This Is Why I Care........I Love Living In God's Garden

I want to share this story that a PW (Pastor's Wife) friend of mine shared with me. I hope it touches your heart like it did mine.

Blue Roses

Why do I always have to be the one that starts to do
laundry and there's no detergent? I guess it was time
for me to do my "Dollar Store" run, which included
light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags and Clorox. So
off I go.

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies,
and headed for the checkout counter only to be blocked
in the narrow aisle by a young man that appeared to be
about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I
patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was
there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in
the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over
here."

It was obvious now that he was mentally challenged,
and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so
close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened
and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey
Buddy, what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he
responded proudly. "Wow," I said, "that's a cool name;
I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Hal."

"Hal like Halloween?" he asked.

"Yes," I answered. "How old are you, Denny?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she
slowly came over from the next aisle.

"You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be good boy and
let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for
several more minutes about summer, bicycles and
school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement
because he was the center of someone's attention. He
then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy
section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked
me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told
me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much
less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure,
and then I said something I have no idea where it came
from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I
told her that there are plenty of red, yellow and pink
roses in God's garden, however, "Blue Roses" are very
rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and
distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a "Blue Rose" and
if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their
heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then
they've missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her
eye she asked, "Who are you?" Without thinking I said,
"Oh, I'm probably just a daffodil or maybe even a
dandelion," but I sure love living in God's garden."

Yesterday's Blessings & A Beautiful Fall Day!

Today I'm drawing off of yesterday's blessings! The W.O.W. class was amazingly incredible! I cannot thank each and every one for coming out so early and the sacrifice you make! Fabulous Class!!! Thanks! We are definitely women of worth!

The Morning Worship was extraordinary! The new upbeat music was received real well and everyone that left made comments that they thoroughly enjoyed church!

Today seems like a day to take it easy and not dwell on anything that will cause worry, disappointment, or the whys????? Focus on what we have in common, not our differences. And, concentrate on the things which make for harmony and on the growth of one another's character. Yesterday was the first day of Fall...I'm for sure going outside to enjoy some of the leaves falling and the wisp of wind blowing them further away.

Hope Your Service Goes Well....

Those were the very encouraging words our Son left with us last night....and as we left, we both talked about how glad we are that we raised a Son who is so thoughtful, respectful, and caring toward our life's calling. What a great night's sleep after hearing that admonishment.

Yes, today is the day that we are going to "change" the order of our service, implementing many ways to get plugged into a church that has a tremendous amount of caring; a church that wants our light to shine throughout this city and surrounding towns! Where there is no pressure put on anyone to join....just attend....hear very relevant and a motivating challenge to begin Monday with an entirely different perspective and attitude on life. This is the challenge that is given to each of us in today's culture. I'm going to let my light shine in all the excitement God has given me to teach a dynamic W.O.W. (Women of Worth) class today.....I know there are many many people (family, friends, Pastors & their wife & missionaries) all over the world praying for us as we give forth the passion of applying the Holy Word...the Bible! Oh Yes, our music is the very latest in praise and worship and will bless your soul! I promise you an hour of power you won't want to miss!

See ya at 9 for W.O.W. and 10 for a Super Worship Center Service!

Just Accept Him

Sometime during a marriage, a wife will begin a small makeover project - her husband. She has the best intention in the world. A little tweak here and little fine-tuning there would make him even better than he already is. The cost is high, though. You'll end up with a husband who resists your every suggestion and who doesn't want to talk!

Unless your husband asks, and he probably won't, don't get involved with makeovers. Let him know you think he's wonderful just the way he is! I see more women being so critical, correcting, condemning or chiding. This can be so tempting because there's a store of knowledge (and opinions) so deep within us ladies. HOLD THOSE THOUGHTS! Just accept him - after all he accepts us. I thought it was so "cute" last night when I stayed inside looking and aweing over all the SALES at Cracker Barrell Store; so my husband decided to go out and sit in those rocking chairs they have on the front. (Too bad they are so expensive). Anyway, I ended up buying nothing - maybe God planned it that way. They had so many sales, I couldn't decide!!! (a-ha----yea God!)

Appreciate your husband's strengths. Send him a card....accept him for ALL the things he does for you, whether small or large. He doesn't need a makeover. If he did, he'd send for tickets to Oprah! (chuckle, chuckle). Enjoy a gorgeous Saturday. Just a quick reminder (W.O.W. Women of Worth is tomorrow - you awesome Ladies....9 a.m. - see you there!) (Refreshments served).

FDN is finally here!!!!!

This has been such an odds n' week for me. The things I had on my calendar that would happen, did not happen, and the things that happened involved a lot of opposites and many, many requests on our 24/hr. prayer line at church. Thus the Posting Title today, FDN is finally here!

Since a) I cherish mornings & b) I love breakfast served to me

We are going to Cracker Barrell for their absolutely scrumptuous breakfast! The Servers we've always gotten are phenomenal. They usually take care of weary travelers, scenic drivers, and senior citizen types very well!!! (They must truly miss their Grandparents.) :-) Of course mosying around in the gift shop for chickens on sale makes for a great topping! They must train each and every staff person to be exceptionally "nice" because it's always a great feeling when we leave to have such great conversation re: CS-customer service!

It's not fair to the new readers of my blog - so I'll say what FDN stands for: FRIDAY NIGHT DATE NIGHT. Yea!!!

See ya in Church in 48 hours! Have yourself a super FDN!! I know I will!

Beautiful Fall Never Changing Colors

Isn't it funny that when we were young, we couldn't wait to grow up, and when we are old, we reminisce on earlier years? Yet, whatever stage of life we find ourselves in at the moment, I know that God wants us to enjoy and embrace each "Season" as it comes our way. Fall....beautiful....leaves falling..so many different colors.

I'm sure there will be a lot of change as we go into the busy Holiday Season. The good news during the emotional transitions and changes? God gives us what we need for each Season of our lives. For our husband, kids and grandkids He will provide instruction, friendships and a myriad of other transitions. For me, He will provide new opportunities for service and growth! And to all of us, He gives Himself.....our ONE Constant in a changing world. I have been quoting Hebrews 13:8 at least fifty times this week: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever!"

As we all watch the leaves change colors this Fall, may it remind all of us to enjoy a new Season of life and to trust our unchanging God! I'm going to take a dose of Psalm 37:1-7 for this!! CCT: Carol's Caring Thoughts: vs. 5: "Commit thy way unto the Lord."

3rd Wednesday

This will be short, sweet and to the point. :)
Tonight is 3rd Wednesday (the only Wednesday night Service we have) at Church:
7-8p.m. "Communication in Marriage" (& if you are Single..."Communication in General") is the subject since my husband is continuing with "THE MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT SERIES." (Communion will be served at the end of the Service). We both have been up very early to go to the Church and pray for a good turnout. We covet your prayers as well.

Being Thankful And Kind

I truly believe being thankful is a super huge contributor to happiness. The act of doing something nice for a stranger or friend (& even a family member) will make for super feelings about oneself. Every day I jot down three things I am thankful for. As blogged once about "Yellow Sticky Notes" and journaling my prayers, I also have napkins, torn paper or anything I find to write on to write the three things. It helps me remember the sun is always shining and to count my blessings!

Lately I've realized that it is a necessary essential awesome task to count our blessings instead of drudges! And what's beautiful is that when we begin counting, the list becomes more than three! I don't mind sharing three of my things I am grateful for that I wrote down today: 1) Thanking God for His faithfulness to me day by day and for helping all of us to become all that He desires us to be! God's tremendous grace (just when I need it); ....and boy do I need it! 2) So Thankful that I place my family, my spouse, children, grandchildren, families that live away into His care, knowing that He is able to keep that which I command to Him this day! 3) For women who call for help in overcoming emotional pitfalls. Give me words of wisdom, words of grace, that I might encourage them and build them up, dear Lord.

I know I elaborated on my Thankfulness list. There is nothing like being Thankful and Kind....As I write I am already surrendering my willful lack of ever being unkind and unthankful and focusing on how can I make a difference in showing how much God's grace and mercy causes me to care and get rid of any "walls" or "rude thoughts" that cloud my desire to enjoy counting my blessings! (& please do not purposely ruin someone's day....practice being kind.) I want to Reach Out to comfort and turn pain into joy........that is truly being KIND! I'm claiming Matt. 11:28..."Come unto me...our kind gracious Lord says...."

Piddling?

That's an Oklahoma term my Mamma used when I didn't mind (Now the word is disobeyed)! She would say "Are you piddling Carol Ann?" And, of course, the answer was always the truth, "Yep!" And, of course, when telling the truth, no "whippin'" but a strong command to get done what she told me to do in the first place!

I'm piddling because last night I fell asleep in the Emmy Awards and as usual when I get the full potential of my sleep I need, I'm up and at 'em! Some piddling I have done is moving the telephone? Why? Because I don't like cords bulging out and with the laptop, a lighted chicken, lamp cord, telephone cords; piddling remedied that problem - now I only have one cord....neat, clean looking, perfecto!!!!!

Another piddling is since it's fall, it's time to put out the fall chickens and rearrange the summer chickens. Our own secret "piddle" that gets our mind off the many, many things we really need to get done and are on our TO BE DONE list, but procastranate to the max at doing them. And I can grant you, my husband will get up and his famous words are "Oh, I like the way you changed that...that looks great!!!!" A place for everything and everything in it's place! Yep, that's my motto!!!! I may decide to change it tomorrow, but for the time being, it looks neat and our home is ready for the next Season (actually, the next time I decide to piddle.) :) What's even better about this picture is my husband will see immediately where the phone is moved! I think he has radar vision!!!! (In his sleep!!!) A-ha!!! Have a super exciting Monday! Above all else, have fun!

Beginning Each Day With A Heart Full of Thanks!

I come before our precious Lord rejoicing, for this is the day which He has made and I will be very thankful! I think of so many who cannot wake up and say that. Perhaps depression, or a down gloomy feeling, or even a home where there is hurt, or a wounded spirit. I'm up early thinking about how do I begin each day? The fact that our kids are grown and away; how are they? what are they doing? are they healthy? our grandkids....mostly what are they thinking? they have such a great way of expressing their day's events! The love flows out over the phone from all (or at least I can definitely feel it) when I talk to ANY of them.

As regarding today's events....oh yes, they will be eventful, and servitude. We're beginning a new "Opening Worship" and I'm excited as the words of wisdom, words of grace, that we might encourage each person present. We're still in our "F-ully R-ely O-n G-od" (Frog Month) so I cannot wait to see exactly HOW we have all done it?????? His power will give us victory and to Him be the glory throughout all generations, forever and ever!

So, how do I begin each Day? I've pondered that question so deeply. I begin with a marvelous heart of gratitude and appreciation for LIFE; a husband who is living, breathing, healthy, continuing to expound the Word, and give of himself with his many talents; thanking God for giving birth to two amazingly incredible, caring kids! As I look around the house with memories of them......I can only write...Great is the peace and undisturbed composure of my children, because you, God, wcontend with that which contends with my chidren, and You give them safety and ease them. My children honor, esteem, and value as precious their parents; for this is the first commandment with the promise that all may be well with my children and that they may live long. It is my sincere prayer that they will be increased in wisdom and in favor as I know they have many dreams to fulfill and goals to accomplish. .......truly a Mamma's (& Mom's) heart.

Keep a prayer of thanks today and see what happens.

I especially thank You Lord for the co-laborers with whom I will be interacting today. Give me words of wisdom, words of grace, that I might encouragement them and build them up. I continue to thank You for the many blessings that You have poured upon us all. See ya in Church! Where life will be celebrated - believe you me! (P.S. Blog is posting super early...the clock on the wall says 6:51 a.m.) :)

Does Prayer Work?

Most definitely prayer works! Just close your eyes and open your heart and feel your worries and cares depart. As you feel God holds you secure in HIS love, give Him endless problems that cannot be solved; then He will "take over" and finish the rest. We have to GIVE IT TO HIM. I know when I'm tired, discouraged and blue, the door that is always OPEN is what I call "The House of Prayer." I find God always waiting to meet ME there. We opened our church specifically for 9/11 day for people to come in and pray. It was great to see people coming by JUST TO PRAY for the safety of America.

Prayer .... oh yes....any time, any where!! No farther away than the quiet spot - to kneel and pray is always my posture; I know God is there and I place myself in His loving care. He hears every single prayer and answers each one. It might be "wait" or "why not now?" but it is His will that we call upon Him for the smallest and the largest request. The burdens that seemed too heavy to bear are lifted away. Ending the prayer with praise and Gratitude for a God who loves us unconditionally, and is healing whatever ache and pain we go through....to put it simple: My prayers say "Hey God....and Yea God!!!" Prayers avail much. I John 5:14,14 - "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us; and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions (prayer) that we desired of Him."

Pray for our Q&A at church tomorrow.....after the a.m. Service. See ya there!

Music & Today's (Maybe) Activities

.....Random Friday thoughts........ music....this would take up kazillion megabytes to write about.....Yesterday I went to the church and listened to a Michael W. Smith & Rebeckah S. praise CDs! If that doesn't move your enthusiasm and soul, nothing will! I found myself really enjoying every single word and the tremendous feeling of knowing we serve a great God who is always there to take care of every single difficulty, adversity, struggle, happenstance, or whatever comes our way.....this music lifted my spirits higher and higher toward God. Then I tried to practice some of the songs on the keyboard.....that was "trying" but with some practice I should be able to play one of the songs. For this I covet your prayers......music, music, music...the answer I definitely believe. My soul has been blessed!

Someone this week asked me "Carol why don't you tell your day's activities on Blog?" Actually I do not know exactly what the day may hold; I have a friend who says "Monday...I..... Tuesday......I Wednesday.....I Hey I'm not like that...I live an exciting life, plotting along with the love of the Lord and hopefully help someone who's life is a train wreck so to speak. If not by the grace of God, there go I.....so says the Bible......if I can help, great (Plan A)....if I cannot, I will go with Plan B. I know today a MUST is to get busy and make our daughter-in-law's b-day card which I've been putting off because she is the EXPERT card maker (more like brilliant) so I'll take some time today to make a card that she will enjoy......after that..........yep you guessed it....Friday night date night....

Back to music.........Always remember to get music in your soul...so phenomenal! :)

Purpose

Knowing purpose gives our life meaning, simplicity, focus and motivation. It provides a lot of happiness and joy! Yesterday I had the privilege of showing a lady God's purpose and how well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life, fear of death, fear of judgment is one not yet fully formed in love. God clears the record with His love and forgiveness. (Psalm 32:1) He says He has good plans for us, not plans to hurt us. It always to give us hope and a good future. (Jeremiah 29:11). I always rely on the Bible for purpose, hopes, desires, goals, thoughts, so that my vision is not blurred but definitely keeping me focused. I feel like I can open it to ANY verse and find purpose.

FROG Wednesday

I hope your Wednesday is joyous, full of fun, and that you'll have a FROG Day! I'm blogging "short" today as mine has already been filled with fun. ....Since it's a bit nippy outside, I decided to have an early morning bubble bath; I dare you to try it, you'll love it! The warm bath energized me. (Stepping out of the tub, though, reminded me that our always knowing God, who is always ever present is the TRUE essence of energy!) Have a joyous FROG (F-ully R-ely O-n G-od)Wednesday! Job 1:21

9/9/07 & 9/11/01

After having an active Sunday (9th) at church, I was all relaxed getting myself almost ready for a great night's sleep and my husband had answered the phone and brought the phone were I was and said "Someone really cool wants to speak to you." Then comes this awesome, sweet, precious, cool voice that said "Happy Grandparents Day Grandma." Naturally it was our adorable Granddaughter! And I said "How thoughtful for you to remember--thank you!" And we chatted for a few minutes and she definitely had her mind focused on really wishing me to have a wonderful Grandparents Day. (Actually I didn't hear very much mention of it on the media so I thanked her wholeheartedly for remembering!) Then she put our Grandson on the phone. Now,you can't beat that with a stick! He sounded so grown up and interested in what I had been doing!! Their "cool" parents have taught them fabulous phone manners - oh, I hugged them right over that phone for the joy they bought into my life - and yes, I did sleep very well! My husband and I are definitely blessed to have the BEST grandkids in the world! Did you hear from your's? I hope so.

Now on the 9/11/01 what was I doing? I was teaching a Ladies Bible Study at a Well-Known Christian Bookstore. They had invited me to hold a 6-week class. Of course, we all stopped, stunned, and glued ourselves in front of the televisions they had in the store. Devistated isn't the word for it....Pure sickening....Today I will still be in prayer for the families and all involved.

God bless and protect us all!

Liquid Sunshine

It's been pouring down rain here for the last hour and a half. I call it "Liquid Sunshine." We have two dogs. One is mortified of thunder, the other mortified of rain. I've been up super early giving them some special stroking and hugs to help them settle down. A-ha - such peace when the thunder and rain stops to begin a day filled with tons of stuff to get caught up on (i.e. thank you & encouraging cards, VFU (Visitor Follow Up from Church yesterday), lots of personal stuff (post office, errands, etc.)

The W.O.W. Women of Worth Class was PHENOMENAL yesterday...every lady got a chance to share the beautiful part of being a female. A great crowd and every lady said they cannot wait until our next meeting (every other week); what a lovely way to start the week with such great memories! One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement......It is easy to pour cold water on enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a woman (& man) on his/her feet. Ps. 139:13-14 and Romans 12 passages on "Holy Living" was our study. All eyes were filled with tears when some ladies gave recent accounts of victorious overcomings and the need to change "old" habits. We had so much refreshments and a super time of what I call "safe place to land" and the outpouring of love that every lady gave to me as they prayed for me in gratitude for the class will not be forgotten for a long time. Next meeting, September 23, 9 a.m. Fellowship Hall...my calendar is definitely marked to be there and I hope your's is also. ENJOY YOUR WEEK and liquid sunshine (beautiful rain) as you begin this day!

Unforgiveness

Many people ruin their health and their lives by taking the poison of bitterness and unforgiveness (topped with resentment). Matt. 18:23-35 tells us that if we do not forive people, we get turned over to the torturers. It's torture to have hateful thoughts toward another person rolling around inside one's head.

My question is who are you helping most when you forgive the person who hurt you? Actually, you're helping yourself more than the other person. I always looked at forgiving people who hurt me as being really hard. I thought it seemed so unfair for them to receive forgiveness when I had gotten hurt. But I'm also helping the other person by releasing them so God can do what only He can do. If I'm in the way - trying to get revenge or take care of the situation myself instead of trusting and obeying God - He has no obligation to deal with that person. However, God will deal with those who hurt us if we'll put them in His hands through forgiveness.

The Word tells us to pray for your enemies and those who abuse and misuse you. Pray for their happiness and welfare (Luke 6:27,28) As we pray, God can give them revelation that will bring them out of deception. They may not even be aware they hurt you, or maybe they're aware but are so self-centered that they don't care. Either way, they need revelation. ...and after forgiveness, BLESS them (Rom. 12:14) means to speak well of......................depend on God to help...the benefits for forgiving far outweigh because when satan gets a foothold, next he'll get a stronghold. Be quick to forgive.

I believe there's a need to forgive a situtation or an object - the post office, bank, a certain company that may have cheated you, a car that always gives you trouble, etc. Get rid of all poison that comes from bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness. Proverbs 4:23 - "Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance...for out of it flow the springs of life. " Forgive God if you are angry with Him, because life didn't turn out the way you thought it should. God is always just.

I'm determining to forgive and I covet your prayers in this area. My husband is beginning a great chapter in I Peter today and yesterday I was out finding prospects who were unchurched to come and worship and be a part of the new series. (Of course, I wanted them to know about W.O.W. (Women of Worth) which begins at 9 a.m. today............Hey Ladies.....see you there!!!! Can't wait!!! ...I'm taking some good ole' banana bread made by yours truly...

The B-i-b-l-e

Remember when you were a kid singing "The B-i-b-l-e....yes that's the book for me?" And sang it with all the joy mustered up inside which was "loud joy?" I proclaim it's still the BOOK for me....yesterday I mosied by Barnes & Noble and glanced over the zillion of books. That seems to be the "in" thing these day...author a book. Recently I read a comment on a blog that said basically don't even think about authoring a book if you're not writing on something that catches the eye, heart, and brain!!! I'm not really a controversial person and what I mean by that is starting a ruckus over something that my Mamma used to say constantly ....doesn't amount to heal of beans!!!

Our Son got me a Bible(exactly what I've ever wanted) almost nineteen years ago; I still carry it, read it daily, and wouldn't get rid of it for the world! I can remember one year a College student needed to borrow my Bible and she never returned it! I hope she is still reading it and it is her #1 book. I am at this time "authoring a book" but I can guarantee anyone who will look up anything they want to know, it's in the Bible! And I say that with no apology, with all the gusto in my being, and unequivably the TRUTH!

Hiya Ladies............it's almost 24 hours exact to our W.O.W. (Women of Worth) class in the Fellowship Hall at 9 a.m. This one is a barn stormer....you will not want to miss it, I promise! We have a tremendous group coming and the 45-minutes passes by quickly, so see grab your coffee or tea and as we use to call it Oklahoma, COME ON OUT!!!!

Fridge Magnets

What's on your Fridge with magnets holding them up?

On mine....#1 and most important...artwork by grandkids (I should say masterpieces)
pics of immediate family...a pic of our 4 taken just before first born left to go to College. There's a really cool pic of my husband and our daughter! Of course pics of grandkids at Chuck E.'s place....."Honey-Do List" (almost empty :) ....Emergency Telephone Numbers.....At least 22 chicken magnets..my favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 33:3, "I love my Grandma/or I love my Grandpa" frames with the newborn pic of each Grandchild. I Cor. 13--the LOVE chapter written out; more pictures of our kids (current ones) a Magnetic board with prayer requests and my goal to bring 9 to church; A neat sign that says "A Teacher affects eternity; she can never know where her influence stops." Of course there are great tips re: healthy things to eat for your eyes, heart, and other vital organs. Believe it or not, it all looks very neat and homey and reminders that in this home is a lot of love, missing the ones who are not here (of course they are now adults and have a home of their own) and a hearty welcome to enjoy your visit!!!

And those are my caring thoughts...........have a happy Friday!

Thursday already???....some musings.....

My own Blog won't let me COMMENT...hello!! Here's the comment, Connie to your's.
Wow Connie, Thanks for your valuable comment. I remember it like it was yesterday. You have always been a blessing and a great prayer "buddy." You've sown many a great seeds!!! Blessings to you THIS DAY!

I'll find out from Google why???

Is it Thursday already???? What a fast week!

Someone said "Idleness is the devil's workshop." There's never a dull moment in my life. My husband and I usually eat the evening meal about 5-ish p.m. At 3-ish I decided I wanted some wonton soup. I figured well, the drive-through Associate will know I ordered wonton soup. I sat down to eat it in a cozy corner, took the lid off and guess what? It was a cup full of nothing but gravy. Oh, well, the craving I had for wontons went to someone else. But I did find out if you don't like making gravy, go to a restaurant (even KFC) and they'll GIVE you a cup of gravy of your choice. It's a dollar if they don't give it. Mine was a dollar. One of my great cooking points (from my husband) is "making gravy better than his Mom's." So I won't be ordering gravy from a drive-though restaurant. In fact, just the mere mention of gravy, my husband requested mashed potatoes and my gravy with the baked chicken that was cooking. Did I use the drive-through gravy??? Heavens no. Did I take it back and get wonton soup??? No, I just forgot the negative experience and went on enjoying a lovely dinner with my husband's ravin about my gravy. But, we did have a chuckle at the reason why she gave me gravy???? Speaker, bad day, who knows????? I just know that will not be the place I frequent for wonton soup. What about you? What "crazy" thing have you had happen lately?

Enjoy your Thursday....Friday's almost here! And then Sunday is closer!!!

....Blessings Came Calling On My Phone & Knocking On My Door

Monday there was a call left on our answering machine at home from one of the fun-loving ladies at our Church who wanted to have a "Carol Day." If she were to explain where she got that...I would have to give myself a pat on the back. Come on...it's not being arrogant to BRAG on oneself!!! Several years ago my husband and I helped out a Pastor and his wife in a small church and I met her there. She reminded me I had her special day and she wanted to return the favor. She asked me where would I love to go for lunch and have a "Carol Day?" Los Lupes restaurant, of course! We really had a great time! Memories....she is a very busy lady with a son whose a High School Senior + all the other kazillion things like working out, remodeling her home, has a heart for genuinely caring for others on her job and a phenomenal gift of mercy! I kept wanting to make the lunch about HER for all the things she does and she kept wanting to make the lunch about me. My spirits were really uplifted and the topper was she brought by a birthday gift last night (called first, of course, and since we were out with appointments) she left it on the porch. It was a singing birthday card that lasts until my next year birthday!!!

The song says "Everyone who knows you thinks you're really great, and yet you just get better every year - this is your day ...... This is your year!" "Happy b-day - Carol Day" I don't know where she found it, but with the card and the Starbuck's gift card inside I'm good to go for sure until next year!!!! Isn't it nice to know there are others who care so much to follow through with blessings upon blessings and F-ully R-ely O-n G-od to give them the time to others????? (That's our FROG theme at Church). She did all of this even in the busy-ness of life! Wow!

By the way, try a sophapilla with margerine and honey on it....yummy I begin this day feeling very grateful for this surprising event!!! When I returned home my husband surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of purple daisies. I hope your surprises and blessings are many today. Blessings surely came calling on my phone and knocking on my door!

Fall

Why do I always think summer is over the day after Labor Day? I guess because it feels like, especially since it rained yesterday and seemed a bit "coolish" to me. Spring is my favorite time of the year, but Fall is exciting because of the bands at Football games and all the fans yelling to beat the band. No pun intended!

I'm sending a global message to all to enjoy what FALL has to offer; a great season to enjoy Plays, Football Games, Concerts, and last but not least, (and most important) Church. My husband is teaching a series on I Peter which really has the important of everyday living/submission to authority; respect for Business Owners, respect for leaders, etc. Next week is submissiveness at home. Here's my invitation for you to attend at 10-11 a.m. where there is no pressure; just teaching from the Bible. Have a great Tuesday and I hope your Labor Day was extra special!

It's Official!!

To those of you that know me, and think I never take time to "relax" you're going to love this announcement - I'm officially taking the day off! We've been invited to the Lake and I've been asked to take my "always requested" potato salad! So, I slept in today (that's another surprise to everyone!) and have the potatos and eggs boiling and I'm going to just sit on the "dock" and stare at the beautiful lake. That is so relaxing for me. I'll be praying that your day will have all the the very things you want to do and hopefully the day will be long and relaxing for you. Anyhoo-maybe a "catch-up" day! Happy Labor Day!

Hope

I hope everyone we've invited to enjoy our "1st Annual Labor Day Blast" will come. Just our way of sharing lunch (cook-out) with others who labor so hard and a way of enjoying fellowship, friendship, and fun! I'm running a tad bit late but hope your Labor Day will be awesome!

Enjoy Life

Today is a beautiful day to enjoy life. Get the things done you've always put off...like give the dog a bath....September 1st and on to look forward to...can't wait to make a card for our son and daughter in law's Anniversary....my daughter-in-law's birthday and hubby's birthday are both in September....(can't wait to make a card for her since she is a genuis at card making)...and then the leaves falling as fall begins...fall is my very favorite time of the year! What's your favorite time of the year? Remember tomorrow 10 a.m. (See Friday's blog)..And most of all, enjoy everything you do today, tomorrow and Monday to have a great Labor Day Weekend! I know I am!! :=)

Labor Day Blast/Bulletin Boards

We've decided at our church to have a Labor Day Blast and after church having a cook-out, time of fellowship and a time to refresh from the normal day to day activities. And so yesterday I decided to update the bulletin boards and can't wait to see the kids' reactions to the posters that admonish them to have a great school year. Several years ago I authored a book on Bulletin Boards called "The Look Book." It is a simple book with ideas, themes, and low cost involved. When Comp USA closed their doors, I was asked if our church could use some bulletin boards...I exclaimed gratefully. "Yes, definitely!" At present we have NINE bulletin boards....did I have fun changing to relevant themes for these bulletin boards???? What do you think would be the answer? Most definitely!!! It's all about kids...they will definitely give me their comments and believe you me they will be VERY OBSERVANT and won't miss a thing on what they see!!! I hope everyone can attend. 10 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Worship Service - Labor Day Blast afterwards. Remember to dress very casual...we're hoping to have picnic tables outside providing it doesn't rain. (There's still plenty of room for parking in the back of the Worship Center.)

See you there!!!!!

Quality Friendshp

Bad friendships corrupt good morals. I'm thankful for quality friends who help me build a stronger character and draw me closer to the things that are encouraging instead of discouraging. I love to be around someone who has a fun personality, enthusiasm, and a good sense of humor. My daily desire is to have the Lord help me to relax around people and be myself - the person He created me to be. He insructs my heart and molds my character. He sends people into my life who will be a great friend. At that point, I carefully and honestly rely on trustworthiness.

According to Proverbs 27:17, iron sharpenes iron, so friends sharpen the minds of each other. My prayer is..........As we learn from each other, may we find a worthy purpose in our relationship. Women need to keep a well balanced life in friendships so that we all please our Creator or our husbands instead of pleasing other people.

I love having a great friend because when I have mess-ups - if I fall, there will be someone to lift me up, not tear me down. Honest and trustworthy friends are very hard to find. Or someone who will keep up the friendship. This is almost the close of my "birthday week" and I do have a great many friends...I know that to be a fact! To you who so wonderfully remembered me I do count as my quality friends and I am one person who is extremely grateful! I am so blessed by your friendships!

LOVE

You know the story. Two people meet and fall in love. They move all their belongings into the same samll place and begin to make a life together. They discover that they have three toasters, two blenders, and not even one coffeemaker. They don't fold their shirts the same way and they can't always agree on whose turn it is to clean house. But these are the little things and because these two people love each other, they find a way to work them out. Time passes on; there are other things, family crises, decisions, perhaps illnesses....these are big things but because the two people love each other, they find a way to work them out also. I believe love gets a couple through the not-so-fun stuff.


I recently read in someone's blog that love is a choice. That deserves some caring thoughts before I comment. Feel free to comment if you have time.


I Cor. 13 The entire chapter is devoted to charity (love) which is my very favorite reading in the entire Bible. .....and is also the answer to this amazingly incredible word called LOVE. :)

Creating Vs. Constructing

I'm experiencing a new hobby - Creating cards! Creating is something far different than constructing. The difference is pretty obvious. Constructing something engages only the hands while creating something engages the heart and the soul. Like so many things in God's creation, creating cards is an expression of His beautiful workmanship....like the sun, it warms the hearts of others and a great Proverbs I am claiming "...She who refreshes others will herself be refreshed."

2007-2008 School Begins

There's a lot of anxieties today with a lot of kids, I am sure, with the first day back to school. It is my sincere prayer that the Teachers will be very alert to the awesome responsibility they have to teach these precious kids in a way that exhorts them to learn and not just daydream.


It's a big responsibility to get all the paper work filled out on the first day and I know when parents, teachers, kids, and all pillow their wonderful heads tonight, they will be very tired. All day long I will be thinking and praying for kids, parents, school staff, crossing guards, everyone to have a safe, happy year!


Troubling and hectic times require compassionate and caring teachers that He has entrusted in your care. And please kids - don't get off to a bad start with your teacher or parents. Your child is always watching you and listening carefully to what you say. He or she is vulnerable to what you believe and will inevitably hone in on those things about which you are passionate.


Best of everything to all on this first day of School and these are Carol's Caring Thoughts.

Happiest Mom/Grandma Alive!

Main Entry: hap·py
Pronunciation: 'ha-pE
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): hap·pi·er; -est
Etymology: Middle English, from hap
1 : favored by luck or fortune : FORTUNATE
2 : notably fitting, effective, or well adapted : FELICITOUS
3 a : enjoying or characterized by well-being and contentment b : expressing, reflecting, or suggestive of happiness c : GLAD, PLEASED ------

this is me.....what Webster's Dictionary defines as "Happy."

That sums up my birthday week! The word CONTENT! Our Son & Fam. took me (& hubby) to eat at my very favorite place, Ghinghas Grill and I'm still so stuffed I may not eat anything today! I have a happy ending to a great Birthday Week! I got everything I wanted, did want, would ever want and can still feel the warmth and love given to me as I awaken this very Sacred Day! As Webster defines "Glad, Pleased" that is ME.

The Mom/Grandma of the Century. I'm declaring to be the happiest Mom/Grandma alive! You'll see the contented glow on my happy face at Church today! One year older and ready to face positive challenges with my life in whatever circumstances come my way!

Friday Night Date Night Day??????

What a day (yesterday)! My husband returned from a visit to our Son's office...the Grandkids were there and he was jumping for joy because they were telling him all about returning to School next week. Of course not having been with him, I grilled him on what they said. My husband is great at imitating how someone reacts, or talks, and I could just visualize what they said, and how they said it! So, we both celebrated the joy that is within us from having such phenomenal grand kids and went to my husband's favorite place to eat catfish and had a Date Day.......Delightful! Then, at Night it was my turn. Los Lupes Mexican food!!!! A friend of our's gave him a Funny Movie we would enjoy....now I honestly admit, I only fell asleep just a little bit, but it was about this homeless guy who interfered with a new marriage......for once it was great to see a humorous, fun loving movie! ....definitely a full day of "Dating."

My agenda today is OUTREACH....of course tomorrow is W.O.W. (Women of Worth) class that I teach and by the way ladies, the subject is "Are You Having A Hard Time Just Being You?" ...........see you there..........9 a.m. you'll be glad you came!

Staying Focused

When you've been off a few days (i.e., semi-vacation)I'm spending more time focusing on relaxing than the tasks at hand that I must tend to. While relaxing I read an article regarding enjoying one's home. It mentioned the fact that we make our mortgage payments but never look for the time just to ENJOY the property, what we pay for, etc. Yesterday I spent time organizing our clothes, laundry, birthday gifts I received...... and then went to the church to see what needed to be organized. Much to my surprise, everything was organized!!! I'm staying focused and can still breathe a sigh of relief that all is well, relax, enjoy, take it easy and then relax, enjoy, take it easy..........a super great to-be-done list!!! I really am so eternally grateful for this awesome, awesome birthday week. Our daughter said "next year's the big one." Oh, good grief....talk about already becoming curious......and I am a very curious person; that means this year will just fly by!!! ....those are my caring thoughts for this morning. I'm going to get busy enjoying making my own thank you cards....after I go to Starbuck's to use the gift card I received......and yes, I've decided to take my chicken cup I received with it! Hopefully this will be a phenomenal Friday for all!!! Here's a great scripture to read today: Jeremiah 29:12..............Enjoy your day!

Back in Time

One day without blogging is as a kazillion years...but, for my birthday I was given tickets to see a Play "Night The Music Died" .....it brought me back in time to my teen years when Buddy Holly was my one of my favorite Rock N' Rollers. It was the story of Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, Dion & the Belmonts and Ritchie Valens and their music. The Actors did a phenomenal job and I relived my teen years for sure!!! It was extraordinary and the Actors even stood in a receiving line to meet the crowd! Seeing the dances by the girls and guys "mashed potatoe" "twist" "fly" and "jitterbug" brought back in time really just as it was! They even had a live Rock N' Roll band. We got back about Midnight (that in and of itself was back in time...) my parents would always scold me if I was one half a second past midnight coming home! Back in those days we didn't get grounded, we just had more chores added to our list of "You had better do These." Awesome, awesome Play!

Thanks for the comments, Mary and Geneva. All is well!

This is still an amazingly incredible birthday week and I'm sure when I pick up our mail, I will still be celebrating....(there's about 1/3 of the b-day cake) left to eat, presents to arrive, and phone calls to return. ..it has made my week with each one of my kids and grandkids calling --wow! (that was phenomenal!!!) each one expressing how happy they were that it was my birthday and giving their wishes! Wow!.. That made me feel like the happiest Mom and Grandma ever!!!! What tremendous caring kids...and so very thoughtful! And those of you who called or sent a card and remembered me......I get teary eyed every time I think of it!!!! I don't feel a year older...but my husband asked me how do I feel? I feel very happy, lovestruck, ecstatic, overwhelmed that all this happens to ME and confident this is going to be a great year......on top of all that I even feel younger!!! We met some awesome couples at the Bed & Breakfast (that was one of my awesome presents) that we stayed in and they asked me and my husband where I got all my energy? He said "I can definitely tell you, it's real and she wakes up happy every day, is a very caring, loving person with a lot of enthusiasm." Some of my random thoughts would be: I do not dwell on the negative, therefore the energy is directed toward positive goals, love, (some exercising), reading the Bible, just enjoying LIFE! and of course, looking for A-ha moments and extreme gratefulness!

The Big Day Has Arrived

My birthday.........I'm celebrating! See ya.....glad I met ya.....to be cont'd tomorrow on blogging...I'm going to have a very happy day....I can just feel it!!!

A Terrific New Day

I truly love words like Terrific, Fantastic, Extraordinary, Awesome. Today I have chosen "Terrific!" (With an exclamation mark!) Hark! Finally a day off; seeing our grandkids yesterday, our son, daughter-in-law, their pets, etc....oh, and of course Church. Hey - make no bones about - All those words would describe yesterday. I don't let double barrell negative get me down...no way...and don't you either! My husband calls it like on the Hee-Haw Show....gloom, despair and agony on me......it ruins an attitude and countenance! Look for terrific today...I know I am...I'm up; it's a beautiful day, and life is "Gran----ddddd!!" Have a super terrific Monday!!! Do you lather in the word terrific? I know I do!

There's Always Room For Chickens

Okay....many many years ago a Pastor's wife told me to start collecting something or in the ministry, the gifts that people give you will be a vast array of odds n' ends. So I thought about it and decided that chickens (hens and roosters) would be really great to collect. Over the thirty-six years of "ministry" I have every conceivable chicken one can imagine. I even have a scotch tape dispenser that's a chicken! This summer when the grandkids and I went to the Container Store they got me a chicken key ring that has each one of their pics in it.....would you believe I have never had a chicken calendar until yesterday when a lady at our church brought me one. She said they were giving them away free at the dollar store and she scrambled through the crowd to get it for me. As we used to say in Oklahoma "You can't beat that with a stick!" One can imagine the chicken magnets I have.....wow! I even have a chicken address book.

One more thought re: chickens...one of my friends who lives in Maine came to visit her Son here and we went shopping....she got me a chicken bracelet which I'm going to wear today to church. My special day is quickly approaching - I have a younger sister and a neice that were born on the same day and two other sisters born on the day before.....so my Mom would just make one chocolate delicious cake and start with the oldest and take candles off as we all celebrated the August birthdays!!!

Ecclesiastes says a "time to be born....." Being from a large family, I honestly must admit I do enjoy birthday time to the max (& I never have been a selfish person) but since not being around the fam. for a looooonnnnng time, I'm going to celebrate in tons of joy!!!!! For now, gotta get ready for the great Church Service we have at LC. At Q&A afterwards, our menu is super delicious wraps, homemade quacomale sauce and brownies made by a lady who gets up early to bring them......they still are warm from the oven!!!! My husband is continuing a Series on I Peter but makes it very relevant to TODAY'S living......it's never boring, believe you me! See you there....10 a.m.!

I Truly Love "Football Season"

I fell asleep during last night's New York Giant's football game. Usually Troy Aikman's voice keeps me alert - oh well, now I'm up and am not sure who won....There's something about Football Season, even if it is pre-Season that I love! Some ladies have told me theyliterally DESPISE their husbands watching football. Not me! I just have a hard time figuring out why J. Johnson, Terry B. and other Commentators never look older.......also, I wonder what goes through their minds after having played such vital roles and having to be unbiased in their comments. It's intriguing to hear what a man has to say for a change.....I truly love it!!!! Football will definitely have a place in our home . . . .I love also to hear my husband coach his favorite team!!! A-ha!!!! just my thoughts.....have a really cool Saturday......tax free weekend....but remember Church, 10 a.m. You will definitely hear a RELEVANT MESSAGE!!!!

Time

Have you ever wished for just a little more time? More time to organize things and to take care of that one last detail? Or, have you even wondered, "If I'd just taken a little extra time to talk to them about God...?" Now is the time ...time for what? Yesterday I had just enough time to "get everything in" ... people to see, loose ends to tie up, time with some church members, with hubby and spent some extra time organizing for next week's events. Why do I feel pressure when I write about time....maybe it's because next week is my BIG day (born 19??????) so time is of definite essence............soaking up the fabulous blessings because my kids (all inclusive...I count our daughter-in-law as our kid and the awesome grandkids) do very much remember me in such a marvelous way....but, where did the time go? It seems like yesterday I was celebrating 2006 b-day!!!! How about you? Is time going by that fast? It freaks me out because I'm thinkin' we need more hours in the day to enjoy all the "fabulous blessings." Of course, I'm one of these "can't wait" to the big day. I'll just have to....oh yes, tonight is Friday Night Date Night.....we'll probably end up shopping for some new shoes with the tax free weekend. I wish for all of us a happy Friday!!!!!!

Where is God?

In the last week I've had the question posed to me "Where is God?" Oh, believe me, He's still there. Who gave up on who? We give up on God. I call upon Him daily, hourly, minute by minute. I trust Him to supply all MY needs. I live purposefully and worthily and accurately; not as unwise and witless, but as a wise sensible, intelligent person; making the very most of His wisdom and guidance. Proverbs 2 tells a lot of God's provisions. He is always there for me and has never failed me yet!

Does The World Really Care?

Narrowing that down to me......absolutely unequivably I care! If there is such a global care.....that's me. And I don't mean to sound arrogant. My Mom used to say "They threw the mold away when you were made - there is not another human on the face of this earth that cares as much as you, Carol." It's when people won't let me care....oh believe you me, I find a way to care...even if I have to find where they parked their car and leave a card....there are so many ways to care! We raised our kids to care and believe you me, they lovingly care. Make the world a better place...today.....CARE.....I'd love to be a part of an entire world marketing campaign that says "Caring Avails Much!" .....try it, you'll like it!!!

Cheerfulness

Wow! What a great subject! I classify myself as a cheerful person. My brother (who is in Heaven now) always said "Carol you wake up in a new world every day." He couldn't be more perfectly right. There's always something I can have on my mind that makes me feel cheerful. My husband is not a snore-er...that alone would make me cheerful..........I have so much to be grateful for! I have extremely thoughtful kids and grandkids.....cheerful isn't the word for it! Exhuberant!!!!Come on now..who wants to be around doom and gloom.....be happy and always think of the other person...that alone will make you cheerful! I'm going to make someone's day by being cheerful....one never knows what a difference it might make to care.

Prayer Bones

Okay everyone - get your on your prayer bones (knees) and pray for Anne Jackson as she takes some time away to continue authoring "Mad Church Disease." The book will definitely be a best seller to we who are in full-time ministry. She has gathered a lot of info and has tremendous insight into what leaders really go through in the day to day activities. I know I will uplift her in prayer as she continues this insurmountable task! May God give her strength as she deligently continues this task! I hope you will join me in prayer for Anne's steady progress and focus for her new book.

Great News!

I'm up and running!!! As I mentioned my (ancient) computer crashed. Naturally my hubby said I could share his computer....that meant literally moving into his office (his space) and the way I look at it when a woman moves in, she moves in!!! My own chair and all........Leave it up to our son to have a solution...hooray....I'm now using a real cool laptop he brought over and my husband went right in, set up every single icon I needed, etc......and here I am back up and running! Do I love it...the keyboard is so fantastic to type on...I can take this neat, cool piece of awesome equipment with me wherever...so I got up early to see what all it has on it....it'll do everything except serve me breakfast (ha) and I'm happy. My husband even set up the printer with it!!! I'm still not sure how to set the clock so if this shows an odd time, it's really only 6 a.m. See ya in church at 10 a.m.......Ladies - remember W.O.W. (Women of Worth) 9 a.m. I know you can make it. Today's subject: Empowerment.

Thoughts about ....FNDN

I'm getting braver on these blog titles...I surveyed the week's titles and changed my mind about having a blog title. It's fun to awaken each day with a new thought and share ..... okay on our FNDN (Friday Night Date Night) we put on our Sunday go-to-meetin' clothes and had our pic taken in a studio. The photographer kept saying my glasses needed to be taken off because of the glare. My husband is extremely photogenic! We had fun though - they have you "come back in about an hour" and zippo - your pics are ready! Professional studio - definitely NO! Fun - YES! No waiting, Inexperienced photographer, Enthusiastic Receptionist, ....We decided not to dwell on the details, and will wait and see what our kids think. After that event (& it was an event), we had a nice, casual meal at Chili's. They have some new salad items on their menu and the noise level was down a few decimals; that and a pretty warm cup of decaf coffee and we were good to go. My hubby decided to read and I hit the zzzzzzz's.

I am looking forward to a super day ....seeing those adorable, so brilliant, exciting, always loving grandkids,(and, of course their parents) today is going to just be wonderful!

Special REMINDER: W.O.W. (Women of Worth/9a.m. Tomorrow - Fellowship Hall....Discussion Title: "Empowerment") :=) I've invited a couple of ladies who are coming - yea!!!!!

Carol's Caring Thoughts

Fridays are awesome! Sunday is my favorite day, of course, with Church Services. Everyone that knows us always asked "Well, what did you do on your Friday night date night?" By Sunday sometimes I have to pick my brain and say "What did we do?" I'm just so grateful we are so consistent in "asking each other out....." We're coming upon forty years of marriage and to be honest, this has been our close/connective/communication/hang-in-there, optimistic and fun time! We do a lot of creative date nights. Some day I'll blog about some of that....awesome, awesome, awesome ....my husband's hobby is ship modeling, so he is the world's best in creativity!!! "Cool!" is the best I can describe it! I'm very creative, and am simplistic in selecting a choice of things to do. "Ahhhh" describes my creativity!!! Do you have a Date Night? A friend of mine has chosen all day on Saturday; oh they walk their dog in probably two or three parks - they say on Saturday there aren't that many people there. To each his own. I may not know exactly where we are going tonight until 6 -ish p.m. because of our schedules, but I'm definitely excited!!!! Happy Friday!!!!

Carol's Caring Thoughts

Yesterday I researched Blog titles...some caught my eye, some were invigorating, some were controversial, etc. Then my mind starting thinking "Carols Caring Thoughts" is the title of course to find my blog. Several of the ladies have mentioned "I read your blogs religiously, but keep forgetting my password to comment." ...."but I love what you write....which is inspiring..." Another thought..hmmm since I'm receiving feedback that my blog is more of a devotional, motivational, thoughts for the day...then why not have the same title and just continue as is. The one thing for sure I do not have a lazy mind by not creating a blog title. I'll try this for a while and see what readers think. Here we go....yesterday while out looking for prospects for our church, a lady at Macy's heard me say my husband is a Pastor. So she told me this story about her granddaughter in church.....The pastor was wired for sound with a lapel mike and as he spoke, he moved briskly about the platform, jerking the mike cord as he went. (Obviously it was not cordless in modern today time.) Then he moved to one side, getting wound up in the cord and nearly tripping before jerking it again. The granddaughter leaned over to her and whispered, "If he gets loose, will he hurt us?" We all need humor and of course it received a few chuckles......have a few chuckles yourself today! I know I'm going to! Let me hear what makes you chuckle.......

Should we bear one another's burdens?

Indeed, Christians are to be sympathetic and understanding toward one another. When someone helping someone is kind, the person is comforted by realizing that someone understands how she feels. I think this sympathetic relationship paves the way for free discussion of the problem. People often become reserved or defensive when they feel that others do not understand. I definitely feel we should bear one another's burdens - not to the point that they BURDEN us down, but at least let someone know we care. The world needs more caring people. Today sounds like a good day to thank someone who makes it a point to care. You might not need it, but the person you are sending the Thank You to would!

Noteworthy Achievement

I love to research.....especially blog titles, sports, business entrepreneurs and more importantly church web sites that are appealing. People that know me say "sports???" Hmmm Oh yes, I note with interest, Barry Bonds' 755 homer that ties H. Aaaron's 755! And why is there always a controversy that has to go along with such great achievement?....steroid....the way I look at it if the commissioner of baseball made noteworthy comments regarding his achievement, and the fact is dwelling on the negative. I'm sure out in the heat, Barry, his family, kids, and friends are cheering him on. We all need to send words of cheer to any family member or friend who are proud of their a-ha moments! I know I will!!!!

Maturity

Discipleship is the process of confirming to Christ. Christlikeness is my eventual destination, but my journey will last a lifetime. There are no shortcuts to maturity. When we arrive at real maturity - that measure of development means fully relying on God! I know it will make our lives become brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him!

School

Yesterday I decided to go to the Mall.....hmmmmm almost a big mistake! It was wall to wall school kids shopping for shoes and clothes and I could not believe there were those many kids in one place! WOW!; Hot Topic Store was so crowded, there were kids by the door waiting to get in!!! School must start early for some kids - of course I ALWAYS have to stop for a pretzel at Annie's (the best) and the whole family was eating their pretzels and they said they were vacationing from Idaho and thought it was a cool Mall! Anywho I got out alive! So, today is the fabulous favorite day of mine - The Lord's Day and we will honor Him by going to Church --everyone knows we'll have a great Service ---believe you me I would love to have an eighth of those teens at our church...my husband is speaking on "The Rock." Have a blessed day! See ya at 10-11 a.m.

ASK

One of my favorite scriptures is "Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find." All I have to do is ask for extra mercy, grace, love, patience, endurance, boldness, kindness, etc. I would be blogging all day telling what I ask for and received. That's what a loving God we have! I'm asking God to bless each person that reads my blog and I know He will......as the song says during our "Welcome" portion of worship service......."passing the faith along to my brother......" God is good! Fully rely on Him!

TODAY IS FRIDAY

Hark! I selected PUBLISH POST and it posted. I see the day is off. Today is Friday!! No worries. I'm allowing myself plenty of patience and endurance. (But most of all, I covet plenty of prayers!!) : = ) Thx!

Early Riser

Okay - this is yesterday's blog. My 'puter crashed and I'm on my husband's. At this point, I will not give myself a benefit of a doubt....I have too much respect for him to wake him up and say "Hey I need help in posting my blog on your computer...." And so I will continue sending this post and yesterday's to publish. I'm hoping it will go through. Happy Friday!!!


I'm definitely an early riser! But then again staying up late is acceptable with me. (For those that know me are probably chuckling right now.... When our Grandkids are here....guess who puts them to bed if it's 11 or midnight (after a late movie)?....you guessed it....Grandpa! We are definitely opposites and I truly believe it has worked quite well for our marriage. We have fun talking in the morning when he gets up...questions like "What time did you go to bed?" and "What time did you get up?" Then, simultaneously we both say "UGH!" (It's really not that boring!!!) For the almost 40 years we've been married; we've decided that will never change. Works perfect for being compatible! He has his space and I have mine! That's what I love being an early riser...........lots of love for the new day goes on..the first one to greet our two adorable dogs; Pixie and Chloe; first to smell the wonderful coffee brewing; first to find out what's going on in the world (i.e. blogging, news, programs...although I'm not a TV buff in the early morning!) Life blossoms early for me. I think it comes from when I was in College, having to take very early classes; the best one was at 7 a.m. and if I wasn't there on time, points were taken off my grade for tardiness. I didn't like those consequences, so I became an avid early riser!

AUGUST

According to the U.S. Census Bureau the month with the highest number of births is August. I'm including in that number as well as all but one of my sisters (which is in January). I've already had our son and daughter make mention of this exhiliarating ocasion! I'm still dilly dallying around with the palm pilot our son, daughter-in-law and grandkids got me last year! Okay where has time gone?...it seems like it was just yesterday! Plus our daughter knitted me the most gorgeous purse you ever saw in your life! (I've almost worn it out!!) One year (younger) will be here before I know it but I know it will always be a chance for me to feel as special as God created me to be! And that's just phenomenal, or as we used to say in Oklahoma, hunky dorey!!!

CHANGE (Cont'd)

I believe change truly comes from the power of God and not from us. II Corinthians 4:7 talks about being a hypocrite - I know my husband mentioned that briefly in his message last Sunday. I want to add a thought - Stop pretending to be someone you are not....just be who you are! Be real. Change - if you lie, change to tell the truth always. If you're not caring, change to be caring. If you don't take care of yourself, change to start looking good; take some pride in yourself. If you're hurting, call the 24/7 prayer line at our church and please know you will be prayed for. If you're lonely, try doing something for someone; make some cookies or brownies and take them to someone. Yesterday I took some crackers and chicken soup to a lady in our church who has missed work and church because of not feeling well. She said the crackers are the exact ones she eats. Sounds like I'm on a soapbox.......I can only speak for myself; I feel a zillion percent better when I desire a change for the better - and by all means if nothing else, do something just for you - change the color of your nail polish ....... change your way of thinking - uh-ho this one might freak you out....especially if you have a lot of negative or woe is me thinking - take a risk! Bottom Line: Change is inevitable; putting it off only delays happiness!!!

CHANGE

As my husband always says "Embrace that -- own it for a week.....get back in touch and we'll work on an answer." To me, change takes place. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! I love blogging as well as researching blogs of interest. I found this quote: "You can't change the whole world but you can change somebody's world.......somewhere." by George Hoffman. My grandfather on my Mom's side was a Park Custodian who picked up cig. butts daily for a living....and even though he didn't coin the phrase, "Put that in your pipe and smoke it," that was a release on his frustrations for having to endlessly pick up after people!!! That's the way I feel about blogging. My caring thoughts are what I feel would be something to think about, especially if you are looking for a change. My brother, who has gone home to be with the Lord, said "Carol - you wake up in a new world every day!." He couldn't have been more perfectly right! I'm not globally trying to change the world, but I know positive, caring words do more than calculated icey cold, rude words! Beginning my day with blogging keeps me focused and starts my day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude! Seeing God's truth in new, fresh ways-change is inevitable!

PEACE

Peace is the tranquility which comes from order. Order means that everything is as it should be. When my life is running as it should I shall have peace. Seeking after God's peace and praying for "worries" that at some point burden me is the only answer. I've had so many people say, well if you're a Christian, you shouldn't worry. God commands the best for me....in my blind selfishness I run away from Him and in my human frailities, decide to take things in my own hands....at that point I am my own worst enemy....my greatest advantage is to have the Bible persuade me, once and for all, that seeking peace only comes from God. The song says "Peace, peace, wonderful peace; coming down from the Father above. Sweep over my spirit forever I pray....in fathomless billows of love." I ALWAYS feel so peaceful when I enter the Sanctuary at Church and it's time for a.m. Worshp. It's God calming my heart and saying okay Carol, you're here; you've done all the Outreach, Praying, Serving, Caring, Loving, 1-on-1 Invitations, Answered all the God questions, come on in relax, and hear a relevant message of course by the very best Pastor in the Universe.... = ) Want order and Peace.....need help in that decision.....I definitely know where you can FIND A GOOD CHURCH! -- Lighthouse Church.....10 a.m. see you here!
FFW: Family Friendly Welcome!

FRIENDS

You are better off to have a friend than to be all alone....if you fall, your friend can help you up. But if you fall without having afriend nearby, you are really in trouble. Proverbs says.... "A friend loveth at all times." and I truly believe it! I thank God for trusting friends!

Go Ahead - Make Someone's Day!

Yesterday I did a semi-study on Blogging (semi-meaning just barely getting started) and one of the great suggestions was have a catchy Title. In "Carol's Chicktionary Library" Go Ahead - Make Someone's Day would be "catchy." To me, just the mere meaning of my blog "Carol's Caring Thoughts" would be enough to pass today's title on........ okay so how would you make someone's day? It's Friday, so my day begins on Friday with my hair appointment and my hairdresser has a boyfriend and one of the questions she always asks me is "I know you have a Friday night date night with your husband, but I need some ideas from you as to what to do with my boyfriend this weekend." So I'm taking her the Entertainment section of the paper and she can choose. I'm positive that will make her day. Next.....I'm going to surprise an acquaintance I know with a cute keyring (she collects them) with a funky pen attached that I paid hardly anything for from Staples.........she suffers from "aloneness" since her hubby passed away 3 years ago. I know that will make her day. I'd love to hear how you will make someone's day and of course what I'm finding out is no one can remember her/his password to send a comment, so as the current saying goes with our kids "No worries." Have a better than happy Friday and okay - go ahead makes someone's day!

SERVING

Serving means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever He needs to. Real servers pay attention to need and with much dedication to the task. Last night I had the privilege of going to a function regarding Women's Health and meeting a great staff of OB/GYN employees as well as Doctors and Nurse Practitioners. To see these people in a completely relaxed, social atmosphere as they "served" each attendee amazed me! I count on God and Him alone for my health and strength, but to know this particular medical profession have the answers to my health issues and for them to extend their service and answer any questions presented to them was way beyond my comprehension. But they did! Their staff was so cordial and serving everyone there a delicious meal of at least four or five entrees. Even though I proudly say I love to serve, I definitely felt served and find that in the medical profession, these people come by it naturally and devotedly!

Homemade Cards

Yep I'm hooked! With the exception of one Sister, all the others have an August Birthday. I have oooed and aweeeed over our daughter-in-law's magnificent homemade cards. Her Creative room is prettier than Michael's or Hobby Lobby for sure! This year for Mother's Day they blessed me with a beautiful "Stampin' Up! Card Kits." (Note: plural "kits) Last night before tucking in for bed, my last thought was I can't wait to get up on Wednesday and get all the birthday cards made! Much to my amazement, I finished at 5:42 a.m. (I'm not even going to say what time I got up.......caring word of advice.....don't do a TO DO reminder before falling to sleep!) :(

All I can say is - it was tons of fun and I will definitely brag to her on my accomplishments! There is an art to it (a little play on words)........and that is knowing what the recepient likes (i.e. colors, collections, etc.) and just put your whole heart and love into it! ......and going with the flow.......I've tried knitting, crocheting, tennis, sewing, keyboarding, but I'm sure this will be my main hobby......why??? because after the cards are made, it's a done deal: address, seal and mail! Waaaaaay cool!

Parenting

I found this quote by Dr. Spock "In automobile terms, the child supplies the power but the parents have to do the steering." Dr. Dobson says: "To apply consistent, loving discipline—resulting in mutual respect and self-control." A Pastor we know says "A child not only has to have esteem and acceptance, he's got to have affection." (Love with skin on it.) My husband always uses the Bible Verse Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a Child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." Training means lots of patience, but we have to train. Recently I dealt with a lady that, to put it bluntly, was saying discouraging words about her husband to the children. At first I didn't believe it and I'm sure my mouth flew open in disbelief. It was almost as if she was playing a game and wanted to children to "love her more than him." I thought to myself, what in the world is this world coming to? That's disgusting! Well, just go ahead and destroy your home in a matter of 2 seconds! Rules are made to be fair. And I admonish ladies daily regarding parenting: Do not degrade or cast a shadow of doubt on your child's Father while he is out providing for the family! My husband held a "Child Discipline" Seminar. One of the men actually spoke up and said the kids told him it was happening and he felt the "put down." Ladies, Women, Wonderful Girls......The principles and fairness of marriage remains the same for both Father and Mother and for all time. God's principles, as well as His character are immutable. I know it sounds like I am on a soapbox but when I heard that, I couldn't wait until morning to blog on parenting. Give me a call.....if you're considering being "unfair regarding parenting." I definitely care!!!!

A SCHEDULE

What is a schedule? Technically a schedule is a list of times and details of events that are going to happen and projected operations.....time planned it takes to finish. My definition is a timed plan for a procedure or project so that I can flow through the projected operation of my day in a calm, orderly, smooth progressionI would say, a TO BE DONE list for the mark of wisdom. Considering God's Proverbs 31 woman makes my schedule run smoothly. (Tending, serving, getting up early, taking care of family and home first, finishing the To BE DONE list and being flexible enough to go with plan B if Plan A doesn't work.) .......I've always heard "work your schedule or your schedule will work you." Garnish the Schedule with lots of love, prayer, and peace (to name just a few) and we all are bound to have a happy Monday!!!!

YEA, IT'S SUNDAY!

Okay everyone that knows me knows Sunday is my favorite day! What a great joy to be in the service of the Lord. Do I count it a privilege? You bet! Our church is known as a "loving church" - a church where you will hear a message of hope, guidance, and security. FFW-family friendly worship. Several years ago I was invited to attend church with a high school friend. My life has been changed in such a great way for being faithful in church since then. There is a definite difference......to be is the challenge from the Bible message that I receive. Hearing it motivates me to be a better Christian and confident that every battle is in God's hands to fight! See you there!!!!!

Super Saturday

I'm declaring this to be super Saturday! There are so many super things I have to do to catch up.........prepare for Sunday service is what makes it super. Practicing the new worship song; playing on the Keyboard and a song for offertory.....Q&A grocery buying......looking for a super buy in the shoe departments. I love to walk as my exercise and have decided my tennis shoes are not supporting my ankles. I know so many people who have promised to come to church...these people are hurting for someone to care for them. ....and talk about joy being lost and all the disappointments they have. I'm going to do some super Outreach to remind them our church service begins at 10 a.m. I know that's early, but it's only for 1 hour of their time. God's timetable and His motivation tells me to care to call and give a nudge of remembrance of caring...........when I pillow my head tonight.....I can honestly say what a super day!!!!! See ya in church tomorrow :)

NEW WORSHIP SONG

I'm a person who loves to learn something new! I do a lot of research on what's new in the corporate world; what's the latest in worship music; keeping up with various school systems to see what our grandkids might have to face in a new school year; video streaming world; scoping the Mall to see what's the latest in fashion; keeping up with the latest books and Author; oh, good grief the list goes on and on......my life is full of exciting events, and one of the latest is spending a ton of time this week learning a new worship song for Sunday. My husband is brilliant at finding accompaniment music for 99cents on the internet!!! (Imagine that!!!) and he even finds it in the right key...I could never thank him enough because at times music is my life.....practice, practice, practice and strict discipline to as I call it "keeping your voice in tune...." I'm hoping everyone's Friday is happy as we put music in our souls.....whatever music that motivates us to have a phenomenal day! Music moves me closer to being my best self!

A couple of A-Ha Moments at Starbucks!

Yesterday was a busy day for me and topping it all off with 3rd Wednesday, about 4-ish p.m. I told my hubby I was heading out to Starbucks to get my second wind......I had one of the employees discuss how much he loved working at Starbucks and began to tell me how much he gives out to make it a great experience for whomever he serves. To me, they give the customer what they want and to me it is exactly the way you like it. If not, they'll fix it the way you want it! The employee ("Barista") also stated he had been working extra shifts to help fund his College in the fall. I could definitely relate.....One of my first jobs was a "Soda Fountain Attendant" where I made malts, sodas, etc. at a Drugstore to fund my Freshman Year in College. I wanted to leave some encouraging words to him, which I feel I did.....at the same time, I was remembering the customers who sat in my particular area at the Drugstore who left super compliments to me. An added note......Starbucks has new lunch packs...sandwich, fruit or individual salads. What will they think of next? .....What an A-Ha moment.........Being at Starbucks, reading the "New York Times" newspaper while sipping my favorite latte!!!!

Can God fill your emptiness?

Life is full of disappointments. Whether it's a broken heart, a broken dream, or just something that hasn't gone right; we've all experienced true letdowns in life. When people are disappointed, they usually try to cover it up or build a wall; they look for a substitute or a distraction from the pain. Here's some good encouragement......when reaching a place of emptiness where the disappointments run deep, remember you are in the perfect position for a miracle. Why? Because God can make His good come from bad times. In the Bible (John 2:1-11) we read abut the first miracle Jesus had. He was only 30 and this was when he entered His public ministry. Turning the water pots into wine....what a miracle! In verse 7 the servants didn't need water - they needed wine. So they filled the pots "to the brim" v. 7. And then when He asked the head waiter to draw it and taste it, it had become wine. Jesus doesn't put on a big show to perform this miracle; it is almost imperceptible. He transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary. He fills our emptiness with new joy. He will take our empty waterpots and fill them to the brim with His goodness, provision, and love. At our church we have only one Wednesday night Service and it's called "3rd Wednesday." It's the only special time we are served Communion by the Pastor. There's no big show....just a time to let God fill the emptiness as we honor and respect the miracles He has done for us and the new life He gives us! There is nothing we can do about our no-wine situations (emptiness); we must trust in our faith in Jesus to do His transforming work in our hearts. ........the best is yet to come.....a life full of joy, happiness, and potential! ......I don't mean to sound "preachy" just sharing my caring thoughts........have a superb Wednesday!

DISCIPLINE

Actually I love the word discipline. I do not have a clue where I would be if I didn't not adhere to that word DAILY. It takes tough discipline to keep the goals and visions I have. But, without disciplining myself I would just be a glitz on the radar screen! I love to tackle huge challenges.....just like last Sunday at the W.O.W. (Women of Worth) class I teach, I shared with all the ladies there to form a (Siesta) (Sister) common approach and have accountability .....one lady continued to extend it to "Servitude." Now that's having a heart of concern and caring! I've begun this new week with that in mind.....simply disciplining myself to SERVE wherever needed! Yesterday my husband suggested to have just veggies for supper. That sounded so great I decided to have a candlelight dinner and the menu consisted of our 3 very favorite veggies.....green large butter beans, fried okra (only picsweet brand becaue I love to make the coating :) and corn on the cob. mmm-- but today's a brand new day and yesterday is history......so I'm going to continue the week disciplining myself to achieve any and all goals this day, of course looking to whom I may serve!

PEACE

Some caring thoughts about......peace. Having been raised in a home where fussing and fighting continued day after day, I have lived my entire adult life striving for peace, contentment, harmony, happiness (in that order). I couldn't wait yesterday to tell our Son & Daughter-in-Law how marvelous the grandkids were while being at our home last week; especially the fact that they get along so wonderfully. It was amazingly incredible! The Bible says "Peace does passeth all understanding....." And I truly deeply believe this as having witnessed it. In our homes or in our relationship with others, it is needful to give understanding to respect and the right attitudes that causes the home to stand the test of storms and ..... live in PEACE. Also, real living of PEACE is the ability to look beyond the present and view the finished products. Ahhh....... Strive for peace.....that's what it's all about. What a relaxing thought and a great way to get Monday started!

CONTENTMENT

I always make no bones about it.....today is always an exciting day for me. There is a feeling of contentment when I got to church. I know my husband will show everyone from the Bible answers. Psalm 103:1-13 is great to read re: contentment. It's not about what we have or accomplish, it is about who has us and what He has accomplished for us. Contentment leads to gratitude and I truly believe is based on havig my life filled with so much appreciation and God's love! Our church service is only for one hour but definitely worth the time. I call it a time to sharpen our focus! ........and if you read my previous posts on Sunday, I will always be content with giving anyone a chance to plug in to LC which begins at 10 a.m. See you there! (oooops remember "Women of Worth" class is at 9 a.m. as announced but usually every other week!) :)

W.O.W.

Tomorrow is W.O.W. Women of Worth class. We meet every other Sunday opposite of Q&A. I've been up early looking over my notes......the title of my teaching tomorrow will "3 Toughest Things About Being A Woman" I know we have to get up early because the class begins at 9 a.m. sharp and I do want to commend the sacrifice all the women have made to attend. So.....can't wait to see you at church - this time in Fellowship Hall where you will definitely be glad you came! In the meantime, have a very happy Saturday!! I know I will!!!

CHARACTER

In this day and age, that's a strange word to people who have not been raised up with the word. Lately I have had a lot of Ladies & Moms ask me my thoughts on this subject. At the mere mention of this word.....character, appears a puzzled look...........and the question that follows is what's that? I am proud to say that both of our kids were taught character. As we would spend quality time with two huge character books that instilled the value of respect of authority, responsibility, initiative, honesty, to name a few. In a nutshell my thoughts given on character are there is a great value system in place. I can still remember my husband saying regarding almost all the character traits......okay see that cookie left in the cookie jar...there's only one left so if he or I had said "Leave the cookie alone, please." The next time the family looked in the cookie jar, character was revealed by the cookie still being there. That is honesty and trust. Rather than get the cookie and make up an excuse why it was taken - obviously the character support given by the entire family that there was one cookie left - who took it? To me character speaks for itself - what you do when no one else is around. I would write a book on this subject, but as I mentioned, there are already books published. Rest assured character is not only needed, but mandatory! Have a super happy Friday. I know I will!

NEW DAY

This week has flown by! I know it's because I've had the fantastic privilege of having our grandkids. I have actually taken the entire week off of church tasks (except for crisis phone calls only) and answering e-mails! After remembering, we forgot to get photos of our fun time at Chuck E. Cheese the other day; we stopped by this time taking Grandpa with us. He loves great salad bars for lunch and they have a great one! CEC has 2 awesome photo machines now; one that is so cool for the kids; it has their pic and cool things they like to say about what they like; the other one is the standard 5 X 7 black/white drawn pic which we get each time we go b/c it has the date on it. Oh, yes, we have a "CEC Hall of Fame" pic wall!!! Then we went on a picnic to this really cool park (notice I'm talking kiddo language :) and of course, love it!)
The fun part about going on a picnic is getting it ready. Always remember (if you're a Grandma) to take a pillow to sit on; the benches are concrete and iron. Ugh w/o the pillow. "Remember lots of water"...says our Grandson. ...."and banana bread, Grandma; nice and fresh made today" says our Granddaughter. This Grandma, whether out on the town for lunch, breakfast, going shopping, or an afternoon with family albums, stories, playing games and all the other cool things, my time is well spent on this NEW DAY and is priceless with these precious ones!

Glorifying God in My Life

To me, glorifying God is simple. I make use of the gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) according to the grace given me. I let my light so shine before others that they may see my moral excellence and my praiseworthy, noble and good deeds, and recognize and honor and praise and glorify my God who is in heaven. I allow my life to lovingly express truth in ALL things - speaking truly, living truly. Whatever may be my task, I work it heartily (from the soul) (something done) for God and in serving others. Some women may never experience this wonderful way to live, but I love it!!! This morning I'm late with my blog (to me anyway) but I've been busy and totally caught up on Thank You letters, cards, and notes. I can rest assured God is truly glorified in my life at this very moment for getting it all done!! The cycle never ends when we glorify God through appreciation and gratefulness! He gives back to us in definitely more ways than one!

PRAYER

When I "get alone with God" very early in the morning and reach for my Bible - for some reason lately it has always opened to Proverbs 31. I know my day and my schedule begin early even before anyone is up. Vs. 15 tells me my chores are enumerated as my day progresses, so I had better pray first crack out of the dish! I believe prayer does change things; it changes our housework! Since I have the heart of a homemaker and am faithful to pray about this realm of my work, the principle of Matthew 6:21 again goes into effect. To me, prayer transports my homemaking out of the physical realm and into the spiritual realm. It makes me feel like a master manager doing my part to have a peaceful, happy home life! ......Bottom Line: ....the prayer of the righteous availeth much. I can't wait at the end of the day to be ever so appreciative in prayer for all He will do to make sure my day is awesome!

Positive Thoughts on Being a Grandma

I'm totally convinced when a person who is a Grandma "gives up" negative thinking and replaces it with positive thoughts concerning events, conversations, and downright living a Grandma life, there is a change in their attitude and the way they relate to these adorable, precious, amazingly incredible kids! I am doing the thing I love most this week - "Grandma-ing" - I don't have to work at being a Grandma...I AM A GRANDMA and dearly and deeply love it - from the depths of my heart! All the things Grandkids do that are so positive just gets my motor going! To name a few Reading very difficult words in a book and 6 years of age..... Winning at a game on the computer that enhances intelligence regarding words, etc.....at 9 years of age......The creativity they have in writing what they want to say for the "Grandma Room." Another thing.....not minding to have their pictures taken a zillion times..........and most of all, all the things they recite for Grandma just before I declare them an unrecognized genius! No one who has not known this inestimable privilege can possibly realize the great life one can have until they are Grandma. These Grandkids provide me with some of my proudest occasions, some of my tenderest experiences, and without question, some of my funniest moments! These memories will go on forever. I'm definitely known as the "Chuck E. Cheese Grandma" CEC has gotten so hi-tech now and believe you me, our Grandkids can master-mind all it takes to win and rack up the prize points. It's amazing! Being a Grandma is the true joy of life and I will embrace these hours and hours of pure enjoyment and appreciate the time I do have with them and say a gigantic Thank You to their parents for allowing me this grand privilege! After all............GRANDPARENTS ARE TO CHILDREN .............what SUNSHINE IS TO FLOWERS!

CHURCH

Yea, it's Sunday and as all the OUTREACH IS done, of course, I cannot wait to worship in a CHURCH where I know the Bible is taught and one can feel the presence of God. My husband always has relevant great life message remarks and it motivates me to think at the end of the service.....church starts now!!!!! See ya at 10 a.m. TODAY!

GRACE

Awaken to the power of Grace! It's a higher power ready and able to lead us in the right direction. This benevolent energy always has our best interest at heart! I looked up scriptures in my Bible re: Grace and am bountifully blessed that God gives me super great favors because of Grace! Can't wait 'til church tomorrow (10 a) as I know I'll get a double blessing as my husband continues I Peter/Grace, Mercy, and Sufferings. See you there!

ORDER

To me order means doing what's right! I love the scripture "Let all things be done decently and in order." I Cor. 14:40. Yesterday I went to pay our water bill and there were guided ropes to let us know where the line began and ended. Some were standing on the outskirts of that guided rope and really I couldn't tell where the line was and of course it had to all quiet people in line. When I asked where the line formed, no one answered; since it is at City Hall, one of the employees who worked there announced that the line formed over far on the left! Actually I would have been the first in line because since no one answered I figured out where the line began. She said "You are in the right place to begin the line." And I mentioned to her that I should really be at the end of the line since I just walked up....she said, "No, there is order and you are in the right place." Since I was in a hurry, I thanked her and paid the bill and off I went! At another time my husband and I went to eat at CiCi's - they have a great salad bar but there were several teens throwing pizza - a sight for sore eyes as my Mom used to say! It didn't take too long until the Manager appeared and there was definitely order!
Okay...........I want this day to hurry up and get started!!.......The grandkids are coming! Rest assured they have been taught order by their parents.......and we follow up in full support!! Oh, I cannot wait to see them! They add so much to life and as the little sign on the wall by my desk says "Grandmas are just antique little girls!" Have a safe and happy Friday!

LIFE

One of the key ingredients of LIFE is people.....and people take time. I do have a hard time accepting the statement "I thought you might be too busy for me." Ouch - that hurts when someone says that. I am never too busy to care about a PERSON in LIFE'S daily victories or struggles. In my prayer journal I devotedly pace myself. Each and every person that crosses my path I count very important and is sent by God to represent a part of His purpose for my day and my LIFE. And each and every one of them is a soul, a needy soul, needy for something. It's about the other person and the caring comes back 10-fold when we return calls or keep up with each other. Maybe it's just a big smile, (believe it or not the smile can be felt over the phone) a hearty hello, or how are you, what's up? We must keep in touch. God gives me time in daily activities to truly enjoy LIFE'S friendships.......

communal friendships (husband, children, and family)

consistent friendships (best friends)

casual friendships (acquaintances) ......and

coincidental friendships (strangers)

FREEDOM

I'm eternally grateful for freedom. The freedom we have in God we trust and the freedom to be an individual with talents, great worth, intelligence, and on and on. Celebrating Independence Day is awesome seeing the phenomenal fireworks, and just having a day of leisure thinking about freedom we have! IAs I write this blog I am thinking about the year our Son took us to New York City to see (all sites) but seeing the Statute of Liberty was my favorite! Every time I think of it I am awe-struck to this day as it brings tears of joy when I say I am proud to be an American and at the same time a Christian! Living in America; experiencing the freedom we truly have and as we ENJOY this day, I'm looking forward to seeing a parade, seeing the fireworks, eating delicious food and rejoicing in singing "American the Beautiful" and proclaim all to have a HAPPY 4th!

FORGIVENESS

I have experienced forgiveness on a very deep level. It's wonderful! It's lasting and of God. I used to underestimate God's power to give me strength to forgive. I found He was ready for me to step out in faith and relinquish the whole ordeal to Him. This opened the door to breaking the bondage and experiencing freedom. I knew I had fully forgiven when I could talk about the issues that once were so painful. At that point I knew it was a good indicator that I was embracing the forgiveness because it lead to healing. I knew God was deepening my forgivenss and intensifying my healing. A sign of true forgiveness is when issues are discussed, resolved, and put to rest forever!
A very warm hug of unconditional love and a dose of Matthew 7:12, 14, 15 definitely works in the God's tremendous truth in saying "I FORGIVE YOU!"

Apple IPhone

I have a tremendous zeal to know what's going on in the tech world. Of course, I'm so excited for any and all who have an Apple IPhone. What a cool, phenomenal, revolutionary phone!!! I am so happy one of our family members has one and a friend of our's had one at Church yesterday. To me, it's like having Internet in your pocket and even a widescreen IPOD can be used. I'm confident every person, will definitely experience increase in profits and productivity and having this phone will continue to influence every decision that is made. I sit back in amazement and when I saw the speed of him locating everything so fast on the IPhone, I'm left in awe at what will they think of next? It looked to me like each person that has one owns their own phone company right at their fingertips! I'm glad to be a part and truly love to be knowledgable what's new on the market. It keeps me motivated and happy for the brilliancy each person has to even operate them! Hats off and congrats to Apple IPhone for this new invention!!! WOW! And, of course, everyone that knows me, knows I love communication in any shape, form or fashion! ...........Each day is so exciting as I love to begin the day blogging and sharing caring thoughts! ...........hey.......before I forget it....have a super Holiday week!

WISDOM

The Bible says "If any lack wisdom, let him/her ask of God........" If I take heed to God's wisdom regarding time, my life, (years brimming with possibilities) I believe I will have fulfilled dreams, prayers, and goals met! Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says there is a right time for everything....a time to heal....a time to rebuild....a time to laugh....a time to dance....a time to hug....a time for peace.....that is WISDOM! I can hardly wait to have it!!!!!! See ya in Church today (10 a)....how about W.O.W. (Women of Worth) class at 9 a.m. today. (This class is taught by me twice a month.)