The past few weeks have been overly crazy in our world. Between work and teaching and work and traveling and oh yes did I forget work? My life was beginning to literally feel like a gigantic whirlwind of deadlines and well ... I finally became exhausted.
So, after much discussion, my husband forced me to kick back and do nothing this last weekend. Now, if you know me, you realize "doing nothing" is somewhat of a hard cultural idea for me. I'm from a family that is born to work. We hardly, if ever, did "nothing" growing up, so it was a challenge for me to sit down and just relax for a full weekend. My husband, on the other hand, could do this every day of the week. He would LOVE to be able to wake up everyday at noon, play some video games, pal around in pjs, and just hang out. I suppose that is why we make such a good couple - I keep us on deadlines/he keeps us sane.
Nonetheless, the weekend was fantastic. We were able to spend that time being together, without the alarm clock, catching up on house stuff, drinking coffee on the patio, reading the newspaper, playing with our puppies, and we even topped it off with great fellowship with some ever so wonderful friends. It was amazing how much closer I feel to my spouse when we take time out like this to laugh, to cook, to play video games, to blog and to listen to music. It's those little moments that truly make this life worth living!
May you find time this week or weekend to go to a quiet place and find rest. Have a great week!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
He's Still Got It!
'SHOT THROUGH THE HEART AND YOUR TO BLAME; YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME!'
Anyone who loves 80's rock music as much as I do can recall the blasting lyrics of the one and only Jon Bon Jovi. I have LOVED this band's music for ages now, and secretly had a crush on them for years! The list of songs can just go on and on, and man do they still have it! For decades now, Jon Bon Jovi has been able to rock out as only an official rocker can do and FINALLY...I GOT TO SEE THEM!!!!
Now, I must admit...I have seen some good concerts during my life. The Rolling Stones, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Martina, Faith and Tim, Elton John, RICKY MARTIN, Michael Buble', Metallica, Aerosmith, Caroline Spine, Rod Stewart (NOTE: my taste in music is VERY broad)...that is just a short list of folks, BUT this past Monday topped them all.
For a Mexican girl who loves music and dancing, you better bet your bootie I ROCKED OUT for 4 1/2 hours to classics like It's My Life, Open All Night, Bed of Roses, This Ain't a Love Song, I'll Be There For You, Shot Through the Heart, Livin' on a Prayer, Born to Be My Baby...oh there are SOOO MANY!!!! I thought I was literally going to lose my voice b/c I was singing so loud! [Quick back story for a second: Dave and I initially found out about this concert months ago while at one of our friends weddings in Houma. Dave got on his laptop in the hotel and ordered 4 tickets. I grabbed the phone to call my insanely cool mother in-law who likes to rock out to Bon Jovi as well. It was set...Dave and myself, and his parents were going. The only sits left were behind the stage. "No worries," I said to my husband....I didn't really care where we sat.]
WELL...we got to our seats Monday night and amist a sold out crowd, we sat directly behind the stage but up on the second row with a perfect eye shot of the entire band all right in front of us. I was/still am beside myself! And ladies...just in case you are curious...Jon Bon Jovi is STILL good looking! My mother in-law and I can vouch. Speaking of, the crowd was great too. It makes me smile when people forget about life for a second and just let music take control. We had grown men and women of all ages just letting go, forgetting about feeling old or worrying about grown up stuff. It was perfect. I sat next to a man who was there with his mother (a survivor of cervical cancer), and she danced just as much as everyone else. The whole experience reminded me of the old saying: "Work like you don't need money, Love like you've never been hurt, And dance like no one's watching."
I don't know what allows you to get away and forget about life like music does for me, but I do wish that you are able to take some time this week to find that. And to Jon Bon Jovi and his entire band...thank you for coming to Dallas and allowing me to escape into a night full of 80's rock, good fellowship, and my all time favorite....DANCING!
"May the Lord Bless you all the Days of your Life."
Psalm 128:5
Sunday, April 6, 2008
A thought
For those of you that have been wondering, I have NOT forsaken my blog. The happenings in the Anderson world are never dull and I promise to give a semi-short recap soon. Until then, I am reminded how God acts in our life and goes both before and behind us to direct our path. He is there and he is alive in all of us.
I leave my thoughts today dwelling on this scripture reminding myself that even though life is tough, God is there to pick me up, dust me off, and guide me to make a difference in the world. Many blessings to you and your family this coming week and may God use you in the same way! Enjoy!
The Armor of God
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel."
Ephesians 6: 10-20
I leave my thoughts today dwelling on this scripture reminding myself that even though life is tough, God is there to pick me up, dust me off, and guide me to make a difference in the world. Many blessings to you and your family this coming week and may God use you in the same way! Enjoy!
The Armor of God
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel."
Ephesians 6: 10-20
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Freedom
I have been thinking about my grandfather a lot lately and the talks we used to share. Those talks about freedom and why we are able to have/do certain things. Now, by NO means was my grandfather perfect, but one of the most humbling experiences I have had came when a man wrote my grandmother after Papa's death.
The letter told of how "Billy" (my grandfather) had saved his life during WWII. How Billy flew in, against orders, to help save he and his crew when their plane had been shot down by the enemy. My grandfather, "Papa" (to me), was a Navy pilot, and never in a million years would have told us that story. We heard about those fun times in the Navy...those times when the boys would all get together and drink, but never had we heard about how our grandfather saved lives. Sadly and especially today, I wish I could tell him thanks.
I can't even imagine what some soldiers have to "blank" out when returning home from war. Their stories I'm sure are altered and the pain locked deep inside because regular ole Joes like myself can't take it. I am reminded of that each time I get off a plane and I see a military person walk by me ready to get home to their kids or when I turn on the news and hear that another 10 soldiers were killed because some crazy man hates our American government. I am reminded of that each time I play with my nephews or think about our future children or whenever I watch politicians do the same song and dance everyone loves to hate: candidates say one thing "to get a vote" but then never DO anything to help once they get into office. How do you explain war to a 4 year old and when will these politicians start realizing that real lives and families are being impacted?
My point is this: Please pray for our country's leadership, our troops, and our future generations to come. I am not one to push a candidate on you, and certainly do not want to get into a policy argument, but I do feel it's time to pray on this issue as our country is in need of a major "Come to Jesus." We need a leader who will watch out for our people and restore the faith that my grandfather talked of during his WWII days. To you soldiers: Thank you for saving our lives and our freedom and please know you have people thinking about you everyday!
The letter told of how "Billy" (my grandfather) had saved his life during WWII. How Billy flew in, against orders, to help save he and his crew when their plane had been shot down by the enemy. My grandfather, "Papa" (to me), was a Navy pilot, and never in a million years would have told us that story. We heard about those fun times in the Navy...those times when the boys would all get together and drink, but never had we heard about how our grandfather saved lives. Sadly and especially today, I wish I could tell him thanks.
I can't even imagine what some soldiers have to "blank" out when returning home from war. Their stories I'm sure are altered and the pain locked deep inside because regular ole Joes like myself can't take it. I am reminded of that each time I get off a plane and I see a military person walk by me ready to get home to their kids or when I turn on the news and hear that another 10 soldiers were killed because some crazy man hates our American government. I am reminded of that each time I play with my nephews or think about our future children or whenever I watch politicians do the same song and dance everyone loves to hate: candidates say one thing "to get a vote" but then never DO anything to help once they get into office. How do you explain war to a 4 year old and when will these politicians start realizing that real lives and families are being impacted?
My point is this: Please pray for our country's leadership, our troops, and our future generations to come. I am not one to push a candidate on you, and certainly do not want to get into a policy argument, but I do feel it's time to pray on this issue as our country is in need of a major "Come to Jesus." We need a leader who will watch out for our people and restore the faith that my grandfather talked of during his WWII days. To you soldiers: Thank you for saving our lives and our freedom and please know you have people thinking about you everyday!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
New Years 2008
Well Happy New Year everyone and welcome to 2008. Seems time just keeps flying by and frankly I'm getting kinda weirded out.
I turn 26 this month (I know I'm ancient right?!). I now like going to bed at 10 PM (OR earlier if I'm lucky), our friends are actually beginning to get pregnant and "stuff," Dave and I continuously talk about "old married people stuff" like updating the house and/or shopping at Ellis Pottery for decorations, and we lately amuse ourselves by sitting on the couch comparing HDTV to regular TV! I know...exciting right? So, what the heck is going on?
Seems the "honeymoon period" is in fact wearing off and life is beginning to settle in as it should while my wifely duties have started to become more natural. To be quite honest, I have started to enjoy them a lot. HAHA! But as I have ventured more and more into marriage, I can't help but wonder about this honeymoon period. Why does it have to end? And where does it go? Do couples one day wake up and decide to be boring and not into each other?
After having this conversation with my husband and others at work, I decided to "define" my idea of "honeymoon period." It's the point during a marriage when you continually flirt/leave your spouse wanting more (Sepulvado-Anderson, 2006). Yes, you're married, but it seems during this period it's almost like a playful game that keeps the spark and sass between both parties. I'm not talking about the idea of men or women spending money to by their husbands/wives gifts or some fairy tale ending some people dream of. I'm talking about the playfulness, the spark, and the ongoing idea of hey...your my husband/wife and I want to jump your bones. The idea of saying hey..thanks for being my rock and the one I depend on during even my roughest days. What happens to this?
I have seen/heard from numerous people who have been married much longer than Dave and I that life just seems to get in the way. Take a moment and remember back to your last dining out experience...did you see one of these couples? You know the people that just sit there (without emotion), no talking or spark. Instead they eat, stare into space, and leave without even the smallest gesture to one another. Has life gotten in their way? I have to say yes... and I would go even farther saying that I think life gets in the way of a lot of our relationships.
Seriously...think about it. Each morning you get up, get dressed, race out the door, blast into work and try to work/smile for at least 8 hours (if not longer), get off, stop by the gym, come home, wash/clean/feed whatever and whoever is in your household, and then maybe just maybe have about 2 hours tops with your spouse. From there usually people have other obligations either with work or school. I know I teach one night a week at a local university here. I love it; however, grading/prepping for class can sometimes take me hours. And this does not include the time you spend with your kids. EXHAUSTING right?
So, to wrap up my thinking for the day, my point is that the honeymoon period can stay alive during your marriage. It can and it will if you just remember to flirt and have fun with each other even during bad days. My hope is that when you read this you remember to keep that sass in your marriage - be confident in who you are and show your spouse how much you love him/her. It's during those flirtatious moments when you remember that feeling of falling in love for the first time and why God brought you two together in the first place! I have been reminded lately when we are sitting on the couch and looking at the differences between 720p and 1080i television (whatever that means) how much I love my husband and how I am so thankful that our spark is still alive!
Happy New Year everyone....let's have a rockin' year!
"God has given us these times of joy." Psalm 81:4
I turn 26 this month (I know I'm ancient right?!). I now like going to bed at 10 PM (OR earlier if I'm lucky), our friends are actually beginning to get pregnant and "stuff," Dave and I continuously talk about "old married people stuff" like updating the house and/or shopping at Ellis Pottery for decorations, and we lately amuse ourselves by sitting on the couch comparing HDTV to regular TV! I know...exciting right? So, what the heck is going on?
Seems the "honeymoon period" is in fact wearing off and life is beginning to settle in as it should while my wifely duties have started to become more natural. To be quite honest, I have started to enjoy them a lot. HAHA! But as I have ventured more and more into marriage, I can't help but wonder about this honeymoon period. Why does it have to end? And where does it go? Do couples one day wake up and decide to be boring and not into each other?
After having this conversation with my husband and others at work, I decided to "define" my idea of "honeymoon period." It's the point during a marriage when you continually flirt/leave your spouse wanting more (Sepulvado-Anderson, 2006). Yes, you're married, but it seems during this period it's almost like a playful game that keeps the spark and sass between both parties. I'm not talking about the idea of men or women spending money to by their husbands/wives gifts or some fairy tale ending some people dream of. I'm talking about the playfulness, the spark, and the ongoing idea of hey...your my husband/wife and I want to jump your bones. The idea of saying hey..thanks for being my rock and the one I depend on during even my roughest days. What happens to this?
I have seen/heard from numerous people who have been married much longer than Dave and I that life just seems to get in the way. Take a moment and remember back to your last dining out experience...did you see one of these couples? You know the people that just sit there (without emotion), no talking or spark. Instead they eat, stare into space, and leave without even the smallest gesture to one another. Has life gotten in their way? I have to say yes... and I would go even farther saying that I think life gets in the way of a lot of our relationships.
Seriously...think about it. Each morning you get up, get dressed, race out the door, blast into work and try to work/smile for at least 8 hours (if not longer), get off, stop by the gym, come home, wash/clean/feed whatever and whoever is in your household, and then maybe just maybe have about 2 hours tops with your spouse. From there usually people have other obligations either with work or school. I know I teach one night a week at a local university here. I love it; however, grading/prepping for class can sometimes take me hours. And this does not include the time you spend with your kids. EXHAUSTING right?
So, to wrap up my thinking for the day, my point is that the honeymoon period can stay alive during your marriage. It can and it will if you just remember to flirt and have fun with each other even during bad days. My hope is that when you read this you remember to keep that sass in your marriage - be confident in who you are and show your spouse how much you love him/her. It's during those flirtatious moments when you remember that feeling of falling in love for the first time and why God brought you two together in the first place! I have been reminded lately when we are sitting on the couch and looking at the differences between 720p and 1080i television (whatever that means) how much I love my husband and how I am so thankful that our spark is still alive!
Happy New Year everyone....let's have a rockin' year!
"God has given us these times of joy." Psalm 81:4
Sunday, November 25, 2007
I love the holidays!!!
So, these next few weeks kick off my favorite time of year....the Holidays!!! Something about the cold weather, LSU games (yes they are still fantastic), hot chocolate, and that smell of burning wood outside just makes my heart skip!
Cooking for our family is an all time favorite of mine. Now, don't let me fool you...my cooking is by far not perfect, but getting together and hearing the joy that comes from a dining room table as all your family and friends are together is priceless. So many traditions are shared, jokes told, and memories retold. As my Dad says, "that is when your house finally becomes a home" and I could not agree more!
Even more fun is Reed (our now 4 year old nephew). He is taking a liking to Uncle Dave and Aunt Carla now calling us to see if he can spend the night with us. We do everything from watch movies to cook to play ninja turtles and spider man games (with toy figures as well as on the Wii). I see him looking up to Dave so much and I am so thankful to have moved back to watch this little boy grow up. God really does lead you in life as I never thought I would return to Shreveport. Now, I can't even imagine being away.
Thanksgiving was a blast this year. We got to spend half the day with my side of the family. Our newest little nephew (Owen) is starting to laugh and want to be held by ME!!! My morning was spent playing baseball in the backyard with Reed, holding Mr. Owen (now almost 6 months old), and laughing at my brothers and Dave when they ate way to much.
About twoish, we headed to Dave's side of the family. They have some meaningful traditions as well. Every year I am amazed at how real they are....what you see is what you get, and I love it. They enjoy getting together, having way too much food and doing my all time favorite thing....laughing with each other. This year we got to celebrate a new arrival....Dave's cousin had her first baby (Ms. Bailey) and she is so pretty. Let me know if you don't believe in God...I will show you this little baby! UGH...she takes my breath away.
Decorating is an exciting moment too. In my house growing up, my parents would always wake up the day after Thanksgiving, have cinnamon boiling on the stove and Christmas music playing as they worked together to transform our house into Christmas time. This year, that tradition unfolded for Dave and I too. We both woke up, started the music through the living room speakers, put the smell of cinnamon on in our kitchen, and felt the cold air hit us as we brought down box after box from our attic to begin transforming our home into Christmas time. Crazy how traditions do in fact run from generation to generation!
This holiday season I am reminded how blessed we are as a family. I pray that you take a moment and see what traditions you have in your family, what your children will remember when they grow up, and how lucky you are to be alive.
Cooking for our family is an all time favorite of mine. Now, don't let me fool you...my cooking is by far not perfect, but getting together and hearing the joy that comes from a dining room table as all your family and friends are together is priceless. So many traditions are shared, jokes told, and memories retold. As my Dad says, "that is when your house finally becomes a home" and I could not agree more!
Even more fun is Reed (our now 4 year old nephew). He is taking a liking to Uncle Dave and Aunt Carla now calling us to see if he can spend the night with us. We do everything from watch movies to cook to play ninja turtles and spider man games (with toy figures as well as on the Wii). I see him looking up to Dave so much and I am so thankful to have moved back to watch this little boy grow up. God really does lead you in life as I never thought I would return to Shreveport. Now, I can't even imagine being away.
Thanksgiving was a blast this year. We got to spend half the day with my side of the family. Our newest little nephew (Owen) is starting to laugh and want to be held by ME!!! My morning was spent playing baseball in the backyard with Reed, holding Mr. Owen (now almost 6 months old), and laughing at my brothers and Dave when they ate way to much.
About twoish, we headed to Dave's side of the family. They have some meaningful traditions as well. Every year I am amazed at how real they are....what you see is what you get, and I love it. They enjoy getting together, having way too much food and doing my all time favorite thing....laughing with each other. This year we got to celebrate a new arrival....Dave's cousin had her first baby (Ms. Bailey) and she is so pretty. Let me know if you don't believe in God...I will show you this little baby! UGH...she takes my breath away.
Decorating is an exciting moment too. In my house growing up, my parents would always wake up the day after Thanksgiving, have cinnamon boiling on the stove and Christmas music playing as they worked together to transform our house into Christmas time. This year, that tradition unfolded for Dave and I too. We both woke up, started the music through the living room speakers, put the smell of cinnamon on in our kitchen, and felt the cold air hit us as we brought down box after box from our attic to begin transforming our home into Christmas time. Crazy how traditions do in fact run from generation to generation!
This holiday season I am reminded how blessed we are as a family. I pray that you take a moment and see what traditions you have in your family, what your children will remember when they grow up, and how lucky you are to be alive.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Stillness
Every Sunday, I can always bet that something in the scripture is going to knock me across the head. In fact, I have this running joke with myself that it's God trying to knock the hardheadedness out and actually make me listen.
So this past Sunday amist all things going on, I here:
"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
Interestingly enough, tonight (Tuesday)I got home and was looking for a fairly important document we needed for business. I had turned my house upside down FOUR different times before tonight, gone to my parents and ransacked their office and now I was back home looking AGAIN for this one delicate piece of paper. As I was throwing papers around, I heard a soft voice in my head...."Be still, and know that I am God."
"Yeah right God", I said to myself. "I am here in a pile full of my junk and I really don't have time to be still right now. I love you and all but just wait a second." I found everything from our marriage license to old pictures...but still no document. I turned off the light and started to walk to the bedroom in defeat. Then the verse came to me again..."Be still, and know that I am God." At this point I just said okay and began to look one last place. Still nothing. "Dang it," I thought, "its got to be here somewhere!"
I walked into the next room, and my husband was sitting at my desk as still as he could be flipping through some papers. His stillness caught my eye as I had just heard that voice in my head and well....I guess you can figure out what happened....he had found the document. Chills just ran up and down my body...no way did that just happen to me.
Now I'm not one to preach or tell you how to lead your life, but I truly believe God gives us signs in life. If we listen maybe, just maybe we can find what we are looking for. "Be still, and know that I am God." Very meaningful to me this week and my hope for you is that you can take a few minutes each day and be still with the Lord. It's in that stillness of time that God has some of the best life lessons!
Blessings to you all,
Carla
So this past Sunday amist all things going on, I here:
"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
Interestingly enough, tonight (Tuesday)I got home and was looking for a fairly important document we needed for business. I had turned my house upside down FOUR different times before tonight, gone to my parents and ransacked their office and now I was back home looking AGAIN for this one delicate piece of paper. As I was throwing papers around, I heard a soft voice in my head...."Be still, and know that I am God."
"Yeah right God", I said to myself. "I am here in a pile full of my junk and I really don't have time to be still right now. I love you and all but just wait a second." I found everything from our marriage license to old pictures...but still no document. I turned off the light and started to walk to the bedroom in defeat. Then the verse came to me again..."Be still, and know that I am God." At this point I just said okay and began to look one last place. Still nothing. "Dang it," I thought, "its got to be here somewhere!"
I walked into the next room, and my husband was sitting at my desk as still as he could be flipping through some papers. His stillness caught my eye as I had just heard that voice in my head and well....I guess you can figure out what happened....he had found the document. Chills just ran up and down my body...no way did that just happen to me.
Now I'm not one to preach or tell you how to lead your life, but I truly believe God gives us signs in life. If we listen maybe, just maybe we can find what we are looking for. "Be still, and know that I am God." Very meaningful to me this week and my hope for you is that you can take a few minutes each day and be still with the Lord. It's in that stillness of time that God has some of the best life lessons!
Blessings to you all,
Carla
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