Sunday, October 31, 2010

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!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

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!!!

Friday, October 29, 2010

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!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

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.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

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!!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

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!

Monday, October 25, 2010

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!!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

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."

Saturday, October 23, 2010

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."

Friday, October 22, 2010

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!"

Thursday, October 21, 2010

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.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

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."

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

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?

Monday, October 18, 2010

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!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

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!!!!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

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.

Friday, October 15, 2010

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!!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

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!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

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?

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

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.

Monday, October 11, 2010

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!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

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!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

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, October 8, 2010

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!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

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!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

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

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

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!!!

Monday, October 4, 2010

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!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

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!!!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

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.

Friday, October 1, 2010

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. : )