As I was reading today's daily bible reading this verse spoke volumes to me: Proverbs 6:16-19, "There are six things the Lord hates-no, seven things he detest: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family."
I'm so excited to be reading in the book of Proverbs, from the wise Solomon himself. And just how important it is to not only hear but really listen and apply to my heart? Very. This past Sunday School lesson was on Moses' attention getter, the burning bush, and just how important it is to really listen. I struggle with that at times. I've prayed and asked God to help me to not just hear His word but to really listen to His word. So when I read the words, Lord and hate in the same sentence, it got my attention. I know as a parent I can tell when one of mine are not really listening to my instructions. I know how upset that makes me feel, so I can imagine the disappointment the Lord has in me when I don't listen to what He is trying to tell me. But I also know that I still love them, no matter what, and He loves me even through my disobedience. But the boundaries are set. The instructions are given and there are consequences to be had if broken or not followed through. Tough love.
Wendy Pope puts it way better than I can, so visit with her today and dig a little deeper into God's Holy Word with her.
If you feel like sharing your daily walk with the Lord and this journey of reading through the Bible , please do so. You never know who might be blessed with what you have to say. Reading God's word is the main thing, whether it's Chrono style or not. I'm drawing so much strength from it and from knowing others are reading along with me.
Carrie
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Grandmothers Are Special...especially at Awards Day!
Gran and J
Mawmaw and J
Gran and J
Mawmaw and A
Mawmaw, A, J and JThese are two very special ladies in my life and to the lives of my children. I want to thank them both for all the love and support they give. God so graciously have spared both of their lives. Gran had open heart surgery 5 years ago for an aortic aneurysm. Mawmaw survived a massive heart attack 3 years ago and waiting for a heart transplant.
Ain't God Good!
Carrie
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Received from Hubby via email
WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS
Unmanaged stress can have a negative effect on your health and well-being, increasing your chances of being involved in an accident. The following are some tips to help you cope with stress in positive ways.
MAkE TiME TO RELAX. One of the body’s automatic reactions to stress is rapid, shallow breathing. To turn off this response and turn on your relaxation response, concentrate on breathing slowly and deeply. Also, stretch the muscles in your back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and upper body to release tension.
A vOid SMALL ANNOYANcES by planning ahead and expecting the unexpected. Eliminate small stressful situations by arranging travel schedules to avoid rush-hour traffic. Conduct thorough vehicle pre-and post-trip inspections to avoid mechanical delays or stress from receiving citations or out-of-service orders.
N EvER MAkE TOO MANY LifESTYLE chANGES at once. If you are facing one big change (as a new job or moving to a new home), wait until you have adjusted to it before taking on another stressful situation.
A LLOW YOuR MiNd TO ThiNk pOSiTivELY and shut out negative thoughts. Maintain a sense of humor and learn to laugh at the stressful situations and your reactions to them. Interact and socialize with people who have positive attitudes.
GET ENOuGh SLEEp. Adults need 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night (or day). Don’t eat heavy meals or watch TV in bed shortly before bedtime. Block out light and noise. Consider using a sleeping mask and/or ear plugs if necessary.
E XERciSE REGuLARLY by doing activities that you enjoy for at least 30 minutes each day. Find activities that can be done on the road or at home, such as walking, running, calisthenics, aerobic exercise, jumping rope, swimming, etc.
SiMpLifY YOuR LifE by eliminating unnecessary activities
and responsibilities and learning to say no.
T RY TO WALk AWAY from stressful situations or learn to handle them more creatively. Simply changing your environment can decrease your stress level. Stay calm.
REcOGNizE YOuR bOdY’S RESpONSE to stress so
you can learn to deal with it appropriately.
EAT REGuLARLY ANd NuTRiTiOuSLY. Consume less alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to strengthen your body’s immune system.
ShARE YOuR pRObLEMS. Discuss your concerns and stressful situations with trustworthy individuals, such as a family member, friend, co-worker, clergyman, or support group.
SEEk pROfESSiONAL cOuNSELiNG if the pressure becomes too great. Contact your company’s Employee Assistance Program for help in finding an experienced, confidential counselor. You can also contact your local mental health association or other counselors or enroll in a stress management class.
This card is provided as a service to the transportation industry by:
Protective Insurance Company
P.O. Box 7099 Indianapolis, IN 46207-7099 317-636-9800
His dream is to one day open up a nervous hospital in our little town. He figures that's where the money will be. JK!!!! We've got the "think positively" down pat. You have to laugh! We do!!!! Last night's ballgame was the perfect example on when to laugh.....believe me I did...and slept like a baby...no crazy dreams!!! YEAH!!!!!
As for the ear plugs...now there's an idea:)
Carrie
Unmanaged stress can have a negative effect on your health and well-being, increasing your chances of being involved in an accident. The following are some tips to help you cope with stress in positive ways.
MAkE TiME TO RELAX. One of the body’s automatic reactions to stress is rapid, shallow breathing. To turn off this response and turn on your relaxation response, concentrate on breathing slowly and deeply. Also, stretch the muscles in your back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and upper body to release tension.
A vOid SMALL ANNOYANcES by planning ahead and expecting the unexpected. Eliminate small stressful situations by arranging travel schedules to avoid rush-hour traffic. Conduct thorough vehicle pre-and post-trip inspections to avoid mechanical delays or stress from receiving citations or out-of-service orders.
N EvER MAkE TOO MANY LifESTYLE chANGES at once. If you are facing one big change (as a new job or moving to a new home), wait until you have adjusted to it before taking on another stressful situation.
A LLOW YOuR MiNd TO ThiNk pOSiTivELY and shut out negative thoughts. Maintain a sense of humor and learn to laugh at the stressful situations and your reactions to them. Interact and socialize with people who have positive attitudes.
GET ENOuGh SLEEp. Adults need 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night (or day). Don’t eat heavy meals or watch TV in bed shortly before bedtime. Block out light and noise. Consider using a sleeping mask and/or ear plugs if necessary.
E XERciSE REGuLARLY by doing activities that you enjoy for at least 30 minutes each day. Find activities that can be done on the road or at home, such as walking, running, calisthenics, aerobic exercise, jumping rope, swimming, etc.
SiMpLifY YOuR LifE by eliminating unnecessary activities
and responsibilities and learning to say no.
T RY TO WALk AWAY from stressful situations or learn to handle them more creatively. Simply changing your environment can decrease your stress level. Stay calm.
REcOGNizE YOuR bOdY’S RESpONSE to stress so
you can learn to deal with it appropriately.
EAT REGuLARLY ANd NuTRiTiOuSLY. Consume less alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to strengthen your body’s immune system.
ShARE YOuR pRObLEMS. Discuss your concerns and stressful situations with trustworthy individuals, such as a family member, friend, co-worker, clergyman, or support group.
SEEk pROfESSiONAL cOuNSELiNG if the pressure becomes too great. Contact your company’s Employee Assistance Program for help in finding an experienced, confidential counselor. You can also contact your local mental health association or other counselors or enroll in a stress management class.
This card is provided as a service to the transportation industry by:
Protective Insurance Company
P.O. Box 7099 Indianapolis, IN 46207-7099 317-636-9800
His dream is to one day open up a nervous hospital in our little town. He figures that's where the money will be. JK!!!! We've got the "think positively" down pat. You have to laugh! We do!!!! Last night's ballgame was the perfect example on when to laugh.....believe me I did...and slept like a baby...no crazy dreams!!! YEAH!!!!!
As for the ear plugs...now there's an idea:)
Carrie
Monday, May 18, 2009
Squeallllllllllll!!!!!!!!
Isn't that what little girls do when they are so, so, so, so, so, very excited! Well I wanted to revert back to that childess behavior yesterday at church. But let me first tell you the most wonderful news. We had 2 little girls to join the church for baptism yesterday. One was saved at home on Thursday. She couldn't wait to get to church and join. The other came forward and asked Jesus into her heart soon after the first one joined. Now all this happened when we first got to church, before Sunday School. Needless to say we had a wonderful time in the Lord! Praise God for whom all blessings flow!
And boy did He ever pour them out!
I have a thorn in my side called nerves. You would think after singing in church all my life that would have dissipated by now......um...NOT! After begging and pleading with some of the members of this little group I sing with, it became apparent that I was outnumbered. For what you may ask? Singing in front of, gulp, KAREN PECK AND NEW RIVER! Squealllllllllllllllllllll!!!!! Yes they were at our church yesterday and brought the house down! Click on their name above and check them out.
Here's the kicker.....Karen Peck came off the stage and started pointing and saying you two girls right there...uh...me....surely not....no...no...no...no...not me. Yes, she got Chelsea and me to help her sing, "We Shall Wear A Robe and Crown." Squealllll!!! I warned you about being a mere child again:) lol!!! Then at the end of the service they got us all, our singing group, to help them once more to sing that song. Wow! I can't believe I've sung with a Grammy girl!!
Words just can't describe the feeling I have down in my heart. It's not the fact that I actually have shared the stage with Karen Peck, well maybe a wee little:)...but that God answered my prayer. I woke to butterflies in my stomach, heart racing, etc....you know the "thorn" thing. And I started asking God to show me in some way if singing was what I was supposed to do. I need some sort of sign. Did He ever show me! I got the message loud and clear. I'm not a great singer by any means. I just prayed and asked God to help my nerves and make a way and I would answer, "Yes Lord Yes!" He did. Now it's up to me to do my part. That's all He asks. Just a willing vessel. I want God to use what little talent I have for His glory and honor. Is it going to be easy? Nope..not for me. But with God all things are possible. As for the thorn, it may always be there, but if it be God's will, I know He can kill the root.
I do not want to be a stumbling block and for God to use our little group, I need to get on board. Please pray for us, for me. That we, I, will do what He has us to. That the first words out of my mouth will be, "Yes, send me!" Pray for the new converts as they begin their life with God.
I have a new favorite song. Wouldn't you know it would be Karen Peck's, "My God Will Always Be Enough." She sang it at a wedding I attended Sat. night. Which is how we got them in the first place. This dear couple at church had connections with them and they came and sang at their wedding. It was a powerful service in itself. I'm just so full! As the saying goes, "I'm drinking from the saucer, 'cause my cup has overflowed." Many thanks to Terry and Becky for giving us such a wonderful gift, as Karen Peck and New River! May God so richly bless your lives! I know He has great things in store for the two of you.
Carrie
And boy did He ever pour them out!
I have a thorn in my side called nerves. You would think after singing in church all my life that would have dissipated by now......um...NOT! After begging and pleading with some of the members of this little group I sing with, it became apparent that I was outnumbered. For what you may ask? Singing in front of, gulp, KAREN PECK AND NEW RIVER! Squealllllllllllllllllllll!!!!! Yes they were at our church yesterday and brought the house down! Click on their name above and check them out.
Here's the kicker.....Karen Peck came off the stage and started pointing and saying you two girls right there...uh...me....surely not....no...no...no...no...not me. Yes, she got Chelsea and me to help her sing, "We Shall Wear A Robe and Crown." Squealllll!!! I warned you about being a mere child again:) lol!!! Then at the end of the service they got us all, our singing group, to help them once more to sing that song. Wow! I can't believe I've sung with a Grammy girl!!
Words just can't describe the feeling I have down in my heart. It's not the fact that I actually have shared the stage with Karen Peck, well maybe a wee little:)...but that God answered my prayer. I woke to butterflies in my stomach, heart racing, etc....you know the "thorn" thing. And I started asking God to show me in some way if singing was what I was supposed to do. I need some sort of sign. Did He ever show me! I got the message loud and clear. I'm not a great singer by any means. I just prayed and asked God to help my nerves and make a way and I would answer, "Yes Lord Yes!" He did. Now it's up to me to do my part. That's all He asks. Just a willing vessel. I want God to use what little talent I have for His glory and honor. Is it going to be easy? Nope..not for me. But with God all things are possible. As for the thorn, it may always be there, but if it be God's will, I know He can kill the root.
I do not want to be a stumbling block and for God to use our little group, I need to get on board. Please pray for us, for me. That we, I, will do what He has us to. That the first words out of my mouth will be, "Yes, send me!" Pray for the new converts as they begin their life with God.
I have a new favorite song. Wouldn't you know it would be Karen Peck's, "My God Will Always Be Enough." She sang it at a wedding I attended Sat. night. Which is how we got them in the first place. This dear couple at church had connections with them and they came and sang at their wedding. It was a powerful service in itself. I'm just so full! As the saying goes, "I'm drinking from the saucer, 'cause my cup has overflowed." Many thanks to Terry and Becky for giving us such a wonderful gift, as Karen Peck and New River! May God so richly bless your lives! I know He has great things in store for the two of you.
Carrie
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Walking Disaster
That's me. Now I know why? For more information on why more people are prone to accidents read here. Wouldn't you know it would be STRESS and MULTI-TASKING. If that's the case, then all women would be due an accident a week.
My latest fiasco took place in Cracker Barrel. It involved a bottle of Orange Crush. Needless to say the non-English speaking waiter, however I understood the, "no, no, no, no's", he was saying, thought I was crazy. He had reason.
Carrie
Thursday, May 7, 2009
In case you see a string around my finger
I've reverted back to my childhood days, when my Sunday School teacher would tie a string around my finger to help me remember to remember my Golden Text. Anybody remember those days? lol!!!
I'm considering the string around my finger thing.
Really.
The sticky notes, memo boards, text messages, etc. just are not cutting it. Thing is.... I remember at the most inopportune time....like say 2 AM.....after the fact!
Now, if I can figure out how to remember why I'm wearing the string...I'll be in business. lol!
Enough of all that.
Mom is on the mend. Or at least she says she is. Still very weak, but I can see some improvement. Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers. I'm here to testify that I serve a living God who blesses me more than I deserve! And I will never forget the day I accepted Him as my Saviour! I know without a doubt that even in all my forgetfulness, that will never leave my mind. Mawmaw, with dementia, can remember all the gospel songs, word for word, and can always say how thankful she is to God for His many blessings on her. She gave sister C and I some advice this past Sunday, which I'll end with.....
"When you give with a giving heart, that makes it all the more special."
Carrie
I'm considering the string around my finger thing.
Really.
The sticky notes, memo boards, text messages, etc. just are not cutting it. Thing is.... I remember at the most inopportune time....like say 2 AM.....after the fact!
Now, if I can figure out how to remember why I'm wearing the string...I'll be in business. lol!
Enough of all that.
Mom is on the mend. Or at least she says she is. Still very weak, but I can see some improvement. Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers. I'm here to testify that I serve a living God who blesses me more than I deserve! And I will never forget the day I accepted Him as my Saviour! I know without a doubt that even in all my forgetfulness, that will never leave my mind. Mawmaw, with dementia, can remember all the gospel songs, word for word, and can always say how thankful she is to God for His many blessings on her. She gave sister C and I some advice this past Sunday, which I'll end with.....
"When you give with a giving heart, that makes it all the more special."
Carrie
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Yikes!!!
I looked at my May calendar. Y'all it's full. I'm talking only 2 or 3 days do not have something scribbled across them.
One day at a time Sweet Jesus.
Breathe.
May brings the end of school.
May has Mother's Day.
May means lots of decorations......that's a Sand Mtn. thing.
May has Memorial Day.
May brings flowers.
May is full of birthdays and graduations, which means I need to remember to get gifts.
So much to do.
One day at a time Sweet Jesus.
Anybody out there who's calendar mirrors mine? Give me a shout out...or better yet....do this exercise with me........inhale........................exhale......inhale..........................exhale.......inhale......................exhale....oxygen please:) lol!!
Carrie
One day at a time Sweet Jesus.
Breathe.
May brings the end of school.
May has Mother's Day.
May means lots of decorations......that's a Sand Mtn. thing.
May has Memorial Day.
May brings flowers.
May is full of birthdays and graduations, which means I need to remember to get gifts.
So much to do.
One day at a time Sweet Jesus.
Anybody out there who's calendar mirrors mine? Give me a shout out...or better yet....do this exercise with me........inhale........................exhale......inhale..........................exhale.......inhale......................exhale....oxygen please:) lol!!
Carrie
Monday, May 4, 2009
Mom
Mom is sick. After a trip to the ER yesterday morning, she is back home and trying to recover from an upper respiratory infection. She'll be happy to know I've let the whole world know:) but I know that I can count on you to say a prayer for her. With her heart condition, even something simple as an upper respiratory infection can really get her down. So please lift her name up in prayer for physical healing and renewed strength.
Thank you for your prayers!
Carrie
Thank you for your prayers!
Carrie
Friday, May 1, 2009
I Shall Not Be Moved...........
Ahhhh....the smell of rain. I love it! And with the pollen and dust I've been eating lately, God knew we needed it. What does rain have to do with the title of this post you ask? The rain this morning made me think of this old hymn I've sung all my life, "I Shall Not Be Moved." Yes, water is in the lyrics:)
Which then reminded me of this verse from a devotion I read this week.
Acts 20:24 (King James Version)
24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Which then reminded me of this verse from a devotion I read this week.
Acts 20:24 (King James Version)
24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Come tempest.
Come stumbling block.
Come storm.
Come pain.
Come problems.
Glory hallelujah, I shall not be moved. Just like a tree planted by the waters, I shall not be moved!
Today if you are burdened down with life's troubles, choose not to let them move you. Instead use those stumbling blocks as stepping stones. God will supply the grace needed to climb each step.
Have a blessed weekend,
Carrie
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