Keeping It Real

The purpose of my blog first started off to be a way to let my family and close friends keep up with our fast growing little ones. It has also become my on-the-go "scrap book" of sorts. I love it. It helps me to record those special moments that if I don't write down immediately I will soon forget and sometimes that great memory would be lost. Although I am a very busy mom, I cherish the time I can sit down and just post my blessings.

I have to admit I sometimes feel as though facebook, blogs and the web can portray to people that someone's life is all daisies and butterflies when in reality no one has a perfect life. I don't have a perfect life but I have a blessed life because of God, my Father.

I have had to work through some hard stuff in the past ten years but I can say that I am so thankful for every trial or hurt God has allowed to come into my life because it has caused me to grow and lean on Him more. My Dad has reminded me that all this pain is not for no reason, God is planning something for me, a way He can use me more. Anyway, I have probably lost most of you by now but I just wanted to post a couple of things God has been doing in my life.

God has been pushing me into getting involved in ministry again, it's kinda funny because the push is so obvious. That is my personality, or at least has become my way since I have been wounded in the past. I make excuses or negotiate with myself as to why now is not a good time to get involved in serving in that way. I want to feel safe and comfortable. So, I got pushed and because I know it was God doing the pushing, I'm excited! I think about where I've been and where I am now and I know God was directing my steps the whole time. I don't regret anything.

As most of you moms know, you can sometimes lose yourself while rearing your children. I decided about a year ago that I was going to find the "old Carly". So, I decided to take my life by the reigns and here are some changes I've made. I have finished a course in college and am two shy of FINALLY getting my bachelor's degree. Yay!!!!! I joined a volley ball league 3 seasons ago and I'm seeing little pieces of me coming back again. I am enjoying a new hobby, photography and I know I am not a pro yet but I love it and that is why I do it. I joined Bible Study Fellowship last session and I have to say I'm planning on finishing up the 8 year program, I've already learned so much and I can't wait to learn more. I'm also putting myself out there more. I admit I have been hurt by people I thought were my friends in the past and I have built up a wall and closed off some opportunities to make friends here because I don't want to take a chance of getting hurt again. NO MORE!!! God created us all with the need for deep relationships and I have to say that He is working on helping me to let people in. I'm excited about that. I'm reading a book called "Everybody's Normal Till You Get To Know Them", by John Ortberg. It's true we are all messed up, even me!

Anyway, my dad may be the only one reading this but it is therapeutic for me to write down and acknowledge all that the Lord is doing in my life. He never let's go! I love Him so much!

Keeping it real,