Christmas

Most of Christmas focuses on Christ's birth, but can also be extended beyond Chrismas to keep us focused on His return.

When I think of Christmas, I think of beautiful candles lit, His manger scene, giving gifts, decorations, sharing, worship, gatherings and most of all the time spent with immediate family and, of course, whatching the grandchildren's eyes and response when they see the decorations, gifts, and are so very precious in all they do to make Christmas so exciting, joyful, and their spirit is always so very uplifting!!!!

A lady who has been keeping up daily reading of my blog called me yesterday and said "Please make sure you tell everyone how far along you are with Christmas?" Of course she was on the answering machine, so I didn't get to respond. But I am happy to announce: I'M FINISHED WITH ALL DECORATIONS!!! Yup.....DONE! The tree is even up and looks magnificant! (My husband keeps complimenting how gorgeous it is!!) Then I have the flickering lighted snowman out in the yard, with the beautiful lit candy canes in the stone pathway in the yard! How do I feel? Relieved....not an awesome task this year for some reason!!!!

Now, I can sit back and enjoy what I love to do most....the giving of gifts.

I would give one word of admonishment. Stay calm when you unravel the light cords...it can get pretty frustrating....trust me...they will unwind, if you'll just let patience run its course!!!!!

Partly Finished!

Fireplace area DONE!!! (Christmas decor!!!)
Some lights up outside.....
Christmas tablecloth DONE!!! & centerpiece!!!
Stockings hung up on the fireplace....DONE!!!
Actually all that's left is putting up the tree.....
Oooops and the front yard candy canes that will be all lit up!!! TO DO!

While I was deciding where to put odds n' ends, I had some caring thoughts...

Surround yourself with loving, caring people who will hold you up when you start to double over, who will encourage you, pray with you, pray that people will bring you cookies to cheer you up and who don't mind when you cry; people who are brave enough to tell you to kick the negative thoughts far away.....people who don't laugh when all you want to order is mashed potatoes.;...people who care, simply care!

Getting In The Spirit Of Christmas

Last Sunday some of the ladies ask me how I get in the spirit of Christmas? I said "Probably by Wednesday of this week, I'll begin to feel the spirit, so please read my blog."

It's Wednesday, of course, and I am right on target....yesterday my husband and I went to the church and finished straightening tables, etc. from our 40th Anniversary event and we both looked at each other and said, "Well, Christmas is fast approaching." We decided to go into the Worship Center and bow before the Lord in prayer and thank Jesus for being the reason for the Season first of all!!! I love that phrase.....and am so grateful for His birth!

This morning I got up fairly early (earlier...ugh) and I started with Step #1:
....which is.....where do we put the tree? That means moving some furniture...okay...that's done...then Step #2: Open the closet where the decor is.....well, that looks like nothing is broken...so that begins my Spirit of Christmas (oh, I put Christmas music on softly as to not awaken my hubby.)

So, that begins the start of the spirit of Christmas for me......how about you?
Oh, I want to mention Step #3: Stay organized. My husband cannot stand clutter or chaos on purpose......sooooo bringing all the stuff out of the closet and shed at once would not be a good thing. Remember the "C" word....consideration for the other person as the home is being rearranged......am I in the spirit???? Kind of/sort of....I'm sure that will not be a problem...it's already begun in my heart!!!

How's It Going?

Well-crafted questions are portals to others' souls. We each have portions of our hearts that are clamped shut, but often they are spring-loaded and aching to be opened. Holding grudges, quiet dreams, painful struggles - each can be gently unlocked (maybe) with a question.

Many years ago, someone in the large family I'm from made a, what they thought was a profound statement, that "Carol asks too many questions." As that filtered through our family, I noticed some of the family members quit calling, writing, or bluntly, had nothing to do with me. In the first place, it wasn't true about me. As one can see, I CARE....thus the reason for my blog. To me, asking the question, "What's going on?" or "How's it going?" is an open-ended question....taking a wide-angle view...asking questions that peer beyond this week or month.

What we need to do is dig deeper...listen intently to the question THEY ask. My asking questions relates to O-T-H-E-R'-S interest(s) first. That's what it's about! Others....it's called getting mind off of S-E-L-F. By lovingly asking questions that plunge beneath the logistics of life, we selflessly look not only to the interests of others, but to our own as well.

As we create these kind, respectful thoughts that permeate the soul, we gain opportunities to better understand and love the people closest to our hearts. In fact, recently we had our immediately family (kids, grandkids) over at our home and our granddaughter asked a question..."Grandma, you really like to change furniture, don't you?" (A super great question) .... As opposed a rude comment would be "You changed the furniture again!"

In summary, God designed us to care for each individual's life in a place called home, where we sit down with a smile and ask "How's it going for you today?" That my dear friend is caring! I certainly pray and hope you feel loved and cared about. .....and those are my very caring thoughts this moment, this new day!

Maximize Your Day With Beautiful Memories!!!

Yea....it's Monday....a new week!

Yesterday is just a memory but a tremendous memory.

Tomorrow will get here soon enough....

And I begin this week with a huge amount of gratitude for the beautiful voice inside that says, "I'm the most blessed person on the planet....to be me right here....right now." Phenomenal kids, grandkids, super tremendous church family and friends who are so giving and caring....all wrapped up in one lovely package...I feel extraordinary!

Stop and smell the roses! I still have 2 yellow roses left over from our "Renewal of Vows" ceremony and they are so magnificent!!! I'm going to enjoy them and the memories to the MAX today! Hope you get time to enjoy the extraordinary things happening to you this DAY!!!

Good Afternoon!!!

How sweet it is to have people care and so many who really do read my blog!!!! OOOOOppssss - When I got to church everyone mentioned they missed my blog...no I didn't forget....my husband and I were wounding up a super phenomenal week and had candlelight communication coffee (we call it the 3 C's) before church this a.m. and I just flat ran out of time!

Well, it gives me a chance to blog on church service.....It was amazingly incredible!! ....from start to finish!!! 3 first time visitors and great comments regarding a "Thankfulness" time of sharing. Every single person shared their heart of what we mean to them and what the church means to them...very emotional.... totally awesome!!! I think I went through a box of kleenex. My husband gave a very uplifting message on the Will of God!......WOW!

We're planning some marvelous Christmas activities at our church....'tis going to be a heart full of blessings; we're looking forward to a festive Season!

Splendid!!!!!

Looking forward to a great day .....unfortunately it's way too cold go swimming even if the pool is heated, but with it being outside, it has open air coming into the room where the indoor pool is and for sure we value not catching colds above the "wanting to" swim!!! You'd have to see it. It's a cool activity if the weather was warmer for sure! ....brrrrr is the word for now!!!

C ya in Church in the morning for a splendid Service....10 a.m.!
Happy Saturday!!!

Still Very Thankful!!!!!!

I am so very thankful for rest.....
What about you?

Who would ever believe our 40th (RUBY) Anniversary date fell on a Sunday. It will never happen again..........what we would call a perfect week of rest and conentment.
(& trust me, very needed!) We both blaze like a house of fire each and every day! (Hey - that's an old Okie term my Mamma used to say)....

Have fun today in whatever task you choose!

We'll still be relaxing......

Happy Thanksgiving

As we celebrate this beautiful day,Thanksgiving 2007, may we all take a minute to bow our heads to a God who cares, and in prayer, give our tremendous gratitude for family and friends who have been so supportive and also, for all the great blessings that have been bestowed upon us. As we continue to be ever so grateful for our wonderful 40th Wedding Anniversary that we are continuing in celebrate, we say wih all thankfulness,

Happy Thanksgiving and have a great day!

"Love Makes The World Go 'Round"

Love ignites......
Love is contageous.....
Love is patient......
Love is kind......
Love is 40 Ruby Years of Marriage....I'm totally convinced now!

I'm positive computers have "love" in them....I can sit down at any one computer (even this fancy DELL) and get my blog sent. Whoopeeee!

Remember to spread a lil' love around......tomorrow's the greatest love day of all: Love + Joy = Thanksgiving! The best math of all!

I do care and pray that at sometime in your life time you experience real love!

My Favorite Holiday

Why is Thanksgiving my favorite?????

The greatest joy and happiness I hold dearest is to be thankful.

Being grateful.

I cannot even begin to say the countless many many birthday parties, shower events, wedding receptions, etc. I've been to where the receiving of gifts has been given and the recepient never even bothered to say "Thank You." I know the world is full of "Takers" but come on.....a simple "thank you" would have been so great to hear.

Are we supposed to acknowledge to the person who sent a thank you....thanks for the thank you note???? Hmmmmmmmmmm Anybody have an answer????? Yesterday I took a thank-you note in person to my friend who did my facial for my big day Sunday. (She even came over to the church and "dolled me up" and then attended the Ceremony.) And she said "Carol this is so sweet of you to bring me a thank you note the day after." It couldn't be quick enough for me. My hairdresser even came real early to the church to give me a gift of fixing my hair so pretty!!! Wow! I am so grateful. Yes, I will even be sending out Thank You's to my family who gave so much of their time ...... the list goes on and on.

It shouldn't stress ANYONE out to take a minute out of their day and say "Thank You." Okay I'm getting rouled up, but pla----eeeeeze.....either take a small gift as a token of appreciation even for Thanksgiving dinner you receive from your family or whomever and please remember to say Thank You. I wish I could begin a Global Campaign to remind everyone to be thankful!!!!

Our kids and grandkids always thank me and it gives me great joy because they are so grateful. I'm so glad I have a family that cares. My heart is blessed. These are truly my caring thoughts........Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known." Happiest of Thanksgiving everyone!!!!

Majestic!!!!

It's very hard to describe something that's particularly beautiful or majestic in whatever way that's fresh and original.

Breathtaking from start to finish - this gorgeous and proportionally large levels of awesomeness from start to finish.

How do you describe something beyond description?

I'm speechless!

The church had an overflowing crowd (we had to put in extra chairs in the lobby!!)

The ceremony was far beyond my comprehension. Remembering, my husband and the Pastor officiating were the master minds of this glorious event and it was definitely unknown to me what would take place. All I knew was to let the family know the colors I selected, reception decor (& of course, I personally delivered in person the invitations or mailed and called every person (that's a brag on God...He gave me JUST enough time) and be the lovely honoree (bride!!!).
Thank you each and every one for attending, participating, and being there for us. We are blessed beyond more than we could ask or think. Majestic!!!

.....the love of family and friends for our Ruby 40th!! Thank you for sharing what's closes to our heart, our home....dreams fulfilled, joys multiplied and a love that's grown deeper and sweeter with time.

......a God, who touches the world with beauty, touches hearts with love......and the love of one anoher..........Romans 13:8

It's Here!!!!!

40 years ago I married the love of my life.
What a celebration we will have today!
Love is in the air!!!
Love, love, love, love.....
Appreciation, appreciation, appreciation to all participants!!!!
See ya soon!

Countdown

27 hours............to our big fantastic day!



yea!!!!! I know we will see you there, and I do know this is going to be a GREAT day! 40 years ago just seems just like yesterday!!! Enjoy your day today and whatever makes you happy. I know I am!!!!!!

Be blessed!

Countdown

Almost here.......
24....23.....22....21....20.....19.....18....17....16.....15....14....13....12....11....10....9....8....9....8....7....6....5....4....3....2....1....

Compatibility in Marriage

As I wondered about and all over with such an exciting attitude toward our 40th Wedding Anniversary Sunday, and everyone gasping saying "40 years!..our's didn't even last 40 days!!!!" My excitement draws a crowd; guess my voice goes up a notch when I really get excited! (I'd rather be excited, than drainy, draggy any day!!!) So, I have been thinking about the old fashioned marriage term, compatibility.

What does that mean to me? I'm on a soapbox because I believe compatibility in marriage works! Here it is in a nutshell:

My Husband and I: Endure long and are patient (him being more patient and me enduring) .....one or the other has these marvelous character qualities.

Not envious and never boil over with jealousy for each other. (In other words, I don't have a chain around his ankle and he is not envious when I am honored for things.

We are not boastful or vainglorious, and we do not display ourselves haughtily; not conceited, arrogant and inflated with pride. Gratitude and appreciation will extend well beyond 40 years, believe you me!!!!! That is a must!!!!

Rude and unmannerly......after all these years, we still say please and thank you!!!

Suffered wrong?? - GET OVER IT....BE FAIR.....plain and simple. (It's not fair for one person to really be doing his/her part and the other one going off in outer orbit messing things up!!!! I'm a proverbial optimist and actually he is too....that is definitely compatibility!

Ouch....here's a SUPER PHENOMENAL ONE: Right and truth must prevail. When I was a kid there was one thing I got a "whippin'" for.....if I told a lie...I'm so truthful now.....honestly it angers me when I know someone is not telling the truth to me! Hello!! Trust is vital! We do not rejoice at injustice. This pushes mine and his button! Oh boy!

Bearing up under anything and everything that comes. I have a few shock absorber shoes and callused knees in prayer for this one. We are ever ready to believe the best of each other. Our hopes are fadeless under all circumstances.

Our love never fails -

..... it never fades out or become obsolete or comes to an end; we speak truly, deal truthfully, and live truly. We are enfolded in love and have grown up in every way and in all things, delighting in one another, forgiving, and esteeming each other.

Our marriage grows stronger each day. My desire is to honor and praise my husband; I confess that I am a submitted wife, simply because I want to be and I recognize and thank God for my husband who is head over me, and I take on the challenge in Proverbs 31:10-31; I am as this woman is - a loving, successful, submitted wife and I can guarantee you, he is committed as equally.

We discussed a portion of our goals for the next 40 years..... "Have fun" our kids always say (I think I take life far too serious) and "tell my hubby at least a hundred times how much I love him"; and his goal (are you ready?????) "Can't wait to see me with beautiful silver hair" .....I do tease him that he "just married me for my beautiful red hair!!!" Oh, his other goal - this is a good one - "give me the 14 hugs a day which I need to survive!!!!" There's a lot more, but I have to go pick up the flowers this morning for this extraordinary event!!!

Hey Wives.....Don't Get Pushy!!!

This is more of an admonishment, instead of a "caring thought." I want to advise all we women (or is the appropriate word "ladies?" And I hate being called a "Gal" well, we need to check our "Push" buttons today .... reminders are always good to know, especially if you see, know, and will admit you are "pushing" to get your way and when you realize it....don't do it....caution....

Check yourself out...not a good thing to do (be "pushy," that is)....realize the decisions your husband (or significant other) has to make in the kazillion things he has to do....so back off....make his favorite spaghetti dish (that's what I'm doing tonight) with warm garlic bread and am throwing in a nice tossed salad which he dearly loves also.

Make his day....go ahead and make it.......I dare you!!!! Get your mind off of being pushy!!! Come on....admit it....we all do it, but it needs to stop!
Sending hugs, 'cause I know you can do it!!!!!
Carol

Carol's Caring Admonishments!

Be a part of the answer instead of the problem!

Look for positive ways to help others.

Help a person who might be going through some struggles.

KFC has an all day special: Chicken Fried Steak, with white or dark gravy; mashed potatoes/gravy and choice of side dish for $1.99.
Go buy 2 persons' lunch!!!! ..or maybe 4!!! (or for supper).

Send an e-mail to thank someone who has been a special blessing!

Pray for God to really bless someone! (My list is a mile long!)

Go for a long walk with your dog!!!!

Spread a little love and joy around!!!!!!

Instead of thinking of what you don't have, think of being grateful (as my Mom used to say) for a roof over your head!!!!

Rejoice over someone's else's victories!!!!!

Love your enemies......and forgive them......oh, that's a great one!!!!

I think I'll close by saying the best one yet: SMILE - a smile costs nothing, but its value is priceless. It enriches the one who gives it, yet it is so powerful! It happens in a flash, but the memory of it lasts! If you meet an acquaintance or a friend who fails to flash a smile, give one of yours. No one needs a smile so much as the person who has none to give!

Kids Teach Parents In Later Years

Wow! I could blog on this all day! Several ocasions I have been privileged to speak at Women's Retreats, Pastor Wife's Functions, etc. of course. I love to give illustrations of lessons learned in my own life. I can only say with so much gratitude I cannot thank God enough for what I've learned from our kids (total grown ups and sooooo intelligent in whatever they say).....would it be proper to say, they teach me what is going on, taking place, in this particular TIME in events, the world, in other words....they are cool!!!! And me, not wanting to be behind times, I listen intently! I love and am so challenged by their words of wisdom! Believe you me, from where I sit, I see parents still wanting to control their kids' lives even at ages past 20!!! To that, I would say get with the program parents.....given them respect, listen to them for a change; they have splendid ideas, gifted encouragement, and highly successful human relation experiences!!!!

I know I will be challenged on this because most parents think God created them to always tell their kids what to do forever.....WRONG parents.....we are to enjoy, have fun with, listen to their thoughts and ideas, and all-inclusive be happy for how much intelligence they have to offer. I want to know our kids' opinions and what they are thinking. If they don't want to give it, that's entirely up to them, but I believe strong, loyal, great families come forth when their opinion is chipped in. I do admonish all kids to have utmost respect for the parents; but I favor loyalty and trust and thank God for their love and "teachings" to me! Life is too short to harbor grudges, unforgiveness, and all the negativity. Stay positive!!! I trust my kids explicity; they will not do me wrong!!! One last thought: I cannot even thank God enough for what our Kids (all included) have done for us through the years in their adult lives.....we are blessed beyond belief! Thanks from the bottom of my heart kids!!!

Countdown

6 more days
144 hours
8,640 seconds
EQUALS
480 Months of being married
14,400 Days of being married
40 Years !!!!!
The BIG day is approaching!!!!
I can hardly wait!!!
I call him my incredible man and he calls me his incredible woman!

I'm Up Early Getting Caught Up On A Book I'm Reading....

Because I cannot wait until Nov. 18th, our awesome day....... I have been spending some time reading Oswald Chambers book "My Utmost For His Highest." Read with me.....

The Undetected Sacredness of CircumstancesWe know that all things work together for good to those who love God . . . —Romans 8:28

The circumstances of a saint’s life are ordained of God. In the life of a saint there is no such thing as chance. God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you can’t understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you. Never put yourself in front of your circumstances and say, "I’m going to be my own providence here; I will watch this closely, or protect myself from that." All your circumstances are in the hand of God, and therefore you don’t ever have to think they are unnatural or unique. Your part in intercessory prayer is not to agonize over how to intercede, but to use the everyday circumstances and people God puts around you by His providence to bring them before His throne, and to allow the Spirit in you the opportunity to intercede for them. In this way God is going to touch the whole world with His saints.

Am I making the Holy Spirit’s work difficult by being vague and unsure, or by trying to do His work for Him? I must do the human side of intercession— utilizing the circumstances in which I find myself and the people who surround me. I must keep my conscious life as a sacred place for the Holy Spirit. Then as I lift different ones to God through prayer, the Holy Spirit intercedes for them.

Your intercessions can never be mine, and my intercessions can never be yours, ". . . but the Spirit Himself makes intercession" in each of our lives ( Romans 8:26 ). And without that intercession, the lives of others would be left in poverty and in ruin.

I would love to see you in Church today.....10:00 a.m. where you will be blessed as you see God's word taught and "the Spirit Himself making intercession." I love reading that in Oswald's book......I believe it. I soak it up and I pray you will too!

Is God There When You Need Him?

Always, always, always!
When you want Him!
When you need Him!
Eternally and forever!

Recently I met with a lady who almost argued with me that God is not there .....much to my amazement; after listening to what she had to say and resisting any slams against God, I pointed out several (& I mean several) Bible verses that show God's almighty, all powerful, ever present being there ALL the time! God doesn't fail us. We mess up by not fully relying on Him to have every single need. I shared with her the time God was what I called EXACTLY there when I needed Him at a time when a emergency medical problem happened with me; the first thing I knew when I awakened, I was in the ER and my husband and kids were looking at a monitor checking my vital signs, and encouraging me to hang on. You bet God was there!

He will always be there for us. Call upon Him for every tiny detail and my favorite life's verse I claim is Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me (God) and I will show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not."

Thank God for life! He is the beginning and the end. ......the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will never leave you or forsake you. That's a promise!

Study On Allergies

I was doing a research on food allergies. I cannot even tolerate milk products. I even put non-dairy cream in my coffee. When I slip up and only eat gravy and biscuits which have milk products, I might as well discipline myself not to slip up, but to pass this particular food up! But, oh, it looks so good and tastes so wonderful. My question is why do we do that to ourselves? I know what it will do to me and I go ahead and eat it. Ugh!!!!!

Another allergy....wool.....I break out in sores if I wear anything resembling wool or fuzzy clothing around my legs!!! The other day I cleaned out my closet and took all wool clothing to Goodwill.

This research has been interesting regarding allergies. If anyone is interested, I can share my results; of course not on blog, but if you don't have time to research yourself, I can give you my findings.

Today is a good day to have wisdom. We'll always find it in the Bible. Do you need encouragement? It, too, lieson the sacred pages of Scripture. Do you need strength? Just reading God's Word infuses you with strength - His strength- for today and hope....His hope for tomorrow. Have a happy Friday! May your dreams,
wishes, and prayers come true!

Do I care?

Will I go out and care early in the morning and help someone? Fully relying on the verse in Psalm 86:17 "You, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me" tells me I absolutely will.

One of my favorite songs goes like this: Take the name of Jesus with you, Child of sorrow and of woe; It will joy and comfort give you; Take it, then, where'er you go. Not really wanting to toot my horn, but the joy and comfort given to me far more supercedes giving up a little of my morning to help a hurting one.

Thus, a belated blog today.

Yes, indeed I care.

Blessings today to you and your's.
Carol

Amazing Statistics!

I love to research. I found that Americans spend six billion dollars a year on gear for their babies. Of the four million babies born here each year, a million of them will be registered at Babies R Us. I'm wondering if they end up selling the baby items on e-bay....how much? I've been in Babies R Us many times and their items look great for the money. It's so much easier when I get invited to a baby shower and they are registered there b/c they can get what they want. FYI: You can also go to Toys R Us to get a gift certificate for Babies R Us.

On another note....I'll be spending approx.8 hours still researching and mailing. + looking for wedding pics............looking forward to a fun day. My husband is brilliant at power point! I hope your day is filled with many blessings and fun things. I recently purchased a "Little Rascals" Video to watch to have some laughter...definitely worth a chuckle.........can't hardly wait to show our grandkids what I watched on TV when I was a kid.....oh boy...and in black and white at that!!!!.........and those are my caring thoughts. Sending hugs, Carol

November - My Favorite Month - Thankful Thoughts I Truly Love

Thank you, God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough.

Cute Kids

We have the cutest kids in our Nursery at Church. One little girl is seven months old and her Mom dresses her so cute with one of those precious head bands that match. She doesn't pull at the head band and keeps it on the entire time. She loves sitting up. Saturday I had the great time of spending time with her and loved to watch what she does. She's so petite, but she is really set on just sitting. Her Mom said she is going through separation anxiety, but after seeing me on Saturday and then on Sunday.....the trust she had for me was to come to me, willingly, from her Mom and she even reached out for me. Her Mom wanted her to go to the Nursery, so I took her after the song service and she went right in and felt right at home. Her Mom was so happy because she knew she would get lots of caring from our Nursery Worker.

Sometimes we take for granted, all those things that seem so small, like one of God's great treasures.....a small handprint on the wall.

I can say one thing. The kids sure enjoyed all the candy corn given to them that was leftover from Halloween that someone gave us.

This week is starting out so grand! After I saw with the new time change that it is light outside at 7 a.m. now.....I'm a morning person and can really dig this!! I hope your Monday is fantastic!

Sunday Nap.....the Time Change Today

Okay, I have to chime in about the Time Change. A Sunday nap will be of utmost importance in the Donnelson home today. I don't know about y'all, but I do not always wake up refreshed from naps! More often than not, I need to have another quiet time to shake me out of the grumpies!

What extra hour of sleep? Not hardly; I hear my body saying....oh just another time to let me have another hour to be up earlier.....ugh-a!!!! I can dig it!!!

What about you? Did you really get an extra hour of sleep???? To play video games????? To watch movies????? To read????? To walk the dogs????? To journal??? To study???? What do your wee morning hours consist of????

I have been told ladies don't comment on my blog, because they forget their password and would like me to forward them to them via e-mail. When someone that is brilliant on this monster thing called "computer" and you know how to do it, please let me know....I have no earthly idea how to do all the fancy things like "Feed" "RSS" even do pics......I'm a computer geek wannabe; but I'm learning. When our Son put in my blog for me in March of this year...I knew zero; there's a lot I know, but it's just not quite enough. I'm not putting myself down; I'm just facing the fact that I need to learn more; but then again as much as I love blogging, it has given me a interaction with other bloggers and being a people person that I am; it is of utmost concern that in the world of bloggers; reading their's is so rewarding for me!

Today I'm looking forward to W.O.W. Women of Worth Class @ 9 where ladies truly rock! The subject is "Do you really believe the Put-downs?" - a very relevant subject. Character Assissins....see you there! 'N-joy the time change and your Sunday nap also.

How's Your Spaghetti Level?

It seems that everywhere we turn, we hear talk about how healthy spaghetti sauce is to your brain! Physicians are calling it "brain food," thus adding a lot of serotonin to the brain. So, last night on our date night, we went to an Italian Restaurant. We ran into some friends we hadn't seen for at least seven years. They were on their date night also and have been married 55 years!!!! Can you imagine? Our's is coming up on 40. They were saying after being married that long you tend to sit in the corner of a Restaurant and just look at each other......you don't say a word! Just enjoying each other's company....how cool is that???? Mostly, on our date night, I listen to my husband's heart; he shares with me what is going on in his life, stressful issues, etc. I am truly tuned in to listening....he doesn't want any advice, just sharing......I love it because I know all of his time is spent helping families facilitate the process of reaching an agreement on acceptable behavior during family times together. I believe in just about any family, people can get so entangled in disputes and hurt emotions that they need help from a Pastor to restore peace. And I know, without a doubt, we both are burdened and care; that is our passion.

The spaghetti level comes in and to be honest I cannot remember at what year in our marriage, he shared with me that spaghetti is his first choice for food. At this point I'm not sure whether it's because it tastes so delicious or the serotonin level is low. So, since that time when he suggests going to an Italian restaurant; he'll say "I'm pretty sure my spaghetti level is low, let's go." Last night I tried ravioli...........hmmmmmmm I'll have to think on that one.....toss up....I think spaghetti is my choice from now on!

REMEMBER: to set your clocks back 1 hour tonight!!!!!! See ya in Church!

Carrying Each Other's Burdens

Charles Dickens once said: "No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it to anyone else." One of my other favorite quotes is by Milo Gates:
"The finest test of character is seen
in the amount and the power of gratitude
we have."

And then the question boils down to "What can I do to help this situation be better?"

Always looking to carry each other burdens........ One more thing: I love to read inspirational quotes from ANYONE, and then find a Bible verse that goes along with the quotes:
Galatians 6:2 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Are You A Supportive Person? ....random thoughts

Can you not be supportive because you have not forgiven someone for wrongs you think they have done to you? I read over the Bible on what it means to forgive; forget; go on with life....it will seep over into your "supportive" life as a friend, family or others. Support means even if you are "ticked" off at them, you still believe in them, in other words, they don't go down the scale; you still are there for them and will be there for them, through thick or thin!


Whatever it is, no matter how large or small a thing, if you commit to forgive and still support them (including emotional support); it frees us up in serving others, God will use you to build a lasting influence. That's what Christianity is all about. You only hurt yourself when you build walls.......that's another subject.....but I've seen it happen time and time again. So the person had a not so good day......it always gets better.......give it time.....but I believe we all need a dose of good ole' loyal support and I'll give it!!!! Will you?