Love

My favorite subject!

....living an example of love before our children. Love is a privilege, not a duty. No two children are alike - one may express love while the other may not show love outwardly at all. We must accept our children on their own merits. We only cause problems when we try to make them over.

Manifesting our love is guidance. I hope you learn to express it! This is the day the Lord has given His day to praise and be grateful for the love He has given to us. I've asked Him to let me show that love to each person I come in contact with at Church, and whomever I see or have the joy to exhibit this fabulous gift.

Encouragement re: Habits!

Do we allow habit to become servant or master? Your habit can be a loyal servant that supplies only the best for you - or it may be a tyrannical master that chains you to a selfish existence. Habit is a very strong cable We are constantly weaving thread after thread no matte which role of womanhood we have achieved. Eventually the cord we weave will become so strong we will find ourselves powerless to break it.

It is so important to master the habits in life before they master us. Habits work more constantly and with greater force than reason.

I would like to share a great habit I have and I was always told by Instructors at the College I graduated from. I have a habit of sending a thank you note almost immediately when I have something given to me. The habit is so strong, it is on my mind constantly until I seal that envelope and put the stamp on it!

How about you? Do you have a great habit you want to share? Happy Saturday!!!!

Mutual Respect

About this time last year I was taking piano lessons until my instructor moved to another church. But I knew there were also two sisters taking piano lessons and doing very well. One day he assigned them a four hand dueet. They were to learn their own arrangement first and then combine the two. The trouble came when they tried to play together. it seemed to only frustrate each one. The discords were amost unbearable until they finally gave up and quit rather than trying to work it out from the encouragement of their parents.

This is also true in marriage many times. When problems arise, they just throw in the towel. It may take a lot of patience and hard work but there is a workable solution to almost every problem with mutual respect! The art of communication is simply talking things over quietly, composed, using appreciation, admiration, encouragement, understanding and RESPECT.

Focus on Strengths

We're almost half-way through the month of January our new 2010 year! I want to encourage you to "stay" your mind on strengths! Yesterday I was drained from being with a lady that saw the BAD in everything. By the end of the day, I checked my attitude and it was "gripey".....see discouragement and negative does drag someone way down. Please give words of kindness and love, confidence, ability to lighten their load. It brings hope and encouragemenet and adds tremendously STRENGTHS!!

II Cor. 13: Greet one another with love, kindness, and patience!

Potential is a super great word!

Treat a person as if she already were what be potentially could be, and you make her what she should be! I see so many younger women that just need to look in the mirror daily and see the potential that is in the very self they see in that mirror! If you haven't already began doing it....look yourself square in the mirror and say "Girl, you look awesome today!" Begin to look at the great potential you have in empowering yourself to have every single potential it takes within you to go beyond your talents!

List your own expectations and potential and begin acting upon them! Don't let the down and outers get you down!!!! Keep your chin up because it is definately the road to success!!! Yea....I know you can do it!!!!

Reach Way Beyond Obstacles!

There are people who think seeing obstacles is a sign of maturity and insight. But anyone of average intelligence can do that. God wants people who see a way beyond the obstacles and who encourage others to take it!

Isaiah 43:19 "Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth - Shall you know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Lift Up The Brethren!

Have you prayed for your Pastor lately? Today I'll be having lunch with a lady that makes no bones about it.....you know she lifts him up (& his wife up) and she asked to take me to lunch.....sooooo I'm looking forward to her raving comments! No one in the humanly "up" position is so high that they can disregard God's point of view on their lives! The barren, the widow, the orphan, the Pastor, the alien, families, anyone experiencing a "down" cycle, all models of human hopelessness are fruitful and secure in God's care! Whatever challenges you have today...lift up the name of our precious Savior!!!! We all need uplifted and to Him be all glory!!!

Optimism

Short, sweet, to the point. My take and encouragement on optimism:

Definitely contageous!

True moral courage!

Gives a sense of significance!!!

Enables a team to renergize.

Prevail over daunting obstacles.

Words of kindness and love.

Give words of hope!

I believe optimism gets mind off self-centeredness and build confidence in someone!

Communication

Are you a communicator?

Yes I am.....I will either communicate by phone, in person, by card, e-mail, text or put a comment on facebook. It's vital. Do I communicate with my husband? Definitely!!!If you aren't communicating on an intimate level with your spouse, the time to begin is now.

Do what you can, with what you are and where you are! That is, communicate! Pick up the phone and call. I think cell phones have ruined us...when we only had land lines, our phone rang constantly. It's sad with all the communicate tools we have that friendship is not kept because of neglect.

I challenge you to overcome ANY and ALL obstacles that stand in the way of you communicating; keeping in touch, putting forth the effort! Life is too short to not care!!!!

More Appreciation........

I got so excited about the subject "Appreciation" I'm up early to make an "Appreciation card" to my hubby. He's been giving me lessons on how to display a pic albumn on FB! Viola!!!!! That definitely deserves a "Carol's Cheery Cards-2010" So, I bid you farewell, so I can get busy. In order to really have a magnificent card, it takes a lot of time....because I really do appreciate him and he displays the card in his office and oooooo that makes me feel so good to encourage him!!!!! Tonight is Friday night date night (I've chosen to stay in and make guacaumole, chips and watch a movie!!!!). As the song goes..."but baby it's cold outside......" Hope your Friday is happy!!!!

Appreciation

People want to be appreciated, not impressed.

They want to be regarded as human beings, not as sounding boards
for other people's egos.

They want to be treated as an end in themselves; in all honesty to be appreciated!

When is the last time you told someone you appreciate them? It goes a long ways!

We had to send something FED EX for our daughter because she couldn't carry it on the plane. Yesterday she texted and said she received it and appreciated it!

Keep it going; do not hesitate to tell someone that you appreciate them! That's my goal in 2010!!!!

Thank You's

I'm late with my blog because I was finishing my thank you's for such a time as this! (Happiest of Holidays!!!) That's the greatest encouragement I love to do....send thank you's! And of course my cards are created and written by me, so when my brain gets going I can't stop!

So this is how being an encouragement feels............

............it's a Godsend from Heaven! It takes a place in our heart that we never knew was there!

It gives me a change to fulfill these most basic, heartfelt desires for others.

Right things - stand with them

Better ways of doing things - empower them

Achieve things - motivate them

Pride of the extraordinary - invite them

People earning recognition - HONOR THEM! woooohoooooo

Generous Emotions

I constantly come back to this post title. I think it's because so many women tell me they are an "emotional" person. I believe generous emotions is really acceptable! If you generously love, you can't help it; it just comes out! I know there has been so many times I generously love to get past the negative emotion because when it gets to doom and gloom.....that's all I can stand. Check out to see if you are showing generous emotions which includes a lot of love to your husband, friends, and family, or your life will be out of balance.

That's a goal of mine in 2010 to be balanced. Accepting love, giving love and compassion to women who are emotional and they need that crucial support. I hope you have a great Tuesday and to my dear friend who is ill, as I found out on FB, I hope you are on the mend and you have my prayers that you are warm and really resting! My generous emotions take over to give you a high-five that you are getting stronger and well! Oh yes!

Being Wise!

The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook. My hubby and I had a fascinating conversation yesterday....once the R word is mentioned (retirement) do people tend to place us in an "old" category and escape to "younger" peeps? That's when being wise comes in. A wise thought is that friendship is honored and even more enjoyed! God gives more time to "be in touch." I want to encourage you to "be in touch." Touch your friend's hearts, your dogs (stroke them) and above all, touch each other. That's what being wise means.......wooohoo lots of hugs! Have a great Monday as we all return to tasks at hand! : )

Abilities

Those who believe in our ability do more stimulate us. They create for us an atmosphere in which it becomes easier to succeed.

"Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded towrd one another, acording to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6

I would think this would put us on the "same page." (One mind). Ponder on that one! Be encouraged!

New Year's Day

I'm looking for blessings!

Got up and made peanut butter cookies....oh, do they smell great! Awesome! My whole family loves peanut butter, chocolate chip and snickerdoodles! Aim to please! woohooo!

Another thought: I'm certain you could line up many skeptics who say we don't need peace of mind and refueling of spirit! Shopping is what our daughter and I do together if we need to cheer up a bit. We don't buy anything; neither one have it in our budget especially after Christmas......but we always end up at a Bookstore, sipping coffee; me looking at magazines; her looking at knitting books or books to read. We even hold hands and share our untiring love with each other. I'm so blessed to have her for a daughter! She is so thoughtful, caring, and definitely loving! Indescribable.......she was sick all week while she was here, but these last couple of days, she has blossomed to the fullest to attentitavely soak it all all because it's so long between times that we see her. I wish the whole world was like her!!!!! I promise it would be a fascinating place and we all would be ever so happy this New Year!

Happy New Year!

A New Year!

A chance to begin anew.....

A chance to start over.....

Hopefully people who (as my Momma used to say) "tell fibs" will confess they were wrong and they are the ones that ruined the relationship.....that would be a Happy New Year Miracle!!!

But, just like my hubby says -- give them the "Yea...whatever" and go on --they have to deal with their own lies. Woooooo Refreshing!!!!

Okay that's negative.....but remember the New Year brings lots of joy...let that joy in and give encouragement to people. That's my goal......I have lots of joy to spread and am so grateful for God's love, protection, and guidance! He is there; call upon Him....He is the who rescues us when we mess up!!!! His word has the answer to every single issue in anyone's life!!!

Maybe this is the year, you will become what you've always wanted to be.... and in true honesty do it right, so you don't have to be so controlling and be happy for others .....that in and of itself is wonderful! Happy New Year!!!!

Gratefulness

Just a quick blog while I await the household starting the day.

I am a grateful person! Are you?

That's survival for me. Struggles...yes...especially needs are being supplied! My gratefulness is moved into motion to send Thank you cards which I have begun today.

Tieing up loose ends to begin the New Year......are you?

Have a very happy Wednesday and go with me on this magnificent trip of gratefulness!!!! wooohooooooo ...a safe, terrific trip!!!!!

FABULOUS!!!

FABULOUS Christmas.....visiting with family....if you don't see a blog.....fabulous, fabulous, fabulous covers it all!!!!!! As Pamela says, Peace, love and joy...some times I try to do love, peace and joy....but a lot of people are not to begin with at peace, but I know for a fact that I ALWAYS love, but she is right peace should be first; that way no NEGATIVITY gets in the way!!!!!!! Thank you Pamela.....it works...peace, then love, then joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : D

Merry Christmas Each One Of You!

May the God of this fabulous Universe bless you in many many ways today, and tomorrow. I am so grateful for my family and friends; I am delighted and loved by their presence.

Merry Christmas Each and Everyone One of You!!!! I'll be back Saturday!!!!

1 More Day!

Of course, I'm looking with great anticipation to one more day and we will celebrate our Christmas with our kids and grandkids!!!! My heart is jumping with joy!

Giving thanks to God's blessings! As they say in the country, "You ain't seen nothin' yet 'til you see my family together." SUPPORTIVE, LOVING, HAPPY FOR EACH OTHER, CARING.....That's what we taught our kids and believe you me, it comes out when they are around us, paying us back for what we stood by them to see them through! All those qualities and more.

I am so happy when I'm cooking. My parents used to say I was born a cook. I want to serve and make sure the people are eating what they like....not what I like, but what others like.....My list is on the counter ready to cook tomorrow. And I'm happiest when it is traditional, which it will be....God richly blesses you when you think of others first during this wonderful season! Merry almost Christmas Eve!!!!

A Great Encourager For Christmas!

Luke describing the birth of our precious Jesus!

Jesus is the reason for the Season! As Pamela states it, brings joy, and much peace!

One a perfect example to follow! So many times, he humbled himself!

Merry Christmas everyone and love one another!!!!

The Joy of Friends!

We had our devout friends over last night for dinner! Grrrreeeaaat fellowship, love, food, and encouragement was shown to each other and we shall go into the Christmas week with tremendous memories.

The joy of friends.....we cannot thank them enough! Have you ever been around someone that "makes your day?" Well, they do! But, yet they say we do!! So it was mutual understanding from all of us! I'm relying on Psalms 35:9; And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord! Joy definitely describes it! We have never seen such talent! There is not anything they cannot do. Praise God to get our fabulous Christmas going this week and our hearts are overcome with gratitude for them taking time to come for dinner and spend time with us! : ) Smiles, smiles, smiles!

New Things!

"Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19

New things turns things around!

There are people who think seeing obstacles is a sign of maturity and insight. But anyone of average intelligence can do that. God wants people who see a way beyond the obstacles and who encourage others to take it. Reach out and touch .... some weary life today. It's time! (Eccles. 3:1-8-9) Blessings, Carol

Christmas Cards!!!!

They are by far the greatest encouragement!!!!!

Absorb!

Feel the love!!

Exciting!!!

So Warm and give me chill bumps.....

Just amazingly incredible!!

Pictures of fabulous people!!!!

Beautiful and loving signatures.....

Sent with incredible messages!!!!

Thank you everyone......we are blessed!!! and appreciated one zillion percent!

Compliments!

The way I thrive........
Have you ever seen a person who is not having a good day and then you compliment them and what happens! Whoa!!!! This brightens their day!

In my lifetime at a church we had in New England I started a "Compliment Club"....
talk about fabulous! All honor and glory given to God. We can LIFT people up or take people down in our relationships! A great friend I have acquired through blogging and Anne introduced me to and her name is Pamela.....she is on as a friend in FB. She is, even on FB, a complimenter in front of all those people (even my family) and I love herg compliments and encourages to me (right out in the open!!!) FB!!!! Some people cannot go out in public and compliment another person, but she is so genuine about it - she is what I call PROACTIVE. The world is starving for compliments. But somebody must start the ball rolling. Our Sis-in-law, Debbie compliments me on FB. Trust me, not for glory of Carol; but being retired and all the years put into the UPLIFT part, I embrace compliments and that's the raw truth! Geneva, my husband's Administrator at the church compliments me....she's another one that stands out and such an encouragement to me! Thanks precious ladies!!!!

Here's another gut level truth. I believe we must account for every idle word - so we must for idle silence.

Let this soak in....and know God is pleased....very well His pleasure!!!!

Great Things!!!

I Corinthians 2:9 "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."

My favorite verse for great things happening to me! Do I love Him? Absolutely, unequivably!!! For certain!!!

Someone once said an automobile goes nowhere efficiently unless it has a quick, hot spark to ignite things, to set the cogs of the machine in motion. This scripture ignites the fire for me! Everybody needs something! I need great things to happen! And I see them happen right before my eyes when I embrace the above scripture. Do not discount the fact that you need encouragement. That's the great things I enter into my private prayer time because I do love God and I want Him to bless me. I also want Him to bless you! Look for it today! No bahumbugs for me today.......I will praise Him for "great things!!!"

JOY

wooohoo.....Sarah, a fabulous blogger had this on her post and I want to share it with my readers:

"Joy is a Symptom


The times in my life I’ve been the most joyful, it hasn’t really been a choice.

It has been against my will.


People say that love is a choice and I’m confident that’s true. And I guess that joy can be a choice in the same way. For example, I choose joy over self-pity, happiness over sullenness and delight over disdain.

Yes, sometimes joy is a choice.

But more often for me, joy has often been a symptom…"

Oh, do I love this!!!! And I thank Sarah for putting it there. I constantly check my JOY thermometer to see how high or low I go!!! Do you? Don't let the Grinch steal your Christmas. Don't let anyone steal your JOY. Occasionally when I don't hear from someone, and it almost sounds purposeful that they leave me out, the first thing that really gets to me is am I showing JOY even though I'm hurt over it?

Some people have never ever experienced JOY and that is so sad. God has made me to always think of others first and to see the JOY on their face is worth having JOY.

This is What I Do For Encouragement:

People get downhearted........encourage them!

People seek models to follow........be an example!

People want to be associated with success.......help them win!

Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from somewhere where they are saying
make me feel important......never forget the message to give....You add value to others!!!

Encourage them to get caught up on Bible reading.....oh so peaceful and annointing!

Happy Tuesday.....May you be blessed THIS DAY!!!!

Count Your Smiles!!!!

Count your Smiles instead of your Tears
Count your Courage instead of your Fears.....Author Stephanie

I found a note my hubby had written to me about three years ago and he had tremendous words of encouragement regarding my smiles. They make his day.....Oh, the note was so loving and fabulous! It started out "My Dearest Wife..." so you can just guess how marvelous it was.

That boosted my spirits pretty far up! Of course, peeps that know me, know that I am not a gloom and doom person, but I'm human and just like everyone, we all need some stroking! Remember to smile and I picture a kid opening his/her present at Christmas and that bright, shining smile comes across their face...I mean SMILE! Enjoy your Monday!!!! : )

Encourage Ill People!

Get the card in the mail, immediately! Even if it is Sunday! There are mailboxes everywhere to drop it! If you look at the lives of people who accomplish great things, you will find Encouragers who helped them along the way even while they were ill.

Who can you encourage to do great things? Who has God put into your life to cheer on, raise up, and assist them on their journey and perhaps they are going to be ill for a short time, but need your prayers, help, etc.

Help others to do the things God created them to do on the road to getting well, and you share in their achievement of wellness! I take potato soup, saltine crackers, and a tad bag of fresh fruit to people that I find out are ill. Of course I don't go in the house, I drop it off at the door. It's such a humbling experience I almost dislike mentioning it.... because it's such a natural and I just want God to get all the honor and glory.......but just want to give you an idea of what to do. My heart goes out to them - even the smallest acts of kindness and cultiply in the lives of others, snowballing into something bigger than we ever could have imagined!

Bless them Lord and please make them well.....sooner.....give them strength to the max!!!!! Prayers, many prayers for those that are ill today; rest, rest, rest and I do send my encouragement to you that in no time you will be up and at 'em!!!!

Stick To Your Plan Today!

Those are encouraging thoughts my ladies!!!!

Stay on your plan or you'll mess up!

Make a List! That's what I do.

I refuse to spend away from the budget!

Come on! You know we can do it!

Don't detour!

Be tough on yourself!

And stick to your plan today!!!!

Encouragement to Leaders

There's a lesson about leaders. Leaders can win the confidence, trust and friendship of the people they lead by taking the spotlight off of themselves and putting it on others. In fact, this priinciple works in all areas of life!

Philippians 2:3-4 "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition of conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."

Everyone needs encouragement! Just letting someone know their work is appreciated makes a a TEAM run more smoothly, becoming stronger and more effective.

Challenges!!!

There have been very few challenges in my life I haven't met or exceeded.

mostly driven (ahem....unhealthy) lives of competition; I find a goal that's just a little bit out of my range, but not completely unimaginable.

let's design some cool cards for family and friends. check! (done)

send a blog daily for encouragement....yup!

trying to write and publish a book....Humm.

thus, taking a writing class at the Sr. Center...check

retired so that I can.....be a honey bear in a real sense to hubby.....yup

and be free to be meet the challenges and still helping ladies along their struggles!

We are all challenged - it will change your way of thinking and doing!!!!!

Ultimate Priority!

I'm not suggesting that your life has to take on an air of false piety. But it only stands to reason that if you will make the pursuit of God the ultimate priority in your life, that decision will inevitable make an impact on the precious children He has entrusted to your care. You don't have to stand on the street corner with a "repent or perish" sign or force your kids to become professional preachers. But you should make every effort to live the Christian life boldly and intentionally and to share the love of Christ with the friends, extended family and other acauaintances within your circle of influence. One of my biggest suggestions I tell ladies when they come to me and say they are loosing touch with their kids is to make sure they live their faith. Kids see phoniness a mile away. So, make it your ultimate priority! Even our grandkids...if I don't suggest to have nighttime prayers or prayers at the dinner table; they will remind me...."Grandma, we are going to pray, aren't we?" That's my encouragement for Wednesday. Have a good day!

Staying Focused!

1. Stick to your goals!
2. Stay focused on the main priorities!
3. Remember your core principles!
4. Matthew 25 - read it - talks about staying focused!

There are so many issues that people need to tackle and they are all worthy and serious concerns: religious persecution, the environment, the tax burden, poverty, war, and the list goes on and on. And that is why we need to stay focused; because they have a direct consequence for each one of us! Have a blessed Tuesday!

Graciousness

Be gracious! Lately I have run into not so gracious people. Hmmm - Christmas spirit? I don't think so. Example: Photo machine at Walgreen's....an Associate was assisting me with my buttons to push to get my project to come out right and some guy appeared out of the blue and proclaimed that "hurry up, I don't know how to do this (swear word) thing!!!" and the Associate didn't even move; but I said "I'll only be three or four miutes." He went to the othe machine and started to push buttons on his own.

I was gracious.

But, it was a choice, even if I was gracious, would he make a slam in anger because I even said something? I think judging ourselves to see if we really are gracious so that it doesn't explode with someone. Ot always pays to have graciousness. We can make a difference in someone's attitude, if we are nice when someone is not so nice. It does work. Even with co-workers and family. Have a very happy Monday!

Encouraging Word: Transparent!

Transparent....a foreign word to a lot of people. To me it means do not be phoney! Okay I love that!!!! I live in a "glass house" - very transparent and don't mind that I share the awesome truth with people! I am not lukewarm about my relationship with God....some people panic rather than pray, and be real in Christianity and I'm sure it makes kids shy away!

I'm not suggesting that your life has to take on an air of false piety. But it only stands to reason that if you will make the pursuit of God the ultimate priority in your life, that decision will inevitable make an impact on precious children and all people you come in contact with. You don't have to stand on the street corner with a "repent or perish" sign but you should make every effort to live the Christian life boldly and transparently intentionally and to share the love of Christ with friends, extended family and other acquaintances within your circle of influence.

Embrace this perspective; I dare you to! You have a better chance that you will feel more grounded and committed as a follower of Christ at church or wherever you are! Even on Facebook!!! woohooo Be blessed this Lord's Day!

Are You Organized?

I'm surprised my Momma didn't name me Carol Organizer Donnelson! What really makes me feel good is to organize!!!!!Getting your home to support you, instead of having to look for something and waste such precious time!!!! So, I started feeling better since I had the crud and decided to organize a cabinet in our kitchen. It's done and ooooooo it looks fabulous! I do have a reputation of moving furniture...but since I exercise and work out and then move furniture, it's not on my agenda these days! So, I hope this encourages you to fix (ooops) organize your kitchen so that it dosn't wear you out when you begin to bake for the wonderful Christmas Season. By the way, after I had the support of the kitchen, I made peanut butter cookies so my hubby could smell them when he got up! It worked!!!!! He smelled them. mmmmmmm good! Now I'm going to sit, eat the cookies and watch the Adolphus Christmas parade that my kids and some of their friends were in a few (I thought I would say few in stead of several) a-ha.... years ago......I love parades!!! This one is a great one!!!!

Speak It Today!!!!!!

Speak up TODAY, Friday and say something positive!

I had coffee with a lady who recently moved to another town and she confided she felt isolated and lonely. I advised her to start her own Compliment Club and for the first few days, do nothing but practical compliments to her self. Her praise to herself may byoy up the morale of lonliness and struggle past it and begin to do good deeds for others. I told her some stories of how God leads me to brightens someone's day or I'd be in that category. LONELY! Too negative and ugh is my response!!!

I find that compliments have a positive impact and the experience made an even great impact; it's a principle that works.

Try it, the world is starving for appreciation and hungry for compliments. But somebody must start the ball rolling and I don't mind and before our coffee was over, she said she wouldn't mind either! woooohooooo Another joining the "Lonely Club" (oooops I mean "Compliment Club".........yea!!!

Being a Grandma......love it!!!!!

I have tons of "Grandma encouragement!"

When I first became a Grandma; of course Taylor came into this world and I will never forget the tremendous feeling I had at the hospital when our Son came out and said, "She's here!" Now, she is still amazing, fabulous, and brilliant! From day one, she has always been a delight! Of course our grandson is equally as brilliant and I take major pride in these two awesome grandkiddos!!!

Here's my encouragment for the day and your's if you are honored by being a Grandma. This is out of the "I love you, Grandmother" cards that both kids got me when we had a "shop 'til you drop" a couple of years ago at a Mall.

"Nothing you do for grandchildren is ever wasted!" I like that!!!!

So, today is "Carol's Loving To Be A Grandma Day!!!!" woooohoooooo and this is how it feels: Our grandkids steal my heart and take my breath away!

Making Someone Feel Important!!!

Just DO IT! I visualize something happening. Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from her/his neck saying - make me feel important! Never forget this.....when working with people! Simple message, but try it, you'll be happy because it's such a great feeling to know you initiated it! Make it a super great day not only for yourself, but some one else!

900 Post!!!!!!! wooohooooo

Can you imagine? 900 times I have sat in this chair and my brain early in the morning functioned to write a blog!!!! I'm patting myself on my back!!! yea....I cannot thank our Son enough for putting this blog in for me and have never regretted writing one word!!! So I'm celebrating me today and the Lord has given me so much wisdom in encouraging! Why write negativity....no, I would rather leave a legacy behind that I was positive for the cyberspace world! This world has gone that way, so I'm thankful I could be of help to desolate souls! Trust me, we all need encouragement! I know you would agree! Encouragement changes everything! Actually our daughter came up with the phrase Blogger: Carol's Encouraging Thoughts, so I've been challenged every single day by the kids we raised and I am so happy!

Thanks for reading my blog.......I am so blessed.

Value in Life

Some people multiply something in life - we value them! Anyone who wants to can become an adder. It only takes a desire to lift people up and the intentionality to follow through!

I am fortunate. I have a lot of multipliers in my life, highly gifted people who want to see me succeed! They help me sharpen my goals and maximize my strengths! I don't mind mentioning the adders in my life!!!! I have a valuable lady who was my husband's Secretary; she and her husband continually ADD and we cannot thank them enough! Our Son and Daughter are definitely adders. Our daughter called us last night to add to our life; to tell us she loves us so much and misses us. That's so incredible! I feel so valuable having their encouragements.

Have a happy Monday!

Encouraging Managers

I know it's the Lord's Day, but last night before I went to sleep, I got out my precious prayer journal and wrote a prayer for Managers. Now that I'm wide awake bright and early, I want to extend my thoughts and hopefully if you are a Manager in any way, this will encourage you. That's my prayer.

What makes a great Manager? One who has a knack for making team members think they are better than they are!

He/She forces you to have a good opinion of yourself.

He/She lets you know he/she believes in you!

He/she makes you get more out of yourself.

And once you learn how good you really are, you never settle for playing anything less than your very beest!

Whether it be in Church Staff or Business World, and you embrace the title of "Manager" this is great to have a team that produces great results! You should double-be-blessed that you have dedicated staff members who have a lot of respect for you to do a great job and be a part of a winning team! And that's my take on being a super great Manager! Great encouragement to go by! God bless each one!

Relationships

There are really four kinds of people when it comes to relationships.

Some people add something to life - we enjoy them. Many people in this world desire to help others. These people are adders. They make the lives of others more pleasant and enjoyable.

People who add value to others almost always do so intentionally. I say that because adding value to others requires a person to give of himself and that rarely occurs by accident. I have endeavored to be an adder. I like people and make it my goal to be a friend.

Some people subtract from life. Those people discourage me. I am grateful that I have recognized those kind of people and will not let it get me down. Okay, let's see....four kinds of people....adders, helpers, encouragers, and caring people. It's mandatory that I have these kinds of people around me! Thank you God...it makes relationship so awesome!

Esther in the Bible is my Encourager!

Once I wrote a play about Esther. Great! As the kiddos performed it!

When Esther found the courage to approach the king, she saved her people. (Esther 4:14)....love it!

Look at the lives of people who accomplish geat things, and you find encouragers who helped them along the way.

Who can you encourage to do great things? Who has God put into your life to cheer on, raise up, and assist on their journey? Have you tried to do even the smallest acts of kindness and encouragement to multiply in the lives of someone who means a lot to you, snowballing into something bigger than you ever could have imagined?

One More Day!!!

This will be short. We have some finishing up for our 42nd Anniversary!!!! But, just want to encourage each one of you to have the time of your life with your family tomorrow! Don't let the humbugs get to you....think gratefulness and fun! Don't let anyone that is rude or negative get to you!!!!! Just be ever so thankful for enjoying such a fabulous time with family!!!! God bless each one of you and I am thankful for your love and kindness shown to me. And want you to know I want the very best for you tomorrow for Thanksgiving! I so love all of you that have stuck with me on my blog passion! Thank you!

Keep Your Marriage Love-Based!!!!

I talk to so many women who have a control-based marriage which I feel is centered around an individual.

A love-based marriage is Christ-centereed and, therefore focuses on meeting the needs and serving the other spouse.

My husband and I are passionate about love-based serving marriage!

A controller is more interested in what he or she wants than in what the other person wants. A controller can also never be completely committed to the Lord or completely God-focused because that person is too centered upon getting his or her own way. Neither one wants to relinquish his or desire to dominate and control the other one!

I Cor. 13:5 says love is not self-seeking.

A love-based marriage looks to the whole Bible for guidance on healthy relationships! (Also, breeds openness and respect!) I'm up early making some extra time to write in my prayer journal for you. I am so loving those of you who have commented that you love reading my blogs; what an encouragement and especially I am soooo grateful for each of you that keep in touch. It's my passion! Thanks and the happiest of Thanksgiving as you cook, serve, and share the love you have!!!

Now This is Encouragement!!!!

Those who believe in our ability do more than stimulate us! They create for us an atmosphere in which it becomes easier to succeed!

Oh dear Lord, thank you for giving me this passion and I will continue on! woohoo

Thinking of Others!!!

Yesterday we connected so wonderfully with our daughter! She is fabulous! And she is soooo encouraging! I'm just living so happily because her tremendous acts of love, kindness, and encouragement have multiplied in our lives, then we pass it onto
the lives of others, snowballing into something bigger than we ever could have imagined! We have a huge heart of gratefulness for her! ....and for our son, daughter-in-law, grandkiddos, and other friends who have made this 2009 hanksgiving truly a world of thankfulness and ever-ending joy!!!!

Make Others Succeed!

Not difficult at all.....

Those who believe in our ability to do more than stimulate us.

They create for us an atmosphere to which it becomes easier to succeed!

Ooooo what great fun.

People like to feel special....sincerely compliment them.

People are looking for a better tomorrow....show them hope!

People want to be associated with success...help them win!

Teamwork

Encouraging Teamwork!

My hubby and I work on goals on our Anniversaries...this year we encouraged each other for Teamwork....that probably sounds weird after being married all these years. We came to discover many things that we are brilliant at teamwork; then just a very minor few that we need to work on.

Team members (him and me) always love and admire the player who is able to help them go to another level. Sometimes it is me and sometimes is him. I believe teamwork means "I believe in you, I want to put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism." Then his is "I know you believe in me and together we reflect the expectations of respecting each other."

Teamwork works! Believe you me! If you want to increase the ability of your teammate, make yourself better! Blessings on this one as you begin the goal of TEAMWORK. : )

Anniversary Encouragements

Holy Cow!!!! We received tons of encouragements for our 42nd Wedding Anniversary! We cannot even fatham knowing so many people thought of us!! It brings such joy and encouragement! While we are simply enjoying a passionate life together, other couples have been so blessed by our example. No doubt, we've been through a lot together. Thanks for all your years and our's in the past! Wooohooo

I am so grateful that God takes us where we are and moves us forward! He forgives, chooses to forget, and holds us up in His amazing love! Thanks honey hubby for a phenomenal day; not just a day, but Anniversary day!!!!

888 Post!

Yea!!! 888th post and it's our 42 wedding anniversary on November 18......I love numbers that stick out and 8 is one of them!!! This will be short...hmmm wonder why? This is going to be a super great day! All the compliments on FB and via phone or even e-mail...we are blessed!

I anticipate an exciting day and will have a fine-tuning heart before this day is over. Sharing my prayer journal: "Dear Lord, teach me how to actively listen today to the extraordinary love we both will give. Let our day be a safe haven of trust and love which I know it is. Help me be a wife of noble character. We embrace the future; do we ever! I am grateful, so grateful for my devout husband, Jim. In Your Precious Name, Amen" Love is permeating in this home today! yea!!!!

Fine-Tuning Your Heart

Song of Songs 8:10-14 - Couples need to know that their relationships have a divnely ordained purpose. ...How can we, as Christian women, show our husbands how much we love, respect, and desire them?

Let go of past hurts.
Do not compare yourself with other women. God made you just the way He felt you should be made.

Forgive. Don't carry a grudge against ANYone!

Be comfortable with yourself. Know you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Make sure you respect your husband enough to give him your best.

Intimacy is a gift from God.

Have a blessed Tuesday!

6 Most Encouraging Phrases

Why are people so timid about expressing encouragement to someone? I refuse to let my mind go into negative mode and accept it. It's my passion...may God use me in a special way because today I have 6 phrases you can use!!!!

I love you.

Dinner is served.

All is forgiven.

Keep the change.

You're lost weight.

I believe in you.

Just do it! Encourage someone this day. Use the Niki favorite encouragement phrase!!! : )

Sweet idea

If you know someone who is in the middle of a difficult trial, struggle - a long illness or a period of financial strain - your words of kindness and love, your confidence in them, your ability to lighten their load can bring hope and encouragement to their lives.

Reading List of Blogs

I love to read other blogs and keep up with what's going on in each life! It's a passion with me. Lately I have talked to so many people who think blogs are a thing of the past since we have Facebook. I don't agree. Facebook is a social networking and so cool, but blogs let you in on what really does interest the writer. I truly love to encourage people...I'm finding out people want to live unto theirself, so they aren't interested, or they don't think they can write, so they don't bother with reading blogs. I have people who subscribe to my blog and it thrills me...it shows me they care about me and that goes a l--o--n--g way!!!!

Right now I'm going on almost 900 posts I have written. Each day just gets better and more encouraging to me as I think back how far I have come since our Son put my blog in. It's a way of writing thoughts and being an encouragement even to one person, it is worth it!!! Getting up super early to read the blogs of friends that I have is so awesome! Recently I started reading Phil McGraw's blogs. Awesome!

Have a happy Saturday and a day off I hope from the hustle and every day grind of things! Be good to yourself and enjoy life!!!!

How to Fight Discouragement!!!

Reject rejection.

See mistakes as temporary.

See failures as isolated incidents.

Keep expectations positive.

Focus on strengths.

Vary your approach to achievement.

Bounce back.

I do a lot of this! It's a constant prayer and call to action for me to encourage instead of discourage!!!! How about you? + a lot of scripture that keeps me going!!

What makes you better?

Encouragement makes me feel so much better.

Makes the high spots in all of our lives and most of them have come about through encouragement from someone else!

Philippians 1:6 - "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until day of Jesus Christ."

Makes you believe in yourself!

It forces you to have a good opinion of yourself; makes you get more out of yourself. And once you learn who you really are, you do your very best.

And that's what my blog is all about; I want more than anything more and less, than to live it! How about you? It takes getting out of your bubble and doing it! There's nothing worse than to be around someone that WILL NOT encourage...they tear down...all we're responsible for is ourselves and account to a God who loves us wonderfully to help us encourage!!! Keep on keeping on; never give up!

Veteran's Day!!

Sending a blog of encouragement to all the military people who deserve a great celebration for being a Veteran! I know my own husband I congratulate for serving in the Navy and a hero for Viet Nam war serving! He wears his Veteran Hat with pride and I give him all the fanfare because I appreciate every second served! Happy Veteran's Day! Tons of gratitude from me, that's for sure!

Settle for Very Best!

Never settle for less; give your very best.

Encourage and it gives the best to them and it comes back to you! I promise!

I truly believe ENCOURAGEMENT gives hope!

Psalm 33:22 - "Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You."

That is settling for the very best! Have a "best" Tuesday!!!!

Lives Changed!

Have you ever felt your life changed?

I have.

We spent our entire lives encouraging others and now it's time we receive encouraged! That sounds odd to me, but receiving does change one's life!

No matter how busy you are, you must take time to make the other person important!

That will change a life of giving and receiving! Pure and simple! Enjoy your week. Bless and be blessed!

Everyone Appreciates A Kind Word!

One of the avid motivational speakers, John Maxwell said: "Speak up TODAY and say something positive. Even a tombstone will say something good about people when they are dead."

I believe it is not insincerity when you compliment your enemy. The compliment is an honest statement of praise for some objectiv trait or merit that deserves commendation. Your praise may help a lonely soul! The world is starving for appreciation. It is hungry for compliments. Somebody has to start the ball rolling! Try saying something kind to your fellow friends and family! It works!

High Apples

When I ever go to eat chinese food, I love it when they leave a fortune cookie because I love to read the inside admonishment.

Here's a super great one: "Reach for the high apples first; you can get the low ones any time." I'm stuck on that one. Let that soak in and be encouraged as you read it. This will give you a grateful attitude and be proud of your accomplishments!

Happy Friday! It's supposed to be 80 degrees! Reach for those high apples!!! yea!!

Pray Boldly!!!!!

Pray and obey!!!

Pray Boldly!!!

But, do pray!!!

God wants to do exceedingly above and beyond!!!

He will show us!

Like I've said, we need faith that He multiplies!!! Ask for it!

Ps. 118:24 "This is the day the Lord hath made, let us be glad and rejoice in it!!!"

Yesterday I was around EVERYONE (& I mean that) with unbelievable attitudes and I'm not judging, I promise. Have you ever been in a great mood and then run into down and outers??? HMMMM I have my share. So, I tell myself I can't change people - I just need to pray. One of my friends took me to lunch and then she wanted me to go with her to a store close by and she had to buy some "jelly shoes" for the pool she had been doing her water aroubics and out of six people who waited on us....all 6 blew her off. I felt badly for her, so I left and she was going to another store to check on them. I told her to forgive them and go on and not let them ruin her day.

Today I'm going to take some time and pray boldly and for myself that their negative attitudes don't remain in my mind. It takes an "Attitude of Gratitude" to just praise Him and keep on serving!!

Aloneness

Spending time alone can be fun, if you don't sit and pick out the dorky things you do! If you just get your mind on what you love to look at or people you find who will receive your enthusiastic attitude. There's been so many times when I go to visit a friend and find that some of the people around where they are, have odd looks like "who is she?" Then my brain starts thinking...."I don't like their non-verbal looks...." You know what I mean. I don't look for their approval, I would just love for them to join in the conversation and enjoy if they choose to come around.

Have you ever noticed that when you are walking your dog, people talk to the dog and not you? Hmmmmm

I love to go and see what is going on in the world so that I came come back home and journal for my-to-be up and coming book I want to write. Everyone knows I am a "People Person" so seeing someone hypes me up to write! Of course, there have been times when I sit on the bench in the mall to see exactly what is taking place in the world with people. I call it aloneness because I'm not alone; God directs my path and gives me just enough time, talent and testing to see if I am following my goals, dreams, and plans!!!! Enjoy being alone and take it for what it's worth. You are worth it for sure!!!!! Time to think, and think some more!!! : )
II Cor. 12

F-A-I-T-H

Acronyms
F - forgetting
A - all
I - I
T - trust
H - Him

Bottom line, we have to trust Him.
For all our needs, our love given out, our answers, and our victories!

I put my total trust in Him and ask that He is with me every second of every day!

His promises are sure and true! Put your faith out there and see if He is there. Yes, He is!

Greatest Time Ever!!!!!

Last night we had birthday celebration for our Son!!! The grandkids were absolutely adorable, brilliant, and so wonderful just being grandkids. I love the way they are so alert. Our grandson is eight years old and had on the coolest jeans...like his dad's and mom's...they had the holes in them. And I know those jeans are bought like that...I can remember the days my Momma told me to throw those away if they remotely looked like they had a hole in them or flaw. Everyone had a great time; it was so hard to leave!

Birthdays....they do not annoy me; they so overjoy me..... celebrating the recepient!!!! Our kids are sooo eternally grateful that we still "get together" and it brings such an amazing closeness. My prayer is "Dear God...never, never, never let us stray from each other as an extremely close family, and two hours, two seconds, or two minutes, let us ENJOY each other to the fullest." He has answered my prayer each time we celebrate a family member's birthday and the thanks we get is beyond comprehension! I will relive these memories a loooonnngggg time!!!! (Hence; no blog yesterday.....my mind wouldn't stop thinking of the joy our Son has brought to our lives!!!!!) Have a great Monday!

A Great Day For Us!

Halloween will always go down in history in the makings for my precious hubby and me!!!! Our first child was born on this day. Of course we celebrate in our hearts and minds, him, way over Halloween! It was a great day for us; it's just like it was yesterday....I was all prepared to pass out the greatest candy; instead about 3 p.m. I started serious labor pains and viola.....at approximately 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31st a wish came true for us, our Son came into this world, and has always brought us happiness, joy, and much respect and I love it because of his marvelous support and admonishes me to always have fun with whatever I do or with the grandkiddos!

.....so I'll say share this great Halloween Day with us as we enjoy it to the fullest!!! And have fun with those Trick or Treaters; I'm sure they will be all decked out in the costume of their choice!

From Where I Sit.........from Carol's Heart!!!!

I see a lot of encouraging that needs to happen from my end since that is my passion for having this blog. Being in the blog-is-phere and reading other bloggers' subjects, it seems there is a lot of down moments with them and to the extreme that they spend most of their lives with "past" (there's that word again) hurts, pain, etc. and to me would need lots and lots of encouragment! I'm not saying I'm perfect at encouraging, but they constantly send me e-mails thanking me and wishing they could be like me. Whoa.....that set me to thinking. Am I really an encouraging person? My hubby says it's a gift and passion I have and from where he sits, I live that way!!! He says the first thing I want to do is "encourage someone who seems to be having a low day and can hardly wait to say something that will compliment them to hang in there."

Okay, that's a great way of putting "ME" -- so I can handle that! I just cannot wait until their face lights up when encouraging words come out of my mouth! (That's a brag on God, not me.) Maybe it is a gift and what's wrong with bragging on this quality since I really feel like God has given me the gift of encouragement. Giving Him all the glory is great, because who is the number ONE person who needs the encouragement.....ME.....who wants to encourage the encourager????? I know Geneva did this week by her comment....and I say thanks, Geneva. You are definitely an encourager of encouragers....whoooohooo. I know our Son and Daughter are definitely encouragers. Although FB is taking over in winning relationship living by society. But, I still love blogging. It has been three years that I had our Son put in my new blog and I have hardly missed a day....so I'm celebrating a 3-year dream and for some reason I can't give it up! Enjoy your Friday!!! (& Halloween weekend!)

Past Vs. Present

I guess I am the world's greatest "Vs." writer....I enjoy so much comparing so that we all can make a choice to do what's happier for us!!!! Check out these questions and my comment.

Is your past one that you wish you had never lived?

Is your past something that you want to continue to relive again and again?

You cannot enter your tomorrow as long as you HOLD ON to your past.

Let go....to get to Present! :=D

Prayer Journal

I haven't blogged a while re: my prayer journal. I got it out today and I'm semi-caught up! But I did notice some wonderful blessings, so reading it was fabulous! My strength is in the Lord and His grace and mercy! I am soooo grateful to the delight of God's blessings because of prayer. Listen, prayer works! Never give up! Only God can wipe those tears from your eyes. Oh yes, it hurts when we are in needs....but He works it to come out victorious when we fully rely on Him!

Reading your own prayer journal is amazing; not to sound high-headed about it, but enjoying everyday life!!!

Worse Vs. Best

From where I sit and listen to women, I find (come on ladies....'fess up) it to be true that we tend to think about the worse, then best. Are we too negative? Only an individual can answer that question.

Why is it always his fault? His meaning boyfriend, hubby, or any male?

Maybe it's time to own up and admit we need to take a long hard look at ourselves and start practicing the BEST! woohoo as said multiple times on FB!!!!

Don't miss out on your opportunity to experience God's best in your life because you are focused on the worse of your life!

She served with joy!

My husband was so happy that God had blessed Him. So, he said "Let's go to Joe's and eat out." (Since this is a rarity since we retired.) Joe's is where their motto is "Where Irving Meets People." The Owner of the restaurant is "Carol." But when she trained her .....waitresses.....that's what they were called way back when, she trained them respectfully to SERVE with joy! In fact, they have a tenure of being there, so by now, they have mustered the art of servitude! Lo and behold the Hostell seated us in just the perfect table where our Server was incredible! She served! I cannot describe! She was one of those that puts the plates and saucers up her arm (my Sister Eva Sue was a Waitress like that). Of course Senior Adults gravitate to Joe's because #1, it is very cheap....15% discount if you're a Senior and the Service is so great! We complimented her and she asked that we say what we said to her Manager.

Of course, the Manager came over and we had no problem whatsoever gloating over her being such a super Server. That brought us so much joy to compliment her and she said she would put high marks for her when it comes time for her review.

The greatness of this blog....I'll wrap it all up.....when it comes to serving other people, every person is worthy of their best! We felt like King and Queen when we left Joe's. I'd love to hear you share your story of someone who has SERVED YOU lately. Have a joyful Monday, serving! I'm going to Serve homemade potato soup to my hubby. He's a little under the weather from having two shots; flu and pnemonia. He's experiencing some soreness....ugh....so that potato soup will work real well!!!!

Patience

Remember - It's God's timing!

Many times, God promises us things and rather than wait until He gives those things to us, we become anxious and attempt to make things happen. In the end, we create a mess!

God knows the precise timing for the fulfillment of the things He has promised us and wants us to be patience so that nothing can stand in the way of His bringing to pass what He wills.

Stay Close To God ...r...a...n...d...o...m thoughts

He is there, working in your favor! I'm a firm believer that what goes around, comes around; you reap what you sow. If you sow hatred against someone, you get hatred. It's just that simple! Some people just don't get it. If you choose not to speak to someone or reject them, you'll get plenty of rejection. I've seen this come about in every single minute in the ministry! If you look harsh at someone, you will get the same thing back!

As far as being a Christ-follower, I have noted all these years the question: why does someone want to live like that, knowing full well what the consequences are? Recently I noted with interest some pics someone sent to me and why would someone knowingly not smile at a really cool event? There's all kinds of excuses; they don't like their pic taken, they were having a bad dad, they wanted to sit and look angry or maybe they didn't know their pic was being taken. At any rate, I don't mean to be judging, but why look so unhappy, when you really are happy.

Staying close to God makes me want to live a victorious life and go with the flow! One bad apple can really spoil the whole bushell....God's word says "Worship the Father in spirit and truth for the Father is seeking such to worship Him." Jo 4:23

Snuggle up to Him and fully rely on Him! I promise - it works!

Only God Can Take Your Cares

Only God can take them on HIS shoulders.

There are bondages only God can break.

There are situations ony God can resolve.

There are circumstances only God can change.

Only God can fix your heart and cause you to love!

Only God can mend your mind.

Only God can give you a deep awareness of how valuable you to HIM!

What a glorious destiny He has for you!

Passivity

Sounds so negative, but when put in a positive direction, it is really a way to put your faith into action!

Passive people don't win in life. People expect that "well, it just happens (it meaning joy, happiness, etc.)."

It happens when you trust the living Holy God! Read Joshua 1:8 - it takes effort to speak, effort to read and study and meditate on His Word, and effort to do that every day, day in and day out!

While unpacking, I found I have three current Bibles I use at some time every single day. Not meaning that I work out of all three, meaning one of the Bibles have promises marked and I lean toward that one. I could become passive and not even reach for one of them and say, oh well, that's too much work! No, I want my life to count; I HAVE to rely on His promises or I'll never make it!

He is Lord of all and supplies our every single need! Have a super Thursday and remember to read Joshua 1:9; it will get you out of passivity!

What Does It Mean To Be On The Same Page?

It literally means, I think, have thoughts of safety, wellness, happiness, great health, prosperity, favor, rest, and wholesome with your hubby or even great friends!

In other words, nothing missing and keep the gap closed to the brokenness that comes in.

Also, it means same destination! I would like to admonish you to not be on another planet when it comes to being on the same page. I say that because, ladies, come on admit, we, at times tend to live in a me, myself, and I (into our own self) and have no clue what our spouse wants, let alone consider his opinion.

I saw a perfect example of this when we were dealing with an Executive at the bank who took a report we gave him; then he made up his own report and had no clue what our report said....in fact, he kept saying "just wanna be on the same page with y'all"...... wrong ....be on the same page; anyone with any facts could see how wrong he was.

Remember: Have a conscious commitment to a common goal together!!!! Happy Wednesday!

Audit Your Life!

Energy, creativity, commitment, and resources are the audit areas.

Know where you are physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Know your limits! Endeavor to consider yourself very important!

Keep yourself organized or you will become grumpy, and have an attitude where NO ONE will want to be around you.

Where I used to work, when an Auditor came in to audit the medical and dental claims, we treated them like VIP's and my boss always said "Always cooperate with them."

Try that on yourself; Audit your life and be a VIP!!! As they say on FB woooohooo!!!

True Self

Your true self is made up of your deepest desires and gifts, abilities, and dreams and passions. God created that in you. It is who He made you to be!

Selfishness is not a matter of pursuing your true self. Selfishness is when you stop giving to others and when you kee all of the harvest you reap for your own pleasures.

I find that when I share what I have, I feel so happy. It takes time (as we all know) to make a batch of wonderful toll house chocolate chip cookies. Sharing them with a neighbor means you have less, but think of the joy that thinking of others gives! I'm a global giver...when I make banana bread, it goes to the outer yonders of the earth to whomever. How about you? Do you give to God more and watch Him bless you mightily? Oooooo it feels so good! Have a happy Monday and be encouraged!

Victories!!!! .....Random thoughts......

You cannot conquer what you will not confront. And you cannot confront what you do not identify. Each and every day we must look in the mirror and deal with what we see there.

But, we must be willing to identify, confront, and conquer any issues in our life to have victories. I know so many people who carry "yesterday's problems" and cannot deal with them. God plans our destiny and wants to work out issues even if it gets to where it will awaken us some times and it could be an odd time of the day!

How can you see victories with blinders on? I also know some people who wouldn't admit it is their mistake for love or money! I think we are a much bigger person if we own up, fess it and go on with a happier life. I've also thought that there aren't very many people who can do that because it's easier to blame someone else. And then there's the dominating, controlling person that's around and as long as they can control, that will definitely cause not to confront.

My question is how can people live without warmth in their personality or love for the other person. I knew a girl one time that always said positive things about people...I wish I could find where she lives now, because I could use a double encouragement from her being so positive.

Begin the habit of caring, loving, and being positive and watch those victories soar!!

Choose What?

Life!

What is good!

What produces blessing!

.....and shows love!

Walk in Agreement!

.....make a decision to walk in agreement with the significant people in your life!

to come in agreement and affirm!

Be loving to the people we consider different from us!

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

I went to the Mall to walk a bit and I cannot begin to tell you how many arguments I heard from either a Mom and a child or husband or wife! I was shocked. I don't know why; I guess it was so public!

Think about it; walking in peace....awe how refreshing! Happy Friday!

Others

What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.

I so believe that statement! You must initiate or act upon what God has promised to you!

Start helping others.

The Bible is full of promises that are promised to you for "others."

Believe That God Can Heal You!

Healing is an equal-opportunity business.....

You must believe God is the Healer!

God can rebuild your broken life!

He can restore your broken home.

& best of all, He can remold your broken dreams!

I take my confidence in this from His Holy Word!

I challenge you to read the Psalms 119....the only longest chapter in the Bible!
(Then you will believe!!!)

Replenishing

If you are depleted spiritually, take time to replenish yourself spiritually.

If you are depleted emotionally, you need to do thos things that fill you up emotionally!

If you are depleted physically, you need to do what's necessary to get that energy back!

It doesn't mean we do stop caring.....we turn our cares over to the Lord, asking the Lord to take care of us in ways we cannot!

Replenishing is so needed! Go for it!

Backwards and Foward

You cannot look backwards and forward at the same time!

Your tomorrow does not have to be like your yesterday. Where you came from doesn't determine where you are going!

Too many people today are predicting their end based on their beginnings. In life the most important thing is not where you start, but where you finish.

I am so thankful that God can interrupt a person's life and change the destiny of that person for His good. God does not use your past to determine your future....why should you?

I encourage you to not plan your future only by comparing it to your past. Be blessed this Monday! Always look to the miracles, blessings, and answers to prayers!

Work 6 Days And Rest One Day!

God designed us to have a day of praise and thanks and quiet meditation on His Word. He designed us to have a day in which we gather with others to praise and give thanks and to study His Word.

The 3 R's...restoration, replenishment and refreshment. God designed us to have a rhythm in our lives in which we have a time totally devoted to restoring what has been given out, replenishing what has been used up, receiving back what has been spent, and refreshing what has grown stale. Then we can have a great relationship with Him!

Admonishing!!!!

.....someone to not give up.

.....being so grateful.

.....praying for those who have requested prayer.

.....getting the rest needed. (A must!)

.....get in the word!

.....have Saturday fun!

.....stay in a positive attitude.

.....remember your pets!

.....compliment a great job your hubby has done!

.....give your ownself a pat on the back also!

make it a super Saturday!

Where Do You Find God?

I find God at the kitchen sink.....since we are going through such unbelievable stress regarding the flu issues, for each and every dirty dish that's put in the dishwaster or counters wiped spotless because of germs, I definitely thank God that He is there to comfort and leave the issues up to him as I say a prayer of gratitude that He is there!!!!! He reminds me to be thankful and grateful for health and the ability to keep cleanliness to a max and remembering to wash my hands zillions of times, but most of all, that He is God and Lord of all!

It makes me let Him fill my heart with joy and gratitude for depending on Him! God is there, trust me, and as I walk away from the kitchen and return to my office area, I have the tremendous gratitude to pick up my Bible and find a verse of comfort: Proverbs 16:1: "The preparations of the heart, the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord." He is there to comfort, give grace and mercy. Thank you God!

Make It A Good Day!

Regardless of the circumstances, please make it a good day! Begin a moment of gratefulness and end with appreciation! I just appreciate our awesome kids! Yesterday I made choc chip cookies for my hubby. I wish I could take some to all of you that have been such an encouragement!

All I can honestly say, Make it a good day! Be appreciative!!!!! : )

Being Joyful

My question is are we "being" joyful? Or are we just that....Joyful?

If you are purposed in your heart to be joyful, I believe it just comes out and you can't help it.

I have a small group of ladies that work at the Mall that want my assistance and depending on how things GO at home, I can expect to see joyful or non-joyful. We will all admit, the habit of non-joyful creeps in. I'll admit at times, I have been swept into my attitude which was joyful and became non-joyful. Like I say, we all admit it!

So the answer to being joyful is not being persuaded to let it grind at me...if I'm joyful, I'm joyful and would I have an influence on them becoming joyful? Yes, I believe I can; does it take work and more work? You bet....ladies that already have their mind made up are definitely harder to reach, but I would think the moral to this story would be JUST BE JOYFUL and enjoy the hug at the end because they'll remember how the joyfulness rubbed off. And that's my take on being joyful....trust me it takes work to be joyful, but it pleases God and that is what really counts!

Never Give Up!

No matter what comes your way, you can make it become a pathway to destiny. Just don't give up!

Endure.

Your faith is dependent upon your ability to trust.

Your level of trust is determined by your relationships with Christ and others.

It takes faith to walk through a struggle than to be delivered from it.

Just keep on trusting His everloving care!

My prayer journal is getting caught up & you are in it!!! Thank the Lord for each one of you!

God's Wisdom

I wonder. Do we really let God in?

I've been giving that a lot of thought and came to the conclusion that is the WISDOM we get when we need answers and for vision!

Knowledge comes from study, but wisdom comes from God. Everyone one of us needs more of God's wisdom, I think. Not to sound preachy, but James 1:5 says "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to her. It's the destiny for our life!

Wisdom is the comprehensive, all inclusive insight into the ways and purposes of God.

My prayers, my love and may God bless all of you that read my blog with His wisdom today!

Live A Balanced Life

Balance is a learning process. We each have to learn to live in balance.

The beginning of what comes with learning is a recognition that we are triune beings-spirit, soul, and body.

The Spirit has a need for both taking in nourishment and giving out God's love.

The mind has a need for both tranquility and stimulation.

The body has a need for both rest and exercise. It took me a long time to learn this. I feel more balanced than I used to be. I hope your Saturday is just what you want and well balanced!

Apologize

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Prov. 16:18

Be willing to say, I'm sorry."

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

Pride.....

We make all sorts of excuses; "He never says he's sorry so why should I say it!" It doesn't matter what the other person says or doesn't say. Say "I'm sorry" a thousand times if you need to.

Take the high road and pursue peace. If you have wronged someone, please make it right. That's a super great way to ruin a friendship.

I Peter 3:11 "Seek peace and pursue it." It keeps your attitude in tune!!!!

Let Love Reign!!!!!

Woohooo......I received lots of comments (I'm sure glad my 'puter is up and running....regarding yesterday's post!) No matter how much disappointment you've been through or bad stuff because of things beyond your control, you still have to be honest or as I call it "Go with Plan B!" We go from honesty to Plan B to Love!

Most of all let love reign! Keep the home fires burning; communicate, love, just keep love and happiness right before the eyes!!!! God promises us His mercy and grace at just the time we need it.