Carly Barron

Springtime Top 10

2009-03-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Today is March 26th. "Spring" is here. And, I am in the middle of a Colorado BLIZZARD. What is up with that!? Although I do have to give it to mother nature, Winter has been mild and so sunny.

But to beckon the warmth back, I'd like to give a toast to the best of Spring...

1. Tie Dye: my ultimate fave this season!
2. Travel: whether to Australia, your parent's house, or a quick trip to a lake, vaca is a must!!
3. Polish: 3 letters O-P-I.
4. Gladiators: wedges or flats... gotta have 'em. Set the flops aside.
5. Lavender Baby Oil: lather it on in the shower & you're set.
6. V-necks: I'd like the 'boyfriend' by Mossimo in every color (Target ROCKS)
7. New do: I think a refresh on the hair is mandatory.
8. Ruffly, fluffy, silky blouse
9. Sunglasses: must be auhmazing... meaning you LOVE them! 40's - 90's, anything goes!
10. All-things-TENNIS!! Nothing super serious... just so fun! ;-)

Food that bites back...

2009-02-13T20:34:00.000-08:00

In 1 Corinthians 8:2-3 Paul said, "If anyone imagines that he has come to know and understand much of divine things, without love, he does not yet understand as strongly and clearly, nor has he become as intimately acquainted with anything as he ought.

But if one loves God truly with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing, he is known by God, recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him."

What is it to be known by God? Like, fully known? Yes, of course He knows - everything! But to be consciously aware that HE IS in us, for us, through us - always.

I want to know that I am known.

And it is in affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition, that 'being known' grows into something worthy of being called a child of God.

And, if I think I know anything without genuine love... it has no value. Not recognized as anything!?

Ouch.

This spiritual nourishment has deeply stirred me tonight.

New home!

2009-02-10T17:00:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of the year, Grant and I decided to cut the cable.

Revolutionary.

Seriously. I am a new woman. Okay, maybe not 'new' but my life is fuller and I have way more time. It is beautiful and refreshing.

I am not turning into an anti-television champ, but for me and my house, it is simply better. We play cards, eat at the table, read - a lot, and talk. Not that we didn't or couldn't do those things before, but they weren't as celebrated as they are now.

Oh, and we always have amazing music playing! The atmosphere is different... Peaceful.

We catch our fave shows online... we realize we have only three.
T-H-R-E-E. What were we doing? Flipping channels, I guess.

Brill!

DAILY

2009-01-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

"It is a solemn thing, and no small scandal in the kingdom, to see God's children starving while actually seated at the Father's table."
-Tozer

Last Sunday my pastor preached on daily bread from the Lord's Prayer: give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:11).

We can have God's presence and provision every day simply by intentionally partaking of this Heavenly fare. I believe it is so necessary for the highest possible fulfillment in life. Imagine what can flow from continually dining with this King.

Tozer reminds us that we have everything available to us - all of the time - yet we fail to indulge. He says changing that is a matter of conscious personal awareness... we must know He is.

God gives us access to partake in His Divine-EVERYTHING... what a life!

My soul’s treasure.

A.W. Tozer's Legacy

2009-01-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

I am reading The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer, a short, 121-page book, which does not happen to be a quick read. It is packed with goodness.

Inspired by Psalm 42:1 "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." (KJV) , this book has become a journey and is painfully awakening. I am stirred to know God intimately-all the more. ('Cheers' to the word for 2009!)

So, Tozer's legacy? ..."quietness of soul"

It is the first words of the first page in the Preface (yes, Preface!) and I couldn't go on. Surely this is God's promise, will and desire for us all... to be still, as the Psalmist exhorts us.

"Too many have come to accept turbulence of soul as the norm and have ceased to seek God with their whole hearts."

Being still, experiencing peace and living with inner rest are things I have to be so intentional with. It does not come natural. Whether that is a result of the fallen nature (of mankind) or my crazy-driven personality, it does not matter... I must know God intimately so His presence and peace dictates the state of my soul - continually. I believe anything contrary separates me from the best life.

Painfully exposing... the human thirst for the Divine (subtitle).

a shout out...

2009-01-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009!!

Twentyfourseven... I am forever grateful for this internship that helped shape the rest of my life. Apart from a 'never-say-no' work ethic, a foundation for an amazing marriage, and a passion for the best God-filled life, there are a few things Grant and I do as a result of those 10-months...
1. leave a place better than you found it
2. guys & gals lead best together
3. SET GOALS...

Last weekend Grant and I wrote our goals for 2009. We've done it every year. We set spiritual goals, health goals, marriage goals, financial goals and some goals to improve our home. And, probably some other goals that I am not remembering.

It's exciting! We will revisit them throughout the year.

Good stuff.

Jim Carrey & God whispers

2009-01-03T23:28:00.000-08:00

I watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas over the holiday with some friends and I was a bit annoyed. Movies like that, although enjoyable for some, are on the obnoxious side for my taste.

Gosh, I sound super Grinch-y.

Anyways, I was sitting there partly engaged ready to be distracted by anything else when I heard the Holy Spirit whisper...

This year will be marked by INTIMACY.

I wasn't praying or really even thinking about God in that moment. I was perplexed. God just invaded my world.

INTIMACY! I cannot comprehend all God intends that word to mean for me this year but I think it will include a revelation of God's love... and in turn, a deeper love for Him.

I hope this is my Sacred Echo of 2009! Bring it.

I took a trip in October last year and upon returning it hit me... LOVE. I must know His love more than anything, or anyone, in my life. It must be center, core, chief... all that great stuff. It isn't yet...

Humbly I believe I am here for great purpose. To help, give, change, create, resolve, build... on both a small and grand scale.

But, how can I do that if I cannot love the person at the grocery store. Or the cute old man who walks in front of my house every day. How can I be a world changer if I am not yet a individual changer... a people lover?

Make sense?

So, this year... INTIMACY. It has to include LOVE. Because intimacy is the overflow or the expression of love, right?

It can't just be head-knowledge but true, revelatory change within.

Lord, I must know this love.

For that is the key to greatness, I believe.

Endings

2009-01-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

I just finished taking down all the festive decor around my house. It was weird... like a slight grieving awakened within. Not because the beautiful twinkling lights everywhere will be tucked away for another year but rather the realization that something is over... the passing of a year... the ending of a season.

I guess I feel a slight loss simply because there is so much to be grateful for. I want to be sure I have treasured it worthy enough to end.

2008, for me, was a year about learning and growing. I realized, this year more than ever, that finding contentment isn't necessarily about being wildly-in-love with the season you are in(although at different times in the year, I was) but allowing your soul to be at rest in all things. Allowing God's grace and presence to lead your everyday, fill your inner being, and cause you to live in the 'now'... as opposed to the 'tomorrow' which is a great place to look at but not to live in.

I think that was the major takeaway for me in 2008.

Yet, with the ending of one thing comes the beginning of something new. And that's always exciting. Who knows!? Maybe some of the greatest people in my life will get married, have babies, move to fabulous places, get promoted... so much to anticipate celebrating.

(*Sigh*) I pray the truths marked in my heart this year remain, grow and live on. I believe it.

Good night 2008.

meditation

2008-12-20T10:26:00.000-08:00

I recently heard someone explain the primary difference between New-Age and Biblical meditation...

The purpose of New-Age meditation is to find a state of nothingness by clearing the mind completely whereas Biblical meditation is the filling of the mind ...I believe, with that which is true, pure, lovely and good. Found in intimately and purposefully connecting with God.

God is a Gator

2008-12-04T07:55:00.000-08:00

My Dad always said "God is a Gator (fan). We know because sunsets are blue and orange."

I still totally believe him.

I really love the SEC. The haters from elsewhere are simply jealous. No group of teams can compare. Let's be honest.

But!! Within the heaven-inspired SEC conference, Gators are the bestest. (Yes, I said bestest)

My husband, an avid Alabama fan, doesn't stand in unity with me on this one.

So, December 6th we'll show him. I just know it!!

**********Florida Gators vs Alabama Crimson Tide***********

Chomp. Chomp. Chomp.

VOTE FOR TEBOW!

Holiday

2008-12-01T18:14:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving holiday was spent quite different than most.

In the beautiful mountains of Colorado, cozy in a friend's home, disconnected yet so engaged... peaceful and still. A gift.

I've taken many deep breaths, allowed my imagination to roll with the wind, gazed into the beauty around me... all while intentionally connecting with God.

What is the lesson? I think the soul needs to continually be at rest ...not only from the activity of producing but also a simple inner contentment... like a perpetual state of stillness of the heart. Perhaps a key to the full life.

And, taking a ton of Sabbaths... a must. ; )

We pass up the opportunity for rest ...many times in the name of opportunity, or for the strengthening of relationships, or to build - something. Always noble, indeed.

But rest is also a gift to be intentionally enjoyed and received.

LUX

2008-11-29T13:20:00.000-08:00

I love Domino mag! One of my favorite issues was November 08... they included their editors definitions of luxary.

LOVED IT!

Here are just a few of my faves... a glimpse into the simple, much-appreciated beauties of life:

"an entire day where I have nothing to do" "swimming in the ocean"

"a vintage rolex" "good coffee" "converse in every color"

"people and places that haven't been discovered yet"

AND MINE! (well, one of them...)

When it snows and my world is blanketed in white... and I have nothing to do

Thankful for ..."tools"

2008-11-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

Around the turkey table Grant encouraged the four of us to share what we are all thankful for...

ME: "I'll start. I'm grateful for being content in all things right now. Not looking to the next thing... not in a place of 'I-can't-wait-for...'. I am truly content in my life and am so grateful for it."

MOM: "Oh, where do I start!? I'm so thankful ...for everything. Life is just so good... and big. It's overwhelming." (sigh)

PAYTON: (uh hem) "I am so thankful for all of you. My family. I am so glad I married Cris. And now my life is so full with a great family. I don't talk about it much (teary) but you all mean so much to me... ok, next!" (giggle)

GRANT: (super smiley) "Well, I'm going to start with something funny... but it's true. I am so thankful that I get to borrow Payton's tools (we all laugh) ...no, but for real. It's so great. And I learn so much. I mean... seriously, I am thankful for that!"

Cuteness.

I will always remember this sweet Thanksgiving of 2008.

P.S. Homemade pesto on a turkey sandwhich... a must.

cracked pepper revelation

2008-09-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

So simple yet profound. I had no idea. My friend Hannah and all her siblings dose everything with cracked pepper. I didn’t understand. Had I missed something?

I began to try it for myself and have grown to love it. It brings out the flavors in the most tasty foods. It is as fig is to cheese or chocolate is to a latte but on a broader, more general level… it just makes sense.

I wouldn’t add it to the chef’s dish at Vestas but it needs to have the same place in my dishes as sea salt.

Boulder Canyon Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper potato chips! Amazing! The aftertaste is sweet… like brown sugar or honey!

I really thought my taste buds had become culinary connoisseurs. You know the type… the geniuses who differentiate coffee beans by the smoky or spicy aroma.

Then, I looked at the ingredients… evaporated cane juice!

I actually thought I had arrived.

Commercial or Mom-and-Pop?

2008-09-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

The other day I ran into Starbucks for a quick exchange with a vendor I work with. In the middle of conversation I noticed a sign at the checkout counter Our Promise. I had to take a peek… “Your drink should be perfect, every time. If not, let us know and we’ll make it right.”

Impressed but not surprised, I read it again.

I walked out of the infamous shop, no coffee in hand, and thought yeah, I knew that. Well, maybe I did not know their official, written promise but it affirmed my Starbucks’ belief system.

Starbucks is consistent and comfortable. When you are out of town and see its familiar face, it is incredibly refreshing. Having your drink in hand will put you in a great mood - guaranteed. You know what to order and if it is not right (whether your fault or theirs), they will make it right.

Interestingly, it has been months since I have snagged a latte at Starbucks in Colorado Springs. It is not because I dislike the giant of all coffee companies… actually, I am a fan of their brand and of the road they have paved for other like-companies, big or small, to have a market to serve. I truly appreciate forerunners.

Over the last few years of living downtown I have grown in love with the not-so-chic, local coffee house. Their espresso is amazing! They have a drink unique to their one and only store, they know my name, and my specialized latte. My Mom even pops in without me and requests “Carly’s drink” and the barista gets to work. What a personalized promise!

Would I feel comfortable there requesting a new drink if mine wasn’t made right? Doubt it. I fear losing my 'favorite customer' status. Mom-and-Pops might turn snarky out of pride for their brew. It is super personal. And, they might not have the luxury of promising a new drink if the milk percentage wasn’t right. There is something quirky and attractive about the underdogs who brew some mean lattes.

The beauty of choice.

For me, when choosing from the four Starbucks on the same street and the Mom-and-Pop on the corner, the little green logo loses its edge... although, I truly appreciate the Starbucks' Promise because I know they keep it and that is important.

Having and knowing your brand promise is so necessary no matter the market …whether it is blatant and public or simply practiced.

The Messy Scarf

2008-09-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

It is a ‘must have’ but not only for Autumn… snag a few versatile colors and you're good to go through Spring... at least. I am seriously considering making it an everyday staple… like a great bag or the right pair of shoes.

One of my favorite things about scarves is anything goes! Don’t feel stressed about positioning it just so… throw it around your neck (once, twice, tied, or not) and you are set.

A shout out to Glorie, who inspired us with her Euro scarf after a trip to London . It was as refreshing as finding out a tea house down the road serves jasmine limeade... all year.

the daunting first blog...

2008-09-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

friendship. family. faith. food. and yes, fashion!

...I know, it so sounds like a lame-o sermon. Perhaps I will be a pastor one day (gasp) and I need to get it out of me now. Definitely don't want the rock star kids running the other direction because of my lack-o-coolness factor. OK, beside the point...

this blog... a dedication.

...to my amazing can-do-anything Mom, most-fun-friends Carolyn & Margaret, and my brilliant cousin, Dana... this blog might just feed your RSS with some fun fashion tips. I am forever grateful that you would be my guineas and trust my opinion.

...for my husband, Grant (who is the greatest God-lover ever), to my fox-hole sisters, Hannah, Jacque, Ashley and Chels, my mentors - John & Lisa Bevere - and many other heroes who long to see the truth of Jesus advance.

...and solely and surely, my food partner for life, Haggizzy. No doubt, she will get rewarded in heaven for introducing me to the finer things in life.

and finally, a toast to randomness {cling} why oh why is Google not friends with century gothic? ...am I really cheating on my branded font!?!