Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Blissful Blessings
I was so blessed to be able to spend this past Saturday in celebration of both Ryan and Jordan graduating from college. We had a huge party at Daniel's aunt and uncle's house in Irvine. It was a gorgeous day! And I was so relieved I was finally able to go out in public after dealing with that skin infection the past week, but it's almost 100% cleared up, so I was so exicted to get out of the house! There were so many people there to support them and celebrate with them in this accomplishment. It was so nice to see everyone. Daniel has a very special and unique family and I feel so blessed to have married into this beautiful family. It's a big Mexican family and when everyone gets together, it really is a 'fiesta'! Daniel's mom, Carmela, has 3 sisters and 3 brothers. Daniel and all of his cousins are very close due to that fact that his family has always been consistent about having family gatherings, camping trips, etc since they were young. There is always an overwhelming amount of love when you get the whole bunch together and truly is something special. I really enjoyed my time with everyone, but did feel a sense of incompletion without having my hubby there. But I can not be more proud of him and the hard worker he is! I am beyond excited to see him! 2 weeks can't come soon enough! I also got an exciting praise report- Daniel had a career high and went 4 for 4 last night in his game last night (Praise God!). I was visiting with Daniel's parents and we listened to the game online and screamed in excitement every at bat! It was a sweet blessing from the Lord! Super stoked for him, but we're still taking it day by day and trusting in God! Thanks so much again for the continued prayers!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Ryan & Jordan Graduate College
Special shout out to my brother in law Ryan and cousin in law Jordan who just graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara!!!
We're so proud of you guys and love you both so much!
We're so proud of you guys and love you both so much!
Beautiful Lord
As I sit here writing this, I have just clicked the repeat button on my iTunes for at least the 5th time to the song "Beautiful Lord" by Leeland. The lyrics are just, well, beautiful.
"When the storm is raging all around me. You are the peace that calms my troubled sea. And the cares of this world darken my day. You are the light that shines and shows me the way. Oh, the beauty of Your majesty. On the cross You showed Your love for me! Beautiful Lord, Awesome and Mighty, I’m captured by this love I see. Beautiful Lord, Tender and Holy,Your mercy brings me to my knees. It's Your mercy that has made me free, Beautiful Lord"
As of the late,especially these past few weeks, it has felt like "a storm raging around me". To wrap it up in a nutshell, these are some of things that went down:
1.Daniel went on the DL for 2 weeks due to a strained hamstring.
2.May 9th marked the one year anniversary of my cousin's death, which was tough.
3.Having to deal and adjust to being in a long distance relationship with my husband right now.
4.I had to go to the ER because my face started to swell, itch, and I broke out in this crazy rash. Turns out I got this pretty bad skin infection. It was scary to say the least, and not fun at all.
That's just some of it...And to be honest, just being loaded down with thoughts had alot to do with the 'storm' I felt I was experiencing. [Thoughts of doubt, insecurities, uncertainties]. It becomes way too easy to get caught up in 'circumstances'. You know, when you just have one of those days when you just want to dwell on the negative thoughts just to try to find some sort of satisfaction in throwing a pity party for yourself? Don't deny it, we've all had them. I've been catching myself do that too often lately. But the Lord has been reminding through Philippians 4:8 to turn those negative thoughts into thoughts that are 'admirable' and 'praiseworthy'! How much more do those thoughts please the Lord? I mean, yes, He knows my heart even better then I do, He knows the things I feel, He understands that things aren't always going to be easy, but He truly is the "peace that calms my troubles storm"... He has never failed me yet!
I share that just to give an understanding of what's been going on in my life and in my heart. I know life is a constant battle and I know things aren't going to be perfect. But I am writing with a refreshed heart today that has regained it's joy and has seen my beautiful Lord come through for me once again!
Praise Reports:
1.Daniel is now off the DL feeling healthy and strong.
2.I booked a flight to see Daniel in 3 weeks, which we're both very excited about! Also, Daniel sent me the sweetest care package in the mail today! I love him!
3.My skin infection is 95% cleared and healed!!!
I know our life is always going to be full of ups and downs. Just like in baseball, you can go 4 for 4 one day and be on a high, then go 0-4 the next day with 4 strikeouts! You never know what "pitches" you're going to face or what's going to come your way in life. It's great and beyond comforting to know I can find consistency in an unchanging God even with my ever changing heart... Thank you beautiful Lord!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Distance Makes The Heart Grow Fonder
Daniel and I were apart for 3 weeks before I was able to visit him for 9 days last week. We had such a great time together! I am now back in California and Daniel is still in Iowa. 3 weeks really isn't too bad. I think of wives whose husbands are in the military and am convicted in my own complaints about having to be apart from Daniel. We are truly blessed in the fact that he is getting to do what he loves, he's in no true endangerment (besides the 95 mph fastballs pitched towards his head) and we are able to talk on the phone on a daily basis. So when I start to feel down or am missing him; I really just need to keep things in perspective and be thankful and happy he's getting to do what he loves.
Being apart truly makes me appreciate the time we have together though. I am so proud of my husband and how the Lord has used the trials we've gone through the past 2 baseball seasons to grow us stronger in our relationship with Him and with each other. God has been showing me more and more the true meaning of being His disciple. If we claim to be a disciple of Christ, then that means we need to be ready and willing to follow Him wherever He may lead us. Following Jesus doesn't mean that we're following Him to the big leagues or to move up in the minor league organization- we are following Him to be with Him and to be wherever He places us. As easy as it is to get caught up in the thrill of baseball and the idea of Daniel being in the big leagues someday.... that is not what matters in the end. In the end, it matters what we did to make an impact for our God. It's been a fresh reminder to be content in where the Lord has us. I know Daniel is in Clinton, Iowa for a reason outside of baseball and that excites me! As much as we both would have loved the convenience of Daniel playing in California we know God is working this out for a greater purpose and everything is in His perfect timing. (Ecc.3:11 "He has made everything beautiful in His timing"). Key words:His Timing. Not ours.
For those of you who may have been following him and wondering why he hasn't played the past few games...it is because Daniel actually strained his hamstring this past Sunday after running out a basehit. It is only a strain (not a pull) which we are thankful for and will take this over a broken bone any day. He should be back playing by tomorrow or Saturday :)
Thanks again to all our prayers warriors out there, keep them coming please!
Being apart truly makes me appreciate the time we have together though. I am so proud of my husband and how the Lord has used the trials we've gone through the past 2 baseball seasons to grow us stronger in our relationship with Him and with each other. God has been showing me more and more the true meaning of being His disciple. If we claim to be a disciple of Christ, then that means we need to be ready and willing to follow Him wherever He may lead us. Following Jesus doesn't mean that we're following Him to the big leagues or to move up in the minor league organization- we are following Him to be with Him and to be wherever He places us. As easy as it is to get caught up in the thrill of baseball and the idea of Daniel being in the big leagues someday.... that is not what matters in the end. In the end, it matters what we did to make an impact for our God. It's been a fresh reminder to be content in where the Lord has us. I know Daniel is in Clinton, Iowa for a reason outside of baseball and that excites me! As much as we both would have loved the convenience of Daniel playing in California we know God is working this out for a greater purpose and everything is in His perfect timing. (Ecc.3:11 "He has made everything beautiful in His timing"). Key words:His Timing. Not ours.
For those of you who may have been following him and wondering why he hasn't played the past few games...it is because Daniel actually strained his hamstring this past Sunday after running out a basehit. It is only a strain (not a pull) which we are thankful for and will take this over a broken bone any day. He should be back playing by tomorrow or Saturday :)
Thanks again to all our prayers warriors out there, keep them coming please!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Long time No Blog
Hey Hey Hey!
We meet once again after a long break between my last posting. I think I may have officially broken my record for the longest gap between blogs. I apologize yet once again.
Anyways, It's been so long that I'm not even sure how to begin to sum up the last 2 months for us...
I'll start off by saying spring training is now over. Daniel had a great spring training. He hit .321 with 3 Doubles, 5 RBIs, and 5 Stolen Bases. He even got called up to 4 big leagues- Praise God! :)
One of the biggest highlights of spring was that Daniel got to be apart of Ken Griffey Jrs. WALK OFF GRAND SLAM!
We meet once again after a long break between my last posting. I think I may have officially broken my record for the longest gap between blogs. I apologize yet once again.
Anyways, It's been so long that I'm not even sure how to begin to sum up the last 2 months for us...
I'll start off by saying spring training is now over. Daniel had a great spring training. He hit .321 with 3 Doubles, 5 RBIs, and 5 Stolen Bases. He even got called up to 4 big leagues- Praise God! :)
One of the biggest highlights of spring was that Daniel got to be apart of Ken Griffey Jrs. WALK OFF GRAND SLAM!
(Here's some links of some articles if you want to check it out: http://lumberkings.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/03/carroll_paves_way_for_griffeys.html
That was truly a moment I know we will both have etched into our memories for years to come. Although that was high, we also experienced some lows during our stint in Peoria, Arizona. When camp broke; despite Daniel's great spring training; he was reassigned back to Clinton Iowa to start this 2010 baseball season. We did feel disappointed in not being able to reach the goal of starting in the California League, but we know God has His hands on everything and is allowing Daniel to return back to Clinton for a reason. Because Daniel has a chance of being called up to California at any time, we decided it would be best for me to 'wait it out' at home in Cali in hopes for a call up. So I am home now in California and Daniel is in Clinton, Iowa. We've been apart for 1 week now; which has had it's moments of being hard; but overall we both are really feeling the Lord's strength and trusting in His plan. If Daniel hasn't been moved up within the month, I will most likely head out to Iowa to be with him.
Here's a link to a really great article posted in the Clinton Herald that pretty much sums everything up: http://clintonherald.com/sports/x1612527229/Carroll-hoping-for-better-luck-in-third-trip-to-Midwest-League
Back to some exciting news, Daniel really feels in his 'groove' again and has already hit 2 HOMERUNS in his first the two games he's played in so far. So we're so excited about that! All Glory,Honor,& Praise be to God! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1T0jjZ1TXE
Thank you all again for your continual support and prayers! Keep em' coming please! Love you guys!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Trusting God in The Dark
We have been enjoying this gorgeous Arizona weather for 9 days now. Like Daniel wrote, we arrived to Peoria last Wednesday and what an awesome and exciting drive that was!
Daniel has been practicing at the field everyday and has truly been enjoying being apart of mini-camp. He has so much excitement for baseball. He honestly never complains, every morning he wakes up as if a child excited for his first day of school; Daniel wakes up anxious and refreshed for another day to play baseball. God is so great for giving Daniel the desire of his heart to play baseball and to do what He loves. We are so grateful. In the midst of the hard times that come along with this career/lifestyle, we couldn't be more thrilled for the opportunity.
Daniel left for the field around 7 am this morning. It's been working out perfect because we are living exactly 2 miles from the complex. We only have the 1 car, so Daniel's been driving to the field and I get to sleep in a little longer after he leaves. I've been taking advantage of the short distance we live and have been able to get my morning jog in everyday, going to the field and picking up the car from there until Daniel is ready to be picked up in the afternoon.
It's been really nice to be out here on our own again. Don't get me wrong, we loved every minute of being home spending time with friends and family. But being on our own again, in a different state, in a different environment and having that independency again really enables us and forces us to truly rely on each other and depend more on the Lord then ever. To fully depend on the Lord is something I want so much. And to be honest, it definitely doesn't always come easy to me. Especially with the uncertainties baseball brings; the"not knowings", Not knowing where we'll end up next baseball season, not knowing if we'll face another injury this year, not knowing what the Mariner's are thinking. There is so much unknown that this career brings, but how much more as Christians should that make us rely on Him? Incredibly more!
I am currently reading this devotional book by Joni Eareckson Tada called Pearls of Great Price. The devotional this morning was really awesome and related specifically to the questions of the 'unknowns' I have been feeling. I felt like God was speaking to me directly through my time with Him. Isn't it so cool that we serve a God who gives us those special moments and makes us feel as if it was meant just for us? The title of the devotional is called. "What's Up Ahead" followed by
Psalm 37:5-6 "Commit your way to the LORD;trust in him and he will do this:He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."
To sum it up Joni (the author) was left hospitalized and paralyzed after a diving accident in 1967 and has been confined to a wheelchair since. Well in this particular devotion she starts off by talking about a drive she did with a friend of hers from Chicago to Urbana. Because of being in her wheelchair, her head reached higher then the windows and she was unable to see anything during the entire stint of the drive. Her friend would try to describe to her the cornfields and barns they were passing, but it only frustrated Joni more because she wanted to see. She's describes herself as the sort of person who likes to know what lies ahead.If she can't see the whole road;then she'd like to see "a few feet at least", she says.
She goes on to relate that to our spiritual lives. How often do we say to God, "If you don't mind, please show me where I am going. I don't need the whole road, but at least a little bit." I know I'm guilty of that charge! Especially in baseball, I am constantly trying weigh out possibilities of places we may end up during the season. I ask God to give me 'hints' or try on my own to search for hints. Jodi continues on to say "We think our faith has to be supported by a bit of evidence. A hint, a signpost, a whisper...something to give us a clue to what God is doing. We wrongly assume that faith is the ability to take a couple of puzzle pieces and be able to envision the entire picture. Not so. Faith that must be supported by the five senses is not genuine. Jesus said to doubting Thomas, "You have believed me because you have seen me, but blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." our insistence upon discerning what's up ahead is natural, but is a hindrance to real faith. It's why God constantly encourages us to trust Him in the dark (Isaiah 10:10)
I love that, TRUSTING GOD IN THE DARK. We all face that, having the choice to trust God with our lives or deciding to put on our detective badge, scoop up clues and try to figure it out ourself what our future may hold. In baseball especially, Daniel and I have realized that we can't make plans of our own because anything can change. Going into this spring training brings alot of uncertainties of what (the big question for me has been 'Where') the next baseball season holds. We are not sure where we will end up (It will either be back to Low A Clinton, Iowa or High A with the High Desert Mavericks). I honestly have tried to figure it out. The Lord knows our hearts desire is to be in California close to home. But more then that, we want our hearts desire to be Gods desire and His will to be ours. Reading that devotional today was a big reminder to me to stop trying to 'figure it out' and to fully trust God in the dark.
I need to stop trying to point my flashlight ahead to see what's in the distance and hand my flashlight over to Jesus and let Him take charge and be my guide!
Daniel has been practicing at the field everyday and has truly been enjoying being apart of mini-camp. He has so much excitement for baseball. He honestly never complains, every morning he wakes up as if a child excited for his first day of school; Daniel wakes up anxious and refreshed for another day to play baseball. God is so great for giving Daniel the desire of his heart to play baseball and to do what He loves. We are so grateful. In the midst of the hard times that come along with this career/lifestyle, we couldn't be more thrilled for the opportunity.
Daniel left for the field around 7 am this morning. It's been working out perfect because we are living exactly 2 miles from the complex. We only have the 1 car, so Daniel's been driving to the field and I get to sleep in a little longer after he leaves. I've been taking advantage of the short distance we live and have been able to get my morning jog in everyday, going to the field and picking up the car from there until Daniel is ready to be picked up in the afternoon.
It's been really nice to be out here on our own again. Don't get me wrong, we loved every minute of being home spending time with friends and family. But being on our own again, in a different state, in a different environment and having that independency again really enables us and forces us to truly rely on each other and depend more on the Lord then ever. To fully depend on the Lord is something I want so much. And to be honest, it definitely doesn't always come easy to me. Especially with the uncertainties baseball brings; the"not knowings", Not knowing where we'll end up next baseball season, not knowing if we'll face another injury this year, not knowing what the Mariner's are thinking. There is so much unknown that this career brings, but how much more as Christians should that make us rely on Him? Incredibly more!
I am currently reading this devotional book by Joni Eareckson Tada called Pearls of Great Price. The devotional this morning was really awesome and related specifically to the questions of the 'unknowns' I have been feeling. I felt like God was speaking to me directly through my time with Him. Isn't it so cool that we serve a God who gives us those special moments and makes us feel as if it was meant just for us? The title of the devotional is called. "What's Up Ahead" followed by
Psalm 37:5-6 "Commit your way to the LORD;trust in him and he will do this:He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."
To sum it up Joni (the author) was left hospitalized and paralyzed after a diving accident in 1967 and has been confined to a wheelchair since. Well in this particular devotion she starts off by talking about a drive she did with a friend of hers from Chicago to Urbana. Because of being in her wheelchair, her head reached higher then the windows and she was unable to see anything during the entire stint of the drive. Her friend would try to describe to her the cornfields and barns they were passing, but it only frustrated Joni more because she wanted to see. She's describes herself as the sort of person who likes to know what lies ahead.If she can't see the whole road;then she'd like to see "a few feet at least", she says.
She goes on to relate that to our spiritual lives. How often do we say to God, "If you don't mind, please show me where I am going. I don't need the whole road, but at least a little bit." I know I'm guilty of that charge! Especially in baseball, I am constantly trying weigh out possibilities of places we may end up during the season. I ask God to give me 'hints' or try on my own to search for hints. Jodi continues on to say "We think our faith has to be supported by a bit of evidence. A hint, a signpost, a whisper...something to give us a clue to what God is doing. We wrongly assume that faith is the ability to take a couple of puzzle pieces and be able to envision the entire picture. Not so. Faith that must be supported by the five senses is not genuine. Jesus said to doubting Thomas, "You have believed me because you have seen me, but blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." our insistence upon discerning what's up ahead is natural, but is a hindrance to real faith. It's why God constantly encourages us to trust Him in the dark (Isaiah 10:10)
I love that, TRUSTING GOD IN THE DARK. We all face that, having the choice to trust God with our lives or deciding to put on our detective badge, scoop up clues and try to figure it out ourself what our future may hold. In baseball especially, Daniel and I have realized that we can't make plans of our own because anything can change. Going into this spring training brings alot of uncertainties of what (the big question for me has been 'Where') the next baseball season holds. We are not sure where we will end up (It will either be back to Low A Clinton, Iowa or High A with the High Desert Mavericks). I honestly have tried to figure it out. The Lord knows our hearts desire is to be in California close to home. But more then that, we want our hearts desire to be Gods desire and His will to be ours. Reading that devotional today was a big reminder to me to stop trying to 'figure it out' and to fully trust God in the dark.
I need to stop trying to point my flashlight ahead to see what's in the distance and hand my flashlight over to Jesus and let Him take charge and be my guide!
Are you willing to hand your flashlight over to Jesus today and let Him take control?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
A Plan Bigger Then Our Own
Hey Everyone. Daniel here.
So we are officially in Arizona now getting ready for the season. We also have some great news to share with all of you. On our way out here mid way into the drive I got a call from the Mariners Minor League Director. He made some small talk at first and just about the time I was wondering what he was calling for...he told me he wanted me to jump into mini camp starting the following morning. For those of you who don't know what mini camp is. It is a one month work out prior to spring training for top prospects in the organization.
That is why this is such a big praise report. I hadn't been invited initially, there is only about 30 position players and 20 of them are this last years top picks from the draft, which didn't leave much room for invitation. A few guys I know who were on my team last year got invited, so I was feeling a little like I was falling through the cracks. But Chelsea and I stayed positive and knew God was in control and really have been whole-heartendly trusting in Him. As I'm sure most of you know, these last two baseball seasons have been tough for us. Mostly due to the injuries I have faced. Because of them, I know both of us at times have had thoughts of doubts about my career in baseball. Which was stupid cause #1 We should be trusting that God has a plan for my life and that everything that happens is for a reason, "For those who are called according to His purpose".
So when we got that call we were both so excited, but right after that something even more amazing happened. Within ten seconds of hanging up we both saw an amazing rainbow in the middle of the desert. It seemed as though it just appeared right in front of us. It was so beautiful and majestic. We both immediately started praising God for such an amazing gift. We knew that rainbow was just for us. Rainbows are an emblem of God's promise in the Bible and we both knew what He was saying to us loud and clear.
He was saying I have a plan for your life and don't forget it or ever doubt it. WOW!!!! We were both amazed. I mean to have gotten that call with such good news that I never expected and have that rainbow all of a sudden appear right after was supernatural. That is just so amazing to think that we serve such an amazing God, that would give us such intimate moments like that with Him. Its crazy to think that the same God that put the stars in the sky and planets in place is watching over our lives. And to know that the same power which created all things and put our solar system into motion is at work within our lives orchestrating all things is incredible beyond words. Whether they be triumphs, failures, hardships, or victories to ultimately and inevitably bring us closer to Him in love.
So we are officially in Arizona now getting ready for the season. We also have some great news to share with all of you. On our way out here mid way into the drive I got a call from the Mariners Minor League Director. He made some small talk at first and just about the time I was wondering what he was calling for...he told me he wanted me to jump into mini camp starting the following morning. For those of you who don't know what mini camp is. It is a one month work out prior to spring training for top prospects in the organization.
That is why this is such a big praise report. I hadn't been invited initially, there is only about 30 position players and 20 of them are this last years top picks from the draft, which didn't leave much room for invitation. A few guys I know who were on my team last year got invited, so I was feeling a little like I was falling through the cracks. But Chelsea and I stayed positive and knew God was in control and really have been whole-heartendly trusting in Him. As I'm sure most of you know, these last two baseball seasons have been tough for us. Mostly due to the injuries I have faced. Because of them, I know both of us at times have had thoughts of doubts about my career in baseball. Which was stupid cause #1 We should be trusting that God has a plan for my life and that everything that happens is for a reason, "For those who are called according to His purpose".
So when we got that call we were both so excited, but right after that something even more amazing happened. Within ten seconds of hanging up we both saw an amazing rainbow in the middle of the desert. It seemed as though it just appeared right in front of us. It was so beautiful and majestic. We both immediately started praising God for such an amazing gift. We knew that rainbow was just for us. Rainbows are an emblem of God's promise in the Bible and we both knew what He was saying to us loud and clear.
He was saying I have a plan for your life and don't forget it or ever doubt it. WOW!!!! We were both amazed. I mean to have gotten that call with such good news that I never expected and have that rainbow all of a sudden appear right after was supernatural. That is just so amazing to think that we serve such an amazing God, that would give us such intimate moments like that with Him. Its crazy to think that the same God that put the stars in the sky and planets in place is watching over our lives. And to know that the same power which created all things and put our solar system into motion is at work within our lives orchestrating all things is incredible beyond words. Whether they be triumphs, failures, hardships, or victories to ultimately and inevitably bring us closer to Him in love.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)