Faith Is the Only Door

I've been wanting to blog on faith for a long time. My faith is in Him and I hope your's is also.

There is only one door into Heaven; that door is faith. There is only one ship that sails for the skies; her name is Faith. There is only one weapon with which to contend with opposition; that is faith. Faith is the first step; faith is the second step; faith the third step; faith the fourth step; faith the last step. We wenter the road by faith. We contend against adversaries by faith; we die by faith; Heaven is the reward of faith.

Faith soars above the mountains of uncertainty and utters a confidence and assurance in our Lord God. He has a precise way of tunneling though, going over and around, and finding the answers. We must give Him our unconditional trust.
F - forgetting
A - all
I - I
T - trust
H - Him!

The Bible says "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 Bottom line: Faith in the negative comes from worry. Faith in the positive comes from unconditional trust in God. The most difficult part for me in putting faith into action for answers to come is when I must completely turn all over to God and take my hands off. I'm a doer, incredibly stubborn; I don't give up easily when I have a sense of direction from God. But what often comes is a time when I hear God say, "Hands off and let me." It is at this point where I learn to actively put my FAITH in Him for helping and actively trust Him to fight the battles as I learn to sit back and go along for the ride!

As I close this Epistle on FAITH....I do want to add; I cannot imagine a day without blogging, but as this is our daughter's fabulous birthday week -- she is definitely first on the agenda - and I make no bones about it --- she is #1 in my priorities.......so I send much love to one and all....and say Happy, happy 4th of July!!!! .....I'll be posting at a later date.......C ya!

Just for Today. . .

Good habits are purposefully formed. And that's what you want to do today....and every day...form good habits, even (and especially!) in the area of caring for your home. Why? Because what you are at home is what you are. So....

loving your home for an entire week, fussing over the people you love and the place you love for seven whole days...tending to the little touches that transform a house into a home!

...and those are my tender, loving, caring thoughts today.....c ya in W.O.W. 9 a.m. or Worship Center at 10 for the a.m. service.

Gratitude Archive

Most of you know I DO Carol's Creative Cards. I have created a "Gratitude Archive"
Whenever someone sends me a note of thanks for something I did or said, I save it - and I put it in a place where it can easily be retrieved. I collect these notes in a box and take them out and read them when my spirits need a lift. If you (or me) ever have a day when we cannot remember anything good we ever did, or anyone who ever appreciatedus, just take out of the gratitude box a card and spend a few moments absorbing it.........reminding us of our worth!

Speaking of worth, W.O.W. (Women of Worth......WOW also spells Mom upside down) is tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. Come on ladies....you can do it...9 a.m. is not too early! Also, 2nd & 10 class taught for the Men is also at 9! C ya there!!! W.O.W. Subject: "Have you ever tried to harm yourself?"

Intentions

There are many ways to "set" an intention. You could stand on a mountain top and profess your resolution to the trees and sky around you. You could write down some positive changes you want in your life. You could wash your hands in a basin to affirm your intention. Or you could light a candle to support your intention of achieving more inner peace. Intention is powerful in itself. It is a way of proclaiming to yourself and to others that you are committed to change and renewed vision. Think of an important intention now and affirm it. Make it a great day!

Energy

People ask me: Where do you get your energy? I believe energy begats energy! Over the years I've learned to focus my energy on the present, to be fully aware of what's happening in every moment and not to worry about what should have happened, what's going wrong, or what might come next. Yet because I give out so much information and absorb so many people's stories every day, if I didn't find a way to decompress, I'd be totally ineffective - and probably a little crazy, too.

Take care of yourself so you can better care for others is an idea many women I talk to still can't embrace. Keep a gratitude journal --- energy will come rolling in - be grateful. Trust your husband that he is phenomenal in all ways! That will drain your energy if you are always thinking about how to make him live his life.

I'm not real sure I answered the question where do you get your energy? I guess I can say - I don't dwell on drainy things.....always looking at the good in others and the love that comes back to me. Putting positive thoughts and happy thoughts into my mind......being able to be grateful and not carry grudges. .....some day I'll blog more on this question. Have a great Thursday and make someone's day!!!!

Ancient or Relevant?????

Obviously, you can tell I'm an avid morning person. This morning I went out on the patio with the adorable, precious dogs and we were having fun. (I'm talking about very early) When I came back in, I heard the vivacious dog barking a lot, like a cat walked by or a person....who knows. (My husband says it could have even been a leaf blowing a way by the wind!!!!)

So, as quickly as daylight approaches, I note with interest our neighbors were tp'd.........I thought that was an ancient ordeal (what else would it be called?) Well, it is kind of funny.......they did a good job and the tp is rolled out in a form of tic,tac, puzzle in neatness. It must be more relevant than I thought; because those neighbors have been tp'd at least four times this year alone! All I can hope for is that the sprinkler system doesn't come on or it would be gross trying to clean up that mess!!!

Never a dull moment in my life....life is full of fun, that's for sure!!! Make it a good day!!!

Please YOU!

How much of your life will you have to consume before you can please you?

Every day, passion speaks to us through our feelings. That's why when you allow yourself to become anesthetized by what others think, you literally block yourself from living the life you were called to live. And as you become clearer about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you - the first time around. The people who truly love you want you to love yourself. That's your great support system! Remember - every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, pay attention and enjoy every moment!

Trust me, I'm around a lot of self-centered person's and I know I am not self-centered, so I can enjoy things that please me and I know you can because of that fact (not being so self absorbed).....so go ahead please YOU today and make it a positive, kind, enjoyable day!

Where have all the flowers gone????

I HAD the most gorgeous flower garden in our front yard; posies, and pansies, and mums....the mums are still there but the others just dried up and died. Oh they were beautiful! (And I kept them watered...hmmmm) I am a flower addict...and they made my day going out and picking out the weeds so they could stay so lovely.
But, I'll still just enjoy the mums; rusty brown, yellow, gold, and red. I'm sure the hot summer sun just was too much for the precious flowers. I note with interest my neighbor's pansies have died also. Oh well, back to Lowe's to see what I can plant to replace them.

added happy note: Church was amazingly incredible yesterday. We had every pew filled but one! And then we had a marvelous Q&A afterwards....oh, am I in for church growth and that we are seeing! Yea!!!!Two precious babies...2 adorable little fellows; one is 3 mo. old and just a doll! And the other a little older but they have the cutest smiles I have ever seen! The family that the two little cutie pies belong to are so encouraging! I just hope and pray all who attended have a super great week and can't wait to fill up that other pew!!!! Keep on plunkin' as we used to say when we lived in New England!!!! Okay...so I'm up early rejoicing and feeling the sadness of loosing my flowers...but I also have plenty of stuff to get caught up on...make it a good day!! C ya tomorrow! & say a prayer for me as I figure out this flower delima........

Early Baker

Okay....I feel sooooo good.....I got up at 4 and made 32 loaves of banana bread for each fam in our church!

Why?

.....because they always say they love my banana bread....

.....to make their day....

.....to make my day.....

to hear my hubby rant and rave about the smell in the house from baking such delicious bread!!!!!!

maybe if someone is kind of down....it will cheer them up!!!!

C ya at 10........we have Q&A today afterwards....great meal!!!! You will love my husband's message...I've had a sneak preview...very relevant to today's events!!!!

Disappointments

The greatest disappointments in life come from unfulfilled expectations, unrealized dreams, and the only "tree" that will sweeten the bitter waters of disappointment is the Lord Himself. Only when your expectations are focused on God can you overcome the disappointments of life. He is an expert at healing the brokenhearted. Thus, your disappointment can become God's appointment to discover that He alone must be your pleasure, your desire, the focus of your heart's affection.

Cya in Church tomorrow......10 a.m. I promise you will not be disappointed!

FF (Finally Friday!)

I've been looking forward to Friday. It seems like all the things I didn't get done on MTWTh can be wrapped up on Friday. Whoopee.....plus no cooking b/c of FNDN (Friday Night Date Night).......my girlfriend read my blog and said why don't you tell where you go and what you do on FNDN? I said, no, that's the fun of it...We're public peeps as it is....why should our private life be so public??? Nay, nay, nay!

I will say, this might sound corny but I celebrate him and he celebrates me. And the first thing that pops into my head when I say that is the theme song that Julie sang in Sound of Music.... "Love Makes World Go Round," love makes the love go round, etc. I've been singing the lyrics of that song for the past couple of years. We all ask a similar question is the comfort of that song true? Can I truly get in the Love feeling that the song says and make "love go 'round?" As I continue to have conversations with women from all walks of life and the many common hurts we all share, perhaps we all need to spread a little love around. Love comes from God first and we find verse after verse in the Bible to call upon God and thank him for the love He has given us well!

Priorities/fun, fun, fun.....random thoughts

My hubby and I had so much fun last night. After our 3rd Wednesday Service, we had fun on a date.....so went to bed late, hence I'm up now, just now doing my blog. Our priorities are Home first, then Church next. We take a "Creative Dating" approach; something might be my idea and the next his. That's what makes marriage exciting. Who wants to have a life of dull-drum? Definitely not us.

Looks like storms are coming.....I hope the people who have been without electricity from the last storm have their electric on....and I hope this storm doesn't knock the power out! (We just filled up our freezer!) Have a happy Thursday!

When Is Competition Appropriate?

In my "coaching" with ladies, I see a lot of competition they exhibit and would you believe with even their own husband. Is competition good or bad? I always refer to the Bible for the answer. I Corinthians 9:24 - Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You almost must run in such a way that you will win. That sounds "pushy" to me in a marriage. Competition can drive us to improve ouselves or sharpen our skills. Why it is not favored in a marriage is because: God looks upon us as having equal worth. Also, men and women are different. So, when the woman begins to fulfill the man's role...trouble starts. Competition becomes inappropriate anytime it causes us to think we are more important than others.

How can you learn to lighten up? Colossians 3:23 - Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. I think we should work hard, focus, do our best, not to beat others. Our best honors the God who created us. And......last but not least, we should be happy when ANYONE has created or accomplished something that makes them feel good about themselves. When there are eight people in a room and seven comment with enthusiasm what a great job you did and the one person did not......the one who made no comment stands out like a sore thumb.....jealous, bitter, sad looking....hey ladies that's negative and it will show up in your health! Everyone is important.....everyone works hard....everyone is happily supporting that person who has tried so very hard to accomplish and finish a project!

Make it a great Wednesday! Think of a way you can spread joy, encouragement, love, kindness!!!! Be happy someone else is great at what they do!!! ...and those are my very caring thoughts.

Daylight

I personally wonder how people still can sleep when it is daylight outside. My feet hit the floor just before daylight and then when I see it (daylight) it's gorgeous!!! At the same time, when it become very dark night....my sweet eyelids close into such a peaceful sleep!

What's on my mind this early in the morning? Being very grateful for health, happiness and amazed at how God is so fabulous and supplying just every need! He says in Philippians 4 He will supply....why should I even wonder? I'm just so thankful! How about you? Do you take for granted all the needs He supplies for you, or do you just plod along........... and I wonder if we all forget to give Him honor and praise? Each day, I say a prayer and cannot thank Him for all His provisions and I hope this is encouragement to pass on!

Initiative

......is the child of necessity. Can people be taught to take the initiative? ...Maybe because they figure the extra work will go unrecognized? When was the last time you undertook an initiative at work without being asked? Did it matter to you whether it was recognized or not? Organizations, churches are full of intelligent, motivated, and experienced people who LACK initiative. To me, it's a fire that burns with an individual. It isn't waiting to be told what to do........an innate drive! Both of our kids have super great initiative!

I knew a lady I used to work with that processed medical claims; this lady would take home manuals nd Health guidelines...hour after hour, evening after evening, reading more to find the answer to a quicker and better way. That's initiative! I'm sure the bonus she received was just the frosting on the cake!

I have to brag on an eleven year old girl at church yesterday that had initiative to straighten the basket with drawing paper and the pens that did not work! That, ladies and gentlemen is pure initiative!!! Give us more people who will JUST DO it AS Niki proclaims!!!! Happy Monday!

Happy Father's Day!!!!!

The world lost a life -
A face you can't see
A voice you can't hear
A hand you can't hold.
Memories
Some fade

Some stay
As clear and bright
As a beautiful summer sun.
They visit us...comfort us
Until the day we are reunited.
Sheer joy.
What a day that will be.......

We lost a super great person when my father-in-law passed on to glory. He always treated me like a queen! My own Dad is passed away several years ago.....but we still have the phenomenal memories and fun being around my own husband who is a fabulous Dad and our Son who is a totally awesome Dad.....and we had so much fun already celebrating Father's Day last night with them.....It is my sincere hope that all Fathers get what they truly deserve......a marvelous day!!!!!

See ya in church 10:00 a.m. There will be a gift given to each Dad. Happy Father's Day each one of you beloved Dads!!!!!

My Question: Why So Much Criticism?

Yesterday for our Date Day we chose Olive Garden. They have a scrumptuous Soup/Salad for $5.99 (all you can eat) for lunch only. When you walk in the Restaurant right outside by the main entrance is a sign with the Manager's full name and of course also reading General Manager. As we were finishing our lunch, she came over and as I looked up saw her name embroided on the Chef jacket outfit she had on.....she proceeded to say we were chosen on our bill to be the customers that get $10 off if we go on line to this site and give our criticism of Olive Garden and how we were treated. My husband and I thanked her, but told her we don't have any criticism; all service, food, etc. has been fantastic! So, as she stood and talked to us, she said that is how she surveys and manages her skills at the restaurant to improve customer service. Hmmmm.......of course I filled out the servey, but on a scale from 1-5, 5 being the best; that was our rating.

On the other hand, I can see why she wants to hear the negative because it gives her higher goals to reach. And the truth is we go in to have a date with each other and bond together after a very busy week. Also to enjoy a nice lunch....the answer to my own question - why so much criticism would make me not want to go back in that restaurant if it's that bad.....looks like it is defeating its own purpose. Oh, well, I will joyfully use my $10 coupon word....and this time devour the breadsticks which are so delicious to take home and reheat....so that's my take on restaurant surveys and gratitude for just being able to give my opinion! Whoopee!!!!!

See ya in church tomorrow. My husband has a fabulous Father's Day message...come on Dads.....you will also receive a neat gift for ccoming as we celebrate Father's Day 2008!!!

Keep on Keepin' On

Don't give up on any victory you want to live in your life! Just do some "cheerleading self talk" and say: "Keep on Keepin' On!!!!"

YOU CAN DO IT! Keep your goals and achieve victory!

Love Stays

You wake up in the morning and your whole world changes. Nothing will ever be as you have known it to be.

You realize the Lord is such a gentle shepherd....a caring and dependable guide.

He will not leave us broken; He will not leave us......the only thing in life that I have learned never changes....is the love of God. I've been trying to memorize I Cor. 13 love chapter....so remember love stays. What a terrific promise because His love is constant! my heart is so grateful, knowing He cares and loves and I can only hope you have experienced this same love! If not, contact me....I can tell you how.

Great Quote!

"To succeed you have to believe in something with such a passion that it becomes a reality."

Anita Roddick

I truly love this quote! We have to get real! Achieve your goal!!!! Don't give up! Your passion will become a reality!

I'm excited about reaching the goal of "filling the pews" and having more attend Lighthouse Church! That's what it's all about....that is definitely a passion with me! Have a great Wednesday!!!

Moving Right Along!

Starting on Projects and then FINISHING them!

The day goes by altogether too fast!!!!! I almost get to the finishing point and get interupted. But, that's okay because it's fun instead of getting in a rut!

My mind goes a mile a minute when I organize. But, having a mind set to throw things away is super!!!! Out of sight, out of mind...if you haven't used it for three months (volumes of "stuff" like paper work, coupons, etc.) throw it away!!!

So, I am moving right along........I'm still doing a study on Proverbs and right now my brain is fried trying to memorize the 3rd chapter of Proverbs. I love Prov. 3:5-6trusting in the Lord with ALL.......great promise!

Added Thought:
Every single day I know I go against the grain so to speak. Having a blogsite called "Carol's Caring Thoughts" when unfortunately society dictates don't care! And believe you me, I see it every day that people don't care. Well, I do; so I love blogging and sharing what's on my mind and I'm so grateful when our Son set it up for me, the title fits me to a "T" .... I will never stop caring - it's like people who LOVE TO run - they will never stop running.....or people who collect things or love to travel. I love to care.......and please don't ever stop calling the church's 24/hr. prayer line because that is where my care begins (except for a new day!!!!) Make it a Great Day!!!! Happy Tuesday!

Pics!!!!

Victory!!! As many know, I love Outreach...because I believe in a church not becoming stale, but growing more families, and more people!! I've been calling approximately twenty people on Saturdays....it finally happened! There was one very faithful couple who never miss who weren't there......plus my beloved hubby and our enthusiastic "Welcome Guy" (who definitely do not miss!) The church totally filled! We even had a lady sitting on the furtherest back pew!!! So, I took pics!

If any of y'all get a chance to read my blog......I know you are happy as well as excited! This has been a goal I have been working hard for a long time and that goal was achieved yesterday -- filling the pews!!!! Yea!!!!

It's been a rough night as I can only guess our freon as gone out on our air conditioner and I lost a ton of sleep.......I'm definitely grateful for ceiling fans is about all I can say. Make it a good day!!!! And celebrate whatever goals you have accomplished!!!!! (While I accomplish my goal of finding a good A/C Service!)

Yea - it's Sunday!!!

God is good.
Church starts at 10 a.m.
Yea, it's Sunday.......cya in Church (Shortest blog in history.....from me at least!)

That Was Easy-My Eventful Shopping Experience

A few months ago I had to go to the Office Supply Store and purchase some office supplies, of course. But this time I took our Grandson --- it's a kid's dream because he's seen his Dad's or Mom's supply of office products.....but he found this noise maker that (was annoying) when you push the button, it says "that was easy!" To this day, I have no earthly idea what happened to that noise maker, but I've had the thing go off in my head as yesterday spending at least three to four hours buying a new pair of COMFORTABLE shoes. Although, I was not about to give up....the Sales Associate at Macy's stayed with me....I have to wear "Clark's" shoes for a number of reasons which I won't go into. Actually main reason...they fit my feet and although they are expensive, they are so comfortable when I shop 'til I drop!!!!! If they are comfortable enough, I don't really drop....they provide the energizer bunny shopping!!! (a-ha)

Have you noticed Sales Associates that sell shoes, to me, must get a pretty good commission as she stayed with me. Clark's has new styles and she kept telling me, most of the ladies that stand on their feet wear a certain kind. Of course, I tried that one on....did NOTHING for me. Okay....After the tenth style (I also opted to change to Naturalizer or Liz Claiborne...no, no, no...ouch!) I chose comfort. They're not really what I would call snazzy looking, but they fit my foot perfectly! On sale for $49 - can't beat that with a stick....but the Clark's I run around in will have to be thrown away...they look like who done it, so now I will wear the new ones all summer.............SO THAT WAS EASY!!!!

The good news is I splurged and bought a purse at Target that matches the shoes exactly!!!! And that was EASY! I always look for the Sales Associate to help me...four eyes are better than two...and she found the perfect purse for me. So, I have a purse feddish (most women do) so as I go to the Granduation event today...I'll be in style...I'm sure we will have to walk a long ways to the Event Center!

I wish our Granddaughter would have been with me....because I surely did shop 'til I dropped....but remembering the visit to the Office Supply and the "That was EASY" noisemaker our Grandson found made my shopping fun!!!! And if you can't have fun, don't go.....'cause it's more fun to be blessed to buy something instead of looking at other shoppers buy!!!! So, those are my happy thoughts about my outlandish spending adventure ..... ON ME! Happy Saturday to you!!!!

Respect

I always feel like there is so very much respect shown to me from everyone and I appreciate it. It's always so much joy to be around people who are grateful and respectful. I will honestly proclaim - as each year progresses, I feel myself noticing how younger people (oh, at the Bank, Corporate World, Theatres, Churches, Grocery Store, Hairdresser, etc. places I frequent to) call me Miss Carol. Of couse, I'm married...they don't know a lot about my life, but they say my personality is efferdescent and they love my enthusiasm! And the truth is I'm on Cloud 98 because I'm in the older (cool) category with the 25 to 42 age people who constantly talk to me and ask me how I'm doing. I'm so respected. Even the other age group categories saying pleasant things to me!

It does each one of us a world of good to brag on ourself at times, so this will be the post I would categorize as "bragging on self - regarding respect" Some have said I'm definitely with the program - so that's what matters......appreciation and respect!!!! This is going to be a very busy day, so I had better get my own day started and tackle each task with vim and vigor!!! Have fun - Be Positive - it's Friday!!!!

Embrace Your Distinctiveness!

We received six High School Graduation Invitations (or are they called Announcements?) this year. I have enjoyed so much having a part in congratulating each one and to admonish them to embrace their distinctiveness! Many people don't value themselves because they are looking to other people to set the standards for their lives. They are living by comparison - looking to people around them or to models in magazines to tell them how they should dress, act, etc.

The truth is......YOU are the Designer's original! You are not a cheap imitation of someone else. .....or a copy....you have your own specific physical identity....genetic code, fingerprints and voice.....you are distinctive - soar high and make a huge difference in wherever you live, whatever you do! Remember God's thoughts are for you to have the peace of God which passeth all understanding! Take God on your journey. He is with you and wants to help you through any and all struggles. ....and those are my encouraging words to the Graduates....Invest in what God has put inside of you!

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!

I actually sat in a movie (Chronicles of Narnia) the entire time:
.....did not fall asleep (my kids won't believe this....but it actually happened!
.....did not get up and miss any of it!
.....great movie!
My hubby and I had a great time!

After we returned I fixed a "Thanksgiving June Candlelight Dinner" - cornish game hens (we both had our own game hen, cooked to perfection!) (cooked the entire afternoon @ 300 degrees, so was perfectly done) with all the trimmings; mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, scrumptuous salad (he master minded that one!) and delicious tea!!!! Fun, fun, fun! Stuffed, stuffed, stuffed!

Topper: I received a huge package sent by UPS from my Sister in Missouri...people that know me know that would not be hard to guess what it was??? Not one, but 5 chickens!!!! Come on now; you can't beat that with a stick??? A "London Fog" coat...whooopee, and a suit with a long skirt! (She went to a Church Rummage Sale....: ) Hmmmm - Maybe the day should be called "Christmas in June Celebration Dinner".......whatever ..... I am extremely so grateful and blessed! And I hope she gets blessed for thinking of me!

Make it a good day for you! Be real nice to yourself and enjoy the process!

Power!!!!

You know what real power is? Real power is when you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing the best it can be done! Authentic power! There's a surge, there's a kind of energyfield that says, "I'm in my passion." I'm where I belong. And nobody has to tell you, "You go girl," because you know you're already gone!

Love, love, love it!!!!

I've always heard efficiency tends to deal with THINGS.
Effectiveness tends to deal with PEOPLE
We manage THINGS, we lead PEOPLE! I am definitely a PEOPLE person! (With a principle of caring!) .....and those are my caring thoughts.........I hope your Tuesday is happy!

I'm Definitely A Lucky Mom!

......there are so many answers to life's delimas.....
knowing someone cares enough to ask me what I've been
up to is such a lift! Our daughter is so caring. She
knows my life consists of soooo many answers to helping
women and is she is so supportive and encouraging....
..beautiful in all ways...what a fabulous
person, let alone I gave birth to her!!! Wow!!! I'm
the luckiest Mom having a daughter like her and I love
the way she gives me super phenomenal advice to not "over-
do" (she knows me like a book) and I need to hear that (be-
cause I do overdo) Ugh! About me.....I will sift care-
fully through this week which is a very busy week and
take some time to "smell the beautiful flowers" I planted
in our yard. I hope you do the same! Happy Monday!

Hang On To Hope!

Where would we be without Hope?

Here's an Albert Einstein quote: "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

That's the way I live my life......it gives me HOPE as though we have miracles happen every day! I look for them! Trust me, they do happen!

Whether you believe you CAN or you belive you can't - you're right either way!

Cya in church. 10 a.m. (W.O.W. 9 a.m.) I'm exciting about a lady I spoke with yesterday that is going to visit our church today! Yea!!!! That's what it's all about. Remember to hang on to HOPE! I hope you have a blessed day!