Connie Carpenter

Chicken Enchilada Soup

2009-12-14T17:02:00.002-05:00

I just stole a Chili's recipe online and I am gonna try it out for dinner. We had a progressive dinner last night with our church and I loved the soup portion of the night. I would have been happy to just have soup and dessert. We will see how it goes.

Pray for Rain

2009-12-02T15:13:00.003-05:00

Today I am sitting in my office listening to the wind blow and anxiously awaiting a storm that is going to hit sometime tonight. I love storms. I am a little bummed out because it looks like we are going to miss the majority of the rain and thunderstorms and I was hoping to fall asleep tonight to the loud sounds and rumbles that a good storm brings. I am sitting here thinking about the storms and trials James talks about in the New Testament. He tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds because we know that the testing of our faith develops perseverance and perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. I can sit here and say I can't wait for this storm to hit because I love going through a good thunderstorm. I have been telling my co-workers all day that I am excited about this storm. How awesome would it be if I were as excited to encounter storms of life in this same way? I try to avoid them at all costs because they are scary and they make me uncomfortable. I look at things differently when I am going through a storms in life. The unknown, the intense pressure, the high winds that blow me around, the rain that pelts me and gets my shoes all wet, the lightning that jolts me, the thunder that reminds me this storm is bigger than I am. All these things in life send me for cover and I fins myself praying for the storm to pass with as minimal damage as possible. James tells us that these trials and these storms are building something in me that can only come about because I persevere through the storm. I think about what God has for me later down the road and I dwell on the dreams in my heart that He has put there and I wonder how in the world can He use me or accomplish those things through me. Then I remember this verse and realize that I will be mature and complete and not lack anything when I persevere through a storm. If I never went through it, my roots wouldn't have a chance to sink down deep. I need the storms and trials of life. I am thinking about going to cheer camp this summer so that the next time I face a storm or trial in life I can do a few flips and cheers so I can welcome it with pure joy.

What it's All About

2009-11-09T10:37:00.003-05:00

Last night was an amazing night for me and for our church. We went to North Reddington Shores Beach and baptized 29 kids, youth and adults that wanted to make a public profession of their faith. I had excitement building all day as I was thinking about going and being a part of decisions they made. We hear a lot of negative talk about this generation and where our world is headed and it gets frustrating and depressing when that is all you hear. Let me challenge you with something - Get involved in a child, a teenager, or an adult's life and be a part of what this life is really all about! It's about God and how He makes a difference in our lives. How He has something different for us than this world offers us. How He can change our hearts and our lives and give us meaning and hope. How He wants to use us to love people and make a marked difference in their lives. When you get discouraged with the economy, politics, and what is or isn't happening that you want to, go love people with God's love and see how that makes a difference. All of a sudden you will find your life having meaning and making a difference. You will see lives being changed. You will see hope for this generation and hope for our future. I'm done sitting on the sidelines and complaining, let's go make a difference in this world. Anybody with me?

Seasons

2009-11-05T14:40:00.004-05:00

I went to a park today for lunch and noticed some trees that were pretty barren. All there was were mostly empty branches with a few brown leaves on them. Here in Florida, Fall doesn't grace us with the beautiful and vibrant colors it shows off to our friends in northern states. I recently went up to Michigan and was able to see the start of fall there. I absolutely love fall. I love the chill in the air and I love the red, yellow, and orange leaves that follow Fall wherever it chooses to go. But I admit there is something depressing that follows Fall and that is winter. The empty trees, dreary skies, and bitter cold air make my mood take a nose dive. I sat at lunch and was thinking about my life and the seasons I go through. Sometimes I complain about the dry, hot seasons because I am weary and longing for God's Presence to be real to me much like I would long for refreshing water in the dead of summer when you can't find relief from the heat. Other times I complain about the darkness when I am discouraged or just walking through a dark time of life. My heart is sad and there is an oppressive blanket covering me just like the gray clouds cover the sun and block the light and warmth from beating down on me. I find myself anxiously waiting for spring to come because I want the newness it brings. I want the new growth, I want the warmer air, I want the flowers and trees to be alive again. And in my heart I want to feel alive. A big difference between the seasons our planet goes through and the season my heart goes through is that I can look on my calendar and know when summer ends and fall begins. I can look at the weather report and plan how to dress. In my life, I can't do this. I can't plug my zipcode in and get a report of what the next ten days are going to be like. What I can do is trust my God and trust that He knows. He knows my life and He knows what is in my next day and what is around the corner. My seasons don't run parallel to winter, spring, summer, and fall. They come and go. Sometimes abruptly without warning. Sometimes they last way too long and sometimes they don't last long enough. Sometimes I feel like I am out in the heat longer than I want to be and the next thing I know I am right in the middle of one of the most refreshing times I have ever experienced. Like my heart gets to go on vacation. I wake up in the morning with 94 degree heat, jump on a plane and land where is it 45 degrees cooler. Instant joy. Instant relief. Instant pleasure. I don't have to wait for weeks and months. But in those seasons where the heat and humidity drain me, I have to remember those refreshing times will come. When I look at the empty trees I have to remind myself that they will be alive with green leaves again. When I feel like I can't take another day of this heat, or another day of this darkness, or another day of the cold, I need to hide away with God. He will be what I need. He will bring relief. It is all in His timing. There is a season for everything under Heaven.

Isaiah 30:15 -- Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me.

January

2009-01-27T14:45:00.005-05:00

This is the third time I have tried to post this blog. I was trying to say hello and goodbye to January in one single blog, but I think January is not happy with this attempt. I lose everything each time I try, so this one is not as near descriptive or witty as the previous 2 attempts.

This month has been a blast from the start. It has been filled with my brother-in-law Mike coming home for a week before he heads out to Iraq, my friend Karen coming for a visit from Idaho, a trip to Disney World, hanging out with family, my birthday and several celebrations, trips to the beach, going to cool restaurants, a visit to YBOR City, and a ton more. Starting the year this way gives me hope that the rest of the year will be as good.

Bucs Game

2008-12-28T18:54:00.002-05:00

My friends Lisa and Nick gave me two tickets to the Bucs game today. I invited my older brother and we were treated to a parking pass and 2 great club seats. It was amazing being able to go to a Bucs game and have such an awesome view. I feel spoiled!

ICE exhibit in Orlando

2008-12-22T12:47:00.003-05:00

Saturday Sara and I drove over to Orlando to go to the ICE exhibit. It was beautiful and so much fun! We waited in a long line and listened to a cheesey guy play his guitar and sing Christmas songs, but it was well worth it! They give you big blue parkas to wear because the temperature is only 9 degrees inside. I got to go down an ice slide and act like a little kid in the candy house. I loved every minute of it!

Happy Birthday Sara!!

2008-12-19T22:40:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to take a minute to wish my little sister a happy birthday. She is 27 today!!! I love you nay nay.

A new Tree Topper

2008-12-15T23:24:00.002-05:00

Well, we had an angel on top of the tree but My sister and I decided we needed something with a little more Christmas cheer. Who offers more joy and cheer then a Santa Mr. Potato Head? We only wish he were a little bigger.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

2008-12-13T18:40:00.003-05:00

Christmas Survey-Finish these sentences...

1. Christmas is...the most magical time of the year

2. Christmas trees...make me smile

3. Christmas cheer...is spread by singing loud for all to hear

4. Christmas gifts...shouldn't be such a big deal

5. Christmas dinner...is best when it involves mashed potatoes and gravy

6. Christmas traditions...are meant to be shared with people you love

7. Christmas music...starts too early

8. Christmas sweets...put me in a sugar coma

9. Christmas lights...put me in a good mood

10. Christmas parties...stress me out

11. Christmas travel...is gonna bring Mike, my brother in-law, home!!!!!

12. Christmas cards...should be home made and always involve glitter

13. Christmas weather...in Florida makes me sad

14. Christmas movies...crack me up

15. Christmas clean-up...stinks

Christmas Survey

2008-12-11T13:50:00.002-05:00

1. Fresh Tree/Fake Tree? Fake, I have never had a real tree

2. Favorite Ornament? One I made as a kid, it is a ceramic oval shaped ornament with a leaf imprint on it. It doesn't even look Christmasy

3. Favorite Christmas Song? O Come Emmanuel or Feliz Navidad, so I can dance

4. Favorite Tradition? Probably watching Christmas movies with my family

5. Favorite Gift Ever Received? A bike when I was in middle school

6. Favorite Christmas Meal? Turkey or Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh bread, pie

7. Favorite Christmas Cookie? Sugar cookies with icing or hot out of the oven chocolate chip cookies

8. Favorite Place to be? I am always in Florida for Christmas

9. Favorite Memory? Going over to Grandma's and Grandpa's as a kid and running down to the basement to see what was under the tree... my favorite was the Big Wheel each of us got

10. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

I wait...

2008-12-10T12:26:00.003-05:00

Psalm 140:5-8

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel.

2008-11-17T09:56:00.001-05:00

I joined a gang along with my sister. Don't mess with us.

Please Pray

2008-11-06T10:37:00.005-05:00

My sister, Sara, is coming back to Florida on Saturday to live with us because my brother-in-law, Mike, is going over to Iraq to serve our country. He could be gone up to 14 months and I know this is going to be very hard on both of them. Please pray for Mike's safety and also pray that God would be with both of them as they are apart from each other. I am excited to be near my sister again, I just hate that it is because Mike will be out of the country for so long. Sara and I are gong to be sharing a room again. This will be fun! I love you Sara and Mike and I am very proud of both of you!

Last night

2008-11-03T19:22:00.004-05:00

I went with a group from my church to a place down in St. Pete to serve dinner to a group of 200 homeless people. It was a very sobering night. I will be the first to admit that I have become calloused and indifferent from seeing people on the streets holding up signs for money or food. I casually pass them by without giving them much thought most of the time. Last night I talked with a guy named Ray for a little while and was convicted by the Holy Spirit that my heart is hard. This guy had a hungry stomach, no where to sleep that night, and only had on shorts and a t-shirt. His face was so hopeless and his heart was sad. I could tell this just by looking at him. He sat alone and kept to himself but was friendly enough to talk to me for a few minutes. I served him his meal and gave him information on where he could sleep for the next 21 days. He went to the back of the room and got some clothes that would keep him warmer than what he had on. I am pretty sure Jesus was serious when He told the disciples to clothe, feed and look after those in need. I am also pretty sure He wants us to do the same thing. A lot of us want social justice and we want to make this world a better place, we don't have to look very far to see a place where we can make that difference.

A new love

2008-11-03T00:35:00.004-05:00

Fall is here and I guess that is a perfect time to find a new love. I have discovered that I love to kayak. A new friend of mine introduced me to this new adventure about a week ago. Well, this weekend we took a trip down south to the Everglades and went on a 15 mile kayak trip through the swampy, alligator infested, mangrove lined, murky waters. The weather was ideal and we had a great time taking in the beautiful sights. We went on a guided trip that took 6 hours. I will be honest and tell you that I was not prepared for what I had signed up for. I was expecting a leisurely paddle through the Everglades and expected to spot a gator or two. There were parts of the river that were so narrow and tight you couldn't use a paddle to move your kayak. We were in a mangrove tunnel that was at least a mile long and we had to pull ourselves through by using the branches of the mangrove tree ducking as we moved so we didn't knock ourselves out. It was awesome. Sure we saw alligators but the thing that scared me the most was when our guide mentioned pythons and rattle snakes. I wouldn't be writing this now if I had seen one because I would have died of a heart attack. That trip was incredible and I am so glad my friend Charley had the bright idea to go on such an adventurous trip. Who knows where she will have me kayaking to next.

Guess what I did today?

2008-10-24T20:28:00.001-04:00

Today I met a new friend for coffee and some how we ended up in the lake behind her house kayaking. I have never been before so I was excited to try it out. It wasn't exactly the ideal day weather wise to go, but that didn't stop up us. It was a very windy day and I wasn't in the best kayaking clothes, but I had a great time on my first excusion. I think I might be ready for class 5 rapids on my next trip. You wake up on a Friday morning thinking your day will be on the routine side of life until you start talking to someone who has two kayaks sitting in their garage. What else were we supposed to do? I did learn one thing, you can get pretty wet when you are kayaking in the wind. I was drenched but loved every minute of it. Well, all of it except the herd of spiders that decided they wanted a fun Friday kayaking adventure as well. Next time I am leaving them on land. Here is a picture of the shoes I wore.

Coolest Cookies Ever!!

2008-10-24T16:38:00.004-04:00

Yesterday some friends of mine had the coolest gift for me to open. I love getting gifts and I especially love them when they are meaningful! Here is a picture of what I saw when I opened the box.

Needless to say, I love these cookies. The Rays won last night so it made the night even better. Thanks Kimberly, Bill, & Reese!

Heart Signs

2008-10-22T14:15:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I have these signs posted on the door to my heart. I know the Bible says that God knocks on the the door of our heart and I wonder how many times He has found these signs plastered up telling Him to back off? Or maybe I post those signs to people who are trying to speak into my life or trying to encourage me and get to know me. Maybe people see these signs and they don't even bother knocking because they don't want to get yelled at or get kicked off the porch. I need to be more mindful of how I treat people and how I am receptive of people. I often pray for good friends and pray for strength, wisdom, or comfort. Today I wonder if maybe God tried to use people to provide these things but maybe I flashed my signs and kicked them out. With God, the good thing is, He won't back off. He won't force me to do anything, but He will continue to knock and continue to love me until I take those signs down. I love that about God.

Look up

2008-10-21T16:59:00.005-04:00

Psalm 121:1,2
I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

More and more I am realizing that my help and my answers do come from the Lord, at least they are there if I want them. I can only accomplish so much on my own, with my own strength, my own talent, my own skills. I might get by but I will be so nervous, miserable and hopeless trying to figure it out and execute things on my own. I can't do it! I often struggle with that thinking that "if only.... " You can fill those dots in with whatever you want. Security, a better job, a different past, more time, more money, if I were smarter, and the list goes on. These aren't the solutions. I spend so much time worrying and trying to solve all the issues of life in my head. It's not that I don't pray or ask God for help because I do. Sometimes I think it would help me to know the He is what I need. He is my help when I don't have it all together and polished. He is my source when I my resources look like they won't measure up. He is my strength when I wonder how I will make it. I can look to the things in life and think they will help me or make things better, or I can look to the One who created this world and all that is in it and realize He holds it all. Nothing takes God by surprise. Nothing I encounter, nothing I have done, nothing I will face is something He isn't already the answer to. God didn't put us on this planet to try and figure it all out on our own. He came here to live with us and walk with us. He wants to be our answer. No person can fix what is wrong in our hearts. No amount of money can buy what our heart longs for.

We won!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-20T01:48:00.002-04:00

Today I got a phone call from friends at church wanting to know if I wanted to go to the last playoff game tonight. What do I say? No I don't want to go because if we lose I might not snap out of it, or yes I want to go and celebrate with a 40,000 person crowd. I chose to go to the game and I am so glad I had the opportunity to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was amazing. I have never been to anything like it. The dome was so loud and so energized I couldn't get over it. I even cried when we won!!!!! I am so happy. If we don't win the world series you may not hear from me for a while. I can't handle the let down.

I want to go back

2008-10-18T14:15:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday I went to Yates Cider Mill with my awesome friends. I sure wish we were all together going to the cider mill again today. It was so pretty there and we had fun together. Why do I live so far away? I want to go back.

I want to play

2008-10-17T12:54:00.003-04:00

I think I should try a hand at this baseball thing. I mean, how hard can it really be? I played Little League as a kid and softball in high school. Sign me up!

I am mad at Maddon!

2008-10-17T01:09:00.004-04:00

Joe Maddon is the coach of the Rays and I am beyond ticked at him. How do you blow a 7 run lead? I tell you how... let a bullpen pitcher stay in the game like he let Wheeler stay in. That is how. Oh well, we have another chance on Saturday to beat Boston. One more win and we are headed for the world series. Come on Rays!!!!! I know, I need to be more like Jesus and not be so angry and upset. I told you I have a problem with sports. Help me.

My heart cries

2008-10-15T12:38:00.003-04:00

I spent the last week in Michigan spending time with two of the most precious kids on this planet. I have to admit that I was very sad this morning when I woke up and there was no sweet little boy to play soccer with in the back yard and no baby girl to hold in my arms. I want to go back!!!! We did a ton and I had so much fun. It was great to visit with my friends and to get to know my two new best friends.

Incoming!

2008-10-06T09:55:00.005-04:00

We took 16 5th & 6th graders out for a night of miniature golfing and ice cream. Who knew you could have as much fun as we did on a Friday night?

Good Thing for Good Friends

2008-10-04T10:49:00.002-04:00

Last week my friend Mandy came for a visit from Charleston. She stayed with me for a week and while she was here we hooked up with our friend Matt. We all knew each other from church youth group way back when. It is hard to believe that I have been friends with Mandy for about 18 years. I love how we can live many miles apart and still remain close friends. We went to IHOP and 24 hour Starbucks later than we should have, stayed up until early morning talking every night, went for a walk down by the water, watched a movie, and went out to eat a lot. We had a great time hanging out, but I love how these two people challenged and encouraged me in my walk. Even though a lot of time has gone by I am glad we still have something in common that will keep us connected. I love them!

Rays are in the playoffs baby!

2008-09-22T13:42:00.006-04:00

We took a group of students to the Rays game on Friday night. It was a blast because we won 11-1. I brought a bunch of blue face paint and blue hair spray so the students could show their support. We are now guaranteed a spot in the playoffs and this is the very first time the Rays have ever made it to the playoffs. World Series, here we come!!!! I am beyond thrilled. There were a couple parts of the night that were stressful. 1.) They handed out whistles to each person. 2.) Our bus broke down as I was merging onto the Interstate with drivers zooming by on the way home. All in all we survived and I only suffered minimal hearing loss from all the whistles and cowbells ringing for three and a half hours.

How do I look?

2008-09-16T01:20:00.004-04:00

This website cracks me up. Here are a couple pictures that would show you what I looked like if I were older.

1980

1960 Would have been a good year for me.

What do you get when you mix...

2008-09-15T13:51:00.002-04:00

Donuts and Mr. Potato Head?

We had our first Zone 56 class yesterday and I think the students liked eating donuts and learning about the Body of Christ using a Mr. Potato Head. I had a good time anyway.

Rock the Universe

2008-09-09T13:42:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I drove a bus to Orlando with a bunch of teenagers to play at Universal Studios and hear some awesome Christian bands. We left Friday at 1:30 pm and got back Sunday night at 9 pm. I had a great time but I definitely feel my age. Staying at the theme park until 1am Friday and Saturday night about killed me. Then Sunday we spent the day at Islands of Adventure. I didn't think turning 30 meant I was that old. But I feel it. I can't stay up as late as I used to, loud music bothers me and it didn't used to. I hung out with and observed teenagers all weekend and I am realizing how much older I am than they are. Did I really act like that at that age? Did I dress like that and talk like that? I do love being around teenagers though. I love that they invite me to walk around the park with them and ride the rides with them. I love that they want to eat with me and stay up late goofing off. I just hope they realize they may be pushing me around in a wheel chair soon and blending my food for me at dinner time. I just feel old.

On a different note... I LOVE theme parks and roller coasters and rides. Islands of Adventure has some of the best that I have been on. I was in awe of some of the rides there. I was more excited than the students were to go. Sure I was tired and had blisters on my feet, but nothing was going to get in the way of riding some of the fastest and mind blowing rides I have ever been on. I just vote next time we go, let's go when the heat index isn't 105 degrees!!!!!

Trying to get in the Zone

2008-09-04T20:59:00.003-04:00

In a couple Sunday's I get to see part of a dream I have had in my heart for several years begin to unfold. I am starting a new ministry at church called Zone 56. It is a ministry for 5th & 6th graders that will be focused on building a foundation on God and His Word. Part of our purpose is to make the transition from children's ministry to youth ministry a little smoother. Right now we are going to meet once a month, but want to start a weekly ministry soon. I am so excited to get to be a part of this and can't wait to see what happens with it. I love this age group and can't wait to hang out with them and get to know them. Let me know what you think of the logo or if you have any cool suggestions.

I've got a bad fever...

2008-08-31T16:17:00.005-04:00

I have baseball fever. I think it is such a severe fever that I may need to be admitted for some sort of treatment soon. I just can't help it. When your team kicks butt day after day, you can't help it. Here are a few pictures I have taken this season.

Dodgeball anyone?

2008-08-30T15:55:00.000-04:00

I feel like I am playing an intense game of dodgeball with the list of hurricane names this year. So far we have been lucky. Anyone want to come for a visit and play a friendly game of dodgeball? I never did like playing that game when I was a kid.