Monday, August 31, 2009

Encouragement Re: Choices

The willingness to make conscious choices is another way of demonstrating that you are ready to find new ways of living and being before you are FORCED to do it. When what we do, how we do it, and the way we do it no longer fits our purpose in life, we must choose to do something else. It means we are aware of our patterns, and no longer choose to embrace them. This becomes the choice to grow. When we consciously choose growth over stagnation and fear, the new choice decision will support our decision by bringing our lesson gently and lovingly.

You must make a choice to know the truth; the truth about your strength, your power, and your ability to withstand the consequences of your choices; makes it easier, because once you choose and see that things are getting a bit out of hand, or that you are in fact not ready, you have the ability, right, and power to make another choice. At the same time, stick to the truth (real facts) when you are making a choice. Weigh the pros and cons. That's my newest goal in making choices..pros and cons; believe you me it works!!!!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

So Closely Connected in Marriage

Those of you that have the privilege of being married, did you ever wonder how close you really are to each other? My husband is definitely a LEADER.... several of my friends have asked me lately why I don't blog about marriage. I don't know the answer to that question. I just don't. We have what I call a "Private Marriage" having been in the public eye for thirty-eight years! Retirement brings connection even more closely than you could ever think or imagine. You are forced to discuss things whether you want to or not. He sees me all the time and I see him. In that regard, I truly love it! And yet, we let go....meaning he can do what he wants to do and the same with me.

Last night we had a great time with some friends of our's that have been married the same amount of years (42) and we noted with interest, they have the same goals...that was very interesting and we came to the same conclusion, don't interupt when wife or hubby is telling a story. So, that was cool!

Now, tonight we will be having a super great time with a couple who are awesome, so I am thrilled we are "stepping out of the box" - the normal seeming like rut of things, so life is good in the Donnelson household. A love that will not ever walk away and gets closer each day. Quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch; the joy of being able to express our love and feeling truly loved in return. He shows so much love to me in so many ways.

Many of us married are trained to analyze prolems and create solutions. We forget that marriage is a relationship, not a project to be completed or a problem to solve. One way to learn new patterns is to establish a daily sharing time in which each of you will talk about things - what's happening to you and how you feel about them. Yes, ladies...men have feelings...and are emotional....make a choice to show your love and admiration (& I might add gratitude) but most of all, TRUST and you will be closely connected in marriage.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Devote Your Time To Developing Yourself

Don't invest in what fades. Invest in what lasts all through life and on into eternity! God doesn't want emotional nuclear waste inside you to spew out of you and contaminate others around you. He doesn't want hatred, anger, bitterness, or criticism flowing out of you. He wants the inside of you to be a "river of living water" flowing out to send life and refreshment to others.

Our daughter gave of so much while she was here to us. I cannot thank her enough. And yet if you were to ask her, she would say, we were the ones that gave so much spirit, etc. Have you ever been around someone that makes you feel like you are the greatest person that ever existed on the face of the earth? That's her. She is always concerned about her Dad and I and what makes us happy. I know she has her own phenomenal life to live, but I know, without a shadow of doubt, we are more motivated than we ever were while she was here. She was such a refreshment. And that's why I'm writing about devoting time to developing "your-self." That's what I feel like doing when we go our separate ways....take care of self so I can live a healthy life, being so grateful I am a Mom, Wife, Grandma, Friend...... all the important roles!!!! Life is so full of joyous living; especially when you are around someone who wants your dreams so accomplished. I just had to blog my feelings and her uniqueness - something inside of me said "Go for it!" ...an extraordinary hip hip hooray! ....a-ha I have bragging rights as a Mom and so do you ladies!!!!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Are You Genuine?

Many people falsely market themselves - especially being not genuine. They sell themselves as beautiful, quiet, meek, and laid back. Then two years into the marriage they have an "in your face" attitude. Questions like how does he or she treat people they don't need in their life? What does she value? What does he value?

So many people end up falling for the exterior packaging and don't pay enough attention to the gift inside. Spending years, decades, even lifetimes trying to change the person they married on the inside --- but guess what???? You cannot change a person, that's God's job!!!

The genuine person is not the outside package but the treasure, gifting, and value that lies within! Go for being genuine!!! The truth will come out sooner or later.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Let Go Of The Past!!!!

Is your past something that you want to continue to relive again and again?

You cannot enter your tomorrow as long as you hold on to your past.

Leaving the past behind does not mean that we only leave the negative aspects of the past behind. For some people, the struggle is in leaving behind a past they perceive to be better than their present.

There are some people who have trouble letting go of past success. Or they create a fantasized past and dwell in a set of false memories.

The past - no matter what it is - needs to be left in the past!

Just let it go......it's not worth the worry, fret, and you can't do anything about it, but FORGIVE!!!!!! Forgive the event, the person, and most of all SELF!

I hope this has encouraged ladies who really have this problem, because their husband prays and hopes they will let go of the past; whether it be his fault or her fault.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Be a Praiser, not a Complainer!!!

These days are flying by!! Agree??? I know it's because our beloved, amazing daughter is here and we charish every moment spent with her. We do not take it for granted even when we see our Son, Daughter-in-law and Grandkiddos or our Daughter!!! Believe you me, it brings such enjoyment and remarkable super great times!

I've noticed such great character our kids have because they are not complainers! So, today I am writing about this subject. Complaining is a trap. Complainers never rise above or move beyond those things that are a focus of their complaint. I know that it why I love being around both our kids...they are praisers....When praise happens we all raise above any adversity...raising eyes from the problem to the Problem Solver. When you praise, you get your eyes off what is wrong and on the goal of what can be right. When you praise, you get your focus off the adversity and on the great blessings that God has ahead for you. Genuine character. Love, love, love it! It takes work to praise....take the energy and time to live a life fully of non-complaining. It gets you nowhere! Hey - enjoy your Wednesday!!!!

Monday, August 24, 2009

The Party's Over..........

No blog.

Recouping from Birthday!!!! Every thing's a party for me...so with the excitement and happiness I felt, I am finally back to blogging which is my utmost passion!!!!

Imagine that a movie was made of your life. Nothing is left out. Everything you have ever done, thought or imagined is there for all to see. The indiscretions youth, the poor choices in relationships, words spoken in anger, the secret habits that are so hard to fun from and so shaming in the daylight are exposed for anyone who wants to take a look.

How would you feel?

Would you want to run and hide?

If you knew that everyone in your circle had seen your movie would you still show up for dinner?

And yet deep within all of us is a desire to be known. To be known and to be loved.

Are you loved and accepted? If my movie was shown to those I love and whose respect I treasure, surely would they think less of me? Some people would say, I haven't seen your movie. The most important thing in the world is that God has seen your movie and He loves you! Please read Psalm 139:1-6 Welcome to the outrageous LOVE OF GOD! I pass my happiness on to you.......be loved and feel loved...it's there! I felt it from tremendously from family and friends for rock-solid three days and I know it's there! Whoopee!!!!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Birthdays on 21st of August!!!

Count Basie, Princess Margaret Rose (Queen Elizabeth's II's Sister)
Kenny Rogers

Events on August 21, 1943: Roosevelt and Churchill meet in Casablanca to map war strategy. Hawaii became the 50th state. Philippine opposition leader is shot and killed as he steps off a plane in Manila. Jimmy Durante insured nose or $50,000. Oklahoma opened on Broadway. First Tom & Jerry cartoons came out.

In the Oval Office: President Franklin Roosevelt, VP Henry Wallace

Price of gasoline, 21 cents a gallon. Bread, 09 cents a loaf; milk 1 gallon 62 cents. First class postage stamp .03 cents...women in the work force 29% and a three bedroom home, $3,600. Average income $2.65 an hour.

Today I'm wearing the garb of gratitude for great health, happiness, and believe this: Only she is old who ceases to dream. It is time to dream again!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

My Sweet Day!!!!!

The big day......my birthday tomorrow. Am I excited? Yes!!! I love birthdays!

Pleas'd to look forward, pleas'd to look behind; counting each birthday.....with a GRATEFUl mind!

I believe a birthday is a bridge that connects our past and our present, a time for evaluation and reflection. It is a time to rejoice with family and friends, to be told in a variety of ways that our lives matter to those around us. In the midst of the warm hearts that surround us in body or spirit, we realize again that we do not need more things, but we do need people to make our lives complete!

Truly, God gives us righly all things to enjoy! I am so grateful!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Preparing Yourself!

How come women are always wanting to "fix" their husband and not their self?

Hmmmm. You can't prepare yourself in a day. You must prepare yourself every day....key word "yourself"...... day after day.... after day after day....for the rest of your days!

The process of preparation is just that - a process. The journey in this life is just as important as the destination. God does not refine you, train you, transform you, or renew you instantly. He puts you through a process. This process requires patience. It requires a steadfastness and a faithfulness. It requires ongoing trust and obedience!

I believe if we keep our minds stayed in preparing for the battle that is beset before us each day is enough to keep us busy. There are so many hurting people who need love, encouragement, and kindness shown, instead of being shoved aside and left to not ever feel the happiness we could pass on inside of us for the joy we have from knowing a Savior who has given us so much! Yesterday I was talking with a lady who said all she has is work and hitting the bed; work and hitting the bed; etc. same rut every single day. I said, "Prepare yourself to change it!" I can't wait to talk to her today and she if she took one day to change it and if she "gets a life" - then let me know and from there she begins a change and it won't be easy at first, but the steadfastness and faithfulness will give her the confidence she needs to stop the hurting she is feeling.

I am thrilled to be able to help her. And I know she will experience joy unspeakable as she prepares herself on a different course, different pace, instead of running from the real problem, facing it and have oh such wonderful peace! Enjoy your Wednesday!!!!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Managing Time!

Oh wow! That sounds so easy and like fun!

Time cannot be bought or rented.
Time cannot be saved - you cannot store, freeze, or can time.

Time cannot be manufactured.
Time expands before your baby arrives and contracts after the delivery.

Time is slower for your children than for you.

The issue is really life - not time. We need to better manage our time and I call it Learn to prioritize........1. God 2. Husband 3. Children 4. Self 5. Family & Friends 6. Work and last but not least, Time for the unexpected! Titus 2:3-5

I hope this has been encouraging....I know it encourages me! Also, read Solomon's wise observations on time Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 Make it a good Tuesday!!!! : )

Monday, August 17, 2009

Accept Dignity And Value You Have

Has a label been put on your life?

Incapable? Inferior? Failure? People are labelled all the time!

But the Bible is higher than any natural or man-made law. It tells you who you are and what you can do and what you can have!

God says "He will never leave us nor forske us." Hang on to that promise. Even if you are doing very difficult tasks....remember keep your dignity high and value yourself as being very confident in what you are tasking....I love to research -- most people would not label me as a researcher....but I have the patience, intelligence and a way to find the answer in a right way before I go goofing off and mess things up. I value my brilliancy to do that and I know I'm great at it!

I will be researching some information that will be of tremendous value to me and my hubby! And don't even worrry one bit about me, because I know I can do it! I value my wisdom and feel very challenged to find out what's right!!!! I know I am very successful in the area of research! Yea God on that one!!!! He gives me confidence, plus I value what our kids say and they say go Mom (as well as hubby)...yea!!! I can do this! I'll post about it at a later date! All I need is your prayers. Have a happy Monday!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Facing Giants!

At times I am eager to reach a goal but afraid to face the "giants." We all face giants such as financial difficulties, temptations of the flesh, and selfish desires. One of my scariest giants appeared when my husband decided to "retire." That means a possible move, a change in many things, and just a lot of decisions to make. I have found, though, that the abundant love of family and friends who have helped us get closer to decisions, is helping to dispel doubts and has given us strength to face and conquer our giants so that we can serve more fully!

I've never been a selfish person; my life exists on OTHERS...so to constantly have a "what about me?" attitude makes me feel like a giant is there saying "You can't do this...what are you thinking about?" Doubt, doubt, doubt! But, the greatest thing is I don't live my life on doubt but on trust and confidence that I serve a GREAT God who can give me a mind set of not letting the giants get in the way! Yea!!!!

An encouraging thought is God gives us the strength to conquer our fears and our giants! (Numbers 13:28) so never fear, He will remove all giant doubts and give us understanding and victory as we still make the "what's next?" decisions.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

A New Fish!!!! Also, Prayer......Communication with God

Okay - this is way earlier than usual, but I got up to get a drink of water and walked by the acquarium and my fish had her babies!!!! So, of course, I'm staying up to watch the cutest snow white fish you ever saw! Awe....how cool is that. Now I cannot wait for hubby to get up and see! How sweet it is!!!!

I hope you all got to watch the Neil Diamond NYC concert last night on TV! Awesome, awesome, awesome! Back in our days dating, we fell in love watching or listening to this dynamite singer!!! Yippee...still sings so wonderfully! He was raised in New York and gave his background story. My hubby has every single song he sang on his recording equipment! Wow!

I also have encouraging thoughts on Prayer today:

Prayer: What I like about prayer is that it is a means of communication with God. You can speak to Him any time, night or morning, and you can know with certainty that He is listening to you!

There is no set formula for calling up to God and just say "hello," you can ask for something. You can tell Him that things are going rough and you need reinforcements! You can also call him and thank Him for the things He has done for you. You can tell Him you are baffled, bewildered, discouraged or that you are the happiest person in the world!

For me, in personal living, in fulfilling our place in the world, prayer is the hub that holds the wheel together. Without our contact with God we are nothing. With it we are "a little lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor!" Enjoy your day!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Discover Your Dream

No one can define your dream but you. God gives your dream to you alone.

One of the greatest gifts you have in your life is the ability to see beyond your present state - to dream.

As long as you are alive, you do have a dream. You might not label it as such, but there is a dream within you. My dream was always to get married and have one of each, a girl and a guy and that we did. From the very second our Son was born, I began praying for a Daughter and viola.....my dream came true!!! It's all about God's great purposes and plans. Just think of the lives that have been touched as I fulfilled the destiny He had designed for me with adding to.....a Son and a Daughter, and now that has multiplied with two a precious Granddaughter and Grandson!

Should we always have a dream? Yes, most definitely! I'm working on my dream right now. If you want to see it, go see the movie Julia/Julia. The actress who kept cooking the food for the American Julia Child recipies is me......When my husband and I first married, I worried oh good grief am I going to be a great cook, because I never had any training whatsover on that! Now, he says not only am I the greatest cook in the world, but I need to write a cookbook on all I know about cooking. We recently (together) fixed our kitchen "User Friendly" - after being married 42 years....I had all my gourmet cooking electric appliances besides tucked away - out of sight, out of mind. Now I have them all in sight and we have had the greatest time using them!!!! So, if you should come to our home, you'll get some awesome food, cooked by the person who has had a 42-year dream; to please whomever is eating it and ENJOY a great meal, but I still have my dream after all these years.

My husband constantly raves about my being the greatest cook in America, so I think I'll keep this dream alive and working!!! How about you? What's your dream? I'd love to hear it! By the way, the actress in the movie was an avid blogger with no comments.....a-ha, if that isn't me...what is? Oh well, have a super Friday!!!!!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Definite Encouraging Thoughts

The story is told about a Psychology 101 Class that had an assignment. The assignment was to start a Compliment Club. Every day they were to pay an honest compliment to each of three different persons. They could increase that number if they wished, but to qualify for a class grade, it had to be 3. Then at the end of the 30 days they were to write a theme paper on this experiment.

Some students totally resisted this assignment. Some complained that they wouldn't know what to say. Others were afraid of being rejected. And a few thought it would be dishonest to compliment someone they didn't like. "Suppose you meet somebody you dislike, wouldn't it be insincere to praise your enemy?"

No it is not insincerity when you compliment your enemy - nobody is entirely devoid of merit or virtue. Your praise may raise the morale of lonely souls who are almost ready to give up the struggle of good deeds. You never know when your casual compliment may catch a person at the critical point when he or she would otherwise toss in the sponge!

I call it the Elevator Principle - we can lift people up or take people down in our relationships. This makes us proactive. The world is starving for appreciation and hungry for compliments. But somebody MUST start the ball rolling by speaking first and say a nice thing to someone. The Bible says "We must account for every idle word." Wouldn't you just love to make someone's day today? I sure would.

You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

How To Get Your Husband To Talk To You

I had a lady text, call on phone, e-mail me, and put it on her Facebook - "Carol, how do I get my husband to talk to me?"

Frame what you are saying within musculine interest area he has.

Respond proactively to what your husband shares - pomoting more sharing!

If he comes home and says "I had a horrible day at work." He just told you! So, don't say "Tell me about it." Don't push him for details. His is short and sweet....but as ladies....our's is drawn out.

Remember: Men and women communicate differently! + there has to be a lot of trust! (Both ways) Question is: Can you be trusted with his feelings?

Men express love by doing. Gen. 2:8-15....it started with Adam.....

P.S. Clue #1: Please give him processing time. This requires patience! When he begins talking, L-I-S-T-E-N....that's a definite MUST! Come on - I know you can do it! It takes practice, lots of love, and understanding! In a marriage, communicate rocks! If you want a rock-solid marriage, you have to commit yourself to not being a nag or stirring up arguments. Come on. I know you can do it, so he'll talk if you just become interested in what he has to say! Blessings as you get him to talk! I know you can!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

801 Post - Here We Go!

Okay - I'm wound up today....God gave me an excellent night's sleep and yes, I do encourage Facebook to a certain extent,,,,,,,but do Jr. High Pics of ladies who are awesome lovely now, have to be posted on there? Now, I know why Moms aren't always accepted as a friend (on Facebook, that is and that's okay with me). They have the pics (I think). Maybe it's for fun...guess I'm more of an up-to-date Mom. There's nothing one can do about the past, so if the pics are what they are, nothing can change it. But, I don't agree in posting pics of especially Jr. High pics. Maybe because mine are weird. My freckles stand out like a sore thumb....I look hidious....sorry, it was not a great time in my life. But, if anyone wants to post current pics, yep that would be extremely acceptable!

So, that's my take - and I have to share my heart in defense of lovely ladies who have attended my W.O.W. class and yep, I know it is somewhat fun for someone to do that, it would humiliate me! As a note of encouragement today....just remember to look in the mirror and see God's wonderful handiwork how gorgeous you are today and what has become a beautiful wife and Mom and devout friend to so many. Look on the bright and happy side, because YOU DESERVE this awesome compliment!

Monday, August 10, 2009

800th POST!!! WOOHOO!!!

That's a lot of brainpower!!!!...and encouragement!

Today I want to encourage all ladies who endure suffering.

1. Keep a prayer record (or journal) and become aware of when you write the request, pray and leave it there.
2. Refrain from making too many crucial commitments or decisions during the time that you know is the worse suffering.
3. Try not to get behind in daily chores.
4. Avoid brooding over problems in self-pity sessions...unless both are venting.
5. Make a list of special small acts of love and kindness toward your husband and family which you can do during this time.
6. When you feel the suffering is over, thank God that it taught you to hang in there and you fully relied on Him!

The Bible says "Suffering will only be .... for a while ....." Find things to
give you a mind change, so you won't always feel like you suffer endlessly. Recently I did too much yard work and suffered with sore muscles. It seemed an eternity that my body would get back in normal shape...maybe a day or two, but trust me...my list of irritations kept getting longer and longer. I took a dose of Prov. 3:5-6....trust in the Lord....not me to heal, but Him! It will probably happen again, but this time I have a plan to keep dis......couragement....away and encouragement in the Word to get me through! Happy Monday!!!!! I know you will have a great Monday!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Rise Up And Praise Him!

I love that song! Rise up and praise Him! Being the Worship Leader, I loved it when that song was on the program! How about you? Because I know on Sunday is HIS DAY and we must find a way to praise Him for all the marvelous answers to prayers and blessings He gives us.. Remarkable!!! We are trusting His love, mercy, and grace to remain in His will!

He gives us our personal power to truly live for Him. And this is a great Lord's Day to do just that! Praise Him for all his bountiful blessings and His great love for each one of us that we will succeed in all things!

Let this day be a blessing to all!! Give Him all the glory!!!! (& praise!!)

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Trouble

Trouble is an incubator for greatness!

The Lord knew exactly the pressure you need to get you to the place you are.

He knows the pressure it will take for you to birth what He has for you in your future.

He knows exactly what forces need to come against you and how to deliver you from them, so that by your coming up against those forces and experiencing God's super power, you are strengthened for what lies ahead.

It is the presssure you have experienced that pushes you into God's power and that my dear friend, will make you great!

I'm so happy my 'puter is back up....yea!! Thanks for all your prayers!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

My Favorite Subject Regarding Love

Everyone's read my blogs....they know my favorite subject is LOVE. Besides your relationship with the Lord, the most important relationship you can have is your relationship with guess who??? Yourself. What you believe about yourself and the way you tret yourself will determine what you believe about others and the way you treat them!

Begin to celebrate yourself. When I worked with the ladies at church I would say "Have a Geneva Day" and that meant go out and celebrate yourself...buy yourself something even if it's ten cents! And do exactly what you want to do....only you want...what you enjoy. Only you know how far you have come to be the "you" that you are!!!

We love people to the degree that we love ourselves!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Embrace Your God-Given Strengths!

Don't let anyone make you but God. Don't let the world put you in its cookie-cutter mold. If you give into the way the world defines you, you will miss out on y our unique qualities - the very qualities that make you valuable. What makes an antique or an artifact valuable? The fact that it is rare and distinct!

If God made you beautiful, use your beauty.

If God made you brainy, work your brain.

If God made y ou a computer genius, then work behind the computer to the glory of God!

If God made you a "natural" at business, then make a billion dollars to further of the kingdom of God!

BUILT ON WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU - GREAT STRENGTHS!!!!!
(....from W.O.W. Carol's teaching Women of Worth Class @ Lighthouse Church : )

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Anger Emotion (continued from 7/31.....)

WE all know that Alexander the Great conquered the world. But what few people know is that this mighty general could not conquer himself! Cletus, a dear friend of Alexander's and a general in his army, became intoxicated and ridiculed the emperor in front of his men. Blinded by anger, Alexander snatched a spear from the hand of a solder and hurled it at Cletus. The spear took the life of his childhood friend. Deep remorse followed his anger; overcome with guilt, he tried to take his own life with the same spear, but he was stopped by his men.

When resentments, frustrations, hurt feelings, and simple fatigue accumulate, we explode. Is there actually a time to get good and angry? Paul (the Apostle in Acts) reminds us "Be angry and sin not...." "Do not let the sun go down on your anger...." Ephesians 4:26-27.

There's uncontrolled anger...it stifles your spiritual growth. We had a couple in one of our churches we Pastored who didn't want the church to grow - they were angry every time someone new came into the picture. They wanted deliverance because they wanted to be spared the embarrassment of jealousy. Angry at life itself, or someone getting close to the Pastor. That would be uncontrolled anger that gives place to Satan. (Causes irrational behavior).

1. Admit anger
2. Don't clam up.
3. Pray to God and ask for forgiveness that you lost control; confess to God that you pointed to tension and ask God to help you to grow away from anger but to forgive and forget.
4. Please don't carry a grudge....it will eat you alive! Admit being angered and ask for forgiveness. Clear the air. Anger and not resolved will cause you to become bitter, hostile, and will cause sickness if sizzles too long! Confess, and ask forgiveness and clear the air. Honestly, no one wants to be around an angry person; so I encourage you to say "I was wrong in getting so angry with you...it wasn't right, so please forgive me." Happy Lord's Day and serve Him and give Him the glory!!!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Changing Subject Today

I'll get back to the Managing Your Emotions real soon....I'm changing subjects today to a "lighter" choice.

The subject is LOVE. I have found that to love is to be loved. Love is my decision to make your problem my concern. And if you love someone, you definitely care about them! How many of us share that love? With our husband, our family, our friends, our animals?

Spread a little love around......today! I Cor. 13 is a great chapter to live regarding the love subject! Just show your love! Live it!!!!