this is the new year

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Ok…so that was so like a month ago but at least it’s still January. As Natalie and I look back on 2007 we’re both amazed at all that took place. So much happened over the course of such a small amount of time. We moved for starters…away from our families and closest friends. We left a church and staff that we considered family…we also lost a dear friend on Christmas day. All that to say that I’m sure 2008 will hold and unleash more than we can imagine. I shared with Natalie tonight about a few things going on a work. We’re both still amazed at all God has done here and continues to do through this body of believers. I’ve felt so challenged and feel as though Natalie and I both are taking major ground in our marriage and in our walk with Christ. We’ve both been encouraged as we’ve poured into the community around us. Last weekend we had over 15 kids in the house…we had a great time! I came up with a treasure hunt for everyone that kept the kids busy for close to an hour. When all was said and done, we ended up having a big popcorn and coke party. Natalie has come alonside an older women who lived next door to us for a few months. Our community group pulled together and was able to help move her down to south Dallas. Natalie has stayed in touch with her and has even taken the girls down to have lunch with her…it’s been amazing to see God at work! Another recent change of pace for us has been that Natalie and I have started attending CR (celebrate recovery). We’re three weeks in and can already see Gods hand at work in us. We’ve had close to 200 newcomers start attending CR this month…WOW! It’s been such a ride and we continue to look forward to what the year holds for us here and all our friends and family in Arkansas…our prayers and thoughts are with you all…
In Him,
Josh

Christmas Tree

One of my favoite things growing up was decorating our family Christmas tree. I can remember looking at the tree for hours after it was finished. My dad would always play the same music every year while my brothers and I would tear through the boxes filled with lights and decorations from the years past. I can remember watching the “Christmas Story” and reading “The Polar Express” as I imagined myself getting a motorcycle on Christmas day. Although the motorcycle never came with Santa’s sleigh, I always felt blessed and loved on Christmas day…something I know some kids will never feel. Today, I feel blessed beyond measure as I celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with my own little family and share in the hope Christ brings to the world. On Sunday I had the opportunity to watch my little girls pull out lights and add their touches to our tree. I don’t decorate much anymore, I just watch and remember…I love our tree! It doesn’t really have a specific look…it just feels like us. We have everything from “the rocking horse” that some old lady gave me back in 1977 to the “green frog” that represents no other than “Bubs” a.k.a. “Bubba/Bubbe.” It’s madness every year as I find myself digging through old boxes and climbing into tight places to find that “one lost item” that I somehow seemed to have misplaced. In the end, Natalie and I always come back to sitting and smiling together as we remember…our kids, ourselves, our stories and the story that God Himself wrote for all of us. May your Christmas be filled with the Joy that only Christ can bring…
In Him,
The Carr’s

crazy corinne

For those of you who know Corinne, the word crazy comes as no surprise. Here within the past few weeks Corinne has really had some sweet moments. She has recently taken up soccer and absolutly loves to play. It’s been so fun to watch her games. Right now her team is 4-0…they ROCK! If I’m not mistaken they’re called the “dragonflies.” It’s been hard not to laugh at the dads who get alittle carried away with cheering on their girls…it gets pretty intense. On another quick note she has really embraced Christ in a real way. We spent close to 20 minutes praying together last night and I loved to hear from her heart. She prayed that “all the world would know the love of God so that they would be safe.” I think safe translates as saved for the older audience reading this blog. I’ve found myself being so blessed by hearing what’s important to the heart of a 5 year old. God calls us to a “childlike” faith and I think Corinne models this well for me. In closing I’ll leave you with a picture of her wearing her latest creation. These glasses are made of grade “A” construction paper. For some reason she had a hard time centering them for the shot…otherwise they seem to be helping with her vision. I hope all is well for everyone…
In Him,
Josh

papa

It’s been rare for the doorbell to ring at our new place here in Dallas…so when we do get a knock or a ring at the door the girls go crazy! Well Wednesday was one of those days. The girls got a knock at the door and the first question for everyone was “who is it?” So…they proceeded to open the door only to find “papa” standing with his shirt tucked in, camo hat on, and a camera at his side. The girls were so excited! Apparently he and a friend traveled down to repair a broken ac unit for his friends daughter. The agreement was that if “papa” came down to help out his friend…his friend would drop him off at our place in the evenings after they were done working. Papa has to be the strongest, sweetest man in the world. I think he’s in his upper 70′s and still has the energy to keep up with the likes of Taido Chino. Those who know Taido will understand. Both men could take Chuck Norris anyday. Papa tops in at about 150lbs and works like a horse. He can do ANYTHING with his hands. Oh well, the weekend has been full of surprises and things are slowing down. I’ll leave everyone with a snap shot of what happens to “papa” when he actually sits for a moment…enjoy!!! We miss everyone back home and hope to see you soon…
In Him,
Josh

First Time For Everything

For the first time in my life, I’m turning thirty. That’s right…the big 3-zero has closed in on my life and from here it’s downhill. So friends, with that being the case I thought I’d go down in FLAMES and start blogging. In some ways I can see this being a present to myself. So I propose to all those closest to my heart to raise a glass and make a toast…to blogging! So…let’s begin. My name is Josh. I have kids. They are nice. I am married to a girl named Natalie. We live in this new place called………….D…al….l….ASS. It’s still a bit hard to say because we’ve only been here a few weeks. I personally prefer not to say Texas because Dallas is NOT Texas. When I think of Texas, I think of those big belt buckles that no one person on this planet should ever wear. It’d be like me cutting off one leg, buying a bird that constantly sits on my shoulder and walking around with a patch over one eye claming to be a pirate…they’re both the exact same thing. Anyway, me and my little crew live in Dallas. The crew consist of my beautiful wife Natalie (3?), Kindell (8), Corinne (5), Bubba (this is Corinne’s stuffed frog who is also 5, he has been thought of by other’s to be Corinne’s significant other), Kyah (1) and myself. We enjoy doing most anything outside as long as it’s not 107 degrees outside…in which case it is right now so we’ve been hanging indoors. Natalie has stayed busy with homeschooling Kindell and Corinne. You can also catch her changing the occasional “g” diaper. I think the “g” stands for green. I’m still trying to keep up to code with Natalie and her good friend Alison. They constantly exchange any information that concerns landfills, diapers, babies, coupons and the effects of plastic that has been tossed into the ocean…”Way to go girls!” Kindell has recently joined the Nintendo DS club. Anytime Kindell has “free time” she chooses to play her DS. When she’s not playing DS, she enjoys playing with her American Girl doll and reading to Corinne. Corinne spends most of her time singing along with anything on the radio and perfecting her dance moves. She can move with the best. If you’ve ever seen the “fly girls” then you’ve seen Corinne…she’s fun! Our youngest addition to the garage is Kyah…she loves to eat, sleep and poop. If she’s not doing one of these three great activities, she’s doing her best to keep up with the older two. Finally there’s me…I do my best to lead, love and direct my family in the way Christ would have me do these things. In closing…I celebrate today with friends who made a trip down to suprise me for my birthday. I look forward to many more “first time experiences” in the days that lay ahead…
In Him,
The Carr’s