Confidence!!!

Have you read Joyce Meyer's new book on Confidence?

Yesterday I had the privilege of reading it!

Awesome!

She puts it way up in the category of ENCOURAGEMENT so I thought I would mention it on my blog. The opposite, of course, is discouragement and since I don't blog negative information, I will give her a huge pat on the back for this book.

We all need confidence and I believe we forget what it really does for us. It's a big boost to how you feel!!!! If you are walking around in this world and have no confidence, you might want to ask God for a bucket full now!!!! Aim for more!

Consume Confidence. There are so many scriptures for confidence! The main goal is to aim at making the heart acceptable in the sight of the Lord (Ps. 19:14) and saturate your heart to be confident! Find a rhythm or a pattern that fits your lifestyle in confidence.

Confident in love, Bible reading, finances, teaching your children, more time, get up early and pray! Always aim for more confidence and be assured God will give you everything you need to feel strong in this commitment. Where'er thou art - at home, abroad, He still is near to thee to always give you the confidence you need. Wow!!!!!

Manifesting Our Love In Guidance!

Children are not looking for pals in parents, but for parents who will show their love through discipline and companionship. Too many parents are caught up in their own whirlwind of activities and never share themselves with their children.

A child should be treated with courtesy and compliments. Often parents only speak to their children when they need correction and this tends to make them misbehave simply to obtain attetion.

"Love is a basket with five loaves and two fishes. It's never enough until you start to give it away."

Learn to express your love.

Love is a Privilege!

Love is a privilege, not a duty! We need to show a wholesome, respectful love that does not smother the person but allows them independence while at the same time giving security!

The power of love....oh yes! No cable can draw so forcibly and no cord can bind as security as love can do with a very simple thread. LOVE MUST BE SINCERE. Love is to be constant, happy, shown in wisdom and understanding. Love cannot be bought.

It must be expressed.

(To be continued... I'm meeting someone this morning (yes, this early) who wants to share the love she has for her hubs!!!) Wooohooo

Faith Will Conquer!!!! ....Random Thoughts

Faith works!
Forgetting all I trust Him!
Who do you put your trust in?
Yes, it conquers!!!
I have faith that this chair I am sitting in will hold me.
That same faith takes hold when we put our complete trust in God!
That's where we live. Most people have no clue what it would remotely feel like to trust God and live in the Faith zone!!!
I never knew what it was like to live on faith until the last church my hubby Pastored ....we lived on faith. God always supplied at just the right time. You have to make your petitions known to Him, forgiving others as freely as He has forgiven you. Affirm that the Lord will constantly provide your needs by the faith in Him.

Keep your prayers going for "personal needs." It is God's desire that you know His will for your life. And that comes with trusting in Him.....all trusting. Prayer to have faith in trusting God prepares you to practice tough love, make Godly decisions and necessary changes.

Make your ear attentive to skillful faith living and the Godly wisdom that comes with it. (Matt. 6:33). I pray today you feel the many ways God supplies your every need just simply by relying on Him through Faith....Forgetting All, I Trust Him!

Be Equipped For Success

You are equipped because of a prayer you give to God!

1. Thanksgiving for the knowledge you know to do your job and even more!
2. It's because of God that you have rich and wonderful blessings.
3. He has delivered us out of the power of darkness and gives us understanding!
4. And that is success!

Most of all, be committed that you can do the work you have to do and be successful at it. Concentrate on being the best and let your boss know you did extra!!! Yesterday I talked with a lady who wants to live out God's Plan with Passion and Purpose. Plus have a successful marriage. It has to be a DESIRE to want a success in your life. We can do it ladies....just don't give up and sit around and feel sorry for yourself and play the victim role. You will GET NOWHERE!!! I promise...be equipped for success; know you can do it; and pat yourself on the back that you can do it!!!!! Happy Wednesday!!!!

Busy Women!!!

Hey there Busy Woman!!!! There's a difference, of course, between a busy woman and a lazy woman. Lazy women don't care ever about cleaning their home and making it comfortable for them, let alone others who come over. Then there is one who cares. Happy family...no one likes clutter on top of clutter!! We can't be too busy to redeem the time and make the most of of our time for our home. It shows we care when we give it some effort.

Weigh and evaluate the use and results of each priceless day. Uncover the time bandits and the time robbers that are allowing to cheat us out of our valuable minutes given to our home! Guard your time and home. Best of happiness! Come on. I know you can do it!!!

A Great Guideline!

Build your home!

Proverbs 14:1 "Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands."

What does the word build bring to mind? To me it conjures up images of effort, energy, and sweat! It connotes faithfulness...your dreams become a reality. And don't forget attitude! There's a roll-up-your-sleeves mentally that must go with home building. The tasks must be owned and tackled and with gusto! We have to welcome the labor it involves! The wise lady "builds" her house...it's her assitnment and she willingly takes on the challenge...with passion and purpose!

Love your home; manage it! I like homelovers because I believe that if you love your home, you'll do all the rest. You'll work at keeping your home; a great manager, and love will enable us and empower us to tackle, master, and excel it!

Early Riser!!!!!

Yesterday I met a lady who has the same sleep schedule. Early to bed, early to rise! That's a first! She has a Catering business; last Thursday she got up to make 500 pies, mind you!!!!!! (Chocolate, coconut and banana cream....from scratch!!!!)
In 1978 she lived in our house. She had graduated from school and wanted a home to rent while she went to college. So she came by our home and ended up sitting on the porch telling me her story (stories) : )

This is a first "Early Riser" I've met in a long time!

Actually that is the best time to bake. I've gotten up several times to make many, many loaves of banana bread.

Do you like to meet new people? It definitely was interesting!

May our God lift you up today and love you with an everlasting love today!

Who Is Keeping Score?

I would have a miserable day (definitely not encouraging day) if I counted on my fingers who reads my blog? Initially, putting it in was not to have a zillion comments, but all the years I have been in the Senior Ministry, I love to write to ladies and guys some "pass me down what you have done to keep such a happy life."

Random writing........

Who's keeping score? I don't think anyone that reads my blog is critical in this category of total of people who subscribe and read it!!!

People are ALWAYS asking me why I am happy and I tell it on my blog; some people have never had the privilege of being happy......truth....is.....they don't want to be happy. Misery loves company and they are their own misery!!! Ooooo that's too negative.

Here's a very ENCOURAGING thought for today:

Overcome issues with a new teachable spirit.

How's that working for you? Are you teachable or do you still have an overcontrolling spirit? You might as well know your life will be miserable!
Let God transform you!!!! How 'bout today? Saturdays are a great day to be thankful for even the smallest of thankfulness. Did you ever write a note to someone that means the world to you? Today I'll be making a Birthday card for a lady who will be 70 years old....er young. Can't wait....she's a bit color blind so she tells me the blues look like greens. But she is not judgmental or critical; just adores my creative cards!!!! I love her compliments!!! Have fun today everyone!!!!!!

I Truly Love This!!!!

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. (There's a difference in the real compliment!)

Critize me and I may not like you! (Amen on that one).

Be bitter towards me and I cannot be around you. (Very true!)

Ignore me; and I may not forgive you. (It's inevitable!!!)

Encourage me and I WILL NOT FORGET YOU. (Be oh so blessed!)

10 Disciplines for a Passion for The Bible!!!!

1. Refuse to miss a day.

2. Pray that you will even love the approach!

3. Consume different ways...video, aim at meditations.

4. Desire for wisdom and strength it brings!

5. I want to be a woman of THE BOOK - the Bible!!!

6. For accountability.

7. It helps me face the challenges of the day!!!

8. How did the women of the Bible handle life's escapables!!

9. Gives me extreme purpose!!!

10. Discipline, Happiness, Structure, and Encouragement!!!

Looking At Life!!!!

One of the key ingredients of life is people.....and people take time. I love to remind myself of this! Friendships are necessary, but be careful who you pick. You could have someone who works against you. I have a dedicated friend who many many years ago was a friend sent by God and represented a part of His purpose for my day and my life. Our family is glad she is my friend! That's so important for me.

Can you say you have a friend you can trust and is happy for you living a life of passion and purpose? She gives me consistent friendship. Prov. 27:10 says "Do not forsake your own friend." I have had my hubby say, "not a friend.....this lady you had coffee with." When I hear that warning, I am careful about what I do and say. Now, I have a friend; he gets a smile on his face when he knows I connect with her whether FB, E-mail, Blog, Texting, or Phone. It is our prayer daily that she will be blessed because my hubby says...."Carol, you are an incredible friend and I know you are definitely an ADDER to her life, as you are to mine.....I'm happy for you!" Nothing like hubby who cares enough to cheer me on!!! Love, love, love it!!!!

Wednesdays are my favorite day. ...and I love sharing positive comments, especially looking at life and rewarding myself for having such an awesome friend!!

Love Is The Key Ingredient

Honestly, some people say it is so difficult to love someone that is rude, out of sorts people and people with non-respect.

It's a challenge to me!!! First of all, I announce to my CLOSEST friend to pray for me as I approach that person. For some odd reason, I cannot be rude back to that person because prayer puts me in a mode that says, "It's their problem....if they want to be so self-centered, then they have to live with their self and I can just go on loving, my main incredient!!!" They know they push my button, so they're not going to change, but as the Beattles sang in my teen years, "Love is all you need...love, love, love is all you need!!!!"

I hope your Tuesday is just pretty great! Send that love out to others!!!!!! I'll be praying for you to get the "key ingredient" in, in, and more in!!!!!

Falling In Love!!!

Falling in love is easy.

Next to your relationship with God, your marriage is most urgent - and demanding.

I enjoy great accomplishments on many fronts and love living out God's plan that makes me a wise woman.

Follow your husband's leadership (Eph. 5:22) This represents God's will for every married woman. Some think that in our modern-do-your-own-thing...I-am-woman-world, submitting to our husband is outdted, prehistoric, even barbaric. But read that scripture and do it and you will have major respect for your husband. Never talk about him and downgrade him. I always say, "I'll have to check with my husband"
first.....the little things....but they say a lot!!

Your loyal love will work wonders in your marriage.....he is noble, so praise him and appreciate him!!!! I love to love him and love never ceases to bring great peace!!!

Why I Pray!!!

#1 reason: Mandatory!!!

When it comes to prayer, believe me, ignorance is not bliss!!! How in the world can we call upon the grace and mercy of the Lord, if we don't even know where we are in our prayer life?

Dear ones: this kind of careful attention is called for with any discipline. Have a prayer life, starts with a daily working knowledge of God's help!

Here's how it goes for me. I pray every morning when I get up....

Then I go a step further....

I write down my prayer requests in my personal journal.....

and.....

mark off prayers that have been answered.

Self-control....."Seek ye first the Kingdom of God....." List for prayer requests and it's a blessing to take time to pray!!! He knows our heart and wants to hear!!!

Begin today....I know you can do it!!!!!

Our Call To Prayer

No one could ever read the Bible and not notice its emphasis on prayer! From the opening pages of the Bible to its closing chapters, men and women of faith are heard crying out to God. Ineed, whole prayers are recorded for us word for word. Jeremiah 33:3; James 1:5; Matthew 7:7.

Do we really commune with the God of our Universe? He's our Sovereign and our Father!!!! He's the one who will never leave you nor forsake you.

I believe prayer nurtures our trust in God. A good father would never neglect his children and neither does our Heavenly Father. I have to pray regularly and boldly! I just decide that I will set aside some portion of time each day - alone - for prayer. That time can be 5, 10 minutes, or 15 minutes or more. I dedicate these minutes to the sacred path of prayer. I'll apply the same two principles to prayer that I use for Bible reading time.

Something is better than nothing.

And I would suggest, Always aim for more. Just think...it's You and God and you know He is with you intervening for you. I cannot live without it!

Nurture Your Friendships

We never wake up in the morning and coldheartedly, calculatingly decide, "I think I'll neglect my friends today." No, the neglect is most subtle. We just wake up in the morning and don't even think about our friends! Therefore, our friendships must be nurtured. You and I have to make willful decisions about the maintenance and growth of friendships with both family and friends...and that takes time, care and love.

Have a rewarding Friday and remember to nurture your friendships....amen and amen on this!!!!

God's Blessings

It's so easy to get stuck in minor difficulties, simply because it's purposed to cause discouragement. It almost worked for me. But, I get so reminded that God's blessings are what is at stake here and my choice: GOD'S BLESSINGS!!!

How about you? This has been Happy Mother's Day postweek. God has blessed the world with special women like us to be a Mom. That, in and of itself is such a blessing!! I have two marvelous adult kids that treat me so royally on Mother's Day and I'm having a super great week reminencing!!!! Not to mention, my flowers and incredible cards are the blessing of the Century!

I've seen God do the amazing things. Gen. 19:22 - right there when you need it!
Dare to receive God's blessings!!! Enjoy!!! Oh yes!!!! Greet everyone with a smile because it's the beginning of love even more because of our kids who have sure made my week!!! My resinate! Enjoy your "more of the week."

Spirit of Love

It's so sad that some ladies I work with cannot have a Spirit of Love. You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lives are the moments when you have done things in a spirit of love. I believe that happens when you quit running your husband in the ground, but love him.

Check yourself.....yesterday I talked with a lady that said "That's the last thing I want to do; I'm paying him back." Sooo sad, why did you marry him?

I've seen some women who love their dog more than their husband. Check yourself...don't withhold love; that's the Spirit of ...... the home.......attitude....and way it should be!!!

Sarcastic Women!!!!

Everyone that knows me knows I do not do negative!!!! But, I have something on my mind that I am asking God to replace these thoughts (which I confess are negative) to thinking it really didn't happen, but that would not be true, because it did happen. Recently I saw a Lady purposely make sarcastic about one of our family members... remarks that shouldn't have been made or send e-mails, so sarcastic....and my mind cannot figure out why???? To hurt and injure on purpose? I really don't like to admit it, but I believe it was meant to be to hurt. At the same time, if anything was said sarcastically to them, they would start an argument that would never end. They are just waiting for a chance to dominate, control, dictate, and say bad things.....it's so sad.

They should be desiring a meaningful relationship, but are too jealous because they are not prominent and get cool things that happen to others who deserve great things. It's as they want to STOP something great happening to someone.

People like to feel special....sincerely compliment them.

People are looking for a better tomorrow....show them hope.

People get down-hearted.....encourage them!

People want to be associated with success....help them win.

I want to be a model to follow......and be an example.

So, don't let the miserable, down and outers, jealous people get the best of you.
Continue putting a roadblock because once receiving such negative, disgusting comments, it is very hard to transfer your mind, without really going to the Lord in prayer to get the negative thoughts out. They say things like that to PUSH YOUR BUTTON, and honestly some times it does, but this time I am working hard on going on with loving my family, friends, and enemies.....a big goal to accomplish Psalm 31:24 "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart all you who hope in the Lord." Please respect....and it's not cool to be sarcastic; pretty soon you will be a lonely person who has NO ONE coming around. I know several ladies who are living miserable lives because of their sarcasims!!!!!! & don't be a victim of making such derogitory remarks!!!!

Fabulous Thought to Maintain! : )

After such an amazing Mother's Day (talk about being oh so loved by both kids....and everyone else) which was absolutely incredible, I came up with this thought and I hope all of you enjoy it:

Life is like a coin; you can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Copied from my Facebook: "What's On My Mind" by Carol
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY 2010!!! - This day has already taken my breath away as I have shared already the LOVE and JOY I've received for this fabulous day!!! God blessed the World with Special Women (Mom's)....liike US!!!! And our own Mothers who are in the arms of our precious Lord, or still here, we honor them! Mother: the greatest role on earth!!!!

The power of LOVE will be and has been given to me. Our kids will call me and I'm thrilled that we CONNECT!!!No cable can draw so forcibly and no cord can bind as security as the love that is so constant, happy, shown in wisdom, and understanding.

"Love is a basket with five loaves and two fishes. it's never enough until you start to give it away." Learn to express your love, Mom's - tremendous security...goes out to your kids and cannot be bought. It must be expressed!!!!

Hope of Today!!!

We have the hope of today, for every moment we breathe is a gift from God!

Looking forward to a tremendous Mother's Day tomorrow. I've already received great gifts from our two precious kids. I still call them kids even though they are grown adults.

They treat me like a queen and I am so blessed. It brings tears to my eyes how marvelous they give out a lot of love and appreciation to me for being their Mom.

TODAY: National Day of Prayer & Our Granddaughter's Birthday!!

Today is the National Day of Prayer. Let’s take time to focus our attention on praying for our Nation.

I pray today for God's mercy to be on the Haiti people and Tennessee and the so sad flooding. I know they are suffering great losses from the flooding. I pray the Lord shows Himself strong and faithful to these awesome people. It is a disaster. Oh God, please provide abundantly for those who have lost their homes and possessions.

I pray that those who are hurting will turn to You and be comforted for whatever their issues are THIS DAY.

Then today is our Granddaughter's birthday! She is such an adorable person; so sharp, full of tremendous energy and I could sit and watch or listen to her all day...she is always so cool and since day 1 she was born on this day, she has always been so full of life, joy and fun. She labeled this: "Shop 'til you drop day." And believe you me, when we had our Shop 'til you drop day (I think it was when she was double digit as she called it 10 years of age, two years ago). Anyway, we literally dropped at the Mall door, we were so pooped! I'm so excited for her; she deserves an awesome, cool birthday and we'll be celebrating with her tonight...can't wait!

If you would like to leave a prayer request for National Day of Prayer, please feel free to. I know more will be of e-mail, because some are timid about leaving a post, but have a day of God hearing your prayer as we all share this sacred day!

A Real Friend!!!

Yesterday I received a card from what I would consider a REAL FRIEND!

It stated a person who can look, but a friend sees the heart, understands your dreams. That hit me between the running lights. "Understands my dreams?" What is my dream? I don't even know! It made me start thinking to at some time write down my dreams and what I want in life. I know, but I've never written them down. At that point I will share with her, my real friend, and see if she understands. Trust me, she will understand, because I know the challenges and triumphs she has been through and I could rest assure, I've had a spell of those same challenges!

Friends understand because they have been through it also!

I have another DEVOUT friend and number one in my life....yesterday she sent an incredible e-mail and shared some great news regarding a task she is doing beyond the call of duty to not only do her daily job at work, but taking care of a relative who could not have made it without her encouragement to get well from serious surgery she had. She shared with me, "she could be on her own" but another relative will take over, to share her part....folks that's a friend!

Oh, my list could go on and on....God help me see I have friends who care and want me to be blessed. I love being their friend also!!!!!! whoowhoooo!!! Yea for them!!!!

Up Bright & Early!!!!

Communicating.....oh yes! Some notes.........

The art of communication is simply talking things over quietly, composed, using appreciation, admiration, respect, encouragement, understanding.

Looking at the problem from different viewpoints; everything seems to come out right and the once mountain problem becomes very insignificant!

Without communication there can be no adjustment. Ability to converse, to air any problem which may arise, to share with the other the private fears and worries and desires is so necessary!

Keep the lines of communication open without hostility, rudeness, or noisiness. It's important to have an understanding.

Have you ever made a statement to someone and both you are not on the same page? One is trying to say something that is off the planet as I call it. While the other thinks they know what the answer is? Being a good listener is vital!!!!

I love being up early to get the day started! Yea!!! I hope your Wednesday is happy!

Lines of Strong Communication

I strive to have a positive blog, so I will not discuss weak communication. I like the subject of strong communication.

Here's a few great things that make for STRONG communication:
Appreciation
Admiration
Respect
Encouragement
Understanding
Mutual Interests
Prayer
Consecration
Dedication

Proverbs 31:12 A wise woman will build a successful marriage by MEETING her husband's needs in this scripture. We must strive to keep our marriage in TUNE!

Happy Tuesday! Be blessed!

Change! (Gratitudes Galore!!!)

From time to time, I see change in someone, but unfortunately it's not for the best. But, since my blog is precisely for positive living and I would rather discuss the changes to someone that is positive; I'm going to choose my words. Over the weekend I saw two who HAVE CHANGED so marvelously. And believe it or not, they were incredible people (our daughter and our very close friend). The very close friend is giving a multitude of hours to take care, while working for a family relative....just miracle living! I give her a million pats on the back. Now, that is showing your Christianity and love from God and wants no major glory for it!!! Then, there was our daughter who set up this microsoft cam. chat where we could see her and she saw us! NOW I FEEL CHANGED. Oh, she was so incredible, I can't even begin to tell you what it did for DAD & MOM....wow - she didn't leave anything about us to see how we were. SUCH CARING and LOVE.

I begin the week with joy in my heart and cold chill bumps that two people entered our lives this weekend and made us feel like the most valuable people in this very world! Of course they both say I give them the joy by sending cards to them, but I give full credit to them because they reply and check on us!!!!! My change is I'm going to just keep my thoughts on the encouragement we have gotten through our Daughter and Son and Friend (I also want to include her husband : ) !!! May they have a phenomenal week for spreading joy, love and beautiful care!!!! They'll be real humble and say the gratitude goes to us....However, based on how we feel, it's them!!! We are so thankful!

It's A Privilege To Pray!

.....because

Prayer is the way we commune with God.

Prayer is a privilege.

The Creator of the World is who we are in touch with!

He will never leave us nor forsake us.

What a privilege we have to link up with God in prayer.

In my own life, I am wanting to see some answers to prayer, so I must remain in touch through prayer. So, I will remain patience and continue the prayers to see results.

How about you? Has He given you some awesome answers you can share? This is His day..all honor and glory to Him who wants to hear from us. I love that!

Children Are A Blessing!

We've been blessed! Our daughter got us a Microsoft camera for my 'puter and now tomorrow we are going to have the joy of seeing her and she can see us as we communicate! My husband looks awesome on "camera" -- me....hmmmm, but then I'll "doll" up to look awesome too!!!

I'm sure you've heard women talk on and on, complaining from one breath to the next, about the woes of raising children, referring to their little blessings from God as a brat-pack and rug-rats. You see, we've got it all wrong! Children are a blessing. They are an honor bestowed upon us from God. Motherhood is a privilege, and our children are our crowning glory! (I Tim. 2:15)

I hope this day goes by quickly so we can be blessed beyond comprehension to see her!
She was born in Kentucky....so of course we'll be watching the Kentucky Derby today....wouldn't miss it for the world. My hubby grew up there and then to think we lived there and am thrilled she was born there.

Blessings to you this day for the loving, adorable children you have to rejoice about! I'm with you on that one!!! woooohooo!!!