Saturday morning and I am currently battling that. But aside from those small issues...we loved Beavers Bend and look forward to taking the boys there, maybe next summer or spring break possibly. I think they would love it.

Hope all of you had a wonderful weekend as well!

Pastor Carl Friday Message...on a Monday

2011-08-29T13:16:00.000-05:00

Five Essentials

There are five essentials to a life of purpose and influence. These essentials are found in every successful person you know. They are qualities that you have exhibited from time to time. If you can be more intentional in capturing and harnessing these qualities in your life, the results will be astounding. Here they are:

• Passionate Learner

• Battlefield Faith

• A Team Enthusiast

• Extravagantly Simple

• Fiercely Fearless

A Passionate Learner is fascinated by everything. Constantly learning how to be better…do better…have better. They are Sham Wow super-absorbent learners.

Battlefield Faith is the ability to take on and overcome adversity. You get knocked down and get back up again. It reminds me of a scene in Captain America where Steve Rogers is getting beaten in an alley by the loud jerk that was disturbing everyone at the cinema. Loud Jerk: “You just don’t know when to give up, do you?” He then hits Steve, knocking him down again. Steve gets back up and says, “I can do this all day,” and attacks the guy again. That’s the attitude when circumstances knock you down, get back up. Here is what I have observed about successful people: before they succeeded, they were brought to the brink of great despair at the edge of their limitations. Everything in them wanted to quit but they didn’t, and so, emerged stronger and wiser. Look at the heroes of the Bible—all of them had more reasons in the natural to quit, but, against the odds, they overcame.

A Team Enthusiast is someone who believes that life is not a solo act. We need others. We were made for relationships. You can obtain success without people, but you can’t be a success without people. Be a team player and care about others.

Extravagantly Simple are wise people who make the complex simple. Most people live complicated lives because they lack concentrated focus.

Fiercely Fearless; that is a life of purpose and influence that is lived on the far side of the safe-zone. It’s willing to take calculated risks and make courageous decisions to start over after a failure. They have a determination to try it again, unwilling to take defeat lying down. You have these qualities, use them more intentionally.

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

Mark 9:23 (NKJV)

Just a thought,

Carl

Room change-up - Before & After

2011-08-24T13:59:00.000-05:00

Our new furniture was delivered on Monday and I am so excited to share all the changes with you guys!

First up, the boys room. We moved Carson's old bed out and had bunk beds delivered. I LOVE them! They have a total of 6 drawers for storage, which is oh so important when you have kiddos in the house. Never can have enough storage it seems! Here is the before pic when it was Carson's room:

And now...two little boys occupy this space with the addition of bunk beds and new bedding:

Next up is Parker's old room, toddler aviation theme that only lasted a year. Yes, a year. Kills me that we spent so much time on it but we really needed an office desperately. Before:

Now it is a guest bedroom/office. We will need to paint this room and get more "grown up" bedding but that will have to come later. After:

And last but not least, my absolute favorite change. The one that we purchased on a whim actually, the breakfast nook. Here is the before pic, an old wooden table that was always getting scuffed up, water stains and purple fabric chairs, it had to go:

And the after, I LOVE this table & chairs:

Why is updating your house a neverending cycle?! There's so many things I want to do but of course we can never do them all at once. Baby steps. I am happy with the changes so far.

All about my big boy!

2011-08-23T20:43:00.000-05:00

Carson turned 6 on July 18th. I cannot believe I have a SIX year old! Where does the time go? Sniffle Sniffle!

We had his party at the Allen Natatorium this year. He's very into Super Mario Bros so that was our theme.

The morning of his birthday we surprised him with a few more gifts, some pj's, a Star Wars watch, a couple new DS games and a pair of Converse he's been wanting.

We also took him to Shenaniganz for a day of fun!

I'd say he had a GREAT 6th birthday!!

He also started 1st grade on Monday, so far I love his teacher and he says he enjoys going to school. After 4 yrs of going to the same daycare, we've decided to put him in the after school program at his elementary school. I was sad to pull him from the daycare that we know and love but I think the program at his school will be really great for him. They will give him a snack, do his homework with him, do some classroom activities and also have playtime as well. I think it will give him more structure than the daycare can offer and at this point he definately needs that. In first grade they are really emphasizing following the rules, knowing when it's playtime and when it's not, etc. So far he says he loves it and has brought home about 4 pages of artwork from the last two days. Here are some pics of my munchkins before school on Monday.

Big First Grader and New Furniture

2011-08-22T13:22:00.000-05:00

Happy first day of school to many of you out there! Today Carson started 1st grade, wow time is just flying by!! We had meet the teacher last week and his teacher seemed really nice, I got a great first impression from her and that makes me super happy. I took some pics of the boys this morning but I'll have to post those later.

This weekend was jam packed for us. We bought some new pieces of furniture and they are being delivered today, so we spent most of our weekend moving stuff around, cleaning out closets and purging toys. We filled 3 bags of toys to give to Goodwill. Feels so good to get rid of stuff and to also give to those who truly need it. We also took time out to attend some friends birthday parties. Miss Reagin turned 5 and she had a Rockstar Hello Kitty birthday party on Saturday. After her party we had dinner with Mike's parents at one of our favorite restaraunts, Mi Cocina. His dad's birthday is today actually, Happy Birthday Papi!! Sunday was spent doing more of the cleaning out bedrooms routine, taking pictures and posting furniture to Craigslist (we sold 3 pieces in one day, awesome!) and then we went to one last birthday party, Jeter is 3 and we celebrated at Chuck E Cheese with him.

Here are some pics of the furniture that is being delivered today. Cannot wait to get home from work!!

I will be sure to post before and after pics of all the rooms once we have everything set up later this week : )

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-08-19T13:18:00.000-05:00

Number 1 Need

What is the greatest need in your life right now? Identifying that need is essential to living a more happy and fulfilled life. Here are the four greatest needs (assuming Christ is already Lord of your life).

Need for security (financial, safety, protection, stability and/or order in your life).

Need for power/influence (control, authority, morality, leadership) power over an addiction or bad habit. Need for achievement or attainment (creating something new, accomplishing/achieving your goals, greater results, success, more spiritual) God has designed us for success (Joshua 1:8,9).

Need for intimacy and/or relational connection (to be heard, loved, cherished, touched, belonging). The relationship need trumps all the others, because God made us to be in relationship with Him and others.

Many people go through life meeting the needs of others, while their own needs go unmet. Granted we should put God first; others second; and ourselves last. Last: yes! Forgotten: no! Determine the number one need that you have in your life today, that is unmet or under met. Why is this important? “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24 ESV). “Ask, and you will receive….” Receive what? Receive an answer, direction and/or hope that your need can be met by God (James 4:2,3). Ask the Lord to show you how to get that need met in a safe and godly way. What three actions, can you immediately take towards that need being met? What needs to change in your daily habits?

Believe you can do it, because with God all things are possible.

Just a thought,

Carl

Bunk beds coming soon!

2011-08-17T14:19:00.000-05:00

It's been a few weeks since I posted about our plans to do a big room change-up at our house. Well I'm happy to report we are making some headway this week. Last night we purchased the bedding. Carson's room is currently pirate theme and it's been decorated the same way for 3 years now.

(look how little my big boy is, this was taken in 2009 but his room is the exact same)

I was indecisive on whether to get new pirate bedding so they could match eachother and the room's theme or getting something more grown up, that still goes with the room but would be great to turn into a more mature big boy room in a few years when they are sick of the pirates. After a full week of searching and tagging bedding I liked, nixing bedding I didn't like we finally found a nautical theme that we thought was super cute, it would go with the theme of the room well but also the stripes to me feel big boyish.

Land of Nod

But just when we agreed on this bedding, low and behold several items that we would need are out of stock. The estimated in stock time at this point is mid-November. Not like this project HAS to be done right this minute or anything, but mid-November is when we will be starting to buy Christmas presents, the holidays are just an expensive time so I'd rather get this done before October for sure.

So back to square one. Last night Mike and I got on the computer together and started looking at bedding all over again. And whaddya know...I'm SO happy the nautical theme was out of stock because just when I was ready to call it a night, I remembered that I got Carson's pirate bedding at Macy's 3 years ago and it has held up nicely, I think it's really great quality bedding so I thought "why not check there." We found bedding we both liked even more than the red, white and blue nautical AND it was on closeout sale. We got two 8 peice sets for the price of one. Can't beat that! So here is the bedding we got for the boys future bunk beds.

Macys

I think it will go perfectly with the color on the wall and the pirate mural that is in the room currently. Also it very much reminds me of a teenage boy room and I can just picture painting the walls a gray color with maybe some blue, white or green stripes for a bit of a pop in the future.

Now onto our next dilemna, the actual bunk beds. Our secondary rooms are very long and lean with big windows, there is not much room for rearranging. So that means the bunk bed styling options will be pretty limited. Also, we want to keep Carson's current dresser so the bunk beds have to match the dark cherry finish.

Rooms to Go Kids

I also really like stairs instead of a ladder. Because let's face it, momma's gonna be the one getting up there and washing sheets, making the beds, etc. I don't want to be climbing up and down a teeny tiny ladder every time. And I just think the stairs look cooler but that's my personal opinion. Another thing we want in the bunk is STORAGE! It has to have a built in dresser/drawers, it's a must! We will be selling Parker's nursery furniture after this is all said and done and the boys cannot share one dresser between the both of them.

So I THINK we have found one in particular that will match the finish and meet all our "wants" for these beds. Drumroll please...

Dreamsleep Furniture

I'm not a huge fan of the silver knobs but that can easily be changed to match the dresser pretty closely. We just need to get these beds "kid approved" and then we can purchase them. Hopefully I will be able to show you this transformation within the next month.

Next up on my list...office furniture!

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-08-12T13:16:00.000-05:00

Unshakeable

As I am writing this devotional, the stock market is gyrating, London is burning, Europe is bankrupt and America has been downgraded. I’m wondering if God has gotten our attention yet. Many people are in crisis mode. However, a crisis is not always so bad; a crisis gives us an opportunity to REEXAMINE OUR PRIORITIES. Misalignment in life results in misguided pursuits and nothing gets our attention quicker than a crisis. It has been said that a person has no more character than what they can muster in a time of crisis. Difficulties can make us or break us. God has designed them to MAKE US and not break us. Blessing us in a crisis is God’s specialty – if our trust is in HIM and our faith is firm.

This means that in this final “shaking”, all that is impermanent will be removed; that is, everything that is merely “made”, and only the unshakeable things will remain. Since then we have been given a kingdom that is “unshakeable”, let us serve God with thankfulness in the ways which please him, but always with reverence and holy fear. For it is perfectly true that our ‘God is a burning fire’.

Hebrews 12:27 (Phillips NT)

During challenging times, don’t fear but take the time to examine your priorities. Are there any values in your life that you are not living up to? Any commitments you are faltering on?

Realign your life around what is eternal and important.

Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these other things will be added.”

Stay Calm!

Carl

Some recent recipes...

2011-08-11T13:38:00.000-05:00

I have been on a big "try new recipes" kick lately. Sometimes I get into this phase where I get so bored with everything I'm cooking and I want try all these new things. I am definately in that phase right now. But it will pass like it always does and I'll go back to making spaghetti as a weekly meal, just because it's the only recipe I know all the ingredients to. For now though...I will share some things I've tried out lately...

Balsamic-Garlic Chicken Breasts
from Southern Living

Ingredients

• 4 (6-oz.) skinned and boned chicken breasts

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 3 garlic cloves, chopped

• 1 1/2 teaspoons honey

Preparation

• 1. Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

• 2. Melt butter with oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken, and cook 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken, and keep warm.

• 3. Add chicken broth and next 4 ingredients to skillet, and cook 5 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring to loosen particles from bottom of skillet. Serve chicken with sauce.

Ten Minute Taco Salad
from Dashing Dish

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded lettuce

• 3/4 cup meatless crumbles, de-thawed according to package directions (or 1/2 cup lean ground beef/ground turkey, fully cooked)
• 1/4 cup taco sauce

• 1/4 cup canned corn

• 1/4 cup salsa

• 1 tbs light ranch (or sour cream)

• 1 low carb wrap (such as La Tortilla brand, or something with 100 calories/high in fiber)

• Optional: 1/4 cup low fat shredded cheese, 1/4 cup black beans

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Gather ingredients

2. After removing the corn from the can, (I measure out 1/4 cup for my salad, and save the rest in a tupperware), remove the paper from the can, and place it on a sheet pan. (You could use any empty can you have on hand, or an oven safe mug or dish that you can drape the wrap over). Drape the wrap over the can, and place in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortilla is golden brown, and crispy.

3. While the tortilla is baking, add the taco sauce to the meat, and stir until well combined.

4. Measure out, and prepare the rest of the ingredients to put in the salad.

5. When the tortilla is cooled, take it off the can, (it only takes about a minute), and add the lettuce first, followed by the rest of the ingredients

Servings: 1

Calories: 300 (This includes the taco bowl!)

Greek-Style Feta Burger
from Dashing Dish

Ingredients

• 1 package (1 1/3 pounds) ground chicken or ground turkey breast

• 1 egg white

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/2 of a (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

• 1 tbsp fresh oregano (or Italian seasoning)

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (or garlic salt)

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

• Pepper to taste

• 4 light hamburger buns OR 4 Large Pieces of Iceburg lettuce for Lettuce Wraps! (If using buns, look for light buns around 80 calories each, with around 3-5 grams of fiber)

*Optional Toppings: Tomato slices, Pickles, Ketchup, Miracle Whip Light, Mustard, Lettuce, Greek Yogurt, Black Olives, Cucumber Slices, Roasted Red Peppers, Red Onion Rings (cut onion into rings and grill along with burgers)

Method

1. Preheat grill or broiler. Coat grill or broiler pan with cooking spray.

2. Wring the defrosted spinach dry by twisting it in a clean kitchen towel (or paper towel) over your sink.

3. In a medium bowl, mix together egg white, ground chicken, oregano, garlic powder, feta, and spinach until well combined; divide mixture into four balls and then press them gently into 4 patties.

4. Grill or broil patties until burgers are no longer pink inside (or they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees) about 7 to 8 minutes per side.

5. Serve each burger on a bun with choice of toppings!

you could make a ˜Greek sauce' by throwing some Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, olives, and roasted red pepper together in a food processor and spread it on the bun!

Servings: 4 Burgers

Calories: 170 (For 1 Burger with Lettuce Wrap)

July photo dump - from my phone

2011-08-10T13:59:00.000-05:00

A mish mash of our lives in the month of July...

This is from our old fence, we kept a portion of it and my hubby finally got around to painting it. It is now hanging on our patio, I love it!!

Aww, nothing sweeter than that!!

crazy cousins!!

Big brother got a new bike for his 6th birthday

(which I still need to post pics from his party)

Lil one pleased as punch to get the hand-me-down bike

My big boy and his bestie

Parks and his "puckcake"

baby shower gift I got for my boss, isn't it the cutest?!?!

And my little Parkies playing on daddy's phone while we relax on a Sunday afternoon

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-08-05T13:57:00.000-05:00

*I think this is a great one for all us girls out there. Especially anyone who is "young"er, like early 20's. (Not that anyone who is in their early 20's would even have interest in my blog) But seriously, I think all girls can relate to the "frenemy" topic. Unfortunately in this world there are people who will put you down, try to take what's yours, be mean for no reason other than jealousy, be nice to your face yet talk behind your back, misjudge you and dislike you for it. It is IMpossible for everyone you cross paths with to like you and want to be a true friend to you, don't waste your time on people that are not genuine*

Frenemies

Frenemy is a buzzword that consists of two words: friend and enemy. Both words combined into one: frenemy. A frenemy can be a rival disguised as a friend. A modern example of this is Dwight Schrute and Jim Halpert in “The Office”. A biblical example is Judas towards Jesus. How do you know if someone is a friend or a frenemy? Better yet, how can we know if we are being a true friend or acting like a frenemy in our relationships? Here are six factors.

FRIEND OR FRENEMY

• Friends pick you up – frenemies cut you down.

• Friends bring out the best in you – frenemies bring out the worst.

• Friends hold you true to your values – frenemies distort those values.

• Friends complete you – frenemies compete with you.

• Friends have your back – frenemies talk behind your back.

• Friends find the best in you – frenemies scan your life looking for flaws.

The Bible says, “A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother” (Pr. 18:24).

Be a friend! Believe in friends! And never be without a friend!

Just a thought,

Carl

What I'm Lovin Wednesday

2011-08-03T14:05:00.000-05:00

Some of my favorite things I'm loving lately...in no particular order...

1. Philosophy Purity cleanser

I know a while ago I wrote an entire post dedicated to Amala Skincare and swore to the ends of the earth that I would never use another facewash ever again. Well, I lied : / But I didn't know I was lying at the time so did I really lie after all?!? I think not! I really did THINK I would use that product forever but in reality, I just couldn't because my hubby said "hell to tha nah" when he found out how expensive it was.

Enter my frantic search at Sephora for another cleanser that worked magic on my skin. I've heard about Philosophy products for just about forever but had never tried any of them. I decided to try Purity Made Simple from Sephora back in April. I bought the 16oz for $32 and I STILL have about 1/4 left. And since using it I've hardly had any breakouts. I usually don't have that many to begin with but I can always count on a breakout when it's that time of the month. And guess what...I have had NO time of the month breakouts since using this product. I love it!

2. Archer Farms Tomatillo salsa

Okay so I know this is actually a picture of the "Roasted Salsa Verde", I couldn't find an online pic of the tomatillo salsa, sue me why don't ya! But hey, the tomatillo salsa is green and they are both from Archer Farms so I'm going with it alright. Anyway, the TOMATILLO SALSA is SO SO SO good!! Archer Farms is at Target, we snack on this salsa A LOT at our house. Even the pickiest person on the planet, aka Parker, eats it up! It's good stuff!

3. Mio liquid water enhancer

My new obsession! And now that it is my new obsession, it is now Mike's new obsession, my parent's new obsession and Mike's parents have just joined the obsession train too. A quick squirt into my water bottle and shake it up, walah! Instant yummy drink! So far we have tried the Strawberry Watermelon, Sweet Tea and Berry Pomegranate and all are great in my book. Both Mike and I each keep one at work and then we have two at home. And what's even better...0 calorie, 0 sugar, 0 fat!

4. Special K Raspberry Cheesecake bars

OH MY YUM! I have been eating Special K bars for a long time now, I love them because they are 90 calories and a perfect mid-morning snack. But RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE?!!? YES PLEASE! My favorite so far!!!

5. Losing Weight

I am still fighting the good fight. As of today I have lost 33 lbs since November 2008. Yes, 3 years to lose 33 lbs. I did not do it a quick way at all. It actually took about two of those years to realize that I shouldn't "settle" for feeling "okay" about myself. I would lose 10 lbs and stay at that weight a long while. Then lose another 10 lbs, another 5 here and there. At this point in time, I still have a little bit more I want to lose but for me it's not really about the number on the scale anymore. The past 3 years I've FINALLY had that lightbulb moment where I just want to be a better/healthier/happier/stronger version of myself. And I have found that losing weight & toning my body has given me so much more than that "Oh look at me, I'm high school weight" mentality that so many women have. It's not about that for me...anymore, because I will admit that when first starting out it was all about vanity. But through this process I have changed. I truly love working out now. And if I eat something bad for me, I truly feel like crap over it and get mad at myself. As a full time working wife and mother of two, working out is a stress relief for me. It has made me happier with my appearance, leading into happier in my marriage, more self confidence with friends and strangers alike. I think 30's are going to look and feel great on me : )

6. Girls Weekend!!!

This Saturday my girlfriends planned a surprise getaway to celebrate my birthday. I am so excited and I seriously feel so blessed to have such great friends in my life!! My girls are my rock, they are who I vent to about hubby and children frustrations, they are who I cry to when I'm upset, they are who praise me when I do a good job at something and they tell me I'm beautiful even when I feel I'm not.

We are going to be doing a little of this...

And this...

CANNOT WAIT! Happy Wednesday!

I'm 30!!

2011-08-02T20:59:00.000-05:00

Okay so I've really been 30 for a few weeks now. For my birthday this year we wanted to do it B-I-G. Where else can you do that but Vegas right?!!? Damn I love that city!! Here's some pics from our trip...

hubby in the record hallway that leads to a hidden pizza joint inside the Cosmopolitan

me...with a giant shoe...

hubby in front of Bellagio

chicken and waffles at Hash House

The Mirage

arriving at Fremont St Experience

Marquee dayclub on my birthday

sis and bro in law

Happy Birthday to me!! Best birthday EVER!

hubby jumping off Stratosphere - 855ft jump

safely on the ground, just where I like him!

spiffied up ready to see Jersey Boys

the beautiful Chandelier Bar

love my sistah from anotha mistah!

birthday dinner at SushiSamba

Can you see me sitting on the "S"?

last day, womp womp. Bro and sis at breakfast

hubby and I in front of Las Vegas Blvd.

Family pics

2011-07-31T08:03:00.000-05:00

More of our session with our friend Allison at Eleven Thirty Six Images. I've had a lot of people ask where this session was taken, it was done at The Harbor in Rockwall off Lake Ray Hubbard. We went at 9:00am on a weekend and were pretty much the only people there. Here are some of my favorites from the session.

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-07-29T13:32:00.000-05:00

Misjudged

It’s no fun to be misjudged by someone. When a pastor speaks on giving, those who listen can accuse him of having ulterior motives. Family members are notorious for misjudging each other’s motives. They can place their own interpretation on your actions and thereby assign blame. Your boss or client can misread your actions. The old saying is true, “we judge others based on their actions, but we judge ourselves based on our intentions.” Never be discouraged by others who misread you. If possible, share your position sincerely and respectfully then detach yourself from the response. There wasn’t a day in the life and ministry of Jesus where someone wasn’t misjudging Him. He was called every name in the book. In John 8:48 the religious leaders said, “You are a Samaritan and demon possessed,” yet the Lord was not phased by their comments.

In all your conversations be calm, clear and concise. Be 100 percent present with that person. Recap what you thought you heard or ask them to recap what they think you said. Take responsibility for your part and this will narrow the gap of misunderstanding. Every successful over-the-top achiever has been misjudged. People laughed at the Wright brothers and ridiculed Alexander Graham Bell. Your success will have to pass through the scorn of others.

“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable.”

Matthew 5:11 (Message)

Just a thought,

Carl

June update

2011-07-28T18:36:00.001-05:00

So since I have been such an awful blogger lately, here is my attempt at an update from where I left off. I realize I haven't really given an update on what we've been up to since early May. Since then LOTS of fun has been had.

In early June I helped one of my Rangerette friends, Kelly, celebrate getting married by attending her bachelorette party. She lives in E. Texas and came to Dallas for the weekend, we had a blast and it was so good to see her and meet all of her girlfriends from Henderson.

We took the boys out on our friend's boat for some Sunday fun on the water one weekend. Parker loved swimming in the lake and Carson went tubing for the first time.

We took the boys to the circus for the first time at the Allen Event Center one night during the week. We had front row seats and spent way too much money but they both had so much fun.

We celebrated Kim & Paige turning the big 3-0 at Margarita Ranch. And I'm so happy to announce that Kim is pregnant with her first baby, due in February and we are all so excited for her and Trevor!!

The last weekend in June Mike and his parents took Carson and his 3 cousins RVing at Turner Falls, OK. They did a ton of swimming and went to Arbuckle Wilderness.

(pic cracks me up)

While they went camping, my lil Parkies and I had the weekend all to ourselves. We watched movies, played a lot and went to Wetzone with Granna.

Well that's about it for our month of June, crazy busy like always. Check back for a July update soon, I have LOTS to post...family pics, July 4th, my 30th in Vegas, and Carson turned 6!

New plans

2011-07-28T14:09:00.001-05:00

I know, I know, I am awful at updating this thing. I have probably a bazillion pics to update from June and July but I have to do it from home. And when I'm home in the evenings, I simply do not get on the computer because I'm on it all day at work as is.

Today I want to get your opinions on a home predicament we are in. Lately, Mike and I have seriously been discussing our future plans as far as where we'll live, when we'll move, whether to buy or build, old or new, what things are most important to us in our future home, etc etc etc. We currently have a 3 bed, 2 bath 1800 sq ft home and with 4 people and a dog, most days it feels like the walls are caving in on us. As much as I want to move, the plan is to stay in our house for another 10 years until it is paid off so we aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
Last year we changed Parker's baby nursery into a toddler room. We also decided to make our formal dining room into an office. We moved furniture around and put all our computer/office stuff in that room but I ABSOLUTELY hate it now. It's the first room anyone sees in our house and it's trashed out with all of Mike's work stuff (he's in the IT field). Sooo I have now come up with an idea to get bunk beds for the boys and have them share a room. Thus freeing up the 3rd room to make that a guest bedroom/office. I think we have plenty of furniture to do some moving around, we'd really only need to buy the bunk beds and a desk for the room we'd turn into an office. And we could sell Parker's nursery furniture to help with costs.

My question is...my boys are 3 yrs apart, does anyone have children that share a room? What are your likes/dislikes about them sharing a room? Is 3 yrs too far apart to share?

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-07-22T13:46:00.000-05:00

Persistance

The key to overcoming is persistence. “Persistence is to the character of man, as carbon is to steel.” Or as someone once said, “No” simply means to “ask again.”

Those who reach the top of their profession did so by “turning the other cheek”, or “going the extra mile”. They did not allow the opinions of others to deter them. On one occasion Jesus was compelled to respond to one of His detractors by saying, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” Jesus didn’t take rejection personally. His conception was miraculous, but his birth place was a dirty manger. His earthly parents were humble peasants. The talk of the town was tabloid news surrounding the conditions of His birth. John 1:11 tells us, “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” Jesus was unfazed by both the praise and disapproval of others. He lived free from the opinions of men, because He lived to please an audience of One. Jesus persisted against the rantings and ravings of His critics and the betrayal of His friend.

He endured short term pain so that we could have eternal gain.

Is rejection slowing you down, or worse has it stopped you dead in your tracks? Get up! Get going! Get over it! You have something this world of ours desperately needs.

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message - July 15th

2011-07-22T13:44:00.000-05:00

The Big I

A sign of Christian growth and maturity is when the Big “I” becomes a little “i”,

Paul said it this way in Galatians 2:20.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”.

Five times in this one verse Paul uses the word “I.” Four out of the five times Paul is referring to the little “i” that has been surrendered over to Christ. Paul’s BIG “I”, the ego-self, was dethroned and Christ was enthroned as Lord.

Here is a great secret to life. This is as long as we don’t believe that we are the most important thing in the world. We won’t be able to appreciate the world that is around us until then. We become like a horse, with blinders, only seeing self and becoming blinded to everyone and everything else that is around us.

In dying to self we truly live!

Just a Thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message - July 8th

2011-07-22T13:40:00.001-05:00

Hi All!! I am playing catch up so bear with me. I have LOTS to update you on but today I am starting with Pastor's messages, I havent' done one in 3 weeks now. I plan to update fully with so many things that have been going on, hopefully over the weekend. Stay tuned...

Take a Break

“Fatigue makes cowards of us all.”

Rest is not laziness. It is holiness. God rested on the seventh day. Of course the Lord’s rest isn’t the same as our rest – God never gets tired but He knows we do, so He instituted the Sabbath. Those who embrace this practice will last longer and produce more in the long run.

Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat.

Mark 6:31

People who are high achievers in life understand and practice this principle. One president in the past refused to make any decisions after 4:00 in the afternoon. He knew that a weary mind rarely makes smart decisions. Godly rest allows us to repair, renew and receive from God, resulting in a release of our potential. Needless to say, our Lord was highly effective, accomplishing more in a day then most do in a lifetime. Yet, He understood the need for rest. There would always be another sick person, another needy person, another sermon that would need to be preached. It would always be in God’s timing. Jesus knew output can’t exceed inflow. At work and at home, you are always giving. During your rest time, you are receiving. Schedule some time for you. Sometime to play and sometime to pray.

It is the Lord’s blessing that makes you wealthy. Hard work can make you no richer.

Proverbs 10:22 (TEV)

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-07-01T12:35:00.000-05:00

Release the Past

Some people are forever hindered by their past – past failures, past hurts, and past disappointments – all of which are just a sampling of the past events that are relived in the present. Even God chooses not to change the past but to use it. As someone aptly put it,

“The Past: Our cradle, not our prison; there is danger as well as appeal in its glamour. The past is for insiration,not imitation for continuation, not repetition.”

As challenging as it is to live in the present and as foolish as it is to live in the future, it is impossible to live in the past. Yet for reasons unknown people park in the past and miss what God is purposing to do today. Someone once said "Nothing is as far away as one minute ago."

People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.

Ecclesiastes 5:20 (NLT)

Turning to your past means you have your back to your future.

We know that Jesus is the same “yesterday, today and forever”. That means He is in your past, present and future so you can live today with hope and certainty.

Just a thought,

Carl Toti

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-06-24T13:04:00.000-05:00

Need a Lift?

There are certain days where it feels like everything is working against us. As Jacob once said, "You have already taken my sons, Joseph and Simeon from me. And now you want to take away Benjamin! Everything is against me" (Genesis 42:36). Or as the character Tom Chaney said in True Grit to young Mattie Ross, “Everything is against me". Well, when it seems like “Everything is against you”, you can count on one thing: God is for you and not against you (Rom. 8:31).

When life knocks you down, get back up! When circumstances don’t go your way, get back up! When the rug is pulled out from under you, get back up!

The Lord is the glory and the lifter of our head (Ps. 3:3). Every person in our life is like an elevator; they either take us up or they bring us down. We need to be sure we are the kind that lifts people up when they are around us. When the stresses of life mount up and bring you to the breaking point just remember…

“…the LORD lifts up people who are in trouble.

The LORD loves those who do right.

‘Psalms 146:8 (NCV)

I leave you with this great quote from Charles Haddon Spurgeon, “Beloved, when you esteem Christ very highly, the things of this world become of small account with you, and their loss is not so heavily felt. If you feel your losses and crosses to be such ponderous weights that the wings of Christ's love cannot lift you up from the dust, surely you have made too much of the world and too little of him."

“…the Lord…will lift you up”

(James 4:10).

Just a thought,

Carl

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-06-22T13:54:00.000-05:00

1. Vera Wang Adami peep-toes

I got these from Kohls and they are seriously kick-ass! I wore them this past Friday night and got so many compliments, I'm in love! And for a 4 1/2" heel, they are SUPER comfy!

2. Newman's Own Olive Oil & Vinegar Dressing

I love this salad dressing, usually for lunch I get a turkey sandwich and a salad and I keep this stocked at my desk at work.

3. The Laughing Cow cheese spreads

I am so obsessed with these cheese wedges, there is only 35 calories in each wedge, paired with some low calorie crackers, such a good little snack

4. Taking my boys swimming!

Both my boys are turning into little fishies this summer! Carson has been going swimming a lot with his daycare and has been swimming without a life jacket for 2 weeks now, I'm so very proud of him! And Parkies just LOVES the water. It scares me how much he loves it though, because he would jump right in without a care in the world so we have to watch him like hawks when around a pool. But when he does get a chance to get in the water, he wants to stay in ALL.DAY.LONG, he has SO much fun : )

5. Turner Falls - Davis, OK

This weekend we are going RVing with Mike's parents and the boys 3 cousins, Tia, Tanner and Gunner. I love weekend getaways!

Happy Wednesday!

Family pics sneak peek

2011-06-17T13:55:00.000-05:00

We took some family pictures with our friend Allison last week and she has just shared with me a few sneak peeks of our session. As always, I absolutely love them and cannot wait to see the rest! She's a talented one, yes she is!

If you are interested in booking a session with her, check out her website - Eleven Thirty Six Images - she is currently booking for the fall months.

Happy Weekend!

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-06-17T13:48:00.000-05:00

Nothing

Q: “My psychiatrist says that I am suffering from kleptomania. What should I do?”

A: “Whatever you do, don’t take anything for it!”

There are times in life when doing nothing is doing everything.

Most of the time, inaction is action in the opposite direction and then there are times when doing nothing is doing something. Most of the time, we need to act responsibly and quickly to issues that surface. At other times, trying to fix something immediately can add to the strain and stress that we are already trying to manage, compounding the problem.

Do any of these verses resonate? Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” Isaiah 53:7 “…He opened not his mouth.” Exodus 14:13-14 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD…The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

When insulted or misunderstood, we immediately want to strike back and defend ourselves. When angered, we want to lash out. When wronged, we want to retaliate. These reactions can make matters worse. Hence, there is wisdom in doing nothing.

I’ve paid a price at times when I prematurely acted when I should have waited and vice versa— a lesson I am still trying to learn.

Just a thought,

Carl

Healthy Recipes

2011-06-15T14:23:00.000-05:00

Since I requested some healthy recipes a couple weeks ago, I thought I should be a nice blogger friend and share some things I've tried out since then.

The first recipe I tried was Broiled Tilapia Parmesan from a low carb site that was recommended to me.

It was really good and only 230-307 calories depending on fish size. The only thing is that it calls for butter and mayonnaise in the recipe so I tried to make it even more healthy by using I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and Olive Oil Mayo. I will definately be making this again, the broiler gave it a nice flavorful crisp that was delicious!

The next recipe I made was Chicken Enchilada Pockets from Dashing Dish.

I am obsessed with Dashing Dish now! I saw that Prior Fat Girl Jen made her taco bowl recipe and am so glad I decided to click on the link, Katie at Dashing Dish makes all the things we love to eat but healthy versions of them, those are my kinds of recipes!

These enchilada pockets did not dissapoint! They are 155 calories per pocket and I was full after 2, not bad for a 310 cal dinner!! And let me tell you, they were SO good, while eating them you would never believe they are low calorie! We had 3 left and we polished them off as snacks the very next day, my hubby loved them and so did I.

Speaking of the next day, I needed a snack to take with us to the pool with friends so I decided to get back on Dashing Dish and take a look around. Turns out Katie has a Protein Packed Hummus recipe that I knew would be the perfect healthy snack to munch on, plus it was SUPER quick to make!

Everyone loved the hummus, it was a big hit by the pool and a lot more healthy than store bought versions.

The last recipe I want to post is again, a Dashing Dish recipe. (Told you I'm obsessed) Last night for dinner I made her Honey Glazed Salmon.

Yummy Yummy Yummy and only 250 calories per fish filet! I made extra sauce and poured it over some steamed asparagus.

She also has a ton of protein shakes that all sound SO delicious, I plan to make one after my workout tonight.

And to update anyone who is wondering, I'm still on the weight loss train to Vegas, I have lost 2lbs since I posted, I'm steadily losing a pound a week which it's unrealistic to expect anything more than that I would think. So I'm happy with any progress! I'll let you know if I hit my goal in time for Vegas, only 24 more days!

Mavs are the NBA Champs!

2011-06-13T13:15:00.000-05:00

Whoo I'm a happy girl today, my Mavs beat the Heat and are this years champs! Heck yeah!!

The bashing of LeBron James was surely an entertaining element of The Finals. His 9-point scoring drop-off was the biggest ever for a player who averaged 25 points or more during the regular season And whether you're a proponent of the plus/minus statistic or not, nobody can ignore his -24 in Game 6. He consistently passed up open jumpers and attacking opportunities.

But Sunday night was about the Dallas Mavericks and the incredible resiliency this team showed throughout the playoffs -- especially The Finals.

Dirk Nowitzki validated his spot in the pantheon of basketball greats. His subpar 9-27 shooting performance was but a minor blip on the radar of an MVP series and MVP-type of season, and by scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter, he became the anti-LeBron.

Jason Terry and his surprising trash-talk rebounded from a rough start to the series by completing the season with a flurry of timely jump shots and 3-point daggers. After Game 3, he challenged LeBron to guard him for seven straight games. As it turned out, he only needed six.

As great as Terry was, isn't it fair to suggest that Dirk's supporting cast was above-average at best? Jason Kidd is 38 and became the oldest point guard ever to start in The Finals. Nobody wanted Shawn Marion a year ago. DeShawn Stevenson was an afterthought. J.J. Barea is 5'8". Tyson Chandler was considered a high school bust by many and Brian Cardinal's nickname is 'The Custodian.' Not to mention, Caron Butler -- arguably the team's best perimeter defender and second best scorer -- never got out of street clothes. As a friend proclaimed to me last night; "these are all solid players, but look at who they went up against."

Marion parlayed whatever inner "Matrix" he had left, hitting his patented array of post-up floaters and playing superb defense. Stevenson three-goggled the crowd into a frenzy with clutch buckets and showed off stout defense as well. Kidd was vintage Kidd -- facilitating as only he can -- while Barea split about 327 double-teams and showed that even short guys can dominate in the paint. On the defensive end, Chandler -- acquired a season ago -- shut down the paint and controlled the glass, playing a crucial role in the Mavs' shedding of the 'soft' label that plagued this franchise for so long.

Say what you want about the normally boisterous Mark Cuban, he has crafted a winner by assembling team-first guys and a head coach who employs a winning style even if it means employing controversial tactics. Rick Carlisle started Barea when he was shooting just 5-23 after three games, was the first coach to consistently use a zone defense in the playoffs and made opportune in-game adjustments and proper substitutions -- unlike Heat counterpart Erik Spoelstra.

As maligned as James has been, much of the blame for the Heat loss falls on coach Spoelstra.

As I noted before Game 6, his refusal to rest James in this series was vexing, as was his inability to incorporate Chris Bosh into the offense more. Bosh's capacity to hit high post jump shots was the one soft spot in the Dallas zone. In Game 6, he again provided a stellar effort, converting on 7 of 9 shots and clearly becoming the Heat's relief valve when it struggled to make perimeter jumpers. But nine shots for Bosh is a joke.

But this is really about the Mavericks and what they did do, not about what the Heat didn't do.

Just think about some of the star power that this Dallas team overcame in the playoffs: LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and of course, LeBron. And, think of the pedigree of two all-time great power forwards who Dirk now has one more title than; Charles Barkley and Karl Malone. And don't forget about Kidd; another future Hall of Famer who no longer has to worry about being ringless.

With the 2011-12 NBA season in jeopardy, it's hard to know what exactly we should expect next fall. The new collective bargaining agreement is far from being solved and already, several players have hinted at going overseas while the league sorts out the ensuing mess. Sadly, if a lockout occurs, we may not see any more pro hoops until the new year.

For Mavericks fans everywhere though, that means they may be able to bask in the wake of championship glory a little longer. After a painful wait of 31 years, something tells me that would be just fine by them.

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-06-10T13:12:00.000-05:00

Panic

Have you ever been in a tight situation and wanted to push the panic button?

There was a time we thought we lost our son in the department store, only to discover he was hiding under the clothing rack. Panic occurs when you think you have left your wallet or cellphone in the public restroom only to realize they were in your car the whole time. Panic can be defined as, “a sudden overwhelming fear, with or without cause, which produces hysterical or irrational behavior. This often spreads quickly through a group of persons or animals.” Many people are panicking around the world over the economy or the threat of global unrest.

Panic can take a bad situation and compound it, making it worse. Everyone remembers Captain Sully, pilot of US Airways Flight 1549, who saved all of his passengers with a miracle landing in the Hudson River. His success was due to his training and his ability to keep cool under extreme pressure. “Leadership has been defined as the ability to hide your panic from others.” When others are panicking over the economy or world events, we can keep a level head. Our trust in is the LORD.

Therefore thus says the Lord God,

See, I am laying in Zion a foundation stone,

a tested stone, a precious cornerstone,

a sure foundation:

“One who trusts will not panic.”

Isaiah 28:16 (NRSV)

If you find yourself in a tight situation don’t panic – keep your cool and be calculated in your options. As someone said, “Panic is a sudden desertion of us, and a going over to the enemy of our imagination.”

Just a thought,

Carl

Pulling for Big D!

2011-06-03T13:18:00.000-05:00

Not sure if I've disclosed this here on the blog before but I am a HUGE Dallas Mavericks fan! Always have been. I think I get it from my parents, I remember being little and my parents would always have watching parties at the house, there would be drinks and food and friends and lots of cheering for the Mavs. My parents still to this day do not miss any of the season games, my mom in particular gets SO into the games, she loves to watch the Mavs play whether they are winning or losing. But of course winning is the best. And this week the Mavs are in the Finals!! WHOO!!! Totally loving it right now!!

I came across this article today and just had to share it with my fellow Dallasites, I BELIEVE!!!

Pull for Dallas to win these NBA Finals because Miami will get forklifts of rings someday. This might be Dallas' last chance.

Pull for Dallas because it got screwed in the 2006 Finals worse than Bartman. To lose to the same team five years later would be tantamount to basketball waterboarding.

Pull for Dallas because Mark Cuban hasn't opened his mouth once.

Pull for Dallas because Dirk Nowitzki deserves this title more than anybody else on the floor, more than LeBron James, more than Dwyane Wade.

Pull for Dallas because Nowitzki stayed with his team, never took his talents anywhere but to the damn gym every day.

Pull for Dallas because Nowitzki has stuck it out through 13 seasons so far with this one team, stuck it out through all those depressing playoff springs, all those one-and-dones, all those words people called him -- "loser" "choker" "soft" -- stuck it out even when Steve Nash left, leaving Nowitzki with a lot of nobodies and some mops.

Pull for Dallas because when you ask Nowitzki why he didn't bolt the way everybody else does, he simply says, "Because this is where my heart is."

Pull for Dallas because Nowitzki didn't try to win a title the new way, didn't pick the best kids on the playground and take on everybody else, didn't get a bunch of super-human friends and schedule himself a ring, like you might a kegger for your birthday party.

Pull for Dallas because Nowitzki has this crazy idea about trying to win one the old fashioned way, by getting better.

Pull for Dallas because James is so heaven-sent talented that he'll get more than his share of rings before he's done.

Pull for Dallas because Nowitzki is much closer to done than starting now.

Pull for Dallas because 38-year-old Jason Kidd deserves one, too, despite what he says. "I want this more for Dirk than for me," says Kidd, who's played in three decades -- 17 years -- in this league without champagne in his hair. "All the work Dirk's put in, all the time. Man he deserves it more than anybody on this team. Plus, if he gets it, that means I get one too, right?"

Pull for Dallas because Kidd is the guy everybody likes, the Ray Bourque of the NBA, the one everybody wants to see hold the trophy over his head someday. If he doesn't win it now, in his third Finals try, he'll never win it.

Pull for Dallas because it has the best locker room in the NBA, not a whiner among them. There are more good guys in that room than in some divisions.

Pull for Dallas because it doesn't do pre-championship celebrations. Dallas has this crazy notion that you should actually hold the trophy in your hands before you throw the parade. Wouldn't it be nice to give them one?

Pull for these Dallas Mavericks because the way things are going, the Dallas Cowboys may never win a title again.

Pull for Dallas because it's clear they're the underdogs in this, sort of the way a squirrel is the underdog vs. an owl.

Pull for Dallas because its best player, Nowitzki, has a torn tendon in his left middle finger now and yet never once blinked when we asked if he'll keep playing.

Pull for Dallas because it's not about The Decision. It's about one team taking the easy way to a title and another team taking a way that just keeps getting harder.

Pull for Dallas, because, my God, how many good things can happen to Pat Riley in one lifetime?

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-06-03T13:06:00.000-05:00

Zero Tolerance

What are you tolerating in your life that needs to change? Whenever we tolerate the intolerable in our lives, we chip away and diminish our own self-worth. There are some things in our lives that should be zero tolerance. Many companies have a zero tolerance attitude when it comes to an infraction of a stated policy – and rightfully so. Some things should not be tolerated (PERIOD).

I have a zero tolerance for ignorance. Ignorance is not bliss. God says, “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Not everyone can have a formal education, but everyone can be smart – all you need is a library card or access to the Internet. Learning has never been easier, for those who are willing.

I also have a zero tolerance for complaining. I have had the privilege to travel all over the world and share Christ. When I see the plights of the less privileged in our world due to political corruption and lack of opportunity, I have to say to myself: “No American has the right to complain”. How much more God fearing Christians? “Do everything without complaining or arguing” (Philippians 2:14).

And finally, I have a zero tolerance for long e-mails and blogs, so I am going to shut up.

Just a thought,

Carl

Meet Scout

2011-06-02T13:39:00.000-05:00

As promised, here is my attempt to catch up with one new thing going on in our lives right now.

We got a dog!

We've had him for about 3 weeks now, totally got him on impulse. The boys were playing outside one Sunday morning and they found a bunny nest in our backyard. They scared all but two bunnies out of the nest, we caught them and contempleted keeping them. Carson was BEGGING to keep them as pets but neither Mike nor I had any idea on how to care for rabbits, if it would be easy, hard, messy, smelly, we had no clue! So...Mike and Carson went to Petsmart to get some information on caring for rabbits before we would make our final decision.

Cut to an hour later, they come home with this dog...

Now, I may sound like a cold-hearted "B" but I was NOT happy about this. And if I'm being honest, I'm still unsure. Don't get me wrong, I love all animals but we have had dogs in the past that haven't worked out and we've given them away. Working full time, a house to take care of and two children makes for a VERY busy life and the stress of a 3rd "thing" to take care of does not excite me! Sorry, but it's the truth!

With all that said, he's been a very good dog so far. He's 2 yrs old and we got him from a rescue group based out of McKinney. He is a Manchester Terrier/Daschund mix. He's a cutie and most definately was someone's pet before making his way to the shelter. He knows how to fetch, is kennel trained and walks very good on a leash.

He's growing on me : )

In need of healthy recipes

2011-06-01T13:21:00.000-05:00

Hi there! So I have lots of catching up to do...my mom's bday celebration, Memorial Day, Carson school stuff, we got a new family member...hint...he has 4 legs and a tail. Did you think I was going to say I'm pregnant with #3?! Ummm NO! Ain't happenin : )

BUT...all that is not what this post is about. Todays post is about the fact that I'm celebrating my 30th birthday in VEGAS this year!! And this morning I realized something...that particular birthday is in exactly 38 days! Whoo hoo super excited! Not so much about leaving my 20's, more excited about the Vegas aspect of it.

I have been working out like a mad woman and eating super healthy to get in shape for this Vegas trip, and just for summer time in general. Shorts, tank tops and swimsuits are not my friend when I'm 10 lbs heavier! Can I get an AMEN girls?!!? I have managed to lose 7 lbs but I want to lose 7 more before July. So I have 38 days to do it.

What I am hoping my readers (if I even have anymore??) can help me out with is some healthy recipes. I get so sick of making the same stuff all the time just because I know it's low calorie and good for me. Do any of you have any recipes you could share with me in my quest to lose these last 7 lbs? I would REALLY appreciate it : )

And I promise to do some updates this week on all the other fun stuff we have going on right now, lots on my to-do list!

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-05-13T13:08:00.000-05:00

Mastering Your Transitions

The process of life is a series of beginnings and endings – from birth to death and everything in between. The Bible says, “There is a season and a time for everything under the sun.” Seasons’ transitions, businesses’ transitions, sports teams’ transitions, and relationships’ transitions – every living organism must go through this process. It has been said, “Motion is the transition of living organisms.”

May is a month of transitions. Many seniors will transition from high school to college this month, while college students transition into the workforce or into the military. Some transitions are timed and expected, such as weddings planned for this summer. Other transitions happen unexpectedly, such as the loss of a job, an injury, a financial loss or a health crisis. Most of us are ill equipped for these unexpected transitions. When all of a sudden the ground beneath you begins to shift and the sturdy structures you have built your life around begin to shake, it is easy to become anxious and fearful, causing you to act out of character. How do you master your transitions? Four ways:

1. Admit transitions are a part of life. That includes those we welcome and those we abhor. Look at Ecclesiastes 9:11c from three different translations: (1) “…We each have our share of bad luck.” (2) “…But time and unpredictable events overtake all of them.” (3) “…But time and chance happen to them all.” Life happens! When it does, go with the flow and roll with the punches.

2. Anticipate the immediate disruption that transitions cause in our lives. Your focus, faith and feelings can go off-kilter. God’s wisdom is a stabilizing force. Isaiah 33:6 says, “Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the LORD is His treasure.”

3. There are some things you may have to let go. Accept it. With every ending, there is a new beginning. Isaiah 43:19 says, “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it…”

4. Acknowledge the good. Philemon 1:6 says, “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” There is a silver lining in every situation. Out of the mess can come a message. Focus on the good – keep moving toward peace and closure.

Just a thought,

Carl

A Mother's Day card only a 5 yr old could write

2011-05-09T12:53:00.000-05:00

I had a really wonderful Mother's Day weekend and I hope all of you had a wonderful one as well! I just had to share one of my gifts with you all, a card created by Carson at school. The front was adorable, a bouquet of flowers with the actual flower being his handprints. This is a picture of the back, it's a fill in the blank questionaire all about me aka "Mom".

While the part about me taking care of him is actually true, everything else is slightly off, lol. Love that kid!

My hubby is 32!

2011-05-07T09:44:00.000-05:00

Mike turned 32 on Wednesday, May 4th. We have been having a great time celebrating his birthday this entire week! First up, last Saturday night we had dinner at Blue Goose with our close friends Sean, Prema, Mark and Katie. After dinner we met up with a bunch of other friends at a couple bars and had such a fun night celebrating! Thanks to all our friends who came out...Libby, Quinton, Reggie, Joseph, Ronnie, Eddie and Jeremy!

On Wednesday, the day of his actual birthday, Mike and I both took off work to spend the day together just the two of us. We had an AWESOME day, jam packed with fun stuff! After we dropped the boys off at their schools we had breakfast at Waffle House, then we saw "Limitless" with Bradley Cooper, had a light lunch and a couple beers on the patio at Hoolihans. After lunch we headed home to freshen up, picked the boys up from school and met Mike's parents for dinner at Pappasitos. I'm pretty sure my hubby had a great bday : )

Here we are after dinner with Mike's parents...

Kindergarten stuff

2011-05-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

In April I chaperoned a field trip to the Dallas Zoo with Carson's class. It was a lot of fun! There were so many parent volunteers that I was only in charge of Carson and another little boy, Logan. Luckily, Logan was super sweet and very well behaved, we had a really great day just the three of us exploring the zoo animals! Here's some pics of our day...

This past week the kindergarten classes each recited a poem and sang a song about their field trip to the zoo. It's so fun seeing Carson interact with all his school friends. Here's pics of our night at the musical...

Easter in Lubbock, TX

2011-05-07T09:25:00.000-05:00

I have been a slacker lately in posting what we've been up to. To be honest, we are just so busy all the time, it's hard to find the time to update this blog. For Easter we headed to Lubbock, TX on Good Friday to spend the weekend with Mike's family. Here's pictures of our weekend.

Dying Easter eggs

Swim Time

Ready for church

egg hunting

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-05-07T09:14:00.000-05:00

Total Loss

Usually, the combination of these words is something you dread hearing, “It’s a total loss.” Those were the words I heard recently from my insurance adjuster regarding the accident that my son Jonathan and I were involved in Good Friday. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries and even though the accident wasn’t my fault, my insurance will have to make up the short fall. The other driver, who was at fault, was” under insured”.

“It’s a total loss,” are tough words to hear relating to the loss of property when an accident or natural disaster occurs. In the aftermath of such events, you are comforted, if you are properly insured. But there are other times in life when you can face a “total loss”. It could be a business endeavor which goes south, or a relationship terminating, or perhaps a wrong choice is made in the heat of the moment and your integrity is compromised resulting in a total loss?

Jesus said, “But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. When the swollen river came crashing in, it collapsed like a house of cards. It was a total loss.” Luke 6:49 (MSG)

BUT, even if we blow it, we have the Lord’s blessed assurance that insures us – His grace is both available and inexhaustible for our “accident/disaster”, even it was our fault. According to Romans 8:28,” in the end God can redeem and restore allowing us to recover all”.

God is in the business of taking a total loss and turning it in to a total win.

Just a thought,

Carl

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-04-29T13:07:00.000-05:00

Lose Some Weight

With summer just around the corner, a lot of people will be starting a diet or exercise program or both in order to shed a few pounds, so they can head to the beach for fun in the sun. I know nothing is more touchy than to talk about someone’s weight, but the weight I want to talk about is the weight we all need to lose .It is the weight of anxiety. After all anxiety is at an all time high – along with gas prices, food prices and taxes.

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25 HCSB).

Anxiety is a DESTROYER. Anxiety can weigh you down, slow you down and bring you down. What’s the solution?

Learn to live by faith and not by fear.

Pray for strength each and every day. Find a “good word” of encouragement from God’s Word each and every day.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God

Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)

Just a thought,

Carl

Easter with Granna and Papa

2011-04-27T12:13:00.000-05:00

Since we spent Easter weekend in Lubbock with Mike's family, we had to celebrate Easter a weekend early with my parents, Carson and Parker's Granna and Papa. We had burgers on the grill, dyed eggs on the patio, had a silly string fight and of course hunted for eggs too! It was a great day, here's some pics from Sunday, April 17th at my parents house.

dyeing eggs with Granna

Parkies showing me his favorite egg, the orange one

And Carson showing his favorite, green as always

Parks getting silly stringed by Papa

Silly string is VERY traumatizing!!!

Big bubba was a more willing participant

the tables have turned...

Granna's turn

Ready to egg hunt!

My loves!!!

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-04-25T12:48:00.000-05:00

Here is Pastor's Good Friday message. I was out of town and have not been near a computer for 3 days (it was so nice!) I have a big Easter post coming with lots of pics, hopefully I can get to it tonight or tomorrow. Happy Easter!

TGIF

Thank God It’s Friday (Good Friday). Without Good Friday, there could be no Easter. We all know what Easter is about. I hope and pray that we will embrace the joy that blew away doubt, fear and hopelessness; the day that swallowed up the earlier believers on Friday but was conquered on Sunday. The following story can be found on a variety of internet sources: Tony Campolo recalls one Sunday when he had a little preaching competition with the head pastor of a church in Philadelphia that he regularly attends. As Campolo tells it, he preached a flawless sermon in every way. As he sat down next to the senior pastor, he patted him on the knee and said, “Top that!” The older pastor replied, “Boy, watch the master.” Tony recalls that the older preacher got up and preached what he believes was the best sermon he has ever heard.

The message was straightforward and repetitious. The preacher started softly, building in volume and intensity, until the entire congregation was completely involved. All the time he kept repeating the phrases in unison. He went on for more than an hour and a half but kept the whole congregation engaged. The gist of the sermon went something like this:

“It’s Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where he was praying. But Sunday’s coming.

“It’s Friday. The disciples are hiding, and Peter’s denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday’s coming.

“It’s Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday’s coming.

“It’s Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked and spit upon. But Sunday’s coming.

“It’s Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday’s coming.

“It’s Friday. The Son of Man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday’s coming.

“It’s Friday. See him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from his body. See the cross crashing down on his back as he stumbles beneath the load. It’s Friday; but Sunday’s a coming.

“It’s Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, ‘Father, forgive them.’ It’s Friday; but Sunday’s coming.

“It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday’s coming.

“It’s Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble and he who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God, who will not abide with sin, pours out his wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, ‘My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?’ What a horrible cry. But Sunday’s coming.

“It’s Friday. And at the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil of the temple that separates sinful man from holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday’s coming.

“It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that’s because it’s Friday, and they don’t know it, but Sunday’s a coming.”

YOUR SUNDAY IS COMING! HANG IN!

TGIF,

Carl

Patio Before & After pics

2011-04-20T13:03:00.000-05:00

As promised...here are the before and after pics of our patio. My hubby set this up on Sunday and I have already enjoyed an ice cold beer with my feet propped up. Oh yeah, this furniture makes me HAPPY!

Before:

Gah look at all those toys! I'm ashamed we let our yard get this trashed out. Hopefully we aren't the only family that has let their yard turn into the city dump?!!?

After:

Ahh yeah, MUCH better!

**this will probably be my last post for the next few days, we are traveling to Lubbock Friday morning to spend Easter weekend with our family. I hope you all have a lovely Easter with the ones you love the most**

Top 2 Tuesday

2011-04-19T13:49:00.000-05:00

Today's Top 2 Tuesday over at The Undomestic Momma is all about...

Things You Collect

1. Shot Glasses

We decided to start collecting shot glasses on a whim when we were on our honemoon in 2006. We went on a Carribbean cruise and I wanted to buy about a million things to remember everywhere we went. Not sure which one of us came up with the idea to buy shot glasses of each location but I'm so glad we started doing this. It doesn't take up a lot of space and I don't think it's weird like having a bunch of creepy ceramic cats all over the house or anything. Haha, no offense if you do that though...yeah umm, changing subject now : )

So far we have shot glasses from Miami, Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, Pensacola, Vegas, Playa del Carmen and of course the great state of Texas because that's where we live!

2. Handbags

I guess this would be more of an "obsession" on my part other than a collection really. But shot glasses are the only thing we truly "collect" but I sure do love me some handbags!! It's quite a problem, I buy them on impulse and change my purse out almost every day to match my outfit. There have been times where Mike will agree to let me go shopping and spend a certain amount of money, I'll come home with only a purse and no clothes, the purses just call my name ; )

Do you collect anything?

Head on over to Undomestic Momma and link up with us!

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-04-15T13:11:00.000-05:00

Thrive In Any Environment

“I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread”

(Psalms 37:25).

With unemployment hovering around 10 percent and good jobs difficult to come by, how can you continue to thrive and succeed within your current or future place of employment? Allow me to share some Biblical principles that will be helpful to you whether you are a business owner, an entrepreneur or an employee.

 Be a person of impeccable integrity. Honest employees are indispensible. Nehemiah in the Old Testament excelled because of this attribute.

 Be a person of excellence. The prophet Daniel had an “excellent spirit about him.” Excellence fosters promotions.

 Be a problem solver; not just an order taker. Don’t wait to be told about a problem take the initiative. Initiators who take initiative are in high demand in work place across this country. David saw a thirteen-foot problem and stepped up and slew it. Become famous for the problems you solve; not the ones you cause.

 Acquire wisdom. It is “the principal thing” if you lack wisdom, “Ask God and He will give it to you.” “And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the LORD was with him” (1 Samuel 18:14).

 Under promise and over perform. Those who talk the most do the least. Let your production speak for itself. Work hard at your current assignment. Never demote yourself by seeing your current assignment as a “Job.” NEVER, NEVER call what you do a “Job,” it’s an OPPORTUNITY. It is the proving ground for your next assignment. Perform faithfully now; be rewarded later. Jesus said, “If you’re faithful in that which is another man’s, you will have your own.”

 Be an encourager to others. You don’t get ahead by walking over others. Become well known for lending a helping hand to others in your place of employment. Make friends; not enemies. We will all have our fair share of enemies but just remember “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” and “God prepares a table for you in the presence of your enemies.”

YOU ARE UNSTOPPABLE! KEEP MOVING FORWARD! IN JESUS NAME!

Just a thought,

Carl

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-04-13T13:42:00.000-05:00

That Parker is this close to being potty trained!!

Seriously, it just "clicked" with him about a month ago, he started showing interest in the toilet and we've really been working with him a lot lately. He's wearing undies 90% of the time now, unless we are going to be in a public place for a long period of time or at nighttime when he sleeps in a pull-up. After almost 6 years of buying diapers and wipes, I'm MORE than sick of spending money on those dang things! Peace out diaper champ, I will NOT miss you!!!

That Carson has his 2nd loose tooth

Yep, my big boy is going to have another visit from the tooth fairy pretty soon. The loose tooth is on the bottom right next to the one he just lost, love that snaggletooth smile so so so much!!!

Beavers Bend

We just booked this cabin for our 5 year wedding anniversary coming up in August, so excited!

New patio furniture!

We purchased it about 2 weeks ago but it had to be shipped to our local store. I got a notifcation today that it is ready to be picked up, SQUEEL!!! We spent this past Sunday cleaning our patio from top to bottom, I took some "before" pics and will definately take some "afters" as well to show you the new space.

New Jams on my Ipod!

I haven't worked out since Friday and have not been feeling it AT ALL this week. I knew I needed some sort of motivation to get my butt in gear so I downloaded a bunch of new music, now I'm super pumped to hit the gym hard this afternoon. I love finding that little spark of energy that makes me want to work out, and I know I'll be so proud of myself after the fact too : )

What are you loving today???

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-04-08T13:18:00.000-05:00

Influencers

According to the author of a new book called Influencer each of us possesses the power to change anything. On the surface, that is an outlandish statement. But is it possible? Whatever problem or challenge you are presently facing personally or professionally, someone somewhere has already faced that similar problem and has solved it. Problem solvers are people who change what they can’t accept and rarely have to accept what they can’t change. The reason most problems can’t be solved is because most of the time solutions come in the form of people acting differently and change isn’t something humans are prone to embrace. Whether that is changing eating habits, changing jobs, changing how we relate to others, our thinking, etc. Simply stated: change is an unwelcome proposition. Most of our angst in life is due to negative behavior that we repeat.

If we can interrupt the cycle, we can change.

One of the best-kept secrets in the world is that that latest research by behavioral scientist has discovered the power we have to change, if we choose to change. In the book the Influencer the authors talk about “high-leverage skills and strategies” that when learned and applied can produce amazing results. According to research the forces that have a profound impact on human behavior function on two mental maps. A person who needs to change is asked two questions: (1) “Can I do what’s required?” (2) “Will it be worth it?” The first question simply asks, “Am I able?” The second asks, “Am I motivated?” (Influencers, by Kerry Paterson).

Interesting, if you are motivated, if you can see the positive outcome you can muster the ability to change. One of my favorite verses says it this way, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”. Human will power can only take you so far but Christ-empowerment has no limits. Impossible can become Him-possible with Christ. Jesus said, “If you can believe, all things are possible.”

Change your belief and change your behavior.

Just a thought,

Carl

Such a big guy!

2011-03-29T13:19:00.000-05:00

Carson lost his 1st tooth this morning.

It has been loose for about 2 months now and the permanent tooth was even growing in behind the baby tooth. We took him to the dentist over Spring Break because we were worried they might have to pull it. But they said to be sure to wiggle it every day and it should get more loose on it's own. If not, then they would pull it by May but thankfully, the wiggling worked it's magic and finally, it came out. He pulled it on his own even, what a little man we have : )

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-03-25T13:03:00.000-05:00

Big Fish

This past week my family and I spent a few days in Miami and we couldn’t pass up a day at the beach. We were able to get into the warm water. As I stepped into the ocean, I was overcome with a sense of how big it was and how small I was. Moreover, I was acutely aware that there were some really big fish somewhere in all of that water; fish that could survive and thrive in the ocean but not in a pond. It reminded me of something I heard once; fish are restricted in their growth based on the size of their aquarium. Put a fish in a small tank, it will remain small. Put it into a larger tank and you’ve given it the means for growth.

God intends for us to grow into our full potential in Christ. So, the Lord may start us out in a fish bowl, and then move us to a pond, and move us then into ocean. Are you in a growth zone? Has your aquarium become too small? Then, expand it!

We’ll never reach our full potential unless we go big for God.

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk

so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.

Cry out for this nourishment,

1 Peter 2:2 (NLT)

Be Inspired!

Carl

Spring Break

2011-03-23T13:25:00.000-05:00

Last week was Carson's first Spring Break. Mike took off the entire week to take him to do fun stuff with his cousins who came in town from Lubbock. I'd say they had an AWESOME time! Here's is our Spring Break week...in pictures...

Shenaniganz

at the movies seeing Mars Needs Moms

Six Flags

bounce house fun

boys sleepover

Going Bonkers

(I took off Friday and kept Parker out of daycare so we could join them for a fun 3 day weekend)

my two favorite guys : )

And lastly, Parks got to see his first movie in a theater, Rango at the Harbor

WHEW! I'm tired!

This week has been difficult for us to get back into the swing of things. It's Wednesday and I'm just now getting back on my work/sleep schedule. Loving Springtime!!!

Love.Blooms.Here

2011-03-10T13:17:00.000-06:00

Today I wanted to share a necklace that I just bought from a friend. She is mommy to the cutest 5 yr old girl in the world, Ava, who just happens to be one of Carson's besties : )

Candace has started up her own little company Love.Blooms.Here on the side from her regular 9 to 5. She makes adorable necklaces, hair pieces, headbands and picture frames. Here is the necklace I just bought from her, I cannot wait to wear it! I told her I wanted something with yellow and torquise, something summery and to surprise me. This is what she came up with = LOVE.

An Adventure-filled Weekend

2011-03-08T13:40:00.000-06:00

Every year we have a plan as to what we want to do with our income tax money. It always entails putting money towards our mortgage payment but it usually includes an update to our house as well. In 2008 we remodeled our master bath and bought Carson new furniture. In 2009 we bought my car so we skipped that year, plus we had medical bills out the wazoo for Parker. In 2010 we put up a 10' board on board fence. This year we have some medical bills for Carson's ER visit coming in so we decided to skip a big house update and spend the money on a little bit of new furniture instead. FOR OURSELVES, which makes me one happy wifey!

So Saturday morning Mike and Carson drove to Mike's parents house to borrow their truck, then swung by and picked up Parker and I and we headed out to The Dump to shop for our master bedroom. Let me start this story with the fact that The Dump is about 45 minutes from our house but my personal opinion is they have more original, nicer looking furniture than say Rooms To Go, Ashley Furniture, etc so we make the drive because we feel it's worth it. And don't be hatin, Carson has bedroom furniture from Rooms To Go Kids so there : ) Anyway, back to my story...we got to The Dump and looked around, found a set that Mike and I both fell in love with, paid for it, got it loaded up in the truck, we were done. Easy peazy...I was happy happy happy!

We got about 15 minutes into the drive home and his dad's truck fizzles out on us. We made it to the shoulder of the freeway but still, my good mood turned bad very quickly when we realized the truck was not starting back up. 30 minutes from home, on the side of a freeway with a brand new dresser, mirror, two nighstands and a bench in the back of the truck = get me out of this nightmare! Luckily we live in Texas and we know lots of peeps who have trucks, I called up my daddy and he and my mom came to rescue us. But we also called the Tollway Authority who did send someone to come out and check on us, Mike asked the guy to stay and block us with his lights flashing while we moved the furniture, the guy said "ok", got back in his truck and stayed about 5 minutes then straight took off! I was LIVID!!!!! Isn't that your job you numnuts?!?! So needless to say, it was NOT fun moving furniture from one truck bed to the other on the shoulder of a freakin freeway, boy was I relieved when that was over with and we were on our way home!

Once we got home we unloaded all the furniture and Mike and his dad set out to go look at the trucks engine together, it started up once they got there but only drove about 5 miles and started breaking down again, they had it towed to a shop where it's being worked on this week. But it may be the end of the road for his truck, it's a F250 that has 233,000 miles on it, I'd say it's lived a nice long life.

We spent the rest of the weekend organizing our bedroom for the most part, we made a trip to Pier 1 where I bought two lamps that I luuuurve. So now, I give you the before & after pics of our bedroom.

Before

After

(please excuse bed not being made, server and wrapping paper on the right that are no longer there)

Before

(yes that is a playard, the last time I took pictures of my bedroom was 2008, that's how much I hated it)

After

(Mike's laundry in the pic, he's messy and I won't lie, that's always there)

Before

(I dont have a pic of it but on the left we had our computer area, that has now been moved into our formal dining room, we are making that into an office...next project on the list)

After

(against the wall is the mirror that goes with the dreser, I think I am going to hang it above our fireplace but it will more than likely sit there for a good 6 months, that's how we roll)

I love it love it love it! We made lots of progress this weekend!

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-03-04T13:25:00.000-06:00

Mentorship

I only do a handful of interviews here at the church and it is primarily when we are hiring a pastoral position. One of the most important questions I ask the prospective candidate is about mentorship. “Who are your mentors?” It is always interesting to hear their response. It takes some by surprise. Nothing says more about your future to me than your choice of mentors. Your mentors are my predictors of your future. Proverbs says, “Follow the wise and be wise. Follow fools and be foolish.” Everyone needs a mentor or two, or three or more.

Take the old prophets as your mentors.

They put up with anything,

went through everything,

and never once quit,

all the time honoring God.

James 5:10 (MSG)

A mentor is someone who’s knowledge and experience can save you years of frustration. Mentorship is the transference of knowledge from the mentor to the protégé. This is seen in several Old and New Testament relationships: Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha and the most famous: Paul and Timothy. A mentor is someone whose hindsight can become your foresight.

One catholic theologian calls contemporary mentors “soul friends.” I like that term. Who is your “soul friend?” To whom are you being a “soul friend?” Without a mentor, you will never be able to reach your maximum potential.

Live inspired,

Carl

An Update

2011-03-03T13:55:00.001-06:00

Wow I know I'm so bad about updating this thing. I feel like a broken record when I do these "update" posts because it's always the same thing...we are so busy going going going, not enough hours in the day yada yada yada, but for reals...THERE ISN'T!

Carson...we had a parent/teacher conference last week. Personality wise, he is doing much better, he's getting less color changes at school and less goofing off during the times he's supposed to be paying attention and listening. But his teacher does feel his progress is behind some of the other students in the class. They will take an exit test in April sometime and based on his test results, they will then determine if they recommend he stay behind and do another year of kindergarten. I honestly don't know how I feel about this. As a parent, I definately have mixed emotions, you never want your child to feel embarrassed or like they aren't smart enough or good enough at something. That would just break my heart into a thousand pieces! But then on the other hand...maybe holding him back will give him those personality traits, it might help him to make strides in the classroom and feel confident in his learning abilities. Going into kindergarten I was always concerned because he really only turned 5 a month before school started. That's a huge difference in maturity and learning abilities compared to those kids who are 9 and 10 months older than him. And then of course you have the people who will tell you that boys are slower to grow and learn than girls as is and that boys in particular, need that feeling growing up that they are the biggest and the baddest, and if not that could lead to a bruised ego later down the line like in middle school and especially high school. So anyway, all that to say, I had reservations going into this school year. For now we are just working with him at home as much as we can between having full time jobs, a 2 yr old little brother and then every day life like dinner, dishes, laundry, bathtime, etc. So I will post more after his April testing, Mike and I are just holding out hope that something clicks inside of him and he starts making the gains that are required to move onto 1st grade. Spring Break is coming up in 2 weeks so Mike is taking off work to have not a daddy/son day, but a daddy/son WEEK, I know Carson's just going to love that. I'm a little jealous that I'm going to miss all the fun but because of the snow/ice storms back in January, I'm just not able to take off any work right now. Carson is really wanting to do karate so we plan to sign him up for that soon, he's always doing karate moves jumping off the couch or the bed, pretending he's some stealth ninja. He's also got his 1st wiggly tooth and I will definately post a picture once it comes out. For now he will not let anyone touch it but he wiggles it all the time. I cannot believe my child is about to be a snaggletooth!!! He has also learned to tie his shoes and he does not want any help whatsoever, getting to be such a big boy!!

Parker...we are currently working on potty training but that's not going over too well. Everyone always says the 2nd child is easier than the 1st, well not for us! Carson was potty trained by 2 1/2 and wearing underwear every day to daycare, Parker is so not interested but I'm really not surprised by that. That kid has got his own agenda and he does not do anything until he's ready to do it. He's still got the same mischevious little troublemaker personality. We have started calling him sour patch kid, you know those commercials where the sour patch will do something really mean and then something really sweet right after, well that's Parker. He just has this charm about him and he knows it too! I think he's going to be our little athlete, he sleeps with footballs, soccer balls, baseballs, always carring around a ball, always wanting to go outside and someone throw the ball to him or kick it around. Now I'm really praying I'm not jinxing us when I say this but Parker's sicknesses have dwindled drastically since the ENT Specialist started him on Singulair, he takes it once a day and it's a chewable tablet, he doesn't mind taking it at all. I honestly am not sure when the last time he was even sick! I am SO thankful for any amount of healthy time he has, for almost a full year he was getting sick every single month, just miserable for him and us!

As far as Mike and I not much to update there, we work and take care of our babies, try to see friends and family when we can. He still runs a lot and rides his bike, I still go to 24 Hour 2 or 3 times a week, I've also been doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred and I really enjoy that. I love that it's 20 minutes, if I have a day where I just cannot get to the gym because life gets in the way, I can always fall back on doing the Shred at home. We are going to Austin next weekend with a few other couples to visit our friends Loni and Josh who just had their first child, Colton. Cannot wait to hold him!!! I have some pics to update of recent things we've been doing but I will have to do that another time. Chao!

A playdate with Brendan

2011-02-27T16:53:00.000-06:00

Happy weekend!!! I'm currently enjoying my Sunday and wishing it would not end!! But I wanted to post pics from a playdate the boys had with Brendan last weekend at Celebration park in Allen. Playground visits are getting so much fun for the boys, now that Parker is a little older he's able to play on most of the equipment without our help, Mike and I are able to sit back and take pics and watch them run around together. Hope you all are enjoying your weekend with your family, friends and those you love.

President's Day at the zoo

2011-02-25T13:17:00.000-06:00

Monday was President's Day so I had off work and Carson was out of school. I convinced Mike to take off with me and let Parker play hookie from daycare. We spent the day at the Dallas Zoo and had such an awesome time just the four of us : )

Pastor Carl Friday Message

2011-02-25T13:09:00.000-06:00

Nuggets of Truth

Every year my wife and I attend an annual conference at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. The speakers are always exceptional and the worship is otherworldly. The time is refreshing and inspiring. The speakers this year included Robert Morris, Brian Houston and Jimmy Evans. Here is a sampling of the truths imparted during the conference.

“Start living your life aware of the God given possibilities that are around you every day.”

“Complacency destroys potential.”

“Today’s acceptance becomes tomorrow’s standard.”

“Stop tolerating what you have been tolerating!”

“Don’t let what God has called you to do distract you from what God has called you to do.”

“Embrace your need. Great things are born out of need. It is out of our need that greater dependency on God comes.”

“Stop making fear based decisions and start making faith based decisions.”

“Leaders should have the steadiest hand on deck.”

“Fear is always an accusation against God.”

“Giants are God’s insurance policy that holds the Promised Land for the people of faith.”

Never stop growing. Never stop learning. God has greater things in store for you. Your future is bright.

Be Inspired,

Carl