WORDS

Word [wurd] noun- a unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, which functions as a principal carrier of meaning.

"Words are alive. Cut them and they bleed."-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind."-- Rudyard Kipling 

"Words have the power to both destroy and heal. When words are both true and kind, they can change our world."-- Buddha

Words have always been so important to me. I think I have always understood their power and the meaning they could hold. Words can convey so much more than just their definitions. With different combinations of words, method of delivery, voice tone, facial expression the possibilities are endless.

Some people have a way with words. Different authors I could read for hours. Certain people I could listen to for days. I love to read and write. They are something that I am very passionate about. Even in my counseling profession I always strive to say the right thing. I have been hurt, broken, uplifted, loved, healed, and inspired by words.

Not everyone is affected by words the way I am. For some the words they say are what they mean. There is no hidden meaning. They have no intent to harm. The words they say are not deep rooted. As much as I love words in their entirety, I have to remember that sometimes they are just words.

Needing Some Creative Help

As you may or may not know my sister is getting married in May. I get to be her maid of honor. Yay!!! I am so excited. I have been thinking about her bachelorette party and trying to come up with some ideas. I gave my sister-in-law hers in 2002. I really want my sisters to be special. She is a wonderful party planner--always coming up with fun stuff to do--so her party has to be fabulous. And I just love her so much. She is awesome and deserves the best. I have some books that I got in preparation of my SIL's party. I have also thought about googling info. Then it dawned on me...ask your blog friends. I know that all of you are creative. I mean you blog...nough said. So do any of you have any ideas? 

Christmas Goodies

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I know I did. I love being with my family. I am back to work for a few days. Yay for another long weekend. I am so worn out from the festivities. I didn't take many pictures of any of my Christmas events. I guess I was so busy I didn't even think about it. I got lots of great gifts. Here are a few:

From Christmas Gifts

A new Coach purse. I love it!!!

From Christmas Gifts

My next book in the Harry Potter series

From Christmas Gifts

A great new Hungry Girl Cookbook

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Japanese Cherry Blossom gift set

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I Love Lucy Season 4

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A new scent

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A new body wash scent

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A beautiful white pea coat

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House Shoes

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LOVE THESE


I must have been really good. What did you get for Christmas?

Merry Christmas

I hope each and everyone of you has a very Merry Christmas!


Xoxo, Cary
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

It's Christmas Eve Baby

You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout. I'm telling you why.

Santa Clause is coming TONIGHT!!!!!

It's Christmas Eve!!!!!

I am so excited. It is time for tradition, family, fun, food, and magic to begin. I am dressed in my Christmas PJ's, watching Christmas movies, waiting on my sisters to get home, and for Santa Clause to come down the chimney. 

Yesterday I told you about some traditions that I want to have. Today I am going to tell you about traditions I do have and love. 

-Christmas Eve candle light service at my dad's church. It is wonderful. Singing of songs, reading of scriptures, Advent readings and candles, the Lord's Supper taken as a family, and candle light Silent Night benediction.  (The service was last night this year. It was fabulous as always.)

-Every year since I was probably 5 I have been begging to open one present on Christmas night. My parents never let me, but I won't give up trying. 

- We still set food out for Santa. We still get up at 6 A.M. to see what he brought us. I have a sister that is 12 and nephew's that are 5 and 2 so that is the main reason we still do Santa. But in reality, I will probably do this forever. 

There are more traditions like 24 hours of A Christmas Story playing in the background or tracking Santa, but these are the best. 

I hope each one of you is enjoying your traditions. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

Christmas Countdown.....2 days

Christmas is about tradition. I feel that it is the most traditional time of year. At least for me any ways. My traditions have changed over the year due to growing up, parents divorcing, parents remarrying, and great additions to the families. The old traditions have been replaced with new traditions. It is sometimes hard but in the end worth it. At 27 I have begun to think about what Christmas will be like when I have a family. What traditions will I have? I already have some ideas on traditions.

Since Christmas day is the day that we celebrate Jesus' birthday I would like to give him something. I would like to tell something that I would like to do for the next year to deepen my relationship with Jesus or show love to someone else. (Sort of like a New Years resolution.)

My mom use to ready The Night Before Christmas too us on Christmas Eve. I would like to start that tradition again. 

I would also like to read the story of Jesus' birth from Luke. 

I read on my blog friend Ashley's blog about making a Christmas wish for next year. I love that idea. I would like to do that too. 

What traditions would you like to start?

Christmas Countdown.....3 days

The air is filled with Christmas. Every where you look...Christmas. TV, movies, radio, and yes even my blog is all about Christmas. I have been sharing about the fun and magic of Christmas, but I do not want to discredit the true meaning of the holiday. Jesus is the reason of the season.  Luke 2: 11 says "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." To keep things in perspective I think it is important to do things for others during this time of year and all year long. 

These are some of the things I participated in. 

Gave food box full of holiday foods to a local family that was in need.

From Christmas

Gave blankets to the homeless mission.

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Gave toys to local children that may not have any on Christmas morning without the donation.

From Christmas

Gave children books to an orphanage in a village in Africa where the national language is English. My church sponsors the orphanage. 

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Gave a shoe box full of toys to Operation Christmas Child. 

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I also have a trunk full of clothes for a homeless mission that I volunteer with. 

In January I am going on a mission trip to Mexico to pass out Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes. I am so excited. 

Are you doing any special giving this Christmas season?

Mess Up

I messed up. Is there anyway to undelete a comment after it has been accidently deleted? Does anybody know?


Xoxo, Cary
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Christmas Countdown.....4 days

I just love Christmas, but I guess you have already guessed that by now. I have been to lots of parties already. I have another party tonight. Besides the movies, music, and parties I love things like:

All the different colors and combinations of colors. They are all so brilliant, bright, and beautiful.

From Christmas

Everything is so MAGIC

The food is fantastic. Not only do you get great holiday foods like dressing and pies, but you also get fabulous party foods. I love finger foods.

I love getting to spend time with my family.

I love shopping for others. I love giving gifts.

From Christmas

What do you love about Christmas?

Christmas Countdown.....5 days

Every year since I was little my parents ask me to make a list of what I want. So every year I make a list. Since I don't get toys anymore I have been asking for things I need. Over the past 10 years I have gotten things like vacuum cleaners, washer and dryers, laptops, and tires for my car. You know--grown up gifts. So I decided to make a no limits list of what I really wish I could have. 


A trip to New York City (I have never been and dream of going)

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A trip to Europe (see above)

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A Mercedes C280

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A Louis Vuitton

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A whole new Wardrobe

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Good huh? What is on your no limit list?

AVATAR

I just have to say that AVATAR is an AWESOME movie. I had my doubts, but I was wrong. The 3D was great. The story line was amazing. I definitely recommend it. At least check out the trailer. (but know that it does it no justice)


Are you planning on seeing it? 

Christmas Countdown....6 days

There are so many great Christmas movies. I have watched so many this year, but these are some of my favorites.

A Christmas Story

From Christmas

Home Alone

From Christmas

Home Alone 2

Christmas Vacation

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Miracle on 34 Street

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What is your favorite Christmas movie?

Christmas Countdown....7 days

Ok I know. I forgot the 8 days on my countdown. I went to a play last night. A friend played Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. He was awesome. The play was awesome. I had a really good time. By the time I got back to the house it was 11, and I had to get up at 5 this morning. So all that was on my mind was sleep. You understand. Right? I knew you would. :)


So lets get to it!!!!


I love the tv special's that come on every year at Christmas time. They remind me of my childhood. Here are some of the ones that I do not miss every year:

Rudolph The Red Nosed Raindeer

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Frosty The Snowman

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Mickey's Christmas Carol

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A Very Brady Christmas

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I am watching all of these via ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas, which is now another tradition.

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Am I the only one that still enjoys these shows from childhood?

Christmas Countdown....9 days

9 days!!!!!!! I bet Santa has already started to load his sleigh. I really love Christmas music. This year has been great for listening to it too. Between the CD's I have and the ones my sister made me I have a good selection. And to top it off Pandora has so great Holiday stations. Also a local station has been playing non stop Christmas music since December 1st. (I have already started to bug some people with this. But who cares? IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!!!)


So today I am giving you my top 5 Christmas songs(not counting the 2 videos I have already shared) I am also sharing my top 5 Christmas songs about Jesus, because He is the reason for the season. 

Jingle Bell Rocks

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

It's the most Wonderful Time of Year

The Christmas Song

Christmas Canon: Trans Siberian Orchestra

Silent Night

Away in a Manger

Do You Hear What I Hear

Joy to the World

The First Noel

(Imagine Third Day, MercyMe, Casting Crowns, & Shane and Shane sining these)

What are your favorite Christmas songs?

Christmas Countdown....10 Days

Ok so yesterday I am not sure I knew what day is was because I thought there were 13 days left. I realize that there are 10 days till Christmas. So I better get done with my shopping and get on with my blogging.

Today is kind of random. I am giving you 5 gifts I am giving this year.

For my sister Valerie and Stewart (my future BIL) a frame that has the matte that can be signed by friends @ the wedding

For my 12 year old sister Madison a Scrapbook and all kinds of good stuff to go with it

For my Daddy an LSU shirt

For my step mom Joyce and my Mamaw a Comfy cute PJ's

For my nephew Justin Michael that is 5 an Art Set (He loves to cut, color, and paste)

So what are some things you are giving for Christmas?

**This post was supposed to be pretty with pictures but I am having so technical difficulties. Sorry

Christmas Countdown....13 days

I just have to tell you that I have been more in the Christmas spirit this year then any I can remember. The funny thing is that I have had to spend less money this year too. So I am officially counting down days with fun Christmas stuff.

I love Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas is You. (It use to be my ring tone)

TIME = LOVE

As you may or may not know, I am a counselor intern at a psychiatric hospital on the adolescent unit. I work with kids from ages 13-17 that are either suicidal &/or homicidal. They usually have some other things going on like self injury, poly substance abuse, hallucinations, or many other combinations of things. One of my jobs is to do family therapy. Let me tell you that about 99.9% of the kids admit that the reason they are acting out in such negative ways is because they are just trying to get someone's attention. Each one of them has tried to get positive attention with no success so they resort to getting negative attention. It is really sad.


I heard once that the best gift you could give someone is your time because that is something that you cannot get it back or get more. 


The Bible tells us, "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth" 1 John 3:18. 


"and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:2


"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16


See love is not a feeling it is an action. One definition is to take great pleasure in. How can you love someone (take great pleasure in) without giving them your time? I just don't get it. I am sure that each one of you that is a parent gives your children time. In fact I know that I have read some of the fun things you do with them. 


I don't have kids, but I know that there are people in my life that I could show more love too by giving them more of my time. 

Our Faithful God

Today we had a wonderful church service. The message was on how faithful God is and how he always comes through on his promises. I heard a small negative voice in my head, which I hear every so often, that said, “He has never promised you anything.”  Well I am smart enough to know where that thought originated from, and I try very hard not to subscribe to stinking thinking. I know that God has promised me so many wonderful things:

·         Full Life….John 10:10

·         A Prosperous Future……Jeremiah  29:11

·         Eternal life……John 3:16

This list could go on and on. The fact is that I can see God working in my life. I know promises that he has made personally to me. I have an intimate relationship with my Lord, and I know he will always be faithful.  The best promise he ever gave me and you was himself. He promised that he would come to Earth to save us from our sins. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us),” Isaiah 7:14. He kept his promise , and he continues to keep his promise.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, 
                and your dominion endures through all generations. 
                The LORD is faithful to all his promises 
                and loving toward all he has made. Psalm 145:13

Until the Whole World Hears

Most Memorable Gifts....

In my 27 years I can say that I have had some AWESOME gifts. I even have to admit as a child I probably got everything on my list each year. I was very blessed. So I could not call this the 5 best gifts, because in all actuality I don't remember getting bad gifts. So I am giving you my top 5 most memorable gifts that I thought of today. 


Cabbage Patch Kid....I got my first one at 3 or 4. I had tons more. I loved them. (This one looks almost just like my 1st one. Even with the same outfit. Minus the pig tails.)

From Drop Box

Mall Madness....Each year my sister and I each got a new board game that we would spend hours playing together. Mall Madness was always one of our favorites. 

From Drop Box

Trip to Chicago....When I was 16 my parents paid for me to go with my friend on spring break to visit her aunt in Chicago. We had a blast. I loved the city!!!!!

From Drop Box

Firebird....In 1999 my parents gave me a 2000 Black Firebird for Christmas. It was brand new and totally loaded. It was my senior year and I had received full paid scholarships so thats why I got such a great car. I named her Elvira. I love that car. In fact I still drive her 10 years later. :) 

From Drop Box

George Strait tickets....George Strait is my favorite male country singer of all times. When I was 21 my mom gave me tickets for Christmas. I took her and my sister. We had a blast. 

From Drop Box

Like I said before this is by no means a comprehensive list. 


What were some of your favorite gifts?

What I'm Loving NOW

Here is what I am loving at the moment:


Kraft Light Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing

From Drop Box

Cold Weather

From Drop Box

Christmas Music

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Christmas on TV

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Hoddies 

From Drop Box

What are you LOVING?

Happy 101.....

Jessica @ Chasing After Fireflies just gave me this sweet award!!!!! She also has a fabulous blog. You should check it out!!!!!

Here are the rules:
1. List 10 things that make you happy.
2. List the top 10 bloggers/blogs that brighten your day.

My 10 Happy Things:

1. Jesus

2. The Golden Girls 

3. Diet Coke

4. Chocolate

5. Sunshiny and cool days fall or spring weather that I can spend outside

6. A good book

7. Playing games or watching movies with friends

8. Blogging

9. Alone time.....any time, any where, doing anything.....I love being alone, reflecting, and relaxing

10. Starbucks

My 10 Happy Blogs: 

1. Ocean Dreams

2. Hanging By a Thread

3. Memoirs of a Munchkin Mommy

4. A Day in the Life

5. Simply*Southern

6. Inside BruCrew Life

7. Peterson St Louis

8. I Love You More Than Carrots

9. Live.Love.Laugh.

10. ReJOYce!

*These blogs were selected in random order as I love each and everyone of you and your blogs.