Friday, February 29, 2008

My Husband Rocks!

My husband made my life rock!............hence he rocks!

Just be around a teen and they always impose so much enthusiasm....so, I picked up on the word "rock!" I think it's been around a few years, 'cause I heard our daughter use the word....at any rate....it gets my motor going!!!

Of course, I can relate it definitely to my husband TODAY (really every day!!) For Christmas he got me an off-brand flat HD small TV. He was so frugal in purchasing it. It had no remote so they sold it to him "dirt cheap" just to get it off the shelf. It didn't even have a box when I opened it! Well, now it is getting full-use in my new "Carol's Sanctuary" --- and do you still want to know what made him such a "Rock Fan" (a-ha) of mine? He ordered the remote on line that goes with it and they sent it pretty quickly by UPS! And read on........it has a DVD Movie slot built in..........I'm in high tech and love it! I'll be getting our grandson this weekend and I cannot wait to see what he thinks since he is the champion video game whiz!

How does your hubby rock? I'd love to hear some positive comments!!!! Have a Friday that rocks! (One more day until Church ...looking forward to seeing you there!)

Joy,
Carol

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Channel of Blessing!

God wants His love to flow through us.......

Learn something to go out there and make a difference in the world......

Religion tries to control........

Be a channel of blessing to someone today.......

Put smiles on faces and all the rest you're concerned about falls into place.....

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

The Truth Sets You Free!!

It's so great to deal with the truth. ....and as the Bible says, "it sets you free!" 'Fess up, own up to it.....people who choose to lie have to "catch up" with their lies....might as well tell the truth, deal with the consequences, and be free to enjoy life and all the great things God has to offer.

I believe one of the deepest fears ladies have is if they tell the truth there will be too many obstacles to overcome. Getting in the scared mode can really mess you up ladies...dare to change....let the inner voice (which is the Holy Spirit) tell you "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are lovely....think on these things...." It's in Philippians 4:8. Try it....you will see that the truth does set you free! Awesome living!!!!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Is God There When You Need Him?

Always.....

Forever.....

He is the source of our strength, wisdom, and blessings!

From where I sit, many people just call on Him when TROUBLE begins.....there are others who fully rely on God.

Me - I feel His presence and comfort in time of daily needs. I think of when life has been unfair to me. And in thinking of that person or persons who all those vengeful feelings rose up about - even the mere mention of their name, gets a rise.

Often we are tempted to justify ourselves - restate our case over and over in our mind who is responsible for hurting us, draw our line in the sand and don't deal with it. We tell ourselves: "I am a rock; a rock feels no pain."

But...... I would rather draw nigh to God, draw my line in the sand and make it a point to pray for the person who wronged me. People are not in charge of our lives - God is.....He sees our best interest at heart. Yes, He is definitely there! I might as well say it........God rocks!

Monday, February 25, 2008

"Thy Will be Done"....praying the Lord's Prayer...

Why then should we pray, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven," when there seems so little doubt that God's will WILL be done? Part of the answer, I think, lies in the fact that to pray these words expresses a willingness on our part for our lives and our plans to be shaped to God's will.

To me, there's a need to consult with God when making our plans. I've been doing a thorough study for the book of Proverbs and the Bible says in that book... "Commit your plans to the Lord...." Letting go and trusting Him adds wisdom....God stands ready to give us wisdom for His will to be done. To me, Proverbs is the beginning of life and gives me full assurance to know His will.

......so not of me, but Him.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Who Encourages You?

Bottom Line: Our kids and husband encourage me! Of course, God by His infinite mercy and grace is always there for me. He is opnipotent and showers me with everlasting love!

The Bible speaks of three kinds of love: Eros, Philos, and Agape. This being the last Sunday in February and "Love has been in the air" all month......Come on out at 9 a.m. and hear this dynamic subject! I long for love. Love challenges and embraces us. See ya at W.O.W. (MOM upside down and WOW! - great Women of Worth!)

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Reuniting With Friends

Last night one of my husband's devout friends called. He and his wife are missionaries to the Philippines and they are here for a Creative Pastor's Conference. Of course, it was refreshing to hear his voice as we go "way back" in our friendship. When I graduated from College, I worked in the Missions Office and his parents were also missionaries. In a couple of hours, we'll be going to breakfast with them - They're the type of people that I love to converse with because we know the same people and understand each other's ministries. I'm looking forward to reuniting with such cool people who serve in not only the Philippines but China also! Wow!

Friday, February 22, 2008

Yea......he's back!!!!

I realize I got a "rise" out of a bunch of ladies which is okay. I'm telling you ladies, it makes yourself look pretty bad when you constantly say negative remarks about your beloved hubby or significant other. I've even heard ladies say it to their own kids and that's way out of line. There is a better way! Trust me! Better yet, trust God! Proverbs, Galatians, Ephesians.....several books in the Bible devoted to how to live a better life than being so negative!

I'm glad I got a rise. It makes me know ladies do care about a happy and truly do want and desire a positive side; it's a very bad habit to break once it gets started, so why not just STOP! Cease! I'm saying, there is a better way and thank you for caring enough to do something about it.

Okay....I admit I'm up a tad bit early, but we got tucked in the bed early last night (dogs included); hence up earlier.

My hubby is back and he looks phenomenal! I love that man and want what is the utmost best for him as he catches up and gets back in the swing of things....I made one of his favorite dinners: broccili, carrots, baked chicken, and Carol's homemade dumplings! And of course I had given our home an extreme makeover, so he was pleased and loves it! I never realized what a pack rat I was....I must have loaded down seven sacks for Goodwill! Oh well, that's another subject. I need to get started on my To Do list, like do his laundry, so he can begin today with all clean clothes which will truly make his day! (& mine also! :)

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Reach Out!

How boring and mediocre our lives would be if we were surrounded only by the sterotypical persons that we only feel comfortable with. Reach out! Make friends with different backgrounds, even different denominations! Live a little! Take some risks. They have become my joy! And I always step out and draw them in. Proverbs 14:10 says, "A heart at peace gives life to the body." Just think, how much joy (& share peace) that you can bring to a sad, discontent soul!

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

A Happy Note....some very caring thoughts....my soapbox speech

I believe it's a choice to be happy.

Just like I believe it's a choice for some women to make their spouse miserable. (or happy). And as long as they cannot take their own mistakes (or own up to them), it's so much happier to just blame him!

I will take full blame, rather than make my hubby's life miserable. The choice is do you want to keep the argument up, or have peace? And why not be happy for the great things that happen to him? Our beloved daughter sent me a pic of my awesome husband, of course her loving Dad standing by a ship's plaque....my first thought is to have it ENLARGED because since he looks so fantastic! I'm so happy for them spending time together~ I'm so happy she thought of me to send the pics!

We ladies need to search deep within and ask ourselves are we sending out crabby, negative remarks to our hubby or significant other???? Make a choice to send compliments, phenomenal remarks about him, uplifting comments to any and all who are around us!!! MAKE A CHANGE now before it's too late! Don't ruin his life forever. Yesterday I happen to watch Dr. Phil and he was helping "engaged couples" and he told four out of six that "if they married the guy they are engaged to, his life would be miserable THE REST OF HIS LIFE....because of their negative very rude comments! That's pretty powerful! Come on ladies, you can do it!! Make that choice!

I'm sure I will go down on the reader's poll, but I have felt God tugging at my heart's door to write my concern.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Got A Favorite Scripture????

Yep! Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not." As everyone knows I journal my prayers. So daily that verse comes to mind....I want great and mighty things to happen in my life and your's also!

Where is God when you need Him? He's there...just "call" on Him, as that verse says. As the song says, "He is there all the time......"

Today is going to be a great day because He cares for each and every one of us.

....not trying to sound too "preachy" just relying on His promises.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Make It A Great Day!

I used to listen to a morning tv show and at the end the MC would say "Make it a great day!" I started thinking about that....hmmm how could you do just that?
To me, you would look for the positivety everywhere you go to truly make it a great day! Hello.......So let's do that today. If you truly enjoy President's Day....start there...make it their day!!!!! Oooops "great" day.

Remember it has to be positive!!!! Have fun!

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Early Bird

Okay.......yes, I'm an Early Bird....I admit it.....but I want to tape record our speaker today and so goes the hunt for the recorder. After finding it, I decided to have a cup of coffee and ENJOY the moments! (Wrapping a couple of b-day presents, getting caught up on some music I am practicing on the piano, making a to-do list for the upcoming week, reading, making a couple of b-day cards, writing a love-note to my hubby, giving our dog a bath......to name a few......)

Ever wonder what happens at 4 a.m???? Lots of sirens.....dogs barking up a storm....people coming home from somewhere, slamming car doors and talking kind of loudly. I confess.....the telephone rang and when I answered they said it was the wrong number.....have you ever not been able to go to sleep after that????

I'm not going to let it ruin my day! I promise! I can find so many blessings this early in the day or later on ..... all day as a matter of fact. And I don't mind being called an "Early Bird" .... after all since I'm up early, I imagine some people are just now going to bed......hmmmmmm takes all kinds....so have a great Sunday and see ya in Church! Sending lots of hugs, prayers, and joy..........

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Rain, Rain, Don't Go Away

I love to hear rain falling on the eves of the house......I call rain "liquid sunshine" ------ might as well; it's going to happen, so enjoy it....I will admit I do love for it to go away, but there's always so much to enjoy on Saturday; so maybe it won't last that long.

Of course, definitely want to give each one an invitation to our church tomorrow. You will thoroughly enjoy the speaker!!!!! We know him real well. Soooooo....plan on bringing your family ....remember 10-11 a.m. only...........come early for coffee at 9:30 if you can...... see you there! (I hope). :)

Friday, February 15, 2008

Serving

Sometimes I think I'm so busy "serving" that I forget to be served. There's definitely a difference. I've enjoyed so much being "served" this week and the delight has been a whole lot of contentment. Different friends have taken me to lunch, or have gone to lunch with me and the Servers have been so kind, enjoyable, and I truly feel spoiled. Okay......I still have another week to lather in this fun-time. What a great Valentine week! I hope your "LOVE-DAY" was awesome yesterday as mine was! .....indescribable joy....and much appreciation!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day!

THE MEANING OF LOVE
---SOMEONE---who makes you feel good about living,
who brings out the YOU
who is joyful and giving-
this is the Meaning of Love
---SOMETHING---
that gives you a chance to be strong
or trust in another
to help you along
This is the Meaning of Love
---SOMEWHERE--
that you feel like you've been forever -
a place where you're growing
and learning together
This is the Meaning of Love


We have taught this very meaning of love all our lives.........(In fact I had it printed and it has hung on our wall in the living room all our married life!) Of course, I Cor. 13 is the perfect Bible Chapter for Love.....This is my most favorite day of the year! Be LOVED this day! Love rocks!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Reliving Valentine Memories

As I mentioned in one of my past blogs, I'm giving a room a makeover!!!!

I have.....

Sore muscles.....

Fabulous memories.......

of some albumns I found with Valentines our kids got me while they were in elementary school! Oh, yes, there's a huge smile on my face...the cards they gave me are so cute and creative. : )

Of course, now I think of the Grandkids and the time of their lives tomorrow for Valentine's day......I had the privilege of going to a luncheon yesterday and there was candy every where.....I can just imagine the candy they will have...because they're such sweet kids (sweethearts) and that's what it's all about hubby, kids, sweetness, love, and a fun day!!!!!

Happy pre-Valentine day as we all get ready!!!! As the Beatles in the 60's so well put it: "Love is all we need......love is all we need."

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Love Makes The World Go Round.......

And that is the truth!

Keep those love fires burning.....

How do I love thee? Let me count thy ways.....

I love the Shakespeare Play "Romeo And Juliet" .....

I Corinthians 13 - says it all!

TWO more days to express our heartfelt love and devotion. May you have some wonderful loving ways to your mate, family, and friends.

And those are my caring thoughts for the day.....be loving; don't just say it, live it!

Monday, February 11, 2008

Beginning of LOVE WEEK!

okay.....I'm ready to rock n' roll as we used to say in the 60's......

yep - super energized....

had our adorable grandkids a day and half....we had so much fun! : ) : )

tons of birthdays in February.....

room makeover.......

Beth Moore Bible Study with a friend.......

Monday is definitely here......

So, get with it and let this week be your LOVE WEEK!!! Whoopee!!! Remember to read I Corinthians 13 - the love Chapter in the Bible...my all-time favorite!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Come On Ladies.....Let's Praise Our Hubby!!!

.........Hey, I'm not shy at all about this Blog Title: My hubby is passionate, hard-working, caring, and intelligent. He loves to serve others, design ships, travel, and make things better as he teaches and motivates everyone to fully rely on God. He makes me smile a lot, slow dances with me, listens to my rambling, trusts me, and makes me feel lovely. He drives me crazy in good and bad ways. He is a fantastic father and grandfather and is head of our home and a huge compliment I will fully give him, a natural leader and I feel should get far more praise and great things said about him, but the interest he gives others far exceeds his recognition.. . .while he still remains humble!

And right now, I'm up early having a warm heart about praising him. Ladies....trust me....Being a Leader of Women, I hear far too many criticisms about your hubby, so let's have a "Get our minds off of our own "self-pity party" because we don't get perfect attention (& I challenge you to quit talking bad about him to everyone you know) but fully give praise to him.......FOR ONE, he works hard to provide for us, our wants, our needs, so a great CHEER goes out to our lover, confidante, vital partner, superb human being, devoted hubby, father, sweetheart, can-fix-anything, marvelous, precious man, our hubby!!!!! Change your attitude to gratitude for all the great things he is and does! Hip, hip, hooray! And that's my take on refocusing my relationship to my beloved spouse! See ya in Church. (We'll be "digging deeper" on this subject today at 9 a.m. in W.O.W.) Women of Worth

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Raising The Level Of Consciousness

......hear how to "Raise the Level of Consciousness" tomorrow at 9 a.m.

What enslaves you ladies?

Freedom or Slavery is what it boils down to. Deplorable actions......

Remember to remind your hubby that 2nd & 10 class begins at 9 a.m. also.

See you there.......(Yes, we already have someone bringing refreshments).

This is one subject you will not want to miss! I promise. :- )

Friday, February 8, 2008

God-Things!

Hey Geneva.........after helping 3 people move this week, I needed some enCOURAGING words! I know you will accomplish all your goals for happiness and appreciate the part you said about God being in control. It is a God-thing!

My take is that a lot of things are of God....but wait....

do we notice that they are God-things?
I sort of doubt it. So many people are so wrapped up in their own SELF gratification and what's in it for them.....oh, don't get me started on this subject. So, I'll just say there are kazillion other people who think of others, give to others, enCOURAGE others......do I want a lot of self-glory for the thing I am passionate about: helping ladies to do what's right with their hubby or significant other.................God-things!!! Bring them on!!!

Here's an enCOURAGING caring thought: I love the Bible verse, "No weapon formed against us will prosper, but every tongue raised against us in judgment, You will show to be in the wrong." I might have to endure some people speaking against me, but I'll just stay on the high road and keep doing my best; proving their criticism invalid. God pours out His favor on me, in spite of the critics. Whoopeee!!!!!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Top Priorities

.....what is your top priority?

hmmmm - I've been thinking about my top priority.
3 H's.....Healthy, happy, and hopeful!

My husband and I have started eating healthy foods...not that we hadn't before, but lots of veggies, fish, 100% whole grain breads..... it's been fun planning menus, if nothing else!

Happy; Smiling, accomplishing goals, sending cards, encouraging others, knowing my family is happy, loving God, loving each other....all that makes me feel happy.

Hopeful....hope lies in the God who created all of us! His word motivates me and there is hope if ladies would only hang on to putting trust in a God who loves them unconditionally!

My top priority today is praying for some people I know who are struggling. We all struggle from time to time, but bringing them before the throne and knowing God can supply all their needs and also to not get myself sidetracked to the goals I must accomplish TODAY! "I can do all things through Christ who strengthened me."

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Self Control

........easy to do....just keep self under control....

why do so many ladies have a big huge problem with self control?

everyone knows i'm from a super large family and to think my momma had to get the entire household under control......but what about self control?

i do not know why it is so difficult with women????

you have a choice......keep focused on what is right.

keep a list; stick to it; say NO and mean it; take care of your self; pace your self....just do it.......maintain SELF control........good luck...it's not complicated....don't need a lot of rules.... happy Wednesday and try self control on for size.......it works!!!!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Just Some Thoughts About Friends

According to Proverbs 27:17 iron sharpens iron, so friends sharpen the minds of each other. We learn from each other. It's great to find a worthy purpose in our relationship. I want God to keep me well balanced in my friendships, so that I will always please Him rather than pleasing other people.

Be careful being too critical of friends; just BE A FRIEND....that way you're only responsible for your actions and definitely NO ONE wants a friend that is extremely controlling. And if they are not interested in what you are doing, they are not your friend, so don't be persuaded to ask them to help you. The truth is they don't care.

Find a friend that is encouraging or has an excitement of interest in you, to say the least! And please don't call them a friend if they never call you...that's what I call a one-sided friend! A friend is........when every one else walks out, they walk in! Okay, don't get me started....this would be the book of Genuises...longest blog in history!!! Hey, have a great Tuesday and enjoy life's blessings!!!! But, for Heaven's sake, be a true friend!!!!!

Monday, February 4, 2008

Super Bowl Caring Thoughts!

....that was a toughie
having lived in New England, would I be for the Patriots or Giants? Having seen NYC and had the privilege to visit there,(& having a very close to my heart loving interest), I decided to be for the Giants! And what an amazing come back.....I couldn't believe my eyes! Manning throwing the ball so far and the guy caught it!!!! At the same time I wanted the Patriots to have a perfect record!!!

Well, we had a great time watching on a giant screen at our Son's and seeing the grandkids was marvelous + the eating the delicious dips! I hope your Super Bowl Sunday was fun!

I hope the message our kids and grandkids hear in any visit or setting is "I love you no matter what, no matter what you become, no matter what you want to do with your life and no matter how life treats any of us, I'll still love you. I've been reading a book by Gary Smalley who says: "All of us long to be accepted by others. While we may say out loud, I don't care what other people say abaout me, on the inside we all yearn for intimacy and affection. In fact, what happens in our relationship with our parents can greatly affect all our present and future relationships."

.......i am so grateful we have kids that love us and give us so much respect as parents and to be able to share such a great huge event with them such as the Super Bowl.... definitely rocks my world!!!! I loved every minute of it!!!! And as our Son so wisely puts it, Mom you will always be my Mom!!!! Wow! I'm honored!!!! ....another Super Bowl has come and gone...I would love to hear your comments ....and if not, enjoy your Monday with lots of goals accomplished!

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Think Fun!

Today's the big day!!! Super Bowl Sunday! Think fun! I've been thinking a lot about it! Who will win? God wins for me!!! All I can also think about is twelve years ago God won in my life when on Super Bowl Sunday He brought life to me as I lay in ER and the Surgeon performed the best of all surgeries on me due to a critical rupture. This year I have thought about it a lot and God's amazing grace as I awakened that day and saw our kids and hubby watching my vital signs. I'm blessed to be alive celebrating a win, win!

And I humbly bow my head and thank God that the angels of the Lord still encamp around about me. I am fixed in the full assurance that I have health and healing now and cannot go through "Super Bowl Sunday" as a memorable day and answer the question I have, "Who will win?" God won in my books! And am I going to have fun today? Absolutely, unequivably!!! (I'll tell you why tomorrow).

ENJOY THIS DAY AND THINK FUN!!!! See ya in Church first though!

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Failure Is Just Bending; Not Ending

In every area of life there is a negative failure cycle and a positive success cycle. If you dwell on your mistakes or misfortunes, you will spiral downward and to me will continue in a cycle of failure.

But......if you learn to roll with life's punches, you can turn things around and definitely look on the successes!!!!

Thus........failure is just bending toward successes, not ending, just trying a different route! And ...... you haven't failed. You just know seven hundred reasons why that didn't work!

God uses our failures and mistakes to strengthen us. It makes us better people!

Friday, February 1, 2008

Neglect, the Enemy of Good Discipline

Properly correcting and disciplining children is a key to making peace in your home beause fair, loving discipline throws up a wall of security and protection for the child. When children aren't properly corrected, they are usually insecure and that's what leads to even more rebellion and misbehavior. Children need boundaries. They need limits!

Giving them loving correction is proper discipline. Parenting is a tough job, but consistency and fairness definitely is the answer. This helps the child to know that there are limits and these are the reasons. Ignoring them as human beings is not good.....they need plenty of TLC: Touch, Love, and Care!!!