I am a fan of Star Parker

This is not my best picture, but the person to my right is one of the best persons I know. Tim and I had the best time at the Downtown Pregnancy Center's Annual Gala listening to Star Parker speak to a crowd of over 200 pregnancy center supporters. Star Parker founded the Coalition on Urban Renewal & Education (CURE) in 1995 to jump start national dialogue on issues of race and poverty. She is one of the most dynamic speakers I have ever heard. She speaks the truth boldly. I wish I could summarize everything she shared with us, but instead I will just say that she does have some books out that will more eloquently share her message.
For a brief view of her message you can follow this link to an article by her on her website. Click here.

"Today, inner-city black children grow up in broken families, go to public schools where traditional values are off-limits, and consume popular American culture that celebrates the relativism that has destroyed these communities" -Star Parker

My New Adventure

Some pictures from the Refugee Resources after school tutoring program at Shiloh Apartments. My first time at it there were 40 children to four adults. I am excited about this new ministry endeavor. Pray for these children many who are so far behind in their studies.

A Letter to Jesus

Seth has been in a letter writing mood. The other day after sending out some thank-you notes for birthday presents he told me he really wanted to send a letter to Jesus. I was on the computer looking at a photography blog of a wedding when he finally brought me the paper and made me write a letter for him. He dictated the following words to Jesus:

"Dear Jesus,

I want to come to your house, but nobody know when we will get to come to your house. I wonder who I am going to marry.

Love,
Seth, and Selah, and Sydney"

He wanted to make the envelope special so he stenciled a few pictures on it. Then he really wanted to send something to Jesus in his letter and at first tried to put a little train toy in the envelope. Seeing that the train did not work I offered him a suggestion of putting a picture or stickers in it. He decided that a picture of himself would be a great idea as well of some stickers. He was so excited to get a stamp on it and put it in our mailbox for immediate delivery. Not knowing exactly what to do next I asked Tim how we wanted to work out the mailing it to Jesus part. Tim decided that Seth really should know the mailman's limitations on delivering letters to heaven. I told Seth that I could take a picture of the letter on our mailbox and we could just pretend that the mailman took it to Jesus. We assured him that Jesus knew that Seth had written him a letter.

We will treasure that letter and maybe one day Jesus will show him who he is going to marry.

Quote of the Day

"The surrendered heart...
Cares more than some think is wise
Risks more than some think is safe
Dreams more than some think is practical
Expects more than some think is possible."

Found on OM Chasing Lions article

Fall the Best Time to Plant

I've read that Fall is one of the best times to plant in the area. After reading this article I realize it is also a great time to plant seeds of the gospel.

I recently came across this magazine called "On Mission" a publication of the North American Mission Board while sitting in the conference room at the Downtown Pregnancy Center. As the big missions lover the magazine just kind of flew into my hands. Realizing that there was enough reading material at the center for others to read the magazine walked out with me. I pretty much read the magazine cover to cover on my way home from Downtown (Don't worry Tim was driving).

I would like to share a really neat and practical way to be on missions this fall from the magazine.

10 ways to be on mission this fall by Carol Pipes, editor

1. Before school starts, gather a group of people from your church and prayerwalk the campuses of your local schools.

2. Adopt an international college student and invite them to your family's holiday celebrations.

3. Practice reverse trick-or-treating. Purchase candy bars and Christian DVDs like the Jesus Film and distribute to your neighbors.

4. Find an elderly couple or single parent in your neighborhood and offer to rake their leaves all season. With each visit continue to develop a relationship with this family.

5. October is World Hunger month. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry. Visit www.namb.net/hunger to find out how you can give financially.

6. Start a spiritual discussion group for the men or women in your neighborhood.

7. Organize or help host a Thanksgiving dinner at your church for those who work on Thanksgiving Day or who would otherwise dine alone. Include testimonies and a gospel presentation.

8. Pray for lost family members. When you see them during the holidays, ask if they have any specific requests. It just might jump-start a spiritual discussion.

9. Start a soup night. Invite neighbors over once a week or month for soup and Bible study.

10. Do you commute by public transportation? Pray for the people on your bus or train.

Stepping Up

I started attending a Bible Study two weeks ago. So far I am loving it. It is Called "Stepping Up: a journey through the Psalms of Ascent" by Beth Moore. Though there is so much good stuff to share about what I have learned thus far. I am just going to type out the Psalm of Ascent that we have to memorize.

Psalm 121 (HCSB)

I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.

Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.

The LORD protects you; The LORD is a shelter right by your side.

The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night.

The LORD will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life.

The LORD will protect your coming and going both now and forever.

"Dancing with the Stars" the Carpenter way

Para Abuelito y Abuelita

Abuelito Carlos made the pinata for Seth's birthday and has been waiting to see pictures of the party so here they go. (Aqui estan las fotos de la fiesta para abuelito. Seth les mando una carta hoy y espero la reciban pronto.)

Seth trying out his birthday present

Seth's birthday photo is now on display at the Dallas Museum of Art (Just Kidding)

"How old are you Seth?"

"You're supposed to hit the pinata Selah not the other way around"

My September Gift

how he's grown

we call him sad eyes

he is looking at Selah

"say cheese and look at me Seth"

I have been meaning to write a post about my dear September gift. It took some convincing Seth to pose for me for pictures. I kept telling him I needed a picture for my blog but it just was not as important to him as it was for me :). Yes. my September gift is my sweet son Seth Taylor Carpenter. (Can you tell I like the letter "S" ) Four years ago September 14 Seth came into our world. He was just what I always wanted but did not know anything about. I had asked the Lord for a son and he answered my prayers. The Lord made an awesome little person when He made Seth. I know I am his mom and all, but I just can't get over how wonderful he is. Yes, there are times when I get weary of his bullying his little sisters, but then when he is kind and talks to them so sweetly I just forget about how mean he can be.

I want to write about Seth just to remember what he is like right now as I know him.

Seth loves:
Cathy (probably his favorite person)
talking about heaven
Jesus (He prays to Jesus even when he is on the potty)
stickers

His fun places are:
Cathy's house
Grandma's house
The playground
The library
Chuckee Cheese
"The big" Half Price (Also Papi's favorite place)

At home he likes to:
Watch PBS Kids
Play on the computer
Cuddle and read a book
"wesstle" papi
Playing a game of annoying Selah

What I love about Seth:
His smile, his kisses, when he says I love you, when he kisses Selah goodnight and tells her he loves her, when he says "lets wessle papi", seeing him dance, watching him play outside, watching him get sooo excited everytime we see Cathy, that he wakes up in my bed, when he talks like a grown-up, when he suprises me with his vocabulary, how he is a genius on the computer, when he is sweet to his sisters, when he talks about Jesus and seems to show a desire to know Jesus better.

Lord, thank You for the gift of Seth. You are an awesome Creator. Lord Bless him. Bless him indeed. Thank You that he is in Your hands. Make him into the man you want him to be. Remind me what a treasure he is to you and help me to treasure him every minute of everyday. Help Tim and I to be the best parents we can be to Seth. Help us to show Him what it is to love You and serve You. Thank you for sharing his life with us these four years. In your precious son's name Amen.

Fireproof: Can't wait to see it!

Quote of the Day

The Weight of Glory

"...It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you say it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealing with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal." -C.S. Lewis

Story on UMHB Life Magazine

Our own University of Mary Hardin-Baylor wrote an Alumni-profile on us, The Carpenters, about our summer camp ministry to refugees in the Dallas area. You can go to the UMHB Alumni website here: http://alumni.umhb.edu click on the little Magazine link to the left and you can download the PDF file. We are on page 31.

A Funny Honey Story

So we were eating a breakfast honey cereal that is what my kids call it. "I want some honey cereal" Selah says. As we are eating it I tell Selah, "You are my honey!" She smiles and tells me "You are my honey." then she turns around and tells Seth "Seth, you are my honey" With a pouty face he says "no. I am not your honey." I explain to Seth that being someones honey is that you make their life sweet like honey. He replies "Well, mostly I am Cathy's honey".

Narrated Camp Video about our summer camps for refugees

I am not the best voice narrator out there but I hope you enjoy my first narrated video. I made it on my Mac.

I thank God for my Mac computer which I hope to continue using for his glory. :)

"For the Children of the World" summer camp video