Keep On Loving!!!!

Keep on praising, loving, and admonishing friends! They need your friendship....someone who understands.....someone they can really be their self around......unconditional love. Even your hubby needs friendship love!!!

By the way, let someone know you love them today......I'm late with my blog because the Bible says "Charity (love) begins at home." Thus, I love my hubby and two little cutie pie dogs.......hope you do the same!

Ins and Outs of Blogging....random thoughts

I'm going to have to stop long enough to learn all the ins and outs of composing.....(i.e., templates, etc...) The font size has jumped up to a giant size....I promise I will fix it...right now I'm too busy helping others in the body of Christ!

I've been challenged to help a couple move from a second floor apartment! All muscles are firm now, bones not creaking, and the spirit of enthusiasm that we are finished after three hirendous days is marvelous! They are on their merry way to move pretty far away, so I'm happy to know we worked so wonderfully in one accord!

Try getting out of your comfort zone and not giving up til the last bit of "stuff" as they called it is packed!

I truly had fun and the weather cooperated just perfectly! Okay....we can get caught up now on the ins and outs of blogging format.....so thanks for your timely patience and prayers as I figure this one out! : )

Words Are Powerful

.....words can be creative

.....words can be destructive

A word out of our mouth may seem to no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything - or destroy it!

Remember/our speech can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation .........so speak excellence and princely things and be an Encourager........especially to our husband and people we are around.

A friend of mine told me something that is great: Give favor to others.

That's a great caring thought. I'll add: Build the other person up instead of tearing down their reputation......it only makes the person saying it out of character and look badly.......words are powerful and you can't take them back. Seek to say tolerant, kind, loving words (which never fail) and express truth in all things! Be glad when you hear words of victories and as the Bible says "The heart of my husband trusts in you confidently." Prov. 31

.....Communication Cont'd...........

No one is a mind reader.......so rock on with Communication!

.......in love

.......in caring

.......with a meek and quiet spirit voice

and

as the struggle ends, will see your life move from adversity

and change into triumph!

Communication Is Vital!

Lack of communication skills is one of the greatest hindrances to healthy relationships. Most of the time, what we think we're communicating is not what the person is receiving at all.

My desire in communication is with all my heart to walk in love and show I care. Is it a struggle? Most definitely. I ask for help from God to help me to make room for other's ideas, their opinions, even when they are different from mine. Words are powerful.....the power of life.

We're covering a great subject today in W.O.W. - and the ladies have requested some feedback on the subject of "Am I too controlling; manipulative, or overpowering?"

I'll need your utmost prayers on this subject. See ya at 9 a.m. sharp!

Understanding

Every parent thinks they have THE greatest kids in the world. I don't think I have....I do have!

My hairdresser will be going on her long trip out of the country....I have been contemplating a new hair cut! Thus, she fit me in and actually worked yesterday on her day of leaving. #1 passion is being a Grandma.....I had to turn down an opportunity to be with one of the grandkids vs. the only appt. with hairdresser.

Thus........my prayer of caring today is:

Dear Lord: It is in your keeping that I place my family, knowing that You are able to keep that which I commit to You against that day. Bless my family greatly, Lord, and I appreciate so much their support and understanding. Amen

Ladies: Remember W.O.W. is in the morning at 9! We'll have a super time: a very relevant subject: Healing From Damaged Emotions!

Customer Service

What has happened to good ole customer service?

In years gone past, I could call and get connected with the CS department; they would be kind, pleasant, answer your questions and I could go on with my merry way! A friend of mine said she always has to escalate the call to a Supervisor because they have no clue what's going on?

Well, all I can say is I do miss the kindness, pleasant tone, wanting to help the customer attitude that USED TO BE.

That's when I care enough to put my pleasant, kind, nice, cheery voice to good use and maybe I can cheer up their day. Kindness reaps kindness; pleasant reaps a pleasant tone, etc. You get more with a sweet testimony and esteem their knowledge and wisdom since they are the CS reps and you'd be surprised at the problem being fixed at that moment. Sure, it's a dreaded task; getting on the phone, reaching the CS department and getting a rude employee but to me that's when our christianity is really tested.......please don't complicate and tend to make their attitude more rude........try being kind.....you'll make their day! Oh........and definitely be appreciative!!!! It works! ........and make your day!!! You never know what that person could be going through....and besides that...it makes this world a better place to live in!!!!!

Servitude Attitude

I believe we should have a "Servitude Attitude" even if we are out and about in our every day life....not just serve in Church.

Why? You never know when that person might be checking out your christianity to see if you live what you teach in Church!!!!

For instance, yesterday I had to make a deposit...the Manager of the Bank saw me, (I'm a super regular customer) came over in line, and began talking to me re: slowing economy.......he had recently returned from a Branch Management Conference and was like a talking encyclopedia! I felt like I had a great way to show my caring and concern, so I listened.

I think too many times, we miss out on great opportunities to be a blessing to someone who has been contemplating coming to our church..........afterwards, he said "Carol, where did you say your church is?"......zippo - out came the church card, and the directions! I'm looking forward to seeing him, his wife, and two kids Sunday!!!

How about you? Who can you serve that would be looking for a new church home?

New Year's Resolutions

1. Why dwell on the negativity of the self-thoughts of breaking three...instead I'll think about the ones I have kept and Okay.....so what ones did I keep?
2. Here's kudos to myself for keeping these resolutions:
   1. Staying organized! Whoopeeeee My office area now fully supports me and my
   daily tasks.
   2. Keeping up with bloggers on my "Favorite List" --- great community and caring
   for others! They have such great intellect, transparency, and honesty!
   3. Watching a complete movie without falling asleep! Now that's a major victory!
   (I'm pretty sure I was born with automatic eye-shutters that close right at the
   middle of the movie or at the end.....ugh)
   4. Cooking awesome meals such as casseroles, salads (includes tuna) and healthy
   dishes! (My husband loves, loves, loves my meatloaf, spaghetti sauce, and
   steamed veggies!) (To name a few).
   5. Giving 3 compliments a day! Wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be.
   ..............okay, what about you? Have you kept your New Year's Resolutions? I think it was Shakespeare who said "To thine own self be true" Bottom line: I EN-courage you to keep on keepin' on!!!! Happy Wednesday!

......MLK Day

I hope everyone had a great MLK Day! I liked the parade. It's always nice to have a Holiday where you just veggie out! What did I do? Well, I fixed breakfast for two weary travelers (friends) who had been on a ski trip where the temp was 15 below 0! Ugh!!!! Then my hubby and I watched a cool movie. I also gave our bedroom a makeover!!! Oh....it looks awesome, even if I do say so myself. And now I'm up super early to get caught up on "desk work."

How about you?

God .....Is So Good!!!!

Lately God has been soooo good to me. People give me things; like for instance someone gave me a devotional book, someone else a real pretty outfit, then someone else a gift card, another a real neat calculator, someone else cookies......... WOW - I am indeed blessed!!! So, what do I do? Just accept them and thank God because He has given me friends who are always thinking about me and I am purely blessed. I hope God blesses them......it feels like a carry-over from last month..Christmas!!!

Thanks Everyone!!!

Today's Church Service

My husband is great when it comes to creative sermons. He tries to deny it, but they are so relevant and what I call "right on." "Right on" when I was a teen was what the word "cool" means today. Not at all boring!!!!

Today we have Q&A afterwards....menu is choice of ham, bologna, or turkey sandwich with awesome baked beans and (large size-- mac/cheese side dishes.) It's more about the Questions and getting answers to life's inescapables, but people do appreciate the meal!

Soooo with that in mind, I'll enjoy my morning and get the rest of the stuff I need to get done. Bring your entire family. ....a warm, friendly, loving Church!


We are FFW - family friendly worship -- see ya at 10 a.m. and have a blessed Sunday!

......comments re: blogging

I lack in knowing the ins and outs of blogging, but one of these days I will learn more, I promise.

In the meantime I want people to know this blog is not all about me....and here's some great things to know when you want to comment.

1. No one can contact you back, except me, if you do not have a blog.
2. If you have a blog, one can click on your name (at the comment) and viola....there it is!
3. Password......this is a google blog, so it gets you in....use same password all the time......it is free.....google will not try to contact you....you are not placed on someone's list and be notified. (Just keep what your password is so you will remember it the next time.) Nothing will show up on my blog about you.
4. It's not complicated.....I promise!

I know all the ladies at church read it and then send me e-mails to comment.

I just know it blesses my heart to blog and keep me beginning my day in a positive mindset. The Lord knows there are enough negativity......I'm glad to be a part of the answer instead of the problem! 'N-joy your Saturday! See ya in church tomorrow - 10 a.m. Stay afterwards for Q&A and enjoy our chef's great meal!!!

A Great Feeling........

I thought I'd title my blog A Great Feeling because I've accomplished all but one goal I set out to do this week!......I'll accomplish that today. The birthday gift of my younger Sister. Practically every Sister I have were born in August, (& of course my brother's in July) but I have one special Sister who was born this month. Everyone knows I collect chickens, so for my b-day she always sends a load of them...I have more fun rearranging the colors and she's a mind reader or has microscope eyes because she gets me exactly what I need...sight unseen, living in another state! So, today I'll literally "wrap" up her present and mail it.

So, this blog is dedicated to her....a great feeling because she is so caring.......
a great feeling because she is a great listener and a great feeling because she loves her hubby and is a super Grandma!

Happy Birthday BJH! And may your day be the JOY of your life! She doesn't like a lot of hip, hip, hooray, so I'll just mention her awesome initials...because every time I ask her what she wants and she says "Ah - nothing!" Love, Prayers, and Happiness BJH! You deserve the best!

Motivation Has To Come From Within

I can't motivate you to exercise. That has to come from within. My own story about getting motivated to exercise goes back to when I was 14 and a sophomore in high school, mind you......a test for body fat.....

So exercise "came from within," and I immediately started a new exercise program..aerobics.....you don't hear about that too much any more. Whatever your choice....any motivation has to come from within......amen on that one! Also, try walking....great, great, great for you.....It's when I'm not motivated...I will find out the answer to that quickly! Have a happy Thursday!

Just DO IT!

Yesterday I was asked the question: "What can I do to show I care?"

My answer "Just DO IT!" I love that Niki phrase! Yes, I do!
10 Very Simple Actions To Show You Care:

1. Blog Comment
2. Telephone Call
3. Pen & Paper & 41 cents stamp
4. On a bigger note: send flowers
5. E-Mail
6. Tell them in person (Better yet, show them by actions)
7. Say something like "It's so great to see you!" (& Not, "How are you?")
(That's a bit nosey)
8. Actions speak louder than words
9. A hug
10. A smile

Developing Healthy Friendships

Friendship is..........to encourage
Through......God's source of love, companionship and friendship.
Proverbs (there's that book again) 27:17 says "Iron sharpens iron, so friends sharpen the minds of each other." As we learn from each other, may we find a worthy purpose in the relationship.

Divine connections......He gives us grace to let go of detrimental friendships, and receive, by faith, discernment for developing healthy relationships. In that we ask Him to teach us what we need to know to be a quality friend, also developing in us a fun personality and good sense of humor......just be ourselves...the person He created us to be. Friends must be trustworthy.

I am totally blessed to have lots of friendships.

I wish I had enough stamps to send each one of you a personal Thank You, but instead I will say I am very grateful and humbly say "Thanks!"

Yesterday's W.O.W. Blessings!

Thanks ladies for coming out....You all are definitely appreciated!

Chaos Vs. Unity & Peace

I was thinking back when our kids played an instrument and attending their full-orchestra Concerts! An incredible experience....before they would perform, the Director had them tune their instruments, playing whatever notes they choose. The result is musical chaos. Then, at the appointed time, the chaoes ends. One chosen musician plays a certain note (if I remember correctly) and all the other musicians tune their instruments in relation to it.

Likewise our Lord has generated the perfect note for us through His teaching and sacrificial life. To experience divine harmony, to live in peace with others, to make beautiful music with our lives, we have only to "tune our lives to the example set by Christ. We could tune our lives to people, fads, or fashions. But if we do not tune our lives to the Spirit of Christ, we will make only noise. When we listen to and follow Christ, we make beautiful music.

My prayer is Lord, help us to live in harmony with you and with one another. Tuning our life to Christ brings unity and peace. Philippians 2:1-11 gives us the perfect note!!!! See ya at W.O.W. Ladies 9 a.m. :)

.......a personal note i am a creature of habit!

I just have to blog about this....other than not liking a cluttered home (I love to organize so that takes care of that), my husband loves to have his long sleeved shirts laundered by the Cleaners because it's a huge load on me to launder, use faultless starch and still try to get the wrinkles out......so over the holidays the "Cleaners Load" kept piling up. I didn't realize how much until both of us always go over the shirts to make sure the Cleaners didn't iron over a button and it broke in two.....and of course being in the public eye, it's important that he doesn't look like a rag bag! So, we labeled the shirts that need a new button sewed on which is free from the cleaners. (I absolutely refuse to sew a button on and he's okay with that).

Okay total shirts 25!!!!! So I load them up in the basket and take them ....hello....the Cleaners has closed their doors forever....what a shock! No warning, nothing, just closed! I kept telling myself, don't stress out over this...surely there's another one close by.............while it's nice to think about the positive side......the research began on the internet looking for a Cleaners that wouldn't ruin his shirts........actually, there's not that many...so this did cause a little stress. Finally I found one and took all the 25 shirts in.......After the clerk tagged them all...she said "It's prepay with cash only." He needed his shirts by this Sunday, and she was so anxious to have her help get started on the load....I said I don't have that much cash on me. Of all things she asked me where I went to Church? Can you imagine that....I told her and that my husband was the Pastor and he has to have a clean shirt for Sunday and could I just pay for the one....She said, "Just pay when you pick them up, I trust you." She continued to say, "But you must pick them up by Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. sharp!" Most ladies would have said, "Give me the clothes back...I can't follow your demand." I thought.....hmmmmmmm...what shall I do? So, I told her "See you at 5:30 p.m. sharp on Friday evening." (With cash I might add.) I picked up the shirts and the bill was only $25.02.....at 5:30 p.m.

My thought is what would you have done?

The main thing I had my hubby approve since they were his shirts and of course he's grateful......lesson learned ....Never put your cleaning in a pre-pay...yes, they were okay.......but didn't have that sharp, crisp look.....so guess what I'll be doing...........locating an acceptable Cleaners. Ugh....I think we're going to see more of that .....Restaurants closing....Cleaners closing......Gasoline Stations closing.......so we might as well get used to it....One thing for sure...I AM A CREATURE OF HABIT!!!!! See ya in Church...remember W.O.W. 9 a.m. and church 10 a.m.

Relevancy --- random thoughts := )

Er---what does that mean?

relevant - having a bearing on or connection with the subject at issue....my thought is getting with the program.....have you ever had a conversation with someone and they had no clue as to what you were saying? When, in fact, it was very relevant to what their life consisted of?

Example: I said to a Mom of 3 boistrous kids, "You must be exhausted at night when these kids go to beddy bye?" And said, "No, I washed the car today." Hmmmm

Yesterday's blog talked about the 3 compliments which is my goal for '08. Actually compliments should be relevant to the person's life.

We all need boosted by a compliment, however, in the above example, this Mom apparently didn't have a need to relate!

Sunday our W.O.W. Women of Worth Class will be challenged by a relevant subject: Video games....see you there....9 a.m. Tonight is "Date Night" and since it's my turn to ....ask my hubby out....I've gotta go and think of some romantic event or place to go that will be relevant to his liking! : )

3 Compliments A Day

.............guaranteed to give you a great day!

Compliment three people a day for two weeks and it will make your day! Yesterday, my mouth was watering for a personal pan pizza (small kid's size) from Taco Bell. Instead of going through the drive-through, I went inside and complimented the Associate who was taking the order - she had an award winning smile! Then, I proceeded to say I came inside to get a tasty, just made personal pan pizza and she said it would probably be ten minutes and I agreed on waiting.

Then I went to the car wash next door and complimented the greeter who writes down what kind of wash did I want? I complimented him for being so fast!!!!

Number three compliment was of course my husband for being so all-knowing,efficient in getting my computer all in service and how brilliant he is!

When I went to bed, I fell asleep so quickly with great thoughts knowing they all appreciated the compliments and it made their day. Now I'm up and already know a compliment to give you readers of my blog. You make my day when you comment to me either in person, e-mail, or just a note in the mail......don't worry about not commenting on blog.......however, it would be great to hear from you some day...it just makes me happy to spread a little joy around you, your home, your place of work, you working in a church or whatever. Well, this day holds a lot of catching up to do, so please know I'm thankful each one of you possess intangible tools of love,understanding,compassion, and faith and have appreciated your compliments.

I have made my blog so relevant and real. I want it to bring pardon where there has been injury in a life because we all casually cross paths in daily work…to help someone turn doubt into faith in a person whom we live intimately in our circle of family / friends / or fellow church people. . . . and I want it to bring joy into a life consumed by sadness, depression, or pit living. . . I’m motivated to CARE, and even CARE more.

Proverbs & Random Thoughts Of Encouragement

I love to read the book of Proverbs in the Bible. They are moral virtues and their contrary vices. It reminds me of "fairness." I received an awesome book for Christmas (and it's just exactly what I wanted!!) from our Son and his family Joel Osteen's new book (best seller by the way) "Become A Better You." As I have been reading it, it is just exactly what helps me...encouragaement!

When you show love, you are showing God to the world.

I wonder what our world would be like if every person would find some way to do good every single day. What would our cities be like? What would our offices be like? What would our schools be like if we made it a priority to brighten somebody else's day, to do something good for somebody else? I get so much encouragement from our kids; always thinking about what I need. I was running out of embellishments for my "Carol's Creative Cards" and sure enough I got enough to last me six months!!! I got hoodless jackets to wear in cold weather!!! Also, jeans galore!!! How about a Starbuck's card, starbuck's coffee beans and even a coffee bean grounder....Cuisinart...whoppee....I am blessed!!! (That's not all.....I feel spoiled rotten, but believe you me, so happy because they all are so THOUGHTFUL!!!)

I've been reading a Proverbs chapter a day! I have truly been challenged by all the instructions! I'm a "Wannabe positive, encouraging person" - yep, I believe lives are changed through the acts of encouragement! The secret of encouragement is that it gives you hope!
My old standby (& I don't mind saying it) is to bake banana bread or cornbread and leave it on someone's doorstep.

How do you like to encourage? I'd love to heaer.

F-A-I-T-H

F orgetting
A ll
I
T rust
H im

Acronymns -- for FAITH. Faith is not about outshining ou brothers and sisters in Christ. The life of faith is about who we are becoming in Christ, what we are learning, and how we are growing spiritually.

Caring Thought for the Day: By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God - not the result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

The Bible also says we have little faith. To me, faith means trusting God for all things: our marriage, our kids, our job, our car, our church, our time, our talent etc. I have faith to believe this chair will hold me up....so as to God, I relinquish my thoughts, my day to God and with faith let Him handle the details.
How about you? Is your trust in God or a person?

Thanks God!

Autumn leaves in brilliant colors are in yuge piles in our back yard as I have taken my early morning stroll with Chloe our dog! Would you believe birds are even out this early in the morning, landing on the telephone lines? But at the moment, I didn't find joy in nature's signs of thanks! I was burdened with many thoughts; wondering how all the prayer requests are going to be answered, brokenness in so many families, people who are ill, fearful of our nation and our world.

Then what seemed to be a clear voice came to me, saying, "Why don't you just thank me?" I thought, Lord, is that you? I began to thank God for the rest of my walk, thanking Him for life, for every breath, thanking God for my children, my grandchildren and my husband of 40 years. I thanked God for my church family, for people to love.

Caring thought for the day: Thank God, no matter what.

Phenomenal Memories Vs. Slinger's Comments

When missing a family member, the phenomenal memories will help to keep your mind stayed on happy thoughts of them, what they do to uplift your spirit, and just plain ole encouraging comments they say to me! Our daughter is renowned for sending fabulous, heart touching and such warm thoughts' thank you notes. On the outside of the envelope she addresses it: "Mom and Dad" That is so cool! Of course, it's our daughter-in-law that got me started CREATING cards, and has sent some phenomenal ones herself, and I plaster the thank-you cards everywhere (of course to give me phenomenal memories)! Then I have memories of the grandkids being here and anything they write on a piece of paper that's left here gets pinned to the bulletin board in my Grandma/Grandpa Room. Happy, happy memories!

Do you have memories of someone writing or creating a card for you? I was totally amazed at the great Christmas cards we got this year. So expressive and warm plus the love that went with it. To take the time to remember me with a card truly motivates me to a) Want to immediately send a thank you for even thinking of me and b) How very thoughtful it is for someone to think of me and my husband says "Well, that's you....they care because you care."

Phenomenal memories is a super great way to get your mind and heart back on caring, loving, cheerfulness, and happy thoughts. Some people will find fault, no matter what you do. I don't spend too much time on trying to pleae somebody who is impossible to please. Until they deal with their own issues on The inside, they're not going to try to keep them happy. The best thing you can do is ignore the slingers. They won't put forth the effort to be their best, so they feel like they need to tear you down to help ease their own conscience. When you hear those negative comments or fast accusations, just remind yourself, "No big deal - just another slinger." I've already made up my mind: no more stones are going into my well. I'm going to live my life in freedom with phenomenal memories!

Slingers comments are nothing more than distractions, trying to get you to lose focus on what you should be doing. You shouldn't waste five seconds of your emotional energy trying to figure out why some body said someething or what they really meant. You only have so much energy each day. So shake off a distraction immediately so you can use your strength positively. Otherwise, if you allow yourself to focus on the distraction, you'll come home and not really want to interact with your family, because you will be emotionally drained. Every day is a gift of God! See ya in Church -- 10 a.m. today!!!
Hey here's a great scripture I found and want to share. Judges 6:18: "The Lord answered, "I will be with you."

Organized Yet?

I wouldn't say it if I didn't care. Get your home to support you. I inherited my Mamma's "stacking stuff up in a pile" ---so because I did, I MUST go through our home (my hubby cannot stand unnecessary clutter) and throw away junk! Of course, I love to get plastic bags of trash and wave it goodbye when the huge trash truck comes on Tuesdays and Fridays! Why annoy my husband when it makes such a peaceful home to honor each other's space!

Hey ladies...that's biblical "Keep things decently and in order." So, let's get with it and organize!!!

Today will be a busy Outreach day of which is my passion...inviting others to church. I love it.....so see ya at 10 a.m. tomorrow (or 9:30 a.m. if you want some good ole coffee and juice) and enjoy what God has to give you to begin the New Year!!!! Blessings!!!

Super Friday!!!

I hope your Friday is going as great as mine. I LOVE TO ORGANIZE............I love to throw away stuff we don't need and never will use!!! Fill up the garbage bags and get rid of it is my motto!!! And if you haven't used it for six months, you don't need it! I looked up at the clock. I was having so much fun earlier this morning that I remembered I hadn't done my blog!!! Get motivated and begin the throw aways....makes a world of difference!!!!

Plus tonight is Friday night date night!!! Whoopee!!!!

2 More days 'til church....can't wait for that either!

Have a super Friday. You deserve it!!! Go ahead and have a great day!

There's Power in Prayer

I never yet asked God to do anything but He did it, if it were for the best; and in all cases where my prayer has not been answered, I have found out afterward that it was best not to have been answered in my way.

I'm fully relying on Jeremiah 33:3 - "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

Best wishes for a Blessed New Year of Prayer!

One Day Into New Year

That was fun.....I made one of my resolutions to read a book and finish it. So, yesterday I went to Barnes and Noble with my Starbuck's latte and read an entire book. It was by Joyce Meyer. She double spaces her typing so it was easy to read and fun! I even had lunch at B&N....try their soup and half sandwich. Excellent!

Did I have my black eyed peas???? You bet. And cornbread and fried tators/w/onions!!! Yummy....yum!

How about you? How was your first day of the New Year?

2008!

THere's a trap.....what is it??? dragging through life with no joy, no enthusiasm, and thinking nothing good is happening. You've got to shake that off and start this day, the first day of 2008, and start believing that right now - not two weeks from now, but right now,
God is working in your life!
Right now, God is arranging things in your favor------He is fighting your battles------believe it! Trust in Him!
Happy New Year!