A Taste of Trying

I feel like recently my life has gotten a little crazy all of a sudden! I'm working a lot, trying to make my numbers and yet trying to do a good job with the people I serve. Trying to spend as much time with my fam as possible. Trying to spend time with teenage girls at church. Trying to invest time with a new Christian. Trying to keep my house clean. Trying to read a lot. . . trying trying trying. Haha this all just caught up with me. I'm not really stressed but realizing I'm starting to get TOO BUSY. Maybe I'm just TRYING too hard!

A good friend reminded me recently that I need to make sure I take time for Sabbath, and I AGREE! I think it's time for some SABBATH. Well, praise the Lord, one's coming! I'm going for a LONG weekend to visit friends and to celebrate with a great friend in her wedding! So Lord, BRING on some sabbath rest! Renew me and help me to come back refreshed and refocused so that I can put time, attention, and love on what you want me to put it on! Help me to find balance and realize I can't do everything for everyone. It's hard to not want that because I truely do want to take advantage of opportunities that I believe the Lord has given me. So Lord, please give me discernment for what I should spend my time in. Keep me in your Word, in communication with you, and in your prescence so that I can be in tune with your heart.

A Taste of Availability

"There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than bread." (Mother Theresa) So I am learning more and more how important it is simply to be available for God to use. We don't have to have any special skills or have any special knowledge. We just need to be willing and available to be used, and He will use us to show his love to people. So so so many people just want to be heard. Validated. Loved. Called by name. Remembered. A priority. When we show people this, we show them a glimpse of how God thinks of them. God, please remind me of this especially when I'm with someone who is craving love and attention. Help me to give it even when it's not easy or not comfortable. Please use me to help validate people's worth. Please give me to have the opportunity to tell them that they are worthwhile because they are your creation. Give me the words and the wisdom when I don't know what to say. It really is amazing and sometimes hard to believe that the creator of the entire universe is crazy about us, knows us intimately, and wants us to know Him intimately. No other religion even begins to come close to what God has to offer us. Please give me the opportunity to share this in a way that unbelievers will understand this and take hold of it for themselves.

I'm praising God tonight because as I write this, I'm thinking of two new believers. One with a history of drugs, sex, witchcraft, and many other things and one who grew up in the Muslim faith. It is really such a priveledge and so exciting to see them hunger after God and want to know more and more about Him. May we also hunger after God and passionately approach our relationship with God like they both already are. Praise God that two people who were very lost have found Him! I pray that they each will grow to know God intimately and be able to share how God has changed their lives. I pray for both as they both may have a tough road ahead. One to break past addictions and habits-one to be a Christian in a Muslim family. I know that God will continue to work in amazing ways in their lives-please teach them to rely on the community of believers to help support them and come close to both of them so that they experience God's prescence in a way that they can't deny it's Him.

By no means am I taking away from the power of God bringing these two to the place where they were ready to accept Him in their lives, but I also recognize that they each had friends and people who made themselves available to be used by God and have been sharing their faith with them. Praise God that these friends were faithful and obedient to God. May we all seek out people who need to be loved and make ourselves available to be used by God.

A Taste of Shining Like Stars

So first off, all the praise goes to God for what I'm going to write today. So I've been praying and asking God to give me opportunity to share His love with people and for people to look at my life and see something different and when if I never get a chance to directly tell them about Jesus' love, they'd see it in how I love and treat people.

Well, God blessed me yesterday night when I was talking with a lady from church who is a new Christian. We talked for over two hours-or rather she talked to me :)-for about two hours. She is quite the talker and so hungry to be heard and loved and understood. She called me because she was being tempted by something from her past, and she knew she didn't want to do it and needed encouragement and someone to talk to. What a blessing that God choose me to get to speak with her. I truely feel like God gave me wisdom and words to say. She brought up some things I have very little knowledge/experience in, but I feel like God was able to speak through me. "Pray also for me that whenever I open my mouth, words will be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel." Ephesians 6:19

I also got to share with her some stories about David and how he was a "man after God's own heart." I got to tell her about Psalms and how David was honest with God and went to him when he was angry, happy, sad, etc. I encouraged her to do likewise and that God is a big God who can handle every emotion we share with him.

It was such a blessing because this lady told me that she has been overwhelmed with the love that she has received from myself and some other people in the church. She said that we have such joy and positivity and that she "sees us shine." Now I don't live how I live so that I can hear this from people, but it is encouraging to know that someone noticed and that God is working.

I pray that God will continue to give me opportunities to show his love to people and that I will not miss these opportunities because of fear or feelings of inadequateness. I challenge you all to do the same! You NEVER know how a simple gesture of love will touch a life and will point someone to our loving Heavenly Father.

"In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

"Live such good lives among the pagans that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:12

"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:11

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 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 5:1-2

A Taste of the Best Thing Next to Jesus

BEING AN AUNT. Best thing next to Jesus. It's hard to imagine how much a father and mother love their own kids because my heart just bursts with love for my nephew Noah who is 4 1/2 and niece Briley who is 3 1/2 months. Noah is the smartest, funniest, sweetest, and most creative kid you ever would meet. It is so precious to me that he is at the age where he really sincerely loves me and wants to spend time with me. Briley is only 3 months but her coos are stealing my heart. She seems to have a more laidback nature than Noah, but only time will tell what her personality will be like! I don't want her to grow up any faster but I am excited for the day when I can play with her like I do Noah. You know, I hate to admit, but I wondered when my sister told me she was having another baby, if I could ever love another child as much as I do Noah. I completely do. There's no way to really explain it, but I do. I hope that I will have the chance to keep showing these two awesome kids God's love and that someday they'll say, "You know our Aunt Carrie? She really loves God a lot!"

A Taste of a Good Slumber Party

Disclaimer. If any guys read my blog, you can probably skip RIGHT past this one cause you probably won't care nor appreciate what I include in this post. That said, here we go! I only thought it was appropriate that I write about slumber parties due to the slumber party I'm hosting tonight at my apartment for some teen girls in my church! Me and slumber parties go WAY back. You see, my birthday is in February. In Colorado, in February, it's COLD and usually SNOWY. So no sweet pool party for me-so I defaulted to the next best choice-slumber parties!

Now for the makings of a good slumber party:

1. Karaoke-yes this always sets the mood and brushes and curling irons make GREAT microphones.

2. GOOD food-you've gotta have pizza, popcorn, ice cream, etc or the party ain't a party.

3. Girly movies. This IS THE NIGHT to celebrate the fact that you are girls and girls like love stories and happy endings.

4. Truth or Dare. This is a staple. No explanation needed.

5. Make-overs. What girl doesn't like a good makeover? Now I will say that these make-overs TEND to be more of a "make your friend look as ugly as possible" kind of make-overs rather than the actual "look like a princess" kind of make-overs. Just remember, whatever you do for your friend, they can do to you. . .plus some when it's their turn. This makes for some GREAT picture opportunities.

6. Scary stories. . .you gotta tell a few

7. Games, games, games.

8. Pranking whoever falls asleep first. Come on now. It's a SLUMBER party, you didn't think you were going to get to sleep, did you?

9. A good TPing or "rolling a house" as those Southerners call it. Just make sure you've got a good getaway car, lots of TP, and dark clothes so you can be sneaky.

10. Girl Talk. Guys, you will never know what this includes but do know that you would NEVER expect girls to talk about the things they talk about when it's only girls. This is usually the time that someone nearly pees their pants from laughing so hard. True story.

Well, it's time to get ready for my party. . .I've got girly movies, make-up, silly dress up clothes, camera, pizza, coke, candy, cookie dough, games, a karaoke mic, a party mix, and plenty of rolls of TP!

A Taste of Societal Suggestions

I’m no expert on societal issues. But I have a few ideas I think MAY just work :

·Siestas. Everyday. 2-4pm. All stores and businesses close. Everyone takes a big fat nap or like they say in preschool, if you can’t sleep read a book or color quietly on your mat and rest.

·All stores that are not necessary for living close on Sundays. Everyone needs a day of rest. For those who have to work on Sundays, they always get Saturdays off.

·Four day work weeks. And those work days being 10am-5pm. I think if we all had more time to relax and spend time with family and friends, we’d be much happier and more energized when we do work and we’d be more productive! Overtime is never allowed.

·Have guys clean guys bathrooms-ALWAYS. This MAY just encourage some to be a little. . .neater.

·When it’s your birthday, you automatically get a holiday from work.

·Everyone can watch a max 2 hours a day of TV/internet. The rest of the day, you’ve got to work, spend time with family and friends, exercise, etc.

·Fast food restaurants ALL close at 9pm. Who REALLY needs a Double Quarter Pounder at midnight?

·YMCAs are free. For everyone.

·Families begin eating at the dinner table again.

·Everyone who WANTS to work has a job.

·Everyone has a place to call home.

·Those who have an abundance, share with those who are without or in need.

·NOBODY goes hungry or thirsty. Our worlds got MORE than enough to go around.

·EVERYBODY volunteer for one year. For your city. For your country. For another country.

·Recycling was a way of life.

·You could get on a jet, that was free, to pop on over to see friends/family that live far away.

·Every state in the U.S. had all four seasons: winter, spring, summer, fall AND had mountains.

·During each sunset and sunrise, we take moments of silence and enjoy God’s beauty.

·Every holiday should be celebrated with fireworks and cookouts.

·When we can’t figure out what to do, we let love guide our actions.

·We treat each person that we meet with the value that they deserve.

A Taste of Middle School

Middle school. HOW in the world did I make it through those years without being bullied? I have no idea. I fit so many of the nerdy stereotypes and yet somehow I survived and even survived with confidence in myself. I thought I was cool at the time. Let me give you a little picture of myself in middle school:

-Braces & a headgear I had to wear at home. Now this was no normal nerdy headgear. This one had a chin cup that was attached with rubber bands to this thing that went around my head. . .I WISH so much I had a picture to share! (haha the picture on the side is PRETTY much what mine looked like)

-I had a growth spurt. Bought jeans at the beginning of the year. Didn't buy new jeans in the middle of the year. Found out I officially had highwaters when some girls made fun of my one time.

-Favorite outfit? Colored stretch stirrup pants and a flannel.

-Clubs I was involved in: Shakespeare Club, Math Club, Band (played the violin), Bible Quizzing, and various sports

-Straight As (with maybe a random B here or there) and all of my best friends were the smart kids.

-Permed hair and permed bangs

-I had a polished rock collection.

-I collected POGs (remember those) and loved Troll dolls and thought they were cute. . .

-My journal had a little kitty on it, in a basket. I MAY have to bust out some entries from that journal for a post sometime because I DO still have it and it's pretty hilarious. Oh, wait, I'm actually going to go look for it real quick. . .haha got it. Haha yes this is the actual picture on the front of it. . .

First I'd like to share with you what I wrote on the inside of the journal on the first page:

"To whom this may concern: If your name is not Carrie Lynn Hays, please do not read this book w/out special permission from Ms. Hays. This very secret (hint, hint) diary/book is ment to keep secret. It has some VERY personal events & subjects that are none of your business. So please, don't read this unless instructed otherwise. If you ever do get ahold of this, please keep the stories in your head, not the tabloids. Thanks."

Oh WOWWWWW! Ok, now for a few entries during middle school. Ha there are so many good ones, I don't know what to choose, so I'll do some short excerpts:

"I'm in middle school now! It's 'ok'. Well, I love volleyball and am very boy crazy. Although some people may not think so. My dad is a pastor so it seems kind of like I have to be perfect, angelic around people. But I am a regular, almost teenage girl!"

"The boy wants to know if I like him! What should I say!?"

"I hope he was flirting & he does like me. He is so nice, cute, practically perfect in my eyes!"

"Hola chica! Sorry just practicing my Spanish."

"Caleb looks like J.T.T. but much cuter." (haha remember Jonathan Taylor Thomas from "Home Improvement?)

AND for my favorite entry:

"Then we went and played B.B. (basketball) with CALEB, Daniel, Isaiah, Me, Courtney & Julie. It was REALLY fun! I got to guard Caleb and let me tell you, I guarded him really closely, it was mucho divertido! (much fun) I hope he's not intimidated by my height or athletic ability."

Haha WOW. This journal is RIDICULOUS. God bless all the current middle schoolers. Yes, most of them are nerdy and annoying. But, hey, we were all there at one point and LOOK HOW COOL we turned out!

A Taste of My Bucket List

1. Sky Dive
2. Play in a tennis league
3. Volunteer in an orphanage
4. Plant a vegetable garden
5. Travel to Israel
6. Write a book
7. Start a non-profit
8. Hike the Grand Canyon
9. Learn how to play the guitar
10. Speak Spanish fluently
11. Learn how to quilt
12. Travel, travel, travel, travel

A Taste of Favorites

A wise elf once said, "I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite!" Right now I feel like a highschooler who is posting one of those silly notes on Facebook but who cares! It's my blog and if I want to act like a 15 year old Facebooker, I'm gonna do it :) This post was actually inspired by my nephew Noah. He LOVES games. And he loves when I come up with new ones. Well, just the other day, he and I started playing the "Favorites Game" where we take turns asking each other about our favorites. A few of my favorite things from Noah were. . ."My favorite candy is cotton candy." And then later when he asked me, "What's your favorite house?" and then "What's your favorite room in your apartment?" Haha I look forward to many more times of the "Favorites Game" with Noah!

Now for a few of my favorite things:
Fav State: Colorado
Fav City: Seattle or Nashville
Fav Color: Purple
Fav Food: Pizza & Fruit Salad (great combination, huh?)
Fav Flower: Tulips
Fav Place I've Lived: Nashville
Fav Sport to Play: Tennis
Fav Sport to Watch: Basketball
Fav Sports Team: Denver Nuggets
Fav Bands/Music Groups: Dave Barnes, Need to Breath, Hillsong United, Lady Antebellum
Fav Worship Song: "None but Jesus" by Hillsong United
Fav Book of the Bible: Any of Paul's letters
Fav Dessert: Chocolate Lava Cake w/ Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Syrup
Fav Drink: Water or Diet Coke
Fav Vacation: Anywhere in the Mountains
Fav Job I've Ever Had: Resident Director
Fav Movies: Remember the Titans, The Other Sister, Fried Green Tomatoes
Fav Country I've Visited: Taiwan
Fav Holiday: Christmas & Fourth of July
Fav Fruit: Strawberries & Nectarines
Fav Veggie: Broccoli & Corn
Fav Snack: Cheese & Crackers
Fav Ice Cream: Cookies 'n Cream & Mint Chocolate Chip
Fav Fast Food: Taco Bell
Fav Restaurant: Red Robin
Fav Book: The Mark of the Lion Triology
Fav TV Show: The Office
Fav gum: Anything Pepperminty
Fav chocolate candy: Reese's Eggs
Fav other candy: Twizzlers
Fav love language: Quality Time
Fav card game: Rook
Fav other game: Catch Phrase
Fav friend: ALL OF YOU who read this silly blog!

A Taste of a Broken Heart

"Show me how to love like you have loved me. Break my heart for what breaks Yours." These are lyrics from Hillsong United's song, "Hosanna". So this is my desire. I want to show people love like the love that has been so freely and undeservedly given to me. I want to be so in step with God's heart that my heart truely does break for the same things that break His. Not only do I want my heart to be broken, but I want that broken heart to lead me to help with the healing. It's easy to be disturbed or saddened by situations-it's much harder to figure out how to help and how to bring the restoration that I believe God desires. So what things break my heart? Where do I begin? It's not that I don't see so much hope, but I see so many things that aren't as they should be. There are far too many broken families, hungry people, orphaned children, countries torn apart by war and political figures, people bound by slavery, children taken advantage of, people struggling with addictions, and people who don't see their own personal value. So what can I, as one person do to reach these people with God's love? It's overwhelming sometimes. A good friend shared this verse with me. "Once our eyes have been opened, we cannot pretend we do not know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows we know, and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12 So how do we act out that love? I think it starts with loving each person God puts into my life. That person is in my life for a reason. I have the opportunity to either show that person God's love or to not. I have the opportunity to show God's love in a tangible way by how I treat each person. I have the opportunity to show that person that I believe they have value. God works in amazing ways. Who is to say that the person I show love to won't turn around and do the same for someone else? Maybe I'm an idealist, maybe I'm a dreamer, but I think it could catch on.