Happy New Year!!!

Should the Lord refined me like a precious metal. Now I pray, allow me to offer You a pure heart as a sacrifice of praise and New Year of service!

I know the Holy Spirit will go with me. He will give me strength to pass the test and I will give Him honor and glory.

New Year's Resolution....hmmmmm Not sure yet. How about you?

Help

Thank you Lord for helping me to stop struggling on my own, to place everything in Your hands. I felt like I was trying to paddle a boat with only one oar. You show me the right decisions to make, when to stop trying to do anything and most of all how to depend on you. I feel new joy in my life.

Thank you Lord for your help. Thanks to the Lord who helps each one of us.

Goodness

How tender and sure Your goodness. When I need a friend, you send one who is loving and true. When I seek advice, you provide it in your Word.

You bless me with my spouse Children fill my quiver. How could I be more favored?

When I fall, you are there to pick me up. When I'm weak, you are strong for me. When I'm in trouble, you help me through Thank you for being so good.

Exodus 34:6-7 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed. The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in good ness and truth. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving any tansgression and sin.

Enjoy Your Presents & Presence!!!!

I got presents for Christmas of course! They all fit, they are just wanted I wanted and I will wear most of them so wonderfully!!!!!


I really enjoy the presence of God watching over our family and giving us peace, hope, love, and joy!

My heart is so enriched for what the Christmas Season has brought this year. How about you?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Today I concentrate on cooking Christmas Eve. This is our Christmas day!
We pray for you a very blessed and happy Christmas. My blog is my loving morning task. Love each one of you and send hugs, prayers, and blessings today and your MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Christmas Prayer

What do you see in me, dear Lord, that I could be used to serve you? I feel honored that you called me. Whatever you ask of me, I will do.

Encourage someone? Yes, Lord.

Brighten someone's day? Yes, Lord.

Praise you, Lord and say Yes? Yes Lord!

Thank you for accepting my strengths and weaknesses. Yes Lord.

Take me Lord, use me. Let me glorify your name.

Whatever you ask of me, I will do.

Because I know your grace is sufficient for my every need. II Cor. 12:9-10

Thank you for being born this beautiful Christmas Day. Thank you! Amen

Hurts & Bitterness!!!

There are so many women that carry hurt and bitterness. They fail even with help. I am learning to retrieve the lively, warm fires and to leave the sad, cold ashes behind.

Jeremiah 2(:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Call upon Him, pray with Him and He will listen to you! Forgiveness lingers like a healing balm. How dear, and how marvelous. Thank you Lord.

Overcoming Issues!!!!

Have you done everything you can to overcome your issues that you face? Are you frustrated, exhausted and at the end of your rope? Release all those things to the Lord. He is waiting patiently for you, ready to take charge of your life.

Just place it in His hands. Stop struggling. His love is eternal. Place all your trust and hope in Him!

A continuation..............from Friday's blog!!!

May God bring joy to each one of you as you ready yourself for Christmas. Keep snuggled up close to the Lord and give Him honor and glory in all things!

Peace & Joy of Mind!

A working mother loses peace of mind. She has little time for her family. Her mind's too preocupied with her job, her work problems, her responsibilities away from home. So she feels guilty. Especially when it's time to rush tow ork and one of the kids has a sore throat and the babysitter calls to say that she can't come.

But there are rewards of Motherhood. I still believe God's idea for Moms is to stay focused on peace and joy of mind! You have two vital jobs, home and Company. I always hope and pray the weekends aren't rough! All the things that have to be done. I trained our kids in strong character, responsible, and respect for elders, teachers or any adults that expect super attitudes. It worked. Both our kids are so smart in decision skills and very joyful staff members. May God bless Moms and all our kids as we all pray for each other to have peace and joy of mind!!!

There's Power In God's Love!

Each deep scar tells of a battle that has been won!
But there is still lessons in healing He wants us to learn.
A hert was breaking deep inside.
A trembling life, beaten, torn.

God tenderly touches with His power!
Healed the broken heart once more.
He made the soul strong again!
The soul will never be the same.
God brought needed character,
To praise and GLORIFY the Power in His love!

Have you felt it? It is my JOY for this day!
Thank you for your power, God and your amazing love!

Early To Bed, Early To Rise!!!

This means I have had plenty of sleep and am up ready to get the day started. Sometimes I totally believe I am the ONLY person up at this time of the day. We are having friends over Friday night and I'm excited! The menu is Mexican Cuisine and it will be delicious. Who wants to go out to eat when homemade is so delicious??
We need the friendship and fellowship. So, today being Wednesday and the event will be two more days, how will mine or your Wednesday be?

My Wednesday begins with the word! I'm thanking the Lord for His forgiveness, love, and JOY He gives me. He never holds a grudge against me. Instead, I know my sins are completely washed away. His love is far greater than how high the Heavens are above this little round ball caled Earth. His love stretches farther than the east is from the west. Thank you for the Joy You give me this Christmas to help others and be so blessed!!! Romans 8:28 "All things work together for those that love the Lord." Bring on Friday, Lord....that will be another "Early Rising!!!" : )

A Jolly Christmas!!!!!

And what does that mean? It means a Joyful Christmas. Don't let the hum-bad-gripes from anyone get to you!!! Yesterday I was talking to my Sister who lives out of state and the conversation was ba-hum-bug....so I put a stop to it! I was so proud of me. Listen....it's bad enough to have to pray that God supplies every tiny bit of needful things...so why should I want to sit and discuss ba-hum-bug! I want a joyful Christmas...JOLLY...laughter...fun...more laughter..just having God meet every need. And He will!!!! I pray and hope your Christmas will be jolly!!!!

Take a dose of Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another." I'm willing. Are you?

100 Joys!!!!!

Sarah Markley has 100 Joys going on her blog. Her blog is the very best I have ever read. She is an extraordinary writer and such a lovely person!!! I've been finding JOY every single day, hour, and minute to be a part. There are so many issues that happen that turn to joy if only we will let them.

Joy, true joy that comes from me, given through Christ gives me songs of praise and scriptures flow from my heart. I fall asleep with a prayer trailing from my lips with joy and awaken with a hymn of praise flowing through my mind. You, Lord, are my joy and strength.

The more joy I pass on to others, the more the Lord refills my well with unquenchable joy! Everlasting joys and peace. Thank you, God! And thank you Sarah, for being such a vital blessing to me (my hubby also) as he has retired from Senior Pastoring 38 years!!! Be blessed with a JOYOUS CHRISTMAS & definitely JOYOUS New Year!!!

Where Are The Encouragers?

Encouragement changes everything. You are blessed and always blessed! Helps you focus on the important of valuing and growing relationships.

I want to be an Encourager and I pray to God I am. I give Him the glory for making me this way!!!!

So Happy!!!!

Although the morning snapped with frost, the sunny day made doing chores and FNDN easy. Near dinnertime, a knock came at the door. A kind looking man appeared weary from travel. He was selling Christmas trees. It would make me happy to buy one, but I don't trust someone just driving by to sell something.

So, we put our lil' movie in and were so happy, discussing the events to come. It's important to communicate with hubby for future plans. We live on faith, so we really have to keep together on what we are doing. We're just so happy we can be of help, still, and be used of God.

How about you? Are you happy? Is this going to be a super Christmas for you and your family? It's a joy to blog and share some of our blessings and joy! I'm still getting comments on e-mail. I hope my comments portion is working. But, then I know a lot of other bloggers who do not get comments, so I'm just going to praise God for who I know read my blogs. God blesses me by keeping happiness!!!!

Denying........

Too negative for me. When people deny constantly that they "didn't say it." How can joy be in peep's life when they deny issues that they do not want to resolve? I call upon God for wisdom. Each day I thank Him for guidance in handling these kind of situations. Thank you Lord for how you help me tell about your Love. I treasure the Lord's leading as I share His lessons and rise each morning to face a new day. I write your words on plaques (in fact we have one hanging when you first open the front door.) that say "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

Thank you Lord for helping me never compromise the standards you have set for me. I praise You for cautioning me to be kind and generous, honest and wise in speech. Thank you for strength as I strive to be a good example.

How about you? Do you have a problem with people denying?

Depending On God!!!!

I am depending on God to remain close to us this Christmas. With my hubby not feeling well, it is more important to get his medicines all in order so he can feel better.

The Lord is righteous in all His ways,
and holy in all His works.
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him,
to all that call upon Him in truth.

Keep calling on Him. He is there!!!!

Appreciation For Aged

Thank you, Father, for our aged Christians and the wisdom we share. Thank you for our steadfast prayer lives that help carry out miracle after miracle. Thank you for letting us build on even the elderly good and bad.

I praise You, too, for persons who are never ready to retire from working in His Kingdom. How beautiful are those who adopt the younger to help, giving loving, nourishing care. That would be my hubby and I. Thank you for letting us have the courage to help and those that need help want help. We trust in God for His goodness.
Proverbs 6:20ff

Got Friendship

Yesterday a lady that was in our church took me to lunch. It was a blessing. It's nice to think someone still remembers the blessings and great things that occured in our life!

It was good for me to go with a person and have fellowship. When trials attack my life, friendship buffers me from peril. He helps me escape before I face other things. It was great and I am very thankful to be remembered! Happy Tuesday everyone!

True Joy!!!!!

This joy comes from you Lord. I can't quit telling others about this JOY He gives me. His songs of praise and Bible verses from from my heart. I fall asleep with a prayer awaken with a hymn of praise, and you, Lord gives me joy and strength. In good times and bad I have learned to praise you, Lord. As my praises soar upward to You, new continuing joy fills my heart like an artesian well. The more joy I pass on to others, the more , Lord you refill my well with unquenchable joy!

True Beauty of The Heart

A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance.

Kind, gentle,pure,loving, and thankful thoughts, springing from a heart of love, create true beauty of face. We will not be loved primarily for our lily-white hands and school girl complexion but for what we are - for what we think and do. A thankful heart, like the one expressed in our life improves one's complexion.

You can become beautiful as you ask the Lord to remove you fears, your tensions, your grudges, your bitterness, your discontent and your sins. He'll replace these undesirable traits and emotions with His love, His kindness, His forgiveness, His joy, and His peace.

True beauty of the heart!

HOPE

This week I talked to some women who have no hope. My heart goes out to them. You have to HANG ON to Hope.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 gives hope and a future....

I love the Lord for His kindness and patience with me when I worry about the what-ifs. I thank him for reminding me often not to worry. Fear dos not come from the Lord. I'm in His hands; He knows my needs before I even ask. I know His Spirit dwells within me. He is my only Hope. While I enjoy your hope, thank you Lord, for helping me to keep reaching out for the lost who have no hope.

Such JOY!!!

I put an all points post on FB that I was grateful for friends who are always there and our friend, Geneva was the one I was hoping would comment and she did!!! Come on...that's a God thing. Due to the phone conversations I had to make yesterday, I needed her to be a part. Wow!!!! What do you do when you see the hand of God exactly perfectly on target? I have tons of JOY and can't help but praise God for His workings! Thanks Geneva!!!! Bless you!!

Love 102

Praise God for the love of hubby, family and friends! We're almost finished with the notes!!! Woohoo. God helps on a daily basis to keep on moving ahead. Thank you Lord for helping us moment by moment. Happy Thursday everyone!

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

And He watches over us!!!!

Thank the Lord for reminding us of His Word abaout life everlasting. His eye is on the sparrow and He knows the hairs covered on your head.

Thank you Lord for Your comfort. I will serve and praise you with all my heart. How about you? Are you serving Him? He is our great and mighty God!!!

Praise You Because Of His Confidence

Who knows all the movement of God's Spirit other than You? Can any see what Your planes are for the future? Does one person know the day of His return? There is no one.

I cannot fathom it....I only know You are my everlasting God. You never grow faint or weary in caing for any of us. His strength goes beyond all other means as we depend on Him. Even with all our technology, He is even greater. He controls the balanc eof it all.

Thank You for how You give me strength as I wait upon you for confidence.

This is why I praise you, Father. Through Your strength, I can run and not be weary. I can walk and not faint!

Inspiration

We grow neither better nor worse as we get old, but more like ourselves.

by May L. Becker

Depending On Him!

Praise be to You, O Lord! How blessed I am for trusting and obeying you! What peace I have in delighting in your Word. In knowing and depending on you, I am free from all that worry and frustration. I'm free to experience a life of victory in you!

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because He trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.
Isaiah 26:3-4

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!

We have a fabulous day planned! Sooooo thankful for our two kids and love, love, love them!!! And are VERY thankful for them!!!! THEY ARE SO THOUGHTFUL AND GRATEFUL!!! Marvelous!!!! So close a family!!! Hope your's is also!!!

What Are We Thankful For?

I'm thankful for my hubby, my kids, our devoted friends, and the families that live so far away. I'm thankful most of all for God's amazing grace that carries me through! I'm thankful we have the freedom to have our Bible with us. I sure wouldn't want to live in a country where they are not ok.

I love Thanksgiving and can't wait to see our family and be so grateful. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your's and may God bless you greatly!!!

Thankfulness

2 more days!!! Are you thankful?

I am. We couldn't make it if we weren't. Every morning I am the most thankful person on earth! God blesses us as we abide in His will. We get so many prayers for us and God has His protection on us. Still serving God....still helping others. We are VERY thankful to our God for His provision, care, and love! I'm also very thankful for the every drop of food on our table. Thank you Lord, so very thankful!

Prayers

Just ask God for prayers for families during the Holiday Season. God knows all about families and what they are going through. May He bless your home with so many blessings and supply your's and our needs. At that point, I am very grateful for the answers to prayer to happen! Always pray or/and journal your prayers. Then cross out when the prayer is answered. Blessings today to you!

A Need To Share As Women

Sharing makes us understanding of the problems involved. What I'm trying to say is just this: In every age and in every culture women need each other to share, to comfort, to enccourage,, to help, to care. And if this is lacking there are serious consequences affecting not only the woman herself, but her home, her husband, each child and consequently her community and church. Strained relationships, sharp criticism, lack of appreciation, and wrong attitudes begin building up in minds. Molehills become mountains if women do not share.

Sharing reveals workable solutions as each listens to another's "how I solved it."

Sharing brings release as each unloads and air some concerns.

Sharing strengthens each other and thos who know God pray together. Asking for wisdom from God in sharing is the bottom line. Your take on this. I would love to hear it! Happy Lord's day!

Continued Contentment

Please send comments on why you are not content? I would love to blog that with you! Happy Saturday!!!! Enjoy your time off work! Thank you for reading my blog. I appreciate you!!!

Be Content!!!

Are you content?

Now be honest! When did you gripe last about those things beyond your control? You're too short, or too tall. You don't like the community you live in. You wish your husband would get a raise.

According to the dictionary, the word "content" is derived from a Latin word which means to hold together.

If you are content you are organized. Your thoughts are holding together in the situation. You think clearly about the situation. You keep in focus the true values of life. You need to hold together to be content, with yourelf with just who you are, with the unique personality qualities, and talents God has assigned to you!

You exist as you are. So accept yourself. Be content!

Just Congratulations!!!!

Today is our 43rd wedding Anniversary!!! Wooo hooo!!!! Would you believe someone gave us a gift card to Outback.....we will be going at lunch since it's more economical!!! See ya tomorrow!!!!

What is a Grandmother?

little bit teacher
little bit best friend
loving,
kind,
cheer grandkids on!!!!!
What feeling in all the world is so nice to have my grandchild's hand in mine? It is soft, small and warm. It is as innocent and guileless as a rabbit or a puppy or a kitten huddling in the shelter of my clasp!

Looking through the world through the eyes of a child.

The notes that are left that say "I love you grandma."

Can't you tell? I love it!!!! I have a lot of friends who are Grandmas....woohoo These darling precious angels are such a heart of deep love and watching them grow is the very best!!!! Fabulous!!!!

Being Happy!!!!!!!!!

What makes you happy?

Some ladies are happy just being home bodies. Not me...I have to GET OUT! I am a people person so I have to wander out and see what is up in the world! A friend of mine says she is happy just staying home and staring at the walls. Oh, no, not me. It would be "housebound" for me and I would feel closed in.

It makes me happy to check on people and see how they are doing. God can help me make their day. Not that I want all of the glory, I just keep thinking they may need encouraged! That makes me happy! ...and the grass is always greener on the other side! I've been studying Habakkuk, so I need to not only be happy reading this book in the Bible but if I can let Christ shine through me, so be it!!!!

A Precious Daughter!!!

I purely love so deeply our daughter. She is always taking time out if she thinks we need to talk and it hearts me because I miss her greatly!

We talked yesterday and just had a marvelous time. How about you? Do you have a daughter you can confide in and she has super support for you? I sure do and this morning I am just saying "Thank you Lord for raising a daughter who is so giving of her preciousness, love and amazing thoughts." We both needed it!

Seek First To Be Understood

When you understand where people are coming from, what they are trying to say, what's important to them, and what they are trying to say, what's important to them, and so forth, being understood flows naturally; it falls into place with virtually no effort. Communication will break down, and you may end up with a battle of two minds.

I worked with a couple who spent the first ten years of being frustrated, arguing about their finances. he couldn't understand why she wanted to save every penny they earned, and she couldn't understand why he was a spend-thrift. After working with them, they have a nice balance between spending and saving. Seeking first to understand!

This will translate into better, loving relationships. Seeking to be understood....is the key to problems, victories, and a happy living!

Obedience is an Act of Faith

Essential element of our relationship with Him!

Romans 1:5.....believe and obey Him, bringing glory to His name.

God wants us to do everything He commands us to do.

Acts of Kindness

Even the smallest acts of kindness and encouragement can multiply inthe lives of others, snowballing into something bigger than we ever could have imagined!

You have never tested God's resources until you have attempted the impossible!

WHAT IS YOUR ACT OF KINDNESS?

Today I've been invited to a lady's jewelry making show. I would never have enough in my budget to buy anything, but I can go encourage her by being there since she has invited me so many times. So, that should be fun. Of course, I will save my energy for FNDN!!!!! yea!!!!

Being a Grandma

I offer a smile of delight; tons and tons of love, a soft cheek to snuggle, a warm embrace, and proud cheers! Love transends!

I cherish the change to see a new generation grow, prticipate in our grandkid's explorations and experiences with enthusiasm, and quiet comfort at every stage!

I love to gather words of appreciation and wisdom, to know it flows across the generations. I get to reaffirm my bond because of my past with Grandma's, reflecting on the past to inspire the future!

I love this part of my life!!!!! How about you?

Great Accomplishments!!

I corinthians 4:7 says we are no better than anyone else. All we all hve is God so why boast that you are the best!

There is a healthy satisfaction from accomplishment, which includes thanksgiving to God for what He has done through us. But it is arrogance to think we did the deed all by ourselves.

Give God the glory for all accomplishments! Yea!!! That's what I suggest! It works so great!

Wow!!!! Happiness is.........

Getting so many comments on my Facebook. Yesterday I heard from so many friends and it made so happy!!! I am a "keep in touch" friend and when I hear, I just bust out in excitement all over the place!!! It sure makes me feel like they care and want what's best for me!!! Yea.....it's spilling over in joy and happinesss even today as I begin the day! Thanks everyone!!!!

Give God Your Faith

God does not look at your past mistakes and exclude you from His promises. Neither does God give you His promises on the basis of any good works. It is your faith in Him that brings God's promises to you.

God doesn't look at your Resume. He isn't impressed with your cuteness or your cleverness. God says, "if you will give me your faith, I will give you more for your future."

Romans 8:1....no condemnation ....walk according to the Spirit!

Great Evening!!!

Chef Hubby ended up having just chili and crackers...no macaroni which was delich!!!!!!! Yummy....Baby, it's cold outside so it was delightful tasting. We watched the sitcom "Office" which I stayed awake for the entire 30 minutes. My eyes have automatic shuts when the TV is on. It always puts me to sleep, especially if I have eaten anything sweet.

Great evening! Ended with a phone call to us from our daughter, so I can honestly say the evening flew by!!!!

I'm thinking of changing my blog. I get so many comments about how positive I am, so I want to make my blog more personal and actually get some community involved. If we're not honest with each other and share, how do we learn to get over some of the pitfalls that wouldn't last as long if we just knew we're not alone...other women go through the same ills and great things that help women not get stuck in the same ole, same ole. What do you think? If you won't comment on this, plug in an e-mail to me so I can hear your heart! Happy Saturday!!!! And, by the way, FNDN was incredible!!!

Why Not Tell The Truth? (Cont'd) Thursday 4th & Friday 5th

Why do people lie?

Acts 20:30 says some will distort the truth in order to draw a following.

To become popular. In acts 5, Ananias brought part of the money to the Apostles, but claimed it was the full amount.

To make selves look good.

God is truth, so lying is in opposition to God. Truth always seeks what is right and good. Lying always seeks to cover up the truth. Proverbs 6:16-17 six things the Lord HATES - no seven....lies, haughty eyes, a lying tongue!

I would say women lie whenever they attempt to deceive God, others and their own self!

Truth stands the test of time; lies are soon exposed!

Priorities

What should be my highest priority?

To love God!

Mark 12:29-30 tells us how to develop the right priorities!

Seeking God and doing His will should be our first priority and will helpput all of our other priorities in order.

Proverbs 14:26 Those who fear the Lord are secure; He will be a place of refuge for their children.

Right priorities bring true happiness, joy, delight, and an abundant life.

What are your priorities? I will share mine: God (to keep my life balanced), my huband is next, then comes the kids, and then I prioritize my daily life. My home fits in there. Planning the evening meal, etc. Love, love, love priorities.

What does the Bible say about drugs?

II Peter 2:19
....you are a slave to whatever controls you.

And that is your MASTER.
If God is your Master, He will raise you up and encourage you, but drugs will only tear you down and make you a slave to their addictive power.

Have a happpy Monday!

Priorities Concerning The Pursuit of Achievements

Living by God's plan should be a higher priority than personal achievement.
Mark 10:31
Proverbs 3:6 Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.

Priorities are the scales on which our love for God is weighed. We focus most on what or whom we love most!

Let The Mind Of Christ Be In You

God cares a great deal about how we think! He wants us to be whole in our minds. That's why His word says, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5

Let your thoughts reflect Christ.

Let His creative ideas become your's.

Let His attitudes become your's.

Let His behavior become your's.

Enjoy your awesome Saturday!!!

Study His Word!

God designed us to have a day of praise and thanks and quiet meditation on His Word. He designed us to have a day in which we gather with others to praise and give thanks and to study His word!

He designed us so that our deepest form of restoration, replenishment, and refreshment to come closer in relationship to Him. I love it!!!!

How about you? What are you studying in His Word at this time?

My study is in Philippians!!! So full of praises!

Miracles

Miracles are visible signs that only God can perform that help us know Him and see His hand in our life.

Isiah 41:19-20 - read it.....it is the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, who did it!!!!!

Look for miracles. I do. If you have received one, let me know. I'd love to hear.

Finding The Courage To Face Change

Loving confrontation is different from argumental. Conflict is inevitable; when it arises, true cooperation seeks the highest good for all. Change may be part of God's plan for us. If so, we can trust God to take care of us through the changes. Exodus 4:13 Admitting our mistakes and sins opens the door to forgiveness and helps restore relationships. Are you ready? Go for it! Now!!

Good Model For Accomplishing Things

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor.

It is impossible for one person to play a duet or trio. It is hard to play football or soccer without teamwork. It is hard to have a happy marriage if only one mate works at it. Two people can actually do more than twice as much as one - as long as they are pulling in the same direction.

Is it wrong to be proud of our accomplishments?

There is a healthy satisfaction from accomplishment, which includes thanksgiving to God for what He has done through us. It gets to be arrogance to think we did the deed all by ourselves. Pat someone on the back that has helped you in some way. Enjoy your Tuesday in God's protection!

Is It Wrong To Be Proud Of Our Accomplishments?

There is a healthy satisfaction from accomplishment, which includes thanksgiving to God for what He has done through us. But it is arrogance to think we did the deed all by ourselves. (I Cor. 4:7)

With God's help we can do MIGHTY things!!

Earn God's Acceptance

How?

We canot earn God's acceptance. But His acceptance is available for free to you and everyone. All we do is believe that His Son, Jesus, died for our sins so that we could be free to enjoy eternal life with Him. When we accept his forgiveness and ask Him to be the very Lord of our life, He completely accepts us into His presence.

Romans 3:27 is a great scripture for this: "Can we boast, then, that we have done anythig to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds, it is based on our faith."

Happiness to Others

The Lord Himself is the wellspring of true happiness.

The more we love him, know Him, walk with Him, and become like Him,

The great our happiness.

Try it, you will like it!

Psalm 146:5 "Happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is the Lord their God."

Happiness to God

Can we finite; sinful human beings truly bring joy and delight to the Lord, the Creator of the Universe. Yes, and it is simple, though not easy.

We bring delight to God by honoring Him.

Obeying Him

Responding to His love

Seeking His forgiveness

Walking daily with Him

Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will exalt over you by singing a happy song!"

Good Decisions

Yea I love comments...thanks Geneva for yesterday's.

But, for today.......How do we know we've made a good decision?

II Timothy 3;16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.

You always make the right decision when you follow the commands God has given in the Bible. Also, always check your motives - are you deciding based on what you want or on what is best for others? Are you making a decision that is helping others or hurting them?

Your decisions determine your actions and your actions show what is in your heart.

Finding Strength To Go On

Psalm 46:1-2 - "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea."

What does it mean to fear God?
Because God is so great and mighty and because He holds the power of life and death in His hands. We must have a healthy, reverent fear of Him. A healthy fear helps us keep our perspective about where we need to be in our relationship with God.

When is fear not good?
Fear is not good if it kees us from doing the things we ought to do. We are not meant to live in fear.

Rely on Isaiah 41:10 "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."

Love

Love explains itself!

The Bible says "God so loved the world....." John 3:16 Do we really believe that. It comes from God! We keep close to Him so that He can shine His love through us. That's how I get my vision is through the fact that He gives me all the love I need to comprehend that some need Him in a great way.

How about you? Where does loving God stand with you? Have you ever felt unloved?

Coffee Time!!!

It's time we take a check on how coffee are we drinking. Yesterday I had a real interesting conversation with a lady that has a cup of coffee she drinks all day...she goes to Starbuck's and gets the largest cup and sips on it all day. My question is would it be fresh all day? It makes me wonder if she heats it up in the microwave each time she sips? Oh well, to each her own!!! I drink two cups a day and I can tell it has made a difference!!!

I'm doing a study on Habakkuk and in verse 2, he says "Oh Lord how long shall I cry, and though wilt not hear." I believe we must still cry out to God and He will hear. He is always here to help us any time, hour. Rely on Him! A big encouragement to you...rely on Him. Don't let the opportunity to go by but that He gives you your strength, joy, and health. Stay close to Him and don't give up!

Be Encouraged!!!

Just be encouraged! Let yourself have this happen.
1. Thank God you have friends who care.
2. Have a relationship with your friend.
3. What's keeping you from it?
4. Tell yourself you have a friend who cares.
5. Prov. says a friend loveth at all times.
6. Enjoy worshipping the Lord today!
7. Be grateful for friends!!!!!

My brain is fried from doing some writing on our marriage material.
Enjoy being encouraged and accept it!
Love, Prayers, and Peace!!!!

Do You Need Encouragement?

The question of the hour. We all can say sure we do! But do we? I can promise I do. Even when I even see the word, I know I can't wait to see what God gives me to say because I know I need encouragement! Some people do not know how to give it. And that's too bad. I think that's a cop out.....try living without encouragement one week...you will be miserable.

Last night hubby and I watched a baseball game and I kept thinking oh if they just had a little bit more encouragement may they would win!

I'm encouraged by Bible verses that I find and I've been a Christian for a long time, but see them and wonder why I hadn't seen them before. I'm doing a study on I Timothy. Very interesting. Enjoy your Saturday.

Has God Been Good To You?

As I awaken each day, and do most of my praying in the morning, wonder about that question, has God been good to you? I blog with six ladies and I see their spiritual yearnings and pretty much know. But what about you do you look at God and know that He is accomplishing something in your life.

In helping people, I rely on God one zillion percent!!! Yes, he's been good to me and my biggest need is to stay on keeping mind stayed on how really good God has been to me. Romans 8:28 is my favorite scripture. It puts me in the thank you mode because I know God has been good to me; I cannot deny it! Happy Friday!!

Develop The Leader In You

I learn a lot from our kids. Seeing the amazing leadership they have. It's such a joy and happiness as a Mom as we have observed their brilliant things they do. Of course they will humbly say, "Ah Mom....." and not brag on self. But as a Mom, I love to know we raised kids that truly are leaders!!! Wow!

What You Need To Know To Encourage People

Provide community to people who desire meaningful relationships

Be an example because people seek models to follow.

Helm them win because people want to be associated with success

Encourage someone downhearted.

Speak to their needs first.

Listen to them; they need to be understood.

Show them hope; there needs to be a better tomorrow.

Confidence because people are insecure.

Quote your favorite scripture and help them to begin reading the Bible.

This works! Let me know if you tried any and did they work?

Amazing Grace!!!!!

Yes, God's grace shines through. Have you asked Him lately for His special grace?
I have! I received an answer last night. And yes, His grace is amazing! Like the song says, Amazing grace how sweet the sound!!!

In a nutshell: I looked beyond my worthlessness; He patiently sanded away,
And like gold did refine this soul of mine.
Cleansing me day by day!
It's definitely a witness of His great love and grace!

How about you? Have you felt His amazing grace? Tell me about it.

Attitudes!!!!!

I've seen people so happy and then all of a sudden a bad attitude will appear. I have decided to not let it get to me. I spent years trying to figure out why people bring bad atttiudes for no reason. I think some people just don't care. The Bible says "Be content." If you can't change the situation, just keep your attitude happy or stable! Have you ever walked up to someone and you weren't sure their attitude would be sour and rude? Oh, I have many times. I would encourage you to think it is NOT YOU, it's their problem. Nothing you can do to change them. They have to change their own self.

Be careful with your attitude. There's a lot of people who would love to steale your joy! Don't let them! I tried that one for years also. "Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." Psalm 40:4 God knows all about it; let Him take care of their attitude!

l,l95 blog!

Let's celebrate! That's a lot of praise to the Lord for keeping me going with what He has to say about encouragement!

God bless all of us as we celebrate today and also worship the Lord! Thanks for sticking with me!

Life!!!!!! Random Writing

I am so so blessed for all he women I have known in my life who are asking me why am I such an encouragement? My look at life tells me if we are breathing we need and yearn for encouragement. Something that makes us come out of the rut or the pit and keep on going with life!

I love to study prayers. That also encourages my life. The book "The Prayers of Susanna Wesley" is awesome. Talk about busy with 19 kids!!!! When I think of this dear woman and her taxing circumstances, I can only surmise that.....there goes every woman's list of excuses for not praying in their life.

Life goes on. Find what you can do to encourage someone. I look for that IN ALL situations and it makes life happier, fun, and off of self!

Friday Night Date Night

Not tonight; we took our Friday night date night yesterday at lunch. I had done a survey for Outback and won a free lunch, including the bloomin' onion appetizer! So, I got the hamburger and my hubby got the salad. Have you had a date night lately or lunch date with your beloved hubby? It was fun. We saw a lot of executives come to lunch and had a change to meet the Propietor at Outback. When my hubby had a church, we frequented Outback, so they all said "Where have you been?" It was fun. As you know the Server always gives a loaf of bread to take home.

What have you done on your date night? I would love to hear. Have a very happy Friday and remember BE BLESSED in the presence of each other!

Blogging

Today I was introduced to a new term, blog blockers....meaning some people deliberately hold their blog comment to stalk the comments going through. This is new to me..why would someone want to do that? What is this world coming to? Would it be jealousy. Truly, I would love comments so I could hear what those of you who read it have anything to say. I blog with (regular) 6 bloggers and some of us don't get but three comments to the max. I'm not trying to prove anything like having a blog because I am writing a book. I am writing a book but I don't use blogging to get me going. I love it when ladies comment on issues and are honest that they are going through irritations or things that we all can participate in and help a person get through. We've all been through so much. My blog that I write I want to be encouraging and of course I get encouraging comments back. I checked it out with my kids and they think I fit so much better when I encourage which is what I am great at.

So encouraging it will be in my blogging. Since we took our trip, it's been hard to get back in the groove of things, but don't worry I will get there. I love your comments, so do not hesitate and I pray for you a very happy Thusday!

Women

Have you ever read of women who are addicted to a painful past? Pornography, giving their bodies to just anyone? This stuff is real. Or addicted to drinking too much.
You can be forgiven. And the bitterness it causes can go away. God is ready to set you free. Call me, I'll tell you how. Call me today. I am burdened about you and can only tell you God can heal. Wednesday would be a great day to come clean!!!
Love, Prayers, and Trust, Carol

Love Your Home!

The King James Version of the Bible says in Titus 2:5 that we women are to be keepers at home. Other versions of the Bible translate these words as workers at home, homekeepers, good housekeepers, good managers of the household, and "home lovers."

I like "home lovers" because I believe that if you love your home, you'll do all the rest. Both you and I know that love is the world's most powerful motivator. So if we love our home, love being there and love managing it, building it, watching over it, and keeping it, then love will conquer all. No task will be too difficult and no job will be too menial.

Love will enable us and empower us to tackle it, master it, and excel at it.
Proverbs 31:29. Turn up the heat of your heart...and your passion....when it comes to God's purpose for us as women to manage our home and ask God to help you become a "home lover." I know we all can do it! Yea!!!

People Need Compliments!

For encouragement! If nothing else! I need about 12 a day and my hubby gives them. He needs a ton of them. I think it's because he dealt with heavy duty problems in the Pastorate. I'm just the person to give them because I see the pain he goes through.

So, today, give your friends and family compliments. Live it up! Be on others' help side today. I'm up early thinking of how I am going to get caught up on a week out. I know God will give me the grace and at the same time when I go places, I am going to compliment. Thank you Lord for extra grace!

God's Amazing Grace!!!

Comes just when you need it.
Ask Him to cover you with His grace!
It works!
As Christians we deserve the grace and give Him Glory!
Thank you Lord Jesus!
We honor you!
Praise your Holy Name!!!

I truly love to Sing Praises!!!

When our loyal friend, Geneva picked us up frm the airport here, she brought me a bouquet of very lovely fall flowers and a birthday gift for hubby from her and her precious hubby. Geneva, only God will be so praised for you taking time off work to pick us up. God is so wonderful knowing what our needs are. We have to count on friends when the family lives away or have been out of town and couldn't be available. This, really, has been my husband's best birthday. During his retirement, he has opted to do his own yard landscaping and guess who helps him....me!!! When we got back, there, of course, are tons of things to do, but somehow I just want to be a housebounder, wondering what I want to do next. Once being spoiled sure does make me just want to stare at the walls or beautiful flowers Geneva gave me and the ones in our back yard.

So I think I will just do that...why be in a hurry..just take time to praise God for all His mercies and favors He gives to each one of us. I keep thinking if I hadn't given up knitting when a friend of mine tried to teach me, I could enjoy more vacation time and knit, but I guess I better get back in the grind of things and let the Lord use me to still help couples who need a boost to get back on the same page. That's our passion now. Have you ever been in a "I can't get moving stage?" I've asked God to give me one more day to get going. I'll rely on God's grace....GRACE IS MY POWER, Ephesians 2:8-9.

Great Visit!!!!!

Wonderful!
Fabulous!
Marvelous!
Incredible!
Spoiled Us Rotten!!!
That is what it feels like coming back from our daughter's. She is such an uplifting
person and she just treated her Dad (PAPPA) and me in her lovely apartment. One entire week of extraordinary rest and places to see or eat which were breathtaking. She has two chihuahua and they are the cutest things you ever saw or would want! It was also my hub's 65th birthday and we celebrated with joy!!!
Then when we got back, the extremely crowded airport was packed to capacity and we found out after we left, they closed the airport due to storm weather. We were blessed beyond blessings to get on the plane and get here.

Have you ever been spoiled rotten?

You should try it sometime. Just let the love flow from a family member that is needed. She needed it as much as we did. It truly left me speechless when we left. Did I miss blogging? You bet, but this was worth the pampering, soothing, encouraging given to each one of us. So, I'm back and the ususal daily living. We will be back on schedule for the couples and just know that God will bless lives as we give them the right direction to go.

Blessings to you having a super great Friday and as I welcome myself back into the blogging atmosphere. : )

Back On!!!!!!!!

Having fun, that's for sure!

Our daughter is so very talented!!! Wow!!! She knits and everything is a masterpiece!!! She is knitting a sweater...marvelous! Just fantastic!!! One cannot imagine!!!!

Just soaking it up! And blessed to have her for a daughter, the person she is....lovely, brilliant, fun, great listener, so loving!
Have a happy Saturday and see ya some time next week.
Love, Carol

God's 4 Words for Wives

help, follow, respect, love him!

Include him in your prayer time each day.

I'll light on respect him! Ephesians 5:33 is the scripture.
Have you figured out the best time to approach him about the important matters of life or best way to speak to him?

He honors me; why shouldn't I honor him? It's inevitable! Be blessed this Lord's Day.

God's 4 Words for Wives

help, follow, respect, love him!

Include him in your prayer time each day.

I'll light on respect him! Ephesians 5:33 is the scripture.
Have you figured out the best time to approach him about the important matters of life or best way to speak to him?

He honors me; why shouldn't I honor him? It's inevitable!
Happy Saturday!

What Makes You A Better Person?

There are high spots in all of our lives and most of them have come about through encouragement from someone else. I appreciate the fact that I feel like I'm a better person when I talk to our kids. Philippians 1:6 says "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." That makes me a better person. He's not going to finish the work He has to do in me. He just puts me back on the easel and keeps on constructing me to be a better person. It forces me to have a good opinion of myself.

How about you? Have you learned how good you really are?

Bounce Back!

When you have a bad situation, bounce back!

Reject rejection, see mistakes as temporary and see that failures are isolated incidents.

Keep your expectations positive and focus on your achievements so you can bounce back!

10 Disciplines for Mothering

Center life on the Lord.

Model godly character.

Pray for your kids.

Be there for them.

Take them to Church.

Choose your kids above all.

Discipline your kids.

Be your kids #1 Encourager

Make each day fun!

The impact of your mothering is unmeasurable. Remember how rewarding it is. Stick to the book of Proverbs because it answers ANY question you have on mothering. Happy Wednesday!

Great Look At Life With Friends!

I'm up early. Got caught up on my sleep....yea!!!

Here's a great look at life: Dear friend, one of the key ingredients of life is people....and people take time. So do friendships. To some it was just a sunshine call to cheer and encourage. For another person, with me, it is a listening heart and a prayer over the phone.

We should manage our time and our lives, our projects and our priorities. And we'll get to the social area of our life with people...with souls. Our Friend who sticks closer than a brother....Christ....Proverbs 18:24!

Nurture and manage all of our life....and one is great friendship and we will be letting that happen in our lives Friday night as we meet with our devout friends. Can't wait....always a great look at life!!! God bless them and send His wonderful love! Have you ever had that "can't wait feeling?" That's where we are NOW!!! Happy Tuesday!

My Encouragement for THIS Day!

Take the time to make another person feel important!

God's Love

I get my love from God. He showers me down with love...always enough to give to hubby, children, and grandchildren + friends and other family members on top of that!
He constantly talks about love in the Bible. Ask Him in your prayer to understand the love that only God gives. Enjoy His love TODAY and let Him saturate you with love, peace, joy and feelings of confidence that He is there for you day and night!!!

Looking At Reality!!!

One of the key ingredients of reality is people...and people take time. So do friendships. As I recall again the busy day detailed at the beginning of the day to the end. I want to tell you that it is wondrously busy! Each and every person who crosses my path was from God and represented a part of His purpose for my day and my life! Needy souls, needy for something.

.....a soul is touched with the goodness of God!

.....that's reality!!!

.....we made an appointment with our devout friends to come over!!

.....we're so excited we can't see straight!! This makes life a reality to us!!!

Dear God Letter

What would you say if you wrote a "Dear God Letter to God?"

Mine would be a deep letter of gratitude for what He has done to supply our needs and knowing He is always there; rain, cold, shine....any time we need him!

I'm going to take a day off of blogging and journal my prayer. I think it will be all glory to Him who helps us through all difficulties. Enjoy your Friday. I know I am going to enjoy mine!

Meet Someone Who Is Content

I have to be content. I have no other alternative. I'm up a tad bit early today. I want to get started writing on my new book. I'm a wee hours in the morning person anyway, so this should be great! How about you?

Yesterday I started my first interview with a person and her marriage concening "contentment." Interesting conversation and I learned a lot about her. Why was she "not contented?" You'd be surprised like I was. It shocked me. It was so minute and something none of us would believe. But I followed her communicating it to me. Ladies......women are not content. Why? No love in their life!!! Gotta have that love!!! That would be a debatable subject.

What keeps you from being content? I would love to hear your story.

Do you think it's a God-thing?
Do you keep your problems only to yourself?
Have you really ever been in love (contented)?

How To Turn Lives Around

There are peope who think seeing obstacles is a sign of maturity and insight. But anyone of average intelligence ca do that. God wants people who see a way beyond the obstacles and who encourage others to take it to turn their live around!

Encouragement is the answer to turning lives around!
Isaiah 43:19 "Behold, I will do a ne hing. Now it shall spring forth ... Shall you not know it? I will even make a round in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

A Recipe for Contentment

Health enough to make work a pleasure.

Wealth enough to support needs.

Strength enough to battle with difficulties.

Grace enough to confess your sins and overcome them.

Patience enough to have some good accomplished.

Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others.

Faith enough to make real the things of God.

Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.

Happy Labor Day!!!

I hope everyone has a marvelous Labor Day and doesn't even have any stress thinking about their job, etc. Keep your day positive and ENJOY!!!! See ya with a great blog tomorrow!!!!

Knowledge

Just as long years do not necessarily add up to happy living, even so successful living is not totally dependent on an abundance of learning. Solomon was the wisest man of all ages (excepting our Lord yet be exclaimed.) Ecc. 1:18 - Knowledge is good, but knowledge that does not include God leads to worry and sorrow.

Christian Homes

Happy the home where love is found:

Loyalty

Truth

Kindness

Where God is loved above all others...

The home may be spacious, great, or small,

But when God is honored over all....everyone helps together.

Christian homes give hope for the Nation!

Encouragement Makes Us Better!!!!

There are high spots in all of our lives and most of them have come about through ENCOURAGEMENT from someone else!

My passion is to encourage!!!

Who will you encourage today?

I promise IT WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE HAPPIER!!!

Assessing Your Trust!!

...in the Lord...how well do you manage when it comes to the trust department? Do you trust the Lord to take care of your need for food and clothing or do you live in fear that perhaps He won't? Always remember that God is your Good Shepherd, who promises that you shall not ever want...for anything! Psalm 23:1

Trust God that He will provide.We all must trust in Him, relax in Him, and enjoy the rest that trust and faith provides!

It's magnificent to have trustworthy friends! We had our devout friends come to visit with us Sunday and we are reaping the greatest blessing still and it has been four days! It was also to congratulate me for my birthday one week previous. Both of them are such a phenomenal encouragement and we cannot thank them enough! And Wow is the exciting word!

Communication

How do you communicate? Prov. 15:11 "A soft answer turneth away wrath."
Sometimes we do not know all of the trials and troubles a person experiences unless we are walking in their shoes. We need to learn early to respect the other's communication and be happy for them being happy!!!!

I want to communicate gratitude. There has been so many blessings and I am happy to Christ for supplying what we have needed. It's been a struggle, but only gratitude can reveal our hearts!

Have a happy Wednesday and I would like to pass on a communication of gratitude!

Passion Cont'd!!!

Passion will change you!

You become a more dedicated, productive person. In the end, yur passion wil have more influence than your personality.

Passion makes the impossible possible!

Impossibilities vanish. A fire in the heart lifts everything in life.

When we find a passion we can be assured that grat things do lie ahead. What can you do to find yours? What can you do to help someone else find theirs?

Passion!!!!!

People spend a lot of time trying to figure out what makes people successful and more than anything else, passion is what makes the difference.

Passion is the first step to achievement...your desire...the stronger you fire, the greater the desire and the greater the potental!

Passion increases your willpoer. It is the fuel for the will. If you want anything badly enough, you can find the willpower to achieve it.

Follow your passion - it will change you because it makes the impossible possible! When we find our passion, we can be assured that great things do lie ahead. What can you do to find yours? and what can you do to help someone else find theirs?

Have a happy Monday!

Sanctifying the Lord God!

We should be about the business of sanctifying the Lord God in our bodies and in our hearts (I Peter 3:15). To do this means we are to revere Christ as Lord and to hold Him in highest reverence. We are also to be consecrated, set apart, and dedicated to the Lord. And we are to honor Him with every facet of our lives - including our bodies. As Paul concluded, you and I are to "glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" I Cor. 6:20

Now, do you yet sense the reverence? The respect...the awe....the magnitude of our body being God's. God will protect you as you sanctify our Lord God!!!

Nurture Your Marriage

The best gift you can give your children is to love their father. Remember, too, that once yur children are raised, you will be so glad. Nurture your marriage. Make a comment if you need help on this and I will be sooo glad to help you. Both of us will. The Bible says in Prov. 31:27 that we are to watch over the ways of our household. I pray your Saturday will be saturated by love. My hubby needs me today to help him with a task...will I be there? Absolutely, unequivably!!!

Home Is Where The Heart Is

I know women who have trouble getting excited about taking care of their homes. And I know women who have writen off homemaking as a worthless occupation. Does either category fit you, my dear friend? Then please, spend time in prayer. Turn your home....and your heart....over to our wonderful Lord and ask Him for help. Ask Him for a make-over. Talk to toher women who do love taking care of their homes. Your husband will encourage you.

Whatever it takes, set about to create a Home where the heart really is!!!! Have a happy Friday filled with love, peace, joy, and understanding!

We Should Pray Boldly!

Yes, we are humble, penitent sinners, but because of God's grace we humble sinners can approach the throne of His grace boldly and with courage so that we may receive His mercy and find His grace to help us in time of our needs! Hebrews 4:16

Just think of all the loved ones and people that need prayer. I want to pray better, don't you?

Key Ingredients To Life...People!!!!

Are you a people person? Some people remove their self from being called that.
I can honestly say I miss the Ladies at church - just to hear how their week was and find out how their life is going.

We have one very devout couple who are very close friends that we'll be seeing Sunday and I can't wait. The key ingredient to life is people! May God bless them and each person that reads this blog.

Our God reigns!!!!! Talk to ya tomorrow!

You And Your Schedule!!

So, like our Lord, you must create a schedule and develop a routine. The reason Jesus was so unhurried in His schedule was that His schedule was based on God's priorities for His life. So make a schedule and keep it....determine God's priorities for your life and develop a schedule that is centered on those priorities.

Such a schedule will certainly simplify your life. Establish a routine that fits your particular stage of life and responsibilities. Prov. 31:10-31 - This lady was heralded by God as a woman who looked well to the ways of her household! Tuesdays have and will always be "My Laundry Day" and I make sure every single thing in this house is laundered on Tuesday and then I know we both have what we need to look nice.

How is your schedule? Would love to hear....mine is flexible!!

God Is Always There!!!

Always!
There are people who think seeing obstacles is sign of maturity and insight. But anyone of average intelligence can do that. God wants people who see a way beyond the obstacles and who encourage others to take it.
Ecc. 1:18 "Knowledge is good, but knowledge that does not include God leads to sorrow."

All About Me!!!

Wow! Yesterday was MARVELOUS! I heard from everyone for my birthday on FB!!!! My heart is bubbling over with joy and gratefulness for everyone making a commenting and me getting to say to them what I have wanted to say for a long time! Feel important! You bet I do!!! It was all about me and I just had a grand ole time and appreciated everyone who took the time to say something! Since we retired, I've had a real hard time accepting it, but I know my hubby knew it was time, so I sure wouldn't buck him and cause any commotion for it!

But, my birthday made up for me! Everybody needs somebody. When you begin to pour your effort into helping someone, it is absolutely amazing how that encouragement gets multiplied. Influence influences. The greater the positive impact you make on another person, the more likely that person can turn around and influence others positively! The problem is that we have a natural tendency to hold back. Why? Waiting on someone else to do it. Well, they didn't yesterday.......I accepted it all about me and soaked it up. Thank each and every single one of you. I feel so valued. It was an incredible birthday and one I will never forget!

Today's My Big Day!

I'm going to enjoy Facebook because I love to get comments. My hubby suggested me taking off a day because it is my awesome, loving birthday!! Thanks for understanding!

Two Sisters Today.........

Two of my blood-related Sisters have their birthday today! I hope both of you have a very happy day filled with tons of blessings. One lives in Oklahoma and the other in Kansas! : )

Then two Sisters left for August birthday!!! Tomorrow is yours truly and my youngest Sister. A-ha we were born on the same day!

I'm late with my blog...didn't get in late until last night...I couldn't stay away because it was past my bedtime, so consequently we did our morning coffee later this a.m. so here I am just now getting to writing it.

This morning the Bank that always loved me bringing in the church deposits are having a lil' birthday celebration for me. Those who know me know that I don't eat desserts, but I will eat the bottom part of the cake and not the chocolate icing. They told me the kind of cake I wanted. Proverbs 31:26-31 "She openeth her mouth unto wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness." I feel soooo honored. The rest of the scripture is so fabulous talking about an "older woman." That's me....I can't help it; I am getting older....might as well face it. The Bible tells me so! Happy Friday!

My Momma

I have blogged before in previous years that my Momma passed away on my birthday, which is this Saturday, August 21st! This was in 1970 but I think about her every day and rejoice that she knew the Lord, although she never attended church in my lifetime. Here's a beautiful poem about her:

GOD IS KEEPING HER SAFE
If I could see my mother's face,
How happy I would be.
If I could hold her little hands,
That did so much for me.

Momma's eyes were brown as they could be,
Her hair was pure black and always curled.
Seems like everybody knew,
She grew up with many girls.

Sometimes when I go to sleep,
I see her in my dreams, especially her face.
If I could only tell her,
She can never be replaced.

God must have sent an angel
For her my summer birthday as she sickly lay,
But this I know, He took her,
She's safe with Him today!

People!!!!!

No matter how busy you are, you must take time to make the other person important!

How?

An e-mail to tell them what they mean to you.

Some type of contact. It won't happen until you make the effort.

People are vital. And we need each other. The statement "no man is an island unto himself" is a lonely life!

Put forth the effort.

Prov. 3:5-6 is a great scripture to relate with this.

Don't become stagment and leave out people that mean something! I am an avid people person and thrive on them!!! Yesterday I went by Clinique Counter to visit a friend of mine and we both shed tears as we have not taken the time to see each other. We couldn't stop hugging and oh so happy and promised not to let that happen this long!

How about you? What have you done lately to get back in touch with PEOPLE???? Have a very happy Wednesday. Three more days and I'll be one year older (er....younger)!

Getting Closer!!!!

A high spot for me...the congrats are already starting! Saturday is my big day! One of the Managers at Bank of America is making me a cake Friday and they are celebrating! I'm honored! They are great people! Then tomorrow I will have the grandkids!! (That's a birthday celebration in and of itself....can't wait!!!) Then Sat. our adorable daughter is giving me a cam/chat birthday event!!! Oooooohhhh and then our Son will here Thursday eve. I'm thinking...how did this all happen so quick right before my very eyes and I'm just absorbing. My hubby gave me my present already!!! Woooohooo and then on the 29th we celebrate with our best friends!!!

Okay I'm blessed before the big day! What can I say. It makes my tummy flitter knowing all this love is being sent for just for me....Here's what I feel like writing:

There are high spots in all of our lives and most of them come about through encouragement from someone else................true, true, true! Thank you one and all. I am grateful!

OK I'm Ready!!!!

Pre-birthday week! Everyone that knows me knows that my precious, loving Momma died on my birthday the year 1970. So birthdays tend to be hard to bear and honestly, it's really hard to get over. So, each year, I get through by asking for prayers from all my beloved friends and know I will do okay.

Yesterday I spoke with our daughter and she was asking me what I wanted. Hmmm now that was hard to say. I know I have to do something about my hair. I've been letting it grow out longer and I kept bugging her as to what would look best....long or short? And of course she kept saying, what ever you feel like. So, I carried the conversation on to my hubby and that's funny, he said the same thing so I told him okay I'm ready to submit what I want for my birthday....money enough to get it cut and styled. We shall see...he agreed...saving to have my wish.

It feels fun wondering what a pre-birthday week will be like? Being a Mom, Grandma, and of course, wife, and friend to others......it will be magnificent, so I think I'll just sit back, relax, and just live it up until the day. I give myself credit for not being a self-centered person, so I'm okay with this pre-week before me and be ever so thankful for all things that happen. All I request is your prayers and am grateful for living such a happy life!!!!

Keep Expectations Positive!!!!

Reject rejection.

See mistakes as temporary.

See failures as isolated incidents.

Keep expectations positive!!

Focus on strengths.

Vary your approach to achievement.

Bounce back!

The sprinkler system awakened me way too early. So I'm up and want to keep a positive attitude! So, I'll write a little on positive blessings. It will make your life a blessing if you will just do what you say you'll do. People know when you "put them off" or reject them. Always focus on your strengths but share them with your friends. What about you? Do you bounce back quick from discouragement?

Exodus 14:13 is a great verse to read today. God is on your side and so am I. Be blessed this Sunday!

Sharing Computers!!! Random Thoughts!!!!

It dawned on me that most of my subscribers to my blog share a computer. I've had so many ask me why no comments. This, I am sure, is the reason. E-mail always wins out for me. I'm still a Blogger and love every second of it.

The Bible

and

Believing in myself is my goal! I know I can do it; then I list out my goals. And once you learn how good you really are, you never settle for playing anything less than your very best!

I love Jeremiah 33:3. I do CALL unto the Lord. I believe lives are changed through the Miracle of Encouragement! God will see you and I through any circumstances. We rely on Him! He is always there!!! I'm up a tad bit early to get caught up on some writing for my new book and some mundane tasks I need to do. How about you? What's on your agenda for Saturday?

Isn't God incredible? Wow!

Ton of Blessings!!!!!!

Had a breakfast this 5 a.m.
He is a ton of blessings and love!
Family is always incredibly loving and wonderful!

What are your blessings? Do you have a ton?
God will never leave us or forsake us!!!!

This will be a brief blog because I have to go back by the Dentist Office.....I just hope and pray your weekend is so blessed, you can't even have enough even with tons of blessings!!!

Love,
Carol

Disciplines For Your Prayer List

Means managing a list...with noone left to be prayed for.

It gives you a new strength - the strength gained through any discipline for facing and having a greater measure of self-control because you are in touch with the Lord.

Last night I fell asleep just praying for family, friends, and acquaintances! What a blessing!

Pray for the patience to wait for God to meet all their personal needs and our very own.

And God is glorified! Happy Thursday!!!

((((Hugs))))

I'm a hugger. Jim and I have devoted friends who sign off "Humongous Hugs." Do you know what? I must look like a hugger. Even when I go in Petsmart to see the Fish Department, the girl in there hugs me. I couldn't tell you her name; she said she loves my compliments to her because she keeps the department so neat and clean. I even go in the bank and the Manager gives me a hug. I am soooo blessed. Of course my hubby gives me at least 14 a day! And that doesn't count the ones I give him. The dog even hugs me. My daughter and I send hugs over the phone. That's a cute one. Then our son, I sign off, "Hugs, mOm." Wow! Just thinking about hugs get my day going! It sounds so warm and happy. How about you? Do you like hugs. Let me know!

I'm sending a hug to you via my blog. Have a very happy Wednesday and I'm pretty sure I will name this National Hug Day!!! wooohoooo!!!

What Is Your Favorite Pass Time?

One can get in a rut if there is no favorite pass time....life could really get boring. I like to look up new scriptures that apply to my living. I do miss my husband's teaching/preaching since he retired....so I look on my own ... yes, it takes time, but it fulfills my life!

How about you? Would love to hear from you. Hope your Tuesday is interesting!

Victory Over Triumph!!!!

...victory over our adversary!!!

I love it when winners win! People that cause so much trouble seem to think they win! They don't!!!

Saturday I was around women who care! Of course it was a memorial service, but I never felt so welcomed and received warmth from women who knew my neighbor friend. It was great to feel like you exist. I'm just rejoicing since Saturday for the kindness, courtesy, respect, appreciation, admiration, mutual interests, just wise women being the way it should be. Thanks ladies!!!! That's victory over triumph. My friend knew the Lord so we shall see her some day again!

May God give you a super day this Monday!!!!

Goals!!!

Goals give you direction.

Goals help turn your dreams into realities.

My goal is to be real, honest, loyal friend, and let God's love shine to my family and those I come in contact with! Transparent also.....

One of my goals is to finish what I tend to.

Having a goal puts organization there and maximizes time!!!

Do you have a goal? Please share!!!

Keep Focused!!!

Do you feel as though you're forever falling behind in your schedule?
Do you long for your life to be simpler and more focused?
You're not alone...it's a great thing to do....stay focused and keep your lists going and stay on top of important things! Enjoy your Saturday and remember to have fun as you keep focused! I know I am!!!

Are You Loyable?

So endearing and enduring...quality between two friends is loyalty. My neighbor friend passed away last Wednesday. Her Memorial is tomorrow and the fam. wants me to speak something. She had a marvelous family!!! Two daughters and three sons.

We had coffee together. She was a great person and friend. Her cancer became so unbearbly painful and she finally just gave up eating and became weaker and weaker.

But the most important thing in our friendship what that we were loyal; allegiance (Prov. 27:10 ..."Do not forsake your own friend.")

Devotion "A friend loves at all times...Prov. 17:17"

A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out. I covet your prayers for tomorrow.

Trust & Truth

Psalm 127:1 "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it."

Are your friends a true friend who when you get to the end of your rope will be there to pull you up? I would say, yes on this one.

Can you trust them?

Yes, most definitely!

Love - Romans 12:9 "Let love be without dissimulation." which means leet love be without hypocrisy.

Respect limitations and other's privacy...trust and hear the truth!!!

ROUTINE

Remember to establish a routine that fits your particular stage of life and all the responsibilities. Then adjust your schedule as your life shifts from one stage to another. Schedule the kids need.....empty nest with its own unique need for routine. Just start where you are today....and start today.

Yesterday my routine was broken up after I got back from Dental work. My neighbor's daughter called and said her Mom passed away in the night. I had been over there several times to have prayers with her knowing her disease was terminal. So, I came back home and made twelve loaves of banana bread for their fam. She had five grown kids and several grandkids. They were so glad she didn't have to suffer. I was so glad my ROUTINE was broken to help out a family in need.

How is your routine going? I would love to hear. Happy Wednesday!

God IS There In Times Of Need!!!!

He has never failed us yet and lately I've spoken to a lot of others who say God has been there in times of need.

I love Genesis 1:26-28 - his master plan for us!

Today would be a great day to scan over the scripture to see how He does reach us in time of need.

Of course, I'll be in the Dentist Chair to have my crown put on....ugh but I hope I it doesn't take long. God will be there in this time of need. I covet your prayers.

Are You A Positive Person?

Yes I am.

I'm always looking for a way to encourage someone with positive information. I know it sounds like I am bragging on myself. So, what's wrong with bragging on self? We need more of it. Too many people are down in the dump and can't bring it to themselves to brag on something good they have done.

Read the book of Ephesians in the Bible. It has a ton of positive promises!

I hope your Monday goes tremendous and you find something great to say about yourself!!!! I would encourage that; you will feel better and so proud to have a positive attitude, love for your hubby, and ways to have answers instead of problems! : )

Bring on August!!!!

Supposed to be the hottest month!! Yikes!!! It hits you right in the face.

But stay warm (errr cool) inside and keep up Bible reading. I'm reminded that Galations 5:22 is my fav!!!!!

"The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

Lately I've run into some RUDE people....why they are rude I do not know, but I always tell my hubby, there was no cause for it.

We both decided that maybe they are "married to distration" - some of the things that cause that are "no boundaries" "getting too busy" "Drifting apart" "Watching too much tv" and "time spent overbooking actvities."

Keep Gal. 5:22 close by. We all need it! Bless you THIS LORD'S DAY!!!! We are getting treated to a Cracker Barrell breakfast....so I am soooo excited..better start getting ready. (Be sure and rest some today and practice counting your blessings!!)

Great Energizers ....Random Thoughts

The Bible (of course the Lord), kids, grandkids, relatives, and friends! And most of all stay encouraged!

Once you get off course satan sets a trap and you're right back where you started from. You can't forgive, or get rid of the anger.

No race seems too long. Races builds with energy, and the team develops a momentum that is almost unstoppable.

Stay on course....stay with God and doing what's right!!!! Have a great emergizing Saturday!!!

Understanding Yourself

In discussing personality, we must know or understand ourselves. How can we ever hope to understand our mate if we do not understand our own self? How well do you really know yourself? Are we able to recognize our own strength and our own weakness? Often it is so easy to see the mote in the other person's eye and yet not know we have a beam in our own. Perhaps in some areas we are not conscious of our own short-comings. We may be able to deceive ourselves but usually our mate has a fairly good image of us. If we fail to meet his expectations, then it is our responsibility to check ourselves and correct our faults.

Are you willing for your hubby to be the head of your home? Are you willing to follow his leadership in private and family devotions?

After we have tried to become better acquainted with our own personality, and understand our attitudes more clearly, then we have victory!!!!

Have a great weekend and prayers for understanding yourself!!!

Thinking About Our Homes

Think about the place whre you live, the place you call home. What kind of atmosphere do you create? The woman sets the spirit of the home. By and large, it's a sphere and a place we build, watch over, manage, and love. So why shouldn't we dive in and put our passion into it?

Ask the Lord for a makeover. Talk to other women who love to keep their homes. Ask your husband what he thinks. Pick up and organize "stuff" that piles up.

This is where you rest, create, think, pray, cook, all the necessary things to go out in public and shine for the Lord. So, why shouldn't we keep a home founded and esstablished by God. It is the oldest institution in the world!!!

Wisdom!!!!

I'm up super early. My mind has been on WISDOM lately? So, do you need wisdom? You'll ind it in the Bible. Do you need encouragement? It, too, lies on the sacred pages! Just read it!

The Bible is alive!

It speaks to me!

It corrects, mends, and instructs me!!

The Bible equips me for answers and soothes my troubled mind!

We shouldn't wander through life that causes us to stumble or miss our way!

Get wisdom!!!! Be sure you turn to the Bible to show you the right way, to help you to avoid the wrong way and to manage your life God's way! Not popular these days, but sooo necessary!!!

Pumped!!!!!!

I am so pumped!!!! I got an awesome encouraging e-mail today from our devoted friend and I am thanking the Lord for her. She noted that she heard the song "Behold He Comes" and remembered me singing it at Lighthouse Church (the last church we Pastored).....wow...with that I am pumped to practice my singing again. That was a tough song to sing, but I always stayed with the background music!

Thanks Friend, Geneva and may God bless you so devotedly for passing on this encouragement. It gives me chills, gratitude, and a reason to keep serving the Lord. Have a happy Tuesday everyone because I am going to enjoy this e-mail and be blessed by it!!!

God is Amazing!

Trust Him!
He gives us courage!
He gives us ENcouragement!
And then He gives us energy to continue on!!!!

How about you? How has God been amazing to you?

Two Different Kinds of Leaders

Leaders can win the confidence, trust, and friendship of the people they lead by taking the spotlight off of themselves and putting it on others. In fact, this works in all areas of life.

Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of youlook out not only for his own interests but the interest of others.

Honor the whole team. Everyone needs encouragement. Just letting someone know their work and friendship is important and appreciated makes each one of us run more smoothly, become stronger and more effective.

I want to be a leader that encourages others. How about you? What is your goal?

Devoted Christians!!!!

My husband and I have a couple that are devoted Christians. They are always serving the Lord. They were our #1 couple that only eternity will reveal how much they helped us at Lighthouse. Now that we have retired, they are now still serving at another church, but we cannot thank God enough for their encouragement they still give us now. The world is better because of these two devoted friends. I dedicate my blog to them today. My neighbor's security light stayed on all night and finally kept me awake at a very early time this morning. We shared our love for the Clarks last night on our date night and although I slept like a log, they are devoted Christians and we want to give honor, glory, and praise to our precious Lord for them! She was my hubby's Office Administrator...or whatever task was needed. We have fond memories of her husband and her always so faithful (never missed a Sunday) to help Pastor Jim. (or me). God is so good to give such tremendous memories of such a lovely, dedicated couple.

Do you have a couple that have been an inspiration to you and your hubby? I'd love to know.

One Little Corner........

One little corner is all I need,
Where I can have a Bible to read.
A chair by the window with sun coming through,
Some pretty summer flowers still covered with dew -
Always a hubby to warm her with love,
And answers to prayers from the Lord above!

Does your passion need to be renewed? I'd love to hear what you need. I wrote this little poem to get me started each day to get in touch with God, read his word, and thank him so much for the blessings of the day!

The weekend is almost here! Have a great one!

Are You A Busy Woman?

What's the answer to that question?

Yesterday I took a "Carol Day" -- didn't even look at Facebook, e-mails, or writing for hubby. So, does that make me a busy woman?

let's discover the directions the Lord gave me. After all, we want to do and be what He wants us to do and be!

What difference should it make to us that we house the Holy Spirit in our bodies? That our bodies are temples of God? Here's a little checklist that will help us to take better care of our bodies.

Guard yourself Prov. 4 ... understand the subject....YOU

Walk in righteousness - avoid temptations

Avoid sexual sin (I Cor. 6:13) - profanes our Lord!

Glorify God in your body. If you are causing someone to stumble, fix it, ask for forgiveness.

Enjoy your Thursday!

HOME

.....is the Father's kingdom,
.....is the Mother's world,
.....is the Child's paradise.

I hope your Wednesday is filled with grace, mercy and lots of love.
Take some time and enjoy your lovely home. We have so much to be thankful for.

I'm having a "Carol" Day! wooohoooooo

Self Esteem!!!

I think it boils down to taking a "God look" at youself. Once you feel confident in what God has designed, you can at that point care about others. Let me be like Mary who had fellowship with the Lord. And hope the food is very good for all I invite to serve them. God wants us to read his word. The closer we feel to Him, I know it makes us happier, love more, be extra confident (not arrogant) and one who wants others to have the same God we have!

I hope your Tuesday is better than anything and God blesses you in a marvelous way!

God Honored Home!!!

The home may be spacious; it might even small but great!
But when God is honored ....lots of willing hands will help and share in lifting burdens others bear.

Why be God honored?
Christian homes give hope for the Nation and faith will conquer fear and despair!

So private and loving; the bond is so secure!

Does your home reflect God's love and care?

May your Monday be saturated with love, kindness, and appreciation!

Challenges!!!

Recently I had the privilege of helping a lady that wanted to give "love" to her husband and didn't know how. I challenged her to go all the way and truly love him. I said like "mutual friends" on FB...give him mutual understanding! It's impossible to live with a person you are always trying to "figure out." Understanding must not be mistaken for remodeling. No one likes to be made over - especially if it is your husband or wife trying to do it. This only tends to make the sparks fly. I challenged her to accept him as he is for what he is. Accept him for himself - not the man you want him to be. Believe in him, pray with him and for him; cooperate with him, cheer him, be patient when things go wrong.

Are you challenged by this? Give him his time alone and James 5:16 says to confess your faults one to another (husband or wife), and pray for one another that ye may be healed. Take time to listen and love with preoccupation or interruption. That's the core of any great marriage. Happy Saturday!!!!

Celebrating Friday!!!!

I always watch the America Morning and Local News. And they say "We are celebrating Friday." Celebrating what? Of course I know...the end of a busy week and a way to do what freedom there is on Sat. and Sunday! The weather is a must to listen to, so don't forget that!

Celebrating Friday for me is "Friday date night." This is what I have framed on my desk: Remember - as every thread of gold is valuable; so is every moment of time. What do you think that means? To me it means make the most out of time together and stay consistent. There have been times when hubby and I just went to Las Lupes and shared an ala carte taco....(cost $1.25) my hubby loves the very hot sauce and chips and I love the taco. With having to have dental work, chips are out for me now, but a soft shell taco will do!!! And the great time about Date Night is dreaming up what to do??? With nothing....with something, but most of all the love for each other!!!

By the way............thank you each one for subscribing to my blog...I posted it on FB and got great results! woohooo

Love That Man!!!!!

My hubby took my pic again and I placed it on FB. This has been fun; he truthfully doesn't like FB, but he knows I truly love it! Any way, FB is a bit overwhelming to me but I love keeping in touch with peeps.

I titled this blog, Love that man.....why????

He is my beloved and friend!!! (Song of Solomon 5:16) My hubby's loyal love works wonders!!!

When I am sad, he cheers me.
When he does noble things, I love to praise him.
When I am generous, he appreciates me.
When he is talkative, I listen to him and vice versa.
Whether he comes or goes, I give lots of kisses and he as well.

We are both working together to help others. Pray for us!

Creating!!!! Random Thoughts

Trying to create the back yard with hubby and with really no money, but being very grateful that Lowe's lets us know when their plants are $1.....isn't that marvelous?

Between facilitating married couples now which we are thrilled to do, we are creating something we can enjoy and missing the growth we saw in church members, it's nice to see couples advance in their marriage and find the reason why things aren't working and, of course, see flowers grow. I call it living out God's plan with passion and purpose.

Next to your relationship with God, your marriage is most urgent....and demanding. Yet it pays life's highest dividends. I don't know about you, but whenever anything is wrong in the least bit between hubby and me, I am miserable. Gotta communicate, spend time together, lavish him with my love! (And he does the same!)

Your loyal love for your hubby and creativity will work wonders in your marriage!!!
Takes time and love!!! Love, love, love it!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Check Attitude At The Door!!!!

It says so in Philippians 2:14. I think I will. It's tragic that most people have NO clue what that means! So, what do they do? They come with a BAD attitude and ruin everyone's day! Bummer. My question would be what would Jesus do? Probably roll up his sleeves and check his attitude in that it would be one of love, peace, and joy!!!!! It glorifies God in a marvelous way! Enjoy your Tuesday!!! : )

Tolerance!!!

I love this word! No two families are identical. Each has their own good points - try to use these to enrich your own home. Remember Matt. 7:1-3, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thy own eye." We just need patience and tolerate others and love them! Understanding can become a strong fence for tolerance. Just tolerate and as my Mom used to say; "None of us are perfect, so just put up with it!!!!"

Today I'll be tolerating a front tooth that is temporary at least for two weeks. I promise you I'll just have to put up with it. Prayers, please!!!!

Love 101

Falling in love is easy.
But growing a Christian marriage and nurturing a life-long friendship and building a permanent, rewarding relationship takes work.....commitment. It takes determination, time and sacrifice and daily management which people don't really want to do.

I can enjoy great accomplishments on so many areas, but if something is wrong with my priority relationship, Jim, then all is wrong. So, what to do. Fix it! Since he and I retired, we are on the same page and to the point where we read what each other is going to say next. We LOVE sitting on the patio and enjoying God's wonderwork in the trees, grass growing (our dog that died recently was a "mud dog" and layed most of the grass away) and we love to watch flowers grow.

God, who knows our needs, has provided His guidelines for our marriage and His word. And that's to love one another in respect, so I say what to Love 101 and get busy! Roll up your sleeves and lavish him with your love and her with your love!!

Your loyal love will work wonders in your marriage!

Hope in the Lord!

Psalm 91:4 ..... a comforting passage in the Bible.

Describes the security believers can enjoy through faith in God and its promised.

Paints a beautiful portrait of hope....reflect on this hope....breathe it in deep....then go out and share with others.

HIS POWER ....iN ADVERSITY, God delivers and helps you reach your goal.

HIS PROVISION.......regardless of your needs, God meets them.

His presence......no matter what you're going through, you don't have to be lonely.

Embrace Freedom!!!

That's pure retirement! I hope you get a chance to read my "Mind Comment" on FB today. Women are so important and being a retired woman helping other women is ecstacy!! Brings so much happiness and life every single day! I call Thursday "catch up day!!!" Reading, Praying, Gardening, Organizing....how about you? How is your Thursday?

I'm also waiting to go to the Dentist tomorrow because a filling fell out of my tooth...ugh! And he was all booked up until Friday a.m. at 8. I always hope our very favorite Dentist we've had for twenty-eight years can make my tooth perfect again. Prayers please. Not my favorite place to be in a Dentist chair, but necessary!!!

Remember to Smile!!!

Let's not forget to smile. At people who come our way. Smiles can leave impressions....that stay with us always.

There's no way we can bear the burdens of others. We care. We only wish we could send flowers to them to cheer them up.

We won't regret if we give a smile that will boost their day!!!!!

The smile helps those in need.

Embrace Love!!!!!

I have never run into such bitter peeps about love! It's pathetic. That's what makes the world go round. Just because one person messed up royally in their marriage doesn't mean we all live like that!!!

One of the keys to a happy and successful marriage is mutual understanding and love. Understanding means accepting a person as he is for what he is (& his fam.) We are able to help each other but desirable changes are mde only through patience, LOVE, understanding and bitterness and conflict should be thrown out the window.

How do we ever expect to understand our mate if we do not understand our own self in love? Embrace love...Study it in the Bible....can't get enough of it. I know I have to give love...I know it is the BEST way to live!!!!

Best Ever 4th of July!!!!

How about you? What did you do?

Our lives were filled with patriotism, celebrating our fabulous daughter's b-day, parade, concerts, whoopeee!!!!!!

Everyone always wants to ask me how do I really enjoy the 4th when your daughter was born right at the very eve of the holiday? Trust me...all these years we couldn't have a big birthday party because all the kids in the summer were gone to their Grandparents for the summer time; then when she graduated from College getting her MA degree, she moved far away....so this year we did Web/Cam birthday and it was incredible!!!! She showed us her living room as she has changed every thing around, we got to see the two adorable granddogs and as she stated "it was like we were just together." She is esthatic over it and can't stop thanking and complimenting us.

I am a birthday Mom to the max and also I love parades!!!!! So, my hubby and I went to one in our town, then to a country/western concert and we had watermelon that they were giving away!!!! This was the best ever 4th of July!!!! Woooohooo

The Greatest Thrill!!!

Having a precious beautiful, marvelous, phenomenal daughter almost on the 4th...she was born on the 3rd....so, her birthday is FIRST, then the 4th activities. If the rain doesn't wash out the parade...this weekend has been my most greatest thrill; giving birth to her thirty-six years ago and being ever so close, then the parade and the then the fireworks and Orchestras that give such spectacular programs.

My heart is huge towards all these events, but I want to wish all of you a Happy and safe 4th!!! Have fun, celebrate our freedoms, and have a thrill of all of everything! I know I will! My heart is so overjoyed, and hope your's is also!! All of this cannot be comprehended until we lay our precious heads tomorrow night, resting to thank God for such feelings of excitement and thrill!!!

Enjoy Your Day!!!!

I'm taking a "Carol Day!" Enjoy your's! Blessings to all of us!!

Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!

My hubby and I had a great time in the kitchen for supper last night. Usually we eat about 5-sh, but I wanted to watch Oprah which comes on at 4. So, from 3:45 p.m. and 4 we both did awesome team work and had supper on the table by 4!!! Now that was a challenge. We had homemade tacos and he is perfect at chopping up the tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, onions (he loves onions on his tacos) and I decided to make chili rheonos which turned out delicious. Then, he did the hamburger meat and I did the tortillas. You can't tell me teamwork doesn't work!!!Total cost $1.29 (3 tacos each)

So much fun....what have you done together with your hubby where you both masterminded the event and it worked?

I'd love to hear. Happy Thursday!!!

Isaiah 43:19 Awesome!!!!!!

"Behold I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

The six most encouraging phrases from this scripture are:

I love you.

You will get what you need.

All is forgiven.

I believe in you.

You've lost weight.

Keep on serving!

This is a NEW THING and TASK I have decided to do. Make scripture work for me for what goes on in everyday life! It means so much more. Try it - you can do it also...I'd love to hear what you have found from a scripture! Wooohooo!!!!

Be Affirmed!

Be affirmed now that you are happy. I promise you - you will have so many days of non-stress when you make up your mind you are happy. No one else can force you to be happy....it's a way to live and feel affirmed. I like to read Prime Minister's background; how they built their reputation as a diplomat and social reformer. How they mastermind great purchases and how they approach people.

There's been so many Pastor's Wives who have made a tremendous reputation in and how they handle speeches to women; women conferences, etc. I know we are retired now from the ministry, but when my hubby Pastored in New England, I was a vital part of the New England Ladies Seminar where some three thousand women would attend. I was the Worship Leader and spoke at some of the Sessions. I had ladies coming up to get my autograph like I was a great celebrity. The joy exhibited on their face when I signed their Bible; I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world! There was always a lesson to learn about happiness and leadership. I had to affirm myself to win the confidence, trust, and friendship of the ladies so that their needs would be met.

It works! Believe me! Be cnfident; afirmed; happy; and real!!! It works!
I'm late today with my blog....google was down.....have a great Tuesday!

HAPPINESS CONT'D

Perhaps we realize that we have not made the most out out of life. It is never too late to begin. Nothing comes by only wishing. When you hear the musician and note the ease and grace of his/her performance, do you think of the years of struggle and overcoming that was necessary to produce the beautiful music? Prepare now to fulfill your fondest dream.

Happiness does not depend on outside circumstancs - real happiness is found by being true to one's self; always seeking high ideals and the perfect peace found only in the will of God. Remember obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes off the goal. Be happy! It works! A touch of beauty. Trust me. Or do you have your own take on this? What do you think makes you happy? What does it take?

HAPPINESS CONTINUED!!!

We do not find happiness in the gaining of much wealth. Many times the gaining of material things only causes us more problems. Luke defines his in chapter 12, verse 15....we visit in every type of home and many times we find the happiest, most well-adjusted families are those who have to depend on each other completely, and on the Lord instead of what they have laid up on banks and investments.

A happy life must have a center or a point of reference. No matter how far we travel, there must be a home port, a place to return where we know love is waiting to greet us. In our Chrisian life, Christ is the focal point. "For me to live is Christ..." Philippians 1:21.

MORE TOMORROW : )