TOP 10's of 2010

2010 was AWESOME!!!!!

Let's review....

1) Mexico Mission Trip

2) Graduating with a Masters

3) Little Sister got Married

4) Maid of Honor.....and all the fun things that came along with it

5) Made AMAZING friends

6) Lots of great books read

7) Lots of great movies watched

8) Got my own place again!!!! And I LOVE IT!!!!

9) Bought a new car

10) Got my dream job

It was a great year!!!!!

A lot of great changes!!!!!

What awesome things happened to you in 2010?

iBand

Lovin' It

I haven't done an I'm lovin' it post in a while....

so here goes....

All things Potter.....new movie, reruns on tv, books, Everything HP

This was my favorite show when I was in JR High

Now I'm lovin' it on Hulu and DVD

Dark Chocolate Hot Coco...YUM

I love it...nough said

Cozy blankets

So what are you lovin'???

Merry Christmas...

....I know I am a few days late, 

but none the less I hope you had a great Christmas.

I know I did. 

This was the first year in a long time that I was sad that it was over. 

I enjoyed spending time with family and friends,

and I got some great gifts.

I want to share my top 5 fav's with you.

iPad

LOVE IT!!!!!

3 n 1 printer

Great perfume

Bathroom shelves

Beautiful Scarves

What great things did you get for Christmas???

Away in a Manger

In my work I hear people say a lot, "No one understands what I am going through." And I have to admit I have even said it--a time or two. So even though I know that the statement holds little weight, I understand what it is like to feel all alone and like there is no where to turn. I find myself at this place at Christmas time, and I find my hope in a manger. 

Matthew 1:18 says, "Now this is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit." I have always thought of the significance on the virgin birth to be to show how powerful and miraculous God is. I read a commentary that showed it in a different light. Mary was impregnated by the Holy Spirit so Jesus was born apart from the sinful nature that is passed on to each of us through Adam. Mary was His mother so He was born completely human. Both God and human at the same time. So He understands human nature and our struggles at the same time that he understands the big picture. 

So my Christmas gift to you is a reminder that when you feel alone remember that God sent a baby, that grew into man, and died on a cross so that we have someone that gets what we are going through. Jesus can and will lead you through it.   

To Tumble or Not?

Hello there LOVELY Ladies!!!!

How are you?

I am FABULOUS!!!!

I got a new job and it has me very busy,

but I LOVE it!!!

I had a great Thanksgiving with my family,

and hope you did too. 

I am ready for Christmas!!!

This is my MOST FaVoRiTe time of year!!!

So my friend has a new addiction =

Tumblr

So my question is do you use tumblr?

Scary Movies 101

In honor of Halloween I decided to share with you a few movies 

that I will not be watching this year due to the creep factor. 

This movie scared me so much as a child, 

and honestly I don't like it much now. 

I was creeped out just looking up the picture. 

I had nightmares about this one. 

My friends and I even did Candy Man in the mirror. 

Not a good idea for a bunch of 12 year olds. 

I think it may have been the friend that crept up behind me in the theater

 and scared me that makes this movie so creepy. 

After The Ring my sister and I checked the back seats of our car

 every time we got in for a week. 

I don't know why, but this movie totally creeps me out. 

And yes I do realize it is not a scary movie. 

What can I say? I am a wimp. 

So what movies creep you out the most? 

Change of Perspective

Over the past few weeks I have been dealing with some things. I have cried tears, been sad, and even wanted to give up. I knew that I had to deal with these particular issues or I would never be able to move on. I kept going trusting that God would bring me through. Things have been better this week, maybe because my focus has been else where, but I digress. A friend called me a few minutes ago in tears and going through something very similar to what I was a few weeks ago. She is broken. So am I. She feels hopeless. So did I. She is in pain. So am I. The thing that may be different is that I prayed for God to bring the healing. She didn't ask for the pain. But God can and will heal us both--in His time. It is amazing how much perspective can change when you are praying with a friend over their pain. This very moment (as I type) she sent me a message that said she opened her bible and read this: John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." Those are beautiful words Jesus spoke to his disciples, and he spoke them to my beautiful friend tonight. I am so thankful that I was his vessel to help someone in need.  

Smiling is my favorite!!!

I am needing a little pick me up today so I have been watching ELF clips on YouTube. I think I need to purchase this movie, because it makes me smile so much.

I also downloaded a Christmas song. :)

What do you do when you need a pick me up?

Silent Sunday

Xoxo, Cary
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Rest and Relaxation

Bubble bath...Check

PJ's...Check

Comfy bed...Check

Pile of books to choose from...Check

Laptop...Check

Favorite tv shows on dvd...Check

Movies from netflix...Check

Fridge full of yummy leftovers....Check

I am ready for my relaxing weekend!!!

*photo from weheartit.com

Man of My Dreams

Probably not the picture you expected to see. Right? 

Have you ever scene The Dick Van Dyke Show? 

I LOVE it. 

It was filmed in the 60's and stared 2 of my all time favorite actors:

Mary Tyler Moore and of course Dick Van Dyke. 

I have scene all of the episodes of this show when I was younger on Nick at Nite, but all of the seasons are on Netflix to watch instantly. 

I watch it ALOT!!!!

Well last night I had a silly dream that caused me to wake up with a smile on my face. 

I dreamed that Rob (Dick Van Dyke) was single because Laura (Mary Tyler Moore - his on screen wife) had died. He of course was the same age that he was in the 60's still looking very much like he does in the pictures above. I was so happy in my dream, and he treated me like a real lady. The funny thing was that he was in black and white and the rest of the dream was in color. 

This is what he looks like today. 

I know it is just a silly dream , but it made me smile so I wanted to share. 

Have a great day ladies.

2 Pieces of a Puzzle

Single ladies do you ever wonder about your future husband?

Married ladies do you remember the time before you met your husband? Did you fantasize about him?

I am a single lady that hasn't been on a date for almost 3 years. 

I often wonder about my future husband. 

I wonder what he is like. 

In the past I was drawn to men that tended to have the same qualities, and these qualities were not often the best qualities for me. 

Now that I am waiting on God to bring me my knight I get excited about the possibilities. 

I wonder what personality traits he will have. 

What will we have in common? What will be different?

I think it will be interesting to see what God thinks is important and what He knows I need. 

See I don't believe that opposites attract is the way to go or that we need our male equivalent in a mate. 

I think it is a combination of both. 

I see it like pieces of a puzzle. 

It is what you have in common that holds you together, but it is the things that are different that help you fit into the bigger picture. 

What do you think? Married ladies tell me the reality behind the connection with your husband. 

*Picture found on Google Images

The Bejeweled Life

Have you ever played bejeweled?

It is my latest craze. 

I like to play while laying around watching tv. 

I was playing the other day for a long time, 

and I got to a point where I couldn't see any more moves. 

I was laying on the couch, I switched my position, 

and boom I saw a whole new set of moves to make. 

That really reminded me of life. 

There are many times when I think I am all out of moves,

I change my perspective, 

and there are tons more new moves to make. 

I think I may be in the perspective changing stages of my life. 

I am just waiting on my vision to clear 

so that I can see the new moves that are waiting on me to make. 

Silent Sunday

TIME

99% of the time I find myself thinking about the future---what it will look like, what I will be doing, who will still be around, and when will certain things happen. I worry today about tomorrow. I spend this week planning for next week. I spend this month wondering what will be different next month. I spend this year dreaming about next year. But there is 1% of the time. The small precent that I send reflecting on the past and wishing I could have the good old days back. Today for instant I am thinking back to the first days that I moved in here and all I had was a air mattress. It was simple, and I was great full. All the time I spend thinking about the past and the future I am missing out on the gift that I am given---the present. I spend no time thinking about the here and now. My priorities are all out of whack. I should spend 1% of the time thinking about the future and reflecting on the past. The other 99% of the time I should be focusing on what is going on right in front of my eyes.

*Picture from weheartit.com

Jane Austen Ruined My Life

I just got finished reading this book. 

AMAZING!!!!

If ever there were such thing as an author soulmate Beth Pattillo is mine. 

She writes like I think. 

I can't wait to read more of her books. 

This book was full of love, heart ache, history, England, Jane Austen, and self discovery. 

The ending was a really good message. 

And amazingly enough it was exactly what I  needed. 

I cried tears of joy. 

I recommend it. 

2 Cary thumbs way way up!!!!

I was sitting in my back yard yesterday, leaves of different colors where falling as the wind was blowing, the weather felt awesome, and it dawned on me that fall is here. I love this time of year. I love the colors of fall. I love the weather and being outside.

Fall is the time of year that nature prunes itself in preparation for winter. I am in a time of life of pruning. I am in the season of fall in my life. God is getting rid of all of the dead and unnecessary parts of my life. In John 15 Jesus talks about the vines and branches. (Love this passage!!!) Verse 1 says, "I (Jesus) am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener." I love this illustration. He goes on to say in verse 2, "He (God) cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more."

That is where I am. In the process of having things cut out and shaped up. The word cut alone implies that this is going to be a painful time. If you read my post a couple of days ago you know I am there. I am in pain, but I know it is necessary. Jesus promises that if we remain in Him he will remain in us (vrs 5). He will never leave us. He also promises that will produce much fruit and God will be delighted in this (vrs 8).  I am so glad that my hope lies in Him!!!

The Glory of Heaven

2 Corinthians 12:1-4 (New International Version)  I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. ³And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—⁴was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell

I love this passage when Paul talks about being in Paradise aka Heaven. He says that he heard and saw things that he could not tell about. I have a pretty active imagination. Knowing that on my best day I could not even begin to imagine what Heaven is like excites me so much. I have heard that Paul couldn't tell what Paradise was like because if we knew how great it was we would loose focus of why we are left on the earth. I have also heard it preached that even if Paul wanted to tell what it was like he couldn't because in our human form we could not comprehend it. That is AMAZING to me. 

On Sunday, during the middle school service I volunteer at, the youth pastor talked about Heaven and how it is nothing like what we expect. It really got me thinking about it. When I picture heaven I picture our world that we live in and the people that I interact with on a daily basis. Sometimes I think about my grandparents that died so long ago or my grandmother that I never met. But stretching back to the 1960's (when my grandmother died) is not even close to encompassing all that we will meet. 

We will meet Jesus!!!!! And Paul, Peter, John, Abraham, Ruth, Ester, David, oh this list could go on and on. There will also be people from all periods of history. I know that when we get to Heaven we probably will not want to ask questions because we will be too busy worshiping, but it is cool to think of the possibilities. I am glad God gives us purpose on Earth, because without it I would be focused on getting to Heaven.   

Exposed Wounds

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1: 2-4


As a counselor, I know that to heal from something you must face it head on. I know to grow and be free from pains of the past you must deal with them. I know that to learn from the past you must process the pain. As a Christian, I know that to grow in Christ and live the fullest life He promised in John 10:10 I must let Him reveal to me what hurts I am holding on to. I know that to be truly healed I must be completely broken. 


I am at the place of brokenness now. I have known it was coming for a while, but I don't think that I expected it to be so intense here. Mainly because I thought that I had healed from so much. What I have learned is that I have been aware of my brokenness for so long, but have dealt with nothing. I prayed for God to show me where I need healing, and He did. 


I am very good a bottling things up so when it came out it was an explosion of emotions. I cried (a lot), got angry, scared, felt alone, shame, guilt, and hopelessness. Then God stepped in and I felt His love, presence, and peace. But this is only the beginning. 


Last night I sat at dinner with one of my very best friends, but felt scared. See when the brokenness came it felt like a scab had been picked. As I sat there with her I felt like my wound was exposed and that she could see right down to my soul. I felt vulnerable. I wanted to run to my car crying, drive home, and hide under the covers. I hated that feeling. I used to hid feelings like that with drugs. But there in front of someone that I have shared my deepest desires and hang ups with I felt uncovered. And I realized that in 2 1/2 years of being sober I haven't grieved the life I lived. And I have not processed the pain that I went through. I have been aware of it all along, but only on the surface. These wounds run deep, but I know that this is where the healing begins.  


I know that I can do this with God. He will not leave me exposed for long, but the scab had to be picked for the wound to truly heal. I know that the scab will turn into a scar that I carrie forever. I will remember it's pain, but I will not suffer from the wound anymore. Peter reminds me, "So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while." (1 Peter 1:6)


This time will be hard, but I know that release waits on the other side of the pain. Are you covering a wound? Do you have a scab that needs to be picked? I would love to pray for you if you are going through something painful.


**feel free to email me carydtaylor@gmail.com if you would like me to pray for you or with you. 

Rejoicing In Heaven

Last night was our churches baptism and worship night. We all got together at an out door pavilion, had the Lord's supper, some great worship music, and around 40 baptisms. It was amazing. I love worship music. It is so uplifting to the soul to cry out praise to Jesus; especially with your church family. I also love our baptism. There is cheering and clapping and rejoicing with each person being raised up from the water. As I sat there last night I thought of what Jesus says about what happens in Heaven when someone accepts Jesus as their savior.  "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15:7 When this verse came to mind I pictured Heaven (as best as my imagination can) and all the rejoicing that was going on. Tears of joy streamed down my face. To know how happy God was yesterday to welcome His children into the family. I am so glad that He is opening my eyes to things that make Him joyful.  

Blogging Blues

I have sat down at my new MacBook 100 times over the past week trying to write a blog post, and nothing seems good enough. I type a paragraph and delete it. It is like I have nothing to say, but I want to say something so bad. That is kind of like my life right now. I know God has brought me to a point to deal with things, but I am blocked. I pray for tears, but I have none. I pray for Him to bring on the pain, but I there is none. (Don't get me wrong--there is discomfort--just no pain) I think I am trying to force it instead of letting it come naturally. I know I need to deal with these certain issues. I also know that God will bring me two it in His time. I read a verse that I have never read in this way before.
                        
                           "Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord;
                           point out the right road for me to follow.
                           Lead me by your truth and teach me,
                           for your are the God who saves me.
                           All day long I put hope in you." Psalm 25:4-5

When I've read this verse before I wanted guidance or help making a decision. This time as I read I understand that I should wait on God to show me the path to healing. I should do it in His way and time. I see that through the process of walking through the pain I will learn His truth. I should not fear the process of healing. Yes it is hard and painful, but God will protect me. With my hope in Him I have nothing to hear.

Coming Back

Hey bloggers!!!

Look what I got.




Guess what that means!!!!

Xoxo, Cary
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Missing the keys

I miss the feel of the keys on the keyboard. I miss sitting down and just letting the thoughts flow. I miss typing with all my fingers and not just my thumbs. I'm ready for a new computer.

Xoxo, Cary
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Silent Sunday

My sister finally got some pictures from 1 of the 3 photographers from her wedding.


















Xoxo, Cary
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Frustraion

I'm really frustrated about my computer being broken. I feel like I have so much to talk about, but too much for my thumbs to type. May have to look into video blogging because iPhone 4 does allow me to do that. Hope you all had a happy Tuesday

Technical difficulties

My computer crashed. :(
I am so bummed. It is hard to do a real post from my phone. I don't know what I'm going to do yet. So for now I guess I'll work with what I've got. Hope you all have a great week.

Xoxo, Cary
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Blogging Day 17

A piece of art

I do not pretend to have any talent as an artist but I was in gifted and talented art from 2nd-12th grade so I do enjoy art. Here are some things I played around with.












It is not much but it's fun and I like them. That's what matters to me. :)

I love all kinds of art. What kind of art do you like?

Xoxo, Cary
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Blogging day 16

A song that makes me cry

Well I actually cry at songs pretty easy but the latest is Temporary Home by Carrie Underwood.

Temporary Home Lyrics

Little boy, 6 years old
A little too used to bein' alone.
Another new mom and dad,another school,
Another house that'll never be home.
When people ask him how he likes this place...
He looks up and says, with a smile upon his face,

"This is my temporary home
It's not where I belong.
Windows and rooms that I'm passin' through.
This is just a stop, on the way to where I'm going.
I'm not afraid because I know this is my
Temporary Home."

Young mom on her own.
She needs a little help, got nowhere to go.
She's lookin' for a job, lookin' for a way out,
Because a half-way house will never be a home.
At night she whispers to her baby girl,
"Someday we'll find our place here in this world."

"This is our temporary home.
It's not where we belong.
Windows and rooms that we're passin' through.
This is just a stop, on the way to where we're going.
I'm not afraid because I know this is our
Temporary Home."

Old man, hospital bed,
The room is filled with people he loves.
And he whispers don't cry for me,
I'll see you all someday.
He looks up and says, "I can see God's face."

"This is my temporary Home
It's not where I belong.
Windows and rooms that I'm passin' through.
This was just a stop,on the way to where I'm going.
I'm not afraid because I know... this was
My temporary home."

This is our temporary home.

(I would have shared the video but can't figure it out on my phone)


Xoxo, Cary
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

9/11

I know I'm late, but it is still on my mind. Labor day weekend while on a scavenger hunt/site seeing tour with the youth from church we visited our cities 9/11 memorial. It was very nice and peaceful. I wanted to share a picture with y'all.




Xoxo, Cary
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Blogging Day 15

My Dream Home

Something like this would work



With this view



Or this for the southern belle in me


Xoxo, Cary
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Day ???

So I know I'm behind. I have had some computer problems. Then I got a new phone so that has taken some adjustment. And labor day weekend was so fun but very busy that I didn't have any extra time. I did do 14 days in a row. That is impressive for me. I'll try to get back on top of day 15 today.... Or tomorrow. Hope you are all having a great week.

Xoxo, Cary
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Blogging Day 14

A Non Fiction Book

I love Choosing God's Best. It is about courtship. It is amazing. The dating world can be so discouraging and this book offers another option.




Xoxo, Cary
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Blogging day 13

A fiction book

I love reading so much. About a month ago I had someone ask me what my favorite book was and I couldn't pick. Well I can pick now because I have read an amazing book. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. It is an awesome book. I recommend it to everyone.




Xoxo, Cary
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Blogging Day 12

Something I am OCD about

4 or 5 years ago I could have gone on about this question for hours.

I was OCD about everything.
It was a little much.

Now I'm not OCD about much at all.
I'm kind of go with the flow.
I do have a routine that I do just about every morning.

After my alarm goes off (2 or 3 times) I lay in bed and check facebook, twitter, and play words with friends.
I do this as a fun way to wake up.

Blogging Day 11

A recent picture of me

Blogging Day 10

A photo of me over 10 years ago

2 of my SR pictures from 2000

And taking it way back...

Me when I was probably 4 or 5

Blogging Day 9

Photo I took

My sweet and cute nephews before my sister's wedding.

Blogging Day 8

A picture that makes me sad

This is me and Brooke in 2001.

Shortly after she died in a car wreck.

She was drinking and driving.

She was my best friend.

I had to write and read her eulogy.

One of the hardest things I have EVER done.

I still miss her--8 years later.

Blogging Day 7

A photo that makes me happy

My little sister got married in June.

She was so beautiful.

My brother in law is such an awesome man.

I am so happy for both of them.

I couldn't be happier for my little sister.

(Well maybe I'll be happier when she starts having babies.)

These pictures are 2 of my favorite of her bridals. 

Isn't she beautiful?

Blogging Day 6

20 of my Favorite things

1- Facebook

2- Twitter

3- Diet Coke

4- Golden Girls

5- Reading

6- Watching Movies

7- The Twilight Saga

8- iPhone

9- Words With Friends

10- The Bible

11- The Simple Church

12- Youth Ministry

13- Starbucks

14- Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

15- I Love Lucy

16- Hanging with my Friends

17- Writing

18- Pineapples

19- Chocolate

20- Music

Blogging Day 5

Favorite Quote

My mom has always told me "Everything happens for a reason"

The older I get the more I understand what she means by that.

My favorite bible verse is Philipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

I have been through some hard things in life, and I made it.

Everything else that I will go through I'll make it because He is with me.

If He brings you to it He'll bring you through it. (That is another quote I like)

Blogging Day 4

Favorite Book

A couple of weeks ago I would have told you that it was too hard to pick. 

Then I read Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

It is AMAZING!!!!!

It is a true portrayal of a scared woman.

It is a great definition of what I am looking for in a man.

I highly recommend it!!!!