Change Your Thinking!

I'm celebrating my ONE THOUSAND BLOG written!!!! Ooooo I love it. That's a lot of writing and encouraging; to God be the glory; great things He has done!!!

The thinking needs to be changed. Can't dwell on the negative! It makes me realize there really are great people in the world! It's the first time I've ever realized that there is something i CAN DO TO MAKE THINGS DIFFERENT FOR MYSELF; NOT JUST ME, BUT ANYONE. In this moment, I have changed my life and my thinking to ENCOURAGE!

Thank you for taking the trip with me. It's been worth it!

Change Your Clocks "Spring Forward" an Hour!

Well, I'm up and at 'em. But no one gets up early any more, but then after my wonderful day has ended, I'm off to bed early; at least all the late to bed peeps will say "way too early" for me!

This reminds me as to be so grateful that our Lord can CHANGE US .... if only we will let Him! I look forward to change and don't have a problem if He has to get our attention and then begin the process. While being sick last week, I kept grabbing my Bible and reading various Scriptures that would encouragement me to change; especially knowing that change will take place with the the TIME CHANGE!

"Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in you." Psalm 33:22 - I want His mercy. I've had plenty of His grace this week; now pour it on...m-e-r-c-y!!! Ask Him for it; He will give it! And that will cause change because it changes your attitude! Lately on TV news I have seen so disgruntled people! That's too bad, because with the Lord's mercy hope is there and we don't have to worry!

Be blessed this His day!!!!

My Prayers

My prayers are that you don't get what I had all week. I still have a cough, but oh, do I ever feel better. It seems the older one gets, the more is felt that REST & PRAYERS are the definite answer!!! A "Stay Homer" - a "Shut-in" - a "Don't want to Give It To ANYONE!" It has been agonizing, but the longest week in history! I ate every kind of soup imaginable! And all kleenex are empty!!!

My prayers are for you to enjoy your weekend and do not get this crud!!!!! And, of course, thank you from the depths of my heart for your prayers! God is great, good, and so there when we call upon Him and even before we call upon Him!

Strength, Honor & Praise!!!

Thank God for Proverbs!!!!! Never give up on your strength, honor and praise you precious ladies~~~~ Proverbs 31:25 "Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."

God has blessed the world with special ladies likes you and me!!!!!

We have exceptional skills. Yes, you know I have fought illness this week; bad cough, fever, extremely sore nose, chills. Thanks to family and friends that care soooo very much, I'm on the mend! Because of your admonishing and encouraging me with praise....cheering me on to get well....I can honestly say....I AM SO BETTER!

Thank you so much for your prayers and concern. I can guarantee you I have strength and honor and am rejoicing! Carie, your texting was so refreshing and loving; Daren your encouragement to get well sooner, and all my friends who not only sent e-mails; Angie R.,Geneva, and Pamela for blog comments; I am rising up today, with strength, honor and praise!!! (The ones on FB...I am extremely grateful for your cheering me on!!) Keep on encouraging; we all need it and I promise we will all be so honored by a loving, kind, comforting Lord who soothes our aches and pains and gives us wellness!!!!

Beauty!!!

My hubby says I have tons of beauty when I am ill. Here's what he says:

I don't complain.

I get up and don't get confined to the bed completely.

I don't get grouchy.

He loves to do the laundry, kitchen stuff, and running errands for OTC meds, etc...

And he takes care of the dogs religiously!!!!! Aweeee shucks!!!

He loves to kiss me on anywhere on the head...even when my fever broke last night.

Confesses I got it from him. : ( (That's the truth!)

He has tons of empathy when I don't feel good, and I deny I feel bad because of that reason.

God has definitely given me the best husband in the entire world!!! And then he says "Well, you help me tooth and nail when I am ill!!!!" Isn't God good? Thank all of you for praying for me. It has been annoying and I pray my cough is gone TODAY.....so I'll keep knowing and believing, I still have beauty even with yucky cold and flu!!!!! Thanks to a complimenting hubby and friends who pray!!! Please!!

Fresh Perspective!!!

Okay....I confess...I've been in bed ill since Monday. I mentioned it on FB and lo and behold Pamela caught it...God bless her because she prayed and I actually was up some yesterday. I formed a great habit of drinking hot tea. I guess I caught what my hubby had last week....we both went through a trillion kleenex. Thank you Pamela. I have a fresh perpective; externalizing truth was that I didn't want to give in and say I was bed sick, but finally did. Chills and fever ...I couldn't get warm, but today I feel so much better, but I will still take it easy! Isaiah 52:1 "Awake, awake, O Zion, clothe yourself with STRENGTH!" Amen on that! Happy Wednesday!

Remembering??????

I can remember when a teacher's words changed my life!

By the time I entered the third grade, I didn't have a natural love for learning. But then when I got in the fourth grade, we moved and I, of course, had a new teacher and I will never forget her. If there is such a thing as human beings who act as angels in our lives, Miss Rozwell did! What was great that they had her teach the fifth and sixth grade. My class was in a country school where there were unbelievable fewer students, so with having her as a teacher for the next two years, I accepted her praise she would constantly give and now that I look back, I tucked in my back pocket for the rest of my life, what this teacher did for me! She made me think GOOD of myself!

Do you have anyone that has made you feel good about who you are? Doesn't it keep you warm and fuzzy thinking about it? Do you constantly remember the good and not the bad? Try it, you'll like it. There is success just around the corner and you are so good for who you are now! All I can say is whoopee!!! Thanks God for Mis Rozwell!!!! I'm going to try to look her up and see if I can send her a thank you. Can you just imagine! It's worth trying! We never know who we are leaving warm, fuzzy feelings to someone! Thank you Lord; I want to remember the great!!!!

Truth!!!!

Lately I've been exposed to untruth and I want to shout out "That's not true!!!" But, then when the person believes her own untruths, they think they are perfectly right! It's sad for sure. The Bible says "The truth shall set you free." Nothing is gained by not sharing the truth. When you attack the character that someone has by telling the truth and then you share untruth (lies) about them......do a triple check and realize the consequences of that! I want to encourage you to tell the truth because it leaves bad consequences. I'd love to hear your take on this subject. Have you been lied to lately? It can cause a lot of hurt!!!! That is one thing for sure!!!

Down In The Valley

Psalm 23
Please read it! David says, a table is prepareth before me in the valley...in the middle of frustration, pain....before me in the presence of my enemy. (Ps. 23:5)
He prepares a way out before me. God prepared a blessing in His face while he was down in the valley!!!!!

I could remember my Mamma cooking in the kitchen and we would wait until she cooked; but we could smell the aroma. Before we got to the meal, we would wait for the blessing of that delicious food for a bunch of us! (I'm from a huge family!).

When we come out of this valley, you will come out protected on every side! "Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life......." We come out rejoicing!!! Goodness, mercy!!!!

I pray you are reading your Bible today and let Psalm 23 permeate your soul!!! All things are possible for you with God!

Friendship

What is a friend to you?

A friend is what I call when everyone walks out, they walk in. This has gotten to be very controversial....is a friend still a friend even if you don't hear from them? How about they care, then they don't care? A friend to me is please don't second guess me. Keep in touch, care, pray, but I truly believe the keeping in touch keeps a "touch of beauty" in the friendship. Things and events change on a second by second anymore. I have a lot of friends that I can meet with and we pick up where we left off. My hubby has spoiled me. He is a friend! And I expect my devout friends to be like him. I also think a friendship goes stale if you don't keep it up. Someone else gets in the open space.

The Bible says "A friend loveth at all times." Proverbs. My hubby says they are not a friend if they don't keep in touch. We're having a great time discussing this at our coffee time. I want a trustworthy friend. A friend who doesn't dissect all the flaws and wants it perfect. But, oh the understnding, to have a friend is phenomenal! Thank you for being a great friend! I appreciate it!!!! Have a joyous Saturday. : )

Who have you encouraged?

Take some time to contact someone who has encouraged you. Let the person know what his or her work has meant to you. Come on. Just do it! You will feel so good. It's the work of God in your life! Psalma 126 - Please take time out to read this chapter. Awesome!

A Super Point of Interest!!!

A happy life must have a center or a point of reference. No matter how far we travel, there must be a home port, a place to return where we know love is waiting to greet us. Perhaps we realize that we have not made the most out of life. It is never too late to begin. Nothing comes by only wishing. When you hear the musician and note the ease and grace of the performance, do you think of the years of struggle and overcoming that was necessary to produce the beautiful music? It leads to preparation now to fulfill your fondest dream!

Yesterday I had the blessing of a devout friend taking me to breakfast. What tremendous fellowshp and understanding! A super point of interest would be the respect, admiration and encouragement she has given our family for not just a few years, but several years!!! I have awakened this early morning thanking God for her and asking God is bless her life in a very special way as a super point of interest! My fondest dream has always been to have a friend who is loyal, loving, and caring! I can rest assured, I have that!!!! How about you? Do you have a friend you can trust and leave them knowing you have a super point of interest? I'd love to hear about him/or/her!

Strength & Honor!!!!!

Proverbs 31:25 "...she shall rejoice in time to come."

That's us, ladies!!!

God has blessed the world with special women like you!

Take a look @ your strengths!!! To name One:

We are life-enhancers; ladies who reach out and enrich the lives of others, to lift them up and inspire them! We need to be life-enhancers and we need to surround ourselves with life-enhancers. When another lady does something good, applaud!!! You will make two people happy!!!! Cheer each other on. We need it!

Are We Valuable?

Whatever your values are - they hold the key to a joyous, exciting, giving life - that to me is the heart fire of your special purpose! You are excitement spread to others. I believe this will keep you moving along a path of hope, new possibilities and rewarding achievements.

Are you valuable? More than you ever know! Of course you are! And I am also! So bond together and keep encouraging those of us who care! I know you care!

May God bless you in a great way today, this Tuesday. Hopefully the weather will be great today!

Longsuffering

That's a word unless one has experienced it will not understand it! Some people do suffer long until an answer arrives! Many people have longsuffering from meds they have to take or a diagnose that will need tons of healing. I would call that suffering l000nnnngggg!

If you suffer a long time from something; please don't give up. An answer will come. Keep lots of love going and sit back and watch the Lord work; all you can do is LOVE.

In the meatime, give lots of hope! It works!

"Love One Another"

The Bible has so many scriptures to compel us to "love one another." We may not like their attitude, gestures, or rudeness, but God helps us put up with it because of love!

Love is kind; patient; understanding whether or not the person accepts it or not. We are still admonished to give love. Some of us - that is all we have to give.

Agree? I'd love to hear your take on it. Be blessed this Sunday!

Dreams!!!!

Never forget: We go where our dreams take us!

Most of the thingw worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done. That's negative! Let the power of passion, expect great things to lie ahead!

Don't let the negativity choke your dream! Find the willpower to achieve it!

Encouraging A Talented Granddaughter!!!

I'm up early; I could only sleep so long, but wanted to get up and send an encouraging card to our granddaughter who was a super actor in a Play she was in @ Middle School (or is it Jr. High???) last night! I always get that one mixed up!!! It was a great one act play and what was so precious is that her Dad and Mom congratulated her with bouquets of flowers when it was over. Now that just sends chills up my spine!! And I forgot my camera.....But it was an aha moment for sure!

I hope your Friday is filled with happiness and kindness towards others. Our granddaughter is so precious and super great in all things she participates in. Sure makes me want to get up early and get this day going!!!!

Honor the Whole Team!

People who build successful teams never forget that every person's role is contributing to the bigger picture.

Some of the darkest days of Winston Churchill who was in Great Britain was the men working in the coal mines. Many wanted to give up their dirty, thankless jobs in the dangerous mines to join the military service. So He faced thousands of miners one day and passionately told them of their important to the war effort, how their role could make or break the goal of maintaining England's freedom. It's been said that tears appeard in the eyes of those handened men and they returned to their unglorious work with resolve!

Everyone needs encouragement. Just let someone know their work is appreciated is so effective! Enjoy your Thursday!!!!

Honor the Whole Team!

Be Blessed!

What in in the world does that mean?

Just exactly that! Blessed by the most wonderful of our precious Lord! Blessed means happy! I believe it it be blessed until your happiness occurs because as you make that statement, it seems that person does get blessed! We've been blessed beyond comprehension; I couldn't even begin to talk about it! So, when you see that encouragement, just bow your beautiful head and thank God because you will be blessed! Sometimes when we get blessed by someone, we know we truly see the hand of God on our lives and stop everything we are doing to pray and thank God! The encouragement of "being blessed" changes everything! Happy Wednesday! Look up "But, my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory." That explains Be blessed!

Adding to Life's Inescapables!!!! Dedicating This Blog!!!

Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. I owe deepest thanks to a lady/devout friend for rekindling my light and I want to pray for her a fabulous day as her candles ae lit...it's her birthday today! Geneva, a valued "Commenter" on my blog! And she's also a twin! So both of you are wished a very happy day!

Here's Geneva: Does all the good she can, by all the means she can,
......in all the ways she can, to all the places she can and at all the times she can!

When we were in the Pastorate, she gave countless hours to Administrative work at our church for my husband and me! And she never missed a day at Church Service for 52 weeks for several years!! (That also includes Wednesday nigh and early morning Ladies Women of Worth Classes! So faithful, creative, our right hand armour barrier, loving, and trustworthy!!!! May God bless you in such a very fabulous way today, Geneva, and may this be the best birthday ever! All honor and praise to the Lord for ALL the many many talents you have!!!!! With the incredible love of the Lord, I happily dedicate this blog today to you, Geneva, as you celebrate the big day and thank you for what you mean to our family!!!! Be blessed and blessed today!

Think of Joy for the Week!

I've never seen such a gloom n' doom world! Put that smile on this week and have great joy! how do you get great joy?

J - Just make it a plan
O - Others first
Y - Yourself to bring joy in whatever circumstances.

Now, that takes work, so remember - don't give in to gloom and doom!

...and from Monday to Friday have a very JOYOUS WEEK!!!!

Great Morning!

Got texted at 3:46 a.m.

Never give up folks! God is in control! Already I have three answers to prayer. But, our commitment to go to breakfast is fast approaching; so what I can say is "Good morning and I am so happy I am a morning person" 'cause I've already been blessed!

Happy Sunday and remember to care about yourself and know that our God reigns in EVERY situation!!! .....repeat....in EVERY situation!!!

Where Is God When You Need Him?

There!

When you need Him!

He was there all the time!

Call upon Him, He is there! Oh such love, peace, and joy! Don't let the grump-o-s get you down! And they will try to get you down! Pay no attention. God keeps you joyful and full of excitement for others. Selfish living will destroy you! Think of others and call them; do something to connect! Ask God when you call upon Him to help you through and not be so selfish and you will see such joy flow because your life is sooooo much better!

God is so wonderful; I can't explain - especially when you get your mind off yourself!!!! Where is God? In your heart, so be ever so appreciative!!!

More Appreciation

People want to be regarded as human beings. Loved, appreciated! Not as sounding boards for other people's egos. They want to be treated as an end in themselves, not as ameans toward the gratification of another's vanity.

Happy Friday! You are special!

Love & Forgive

A choice!

Do you see trees of darkness? Negative tree limb with no leaves.

How 'bout switching to positive thinking?

Based on truth!

You no longer have to be driven under a toxic brain.

What are the reasons that you do not love? ...or forgive?

Game plan is forgiveness.

We were meant to have a life of extraordinary lives! The woman brought her alibaster box and honored Christ; it was a testimony to her!

Where do we find God? Story about the woman at the well...look it up.

He loves you with an unfilling love!

External truth! ...and those are my thoughts...have a Happy Thursday!

Workmanship

The Bible says "we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus...." Ooooo I love that verse! Why would we want to change HIS workmanship? And then we helps us from the inside out to be the kind of person we should be! Sure the outside is there, but our behavior, our attitude, our realness on the inside is His workmanship!

Peeps forever ask me why I don't have gray hairs and do I want them? Bring 'em on!!! Our kids are always saying, "Mom you are such a superb Mom and Grandma...when are you going to get gray hair?" I don't know but when I get it, I won't color or cover it up..........it's me.....classy Mom and Grandma, are you kidding? As long as I fit the age and I'm moving on up to Senior, Senior Saint, I can still have an efferdescent personality or positive attitude, that I don't act like a fuddy duddy, old and no one wants to be around...

I remind myself every day when I look into the mirror.....I am HIS workmanship; my God is pleased!!! ...and of course my hubby is pleased also!!! yea God!!!

Power

You have tremendous power to affect the lives of people around you. Encouragement from you could be the difference-maker in someone's day, work or even life, sending that person in a whole new direction.

It's difficult to encourage people if you don't know what encourages them. Become a student of people....learn what makes them tick....know what lifts them up! God gives the power and grace! Just do it!

In The Spirit Of Love......

I don't have any problem at all saying "I love you!" In fact, it's very easy! There are so many who can't express their love. As I begin to get older, I feel it is mandatory! Of course I want to be remembered by truly loving and meaning it! But how about you? Do you have the spirit of love? After knowing I gave birth to a boy and girl (of couse, they are grown adults now!) I love both of them equally! And I do love them! And I want to continue loving and living a life of happiness, joy, peace, and contentment! All of these are examples of love and they are a vital part of my life! .....a great way to begin the week....yep, I have the spirit of love and not only the spirit, but the great feeling of having many more years to love my hubby, because I believe "Love conquers all!" When you love someone, there's no if's, but's, or's......it's such a feeling of happiness! As said on FB, woohoo!!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

God loves you and so do I! (See FB Mind comment!!!) I'm off to a romantic breakfast buffet!!!!!

Encouraging Friends!

You are one of the greatest friends of all time. If you are reading this, I want you to know, you ARE my friend because you make me feel like a "somebody" whom you believe in and I need that! There are none in the humanly "down" position so low that they cannot be lifted up and none in the humanly "up" position so high that they can disregard God's point of view on their lives. The barren, the widow, the orphan, the eunuch, the alien, all modes of human hoplessness, are fruitful and secure in a friend's caring!

Sure Psalm 94 is one of the most comforting passages in the Bible, but the encouragement of a friend reflects on hope, in adversity. God delivers and you help me reach my goal. Thank you for rekindling my light!

Special Prayer Requests:

To name just a few......
For people having to drive on these trecherous roads with possible ice and snow.
Kids who can sleep in...looks like no school for all ISD's.
People who drive on it and go out to work will have perfect protection for safety.
Weddings on Valentine's Day, especially that the roads will be melted by then.
For other states where our families are as the snow is making it difficult. (& any who are experiencing power outages!!)
Health and strength for friends and family.
Peeps to begin reading the Bible. (Not boring.)
Just remember these prayer requests.

All because of His Amazing Grace,
Carol

Honoring

Our society has lost honor. Our President gets flack. Leaders are dishonored. Look at the positive side. If you honor your parents, now you have a promise to stand on! How do you begin to honor? Honor needs to be displayed in action, in words and in thought. Root of honor starts in the heart. I'm so grateful my kids honor me. I feel so respected by them.

Honor means "a valuing." Thought and heart is above action! Honor is a fear of the Lord. We have lost that. II John 8...How do we receive honor? Because we ARE to be honored. Yesterday I met with a friend; she had her friend there and my friend honored me and her friend followed. Because she saw the respect my friend gave me. After I walked away from them, I felt honored; they went all out, exploding in happiness that they hadn't seen me in so long; she (my friend) honored me so!

What is honor's reward?
right motivation
directed by the Spirit of the Lord
teaching character
God definitely
respecting elders

How about you? Are you around people that put pressure on you not to honor your parents, God, or friends? Take your stand for honor!

Determination

Interesting word....is it an encouraging word?

I've often thought about it; and I'm thinking it is encouraging. It's determination that keeps us focused (i.e. I'm determined to run these miles, or get this finished)....so I'll just say I hope and pray you are determined to get your goals accomplished or tasks finished!

Any way you look at it, especially if it is in a positive way, it can add lots of happiness to your life. These days they call it "mind set." In the days I grew up, it was called "you're determined!!!" sometimes given in an angry tone. But, I'll leave it up to you to decide if it is encouraging.

Today I'm determined to get all my cards made, my hair looking beautiful (I'll be determined that the curling iron will work and my hair comes out perfecto!!!!) and accomplish organizing paper work for income tax. Plus the other great things today......happy Wednesday!!!!

Winning!!!

Winning creates breathing room! A good team with high morale will use that breathing room to take risks and try out new ideas, new moves, new concepts that it otherwise wouldn't!

In the end, high morale releases the team to reach its potential. Are you on a team with low morale? What can you do to turn things around? How do you get the positive momentum started? You start with encouragement! People who feel encouraged work a little bit harder. They feel a little bit better about themselves.

They start to believe they can win! Any little bit of success breeds more success! Help each person to make the most of his or her talent, and there is no telling how far the team can go! wooohoooo!!! I'm on the winning side; are you?

See 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

To be honest, until I write a letter to Career Builders and Docker that I disapprove of their gross and untasteful commercial on Super Bowl 44 with the people shown in their underwear! It was repulsive to me and I'm amazed that they were permitted to show it! Do I have an abstacle to overcome because of it? Yes and until we speak up, how will they ever know? Soon and very soon I will see a way beyond this obstacle and encourage anyone to write a displeased feeling about it also; especially if you thought it was not acceptable! Thank God it was in the voted "Most Worse" commercial!

Remember: Love makes all things worthwhile and beyond all obstacles! Six more days!

Trust God!

He will carry you through.
Never give up on Him!
Encourage Others because God is pleased!
Forget all - just trust God!
It's that simple!
Nothing else involved!

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!
Proverbs 3:5-6

Marvelous Date Day!!!!

All day Friday.....oh did we have great fun. My hubby dreamed up this one! We're both hobby-ist, so we found a close by Hobby Lobby (I had gotten a gift card from a devout friend for Christmas) and as we were getting gas, we noted with interest the Catfish Restaurant was not there any more (in Keller) but the employee told us where they moved to so we went; talk about yummy and delicious!!! Then off to HL - of course Hobby Lobby (HL) had tons of ladies in there what with Valentine's Day coming up, so he started having fun with the staff there because he was looking for me a Chicken Lamp for the kitchen. And I was looking for Grandma and Granddog Valentine gifts and I can't even begin to say how much fun that was.

This did not end...then he had gotten a gift card from Olive Garden and he wanted to use it up, so at 5-p.m.-ish we went to Olive Garden. He drank iced tea and I had decaf coffee before our meal and we decided to text our daughter...both of us...and she just had a fit that we shared our FNDN (Friday Night Date Night) with her and the Grandoggies!!!! She and her "Pappa" are so close and she set it up so all he could do was reply, of course...but we passed around my cell phone which is the only texting phone; oh it was so phenomenal...I can't even describe the love going around at that table! The Server figured out what was going on so she chimed in!!!

When we got home, we rejoiced over such a super day; I'm positive there will be more of those....great romance and sparks in our eyes and oh do I ever love Valentine's day, especially being retired!!!! ooooooh yes!!!!

Just Keep That Love Going!

When you love, you love! It's always in my heart to love! Oh, if only this world would just be loving and encouraging! Wouldn't that be tremendous; a world of loving and encouraging peeps! We could just be awakened, turn on our 'puters and see love and better yet, feel love. My love comes from God who blesses me with His love and viola!!! Can't help but keep the love going!

Enjoy this:
Happy the home where love is found,
Where lyalth, truth, and kindness abound;
Where God is loved above all others;
And children honor their faithers and mothers.

My home may be spacious, great or called small,
But when God is honored for love,
Faith will conquer fear and despair!

Just keep on loving!!! If I had more love to give, I would! Happy Friday!

Are you hurting?

It's true! There are people who think seeing obstacles is a sign of maturity and insight. But anyone of average intelligence can do that!

What does turn your life around? Outward show of appearance? Having a large sum of money? Trying to keep up with what Society dictates....how you dress or look? Are you hurting and secretly keeping it?

God wants people who see a way beyond the obstacles, learn from them! But, if you never admit you have issues, then how do you see beyond them? Do you still make the same mistakes?

I send prayers. concern, and love!

Adding Value!!!

Adding value is really the essence of enlarging others. It's finding ways to help others improve their abilities and attitudes. An enlarger looks for the gifts, talents, and uniqueness in other people and then helps them to increase those abilities for their benefit and for that of the entire group. An enlarger is able to take others to a whole new level......adding value! Can you do it? Of course you can! You can't be selfish though! You are valuable yourself, but when you are selfish, I want to be honest with you....no one wants to be around you! Add value! It works!!! I wish I could post how many people send me "value" thank you, saying I am valued by them. It gets my excitement going and motivates me! Truly!!!! Thx all!!! I value you!!!

My Carol Day!!!! : )

From sun-up to sun-down I truly had a magnificent "Carol Day!" I couldn't resist coming home for lunch. Let me explain. I ventured to Braum's and was going to surprise hubby with our most delicious lunch, at Braum's a hamburger and their melt in your mouth french fries that are served hot! But, I came up with a genius idea! A 1/6th of a pound hamburger and french fries lunch is $5.51 with taxes. Violla!!! I glanced over and saw they sell the very hamburger meat, buns, french fries, and even the shredded lettuce right there at Braum's! So I purchased a pkg. of buns, 3 lb. hamburger meat, shredded lettuce and french fries. The bill came to $6.16 as the hamburger was on sale! So if I would have purchased 2 hamburger meals at the regular price it would have been 3 times the buying and fixing it myself!

Next steps: I surprised my hubby, came home, and cooked the meal! It was delicious and now we have at least four more meals----what a savings of money!!! We had noon candlelight! Can't beat that with a stick!!!

Then I was honored on my Carol's Day at Petsmart for making the Management's day as I had written a fabulous, complimentary letter to the CEO of Petsmart on these people for helping me with my favorite hobby, getting my fishtank and families of fishes all set up. That's just incredible how they honored me!!! I never felt so important. It was a surprise, so I really didn't get home by the time everyone talked to me about 5 p.m. I can't even express how surprising and fabulous that was!!! Wow, wow, wow!!!!! What loving, genuine, marvelous people!!!!!

Was the day over quickly? Yes Did I have a fanatastic Carol Day? Absolutely
Did I get everything done that I wanted to get done? No....but I will look forward (oh so forward) to my next Carol Day and finish up!!!! What a day to begin February love month. wooohoo......I am a person most blessed!!!! And of course, I'm up at the crack of dawn and couldn't wait to share my eventful day with my Blog readers!!!!

The Love Month

Day 1....can't wait....my favorite month! Am having a Carol Day today....c ya tomorrow!!!

Super Card!

I got an "I Love You" card from my hubby!!! Of course, it's not the first time; he is faithful of that and of course I make him a card right back! He wrote this: "You put a lot into fulfilling me. Thank you! I never know what you're going to pull next to bring us closer together. And I like that! Life stays exciting because I live with a wife/very lovely like YOU, honey!"

Tomorrow begins a great month and my favorite! We're one step ahead now, with already exchanging card #1! Thank you Lord for love, peace and joy!!!!

Keep Hope Alive With Optimism!

How do you keep hope from fizzling out?

Model optimism!

Optimism is contagious!

Communicate it to everyone around you!

We all have a sense of significance and where do we get it?

Hope and Optimistic Thoughts!!!

One person can keep hope alive!

Try it, you'll love it!!!! (Now, go to FB!!! super post!)

More on Gratitude!

....or the spirit of love. You will find as you look on your life...that the moments when you have really lived.....

are the moments when you have done things in a spirit of love and gratitude.

We're coming upon our LOVE MONTH - February....ooooo,,,,,awe,,,,,eeek......Valentine's Day!

I'm looking forward to it!

Yesterday I sent out at least twelve thank you cards to people who still remember us and have made contact.

It's so nice to be remembered and thanked and then as the "love" goes out, it just feels so wonderful; as they say "It's feels so good, it hurts when it's gone!!!!"
Happy Friday!

Leadership Wired!

When peeps make extremely critical remarks regarding a leader, it sends chills up and down my spine. It reminds me of scouling looks and mumblings under the comments when my husband Pastored. He truly never received very many in our thirty-eight tenure, but when he did get them, it was painful, so painful to him and me!

We always had the same page (goals) as to wanting the church to grow, but a small few didn't want our church to "get too big." Only God keeps a record of that. I believe we need to pray for our President Obama and Congress.

Opposing faces...ugh.... That's too big to even give any comments, so I remain giving practical advice on how to effectively provide the kind of encouragement that transforms individuals families, churches and work teams into happier, healthier, more affirming networks! woooohoo

No post......

While trying to put a pic of my hubby on my blog...somehow it deleted. I'm still in learning stage! I will learn at some point, because I'm not a give upper!!!

Just Be There.....

We need to calm down and come together as families. We need to simplify our family lives. Children should have quiet time for reflection and creative flow; and they need to learn how to entertain themselves. Human beings are designed to follow life rhythms.

Just really be there for your kids...it doesn't matter whether they are four or fifty-four!!! We all learn from each other. Be candid and honest with kids. Kids can tell if the walk doesn't match the talk. Work on instilling values and character. It's simple - be their role model. We are far from perfect, but we just need to do the best we can with a keen sensitivity to the fact that we are being watched in all we do. If you want your child to be neat, with a perfectly tidy room every day, then you must be neat. If you want your children to have joyful, well-adjusted dispositions, then they've got to see you acting, feeling and living that way too!

Happiness

The older we become, it seems the faster the days slip by! Science has been able to add years to life, but our greatest problem is how to add life to years. How can we make the most out of life? The JOY of living is not found necessarily in many years of existence. Let us think of the man who is usually referred to as living the longest amount of years ever recorded. Methuselah (Gen. 5:17). This is all we know about him. Perhaps he never accomplished one worthwhile thing.

A happy life must have a center or a point of reference. There must be a home port, a place to return whre we know love is waiting to greet us. Happiness is found by being true to one's self; always seeking high ideals and the perfect peace! The peace of God passes all understanding. I want more of it! Don't you?

JOY

How do you bring joy into your life?

As Niki says "JUST DO IT!"

That's the only way I can describe it.

Why would you want to ruin someone's day by not being joyful?

I've seen so many people lately who wouldn't be joyful if their life depended on it.

That's so sad.

Joy brings a smile to my face! If you have a dog, look at joyful he/she is and you can't help be joyful. Our dog smile at us....it is precious!

I'm declaring an all-out joy day for everyone that reads my blog. (Are you smiling?)
( :
= )
:)
:p
:D

Encourager Vs. Trouble Makers

Those who know me, know I totally despise labeling someone but if you saw a Post Title like Encourager Vs. Trouble Makers obviously I would hope and pray you would choose "Encourager!" Sadly to say I know some who are "Trouble Makers" - they have nothing better to do than just stir up trouble. Lies, untruths, jealousy, all the aggravating behaviors that could be downright discouraging. To me, no better way to describe them, but they are known as Trouble Makers.

'Nuff of that.....I choose to encourage. Yesterday I did some serious Mall walking; grant it I drug my purse and feet on the last go 'round but I slept like a log from all the exercise!

Tonight I'm planning a purposeful celebration! I'm going to surprise my hubby and have a "I'm glad we made it to the end of the month" party! This month has been a month of pure keep a strict budget and we're almost there.....so we shall have fun at my celebration. There will be a lot of balloons, joy, music, and comparison of Dec. to Jan. This has been a month of tremendous discipline, so we may have a discussion about that subject......wish I could invite you, but guess what? It's our Friday Night Date Night....sssshhhhh just he and me!!! He knows that whatever I put together will be fun, he will always remember, and talk about it forever!!!!!! Have a great Friday yourself! wooohoooo

Encouragement Leads To Great Things!

Oooooo I love this scripture verse - I Cor. 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."

Bring it on God!

How does encouragement lead to great things?

Example: An automobile goes nowhere efficiently unless it has a quick, hot spark to ignite things, to set the cogs of the machine in motion. So, sending encouragement to everyone, I pray, she or he feels the spark and it keeps them in motion. Every single week I send our daughter an "Encouragement card".....it pretty much arrives on Wednesday or Thursday; she will text me and say "Mom that brought tears to my eyes..." but the fact that it gives her that spark she needs and is so grateful for. It's a double dose of encouragement because I show it to Jim before I mail it and he is "encouraged big time" as he says!!!!!! Who are you encouraging today? It does lead to great things!!!! Enjoy your Thursday!!!!! Love, Peace, Joy!

Shortest Blog Ever!!!!

As you make efforts to bless others, may you in turn be doubly blessed!

Diamond in the Rough

We are truly a "diamond in the rough." God takes the scruffy scars and mistakes and turns them into diamonds where we shine for Him! Are people jealous....absolutely! Prov. 22:30. Don't let the devil get you to think bad of yourself! That will bring you to a place that causes you to have an attitude of not caring and you will find yourself in the pit, climbing yourself out and not able to look at the great things God has done for you, making you shine for Him!!!!

I have asked Him to get rid of the rough places, or chipped places and make me a gorgeous diamond, able to reach out for grace to go beyond the disappointments, the hurtful comments, etc...... Let's find someone who is hurting and let our diamonds so to speak shine with God's glory and mercy! I'm pullin' for you; you can do it through grace and God's remarkable strengths that He will give!!!

After Blessing!

Since retirement, I occasionally get a really encouragement e-mail,fabulous comments on FB or a letter/note in the mail or even left by our mailbox on the front porch. :) Now, no further ado, may I please share a neat letter (note) I received from a former church member which truly blessed my heart!

"TO A SPECIAL LADY
You are charming and gracious, and such a Lady I knew (still do); smiling and friendly with face all aglow. Rejoicing with others when joy came their way; or you were shedding a tear when hurts or sorrow holds sway. You shunned words of gossip...in fact your motto was "Love one another." She taught and guided us and remembered to pray; I'm sure it was that we all may see Jesus in our life each day!

Oh, do I love you for being a lady so loving, awesome, and caring; the wife of my Pastor; a treasure that's rare! Thank you so much."

I was telling our daughter yesterday about this note and she said "Mom, that was definitely and STILL is you!

So, I got paid back for encouragement; although I love to encourage and will continue to do so! If you have MLK Day off, have a restful or get caught up day! Be blessed in so many ways!

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.