In The Still Of The Night

Is it still night? Or is it full-blossomed morning at 4 a.m.? I know one thing for sure. It's so quiet, one could hear a pin drop....clocks ticking, cars rumbling by, sirens, heat coming off and on - it's still quiet.

Guess I'm up early to enjoy the great time my hubby and I had on our "Friday Night Date Night." We ended up at a Restaurant on the other side of town - home cookin' where all the elder Saints go! Actually we looked like teenagers compared to them. Some had walkers, canes, and just plain ole' help in gettin' around! They have a delicious salad bar and of course I can only eat the Senior plate which consist of ONE small piece of fried catfish, 2 veggies and a couple of hush puppies. It's called the "Lite" plate. So, my hubby saw that all the "elderly" people got bananna puddin' and whip cream, so he had some. Then I decided I wanted a piece of coconut creme pie which literally melts in my mouth (jez like my Mamma used to make). We were both stuffed, so she put my pie in a take home. Of course, I had eaten a couple of bites, but (yep, you guessed it) forgot it! My hubby went back in and they had already cleaned the table off! That place is packed on Friday night! But the staff is so efficient; of course they clean up quickly!

Have you ever gone to bed on a full tummy of the above? Well, you just sleep until you can't sleep anymore....thus up at 4 a.m. Everyone that knows me says well, that's an every day occurance, isn't it Carol? Not really, but I'm getting a reputation of being an early bird and I feel like I'm the only one in this town that enjoys (it's the truth!) early mornings!!!!!! I think this may become a habit. If you're up, you'll understand it; it not I'll keep understanding why you can stay up and I see some of your e-mails that says way past midnight.

Let's just all enjoy each other no matter what their sleep cycle is.......coffee is fabulous......reading is fabulous......if I decide to make homemade cards, it's marvelous.....I'm on my own......In the Still of the Night????? Or is it Morning???? C ya in church tomorrow....10 a.m. : )

Blessings!

To you, what are blessings? I had a person send me a thank you note that signed off Blessings, Donna. That started my mind to start thinking.....Each day when I wake up, I can hardly believe how blessed I am. Just think, the gift of a day, a whole, entire, precious and priceless day! But I remind myself - it's not my day. Oh no. It's God's day! And I am a steward of it. So I sit down with my trusty calendar and planner in hand and ask, "Lord, how do you want me to live this day? What is it that You want me to do with this one day that You have given me?" "What is the work You want me to accomplish today?" Living each day for God's blessings. Blessings are happy things that come my way and I know that if I focus on Him and truly appreciate these blessings (happiness) that He has entrusted to me, it will be a wise walk with Him.

Friday ties up His blessings for me. Prepares me for Saturday when I do Outreach and then I can look ahead to His many blessings that He bestows upon me. I pray that you will be blessed as you read this. My favorite encouragement is BE BLESSED!

True beauty

....is only enhanced by spiritual growth. We learn that II Cor. 4:16 says "our outward man is perishing" - what you should be witnessing is a beautiful inner life radiating outward.

Happy Thursday!

This Might Sound A Bit Old Fashioned

What's a lady to Wear?

How does a lady discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress and dressing to be the center o attention? The answer starts in the intent of the heart. A lady should examine her motives and goals for the way she dresses. This might sound a bit old fashioned, but is her intent to show her love and devotion to her husband and his goodness to her? Is it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshiping God? Or is it to call attention to herself and flaunt her wealth and attempt to allure men sexually?

I believe a lady who focuses on worshiping God wil consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance. If you have to question whether it's too low in the front, I'm sure it is. But the biggest question I help women, ladies and girls with, is "Do you think my blouse is too revealing?" And honestly, I'm not afraid to say an honest "Yes." Why purposely cause a man to stumble in the area of lust? That's my question to them. Please know I am not judging; but it is my sincere prayer that we all will have convictions in the area of revealing too much. Dressing with moderation also refers to self-control I Timothy 2:9. 'Nuff said.

Spiritual Growth

The greatest hindrance to our spiritual development - the whole hindrance - is that we allow our passions and desires to control us, and we do not strive to walk in the perfect way of the Saints. When we meet the least adversity, we are too quickly dejected and we turn to other people for comfort instead of to God.

Little things come daily, hourly within our reach, and they are not less calculated to set forward our growth in spiritual blessings than are the greater occasions.

Has any Mentor left their her fingerprints on your soul to exhort, inspire, admonish, encourage for spiritual development? Stick close, ladies, that's the friend you want to have. "Older women" have such a great effect (Titus 2:3-5.) I call it live and learn for our spiritual growth.

Oscars.........random thoughts

Did you watch 'em?

Naturally I fell asleep half-way through.......but I am up early indeed to see who won and check the "red carpet" and what kind of gowns were worn! It never ceases to amaze me that the one shoulder type gowns would be popular this year. It just proves to me society dictates! You may disagree with me....but who wants to be a part of the ugliest dressed. I wouldn't want to.

I kinda thought Meryl Streep would have gotten BEST ACTRESS. But I was glad Penelope Cruz got an award. After having a baby and going right back in to work...ugh!!! I'm a Dustin Hoffman fan - I'll never forget the movie "Rainman" that he stared in.

How about you? Did you watch it? 'jez curious. Have a happy Monday and a very happy birthday Geneva and Angie (twins...but Angie was born first).....to me being twins would be "stars" to a Mom...........and you all would deserve an Academy Award...........so y'all live it up on your big day!!! (Live it up this year 'cause next year is the big 40!!!! (awe - it's not that bad!!!!)

C ya

in Church................ : )

Wisdom Regarding Time

Straight from the Holy Bible - Solomon's Wise Observations on Time
There is a right time for everything;
A time to be born, a time to die;
a time to plant, a time to harvest;
a time to kill; a time to heal;
a time to destroy; a time to rebuild;
a time to grieve, a time to dance;
a time for scattering stones, a time for gathering stones;
a time to find, a time to lose;
a time for keeping, a time for throwing away;
a time to tear, a time to repair;
a time to be quiet; a time to speak up;
a time for loving; a time for hating;
a time for war, a time for peace.
ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8


Never give up on growing in grace and receiving His grace and mercy! C ya in Church tomorrow - 10 a.m. Enjoy a tremendous Saturday!

Beauty Treatment!

How? Reading God's inspired Word! It causes us to grow in Christlikeness! God's Word is alive and powerful, and it works on what's inside, on the heart (Heb. 4:12) As you and I read the Bible, we learn God's truth, identify wrong behavior, mend our ways, and receive positive training in righteousness. (II Tim. 3:16) In other words, the Bible works us over from the inside out! It gives us a complete spiritual makeover and performs open heart surgery at the same time. : )

When I read my Bible, it penetrates my heart and lifts my soul. It causes me to desire that God desires, to think more like He things, and to pursue what He wants me to have. When my reading time is over, I find my mind at rest, my heart at peace, my head clear, and a direction and purpose for my day! I hope the same may be true for you as we have a beauty treatment.

Phenomenal Speaker!

Last night I heard a phenomenal speaker (A Pastor's Wife) of the world's largest church which is in Austrailia speak! She was so motivating and made me realize we have so many tasks left undone of winning the lost to the Lord. I know my heart was touched and I want to share with whomever I come in contact with how that as Christians we are the church; the church is not us....and when we begin to show the true, real love of the Lord and what He has done for us; we're losing out! It's not our place to judge another person's motives....we just need to pray God's grace and mercy on them and ourselves as we attempt to serve and bring others in!

Too many people are numbed out to the feeling of even getting up on Sunday to get ready to attend church, but have ruled it out completely in their life. Yesterday I was talking to a Security Guard at a store and she said she has gotten away of attending church and once she got out of the habit, it became easier and easier. It's up to us as Christ-in-ones to be real about what it feels like to go to a church where the Pastor teaches the WORD. That's the important thing...I confess - I don't pick up my Bible and study it like I should....hence, my husband who delivers a great message on Sunday...that's where I go to hear him because I know He will show the holy scripture right in front of my face and I will get the word whether I want to hear it or not! C you there. Sunday....10 a.m. Have a happy Thursday and be blessed with God's mercy and grace on you!!!!

Ways to Simplify Your Life

Number one complaint I hear from women: "My house is a wreck and I don't want to do anything about it." Why not? I had the privilege of having my husband's Grandmother for a Teacher at the Bible College I graduated from. Who would ever believe I would marry her Grandson? So, when he and I have great conversations, he always compliments me for having great organization skills, he is so grateful. His Grandmother taught me that "when you get married, keep a tidy home to support you and your husband." I'll never forget that and I truly believe that is why our marriage is so happy. And even after we were married, Grandma reminded me that she was glad I was an organized homemaker because she remembered her grandson having a converstation with her as he was growing up that he had hoping he would marry someone who wasn't a total neat freak, but at least considered that he likes it neat. And on top of that he was in the military where they had to keep the barracks neat.....the fact that I got demerits when I was in the Dormitory where his Grandmother was Dean of Women.....I wanted to please her and have a neat room so that I wouldn't get demerits.

It will surely simplify your life if you will have your home in support of your daily living. I tell the ladies they will live a life on a whole new level. Not only will they be happy, but everyone will be happy. My Mom used to say "Everything in it's place and a place for everything." It's amazing what we learn as women from our precious Mom and Grandmothers. I can remember my Grandmother was so organized, she had a specific place in a neat pile for chiclet gum that she always gave me and if I took that gum without her giving it to me, she knew I got into it by how neat it was stacked and now messed up.

Soon I will be having a garage sale....I'm already thinking about which (one room only) I want to pile the stuff I want to set out to sale. I think my husband would compliment me for the neatness just so he won't trip over my "stuff." Have a great Wednesday!

Deuteronomy 32:4

"He is the ROCK, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment; a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He."

That sums it up and wow what a promise! In this day of undeciviseness, we need to rely on Deuteronomy 32:4 and never forget it! I see so many hurting people and I tell them to rely on God's Word and He is the ROCK! I'm telling you - it works! Never give up on God's Word.............that's my source of comfort, guidance and hope!

When the storms of life beset you, turn to this Scripture....I beg of you....I can promise you it works!

Great Scripture!

"Those who hope in me will not be disappointed."
Isaiah 49:23

Be a blessing to someONE today. Happy President's Day all and any Presidents! You deserve a super great day! You carry in your brilliant mind the answer to so much and it is my sincere prayer that you will hear a lot of encouragement today for being where you are and from a heart of appreciation, you deserve having a phenomenal day so enjoy our celebration of you! And as the Scripture says, God gives us hope and I believe you do also! Thanks for all your untiring efforts!

C ya in Church!

Yep, that's where I'll be today......we have Q&A....so guess what? I go early to get preparation done and then Angie J does the finishing touches. Yea for "Doers" so I will gladly see you there! My husband continues the "Joy" Series! Awesome!
10 a.m. Come on - get out of that sleepy bed and I'll C ya in Church!

This is the day - February 14th - the best!

I would love to gather my entire family together on this day - February 14th - the best day of the year! Showing love, respect, and warmth to a family that gives it also! I'm a very loving person and don't mind being vocal about it when I see them to say "I love you." Not just Valentine's Day but other days as well.

As the song says "Spread a little love around......" Ladies, don't EXPECT things; be grateful that you have a husband that provides for you, works hard to make ends meet (that's an old Oklahoma phrase) but be thankful for him and his love.

I'm praising God, the Father, for the way His love shines on me and on all of humankind. It is wonderful how He created everything and regulates it all. Great are His works. Great is His love, O Father! Thank you for loving me just the way I am. I'm just an ordinary person who wants to serve.

You not only show me how to care for the lovely but for those who aren't so lovable. Thank you for reminding me, Lord, to love those closest to me, to cherish and treasure them and not take them for granted. I can speak with eloquence and pass out all sorts of good advice. Still, I must have a true, sincere love! And with that, have a happy Valentine's day all day!

Love, Love, Love, Love, Love, Love

My encouragement to you today is just spread LOVE wherever you go!
You will be spreading the greatest cheer in the world; not to mention the fact that all the kiddos that eat sweets today will be spreading love. That's what Valentine's Day is all about! YEA......I truly love Valentine's Day!!!

So.....have a loving Valentine's day and a happy one!

Lovingkindness

This word is put together in the KJV (King James Verson) of the Bible and this is the way the scripture reads:

"Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are the great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast. How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!" Psalm 36:5-7

Lovingkindness.....I would love to live up to that word. That would take a lot of soul searching, discipline, and plain ole' work! How precious is His lovingkindness! If we as Christians (Christ-in-One) would live like a Christian should and be an encouraging word to those who are in need.....what a great challenge as well as a testimony. May you know our precious Lord looks on you with lovingkindness....how fabulous is that!!!!

Receive Love

This day....ask God to let you receive all ways love is shown to you. Look on the positive side of love and show some love and encouragement yourself.

It's a great way to live! ...er LOVE!

Hummingbirds

Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, and every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation.

Work on relationships. As you reach out, the other will reach out. You may have to be the one that starts the initial connection, but please keep our world a caring world. I know I am! I am grateful for God's blessings and abundance! (& Hummingbirds)

Grammy Awards

I love to watch the Grammy's. I did fall asleep though and am up this morning trying to find out who won. I've always been motivated by awards or trophies given. There's a lot of practicing going in on winning those awards and I commend all singers and instrumentalists! Our kids grew up playing instruments and I loved it! Now, I'm sure Mom's and Dad's are elated on (still) their son or daughter winning such grand awards for the world to see.

I like the 50's and 60's music I grew up with as a teenager, so nothing can take their place, but I'm amazed at the tremendous talent and entertainment given on the stage just to get the song accomplished. Lights flashing, lots and lots of teamwork to finish with such a grammy!

You're never to old to enjoy someone else's talent......starts my week off grand as the week is finished with love, love, love, Valentine's Day 2009! Have a happy week!

I Love The Bible

In the Bible are truths that took me years to discover.....
God's love is deep and unconditional
His peace can replace all fears
Healing is God's will
He is worthy of praise

The treasures found in the Bible are more precious than diamonds and rubies. Hope is priceless.

In the Bible we can find God's Love, peace, Healing and Praise.....come on out to Lighthouse Church today and realize His love, peace, joy and more love! C ya there.

Valentine's Day is Fast Approaching!!!

What to get? Make a card? Get roses? Buy a DVD?

"Love makes the world go round....." Begin now thinking of what to get your honey lamb....I call mine hubby or hubs. As I'm around different friends, I pick up their lango and Anne, my friend calls her hubby hubs. I think that's cute! Remember: Ya gotta keep those home fires burnin' or they'll fade out!!! And that's my encouraging thoughts for Saturday.

I need to get my Outreach list out and get this day going!!!!

C ya tomorrow - 10 a.m. "Hymn Sunday Day!!!"

People Cooler Than Me

Yesterday some friends of our's (they've been married 48 years) took my hubs and I to a neat Chinese Restaurant............awesome! What a very thoughtful thing to do...we've had a drastic week, so it seemed to take the load off, just fellowshipping!! They have seven up on us in the marriage category...but knowing they are cool friends makes us so grateful! And we are blessed! Knowing that people care and on top of that show it!

I hope your Friday is eventful! ....and happy! Here's an encouraging thought: Don't sweat the small stuff. Be grateful for even the smallest kindness someone shows to you....and on the reverse be kind yourself. Make someone's day! I'm up being very thankful! : )

God's Medicine

Psalm 139:1-8
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.....Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up in the Heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

That's consoling. How about people that call theirself a Christian and are so phoney; they swear, they act like the furtherest thing of being involved in Christianity; in fact they won't even say they are associated with a Church. Me, I would rather invite a person to church to learn about being REAL....but then, what
if someone decides to judge and condemn them? I think I had better get off this subject. Just know, God is every-where and knows our hearts. Have a happy Thursday as we all fully rely on God's medicine! It's the best!

Someone to Love

Remember the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the Dr. away?" The love equivalent might read, "Thinking of someone to love each day keeps your resentment away." Istart just about every day consciously choosing to think of people to love when I realized how often I could get caught up in thinking about the opposite, people who irritate me. It causes my mind to focus on n-e-g-a-t-i-v-i-t-y....ugh!

So now every morning when I wake up, I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths...then ask the question, "Who shall I send love to today."

I hope you have a wonderful day filled with loving kindness. I know you will find your day more peaceful. Try it, you'll "love" it!

Band was Phenomenal!

The lead singer was phenomenal as well as the guitar players! (Superb!!!) He sang a song he wrote out of despair...unbelievable! We had tons of visitors and a super great service! People stood around afterwards just conversing....I love to see that! It was fabulous. Thanks everyone for coming. All I can say is I appreciate you and everyone else that were so encouraging to me because it was the first in all the history of Lighthouse Church that I had a Sunday off!!!! Cool!

I hope your week is fantastic and full of many, many blessings. Here's some encouraging words.

God is asking each one of us to think bette of ourself and to act accordingly!
Have a big dream for your life and trust in His Word! Do not allow stress to steale your joy!

Exciting Day

Remember 10 a.m. - the change at Lighthouse! Come out and enjoy "innertainment" by our new Worship Band....... and a great teaching on "Joy definitely defined" by my hubby. As they say in Oklahoma - you can't beat that with a stick!!!!!