Speechless!

40:3-5 Job answered:
"I'm speechless, in awe—words fail me. I should never have opened my mouth! I've talked too much, way too much. I'm ready to shut up and listen." The Message

I'm speechless too! When God speaks in that mighty of a way, what else can you say.

You know as a parent there are times when you are trying to explain to a defiant child why you did this or that, and all they want to do is argue with you? So you have to resort to your loud voice:) and say hey, just who do you think brought you into this world:), now be quiet and listen to me!! Well, I feel God had, had enough of Job's mouth! Oh how many times has He had enough of my mouth? Ooooh way too many I'm afraid. And He gets my attention. It may not be through the whirlwind that Job heard Him, but I know. Thankfully He gave me a conscious. You know when you have done wrong.

I can't wait to read what happens in tomorrow's conversation between God and Job.

Have a great weekend,

Carrie

Pushed to the limit.....

Ever been there? To the limit. Yeah, me too! Or at least I think I can't take anymore. I've witnessed this on different occasions these past few weeks. Seems everyone is at their breaking point.....me included. The enemy knows our weaknesses and boy does he ever know how to push our buttons:)

I covet your prayers for a dear friend of mine, who has been pushed to her limit and back. Please pray that she will have the patience and stamina to continue on. This situation involves being the care taker of her Mom. When the roll reverses, it is not always an easy one.

In our daily Bible readings, we are seeing how Job is responding to his woes. What I read today really stuck with me. Job 36:10 says, "He gets their attention and commands that they turn from evil." 36:17, "But you are obsessed with whether the godless will be judged. Don't worry, judgment and justice will be upheld." 36:21, "Be on guard! Turn back from evil, for God sent this suffering to keep you from a life of evil."

When things aren't going my way, the defense mechanisms go on autopilot. Why me? Why now? Why not? Why do good people suffer? Isn't that the million dollar question? I have by no means the answer, but what I got from today's lesson is that no matter what comes my way, God is in control. He knows what I need, whether it be good or bad. It's how I deal that matters the most. And that should be reflecting God's light in my darkest hours.

Let's join our hearts, mind and souls and pray for each other as we make this journey together of reading the Bible.

The song, "Stand" sums it up for me.
[Verse]
What do you do when you've done all you can And it seems like it's never enough? And what do you say when your friends turn away, you're all alone? Tell me, what do you give When you've given your all, and seems like you can't make it through? Stand and be sure Be not entangled in that bondage again You just stand, and be sure. God has a purpose. Yes, God has a plan. Tell me what do you do when you've done all you can And it seems like you can't make it through Child you just stand You just stand Stand Don't you give up Through the storm , through the rain Through the hurt , through the pain
[Chorus]
Well, you just stand When there's nothing left to do You just stand Watch the Lord see you through Yes, after you've done all you can You just stand Don't you bow, don't bend Don't give up, don't give in Hold on, just be strong God will step in and it won't be long
VERSE
Tell me, how do you handle the guilt of your past? Tell me, how do you deal with the shame? And how can you smile when your heart is broken and filled with pain? Tell me what do you give when you've given your all. Seems like you can't make it through? After you've done all you can After you've gone through the hurt After you've gone through the pain After you've gone through the storm After you've gone through the rain Prayed and cried, you've prayed and cried Prayed and cried, prayed and cried After you've done all you can, you just stand. Child you just stand, when there's nothing left to do You just stand Watch the Lord see you through Yes, after you've done all you can You just stand.


Let's just square our shoulders back and hold our head up and JUST STAND!!!

Standing for Him,
Carrie

The Eagles

Yes, we were there!! Live and in person!!

We sat....not:)...we totally embarrassed our children...as we leaped to our feet, hoooping, hollering and singing with our loud voices for 3 1/2 hours.

There is nothing like a good childhood memory........

Your welcome boys. We are looking forward to the next one.

Love,
Mom and Dad

Random Thoughts......

on Daily Bible Readings...



I am absolutely loving it! And I'm not even behind!!! Reading Job is not always a pleasant thing. It's down right depressing to read of Job's trials. However, I'm not discouraged. Each day God gives me a nugget I can carry with me from the text. Like what kind of friend am I when trouble comes to someone close to me? How do I handle the valleys in my life? Please visit Wendy. She has lots of great insight on each daily reading.



on the book club, Spectacular Sins, that Lisa and Missy are hosting.....



I just got the book yesterday and sat down to read last night. I was expecting this huge book that would scare me just looking at it, and to my surprise this is an itty bitty book. Ya'll I can read this!! And it makes sense!! I can't wait to finish it. As soon as I began reading the intro it was one of those light bulb moments! I've been feeling as of late about the urgency of reading God's word and getting down to the nitty gritty, the ugly stuff, and this is exactly what this book is about. The cold hard truth. No more soothing sounds or bear hugs. I need that. I need to be awakened to the realness of sin. Can I handle it with a yellow belly....no way. I'm praying God will whip me into shape so that I have a rod of steel for a spine!



on the work scene....



Psalm 34:13 says, "keep your tongue from evil." In other words, say nothing even if it means letting someone think they're right even when we know they are not." I go around saying this verse over and over in my head. Praying my tongue is listening:)



on Mom.....



She is doing good. It's such a blessing to be able to say that. Please continue to pray for her.



on Hubby and kids......



I ask that you pray for Hubby. His job has become so heavy on his heart it's often hard for him to leave it there. The economic turmoil of the country affects everyone, no matter if you have lost your job or not. Each one of us carry a unique burden directly associated with the crisis. As for the kids, well let me say, there is never a dull moment:) I'm still hearing strange noises from the bedrooms....guitar noises for clarification:)....and these noises are sounding like music now!

on the new blog design......

Well, let's just say, I'm in the re-decorating mood. And I'm so ready for SRING!! I guess this new look, is due in part to the fact I'm hanging curtains, re-arranging everything, and on the hunt for a new shower curtain for the boys bath. Hubby sat down on the couch last night and looked up and said, "you changed the lamp shades on the kitchen light." Yes dear, that was two days ago:) lol!!! Glad you noticed.

Have a blessed weekend.....

Carrie

How to Dress for 40 Below.....

Carrie

Drum Roll Please........

First off, would someone please inform me as to how to do the random number generator thingy? It seems much easier than how I had to do this drawing. Which was the old fashion way of putting the numbers in a hat and drawing one out. Whatever works...right:)

K. So I'm shaking the hat and reaching in to grab a piece of paper........

And the winner is........Cindy from Consider It all Joy! Here is the comment she left:

I'm sure you know which one I'm going to quote."Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance much finish it's work so you may become mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4Bless you and hope I win!

Congratulations my friend!! I hope you enjoy the calendar!

Please visit Cindy here. You will be blessed!

Love and prayers,

Carrie

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is no easy task. Only with the help of God, can we truly forgive one another. Joseph did just that. He forgave his brothers who did this horrific crime against him. Luke 6:28 says, "Pray for those who mistreat you." Ouch! Do I really have to:)....yes, yes a thousand times yes.

I've been dealing with some personal hurt at work and boy it's not easy to forgive. What I do know is that if you don't, then the bitterness will consume your life and you will be no good to any one. Every aspect of your life will suffer due to unforgiveness. Christ set the perfect example of forgiveness. And my life pales in comparison to what He suffered for things He had not done. That is LOVE!

Stress can make you want to quit, but God can give you the strength to carry on...if only we ask. Believe me when I say that I have asked, prayerfully, earnestly sought His will in this situation. Thing is, it's really not that big of a deal on the grand scheme of things. Maybe at the time it seemed huge, but really it's not. I'm thankful He is healing my heart and has given me peace and direction on how to forgive!

Can you relate? Has someone hurt you so bad you didn't think you could ever forgive? If so, I beg you to ask God to heal that hurt and give you the grace to forgive. He will! And you will be free to spread His light to a lost and dying world.

Before I go, I wanted to remind you to please enter to win this calendar. I absolutely love it! The pictures testify to the awesomeness of God's splendor! Don't forget to leave a comment with your favorite scripture.

Have I told you lately how much I love each of you? Your presence in my life is more than I deserve. Over the past year you have listened to my grumblings, insecurities, family fun times, prayed for Mom, and left me encouraging words. I can never thank you enough. That's what sisterhood is all about!

I will announce the winner of the calendar on Monday, January 19th!

Love to all,

Carrie

The Favorite One

Today's reading about Joseph and his coat of many colors, has struck a chord with me. Ever had a child to say, "well, so and so is your favorite, he gets to do all the cool things, you never get on to him, you make me do everything." lol!!! If you haven't, would you please divulge your secret to me?

Jealousy is one big green-eyed monster. Of course when the "favorite one" seems to be rubbing it in your face, you can justify any actions in your mind about how to show them a thing or two, no matter how dead wrong you are! How many times in my life have I let jealousy cloud my judgement, my behavior, my life? Or maybe it wasn't jealousy, but someone hurt my feelings. Thus, defense mode sets in and the boxing gloves are on.

My prayer today is to clean out the gutters of my heart and live freely, every day no matter who, what, where or when comes my way.

"Mind Set"...it's all how you look it at.

These are from an email I read this morning...thanks SL.

1. Free your heart from hatred.

2. Free your mind from worries.

3. Live simply.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less.

God is so good,

Carrie

Descendants of.....

For those of you Chrono Daily Bible Readers, this line summed it up for me. I found this through Wendy's post. Who knew what all I could learn from just reading about Esau's lineage? Very interesting indeed!


But, all things considered, it is better to have Canaan in promise than mount Seir in possession.

Carrie

Sick in Body/Reaping in the Spirit

After a bought with ear infections, swollen glands, etc.:)...whine....I needed yesterday. It was a good day in the Lord! I woke yesterday morning with a feeling of nostalgia. I began humming some of the old hymnals and could see the faces of saints gone on that sang those songs with such heartfelt convictions. The church service was on this note also. Lots of song requests in memory of some dear old saints!

As I have been reading the accounts of Abraham and his lineage, it reminds me that I need to be more mindful of my actions. My prayer is to leave behind to my family that yes, she loved the Lord! Through all the deceit, murder, rape, etc. we've been reading, God was faithful through it all. We need family! And with Jacob and Esau we see how God worked in both of their lives to mend the fences. Forgiveness isn't easy, but it is what we are instructed to do through God's Holy Word. With much prayer and reading the Bible we can do this.

Applying this to my life......no matter how filthy and wretched I am, God loves me anyway. He doesn't approve and most certainly calls to mind my sins, but he loves me. Unconditionally!

I pray to keep this zeal all the year through and the rest of my life. This reading has been just what the Doctor ordered!

God is so good,

Carrie

For more insight on today's Word, please visit Wendy Pope!

Get behind me Satan....

Why is it the devil smells a good thing and just has a party trying to stop all things good? 'Cause that's his job and he is doing a very good one around my neck of the woods lately. Good thing I've armoured myself with the Holy Sword and Shield.

It's amazing what a little time with God can do for a frazzled woman like me. Don't know about you, but I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Chrono Bible Daily Readings. It's like...wow...so that's where it all fits in. Just makes me giddy, knowing I know some stuff now about who is who and when they came and when they died. Hopefully my sometimers will dissipate so I can actually retain it all. Anybody with me here?

I'm all excited about a class we are starting at church for our teenage boys. Once the suggestion was made, all sorts of ideas came flooding my mind. Please pray that God's will be done. Hubby has agreed to help me. Our prayer is to be good examples before them and that God will speak through us so that they will hear His Word and not ours.

1 Peter 3:15, says "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear..."

This verse jumped off the pages of a magazine I was reading today. Without getting all apologetics, not that is a bad thing, just want to be able to defend my faith. Not argumentatively, but enough to plant a seed. God's Word will not return void. Help me pray that we can teach these guys that it's okay to say "no" to their peers and stand firm on the Word of God.

Get behind me Satan.....
Carrie

Please don't forget to enter to win the Daily Bible Reading Calendar. You've got until 1-18-09. Announcing winner on Monday, 1-19-09.

Update on Mom

Yesterday was Mom's monthly visit to the transplant doctors. Overall the visit was good. However, she is now doing an at home heart monitor. She has been having some palpitations. No big deal....repeat...no big deal. I would be banned from ever updating you on her, if she ever thought I was making her out to be sick for crying out loud:) lol! You who know my Mom will understand. So, help me out here and don't make a fuss about the palp's and heart monitor. K. She really appreciates your prayers, as do I, we just have to keep up a certain persona that involves making out like she really has all healthy organs. Whatever works..right? And it has now for 2 years! I'm really not making light of the situation nor making fun, it's just how we cope.

But...what I heard from her voice yesterday was that of a woman who is sick and tired of being sick and tired. Again....mums the word. She confirmed that she would not give up. She just had to ask some questions, to which Dr. P replied, "you will get a heart if it's meant to be, if not, you won't. We have people like you (antibody issue) that have been on the waiting list as high as two years and finally got one."

Don't you just love doctor talk. They are honest and to the point. Sometimes we just need reassuring, or reminded of how things are. So, one month with the heart monitor and they have ordered another echo for next month. Both are routine. No alarming news.

To which we are so very thankful to God! He is the giver of life. He has been her sustainer for these last couple of years and will be from now on. That is comforting to me and I know to her too. Our flesh is weak. He knows this. That's where, when it seems we can't take another step, He scoops us up and tucks us under His wings!

Wanna leave Mom an encouraging word....please leave a comment...I'll pass them on to her. Thanks for all your love and prayers!

To God be the glory,

Carrie

P.S. Don't forget to enter to win the One Year Bible Calendar. Go here to enter.

Daily Bible Readings

Good morning/afternoon/night, whichever applies to you!

I'm excited about reading God's Word. Now don't think I never read my Bible, I just have a sense of renewal this year. Apparently it must be on every ones heart. Walking into church yesterday our pastor challenged the congregation to participate in the Discipleship Journal, Book-at-a-Time Bible Reading Plan. No particular Bible needed for this study. If anyone is interested in this, click on this link and download/print you a copy. When a congregation is praying together and reading God's Word together, something good is bound to happen!

For those of you who do not have the Chrono Bible and would like to begin reading just click on this link. It will keep you up to date on the daily readings. Check out Wendy's blog also. She has some really good insight to share.

Today's devotion inspired me...no surpise huh:)....anyway just had to share this. "The will must be stronger than the skill."

One last thing for today. I have another give-a-way. The last one was too much fun. Had to do another one. Aren't you glad you stayed with me today to the end;-) lol!

Here's the deal:
1) Leave a comment with your favorite Bible verse. Side note: doesn't have to be verbatim:)

I will announce the winner on January 19th, for your very own personal 2009 One Year Bible calendar.

Happy Reading,
Carrie

Thirsty

I am thirsty. Thirsty for God's Word. I'm in day three of the Chrono Bible readings. I have me an agenda for this upcoming year. I cringe to use the word agenda...but I'm a list girl. Mostly it works for me...."if" I don't lose said list. Hopefully this agenda will be different; it's written on my heart.

Goes something like this.....
#1 Read God's Word....cover to cover!
#2 Pray
#3 Apply His Word...and using all 5 senses!
#4 15 minutes Quite Time....aiming for the a.m.
#5 Exercise....had to throw that in;) for good measure:) it's been on my list for the past decade.
#6 Love More
#7 Forgive More
#8 Laugh More
#9 Live More
#10 Breathe More

As I began reading in Genesis, it amazes me how God spoke everything into existence. I have read and have been taught about Creation since birth. And still,to this day, can't seem to comprehend the hugeness of it all. From Adam and Eve in the garden, to Noah and the flood, God reigns supreme. The trinity was there in the very beginning. God created heaven and earth, the spirit of God moved upon the waters, and there was light. (Genesis 1:1-3)

There are so many people just wandering through life searching for truth. I have written in my Bible across the top of the book of Genesis, "it's more important to know who is leading instead of where you are going." If only they could see man will lead you astray and only disappoint. God is our only hope. He will give you life. If you are looking for absolute truths...it's in His Word.

I realize that some of the old testament is hard to read. Really, how many "begats" can one comprehend? What came back to me was something my pastor had said and again I had scribbled down, "they lived, they died." It's there for a reason. Another absolute truth. We live and we will die. Each life has a purpose. What am I doing with mine?

I'm feeling 2009 is going to be a good one!
Carrie

P.S. Mom is doing okay. Christmas was hard on so many levels. Please continue praying for her and Mawmaw this coming year.

Attention Chrono Readers...

For those of you who do not have a Chronological Bible yet; I will give you the readings for Jan 1 and 2.

January 1 - Genesis 1: 1-2:4a, 2:4b-25, 3:1-24

January 2 - Genesis 4:1-26, 5:1-32 Chronicles 1:1-4, Genesis 6:1-22

Happy Reading,
Carrie

I've Been Tagged!

SCATTERGORIES.. it's harder than it looks! Link to this post, erase my answers, enter yours, and tag 10 people including the one that sent this to you.Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They have to be real places, names, things. Nothing made up! Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial.. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question. And you can not use the same word twice.

Your name: Carrie

BOY NAME: Carter

4 LETTER WORD: Case

GIRL NAME: Carley

OCCUPATION: Caterer

A COLOR: Cerulean...yes it's a color....confirmed by the crayon box!

SOMETHING YOU WEAR: Car keys")....that way I can't lose them!

BEVERAGE: Cranberry Juice

FOOD: Carrot

SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: Cream

A PLACE: Cancun

REASON FOR BEING LATE: Coughing...had to change:) lol!


SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: Come here right now!


Ok...Here are the 10 tags...

1. Angela
2. Christina
3. Amanda
4. Hayden
5. Karri

The next 5 is up to you...join the fun!

Happy New Year,
Carrie

And the winner is.........

Thank you all for participating! That was fun! Let me know if you would like for me to pick you up a Chrono Bible. I plan on doing a little shopping this weekend and would be glad to get you one..... I'm looking forward to reading God's Holy Word, hope you are too!

Congratulations Lisa....enjoy!!

Happy New Years!

Carrie