Puppies!!

My sister's dog had puppies!
They are so cute, she still has 2 boys for sale, these are the cutest puppies I have ever seen...they are toy Chihuahuas...they don't' even weigh 1 pound yet
If you want one, of know someone that does, please let me know!

So glad I shaved yesterday!!

For my birthday yesterday, T took me to Lucille's BBQ for dinner (thank you mom and dad)...But all night he had a little smirk on his face, so I knew he had something up his sleeve..

So when we get home, I notice that there are candles lite inside...my first thought is "oh no, I didn't take the trash out, or clean the bathroom, and there is people in my home" BUT, when he opened the front door there was a massage table set up, candles all over, soft music playing and my own personal massage therapist!!!!!
BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER!!
I was so surprised!! What a blessing to have a husband that would sacrifice my birthday evening with him, to let me relax and be massaged...

So after my 90 minute, full body massage...I was so relaxed, so in love and so grateful that I shaved my legs that morning:)

Then Amen..

A dear friend of mine just found out that she may have cancer...
Her response to this life changing news was:

"If this is what God has for me, then Amen
If this is His will, then Amen
My life is in His hands, I am NOT the boss
He is!!!!"

This just blew me away, just the complete turning over of her will, and her trust in the Lord was such a cool example to me.
No, we are not in control, Yes GOD is!!!!!!

7 Reasons to smile today!!:)

I smile today because:

1. I had an amazing weekend, 2 parties to celebrate my birthday...and I didn't have to plan either one of them!!
2. Free lunch today with the office!
3. I have a wonderfully thoughtful, sensitive, generous husband!
4. Somewhere, the leaves are changing colors for fall!!
5. My friend is wearing Halloween socks, pulled all the way up, with capri pants on... the funny part..She is 60 years old!!! Yay Dottie
6. I fell on my face this morning on my way to the bathroom!
7. I am free, forgiven, and fabulous!!!

What are some reasons for YOU to smile today???

Thank you girls!!!!

If not for these girls around me, I would have never gotten through the weekend. You know those people that you can be emotionally and spiritually "naked" with? Well, these are my "naked" friends!
Thank you so much Becky and Kristi for walking, praying, and holding me through the weekend. Thank you for allowing me to just be me, for listening to me and offering counsel and prayer...
We all need an army around us when we are at war, and they are my army!!!
Its so amazing to have friends like you guys, just knowing that even in my "darkest" time, I am so loved...

I am at War...

I am at war like never before: at war for my thoughts, my spirit, my mind, my husband, my God.
This realization has me on my knees...
At the women's retreat there was a war for my attention going on, not only was it affecting my ears, but my body as well...I wasn't feeling well, but strangely enough it would happen right as the speaker would start..
I would either choose to leave the room or sit there uncomfortably, shifting in my seat and distracting those around me...(basically a "tool" of the enemy)

It was not until the ride home that I was even aware of the attack, I knew I was struggling, but against what, I wasn't sure...you know how us girls can be, we check our emotions before we check our spirit. (I do anyway)

This past week felt like a battle zone in my spirit: I wanted to focus on the Lord, but my emotions were out of control...and I was giving into my emotions as if I had not a choice...
I am at War and I HAVE a Choice: I choose to FIGHT!!!
I am asking you, will you fight with me, there is so much going on every day around us that WE NEED to be ready, WE NEED to be strong, WE NEED to be on our knees

Today, I give back my mind, heart, spirit, body, soul and once again lay it before the Cross: It is not mine to control, but it isn't the enemies either..
I am ready for the battle; are you??
Ephesians 6:10-20 (The Message)

A Fight to the Finish
10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

I am ready for the battle; Are you?

The Re-Creation of Carey...

Every woman I know has been through this..
I'm getting ready to go to a woman's retreat...
So, of course, I'm getting together 3 (or more) of my "best" outfits, you know the ones that you spread out over a month of Sundays at church, the ones that make you feel stylish, the most spiritual, as well as comfortable...the ones that stand out from other women because your style is so "unique"...

Yep, that's where I'm at..if you are a woman reading this, you know exactly what I mean...all the years past I've been able to go blow $100 or so on whatever I wanted to wear, and just sport my new outfits all weekend...basically "re-create" myself (using my clothes)
This year we are on a strict budget, and it doesn't allow for spontaneous re-creation or retreat shopping.

No re-creation this year, just plain old me..just Carey!! I need to learn to be exactly who the Lord fashioned me to be. Coincidentally the verse we are focusing on is:
Psalm 119-73
Your hands have made me and fashioned me"
Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

My prayer for this weekend is that I gain understanding in who I am in Christ, and continue to understand what it means to be "fashioned" by God.
That I would NEVER again wish to re-create myself...(at least on the outside)