2007 Gone Forever!!!!

Personally I'll be soooooo glad when 2007 is over. Except or a few regrets. (wishing I would have tried harder to understand why people hurt ya) it was a great year! Some thoughts......
Don't take it personal when someone just out of the clear blue leaves the church.
When you say "no" to someone, they don't come back. But, you still need to say "no."
No matter how much time you give to someone, it's still not enough.
People will lie and deny they even did it!
In the scheme of things, don't let the negative outweigh the positive. I would be blogging until dooms day if I started talking about the positive.
But, yea, 2008 will begin tonight and we can hold our head up high and thank the Lord for a beautiful day tomorrow beginning anew! A whole new slate!!!

SPREAD A LITTLE JOY AROUND!!!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! BRING IT ON!!!!! START THE NEW RESOLUTIONS!!! BE DIFFERENT!!!! SET SOME GOALS!!!! BE A NEW YOU!!!!!!

BRING 2008 ON WITH JOY!!!

So many people are in the pit and have never experienced the joy of life! I say BRING ON JOY IN 2008! What causes non-joy? Disappointment, trying to manipulate everyone, not being honest, (following lies) not being trusted, expecting life to be different, expectations regarding mate, not experiencing self-confidence, and the list could go on and on. But since I don't like to give first place to negativity, I would say CHANGE the non-joy! Ask God to give you peace, contentment, joy, happiness, a life that cares about others instead of on self all the time.

Over Christmas I came down with a bad case of allergies, (I know I had laryngitis) or a bad drainage problem in the throat. My daughter kept saying "Mom, don't talk, it's making it worse." Well, the more I was told that, I wanted to talk and so I did and eventually couldn't talk at all. Instead of making everyone miserable by hearing my squeaky voice, I decided to rest...now, everyone that knows me knows that's like tieing me down....but the rest did some great good! Off and on resting brought on so much joy because I kept s--l--o--w--l--y feeling super!

Now I say BRING ON JOY, LET OTHERS THINK OF OTHERS and get their mind off their self so much - especially in this beautiful NEW YEAR 2008 coming! Say it with me.....God bring on the joy in 2008!!!!! That's my new year's resolution JOY BEGATS HAPPINESS AND the Lord knows we sure need more of it!!!! (C ya in Church--10a.m. - I have a visitor coming today!!! ) Yea!!!!!!

Sisters

A sister's nature is gentle and caring. There's so much sibling rivalry going on...she said...she said...eventually it comes back to a Sister what the other Sister said. Do I believe it? No, I don't. Unless she said it to me. Sisters drift away on their own choosing. I still have the same love, caring, and utmost concern about my Sisters. Do I hurt for them? You bet I do, but because I live so far away I cannot always visit them. Some sisters live right in the same town and NEVER see each other. So, I am blessed to have God's love in me with my sisters and when I don't hear from them, I grieve over the loss of their not responding, but it doesn't keep me from caring, loving, and checking up on their welfare each week.

How about you? Do your Sisters stay in touch? Have a marvelous Saturday. See ya in Church tomorrow. I Peter 4 on "Suffering" is what my husband's message is. Be blessed this Lord's day!

Does Anyone Really Care?

I know that's a weird title, but I feel like starting an all out campaign in 2008 called "Does Anyone Really Care?" ...there are so many hurting people and I know I cannot globally care, but especially I do want to say I CARE. Hence: my blog title "carolscaringthoughts.blogspot.com." We all go through adversities and as the song says "lean on me....." Some of my devout sisters, including close family, are hurting....I want to tell you via this blog.......... I am praying for you. I care. You don't have to suffer alone. Your joy can be restored! You can be happy again!
Hugs,
Carol

Day After Christmas Yesterday

I had to go to the Mall to exchange sizes on some t-shirts I got for my hubby yesterday and it was really a blessing! Everyone was in a happy mood; just delightful that Christmas was a great one and I didn't run into anyone who wasn't in a great mood! Wow! That was just super!

To those of you who are concerned & who e-mailed me yesterday to see how I am feeling from the Laryngitis, and stuffy nose with problems on Christmas.....I am feeling somewhat better. I have gone through 10 boxes of kleenexes....ugh, and am breathing better...not too much stuffiness. I do have my voice back (imagine me going through Christmas in a quieter mode???) : ! I don't think so!!!! (aha).

There's always someone else worse off. So, now my sympathy goes out to anyone that has this disgusting nose stuffiness!!! Ugh and my prayers!

Keep up the kind, sweet spirit everyone. The world is a better place when we all work together to make the other person around us happy and ourselves. I do have a caring thought if you're around a person that "steales your joy".....start humming "Loving God, loving each other ...." song that we sing at church...they can't help but get in a good mood!!!! Take a dose of Proverbs 3:5-6, but DO NOT LET THEM STEALE YOUR THUNDER (THAT'S LOVE FOR EACH OTHER) and especially love for God who gives us such great joy!

Don't worry..........be happy!!!! A New Year is Coming sooner than you can realize!!!!!

New Computer

Marvelous!
Fantastic!
Superb!
Phenomenal!
Christmas Gift Received: State of the Art Computer!!! With Gratefulness.......
now it's set up and this one is set up and good to go! Blogging after lunch makes me feel like I'm behind but then again why stress out because it has taught me one of my fading virtues....patience!!!!
We have tons of gratitude in our hearts and much appreciation!

I hope you had a grand Christmas!
Prayers,
Carol

The Warmth & Greatness of Immediate Family

What we experienced last night was immediate family and the tremendous amount of love, happiness and giving who really care about "needs+wants" of Christmas! Everything I received was EXACTLY what I wanted and needed! Whoa!!!! Being the parent of these phenomenal kids who got me every single thing I desired, let alone wanted(their Dad also)....so I am having a beautiful warm, happy Christmas day and cannot thank our kids enough! I feel "over" blessed if there is such a word! Tears of happiness, joy and gratefulness and every single gift I received was awesome! I cannot even begin to what this wonderful Christmas Day will hold as we continue celebrating this sacred day!

Merry Christmas to all!!!!! And thanks you phenomenal kids! You all are truly the greatest! May you all be blessed for making this day so joyful! WOW!!!!

Christmas Eve

From Carol:

This is the first time I have ever blogged on Christmas Eve.

This is the day we have our tremendous time with family.

I don't have much to say, other than I'm so very thankful and extremely happy that our family will be together and the love, "preciousness" and all the other honors bestowed upon me as the "Mom" "Momma" gives me such a warm and fuzzy tremendous, happy feeling.

I pray your family has a marvelous time together on this beautiful Christmas Eve day! Be blessed beyond comprehension. I know I am!!!

Merry Christmas and may the love our Jesus our Savior give you hope, love, grace, and happiness!

O Holy Night!

Prayers please.
Who for? Me! This is the first Christmas Service in 35 years I'm opting out singing "O Holy Night." Since Thursday I have been battling sneezes, talking above a whisper, and drainage in the throat. When my husband and I were at the church yesterday I couldn't get past the second note on "Ho.....ly" So, my hubby suggested letting the music play and read the Christmas story. But now that I'm beginning the day, and sang in the shower, at least I was able to sing the notes. It's not the end of the world if I don't sing it. I'm finding out, I am definitely a creature of keeping up tradition!!!! I can't imagine not singing O Holy Night at the Christmas Service. I'll just go with the flow and am not worrying. I know the Service will be a blessing in all ways because one can just drive up on the property and feel the love of God! O Holy Night has the highest note in music history and I can reach it! Super hooray!!! Worth a huge pat on the back!.........from God first and then others who enjoy it!.........: - )
If you called for prayer this week, we will be having a "Special" prayer time for your request.
Be blessed and have a happy Sunday! By the way, I feel great; it's the voice that needs prayer!!! (Thanks a zillion!!!)
Carol

Thank God, When?

The traffic sounded loud as I took my morning stroll in sight of autumn leaves and Christmas decor in brilliant colors. The birds were chirping as if they were thanking God, and puffy clouds were making their way across a bright blue sky.

But at the moment, I didn't find joy in nature's signs of thanks. I was burdened with many thoughts. I was concerned about the new year; I worried about brokenness in so many lives; I fretted over people who were ill. I feared for our nation and our world.

Then what seemed to be a clear voice came to me saying, "Why don't you thank me?"

I thought Lord, is that you? I began to thank God for the rest of my walk; I thanked God for life, for every breath (since I've been battling a cold the last 3 days) and have gone through at least 8 boxes of kleenex. I thanked God for my children, my grandchildren, and my husband of 40 years. I thanked Him for our church family, for all my family to love everywhere! Being thankful that I know every single present under our tree came about because we are blessed by so many that care about our lives, and mean truly do care!

When I completed my walk and prepared to enter our home, I sang, "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, praise Him, all creatures here below." (Even our two precious dogs as one had gone for a morning walk with me.) I had cast my burdens on the Lord, and the Lord had sustained me. I hope your day is blessed!

Thought for the Day: Praise God and Thank Him, no matter what.
Psalm 150 Let everything that breathes thank the Lord. Merry Christmas and keep a positive outlook. Very soon we will sit down with family and have so much fun and wonderful meals and just spread so much love around! Come to Church tomorrow at 10 am and hear the answers to life's challenging issues. Joyful, joyful, we adore Him!
See you there!!!!!

4-Day Fun!!!

I've been thinking about the 4-day fun...Sat., Sun., Mon., Tues. and yea it's Christmas! So we don't have long.........but make it fun and enjoying. Getting yourself burned out over too much shopping can steale your joy of how great Christmas is!!! The joy being with family is something to look forward to and so much love is in the air because we can think of 4 days of fun!!!

I'm ready and am already having a Merry Christmas!!!! Don't let anyone convince you that Christmas is a drudge...it's joy, happiness, giving, loving, caring and pure out and out FUN!!!!

Hugs, (& I hope you have just enough fun to make these 4 days the best ones yet!!!)
Carol

1st Annual!!!!

We had a 1st Annual Christmas Banquet at the Church last night. Oh my goodness; we had a record number of people there (we even had to put out another table for the overflow). But our ladies did a phenomenal job "chefing".....wow! honey baked ham, mashed potatos, gravy, corn, tossed salad, hot rolls, baked chicken, pea salad, and the most delicious cheese cake, lemon pie, and strawberry chifon pies!!!!! And the atmosphere of love and appreciation was definately in and around everyone! My husband just did a very blessed job on teaching us who Emmanuel is....meaning "God is with us...." Our hearts were so blessed as the words just flowed out of his mouth explaining this oh so great Savior!!!!

This is a never-to-be-forgotten event and I want to commend the ladies for a tremendous job! Next year the Men (2nd & 10 class) will be chefing.....awesome, hu?

I covet your prayers.....I'm almost positive I have caught a cold.....I don't need this at this time....but I know prayers work, so thanks!

Gorgeous Weather!!!!

Let's be ever so grateful.....the gorgeous weather! If anyone ba-hum-bugs ya today, please make sure you tell them how gorgeous the weather has turnout out!

Other than that, I'm on a roll to get my "List" done today.....Ho-Ho-Ho-Holy Cow! I think that's why I'm late with my blog! I had to regroup and connect with today's activities which are going to be phenomenal!

Keep the Christmas Spirit!!!! It works!!! With that admonition and a big shot of Galatians 2:20, I'm good to go!!!!!
Prayers,
Carol

Merry Christmnas!

I've been "grandma-ing" as everyone knows and had a blast! Our Grandkids are the greatest!!! Wow! An amazing time!! They are both sooooo smart!!!! Love, love, love them!!!

I trust you will have a very Merry Christmas! And be blessed!
I'll be back tomorrow....in the meantime, keep that precious Christmas spirit!!!! Bye for now!

Christmas Programs

Okay - we're getting into the super phenomenal blast of Christmas!!! We saw our precious Grandkids in a Christmas Program last night; beautiful children's choir singing, and magnificent chancel choirs, teen choirs, adult choirs and a marvelous music program. Oh our hearts were blessed!

The wonder of Christmas has totally begun. I am at a loss for words.

Yesterday was awesome at our church........Oh Come All Ye Faithful was so beautifully sung by our entire congregation! Then we look forward to our Christmas Banquet this week............ooooohhhh good ole menu of honey Baked ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, and home made pies ....oh and rolls and tossed salad. We should have a lot of fun. Can't wait!

Let your Monday be enjoyable and make the choice of keeping in the beautiful spirit of Christmas! I sure am!
Blessings to you and your's!!!

Look For Positivity!!!!

One of my favorite admonishments is if you think someone is going to d---r----a----g you down..........pla------eeeezzzeee go look for someone who is positive!!!! I promise you, you will feel an appreciation of how GREAT GOD'S LOVE IS!!!!

Remember church begins at 10 a.m. I have to pick a couple up soooooo I'm on my merry way!!!

ooooooopssss I forgot.....we do have W.O.W. (Women of Worth) WOW!!!!! or MOM spelled upside down!!!!!! at 9 a.m.!!!!!!! Yea!!!!!!! That's why everything leaving is so early!!! You will love today's lesson!!!!!!!

Make It Your Day!

I'm declaring a "Make It Your Day!" today!!! Do what you want to do and what will make YOU happy! Then, tomorrow at 10 am attend the most blessed church where you will hear a great message on "Spiritual Gifts!"

Blessings and I know you will enjoy just want you want THIS DAY!
Love, Care, Prayers, and the Merriest of Christmas!
Carol

....Take The Time.....for what????.....To Care

I'm admonishing all of us to take the time to tell someone what they mean to us. I read recently of a man who was in his thirties-ish who passed away and left behind a lovely wife and son. Yes, you say, life goes on. But, does it for some people?

What can we do to care? Send an e-mail, a note, a phone call, a Christmas card, a flower, a text message, something to show we care about others. I'm proud to say (because of the glory and honor given to our Amazing Lord who gives us the Grace to follow through with caring) have followed through with my "caring commitment." I do care. It's in my heart to care. It's how God shows me JOY in the midst of pain; PEACE in the midst of suffering; and certain LOVE in the midst of the uncertainties of LIFE. I call these lessons He is teaching me to take the time to care.

Life is short.

Please care. I'm claiming II Corinthians 12:9 "And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Need I say more? I think not. BUT, I MUST. My question still remains, how do you teach one to care? By example, by teaching, by reminding???? I care because I care. You either care or you don't; it's that simple! Think about it....there are countless people out there that need us to care...where would it be if we didn't care? Someone said to me the other day....."I don't give a rip." That would be the epitomy of a non-caring person. Oh, dear God, may I never get that complacent....may I genuinely love and care. I want to stay lost in His love for a God who really cares. Christmas - a time to care - OTHERS - He was born in a lowly manger......the least we can do is give our love and care!

I'm not boasting on myself....I've talked to so many women this week who have made the statement "I just don't care anymore." It grieves my spirit...but I honestly believe it all boils down to caring.

......"Done!" :-)

.........Christmas cards!!!
Yea!!! We're getting down to the wire and closer to the beautiful day, Christmas!!!

You should be receiving one soon.....although would you actually believe one day we did not receive ANY mail (I had some mail to be picked up the mailman and it did not go???) So, the next day I called the Postmaster's office and come to find out he (the mail carrier) got bitten by a stray dog!!! I understand, of course.

It's been such a joy to remember those who have kept in touch with us through the many years.....so......thanks for cards you have sent...they are precious to us and I keep them and review them the next year! Walla!!!!!!

May God bless you with a super day and enjoy the spirit and cheer of these oh, so close-to-Christmas days!!!! ********No pressure intended!!!*******:-)

I Love Mornings!

After having a phenomenal time with the grandkids I am home now. I'm loving mornings more and more. I saw those precious ones sound asleep and had to awaken them to get ready for school. And they had the best attitudes! Now, I'm checking out my own attitude and it boils down to it.....I love mornings! Even the sound of the clicks on the keyboard, or sipping coffee while doing my devotional. It's so serene and peaceful.

There's nothing worse than a grouch in the mornings! It can ruin anyone's day! My rule of thumb was like my Mamma used to say "You can get glad in the same pants you got mad in!" I figured out pretty quick I had better get a smile on my face to make my morning worth something!

That's why I pre-warn ladies....before you make that final decision on marrying...check out the morning or night preference....it makes a huge difference in a marriage!!!

Keep The Christmas Spirit!

All that comes to mind is the song "O Holy Night!" What night????....the night Christ was born! The Saviour of all! How humbling and so comforting!!! Keep the Christmas Spirit:

Out of the silence, music....

Out of the darkness, light.....

Out of uncertainty, promise......

HOPE was born that night!!!!

Brrrrrrrr

.....turned off cold and brrrrrrrry....... wha happened??? It's been so nice, we knew it was coming!

Everyone is just fine and dandy as I say!!! Grandma is not worn out at all! I promise!!!!

Our Granddaughter goes to hand bells practice and walla!!! The teacher asked me if I wanted to participate, and of course I said yes!!! How cool is that. Of course they are all very good, but i must brag on myself and say I kept up with them!!!! "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" sounded marvelous!

Then when we got home, we decided to have breakfast and have a great time talking!!!

Sunday was very eventful but such a tremendous blessing!

Stay warm, cozy, and snuggle up in God's amazing grace...and enjoy your Monday! We sure will!

Good To Go

Yesterday was "Movie Day" -- that's definitely where Grandpa comes in! My eyes have automatic shuts in them when a movie comes on...I'm not sure if it's because I finally settle down, or it's a habit which could be broken if I disciplined myself. Grandpa's are super dooper great at putting Grandkids to beddy bye also!! Nighttime prayers and the whole routine!!! Seriously, I thank God for my husband. I see they are all snuggled in bed just wonderfully!

What am I doing? I'm one of these "overachievers" who wants to get ahead of the Bible Study. My husband's message today is I Peter 4; I'm reading ahead to the subject of Hospitality......that's my life's message....it's awesome what the Bible has to say!!! (& what God gives him to say)....10 a.m. See you there! Be blessed!

Healthy & Wise!

Everyone, without a doubt, is healthy and wise........moving right along.....we hope everyone else is have a great pre-Christmas time!

.....sorry short blog....more fun and time with Grandkids.........awesome....cool...fabulous!!!!

Hope your Saturday is incredible!!!!! See ya in Church tomorrow!!! 10 a.m.! : - )

Perfection Personified!!!

I've definitely decided that after this week, I will be in the "Cool Grandma' category! Of course that moves me way up the ladder....there has not been one squabble, or problem! No one has gotten (yea for this news!) strep yet and the one who had it is right on target with the med. getting lots of rest and feeling great! Even the animals are super happy.....fed on time; during daytime i did some heavy duty "dog walking' and they are definitely Happy Campers!!! i did learn that cats love to move a cardboard box and hear the noise. For some reason, it trips their trigger!!! It sounds scarey because it sounds like a bolt of thunder; but would you still believe that it is JUST a box???

To all the Grandmas out there who might be lurking blogs, let me say enjoy those (i call them cutie pies) from the moment you see them......I'm placing them and their parents in the brilliant category....there's not one thing they cannoit do (ain't good English) and if they can't do it, we'll all find a way to spoil Grandma (a-ha).....I say yep, that might be the reality show of the Century if some sitcom (sp????) could be written and shown on TV called "Who Spoils Whom?" and would rank pretty high on the charts!!!

Other than that, it's very peaceful, definitely fun, and we are following the rules --- everything's fair and cozy .... ....and fine and cozy...... I am one blessed Grandma!!! .....and Grateful! HF: Happy Friday!!!!

Super Awesome!

.....Grandkids!!!
.....Very obedient
.....Very responsible
.....So loving
This would be the longest blog in the world, because I could find so many great things to say about them!

.....We all love pizza! That's for sure!
Short blog.....for obvious reasons...getting my day started so we can have a happy morning!

I'm positive I am suffice in saying Grandkids Rock!

.....and as the sign says by my desk: Grandparents are to Grandkids what sunshine is to flowers!!!!

Grandmas Rock! as well as Grandpas..............................and PARENTS!!!!!

Perfect Attendance

Growing up I always received the "Perfect Attendance Award" in all the Schools I went to. How very sad, that when I was in High School, the last day I disobeyed my Mom and rode home with some teens and was in a car accident and missed the last day .

Since inception of this Church I have not missed a Sunday with the exception of a vacation my husband and I took a couple of Sundays! Wow what a record! I think we should spend some time alone in prayer with God thanking Him for health and strength to achieve this goal! I'm not bragging, just being very grateful! Oh, well, maybe I should accept bragging rights!!!

I wonder...do we all strive for perfection? In giving my caring thoughts on perfect attendance, of course we can have a goal to look forward to achieving, but if we just cannot achieve it, the key word would be "strive"....with His Mercy and Grace, we're sure to come close to it, but it gives us a moment to say "Thanks God for helping me through an accomplishment that I'm proud of, and to you I give all honor and glory!" Hope your Wednesday is blessed!

Life Is What We Make It

......Choose to make it super great or disgusting bad!!! My Mom used to say, "There's no if's and's about it!!!" I'm sure you've heard that phrase before...either and or the other!!!!

Life is going to be grand for me for the rest of the week! I'll be "Grandma-ing"..you may not see a blog...right now my laptop is in to update windows XP. I'll be focusing all my energy...yippeee with those cutie pie Grandkids and everyone that knows me, can say "Oh yes, she will have a Life and a half of a life with those kids!"

Make it a great day! Don't give in to having a ba-hum-bug spirit at Christmas time!!! Watch a funny movie...do something to be joyful...this is the fun, greatest time of the year! I'm tagging on a giving spirit....and of course very loving!!!

Just Sit & Enjoy His Peace......... : )

I am so grateful to God for His marvelous, grace, blessings, and I've been up already beginning the day with pondering how GREAT He really is!

He knows our every thought and plan and He will lead us for a peaceful day....just ask Him, He is there, waiting to let us trust and rely on Him!!! I can't even begin to write how grand yesterday was! Today is going to be even better!!!
Our God can solve any problem, any situtation, any need, any heartache, anything you could ever ask or think!!! My prayer list is getting longer and longer as I continue to write the requests and answers! Whoa!!! How awesome is that??? Go ahead - make someone's day---pray for them.....and have a day of peace!!!!

Acts of Kindness

When I hear stories about struggles people go through, I immediately go in prayer and ask God to help me BE KIND. This morning as I think about W.O.W. class, I reminded myself that I forgot to ask someone to bring refreshments. So, guess who is up early making banana bread?? Yep, you guessed it, me!

I'm reminded of how one small act of kindness (baking the bread) can have powerful results. Someone may be in a tough place and need support, the power of his or her emotional state opens the heart and this opening attracts the help that is needed. Plus the kindness shown is a "gift in disguise." It might even help someone to start the Christmas Season with a smile instead of a frown!!!

See ya at 9. Oh, by the way, my husband has a Men's class at the same time called "Second and 10." We will have 2 classes this month. (The oven just beeped with the 350 temp. read to get that banana bread in....I'd better get busy). So long!

Directing Our Thoughts

I've been wanting to blog on this for a while now. I see now why I didn't.....God wanted to show me how distrastrous women can get their lives when they don't pull the reigns a bit tighter and DIRECT THEIR THOUGHTS!

When we take a proactive role in directing our thoughts and words toward the outcomes we most desire, we begin to get our first glimpse of what it's like to ignite great relationships, answers to prayer, nothing more, nothing less than a happy life! Try focusing on the abundance of blessings...get your thought pattern turned to feeling sorry for yourself (self-pit) and you will begin to see a spiral of patterns that will make you totally miserable. Start thinking about how blessed you are....the great abundance....and see how your attitude is so much better!

Why would you willingly want to go to a life of misery, meanness (that's a word my Mom used for being plain ole' out and out ONERY!!!) and disgust, hatefulness, anger: all the negative behaviors when you can have a life of choices that make your life so directed toward being happy for others and glad that they are being blessed in so marvelous ways! When we direct our thoughts toward a Higher Power (God) and His Holy Word, we find answers, answers, answers to life's inescapables!!! Why in the world, ladies, would you ever want to direct your thoughts to purposelyas to mess up your husband's life???? Ponder that question.

Tomorrow in our W.O.W. (Women of Worth) class we will be discussing "Women's Thought Patterns." The Bible has a lot to say about it. Come on ....everyone knows 9 a.m. is early, but the participants love it; we have refreshments to awaken all of us, and I looking forward to hearing what women are saying about this subject!!!! See ya there - Fellowship Hall - front and center! : )