Day 541 ~ I Am Thankful For . . .

I am ending November on a grateful note.

Believe it or not (sarcasm) I am grateful for my life and all that I have experienced . . .  

I am thankful for all that I have and all that I have lost . . .

I am thankful for good days, as well as all the bad days I have survived . . .

I am thankful for all the friends I have and all that I have guarded against . . .

I am thankful for all the beauty I have seen in my life as well as the ugly . . .

I am thankful for lessons learned and lessons failed . . .

I am thankful for all the compliments . . .  the bad things are non of my business . . .

I am thankful for my husband, my sons, my daughter and all of our family who is always there for us . . .

I am thankful for this life God gave me.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.  ~Psalm 118:24

What's coming up?   Hmmm.... 

I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. . . 

December 9th - 15th

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 540 ~ Friendships & Integrity

This can be a subject that can take you through thick or thin . . .  better or worse . . .  in sickness or in health . . . 'bad hair' days . . . 'best news in the world' days . . . 'best day in my life' days . . . 'heart ache' days . . . 'break-up' days . . . 'love at first sight' days . . .  as well as all the 'you can count on me' days . . . and 'I need a friend' days.

Almost sounds like 'vows,' doesn't it?
Friendships can be like marriages . . . just as complicated and just as rewarding.

more on this tomorrow . . .   

Yesterday's post ended just like that.

Some people feel that 'good' friendships just happen . . .  without effort . . . picking up where you always leave off.  I have a couple of friends where months can go by, even years at times, and when we speak next. . .  well . . . needless to say it was as if we had not skipped a beat!  Love my girls!

Then there are friendships that. . . well . . . you wonder . . . what the . . . where did . . . huh?!

I met a gal a handful of years ago, in passing.  Next thing I knew she was around every corner.  She would claim things about me where I would say "what the . . . where did . . . huh?! . . . "  I guess you could say that she made herself my best friend.

Weeks and months went by, with apprehension and hesitation on my part, well . . . I did not turn my back on her, I was there for her.  I figured she needed a friend.  After all she was in a bad place in her life.

After a bit more time went by I felt her dominance, even putting words in my mouth that were no where near the words that needed to come out of my mouth.  She would say one thing, and then leave me hanging with her actions . . . time and time again.  She would say how important I was to her, yet would think of me last or leave me out all together.

Well to make a long story short this person that called herself "my {Christian} sister for life" did a very ugly thing.  She even came across thinking that she was better than me, talking down to me.  {and} . . . 

For the first time in my life I did not let this person know what I really thought.  Funny.  Yes I am chuckling.  Because most of my life when push came to shove I have never held back from letting anyone know what I really thought.  SO, yeah, it's funny.

Bottom line . . . I did not allow myself to go down to her level.

But, an even more BOTTOM LINE than that . . . she truly hurt my feelings.  Everything she had ever told me . . . [bottom line] were all lies.

Regardless of how a person may initially feel about another person . . . how they treat you when they are friends with you and when they are [I guess] angry with you . . .  well it all leaves an impression, a mark.  Which can hurt.

What hurts even worse is that I had given this person my word that I would help her . . . that I would look out for her . . . even including her in my 'master plan' whole heartedly.  I was going to watch out for her and her needs.

I said that "friendships are like marriages". . . "just as complicated ... and rewarding."

When a friendship has found its "end" . . .  it hurts.  You have shared with this person. . . opened up to this person and shared personal thoughts . . . and regardless of initial feelings you called this person a friend and grew to count on her.  No different than sharing with a spouse and counting on them to always be there.

Marriages and friendships alike can be very rewarding . . . painful . . . fun . . . humbling . . . loving . . . eventful . . . and so much more.

Above all, the most important thing to remember in a relationship is to treat others how you would want to be treated.  If we always can remember this golden rule . . . we should always feel loved and be happy. . . regardless of its journey or destination.

It all comes down to integrity.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.  ~Luke 6:31

I am thankful for my wonderful friends!!

What's coming up?   Hmmm.... 

I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. . . 

December 9th - 15th

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 539 ~ Friendships & Marriages

As I am sure that you have gathered by now. . .  I haven't been feeling too hot this week.  Gosh darn allergies!!  I guess I should be grateful that up until we moved to this part of the country I never knew what allergies were like.  

One word . . . YUCK!

Yes . . . my butt was handed to me on a platter this week and was not even able to handle day light let alone sitting in front of my lap top. . .  it took all of my energy to post what I did end up posting!  lol!  Call me wimp if you want. . . I don't care . . . I felt like crap and was barely able to  keep my eyes open, let alone take my Calley-girl to school each morning.

Ok . . .  enough venting and whining.  Big smile.

Needless to say that when I wasn't sleeping or blowing my nose, my thoughts were getting the best of me.  Maybe not getting the best of me. . . let's just say that the subject matter was very thought provoking.

I thought about "friendships" . . . 

This can be a subject that can take you through thick or thin . . .  better or worse . . .  in sickness or in health . . . 'bad hair' days . . . 'best news in the world' days . . . 'best day in my life' days . . . 'heart ache' days . . . 'break-up' days . . . 'love at first sight' days . . .  as well as all the 'you can count on me' days . . . and 'I need a friend' days.

Almost sounds like 'vows,' doesn't it?

Friendships can be like marriages . . . just as complicated and just as rewarding.

more on this tomorrow . . .   

I am thankful for the handful of good friends in my life!!

What's coming up?   Hmmm.... 

I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. . . 

December 9th - 15th

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 538 ~ Under the Weather?

hmmm . . . I wonder why they call it "under the weather?"

. . . 

I am thankful for rest during the day!!


What's coming up?   Hmmm.... 
I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. . . December 9th - 15th

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 537 ~ Loving the Dark

Feeling a bit under the weather. . .

bad timing if I don't say so my self.

I am thankful for a warm bed and the dark!!


What's coming up?   Hmmm.... 
I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. . . December 9th - 15th

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 536 ~ What's Next? . . . In the Near Distance

Sooooo . . . At the bottom of my more recent posts I have left you a teaser per say- "What's coming up?   Hmmm.... I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. "

So here are the details.  

On June 19th I started to write about a challenge I was participating in... "I Am Second 22 Day Challenge" . . . a life altering challenge.

In October I was contacted by Doug Bender (Doug is part of the I Am Second movement and has shared part of his life's struggles and how he discovered God- you can click on his name to find out more about him).  Doug had read my blog and saw that I shared my challenge on my blog.

Doug shared with me that he wrote a book for the I Am Second movement and it is being published- Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First   The book will be available at all books stores and online week of December 9th.

Doug asked me to read and blog about this book that same week.

After reading what I have written thus far, I see that this is not a challenge, nor is it a review-  I'll be writing four posts that week, sharing my thoughts, experiences and how I Am Second.

As cheesy as this may sound, I am honored to have been asked to do this.

Thank you Doug for reading my blog and asking me to participate.  I am looking forward to it.

I am thankful for good books!!


What's coming up?   Hmmm.... 
I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. . . December 9th - 15th

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 535 ~ 'Tis the Season?

It's officially the "Christmas season" or as some may refer to it as the "Holiday season".  

We . . . my husband, daughter and I actually spent most of our day watching Christmas movies... thank you Hallmark channel.  wink, wink.  

The only thing I can say is that I wish Christmas miracles or the Christmas Spirit would happen just as they do in the movies.

As we sat back and watched the movies, my heart couldn't help but to get so full of love. . . let alone the feeling of hope, love, and dreams that overtakes me us all.  Funny, while I sit and get "into" the movie(s) and cry [of course] my husband teases me because my little chin quivers as I start to get emotional.  What a way to ruin the moment!  LOL!

As far as I am concerned, Dino can make fun of my little chin all he wants . . . I will continue to watch sweet movies and feel the moment . . . how else would one enjoy a good Christmas movie?  wink, wink.

BUT . . . 

We wouldn't have any of this . . .

We have to stop, look and think. . .  all the planning, shopping, cheer, giving, wishing, cooking and receiving did not come about just like that. . .  let's all remember the reason for this season . . .

I am thankful for a good Christmas movie!!


What's coming up?   Hmmm.... 
I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. . .

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 534 ~ Black Friday

Happy Shopping!!

I am thankful for a good sale!!


What's coming up?   Hmmm.... 
I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. . .

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 533 ~ Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you all a most

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I am thankful for a wonderful family!!


What's coming up?   Hmmm.... 
I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. . .

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 532 ~ Wordless Wednesday Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

"Wordless Wednesday"

tonight.... BIG SMILE!! 

Here are some more pictures from

The Blessed Spoon's

1st Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Basket . . 

Wishing you all a most

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I am thankful for having all of you in my life!!


What's coming up?   Hmmm.... 
I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. . .

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 531 ~ The Blessed Spoon's First Campaign

!!WOW!!

Such a surreal experience.  

The last twenty-four hours leading up to delivering the ten Turkey Trot baskets to their respective families was an absolutely amazing expeirence!!

From collecting all the donations, figuring out quantities and making the shopping list, to all the price comparisons. . . not to mention all the strategizing implemented to use all donations wisely.

Then came shopping and delivery day!

My first stop was a meeting at 7:30 in the morning to pick up all ten turkeys!  This in itself was an exillirating experience!  All ten turkeys donated!  Thank you!! 

Throughout this campaign there have been "little miracles" (l.m.) strengthening my faith more and more, reassuring me that I was doing the right thing... for example if it wasn't for my envolvement in a project for my church I would have never met our turkey donor.  lm #1.

My first stop after picking up all the turkeys was Sprouts.  What a great store.  Our only health/organic store in all of El Paso!  That's right, no Trader Joe's or Whole Foods!  Even with Whole Foods being from Austin, TX...  That's ok  we have SPROUTS!!  And what a great store!!  The gave me a ton of food!!  Ok nearly a ton.. wink, wink.  Sprouts donated all the stuffing, turkey pans, yams, marshmallows, brown sugar, pineapple, cranberry sauce and 25 grocery bags.  Thank you Sprouts!!  You all rock!! 

After shopping at Sprouts, I was able to regroup, see what was left and off I went to Walmart.  Walmart donated two $50 gift cards from two different stores to help with The Blessed Spoon's first campaign.. Needless to say the bulk of the groceries were purchased here... milk, butter, flour, potatoes, green beans, mushrooms soup, fried onions, and rolls.  

The journey throughout this campaign has been and continues to be AMAZING!!  Everything came so easy for me and The Blessed Spoon.  It was as if God was rolling out the red carpet for me each day as I accomplished something or was about to tackle something.

Before I knew it. . .  it was 4:00 pm I was leaving Albertson's with 10 pumpkin pies and I was on my way back home with a car load of food!!

Honestly, it was an exciting day!!  Even when we started taking inventory, making food piles, and packing all the food!  We picked out our first set of 10 spoons going out with their Certificates of Authentication, planned our route . . .

. . . and were out the door at 9:00pm.

A happy Happy Thanksgiving going out to 10 "Blessed" families!!

I am thankful for having the opportunity and smarts to be able to to this for everyone!!

What's coming up?   Hmmm.... 
I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. . .

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.