PRIORITIES

Priorities out of whack? Many times the biggest time robber of all of us is the mismanagement of our priorities. We've already determined that we are busy women. Just one glance at the calendar and the busy-ness is evident! But busy-ness is not an indicator of effectiveness. If we're busy doing the wrong things, then we are being robbed of time that could be better spent on the things that truly count.....our God-given priorities. Tomorrow I'll be teaching a W.O.W. (Women of Worth Bible Class) - Redeeming the time and Spiritual Gifts are the topics. It begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 9:45 a.m. See you there and can't wait to share what our extraordinary gifts are...........That will set our PRIORITIES into place! I would love to see you there!

HAPPINESS

I'll make this short and sweet and to the point: Thinking about happiness? I truly believe in being happy! Of course FULLY RELYING ON GOD is happiness! I'm just happy it's Friday!!! This has been the week of all weeks after being in the Dentist's chair twice! (After breaking a tooth on some tortilla chips).........ugh...... But I'm happy I look pretty again because my tooth represented my smile because it was the front eye tooth!!!! Am I happy? Hellooooo - I would sure say so!!! And as the saying goes: don't worry.......Be Happy!

QUALITY

I've been reading the book of Esther lately and found in 4:14 these immortal words. "and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" This represents 3 major QUALITY CHOICES in our lives. Wisdom....the nations of the world are facing problems never before imagined. There is unrest and indecision on every hand. Yet, there is wisdom for such a day as this. Patience...Everything we do will not always be to our liking...but we must learn to accept the things we cannot change, have courage to change the things we can and the wisdom to know the difference. Strength....He has a plan for our life and gives us strength to carry it through. The same God today is the same as in the days of Queen Esther, "for such a time as this." "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory." What shall we say....We all have qualities that no other individual has. We were born with them. In our alone time we make the decision on how to develop these QUALITIES. Patience is a great quality but I need more of it when it comes to computer technology (but I will not give up on learning!) Bottom Line: Don't hide your light under a bushel. Let the strength of your character and wisdom shine so brightly that others, seeing, it will rush to light their candles from it! ..........Happy Thursday!

Early Wednesday

Okay - I'll admit I'm up super early today. Yesterday when I was out, I ran across a Server from Denny's who said they have a whole new staff since they were not a "corporate" restaurant any more and they are totally smoke free. (Hooray on that one!) Where does that lead me? It leads me to go and meet the new Servers for Outreach and invite them to Church maybe before they get their permament schedule. We always relate because I love to serve others and of course up at the crack of dawn! Oh, before I get ready and go I want to share something that was sent from a friend of mine on e-mail. 'N-joy..........
Today's Message of the Day is:> > > >>> > > >>> > > >> Life is short, Forgive quickly,> > > >> Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And> > > >> never regret anything that made you smile. Send to> > > >> all the people you don't want to lose in 2007, even> > > >> me.... If you get 3 back, you are a great friend> > > >> Life may not be the party we hoped for,> > > >> But while we're here we should dance....

RESPECTFUL

One way to be respectful is to be scarce. There are multitude of ways friends and family can communicate without having to be together physically. We have the phone, e-mail, text messaging, blog, even the postal services.........and prayer! Yesterday we got the cutest, adorable thank you for my birthday stuff card (and she even named the gifts one by one) from our granddaughter and wrote it all by herself (but I see her very talented, creative mOm made the card!!!! What respect (& I'll add very thoughtful)!!! Proverbs 25:17, 27:14 is great on respect for others and is super strong on respect........."Seldom set foot in your neighbor's or someone's house, lest he become weary of you and hate you." Wow! Everyone has their goals, projects, responsibilities, preparations for the family and the home. I respect and support these undertakings, just helping out when and where I can......even if that means being scarce!

The Joy Of Being a PW (Pastor's Wife)

Yesterday I received a beautiful card in my IN box at Church. I truly want to share it because not only has it made my day, but my century! To My Pastor's Wife Carol. A pastor's wife must be many things, you have so many hats to wear, and I want to say thanks for all you do and lift you up in prayer. You adjust your life to meet the needs of helping us so much and helping us cope with a lot of situations. Your presence blesses all of us who know you from day to day. You are always serving God, especially your husband and all the ladies in a fine and worthy way and I appreciate all you do! You mean the world to me!!!! Thanks for just being YOU.
It could not have come at a more perfect timing. The previous week was unbelievably full of life's inescapables; and many problems to solve. Plus the fact that our daughter left to go out of State and then the air conditioning not working in Fellowship Hall...........I surely was not drowning, but looking for an answer to why me Lord? I've always been a "Nip it in the bud" and love the "share it with me now, so we can pray about it person." You never know who needs a word of encouragement. The great card, and the many visitors that our Welcome Announcer brought to Church and the super great Q&A plus the main event...... the great message my husband gave on I Peter series made my day! God always knows what we need. It will never be gloom and doom for me! I'm looking forward today to holding a brand new baby that was born Saturday today (one of our young couples) as I am going to take a caserole to the newly proud Mom and Dad as they come home from the hospital with him. He is indeed precious!
Happy Monday!
Bottom Line: There is no other fulfillment like that of being all God wants me to be as a PW!

Plan B is working GREAT!

I can imagine someone living in a 2-story home and the upstair's air conditioning goes out, so they move downstairs............well, my body is feeling the effects of moving chairs and tables (ugh!) because at our church yesterday we moved Fellowship Hall to the front of the building because the second air decided not to work but the first air is working fantastic! My prayer is that people don't mind change; we have a big day planned and several visitors.....and Q&A afterwards with a super summer meal! So far in my mind Plan B is working GREAT....now I just hope everyone else thinks so. I covet each one's prayers as you read my blog today...I'm a person who loves change for the better but it's not about me, it's about growth in our church and the visitors looking for a church home where they feel "at home" - and that I am positive they will find! (And an incredible teaching from the Bible!) See ya at 10 a.m.

WORDS

If words can kill happiness, they also have the power to create happiness. It is sometimes said that words are cheap. Not so. What price can we all put on the right words spoken at just the right time? It was Solomon in the Bible who said "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver" (Prov. 25:11) A few well-chosen, well-spoken words can make all the difference for good or for bad. I love words of hope, support, compassion and love - wonderful words of life! Yesterday the comment (words) was made to us as my husband was handling a crisis situation - "Are you ever free from hearing problems from people?" And both of our comments were the fact that it is one thing to deal with an unexpected crisis in another person's life but it's quite different when you realize the scripture John 16:33 says " In this world you will have trouble." (& it's our life's calling along side each other to help---that's what we do).... and we get the privilege of telling them......remember God is not surprised. He knows each one of us by name.........He knows exactly what is happening. We encourage talking about it....please do not shut others out. Words like trust, hope, guidance, simplistic formulas for dealing with problems and we are happy each one who calls has "a safe place to land" or the words I like to use "You can get over this.....this, too, shall pass ." And I get the privilege of offering words of joy!

Plan B

I believe in going with Plan B if Plan A doesn't work. Today is Plan B.....what was going to be a phenomenal day with Plan A now is Plan B........... I'm very flexible and actually was raised as a kid of "either/or" so as an adult I prefer the Plan A or B - choices! I refuse to look at the negative today, so Plan B will work! It's beginning to look pretty good. I covet prayers, empathy, (sympathy), encouragement, hugs, and understanding. So, I'll just except what comes my way today with Plan B and have a phenomenal day! To coin a phrase a CEO I used to be Admin. Asst. to would say "Carol you're so committed to positive ideas and plans, so have fun and don't sweat the small stuff!"
Yea, it is Friday and with that robust enthusiasm it's going to be
phe----nom----i-----nal!!!!!!

An Incessant Encourager - A Friend

I have a friend who is such an encourager. She constantly sends me little notes of appreciation...for no reason at all. One day a tiny "Pooh Bear" card arrived in the mail with a terrific note "Remember in Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unfair, he will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your life to Him by caring for other Christians (like me), as you still do." With this incessant encourager, how could I possibly not nurture this friendship. A real friend is one who helps us to think our best thoughts, do our noblest deeds, and be our finest selves. I'm the world's greatest at keeping ENCOURAGING CARDS, E-MAILS, BLOGS, NOTES, my own kids' cards or notes to Mom--- great creative letters or things our Grandkids make when they are here........there's a world of incessant encouragement and I am blessed to count my many blessings this day!!!

COLLECTING CHICKENS

Okay - I'm finally giving in. I've been blogging for almost six months now, and it's clear i still have a lot to learn.....but the ladies at Church are asking me why I haven't mentioned my "Collecting Chickens." Carol's Cheery Chickens - hmmm - Yes, I totally admit I'm obsessed with collecting small, medium sized, and even chicken eggs! My husband recently went to San Francisco and brought me back a chicken with an attitude!!! When I learn how to blog with pictures (don't expect that any time soon) but this chicken has a kingly looking hat on and is strutting his stuff. I love the beautiful pastel colors on this chicken! Because I have a chicken egg plate that has the same colors that I put my "church jewelry in." Our Son and Daughter-in-Law have traveled extensively and in the curio cabinet I have the unique collection of smaller chickens that you have to see to believe! They are magnificent! Then, there's the blown glass chickens which are breathtaking! I remind myself this has been 35 years of collecting chickens due to the fact that our "home Pastor's wife" in Missouri (2,000 in attendance) gave me some fabulous advice "Carol as you begin in the Ministry, start collecting something or you'll get odds and ends of stuff you might not want." So, I chose chickens and have so many I really don't display all of them. But, my daughter recently gave me a side-board piece of furniture that goes with the china hutch for the dining room and it has lots of room for chicken dishes, vases, etc. I'm a happy camper with the great collection I have and am grateful for indeed! Oh, and some are even outside!!!! My husband who is great at electrical work actually put small spotlights to shine on my chickens which are displayed on top of our beautiful white cabinets in the kitchen! (& a dimmer switch to boot!!!) How cool is that!!! Well, I've had fun talking about my chicken collection; how about you? I'd love to hear your comments on what you collect? Don't chicken out on telling me....a-ha!!!

BE ORGANIZED

It is a known FACT that being organized is vital! My husband and I saw a great Oprah show in the spring that was showing clutter and what it does to defeat! Organization means support to me - it supports a busy life and I believe in the age-old principle of "a place for everything and everything in its place.) (And in advanced organization, that place is the place where you need each item to be. Our daughter is in the process of moving. I was so happy when I saw she had the neatest "equipment" and as she calls it "stuff" organized in it. But I guarantee it is organized! We have a counter top in the kitchen that keeps us motivated.....on that counter top are "Crisis" things that HAVE TO BE DONE now. They are not in the way of cooking in the kitchen but as we walk by that counter, it reminds us "now!" My husband cannot tolerate clutter and I love to be organized, so we make a perfect match for organization. I call my part the "one foot" method. I clean out at least one drawer, one shelf, or one foot of space every day. And it's usually done during transitional time, while I'm doing something else, like warming something in the microwave, waiting for the coffee to brew, talking on the phone, etc. I've adopted the Proverbs 31 homemaker as my model for home management. She excelled at her role of home-manager (vs. 29) My thinking goes something like this -- "Okay, I have to keep the house clean, I NEED TO CREATE ORDER...I've got to cook at least one meal a day, so why not be the best?" Why not excel!!!!! ....to bless my husband and others and of course myself!

Gratitude

Gratitude beats guilt and self-criticism....all the time! It makes me wonder how many women spend wasted time on being so critical of their self when all we have to do is think about how blessed and grateful we should be! We create splendid memories for which I am a very grateful person today after having the privilege of having our entire family here. I do not hestitate to say for one minute to say it was a "privilege!" To me, it was a party....a phenomenal mixture of everyone at the table, eating a delicious meal, relaxing, just enjoying each other's company with a great kindred spirit; just to see each other's happiness in and of how they wanted to share it ... I'm grasping for words to fully explain my gratitude because I know how busy our family is and to take the time to come to Mom and Dad's home and enjoy everything!
In thinking about the place we call home. We have little control over most of the events of our lives, but we do have a measure of control over the atmosphere and the order and smooth running of our home. What's inside our doors and under our roof is our sphere. It's our place. By and large, it's a sphere and a place we build, watch over, manage, and love. So why shouldn't we dive in and do it with great passion, love, and happiness? I know women who have trouble getting excited about taking care of their homes. And I know women who have written off homemaking as a worthless occupation. These may sound like random comments, but to me I pillowed my head to a tremendous sleep and rest last night and awakened very grateful for every single precious person that was here to love, laugh, and enjoy life! I asked God to give me everything that I might enjoy life; He gave me life.......that I might enjoy everything!! Happy Monday!

GOALS

It's never too late to have goals. When I think about Father's Day of course I am so happy for each and every DAD because I honor and cherish them! I was reading about some Fathers who had goals; it didn't matterwhat their age was!
Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel on his back on a scafford at near age 90.
Strauss was still composing serious music after his 80th birthday!
Benjamin Franklin served his country in France at age 78 and wrote his autobiography at over 80.
John Wesley, at age 83 was annoyed that he could not write more than 15 hours a day and at 86 was frustrated that he could not preach more than twice a day.
Obviously these men never stopped using thir minds and undertaking new laborious and creative challenges, and I don't think we shoulld either! What a wonderful gift God has given us to have goals and accomplish them! My love goes out to all Dads and I hope you have the best day ever!!!!!

Pre-Father's Day

Yesterday I had the privilege of viewing the kids at the Day Care's Father's Day homemade cards. Talk about colorful!!! and cute sayings to their "World's Greatest Dad!" I loved it!
Here's a quote that was on the calendar today.....by Author John Bradshaw "Children are curious and are risk takers. They have lots of courage. They venture out into a world that is immense and dangerous. A child initially trusts life and the processes of life." And of course as Art Linkletter used to say "Kids say the darndest things...." And the Bible says "A little child shall lead them." Happy Pre-Father's Day! Plan on a super day from what I've seen so far!!!

Banana Bread

Father's Day......yea.........a great time to get up early and bake banana bread - does 32 loaves seem like a lot? No, not really. By the time I finished Outreach yesterday, I saw some people I hadn't seen for a while and since they are taking a trip and I know my banana bread would be tastier than a cold crescent in the hotel room! :) It's fun, delicious, and brings back a lot of memories when I first taught our granddaugther how to make banana (she loves cracking the eggs) bread and then when our grandson got older he wanted to help (he loved to stir)!!!!! Usually I make b. bread on Saturday, but it's been fun baking on Friday because my hubby also wanted a dutch apple pie which took 1 hr. and 10 minutes to bake! Happy early Father's Day men! You deserve the best - the very best! It is definitely worth my blog being later.....and our home smelling fantastic! .........Happy Friday!

OUTREACH

What a beautiful day (no rain so far)...I'm headed out to Starbucks for a nice warm latte to get my OUTREACH day started! Usually someone recognizes me and asks me how is your Church doing? #1 Outreach begins and they know they are going to get invited. I've already prayed this prayer: "Lord you have not given me a spirit of timidity - of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear - but You have given me a spirit of power and of love and a calm-well-balanced discipline/self-control to witness for You. I can do all things through Christ Who gives me the strength. Amen." Then after they ask "How is your Church doing?" Starbucks is a small place so then someone else will come up and say "Where's your Church?" So goes OUTREACH - me reaching out to them, caring, concerned, consecrated enough to share my life and what God means to me. The HOPE I have in Him. People are hurting to hear what works........I am 100% sure the Bible works and I know my husband teaches it every single Sunday! See ya there!!!! (10-11 a.m. on Sunday--Worship Center) :)

HOME

Do we make our homes a joy and pleasure for those who live there? A soldier came home on leave to a wife who was very quarrelsome and constantly finding fault. Finally he left and reported back to his commanding officer for duty, saying "I want to get back in the front, where I can fight this war in peace." To me, there are qualities that will build a happy home.
(To name a few: Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Humility, Courtesy, Unselfishness, Good Temper, Love, Guilelessness (thinketh no evil) and Sincerity (rejoicing in the truth!) - I Cor. 13 Building a happy home is found in one word- character!
What starts out to be a courteous conversation, but what ends up is a full-blown argument because of a selfish spirit or a decision was made in peace, but all of sudden the rules got changed! Or, is it because commitments, decisions that are no up for grabs depending on how you feel at a given moment. My husband and I practice the art of discipline with this thing called advanced decision-making which says "It's already been decided, so don't even think about it. " These little signals don't change the fact that we have already made a decision and that is non-negotiable! That my dear friend leads to non-argumentative approaches and advances character qualities as mentioned above that truly work!...........my caring thoughts....my prayer is that peace and contentment will be in our homes today, Wednesday to understand needs and live friendship and ask God for a non-selfish spirit! Every person alive craves the loyalty of a devoted friend! .......For some reason I'm having a hard time closing this blog......Here's another caring thought.....Our daughter got me a "Just for Mom" calendar for Mother's Day 2007 and it has daily quotes...Today's is awesome: "A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, but is miles ahead in results." (Poet/Journalist Ella W. Wilcox)

HONESTY

Let's be honest. God already knows what we are feeling. He can handle our anger, complaints, and disappointments. He understands us. He is aware of our human frailties (Psalm 103:14 and can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities. Hebrews 4:15. Whether discouragement is a business failure, abandonment, depression, chemical imbalance, oppression, marriage problem, financial disaster, or anything else, He will perfect that which concerns us. His Word is honest and true. Psalm 138:8. We are more than a conqueror through His love to us. I believe He wants us to be honest with ourselves and be bold enough to share what He has done for us. Next door to our church is a Day Care and the workers come over to visit me. They need a break from the kids, of course, so we have begun some great honest conversations about issues women go through. I enjoy so much the fellowship and just being downright (that's an Oklahoma term) honest about life's trivialities!....... In all honestly, we are all people persons and love it!

Miles of Smiles

I'm declaring this day "Miles of Smiles" day! Our carpet is getting cleaned! With the recent rains we have had, it's gotten almost impossible to just clean spots here and there. When I'm thinking about a super clean carpet (& home) it reminds me of Matthew 5:16 scripture "Let your light so SHINE before men, that they may see your good works and glory your Father which is in Heaven." Letting our light shine is not always easy (as I was sharing with a lady yesterday) and sometimes is clouded by unconfessed sins or wrong doings. Even though the disappointments are great we need to endeavor to let our light shine and in so doing becomes God's opportunity to live a clean, victorious life! I'll be happy to share how one may obtain this "Light" and "Sins be washed white as snow" - that definitely will also give miles of smiles! :-)

Hate Vs. Love

Okay, that's my favorite subject in the whole wide world.......LOVE! I see too much "hate" and I doubt whether the people who give it even realize it's demeaning. I can remember my husband saying to someone who was in deep despair "You can't say I love you, can you?" And the person actually disappeared - they were going through such agony and we knew it, but didn't even want to discuss the issues - they even moved to another state~~. I Corinthians chapter 13 is the Love chapter of the entire Bible. I have no problem whatsoever saying I love you. Our kids will always respond with a returned I love you. (& so will the precious grandkids.) That could be the answer to life's inescapables.......tell someone you love them.....go out of
your way to spread a little love around. Tell your kids, your parents, your grandparents and even your greatgrandparents. I'm praying the LOVE of God will
shine through me as I attend the best church in the Universe today! It won't be
hard to do when we let Him shine His love through.......I love hearing the Bible
taught by a man (my husband) whom I have seen studying it more than 20 hours
this week alone! (if not more).....as I intend to serve God in LOVE today, I'm
quite positive Love will be forthcoming from our hearts and actions! There's no
sense in even looking on the opposite.

Counting Blessings

Wouldn't it be great if everyone would begin counting blessings instead of griping about what they don't have? Grumbling, faultfinding and complaining.......leaves a down-attitude. Today I am counting my blessings and believe you me, there is a lot of them. I have the most awesome kids in the world, plus grandkids on top of that and a husband that I am eternally grateful for. Plus on top of all that, the people at church! Most of all, I'm counting my blessings for the many friends I have that keep in touch. Today I'm going to give praise to the Almighty God for all my needs being supplied and as I thank Him, the blessings will continue to mount up!!!! No wonder I'm up early......to seek His face.....to count my blessings, naming them one by one! Glory!!!!!

Pathway of Forgiveness

Isaiah 43:18, 19 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
When our daughter was about 9 years of ago, she owned two birds and when we opened the back door once, they, of course, flew out and were lost forever. During the birds' tenure in our home, she often let them out of their cage and they never flew out the back door. The first time she arranged for their freedom, she simply took the lid off the top of the cage and waited for them to get out. Instead of jumping to freedom, they hovered near the bottom of the cage.
Many people are trapped in a cage - a cage of unforgiveness. And sometimes they have been in the cage for so long that when God offers them the gateway to freedom, they are terrified. they have been trapped in unforgiveness for so long that it becomes a way of life - a comfort zone. Eventually they don't even realize the bitter bile beneath the surface of their hearts is contrary to God's perfect will for His children. Pray that you will hear the precious voice of God speaking because He WILL enable you to forgive. Begin that pathway of courage to forgive TODAY!

Non-stop Marvelous Week!

Since our W.O.W. (Women of Worth) class last Sunday, I'm so excited we finished the "Biblical Parenting" study - I've had literally a non-stop marvelous week! Yesterday I spent a great time with an amazing woman of God that attends the class so faithfully...we both have been married many years and our children are all grown. After our lunch at a cool "Tea Room -very lady-like decor" we spent a great time browsing through an Antique/Crafts Mall.. And I believe that's why God gives us sisters...(Sistas) to encourage each other and lift each other up in prayer and fellowship. What a blessing!
I have gotten a lot of e-mail comments. Some have commented they do not remember their password or are concerned their info on them will be seen by all. Not true... but I love the feeling that I can post positive uplifting Bible verses, because it is through His word that we get our mind off our self-pity and begin to praise Him for being so gracious to us!
Here's an e-mail comment I received just last night: "I love you and praise God for the gift of you. Your ministry online has truly touched my life and been such a blessing. As a stay at home mom, I find myself visiting your blogs every day, awaiting your next post so that I can smile and laugh (because it's just what I need) and always find something positive ;) God is so good! I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3......God bless you as you help us sift through indescribables......." Patty from Tyler
Today will be another non-stop day..........OUTREACH.....there are so many who need love, kindness, and a word of encouragement....my day is beginning early as I go to our city's beautiful Senior Citizens Center. It's a challenge to listen to lonely Saints who can share their joys and sorrows. They sing pretty good also! (Thursday is also Church Hymn Day.) I cannot begin to tell what a blessing it is to hear them quote word per word Psalm 23!!!!!
Correct blog time: 6:03 a.m. (3:19 is not correct).

Caring for Others

I've been asked to word a prayer for a Ladies Group this morning. How do I feel about it? I feel joyful and honored! Tapping into a spiritual wellspring always makes me care so much more. I can sum up caring for others is to me a concen we can create measurably greater than any other servitude. It gives us a well-being for ourselves if we do just that - care for others! Getting our mind on ourselves keeps us so selfish, in the pit, and leads a boring life.

Praise Vs. Blame

One of the most unavoidable life lessons is having to deal with the disapproval of others. Look for the approval of God and there will not be a problem! Praise and blame are really all the same in a fancy way of reminding yourself of the old saying "you'll never be able to please all the people all the time." When I think of victory in politics - one candidate secures 55 percent of the vote, he or she is left with 45 percent of the population wishing someone else were the winner. Pretty humbling, hu? The truth is, everyone has their own set of ideas with which to evaluate life and our ideas don't always match those of other people. There is definitely a struggle against this inevitable fact.
I find that there are many days when I experience both praise and blame. One phone call delivers good news, another announces a new issue to deal with. On person is angry, the other person happy with the way things are. Someone gets rebellious against rules, the other looks for the Bible answer. This back and forth, good and bad, approval and disapproval is a part of everyone's life. I would rather praise any day than blame! The Bible says "Praise the Lord, oh my soul and all that is within me Praise His Holy name!" The "Blame Game" will eat up the beautiful soul of a what used to be "Praise Person." I choose Praise! Especially for the glorious day my hubby and I had yesterday.......in a storm on the Lake, but praising God for some much needed relaxation!!!! (No sense in "blaming" the weather....the weather can't help it) but "Praise" God we remembered a blanket to share... -- (heavy rain can be very cold as we very well experienced!) Ever had a picnic in a storm? Hey - we praise God the storm didn't sweep us away down the Lake.......(Amen on that one!!) I hope your choice is PRAISE for the great things God has done! As the song says, "How can I say thanks for the things He has done for me....." Another song, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow...." I could blog all day on Praising!!! He's been so good to us!!!

There's That Word Again...JOY!!!!

As I think about the days of our lives, I can't help but feel an urgency - Dear Sister and Brother - I'll say it again - all you and I have is today! Only this one day we can be JOYFUL! Therefore, as we seek a heart of wisdom, we have to pray over our day of potential! We need God's clear direction and challenge for our one day! Without it we won't care about the day....or about others. We'll indulge ourselves, shirk our work, and spend God's golden minutes on the foolishness of this world! What are your priorities - to better your life or make someone else's life miserable? Think about it - the Old Testament admonishes time and time again to "Tend to your own lamp." .........for wisdom (& in wisdom I feel joy) is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.....Proverbs 8:11
Bottom Line: Spread a little JOY around! (When bitterness sets in, it's too late!)

W-I-S-D-O-M

W - Willingly give my life to God.
I - Identify any sin in my life.
S - Shed spiritual laziness.
D - Decide the method and rate of growth!
O - Obligate myself to giving.
M - Maintain spiritual growth.
JUST FOR TODAY.....ask God to give a desire for greater growth.
Remember W.O.W. Women of Worth this morning 9 a.m. and Worship at 10. Begin gaining incredible strength and building momentum with a life of w-i-s-d-o-m.

PERSONALITY

One of the fundamental differences between men and women is the way they express love. Men are goal-oriented and express love by doing, while women are relationship-oriented and express love by being. A woman may say "I love you" by touching, stroking, caressing, and talking. A man, on theother hand, shows love by doing such things as going to work and earning a living. My husband's love language is seldom verbal. He excels in demonstrating his love by doing things for me. If he has a day off and I'm out doing Outreach, he often cleans the house and has dinner ready when I get home. I believe we as women need to accept our husband's efforts. I need to grant him the uncommon luxury of being himself. His personality is different from mine, therefore it brings on a new endeavor to maximize my husband's strengths and minimize his weaknesses. I always make a daily habit to think on the qualities that drew us together (I might add 42 years ago!!). It renews my love for him. Personality? Yes! His personality plus my acceptance makes for a great combination!
Okay, now I'm headed to Starbuck's to get my Saturday started. After having the two most precious grandkids in the Universe for a couple of days (& having a super fantastic time...) I have a busy day, so I need to get up and moving........I'm grateful I only live 2 1/2 blocks from the world's best motivator!!! :-)

TEAMWORK

Teamwork in marriage requires the husband and wife to take up their tandem roles of leading and following. It is the practice that makes a marriage work. God asks husbands to lead and wives to follow (I Cor. 11:3) - for now just hang on to this principle! Functioning as a team, other principles apply - Communicating, Keep up the home - Married or single, your home is an indicator of your spiritual maturity and a direct reflection of your care and character. A lot is riding on a wife's desire to keep up the home. If he's out working all day and the home looks like a tornado, there's always conflict. Teamwork is hand in hand with serving God and reaching out to others. What a wonderful privilege we have with great principles that the Bible teaches us to have - picking out one and begin to make them a part of marriage - more than likely, there will be not only a change in attitude but we as women will ENJOY teamwork! As we grow in the Lord, we become a tremendous support to our husband if we connect as a team, listen to his wise counsel, and at the same time adhere to the Proverbs 31 woman who feared and revered the Lord and was highly praised and appreciated by her husband. (Prov. 31:28-30).