Where in the World is Carmen SanDiego. Yep, that is definitely a phrase I have heard all of my life. What else are you going to get when you are introduced as "Carmen"?
Anyways, I am off to travel the world again! I am leaving my house at 4am tomorrow morning (or should I just say "tonight" hah) for the wonderful country of Guatemala! I will be there for two weeks (July 1-15). You might wonder what all I will be doing while I am there, and I am going to say that I am not really sure of the specifics. :) I am going to stay with the Martinez family...more specifically Ana Martinez, who is my roommate at IWU and is also the daughter of Luis Martinez of Impacto Ministries. I will be serving alongside of them and the mission teams that are down in Guatemala during the two weeks that I am there.
I am very excited about this trip and anxious to see how God is going to use me!! However, I haven't started packing yet so I need to go do that hehe...
Love to you all!
~Carmen
Just so you know, I will try to update this blog while I am in Guatemala as well so you can keep up with all that I am doing and how God is working in my life and the people in Guatemala. :)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
How can I keep from singing?!
I love music. I may not be musically talented but I definitely love listening to music. And of course belting out some tunes in my car from the bottom of my soul. hehe, glad you aren't riding with me right? ;)
Anyways, I was riding home from the beach today and "How Can I Keep From Singing" by Chris Tomlin came on my iPod. Honestly, I've never been a huge fan of this song (no clue why!..maybe it was satan making me think I didn't like it so I woudn't listen to it all of the time like I will now hehe..) until I really started listening to the lyrics. It is definitely one of those songs that I will dance around to in my room and belt out as loud as I can when I wake up each morning!
God has done SOO much for me and it makes me just want to shout for JOY! Each day I am amazed at how much He cares for me and looks out for me in ways that I never knew anyone could.
Let me leave you with the lyrics of my new life song.. :)
"How Can I Keep From Singing" by Chris Tomlin
There is an endless song, echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring
And though the storms may come, I am holding on
To The Rock I cling
How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing
I will lift my eyes in the darkest night for I know my Savior lives
And I will walk with You knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give
I can sing in the troubled times, sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step, and I fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord, when I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know that I'll sing with the angels and the saints around the throne !!
Anyways, I was riding home from the beach today and "How Can I Keep From Singing" by Chris Tomlin came on my iPod. Honestly, I've never been a huge fan of this song (no clue why!..maybe it was satan making me think I didn't like it so I woudn't listen to it all of the time like I will now hehe..) until I really started listening to the lyrics. It is definitely one of those songs that I will dance around to in my room and belt out as loud as I can when I wake up each morning!
God has done SOO much for me and it makes me just want to shout for JOY! Each day I am amazed at how much He cares for me and looks out for me in ways that I never knew anyone could.
Let me leave you with the lyrics of my new life song.. :)
"How Can I Keep From Singing" by Chris Tomlin
There is an endless song, echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring
And though the storms may come, I am holding on
To The Rock I cling
How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing
I will lift my eyes in the darkest night for I know my Savior lives
And I will walk with You knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give
I can sing in the troubled times, sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step, and I fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord, when I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know that I'll sing with the angels and the saints around the throne !!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Happy Father's Day!!
I know that it is the day after Father's Day, but because of the scarce internet service I experience with my computer, it was a little hard to post this yesterday, but I still really wanted to, so here ya go!....
Happy Father’s Day to all fathers…but a special one to my dear daddy!! :)
The man that I look up to and cherish each day. The man that is pursuing all of his dreams and teaching me to do the same. The man that is highly respected. The man who taught me what authentic love looks like. The man that has honored me as his daughter. 
The man that reminds me of what I can (and can’t) do. Sometimes it can be frustrating to have a realistic father when you are as far from a realist as you can get (hah). But hey, it does keep me in check…and brings me back from sleeping on the moon. And sometimes I take offense to it but that only makes me work harder to prove that I can achieve the things that I say I can.
The man that I look up to and cherish each day. The man that is pursuing all of his dreams and teaching me to do the same. The man that is highly respected. The man who taught me what authentic love looks like. The man that has honored me as his daughter. The man that reminds me of what I can (and can’t) do. Sometimes it can be frustrating to have a realistic father when you are as far from a realist as you can get (hah). But hey, it does keep me in check…and brings me back from sleeping on the moon. And sometimes I take offense to it but that only makes me work harder to prove that I can achieve the things that I say I can.My daddy is a man who is SUCH a leader!! Just ask anyone in Kernersville (or NC for that matter hehe) ;)
My daddy is the man who supports my family. He’s the man who genuinely loves my mom. He is such a romantic man! There is no doubt in the world that he cherishes my mom sooo much! Just watching them almost disgusts me :P hehe kidding, but seriously, they are soo cute together. I can't wait to have a love just like them!
My daddy is the man who is a huge role model to me and to others!
As people saw me when I was 5 and watching open heart surgery tapes, many thought I would grow up to be like my daddy, and in some ways I have…
I can blame my dad on my organizational skills…yes, it is called organization thank you very much, it just might be a little different from your kind of organization. ;)
Watching my daddy around young children is so amazing! You would think the tiny children would be so scared of my “intimidating” dad but yeah right, he is the first one they run to!!
There are so many more reasons I can think of about what makes my daddy such a great man, but then you would get really bored reading so much and I would still be sitting here at the computer. If you haven’t met my daddy yet, you definitely need to make that one of your life goals!..TOTALLY worth it!! :)
I love my daddy so much and treasure him so dearly! I know I am awful sometimes at reminding my dad how much I love him, but I really really do cherish this wonderful man in my life! I LOVE YOU DADDY!!!
My daddy is the man who supports my family. He’s the man who genuinely loves my mom. He is such a romantic man! There is no doubt in the world that he cherishes my mom sooo much! Just watching them almost disgusts me :P hehe kidding, but seriously, they are soo cute together. I can't wait to have a love just like them!My daddy is the man who is a huge role model to me and to others!As people saw me when I was 5 and watching open heart surgery tapes, many thought I would grow up to be like my daddy, and in some ways I have…
I can blame my dad on my organizational skills…yes, it is called organization thank you very much, it just might be a little different from your kind of organization. ;)
Watching my daddy around young children is so amazing! You would think the tiny children would be so scared of my “intimidating” dad but yeah right, he is the first one they run to!!There are so many more reasons I can think of about what makes my daddy such a great man, but then you would get really bored reading so much and I would still be sitting here at the computer. If you haven’t met my daddy yet, you definitely need to make that one of your life goals!..TOTALLY worth it!! :)
I love my daddy so much and treasure him so dearly! I know I am awful sometimes at reminding my dad how much I love him, but I really really do cherish this wonderful man in my life! I LOVE YOU DADDY!!!Friday, June 19, 2009
Jealousy...why?
As I was sitting in Starbucks Sunday morning… Actually, let me give you a little background to this story….
I haven’t really had many problems since I have been home from New Zealand/Australia. Minus a little sickness on the way home. Yes, everyone on the plane was sleeping while I was up the entire night coughing my lungs out. No worries though, I had the privilege of seeing some cool lightning storms over the US and of course the beautiful sunrise while everyone else had their eyes closed and missed God’s beauty displayed in the sky that morning. :) I also had no voice for a few days after my return but I found that a blessing as well as I had that time to reflect by myself…it also gave me an excuse to just shut up.
I was also doing pretty well with the whole jet lag thing until Saturday night. I was awakened at 3am…WIDE awake! To make a long story short, I ended up at Starbucks and that is where I will continue my story.. :)
As I was sitting in Starbucks Sunday morning, I was accompanied by my journal (& purple pen :) ), my Bible and a grande raspberry white chocolate mocha, my fav. It was a delightful morning to spend those few hours with my Lord before heading to church.
As I was sitting there listening to numerous people ordering their really complicated drinks for themselves, I also heard the Lord’s still small voice. Jealousy was just something that kept playing over and over in my head. One of my fellow team members has just graduated from college. While we were in New Zealand, a lot of people have been giving her information about getting a job and teaching in New Zealand. What an amazing opportunity! But I have sadly found myself becoming really jealous of her and the attention she was getting for this. I wanted to be the one that everyone was trying to get to come over. I wanted to be the one with the amazing opportunity laying out in front of me. I found this really getting in the way of me and supporting her and encouraging her the way that I really needed to.
But I have to ask myself, why am I getting jealous of the plans of other people when the Lord has promised that He has those special plans for me as well?!
I am getting jealous of the awesome plans God has for other people when He is just laughing at my lack of patience. In His own time, His plans for my own life will be revealed. Besides, Amy’s plans (whether it is this job in NZ or wherever) are designed for her specifically. Yes they might fit me, but they won’t be that exact and perfect fit.
Ladies, you might can relate to this one haha…quoted directly from my journal…”For instance, you might find a dress that “works”, but you definitely realize a difference when you put on “The Dress”.” Haha hopefully that was understandable.
It is just frustrating to realize that I still have 2 years of school left...and she even has the opportunity to go teach in another country. Patience, Carmen, Patience.
Psalm 37:23~
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”
I haven’t really had many problems since I have been home from New Zealand/Australia. Minus a little sickness on the way home. Yes, everyone on the plane was sleeping while I was up the entire night coughing my lungs out. No worries though, I had the privilege of seeing some cool lightning storms over the US and of course the beautiful sunrise while everyone else had their eyes closed and missed God’s beauty displayed in the sky that morning. :) I also had no voice for a few days after my return but I found that a blessing as well as I had that time to reflect by myself…it also gave me an excuse to just shut up.
I was also doing pretty well with the whole jet lag thing until Saturday night. I was awakened at 3am…WIDE awake! To make a long story short, I ended up at Starbucks and that is where I will continue my story.. :)
As I was sitting in Starbucks Sunday morning, I was accompanied by my journal (& purple pen :) ), my Bible and a grande raspberry white chocolate mocha, my fav. It was a delightful morning to spend those few hours with my Lord before heading to church.
As I was sitting there listening to numerous people ordering their really complicated drinks for themselves, I also heard the Lord’s still small voice. Jealousy was just something that kept playing over and over in my head. One of my fellow team members has just graduated from college. While we were in New Zealand, a lot of people have been giving her information about getting a job and teaching in New Zealand. What an amazing opportunity! But I have sadly found myself becoming really jealous of her and the attention she was getting for this. I wanted to be the one that everyone was trying to get to come over. I wanted to be the one with the amazing opportunity laying out in front of me. I found this really getting in the way of me and supporting her and encouraging her the way that I really needed to.
But I have to ask myself, why am I getting jealous of the plans of other people when the Lord has promised that He has those special plans for me as well?!
I am getting jealous of the awesome plans God has for other people when He is just laughing at my lack of patience. In His own time, His plans for my own life will be revealed. Besides, Amy’s plans (whether it is this job in NZ or wherever) are designed for her specifically. Yes they might fit me, but they won’t be that exact and perfect fit.
Ladies, you might can relate to this one haha…quoted directly from my journal…”For instance, you might find a dress that “works”, but you definitely realize a difference when you put on “The Dress”.” Haha hopefully that was understandable.
It is just frustrating to realize that I still have 2 years of school left...and she even has the opportunity to go teach in another country. Patience, Carmen, Patience.
Psalm 37:23~
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”
Monday, June 15, 2009
Back to Blogging :)
Hello friends!
So I decided that I would start this back up again. I find it really exhausting trying to keep up with everyone and tell everyone the same thing about what is going on in my life (please do not take offense to that). Anyways, I thought this would be a valuable opportunity to take a hold of since most of you have internet access and can follow me and my journeys through blogging.
It took me a while to decide on the title of this blog. But as I sat in my home church this morning listening to Pastor Phil preach on Luke 4:18-19 and how he went on to talking about fighting the devil with joy, I knew what my blog would be based on. --Joy! The devil has realized that he can keep the Christian weak by stealing their joy, but I am going to stand up and proclaim that the joy of the Lord is my strength! :)
Please be encouraged through my words in this blog. Feel free to leave comments and suggestions and encouragement and whatever other wonderful things you would like to share with me.
I know there might be times when I get so far behind that there will be a large gap in between posts, so I am sorry about that. But please do not stop reading just because of that. :)
I have a feeling this blog will be very random. I am sure a lot of it will be on things that God is doing in my life and through my life.
I hope you all enjoy!
In Christ,
Carmen
So I decided that I would start this back up again. I find it really exhausting trying to keep up with everyone and tell everyone the same thing about what is going on in my life (please do not take offense to that). Anyways, I thought this would be a valuable opportunity to take a hold of since most of you have internet access and can follow me and my journeys through blogging.
It took me a while to decide on the title of this blog. But as I sat in my home church this morning listening to Pastor Phil preach on Luke 4:18-19 and how he went on to talking about fighting the devil with joy, I knew what my blog would be based on. --Joy! The devil has realized that he can keep the Christian weak by stealing their joy, but I am going to stand up and proclaim that the joy of the Lord is my strength! :)
Please be encouraged through my words in this blog. Feel free to leave comments and suggestions and encouragement and whatever other wonderful things you would like to share with me.
I know there might be times when I get so far behind that there will be a large gap in between posts, so I am sorry about that. But please do not stop reading just because of that. :)
I have a feeling this blog will be very random. I am sure a lot of it will be on things that God is doing in my life and through my life.
I hope you all enjoy!
In Christ,
Carmen
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