Carla's Day Off in Waco, Texas!

Back in April, I took a Monday off and drove to Waco, Texas to check out Chip and Joanne's new cafe, Magnolia Table. I'm a huge fan of HGTV's Fixer Upper so I was excited to check out this new joint. I've been to the Magnolia Silos before, so this trip was my first visit to their restaurant. 

We waited exactly two hours to be seated and I can't complain. We started this trip late and arrived during the busiest time of day: lunch o'clock. I put myself down on their waiting-list and 120 parties later, we were in!

My sister and I had skipped breakfast so we grabbed a couple of latte's while we waited outside. It was crowed for a Monday with other parties eagerly waiting for their table. Joanne's mom made an appearance. She didn't seemed bothered by the rushed of ladies flocking to snap pictures. 

Finally we made it in. Our server was very nice and suggested what we should try. I went for the Gaines Burger and I am embarrassed to admit, I devoured the whole thing. In my defense, it was 2 P.M. by the time we had our first meal of the day so I was starving.

Afterwards, we hang out at the Silos and relaxed on the ground on a cool shaded area. I visited their cute shop and bought a shirt.

Peace.

Today's message at church was about peace during the holidays. Why is it so hard to find peace during the Christmas season? Each year we make efforts to get our shopping done in advance, find ways to overcome family encounters and make sure everything goes according to plan. But then life gets in the way. We scramble around to do last minute shopping, find our family is not all on the same page about coming together or get caught up by other distractions.

It's easy to see how these circumstances can prevent us from enjoying a peaceful Christmas experience. Isaiah told us that with the arrival of this new King, also known as the Prince of Peace, a new lifetime of peace would enter the world.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! - Isaiah 9:6-7

Now the headlines around the world tell a different story. Terrorist attacks, mass shootings, political tensions, hate crimes. The list goes on. Jesus warned us against the troubles of this world.

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. - John 14:27

John MacArthur said it best in his sermon The Gift of Peace, "The peace Jesus is speaking of enables believers to remain calm in the most wildly fearful circumstances. The peace He gives has to be received and applied in our lives. If we lay hold of the promise of the very peace of Christ, we will have calm, untroubled hearts, regardless of external circumstances."

Pastor Mondy gave an example of why we often don’t find peace in our hearts. He pulled up a stool and stared at it. "Sure this looks like a strong stool. I believe this stool will hold me if I sit on it" It's easy find peace in joyful times but how do we hold on to this promise of eternal peace when we are given the bad news, mourn over the loss of a loved one or have trouble making ends meet. It's during those moments like that God's peace transcends all circumstances. We must sit on the stool. Whether it holds us or we fall, the peace of God remains the same. 

I can go on and on about today’s message of peace but I must catch some sleep. I strongly encourage you to read/listen to John MacArthur's The Gift of Peace. [LINK HERE]

I hope you all find shalom (which I learned today means peace in Hebrew ) during the holidays. If you become anxious and need to calm your heart, read Matthew 6:25-34, one of my favorite passages. Have a good night! 

Summer Recaps: Dallas Symphony 'Mozart's Requiem'

Back in April as a birthday gift to myself, my sister and I visited the Dallas Symphony at the Meyerson Symphony Center. We were there to see Mozart's Requiem live, one of my favorite classical music pieces. If you've seen the movie 'Amadeus' you would understand. Although the movie wasn't entirely accurate, it told the beautiful yet tragic story of Wolfgang Mozart's life.

 This mass was written by Mozart right before this death and was left incomplete. It was said to be written to Count Franz von Walsegg to commemorate the anniversary of this wife's death.

As the orchestra played, the lyrics were displayed on the background right above them. Something about reading along as the choir sang made it even more special to watch. I found myself in tears just thinking about God's grace and mercy on us. I truly left like I was praying.

Grant them eternal rest, Lord,
and let perpetual light shine on them.
You are praised, God, in Zion,
and homage will be paid to You in Jerusalem.
Hear my prayer,
to You all flesh will come.
Grant them eternal rest, Lord,
and let perpetual light shine on them.

-- Introduction Lyrics 

Selfie before the concert.

This was the first visit to the symphony since elementary. I look forward to attending other concerts. Check out the video below from Dallas Symphony's website about this special concert. 

Birthdays and New Beginnings

So far April is off to a great start!

Two weeks ago, I started a new job at a new company. I prayed countless of times for an opportunity like this and I'm excited to explore this new chapter. Most of April will consist of lots of training. At the end of the month, I'll be traveling to New York for a full week of more training. Can't wait!

Also celebrated my mother's birthday two weeks ago. Kicked it with her for most of the day. I took her out to dinner and surprised her with some family guests. My mother and I haven't always seen eye to eye, but I thank God for her life. Our relationship continues to improve and I have faith it will only get better. 

About a week ago I celebrated a special occasion. I got baptized. A video of my testimony played right before I was dipped in the water. As I stood in the tub waiting for my turn, I wanted to cry. Life has not always been sunshine and rainbows. Five years ago, I was a lost and angry child begging for an end to the pain. Since my encounter with my Christ, I've become alive again. My purpose in life is beyond anything I will ever imagine. I rejoice and have faith that it's no longer I who lives, but He who lives in me.

I have been crucified with Christ & I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. -Galatians 2:20

Monday,April 13th was my birthday. It was also the first day of training. I spend the majority of my day in a room full with strangers. I was a bit intimidated at first, considering I was the only female, but still held it down. Later on that evening, our new bosses took us out to dinner. We had a great time and somebody ordered me a desert with a candle and the group sang Happy Birthday.

This birthday signified a celebration of another year to be thankful for new life and new hope. I remain faithful that God has special plans for me and I can't wait to see what is to come!