What's in a name?

We finally had the chance to meet a couple of weeks ago :) 

Carmen Joy and Carmen Joy

Here is the link to the blog I wrote regarding Carmen a while back: 

Way back When

My Great Uncle is asking for stories on Friendship for his little newsletter this month, so I thought I would write up a little one since it's a fun God story!

My friend submission for the Tin Can: 

I thought I would share a story about the most unusual gift of friendship I have been given to date. About twenty years ago, a good friend of mine sent me an email to my juno address ...except much to her chagrin it did not go to me..it went to Carmenjoy, while mine was Carmenjoy1. The owner of the other email sent her a message and let her know she had the wrong Carmen Joy. After receiving several emails that belonged to me, the other Carmen Joy sent me an email and we discovered we had a lot in common. She was 4 years ahead of me and attending Multnomah. We both loved Jesus! She really encouraged me in my walk with the Lord and challenged me in little ways, like choosing not to send out forwards when they were not wise to send..you know the ones that said "if you send this you will have this or that wish come true.." sometimes as a kid I missed what those things really meant. As the years went on Carmen met her husband, finished college and went overseas to the Philippines. Around the time they came back to states, I went to YWAM. All of these twenty years we swapped Christmas cards, newsletters, prayer requests, and pictures- never once meeting face to face. Though she was even born and raised in Colorado, where I lived for 7 years. In 2014, Carmen moved back to the NW with her husband and kids (they still serve in missions and she is now teaching part time at her old college.) and I'm also back in the NW. About a month ago she and I FINALLY had the opportunity to meet face to face! What a gift! She's a dear friend and it was incredible to meet. It's a miracle in this day to stay in touch with someone you have never met for twenty years! I hope we have many more opportunities to spend time together in the years to come. 

Three parts...

Soul Gains:
"It is well with my soul..."
    What is a "well" soul? As we sang this yesterday in church it dawned on me..a well soul is one that is able to feel and process emotion in a healthy way...wow. Maybe this isn't a revelation to you but it was so life giving to me. Without realizing it, I have believed that a well soul is one that is able to control emotions- in other words- remain slightly stoic. Can you imagine, the guy who penned these lines-staring at the sea where he lost his family, feeling no emotions? No probably not..he probably cried, and yet...as he grieved..he knew, it was well. I'm more of a stuffer of emotions than a processor of them..what about you? Sometimes it is even difficult for me to show great joy. (well except for the unexpected moment that mom brings home dried seaweed and I get really excited?!) ...but seriously, it's delicious.

Physical Gains:
1. A 6 mile bike ride- loving my new bike.
2. I hiked to the top of Silverstar (it took us an hour longer than the other girls but my cousin Heidi and I did it!)
3. I've started Crossfit. Sometimes I feel like a wimp when I can only lift 22 pounds but hey...I'm working out! And anything beyond that is a bonus!

Spirit Gains:
I loved the book Scary Close, it's the best of Donald Miller I have read to date. I could go through the book and write a lot of quotes..but instead, I will just say, read it. Be challenged and reminded that you also are "good at relationships", that you can change, that grace sticks to your imperfections and gives you the freedom to take off your mask and be fully you. His grace is enough.