Seasonal Change

As we watch the leaves change colors this Fall, I hope it reminds all to enjoy the Seasonal Change. It reminds me to trust our unchanging God! Yesterday I did a study on Psalm 37:1-7

Fret not thyself because of evildoers.

They shall soon be cut down like the grass.

Trust in the LORD, and do good.

Delight thyself also in the LORD.

Commit thy way until the LORD.

Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him.

Just what I need! How about you? What are you studying?

One Of My Favorite Verses

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering." Hebrews 10:23
This verse calls us to an UNWAVERING commitment to our faith. I need to be reminded of this from time to time. Because..........when we have a goal to bring others to church, we must not give up..........no matter what we face, our God is faithful!

Faithful Creator.....He designed us and knows our every need.

Faithful Savior........He provides us with skills, knowledge and resources to thrive in our surroundings.

Faithful Provider........He desires us to come to Him in prayer that He might meet our needs.

The theme song that our WELCOME MAN gives at church is "Passing the faith along to my brother.....passing the faith along..........Helping to build the faith of another......passing the faith along." If you ever hear that song, you will not forget it. As the teenager I was talking to yesterday said, "God rocks!"

I'll just say, "His faithfulness rocks!"

Remember This.............

"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections."
Anonymous

I hope this touched you!

Please know you are thought, cared, and prayed for, THIS DAY! Watch out for gloom and doomers who will try to steale your joy.........Surround yourself with positive people.........those who are brave enough to tell you to kick the negative thoughts far away.

Annual Appreciation Sunday - WOW!

Okay, I can't help but blog about yesterday's event - Pastor & Wife Appreciation Day actually all over the U.S. I can dig it!!!! Beautiful flowers, lots and lots of gratefulness and appreciation for what we do. My husband doesn't like a lot of hip-hip-hooray because he feels like his job is a higher calling than to brag about his accomplishments and especially since his confidante and prayer warrior in the Ministry, Jerry, has gone home to be with the Lord. Jerry always gave a huge appreciation for knowing my husband and my Father-in-Law, who, of course, led Jerry to Christ. Me....I guess I have a lot of recognition motivation in me (comes from having been a sales consultant for a cosmetic company) and competing to win awards. Also, comes from being the middle child in a pretty big family!

I wanted my husband to be the recipient of the beautiful flowers yesterday because he was having back issues (somehow he has pulled a muscle and it's very uncomfortable), but we both enjoyed the appreciation day! One lady served us lunch; that was really cool!

So, my caring thoughts today are on others who care enough to step out and give their appreciation, loyalty, and gratitude. It'll sure make our week! Thanks everyone for being so caring. What a tremendous Service!

This week is beginning great! I hope you get a lot of appreciation for how great you are and your week will be tremendously blessed. :)

#1 Priority Take Care Of Yourself

Pace yourself: What does that mean? Look at the goals you have and if you see that it is going to put you in "Grouch-ville" take some time out and read a book, or a hot bath, or just sit and stare at the wall, but prepare yourself for fast pace!

My taking time out for self is going to bed earlier the night before and getting an extra hour of zzzzzzzzz's in so I can be mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally prepared the next day for whatever befalls me. Just getting that extra time to curl up with a very very special nighttime prayer to God and ask Him to make me an instrument of His will, to get a great night's sleep, and be prepared for the day for ALL the things I have to do. Everyone knows I'm a high spirited person anyway, but when I take care of myself by seeking God to help me, then I dump it on Him and He takes care of me. As they used to say in Oklahoma, "taking care of it with one stone aiming at two objects."

How many of you really take time out for yourself? A MUST......A HAVE TO.......A VITAL!!!!! (& believe you me it is not being "Self Righteous!")

Gotta get ready for Church. We have Q&A today and we have a new family that is coming. We are having hotdogs Virginia style...oh yummy!.......can't wait. See you there..........10 a.m. Let's pack out the Worship Center for God!!!!

It's Back!!!!

Yes, I had computer withdrawals while mine was in getting fixed.

Yes, I shared with my husband his computer. He didn't mind at all. It was odd thinking of what to write on blog with all my pics he has of me in his office.

Yes, I moved my desk area several times to get re-situated.

Yes, I am extremely thankful to have MY OWN 'puter. Everything is cool now!

God is sooooo good. See ya in Church tomorrow. 10 a.m.

Celebrating No Dog Bark Week!

Hasn't this been amazing week? Every single day was filled with enjoyment! Maybe I could declare this "National Dog Week!" I had to take Pixie in for grooming this week and they put the cutest Halloween ribbons on that cutie pie's ears; she didn't like it, so she kept swishing her head back and forth to get them off. I'm going back today (I was in a huge hurry yesterday) to really thank the Groomer for the extra care they gave her. Then we saw two very well behaved dogs at a home last night; then we have rejoiced over the greatest fact that this has been a NO DOGS BARKING IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD Week! I'm wondering - can't these people hear their poor dogs outside barking at their own house???? The minute our dogs bark outside, we go out immediately and quiet them down. My husband says that Pixie barks at a leaf that moves. A-ha...then Chloe, our dog for thirteen years (or has it been fourteen?); if she barks we know it's for a reason. The dogs that have been barking in the neighborhood have a shrill bark with a rhythm to it...extremely annoying!

So, congratulations neighbors for giving your Dog very special attention and it's been a quiet, peaceful celebration! Have a super happy Friday! Yea....it is Friday in all it's glory!!!! Spread some love around to your Dog (s); I know i am!

Pest Control

I'm not sure whether this throat drainage I have awakened to is from the Pest Control Spraying for any and all bugs outside, inside, upside, two days ago, but it's annoying! Weather change??? Cleaning chemicals????

All I can say is hopefully it won't last that long, but I look forward to not seeing any "pests" and I do mean any! As a child I was raised in the country and all we saw was "lightening bugs" and they were lots of fun, catching them, waiting 'til dark and see them light up! But, these creatures now do not go away until a Pest Control Company is called to do a treatment!

Today looks like a great day to chew on a few cough drops, watch a funny movie, and do some prayer journaling! I do think we are headed for some cooler weather, so green tea sounds soothing also!

Give More Compliments & Then Some!

I just cannot compliment my beloved husband enough! I'm blessed to think of his many talents, skills, and "there isn't a thing he can't put together." Recently he finished a master-piece model ship; even made the case, and has presented to our Son. It's awesome! I tease him saying "I've been widowed to a ship" but you know what? I wouldn't trade the tremendous fun, enjoyment, and brilliancy he possessed to get it finished. It took a total of nine years he said! When you've been married as long as we have, and work together as a team at church, you tend to need some .....

space,

private time, (Time-Out)

get-away from each other (breathing space),

individualized hobby, or accomplishments alone.

and I say this with love, honor, and respect!

I list could go on and on.

But, the one thing we need to do more of ......ladies........is be ever so grateful for our husband working so hard, providing, and giving us just ANYTHING we want! Sometimes he works (appointments at the church) upwards of 10 p.m. and I tell him how grateful I am for ALL his accomplishments. He can come home, relax, turn on his favorite TV show, and unwind. I compliment him for that. What husband wants to hear "do this, why don't you come home earlier?"......, guilt, guilt, guilt. I'm pretty sure husbands don't like the push, push, push, because they don't do it to us. I truly have learned the art (this is a brag on God truly helping me!!!) of when my husband walks in the door; not bombard him with this, that, and the other. And as Niki says 'JUST DO IT' ....give more compliments, and then some!

Forgiveness Means The Slate Is Wiped Clean

Why is it there is such a difficult decision to forgive?

After hurt, we will never feel ready to forgive someone. I find my answer in Matthew 18 regarding forgiveness and the example of Jesus.

The more quickly we begin the process as He mentioned, we do not allow pain to dominate our being.

It's up to us to take the first step. The journey ends when "Yes" is given. I believe the slate is wiped clean; history; no more; gone.

Forgiveness is not a feeling; it's a fact that WE MUST FORGIVE AND FORGET! I am not a grudge carrier. I've seen some people that will not let the past be forgotten. I'm a "Visionary Person" - I visually see in my mind a clean slate (God also saying to forgive 70 X 70, why bring it up?)

I hope you have many many victories in forgiving others. I think about how gracious others have been to me regarding bloops, blunders, and mess-ups; therefore, I forgive quickly and lovingly.

Starting all over is the greatest joy one can experience!!! Begin that journey. Today is a great day to simply forgive.

86% Believe In God

Do you believe in God?

NBC this morning had a poll on this question. They had the highest number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls, and the percentage was the same as this:

86% to keep the words, In God We Trust and God in the Pledge of Allegiance
14% against.

That is a pretty 'commanding' public response.

It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore, I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a mess about having "In God We Trust" on our money and having "One Nation Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Why is the world catering to this 14%?

I totally believe in God and am eternally grateful for His provision and do put my trust in Him fully!

"Refrigerator Rights Family"

Yep, that's the title of my W.O.W. study today! Being 94% self reliant. What's the other 6%?

I spent some time yesterday with a lady who wants to give her input on going through divorce. She has some heart wrenching words as to what her part was.....whoa!!!!!

Do you have a barefoot buddy?

Because you're seen so many phoney Christians, do you doubt Christianity is real?

Short blog because W.O.W. Bible verses are where the caring answers are!

9 a.m. :) Refreshments will be served.

Outlook On Life

Comments re: Church & Life

SUPER!!!

MARVELOUS!!

AMAZINGLY INCREDIBLE!!!

I SIMPLY LOVE, AM MADLY IN A GREAT FEELING OF WHAT I CALL "HAPPYVILLE" ON LIFE!!!

LC ROCKS!!!!!

There's a guy who comes to our church every Sunday (never misses) and the first thing he says when he enters and is greeted with a Bulletin, "I just love coming here and it feels so good to know I will be blessed by both of you." I will honestly say, his outlook on life on Sunday is there's no ifs, ands, and doubt about it, this is where he brings his family to worship every week!

Does Church make your outlook on life better? Worse? Of course I would love to know. Especially since this is my biggest OUTREACH day!!!

After taking the entire week and not going to the Church building, but doing a whole bunch of home makeovers, I cannot wait to go to the church today, and he is right, when you first walk in, there's a feeling of "belongingness" "safeness" "Hope" "I love it!" "Security" "Family Feeling" .... and the list goes on and on.

PEOPLE make the church; it's not about the beautiness of the building, although that helps, but the warmth felt by this Pastor and Wife and others. What I like most, is no one tries to pry in your life or run your life. You can just be YOU, arrive at 10 a.m., worship, leave, and know you've been given a NEW OUTLOOK ON LIFE, possibly something we never thought was in the Bible, go to your own home and enjoy Sunday to the fullest. My husband's messages are relevant (& actually he's a humorous speaker). Personally I love being challenged by his Series of messages. Right now the subject is the dreaded "S" word by so many women -"Submission." Come on out, help us fill the Worship Center to the max!!!! See you there!!! In the meantime, enjoy your Saturday! :)

LF - Likability Factor Randomness

Lately I've heard statements "I could give a rip whether anyone likes me or not." or "I know I'm not liked, who cares." or heres a good one "Who cares whether I'm liked or not?? Grrrr grrr") Where do you think you rate on the LF?

In looking back over my life, I can honestly say I have lived the best of both worlds; People Pleaser; Non-People Pleaser. After a very thorough study of the greatest book I'll ever want in my life, the Bible, I became a God pleaser. Do I mess up? Most assuredly, but the fact is basing answers and debates, the Bible is THE MOST ACCURATE and I feel rates pretty far up the scale with a LF!

Most women think the Bible is boring. I'd like to know which part they are reading? No....definitely not boring! Very relevant to what is happening in our lives TODAY!

I teach a W.O.W. Class every other week at our Church. The class has grown significantly. (I would say from 1 to over 10 would definitely classify super growth!) That's my vision, passion, to look out at the women in the class and learn how lives can be for the better; not push, push, push their husbands, but challenges in their own life to be real, be trusted, have the LF factor!!!!

This Sunday is going to be about Connection, Plugging In, Getting Beyond Walls Women Put Up........see you all there..........9 a.m.

Refreshments will be served and plenty of flavors of orange juice for sure!!!! I'm always a "Wannabe Likable" ---------------are you?
Awe common' I know you are!

Tonight is FNDN.........whoopee!!!!!!!!!!!

New Blog Look

My husband is teaching me Power Point! Now that I've ventured out to places known on the computer, I decided to go into Template and change the look of my blog. I don't have a problem with change, however, some people do. The only way it can be changed is two choices; the other look or this one. I kinda like this one. I'm sure I'll be changing it back, but for now it's been fun to be creative. It looks sort of Halloweenish! Ta-dah!!!!

My caring thoughts today; don't let the sun go down on your wrath. (Ephesians 4:26) That's a biblical quote that has been long overlooked these days. Yesterday I was talking to a lady who has carried a grudge against her mother-in-law for 22 years and she is "not going to apologize." My heart aches for her because after wrath (anger) comes bitterness, and once in that locked attitude, sends what I call ugly behavior! And people that have bitterness, it shows, believe you me! It will affect her health. It's sad and tragic, when all she has to do is say "I was wrong, I am sorry for hurting you like I did." Apologizing is not a sign of a wimp or weakness. It makes for what I call "clean living." Give me some of that. We all are better off not letting the sun go down on our wrath. She is the one that looses out by not having peace, love and contentment toward probably everyone.

Let me know either by e-mail or blog whether you like the new look and thanks for listening in.

Green Thumb

I've been told by our beloved daughter that I have a green thumb! If it's possible to inherit something from daughter to Mom, then I got it from her. But for my birthday she got me the most gorgeous gardenia "tree" plant. What's really weird is that according to Martha Stewart's office, where she sent it from.....gardenias are supposed to bloom in Spring.....hello - there are six absolutely gorgeous gardenia flowers that burst out just in one day! It's like she just bundled up a whole new present and sent me a flower bouquet!!!! The smell of the gardenias is heavenly!

Back to the green thumb. Repotting plants is not my forte. But I can see I am going to have to make myself repot.....ugh.....some plants I have definitely need repotting. I'll have to do it. She says when a plant gets pot bound, it will whither away and soon be gone. I sure don't want that to happen. Well, it's off to the shed for bigger clay pots (I hope I have some) and doing the dreaded task. They are beautiful plants (6 to be exact) and make rooms so lovely. It's kind of like watching our grandkids grow...you see them one day and the next week, they look at least a foot taller. Growth is healthy and I do enjoy healthy plants.....I really do! Guess I also will accept the fact that I HAVE A GREEN THUMB! Thanks dear daughter for always encouraging me to repot, pamper, and love those plants! I have to tell about the time she planted fabulous morning glories (purple) in our yard and after four years of those magnificent plants and other periannuals in our yard, they grow every year so very lovely and definitely enjoyable.

That reminds me. We're getting ready to give the front yard a "makeover." Might as well, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride......have a super Wednesday! and remember to thank God for all His provisions as well as lovely, lovely flowers, plants, buses, greenery, trees and awesome landscaping yards, indoor plants, and for sure a green thumb!!! :-)

Study On Wisdom

As I've often heard kids say "That's cool!" I found a quote by an Anonymous person that says "Wisdom is knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech." I've had so many (women, men, teens) comment regarding my blogs and saying due to their busy schedules do not have time to comment. That's okay - to me that's the wisdom of pacing oneself as they go about a busy week! No problem with me. I'm glad to put out "caring thoughts" and "minding my speech."

Ecclesiastes 7:4 says "Wisdom is good with an inheritance and by it there is profit to them that see it"...seek wisdom....."a wise woman buildeth her household instead of tearing it down." It's a great study and all I can think of to say is "Ain't God good?" He surely purely is!!!!

Hugs,
Carol

God Sees The Heart.....random thoughts.......

As long as we have a clear conscience, the thoughts or words from others can neither add to nor subtract from true worth. We are what we are and God sees us as we truly are.

My value from God does not depend upon the judgments of people. He looks upon the heart and sees my intentions and sincere efforts. Too often we're judged by a person's own likes and dislikes or by their own vanity and fixed ideas.

It is impossible to satisfy everyone. I labor hard to improve the lives of women (because they seek my help), but cannot prevent the harsh criticisms and judgments of some. My life is based on what God sees from the heart my intentions. He sees also the desire, while people see only the action.

I know I sound philosophical today, but I totally rely on God and see Him directing, supporting, and permitting whatever occurs, be it good or not so pleasant things. My highest wisdom lies in embracing a God that is all-wise and knows what is best for me. True, He expects me to do my best to correct the wrongs which happen to me; but when I cannot correct them, that is when I am to embrace his wisdom by following His divine greatness and knowing He is there to bring victory.

The Compliments Are Great!

Sure, I'll take any and all compliments! I'm not a "Go to your head" and "Super Haughty" person. In biblical terms that phrase means "You think you're higher than God!" Oh no, that's not me! But, I'm sure having great thoughts this morning over all the compliments I've received just to name a few for this week: (i.e., cards, music, choice of restaurants, peace, quiet and contentment(s), super great meals, cheerfulness, appreciation, awesome listener, fun wife, amazingly incredible MoM, Earth Angel Grandma, tremendous birthday planner, taking time to care, great friend...)

I'm accepting the compliments with all praise and glorifying to the Lord for molding me and making me a caring person who wants the very very best for others. My prayer is that He will keep me strong and uplifted that I may #1) help others; and #2 give words of encouragement for others.

See ya in Church 10-11 a.m. Give a genuine compliment today and make someone's day!!!! Start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude! :)

This Will Blow Your Mind!

And things like this happen to us all the time. . .

For those of you who are always asking me to "blog our date night"....here goes:

My husband was stationed in Japan, consequently he enjoys japanese cuisine at special times! For his BIG day (which is today, but celebrating yesterday also)..I took him to Jinbeh last night and reserved the HIBACHI GRILL. Around the grill is seating for 8 people. At first it felt like Q&A when we sit around the table at church, but as the Chef came and cooked our meal in front of all of us, and we were waiting - the Grandma of the other family (of course, 6 entire family) was trying to awaken her 9/29 grandson who is 6 now so that he could enjoy his birthday! This will blow your mind - his name was James also. After everyone discovered it was the 2 birthdays and desert came, of course everyone sang. No one would ever believe I was not the one that spoke up and as our kids always say "Mom.....I don't believe you didn't plan the birthday song!" It is the truth!!! Actually I really had fun after that because on the complete other side of the table there were kids and a Grandma! (Oh, the Grandpa was there also). The food was scrumptuous and they want you as a couple to share...where my husband had filet mignon, I had chicken and it was a blast watching the chef do his tricks. James, the in kindergarten, and half asleep, really awakened when the fire blazed, and James, the ?? shall I say, College graduate, was awakened by all the love and excitement for enjoying his awesome birthday event.....it reminded us of how well behaved our grandkids are when dining out.

The experience was great. Actually I was amazed at the price ($27 for two)...a complete 3 course meal, including a delicious soup, salad, green tea, appetizer, and choice of awesome dishes, plus we chose sherbert ice-cream.......all included. The salad was romaine lettuce and the beautiful part was the chef did such a phenomenal job grilling each family's meal.....I pride myself being organized, but I believe he has me beat!!!!


Bottom Line: Great place to go with family and friends.....looking for romance on hubby's special day......quiet serene dining room with lovely soft music in one of the other rooms would work. No complaints on this end...the service was incredible and the main thing is we loved every single second of it and went for a romantic walk on the canal!!!! Happy birthday to a cool, super great hero, "my" James! (The other couple kept saying "our" James) :) ...he's up now and this is HIS DAY!!!!