Money Matters

I wrote this in my journal the other day and decided this wasn't something to keep to myself. You'll probably find it humorous that I write in my journal the same way I would write here, but I'm a little on the quirky side anyway.

"I was at the mall the other day, and as I walked along I slowed down a little to watch people. Rush, rush, rush. Buy, buy, buy. More and more bags. Things they need? doubtful. Things for others? Probably not. And I began to think about how God must look down watching us shop and just sigh a sad and heavy sigh because this was never what He created this life to be. It's not about accumulating things. I mean, this is what we spend our free time doing! Life is not really about us at all. How very irresponsible of us to waste such precious time, money, and energy on things that don't last. By the time you buy new things, some of your old things have gone out of syle, and you have to buy more to keep up! How exhausting!"

"The irony in this is that as I was thinking all of these thoughts, I was contemplating buying this one pair of shoes. Very cute, very comfortable, on sale, and I had seen them once before and had debated buying them then. I passed them up once, could I do it twice?? Well, I didn't need them. In fact they were probably the last thing on earth I needed to buy."

"It was then I realized how Satan uses consumerism to draw us away from Christ as we become self-centered drones of society, buying whatever they sell us and tell us is the latest and greatest thing--sometimes even slapped with a giant red sale sticker on it. Now, I know that some things are ok to buy, but I have to wonder if others cross the line into self-centered sin? Were those shoes not just shoes any more but a shiny and stylish tool of Satan? "

"Being part crazy as I am, I started calling them Satan's shoes in my head. And no, I did not buy Satan's shoes that day, but I have fallen into his traps many times before and am sure to do it again. But next time I will be better equipped against his ploys."

Any thoughts? Am I the only one spending too much time looking for things to buy? or buying things they don't really need? What's your opinion of financial sin? Is it suppose to be all black and white, or is there a grey area?

My Best Friend's Wedding

Saturday my best friend got married, and I was the maid of honor. It was a joyful but sad day to watch the "Fantastic Four" slowly but surely disbanding. All of us were in the wedding. It was truly beautiful. Jessie was absolutely gorgeous. She did a great job choosing decorations and planning the ceremony and reception, not that I doubted she would for a second. I was more stressed out than the bride, which makes me think that I will be a wreck on my wedding day. Lacie, Sarah Ann, and I were privileged to be able to sing at Jessie's wedding. It was really just a good time once things started rolling. I was even allowed to fulfill the highest of all maid of honor duties--helping the bride pee. :) O, and should I mention that I caught the bouquet? Sorry Lacie. :P

The wedding party

Mr. & Mrs. Bobby Bernier


It was a tough fight for the bouquet...

but I won!

Congratulations Jessie and Bobby! I love you both!

I wear my sunglasses at night...

Recently my sister and I took a trip across the country to San Diego. I have always loved California, but this was a special trip because our dear friends the Scott and Becky live there. Even though we got there during June gloom, I hardly remember the cold weather compared to all of the fun I had with "my peepers." :) And even better than all of the fun was all of the encouragement I recieved and the things I learned from them. Just some of the many perks of being around Scott and Becky! We took over a hundred pictures while in Cali, but I'd like to share some of my faves.

SAL & I at Point Loma overlooking all of San Diego and the surrounding area.

The first school house in historic San Diego, called Old Town. Scott only thinks he could be a mean teacher!

Having a picnic at La Jolla, right after seeing the seals and sea lions in their natural habitat. Looks like a double date with two cute blondes to me... :)

My favorite...a bonfire ON the beach!...this just happened to be right before I got a mouthful of gooey marshmellow and hair in the same bite...EW!

Balboa Park. Two words: huge and beautiful.

Getting to see the Invisible Children office. Very cool.

My 1st major league baseball game! Go Padres!

Thanks Scott and Becky for who you are and for all you do! You inspire me!

Carrie