The World Through My Eyes

Growing up we had a tradition in our home on Christmas morning to all gather in my parents' room and pray before going into the living room to open our gifts! Dad would usually pray and might read some scripture as well. We did Santa gifts, but there was never any confusion on what Christmas was really about. My parents made Christmas so fun for me and my brother! Justin and I have continued this tradition in our home as well. Yesterday morning all of our kids piled up in our bed as Justin prayed for us before we opened presents. His prayer really stood out to me. He said, "we're glad these gifts we receive will eventually break because it's a reminder that nothing we have here compares to the gift of your son." Wow! What an amazing perspective?!  I'm always so overwhelmed with the gift giving part of Christmas.  As fun as it is, I know it's a lot of money for things that won't last. But maybe that's a good thing! Maybe God can use the fallible a

Greetings, Friends and Family! Years ago I sent out a family newsletter at Christmastime. I decided to do it again this year only on my blog instead. It's been a fast and furious year for the Carnley's.  Each year seems to go by a little faster and these kids just insist on growing.  This life of ours can be crazy at times, but we are so blessed that we get to do it all together. I love this precious family of mine so much.  We have seen God's hand work in so many ways through the years and look forward to all he has in store. We are grateful! Justin is going on 15 years at the Lufkin Post Office as a city letter carrier. He also gives guitar lessons, trains the up and coming student worship  band at our church, and plays on the church praise team. He still enjoys gardening, cooking, and hunting and in his spare time he's been working on remodeling a room in our garage for Sidney to have her own space. He yielded a decent harvest in his big garden this year a