Blog or Facebook????

I'll take BLOG any day! My husband asked me the question and that was my answer. My spiritual gift is Encouragement so it makes me feel fulfilled to write something that is encouraging. We all need encouragement. I don't know where I'd be if I didn't have encouragement. Compliments are an encouragement to me! I steer away from people who don't give me compliments. Why? Because I don't feel they are watching after my best interest or perhaps they are jealous. If they don't invite me into their life, I sure don't push myself in. This is what they say blogs originally came across....discuss your feelings, getting to know this person; happy in writing what is on one's mind. I thank God every and I do mean every single day that our Son took time out of a busy schedule to set this up for me. I love blogging and being a person who thrives on compliments and I want so much to encouragement whomever reads it, the two go hand and hand. Whoa!!!! Fulfillment and a good feeling of writing thoughts I am so happy that begin my day with positiveness, helping others, loving more, etc........... The rewards are many, believe me. Our daughter fixed it up so that you can subscribe to my blog and many do, so that in and of itself is a super blessing! Have a very great Tuesday!

Help With Priorities

The picture is worth a thousand words! And the picture God painted in Proverbs 31:10-31 of the wise woman in her excellence has served me as a model of a woman who lived out her priorities. I'm so thankful that I found her in the Bible some 30 years ago. Through her portrait, you and I, as have women down through the ages, can walk beside a "living" mentor through the span of her busy but orderly life. How did she do it all? What was her secret? She put God first; served others and of course took care of herself.

Always have a priority plan. I make a "Goal for the Day Sheet" and usually have six things to do; then I prioritize it. It will give you a purpose; trust me! Happy Monday and may God give you many victories in your prioritizing! It works!

Church Today

My hubby is teaching a series on JOY from the book of Philippians. He's a funny speaker as well as gives good stuff to live on during the week! Very often I invite people to church and I tell them he saying things that make you laugh, so if you are expecting a straight solemn looking serious service, it won't be like that. Soooo with that in mind....come on out yourself and see! W.O.W. Women of Worth is at 9 this morning. I teach that - we're discusing the "Love" subject today in a marriage! Can't wait....C ya there - 10 a.m.

Looking At Makeovers

What's an ambush makeover? It's where some "Today" show on NBC takes a person out of the outdoor's onlookers and brings them in for a makeover. In looking at them, one grandma did look 50 years younger, but the other one looked the same to me. it is weird what hair styles just a little change can make a lady look so different. I recently had a makeover at the Clinique counter for my eyes because I have a new pair of glasses and everyone has commented how much better I look. So maybe they work! I just know it takes a lot of work to keep up the "makeover image" but I have mastered it! a) I love my new glasses and b)taking care of my basic skin care......I think we all need to pay attention to skin care....it shows in our attitude if we don't take care of ourselves and keep up with what helps to make us a healthier, confident lady! It only takes a few extra minutes to feel better by looking good! Every so often I will have a makeover and love it!!!! Have a super Saturday and C ya in church tomorrow....10 a.m.

Do Something Nice for Someone Else

When we share our own niceness or generosity with someone else, it makes us feel like we are thoughtful people. While all acts of kindness are inherently wonderful, rather than diluting the positive feelings by telling someone else, keep it to yourself and you can retain all the positive feelings.

It's really true that one should give for the sake of giving not to receive something in return. I'm always blessed so greatly when I give!

Simple Ways For Small Stuff

Are you dealing with one drama after another? Watch it...after a while you will begin to believe that everything really is a big deal. We fail to recognize that the way we relate to our problems has a lot to do with how quickly and efficiently we solve them. Respond more with ease; problems that seem to be insurmountable will begin to seem more manageable. And even the biggies, things that are truly stressful, won't throw you off track as much as they once did.

When we find strategies that are difficult to "let go" we will learn the two rules of harmony: Don't sweat the small stuff and #2, it's all small stuff! Gently remind yourself life is okay the way it is or change it! In other words, make peace with imperfection......just be grateful....that's simple enough to remember!

Smile Today

I know a lot of people who never smile! That's sad!
So today is declared "Smile" day.

You might cheer someone up.
They may need your smile because things aren't going just right for them.
They need to see a person who is happy......
And.......Smiles are contageous!

You can do it. I know you can. It takes more muscles to frown than to smile.
Show those beautiful flawless teeth and put that smile out there!

My Mamma used to say, "Smile and it will make people wonder what you are up to."
I agree with that!

A Brand New Day!

Who are you serving today? It's a brand new day to serve, love, and get tasks done that will make it a brand new day! I know you can do it! Get focused. Step out of your box and if all you can do today is Love, do it!

Get an official pat on the back for a job well done! That's a great goal! Recently I purchased new eye-wear.....brand spankin' new glasses...they are so cool, but they are so super (non-glare, scratch resistant, triple no line, up to date glasses). Keeping them clean is my goal. So I opted to go to Lenscrafters and ask how to keep them clean. The smudges on them are annoying. And the Mgr. was the only one in there and she actually thanked me for coming in. At first I was timid about saying how do I clean these lenses? When she showed me the correct way, I was amazed that it was so easy. She said she wished more people would come in and it would be preventative and their glasses would last longer. It's amazing how brand new my day is now that I know how to clean them! You'd be surprised at the crud that is floating around in the air and lands on brand NEW lenses! Good job Carol at keeping them spotless now! Have a happy Tuesday!

Husband Is Awesome!

Yesterday at church we changed things a bit. While the incredible guy that does our Welcome Announcements was on a business trip, I had the privilege to fill in for him (although we did show a fabulous welcome video of him that was recorded a couple of weeks ago)....so in filling in for him I discovered visitors do love to be recognized. We had eight new Visitors and they enjoyed saying their name and the welcome turned out incredible! That's what it's all about..............a relaxed atmosphere, a Rock Band that was totally awesome and my husband who knocked the socks off when he gave us a message on "complaining." I think this world has turned into a complaining world.....where's the gratitude and thankfulness? Oh, don't get me started on that!

Since it was my time to be "Chef" - everyone enjoyed the casserole and salad......and the beautiful part is my husband is awesome for the many compliments he has given me. Yea........I love it when I please my hubby....that's what marriage is all about! Going on 42 years I have been his cheerleader and him my confidante. I know I can trust him......yesterday's memories are today's dreams come true - having a great crowd! Thanks Chris, Pappy and TJ!!! (oops and hubby) Grand job! I'm ready for this week to be amazingly incredible! I hope you feel the same!

Special Birthdays

Today is our grandson's birthday! He is 8. He is all boy and just precious! Since we are celebrating this week, I want to wish him a very happy day filled with the joy of things that make him happy! He is so much fun! Happy birthday Bennett!!! With much love and thoughts of you! (& I hope all the candles are blown out and you get your wishes!)

It's also the birthdate of my beloved friend for so many years, Maxine Fessler! She was a widow lady from being married to a Lawyer. Oh boy, did we have some great years her talking about his flaws, great points, behaviors, etc.........She passed away at the lovely age of 83 and was a dear friend to our whole family. We'll pause today and remember her many many stories, loyalty, and friendship! My world was turned upside down by her many many talents!

Tuesday will be my Mamma's birthday. She passed on to Heaven in 1970, but it was like yesterday I was with her. A never forgotten, loving to encourage me (I am the middle child) and of course I miss her drastically! Our daughter is named after her and has her beautiful genes of caring for others! I can't wait to get my scrapbook albumn caught up with the generations of "Mullikin/Fishers." A remarkable lady!

And with that, I'll see you in Church at 10 enjoying the Worship Band that will be performing today! Again, Happy Birthday Grandson Bennett! whoohooooo!!!!

Character Series (#5)

What shall you do?

Does character count? It does if there is a God in glory. A God who helped our founders establish this Nation and has sustained thisNation and brought us this far!

But if America says, "God we don't need You anymore. We don't want Your rule anymore. We know what we are doing. Our skill and ingenuity will see us through." Then I say, God help America!

Build character.....truthfulness, responsibility, initiative, alertness, attentiveness, availability, boldness, cautiousness, compassion, contentment, creativity, dependability, endurance, generosity, forgiveness, gratefulness, hospitality, love, loyalty, obedience, orderliness, patience, punctuality, reverance, and wisdom! In summary, character is the predictor of good behavior; the inward motivation to do what is right when all alone or around anyone!

Remember we have the Worship Band at Lighthouse tomorrow and Q&A at the same time! A great meal will be served! Begins at 10 a.m. C ya.

Character Series (#4)

I hope you can now say Character makes a difference!

We are free to choose, but we are not free to choose the consequences of our choice. First we choose and then the choice chooses for us.

It's a God thing! He rules in the Heavens!

I give you the example of Pharoah, the king in the Bible. He was the great and mighty king of ancient Egypt - living high, wide, and handsome. Pharaoh kept getting bigger and bigger and greater and greater and his approval rating in the Egyptian polls kept going up and up!

But God said, "I am the One who raised you up and I am the One who is going to bring you down." Romans 9 is talking about what happened to Pharoah and his armies when they drowned in the Red Sea. Pharaoh was great, but God was infinitely greater!

He will always reserve control or Himself.

I'm on God's side, aren't you? He can handle bigger things than I ever thought of!

Character Series (#3)

People with character are absolutely honest.

Proverds 17:7 tells us this.

Liars and leaders are not the same. If a man is a liar, he has a character flaw that goes all the way to the core of his being. People are not liars because they tell lies. They tell lies because they are liars.

A guy or girl is never more like the devil than when they lie....John 8:44 says "Satan is a liar and the father of lies."

Stick always and to the true character of TRUTH and HONESTY!!!! It's a must! Lies begat more lies and pretty soon you won't remember what the truth is! Ask God now to forgive you for lying and begin this second to always tell the truth! That is awesome character!

The Characer of Every Citizen (# 2)

1. Pray for our Government
I Timothy 2:1-3

You say, well, should I pray for my leader isf he's wicked? You should pray the
more for him.

2. Pay for our Government - Romans 13:6-7

3. Praise and participate in our Government. Participate because of your character
and morality in standing for what's right. Right crowds.

Does Character Count? (1 of 5 Series by Carol)

Another word for character is responsibility. A person with character can acccept and carry out responsibility. Let me illustrate. A little baby whose character is not yet developed can be given no responsibilities and so he has no liberty. He doesn't have to clean the house or carry out the garbage. He doesn't get to choose whether he'll have strained beets or puree3d peas for lunch. He has no responsibilities.

But as his character develops, he is given more and more responsibilities. And one day, Dad hands him the keys to the car and says, "I believe that this young adult has developed enough responsibility (enough character) to be given this liberty.")

Let's suppose another teen grows up without a godly influence, begins to act irresponsibly, and breaks the laws of the land. What should happen to him? He should go to prison. Why? Because he acted without character-without respoonsible morals. And now his liberties are taken away. He doesn't have any responsibilities. He doesn't have to turn out the lights, but he also can't unlock the door.

America was founded upon moral character of godly men and women who came to this country for religious freedom. Their character purchased our freedom and we have a responsibility to see that this freedom is upheld as a sacred trust.

Wisdom

The Bible says "If anyone of you lack wisdom, seek God." James 1:5
We need to ASK for wisdom. I'm going to make that a point TODAY.
Are you?

We taught our kids "Character is one you do when NO ONE else is around."
And it's the truth...........oh, this gives trust, wisdom, confidence!
Wow! Happy Monday! I'm short on words today, but just know wisdom will come to
you as you seek it!

Friday & Saturday

Yesterday was cold, rainy day....so I got caught up on reading MAD CHURCH DISEASE book by my beloved friend, Anne Jackson. It's talking about the epidemic of burnout. Awesome! There's a lot of pain to go through the healing of burnout. I'll take that journey. When the path is negative; it needs to be dissected and come to an assurance it doesn't have to stay that way!

Plus, for our Friday night date night, we had a "Christmas" sort of dinner....ooooo awesome! Baked chicken, delicious salad, baked potato and pumpkin pie with whipped cream! Ymmmy!!! Delicious! Cooked at home and it smelled delicious and tasted delicious! Even Pixie our dog ate her dogfood at the same time we had a lovely dinner.

Did you see on Oprah she is opening up her own Facebook? Whoa! That sure will be interesting!

Today ....remember to allow the wisdom and study of the Bible or a scholarly author to enlighten your understanding of God's wisdom. This is one simple way to seek and search for wisdom and an answer to your issues. See ya in church tomorrow 10 a.m. Series "Joy" by my hubby.

Just For Today

Well, what will it be? Do you desire a life distinguished by wisdom...or the opposite, one marked and marred by foolishness? I think I know the answer. So begin now forming daily habits that will help us become God's women of wisdom!

Read the chapter of the book of Proverbs that corresponds with the date of this month.

Pick the one verse that most spoke to your heart and your life.

Put it on a 3 X 5 card. Carry it with you all day.

Ask yourself, do I consider God's wisdom to be more valuable than silver and gold?

Me ......some random super thoughts

I'm an idealist - I see the world as bright and beautiful!

How about you?

Get in the Word....it will tell us so great things. We have a God who is a warrior. Hold up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit. Love your enemies! Don't turn someone against God....turn them to Him. But don't push; sometimes I wonder if a person thinks about trusting God, they might turn out like us......so be on the lookout regarding your being "real" -- people see through your phoniness.

I'm also a grateful and rejoicing person over the great of things daily. I've noticed some people are just "Information Gatherers" so they can feel power. Not me; I am a trusted human being who wants the happiness for my family and then others. Plus I love blogging. And I thank our Son a zillion times for setting it up for me.

My brain is taxed today as yesterday I received 38 e-mails and of course, I didn't answer all of them, nor will I today. And the people who sent them will not be offended. Soooooooo have fun today and lighten your load so you may get a chance to see the world today as bright and beautiful! (Just once!!!!)

666

This is my 666th blog......that's the "mark of the beast" number in Revelation, a significant meaning.

Amazing, hu?

I pray your day will be blessed and you are encouraged by the fact that God loves you and me and we can thank Him for His amazing grace and mercy! I have a lot of Outreach to catch up on, so my day will be busy!

Remember this: You are loved!

Be Happy!

Remembering.....God can make you so happy! Read the book of Proverbs - that's my encouragement to you TODAY!!!!! God will see you through. Do not depend on your own strength - fully rely on Him! It WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY! And don't let ANYONE steale your JOY!!!!!

Appreciation For Sure!

Thank you, thank you, thank you............everyone who checked on me last week! Very much appreciated - the ladies of Lighthouse Chourch outdid themselves as they either took me to dinner or lunch. My hubby had a fabulous trip to see our adorable daughter and I had a great week of catching up on housework, fellowship, and also with our doggies. It's wonderful to know they care and I appreciate it for sure!

C ya in church - 10 a.m. time change (today - remember)))))) I can't wait to see how quick it gets daylight! : )

Learning What's Important

Learn to be more effective.

Proverbs 31:10-31

When I read bout this lady's life, her time, her wisdom, I have often asked myself, "How did this lady get it all done?" Well, in a word, she got it all done because she was effective. Someone might say she was efficient. True, this lady did all her tasks well. That's what efficient means - doing tasks well. But more importantly, this lady did the right things well and fair. That's effectiveness!

Prioritize - pinpoint those areas where you can be more effective (efficient) and go for it!

Evaluate Your Day At Day's End

What did you choose to do that could have been eliminated?

Identify the "time bandits" that robbed you of a precious day of life!

Have a journal; write your answers down....in red ink!

Use your time and your life for Him....praying, encouraging, caring, loving, etc....
(I'm still in the book of Proverbs)....oh, so refreshing!!!!

What Do You Need Help With?

One lady told me "Diligence" - it's right in Proverbs! Proverbs 10:4 and all through chapter 31. It makes us wise women! Diligence rises while it is yet night...girds herself with strength (Prov. 31:17) does not eat the bread of idleness (vs. 27) - therefore, ....her husband has no lack of gain (vs. 11); she provides food for her household vs. 15. The reward is "HEr children rise and call her blessed. (vs. 28). and the greatest her husband praises her. "Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all" (vs. 28-29). Try diligence! (From the book of Proverbs) - it works!!!!

An Example Yesterday's Blogs

I'm still in Proverbs for the answers. I want answers! Teach me patience, Lord!

Proverbs 8:1-3 "Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding life up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way; where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the City."

As I reflect on the verses above, I would like to have wisdom and understanding. Then I must embrace discipline as an essential and necessary element of my growth toward wisdom and understanding. Why? Because I cannot lead ladies down a path of righteousness and discipline if I have not personally taken it. Others are watching my discipline and listening to my "voice." Discipline is my learning from Prov. 8:1-3. (An example of yesterday's blogs.) Have a happy Tuesday! and remember....

Never lose one moment of time, but improve it in the most profitable way possible.

Posting for Geneva's Comment

Good Afternoon!
For some unbeknown reason my blog is not accepting a comment to Geneva's comment.
So here is my comment to her question. (Please look in "1 comment). thx.

Geneva:
Great comment. I can only surmise you are getting giggly because Pastor Jim is speaking each week on a series of "JOY" so maybe your joy button is being pushed...
The treasure of God's Word. The Bible comes from God. .... of course and is "given by inspiration of God" II Timothy 3:16 - every word of it. There are no fads and no gimmicks in the Bible. What you read between the covers of your Bible is wisdom for a lifetime and rock-solid, forever truth, truth you can stand on, live by, and trust.....forever!
Unearthing the Treasure of God's Wisdom (# 1 & 2 of my) stage of Bible reading:
1. Read it Start anywhere. And I would suggest not making your Bible reading time an ordeal. Just get your cup of coffee, or tea, sit down, open your Bible and read.....beginning with Proverbs. Expose yourself to God's wisdom every day by reading the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds with the date of the month. Devour it! David wrote that God's Word was "sweeter than honey and the honeycomb" - (Psalm 19:10). Jeremiah testified, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart." (Jeremiah 15:16) As you devour God's Word, you'll taste His refreshment of the peaches and cream stages.......it is consumed with passion and pleasure!

I know you will have this same delicious addiction, love and passion for the Bible. I want it for you because God's Word is so exciting, so electric, so energizing - in a word...thrilling. I know you are a superb note taker because I see you each Sunday brilliantly writing evey word. What I do is have a small notebook when I read the Bible and jot my own notes...that's where peaches and cream stage comes in for me! We are all so different. You'll find a way that I would never think of.
Blessings to you. It is awesome to hear someone takes on the challenge of reading the Bible. I'm so excited for you. Thanks again for the comment!

A Voice Says......

"I need help with my Bible...."

I don't know how passionately you feel about your Bible, but I can tell you that I consider my Bible to be my life!

Three Stages of Bible Reading
Stage 1 - the cod liver oil stage when you take it like medicine.
Stage 2 - The shredded wheat stage when it's nourishing but dry.
Stage 3 - The peaches and cream stage when it is consumed with passion and pleasure.

The Bible is life changing! Proverbs is so great! I love to read Ephesians. It comes directly from God - the Bible is my inspiration. What I read between the covers of my Bible is wisdom for a lifetime and rock-solid, forever truth, truth you can stand on, live by, and trust.....forever!

Yea, it's Sunday!

Let's rejoice!!!!

Get up and go hear a great teacher/Pastor.......my husband!

See you there! Come early and have some great coffee with us and fellowship.

I'm up early studying the book of Philippians on JOY the subject he is speaking on!

I need my "JOY TANK" refilled, don't you? : ) 10 a.m. everyone! You'll be glas you came!