Looking Towards Heaven

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024Sun, 10 May 2026 20:32:55 +0000my liferandom thoughtsphotosWhat thefun stufflife with kidsI must be crazykidswalk with Christabout mecontestWFMWThursdayThirteentotally random postFightin the FrumpParenting is funFruition DesignsprayerparentingChristmasfashionblog issuesyummy foodbloggingmommy cardsLook - I know stuffpraiseCharacterbeautybible studyfluffpregnancydesignsI love JesusI'm curiousModern Media MomOH MY GOODNESSSheSpeaksfavorite linksGodLook - CrazinessLook - booksMay I Recommendmemeswho we areIRLThe Amazing Adventures of Muffinfrugal livinggracemarriagemissionsBlog SquatteragingministryworshipFo' RealzLook - I'm a momknittingBoo-yaEveryday ThingsHoliday ParTayLook - I can talkLook - I'm a Jesus FreakNaBloPoMoThanksgivingThat's my Kinggoalsgood newshuntingsalvationscrapbook pagevideosCUTE stuffGobble GobbleHeavenHonorsI'm a GeekI'm a Jesus FreakLook - Life Happensdreamsmodestypanic attacksstuffBlog DesignBlog SquattersCourageHappy New YearLiving LifeLook - KITTENSTechnology Woesabortionblessingsdepressiongiveawayquiltingshoppingtv is my friend100 things about meBlissfully DomesticHELPHoliday CardsHot Mamas KnowI'm a daughterI'm a fashion queenInner FulfillmentLife is GoodLook - I can write wordsLook - I love bargainsLook - I review thingsLook - I'm (sortof) craftyLook - I'm a Hockey FreakLook - videosSpotlight of Faith Awardbabiesbible study; Inner Fulfillmentcomplaintsgood priceshealthy eatingnutritionpurposeful eatingpurposeful livingschoolscrapbookingscripturesocial networkingtotally random post; Look - I know stuffy'all ask - I tellLooking Towards Heavenhttp://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)Blogger719125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-6219221555780600591Wed, 23 Feb 2011 01:47:00 +00002011-02-22T19:47:00.284-06:00RSS readers<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have a new site. Please update your feed readers to point to <a href="http://www.karlaarcher.com/feed/" target="_blank">http:<wbr></wbr>/<wbr></wbr>/www<wbr></wbr>.karlaarcher<wbr></wbr>.com<wbr></wbr>/feed<wbr></wbr>/</a> and subscribe. (as a special bonus: I'll send sparkles and giggles and smiles your way) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">(if that doesn't work, pls head over to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://karlaarcher.com/" style="color: #940f04; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://karlaarcher.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> and click on the RSS button on the upper right sidebar)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This site won't be here for much longer, so I'd be so so so happy if you clicked on that link and followed me on my new site. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">There was a reason you followed me before!! Right???!!??  I think you'll still like me over on my new site.</div>http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2011/02/rss-readers_22.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-7746942550238365393Mon, 14 Feb 2011 01:46:00 +00002011-02-13T19:46:00.553-06:00RSS readers<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /> <div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have a new site. Please update your feed readers to point to <a href="http://www.karlaarcher.com/feed/" target="_blank">http:<wbr></wbr>/<wbr></wbr>/www<wbr></wbr>.karlaarcher<wbr></wbr>.com<wbr></wbr>/feed<wbr></wbr>/</a> and subscribe. (as a special bonus: I'll send sparkles and giggles and smiles your way) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">(if that doesn't work, pls head over to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://karlaarcher.com/" style="color: #940f04; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://karlaarcher.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> and click on the RSS button on the upper right sidebar)</span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /> </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This site won't be here for much longer, so I'd be so so so happy if you clicked on that link and followed me on my new site. </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /> </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There was a reason you followed me before!! Right???!!??  I think you'll still like me over on my new site.</span></div></div></div>http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2011/02/rss-readers_13.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-8223312964805080898Sun, 06 Feb 2011 01:45:00 +00002011-02-05T19:45:00.186-06:00RSS readers<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /> <div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have a new site. Please update your feed readers to point to <a href="http://www.karlaarcher.com/feed/" target="_blank">http:<wbr></wbr>/<wbr></wbr>/www<wbr></wbr>.karlaarcher<wbr></wbr>.com<wbr></wbr>/feed<wbr></wbr>/</a> and subscribe. (as a special bonus: I'll send sparkles and giggles and smiles your way) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">(if that doesn't work, pls head over to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://karlaarcher.com/" style="color: #940f04; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://karlaarcher.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> and click on the RSS button on the upper right sidebar)</span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /> </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This site won't be here for much longer, so I'd be so so so happy if you clicked on that link and followed me on my new site. </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /> </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There was a reason you followed me before!! Right???!!??  I think you'll still like me over on my new site.</span></div></div></div>http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2011/02/rss-readers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-8374355745961539994Mon, 31 Jan 2011 01:45:00 +00002011-01-30T19:45:00.221-06:00RSS readers<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /> <div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have a new site. Please update your feed readers to point to <a href="http://www.karlaarcher.com/feed/" target="_blank">http:<wbr></wbr>/<wbr></wbr>/www<wbr></wbr>.karlaarcher<wbr></wbr>.com<wbr></wbr>/feed<wbr></wbr>/</a> and subscribe. (as a special bonus: I'll send sparkles and giggles and smiles your way) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">(if that doesn't work, pls head over to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://karlaarcher.com/" style="color: #940f04; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://karlaarcher.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> and click on the RSS button on the upper right sidebar)</span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /> </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This site won't be here for much longer, so I'd be so so so happy if you clicked on that link and followed me on my new site. </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /> </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There was a reason you followed me before!! Right???!!??  I think you'll still like me over on my new site.</span></div></div></div>http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2011/01/rss-readers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-6037054956801620411Thu, 27 Jan 2011 01:45:00 +00002011-01-26T19:54:26.377-06:00RSS readers - This is for you!!!<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have a new site. Please update your feed readers to point to <a href="http://www.karlaarcher.com/feed/" target="_blank">http:<wbr></wbr>/<wbr></wbr>/www<wbr></wbr>.karlaarcher<wbr></wbr>.com<wbr></wbr>/feed<wbr></wbr>/</a> and subscribe. (as a special bonus: I'll send sparkles and giggles and smiles your way) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">(if that doesn't work, pls head over to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://karlaarcher.com/" style="color: #940f04; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://karlaarcher.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> and click on the RSS button on the upper right sidebar)</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /> </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This site won't be here for much longer, so I'd be so so so happy if you clicked on that link and followed me on my new site. </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /> </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">There was a reason you followed me before!! Right???!!??  I think you'll still like me over on my new site.</div></div>http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2011/01/rss-readers-this-is-for-you.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-7066604660966379269Mon, 11 Oct 2010 19:33:00 +00002010-10-11T14:33:12.283-05:00New PostI'm still in the process of migrating everything over, but I can't stand not writing so I went ahead and posted on <a href="http://www.karlaarcher.com/"><b>the new site</b></a>.<br /> <br /> Please stop over and share your thoughts. (Ignore the dust -- it's still a disorganized undecorated mess... *fitting*)http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-post.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-3960547237238913980Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:32:00 +00002010-08-20T11:34:02.551-05:00healthy eatingnutritionpurposeful eatingpurposeful livingPurposeful LivingToday on my other blog (<a href="http://www.livingthelifefantastic.com/karlas-blog/2010/8/19/purposeful-living-purposeful-eating.html"><b>Living the Life Fantastic</b></a>), I've written about Purposeful Living. Hint: It includes a brownie recipe. It also includes some tips from this book:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Almond-Flour-Cookbook/dp/158761345X?ie=UTF8&tag=lookitowarhea-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook</a><br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Almond-Flour-Cookbook/dp/158761345X?ie=UTF8&tag=lookitowarhea-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lookitowarhea-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=158761345X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Almond-Flour-Cookbook/dp/158761345X?ie=UTF8&tag=lookitowarhea-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=158761345X&tag=lookitowarhea-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lookitowarhea-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=158761345X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.livingthelifefantastic.com/karlas-blog/2010/8/19/purposeful-living-purposeful-eating.html">Purposeful Living: Purposeful Eating</a><br /> <br /> (*note: the link for the cookbook is an affiliate link)<br /> <div><br /> </div><div><br /> </div>http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2010/08/purposeful-living.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-8693860434613032892Mon, 16 Aug 2010 04:26:00 +00002010-08-15T23:26:19.944-05:00updatedon't forget to check out my site: http://livingthelifefantastic.com.<br />and also my business site: http://archercreative.com<br /><br />http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2010/08/update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-3800443204714327559Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:25:00 +00002010-07-02T09:25:14.952-05:00Hi! Remember me?I've been trying to return to blogging for months now... I've been blogging in various places, but not here.<br /> <br /> I'm in the process of creating a new blog; this one will remain and I will refer to it at times in my new blog because the stories told on these pages are still a part of me and tell of how I got to where I am today... <br /> <br /> I have so many new stories to tell. Photos to share. It's been hard to find my voice for the last year and know what to say or how to say it. But they are still a part of me and I want to record them.<br /> <br /> My life is a mess. A beautiful mess.http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2010/07/hi-remember-me.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-1460462345545425489Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:44:00 +00002009-12-31T16:56:26.948-06:00about meWhat 2009 taught menothing is certain... we all know that. i've had to relearn that lesson many times and this year it seemed to be a monthly lesson; the 'Groundhog Day' version of my life.<br /> <br /> i don't want it to be for nothing, so i'm making this list to help me pretend i've got this all figured out.<br /> <br /> what i've learned in 2009:<br /> <blockquote><b>• family will always have my back.</b><br /> <b>• finding a job of ANY kind is a full-time job and the pay sucks.</b><br /> <b>• love doesn't see age</b><br /> <b>• my kids love me regardless of my status</b><br /> <b>• things that seem as though they'd be simple never are</b><br /> <b>• i will never be someone who has things fall into her lap</b><br /> <b>• priorities are easy to figure out but harder to implement</b><br /> <b>• true friends can be found online and may never get to meet in person</b><br /> <b>• there is more to life than attention</b><br /> <b>• life is sweeter when shared</b><br /> <b>• i am stronger than i was 12 months ago</b><br /> <i><b>but,</b></i><br /> <b>• i'm still prone to pouting</b><br /> <b>• being called 'over-qualified' doesn't make getting passed over for a job any easier to swallow</b><br /> <b>• living out of boxes and maintaining your sanity takes dedication</b><br /> <b>• being 38 and living with your parents to be able to make a better life for yourself and your children is humbling</b><br /> <b>• some people really do make an impact on everyone they meet</b><br /> <b>• there really are people who care about me</b><br /> </blockquote><br /> Here's to 2010 being a good one...http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/12/what-2009-taught-me.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-7422739310732750533Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:10:00 +00002009-12-16T21:19:17.574-06:00ChristmasLook - I'm a Jesus FreakChristmas, where are you?<i> (originally published December 21, 2007)</i><br /> <br /> I'm usually very transparent on my blog. I figure, if I can't tell it to a group of strangers who I probably won't know this side of Heaven, who can I tell? It is harder, now that I know some of you and have established friendships with many of you.<br /> <br /> That's my round-about way of saying that I've gotten a little more opaque lately and good at keeping things more fluffy.<br /> <br /> Not today. Today, I am hurting and trying to work through some things. I know that as I write this, I will keep wrestling with myself, telling myself to just delete it, once I write it and get it off my chest. But I wonder if others can relate?? So, I'm rushing through it, misspellings, poor sentence structure and all... before I can change my mind.<br /> <br /> The best way to explain, is to sum up how my morning went:<br /> <br /> Abbie was allowed to not wear her standard school attire to school today because she has had no violations in her dress this year. The note home said "jeans and/or a holiday shirt". Abbie had no holiday shirt. She was upset. But she worked hard to get over it. I was frustrated because I would have loved for her to have a holiday shirt. But it wasn't in the budget. I raced her to school. She got out of the car and ran towards the school. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, she went down. And landed in thick gooey mud... I got her to the door and then raced home to get her clean clothes. <br /> <br /> In the meantime, her teacher called and said that Abbie was crying and embarrassed. My poor, sweet, forlorn girl. <br /> <br /> And I barely had enough gas in my car to drive back over.<br /> <br /> I started crying because of the frustration of the gas, the "no holiday shirt" and the mud and the child trying to be okay with it all. <br /> <br /> But <b><i>I </i></b>wasn't okay with it.<br /> <br /> Why? Because this Christmas we've struggled with getting presents, let alone extras. We've got medical bills that have to be paid and we are still trying to take care of bills that went to collections when we lived in Maryland. We've been poor stewards of our money in the past. We've been trying to catch up from our year of constant errors and times are usually lean. When we do have extra, it's like a gorging feast that gives you indigestion when it's all over. It's not frivolously spent - but in the lean times, our list of things we need when we have extra money grows longer and longer.<br /> <br /> <b>So I've cried this morning.</b> I've cried for my daughter who is so sweet and tender and should be able to be wearing a cheery Christmas shirt at school today, but isn't. I've cried over the fact that were it not for other family members thinking of us and sending gifts, the tree skirt would be showing all of its un-hemmed glory. <b>I've cried over the simple frustration of day-to-day life on this fallen earth. </b><br /> <br /> And then <b>I remember Jesus</b>. <br /> <br /> And <b>I remember what He gave me and what He did for me.</b> <br /> <br /> And <b>I remember <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2024:35&version=31">what He said</a> about the things of this earth. </b><br /> <br /> And <b>I remember that Mary and Joseph and the shepherds didn't have festive holiday attire at that first Christmas. </b><br /> <br /> Rather, they were in a smelly, cold stable. And it <i>was still <b>the most perfect Christmas</b> <b>in the history of the world.</b> No festive lights (other than that shining star), no shiny bows and trimmings, no Ho Ho Hos... </i><br /> <br /> The Gift that was laid in that manager so long ago<b> is still my gift</b>. It is far better than anything that could be under our tree or that my daughter could be wearing to school. <b>Because of Him, I am redeemed and justified. And no one can snatch me from His hand. </b><br /> <br /> Not bill collectors. <br /> <br /> Not grumpy holiday shoppers. <br /> <br /> Not advertisers that tempt me with all of the things they say will make my holiday <i>perfect</i>. <br /> <br /> I am beginning to remember the real reason for this Holy day. The reason my home is decorated and presents are wrapped. <br /> <br /> And I'm praying my heart will be filled with His peace and love. <br /> <br /> And I pray the same for each of you. <br /> <br /> <b>Merry Christmas, friends!</b><br /> <blockquote><i>There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."</i> <br /> <i>At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: <br /> Glory to God in the heavenly heights, <br /> Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.</i><br /> <i>~ Luke 2:8-14 (the Message)</i><br /> </blockquote>http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-where-are-you.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-1590429824362923527Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:16:00 +00002009-12-02T18:16:15.458-06:00Look - Life HappensLife keeps on keepin’ on…<p>I’m still struggling with what to write on here. So much of what is on my mind is personal, and while I’ve always shared that, there are others whose feelings I must be respectful of…</p> <p>But I would like to ask that y’all continue to hold me and the children in your prayers. I’m still looking for a job and because I’m still looking for a job, that is another reason I have to be conscientious of what I write. </p> <p>I’ll be back to writing on here soon enough. </p> <p>Thanks for hanging in there with me.</p> http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/12/life-keeps-on-keepin-on.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-1123546699518543131Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:54:00 +00002009-10-28T06:15:05.949-05:00Look - CrazinessThanks<p>Y’all! How I’ve missed you! And all of your comments on my last post reaffirm how much I love this whole bloggin’ thing. To think that I write a post after almost 3 months and YOU NOTICED!</p> <p>Thanks for all of the sweet comments. It means so much. </p> <p>Keep your eye out for me reemerging from the woodwork some more.</p>http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/09/thanks.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-4221551476280744358Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:05:00 +00002009-09-15T13:05:20.242-05:00Look - Life HappensSo I’ve been MIA<p>I’ll keep this brief because otherwise it might be another 3 months until I write again… (I can’t believe that I haven’t written on here for so long.)</p> <p>It’s not that I haven’t been writing. But I’ve been writing on a private blog of my own, sorting through things (Isn’t that why I always end up writing?) I just haven’t known how or what to write about what is going on with me.</p> <p>Briefly: I’ve been in MD, at my parent’s, with the children, since the beginning of July. I’m looking for work. My husband and I are separated. He has since moved up here, so the children are spending every other week with one of us.</p> <p>I won’t be writing much more about it on here, unless it is something that I can write about in a way that is respectful to Sean and the children. Obviously, it’s a personal matter, but it doesn’t mean that I’m not willing to talk about it, so if you are wanting to ask, feel free to email me.</p> <p>Hopefully, now that I’ve tossed that out here I won’t feel the need to avoid writing on here. I just haven’t know how to deal with it in a public way. The easy way out would have been to just continue writing on here and pretending that nothing was wrong. But that isn’t how I work. </p> http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/09/so-ive-been-mia.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-4524885998977704505Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:09:00 +00002009-06-22T06:09:00.918-05:00Look - I'm a Jesus FreakLook - I'm a momFaith Like a Child<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxWxygmzezHVYOPjIzxdY0lfRReUUaTkvw1PzECnrISnCwXfwVqky9jpTi5siJg7ZbFp2p4B_VpdSv-IZRTHmvb4R7vNsgSeo93tZVi09DPFVmSKqvmiY_JuGaL77CnV6LKmgPA/s1600-h/DSC_1599%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1599" border="0" alt="DSC_1599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5WLvFple2oGfVRCiW7m6ZobYyJq4nosP_qXmfnTvkzV7XhqsQrgV_R1QkjcWRP2kfniz25R1Fp1nxZinNE-MCo2Ax4PiAkQNE9E8dJeLNnEEZf8yR_olvBroO5_tQ1nol4C3Mg/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p>There is nothing like watching children worshipping. <strong>Completely uninhibited. Arms up. Singing off key at the top of their lungs.</strong></p> <p>I’m so grateful that our kids were able to attend our churches VBS this past week.</p> <blockquote> <p><em>615 school-aged children</em></p> <p><em>$3300 (!!!!) given in offerings to build FOUR wells in India (their goal was $1500)</em></p> <p><em>50 children making a decision to follow Christ</em></p> </blockquote> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIlVN_l_rv9jYHLlwZDYE0IitjeAeHkV3gLmmX2r7gmhcgj9VUpmvJWId9QOrEHQVMdI82fKviSrerp4HcpSMYBzCor9_q5B_SiHHxW5xokPUgbitvqss7Y9B-eAuSDr-EYdZ8A/s1600-h/DSC_1596%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1596" border="0" alt="DSC_1596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapuzO9Sn22Gz3ckiN84HaeXDV4RlMyoxjN6AofNWClTyoUY0w53L-F9Ane_2kEKj3AWneyvvSCV8_OeRBkZYfQbLaKIgWTgjRsQmAp_dOrTL_m0wCa5vWwMZG6DFde6mnhKnkgg/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Their eternity is now on a totally different course. Forever changed.</strong></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 425px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:b89946c8-1bc4-4801-88ce-9c5c934e8fea" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="f65dc085-01bf-42b1-94b9-b32053a81da8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hfix3Weushg&hl=en&fs=1&" target="_new"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_U4Hl-STzf6xb9TyxJv75a0Kv6GiD_c-O8w-l4svQEu38AD8cr4MGK_J3jnXwdCdekv22SH0GhHqyPZAp3hRN_fEN8aVTQd13My5IVN_FEzAGkFgPS_m83gPuZryFsLnkiuZ1w/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('f65dc085-01bf-42b1-94b9-b32053a81da8'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Hfix3Weushg&hl=en&fs=1&&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Hfix3Weushg&hl=en&fs=1&&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p>For more info: I’ve written a post on <a href="http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2008/04/praying-for-your-children.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>how to pray for your children</em></strong></a>, with resources listed.</p> http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/06/faith-like-child.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-4493617327422468129Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:05:00 +00002009-09-21T12:45:21.129-05:00I'm a daughterFathers and Daughters (alternate title: Watch your words)<p>When I was a teenager, I came across a letter that my dad had written to my mom when I was born. He was overseas when I was born, deployed to Korea. So the first time we met face-to-face, I was around 6 months.</p> <p>At the time I discovered this letter, I was an awkward, self-conscious teenager with plum hair and white lipstick. </p> <p>The feelings that swept over me as I read that letter stay with me to this day, and I’m sure that they have carried me through many hard times, as they built me up at that time, and surely sparked something that help reprogram me out of my teenage <span style="font-style: italic;">whatever it was</span>…</p> <p>My parents were great at letting us know we were loved. Except for the New Years Day dinner my 9th grade year, they rarely fussed over my eclectic-ness. I know it drove them nuts that I wore clothes with holes in them and that I never ironed. Even still, there was a part of me – that part of a child who wonders how someone could ever love someone like them – that knew there must be some strings attached.</p> <p>Reading this letter I realized that there were none. Seeing in ink, on that aged piece of paper, my father's words, words of complete and utter joy, I knew without a doubt that I had always been and would always be: loved.</p> <p>I’ve tucked that letter away into a safe place. But even if I never see it again, it was burned onto the memory of mind.</p><p>Beyond this - know that your words have an impact. Spoken or written. For better or worse - they are out there.<br /><br />Make them count, so that they make a difference.</p><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lVam-fshUgw&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lVam-fshUgw&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/06/fathers-and-daughters-alternate-title.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-8046231244489907860Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:38:00 +00002009-06-15T13:40:37.247-05:00Modern Media MomWhat's New At Modern Media MomIf you are a Wordpress user and are stuggling with the upgrade to 2.8, I've written a post on how to deal with potential upgrade issues at <a href="http://www.modernmediamom.com/2009/06/dealing-with-potential-issues-while-upgrading-to-wordpress-2-8/">Modern Media Mom</a>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />Enjoy my sites? </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Would you kindly vote for <b>ModernMediaMom</b> as one of <b>The Blogs You've Learned the Most From</b> and <b>Looking Towards Heaven</b> as <b>The Most Inspiring Blog</b> over at the <a href="http://www.socialluxelounge.com/blogluxe/"><b>BlogLuxe Awards</b></a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll bake you cookies if you do. (of course, I'll have to eat them for you.)</div><div style="text-align: left;">(Note: they've switched things up, and the nominees are now randomly ordered, so you'll have to scroll through to find my sites)</div>http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/06/whats-new-at-modern-media-mom.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-1420131374344702387Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-06-08T06:00:00.754-05:00Look - I know stuffLook - I'm (sortof) craftyDecorate with Ribbons: Ribbon Valances<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehpxPk04IXXW1N3ohI9VQeQn_BCq7zAtT7rGYvBoR21L7jXHO0LaO5zIIqqVYhhX6rKnvyveox9X4QcIAf_ILj_-PLfUHEgc61WtaGkFQYL_Dpj81FwYdqtnxHIdD21YveFyL6w/s1600-h/ribboncurtainde%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="ribboncurtainde" border="0" alt="ribboncurtainde" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrbYRg5WwLVvoNJxhrgWffFvoKMaxXLU5lhvNf2GmDEWBXayYw2ZzeZ7A-38rZlJLyp9spbHHCALatX82ycRuIJA8s0MMciJgWlHk0i2U9k5WfTzQRd6QfPid2wgCOgzUUisNdQ/?imgmax=800" width="260" height="260" /></a></p> <p>Ribbons are so much fun to decorate with. They are <strong>inexpensive and can add a big punch for the cost</strong>. That is my kind of decorating!</p> <p>This is a project that is perfect for springtime or summer, and <em>so</em> easy to make. With windows open for fresh air, the ribbons will be blowing in the breeze. The perfect effect for your princesses' room.</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>< You'll need a tension rod and about 10 yards each of five different ribbons</strong> (the amount will vary depending on window size). </p> <p>< Cut the ribbons a few inches longer than you need in order to reach the sill, then tie each length onto the rod in a necktie knot. </p> <p>< Alternate colors or patterns. </p> <p>< Trim to fit.</p> </blockquote> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVK8jxf9Zv9tnFdPyYXy4CPaG6C76tWxWbiLLn7eV88PmOP779UUZIL4kwXz2l6AcbZ-PcIVQfmF1RcnamNAYR-_4DoAK5QUoxiliSkpaEcEP11YY15kR8AYyXwyMIuJfo-ExUFA/s1600-h/ribbon_curtain_2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="ribbon_curtain_2" border="0" alt="ribbon_curtain_2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIX3BU51tYfuEt1wW5grErOoI2WJqCjYw0bOmBSefWIf0KjS3O9vW3lRC2GXeo5DuzcpXNOsRFtO31YWresKJ-MmB9N6d56-PAgOhOZ3iTSUPypsTHidCChEni0EHhbkohY_3og/?imgmax=800" width="282" height="336" /></a><em>(these are sewn onto a piece of sheer fabric) </em></p> <p>You could also do as I did, and trim the ribbons in more of a valance length. <strong>Vary the lengths.</strong> <strong>This isn't about precision!</strong></p> <p>These are so sweet to look at. Go ahead and make one. Let me know if you do.</p> <p>(basic directions and photo from Good Housekeeping)</p> <p><em>(this was originally posted by me at Blissfully Domestic)</em></p> http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/06/decorate-with-ribbons-ribbon-valances.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-7645475288736175092Sun, 07 Jun 2009 22:20:00 +00002009-06-07T17:20:15.488-05:00Look - I can talkReasons You Should Attend “A Woman Inspired”<h5>DON'T FORGET: Tomorrow is the start of "<a href="http://www.awomaninspiredconference.org/" target="_blank">A WOMAN INSPIRED</a>" online conference. </h5> <blockquote> <p>Reasons you should attend: </p> <p>1) It's all online - attend in your pjs and morning breath </p> <p>2) It is totally affordable (<em>$12.95</em> for the entire week! hel-lo!!!!)</p> <p>3) You can listen at your leisure - all sessions will be available to listen to afterwards if you are out swimming with the kids at the time of the actual session </p> <p>4) I'm speaking (on Social Media) </p> <p>5) You will surely be blessed.</font></p></blockquote> http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/06/reasons-you-should-attend-woman.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-2485886263898706805Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:59:00 +00002009-06-07T16:59:56.547-05:00Look - I can talk“A Woman Inspired” – ticket winners<p><em>(This is the second time in a week that I have published a post with the wrong date, causing it to not show up when I thought it did)</em></p> <p><em>*edited because the conference is now tomorrow!</em></p> <p>Tomorrow is the start of “A Woman Inspired” online conference. Anyone who is able to attend will surely be blessed by the speakers (including, hopefully, my talk)</p> <p>I promised free tickets to FIVE lucky winners. Those winners are:</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://thehappyhousewife.com"><em><strong>The Happy Housewife</strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03714894159621233838"><em><strong>Lanie</strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/06761589263749466874"><em><strong>Abbreviated</strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.givinguponperfect.com/"><em><strong>Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect</strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.nothingbetterthanablankpage.blogspot.com/"><em><strong>VSliker</strong></em></a></p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Congrats ladies! Please email me at lookingtowardsheaven (at) gmail (dot) com so that I can get you connected with the important people involved in taking care of such things.</strong></p> http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/06/woman-inspired-ticket-winners.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-189003453719883274Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +00002009-06-05T10:22:54.244-05:00Look - I'm a Jesus FreakThere is a time to avert your eyes. And a time to take notice.<blockquote> <p align="center"><em>(*this post was originally posted November 19, 2007)</em></p> </blockquote> <p align="left">This past weekend I had several errands to run, so Saturday I loaded up the kids and we headed to the stores.</p> <p align="left">We first went to lunch, because frankly, it was like Old Mother Hubbard's house around here. The cupboard's were bare, short of a bag of leftover Halloween candy. That would have been a viable option for me, except that I had already eaten all of the candy that I like...</p> <p align="left">After lunch we hit some of the local stores. I knew exactly where I wanted to go and what I needed to get.</p> <p align="left">When we lived in Wisconsin, this would have been no quick trip. We lived in a very rural town and had to travel 2 hours to the nearest mall and 45 minutes to the nearest Wal-Mart. (but no walking barefoot through the snow uphill both ways...) Any shopping had to be planned or done online.</p> <p align="left">The lovely part of this was that I learned to be content with what I had. Honestly, there's not much I can think of buying that a 2 hour trip in a car with kids won't cure me of. I did most of my clothes shopping online.</p> <p align="left">When we moved to Maryland, I stayed away from the malls because we didn't have the money to get by each week, let alone do any extra shopping.</p> <p align="center"> <br /></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtvEjFoIc6oVS0GGeQd43HRCGJLCKubGjko9zND6akIyheD8VLfNlQR2p48jojCo3PVnG9FPCPji8WC_hpsElsaULbWoqNt6V68DtSZ9w-6WFjasuONkEowBCC5db2W0_Yukr/s1600-h/rag+and+bone.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtvEjFoIc6oVS0GGeQd43HRCGJLCKubGjko9zND6akIyheD8VLfNlQR2p48jojCo3PVnG9FPCPji8WC_hpsElsaULbWoqNt6V68DtSZ9w-6WFjasuONkEowBCC5db2W0_Yukr/s320/rag+and+bone.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p> <p align="left">But recently, I've had to go into REAL stores, with real items I can touch! and smell! and they are displayed so lovely. And <strong>the desire for "things" has had to be stuffed aside repeatedly.</strong> I was amazed at <strong>the things that I began to think that I "needed"...</strong> things that before Saturday, I didn't even know I could buy. I went into BabiesRUs to use a gift certificate that we received for Declan's birth. I knew just what I wanted... but walking to the right aisle led me past digital baby scales for making sure your baby is the perfect weight in between doctor's visits. Sterilization kits. Gadgets for increasing your baby's IQ in utero. Luxury strollers. <strong>I had to keep my eyes averted just to keep from passing out from the panting.</strong></p> <p align="left"> <br /></p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToaRcaHN_IkD5kJxWSgXzqJs_nTWq3NaNP4pq3Za2M1SJoFtgvDHgJGKpaRaClgUAUUTqdHfLmgKcK7KpS6-6G3jeh6QK4_rvgdGsfEtI3N_snCSav7mq51komiNhUL0U0A0d/s1600-h/jcpenney.JPG"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToaRcaHN_IkD5kJxWSgXzqJs_nTWq3NaNP4pq3Za2M1SJoFtgvDHgJGKpaRaClgUAUUTqdHfLmgKcK7KpS6-6G3jeh6QK4_rvgdGsfEtI3N_snCSav7mq51komiNhUL0U0A0d/s320/jcpenney.JPG" border="0" /></a> <p>Even our local Wal-Mart is fancy, with its wooden floors and track lighting. Shopping at Wal-Mart is hard enough without having to deal with every thing screaming from the racks for you to take it home.<br /></p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6bHjMzFWzlo2fBO3Am-qEiB4ZzIJpAA64CTwr515vUHqoK2r4lgcbEPCjAEdTkoYtBJT2-cTdHqwv5IXxRCQ4S4QL20kVWxCKs115cevS2DWEodBeyi97_JVh-_SXqcfXpTu/s1600-h/int-6.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6bHjMzFWzlo2fBO3Am-qEiB4ZzIJpAA64CTwr515vUHqoK2r4lgcbEPCjAEdTkoYtBJT2-cTdHqwv5IXxRCQ4S4QL20kVWxCKs115cevS2DWEodBeyi97_JVh-_SXqcfXpTu/s320/int-6.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p align="center"> <br />It is hard to be content.</p> <p align="center"> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8ZZ2t6mXRg-oZ50zD9s6A9Ku8sRcBRPx0DWeiYe1GIMzHoq9xUgReeopxqy9SYhvB4jLR3eEQG1e0XNou1vojST87Sz9DuOf5NQtlktIWkCzP5chE_j7K-_Qk35szrtq8NnX/s1600-h/Bebe_Storefront_small.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8ZZ2t6mXRg-oZ50zD9s6A9Ku8sRcBRPx0DWeiYe1GIMzHoq9xUgReeopxqy9SYhvB4jLR3eEQG1e0XNou1vojST87Sz9DuOf5NQtlktIWkCzP5chE_j7K-_Qk35szrtq8NnX/s320/Bebe_Storefront_small.jpg" border="0" /></a></p> <p align="center"> <br />There is so much that we think we must have.</p> <p align="center"> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKzBoiEUN8nRPxDUa9CzeGPPHDWFAgrm8aijfjPXwB7MPy1l64N-D-6fUlVmGRqVNoJUgPOYrKPT1GJ_RFgIGR0MrsX5MjrqO_r2e5HIR_ul7Kr2rKtbzYHvq6SgPET4Epyh3/s1600-h/anthropologie.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKzBoiEUN8nRPxDUa9CzeGPPHDWFAgrm8aijfjPXwB7MPy1l64N-D-6fUlVmGRqVNoJUgPOYrKPT1GJ_RFgIGR0MrsX5MjrqO_r2e5HIR_ul7Kr2rKtbzYHvq6SgPET4Epyh3/s320/anthropologie.JPG" border="0" /></a></p> <p align="center"> <br />That we think will make us happy.</p> <p align="center"> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJXOfD_e4PcJUvx6VuXH81YbjuJ-BQLH-dzs7hVhri5unOYOLL_qZgEgYh3EzR3ZjThqbsZDglk7-mGUrgljbZZokrmFUjDFGXKUeEVcWsEj-Zan5t1SPKmra3cRi3yLisk-d/s1600-h/anthropologie+2.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJXOfD_e4PcJUvx6VuXH81YbjuJ-BQLH-dzs7hVhri5unOYOLL_qZgEgYh3EzR3ZjThqbsZDglk7-mGUrgljbZZokrmFUjDFGXKUeEVcWsEj-Zan5t1SPKmra3cRi3yLisk-d/s320/anthropologie+2.jpg" border="0" /></a></p> <p align="center"> <br />That will fill a void.</p> <p align="center"> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKswrH74iTArk1NtVwJBHErfgktINPRZelBIyIByhZosin-Oee-NZUMIXFR217YE99zXAGWdWYm43-jRUnz9XvFPUZ0T_acu9_wMXraa77SWRv-a3LZ-HUYIWDLQ65i-6oblW/s1600-h/gap2.span.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKswrH74iTArk1NtVwJBHErfgktINPRZelBIyIByhZosin-Oee-NZUMIXFR217YE99zXAGWdWYm43-jRUnz9XvFPUZ0T_acu9_wMXraa77SWRv-a3LZ-HUYIWDLQ65i-6oblW/s320/gap2.span.jpg" border="0" /></a></p> <p align="center"> <br />That we think will make us popular and well-thought of.</p> <p align="center"> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqnaD4oSwxJWN4DYqXzd-HTAM1y-_BLpWxnzKae2yoMBbxlqCmKnItYMblUuTh0oxcoClhwtgZ9ZWV4xVJB_S__210SuM_ZoHdNXc5p9TJ5M9cU8SqMagREsqyiV5zyd2DRNK/s1600-h/gapinterior.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqnaD4oSwxJWN4DYqXzd-HTAM1y-_BLpWxnzKae2yoMBbxlqCmKnItYMblUuTh0oxcoClhwtgZ9ZWV4xVJB_S__210SuM_ZoHdNXc5p9TJ5M9cU8SqMagREsqyiV5zyd2DRNK/s320/gapinterior.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /></p> <p align="center">If only we had could have it.</p> <p align="center"> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZgiTHcw2zH6ngRXducqoDkhENP1MAM4ydqwHwFwZMRBNcN4_6zQOcJZDHBPnDiM3XYcfACZTE1cXktiD_JC7K7rfE4ezVxX7luPbFf_8wifoYBsTGoi97UPNFI9RedrmImmz/s1600-h/gap-jeans-redesign-759431.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZgiTHcw2zH6ngRXducqoDkhENP1MAM4ydqwHwFwZMRBNcN4_6zQOcJZDHBPnDiM3XYcfACZTE1cXktiD_JC7K7rfE4ezVxX7luPbFf_8wifoYBsTGoi97UPNFI9RedrmImmz/s320/gap-jeans-redesign-759431.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /></p> <p align="center">Then life would be be complete.</p> <p align="center"> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJ5brZdfnCWbJMKOJaGjv6JH94X63SoZZ9tKm6abUGTmqOxAdhlWw_fJ8NBKWJFGhkG7mE3Vgl-HdAi8BET758XpZU_DTMuuRmUwCza_k_AxLs9PlKYuFpaHdLZx-EoB4jAbm/s1600-h/Cliffs-Golf-Home-Main-Photo.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJ5brZdfnCWbJMKOJaGjv6JH94X63SoZZ9tKm6abUGTmqOxAdhlWw_fJ8NBKWJFGhkG7mE3Vgl-HdAi8BET758XpZU_DTMuuRmUwCza_k_AxLs9PlKYuFpaHdLZx-EoB4jAbm/s320/Cliffs-Golf-Home-Main-Photo.jpg" border="0" /></a></p> <p align="left">But that's not how its supposed to be. Not when there are people who have to do without basic necessities each and every day. When people are suffering from diseases that are treatable.<br /></p> <p align="left">I love beautiful things. And don't believe there is anything inherently wrong with beautiful things. But there is <strong>when we ignore the suffering of others while we bask in "OUR" things.</strong></p> <p align="left"><strong>My prayer for each of us is that we will be content with the things we've been blessed with and that we will remember and help take care of those who have been blessed with little.</strong></p> <blockquote> <p align="left">Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. <br />~ Deuteronomy 15:11</p> </blockquote> <div style="padding: 0px; width: 425px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:3dffaec7-fcaf-4fae-bc8f-0c0cb979d0fd" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="44c2bf61-cd8e-4b06-9b56-458d0fc57422" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSdP6PqsbJY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" target="_new"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit88GWwE_GuL_ckMN0XvBBBTh0UUjwM51uzp7qDJwQMdlKOhayGgJouzWlEtNurKiSSAPgrDpNH1ETPnu41ajopWZk0lZESEv9NnjjsRAdCZitQ_FryZT-4R7e-YdV484BT0YjUg/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('44c2bf61-cd8e-4b06-9b56-458d0fc57422'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/OSdP6PqsbJY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/OSdP6PqsbJY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt="" /></a></div></div></div>http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/06/there-is-time-to-avert-your-eyes-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-4613419324908464504Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:40:00 +00002009-06-05T00:40:52.883-05:00I'm a GeekModern Media Mom is a 2009 BlogLuxe Nominee<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdA07A5-tWT2xv95wO6pzPMdX9qf70QLCDi2JLHo9y5YG8gxMqryFPd1q-A1_hLTWkPlP2Ag15dEF-KVKSsOuPVCoq1V2KaFI9iwV4gqFK39JWdQZiYGm3xNOiqPWoiHTtSDIzuA/s1600-h/award-learned%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="award-learned" border="0" alt="award-learned" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwRJVw5ciVMpE37BD0PXGA5r6e4zOLgAvlTw-FMH1_ZUFE5Dl3XSZnC8znMw885nuuw7JJWxikHJ8VzM6cchv9Uma1SQMi9cTbnQfiKot2MlafJWk67emFvxR6Eyth1p6w2J6-w/?imgmax=800" width="129" height="129" /></a></p> <p>I love what I do at <a href="http://modernmediamom.com" target="_blank">Modern Media Mom</a>. And I’m not kidding when I say that I’d continue doing it even if only one other person read it.</p> <p>But everyone loves to be recognized for the work they do. And I’m pleased that Modern Media Mom has been nominated for the “Blog You’ve Learned the Most From” award at <a href="http://www.socialluxelounge.com/" target="_blank">SocialLuxeLounge.com</a>. </p> <blockquote> <p>If you have found this blog helpful, please consider voting for it. It’s simple. </p> <p>All you have to do is head <a href="http://www.socialluxelounge.com/blogluxe/" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a>. Scroll down to the “Blog You’ve Learned the Most From” category. Click on the heading and a list of nominees will appear. Scroll down until you see “Modern Media Mom”. Click “vote”. </p> <p>You can vote once a day, everyday until voting ends. So feel free to mark it on your calendar and do it daily ;0)</p> </blockquote> <p>And <strong><em>THANK YOU</em></strong> for reading Modern Media Mom. It means so much that you take the time to stop by and be a part of things here.</p> http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/06/modern-media-mom-is-2009-blogluxe.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-7422765473713666163Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:03:00 +00002009-06-04T12:10:32.048-05:00Look - I'm a momphotosSpontaneity<p>Sean is off work this week for his vacation. We had a sort of hodge-podgey vacation schedule this year, because early on I had planned on taking several weeks to go home to Maryland and PA to visit family and friends. Sean can’t take more than one week at this time of year, besides, traveling hours and hours to see family, while we love them to pieces, isn’t always the best way to relax and unwind, especially when you have to travel all over while you are there and can’t really sit and chill. Can I get an amen, <span style="font-size:78%;">or are we alone on that…</span></p> <p>So Saturday morning found Sean surprising us with a quick overnight trip to the beach. While it may have been no more relaxing getting there, it totally recharged us, aaand it <em>was</em> the beach. Usually, I hate the beach, except in the fall/winter, but we had such gorgeous weather, and seeing the kids <strike>eat sand</strike> enjoy the water may have softened me a bit in my beach hating attitude.</p> <p>Some photos for your enjoyment:</p> <p align="center"><strong><em>Big cap on a little guy:</em></strong></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MXV2o8vGtHvPmSkNTH7zzJCGTh7peXcQQqOP5ma-ru3iCUMz9FxZrNkIbzIf8siUr1JdBoZf9a2qoGkeB-wID8ZMiF4an3KRXDf0Lhf02sOLT7Vi9w2EQyC-KyQokXKUlTesXQ/s1600-h/DSC_1504%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1504" alt="DSC_1504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOu6nNQ9NKb2nh7cAJ8tHI4Xw80P6N46XtnbGrz-w8TWejGWvPw7LjLpvKv6LIPumFVVTeHvCUYjP1EAQLwk_TJmRWr9X2H_1ywB5rBG5DSgIYn7LdJluBVw5X8cmaT7JqS3Nmw/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="324" height="217" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em><strong>Can’t see:</strong></em></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxn_odzI3aAHgUB3XPD_VB3qq4ynDLBGDvg211_bYfMP3MnuG83Ya9lq7pnW0H_F6KRLHx1V9CcAaR9_RlNd77OWspb29yrBu0Gc1f145tpfzvo1ssHhzKsMe2bMZ-tixOZKxNgA/s1600-h/DSC_1516%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1516" alt="DSC_1516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3P46Kls-5xLYFzAmpPKuM3CWXUv76Ca8Seypk-2J67Qy7fS5XUx9ucbiCiR2ogIJ8A3QhWWQxaXIgWpztcdd9xc3T7ZSTmxQHT5-u31ebqed4QMgO6vfi9fSmMqBsejVDoi6l8A/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="320" height="215" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomp15A8GjQqYL18mbYUg5JwUZPGzhU5UPwUkM0OzydGSuFBu5ZJK1fqXqpjdatQTrtdk7Gu_OIBL9vXdqx4NYszQiwAlNfFwvy3b7l918WBnzNYLwjvwatVs2twhBhTW2SCFMhw/s1600-h/DSC_1517%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1517" alt="DSC_1517" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4z63QG_puvP8ZGaZrFjMdGmc6xVEgeb4NPeNRzQub49aPQm3bteUlxGgAJXXD4WVrd7D2xldAzUpTYakSS3PKMZ7lD3SxphxFg0CEnx9PfkguAF9eLehl61Qr4orr3Z5gVtoTA/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="324" height="217" /></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><em>There you are:</em></strong> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyU-VKwoRNZsSz2Lc9cmM2SY3mbLEIvEmvtSh2gunz83aUExv2RPk4HmTaUuMyquUgftcxCI0d0V8ddSsD9t5VQk2ci4WxiHYywN17Tx8ayJ7sPxlgxKjjo5Dv5z7PhE_ouHcrSw/s1600-h/DSC_1509%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1509" alt="DSC_1509" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxyQJT9GUQ0gTH14PT4SRICo9rWHtD4BYlVH0bbUofhukXPMaJAo1jQXIsMw9ak6LCoNAlrwcKqpro7YU2xDGPY_Lhagv1fRLmqwao-jgimGzzBuW9xHtU8aczh5AhErws3G58A/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em><strong>Miss Thang:</strong></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfhK1I1bSbJkXvJXPyNmh0ja7wRF5dqilV3zheUuPRJ7mIFV-NFpxQhhCBFwgAwUTOi_zpky66Hg4rcqC1F4kTSC6Onilqiuck9f5jHS5qaAe62N4VwmUt00cooTGxCVUncqGSA/s1600-h/DSC_1505%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: inline;" title="DSC_1505" alt="DSC_1505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oIFn-4xha-xo7LDXXfQk0o-jRC5DDOJH4SMzh1lArT0Vk2CV5NmFD0kW4PK3TKlZq-mIujG5wNGlNCJboWdUp59CHrMCs04AwQCgNGA_zaGWVCQ5B80opsEdX7yI_1gnnrgC_w/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="187" height="278" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB1DTglW2K1pmOdIW6xd4sAZztpVsxd_LgMr8dyz4P_ESuB1wgnzWun4ICQlpq171YmrtS-05r7JvgGP7cgErtfjDt5nKfWp9HogTAvBOgm6KBugLgJKQSPX4UPHmQsnlAXQ1Cg/s1600-h/DSC_1510%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: inline;" title="DSC_1510" alt="DSC_1510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahedd-xH-iIIbvDIJAEC-fQTSJVbasq88vQBB_sDsVd0NbGv_KEijuV3L5RnXi5TVO8Cet_BI5xE3m4CR2mZ3RR_haSiwc6zyOg-7MKtEFbh1gl7hPuzY5odtc7TcWUJKVZRJ7Q/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="187" height="278" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em><strong> Not a cloud to be seen</strong></em></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewc2mDuk8OFxtv23QsbHHiKcRaJQfj8BY-qJn9sVUBYStj10iUW1ZPuG4mJrpFDeuKVSmCr2kZvXdR4KmTU2o2ftH41Cn9dPe2yRmqWimvfPh38c7yJ88hy8ILPjFxECoPu83ag/s1600-h/DSC_1512%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1512" alt="DSC_1512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVi-29d9BGjwl394MH44VCvSR2Bzac7es5l3x9tDcMt0Y4O-b5dk_e9DxrtDlEtGBI1dnYnynmapDqP4dPGWGpM4iW4WCTWx839bSmQ-2n0abZNcPBOToSjvnUxFVQ29Ti4_I7g/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="320" height="215" /></a><em><strong></strong></em></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfMRbAR_jhGJOl9EwceH9rJNkP8lrULoPV8T-FSreu8iAxvTJvrkPEHUQwU1YNNAarOOZBt9iolSqbr1BwxUCzZ-TV8RnO3nsR8SSTSWDmkn4QQQOQj6KHpUWfE_aSmPXn51zXQ/s1600-h/DSC_1513%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1513" alt="DSC_1513" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZM9T8mbe34Kq5aUP5yeYSp0gkVwv3t5Pge93kPJ42VC3Ph3c21-rQeHwUgHkCiY6ORV2m1_Vz0ICfJIsUhFz3GV-K70r35lAWhMMlwK7tUAFslsQAv_QStWllr91AazuX-Q4KA/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="315" height="211" /></a> <em><strong>Yummm</strong></em></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyllkbDwMhygCtN_zZCWxVPc07LNGQ7qMgPjfNhi1l34n1T4vlOenKSFBbHoC6mmzUSZVtm_tFfM8Yac-7julwqAexQ3M7-QWgmIBhdukLVuHbLDEfXiQmZuVQ5aFkZKmrjFJCeQ/s1600-h/DSC_1522%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1522" alt="DSC_1522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSGuTshUt3E8bLT4MyNyonJdQFynR4smir_4DuWlWqXMQ6arTRxT4slmcG3v6TAgQHbALLk7k3EvBk3S1s6N1Y_t8_xQzpWHxdRgzwLsPrwW7O1TZesx5t48mquV3a9b-9nkpGw/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><em>Notice the white trash umbrella:</em></strong></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTRVe75jcYYSw63ERsSQHWPd4w0ewQsqQcFrCRe7KYOYqWKceppsP2bRtHmyQhp393V4m6YnqZ4kxqgS2-5E_th88LxBB57oj8lk2U9xH2CSjJ7rHOje6zeIUPhsAoT2YkQ7kag/s1600-h/DSC_1525%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1525" alt="DSC_1525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUQx2KAHL0Hbio0cCNvLe8MSNZ8k9jteP1-8amRx-E7uPVsn09Iw3WBJjFW8HkhvB4BVJ_WxDHUH3WWtBvGqjwg3h_b2Sdx7NRdaglELcQ4FfmcncR9zUnh4-X89qz5z5AB8ovQ/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p align="center"> <strong><em>Untouched photo – look at the color of the water:</em></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><em></em></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMrpgn76in1lLwwkWyDj7GhnioUyNFx0JHermmBJmkCRx7JYzpUmYm5NR61oT4i5QaYpsJO3x5jq464IsnDUk8Fx7gfqwLLmBbGwvmcfWSVDNb-et-h6jTHq-egFWr15VYsn7fg/s1600-h/DSC_1537%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1537" alt="DSC_1537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VthI2suYqSOgUhbXitZfRZ3q31lilt2tkegQvvB95sAGtjSBrCxl_LbrvW5vWhVjXHB0XESeCJ-4-EdcokRofaLWt0LmLy4-sd8VNKQs4xIKA-quQRqg99Nx7hk4gt99rbJ45w/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="277" height="352" /></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><em>Sandy hands:</em></strong></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCG8-G1ZPsJluAQaCgWGs4RPseGUDfzGPk6QXnj8Xaz29t4_9TugAktDA8YsBPLBjoMxC9CvNukAPYBoSLhXx7_jkxqCji9tO4RfTo-3Wm7KN6v2Skl_HZSuLSY1PLlKcmk0vUA/s1600-h/DSC_1541%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1541" alt="DSC_1541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDR9rhtfB7J_DnodsUT4Ob-Su5VqjuEm2jjpk4AMPGgTjL1JrLHJzEoUdnnt4WxSWgiId6Tnu5aLPahwJIVcghDTSwBlfFrdmA0siVNN-e815LvhXkdm6DGvveXnj1Nj4pRTiVw/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="299" height="201" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em><strong> It was hard to get him to stand still long enough for a photo:</strong></em></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvpN_cO7oDZWazgZgPFdR4WrWCRJBL4kPaGOEeEpKS7mXnP-UTz4Iqddytbu1bfhTgERDPhWgUV0mVpnk-ZB5StNWbVCW5yRIRDgYv0Qoik3aahYJdIw5dOKNSXDbODtEOTuktA/s1600-h/DSC_1539%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1539" alt="DSC_1539" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDWdE4oQZM8mKkR52tXjzAFORvJE1AAD83n-zrVJ1YvQ1iWQAqBE26lswdhlxowxS6mWql3bs_GPc6Gfy4mOmT2MfcbHbsAEHIDH6mFKl__k1BU0K2Jdrz690sWnEWH_ljPfJMw/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="335" height="225" /></a></p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5svAbs_dTEmQbgBqVtWP8GF78kRbFtrm0VKIn1LCMigGrRvbnG8voD_ZReCN-pOghPlMo2g0oMh05t_y2NMoqrF2k6VwKjSBZiEx8O0-GrpZ_PcLumsOSVxsQaClzY9KAUOA-w/s1600-h/DSC_1540%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1540" alt="DSC_1540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrB2un2sQ4G2pWqZ9h3KpkE9PowXXQKPhyphenhyphengirKA1Hj5kWJ4Elf5CTUDIKVJLw51Xn6up0T4tf1ZnXvOtJEx5oS6EpJ-iNoZTPtnAHE1weQUt0Q49Wmc3wr9YHXpoFO2aciS2zUvQ/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="342" height="229" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH-0_cPLmk0LXSRmxr8K3EGGvR5PssEU4riDAHbTxSqVeJK5zi_1fcf3bpPp8O8O6zFmfVwAF3EXB74s-HK9BENVESgH8KMPLUpCVhLtg1Vjm2_Q1_14eSI9Jl6dtTSdIq_gUmQ/s1600-h/DSC_1543%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1543" alt="DSC_1543" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGY98VPFMBobrfarhDhCVd9cpuohGyToVr-6rK_zCzKmYhuKEJvdKI6OMT8bsqFY1mOd9M1RqbbWi8oXRtnM1xGzNuLlYfENRUQb4V2D9ZFpjl_yXd99mlwxdgvACnTO4hPk04bw/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="344" height="231" /></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><em>Worn out:</em></strong></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRC-8GplvgkqG4TD3pCvaLPqr324rumuNap-DJCcx5sL7OvS80aNV7IySMAhrL5n-OI-90TEAOkUJPaMxdG-Tq_c34LqWTx7yhHFNiG4tJpwZDvjDsdZ2FX6HDMzFLn0GYe1zXsQ/s1600-h/DSC_1556%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_1556" alt="DSC_1556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3PTkVCM69dMDdPaGd0s7kPPSYzRgZ8WULxq_ubWMB0DTK_ueoL21lpWymheL3kpVtoCZZOKxWG6qr7WDJ_o3FeiQ9QpMRjZOQWaT-1ry9MJJiCxM014-lQ0VtgNkLc-63KYFzg/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p>All of the kids were asleep by 8:00pm. Sean and I weren’t far behind.</p> <blockquote> <p><em><strong>Don’t forget: Enter to win tickets for “</strong></em><a href="http://www.awomaninspiredconference.org/" target="_blank"><em><strong>A Woman Inspired</strong></em></a><em><strong>” Online Conference. See post below.</strong></em></p></blockquote>http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/06/spontaneity.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-8065373778422465077Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:42:00 +00002009-06-03T20:22:26.621-05:00Look - I can talkLook - I know stuffBe Inspired<p>I have, for some time now, felt the Lord nudging me into speaking. Trust me, if it were coming from anyone else, I’d laugh in their face. And even with God, I wrestled and rolled my eyes some.</p> <p>Me? Speak? </p> <p>Last year, the first door opened, when I was awarded the scholarship to attend <a href="http://www.shespeaksconference.com/" target="_blank"><strong>She Speaks</strong></a>. It was such a blessing and I can’t wait to attend next year. I am unable to attend this year, but I have been invited to do some speaking.</p> <p>Next Monday, I will be speaking at “<a href="http://www.awomaninspiredconference.org/" target="_blank"><strong>A Woman Inspired</strong></a>”. If you are unfamiliar with it, you must check it out. It is a fabulous platform, designed by the brilliant “Amies” (both founders are named Amy)</p> <p><a href="http://www.awomaninspiredconference.org/" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="speaking" alt="speaking" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUi1TMIMHm0KiPbhetQ6hSZwka2D5tmIhrN5YBPNagz6x_PUwU7uMhSrfhKfITUbuop7LuYbRUoij9M33Zuvw2rlosNVwbRx8lmeerGbR-uTMWZtrwpm569O1cK9u_CVMyHvzxKA/?imgmax=800" border="0" width="200" height="220" /></a> </p> <p>The neatest thing? I don’t have to travel anywhere. And as an attendee, you don’t have to either. It is <strong><em>ALL ONLINE</em></strong>. You will be able to chat with other women during it, and there will even be handouts and such for you to print out and take notes.</p> <p><strong><em>How brilliant is that?</em></strong> </p> <p>So now, those of you who have come to realize that traveling to a conference, let alone purchasing the ticket to attend is just crazy insane (<em>your kids need to eat and the mortgage still must be paid, right</em>?) but are itching for some inspiration and knowledge, can take part as well.</p> <p>My topic is <em>“Social Media and Your Ministry: how to use Twitter, Facebook and more to Reach More People</em>”.</p> <blockquote> <p><em>Want to hear more fun news? <strong>I am giving away FIVE tickets to the conference</strong>. Don’t worry about whether you will be at home during that time. The sessions will all be available for you to listen to at your leisure as well. </em></p> <p><em>To enter to win, please leave a comment on this post. Of course, <strong>I’d love it if you’d spread the word about the conference and about my session</strong>, so if you mention it on your blog and Twitter etc you will get an entry for each mention (just be sure to link to the actual post and twitter here as well).</em></p><p><em>Winners will be announced Saturday, June 6th by 5 pm<br /></em></p> </blockquote> <p>Good luck and I hope to “see” you there! There are so many amazing speakers, I’m honored to be a part of it.</p>http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/06/be-inspired.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23536024.post-8085722946103281271Wed, 27 May 2009 12:00:00 +00002009-05-27T07:58:30.137-05:00Look - CrazinessLook - Life Happensy’all…<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A1L50sxJnIR6LGfSTOaxVnj7UWaQBxamkXTguY4V3JfonTunE8yGqyFDk3fJrOAICcTbCkQEMqDqKJ_GATnfqo-gz0-OaUCEZ0koTQkpWI4lRCj6QfKkRPs332261jOUf7VX6Q/s1600-h/chevy%20hhr%5B1%5D.png"><img title="chevy hhr" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="206" alt="chevy hhr" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY2-Of0UD2MNoYuMalLzdb97BdEmTF8LRYlD15okcX3Z-Bssq3dOg2zseQnytSfImKabvyBrd0SUiV32Gezz6-YjcxYW-XkoiWjV_yxAMGUm1vPeTy6mcFiKvcoNzBM1SQIzeAA/?imgmax=800" width="442" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>This is my <em>new-to-me</em> car. </p> <p>Can I say “<em>LOOOOOOOVE it</em>”. I feel as though I should have a surf board on the roof and The Beach Boys blaring from the speakers.</p> <p>A couple of days ago, I didn’t even realize that we would be in the market for a car so suddenly, but on the way to church Sunday, my <em>YOUR ENGINE! IS OVERHEATING!! STOP! STOP NOW!!</em> light came on. Sean is a fabulous mechanic (not by trade, but he rocks the car repair) and we knew that it wasn’t something that could be fixed without removing the engine, lots of expense, not to mention labor.</p> <p>blah blah blee blee blah blah. (isn’t that how car talks usually sounds…)</p> <p>fast forward…</p> <p>We were blessed with a great deal and a reliable car. So thankful.</p> <p>(* for anyone interested, it’s a [barely] used 2008 <a href="http://www.chevrolet.com/pages/open/default/family/hhr.do" target="_blank"><strong>Chevy HHR</strong></a>). </p> http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2009/05/yall.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Karla Porter Archer)7