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