Looking At Reality!!!

One of the key ingredients of reality is people...and people take time. So do friendships. As I recall again the busy day detailed at the beginning of the day to the end. I want to tell you that it is wondrously busy! Each and every person who crosses my path was from God and represented a part of His purpose for my day and my life! Needy souls, needy for something.

.....a soul is touched with the goodness of God!

.....that's reality!!!

.....we made an appointment with our devout friends to come over!!

.....we're so excited we can't see straight!! This makes life a reality to us!!!

Dear God Letter

What would you say if you wrote a "Dear God Letter to God?"

Mine would be a deep letter of gratitude for what He has done to supply our needs and knowing He is always there; rain, cold, shine....any time we need him!

I'm going to take a day off of blogging and journal my prayer. I think it will be all glory to Him who helps us through all difficulties. Enjoy your Friday. I know I am going to enjoy mine!

Meet Someone Who Is Content

I have to be content. I have no other alternative. I'm up a tad bit early today. I want to get started writing on my new book. I'm a wee hours in the morning person anyway, so this should be great! How about you?

Yesterday I started my first interview with a person and her marriage concening "contentment." Interesting conversation and I learned a lot about her. Why was she "not contented?" You'd be surprised like I was. It shocked me. It was so minute and something none of us would believe. But I followed her communicating it to me. Ladies......women are not content. Why? No love in their life!!! Gotta have that love!!! That would be a debatable subject.

What keeps you from being content? I would love to hear your story.

Do you think it's a God-thing?
Do you keep your problems only to yourself?
Have you really ever been in love (contented)?

How To Turn Lives Around

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

Encouragement is the answer to turning lives around!
Isaiah 43:19 "Behold, I will do a ne hing. Now it shall spring forth ... Shall you not know it? I will even make a round in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

A Recipe for Contentment

Health enough to make work a pleasure.

Wealth enough to support needs.

Strength enough to battle with difficulties.

Grace enough to confess your sins and overcome them.

Patience enough to have some good accomplished.

Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others.

Faith enough to make real the things of God.

Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.

Happy Labor Day!!!

I hope everyone has a marvelous Labor Day and doesn't even have any stress thinking about their job, etc. Keep your day positive and ENJOY!!!! See ya with a great blog tomorrow!!!!

Knowledge

Just as long years do not necessarily add up to happy living, even so successful living is not totally dependent on an abundance of learning. Solomon was the wisest man of all ages (excepting our Lord yet be exclaimed.) Ecc. 1:18 - Knowledge is good, but knowledge that does not include God leads to worry and sorrow.

Christian Homes

Happy the home where love is found:

Loyalty

Truth

Kindness

Where God is loved above all others...

The home may be spacious, great, or small,

But when God is honored over all....everyone helps together.

Christian homes give hope for the Nation!

Encouragement Makes Us Better!!!!

There are high spots in all of our lives and most of them have come about through ENCOURAGEMENT from someone else!

My passion is to encourage!!!

Who will you encourage today?

I promise IT WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE HAPPIER!!!

Assessing Your Trust!!

...in the Lord...how well do you manage when it comes to the trust department? Do you trust the Lord to take care of your need for food and clothing or do you live in fear that perhaps He won't? Always remember that God is your Good Shepherd, who promises that you shall not ever want...for anything! Psalm 23:1

Trust God that He will provide.We all must trust in Him, relax in Him, and enjoy the rest that trust and faith provides!

It's magnificent to have trustworthy friends! We had our devout friends come to visit with us Sunday and we are reaping the greatest blessing still and it has been four days! It was also to congratulate me for my birthday one week previous. Both of them are such a phenomenal encouragement and we cannot thank them enough! And Wow is the exciting word!

Communication

How do you communicate? Prov. 15:11 "A soft answer turneth away wrath."
Sometimes we do not know all of the trials and troubles a person experiences unless we are walking in their shoes. We need to learn early to respect the other's communication and be happy for them being happy!!!!

I want to communicate gratitude. There has been so many blessings and I am happy to Christ for supplying what we have needed. It's been a struggle, but only gratitude can reveal our hearts!

Have a happy Wednesday and I would like to pass on a communication of gratitude!

Passion Cont'd!!!

Passion will change you!

You become a more dedicated, productive person. In the end, yur passion wil have more influence than your personality.

Passion makes the impossible possible!

Impossibilities vanish. A fire in the heart lifts everything in life.

When we find a passion we can be assured that grat things do lie ahead. What can you do to find yours? What can you do to help someone else find theirs?

Passion!!!!!

People spend a lot of time trying to figure out what makes people successful and more than anything else, passion is what makes the difference.

Passion is the first step to achievement...your desire...the stronger you fire, the greater the desire and the greater the potental!

Passion increases your willpoer. It is the fuel for the will. If you want anything badly enough, you can find the willpower to achieve it.

Follow your passion - it will change you because it makes the impossible possible! When we find our passion, we can be assured that great things do lie ahead. What can you do to find yours? and what can you do to help someone else find theirs?

Have a happy Monday!

Sanctifying the Lord God!

We should be about the business of sanctifying the Lord God in our bodies and in our hearts (I Peter 3:15). To do this means we are to revere Christ as Lord and to hold Him in highest reverence. We are also to be consecrated, set apart, and dedicated to the Lord. And we are to honor Him with every facet of our lives - including our bodies. As Paul concluded, you and I are to "glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" I Cor. 6:20

Now, do you yet sense the reverence? The respect...the awe....the magnitude of our body being God's. God will protect you as you sanctify our Lord God!!!

Nurture Your Marriage

The best gift you can give your children is to love their father. Remember, too, that once yur children are raised, you will be so glad. Nurture your marriage. Make a comment if you need help on this and I will be sooo glad to help you. Both of us will. The Bible says in Prov. 31:27 that we are to watch over the ways of our household. I pray your Saturday will be saturated by love. My hubby needs me today to help him with a task...will I be there? Absolutely, unequivably!!!

Home Is Where The Heart Is

I know women who have trouble getting excited about taking care of their homes. And I know women who have writen off homemaking as a worthless occupation. Does either category fit you, my dear friend? Then please, spend time in prayer. Turn your home....and your heart....over to our wonderful Lord and ask Him for help. Ask Him for a make-over. Talk to toher women who do love taking care of their homes. Your husband will encourage you.

Whatever it takes, set about to create a Home where the heart really is!!!! Have a happy Friday filled with love, peace, joy, and understanding!

We Should Pray Boldly!

Yes, we are humble, penitent sinners, but because of God's grace we humble sinners can approach the throne of His grace boldly and with courage so that we may receive His mercy and find His grace to help us in time of our needs! Hebrews 4:16

Just think of all the loved ones and people that need prayer. I want to pray better, don't you?

Key Ingredients To Life...People!!!!

Are you a people person? Some people remove their self from being called that.
I can honestly say I miss the Ladies at church - just to hear how their week was and find out how their life is going.

We have one very devout couple who are very close friends that we'll be seeing Sunday and I can't wait. The key ingredient to life is people! May God bless them and each person that reads this blog.

Our God reigns!!!!! Talk to ya tomorrow!

You And Your Schedule!!

So, like our Lord, you must create a schedule and develop a routine. The reason Jesus was so unhurried in His schedule was that His schedule was based on God's priorities for His life. So make a schedule and keep it....determine God's priorities for your life and develop a schedule that is centered on those priorities.

Such a schedule will certainly simplify your life. Establish a routine that fits your particular stage of life and responsibilities. Prov. 31:10-31 - This lady was heralded by God as a woman who looked well to the ways of her household! Tuesdays have and will always be "My Laundry Day" and I make sure every single thing in this house is laundered on Tuesday and then I know we both have what we need to look nice.

How is your schedule? Would love to hear....mine is flexible!!

God Is Always There!!!

Always!
There are people who think seeing obstacles is 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.
Ecc. 1:18 "Knowledge is good, but knowledge that does not include God leads to sorrow."

All About Me!!!

Wow! Yesterday was MARVELOUS! I heard from everyone for my birthday on FB!!!! My heart is bubbling over with joy and gratefulness for everyone making a commenting and me getting to say to them what I have wanted to say for a long time! Feel important! You bet I do!!! It was all about me and I just had a grand ole time and appreciated everyone who took the time to say something! Since we retired, I've had a real hard time accepting it, but I know my hubby knew it was time, so I sure wouldn't buck him and cause any commotion for it!

But, my birthday made up for me! Everybody needs somebody. When you begin to pour your effort into helping someone, it is absolutely amazing how that encouragement gets multiplied. Influence influences. The greater the positive impact you make on another person, the more likely that person can turn around and influence others positively! The problem is that we have a natural tendency to hold back. Why? Waiting on someone else to do it. Well, they didn't yesterday.......I accepted it all about me and soaked it up. Thank each and every single one of you. I feel so valued. It was an incredible birthday and one I will never forget!

Today's My Big Day!

I'm going to enjoy Facebook because I love to get comments. My hubby suggested me taking off a day because it is my awesome, loving birthday!! Thanks for understanding!

Two Sisters Today.........

Two of my blood-related Sisters have their birthday today! I hope both of you have a very happy day filled with tons of blessings. One lives in Oklahoma and the other in Kansas! : )

Then two Sisters left for August birthday!!! Tomorrow is yours truly and my youngest Sister. A-ha we were born on the same day!

I'm late with my blog...didn't get in late until last night...I couldn't stay away because it was past my bedtime, so consequently we did our morning coffee later this a.m. so here I am just now getting to writing it.

This morning the Bank that always loved me bringing in the church deposits are having a lil' birthday celebration for me. Those who know me know that I don't eat desserts, but I will eat the bottom part of the cake and not the chocolate icing. They told me the kind of cake I wanted. Proverbs 31:26-31 "She openeth her mouth unto wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness." I feel soooo honored. The rest of the scripture is so fabulous talking about an "older woman." That's me....I can't help it; I am getting older....might as well face it. The Bible tells me so! Happy Friday!

My Momma

I have blogged before in previous years that my Momma passed away on my birthday, which is this Saturday, August 21st! This was in 1970 but I think about her every day and rejoice that she knew the Lord, although she never attended church in my lifetime. Here's a beautiful poem about her:

GOD IS KEEPING HER SAFE
If I could see my mother's face,
How happy I would be.
If I could hold her little hands,
That did so much for me.

Momma's eyes were brown as they could be,
Her hair was pure black and always curled.
Seems like everybody knew,
She grew up with many girls.

Sometimes when I go to sleep,
I see her in my dreams, especially her face.
If I could only tell her,
She can never be replaced.

God must have sent an angel
For her my summer birthday as she sickly lay,
But this I know, He took her,
She's safe with Him today!

People!!!!!

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

How?

An e-mail to tell them what they mean to you.

Some type of contact. It won't happen until you make the effort.

People are vital. And we need each other. The statement "no man is an island unto himself" is a lonely life!

Put forth the effort.

Prov. 3:5-6 is a great scripture to relate with this.

Don't become stagment and leave out people that mean something! I am an avid people person and thrive on them!!! Yesterday I went by Clinique Counter to visit a friend of mine and we both shed tears as we have not taken the time to see each other. We couldn't stop hugging and oh so happy and promised not to let that happen this long!

How about you? What have you done lately to get back in touch with PEOPLE???? Have a very happy Wednesday. Three more days and I'll be one year older (er....younger)!

Getting Closer!!!!

A high spot for me...the congrats are already starting! Saturday is my big day! One of the Managers at Bank of America is making me a cake Friday and they are celebrating! I'm honored! They are great people! Then tomorrow I will have the grandkids!! (That's a birthday celebration in and of itself....can't wait!!!) Then Sat. our adorable daughter is giving me a cam/chat birthday event!!! Oooooohhhh and then our Son will here Thursday eve. I'm thinking...how did this all happen so quick right before my very eyes and I'm just absorbing. My hubby gave me my present already!!! Woooohooo and then on the 29th we celebrate with our best friends!!!

Okay I'm blessed before the big day! What can I say. It makes my tummy flitter knowing all this love is being sent for just for me....Here's what I feel like writing:

There are high spots in all of our lives and most of them come about through encouragement from someone else................true, true, true! Thank you one and all. I am grateful!

OK I'm Ready!!!!

Pre-birthday week! Everyone that knows me knows that my precious, loving Momma died on my birthday the year 1970. So birthdays tend to be hard to bear and honestly, it's really hard to get over. So, each year, I get through by asking for prayers from all my beloved friends and know I will do okay.

Yesterday I spoke with our daughter and she was asking me what I wanted. Hmmm now that was hard to say. I know I have to do something about my hair. I've been letting it grow out longer and I kept bugging her as to what would look best....long or short? And of course she kept saying, what ever you feel like. So, I carried the conversation on to my hubby and that's funny, he said the same thing so I told him okay I'm ready to submit what I want for my birthday....money enough to get it cut and styled. We shall see...he agreed...saving to have my wish.

It feels fun wondering what a pre-birthday week will be like? Being a Mom, Grandma, and of course, wife, and friend to others......it will be magnificent, so I think I'll just sit back, relax, and just live it up until the day. I give myself credit for not being a self-centered person, so I'm okay with this pre-week before me and be ever so thankful for all things that happen. All I request is your prayers and am grateful for living such a happy life!!!!

Keep Expectations Positive!!!!

Reject rejection.

See mistakes as temporary.

See failures as isolated incidents.

Keep expectations positive!!

Focus on strengths.

Vary your approach to achievement.

Bounce back!

The sprinkler system awakened me way too early. So I'm up and want to keep a positive attitude! So, I'll write a little on positive blessings. It will make your life a blessing if you will just do what you say you'll do. People know when you "put them off" or reject them. Always focus on your strengths but share them with your friends. What about you? Do you bounce back quick from discouragement?

Exodus 14:13 is a great verse to read today. God is on your side and so am I. Be blessed this Sunday!

Sharing Computers!!! Random Thoughts!!!!

It dawned on me that most of my subscribers to my blog share a computer. I've had so many ask me why no comments. This, I am sure, is the reason. E-mail always wins out for me. I'm still a Blogger and love every second of it.

The Bible

and

Believing in myself is my goal! I know I can do it; then I list out my goals. And once you learn how good you really are, you never settle for playing anything less than your very best!

I love Jeremiah 33:3. I do CALL unto the Lord. I believe lives are changed through the Miracle of Encouragement! God will see you and I through any circumstances. We rely on Him! He is always there!!! I'm up a tad bit early to get caught up on some writing for my new book and some mundane tasks I need to do. How about you? What's on your agenda for Saturday?

Isn't God incredible? Wow!

Ton of Blessings!!!!!!

Had a breakfast this 5 a.m.
He is a ton of blessings and love!
Family is always incredibly loving and wonderful!

What are your blessings? Do you have a ton?
God will never leave us or forsake us!!!!

This will be a brief blog because I have to go back by the Dentist Office.....I just hope and pray your weekend is so blessed, you can't even have enough even with tons of blessings!!!

Love,
Carol

Disciplines For Your Prayer List

Means managing a list...with noone left to be prayed for.

It gives you a new strength - the strength gained through any discipline for facing and having a greater measure of self-control because you are in touch with the Lord.

Last night I fell asleep just praying for family, friends, and acquaintances! What a blessing!

Pray for the patience to wait for God to meet all their personal needs and our very own.

And God is glorified! Happy Thursday!!!

((((Hugs))))

I'm a hugger. Jim and I have devoted friends who sign off "Humongous Hugs." Do you know what? I must look like a hugger. Even when I go in Petsmart to see the Fish Department, the girl in there hugs me. I couldn't tell you her name; she said she loves my compliments to her because she keeps the department so neat and clean. I even go in the bank and the Manager gives me a hug. I am soooo blessed. Of course my hubby gives me at least 14 a day! And that doesn't count the ones I give him. The dog even hugs me. My daughter and I send hugs over the phone. That's a cute one. Then our son, I sign off, "Hugs, mOm." Wow! Just thinking about hugs get my day going! It sounds so warm and happy. How about you? Do you like hugs. Let me know!

I'm sending a hug to you via my blog. Have a very happy Wednesday and I'm pretty sure I will name this National Hug Day!!! wooohoooo!!!

What Is Your Favorite Pass Time?

One can get in a rut if there is no favorite pass time....life could really get boring. I like to look up new scriptures that apply to my living. I do miss my husband's teaching/preaching since he retired....so I look on my own ... yes, it takes time, but it fulfills my life!

How about you? Would love to hear from you. Hope your Tuesday is interesting!

Victory Over Triumph!!!!

...victory over our adversary!!!

I love it when winners win! People that cause so much trouble seem to think they win! They don't!!!

Saturday I was around women who care! Of course it was a memorial service, but I never felt so welcomed and received warmth from women who knew my neighbor friend. It was great to feel like you exist. I'm just rejoicing since Saturday for the kindness, courtesy, respect, appreciation, admiration, mutual interests, just wise women being the way it should be. Thanks ladies!!!! That's victory over triumph. My friend knew the Lord so we shall see her some day again!

May God give you a super day this Monday!!!!

Goals!!!

Goals give you direction.

Goals help turn your dreams into realities.

My goal is to be real, honest, loyal friend, and let God's love shine to my family and those I come in contact with! Transparent also.....

One of my goals is to finish what I tend to.

Having a goal puts organization there and maximizes time!!!

Do you have a goal? Please share!!!

Keep Focused!!!

Do you feel as though you're forever falling behind in your schedule?
Do you long for your life to be simpler and more focused?
You're not alone...it's a great thing to do....stay focused and keep your lists going and stay on top of important things! Enjoy your Saturday and remember to have fun as you keep focused! I know I am!!!

Are You Loyable?

So endearing and enduring...quality between two friends is loyalty. My neighbor friend passed away last Wednesday. Her Memorial is tomorrow and the fam. wants me to speak something. She had a marvelous family!!! Two daughters and three sons.

We had coffee together. She was a great person and friend. Her cancer became so unbearbly painful and she finally just gave up eating and became weaker and weaker.

But the most important thing in our friendship what that we were loyal; allegiance (Prov. 27:10 ..."Do not forsake your own friend.")

Devotion "A friend loves at all times...Prov. 17:17"

A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out. I covet your prayers for tomorrow.

Trust & Truth

Psalm 127:1 "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it."

Are your friends a true friend who when you get to the end of your rope will be there to pull you up? I would say, yes on this one.

Can you trust them?

Yes, most definitely!

Love - Romans 12:9 "Let love be without dissimulation." which means leet love be without hypocrisy.

Respect limitations and other's privacy...trust and hear the truth!!!

ROUTINE

Remember to establish a routine that fits your particular stage of life and all the responsibilities. Then adjust your schedule as your life shifts from one stage to another. Schedule the kids need.....empty nest with its own unique need for routine. Just start where you are today....and start today.

Yesterday my routine was broken up after I got back from Dental work. My neighbor's daughter called and said her Mom passed away in the night. I had been over there several times to have prayers with her knowing her disease was terminal. So, I came back home and made twelve loaves of banana bread for their fam. She had five grown kids and several grandkids. They were so glad she didn't have to suffer. I was so glad my ROUTINE was broken to help out a family in need.

How is your routine going? I would love to hear. Happy Wednesday!

God IS There In Times Of Need!!!!

He has never failed us yet and lately I've spoken to a lot of others who say God has been there in times of need.

I love Genesis 1:26-28 - his master plan for us!

Today would be a great day to scan over the scripture to see how He does reach us in time of need.

Of course, I'll be in the Dentist Chair to have my crown put on....ugh but I hope I it doesn't take long. God will be there in this time of need. I covet your prayers.

Are You A Positive Person?

Yes I am.

I'm always looking for a way to encourage someone with positive information. I know it sounds like I am bragging on myself. So, what's wrong with bragging on self? We need more of it. Too many people are down in the dump and can't bring it to themselves to brag on something good they have done.

Read the book of Ephesians in the Bible. It has a ton of positive promises!

I hope your Monday goes tremendous and you find something great to say about yourself!!!! I would encourage that; you will feel better and so proud to have a positive attitude, love for your hubby, and ways to have answers instead of problems! : )

Bring on August!!!!

Supposed to be the hottest month!! Yikes!!! It hits you right in the face.

But stay warm (errr cool) inside and keep up Bible reading. I'm reminded that Galations 5:22 is my fav!!!!!

"The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

Lately I've run into some RUDE people....why they are rude I do not know, but I always tell my hubby, there was no cause for it.

We both decided that maybe they are "married to distration" - some of the things that cause that are "no boundaries" "getting too busy" "Drifting apart" "Watching too much tv" and "time spent overbooking actvities."

Keep Gal. 5:22 close by. We all need it! Bless you THIS LORD'S DAY!!!! We are getting treated to a Cracker Barrell breakfast....so I am soooo excited..better start getting ready. (Be sure and rest some today and practice counting your blessings!!)

Great Energizers ....Random Thoughts

The Bible (of course the Lord), kids, grandkids, relatives, and friends! And most of all stay encouraged!

Once you get off course satan sets a trap and you're right back where you started from. You can't forgive, or get rid of the anger.

No race seems too long. Races builds with energy, and the team develops a momentum that is almost unstoppable.

Stay on course....stay with God and doing what's right!!!! Have a great emergizing Saturday!!!

Understanding Yourself

In discussing personality, we must know or understand ourselves. How can we ever hope to understand our mate if we do not understand our own self? How well do you really know yourself? Are we able to recognize our own strength and our own weakness? Often it is so easy to see the mote in the other person's eye and yet not know we have a beam in our own. Perhaps in some areas we are not conscious of our own short-comings. We may be able to deceive ourselves but usually our mate has a fairly good image of us. If we fail to meet his expectations, then it is our responsibility to check ourselves and correct our faults.

Are you willing for your hubby to be the head of your home? Are you willing to follow his leadership in private and family devotions?

After we have tried to become better acquainted with our own personality, and understand our attitudes more clearly, then we have victory!!!!

Have a great weekend and prayers for understanding yourself!!!

Thinking About Our Homes

Think about the place whre you live, the place you call home. What kind of atmosphere do you create? The woman sets the spirit of the home. By and large, it's a sphere and a place we build, watch over, manage, and love. So why shouldn't we dive in and put our passion into it?

Ask the Lord for a makeover. Talk to other women who love to keep their homes. Ask your husband what he thinks. Pick up and organize "stuff" that piles up.

This is where you rest, create, think, pray, cook, all the necessary things to go out in public and shine for the Lord. So, why shouldn't we keep a home founded and esstablished by God. It is the oldest institution in the world!!!

Wisdom!!!!

I'm up super early. My mind has been on WISDOM lately? So, do you need wisdom? You'll ind it in the Bible. Do you need encouragement? It, too, lies on the sacred pages! Just read it!

The Bible is alive!

It speaks to me!

It corrects, mends, and instructs me!!

The Bible equips me for answers and soothes my troubled mind!

We shouldn't wander through life that causes us to stumble or miss our way!

Get wisdom!!!! Be sure you turn to the Bible to show you the right way, to help you to avoid the wrong way and to manage your life God's way! Not popular these days, but sooo necessary!!!

Pumped!!!!!!

I am so pumped!!!! I got an awesome encouraging e-mail today from our devoted friend and I am thanking the Lord for her. She noted that she heard the song "Behold He Comes" and remembered me singing it at Lighthouse Church (the last church we Pastored).....wow...with that I am pumped to practice my singing again. That was a tough song to sing, but I always stayed with the background music!

Thanks Friend, Geneva and may God bless you so devotedly for passing on this encouragement. It gives me chills, gratitude, and a reason to keep serving the Lord. Have a happy Tuesday everyone because I am going to enjoy this e-mail and be blessed by it!!!

God is Amazing!

Trust Him!
He gives us courage!
He gives us ENcouragement!
And then He gives us energy to continue on!!!!

How about you? How has God been amazing to you?

Two Different Kinds of 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 works in all areas of life.

Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of youlook out not only for his own interests but the interest of others.

Honor the whole team. Everyone needs encouragement. Just letting someone know their work and friendship is important and appreciated makes each one of us run more smoothly, become stronger and more effective.

I want to be a leader that encourages others. How about you? What is your goal?

Devoted Christians!!!!

My husband and I have a couple that are devoted Christians. They are always serving the Lord. They were our #1 couple that only eternity will reveal how much they helped us at Lighthouse. Now that we have retired, they are now still serving at another church, but we cannot thank God enough for their encouragement they still give us now. The world is better because of these two devoted friends. I dedicate my blog to them today. My neighbor's security light stayed on all night and finally kept me awake at a very early time this morning. We shared our love for the Clarks last night on our date night and although I slept like a log, they are devoted Christians and we want to give honor, glory, and praise to our precious Lord for them! She was my hubby's Office Administrator...or whatever task was needed. We have fond memories of her husband and her always so faithful (never missed a Sunday) to help Pastor Jim. (or me). God is so good to give such tremendous memories of such a lovely, dedicated couple.

Do you have a couple that have been an inspiration to you and your hubby? I'd love to know.

One Little Corner........

One little corner is all I need,
Where I can have a Bible to read.
A chair by the window with sun coming through,
Some pretty summer flowers still covered with dew -
Always a hubby to warm her with love,
And answers to prayers from the Lord above!

Does your passion need to be renewed? I'd love to hear what you need. I wrote this little poem to get me started each day to get in touch with God, read his word, and thank him so much for the blessings of the day!

The weekend is almost here! Have a great one!

Are You A Busy Woman?

What's the answer to that question?

Yesterday I took a "Carol Day" -- didn't even look at Facebook, e-mails, or writing for hubby. So, does that make me a busy woman?

let's discover the directions the Lord gave me. After all, we want to do and be what He wants us to do and be!

What difference should it make to us that we house the Holy Spirit in our bodies? That our bodies are temples of God? Here's a little checklist that will help us to take better care of our bodies.

Guard yourself Prov. 4 ... understand the subject....YOU

Walk in righteousness - avoid temptations

Avoid sexual sin (I Cor. 6:13) - profanes our Lord!

Glorify God in your body. If you are causing someone to stumble, fix it, ask for forgiveness.

Enjoy your Thursday!

HOME

.....is the Father's kingdom,
.....is the Mother's world,
.....is the Child's paradise.

I hope your Wednesday is filled with grace, mercy and lots of love.
Take some time and enjoy your lovely home. We have so much to be thankful for.

I'm having a "Carol" Day! wooohoooooo

Self Esteem!!!

I think it boils down to taking a "God look" at youself. Once you feel confident in what God has designed, you can at that point care about others. Let me be like Mary who had fellowship with the Lord. And hope the food is very good for all I invite to serve them. God wants us to read his word. The closer we feel to Him, I know it makes us happier, love more, be extra confident (not arrogant) and one who wants others to have the same God we have!

I hope your Tuesday is better than anything and God blesses you in a marvelous way!

God Honored Home!!!

The home may be spacious; it might even small but great!
But when God is honored ....lots of willing hands will help and share in lifting burdens others bear.

Why be God honored?
Christian homes give hope for the Nation and faith will conquer fear and despair!

So private and loving; the bond is so secure!

Does your home reflect God's love and care?

May your Monday be saturated with love, kindness, and appreciation!

Challenges!!!

Recently I had the privilege of helping a lady that wanted to give "love" to her husband and didn't know how. I challenged her to go all the way and truly love him. I said like "mutual friends" on FB...give him mutual understanding! It's impossible to live with a person you are always trying to "figure out." Understanding must not be mistaken for remodeling. No one likes to be made over - especially if it is your husband or wife trying to do it. This only tends to make the sparks fly. I challenged her to accept him as he is for what he is. Accept him for himself - not the man you want him to be. Believe in him, pray with him and for him; cooperate with him, cheer him, be patient when things go wrong.

Are you challenged by this? Give him his time alone and James 5:16 says to confess your faults one to another (husband or wife), and pray for one another that ye may be healed. Take time to listen and love with preoccupation or interruption. That's the core of any great marriage. Happy Saturday!!!!

Celebrating Friday!!!!

I always watch the America Morning and Local News. And they say "We are celebrating Friday." Celebrating what? Of course I know...the end of a busy week and a way to do what freedom there is on Sat. and Sunday! The weather is a must to listen to, so don't forget that!

Celebrating Friday for me is "Friday date night." This is what I have framed on my desk: Remember - as every thread of gold is valuable; so is every moment of time. What do you think that means? To me it means make the most out of time together and stay consistent. There have been times when hubby and I just went to Las Lupes and shared an ala carte taco....(cost $1.25) my hubby loves the very hot sauce and chips and I love the taco. With having to have dental work, chips are out for me now, but a soft shell taco will do!!! And the great time about Date Night is dreaming up what to do??? With nothing....with something, but most of all the love for each other!!!

By the way............thank you each one for subscribing to my blog...I posted it on FB and got great results! woohooo

Love That Man!!!!!

My hubby took my pic again and I placed it on FB. This has been fun; he truthfully doesn't like FB, but he knows I truly love it! Any way, FB is a bit overwhelming to me but I love keeping in touch with peeps.

I titled this blog, Love that man.....why????

He is my beloved and friend!!! (Song of Solomon 5:16) My hubby's loyal love works wonders!!!

When I am sad, he cheers me.
When he does noble things, I love to praise him.
When I am generous, he appreciates me.
When he is talkative, I listen to him and vice versa.
Whether he comes or goes, I give lots of kisses and he as well.

We are both working together to help others. Pray for us!

Creating!!!! Random Thoughts

Trying to create the back yard with hubby and with really no money, but being very grateful that Lowe's lets us know when their plants are $1.....isn't that marvelous?

Between facilitating married couples now which we are thrilled to do, we are creating something we can enjoy and missing the growth we saw in church members, it's nice to see couples advance in their marriage and find the reason why things aren't working and, of course, see flowers grow. I call it living out God's plan with passion and purpose.

Next to your relationship with God, your marriage is most urgent....and demanding. Yet it pays life's highest dividends. I don't know about you, but whenever anything is wrong in the least bit between hubby and me, I am miserable. Gotta communicate, spend time together, lavish him with my love! (And he does the same!)

Your loyal love for your hubby and creativity will work wonders in your marriage!!!
Takes time and love!!! Love, love, love it!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Check Attitude At The Door!!!!

It says so in Philippians 2:14. I think I will. It's tragic that most people have NO clue what that means! So, what do they do? They come with a BAD attitude and ruin everyone's day! Bummer. My question would be what would Jesus do? Probably roll up his sleeves and check his attitude in that it would be one of love, peace, and joy!!!!! It glorifies God in a marvelous way! Enjoy your Tuesday!!! : )

Tolerance!!!

I love this word! No two families are identical. Each has their own good points - try to use these to enrich your own home. Remember Matt. 7:1-3, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thy own eye." We just need patience and tolerate others and love them! Understanding can become a strong fence for tolerance. Just tolerate and as my Mom used to say; "None of us are perfect, so just put up with it!!!!"

Today I'll be tolerating a front tooth that is temporary at least for two weeks. I promise you I'll just have to put up with it. Prayers, please!!!!

Love 101

Falling in love is easy.
But growing a Christian marriage and nurturing a life-long friendship and building a permanent, rewarding relationship takes work.....commitment. It takes determination, time and sacrifice and daily management which people don't really want to do.

I can enjoy great accomplishments on so many areas, but if something is wrong with my priority relationship, Jim, then all is wrong. So, what to do. Fix it! Since he and I retired, we are on the same page and to the point where we read what each other is going to say next. We LOVE sitting on the patio and enjoying God's wonderwork in the trees, grass growing (our dog that died recently was a "mud dog" and layed most of the grass away) and we love to watch flowers grow.

God, who knows our needs, has provided His guidelines for our marriage and His word. And that's to love one another in respect, so I say what to Love 101 and get busy! Roll up your sleeves and lavish him with your love and her with your love!!

Your loyal love will work wonders in your marriage!

Hope in the Lord!

Psalm 91:4 ..... a comforting passage in the Bible.

Describes the security believers can enjoy through faith in God and its promised.

Paints a beautiful portrait of hope....reflect on this hope....breathe it in deep....then go out and share with others.

HIS POWER ....iN ADVERSITY, God delivers and helps you reach your goal.

HIS PROVISION.......regardless of your needs, God meets them.

His presence......no matter what you're going through, you don't have to be lonely.

Embrace Freedom!!!

That's pure retirement! I hope you get a chance to read my "Mind Comment" on FB today. Women are so important and being a retired woman helping other women is ecstacy!! Brings so much happiness and life every single day! I call Thursday "catch up day!!!" Reading, Praying, Gardening, Organizing....how about you? How is your Thursday?

I'm also waiting to go to the Dentist tomorrow because a filling fell out of my tooth...ugh! And he was all booked up until Friday a.m. at 8. I always hope our very favorite Dentist we've had for twenty-eight years can make my tooth perfect again. Prayers please. Not my favorite place to be in a Dentist chair, but necessary!!!

Remember to Smile!!!

Let's not forget to smile. At people who come our way. Smiles can leave impressions....that stay with us always.

There's no way we can bear the burdens of others. We care. We only wish we could send flowers to them to cheer them up.

We won't regret if we give a smile that will boost their day!!!!!

The smile helps those in need.

Embrace Love!!!!!

I have never run into such bitter peeps about love! It's pathetic. That's what makes the world go round. Just because one person messed up royally in their marriage doesn't mean we all live like that!!!

One of the keys to a happy and successful marriage is mutual understanding and love. Understanding means accepting a person as he is for what he is (& his fam.) We are able to help each other but desirable changes are mde only through patience, LOVE, understanding and bitterness and conflict should be thrown out the window.

How do we ever expect to understand our mate if we do not understand our own self in love? Embrace love...Study it in the Bible....can't get enough of it. I know I have to give love...I know it is the BEST way to live!!!!

Best Ever 4th of July!!!!

How about you? What did you do?

Our lives were filled with patriotism, celebrating our fabulous daughter's b-day, parade, concerts, whoopeee!!!!!!

Everyone always wants to ask me how do I really enjoy the 4th when your daughter was born right at the very eve of the holiday? Trust me...all these years we couldn't have a big birthday party because all the kids in the summer were gone to their Grandparents for the summer time; then when she graduated from College getting her MA degree, she moved far away....so this year we did Web/Cam birthday and it was incredible!!!! She showed us her living room as she has changed every thing around, we got to see the two adorable granddogs and as she stated "it was like we were just together." She is esthatic over it and can't stop thanking and complimenting us.

I am a birthday Mom to the max and also I love parades!!!!! So, my hubby and I went to one in our town, then to a country/western concert and we had watermelon that they were giving away!!!! This was the best ever 4th of July!!!! Woooohooo

The Greatest Thrill!!!

Having a precious beautiful, marvelous, phenomenal daughter almost on the 4th...she was born on the 3rd....so, her birthday is FIRST, then the 4th activities. If the rain doesn't wash out the parade...this weekend has been my most greatest thrill; giving birth to her thirty-six years ago and being ever so close, then the parade and the then the fireworks and Orchestras that give such spectacular programs.

My heart is huge towards all these events, but I want to wish all of you a Happy and safe 4th!!! Have fun, celebrate our freedoms, and have a thrill of all of everything! I know I will! My heart is so overjoyed, and hope your's is also!! All of this cannot be comprehended until we lay our precious heads tomorrow night, resting to thank God for such feelings of excitement and thrill!!!

Enjoy Your Day!!!!

I'm taking a "Carol Day!" Enjoy your's! Blessings to all of us!!

Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!

My hubby and I had a great time in the kitchen for supper last night. Usually we eat about 5-sh, but I wanted to watch Oprah which comes on at 4. So, from 3:45 p.m. and 4 we both did awesome team work and had supper on the table by 4!!! Now that was a challenge. We had homemade tacos and he is perfect at chopping up the tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, onions (he loves onions on his tacos) and I decided to make chili rheonos which turned out delicious. Then, he did the hamburger meat and I did the tortillas. You can't tell me teamwork doesn't work!!!Total cost $1.29 (3 tacos each)

So much fun....what have you done together with your hubby where you both masterminded the event and it worked?

I'd love to hear. Happy Thursday!!!

Isaiah 43:19 Awesome!!!!!!

"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."

The six most encouraging phrases from this scripture are:

I love you.

You will get what you need.

All is forgiven.

I believe in you.

You've lost weight.

Keep on serving!

This is a NEW THING and TASK I have decided to do. Make scripture work for me for what goes on in everyday life! It means so much more. Try it - you can do it also...I'd love to hear what you have found from a scripture! Wooohooo!!!!

Be Affirmed!

Be affirmed now that you are happy. I promise you - you will have so many days of non-stress when you make up your mind you are happy. No one else can force you to be happy....it's a way to live and feel affirmed. I like to read Prime Minister's background; how they built their reputation as a diplomat and social reformer. How they mastermind great purchases and how they approach people.

There's been so many Pastor's Wives who have made a tremendous reputation in and how they handle speeches to women; women conferences, etc. I know we are retired now from the ministry, but when my hubby Pastored in New England, I was a vital part of the New England Ladies Seminar where some three thousand women would attend. I was the Worship Leader and spoke at some of the Sessions. I had ladies coming up to get my autograph like I was a great celebrity. The joy exhibited on their face when I signed their Bible; I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world! There was always a lesson to learn about happiness and leadership. I had to affirm myself to win the confidence, trust, and friendship of the ladies so that their needs would be met.

It works! Believe me! Be cnfident; afirmed; happy; and real!!! It works!
I'm late today with my blog....google was down.....have a great Tuesday!

HAPPINESS CONT'D

Perhaps we realize that we have not made the most out 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 his/her performance, do you think of the years of struggle and overcoming that was necessary to produce the beautiful music? Prepare now to fulfill your fondest dream.

Happiness does not depend on outside circumstancs - real happiness is found by being true to one's self; always seeking high ideals and the perfect peace found only in the will of God. Remember obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes off the goal. Be happy! It works! A touch of beauty. Trust me. Or do you have your own take on this? What do you think makes you happy? What does it take?

HAPPINESS CONTINUED!!!

We do not find happiness in the gaining of much wealth. Many times the gaining of material things only causes us more problems. Luke defines his in chapter 12, verse 15....we visit in every type of home and many times we find the happiest, most well-adjusted families are those who have to depend on each other completely, and on the Lord instead of what they have laid up on banks and investments.

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. In our Chrisian life, Christ is the focal point. "For me to live is Christ..." Philippians 1:21.

MORE TOMORROW : )

More on 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. 5:27). This is all we know about him. Perhaps he never accomplished one worthwhile thing.

Just as long years do not necessary add up to happy living, even so successful living is not totally dependent on an abundance of learning. Solomon was the wisest man of all ages (except our Lord) yet he exclaimed, "For in much wisdom is much grief." (Ecc. 1:18). Knowledge is good, but when it does not include God, leads to sorrow, not happiness.

More on happiness tomorrow..... have a great Saturday!

Contentment

Paul admonishes us to be content. No matter what the situation, we are not to fret and stew but to find something to praise the Lord for, even in trying circumstances. Nothing is an accident with the Lord. We cannot look at the future and believe things are going to get better for this is not what the Bible teaches. We do know, however, that He will care for us and all we really need is to put our trust and faith in the Lord and be content to follow His leadership. He is there to care and help us.

Only through prayer and the reading of His word do we find strength and contentment to face a new day. Happy Friday!

Cleanliness

How true this is, the word cleanliness...for when Christ lives in our hearts we become new creatures and the old things pass away. II Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creaure; old things are passed away; behold al things are become new." It is really more important that we are clean on the inside than on the outside. God looks on the heart. Our Christian character and conduct reflect daily the cleanliness of our inward life.

You Shall Be The Best!

I've adopted the Proverbs 31 Homemaker as my model to take care of our home. It says I excel at my role of home manager. (vs. 29) My thinking goes something like this:
1. I have to keep the house clean.....makes me create order.
2. Three or Two meals a day.....what's the best on this?
EXCEL! Why not be the best?
Why not EXCEL?
It will bless your family so much by being the best!!!! I encourage you to excel because you are the best!

Trust!!!

Trust Vs. non-trust! It goes backward and forwards! One minute you can trust someone and the next it's hard to trust them....the same person. I personally like to trust. But, can you really trust? What causes you to trust? I would love to hear your take on Trust!!!!

(Short blog today...gotta finish some writing material re: Marriage Love)...have a happy Tuesday. Friday will be here before you know it!

Smiles!!!!!

How long has it been since you really smiled? It gives you peace of mind.

Let's not forget to smile - smiles can leave impressions that stay with us always!

We won't regret giving a smile and sharing it...especially with others in their need. It could be the only boost they get today and if you haven't smiled for a long time; try it; you'll find yourself looking on the brighter side instead of looking so gloomy.

You and I may be the only ones that care to brighten a perplexed soul. Begin the week to be happy for others and put your beautiful smile out there. Even family members need a smile! I encourage you to see how much your smile will shine and others will be smiling also! A smile to me is super empowerment and gives out quite a bit energy!!!

Early Bird!!!

I'm ALWAYS up early on special days...especially like Father's Day. All of the story falls into place, especially knowing our fabulous kids will call their Dad and I get so excited, I can't hardly stand it! So, what do I do...I get up early to make sure I have his card on the counter so that as he awakens he gets so excited for HIS DAY! I was teasing him and said if we still had the church service he would get the "Eldest Father" gift!!!

If you are a Father reading this...enjoy your day in all it's magnitude for you!!! You deserve the greatest day ever because you are SO DEDICATED, LOVING, and GENUINE!!!

Change Blog??????

I know it's Saturday and one of my fav days!

I'm thinking of changing my blog where I have more community.

What do you think?

I've been asked to give my take on various subjects which younger women want to hear.

My whole blog would mean my opinion and then you give your's.

Transparency which is my dream come true when I work with ladies.

Lately I haven't been getting any comments.....and maybe it's because I give my encouragement and you don't know what to add to it. In this new blog, you would get a chance to comment and oh what joy that would be for me.

I welcome your comments on this. Happy pre-Father's Day guys!!!!!

Dads

My hubby is a remarkable Dad and so is our Son! They always give so much patience when wee hands tug at them with their small demands!
And give such gentle and smiling eyes....
even though weariness, or noise obscures their vision.
No bad memories of these two Dads and I hope all Dads have an awesome "Father's Day!"
I'm already celebrating with my creative cards and love sent!!!! And I hope you do the same. They deserve, deserve, deserve it. As a Dad there is nothing my hubby wouldn't do! He is amazing!!! And to top it all off, he has played the role of Dad to a lot of Fatherless peeps!!!! Oh, may God bless him immensely for that because I've seen him spending hours on that one! You Dads deserve tons of recognition in approximately two days! Begin now to celebrate!!!

Happy The Home

Where love is found...
Loyalty, truth, and kindness.....
Is God loved above all others?
And do children honor their fathers and mothers?
Is the Home spacious, great or small?
And do you honor God?
Is it where lifting burdens others bear?
It's the only hope for the nation.
FAITH WILL CONQUER FEAR AND DESPAIR!
But, ladies...make sure homes reflect God's love
and tender care!!! : )
Come on, you can do it! I know you can!!!!

Just Because He Lives!!!!

As the song goes, "And life is worth the living.....JUST BECAUSE HE LIVES!!!!"

Yes, life is worth living.

If you have lived around women who did not think that, your heart would be oh so sad most of the time. But it's worth the living....He liveth in me....the Lord and what energy, enthusiasm, and worthwhile things I put into this life ARE WORTH IT!!!

It's not time to give up! I talked to a lady Monday who said she didn't know why her husband goes to work every day and is so dedicated to his job. Have you ever had to explain .... so that you two and your kids can live!!! Hello....that's a simple answer. No work, no pay (unless you are drawing SS) Where is her mind?

Life is worth living, because He lives...He proves it to us daily, second by second, days, weeks, months, years...let Him reward you and have a most happy Wednesday!

Decision Making

Not a second goes by that you and I aren't making decisions.

As you listen to someone speak, you have to carefully decide how to answer...and with what words.

When there is a crisis, options have to be clicked through mentally on the spot....and a decision on a course of action must be made quickly.

Decision making does not include laziness, self-indulgence, or secondary choices.

Remember your ability to making wise decisions is directly proportional to your degree of maturity. God will guide you...take time to listen to His beckoning call.

Community

An interesting word!!! If wanting to live a happy life with others - you will definitely want "Community." People who care, who communicate, who contact you and don't make any bones about it...you mean the world to them! ......hearing each other voices!! FB or Blog could never replace what it means to hear a friend or family member's voice. I hear from our two awesome kids; my heart is so overjoyed!

People we need community. The world doesn't revolve on selfishness. Let's put in community and change what society believes. The love of God will compel us to live this way!!! I rejoice that I hear from quite a few who know my cell phone number and I burst with joy! Over the weekend I heard from those who really believe in community. I'm getting with the program now and my heart is overjoyed to begin the week! I hope you hear from family and friends with a beautiful live voice! This lives out God's plan and purpose!!!

Life is just too short and too precious to be wasted on anything that does not help you live our God's plan and purpose in .... what's that word????
C-o-m-m-u-n-i-t-y!!! Woooohooo

Always Prayer!!!!

As FB says, "What's On Your Mind?" Prayer is today on my mind.
Wow! We received eight prayer requests this week. So many people are having surgeries or events in their fam. that need prayers now. Love, love, love to be asked to pray for some issue!!!! Prayer is the answer! It is the shelter in the time of storms! Whether it be illness, issues, families, work stuff, the list goes on and on.

Take your troubles to the Lord and leave them there. Don't pick them up, just leave them. He is there to heal, protect, give you peace, joy and contentment. How about starting TODAY, the Lord's Day. He will give you blessing beyond blessing! Prayer is real and soothing. It's always great to see the outcome and oh so wonderful!

Everybody Wants To Be Somebody!

Every person wants to be loved. Every person wants to be well considered. Everybody wants to be somebody. This is true from the smallest of children to the oldest adults.

How can you help other people to feel like they are somebody? By seeing them with some awesome good in them. I would rate that person a 10!!!! I believe that yu get out of people exactly what you expect from them. If you treat people like 10's, they respond like 10's. It's a deep human desire and we can help people become great simply by showing them how we believe in them! Happy weekend!

Helping Somebody Influences!

Yesterday I ENCOURAGED three people. I give honor and glory to God. These three adults have the late stages of cancer. Pouring my effort into helping them to NOT GIVE UP, continue to eat, look at funny movies!!! The greater the positive impact you make on another person, the more likely that person is to turn around and influence others positively. Helping someone has a ripple effect. Just step out. My hubby and I are not beyond being helped. We are grateful to the core, believe you me.

I hope your weekend is phenomenal! You mean soooo much to me! Happy Friday!!!

Thoughtfulness!

Are you thoughtful?

So you thank those who have been a blessing to you?

What directs you to get beyond yourself and be thoughtful of something that means a lot to you?

Are you completely self-centereed all the time?

Thoughtful means remembering to be encouraging to those who need it. We all need it! No one is exempt from it.

My hubby knows I dearly love to find my eye glasses in the morning as I walk into the kitchen to get my cup of coffee. I lay them down in the den and just before he goes to bed, he places them on the kitchen counter. Yep! Can't miss them and there they are every day! He is so THOUGHTFUL and believe you me I thank him. I have to have my glasses and he knows that...of course I can't see well to find them either.

At the same time I am thoughtful to remember to put sugar in his cup of coffee every single day for 42 + years. He compliments me that I put "just enough." He has to watch his sugar intake, so I put just exactly the right amount.

The list could go on and on for thoughtfulness between the two of us. How about you? Are you a thoughtful person or do you wait for everyone else to be that way???? Have a happy Thursday and do something thoughtful! It'll come back to you +++++!!!!

Home Blessings!

Homes do not become a reality just because we wish it, but they must be built with much prayer and guidance from our Lord.

The home is made up of many persons which we refer to as "Our Family." Father, the head of the house; A adjustments, M Mom the heart of the home; I image or impact of the home on members of the home as well as neighbors and friends. Influence on others.
L stands for love; the strongest bond to secure and establish family ties. Family love is based on God's love. and Y represents YOUTH - the children who come to bless the home! Prov. 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go.

Home blessings mean HOME SWEET HOME. So much love and care! We feel so safe and secure!!! That's home blessings....walking in the door and feel such happiness!!

Today is Pixie Day!

Pixie is our only dog now. Chloe passed on last week...we had her seventeen years. Is she missed? Definitely! Today is declared Pixie Day...at her last grooming which was last week, she has come down with fleas. Our friend, Clint told us about the right flea stuff, so we will just walk right into Petsmart and get the kind he mentioned with the "rid of them" ingredient that works! I cannot do fleas....I can remember my friend took care of her sister's dog and we actually sat and saw fleas jump. She had to fog her house after the dog was gone. That's my flea story! Everyone knows I will not report negativity on my blog....it's only because I cannot wait until I can say "No more fleas!" She is still a very loving dog and right now is vying for attention from both of us and it's been fun seeing her fit right in...I'm a morning person and my husband is night time; so Pixie gets the best of both worlds. She is so happy and jumps for joy because she deserves our love to give her. She is something else. Look on FB to see a pic of her. How about you? How many precious dogs do you have? God sure made Pixie beautiful; she is so full of love to me, and is no problem whatsoever!

It's Up!!!

Google has been down all morning. I am definitely a "creature of habit" person. Not being able to write my blog in the morning has really thrown me off for the day! Yea!!! It's up!!! Never thought I'd be blogging in the afternoon, so this will be pretty brief. Here's a great comment of 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! Let that motivate you today! See ya bright and early tomorrow morning!!!! Thanks for your patience!

Awesome Friends!!!

My hubby and I had a visit by our awesome friends, the Clarks, yesterday. Needless to say I am up early reminencing over the phenomenal time. I can't even begin to blog how great it was to our spirits. I don't keep iced tea in the frig. and of course, offered her coffee (she's my Starbuck's friend forever) and she didn't want any, so all we had was water and friendship! What a combination!

It brought so much happiness and joy to have them at our home. 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 of our life? The joy of living is not found necessarily in many years of existence. The man who is usually referred to as living the longest amount of years ever recorded was Methuselah....... (Gen. 5:27). It's been said he never accomplished one worthwhile thing. I said that to say this.....To hear what friends are doing is so worthwhile!!!! We hope they are very blessed and blessed greatly!!! Cool people!

Home Lovers!!!!

I like "home lovers" because I believe that if you love your home, you'll do all the rest. You'll work at building your home and your homemaking. You'll work at keeping your home! ...and being a good manager of your household!

I know that love is the world's most powerful motivator. So if we love our home, love being there and love managing it, building it, watching over it, and keeping it, then love will conquer all. That's my goal, is it your's? Go for it!!! Begin now!!!

Keepers at Home!

I'm up early enjoying the comments re: my FB pics!!! Makes my day...wow! thanks everyone!

Titus 2:5 says women are to be "keepers at home." translates...workers at home, homekeepers, good housekeepers, good managers of the houshold and home lovers! Whoa! I love all the titles and wear them seriously/respectfully!!

In the long run, you'll work at being a GOOD MANAGER of your household! Both you and I know that love is the world's most powerful motivator. If we love our home, love being there and love managing it, watching over it, keeping it, then LOVE will conquer all! No task too difficult and no job menial (meaningless!!!). Go for it; empower yourself to tackle it, master it and EXCEL at it! Prov. 31:29.

Do You Love Your Home?

I like "home lovers" because I believe that if you love your home, you'll do all the rest. You will work at building your home and your homemaking. You'll work at keeping your home. You'll work at being a good housekeeper. You'll work at being a good manager of your household.

You and I know that love is the world's most powerful motivator. So if we love our home, love being there and love managing it, building it, watching over it, and keeping it, then love will conquer all! Be dedicated to making your home a spirit of love, respect, and more love and respect. Relax because you know you can do....just do it!!!!! May you be blessed this Thursday by having LOVE in your home! (my favorite subject....all you need is love!!!....you go girl!!!)

The Love of Blogging

I cannot even begin how much I love to blog. When our son put in my blog three and one-half years ago, I was in ectasy and still am!!! The comments I get are amazingly incredible. I'm trying not to concentrate on what I do not know about blogging. All I know is my passion is to post encouragement! However, on Memorial Day I went in to make a comment back to one of my favorite readers and close friend and would you believe I deleted the entire blog for that day! I cannot even begin to write about how I tried to find it again...to no avail. All I can say is God knows all about it; gone forever! Sorry about that!

So far the subjects have been on "Love in the Making" a series I have written to help a wife help her in her role. It works! My heart goes out to ladies who give up on being a wife; no love shown at all to the hubby and it leaves my heart so sad for them. My hubby THRIVES on my love. He's told me countless hundreds of times that without my love and admiration for him, he would have slipped off into eternity way long before now! There's always a note from him or raving comments or a cell phone call.....he admires, adores, his eternal happiness to have my love. I give it too! I'm always extravagent to the max when it comes to our love, closeness, and utmost living a life about "real love" to this man!!!! Does God help me? Minute by minute!!! So, that's why I love blogging and thank you for reading it and giving me feedback which is what I love the most! It's my passion!!!! I'm an early riser and I will share, share, share and thank you for your wise, loving, so complimentary comments! Let the compliments begin!!!! Happy Wednesday to all!!!!

Build Your Home

Wisdom will help to build your home!

This may not sound very lovely or seem too appealing. Plans are made, care has been taken, effort has been expended, and the end results are attractive and beneficial. It's a home.....a home where the surroundings comfort the soul and the food sustains, nourishes, and energizes the body!

Proverbs 14:1 "EVery wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands." Instead of tearing it down, you should devote to building (literally) to your home. How do you spend your energy? If you are wise, you'll spend it building and bettering your home! Time is never wasted and it creates an enhanced environment with your family.

To me to build connotes faithfulness (like showing up for work on the job every day!) And don't forget attitude! Roll up your sleeves and get moving! Willingly take on the challenge....with passion and purpose!