Why Do I Blog?

Because I love to give encouragement of simple suggesions that can take your life from fairly functional to simply sensational!

I have blog-itis when I go a couple of days and won't be around a 'puter to blog. So, I'm back and have a super wonderful weekend and enjoy this beautiful time of the year! Ooooo I love those two words "simple sensational!" Life's too short to carry around extra baggage....I know you get the picture! See ya.

Thanks, thanks, and more thanks!!!!

This post is dedicated to grateful hearts for your comments to either my texting or blog. As I sit here so very early in the morning and probably the only one in this neighborhood that is up at this beautiful hour, I think about the caring people and y'all are the ones. I know the "jet set" (that's wannabe brilliant executives) and have entrepreneur spirits comment because I know you are out there in the working world and that's what y'all want to hear! So, with that, and with some encouraging thoughts I have today, I shall continue. So, I appreciate your comment, Geneva. Short and sweet, but needed.

What's on my mind today?.....encouragement if you are planning on getting a new look. Yesterday one of my friends who manages the Clinique counter gave me a makeover, so now I have a bronze color blusher that makes me look like I'm 34 again! She showed me how to put it on and honestly it looks like I just got back from getting a tan in Hawaii!!! My hubby was esthatic about my looks. Because I also had my hair spiked a on the sides and back and that looked oh so awesome. It would surprise most people, but my hubby loves my hair looking funky and the new look gave me a new outlook on life! Have you ever felt bedraggled and felt like you needed a new something?????? Well, I had a coupon for a "free haircut" at Regis that I had forgotten that I had..........so away I went. If I can ever figure out how to put the pic of my new looks I will.

And thanks to our son and daughter who encourage us to have a fun retirement. Their wonderful words of encouragements come at a super great time and are needed because we have been stuck in a rut! And now we are starting to do something different than just the ordinary mundate day to day routines. And....replenishing what has been used up, receiving back what has been spent, and refreshing what has grown stale. God definitely designed us to have rhythm in our lives and be totally devoted to life's restorations. These are my praises for this day. Enjoy your's!!!!

Take Personal Responsibility For Your Own Behavior

Get honest with yourself and take responsibility for your life: "I did it. I was wrong. I messed up." Rebelling against God for it? Ask for forgiveness. I believe we must LOVE and FORGIVE. I John 1:9....it says it right in the Bible!

There's no sin beyond the boundaries of God's faithfulness to FORGIVE.

Don't carry around all that guilt. It's not worth it! Happy Wednesday!

Managing Our Lives

I think we must manager our time, which means our schedules. We need to take a look at each day and say, "There are only so many hours. How can I use them best to pursue the priorities I have set?"

We must manage our energy. Some tasks and relationships take more energy - physical, emotional, and spiritual - than others.

We must manage our creativity. We must focus it for the great impact and effectiveness.

Lately I've run into some "mean" women. Why be mean? It's so unnecessary! I've noticed I say something to them that is encouraging and there's a mean comment like "Well, they did it to themselves." Or "She's so stupid about everything she does." That grieves my spirit. It will drain your energy. Manage your life to be around those that encourage or uplift! Have a super Tuesday! I know I am going to!

Associate With People Who Will Encourage You

Put some distance between yourself and those who speak discouragement into your life.

Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend loves at all times."

A true friend will not despise your weakness, but will believe for your strength.

A true friend will ENCOURAGE you. I have quite a few. Amen on that one!

Who Can Wipe A Tear That Does Not Fall?

The expression of pain is part of the grieving process every person needs to go through after he or she has been hurt or suffered a loss. Grieving is vital to our coming to closure. Grieving is part of the healing process anytime we have lost something precious to us.

The lost may have been the loss of a loved one or a devout friend.

The loss may have been the loss of innocence.

The loss of a Church.

The loss may have been a lost of self-worth, or dignity.

A person who suffers any kind of loss needs to grieve.

Find a friend who you can confide in and share your grieve and the tears will fall. I promise you.

Emotional Support

Now this is an interesting subject!

What happens when a couple learns to see their marriage through God's eyes? Deepened feelings, improved communications and a dynamic change in day-to-day interactions!

Love is for a lifetime....the good bad and and the ugly! Gen. 2:24 tells us that it is God's plan for a man to be joined as "one flesh." How sweet is this "presence" of mind when you really dwell on it. I constantly help women who say "He just does not understand me...he goes his separate way and I go mine." To me that's "Roommate living." That's the way I lived in dorm life in College. Try the one flesh and as the world puts it "be on the same page." It's tough getting there, but at least try.

Walk In Your God Given Purpose!

Great songs ...... great books......great Sermons........great businesses....great acts of love and kindness.....great deeds of heroism!!!!!!

Dreams come to pass when we work our dreams and our potential, when we step out and challenge life and take on the possibilities that He has before us. If we are just sitting around thinking about or talking about our dreams and our potential, we willnever move into our destiny - we will accomplish nothing and our dreams and our potential will go to the grave with us. Don't wait too late....walk in the purpose God has for you! If you need to be healed, call for prayer! Don't wait too late!

I hope the above is encouraging words to you. Don't be a should have, should of, wish I would of person!

What God Says Will Be, Will Be

Persevere in prayer, God will answer you.

That answer may come as you read God's Word or you hear a sermon...or it may come from the still, small voice of God speaking in your heart. The answer may come into your mind and heart in a flash, or it may come to you slowly over time,but the answer will come.

God hears and God answers. When you call upon Him, He will answer you.

I was praying for sisters to reunite and it happened! I also was praying to get this computer up and running on internet.....after eighteen days, it finally happened! Another answer to prayer; to get started on writing for the book I am authoring...that happened! How about you? What are your "God says will be, will be?" We serve a great God!!! Amen on that one!!! Enjoy your Thursday talking to God in prayer!

Cut Unhealthy Relationships Out of Your Life

The hardest thing to do....but oh, so necessary!

Never lose your identity for another person's sake. A healthy relationship is one in which there is balance. There is give and take and there is mutual appreciation and a building up of each other. It is one in which honest words of appreciation are exchanged without any hint of manipulation!

Trust God to give you the courage to end the relationship, and then trust Him to give you broad enought shoulders and thick enough skin to take criticism that you face for ending the relationship.

Say to yourself "All of my relationships are pleasing to God."

Last night I met with W.O.W Women of Worth ladies -- we've had longstanding times...these are women I can trust and are on my same page......thanks ladies...you are awesome!!!!! Love, Prayers, and Happiness today!

Letting others define you

Accept only what God says about you, and the words of those who allign themselves with His proclamation over your life!

I already have family members that define me as less blessed, less effective, less intelligent, less spiritual than God wants me to be. I will not let them define me and limit me! I know who I am in Christ!

I think they have. Issues with jealousy when they downplay or think they will succeed in limiting me. No way!

Whoa......stay cool!

The hot days of summer have been fast upon us!!!

Stay cool; don't get grumpy!!!

Drink lots of water!!!!!

I finally got my Mexican heather plants planted & petunias!!!!!! They are gorgeous & REAL!!!!

Yea.......night night -stay cool!!

I can only imagine

A blog on IPhone.....it might pick up one day and not the next...very annoying!

Ask God for big things.....

Believe God for big things!!!!

Pursue what God has for you.

Trust God.

F

A

I

T

H

...is what empowers you to obtain all that God has promised you!!!!!

Enjoy your Friday!

Embrace Your Distinctiveness

That is where you will find your value.

You are the Designer's (our precious Lord's) original!!

You are not a cheap imitation of someone else. You are not a copy.

You have your own specific physical identity--- have great self esteem!

Psalms says.......we are fearfully and wonderfully made!!!

Spend some time rejoicing over that!!!! Embrace that! You
are beautiful! You really are!

Those who care

And you're one of them if you let me know you got my blog......Google cares.......I connected them @ 4-ish AM. ; (
and they fixed it!!!!!

Oh how I love my blog and u that read it!!!!! More encouraging words tomorrow!!!!!

Yea------woo hoooo!!!

Thanks so much!!!!

Our computers are out. Thanks for your patience. Here's an Encouraging thoughts;
Always keep moving towards what God has for you!
Because God will start a great thing in you and finish it! Let him do it! Prov. 3:5
I may not be able to comment back asap, but keep your's coming! I love your feelings and wisdom!
I'm posting on an 3G IPhone!!!!! Woohooo!

Patience please..........

Your Uniqueness Makes You Special

ACKNOWLEDGE the gifts God has given you.

God chose all the attributes for your life, and He knew where to put you, with whom to put you, and how to place you in time and space so that He might raise you up to be unique of His love and power to this world.

People who don't know that theya re God's workmanship often spend a very long time trying to be something they were not created to be. They try to change their appearance and their talents. They try to bypass their culture of their ethnicity or their gender.

God made you and He made you "wonderfully." (Ps. 139:14) My uniqueness is that I love to connect and encourage. In any way.....whether it be by a creative card which I create "Carol's Creative Cards" or via a compliment. We all need compliments; kids are starving for attention, teens are wanting SOMEONE to understand them, and women just want to feel unique and be on the same page as their hubby or have a peaceful atmosphere with their adorable children!

Right now acknowledge what your special uniqueness is. Another one of my uniqueness is I am a fantastic Grandma.....hip, hip, hooray and I see it in our grandkids eyes that light up when they get up in the morning while they are at our home, so glad to see me! They are so precious! In fact, all of us are precious! Wear that on forever!!!!!

What is your uniqueness and gifts? I'd love to have you share them! Have a happy Wednesday!

Commitment

I just want to take a minute and encourage you today:

God is on your side. The creator of the Universe! The best is yet to come. He is not done with you. God sees your heart. Commit to becoming a better grandparent, parent, better spouse, better neighbor, better person.

You are in good company with God and let Him do the committing for you! wooohooo

Associate With People Who Add To Your Life

There are four types of people in your life:

people who add

people who subtract

people who multiply

people who divide

Associate only with people who add or multiply your life. If a person is subtracting or dividing, you need to separate from that person. It will bring you down. I promise. Life's too short to add so much stress to your life!

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 you have done. 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 your future."

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1

Congrats to us....we have a new great nephew, Harrison Smith, born last night about 3a.m. in Oklahoma!!!! ...to our neice Carisa and hubby Chad! Now they have a girl and a boy! That's cool! I love being a Grandma and I know my Sis, Jackie is happy also!!!!! For sure!!!!

Make a Decision To Walk In Agreement with the Significant People in Your life

To come into unity means to come into agreement. Agreement means "to pursue a conscious decision to work together and meet by appointment."

Regularly affirm your "agreement" tot he significant people God has placed in your life.

Without unity and agreement, there is no blessing.

"Be at peace among yourselves." I Thess. 5:13

Do not deliberately hurt people. That's so unkind. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

I know I usually have my blog at 6-ish a.m. instead of p.m. It's been a long day but extremely remarkable! May God give you lots of His Love and devotion and make you feel oh so significant!!!!!!

Where Did June Go? ...sharing my heart......

These days are passing by oh so quickly! June came and is almost gone! Thank you so much those who have stayed with us for the retirement.....oh I've had faithful ladies who were in my W.O.W. (Women of Worth) class come by, one who has helped say positive remarks of what we meant to her.....just so much "positive stroking" and "Thank You's" and kind (oh so kind) remarks what we meant to them! Maybe that is why June passed quickly. Of course at this time I have the phenomenal, brilliant, amazingly incredible grandkids. Oh so cute and precious! Indescribable! What I love is the talent and so smart they are!

I've pretty much gotten very organized on some retirement stuff. And it just that ....stuff! Where does all of it come from???? Heaven only knows! But I know one thing...it doesn't bother me at all to get rid of it. I'm not a "horder" who keeps things strewn out everywhere...nopers that is not me...I will throw something away before I pile it up and it looks like the town dump!!!!! How about you? Do you hang on to it forever or dispose of it? I surprise myself because growing up with hardly nothing...my parents were poor as job's turkey as they say in Oklahoma....and one would thing I would hord stuff...not on your life. I love the saying, if you don't use it in six months get rid of it.......Amen on that one, Sista!!!

Enjoy the rest of June (it's almost over) and have fun! I'm having a blast!

Don't deprive yourself of having fun....that's what it's all about!

Trust Issues

Many of us have trust issues. Some of us have tried long and hard to trust untrustworthy people. Over and again, we believed lies and promisess never to be kept. Some of us tried to trust people for the impossible; for instance, trusting a practicing alcoholic not to drink again.

Some of us trusted our God inappropriately. We trusted God to make other people do what we wanted, then felt betrayed when that didn't work out. Truly we can learn to appropriately trust our God - not to make people do what we want them to, but to help us take care of ourselves, and bring about the best possible circumstances at the best possible times, in our life.

We need to learn to trust appropriately. Trust our God and ourselves and trust others until you know the facts are not true. That is what messes your life up. The Bible says "Trust in the Lord........with ALL your heart........" Prov. 3:5 So hard to do, but must be done to keep all stress levels down!

People Who Try To Be God To Another Person

There's a huge difference between helping a person and carrying a person. We are not the Holy Spirit and not responsible for a person's success or failure.

God wants to have that position of responsibility so He can have that position of authority!

Only God is able to be there always for another person.

Only God is able to meet all needs.

Only God is able to heal, restore, deliver, and bring a person to wholeness.

Trust me....the world knows the difference between a phoney and the truth!!!

This retirement time is really awesome and rocks! Seeing the world through the fact that there definitely are people who try to be God to another person. Impossible!!! Get real with truth!

Start Mastering What Is Mastering You

You must be the monitor of your own needs and limtations!

(Probably my shortest blog in the history of my blogs....short, true, sweet to the point!) Think on that one for a while! and have a super great week!

Happy Father's Day!

What Is A Dad?

A dad is someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off,
and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail...

I am, without a doubt, loving the fact that my hubby is the Dad of 2 extremely fabulous kids and our Son is a Dad of 2 extraordinary kids!!! I wish both of you a tremendous Father's Day and all the other Dads! I saw on TV a Dad that just wanted REST today...I thought that was cool!!! I'm very appreciative of y'all and if that's what you want...REST...woooohoooo hope you get it!!!

Be Willing To Say, "I'm Sorry"

Why is it so hard for a person to say, "I'm sorry?"

We make all sorts of excuses. "He never says he's sorry; she never says I'm sorry" so why sould I say I'm sorry. "I was right, so why should I say I'm sorry?" Sorry doesn't mean anything, so why say it? That's wrong thinking. It doesn't matter what the other person says or doesn't say. Say "I'm sorry" a thousand times if you need to. Take the high road and pursue peace. "Seek peace and pursue it." (I Pet. 3:11). Oh, here's another great Bible verse. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18).

Express Joy & Pain

The expression of pain is a part of the grieving process every person needs to go through after he or she has been hurt or suffered a loss. Grieving is vital to our coming to closure. Grieving is part of the healing process anytime we have lost something precious to us. (A friend, family member, animal, etc.)

A person who suffers any kind of loss needs to grieve.

Who can wipe a tear that does not fall?

Get honest with yourself and take responsibility for your life: "I did it. I was wrong. I messed up. Please forgive me. That brings happiness my friend!

I John 1:9 - Any mistake you've made, or weakness can always be forgiven! Try it - you'll love it!

Awesome Encouraging Words RE: Depletion

If you ae depleted spiritually, then you need to take time to replenish yourself spiritually. If you are depleted emotionally, you need to do those things that fill you up emotionally. If you are depleted physically, you need to do what's necessary to restore your body.

A Haven of Peace?

Every lady, I believe, wants her home to be a haven of peace. No matter what kind of pressures bombard my life from the outside, it's my goal to keep our home a place where my husband and family can enjoy freedom from strife and feel secure, loved, content, and calm.

While I subscribe to this beautiful ideal wholeheartedly, I realize making peace happen is another matter. So, I do the acronyms:
P - atience
E - ncouragement
A - cceptance
C - orrection
E - embracing

Each step on the ladder as you go up is the key to making and keeping peace in your home. Best of blessings at your try for peace and attaining it! Have a happy Wednesday!

How To Become A Better You!!!

Constructive Criticism................
Certainly, constructive criticism can be helpful. An INSIGHTFUL point of light presented by someone who truly has your best interests at heart can illuminate an area where you need to improve. Sad to say, most criticism is not intended to build up another person; quite the opposite. The criticism that hurts the worst is frequently undeserved and unfair. Such criticism is a reflection more of the critic than of the person being criticized.

I've found that unwarranted criticism is most often based on jealousy. It stems from a competitive spirit. You have somthing that somebody else wants. Instead of being happy for you and keeping a good attitude, they try to cover their own insecurity by being critical, cynical, caustic, or snippy toward others.

Here's the key: CELEBRATE OTHER PEOPLE'S VICTORIES! It will definitely make you become a better you! Stay on the high road....let God fight your battles.

Perhaps you hve not been shaking things off, and recently you have let the slingers get the best of you; you've been dwelling on their criticism, fretting about who's talking negatively about you or who has rejected you. You feel sluggish because your well is nearly clogged up. It's time to clear out the rocks and keep your inner well fresh and clean! 'nuff said!

Forgive, Forgive, Forgive!

Do you easily forgive or do you carry a grudge?

It's something to think about. Do you harbor bitterness against someone?

Forgiveness is perhaps the greatest remedy for anger. Our precious Lord had every right to be angry toward those who placed Him there. Yet He asked His Father to forgive them. We are to do the same!

Just forgive. It's that simple! You really hurt your attitude if you look like you were eating sour pickles! Life's too short to carry grudges........lighten up....forgive!

Impact On Others

For those of you who have been so caring "checking" up on how I'm doing and knowing some of "Women of Worth" who attended my class, I want you to share an event this morning (yes, this a.m.) regarding how I am. As you knew, I had to go to the church extremely early; today I went early and there were two ladies sitting in their car and said they were waiting for the WOW class. I explained the circumstances, took their names, etc. and they thanked me graciously. I decided to go on in the church and have special prayer for everyone. If you are reading this blog, I want you to know you have been prayed for and I asked God to bless you in a great way (this day!) for the impact you have on others.

Remember this: I know our daughter always says, "Mom I love to see you happy." My comment: The happiness I feel is in direct proportion to the love I am able to give to others. (And that she says "is a lot!") What you're thinking what you're saying, what you're doing, is having an impact on you and the people around you right now! I know it for sure!

Kids That Have Such A Caring Conscience!

She is so compassionate and loving. I feel myself shifting to something bigger and deeper when I talk to her. She calls to check on us (these retirement years I'm sure make your children be real concerned!!!) She always has the kindest compliments, encouragement, and wonderful empathy, caring, and love. I think when you make loving others the story of your life, there's never a final chapter, because the legacy continues. You lend your light to one person, and he or she shines it on another and another and another. We raised a couple of phenomenal kids (although they are awesome, cool adult kids now!) Only parents can lather and fully enjoy to the fullest the love and support and we love it!!! We are sooo blessed and fortunate and eternal grateful. What gets us is that both of them are concerned about our welfare, health, and goals. It sends joy, confidence, and oh such love!

Your conscience is often called the compass of the soul. It works like an inward monitor, similar to an alarm. When you doing something beneficial, your conscience helps you to know what is right and what is wrong. One of the best friends you can ever have is your own conscience. I'm so grateful for caring kids.

I know I'm not perfect, but I also know this. My conscience is clear before God. I know that I'm doing my best to please Him. That's why I can sleep well at night. I don't have a guilty conscience because I treated someone (on purpose) rude or hurting them. That's why I can lie down in peace. That's why I have a smile on my face. Keep your conscience tender, and you will discover that life keeps getting better and better. Thanks kids. I appreciate you!

Never Compromise your character for anyone

There are relationships that prey on your heart and rob you of control over your life. Don't give power to any person to manipulate and control you. Nobody deserves that power but God! No person can make you lose your joy, your mind, your temper, or any other aspect unless you give that person the power. Don't do it.

Occasionally my husband will have me answer his phone and me being his confidante and trusted wife, if someone calls and sounds super controlling, I don't call them back because he said we don't have to jump when they say frog! So, that I did and this person got huffy with me after that. At that point he says he'll handle it. We've been working together for 42 years......does this person expect us to break our boundaries just because they want an answer NOW??? What sounded like a catastrophe ended up being almost a mind over matter situation.

This is what I'm talking about - don't let them steale your joy, your temper, you joyful day! They love misery and to start a frustrating episode of the drama they live.....don't get caught up in it. Don't do it! Have a nice Thursday and be happy!

Take The Limitations Off God!

If you believe God to heal a cold, He'll heal a cold.
If yu believe God to shake nations, He'll shake nations. How big is your God?

God is as big as you allow Him to be!

Organize, organize, organize!!!

Keep your home organized to SUPPORT everyone when "hurry-up find that" comes!!!
These are most encouraging thoughts I can assure you will keep peace in the family!
Can you find it at a "fingertip's notice?"

If you cannot, get with the program and organize! How would you like to coordinate a business and home-related info? I can attest to it.....it's fun if you will just get to it. I awakened with organizing on my mind and already have it done! It's right at my fingertips....hooray!!!

Clutter is very offensive; especially if someone came to visit you and couldn't help but see your personal stuff. I saw a program on Oprah last year that was pathetic - regarding women who are "horders" who never had anything when they were a kid, so they hord everything and put it right out in the open and you trip over it when you visit them. I did find that hard to believe until I saw that show. Her husband was livid! They could never keep peace in the family! My husband has already organized his hobby stuff and because I've been enjoying time with our dogs Pixie and Chloe - I got behind. Well, I'm caught up now....so I can focus on peace now! Have a very happy Tuesday! (& pla-----eeeeze......organize!!)

Focus on the Good Things

Change your focus. You must change your focus as you leave your past and embrace your future. You must begin to see yourself in new ways.

Focus on your future. What you focus on is what captures your attention and your affection.

Let God Restore You!

When God restores you, He brings you to wholeness. He gives you the courage to love again......the courage to face life....the ability to experience life fully. Out of your wholeness, you are able to love the unlovable, be brave in the face of terror, and trust even after years of not being able to trust. Open yourself up to God's restoring love.

I've had eighteen subscribe to my blog this week! I'm honored and my hubby is esthatic over this!!!!! He has been such a super encourager!! I am blessed!

Step Into The Blessings God Has!

Instead of infirmity.....our Heavenly Father gives us wholeness.
Instead of wandering....our Heavenly Father gives us direction, destiny, purpose and fulfillment.
Instead of mourning and sadness over what has been....our Heavenly Father gives us joy about what can be and what will be.
Instead of low self-worth.....our Heavenly Father tells us we are valuable!!!!

Great goal!

Redevelop my relationship with God! Pure gut check!!!! I'll take your prayers on this one!

Happy LAST DAY OF SCHOOL GRANDKIDS!
Happy Graduate HIGH SCHOOL TEENS!!!!

Button Pushers (or are they telling lies?)

Button pushers, lies, and just plain ole' users......that's so negative! Why do people choose to live like that. They chase their own lies and couldn't be truthful even if their life depended on it. How do you encourage a person who constantly tells lies? That's a great question. Me....I just sit back and watch them get in their perpetual lies and honestly I don't think they know the difference between a lie and the truth. It's a sad way for them to live. And the people who are around them just sit back and watch it, but there is even nothing they can do. Until the person owns up they are lying. It is my sincere prayer that ladies that have a moment by moment lie issues will come clean and face the real truth.

Wanna make that a matter of prayer with me because I think husbands are really missing out on a wife who lies....it could get very complicated, but it's a problem and they can victory over it if they will not deny that they have a problem.

My heart is so burdened over ladies that do not tell the truth. How about you? I know I'll hear from some via e-mail and look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

Develop Positivity

If you want your life to stand for peace and kindness, it's helpful to do kind, peaceful things. These little acts of kindness are opportunities to be of service and reminders of how good it feels to be kind and helpful. You might like holding a door open for people, or telling someone they look nice (friends). Think of something that seems effortless yet helpful. It's fun, personally rewarding and sets a good example. I send my own created cards. This world is so full of selfish, rude, non-caring, (don't care if they were even forced to) and jealous people. They think they are hurting by not contacting you; but the in the long run they are hurting their self because of the pent up bitterness, self-centeredness and negative emotions.

Everyone wins when you go the positive route! Come on - give in....be kind!!!!

Life Without Facebook

I've made a decision.....life without Facebook. My husband and I decided life with each other is what we want. I won't be checking it, nor participating in it. It's bee a humongous disappointment. It's too negative for me and it doesn't look like any improvement for others!

Here's a thought: You feel what you think.

I Will Remember This Day Forever

Today is a very special day for my husband and I. 37 years in the Senior Pastorate. We both have decided to just be us and enjoy every word, every waking moment and give a lot of love to the people that will be there.

There will be a "Commemorative" Bulletin and lots of healthy foods. I'm more concerned about my husband because it puts the beginning of a new life for him (& me). Maybe I can blog about it and maybe I cannot. Right now I can only say my heart is happy for a new beginning of many many blessings from 37 years of Pastoring and the end of a public life going to private life! As they say on Facebook...wooohoo!!!!

I pray you get to attend.

Love & Prayers,
Carol

Celebration! 37 Years!!!!!

Tomorrow........at church! Yea!!!!

To pay attention to everything.

To take absolutely nothing for granted.

Celebrate!

My heart is open to the future!

Bring it on!

See you there..........10 a.m. No excuse will do!

I want to see you at Lighthouse Church!

What Comes Next?

I'm not nearly as stressed as people might imagine. Over the years, I've learned to focus my energy on the present, to be fully aware of what's happening in each moment and not to start thinking about what SHOULD have happened, what's going wrong, or what might come next. I take in so much information and absorb so many people's stories every day; if I didn't find a way to decompress, I'd be totally ineffective!

Taking care of yourself so you can better care for others is an idea many ladies I talk to still can't embrace. You have to nurture yourself so you'll have more nurturing to give to those who most need you. It's the oxygen-mask theory; If you don't put on your mask first, you won't be able to save anyone else. Stop. Go mindless. Breathe. Let go And remind yourself that this very moment is the only moment of what comes next. Get your mind off of self so much; send a card to someone that means a lot to you.....this world is too short and one of these days you will live in pure regret. Now is he time to love and let love. I've been reading the story of Jerry Falwell's life.....What comes next? Who would ever believe his life; this mighty man who knew everyone's name....that his life would end of soon. Enjoy your Friday. I'm looking forward to what comes next in this day!!!!

"Enjoy your Day"

Have you ever been told to "enjoy your day" and you really did enjoy it!

Give or take a couple of appointments, I will enjoy my day. It is my sincere prayer that your day will be enjoyable (I really mean that) and as far as blogging goes, as much as I truly love it, I will cut it short today.

The sun is out; the day looks like a magnificent day; enjoy your day!

He's The Cooler Than Cool Legend Rocker!

From the early beginning of U2, I have always been interested in reading the life of Bono who is quite a legend and also a great family man. Husband of 23 years, father of four who always sings his heart out. And I love what he says about his wife. In this one article I've been reading from Oprah's book: "My wife is cool. Oh, yeah. She's quite a character. And she has a very strong sense of herself. She's capable of extraordinary things. Right now she's working on a new way of doing business in apparel. It involves fair trade practices in which people in Third World countries get paid properly and get health insurance - and you still make a fortune. It may be one of the biggest brands in the next years, so watch out. It's called Edun. My wife is not ambitious in any way you may be familiar with. For her, ambition is a slow kind of burning. If each partner wants the other to realize his or her potential, the relationship will probably be okay. If one has to sacrifice for the other, which is so often the case, I don't think it's as good as two people trying to outdo each other (with support)."

He says his life consists of living "under the celebrity radar." He says he has very little memory about his childhood. Anyway, I enjoy reading articles about him, his life, his passion for mankind and his family. And I love to listen to his "slow" songs. He sounds like a really great husband along with all the other incredible talent and I'm sure the favorite number one singer among the world!!! It has sure made my day reading about him and sharing it on my blog.

Empowerment

There is an interesting correlation between women's business success and their marital status. If you look at male executives, someone has said 95 percent of them are married. If you look at female executives, 80 to 90 percent of them are unmarried. What does that tell us? It tells us that for a man, having a wife means having a support system, someone to provide domestic nurturance while he is the bread winner. Can we have it all? Well, maybe...just not all at once. Because women want to sacrifice by having a family and be a Mom and take care of the home. Power can be taken but not given. The process of the taking is empowerment in itself. I believe women run around fearful because they are jealous of someone else or angry because they don't always have what they want. I've actually seen them throw fits like a kid and that's sad. I say get your power back and priorities in order. Nine times out of ten they'll admit they haven't picked their Bible up in months!!! Hey ladies.....that's our power source!!!!! Stay in the word!

I have a lot of things to prove to myself.
One is that I can live with empowerment and not let anyone take it away from me. If it happens I get it back quickly! Have a happy Tuesday!

Keep This Day Eventful

I know that God looks for His children and meets us where we are.....I was talking to a lady Saturday who said "The Lord found me in a reject bin." She was such a lovely lady, I could not imagine that!!!!

I had forgotten that scars and flaws and nail prints can be marks of love.

I had become used to living in winter until God called for this beautiful day.

I never could have imagined that this place of the beginning of a new life would happen. I'm sure the lady I met with was a purpose God had to just praise my comings and goings.

However, I am trusting family and the Lord and people who are the shining lights to me. Psalm 27:1 says "Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?" I will keep this day eventful to pass happy thoughts through my mind, soul, and spirit. I'm sure that as I enter into this new country called "retirement" I will find people who are expressing their joy to me for what I am going to experience. Pause a moment and remember those who have already reached the portals of glory and say "You added tons and tons of joy to me, that's for sure!"

Keep This Day Eventful!!! (& peaceful) : )

Time is to no Essence

Where have I heard that phrase? Hmmm - Getting up at 4 is becoming a habit. It started when our neighbors had an all night part (they have various ages in the fam.) and my inner alarm clock tells me 4 sounds like "get up." It sure is awfully quiet.

Keeps my devotions up to date.

My prayer list keeps up to date.

I have plenty of reading time.

Creating cards is fun!

"Neighborhood watch" is active!

ENCOURAGING THOUGHT:

I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same
thing and see something totally different...

bACK TO TIME.....

How about you? What time do you arise?

Today at church will be awesome......so meanwhile I will concentrate on the service. It's a "Yea God" thing! Pray for us. Time is drawing close to our retirement in the Pastorate. God gives me plenty of time to be thankful being up this early! C ya in Church!

Trust -

It used to be.......

I'm being very honest and transparent about this. What a disappointment to know what you thought you could trust the person you shared, but now they can't wait to tell the person what you said! How do you know? But when it boils right down to it, you could be chasing rabbits as I call it because what if you to told the husband and he happened to mention it to his wife and she is the one spreading it to the person? I see that happen a lot, due to jealousy because you talk to the husband and not her.

Too negative and I'm not going to let it spoil my great time with that person! Because it's "third hand information." Little by little, I feel the Lord peel away the layers of forgiveness I need to have for the person who betrays my trust. Does it hurt? You bet it does. I thank the Lord for helping me to back off so I can look at all these hurts and have a better perspective. Thank the Lord for showing me how to love them with a love that comes from Him, even when all is not right. I realize now I don't have to agree with them in order to forgive. I will trust again, but the lesson in trust is if you don't want it told, don't say it! People can't wait to tell someone what you said, so they can be the hero of information!

C ya in church tomorrow - 10 a.m. :=)

Celebrate Our Loved Ones

Although I always celebrate Memorial Day thinking about my loved ones that have passed on; a lot of people celebrate the Veteran's who have served in the Armed Forces and gave their lives. Either one, it's a sacred day for me remembering the great days with loved ones and I'm sure my husband knows Vets who have sacrificed for us. At any rate, however you celebrate, enjoy a relaxing day on Monday and I will say I am grateful that the day is a Holiday for all of us.

It seems like yesterday (it was 1970) that we placed a beautiful wreath on the grave of my precious Momma. My heart is full of fond memories of her. She sacrificed a lot by giving birth to so many children. She will always stand out in my life, that's for sure! May your Friday be blessed beyond anything you could ever ask or think!

A Love That Won't Walk Away

Have you ever read Isaiah 54:10? "The mountains may disappear and the hills may come to an end. But my love will never disappear. My promise of peace will not come to an end."

He shows mercy to all of us regarding PEACE. And love....it stays

You wake up in the morning and your whole world changes. Nothing will ever be as you have known it to be. Always and forever I know the Lord is such a gentle Shepherd, and caring nd dependable guide. He will not leave us broken or lost. One great thing I have learned never changes -

IS THE LOVE OF GOD. Yesterday

Today

Forever

A love that will not walk away- remains the same!

"Dancing With The Stars"

I'm one of these people who stays awake to watch something I want to watch on TV. I fell asleep for the last 20 minutes of "Dancing With The Stars" last night but when I read it on MSN who won, I was shocked! After staying awake all those Mon. & Tues. nights, I need a gold medal, but on the last one, falling asleep. Ugh!!! Oh well, yesterday was a very busy day so I deserved the rest! I just knew Melissa would get it!

Oh well, life goes on! It was fun watching it. What more could their bodies do? I know it looks like hard work.

Speaking of hard work. Training a dog not to jump on the back glass door....I promise I won't give up! A) I'm tired of cleaning it and B)It ruins the door...oh well, it will happen. I got my training from a guy at PetsMart. I hope you enjoy your day filled with whatever it takes to make your day! Encourage someone today....it's fun!

Blessed Are The Peacemakers

Why do people or one person want to start a ruckus?

The Bible says "Blessed.........(concentrate on that word a second!) are the peacemakers." I want to bless someone and be blessed myself. Don't you?

Why stir up trouble when you don't have to!!!!

Think about that - be a part of a support, love, and the happiness you can receive by being a peacemaker!!!!

All Is Well

I hope you have a blissful Monday.

All is well with me and I will begin now to get my "TO DO" list up & at 'em!

A Rose

My husband got me a gorgeous arrangement of red roses (dozen) for being "The Mother of His Kids and a marvelous wife." They are still gorgeous! Have you ever stood still, looked into the head of a rose and marveled at its beauty? Days before such a beautiful rose was a small, tight bud. Who could imagine that within a few days this would become a beauty so large it seemed impossible that it ever fit into that bud? What's more, the rose can overwhelm with the pleasure of its exquisite fragrance.

Becoming a Christian is like this. Without Christ, we "are limited and small" but once we have been united with Christ, (Phil. 2:1) our loving Savior, we unfold and expland like that rose. In Christ we can become full of rich and compassion, spreading the fragrance of love.

See ya in Church, 10 a.m. tomorrow.

I'm A White Cake Person

Midway through a lunch I was having with a friend, my eyes focused on a menu left that had desserts in it. The focus by me was on a white cake! Dessert? Hmmmm - I've even gone so far as to get hostess twinkies and eaten one of the celephane wrapped piece - but only one. Eating two would be getting the bulging feeling....but that satisfied my hunger for a piece of white cake. This will keep me in check and healthy.....not two pieces of white cake, but only ONE. I think that is where we women get ourselves in trouble but nipping at another piece of cake and another....It's not as difficult for me because I'm not a sweet eater, but whoa for the discipline...one will do and only one. My very favorite white cake is coconut!!! How about you? Put yourself first; have your cake and eat it to!!! This is your a-ha moment having the cake YOU want! Have fun! I call it instant restoratives...have it your way. Actually hot tea is better to drink with dessert rather than coffee. And that's my take on my very favorite piece of cake!

C ya in Church.....2 more days and Service begins at 10 a.m.

Another Word On Patience........

GET GREAT AT THE WAIT.
Be patient - the ability to persevere is what separates whiners from winners!

Sun Up To Sun Down....random thoughts

Wow! Yesterday I worked from sun up to sun down; hence up early. Awe - the still of the morning.....having a cup of delicious coffee my hubby made, and the last thing I remember last night was both of us going to sleep and he said "You are an amazing woman." I slept like a log on that compliment.

Yesterday I was at Church and met some awesome people. God is great, folks! That's all I can say. I hope you don't miss out on His blessings by not acknowledging that He is all knowing, all opnipotent and just a fabulous God! I just know He has blessed me beyond comprehension!

I also had the privilege to make some "Carol's Creative Cards" - some of them would blow your socks off.........I love getting my brain into action and thinking of how to arrange my embellishments and words to uplift the person that receives them!

Get real! Don't spend the rest of your life being SELFISH......put others first and it will come back to you 100 percent!!!!! Have a very happy Wednesday!

Caught Up On Reading

I'm finally caught up on reading.....I've wanted to finish the book "Players At The Game of People" - a novel written by John Brunner who just moved somewhere and being a very unknown person in a foreign country and wrote descriptions of the games people play to get acquainted with you. I couldn't put the book down; however, I don't agree with so many avenues he took to get people to notice him, it was still a book that interested me and I finished it!

And do people still play games? They sure did in the year 1980 that he wrote the book.....I would only recommend the book to anyone that is a "people person" because it brings back to reality how we should be real and transparent (that's my honest opinion) rather than play games........I see right through people who are phoney or who do not want the best of me. I stay away from people who don't bring out the best in me....it drags me downward whirl....and life is too short to be around drainy people. It's a tough world out there, but remember God brings us up to a level of loving, happy living. I'm looking for friends who will "check in" with me to at least see how I am doing and returning the love toward them is the name of my game!!!!!! Have a happy Tuesday filled with reading, goal setting, and great stuff to make this world a better place!!!!

Become More Patient

The quality of patience goes a long way toward your goal of creating a more peaceful and loving self. The more patient you are, the more accepting you will be of what is, rather than insisting that life be exactly as you would like it to be. Without patience, life is extremely frustrating. You are easily annoyed, bothered, and irritated. Patience adds a dimension of ease and acceptance to your life. It's essential for inner peace.

You can start by saying "Okay, for the next five minutes I won't allow myself to be bothereed by anything. I'll be patient." Patience is one of those special qualities where success feeds on itself. Once you reach little milestones - five minutes of successful patience - you'll begin to see that you have a better capacity to be patient, even for longer times!

Improving patience level is a great way to start this week.

Do I?? Don't I????

Okay, due to persuasive e-mails I received this morning (my morning begins incredibly early as you know) I questioned Do I or Don't I blog on MY SPECIAL DAY, MOTHER'S DAY??? Then I remembered a Book my kids got me when their were in their teen years that I keep close by on the shelf called "Mother, Thank You For All Your Love." Obviously it's a book of poetry writings on thankfulness that I'm their Mom. Here's one:
"Mother, I Will Love You All My Days"

Thanks, Mom,
for always watching over me,
but also for instilling in me your
own confident independence and self-reliance,
your natural wisdom and compassion.
I will live all my days in the love you've
given me, which I return with all my heart.


I'm one blessed Mom as they make me feel extraordinary, splendid, delightful, terrific and the list goes on and on. Today I shall lather in the joy of Motherhood! I've already heard from both of them and it makes me so happy to be their Mom; I am so humbled because I don't feel it's all about me, it's about them, but then it's called "Mother's Day" so I'll have to just do nothing but ENJOY it and be ever so thankful!

See ya in Church - that's where I'll be this a.m. wearing a beautiful white flower in memory of my own Mom who has been a fabulous memory since her passing in 1970 and my husband wearing a white flower for the first time since his Mom passed at the end of 2008.

I'm so glad I made the "Do I??" choice. yea!!!!!

Awesome!!!!!

Last night after our wonderful date night, we came home to find a FED EX box on the front porch! It was my Happy Mother's Day present from our daughter!!! It was from Martha Stewart's Awesome Company.....so I dived right in to open it. It was the coolest, most awesome Afternoon Tea Hamper with actually what I've been looking for.......Estate Teas, Shortbreads (like the once I'm addicted to at Starbuck's) and Scone Mixes (like the ones I eat constantly at Barnes & Noble)....plus that's not all; Plum Butter (I'm an avid toast eater and was out of "jellies.") Honey, with authentic, classy honey servers...that's awesome.....then, it also had puff pastries (identical to the delicious ones at Starbuck's.) Only Martha Stewart's are more fresh, tasty and addictive!

Usually she sends a totally awesome vase with Martha Stewart roses, but believe me, THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I'VE BEEN DRINKING AND EATING! I told her she was a mind reader because I frequent Starbuck's and Barnes & Noble eating just what she sent. The basket (eloquent) will work perfectly for when I stay with the grandkiddos and I can put my eyeglasses, cell phone, and very personal things in so the cats won't get them. Also can be used as picnic basket for my hubby and I when we go to the park for our picnics!!!! I'm blessed being the Mom of two most AWESOME (there's that word again) kids in the whole wide world!!!

Tomorrow at church my hubby and I both will be wearing a white flower since his Mom passed on to glory last Christmas 2008. It's a special day for us to honor our own Moms as we praise God for their upbringing! And of course we will be giving out flowers to each Mother present at our own Church Service. See you there; 10 a.m.
Happy pre-Mother's Day....come and enjoy your day. I am the most grateful Mom in the world!

God is Great!

And I hope we never forget it! Okay ladies.....it's Mother's Day Sunday and our church will, as always, give a flower to each Mom! I hope we see you there; this Sunday 10 a.m. What a joy to be celebrated as Mother. A great title I hold dear and seriously overjoyed about! I am so happy for our kids and grandkids as they blossom in their lives in all the challenges they are confronted by. That's what Motherhood is all about.......being a cheerleader for your kids and happy that they have great things happen to them. I see so many selfish Mom's who try to make their kids' lives miserable.......my heart goes out to you that you will see how much more fun it is to have a joyful attitude and happiness for them that makes them happy. Oh don't even get me started on that soapbox. May God give you the real joy of being a Mom, not to your husband......but to your precious kids......Love to all the ladies I have had the privilege of having ministry with and happy Mother's Day 2009 for sure!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDDAUGHTER!!!!!

Have an awesome day!

All our love and thoughts,
Granadma & Grandpa!!!! woohoo........You rock our world!!!!!

The Truth

Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free has always been one of my favorite Bible verses - one I memorized long before I understood what it meant. I've since learned that you can't know the truth until you're willing to know yourself and vice versa. Knowing yourself is a lifelong process, with the biggest lessons often emerging from your biggest mistakes.

My biggest mistakes in life have all stemmed from giving my power to someone else - believing that the love others had to offer was more important than the love I had to give to myself. What is the truth of your life? It's your duty to know.

The truth is that which feel right and good and loving. Love doesn't hurt. It feels really good. It's that which allows you to live every day with integrity. Everything you do and say shows the world who you really are. Let it be the truth!

Pre-Birthday Week

....for whom this time????? Our very own granddaughter who has already reached the "double digits" so add another year to that and you have 11 great super years! She is an amazing granddaugher; determined, creative, loyal, strong, fun, and has some very strong character traits. (Also very talented...oh my gosh it would take all day to write about her talents even at the age of 11!) Actually, this grandma and grandpa think she is a "spitten image of her Daddy" which of course is our son. I just hope and pray she has a great pre-birthday week and I can hardly wait to wish her the greatest birthday ever and a saying she has acquired "shop 'til she drops!!!" She is definitely loving! Her parents are raising a good one and the one thing I love so much is that her brother (who is 8 now) admires his sister and that's a super quality in and of itself. She is named after me and her other grandma....Taylor Carol.....what a fabulous joy that gives me.....so happy birthday, Taylor Carol and many many wishes come true for you! I love you! Grandma

What Is Your Passion?

Everyone has the power for greatness - for for fame but greatness, because greatness is determined by service. As far back, as I can recall, my prayer has been the same: "Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater thn myself."

All of us need a vision for our lives, and even as we work to achieve the vision, we must surrender it to the power that is greater than we know. It's one of the defining moments and principles of my life that I love to share. God can dream a bigger dream for you than you could ever dream for yourself.

Ignoring your passion is like dying a slow death. Your life is speaking to you every day, all the time and your job is to listen up and find the clues. Passion whispers to you through your feelings, beckoning you toward your highest good. Pay attention to what makes you feel energized, connected, stimulated - what gives you your juice. Do what you love, give it back in the form of service, and you will succeed and triumph! C ya in church tomorrow @ 10 a.m. Q&A afterwards.

The Day

"Birth" Day - think back for a moment on your history - not just where you were born but the circumstances that contributed to your being here. Consider what you believed about yourself based on what others told you directly and indirectly since 93 % of communication is through nuance and action, not words. How were you treated? That is what defined how you experienced the world - both the oments when you felt valued and wanted and the oments when you felt wounded and sure you'd never be fulfilled. Thought you've probably had times when you didn't want to press on, yet you have survived your path. You are still here, still standing and what an amazing journey your life has been!

If you're holding anyone elese accountable for your happiness, you're wasting time. Pay attention. Every choice gives you a chance to pave your own road. Keep moving - it's full speed ahead. Get rid of chaos and extra junk you have carried around. Let it go....give it to Salvation Army if you have too many things.....but ladies take some pride in your self and please your husband. Today I'm giving up my freedom as I usually have a "Carol" Day - where I browse for bargains but I'm giving it up so I can do my husband's laundry. He's been a very busy man this week and deserves CLEAN CLOTHES when he starts next week. I press on.......amazing life's journey - I have a husband to please.....I hope these thoughts have been ENCOURAGING. Love & Prayers, Carol 2 more days until Chuch..C ya there!!!

Feelings

Every day, passion speaks to us through our feelings. That's why when you allow yourself to become anesthetized by what others think, you literally block yourself from living the life you were called to live. I promise you that if you make a choice that doesn't please your mate, your friends, or whoever, the world will not fall apart. The people who truly love you want you to love yourself. And as you become clearer about who you are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you.

Extend the love you have to others. That's what I do. If they accept it, great; if not, they loose out. Your feelings are fickle sometime, but still allow yourself to give love and by all means try it, if you have not. God is always there to help you. I admonish to give your feelings to him and He will make your day brighter.

Get Focused - First Excuse and Lies

Where is the first excuse in the Bible?

Genesis 3:12 - It was the woman you gave me who brought me the fruit, and I ate it.
Adam made the first excuse. He indirectly blamed God for giving her to him. Then Eve blamed the serpent. Both tried to excuse their action by blaming someone else.

What are some example of other people who had poor excuses?

Genesis 16:5 - Then Sarai said to Abram, "It's all your fault!"

Admit when it's your fault. Hey ladies - a lie will get you nowhere! Get focused Mothers!!! Especially if your kids catch you in a lie. The truth will set you free!!!! You have my prayers and support on that one!

Positive Attitude.....I strive for this

...having a positive attitude not only takes the limits off what God can do in and through us, it also helps us see our circumstances from God's perspective and enables us to enjoy our everyday lives! I memorized this from a speaker I heard once and believe you me it works!!!!!!! (Try it, you'll like it!)

Have Faith In God

He will see you through your struggles.
He'll never give up on you.
He'll give you faith, not fear.
Just trust Him!
Happy Monday!!!

Yea - It's Sunday!

God is great!
c ya at church.................W.O.W. today......
Great music!
Great message by Pastor Jim!
We've had our adorable, cool, precious, extremely smart and alert grandkids this weekend! I could blog hundreds of pages on them.....instead I'll just close with this statement and they chuckle when I say these four words: They rock my world!!!!

Priorities..... written straight from the heart!

Keep your priorities today and don't get side-tracked. If you promised someone something, keep your promise. By all means, make your list and cross off what you promised and the list just gets shorter and shorter. I could write a book on priorities. Most people have not one single clue as to what it means to prioritize. That means to tackling the task and rid yourself of things that annoy and the "put-offs" for too long list. Keep a great attitude and face the challenge with a cheerful outlook and it won't be long until the impossible task is DONE!

Write down six things you must take care of TODAY, tackle them, and mark off what is accomplished! By all means, make yourself a priority and do something you enjoy because you're the only you there is.....so get that make up out, doll yourself up, and be proud that you have the ability to live a super great life with God at the helm! And when you are tackling the toughest task, remember to say "Thank you Lord for the ability to multi-tasking and you have given me the Love for others, to pass on a cheerful attitude." And by all means, be grateful He has given you great health and a sound mind!!!!! : D

The Book of Jeremiah Just Rocks My World!

You think this day and age is weird....just read about Jeremiah in the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament of the Bible! It rocks my world - talk about calling on God! Yeppers! If you don't have time to read the whole chapters, just pick out one! He wrote a letter to captives of Babylon!

Jeremiah 29:12 - "Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray with me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." He always sent encouragements - such a comfort! That's why it rocks my world!

God is sooooo good!

He is always there for us. All we have to do is call upon Him. My favorite scripture is Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee mighty things which thou knowest not." I love it! All we have to do is A - S - K. How many will take the time to do that? I do and I brag wonderfully because it is when I see answers to prayers. Perhaps someone has not been been feeling up to par or they need an exact prayer request. I take it to the Lord and leave it there. Then I will hear they are feeling better. I lack patience sometimes because I pray the Lord will heal him/her before they have to take OTC medicine and are in a daze.

How about you? Do you call upon God when you need Him? I know so many of you are shy about commenting to my posts, but I can rest assured I will hear from you via e-mail and that's okay. Blessings for a super great Tuesday! He has answered prayers already this week for me! Thanks for your uplifting prayers!

Blessing Plus

Living off yesterday's blessings.....
Absolutely!
The Band was a blessing Plus.
Today is take it easy day and enjoy the blessings we received.
Plus everyone loved the sandwich bar which I set up.....so that's even better...full tummies, blessings, and hearing a message that knocked the socks off us!!!
I'm so glad you were a part.
Have a super week - an encouraging word would be - don't let drudgery and drainy people take your blessings away. Always look up and be grateful for your talents and intelligence. I'll be writing some information for a friend...so pray my brain gets in gear and it doesn't take that long.
Keep on blogging......this is a blessing!

You're Missing A Blessing!

Yesterday hubby and I sat and enjoyed immensely the Worship Band that is performing today at our church. Such talent! Amazing! They were playing R&B worship....come on - just awesome!

Starts at 10 a.m. - over at 11 a.m. then we have Q&A --and fabulous Sandwiches (turkey, ham, balogne, roast beef) - as we say in Oklahoma, "Can't beat that with a stick!" Come on out! Casual, just be yourself dress....you'll love it! Yesterday I called a total of 22 people who say they are coming out for sure! C ya there!

Is There A Getting Out?

Yesterday I watched the Oprah show and she had the co-founder of Twitter on there. This thing boggled my mind. Anyone at anytime can get on and find out what the other person is doing AT ALL times. As much as I truly love to connect with people, that would be a bit too much. How about privacy? And would you really want the world to know what you were doing every second? Hmmmm I'm going to have to check this out; although it substantiates it's reasoning. My other question: Do you have to have a Blackberry to get on it? 'jez curious. It's up and coming and if you want with the program, you have to get in on it.

I'll check it out a few times. I do have some friends who blog and have Twitter also. Hmmm Today the Worship Band is coming to set up at our church and will be playint tomorrow in Service. Make it a point to come and hear them. They are awesome! Plus plan on staying afterwards for Q&A. C ya then. 10 a.m. Come early and have coffee with us!

Heart of Compassion

If you ever read the book of Colossians in the New Testament, you will find great things (very positive) and I can list a few. Have a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing one another, forgiving one another because the Lord forgave us.

Even yet, beyond all things above it says put on love, let the peace of the Lord rule! We should all (as Christians) be in one unity on these things, to build up the body of Christ. It makes the joy of the Lord complete. And if you really want to know about all these subjects, come to Lighthouse Church on Sunday where my husband is continuing the series "JOY" from the book of Philippians. C you there...this Sunday is the Worship Band performing.....awesome! 10:00 a.m.

Life as a Journey

Failure is just a way for our lives to show us we're moving in the wrong direction; that we should try something different. I was recently reading about a Professor to MBA students ask her students to create a "Personal Development Paper." - In other words a vision statement for their lives. Many of the students, some of the brightest minds in the country, wrote about life as a journey with its own process for success. Yet some talked about how terrified they were at the prospect of failure.

If you really believe life is a journey, then you recognize that not all journeys follow straight roads. You can count on the curves, bumps, detours, uphill climbs - and even the downhill slides. But the greatest lesson is to do your best, ejoy the journey and then release all attachment to what is to come. Let it be. And be comfortable with whatever it is. If you make choice thqat doesn't please your mate, friends, or whoever, the world will not fall apart. Enjoy the journey! Be sure and take your Bible with you! (My study on Proverbs that I'm doing now is awesome!) That's a great book in the Old Testament.

Respecting My Husband's Space

My computer is down. So, we plugged in the laptop to charge the battery. In the meantime, I'm using my hubby's awesome computer with a huge monitor! (I'm getting spoiled.) Naturally I'm in his office and it intrigues me. Of course, he is a computer power point genius (& downloading music) so I dare not crash his....by the way, for the life of me I can't imagine why mine went down. It was working so great! I had called tech support and after that it was worse! I'm not sure if the whole thing got wiped out or a virus was in the process......

It's homey in here. He has his office organized just the way he likes it. Of course, he has a lot of pics of me on his desk. Trust me, I respect his SPACE and leave it maticulous when I finish checking e-mail, type, blog and the other reasons to use his computer. Am I grateful? Absolutely! So....if I don't get around to answering your e-mails, please forgive. I will catch up, I promise.

Here's a note of encouragement: God's Word is sticky. That's why we labor it in, to study its depth, to uncover its riches, to declare its authenticity, to proclaim its authority AND to allow its power to impact lives. Have a dose of Proverbs 3:5-6 today. Awesome!!!!!!!

Honoring Anne Jackson for my 700TH blog!!!!

I am honoring Anne Jackson today! (An OK, cool person!) (Of course she has pics of people who are "cooler than her". But that's what I love about her; she has a beautiful way of putting others before her. She just authored her first book called MAD CHURCH DISEASE. It's an amazingly incredible book for EVERYONE and especially, full time, part-time, wanna be on Church Staff's, Sr. Pastor's, Founders, Entrepreneurs ...a story about her life in the beginning as a Pastor's Daughter and continuing on to the pain and major experiences one goes through in the Ministry (or daily struggles). It is so real and states exactly what happens and takes us down the road of red flags when you know Mad Church Disease is setting in and she even goes so far as to give the entire process of healing.

Anne has come back from some time off blogging, twittering, etc. (plus she travels extensively). If you have not gotten her new book, please, please get it. It's a must! She is the most tremendous writer I've ever seen in our thirty-seven years in full-time Senior Ministry. (& I am constantly asking our kids to get me a book or Barnes & Noble gift card because I am an avid reader!!!) Anne is relevant, had addictions that she is well from, and writes so well; I promise you will not put the book down. She knows what she is talking about! What she has to say in her blogs are always so definitely encouraging! We all are so blessed to have her tremendous, brilliant take on ANY subject and believe you me, she draws a huge crowd and I'm so very grateful to be a part! Thanks Anne.....you are one great person (honestly, I say that with all the humbleness you possess) who cares about Pastors, their wife, their kids, and all the day to day occurrences we encounter! We celebrate YOU and most of all, admonish you to take care of yourself as you travel all over the world! You've made my day in a gazillions ways! My 700Th post today is dedicated to you and all the countless hours you put in to uplift each one of us. Also for your prayers, love, encouragement, and friendship: I give back to you any and all encouragement for your untiring ways to give us answers in your new book, MAD CHURCH DISEASE! A must to purchase!
Lovingly & Appreciatively,
Carol - a 37 year Sr. Pastor's Wife

Spring.....Officially Here

The day after Easter Sunday is alway officially spring day for me. I'm encouraged that yard work is inevitable and the bones do bends and lots of extra, extra to make the lawn look beautiful!

Memories of a Risen Christ and happy to know Him as Savior and Lord!

Monday is a "catch up" day and somewhat of an errand day.....so off I go and I hope your day will be eventful as you refresh your mind and be grateful for all the things you have to put forth some beautiful spring - y looking flowers or just be thankful for health, strength, and God's love.

Happy Monday to you and your's.

WHAT A GREAT EASTER!!!!

What a neat end to a very blessed day! Beautiful Service, just fabulous! Yay!!!
It's coming to an end, but we're just enjoying a relaxing evening with memories of a super great service and all the extra activities! God bless each and every one for attending!

Someone Asked Me???????

"What are you doing for Easter?"

My comment - "All the great things that we have done for 37 years.......an awesome Church Service, great music, Communion with Attendees, Easter Egg Hunt for the kiddos and refreshments for the adults...." In other words, ENJOYING a great service and praying the attendees are received with love and a hearty welcome!

C ya there.......Service begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. Happy Easter and enjoy your day!

Good Friday!

I'm so happy when Companies let their employees have Good Friday off. Why Good Friday? It is the Friday before Easter - a Christian holy day marking the death of Jesus Christ before Easter (the 3 days).

It's a very sacred day for me. I will be at our church in case anyone drops by to kneel and have prayer to honor Christ's death in gratefulness.

Enjoy your Good Friday and be blessed this special holy day!

Thankfulness to our blessed Redeemer,
Carol

Hopefully No Rain

The weather is showing rain on Easter day..........the kids' Easter egg hunt will have to be placed inside if that happens. Ugh....so pray for sun shine everyone! C ya Sunday 10 a.m.....oh, and I pray your Good Friday is a blessing! (I'm one day ahead to hope your day is eventful tomorrow!) Happy Easter everyone!

Easter

Of course Easter is a time we celebrate the risen Saviour! And that I love! He is always there for us! What a great and magnificant God! I always feel like Easter is a time for renewing our vision, faith, and gratitude for the Lord suffering and giving us grace, mercy and confidence to continue on in our lives. Not to be doom and gloomy, but to be happy for what He has done for us and through us. I do want to get an Easter Lily for the platform at church for Sunday in memory of my Mom who always loved Easter! As many brothers and sisters I can still remember dying Easter eggs one year. What a mess! Yea for Easter. Our services begin at 10 a.m. - great service and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kiddos afterwards and refreshments. C ya there!

Thankfulness!

I live in the space of thankfulness and I have been rewarded a million times over for it. I started out giving thanks for small hings and the more thankful I became, the more my bounty increased. That's because what you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it. Opportunities, relationships, even money flowed my way when I learned to be grateful no matter what happened in my life.

"Say Thank You!" and have a lot of thankfulness this day!!!!

F-A-I-T-H

forgetting
all
i
trust
him

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for - the evidence of things not seen."
Have faith today and love and trust and be happy!

Amazing Love

Our Women of Worth W.O.W. Class taught by your's truly are really on to something talking about the subject, love. It's amazing how the love subject can get so confusing. Some people just can't accept love or know how to give love. We;re dissecting the word and how the Bible women accepted it. It's a great class and it's always interesting to hear other ladies' history of giving love as a person, Mom, Grandma, etc. I love it!

We're amazing women as we start with faith and honestly mix pure humility; add strength of character that rises above the stress of life's surprises. Toss with generosity POUR IN LOVE FROM a heart that's true and it yields one amazing woman! and that's our recipe for Love. I Cor. 13...the LOVE chapter is the icing! Try it, you'll love it! C ya in church - Palm Sunday today. 10 a.m.

Morning Person ....Random Thoughts

I'm a morning person! Can't help it; I believe I was born that way! People rag me about it! It's such beautiful times to be completely alone and having my brain go in gear and hark! - here we go starting a new day! I have a friend who just can't get up in the mornings without 2 or 3 alarm clocks going off! Oh my goodness; my heart goes out to her and believe it or not, I love to wake people up in a soft tone. My husband always wakes up in a super great mood. He does most of his sleeping in the a.m. because he's a "night" person. You'd be surprised at how many people ARE NOT morning persons! I go into some restaurants of Servers who come to work at 5 a.m. but gripe about it. That one annoys me, but I have a choice not to go there. Don't rain on my parade (morning)....so I venture off to another Restaurant where I get greeted with some part of a smile and positive welcome!

That reminds me when a visitor comes into church at 10 a.m. when our Services begin...just maybe they are really not morning persons, so please give them a smile and positive attitude about them being there. We love visitors at our Church, but it dawned on me perhaps they have a struggle getting up even that a.m. hour!!!

So, whatever you are...a night owl, or a perky cheerful morning butterfly (like me) just rejoice that we are all still alive and have choices to be what we want to be! You can call me a yucky happy morning, cheerful person, but I love it and will remain this way forever! Enjoy your Friday - I know I am!!!! C ya in Church 10 a.m. Palm Sunday! OUR REDEEMER LIVES!!!!

I'm A Positively Wired Person

A study was done by psychologist Henry H. Goddard on evergy levels in children. He hooked children up to device called an ergograph to see how they would respond to the words of others. He found that when tired children were given a word of praise or commendation, the ergograph showed they experienced an immediate surge in energy. But when the children were criticized or discouraged, the device showed their energy took a sudden nosedrive.

Never underestimate the power of an encouraging word! My husband praises me by always saying "You were a Cheerleader Mom, always cheering our kids as they grew to the next level and you are doing the same great thing with our grandkids." wooohoo....I love those encouraging words! How about you? What has been said about you? I'd love to hear.

Hearts Entwined Forever

Your relationship with your daughters is one you can rely on; there for life, an ongoing, developing relationship. (That includes daughter-in-law also). Mine are precious. Love, love, love them! A circle joined to a circle! Family faces are magic mirrors; looking at people who belong to us, as we see the past, present and future even through our granddaughters!!!!!!!
Enjoy your Wednesday!