Its not about me.

Ahhh so many birthday's coming up!! Goodness, its like July is THE time to have a baby! Or at least it was last century.

Speaking of birthdays... okay, its a celebration, but a celebration of what exactly?  I think these days, we all try to "live it up", and "go all out" for our birthdays, and when plans don't go accordingly, we're upset.  I'm not one to plan parties... except for Aislynn, of course, but for myself, not so much.  This year I got together with my friends, and since my parents were unable to attend, I dined with my sweet God-parents.  Afterwards, we hit up a karaoke bar, and then from there, went to the club.  I dressed in my favorite shirt, some leggings, and a sweater. YEP!  That's me.  You won't find me in a party dress... probably ever.  Dresses just aren't my thing.  I won't lie though... I did searched high and low for a matching Hello Kitty hair accessory.  

It wasn't until this year that I realized what I was really trying to celebrate in the past.  The commercial idea of my birthday.  On one hand, the glitz and the glam.  And on the other, the dreaded "year older".  The me, having to face gray hair in just... well, I don't even want to think that far.  It was me celebrating, yet mourning my youth.

Either way is selfish.  

What really should be celebrated on our glorious debut to this world is Him.  Thank you Lord, for another day! Thank you, Lord for another week... another month, and so on and so forth.  Thank you, Lord, for another year!  Another chance to get it right.  To grow up, and to grow wise.  

I mean look at Noah for example.  How old was he when the Lord decided to use him?  How old was he when him and his sons finally finished the ark?  So why do we mourn our youth, when we have so so much to look forward to in our upcoming age?

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, yes, of course its all gravy to go all out, but when things don't go right, don't get upset about it, but instead praise Him, anyway!  Not to mention... don't fret the occasion... what kind of message are you sending to your Creator?  That another year on this earth isn't good enough?  That your non-planned party is more important? Celebrate, anyway!!  Go all out in PRAISE!

25th Birthday - January 2011

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." --Psalm 118:24

 

Faith and Love, 

Casey

One Year Anniversary

This Easter will mark our 1 year anniversary.  A celebration of many anniversaries.  One being a year at Community of Faith.  And the rest... history.  Wow.  I can't even begin to describe how much our life changed for the better after attending our very first service as a family.  

You know, I was always the one to say that going to church wasn't a big deal, and that it wasn't needed to be a Christian. But honestly speaking, my entire view on church has changed since the very first time we sat as a family in that church.  It was like God breathed life into our little world, our marriage, and into our hearts. 

I can't imagine life without church.  And I can't imagine life without THIS church. 

Only being there a year, and I have met some extraordinary people.  None of which are perfect, and all of which have their own set problems, worries, and drama.  Nonetheless, beautiful passionate people.  I can't describe how each of them has impacted my life in so many different ways.  And that's considering I've only been there a year.  I am so so excited to see where the Lord takes us within and around this church.  

So far, we've been apart of Serve Saturday, which is a Saturday out of each month where the church goes to help around the city! And boy, do they help!!  Unfortunately, due to Jr's schedule, we haven't been able to attend as much as we'd like, but in just the times we have gone... wow.  Talk about humbleness. 

We've also attended small group, and again with Jr's schedule that didn't last too long, but during the time we were there, we learned the importance of tithing... something that never crossed our minds before then. 

My sister is also apart of the Praise Team. Yes, indeed! And both sisters are apart of the choir!  

Aislynn is known for her artistic skills in the daycare/school area. This cracks me up!

I've also been personally mentored by two of THE most amazing women I have ever met. And funny thing is, I've only been mentored by them once, and that once was WOW.  Eye opening, humbling, and convicting. 

We've also been to couples coaching... fun fun! And Jr and I are looking to take it further and get profession coaching.  Not saying we have any major major problems, and I don't think you need to have "problems" to seek outside counsel, but we love to talk about our marriage, and what we as individuals can do to make a difference for each other. 

Really, there's just too much to say about how God has used church (and this church particularly) to help shape and mold our lives, today.  I think humble is the key word, here. It has completely changed our lives, and I can't imagine going back to our way of living before we stepped through those front doors.

If you're in the Houston area, and are looking for a church to attend, stop by COF!! You'll be glad you did!

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 

-- 1 Corinthians 12:12

Faith and Love,
Casey

A Beautiful Mess.

With my hubby working 68 hours a week, and gone for 80 makes it extra hard to get things done... with the house, with my job, and family business. Time is very very tight, thus it being very very valuable to us. There isn't a moment where we aren't just doing "nothing".  There's always something to be done here at the Ayala house, and I'm afraid unpacking has hit the bottom of the priority list. 

You see, I'm the type of person that when we move, everything needs to be unpacked and have found its place in less than a week.  Now, we've never moved into an actual house, and although I can see some differences (from an apartment), why on earth am I hearing stories of people still unpacking 10 months later??  Let me be honest here, that freaks me out! You mean, I have to look at these boxes for another 9 months???  I don't think my eyes, brain, or patience can handle that. Although it is indeed frightening, its becoming reality, and although I wish I could wave my magical wand, and mentally direct each item to its new home on this shelf, or in that closet, or under that cabinet (think Sleeping Beauty), I can't.  This go-round, I can't let my self diagnosed OCD get the best of me, and from the pictures below, you'll see that it hasn't. HA!

 The lovely view from the top banister.

 

The dining area. Haven't seen half of those boxes in about 3 years. 

What's in them, you ask?? 

Well, your guess is as good as mine! 

 

 She happens to find unpacking fun. 

Me? Not so much.

I wish I could hide behind that ball, too!

And the entry way. 

Ahh yes. No comment.  

I will also note that this is only 2 rooms of the house. 

Why I just reminded myself of that, I am not exactly sure.

Oh, and I forgot to mention... I took this pictures about 2 weeks ago, and the house STILL looks like this, minus our added couch and love seat. haha


As you can see, our house is mess, but our home, not so much. We sit at the dinner table each night, and enjoy each other's company.  We say prayers before bed, and give kisses before the days starts.  As far as the mess is concerned, it will get done when it gets done.  ::crosses arms & nods head::

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. 

-- Joshua 24:15

Faith, love, and unpacking!
-Casey

Hoorah!

ps. The "h" is silent. 

My sweet baby sister has officially embarked on her new journey.  She departed Houston, today, at 2pm sharp, and is making her way to Parris Island, South Carolina.  I'm not sure what's more frightening... arriving or arriving in the dark.  I've been there and have made my way inside, around, and about, and it is literally an island.  Wait for it... surrounded by swamp.  Yes. 

I think the most upsetting thing for me personally, is that need to protect my younger sisters.  My parents worked a lot while growing up, and I began baby sitting at a very young age, and even until they got older I was large and in charge.  I was like a second mother to them... driving them here and there, making mums for homecoming, passing down my own senior prom dress and homecoming dress, cheering at swim meets, being a listening ear, and a shoulder to cry on. I've threatened to beat up their boyfriends, and those who thought they could mess with my sisters. I've fed them, changed their diapers, and read their diaries. And so so much more.  And I guess to know someone is going to be yelling at her... my sister, well, I'd rather them yell at me.  I know I can take it.  And not that she can't, but I'm the big sister.  

Its what I do. 

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.  

~Marion C. Garretty

Love ya, Chels!



Faith, Love, and a Big 'ol HOORAH!!
-Casey

Money! Money! Money! Money!

Monayyyyyyy!

That sweet green paper... or really that sweet piece of plastic.  Funny how it binds us to this filthy earth, and funny how its our sweet escape.  At least, I'm speaking for myself, here.   

Retail therapy... ahh who needs drugs when you can swipe that sucker at the blink of an eye and get the same affects physically, mentally, and financially... okay, and spiritually. It becomes an addiction, and me, well... I've been addicted.  If its not food, its shopping.  And if its not shopping, its food.  And really, I can think of a million different excuses as to why I shop till I drop.

But really, I know what I truly need, and it ain't that new maxi dress at Old Navy  (which btw, I returned).  

Its gotten so bad, that I've prayed and prayed for God to intervene during my shopping trips, and when He did, I ignored it... put those items at the register counter, and swiped that card with a smile on my face.  No sooner, did I find myself in complete tears, knowing exactly what I did, and didn't need to do.  I knew for a fact, God was convicting my heart... and??

We had even attended community group at church which was solely based on finances and tithing.  Yeah, I loveeeee to give!  But do those whom I give, really need it?  Do they need that extra glass miniature sitting on their already dust book shelf? Prob not, but the satisfaction of me buying something, and someone else claiming the prize while leaving my hands clean of dirty sounded pretty darn good.  Not to mention... I really do like to give.  I'm a giver at heart.

It wasn't until one service at church that struck a chord in me.  God whispered to me... "its time."  But this time, there was no ignoring it. It really was time, and He wasn't going to take "no" for an answer, and really, He didn't have to.  He was right... it was time.  My heart was ready.  I won't lie though, the devil attacked and filled my mind with questions like, "what about paying for Aislynn's school?" What about this, and what about that?   

Just as the devil was about to take victory, I looked inside of my purse, and there was my checkbook (something I rarely carry with me).  I quickly took it out, and wrote a check for exactly 10% of our weekly income.  

Up!  Once again, God moved me... in the direction of the pastor.  As I stood before him, tears filled my eyes, and honesty graced my lips.  "This has been really really hard for us... REALLY hard.  We just can't seem to part with 10%, but today was different... Today God touched my heart..."  And there I was, handing the pastor 10%...  a 10% I could have used to buy that maxi dress, some oober cute sandals, and a fashion smashion handbag with fab sunglasses.  

Today, here we are... bills on top of bills... as as new homeowners (without a single clue), extra added bills on top of bills.  Bills exceeding income.  Last weekend, I had planned on not tithing the complete 10%, but instead picking back up in July.  This was dead set in my mind. Dead set. 

Up! There He goes again... He guided my heart, and there I went... 10% gone in an instant, and with no pain or conflict on my end.  He repeatedly nudged me during service that Sunday... the worship songs, the sermon.  

Here we are in April, and to be honest, I don't even recall how many 10% checks we've tithed. But there has yet to be a break in the pattern... its 10% every single week without fail.  Its like that 10% was never even there, and no, not because we make oodles of money to where we don't notice. HA! I wish. lol  But it has never crippled us.  

Although, this week was hard, and I do mean hard financially, He showed up at the last minute... you know, like Superman... He saved the day.  He provided.  Just as He promised He would. 

 

(ps. My church isn't the kind to ask for money every time you turn around... in fact, they never ask for money, and when they do, its rare... very rare.)

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

-- Matthew 6:25 

Faith and Love,
Casey

Office. Sweet. Office.

Yep! Its official! I have my own office space.  No, not just a corner of a room, but an actual entire room.  Since the upgrade, I've got more space that I know what to do with.  Okay, okay, I can think of a million things to do with it, but you've gotta have the resources to get it all done, but with a little time, patience, creative thinking, and love, it will eventually come to be.  

I've wrestled over the "theme" of my office, and I can't seem to wrap my head around anything other than "vintage/shabby chic"  As far as ideas, I'm overwhelmed, and would love to just hire an interior designer, but knowing me and my stubborn behind, I'd want to do things myself... my way. haha

For now, my walls will be bare, and my space will be empty.  It will just be me, my desk, my comp/electronics, a few filing drawers, and various odds and in's. 

So, here it is...
For now, anyway.

 My desk is floating in the middle of the room... still gotta wire all that goodness sitting by the window.
ps. found that precious piece of furniture for $60 on Craigslist. Also, got that super comfy desk chair on super sale at Staples!

PC and MAC side by side. They're in a very loving relationship... better halves if you will.

Closet.
Stuff is everywhere, but until I get that perfect bookshelf, its gonna stay like this.
Organized chaos? Sure!

Apart of my new image filing system... 
its in the works, but I've finally found something that's gonna work!

He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them master craftsmen and designers. 

-- Exodus 35:35

Faith and Love,
Casey

Today: Your average civilian...

Tomorrow: a Marine.


February 28, 1992, the day before a leap year, #4 sister came into my life.  Chelsey. "My sweet Chelsey", is what I call her... or at least when I want something. ha!

Chelsey is embarking on a new journey come Monday morning. She'll be shipping off to Parris Island to become a better person, and a heck of a better American.


I've been trying to gather my thoughts for this post for quite some time now, but there's just so much to say about her, my sweet sister... its all too much to simply blog about. Tears fill my eyes, now.  So many emotions rolled into one; happy, sad, proud, blessed, selfish, selfless, and so on and so forth, but no feeling is stronger than the love I have for my sister.  This past week, I've thought about all the great times we have had together, and I can't wait for more great times to come!  (family vacations at wherever she is stationed. hehe  Chelsey, since I am the older sister, I get to bunk in yo' bed.)

What I will miss most is our "CKC" (Casey, Katie, Chelsey) adventures, and then those where all 5 Romero gals are involved... we could have our own televised series; we're that "blonde"... Think of Jersey Shore (minus all the nasty involved) + I Love Lucy.  YEP! That's us! Oh wait!! The Griswald's! Yeah, definitely don't forget them, too! We're a handful, and my dad has his hands full.

I will miss her tremendously, and I pray she kicks some serious bootay while in basic... and I know she will... she gets it from me. haha  I mean, all of that sisterly "love" had to have helped some, right??

Chelsey, I love you so very very much.

"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier" 

--II Timothy 2:3-4

Faith, love, and a big 'ol HOORAH!
Casey

The Ayala Casita!

Home Sweet Home.

<3

Its pretty from the outside, but wait until you see the inside. 

(No, really.)

Stay tuned!! The Ayala's have officially embarked on a new journey, and you're about to be apart of it!

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. -- Joshua 24:15

Faith and Love,
Casey