They Make Me Laugh

Today, in reference to the jar of candy corn on my desk, one of my little friends said,

"Mrs. Snaps, I don't like candy corns. I was born without them."

...oh, bless his heart he's such a mess but he's adorable. :)

November 1st

Happy birthday month to my sweet hubby! :)  Today, I'm thankful to celebrate with him this year as his wife! :) ...17 days and counting!

Fall Love

wow! time flies when you're having fun! I can hardly believe fall is in 4 short days! This has been the sweetest Summer of my life! I'm excited to recount the memories and reminisce but that'll be another post for another day! :)

My sweet man brought home a mum about a week ago and I've been itching to decorate. So, this Saturday I had a little extra time and a some inspiration from Pinterest (guilty pleasure...ugh!) so I decided to decorate. I didn't go elaborate but just hints of Fall here and there. I just love it! :)

Help Me Remember

Help me remember, dear Lord, that you are always faithful. Help me remember that you are all-knowing and that I don't always have to understand to be able to trust you.

Our God is faithful and His ways are perfect. I know that to be true regardless of where He takes me in this life. Over the last few months my sweet husband and I have been praying daily that I would be able to find a job. Joshua so patiently allowed me to stay home while I searched for a job in an elementary school. (Contrary to popular belief- these are pretty difficult to come by.) We prayed and applied all Summer and towards the end it continued to look dubious. The first day of school came...and went. I gave up hope of a classroom of my own- and that was ok. Truly, God gave peace that this just wasn't the right timing for me to be leading a classroom. However, it was genuinely the desire of my heart to serve in the school system, somehow. I applied for several aide jobs but nothing materialized, until last week.

On Monday, I was on my way to the grocery store when my phone rang. It was the receptionist at a local elementary school asking if I was available for an interview the next day. Before she could finish I (unprofessionally) responded with an emphatic YES! I couldn't believe it! After months of praying, a phone call comes and tears just stream. Thank you, dear Father, for providing. Joshua and I prayed that the interview would go well and that no matter the outcome we would continue to praise Him. The next day I had the interview and sitting across from 3 administrators I poured out my heart to serve diligently at their fine school. Of course, you always second guess your responses or questions after the interview but overall I really felt like it went well. All three administrators were so positive. (and we survived an earthquake- none of us noticed) I was told that I'd hear something by Friday. Joyfully, I left and headed out to run errands feeling confident and blessed. Wednesday and Thursday came pretty easily because I knew I wasn't going to hear anything until Friday. Then, Friday morning came. I think I sat staring at my phone for most of the day. The morning came and went. No phone call. I talked with Joshua at lunch and he encouraged me that it would come. The afternoon came...and went. No phone call. I didn't understand. Could the interview have been that bad and I didn't realize it? Discouraged I resigned myself to the fact that it just didn't work out. I begged God to help me. I wanted so deeply to trust Him without fear or questions, but my heart was weak and confused. I prayed constantly, please, dear Lord, help me. Help my faith to increase. Help me to praise you no matter what. I enjoyed a sweet weekend around my precious family. I praise God continually for them. They are such an encouragement. On Monday, my sweet man encouraged me to keep my phone by me incase I got a call. (Begrudgingly) I agreed- I really didn't expect to hear anything and I didn't want to get my hopes up. Then, standing in the cereal aisle during my weekly trip to the grocery store I got THE phone call. I heard those precious words: "we have recommended you for the job." If you know me, imagine me trying to contain my elation in a grocery store. I cheerfully smiled at lunch snacks and spagetti sauce as I finished up my shopping. I floated through the store so excited and praising my faithful God!

I made the most precious little apple cake to celebrate and decided to wait for Joshua to get home to tell him. (that took serious will-power) He is just as excited as I am. We praised God together for His gracious provision! Then, I got to joyfully spread the news to my family and friends who faithfully prayed beside me for God's best.

Help me, dear Lord, to remember this season and your faithfulness through it. Truly, You are good.

5:15pm Celebrating!

Memorization Monday

Ok, so how did you do last week? I hope Hebrews 4:12 was an encouragement to your soul! Praise God for His word and it's power!

Recently, God has put on my heart to remember that I am not my own. As I go through my days here at home and when I have opportunities to serve outside I want to remember this passage. To keep last week's verse fresh try to go over it once or twice this week to keep it firm in your mind.

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."

1 Corinithians 6:19-20

trust that is greater

This isn't my own illustration but I read it this morning and thought it so very appropriate for today,

Standing on the stairs a little girl asks, "will you catch me, daddy?" He answers, "yes, I will!" She may jump or she may proceed to ask endless versions of her first question. If she does jump, it will be more because of whom she knows her father to be than because of his answer to one of her questions. The fact that she jumps does not mean that she has run out of fears or questions; it means that her trust is greater than her fears or questions.

This Summer I've had a grand time visiting with family and discovering the corner of South Carolina I now call home. It has been wonderful! I've also spent the Summer praying with my sweet family for a job. I was a teacher in North Carolina and absolutely loved it. It is my heart's desire to be in a school. At times it seemed bleak and while my faith waned at times my hope was rest assured on my God and His perfect provision. Yesterday, I got two phone calls for potential jobs (both of which were in the education realm.) Today, I have the opportunity to interview for a teaching assistant position in a local school. I would love it. I'm praying for my God to continue to guide me and to help my feeble heart to respond in a way that honors Him regardless of the outcome. He is good and His provision is always perfect-more often than not it's more than sufficient.

Memorization Monday

It's Monday! Here we are at the beginning of a new week! Wherever you are in your walk let's keep going. We're in this race together. :)

I decided to start Memorizing Mondays as an encouragement for putting verses to memory. This elementary activity doesn't seem to get enough encouragement. We get to church and bible study on time and we set aside quiet time in our busy schedules but how many of us make it a practice to continually renew our minds with the memorization of God's word? My goal is to start out small. (one passage a week) I try to keep in mind the analogy that we are running a marathon not sprints. If we pace ourselves as we make goals then we will more realistically reach them.

This week we are working on Hebrews 4:12. What better verse to use to begin memorizing than this? :)

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

Take a minute to write out this verse on an index card. If you're feeling creative find a piece of fancy scrapbook paper and mat it to make it pretty. Put the card somewhere you would see it often. (mirror, refrigerator, above the kitchen sink) Work on memorizing the verse now and then challenge yourself throughout the week that each time you see it to try to recite it.

Happy Rememberizing! :)

much love,

Carlajane

wake up

I heard a man say this last night in relation to our spiritual awareness;

"People wake up and follow their needs."

Where are my needs today? Who or what am I following? What sobering questions. Praying that today and everyday I will follow the only one who provides all my needs...

"O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you;my flesh faints for you,as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."

Psalm 63:1

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty andhunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me...And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."

Philippians 4:11-13, 19-20

How True...

Our needs have been met by the amazing provisions of a God of grace. Today is another invitation to live like we really do believe it. -Tripp

5:45 Back to School Dinner Party

a little beach weekend

This weekend we go to getaway to Virginia Beach for a few days! :) My dear friend, Jenni Michelle, is going to have her first little one in September so her sister threw her a shower and I got to go! It was such a joy to get to see Jenni's gracious church family again. I loved visiting while we were single girls, for her bridal shower, for her wedding and now for her baby boy! Our hubby's had a good time too! Adrian took Joshua to the base and they explored all-over a ship! I know Joshua loved it! On Saturday afternoon we went down to Virginia Beach and walked along the shore. The weather was perfect! I loved it! :) It was a quick but FUN weekend! I'm thankful that we got to visit! Thank you Elizaldes!

Where would I be without my Savior?

Today I'm singing praise for my faithful God and His promise in Philippians 1:6:

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work

in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

"You are not stuck. God not only calls you to change, but he has already given you everything you need to make the changes to which he has called you." -Paul Tripp

In my 5 weeks of wedded bliss I've already begun to learn a lot about myself. Thankfully I have the sweetest and most patient husband. I adore him! I know sometimes my weaknesses have to get annoying, but he is so faithful to encourage me. (One of these days I am going to learn not to be sooo loud- we're struggling through that one right now.) Bigger than my beloved Joshua is my faithful God and His encouragement lifts my soul. I have a lot to learn and about more things than just being too loud. Thankfully, I can trust His Word to be true and I believe in His incredible power to change!

Joyfully,

Carlajane :)

Summer Vacation for a Weekend

We had a WONDERFUL time this weekend enjoying the end of vacation with our sweet family. This summer they were at Lake Keowee near Clemson. It was absolutely gorgeous! On Saturday we spent the afternoon at Lake Jocassee. I can not help but sing praise to our amazing God! He is an amazing creator!

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the

mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth

and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

Psalm 90:1-2

Seeking and Setting

Over the last few weeks I've been challenged in my quiet time about my affections. I have a bad tendency to get my focus mixed up and pretty backwards. I find myself hungering for things that do not satisfy. Sure, they're practical things (plans) or fun things (possessions) -but in the end they simply won't cut it. I'll always be hungering for something more. It's our 'flesh bent," as one speaker eloquently put it. A tendency we continually come back to and by God's grace must purpose to fight. Colossians 3:1-4 has something to say about this tendency:

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ,

keep seeking the things above,

where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Set your mind on the things above,

not on the things that are on earth.

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

When Christ, who is our life, is revealed,

then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

Our lives are about the gospel. Our lives are about Jesus and what he did. Our lives are not ours. Colossians 3:1-4 gives two very poigniant infinitives- to seek and to set. In words these two ideas are simple, but in deeds they certainly are not. To seek God is an act of emotion and will- it requires both zeal and duty. Along with this idea it's important to remember Proverbs 1:7 and that seeking our God is just the beginning of all knowledge. Not only are we seeking but in addition we are commanded to set our mental facilities on "things above." What a challenge! In a world so full of the concrete it seems overwhelmingly difficult to see the unseen. That our lives and minds would be consumed by Christ is our prayer. It is what we humbly come before God and plead for.

I love that song "Trust and Obey." Yes, I know, it's an 'old song,' but it's a good one. I love how it reminds us that there is no other way to find satisfaction but in Christ alone. It's when we know and submit to our Savior that we begin to find true and deep satisfaction. As I bring my temporal hungering before the Lord and ask for his gracious hand of mercy I know He is faithful. I'm praying for His grace to help me see with the mind of Christ instead of my 'mixed up, backwards' focus.

Joyfully,

Carlajane

1:25pm are we there yet?

Thankful Things

A while back, my sweet friend, AW, told me about a wise practice she and her friend LP exercised daily. If I remember correctly she said each morning they would write on a sticky note a few things they were thankful for. I've always loved that idea! From time to time I like to practice that same wisdom by stopping to count my blessings. Here's what I've been thinking about this morning:

I'm thankful for...

• my trustworthy and faithful God
• my kind and encouraging husband
• our cute apartment
• beautiful sunshine
• our trip up to lake keowee tomorrow to see everyone! :)

Certainly, I have much more to be thankful for than just those few (but significant) things. It's just a start. Maybe you're feeling down today or a bit pessimistic about whatever mountain you're looking at- don't be dismal, take a minute or two and count a few blessings. I think you may be surprised to see how quickly they flow once you get counting. :)

Joyfully,

Carlajane

love him!

What a sweet husband! He sent me these beautiful flowers yesterday. I'm thankful for such a thoughtful man. :)

High Tea with Grammy

I'm discovering Blythewood and the surrounding areas. So far I can get to a few grocery stores, the bank, and I've found my way to Sandhills (shopping!). However, as lovely as all of those places are, I think Grammy has helped me find my FAVORITE place so far!

On Tuesday Grammy and I enjoyed high tea at Laura's Tea Room in Ridgeway. It is the pinnacle of girly-ness! (LOVE!) It's a charming, 1oo year-old general store that's been renovated to accommodate a gift shop, deli, and an elaborate dining area.

When we first went up for tea I found the mezzanine level of the shop was full of lovely hats. Of course, everyone knows, to properly enjoy high tea one must wear a fancy hat. :) Ms. Carol has an extensive collection of toppers- everything from BIG red hats to royal wedding-worthy fascinators. While I did not don a fancy hat this time I might think about it next time! Then, we got to select a teacup of our choice. There were so many beautiful and delicate cups. To no surprise I picked a pink and gold cup! Our gourmet lunch was delicious from scones to chicken salad and tomato soup to mini deserts- not to mention the two pots of hot tea and more than one glass of chilled tea! Grammy and I agree the Mango Ceylon was wonderful! We had a ball! It was a sweet day and a delightful discovery of my newest favorite place! :)

much love,

CMS

We're Back!

We had such a fantastic time on our honeymoon! It was definitely the best vacation ever! It simply doesn't get any better than enjoying the luxuries of a cruise, in the tropical Caribbean, with your best friend! We traveled to Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Marteen! While all the places we visited were gorgeous I have to say that St. Marteen was my favorite! We had a blast from lounging in cabana chaises to snorkeling in the coves of an elite resort! We had a ball on our trip but I love that we're both so excited for "everyday life!" Here are few pictures from our trip!

much love,
CMS :)

Last Goodbye

In a long-distance relationship the good-byes are always the hardest part. So thankfully, today was our LAST good-bye! The three and a half hours between Raleigh and Blythewood have, at times, seemed like an eternity away. We've added countless miles to both our cars and spent a small fortune on gas but I think we'd both agree it was all worth it!

We have 18 short days to the BIG day and we can't wait! :) In the mean time I'm gathering up my few things still here in NC and saying my good-byes to friends. It's hard to believe in 12 days I'll move to SC! I'm incredibly thankful for my time here in North Carolina and all that God has taught me through the precious people He so graciously put in my life. While this season in my life is coming to a close it doesn't mean those friendships end- of course we'll plan weekend trips up to NC! (and if we could- we'd plan them for Japan, VA, DC, WI....etc.)

with love,

CJS-to be :)