Karnowski Family Summer Fun Playlist

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Karnowski Family Summer Fun Playlist (2014)

Happy Song by Pharrell Williams-Lizz
Oceans by Hillsong -Lizz
Best Day of My Life -Lizz
Give It Up by KC & The Sunshine -Linc
She’s Gone by Hall & Oates -Randy
Come Healing by Leanard Cohen -Patricia
Let It Go “Frozen” -Meghan
This Is How We Roll by Florida Georgia Line -Meghan
For Better for Worse by Old Man Markley -Liz
Home by Edward Sharpe -Liz
Wasting Time by Jack Johnson -Randy
That’s What’s Up by Lennon & Maisy -Katie
She’s Everything by Brad Paisley -Maggie
Luckenbach, Texas by Waylon Jennings -Randy
Breakdown by Jack Johnson -Jenna
Supposed To Be by Jack Johnson -Randy
New Slang by The Shins -Christopher
Feeling Groovy by Simon & Garfunkel -Christopher
Two Weeks by Grizzly Bear -Christopher
Marry Song by Band of Horses -Christopher
Shine A Light by The Rolling Stones -Christopher
Sweet Thing by Van Morrison -Christopher
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen -Jen
Jack and Diane -Jen
I Would Walk 500 Miles by Kenny And The Scots -Liz
Talk Dirty To Me by DJ Jason Medallion -Goose
Human by Christina Perri -Goose
Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson -Rebekkah
Falling by Haim -Ally
Toes by Zac Brown Band -Nicole
I Love You Because by Johnny Cash -Lizz
West End Girls -Randy
All Summer Long by Kid Rock -Naze
Turn The Page by Bob Seger -Connie
You’re My Best Friend by Queen -Connie
Moondance by Van Morrison -Chris
Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison -Andrea
Amie by Pure Prairie League -Chris
The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys -Chris
Thank You God for Saving Me by Chris Tomlin -Maggie
You Raise Me Up by Selah -Goose
Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawaiwo -Goose
God Of This City by Chris Tomlin -Goose
So Good To Me -Cory Asbury -Maggie
Need You Now by Plumb -Chris
How He Loves by David Crowder -Chris
Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave -Chris (See Tattoo on his wrist)
Redeemer by Nicole C. Mullen -Chris
Let Them See You by JJ Weeks Band -Chris
Fireflies by Owl City -Lizz
Upside Down by Jack Johnson -Katie
Angie by The Rolling Stones -Annie
Taxi by Harry Chapin -Pattie
The Sun Is Shining Down by JJ Grey & Mofro -Josh
You Never Know by Dave Matthews Band -Josh
Grey Street by Dave Matthews Band -Josh

True Beauty

If you want to know how I'm really doing, all you have to do is open my purse and have a peek inside. If there are receipts everywhere and it's a mess, you'll know the truth: I'm not in the greatest place.

I was so honored that my sister let me in her life this past week. When she was gone (to the hospital for her son's surgery) I walked around her house all by myself and quickly realized things may or may not be as they appear to the outside world. I wanted to sit and sob for her. I immediately felt compassion for what she is really going through. I also quickly learned that it was obvious that my sister has her priorities in the right order, and I love that she is in touch with all that really matters.

I have to tell you that she and I couldn't be any more different when it comes to crafts. For some reason I did not get the gene. You should see her paintings! She is channeling her stress in a positive way by painting the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen. I am so glad she knows how to comfort herself in the midst of a very hard life.

I admire her for being herself and for accepting all people; she never ever judges them. We had several conversations about "constructive criticism" (Is there really such a thing?) and she was hurt to the core recently. I have so many reasons to respect my sister, but the one that stands out most these days is the fact that she is the most accepting person I know.

When I looked around her house when no one else was there I felt like I was looking at the truth of what felt like a messy purse to me. When they came home and I saw her family in action, I realized the love inside that place is bigger than anything I can ever explain on a blog post. That family loves with what I call, "reckless abandon." Everyone should be able to experience that kind of precious love!

This song is dedicated to you, my beautiful sister. You make me so proud on so many levels! Thank you for letting me in your life. I will come back again real soon!
I love you so much! ... xoxo

http://youtu.be/xxiqslWvgTI

And she went to a Dude Ranch

Just like winning the trip to South Africa for an African Safari, I never would have had a Dude Ranch on my bucket list. I would have listed 100 different places first, but I had a blast a couple of weeks ago when I went with some dear friends to Arizona to celebrate my friend's birthday. Kathie and Marty made a big deal about my 50th, so I thought I should join them if at all possible. I had some frequent flyer miles and it was very affordable! I am in no way a horse person and I've always been afraid of them; but recently I had a patient tell me something I haven't been able to get out of my mind.

"Being comfortable is like being in prison."

For some reason that statement resonated with me immediately! I'm not sure if it's because I have lost so many loved ones in recent years, but I decided to make it my goal to do as many things out of my comfort zone as possible.



Since the rest of the group had either gone to a Dude Ranch prior or owned horses of their own, I was the only true "beginner." I loved the slow rides, especially up the rocky mountains, but honestly I thought it might get a bit boring, riding so slow for five days. The rest of the group was anxious to take a fast ride and I didn't want to miss out, so I took a lesson to learn to trot and lope on my horse. It was mandatory to take a test before going on the fast ride. I found it difficult, but I sort of caught on that it was all about getting into a rhythm. They told us to have our pockets down and zipper up and slide on the saddle. It was so cool when I did it right. Somehow the guy passed me!

Loping (running on my horse) was the one of the scariest, most exhilarating things I have ever done. I know it sounds lame to most people, but my heart was beating out of my chest when the horse began to run. I didn't want him (Jackson) to know I was scared, because I heard they sense fear and could freak out. Anyway...I did it!

My poor horse ended up being sick. He was breathing very heavily, broke his stride and came to a dead stop a few times. I thought it was my fault because I did something wrong. Since I was a beginner they gave me a slow horse. The wrangler kept telling me to hit him with the stick to get him going because he was "lazy." It turns out he was really hurt. I feel badly that I made him take me up the mountain a few times while injured. On the last day they gave me a new beautiful horse (Trigger, pictured above) to ride and I felt a lot more confident.

At the end of each day we were hot, exhausted and very dirty! A shower and a glass of wine never felt or tasted better. Oh, and the food was incredible! After dinner each night they had activities. My least favorite was the art project where we had to do a water color paining of a horse and dessert. Anyone who knows me knows crafts are not my strong suit. You will notice I did not add a photo of it in this post!

I am definitely anxious to go on another trip in the future (maybe to Wyoming). I would love to ride in the lush green mountains and ride through rivers. I am really glad I decided to get out of my comfort zone and do something I never dreamt I would enjoy. I highly recommend you do something totally crazy. You won't regret it and you may just have the time of your life!

http://youtu.be/ZSYPNiK7fXE

What are you looking at?

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." ~Matt 7:3-5

We certainly don't like it when people point out our faults or judge us for how we are handling a situation. I cannot call myself a Christ-follower if I continually judge others. I am considering putting this picture on my fridge as a reminder. I should also put it on my mirror in my bathroom and on a sticky note in my car. It should be the screen saver on my computer and the wallpaper on my phone.

Remembering

Last night God reminded me that lately I have been forgetting.

I've been forgetting to remember what He has done for me since He first touched my life on a deeper level. He and I have been through a lot together and I can't believe I could have so easily forgotten.

I wish I didn't have the block that has caused me to lose my fire and blog about what He is currently doing in my life. I was in such a better place when I started my day with God and ended it thanking Him for being with me every step of the way. I have been focusing on what isn't instead of what is; and He is enough.

I started today in His Word and I already feel better!

"Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me." ~Psalm 103:2 NLT



Love,
xx

xx Feeding Our Marriage xx