Your Special Invitation

This is your special invitation to Lighthouse Church tomorrow...........our new Worship Rock Band will be playing. I can't wait. Bring someone with you....your family, your neighbor, or friends. Of course my husband is continuing with the series in Philippians on "Joy" - JOY IS DEFINITELY DEFINED!

C you there. Great warm, delicious coffee if you appear at 9: 30 a.m. Service begins at 10 a.m. Can't wait! I'll be doing Outreach all day and I'm positive you will get a call from me!!!! (Just a tad reminder in case it slips your mind.) : D

Lighten Up!

My thoughts today are that the world is getting uptight! Lighten up - enjoy life and have some fun. Yesterday I watched a Christian Comedian on Channel 2. I practically rolled in the floor laughing so hard! He was imitating how people in church respond to the Pastor's message.........I can honestly say, most of his faces are what I see also on Sunday. I'm definitely going to get one of his DVD's and remind myself to laugh! How about you? Have you had a day of laughter? Try it, you'll love it!!! How bout a movie by Jerry Lewis...there's an older he has out on "What to do until the Psychiatrist comes?" It is hilarious!!!! You have to turn it off to catch your breath!!!!! I would say these are definitely encouraging thoughts. Bottom Line: Have fun today!

Music

What role does music have in worship?

David (the Psalmist) saw music as a required FORM of worship. Throughout Scripture, music was used in worshiping the Lord.

I love Isaiah 51:11 - "Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return to Jerusalem, singing songs of everlasting JOY. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be overcome with joy and gladness."

C ya Sunday at Lighthouse Church. We have a new "Worship Rock" band!
A place where everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect and anything is possible.

Motives

Does God care about our motives?
I Chronicles 29:17 "I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously."

Have right desires.
Have God put a new spirit in you.
Have him take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, obedient heart.

Get focused on the right motives. Please don't cause a ruckus.......take a long hard look at your motives and inward with just the Lord helping you through the wrong things you are doing.

Honor Your Self

with........ACCEPTANCE
Acceptance is receiving without criticism or judgment. To embrace the fullness of a situation or experience.....an inner realization that all is well, regardless of the outward expression.

You do not have to like what is going on in your life, but you must accept that it, whatever it is, is going on. As long as you do not accept reality, you are powerless to define what you do. Failure to accept reality is a denial of your power to make a conscious choice. It makes you a victim of circumstances.

Acceptance is simply recognition. It's also the respect for one's self and others. You must accept that what you want to do may not be an easy task, which means you must be patient with yourself. Be patient when you get angry or afraid.

ACCEPT your right to know joy, peace, love, give love, and receive love.

For this I am grateful for ACCEPTANCE is a sign of courage and empowers me to make a conscious choice.

ACCEPTANCE (ah I love this!) requires that I trust myself and mostly God and His promises. Have a great Tuesday!!!!

Anne Jackson

My blogger & facebook friend, Anne Jackson (which will become a household name) to all of us in the full-time ministry......will be at Bent Tree Fellowship Church tomorrow Jan. 27th for a book signing......her book is OUT! called "Mad Church Disease" - she is a Pastor's daughter who has written about the ugly word BURNOUT which all of us have experienced if you've been in the ministry a long time.

I have her on my agenda. She lives in Nashville, TN now but is starting a tour of Book Signings for her new book. I'm so excited about going. This is going to be a very busy week for all of us. Hope the weather holds out.......she's awesome. Go to her blog: www.flowerdust.net (I hope I've done that right...hmmmm) Pray for her - she has a lot of traveling to do, but knows what she's writing about....so have a great Monday and I encourage you to pray for all of us in full-time ministry as we serve.

Have a happy Monday. It's a sad day because I'll miss the trees........the Owner of the Building has had to have the trees taken out in front of our Church building because the Architect came and they are causing a hazard to the crack in the building from the roots.............It will be as soon as daylight arrives....one thing for sure you will definitely see that a church is there!!!! As you park there, your car will be free of bird droppings (yea!!!!) but I promise those trees will be missed!!!! But watch in your mail this week......we are changing, changing, changing....so look for the new Lighthosue Church relevancy!!!!!

Communication is my love!

Of course, every Mom in the world thinks this: Talking to all our kids makes us the happiest person on this Planet! Yesterday I had the awesome opportunity to talk with our daughter: #1 - she is such a marvelous listener #2 My loving to communicate and enjoying her comments makes me feel so good. I say that word with all gratitude because it was a 2-way conversation. It's a Love that won't walk away, I promise. Mutual trust.

Most of us will never be stranded on an island. We will never know that kind of desertion and "aloneness." But many of us have felt that alone and deserted. But when we can connect with one or all of our kids we can (or at least I can only speak for myself) will hold Deuteronomy 3:16 close at heart, "The Lord your God will go with you, He will not leave you or forget you."

C ya in Church. My husband is continuing on the series "JOY" in Philippians. : )

Cool Beans!!!!!!

I'm tickled pink that I'm up early! Got my first cup of coffee and our dishes are ruby red. This cup was definitely red but different! (I'm so observant!!!) So, here's what it is. My adorable husband got me a new coffee cup from (hello!!!) Starbuck's!!!! And it is awesome! It has class to it!!! It's snazzy looking and I love it!!! I figured that one out immediately by the first sip of coffee. Now that I'm up at the crack of dawn......I have to be patient (which is not one of my virtues!!!) to thank him. How thoughtful and loving!!!

I love the cup! I have the best hubby in the world!!! It's me...for sure! Whew! The home fires just keep on burnin'!!! I hope your hubby does something for you or better yet, you for him...................honey, thanks! You're a doll for this one!

Enjoy your Saturday..........some have called about the time for the "Work Day @ Church" - 10 a.m. Refreshments served so don't buy breakfast....come and feast on the best donuts in America!!!!!! I promise!

Paper Trails

I love to follow paper trails. To so many other people, they would say that's stressful. I will look and look until I always look in the last place and there it is! Why is that so? I have no idea, other than God must be teaching me patience, one of my "fruit of the spirit" lackings!

Do you ever get the feeling that if you throw a file away, it might have just that paper piece you are looking for? Oh, I do. I open the closet or file cabineet where the files are "put away" and go through the files, only to find it! Now, why I did not look at that in the first place, who knows, but it's always a relief when it is found!

Hey everyone.....wait until you somewhat older in age and see all the paper accumulated. ....which you may need.
......which you more than likely will not need.

Have a few tough trash bags to not even give it a thought.....THROW AWAY when the Trash Pickup Trucks come on the proper day! Keep up with keeping organized. Throw away papers you know you do not need or will ever need. And just tell yourself if it's not there in that one storage box, it is gone forever! just a few random thoughts on paper trails. Hope your Friday goes well and happy!

Stay Close to Scripture

When in a dilemna, stay close to the Lord and His word! That is all you can trust!!! I was serving in "Outreach" yesterday and had a lady tell me "Rely on the newest "How To" books..............Hello....I don't think so! 'Nuff said!

Have a super Thursday!

Trust in the Lord!

I talk to women and they say "Oh, I trust in the Lord, but still need to worry." When you stop to think of that....it's hypocritical ....why trust in the Lord when you are going to worry anyway? Doesn't make sense. If and when you finally do trust in the Lord; leave it alone and see Him work. That's the fun of being a Christ follower; watching Him work it out and we don't have to struggle and have chaos! My question is: Is your life chaotic? Proverbs says "Trust in the Lord with ALL YOUR MIGHT, and lean not into your OWN understanding. Acknowledge Him, and HE will direct your path." I promise....His promises are true and work!!!! God is good to let us fully rely on Him!

Expectations

A friend of mine has authored a book, "Mad Church Disease" - it's awesome!
I never cease to be amazed at the anger to us because we don't immediately do what is expected for us to do or say. They expect me to get my husband to obey what they want him to do. There's a sizzling in the request; and they get literally mad (there's that Mad Church Disease popping its ugly head) because they don't get their way. It turns into a bit of drama, thus causing "I'm right, you're wrong." God is not pleased with that drama for sure. I feel like sending up a prayer immediately to God to love that person (or persons) more because of the expectations. He is so forgiving and loving. I Cor. 13:3

My husband and I have learned after all these years to prioritize between someone pressuring "their way" or "manipulating" the action. It is my sincere prayer that expectations pass quickly and an attitude of patience will be forthcoming.

At any rate, today is a big day in history! Enjoy your day as we witness our 44th President being sworn in!!! God bless you this day!

Homemade Pizza

We decided on our Friday night date night to have homemade pizza. Tasted good, but here I am up early - indi-gestion!!!!! Doesn't cause for complete night's sleep. Oh well, had some writing to do in my prayer journal, so I can get caught up before we head out to church to get things done for tomorrow!

By the way, bring someone to church tomorrow. I've done some Outreach this week and am bringing at least 6!!! Yea!!!!!!!!!!!! for God on that one!!!

We will be having Q&A and mexican cuisine....my very favorite..........come on out and join us!! C ya there.

Keep Your Chin Up!

Has today been one of those days?

I'll encourage you to KEEP YOUR CHIN UP....don't mean to yell it, but it's
good to tell yourself that.

No looking back.

Keep your heart, soul, and loving spirit close to the Lord and to friends who
really support and want what's best for you.

I want you to know any and all encouragement comes solely from God as you know,
but relax and have a great evening thinking about the many great things God has done for you and how much He loves you. My husband has given me about eight compliments on my hair and make-up today; I'm encouraged and love him noticing.
His Administrator at the Church e-mailed me and said she is praying for me. That I needed and appreciate both of them watching out (well, plus our beloved daughter who always says marvelous things to me).....and then so many people I was able to help today seemed so grateful.

For those I WILL keep my chin up and praise God for His miracle ways!!!!! C ya in church Sunday..........yea!!!

Turned out pretty good!

It turned out to be a pretty good "Carol Day" I appreciate your comment, Geneva, because you know I teach the ladies....do something to make it a good day for yourself........and it's not selfish to do it; in fact, it makes self-less work better because your mind gets on caring more especially when that's the profession.

It was especially fun, when one of the ladies of the church wanted to have lunch with me..........so....didn't mind at all!

Today I got a wee bit early; okay, how it happened I do know. The coffee pot is set to go off at 5 a.m., but it went off at 3 a.m. so thinking it was 5-ish, I got up..........did I go back to bed? Eventually. It smelled so good and the aroma drove me to drink a fresh cup. Naturally the caffeine took over, so I decided to catch up on e-mails, etc. I'm good to go today and I hope your day is awesome!

Once I have a goof off day, it's hard to get to my Bible study. And since it's on Proverbs, here's a great scripture. Prov. 8:17, 18, 21 KJV: "Those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honor are with me; yes, durable riches and righteousness....that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures." Let that one soak in. I know I will!

"Carol Day"

I'm having a "Carol Day" ------ time off for S-E-L-F......woohoo!!!

Prayer

I truly think the most encouragement of 2009 is prayer. When you know you've been prayed for, it feels better and you know it's all in the hands of God and there's no worry. Yesterday I had the privilege of going to church and someone had asked me to pray for them. There was a load lifted as I prayed and at the same time prayed for our family, church, friends, etc. The Bible says "The effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much." In getting feedback, yes, prayer did work and always gives a peace and contentment. That's one of my encouraging comments is to pray. He is there, just spend some time with Him and leave the burdens. Ps. 68:19 says "I have a life daily loaded with the benefits of the Lord. Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads me with benefits." Plainly said, I'm trusting Him to answer prayers and as I journal them daily, I know everything will work out. How about you? What's your number one priority? Is it prayer?

Best Medicine

Best Medicine is a cheerful heart. Who wants a down-in-outer around them all the time? I love laughter, jokes, and having fun! It all fits in together. There really are people who love to have fun. Make it a good day. Find others who cheer you up and care about you. It is definitely the best medicine! Hope your week begins happy and ends happy!

Sunday the best Day of the Week!

Today W.O.W. (Women of Worth) class which I teach at our church gets promoted to the best room in the entire church! Are we glad? You bet. It's a lady-like room; very comfy.....come on out to the meeting and I'll let you in on a great surprise on how we got this room!!!! Yea...... We deserve it! See you there. 9 a.m. Ugh - I know that's early, but it's worth every wink eye being lost!

Blessings!
Carol

Strength

I've changed my ways since we just went through a period of having a viral infection. (we meaning my hubby and I). I've been studying the Bible more for strength in daily tasks. Here's a great one. "I am strong in the Lord and the power of His might." Eph. 6:10 woohoo.....I could never make it without Him! Ladies - remember tomorrow 9 a.m. W.O.W. class - "Women of Worth" - Great subject! C you there!

I Cor. 15:14

"Love in my life never fails."
I can remember our Granddaughter when she first said "I wuv you." When you stop to think of it - first beginning to talk and getting the tongue around and up to say "l" would be "w" half way! Anyway, it's spelled or said, I lOVE hearing it! And if we all told the truth, we are all inclusive have a need to be told we are loved! What a very nice, caring thought!

New Year Part II

I've been thinking about the New Year....
a chance to begin anew.........
and that I am doing..............it works real well because I came down with the "crud" right after Christmas up until New Year's........So health wise, I'm making some changes also. How about people who DO NOT have a New Year's Resolution? That concerns me..........I have to have goals. I have to have a "Starting Over" and then I can give a double check on trust issues with relationships. Okay that's another story.
Have a Happy Thursday!

Happy 2009!

There's that word again....happy....happy also means "blessed" in the Bible. It's a word I've heard used a lot over the Christmas and New Year's Holidays! (Meaning the "Blessed" word. I'm guessing they are distinguishing between being a Christian or not. Happy New Year would be presented by most people. But, while I was getting some postage stamps and had to take a trip to Wally-World and sat by the Greeter - most people came through and said "Be blessed." I can dig it! Can't you? The lady employee at the counter in the P.O. that waited on me for the stamps thought I was purchasing the stamps to send my Christmas cards...hello....yesterday!!! I'm too efficient - mine were sent around the first week in December. Anyway, she let me know in any uncertain terms that SHE DID NOT send Christmas cards because she was celebrating the birth of Christ. To each his own...but to me the giving of the cards and sharing love with family and friends is my choice. Whether they send me one or not, I know I did my part in the love I have.

I hope your day is filled with truth and love! I'm back at blogging and boy do I love it!!!!