Moms' United Prayer

Say The Name Of Jesus

2012-01-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

Any problem you may have, big or small, Jesus is your answer.

It makes no difference what you are facing today...Jesus is real and unchanging!

He wants to meet your need and give you a miracle.

Like the song says, when you say the name "Jesus", something begins to happen in the atmosphere.

Say the name of Jesus and your faith begins to build.

Say the name of Jesus and you feel His sweet presence and He gives you a peace that words can't describe.

Listen to this beautiful song and be blessed.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

HOPE

2011-09-20T12:12:00.005-07:00

First of all, I give my apologies to my regular readers for my absent the past few months.

This blog belongs to the Holy Spirit and I always want the words that I write to be His words.

To be completely honest…I have not felt the urgency to write, therefore it has not been my priority. This has bothered me, so in trying to analyze it and praying for the Holy Spirit to help me understand…this is my conclusion.

I have been looking at circumstances and situations. I have not kept my focus on Jesus. God, please forgive me, because this is a trap of the enemy and I fell into it.

I absolutely believe that God is faithful and every member of my family will be saved! But…(there should never be a “but” after that statement)…but, it has been years and years of interceding and I can see no change.

Getting my eyes off of Jesus and His promises is when I lose hope.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick.”
Proverbs 13:12. That is so true.

The Holy Spirit is telling us to not give up, but we are to continue…

“Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” Romans 12:12

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Spooky Road or Peaceful?

2011-06-14T19:16:00.004-07:00

This road reminds me of Nebraska, where I lived for 15 years. Driving it by yourself can be a nice drive of solitude…when you know where you are going.

You feel comfort…if you know that there is a town up over the hill, or you know that your farmhouse is behind that large windbreak of trees up ahead.

However, if the road is not familiar to you and you are alone, it can be a little spooky.

The road seems endless and everything looks the same, mile after mile. You feel uneasy and you need directions, but you see no one to ask.

How about the direction and the paths we take in our spiritual lives?

God will sometimes ask you to take a path that is totally unfamiliar to you.

Sometimes…you may be on a road that God isn’t leading, because you have taken a side path of your own desire…not keeping your eyes on Him.

If you find yourself on a path that feels strange or scary, remember…the Holy Spirit is your leader and if you walk close to Him, keeping your eyes on Him, you can trust Him to direct your path every time!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

“Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways.”
Psalm 128:1

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11

Thank God! He will always be a light to our path and give us peace about our decisions, when we fully trust Him!

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

About Mothers

2011-05-04T11:25:00.010-07:00

Inexperience is permitted,
No special skills required,
Must love kids and pets,
Eager attitude desired.

A loving heart's essential,
Soft, gentleness, a plus,
A kindly, warm demeanor,
Combined with tenderness.

Add agility of body,
And dexterity of hands,
Both can be instinctive,
But be ready on demand.

Have good ears, with which to hear,
Sharp eyes, with which to see,
Arms strong enough for hugging,
And a spirit, fancy-free.

Can speak to God in heaven,
Have folded hands to pray.
Have ability to guide and teach,
And ability to play.

Can cook, and bake, and clean, and sew,
Can nurture little souls,
Know how to hold on tightly
And how to hold, when letting go.

Mothers some day return to God,
Yet, never do depart,
A mother's love, eternal love,
Forever in one's heart.

© Virginia (Ginny) Ellis

God's most precious work of art
is the warmth and love of a mother's heart.

Happy Mother's Day to each of you.

This holiday is one that brings so many memories.

Memories of my own children, when they were small.

Memories of my beautiful mom. I can still hear her praying and singing, even though she has been gone for 19 years.

I'm sure that you have special memories too of wonderful times spent with your moms.

Cherish your mother if she is still with you.

God's blessings to all of you as you celebrate your mom and being a mom.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

They Should Have Cried, "Holy"!

2011-04-19T15:38:00.009-07:00

When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

“Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.”
John 19:6 NLT

They should have cried, “Holy”, but instead they cried, “Crucify!”

These are the words in a song that our choir is practicing for the Easter Musical. It is a beautiful song with a powerful message.

It’s new to me, but since we began singing it, the words keep running in my head. I wake up in the morning hearing the words in my mind and spirit.

Are we, today, still crying, “Crucify him”, or do we recognize Jesus as “Holy, the Son of God”?

I know… We don’t hear the words, “Crucify him”, but do the actions of many indicate that He is dead to them?

If Jesus were on trial today, standing before us, would you be one crying, “Crucify him… let him die.”

Or would you be falling before Him crying, “Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!”

Please take the time to listen to this video and let its message speak to you.

I pray that you have a beautiful Easter as you remember the sacrifice Jesus became for us, giving us the gift of eternal life!

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

My Sister's Beautiful Example

2011-03-30T20:40:00.005-07:00

(Click below to watch video.)
Life is like Coffee Movie: "Do you know people that just seem to be happier in general? Do you say to yourself, "I want to be more like them"? Often, the happiest people in the world don’t have the best of everything...they just make the best of everything!"

This video makes me think of my precious sister, Velma, who left us on Sunday to go home to Jesus.

She is the oldest of 7 children and I am the youngest. She was an excellent ‘mother’s helper’ for all of her younger brothers and sisters, even taking care of me when I was a baby while our mother was very ill. Our father was a pastor, so we are pk’s, or preacher’s kids.

Velma loved God and had a desire to preach. She became an evangelist while she was still a teenager even before going to college.

While in Bible College she found her preacher-husband and together they pastored churches for many years. They were even missionaries in Cuba, before being forced out by Castro.

She endured more hardships in her lifetime than any person should have too. Perhaps that is the reason I think, she was the strongest person I have ever known.

She certainly knew how to adjust and adapt to any situation. She would tell you though, that it was only by the Grace of God that she continued to find ways to live a full life.

She was widowed before she was 55 with no insurance and very little earthly possessions.

She moved to Oklahoma to take a job in the ORU Prayer Tower. There she ministered daily to numerous people who called in for prayer.

Her health deteriorated due to diabetes. It took her eyesight and both legs, but it did not take her spirit.

Six years ago, after the second amputation, she moved into a nursing home in California close to her daughters.

We felt so bad for her and feared that she would withdraw and isolate herself, but she did not. Again she made the best of a bad situation.

She continued to let the love of Jesus shine through her, and all who got to know her dearly loved her. The Care Center is having a special memorial service for her next week.

She became the President of the Residents, a type of liaison between the owners and the patients. She had a monthly Bible study, which grew from 3 to 22. The staff came to her with their personal and spiritual problems, asking her for prayer.

She hung onto life even when most of us would not, because she would say,
“Maybe I can lead just one more person to the Lord.”

She set a beautiful example for letting the Holy Spirit continue to use her when most people would feel that there were no more opportunities.

She found peace in her situation, because she trusted God to take care of her. Let her be an example for all of us.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

He Met Jesus and Was Changed!

2011-03-21T19:40:00.009-07:00

A very good friend gave me the DVD “Obsession”. I watched it with my husband a few nights ago and was so alarmed by what I heard and saw. It is a documentary about Radical Islam and their mission to take over the world.

Using images from Arab TV, Obsession reveals an ‘insider's view' of the hatred the Radicals have for America and Israel. They are teaching their children to hate non-muslims in the name of Allah, hate so intense that they would be willing to kill or die for Allah.

My first reaction was fear and a feeling of hopelessness.

Yes, we need to be aware of what is happening in our world, but should we feel hopeless?

No! We serve the one and only God of the universe. He is sovereign and in control, so we do not need to be afraid.

He is the same God today as He was during the days of Moses when He reminded the people of God’s mercy and protection.

“You must not fear them, for the LORD your God Himself fights for you.”
Deuteronomy 3:22

“Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.”
Deuteronomy 7:9

“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe.”
Deuteronomy 10:17

“Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”
Deuteronomy 20:3,4

I did not think of these scriptures immediately, but the Holy Spirit tenderly guided my steps to find peace.

I still had a heavy heart as I sat at my computer and logged onto Facebook. Earlier, I had made a new fb friend, who is an old friend of my husband, although we have never met.

As I looked at her ‘wall’, my attention was drawn to a video she had posted,
“Jihad to Jesus, Former Muslim Militia Fighter's Journey”.

Jerry Rassamni was raised to hate Christians and he did. He was a fierce enemy of Christians, fighting with the Lebanese Army. Then he met Jesus.

I had to watch!

I was reminded once again, that it is only God who can change the hearts and minds of men. Changed by the power and blood of Jesus Christ!

I invite you to watch it now.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Expecting Christ's Return!

2011-03-05T16:47:00.009-07:00

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first."
1 Thessalonians 4:16

Do you believe this?
Do you believe that our Savior, Jesus Christ is coming back for us?
Do you believe that it is going to happen very soon?
The signs are everywhere, with all that is happening in the world today.
Are we prepared? Or are we too busy to be watching and praying for our loved ones who are not ready?

"But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly."
Luke 21:34

Unexpectedly?
Yes. He is coming soon and we must be prepared and watching!

My pastor is a great Bible teacher and last Sunday his sermon was, "Living in The Shadow of The Caught Up, or The Catching Away".
It was powerful!

I felt in my spirit, as I listened, that I needed to share it with others. So I asked God to show me how to include it in this blog, so that you can hear his message.

The Lord did help me, because He wants us to all understand that we need to be ready.

Please take the time to watch. You will be blessed.

[You need to pause my Playlist at the bottom of the page first.]

Dr. Ben E. Leonard, Church on The Green

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Because Mom Prayed!

2011-02-18T11:15:00.007-07:00

We were so blessed by the testimonies of the men from Teen Challenge who came to our church on Wednesday night.

They came as a choir of 32 men from the Phoenix Christian Life Center with Rev. Rick Casto, the Center’s Director, who is also a Teen Challenge graduate.

These are students who sang with joy giving God the praise for their deliverance and salvation.

I could not hold back the tears as I witnessed the evidence of so many, many answered prayers.

Several of them gave their testimony of the life-changing experience that Jesus has given them, being delivered from a life of sin that was destroying them and their families.

Most people had given up on them, believing that they would never change…they were too far-gone. They had even lost hope for themselves.

But prayer does work and it does change the picture!

I heard everyone of them who spoke say, ‘It was because Mom or Grandma was praying. She never gave up and stopped praying.’

Wow! What a witness to my spirit!

I pray that as you are reading this it will also be a witness to your spirit.

May the Holy Spirit never let us forget that He is in control even when we can’t see change.

He does answer prayer and He knows the right time and way to make it happen. It is His desire to save every person who has ever lived.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Why, God?

2011-01-25T14:51:00.008-07:00

Do you ever ask God, “Why?”

Sure. I think that anyone of us at some time or another has asked God that question, because we do not always understand why certain things happen in our lives.

But, we can quickly become bogged down in depression when we fret and become angry with God about our circumstances.

We can find peace in our heart only when we trust Him, and allow Him to work out His purpose in our lives.

If anyone had a good cause to ask God, “Why”, it would be Nick Vujicic, who was born without limbs. He and his parents struggled with this question for years. “God, why did you make me this way?”

As a teenager, he heard, in his spirit, God ask him, “Do you trust me?”
He answered, “Yes!”

He says, “That’s the question. When you say, “Yes” to that question, nothing else matters!”

I love that answer!

I’m sharing a video of Nick being interviewed recently. I am humbled, blessed and inspired when I watch it. You will be too.

(Pause my Playlist at bottom of page first. Click 2nd button on left.)

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Choose To Look For Joy

2011-01-03T12:00:00.005-07:00

“Shoulda… Woulda… Coulda…” Is that how you feel too, as you are looking back over 2010?

Why do we see more clearly as we look in our rear-view mirror? Seeing all the mistakes of what we did, or mistakes of not doing what our heart told us to do.

I could dwell on the negative, because there are many places I failed this past year, but I once heard someone say,
“Giving your blessings as much thought as you give your worries will make you happier”.

With God’s help, I choose to count my blessings. They are far more in number than my mistakes anyway.

Do I always recognize a blessing? No, I’m sorry to say that I don’t. There are so many blessings that I take for granted.

Think about it…do we remember to thank Him for the air that we breathe and for the sunshine (or rain)?

…For each new day and the ability to get out of bed to enjoy it.

…For His protection guarding us from danger.

…For a warm house, food to eat and money to pay our bills.

…For friends and family…

Most important of all, to thank Him for His love and mercy making it possible for you and me to be His children.

…and oh what a sweet blessing it is to sit in His presence as we pray and talk with Him, knowing that we have nothing to fear.

God will take care of us for He is in control.

Barbara Johnson wrote, “Deliberately choose to look for joy in every step of your journey through life and to share it with others. When you do, you will be blessed with happiness no matter what your circumstances are.”

I pray that this year brings you into a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus. My heart’s desire is to be less distracted and to spend more time in prayer and studying His Word.

2011 is a time of new challenges and opportunity. May God direct our paths as we follow Him in obedience.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-17T14:26:00.003-07:00

"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
Matt. 1:21

Jesus is the gift that perfectly fits the size of every heart!

May the good news of our Savior’s birth fill your heart with joy this Christmas.

Wishing you a wonderful season filled with Heavenly peace and the warmth of His Presence in your heart and home as you celebrate this holiday season.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

He Will Carry You!

2010-11-30T12:07:00.004-07:00

When death takes a loved-one away from us, it is always terrible. It seems even worse (if that is possible) if they are taken away during the fall months.

The fall is a beautiful season and welcomed by most people at the end of a long hot summer. It is a time of excitement and anticipation as we make plans to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a time for family and of giving. It is a time to reflect and to give praise to God for His blessings.

When death interferes with your plans, it knocks you in the stomach! It may knock you down and you find it is just too hard to get back up again, especially if you have just lost your spouse and you are all alone. You may even wonder if God has left you too, because you feel so lonely and so empty inside.

I have a friend who is burying her husband this week and I feel so badly for her. We can never know exactly how another person is feeling, even when we have had a similar experience, but I know that she is comforted by the Holy Spirit.

My memory is still vivid of the days when my late husband died 23 years ago on the day following Thanksgiving. But I want to tell you; the memory of the Holy Spirit being my Comforter is much clearer.

In the last hours of his life, the Holy Spirit was so close that it is hard for me to put into words to explain. I was praying in the Spirit and the room filled with such glory that I thought that we would both be raptured and leave this earth!

The Holy Spirit was so close to me in the following months. I could actually feel His arms around me, like a beautiful hug, calming me in my times of loneliness and fear.

He continues to surround me with His presence and love. I depend on His help in everything that I do and He has never failed me.

If you are grieving today for a loved-one who has died, or you feel grief for a son or daughter who has walked away from your family, the Holy Spirit will comfort you. It matters not what is causing your pain, He knows what you need and He wants to carry you out of your despair.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-21T14:59:00.014-07:00

The frost is on the pumpkins
Mom's in the kitchen baking pies.
We're all sitting close to the fireplace
'Cause it's kind of cold outside.

Then Dad comes in with a great big book
As he opens and starts to read,
We all get quiet, as quiet as we can,
We don't wanna' miss a word, you see.

He's telling us about the Pilgrims
And how they sailed the seas.
They were looking for a better place
Where they could raise their families.

They prayed that God would lead them
They prayed both day and night.
Then all of a sudden God answered their prayers
For there was land in sight.

Yes, God brought them to America,
And it's the greatest Nation of all.
That's why we all have Thanksgiving
To show God how thankful we are.

Written By:
Rev. Betty Byers
© 2001

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, let us do it with thanks in our hearts. Give thanks to our Heavenly Father for His mercies and for His blessings to us.

Remember to thank Him for American where we have the freedom to worship our Savior. Thank Him for our family and friends.

I’m sure that if you sit for a moment and allow your mind to think of things to be thankful for, you will be able to think of many, and it will bring joy to your heart.

"OH, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."Psalm 118:1

My prayer for you is to have a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Make a Joyful Shout to the Lord!

2010-11-09T12:55:00.009-07:00

On Sunday evening, my pastor preached on “The Power of Praise”, taking his text from Psalm 100, a Psalm of Thanksgiving. He said, “When you want to feel God’s presence, begin to praise Him.”

“Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.”

A friend shared this video with me just the day before, and I want to share it with you. There are hundreds of voices singing, the “Hallelujah Chorus” in a public place. Beautiful!

On Saturday, October 30, 2010, the Opera Company of Philadelphia brought together over 650 choristers from 28 participating organizations to perform one of the Knight Foundation's "Random Acts of Culture" at Macy's in Center City Philadelphia.

Accompanied by the Wanamaker Organ - the world's largest pipe organ - the OCP Chorus and throngs of singers from the community infiltrated the store as shoppers, and burst into a pop-up rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah" at 12 noon, to the delight of surprised shoppers

Pause my Playlist at bottom of page first, and then turn up your speakers to enjoy. (It begins at 35 seconds.)

This reminded me of what my young niece, who is a missionary, wrote in her newsletter last month. She was writing about how BIG our God is and this is part of what she wrote.

“I believe God wants to expand our perspective of who He is and what He can do.

What about America?

What if God began to bring a wave of repentance over our small cozy neighborhoods and people began excitedly proclaiming Jesus???

What if God began to give our nation’s leaders visions of Himself, bringing them to their knees in humble submission to His Lordship?

What if whole offices and other workplaces began to have spontaneous prayer meetings, seeking the Lord for revival? WHY NOT?

What if every single unreached people group had a chance to hear the Gospel? What if masses of people accepted Jesus, and many of them went to reach other countries? WHY NOT?

If God is going to increase in these nations, our fleshly ways must decrease. More of Him, and less of us. We plant and we water, but God gives the INCREASE!

Lord, increase Your vision in our hearts! Lord, increase our faith in full expectation to see miracles! Lord, increase Your kingdom on this earth! Lord, increase our humility. Lord, increase your Holy Spirit’s power in our lives!”

My prayer is… O God bring revival to America and let us be witness to thousands of people singing your praises of thanksgiving and worshiping You!

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Seasons of Prayer

2010-10-30T12:58:00.005-07:00

[Note: I’ve shortened the title of this blog to make it easier to remember. The blog address remains the same.]

If you know who Jesus is and He is your Savior, you will desire to raise your children to know Him as well. I believe that it is a God-given passion that will cause you to call out their names to Jesus. If you are blessed to have children following in the footsteps of Jesus, you continue to pray for their daily walk.

I believe that we go through ‘seasons’ in our walk with the Lord as God challenges us in obedience to Him. There will be times that He will give you such a heavy burden to pray that you weep before Him. It may mean that you are awakened in the middle of the night and cannot go back to sleep until you get up to pray.

We must be obedient when the Holy Spirit speaks to us.

The Holy Spirit may ask you to share the burdens of another mom who is praying for her children. He may require you to organize a group to meet together regularly to share and to pray.

Whatever He asks you to do, you must be obedient and you will see Him answer your prayers.

Other ‘seasons’ in our prayer-life God will give us peace, even when we do not see the outward signs of change. He will ask us to be still before Him, to listen and to wait.

In March of 2007, a small group of us began meeting together weekly in the Prayer Room at our church to pray for our children who had turned their backs on God. In the process of praying for them, the Holy Spirit also dealt with us about some of our own emotions that were hindering our prayers.

We have seen God working in the lives of our families and our relationships. We have learned to recognize the ‘little things’ that indicate change and always to give God the glory and praise.

Yes, we have also witnessed salvation and change in some of our families! Thank you, Heavenly Father!

The ‘season’ that we are in now is one of completion. No, not everyone has given his heart to Jesus, but the Holy Spirit will finish the work that He has begun!

The beautiful thing about the Holy Spirit is that He began to speak with each of us individually several weeks ago that change was coming, and that we would no longer be meeting together.

At first I was troubled by it, because we have not seen God answer all of our prayers yet. I went to our pastor, who is our covering, and just as I was beginning to speak, the Holy Spirit showed him and he told me everything that was in my heart, as confirmation.

The works of the Holy Spirit are so beautiful!

The Holy Spirit also gave an anointed word to one of our sisters to share with us, which was specifically for us and gave us great encouragement.

Only the Holy Spirit can convict a person of their sins, draw them to Jesus and save them. Our part is to be obedient to Him and to pray.

He has seen our faithfulness and heard our prayers. He is answering our prayers and He will complete the work!

We give Him praise! I am expecting great miracles! I am expecting to see a domino effect as we see all of our families turn to Jesus!

God is so good! Thank you Jesus!

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Mercy Said No!

2010-09-27T18:40:00.009-07:00

I heard this song, “He’s Not On His Knees Yet”, sang beautifully by CeCe Winans for the first time a few days ago, and my heart cried for my family as I listened.

It articulates the cry of all of our hearts who are praying for loved ones…
“He’s not ready. He’s not on his knees yet. He’s too strong to be weak. Show him mercy, help him please; he’s not on his knees yet.”

You are not alone in your prayers. Listen please…(after you pause my playlist at bottom of page).

Sorry, I just realized that the embedding of this video has been disabled. You can still watch it by clicking on the play button and then click on "Watch on YouTube".

Many times we are our own worse enemy, because we are too strong to be weak; too self-sufficient, and too proud to surrender…but what did Jesus say?

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9

We pray for Jesus to show mercy, because we know that He is a merciful God who has shown mercy to each one of us!

“I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”
Psalm 116:1-2 NLT

I have never posted with two videos before, but this next one, also sang by CeCe Winans, gives the complete picture of the mercy of God, “When Mercy Said No”.

“When sin demanded justice for my soul, mercy said no. (He said) I’m not going to let you slip away; I’m not going to let you go. You don’t have to be afraid, sin will never take control. Mercy Said No!

Life and death stood face-to-face, darkness tried to steal my heart away.
Thank you Jesus, mercy said No.”

Listen…and be encouraged. Never give up praying. The Holy Spirit is working in their hearts and God hears your prayers!

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Spirit of Fear? No!

2010-09-13T11:30:00.011-07:00

Spirit of Fear? No!
by Amy Deanne at Internet Café

“For God did not give us the spirit of fear but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7 YLT

I’ve been watching my kitten for the past few weeks as he’s growing up. It always surprises me what “scares him”. Even through he’s only about 8 weeks old now he stands, arches his back and his hair stands up… you know that scared position!

I thought – “how fitting” for this verse. It took me a while to find this verse in the words I liked. I found Young’s Literal Translation the way I remember it in my head. You see, that kitten has nothing to be fearful of. It lives in a very protected house and yet…the tiniest things bother it…the bug on the floor...it’s shadow…a speck of dust floating in the sunlight…and the truth is, it has no reason to fear these things. They can’t hurt him.

And yet, how many times do we think our “little things” will hurt us? How many times do we let fear rule us instead of allowing God’s mercy and spirit to cover us? I love that this verse reminds us that the spirit of fear is NOT from God.

I pray that we remember it and commit it to heart, so we are able to fight against it when those “little fearful things” come into our lives and try to scare us!
…Amy Deanne

We are living in troubled times today. We worry about the economy, the government, our families and a load of other things. Are we allowing our worry to turn into fear?

Do we forget that God, our heavenly father is our protector and source?

We can say with confidence, like David did in...
Psalm 27:1 NKJV…
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Come out from under the covers. God has chased away the dream monsters from the closets of your life.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

One Nation Under God!

2010-09-05T12:17:00.011-07:00

UNITED STATES MAP - Short But Good!

A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little girl, Shelby. She wanted to know what the United States looked like, so he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Shelby, and said,
“Go into the other room and see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today.”

After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together. The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly.
“Oh,” she said, “on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together.”

Our thoughts turn back to 9.11.2001 this week. We need to remember what happened that day. Thinking of the horrific pain and suffering that happened to so many Americans that day and the awful realization that some people still want to destroy our nation should make all of us cry out to God!

There are those within our government today who are trying to destroy our country from within and who want to push God completely out of our nation. They want to erase His name from our history.

Little Shelby is right.
Jesus belongs in our country and in the hearts and minds of man.
If our country is to continue with freedom and prosperity, God must be included!

Listen to the message as Diamond Rio sings,“In God We Still Trust” (my Playlist).

Then please, pause the music (at the bottom of the page) and watch the video,
“One Nation Under God -
Jon McNaughton”.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

God Is Good!

2010-08-28T16:29:00.008-07:00

Let the Holy Spirit uplift you today with His presence and encouragement as you listen to this song, “God is Good”, by Don Moen (from my Playlist).

(chorus)
God is good all the time
He put a song of praise in this heart of mine
God is good all the time
Through the darkest night, His light will shine
God is good, God is good all the time
(Repeat chorus)

If you're walking through the valley
And there are shadows all around
Do not fear, He will guide you
He will keep you safe and sound
'Cause He's promised to never leave you
Nor forsake you and His Word is true
(chorus)

We were sinners - so unworthy
Still for us He chose to die
Filled us with His Holy Spirit
Now we can stand and testify
That His love is everlasting
And His mercies - they will never end
(chorus)

Lord I may not understand
All the plans You have for me
My life is in your hands
And through the eyes of faith I can clearly see
(chorus)

You may be walking through the shadows now and the valley of ‘why’, but God is so good and He is walking with you. Your days may be filled with frustration, pain and fear.

You may feel like your prayers aren’t getting above the ceiling. You have been praying for that loved one for so long, and there is no answer.

Why, God are You silent about the matter? You cry out, ‘Why?’ so many times in your prayers.

God has not forsaken you! He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. We do not need to be afraid, because He is our helper.
Heb 13:5,6; Deut. 31:6,8

I’m reminded of another song,
“For all of the Days That End in Why”, sang by Poet Voices.

The chorus is,
“God is there through every hello and goodbye,
God is there when I don’t even have the will to try.
God is there, God is there
for all the days that end in why,
for all the days that end in why.”

I love the message.

Someone said that when he first heard the song, he thought they were saying, “God is there all the days that end in Y.”

It made him think, “What days do end in Y?”

Sunday… Monday… Tuesday… Wednesday… Thursday… Friday… Saturday!

Every day of the week ends in “Y”!

Yes, God is with us everyday of the week.

Just remember, when you don’t understand the whys, that Jesus really is there for you every day that ends in ‘why’ and He is good all the time!

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

I Know He Watches Me!

2010-08-21T10:59:00.009-07:00

As I finished washing the shampoo out of my hair, my wet hands were covered with long strands of my hair. I rubbed my hands together to form the hair into a small ball.
Oh, no, my hair was falling out again!

My hair is very fine and is thinner as I age, but this happens every time I have surgery with anesthetic. After several months the 'fallout' has stopped and my hair is returning to normal, but going through it is very traumatic.

I have several friends who have had cancer and chemo treatments and have lost all of their hair! I can’t imagine how awful that must be. Thankfully, after treatment their hair came back.

Many men start losing their hair gradually at a young age due to a heredity gene known as “male patterned baldness”.
I’m sure that it must be traumatic for them as well.

Do you know that even God is concerned about your hair? He knows each one of us so intimately that He even counts the hairs on our heads?

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
Matt. 10:30

Let that really sink in for a moment. God absolutely cares about you! You may think sometimes that He doesn’t have time to hear your prayers or to know your pain, but He does.

He cares more about you than the little sparrow.
“…And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.”
Matt. 10:29

“Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Matt. 10:31

Those are the words of Jesus, recorded in the book of Matthew.

Selah sings the beautiful song,
“His Eye Is On The Sparrow”.
It’s beautiful and uplifting!

Listen and read the lyrics after you pause my Playlist at the bottom of the page.

I pray that you have the faith and confidence to believe God loves you and He always hears your prayer.

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
I John 5:14,15

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Turning Sorrow Into Joy!

2010-08-14T11:01:00.009-07:00

Our Lord Jesus is so loving
and merciful to us.

Do you know that He works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called to His purpose?

He will even answer the prayers of your heart that may be too painful to put into words.

He wants to turn the sorrows of your life into joy!

“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
Psalm 126:5

“Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10b

I want to share this video with you of a beautiful story of God’s love for Lee Ezell. The story has a wonderful surprise ending.

(Pause my Playlist at bottom of page first.)

God decides when to make life; therefore, we are all made for His purpose.

“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.”
Psalm 139:16 NLT

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

A Thankful Heart!

2010-08-07T20:32:00.008-07:00

Lord Jesus, by Your Spirit cause my children to seek You, and open their hearts to see you.

Bless them with a face-to-face encounter with You, confessing Jesus as their Savior.

Bless them with a hunger and thirst for your Word and a desire to know You.

In Your name I pray. Amen

This is one of the prayers I pray for my family, especially for the ones who are not following Jesus at this time.

I can say like John said, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

I am excited and I have a thankful heart tonight for the testimony of two of my beautiful teenage granddaughters. I am rejoicing and praising God for answering prayer.

We live states apart, so I'm not a part of their daily lives. I have found Facebook to be a useful tool for 'trying to keep up'.

This a FB comment Steph wrote recently,
“Looking back on the last two years of my life there are a few things that stand out.
One - I have so many amazing new friends, from church and youth group.
Two - I have become closer to the Lord and as a result, am more at peace with my life.
Three - I am actually almost ready to leave the nest.
Four - I am not nearly done with my journey, my walk with God. The most important thing in the next few years for me, will be getting closer to God and reading my Bible because I don't do that enough.”

This is a FB comment Susie wrote recently,
“I know I've been on a sort of Spiritual high lately but I feel like I've been given a purpose. I really feel like chasing after a career in Evangalism. Sorry to anyone who gets weirded out by this. This is me.: )

“I think about the last year or two, and two things stand out. One, how many amazing people I've met, my church friends, and how much stronger I've become in my faith in Jesus Christ.”

‎"Charm is Deceptive, Beauty is Fleeting, but a Woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."
Proverbs 31:30

Let us never forget to praise the good Lord for answering our prayers. He is faithful!

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Teach Our Children The Truth!

2010-08-01T15:43:00.007-07:00

Do you remember this song, “O Be Careful Little Eyes What You See”?

I remember singing it when I was very young. Listen to these adorable children singing it on the video and as you watch, it may bring back some good memories for you too.

(Pause my Playlist at bottom of page first.)

I no longer have small children at home, but I do have young grandchildren. My heart breaks when I think about the future of this generation who are not being taught the truth of Jesus Christ.

The schools are teaching our kids that there are many gods and Jesus doesn’t even get a mere mention!

Many of our churches are teaching a tolerant message of acceptance: “One can believe in any god one chooses and still get to Heaven”.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a mom or a grandma, we must pray for our kids.

The most important truth we must teach our children is that Jesus is alive and the One and only God who loves them! We must teach our children to pray and to know that Jesus hears them. We need to let our light shine before them, so they will see Jesus in us.

Our children are our most prized possessions and they should be a priority in our lives. I believe, our children are on loan to us from God and entrusted to our safekeeping.

We cherish and treasure them, even if they bring us heartbreaking pain at times.

“Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.”
Psalm 127:3

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6

This should be the prayer of every parent,
“God, I want to be instrumental in helping my kids establish a close walk with You. Please give me the strength and the wisdom to be the godly example that my children need to see. I realize that in order for this to happen I must be like You. Direct me daily to renew my commitment to follow in Your steps. Thank You for being the example I need.”

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Falling In Love With Jesus!

2010-07-24T15:40:00.008-07:00

When I was in high school, I fell ‘in love’ a number of times. It was very common for us to ‘go steady’, and for most kids ‘going steady’ could last for 3-4 weeks.

That special person could excite us and cause us to feel emotions that we had never experience before. One day we might be jumping with joy and the next day be full of despair. Emotions were always changing and seemed to rule our lives at that age.

We soon learned that love would only last more than a few weeks unless we made a commitment to the relationship and to the other person. True love goes hand-in-hand with commitment.

You choose to stay in love. You choose to be faithful. You choose to look for ways to keep falling in love with this person again and again. That is true love.

I was visiting with a dear friend last week, and she shared with me her experience of salvation. She told me that Jesus had brought her from such darkness that she fell totally in love with Him. The change He brought to her life gave her so much joy and peace.

She was overwhelmed by His love for her and she wanted more and more. She was hungry to learn more about Him and to feel secure in His love. She made a commitment to serve Him forever and never go back into sin.

Falling in love with your mate can bring ecstasy at times along with many other emotions, but none can compare with falling in love with Jesus. Words can’t describe the pure joy He gives!

Human love cannot love you totally and unconditionally like Jesus does. He loved each of us in our filth of sin so much that He chose to die in our place, so that we can have eternal life with Him.

My prayer for my kids is,
“God, let them see Your beauty and Your love for them. Uncover their blinded eyes to see their sin, and to know that Your blood covers them with forgiveness, when they repent and ask You for forgiveness. Lord, I pray that they fall in love with You with a passion to be in Your presence and to make a commitment to live for You.
Thank you, Jesus!”

Do you remember the song, “I Keep Falling In Love With Him”?
It was popular several years ago and we don’t hear it much anymore. I had a hard time finding it online as well.

The video below is not much of a video, but Henry and Hazel Slaughter are singing the song, and I’m sure if you listen to it, you will enjoy.

In fact, the song will probably get stuck in your head all day.
(Pause my Playlist at bottom of page first.)

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

When God Unfolds The Rose!

2010-07-17T14:22:00.006-07:00

"Unfolding The Rose"

It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
God opens this flower so sweetly,
Then, in my hands, they die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in Him for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look to Him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.

The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.

by Helen Steiner Rice

Not only do we need to trust God to guide our steps and direct our paths; to have complete faith in Him to unfold the rose petals of our lives, but to also trust Him to do the same for our children.

I think sometimes it is harder for us to surrender the plans we have for our kids to God, than to surrender ourselves.

We must remember that His plans for their lives is BEST and that only He can unfold the petals of their lives to their full beauty! Trust Him!

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!” Psalm 91:1,2

Please scroll down to bottom of page to pause my Playlist and watch the video.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

God Knows Our Need Before We Do!

2010-07-09T20:42:00.005-07:00

We may say a prayer for something in our lives that needs an immediate answer. Yet sometimes when the answer comes, it is nothing like we thought and seems totally wrong. But in the end we find out God was right all along!

For Sheila, a mistake turned out to be a miracle.

I want to share this story that blessed me.
“A Divine Misprint”
By Sheila Corey, from the book “God Answers Moms’ Prayers”

It was our fourth move in seven years of ministry, and even in a congregation of 350 members, a new wave of loneliness swept over me. One morning as I dressed my two preschool children, a thought came to me and I got on my knees to pray, “God, I’m lonely. Send me someone who is lonely and needs a friend, too.”

I then began to scour the church directory in search of a woman with children who might want to get together for the day. After many unsuccessful attempts, I dialed the number next to a familiar name. A woman answered.

“Cheryl?” I asked.
“Yes?”
“This is Sheila from church. How are you?”
“Uh, I’m fine,” she replied.
“How are the kids?”
“They’re okay. A little wild today.”
“Well, I’m calling because I’m taking my kids to the pool today and wanted to know if you could join me.”
There was an awkward silence, and then reluctantly she said, “Okay.”

I asked for directions to her house and was surprised to find she lived on the same road as we did, just a couple of miles east of our block. She came out of the house when I pulled into her driveway, and I soon discovered that the woman I was picking up was not the woman I thought I had called!

I put on my Sunday face and welcomed her as if she was an old friend. I was, after all, a minister’s wife, and thought she probably knew me.

As we drove along, we talked about the church. She asked if I had met a particular church member yet, and I said, “No.” I asked if she knew another church member, and she said, “No.” In the course of the conversation, we eventually realized we were from two different congregations.

She asked how I got her number, and I told her about my search through the church directory. We discovered that she shared the same first name as the lady I intended to call, and that her telephone number appeared in the directory by mistake.

Amazed, I told her of my prayer that morning. When I finished, she said through her tears, “God answered your prayer. My husband told me recently that he had an affair. I don’t know who to turn to. I truly do need a friend today.”

Cheryl and I spent the day talking, crying, and at times even laughing with amazement at God’s way of putting two needy women together. After dropping her off at the end of the day, I went home, immediately opened the directory, and called her.

“Cheryl?”
She laughed and then replied, “Yes?”
“Just checking to see if you were real.”
“I guess our friendship really was made in heaven,” was her chuckling reply.
“Amen to that, my new sister. Amen to that.”

The church directory was printed a year before my husband and I arrived at our new church. God scheduled my moment with Cheryl through a misprint. He knew Cheryl’s need a year before she did! He knew, even in my loneliness, that He could use me.

I learned that day, as did Cheryl, that God knows the needs of His people. If we are available to Him, no matter what our circumstances, He will use us to meet those needs.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Celebrate America!

2010-06-30T15:27:00.009-07:00

We celebrate America! Thank God for the freedom we still have to worship our Savior! But, it is time for the church to wake up. We will lose our freedom if we don’t.

We must pray for our nation…pray for God to heal our land.
(2 Chronicles 7:14)

Please scroll to bottom of page and pause my Playlist and watch this powerful video by Carman: “God In America”.

Have a wonderful day as you celebrate the day with family and friends.

I pray…
“that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,

that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;

that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge;

that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
(Ephesians 3:16-21)

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Children Are a Gift From God!

2010-06-21T22:49:00.003-07:00

It’s like a special club; Motherhood…and it’s truly gender specific, to say the least.

What a gift the Father has given to His daughters, to allow us to bear and nurture children! And through the miracle of adoption, even women who cannot give birth can still know the tenacious love of a child in their keeping.

What heartbreaking pain we can suffer and what inconceivable joy we can have all because we are mothers. Yet in reality we are merely caretakers, very attached to our work.

Our children are on loan from God and entrusted to our safekeeping for as long as He deems right. We find the direction and guidance needed when we turn them over to Him.

He knows each child intimately, ever since He began knitting each one together in the womb.

Yes, motherhood is a very special club. And it’s an honor to be invited by God to join.

(From the book – “God Answers Moms’ Prayers”, by Allison Bottke)

This spoke to my heart as I was reading it, reminding me that children are indeed a blessing!

Too often we forget, because when they are little we never seem to get enough sleep. When they are teenagers, our stress level keeps us from resting. And even when they are adults and our nests are empty, they are still in our hearts and in our prayers.

In spite of the worry and sometimes pain, being blessed with children truly is a gift from God!

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

God Always Does Things Right!

2010-06-07T10:15:00.014-07:00

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6,7

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:8,9

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Remember

2010-05-28T23:23:00.005-07:00

Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor the men and women in military service who sacrificed their lives to give us, in American, our continued freedom.

Freedom is not free! It never has been. Far too many have died and too much blood has been spilled for us to ever take our freedom for granted.

Sadly, many people are nonchalant about observing Memorial Day since the date was changed in 1971 to create a three-day weekend. They look at it only as a day to be off work and have fun.

I pray, “God, please don’t let us ever forget the sacrifices others have made for us.

"Help us to take a stand and not be apathetic about the stupid and dangerous policies others would like to change that will destroy our freedom.

"Above all, let us not forget that our America was founded on Your principles and truth, and we must not let them take that away from us.”

This video has compelling pictures and a powerful song, “I’m Proud To Be an American”. Please watch.
(You need to first turn off My Playlist at the bottom of the page.)

I share another video on Personal Connection With Jesus (click on the name) that shows the powerful emotion of war, “Psalm 23 Memorial Day Tribute”.

Have a good weekend.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Keep Looking Up!

2010-05-22T09:19:00.011-07:00

My husband, Don, is fascinated with clouds and always has been. When he was a little boy he loved to lie in the grass staring at the clouds in the sky. Today, he carries a camera with him so that he will be ready to take a picture of any cloud that catches his imagination.

All of his photos are beautiful, but I am especially drawn to the ones that show the light of the sun breaking through the clouds. It reminds me of the light of Jesus, the SON of God.

“He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, who makes the clouds His chariot, who walks on the wings of the wind.” Psalm 104:3

I believe we can see the beauty of Jesus reflected in the clouds just as the light of the sun hitting the cloud is reflected back to us.

The beautiful colors of the sunset give us an array of wondrous sights, especially when we see it setting behind the clouds.

I don’t pretend to understand the process of reflection/absorption or particles in the air that changes the color of the clouds at sunset. I just enjoy God’s beauty!

I’ve selected some of Don’s cloud photos for a video along with Brooklyn Tab Choir’s beautiful song, “Total Praise”.

Please go to My Playlist at the bottom of the page to turn off the music, then sit back and enjoy the video.

Let us also remember that the Bible tells us:

“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” Mark 13:26

“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
I Thess. 4:17

Keep looking up!

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Fear That Paralyzes Faith

2010-05-11T22:12:00.005-07:00

“Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

This is the question that Jesus asked of the disciples. Their boat was filling with water as the strong winds tossed their boat about and they cried out to Jesus, “Do you not care that we are perishing?”

Fear is a painful emotion caused by actual or perceived danger or threat.

I am recovering from back surgery and two weeks post-op I had a new symptom which puzzled me and later made me afraid. My left knee suddenly began to give out on me and I was unable to lift my leg because of weakness.

Later when I was feeling better and going to church or shopping I was still having problems walking in a straight line, even falling once when I stepped off a curb. I clung to my husband when we were out, because I was afraid that I would fall again if I walked alone.

The doctor seemed to think that it was normal and would get better if I walked, so I began walking on my treadmill every night. I kept praying for complete healing and strength and so many dear friends were also praying for me.

I was still afraid. What if I would always have trouble walking and lifting my leg to get into the car? What if I fell again, getting hurt and making matters even worse?

As I was praying a couple of weeks ago, asking God again to restore my health, I realized that fear was paralyzing my faith. As long as I was afraid I could not believe.

The Holy Spirit gently prompted me to begin praying for deliverance from fear. I did and I began to feel my faith restored. Soon I was feeling so much better and walking without fear. Jesus is my healer and I am gaining strength every day.

Jesus is my healer, but I believe that if I had continued to live in fear I would not have received my healing.

Despair is much like fear. Despair means to be hopeless; to give up all hope or expectation. Despair is probably the most dangerous, most difficult emotion to deal with that haunts hurting Christian parents who are praying for their wayward kids.

What happens when we pray for a son or daughter and God doesn’t act? What do we do when there is no miracle?

If we surrender to our feelings of disappointment with God, we begin to doubt everything but our worries and our hopelessness. Before long, we fall victim to despair. We will be praying only out of desperation and fear, not faith.

Jesus is asking us the same question today, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
(2 Timothy 1:7)

Let us be like David who said, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Next To My Heart

2010-05-01T12:53:00.009-07:00

“I looked at this tiny, perfect creature and it was as though a light switch had been turned on. A great rush of love, mother love, flooded out of me.”
Madeleine L’Engle

Thinking about Mother's Day, I want to share a story that I recently read in "Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul 2". I think all of us moms can relate in one way or another. Even though being pregnant was so very long ago for me, the memories of those years are still with me.

God bless each one of you and may all the love you give to others come back to you on this special day.

Next To My Heart
By Bonnie Compton Hanson

The day I had to stop dead in my tracks in the aisle of a busy supermarket was one of the worst in my whole life.

There I was, pregnant as could be, forty pounds overweight, a whole month past my due date, with wretched ‘morning sickness’ that lasted twenty-four hours every single day. And now I had cramps in both feet so excruciating I couldn’t move.

This wasn’t the way I had expected motherhood to be. My own mother, who had six children, glowed when she was expecting. And her mother, my grandmother, not only joyfully welcomed sixteen little ones into the world, but also ran a busy store the entire time.

Looking forward to holding a little one in your arms, they had said, and feeling the miracle of life inside you, should make any woman ecstatically happy. And healthy!

I was miserable and so large I had long since forgotten what either my feet or my legs looked like. There was only one outfit I could even get on, a sort of muumuu tent. I had to give up work, give up church ministries, and almost give up hope.

Why was God allowing this to happen to me? He knew I loved him, my husband and this unborn child. My friends had started snickering: “You were due when?” Even my doctor grumped at me as if it were all my own fault.

And now during one of the hottest Augusts on record, my ankles swelled so badly in our sweltering apartment, I had to keep them in buckets of ice. Going anywhere was torture. But we were out of milk. Just a quick dash to the store, I thought-- surely I could do that.

So here I was, frozen in my tracks, stopping carts in both directions.

My face beet-red, I stared at the rows of cracker boxes in front of me, pretending not to notice the angry shoppers whose way I was blocking. And then I heard a little girl’s voice: “Mommy, why does that lady look so funny?”

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to stop sudden tears, ‘Oh, God, please! That’s the last straw! Can’t anyone say anything nice about me for a change? I’m so tired of being a medical freak. Won’t I ever be normal and comfortable and well again? Won’t I ever get to hold this baby in my arms?’

Then that mother said something I will never forget; “Honey,” she murmured, “it’s because God has given that woman a tiny baby to carry next to her heart.”

When I opened my eyes, mother and daughter were gone. Eventually, so were the cramps. But those words have lasted a lifetime.

They were so true, and such a blessing to me during those final miserable days before I could hold my beautiful firstborn in my arms. During my next two pregnancies as well. A blessing I remembered as my three children grew up and married. A blessing I have been privileged to share with my own pregnant daughters-in-law and many other young women I have known over the years.

For even after our children are born, we mothers still carry those precious little ones next to our hearts. And we will continue our whole lives long.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

What is the First Word of the Gospel?

2010-04-23T23:14:00.007-07:00

A pastor asked a group of children in Sunday School class,“Why do you love God?”
He received a variety of answers, but the one he liked best was,
“I don’t know, Sir, I guess it just runs in our family.”

That is a cute adorable answer from a child and it brings a smile to my face, but I wonder if that is the only reason our children say they are “Christian”.

In Sunday School we teach our children the story of Christmas and Easter. We tell them that Jesus loves them and they should believe in Him. If they believe, they will be saved.

This is all true, but are we teaching them about true repentance?

What is the first word of the gospel?

John the Baptist preaching about Jesus’ coming...
(Matt.3:2) “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

The beginning of Jesus’ ministry…
(Matt.4:17) “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say,“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Jesus’ words:
(Matt. 9:13) “For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

On the Day of Pentecost when all of those, who were expectantly waiting in one accord, were filled with the Holy Ghost, it caused great commotion and confusion in the crowd of people outside. Peter being filled with the Holy Spirit and the anointing began to preach Jesus to them.

(Acts 2:37-38) “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Again, Peter preaching on another day to a different crowd…
(Acts 3:19) “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”

I believe that ‘repent’ was the first word of the gospel. Sadly, we seldom hear it preached in churches today. The Gospel has been watered down, so as not to offend.

To be completely honest I’m not sure, in my fading memory, if my sons heard the complete gospel of repentance while growing up in church 30-45 years ago.

Is this why so many of our children who were raised in church leave the faith when they start making life choices? Was their faith anchored through repentance, or just a mental acceptance of what they agreed to believe at that time?

Only the convicting power of the Holy Spirit can bring the unbeliever to repentance. The Spirit’s irresistible power draws him to the Master, changing his mind, attitude and behavior instantly, for all eternity!

2 Cor. 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Their Eyes Were Opened!

2010-04-10T13:20:00.007-07:00

Can you imagine the excitement and joy that Jesus’ followers felt when they realized that Jesus was not dead, but alive? One by one they believed, as others who had seen Him shared their stories.

Two of His followers who were walking on the road to Emmaus actually experienced Jesus joining them for the walk.

Luke 25:15 “So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.”

Wow! How exciting that must have been! But they didn’t know that it was Jesus. They didn’t recognize Him. They still believed He was dead.

Verse 16- “But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.”

Our unsaved loved ones are in this condition!

Cor. 4:4 “Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.”

Luke 25:31- “Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him.”

Verse 32- “And they said one to another, Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”

We need to pray that our kids’ eyes will be opened so that they can see Jesus who is walking beside them.

And pray that the Holy Spirit will burn within their hearts a remembrance of His Word that they perhaps learned as a child. If they did not have the teaching as a child, pray that the Word will be exposed to them from sources all around them.

And every time they hear a witness of Jesus Christ, it will burn in their hearts, which will put them under such strong conviction that they have to say “Yes” to the Holy Spirit.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Jesus Is Alive!!

2010-04-03T12:21:00.007-07:00

Jesus, gave His life for our sins. He was beaten beyond recognition and then crucified on the cross. He gave His life as our sacrifice so that we can have eternal life in Heaven.

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, to heal and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Jesus lives.

The grave could not hold Him. He had power over death and rose again on the third day. We celebrate Easter, the day of new life, the day of resurrection, the day of eternal hope!

Jesus is risen!
Jesus is alive!

Celebrate! Shout for joy! Jesus did not stay in the grave, but He is alive! Easter is our promise of eternal life!

May you have a blessed Easter!

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Jesus, My Savior, My Healer and My Strength!

2010-03-25T21:52:00.014-07:00

This post is about praise. Praise to Jesus, my Lord.
I have been very ill with severe pain since November. Even with conservative treatment, my condition continued to worsen. I finally consented to have extensive back surgery on March 1st. The surgeon informed me that it would be 6-12 weeks before I would feel normal again.

Many people have been praying for me, and I thank all of you for praying. I thank God for an excellent surgeon, but I know that Jesus is my healer. The first two weeks post-op were pretty bad, but now less than four weeks out, I am doing amazingly well. I’m planning to go to church on Sunday. I give all praise to my Heavenly Father and to Jesus my healer!

If you have been following my blog, you may remember my post on August 29, 2008, “Answer to Our Prayers”. It was the praise report of our daughter coming back to Jesus a few months before. She gave her heart to Jesus doing the Easter season in March of 2008, two years ago. She is still loving Him and what a difference He has made in her life!

She sent me this poem a few days ago that she had just written. She said that she was thinking of how most people this time of year are trying to get back into shape for the summer, when these words came to her. I want to share it with you and I’m sure that it will bless you as it did me.

Strength In Christ

We want perfect bodies with firmness and shape,
We planned our workout and we watched what we ate.

The pounds they came off and the results were in view,
But inside, tender hearts are still needing renewed.

We strive for perfection and outward acclaim,
But inside we still suffer with nothing to gain.

God knew who we are when He created the earth,
It is there in His love that we realize our worth.

It is not by chance or luck we are here,
Each one of us chosen, each one of us dear.

He chose us and knew us before we were born.
To not love Him back, will His heart not be torn?

As we do for our bodies to strengthen and grow,
We must sacrifice daily with our goal Him to know.

Take time when you wake to sit with Him and pray,
To start your beginning and end of your day.

Get lost in His word the true bread of life,
You won’t fear the carbs instead gain New Life.

You will see in short time the new you that appears,
Without heavy hearts and without any fears.

This New Life we’re given so precious and short,
Came with a steep price the fee paid by our Lord.

Is it not worth the time and work we must do?
To feel so alive and through Him be renewed.

A workout plan simple to grow strong in Him,
Just stop for a moment and look from within.

By Lori Staley - 2010

Thank you, Jesus, for blessing Lori’s life and for the gifts and anointing you have given her.

We are encouraged to continue to pray and believe your promises for all of our lost children to believe and accept Your love. We give you praise for the many prayers that You have already answered.

”Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!”
Psalm 150:6

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

What Does The Cross Mean To You?

2010-02-25T14:23:00.006-07:00

Most of my thinking, my studies, and my prayers lately have been on healing, because I am in need of healing now. I will be having back surgery in a few days and I ask for your prayers.

I know without a doubt that Jesus is my healer! He has healed me many times in the past. But it wasn’t until I had a need for healing this time, that I started seriously searching the Bible for examples of divine healing and God’s promises.

I have been reading F.F. Bosworth’s book, “Christ The Healer” which was written in 1973. It is a compelling book filled with powerful evidence of Jesus as our healer, and many scriptures are given for study.

The highlight of the book for me personally was a reminder that it is God’s will for me to be well. I’m afraid our faith has been watered down somewhat when we always preface our prayers with, “If it be your will, Father.”

What was the purpose of the cross? Wasn’t it to restore to mankind all that Adam’s action had taken away from us?

Adam, by his fall, brought sin into our souls.
Adam, by his fall, brought disease into our bodies.
Sin and disease is therefore the work of the devil.

“Jesus went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed by the devil.”

On Calvary, Jesus bore our sins. He was made sin for us in His body on the tree. He was wounded for our transgressions and He was bruised for our iniquities.

On Calvary, Jesus bore our sicknesses and carried our suffering. And with His stripes we are healed.

“For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit.”

We know that Jesus bore our sins, so do you think it is God’s will to save only a select few who come to Him? No! He said, “Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

We know that Jesus bore our sicknesses, so do you think it is God’s will to heal only a select few who come to Him? No! “He was moved with compassion and healed them all and all manner of diseases.”

The Atonement of the cross, Jesus as the pure sacrifice, restored to us all that had been taken away from us by sin and the fall of Adam. Jesus came to earth to do the will of the Father, which was to reconcile us to Him giving us eternal life and freedom from the curse of the law. The curse of the law included diseases. Jesus redeemed us from the curse through His Atonement. He died for our sicknesses, our pains, our transgressions, our iniquities, our peace and our healing.
Romans 5:6-21

It is hard to look at Jesus suffering on the cross, even though we know that He did not stay dead and we know that He is alive today. But perhaps we do need to look again to be reminded of His bountiful mercy and love. He left Heaven and came to earth as a baby to live as one of us because of this love and to do the will of the Father.

It IS the WILL of the Father for all to be saved; including every family member that you are praying for, and it IS His WILL for all of His children to be well.

Wow! What a glorious blessing, freedom from sin and disease. Let us sing praises to our Savior for giving us life! Let us give praises and glory to our Heavenly Father for loving us so much that He gave His only son, Jesus Christ, to suffer and die in our place!

(Isaiah 53:4-5, Matthew 8:17, I Peter 2:24, Luke 4:40, I Corinthians 6:20, John 3:16)

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Quilt Full Of Holes

2010-02-08T21:22:00.002-07:00

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us, laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again.

I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ.

Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

“Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy."

"For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."

"So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."

"God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:2-4, 12 NLT

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

To God Be The Glory!

2010-01-31T10:07:00.010-07:00

I invite you to sit here a while and enjoy the presence of God.
Enjoy the music and the words of His beauty and power.
Read the psalms of praise with me.

Today is the day that God hath made.
Let your heart give praise to the creator of your life.
The very breath that you are breathing comes from Him.

Don’t think of your circumstances and trials today.
Let’s give God, our Heavenly Father, all praise for who He is.
The beauty, the majesty, the power, the love of His being!
The blessing that is ours, knowing that He loves us.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Psalm 103:1-5

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD!
Call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
Talk of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!
Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face evermore!
Remember His marvelous works which He has done,
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth.”
Psalm 105:1-5

”Praise the LORD!

Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD!”
Psalm 150:1-6

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Seek His Presence

2010-01-21T19:27:00.010-07:00

When I am feeling well it is easy to pray. It is easy to respond to an urgency to pray for others. It is easy to have faith, because life is good and hopeful at the moment.

I have been made acutely aware, in the past couple of months, that when I am in pain, my focus is on my pain and on me. My intellect knows that Jesus is still my healer and that He wants me to be well, but all I can see is the problem. It is so hard to see beyond the pain.

Yes, I still believe, but my focus becomes more and more self-absorbed. When I am thinking more of myself than I am of Jesus, I have moved away from His presence. I begin to doubt and have fear that my problem is greater than His power.

I woke up the other morning with this thought,
“Don’t weigh your problem with His promise.”

If we begin to analyze and judge His promises then we will diminish our faith in His power. His power, His ability and His desire to heal and to save is unchanging! Our disconnect to Him, comes when we move away from Him and His presence.

Praying for our unsaved kids can also become a ‘worried task’ and we may be guilty of weighing their sin against God’s salvation, believing that there is no hope for them. Don’t let us become so lost in the worry that we are only focused on the situation and the problem.

We will find the presence of God in prayer. Prayer is simple, like quietly opening a door and slipping into the very presence of God.

If circumstances in your life, pain or worry, have caused you to feel a distance or disconnect with the Lord, bring your focus back to Him and seek Him.
Seek His presence.

Jeremiah 29:12-13 – “ Then you will call upon me and go and pray to me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart.”

Psalm 27:8 “When You said, “Seek My face”, My heart said to you, “Your face, Lord I will seek.”

Psalm 63:1 “O God, you are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for you in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.”

Psalm 105:4 “ Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!”

(Pause my Playlist at bottom of page before watching video.)

Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Matthew 7:7 “ Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Hebrews 11:6 “ But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him,”

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Save Our Babies!

2010-01-15T19:34:00.011-07:00

(Pause my Playlist at bottom of page to watch video. Then go back to enjoy the music.)

I realize this is a long post and not the usual message I share, but it is just as important. As God-fearing people, we must become more passionate about the ruthless killing of our babies!

If you are in the Houston area, please make the effort to take part in these events. If you are not able to be there, please, please pray!

I was made aware of this by my niece, who shared this letter from Lou Engle, President, TheCall, Inc.

"Largest-ever Abortion Facility in U.S. sparks ‘Moral Outcry’. Facility targeting Black, Hispanic Communities in Houston will "Lead to countless innocent deaths and make Late-Term Abortion more accessible".

At this present moment, the second largest abortion facility in the world, next to China, is being built in Houston, Texas. This six-story, 78,000 sq. ft., Planned Parenthood abortion “Super Center” is right in the middle of four minority neighborhoods. Three of these neighborhoods average an 85% Hispanic population and the fourth is 80% Black American. The third floor is dedicated to performing late-term abortions.

Obviously, Planned Parenthood is targeting these minority communities and families to fuel their abortion industry.

Thirty-seven years ago abortion was legalized in Texas; now let it begin to be reversed there. We are calling for the pro-LIFE people of Houston, Texas, and America to gather Sunday night, January 17th, 2010 for TheCall. We are describing these types of gatherings as TheCall/Crisis for historic moments when we only have a brief window of time to mobilize. It is a sudden summons of the consecrated ones who will leave everything in a moment to gather, fast, pray and proclaim.

This Call will be Sunday, January 17, 2010 6:00pm-11:00pm @ Grace Community Church in Houston, TX.
Location: South Campus
14505 Gulf Freeway
Houston, TX 77034

On this evening, we will be unifying with one voice before God to pray for the Luke 1:17 answer to the killing of our babies and the wounding of our women – “And he will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children …”

Silent March will be Monday, January 18, 2010

On Martin Luther King Jr.’s holiday, January 18th, 2010, at 9:30am, remembering that great voice of justice in America, thousands of believers along with key Black-American and Hispanic leaders will gather to march silently, pray, fast, and peacefully witness against this massive abortion facility and then we will hold a National Press Conference.

This is a great hour for pro-LIFE people “when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics” may come to raise up a witness for the preservation and healing of a city and a nation.

We are calling the consecrated ones from all over America who have set their face to see the ending of abortion in their generation to suddenly come to Houston and stand as a prophetic witness against this abortion temple. May God find a generation who refuses to be silent when the ancient death temples begin to brazenly arise in the earth again.

Demonstration of Compassion

Who knows? Houston could become a Birmingham of our day to let the unborn go free and spare the pregnant mother the agony of post-abortion physical and spiritual trauma. Here a great demonstration of compassion could be launched through pregnant mother care and a mass movement of adoption.

Out of Houston the voice of our minority peoples could begin to proclaim to the nation their stand for life. We believe, as Martin Luther King Jr. would have proclaimed it – It is time to “subpoena the conscience” of the nation with a dramatic display of unity against this facility and for the healing of our nation.

I Have A Dream

Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” Clearly, for every child God has a dream.

Martin Luther King, Jr. cried, “I have a dream!” His niece Alveda King has prophetically stated, “How can the dream live as long as we kill our children?”

God also has a dream for America, and a massive six-story abortion facility has never been a part of that dream. Let the nightmare end, and let the dream live.

Join Lou Engle, Tony Perkins, Sammy Rodriguez, Eduardo Verastegui, Mathew Staver, Star Parker, Dr. Richard Land, Ken Blackwell, Pastor Stephen Broden, and Bishop Harry Jackson in Houston to take a stand and to pray!

Consumed by the call,
Lou Engle
President, TheCall, Inc."

Love and prayers,
Carolyn

Constant Unrelenting Prayer

2010-01-08T23:01:00.006-07:00

My prayer for the New Year is for the Holy Spirit to renew my passion for lost souls, a passion that causes me to spend more time in prayer for their salvation. Time and distractions have a way of getting in the way, and interfering with what I feel I should be doing. I know that it is only by the strength of the Holy Spirit that I will be able to keep my focus for this ministry.

In Acts 12 we read the story of Peter being miraculously delivered from prison, because the church offered constant prayer to God for him. That night, Peter was sleeping and was bound with two chains between two soldiers and with guards standing before the door.

God sent His angel to deliver him, and as Peter obeyed the angel’s instructions, his chains fell off his hands and he was led safely past the second guard post and when they came to the iron gate leading to the city, it opened of its own accord.

God delivered him from death, because the church was in constant prayer for him!

The devil has the unsaved bound with chains just as Herod had Peter, with every intention of causing their death and destruction. The situation looks hopeless to us, but when we continue to pray, God will deliver and work a miracle in their lives.

Constant, unceasing, unrelenting prayer is the key to freedom and deliverance!

God acts powerfully in response to prayer.

Let our prayers be like Paul’s in Col. 1:9-10 “We…do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

This video reminds us of the importance of prayer, not only for salvation but for healing and safety as well.
(Pause my Playlist at bottom of page.)

God is our Heavenly Father and He delights in His children asking and believing Him for all of our needs.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T14:01:00.011-07:00

We always say, “Happy New Year” at the beginning of the year, because we have high hopes for a new beginning. We make plans to change the things about ourselves that we do not like. For me, it is always to lose weight and to exercise more. It is a good plan, but it usually falls apart after a few weeks.

I believe I have found some better goals for this year. Someone shared this list with me recently and I want to share it with you.

ATTITUDES ARE CONTAGIOUS. IS YOURS WORTH CATCHING?

Following are some suggestions for maintaining a grateful attitude:

1. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

2. Spend time in the Word.

3. Spend time praying and praising God.

4. Wake up each day with a happy heart.

5. Share the love of Jesus with your family and friends.

6. Smile at people.

7. Don't forget to thank people. Send thank you notes or e-mails.

8. Encourage others who may be going through a hard time.

9. Help others out. It may be giving a ride to someone, making a meal, offering a listening ear, or helping them fix something. Find a need, and do your part to fulfill that need.

10.Count your blessings. End each day with praise and thanksgiving.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

May God bless you abundantly with joy and His presence this year.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-16T12:10:00.013-07:00

He Came

No room in the inn, not even for Him,
He was born of a lowly birth.
A star in the sky caused three men to sigh,
The Savior had come to earth.

Word would spread fast, He had come at last,
Many had waited so long.
The angels would sing a heavenly ring,
Shepherds would join in the song.

Gifts they would bring to honor the King,
Joy would flow through the land.
The sky was bright, what a glorious night,
God kept His promise to man.

What change would be made, caused by this Babe,
He was wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Persecution and strife, He would give up His life
And through Him God’s love still flows.

Eddie Roush 2008

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:11

Wishing you Christmas blessings of joy, love, hope, and peace that comes when we make room in our heart for Jesus.
Carolyn

Jesus Is Knocking

2009-12-12T10:29:00.007-07:00

Reachable
Words and music by Steve Chapman

"There’s a boy in his mother’s prayers
‘Cause lately she’s been aware
That he’s been drifting too far from the shore
And she’s beginning to believe
The boy is getting out of reach
Weary mother, don’t you worry any more

‘Cause the boy is reachable, I know he’s reachable
And to God he is visible and all things are possible
‘Cause if the Lord can reach His hand of love through time
And touch a cold sinner’s heart like mine
The boy is reachable, oh he’s reachable

And there’s a girl on her daddy’s heart
‘Cause lately they’ve drifted apart
And the company she’s keeping leads her further away
And he’s beginning to believe
The girl is getting out of reach
Weary father hold on, Heaven hears you when you pray

And the girl is reachable, I know she’s reachable
And to God she’s visible and all things are possible
'Cause if the Lord can reach His hand of love through time
And touch a cold sinner’s heart like mine
The girl is reachable, oh she’s reachable"

How many times has the devil made you discouraged, thinking that your son, your daughter, or your grandchild has gone too far away from God that they will never come back?

The devil is a liar!

Remember the story in my last post of the atheist who said, "One day I turned around and God was there...He found me!"

You must continue to pray and believe. God will draw your loved one by His Holy Spirit.

"For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:39

"Behold I stand at the door and knock." Rev. 3:20

Ken Horn had an encouraging article in the Aug.30,09 Evangel, titled
"Jogging To Salvation". Click on link to read the entire article.

He writes:
"I was pastoring in California when, on a Sunday morning, a young man slipped into the back of the sanctuary very late in the service. When I gave the altar call, he was the first to respond.

That day a new soul entered God’s kingdom.

After most of the people had left, I asked him what led him to our church. He told me he had never been a believer, but had a relative who had witnessed to him throughout the years. She reminded him occasionally that she prayed for him daily. This didn’t make much of an impression until the day he woke up under conviction, suddenly aware of his need for a relationship with God. All he could think of was, I’ve got to find a church.

“I couldn’t wait for you to quit preaching,” he told me, “so I could get to the altar.”

Our precious Saviour does answer prayer, my friend.

Blessings, Carolyn

Jesus Is Seeking The Lost!

2009-11-21T00:05:00.015-07:00

The Holy Spirit is so awesome! When the same thought is brought to my mind in several different ways over a period of days, I start to pay attention. God has been reminding me of how much He loves my family, whom I am praying for, and He desires to save them and give eternal life to them.

Perhaps you are like me, praying for 20+ years for your sons and daughters to give their lives to Jesus. There is no outward change that you can see. Do not be discouraged. The change will begin in their heart where the Holy Spirit is dealing with them.

Remember the parable that Jesus gave about the lost sheep?

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?

“And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’

“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:4-7

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 19:10

I was delighted to find the blog, “My road, as I travel it” yesterday, and was blessed by the Nov. 18th post. This article is right in line with the message the Holy Spirit has been teaching me this week.

I want to share part of it with you, and encourage you to go to her site to read the entire article.

"The Atheist Theology Student Who Was Found by God"

John Powell a professor at Loyola University in Chicago writes about a student, in his Theology of Faith class, named Tommy.

Tommy turned out to be the "atheist in residence" in my Theology of Faith course. He constantly objected to, smirked at, or whined about the possibility of an unconditionally loving Father-God…

When he came up at the end of the course to turn in his final exam, he asked in a slightly cynical tone, "Do you think I’ll ever find God?"I decided instantly on a little shock therapy. "No!" I said very emphatically.

"Oh," he responded, "I thought that was the product you were pushing."

I let him get five steps from the classroom door and then called out, "Tommy! I don’t think you’ll ever find Him, but I am absolutely certain that He will find you!"

He shrugged a little and left my class and my life…Later I heard that Tommy had graduated and I was duly grateful…

Then a sad report, I heard that Tommy had terminal cancer. Before I could search him out, he came to see me…

“…What I really came to see you about," Tom said, “is something you said to me on the last day of class. I asked you if you thought I would ever find God and you said, ‘No!’ which surprised me. Then you said, ‘But He will find you.’

“I thought about that a lot, even though my search for God was hardly intense at that time. But when the doctors removed a lump from my groin and told me that it was malignant, then I got serious about locating God. And when the malignancy spread into my vital organs, I really began banging bloody fists against the bronze doors of heaven.

“But God did not come out. In fact, nothing happened. Did you ever try anything for a long time with great effort and with no success? You get psychologically glutted, fed up with trying. And then you quit.

“Well, one day I woke up, and instead of throwing a few more futile appeals over that high brick wall to a God who may be or may not be there, I just quit. I decided that I didn’t really care ... about God, about an afterlife, or anything like that.”…

(He goes on to tell the story of making reconciliation with his family and the joy it brought.)

“I was only sorry about one thing, that I had waited so long. Here I was just beginning to open up to all the people I had actually been close to.

"Then, one day I turned around and God was there. He didn’t come to me when I pleaded with Him. I guess I was like an animal trainer holding out a hoop,
‘C’mon, jump through. C’mon, I’ll give you three days, three weeks.’

“Apparently God does things in His own way and at His own hour. But the important thing is that He was there. He found me.

“You were right. He found me even after I stopped looking for Him."

Blessing to all of you and may you have
a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Carolyn

Be Still My Soul

2009-11-09T20:55:00.009-07:00

Are you a mom who has cried night after night, maybe even year after year, for your unsaved child? You know that he will go to hell if he does not repent and accept Jesus as his Savior and it breaks your heart. Your cries are usually cries of desperation and fear, which leaves little room for faith.

Remember the story in Mark 4…the disciples were so frightened of the windstorm whipping their boat in the dark night that they forgot that Jesus was with them. When Jesus spoke to the wind saying, “Peace, be still!” the wind stopped and there was a great calm.

He then said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

Yes, there is a time and place for desperate prayer…when God places a heavy, heavy burden in your heart to pray. You know that you are in a spiritual battle and you must pray until you get relief and have peace in your heart.

But when the heavy burden leaves, we must not give up praying. Now is the time to worship God in praise. His presence is in the midst of our praise! He gives us complete peace in our situations when we acknowledge His faithfulness and truly believe that He is working all things together for our good.

I have a son who is suffering bad effects from a surgery that he had three weeks ago. In the natural it is a great concern and hard for me to watch his pain, but God has given me a beautiful peace about it.

I trust my Lord completely and believe that He is using this illness to get my son’s attention. Many, many prayers have been prayed for him to come back to Jesus.

I feel certain in my heart that victory is ahead for both healing and salvation!

Only the supernatural peace of God can give me this calm spirit!

By faith, I praise my Jesus for answering prayer!

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

Listen to this beautiful song, “Be Still My Soul” by Selah. First, mute 'My Playlist' at bottom of page. Enjoy and be blessed.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

"5 Keys To Reaching Your Family For Christ"

2009-10-23T21:51:00.006-07:00

“Nothing is more painful to a child of God than knowing his or her unsaved relatives are facing the possibility of an eternity in hell, separated forever from the light, love and presence of our Creator. Seeing them saved should be a desire beating strong in the heart of any serious believer.”

These are the words of author Arni Jacobson in his new book,
“5 Keys To Reaching Your Family For Christ”.

I had the privilege of hearing Pastor Jocobson in our church several months ago, when he spoke on this subject, and talked with him briefly about our Moms’ prayer group. As most of you know, praying for our kids’ salvation is the passion of my heart.

I was thrilled when he sent me a copy of this new book last week. I found it to be simple and direct with a very timely message. It is an easy read and you will be blessed and encouraged when you read it.

You can order it online at his website www.arnijacobson.com or www.amazon.com
It will be in the stores in January.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Love and Prayers,
Carolyn

Distractions

2009-10-16T20:34:00.008-07:00

Do you ever become distracted? Or are you able to always stay focused?

I believe that most of us today have schedules that are too full, causing us anxiety and a lack of focus. I am retired, and I still have too many things to do!

Do you know that the devil delights in keeping us busy and getting us off tract?

Even if everything you do is good, it can still be wrong for you if you are distracted from the things that God wants you to do. You can be so busy, even with church activities, that you have no time to pray or sing praises to God.

Satan will do anything he can to keep us from being obedient to the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t have to be a sin, just something to keep our minds occupied and busy.

Recently I realized that I was not praying with the same intensity or as often as I had been, and I was not posting on this blog as often as I had before. I felt like the Lord was telling me to give up one of my church activities and to use that time to pray more.

I did...but then I became distracted! I have been in the middle of a spiritual battle, but not fully aware of what was happening. When I opened up more time for prayer, the devil immediately filled it with something else. My activities have been good and important, but they were not what God had told me to do.

The meaning of “distract” per Webster’s is:
“To divert attention from; to draw towards different objects”.
A friend describes distraction like this: to lose traction, or to get off track, losing your direction and moving aimlessly.

Remember the story of Martha and Mary?

“As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42

Let us be like Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to Him. Our focus should be, building our relationship with Jesus by entering into His presence with worship and prayer. When we are in His presence, we can ask anything in His name, believing, and He will do it for us.

We must have that close relationship with Jesus to learn how to intercede for our family’s salvation. Don’t let Satan win by keeping you distracted!

You will be blessed as you watch this video and join Selah as they sing, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”.

(Need to first scroll to bottom of page to mute the music on My Playlist.)

Blessings, Carolyn

Remembering Dad

2009-09-27T15:47:00.005-07:00

My dad was born in September 1902, and has been gone since 1990. As I remembered his birthday this month, I was reminded of the Christian heritage and beautiful legacy he gave us.

My nieces and nephews were also remembering him on his birthday and wrote about him on Facebook. It blessed me so much to see the honor and respect they gave to their grandfather. Here are a few of their quotes:

“I am so thankful this morning for a godly heritage and the memory of a grandpa that was a humble man in so many ways but powerful in his belief of God and disciplines of life. Thanks Grandpa Hail for paving the way for me, because of your choices I have a life that is blessed and I cherish my relationship with Jesus Christ and my family. The Hail legacy is awesome!”

“Today would have been my grandpa Hail's birthday. I miss him and his praying for me and everyone of his family everyday. What a wonderful godly man. He truly had a great influence on our lives.”

“I often attribute my Godly heritage to Grandpa Hail's prayer life. His godly widsom and insight to the scriptures were a beacon during my spiritual meanderings. Thank God for men and women like Grandpa and Grandma Hail!!”

“I often think of the time he took evey single day to call each of us by name.....and by the end of his life there were a lot of us! And as the family has continued to grow I believe it is because of Grandpa and Grandma Hail's prayers that every one of us, our children, and our grandchildren are so blessed! What a heritage we have!”

”He was and is still a great example of a godly man’s journey thru life. Humbled by the awesome love and grace of God..every day holding up in prayer his kids, grandkids, great grandkids ...those prayers are still bringing blessing to us all....because of decisions he made in his life, he has set in motion the life’s path that many of his seed will follow. His love for God and His word has truly blessed this family. Every morning when I pray for my kids, grandkids and family, calling each by their name…I remember his example. He is truly missed, but I know he is where he longed to be…with his Savior. God has blessed his life and continues to do so through his seed.”

Thank God, my parents knew how to pray, and they prayed daily for us, calling each of us by name even as the family grew. And our family grew and grew!

I am the youngest of seven and my youngest son is their 21st grandchild. They have 57 great-grandchildren and I’ve lost count of the great-great grandchildren. Most of us are serving God! I know that is because of their prayers! You know, God still hears those prayers too.
Wow! We are blessed.

My dad was a Pentecostal pastor who was still preaching until his death at age 88. I remember hearing him say, “I pray when the Lord is finished with me here that He will just take me home in my sleep.” God answered his prayer.

My mom, who was recovering from a stroke at the time, found him unresponsive in the middle of the night. Mom said that they would often sing in bed before falling asleep. That night, they had sung, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

The message of that song is so true. God is faithful and has been faithful in my family more times than we know.

My dad and mom both were prayer warriors and had great faith. They knew that Jesus answers prayers and they taught each of us kids that truth. We had family devotions every morning and night as I was growing up. I learned to read, before first grade, by reading from the Bible. We knelt to pray and each took our turn in praying. My dad would finish the prayer by praying for each of us by name. My mom and dad continued praying that way as long as they lived.

Thank you God, for both my parents and their godly teachings.

“I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessings on your offspring.”
Isaiah 44:3

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

Give Someone A Hug Today

2009-09-15T19:32:00.013-07:00

"Hugging is Practically Perfect"

It's wondrous what a hug can do.
A hug can cheer you when you're blue.

A hug can say, "I love you so”
or, "Gee I hate to see you go".
A hug is, "Welcome back again!"
and "Great to see you!"
or "Where've you been?"

A hug can soothe a small child's pain
and bring a rainbow after rain.
The hug! There's just no doubt about it,
we scarcely could survive without it.
No longer do you have to worry,
for a hug is the way to say "I'm sorry."

A hug delights and warms and charms,
it must be why we all have arms.
Hugs are great for Fathers and Mothers
sweet for Sister, swell for Brothers.
Chances are some favorite Aunts
love them more than potted plants.

Kittens crave them.
Puppies love them.
Heads of State are not above them.
A hug can break the language barrier
and make the dullest day seem merrier.

No need to fret about the store of 'em.
The more you give the more there are of 'em.
So stretch those arms without delay, and

GIVE SOMEONE A HUG TODAY!
author- Dean Walley

"God’s Embrace"

Soon after her family left for the evening, Carol started to think that her hospital room must be the loneliest place in the world. Nighttime had fallen, her fears about her illness were back, and she felt overwhelming despair, as she lay there alone.

Closing her eyes, she began to talk to God: “O Lord, I know I am not really alone. You are here with me. Please calm my heart and give me peace. Let me feel Your arms around me, holding me.”

As she prayed, Carol felt her fears beginning to subside. And when she opened her eyes, she looked up to see the warm, sparkling eyes of her friend Marge, who reached out to encircle her in a big hug. Carol felt as if God Himself were holding her tightly…

When we show love and compassion in simple, practical ways, we are a part of God’s ministry to His people.
----Cindy Hess Kasper

"Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other."
Romans 12:10

Love and Hugs,
Carolyn

Simple Prayer...Simple Obedience

2009-08-31T10:55:00.016-07:00

A 46-year-old businessman prays alone in an Old Dutch Reformed church in New York City. It is Sept. 23, 1857, and Jeremiah Lanphier is concerned that no one else is there.

He had felt impressed to begin a weekly midday prayer meeting. Now, 30 minutes in and still alone, he wonders if he’s made a mistake. By the end of the hour, a handful of men have come and gone.

This prayer meeting began like so many others — with little apparent interest. But Lanphier felt God had told him to do it, so he continued.

Prayer is at the heart of every genuine move of God.

In 1857 society was in turmoil. Religion was in decline and the debate over slavery was turning ugly.

But history tells us that in the midst of spiritual decay and nominal Christianity, God raises up people to pray — and the fires of revival first begin to glow in the warmth of humble rooms of prayer.

And then people began getting saved — right in the prayer meetings. A prayer meeting in Michigan saw 500 conversions; one in Connecticut claimed 400.

It was reported that not one unconverted person could be found in some of the towns of New England. Indeed, during one two-month period, weekly conversions averaged 50,000. Papers nationwide noted a radical, positive change in the moral climate.

At the end, in 1859, 2 million Americans — 1 in every 15 — had been won to Christ.

The message is clear. A great move of God requires no superstar revivalist. God uses simple prayer.

I got so excited when I read the article, “Prayer Meeting Revival” by Ken Horn in last week's Evangel. I’m sharing highlights of the article with you here, and you can read ‘the rest of the story’ online at:

http://www.tpe.ag.org/Articles2009/4972_Revival.cfm

It is a reminder of God’s mercy. We are watching our culture and society decline today, as it gets darker and darker. This generation seems to have lost their way and do not know the path to truth and righteousness. But, God has not changed!

“For I am the Lord, I do not change…” Malachi 3:6

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8

Can you imagine a prayer meeting with conversions of 400 and 500 in one night? These miracles were common in the early church of Acts, and in this revival of 1859. I’m sure there have been other times as well.

By the end of 1859, 2 million Americans –1 in every 15- had been won to Christ!

How? By believing God’s word, being obedient to His instruction and beginning a simple prayer meeting.

Our God does not change and He wants to bring revival to us today. Is He talking to your heart? He wants simple obedience. He will do the rest.

Blessings, Carolyn

Do Not Lose Heart

2009-08-21T22:55:00.011-07:00

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9

I have a decision to make that has been heavy on my heart. Do I continue leading the prayer group of moms at our church who are praying for their unsaved kids?

Of course the answer would seem obvious. In early 2007, God gave me this ministry of prayer, with a burden to intercede and to share the burdens of other moms. Praise God, we have witnessed several life-changing miracles!

But, to be quite honest, I have felt weary recently. It can be very taxing to intercede not only for my own family, but for others as well.

The above verse of scripture is one that the Holy Spirit showed me a few days ago, and I can’t get it off of my mind. I know that He gave it to me for instruction, as well as encouragement. He is always faithful to bring peace of mind when we trust Him!

As I am writing this, the tears are blurring my vision, because the Holy Spirit is reminding me that even if it is only one who comes to Jesus, it is worth every prayer!

The scripture tells us, “in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
God, please help me not to lose heart and restore the passion in me to continue to pray with faith and Your anointing.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Our prayers are like seeds, much like a farmer who plants and is expecting a harvest. Our part is to be obedient and plant the seed…God produces the harvest.

I also came across an article online this week by Jeremy Jernigan, “Coke Prayer vs. Seed Prayer”. This is part of it...

“...We’ve seen plenty of remarkable answers to prayer, but it’s just not like a Coke machine. You don’t put in your prayer and get out a miracle. It’s more agrarian. It’s more organic. You sow something and you harvest it later, and it’s often quite different than what you sowed.

“Do my prayers look more like Coke prayers or like seed prayers?

“A Coke prayer is when we are basically asking God a yes or no question. God becomes our “Magic 8 Ball,” and we await His response. But usually this only leads to frustration as most of His answers appear to be no. At the very least they don’t look like what we were praying for...

“But a seed prayer is much different. A seed prayer focuses more on God’s answer than my request. What is my small prayer seed compared to the plant that He could make out of it? And so we begin thinking of God bigger, and pray for things that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no.

"Then we wait, and eagerly watch as God begins to turn that seed into a growing, thriving plant that may or may not directly resemble the seed we planted. But that is the excitement of it. And the result of this is that we pray more…

“Are you planting seeds or waiting for a soda to dispense?”

You may be feeling weary too, but don’t lose heart and never stop praying for your loved ones.

Please, watch this video, “The Power of Prayer” and be encouraged.
(First, pause my Playlist at bottom of page.)

Blessings, Carolyn

God Still Answers Prayer!

2009-08-14T16:44:00.008-07:00

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
2 Cor. 5:17

Even when you don’t really believe it, you still pray for a miracle.

You can’t quite believe that the person you are praying for will ever change.

Your grown son or daughter is apathetic about God; and your heart breaks, because you know that unless they repent of their sins and accept Jesus into their lives, they will be forever lost.

That is the reason you continue to pray. As a parent, you cannot accept the possibility of your own children going to hell.

Sometimes, our own emotions of fear, frustrations, guilt and perhaps even anger gets in the way of our faith.

But, God…in His divine mercy sees the intent of our hearts and will answer our prayers.

I’m so excited about what God did this week!

One of the moms, in our prayer group, got a letter from her son yesterday. It has been thirteen years since she has seen or heard from him. The tears and the joy came when she read the good news that he is walking with the Lord again.

The ladies in our group have been praying for him, but if we had only looked at the circumstances and not to God, then we would not have had the faith to believe.

And… you know, God does it every time. He always gives the miracle in a way that we totally unexpected, in His own time and in His own way. I think He chuckles about it when He sees us so blown away.

I give Jesus total praise for this prodigal coming back to His Heavenly Father.

(I hope to share the entire story with their permission at a later date.)

We continue to pray for all of our prodigals to come home.

(Scroll down to the bottom of the page to pause My Playlist as you listen to the video.)

“God Still Answers Prayer” by Karen Peck. Listen and let your faith be encouraged.

Blessings, Carolyn

What Kind of Legacy Are You Leaving Your Children?

2009-07-29T16:17:00.008-07:00

Biblical parenting is not a guarantee of having godly offspring. However, the richest legacy a parent can leave a child is a godly example and passing their faith down through the generations.

The commandment that Moses received from God to give to the Israelites was:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might, and these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
Deut. 6:5-7

Was this commandment meant only for the people of long, long ago? If you believe, as I do, that the entire Bible is meant for us today, then yes, God does want us to teach our children to love Him with their whole heart, soul and might.

How can we do that? You say, we are so busy today and I don’t have the time.

We need to live our life so that our family will see Jesus in us.

Let them see the joy of the Lord in you.

Pray with them each day before they leave for school. Help them to learn scriptures to hide in their hearts to build their faith.

If your children are still living at home, please make sure that they have made a true confession of Jesus Christ as their Savior. Don’t assume that they are saved just because they go to church with you every Sunday.

I’m speaking as a grandma who raised her boys in a Christian home, believing that each one had made a commitment to Jesus. I’m not certain anymore. I don’t see evidence of a close relationship with Jesus, so I pray for them daily.

This is the prayer that I pray for them.
“I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high His love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it. And so at last you will be filled up with God Himself.”
Eph. 3:17-19 LB

I just recently heard this song,
“Find Us Faithful”. One line that I love in the song is, “May the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe”. The over-all theme: “May all who come behind us, find us faithful.”

If we don’t teach the next generation about Jesus, then we will have a lost generation.

(Scroll down to the bottom of the page to pause My Playlist, and listen to this video. Let it speak to your heart.)

Blessings, Carolyn

In God We Still Trust

2009-07-16T20:17:00.007-07:00

On my last post, I expressed concern about the condition of our government and even greater concern about a generation of children who are not being taught about Jesus.

These things could cause me worry and despair if my trust was in the government, but it is not. My trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The song on the video is from a Las Vegas Diamond Rio concert… They received an immediate, resounding standing ovation, and continue to do so every time they perform it!

Sadly, major radio stations wouldn't play it
because it was considered "politically incorrect".

Listen, and enjoy this great song, “In God We Still Trust”.

(First, scroll to the bottom of the page and pause My Playlist. Playing now is "I Can Trust Jesus" by the Collingsworth Family.)

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Blessings, Carolyn

God Give This Child a Good Heart!

2009-06-29T19:59:00.009-07:00

We keep hearing conservative voices on the News screaming about the huge debt that our government is leaving for our children and grandchildren. Apparently those voices are not being heard in Washington, because the reckless spending continues. I am appalled and sickened by what I see happening in Washington. Everyday there is something more distressing than the day before, with no one capable of stopping it from spinning out of control.

Even greater than that, I am tremendously concerned about this generation of young people not knowing who Jesus is in a very personal way. I have grandchildren who are not going to church and are not being taught by their parents that Jesus loves them and that their hope is in Him. They certainly don’t hear anything about Jesus in school, but instead they are being taught to accept the belief that all gods and paths lead to heaven.

Please help me pray for all of our children that they will have a heart to know Jesus. Even the ones who are being raised in a Christian home need prayer to keep them from the evil one.

Do you remember what Jesus said about the children?

“One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him.

“But when Jesus saw what was happening, he was very displeased with his disciples. He said to them, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

“I assure you, anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God."

“Then he took the children into his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.”
Mark 10:13-16 Living Bible

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13

“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!” Psalm 119:2

Please listen to Signature Sound sing this beautiful song,
“A Good Heart”.
(Scroll down to bottom of page and mute My Playlist first.)

Blessings,
Carolyn

P U S H

2009-06-01T19:32:00.018-07:00

A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared.

The Lord told the man he had work for him to do and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might.

So this is what the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down; his shoulders set squarely against the cold massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all of his might.

Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling like his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, Satan decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into his weary mind:

"You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't moved." He gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.

Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough."

That's what the weary man planned to do, but first decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.

"Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting in all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"

The Lord responded compassionately,
"My child, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push.

"And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms and back are strong and muscled; your hands are callused from constant pressure, and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have.

"True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you have done.
Now, my child, I will move the rock."

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him.
By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains.

When everything seems to go wrong ... just P.U.S.H.!

When the job gets you down ... just P.U.S.H.!

When people don't react the way you think they should... just P.U.S.H.!

When your money is "gone" and the bills are due ...just P.U.S.H.!

When people just don't understand you ...just P.U.S.H.!

Pray Until Something Happens

This story was sent to me by e-mail recently. It came at a time when I was feeling discouraged, wondering how effective my prayers are and thinking, "What am I doing wrong?"

As I pray repeated prayers for the salvation for my unsaved family and see little results, I wonder, "What more am I supposed to do?"

The Holy Spirit never fails to come through with whispers of love and encouragement. He can even use a story that comes by e-mail.

He reminds me that all He has ever asked me to do, is to be obedient to Him. He has asked me to pray for my family. He asked me to start a prayer group with other moms, praying for all of our kids, which I did two years ago. Last July He asked me to start this blog, to encourage other moms that I have never met, in their prayers for their families.

He wants me to P U S H: Pray Until Something Happens!

He will do the rest! He will move the rock (or mountain)! He will save our families!

Watch this video and listen as a young man sings about his Mama's prayers. Ladies, never stop praying. Your prayers may be the only means of bringing your kids back to God!

(Scroll to the bottom of the page and pause My Playlist.)

Blessings,
Carolyn

Freedom Isn't Free!

2009-05-23T11:43:00.008-07:00

I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still;
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant 'Amen,'
When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.
(Unknown)

We must never forget who gets the credit for the freedoms we have, of which we should be eternally grateful.

Enjoy your freedom and God bless our Troops!

Lord, Teach Us To Pray

2009-05-18T22:08:00.010-07:00

I’ve been troubled lately with wondering if I really know the most effective way to pray. I am being very honest. Thankfully, I can say that I have a long-term relationship with Jesus and for many years He has blessed me and answered so many prayers for me!

But, my heart is searching to know why some prayers seem to go unanswered. I have started a word search in the Bible of the words “pray, prayer, prayed and praying”.
I believe the Holy Spirit is prompting me to do this search.

I welcome any comment or thought that you would like to share on the subject of prayer.

We have access to so many books written on the subject of prayer and most of them are very good and helpful.

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray and from that we are given:
“The Lord’s Prayer”
recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4.

“Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and
The power and the glory forever.
Amen.”

Jesus taught us to pray to God as “Our Father”.
Perhaps, we need reminding that Jesus also told us to come to Him as a child with simple child-like faith.

Blessings,
Carolyn

Smile!

2009-05-01T19:49:00.008-07:00

John 15:9-11...Jesus said, "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."

I just stopped by to say "Hello". I have been on vacation for two weeks visiting family out of state. I'm taking another two weeks off before getting back into my routine.

I miss blogging and visiting my favorite blogs.
May God bless all of you Moms and give you a great Mother's Day with family.

Carolyn

2009-04-11T10:39:00.006-07:00

Celebrate! Shout for joy! Jesus did not stay in the grave, but He is alive! Easter is our promise of eternal life!

Rejoice as you listen to this video,
"Then Came The Morning".
(First, go to the bottom of the page to pause the music on My Playlist)

I pray that each of you have a blessed Easter.
Carolyn

Atonement

2009-04-03T16:42:00.012-07:00

In a recent radio interview, The Shack author, Paul Young, told the interviewer he did not hold to the traditional view of the atonement in that he does not believe Jesus Christ bore the punishment (i.e., penalty) for man's sins when He died on the Cross (transcript).

He also stated, with regard to this topic: "I don't know if you're aware, but that's a huge debate that's going on in theology right now within the evangelical community." …

This "huge debate" states that a loving Father would never send His Son to a violent death on behalf of the sins of others. And while they do not deny that Jesus did physically die on a Cross, they insist that His death was not to be a substitutionary act wherein He was punished for our sins.

For complete article and links– visit Susan at Mud Splats…
Post - March 19, 2009 The Shack Author Denies Biblical Substitutionary Atonement

This is so disturbing to me it breaks my heart. When we deny Jesus as our spotless, sinless lamb who was our sacrifice shedding His blood for our sins, then we have no hope.
Jesus and only Jesus is the one who connects us with God.
He is the spotless lamb who is the permanent, perfect, final sacrifice for all sin, for all men, for all time.

Don’t just celebrate Easter as another holiday with bunnies, colored eggs and cooked ham.
Remember what our Savior has done for us in being the atonement for our sins.
Remember that the grave did not hold Him, but He arose on that Resurrection morning and He is alive today!
This is why we celebrate Easter!
It is the hope of our salvation.
Without it, we are no different than any other religion!

I Peter 3:18 “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit”.

The video tells the story. Go to bottom of page to pause the music on my Playlist before watching the video.

Have a blessed week,
Carolyn

Praises To My Heavenly Father For Answering Prayer!

2009-03-27T10:20:00.010-07:00

I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
(Isaiah 46:4 TNIV)

He was only five months old when I first saw him. His young mom had left him with me for a few hours. I had just met her and my heart was touched with God’s love for her, because she was so young and seems so alone.

As I held E in my arms, rocking him, I had an overwhelming sense of God’s presence and a special love for this baby. I prayed for God to protect him and for him to grow up to love God.

Three months later my son, J, married the young lady and the baby became my grandson. They were married for a few years before J was able to adopt him and E became my grandchild legally.

J and K were married two years when they had a beautiful son who died suddenly at eight weeks, but two years later God blessed them with a healthy son.

Their marriage lasted for only twelve years, separating J from his two sons, except for short visits. The miles between us also separated me from my grandchildren.

I never stopped loving them. I never stopped praying for them, as I pray for all of my grandchildren and their parents.

I give praise to my Heavenly Father today for answering my prayers!

E enlisted in the Army in early 2003 and has been in Iraq for two tours and has just completed a tour in Afghanistan. God has answered my prayer for his protection! He was in the middle of the war facing grave danger and narrowly escaped harm many times, but was never hurt.

Only God! He kept him safe! I praise God for his mercy and for answering prayer. From the first prayer I prayed 27 years ago and continuing today, God is faithful to watch over all of us and to keep us in His care.

Praise God today for all of His blessings and many answers to our prayers!

Blessings,
Carolyn

Friendship Award

2009-03-21T20:58:00.027-07:00

TO: God.Com
Dear Lord,

Every single evening
As I'm lying here in bed,
This tiny little prayer
Keeps running through my head:

God bless all my family
Wherever they may be,
Keep them warm
And safe from harm
For they're so close to me.

And God, there is one more thing
I wish that you could do;
Hope you don't mind me asking,
Please bless my computer too.

Now I know that it's unusual
To bless a motherboard,
But listen just a second
While I explain it to you, Lord.

You see, that little metal box
Holds more than odds and ends;
Inside those small compartments
Rest so many of my friends.

I know so much about them
By the kindness that they give,
And this little scrap of metal
Takes me in to where they live.

By faith is how I know them
Much the same as you.
We share in what life brings us
And from that our friendships grew.

Please take an extra minute
From your duties up above,
To bless those in my address book
That's filled with so much love.

Wherever else this prayer may reach
To each and every friend,
Bless each e-mail inbox
And each person who hits ‘send’.

When you update your Heavenly list
On your own Great CD-ROM,
Bless everyone who says this prayer
Sent up to GOD.Com

Amen

This may sound very trivial, but when it was sent to me by
e-mail, I thought of how appropiate it is, to ask God to bless all of my bloggy friends, who are in my computer. I have received so much inspiration from many of you. What a joy to read your writings and to be blest!

Karen from Hallelujah Anyhow sent me the Friendship Award and I am honored by her friendship and thoughtfulness.

Now I pass this award to eight sisters who continually bless me with their words.

Ladies, please feel free to paste the award on your site if you choose to do so, and include this text that is passed on with the award...
"These blogs are exceedingly charming and the kind of bloggers that aim to be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of the prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award".

Karen at Hallelujah Anyhow.

Jennifer at Through The Storms of Life.

Tammy at Not Mine But God's Story.

Dorinda at Treasure In Jars Of Clay.

Laurie at Women Taking a Stand.

Chappyswife at Journey To The Prize.

Julie at Mirror Of Grace.

Debbie at The Princess Blog.

(Thank you, Shawna at Journey To The Prize, for helping me learn to link. You are a dear friend.)

May God continue to bless each of these dear ladies as they blog for Jesus. Please check out their blogs that are filled with God's love.

Blessings, Carolyn

Spiritual Warfare!

2009-03-13T23:56:00.011-07:00

How strong and intense is your desire to see your family saved?
Do you really care enough about them to fight the devil for their souls?

I believe the devil knows that if he can get us to be complacent and stop praying that he will win. I fear that many of us fail to see the sins in the lives of those we are praying for, because it has become commonplace in our society and they really are good people.

This has been so heavy on my heart this week. Things happening in our world today show us that Jesus will return very soon. What a glorious hope for this to happen! But, dear Lord, I can’t bear the thought of my family not being ready. We are in a spiritual battle for their salvation.

Karen Wheaton sings a song, “Enough is Enough!” It is about putting on the whole armor of God and fighting the devil to take back all the stuff he has stolen from us.
(It is the second song on My Playlist at bottom of page.)
It is a victory song! You will be blessed as you listen.

Eph. 6:10-18… gives us instructions how to be… strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We are to… put on the whole armor of God so that we may be able to stand against the wiles (or scheming) of the devil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. v. 12

We need the whole armor of God, which is truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, and to be praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. v. 13-18

Satan doesn’t give up his victims without a fight. We need to constantly remind him of
I John 4:4…, which says that God is greater than he is!
Tell him that you will fight him by the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, so he might as well quit now. Then ask God to frustrate satan’s plans in the lives of those you are praying for.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4… The gospel is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Unbelievers not only hear what we are saying. They hear what we say, plus what they already believe. What they hear is filtered through a belief system, a veil, which causes them to hear something totally different. There is a veil or covering over their minds, which prevents them from clearly seeing the light and truth of the gospel.

Acts 26:18…Open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to God. …The unbeliever cannot war for himself. He cannot overcome the stronghold of darkness and will not understand the gospel until the veil lifts. We must take our divinely dynamic weapons and fight. Only the Holy Spirit can draw man to himself in repentance, but we must pray down the strongholds that are binding our kids and pray for the veil that is blinding them to be lifted so they can see Jesus.

God does answer prayer, so don't ever give up the fight!

Blessings,
Carolyn

What Does A.S.A.P. Mean?

2009-03-06T11:41:00.017-07:00

Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.
*************

There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

In the midst of family chaos,
'Quality time' is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond to all your needs
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

This was sent to me by e-mail this week, so many of you may have already seen it.

We need to always remember that we can communicate with our Heavenly Father through prayer. We are so blessed to have a God who will listen and will answer our concerns. Prayer is also a way to give Him praise. When we praise Him, we enter into His presence and in His presence, we can ask of Him anything.

May you have a joyous week-end.
Carolyn

PSALM 23

2009-02-27T20:27:00.011-07:00

I have to share this video. It is just too cute! These 2-year-old twins are precious and adorable, and God bless their parents for teaching them God’s word.

Blessings, Carolyn

God Will Make a Way!

2009-02-20T19:45:00.012-07:00

It was 45 years ago this month when we walked through the valley of death. I was nine months pregnant and had two wonderful little boys under the age of four. Even though our family life was full of noise and activity, my husband and I were eagerly looking forward to the birth of this new baby.

The pregnancy was completely normal and uneventful. I was faithful with keeping my doctor appointments, seeing him every week by then. We didn’t have ultrasounds “back in the day” to tell us if our baby was a boy or girl. We had to wait patiently for the doctor to surprise us when he announced, “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!” We were hoping that 'it' would be a girl.

My due date was February 20th and that day came and went. My parents, who lived in another town, had come a few days earlier and picked up the boys taking them back to their home.

Two days later, I realized that my baby was not moving. At first I would not allow myself to believe it. I kept trying the technique of deep breathing, because that would usually cause some kicking and movement. But now there was nothing. I had to tell my husband. I had to call the doctor. Norris didn’t seem to grasp the seriousness of the situation, but as the mother, I knew something was desperately wrong.

When the doctor examined me the following morning, he confirmed that there was no heartbeat. My baby was dead, but still in my womb. Our horror and disbelief sent us to our knees.

We drove straight to our church and went immediately to the altar. Churches were not kept locked in those days. We both prayed and sobbed at that altar until we were exhausted. The questions kept coming.
“Why, God? We are both serving you Lord, and we are active in the church. God, why didn’t you protect this baby and keep her alive? What have we done to deserve this punishment?”
My parents had taught me, from a young child, that God is always faithful and I could trust Him to always take care of me. Why was He not taking care of me now? Oh, so many questions.

We stayed at the church until we could no longer pray or cry. We could only try to find comfort by holding on to each other. We drove home in silence and lay down on the bed, even though it was still afternoon. We were emotionally exhausted and fell into a deep sleep for several hours. It was as if God had given both of us a sedative so that we could rest.

It was dark when we awoke and there was a calm sweet spirit of peace in the room. The Holy Spirit’s presence was there and He was reminding us that even though we will walk through valleys of death in this life, He would always walk with us. He will even carry us when we are unable to walk. We can always trust Him to be our strength in our weakness.

My merciful God gave me the strength to have a natural labor and delivery, even though the baby usually needs to be taken by cesarean in those circumstances. I carried her for five more days knowing that she would be stillborn. Yes, she was a baby girl.

We were told that she had a congenital defect and if she had been born alive would have been severely handicapped living only a short time. How do you accept that? How do you digest that and come to terms with that information? How do you go through the process of giving birth, and yet go home without a baby in your arms?

No, God had not forsaken us. He was not punishing us. We live in a sinful world and bad things will happen from time to time. God is faithful and will walk with us through all of the heartache and pain that we may suffer. His presence will give comfort and His power will give us strength.

I have to admit; my heart did not grasp this truth at first. Norris and I were very young and still immature, but we had wonderful family support and a great church family. After months of prayer, I came to realize that even though I don’t know what my tomorrows will bring, God sees the whole picture and knows everything about me from beginning to end.

If I allow Him, He will hold my hand and even carry me when I can’t walk. He is the only one that can give me a deep settled peace in my spirit. He has shown me His constant love for me time and time again. Through the good years and the bad, He has always been faithful to take care of me.

For many years I was haunted with the “what ifs” as each February approached. Gradually, my heart healed and God gave us two more beautiful boys.

I know that I will see my baby girl when I get to Heaven. Even though I missed raising my own little girl, God blessed me with eight granddaughters, one stepdaughter and five daughters-in-law.

This is the first time I’ve written about this part of my life and I wasn’t intending to share it on this post. It is not my usual content and because it is longer than I usually write, it will take more time for you to read. But, I feel that perhaps there is someone that is going through a similar experience, or has in the past and is in need of encouragement.

If you are the one who needs to read this, then I believe God loves you and cares about you so much that the Holy Spirit will direct you to this post. May God comfort you with peace and His love. He will make a way for you to overcome just as He has for me.

Blessings,
Carolyn

My Child is Coming Home!

2009-02-13T16:27:00.007-07:00

Can you imagine how exciting it will be when that one whom you are praying for says, “Yes” to Jesus and accepts Him into his heart?

I’m sure that you will be filled with joy and praise. Your heart will feel like singing. My husband and I experienced this last year when our daughter called us with the good news. We could hardly contain our emotions as we rejoiced with her.
(I shared this story in the Aug. 22, 2008 post.)

The Bible tells us that the angels rejoice in Heaven over one sinner who repents.

“There will be more joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

“Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

It may be hard for you to believe, but Jesus loves your family member more than you do and desires that he/she will repent and be saved.

“The Lord is…not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
(2 Peter 3:9)

I recently heard this great song by David Phelps,
“My Child is Coming Home”.
The lyrics are below. The song is the first one on my Playlist.
(Scroll all the way to the bottom of page and turn on player.)

Listen to the words and be blessed and encouraged.

My Child is Coming Home

Words & music by Suzanne Jennings,
David Phelps & Guy Penrod.

Just an ordinary day in Heaven, lookin’ down the Streets of Gold.
You can hear the strings and the angel wings, see the saints of Old. Then suddenly God breaks a smile, and begins His song,
"Look my Son is comin’ home!"

Open up the Pearly Gates of Heaven.
Build another mansion next to mine.
Everybody dance and shout for joy around the throne.
Set another place at the table.
Sound the trumpet loud and clear this time.
Halleluiah, my child is comin’ home.

Now they say the only time God sings is when a lost soul believes.
And they say that there’s a celebration there beside the Crystal Sea. And God, Himself, directs the choir and the welcome band.
And then He sings out once again.

Open up the Pearly Gates of Heaven.
Build another mansion next to mine.
Everybody dance and shout for joy around the throne.
Set another place at the table.
Sound the trumpet loud and clear this time.
Halleluiah, my child is comin’ home.

Come on, play the anthem strong.
Come on, join in, sing along, sing it strong.

Open up the Pearly Gates of Heaven.
Build another mansion next to mine.
Everybody dance and shout for joy around the throne.
Set another place at the table.
Sound the trumpet loud and clear this time.
Halleluiah, my child is comin’ home.

Open up the Pearly Gates of Heaven.
Build another mansion next to mine.
Everybody dance and shout for joy around the throne.
Set another place at the table.
Sound the trumpet loud and clear this time.
Halleluiah, my child is comin’ home.

Keep the faith,
Carolyn

Computers! You Love ‘em and You Hate ‘em!

2009-02-06T15:35:00.003-07:00

It was extremely frustrating when I could not log onto my own computer. Even though it recognized my password, it kept shutting down after one minute. Thanks to a wonderful smart friend who knew what the problem was and to my loving husband’s abilities, who can fix almost anything, I am now back.

It was not a virus, as I feared, however my body was hit with a virus about the same time. Thanks to prayer and my Jesus, I am feeling almost normal again.

I know that these are things that happen in life, but I felt like I was being attacked, by the devil, enemy of my soul. I feel sure that he doesn’t like what I am doing.

I have started a second blog, writing directly to the unsaved to witness God’s love. If you have followed my writings, you know that my heart is burdened for our unsaved kids and the need to encourage other moms who are praying for their families.

Lately, I have felt that I must do more to get the message to not only our prodigals, but to everyone who has not accepted Jesus. I’m not very bold, about witnessing “face-to-face / one on one”. However, the Holy Spirit has given me this tool, the Internet, and with His guidance and anointing, I must be obedient.

A friend asked me how I could get the unsaved to find my blog. I told her that I do not know. I only know that I must be obedient to the Holy Spirit and He will do the rest. Pray with me, please, that the message will always go out as the Holy Spirit leads.

Blessings to you and your families,
Carolyn

Wait In His Presence

2009-01-25T23:57:00.000-07:00

Asking God to give me an anchor verse for the New Year was a new idea to me, but I liked it very much. Tammy at “Not Mine, But God’s Story” shared this idea a couple of weeks ago, and the verse that the Holy Spirit gave her touched my heart as well.
(Psalm 37:7).

I prayed about what God wanted me to have and I couldn’t get away from the same verse. I kept praying about it and He gave me three more verses of the same theme. It is sort of like having the thought pounded into my spirit.

“My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.” (Psalm 62:5)

“The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)

“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently on Him to act.” (Psalm 37:7)

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)

Waiting can be very hard. We live in a society that offers instant gratification for almost everything we want or do. Many of us have been praying the same prayer for months or maybe even years. We grow tired and impatient and sometimes depressed. Our focus is on the problems and not the problem-solver. Our distressed crying drowns out the voice of the Holy Spirit.

I believe the Holy Spirit is telling me, and perhaps you, that it is time to be quiet before Him, and to sit in His presence, wait and listen for His voice. That does not mean that we can stop praying. It simply means, trust God to have the answer and listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Have you ever been with a friend or relative who talks the entire time you are together? When she leaves, you realize that you may have only spoken two or three sentences. How does that make you feel? She left before you could share your thoughts. Sadly, that is the way most of our prayers are spoken to God. Do you take the time to hear what He wants to share with you?

Lord, I am hungry for Your presence. Thank you for loving me and compelling me to seek more of You. I know that Your word says…
“You will make me full of joy in Your presence.” (Acts 2:28)

Friends, please watch this video and hear the beautiful prayer sung by Hillsong.
(Turn off my Playlist music first.)
It is my prayer as well, and may it be yours.

Blessings to you and your family.
Carolyn

How Serious Are We?

2009-01-15T16:14:00.001-07:00

In Remembrance of Her

How serious are we when we pray for our unsaved family?

We think about their life-style and know, from our own experience, that they would be happier if they gave their life to God to follow His plan.

We are concerned that they would be left behind if Jesus returns while they are unsaved. Sadly, I believe that thought is rather vague most of the time.

We seldom think about the possibility of them dying, without warning, at a young age. Even though, we probably do pray daily for their protection.

The mother of two of my grandsons died two days ago from a brain aneurysm. She suddenly went into a coma last week. As far as I know she was unsaved. I prayed all week that somehow, by the grace of God, she would be aware enough to know what was happening and to make her heart right with Jesus. Only God knows. She was 45 years old and was a member of my family until the divorce about 14 years ago.

My heart is so stirred with the realization that she may not have been ready. We do not know a person’s heart and I do not want to judge her, but this is the first time that I have felt such uncertainty about a person who is, or was close to me. In the years past I prayed many prayers for her, and I know God answers prayers, but He does not force Himself on us. He allows each of us to have a free choice, so we may not see our prayers answered in the manner that we expect.

Some would say that I am suffering from guilt. I don’t think so. Guilt does not come from God. I really believe the Holy Spirit is showing me how important and urgent it is for us to continue to make intercession for our family daily. Yes it takes time, but how important is it to you to know that your loved ones are safe in the arms of Jesus?

My family is large and my prayer list is long. It is very difficult in my own strength to be diligent and persistent in my prayers. But I must not give up, because it is a spiritual battle and the devil is not giving up fighting for their souls. That’s why the Holy Spirit has promised to make intercession for us when we grow weary or don’t know how to pray.

As I was praying and weeping for her in the past several days, God gave me this verse… “For the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; The Lord will receive my prayers.” Psalm 6:8-9
Praise God for His promises of comfort!

Please help me pray for my grandsons to have tender hearts to God and to accept Him as their Savior. They are young men who have always been good kids, but they were not raised in church. I don’t know if they have ever made a true commitment to God. My prayer is that they will realize, Jesus is their peace. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 “Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.”

God is a God of love and even when we can’t understand the bad things that happen in life, we can still trust Him. He knows what He is doing and knows each of our lives from beginning to end.

On Monday, Dorinda at ‘Treasures in Jars of Clay’ http://findingtreasureinjarsofclay.blogspot.com/ wrote this:
Faith says, “God can.”
Hope says, “God will.”
Trust says, “I will serve him still.”

Thank you, Dorinda.
Those have been words of encouragement to me that I really needed this week.

Thank you, to each of you for your prayers.

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

Joy In His Presence!

2009-01-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

Most of us eagerly look forward to a new year, anticipating good things to happen. If bad things have happened during the previous year, we can put it into the book of the past and move on to a fresh beginning.

However, maybe you are like me, I like looking back to recap the year and count God’s many blessings. When I take the time to really think about the year, I see how the Lord walked with me every step of the way giving me strength, protection, peace and His love. His faithfulness and presence is far too awesome for me to express in words.

He has answered so many of our prayers in 2008 and my heart rejoices in praise to Him. When I began writing today, my intention was to list some of those prayers, but I realize now that the most valuable lesson He has taught me is learning to be still in His presence.

I have found that the most important desire in my life is to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit. I stand in His presence and weep, because He is so awesome. They are not tears of sorrow or frustration, but tears of joy and adoration. His presence is so sweet and so close.

Psalm 16:11 “Your presence is fullness of joy.” I pray, “O Lord never take Your presence from me. I can do without many things in life, but without Your presence I would cease to live.”

My heart’s desire is to see my entire family walk in truth and to know the sweetness of His love. I know that many of you who are reading this have the same desire. My faith is strong that soon we will see these answers to our prayers. God is so good and faithful!

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

Happy New Year

2008-12-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

May God bless you with good health, joy, peace and prosperity in the new year. All good gifts come from Him.
Carolyn

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season

2008-12-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

Merry CHRISTmas.
I want to share this beautiful Arizona sunset with you.
This is a picture taken in front of our church last week. Red lights have been added to the cross since then, which makes it even more beautiful.

May your heart be filled with all the peace and beauty of Jesus this CHRISTmas season. Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.

Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh.
JESUS rides on the wind
and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.
JESUS is an ever-present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.
JESUS stands at your door and knocks
and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa.
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name. All he can say is
"Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did.
Not only does He know our name,
He knows our address too.
He knows our history and future
and He even knows how many hairs are on
our heads.
JESUS has a heart full of love.
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says, "You better not cry."
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me
for I care for you.”

Santa's little helpers make toys.
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts,
repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle, but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree,
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas.

”Jesus is still the reason for the season”.

Permission to use given by Misty
at ALIGHTHOUSE.com

May His love and presence fill you to overflowing and
bring you a most Joyous CHRISTmas.
Carolyn

Christmas With a Capital C

2008-12-13T01:10:00.000-07:00

"You shall find the babe wrapped in swadding clothes, lying in a manger." Luke 2:12

CHRISTmas is about the birth of Christ!

May the joy of that first CHRISTmas fill your hearts with happiness.
Carolyn

2008-12-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him." Luke 15:20

Moms, Jesus wants our prodigals to come home even more than we do. Don't ever give up praying that the Holy Spirit will break the bondage of Satan and change their hearts.

If you are a prodigal reading this post, I want you to know that Jesus loves you more than you can believe. He is as close as a prayer and will run to you as soon as you turn, coming back to Him.

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

Thankful For Cyber Friends

2008-11-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

The yellow rose has always been my favorite. It is especially pretty with touches of peach. I would give everyone of you a rose if I could.

So many of you have blessed me with your writings of inspiration. I am especially thankful to Sharon for starting the AG Blogs Network. I am sure that it takes a lot of time to manage. May God bless her richly for her willingness to minister.

The Blogs Network has connected so many of us, without it we would have never met. It is doubtful that we will ever meet in person this side of Heaven, but I can tell by your spirits that we are sisters in Christ.

I have also met and been blessed by several of you who are not on the AG Blogs, but we have found each other and connected through other means.

I want to thank my followers, people who read my posts regularly, for linking to my site. Every time I get an e-mail or comment from you, I am humbled. I am in awe of how the Holy Spirit brings us together.

I believe the purpose of connecting us is so that we can pray together and encourage each other. Sometimes we may feel like we are the only one praying for our sons and daughters, so it’s good to know that someone else cares. Praying and believing together, we will see God work miracles in our families!

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 1:4

“I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.” Isaiah 44:3

I will be delighted to have you follow my blog if you are not already. It is real easy. Just click on “Follow this blog”. It will take you to a pop-up and you click “follow”.
Thank you.

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

Rejoice in the Lord!

2008-11-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

This is the day which the Lord has made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 118:24,28-29

We have so much to be thankful for, yet we take so much of it for granted. Especially as we approach Thanksgiving we need to give praise to our Heavenly Father. But each and every day we should rejoice and be glad for the very breath that God gives to us.

This past year may not have been your best year. You may have lost a loved one or lost possessions. You may have lost faith in people due to disappointments. The elections may have been a big letdown for you. But has our God changed? Is He still in control of the earth and the heavens and each of our lives? Yes of course, He is!

Give Him praise for who He is. Give Him praise for the hope He gives and for the faith he gives you. As you praise Him, He will fill you with joy!

Please listen to this video “I Never Lost My Praise” and be blessed.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.
Carolyn

Hands

2008-11-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

A basketball in my hands is worth about $19.
A basketball in Michael Jordan's hands is worth
about $33 million.
It depends whose hands it's in.

A baseball in my hands is worth about $6.
A baseball in Roger Clemens' hands is worth
$475 million.
It depends on whose hands it's in.

A tennis racket is useless in my hands.
A tennis racket in Andre Agassi's hands is
worth millions.
It depends whose hands it's in.

A rod in my hands will keep away an angry dog.
A rod in Moses' hands will part the mighty sea.
It depends whose hands it's in.

A slingshot in my hands is a kid's toy.
A slingshot in David's hand is a mighty weapon.
It depends whose hands it's in.

Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is a couple
of fish sandwiches.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in Jesus' hands will
feed thousands.
It depends whose hands it's in.

Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse.
Nails in Jesus Christ's hands will
Produce salvation for the entire world.
It depends whose hands it's in.

As you see now, it depends on whose hands it's in. So put your concerns, your worries, your fears,
your hopes, your dreams, your families and your relationships in God's hands because...
It depends whose hands it's in.

We can trust God’s Hands because…
“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,

nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” Isaiah 59:1

We can say with confidence as David said in Psalm 31:14,15…
“But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.”

My times (and trust) are in Your hand.”

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

God Bless Our Troops!

2008-11-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day and we honor all of the men and women who have served in our country to protect our freedom. May God bless all of you! We pay special tribute to those who have given their lives in fighting for us and to their families who have suffered their loss. Thank you!

Let us not forget our troops who are fighting for us now, many of them are in very dangerous situations. I have a grandson who is fighting in Afghanistan now. This is his third war-zone tour, serving in Iraq two times. God has protected him and, I believe, will continue to give him coverage. I thank God everyday for his mercies! We pray for all of our troops and military leaders. God bless them all!

God Bless Our Troops

My prayers are said each and every night
For all those who are out of sight.
They, I am sure, are lonely and scared
Hoping that by morning their life has been spared.

We all must not guess whether right or wrong,
We must not judge the weak or the strong.
They are fighting for us, to be able to say
The things we feel, as we live each day.

It's a hardship for many, family and friends,
Tears of sorrow, many hearts to mend.
We can attack those that sent them there
Or we can stand together, make it easier to bear.

Our young heroes show they are proud,
But here we are, screaming far too loud,
’Get them out, bring them home, no good can be had
By staying there and fighting, for all that we HAVE.’

’It’s a waste of time, those enemies have shown
The endless days and nights of battle, fatalities have grown.’
Many of those who sit and openly condemn
The bravery and commitment of our women and men.

How can you not think of them, and what they do?
Do you ever wonder what they’re thinking, of me and you?
It's easy for you to sit there and judge
You're here comfortable and happy, not living in fear.

Your days come and go, you live happy and free
So why not get down on just one knee
Thank our troops, be proud of what they do
They give their lives, for me and you.

I pray each night that our LORD holds them near
To guide them, protect them, and take away their fear.
Let's never forget the sacrifice that is being made,
Please honor our troops, and let our THANKFULNESS never fade.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS.... MAY GOD GUIDE YOU.

2006 Cathy (Cookie) Carletti

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

Blessed by Blogging Friends

2008-11-06T23:05:00.000-07:00

I received an award today from Jennifer. I am blessed and humbled. I read her site all the time and I’m always blessed by her words of inspiration. If you have not found her site, it is
“Though the Storms of Life” @ www.ordinarychristianwomansheart.blogspot.com
Check it out and you will be blessed. Thank you Jennifer!

Because I enjoy her site so much, I want to pass an award on to her in return.

I receive joy and much encouragement from many of the other blogs I read as well. May God richly bless all of you who are sharing His love.

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

Dutch Sheets Prays God's Will for Elections

2008-10-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

This morning I received the following in an e-mail:
A personal letter from Dutch Sheets. It is not from any of the ministries he is associated with. He would like for it to be shared with as many praying friends as possible.

Due to it's length, I've only included the last part of the letter.

"October 20, 2008

Dear Praying Friend,

...Please understand what I am saying: if we engage in this battle and do what I am asking—in mass—we will win; if we do not, we will lose. I, for one, don’t intend to allow the latter. I am in Washington, D.C. now (October 20-22) with Lou Engle and a team of prayer leaders from around the nation to war for this election.

Join us! Lose some sleep, miss some meals—pray! Pray like never before for these elections. And as you do, involve yourself not only in petitioning prayer but also in spiritual warfare. Use your God-given authority over the plans and strategies of satan’s kingdom. Bind all witchcraft that is working to control the outcome, including occultic powers that are suppressing truth. Release Christ’s Kingdom rule in every way the Holy Spirit leads you.

Don’t be deceived and don’t lose hope (if you have to, turn off the TV.) It is not too late to turn these elections. God is plenty powerful enough to do so. The real question is, will we rise to the level of prayer and spiritual warfare necessary to release that power? And remember, we don’t need a majority of Christians who are willing and able to do this—only a praying remnant. We can do it!

Here are some practical suggestions to consider:

1) Fast (a meal a day; a day a week; a Daniel fast; 3 days; 10 days; TV; etc.) and spend the time praying.

2) Agree in prayer with someone everyday for God’s will to be done.

3) Form/participate in prayer groups regularly. Churches could pray everyday.

4) Take time in every gathering to pray. (Take 15 minutes in every service to pray for the elections. Turn an entire service to harp and bowl style intercession—worship and prayer combined.)

5) Join 2 or more on a conference call and pray for 15, 20, or 30 minutes.

6) Pray on the way to work (and on the way home).

7) Pray before you go to sleep.

8) Pray before church services.

9) Ask God to give you His strategy—He will!

In His grip,
Dutch Sheets"

Friends, thank you for your prayers.
Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

Dare to Vote Your Conscience!

2008-10-24T21:22:00.001-07:00

This video was shared by Tara at "Destiny Driven" a few days ago. The message is so powerful and the music is so beautiful that it needs to continue to be shared, especially in the next 11 days as we are praying for this election.

Now on the lighter side:

UNITED STATES MAP - Short But Good!

A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little girl, Shelby. She wanted to know what the United States looked like, so he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Shelby, and said, “Go into the other room and see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today.”

After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together. The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly. “Oh,” she said, “on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together.”

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

The Three Parts of Prayer

2008-10-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matt. 7:7-8, Luke 11:9-10

1. Asking
2. Seeking
3. Knocking

Asking:
Phil: 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

When we pray, we give God the vehicle to fulfill His promise.
Prayer is the muscle that moves the Hand of God.
The enemy is present when prayer is absent.
The enemy is absent when prayer is present.
When we care enough about the pain behind the human need, we will get desperate with God in prayer.

Seeking: Seek the Lord. Seek His presence.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Prayer is so simple. It’s like quietly opening a door and slipping into the very presence of God. There is the stillness to listen to His voice, perhaps to petition or only to listen. It matters not. Just to be there. In His presence is prayer!

Knocking: Intercession – ceaseless prayer.
Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

Intercession means entreaty in favor of another, standing in the gap for others. Intercession time is love on our knees.

“Lord, make me a faithful intercessor for my children. Show me what’s on your heart for them that I might pray in harmony with your will for their lives.”

The purpose of this blog is to pray with others for the salvation of our families. However, we are to use these same principles of prayer in all of our requests.

We need to be in earnest prayer for our nation and the election next month!
Folks, it is vitally important that we are on our knees praying for God’s will to be done.

"If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

Vote - Choose Life!

2008-10-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

There seems to be much confusion in the media today with new stories breaking faster than can be researched. I know that all of us are concerned about what is happening with the economy and the elections. I hope that all of you are praying for God’s will.

I don’t know if your greatest concern is about the economy or security or the character of the man you will vote for, but we seem to have forgotten about another important issue, LIFE.

Please know what your candidate’s opinion and vote is on abortion! We need to know it on every person we vote for, from the city and state to the national.

Please do not be confused by the language of those who are Pro-Choice. They do not like to be called Pro-Abortion which is what many of us who are Pro-Life call them, so they are identifying themselves by other names. Names like Women’s Privacy Rights or Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) that sounds innocent enough, but the abortion rights are included in both of these. Please be aware of what you vote for and whom you endorse!

We cannot continue to be silent and allow the murder of so many babies!
These babies are real persons because God’s Word tells us that He knew each one of us before we were formed.

Psalm 139:13-16 refers to God's creation of unborn human life as follows:

"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be."

Watch this beautiful video of children singing: “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

The Mother of the Prodigal Son

2008-10-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

This poem is dedicated to all the mothers
who have wayward and lost children.
Don’t lose your faith in God who can
bring them back to the fold.

“Evening and morning and at noon
I will pray, and cry aloud,
and He shall hear my voice.”
Psalm 55:17

Where is the mother of the prodigal son
on that day so long ago?
What were her thoughts and what were her

fears as she watched him go?

How many times in the dark of night
did the tears slide down her face?
Did she get out of bed and fall on her knees,
just to pray that her boy was safe?

How were the days when she did not know:
Was he alive? Was he warm? Was he well?
Who were his friends?

And where did he sleep?
Was there anyone there she could tell?

But, oh, on that day when she looked

down the road
as she had looked since her son went away,
Did love unspeakable flood her soul?
Did she cry? What did she say?

I think when the father had welcomed

their son
and the boy had greeted his brother,
That the servants made a path for him to

enter the door
and the waiting arms of his mother.

"For this my son was dead and is alive again;
he was lost and is found."

Luke 15:24

Blessings to you and your family,

Carolyn

I Wonder...

2008-09-26T23:29:00.000-07:00

Questions to ponder
about the place the
Bible holds in our lives.

I wonder......

What would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several times a day?

What if we turned back to go get it, if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to our kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of an emergency?

This is something to make you go, hmm...

Where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing.
Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected, because Jesus already paid the bill.
And there are no dropped calls!

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

Tears Are a Language God Understands

2008-09-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

Tears Are a Language God Understands

Often you wonder why tears come into your eyes,
And burdens seem to be much more than you can bear.
But God is standing near. He sees your falling tears,
And tears are a language God understands.

God sees the tears of a brokenhearted soul.
He sees your tears and hears them when they fall.
God weeps along with man and He takes him by the hand.
Tears are a language God understands.

When grief has left you low it causes tears to flow,
And things have not turned out the way that you had planned.
But God won't forget you His promises are true.
And tears are a language that my God He understands.

God sees the tears of a brokenhearted soul.
He sees your tears and hears them when they fall.
God weeps along with man and He takes him by the hand.
Tears are a language God understands.

God weeps along with man and he takes him by the hand.
Tears are a language God understands.

(Composed by Gordon Jenson ©1971)

The Bible gives us proof that God understands all of our emotions, even our tears. He knows exactly what it is that you are facing today and He knows the solution! Trust Him!

God told Hezekiah after he had wept bitterly...
“I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears;
surely I will heal you.” (2 Kings 20:5)

David wrote about God… “You put my tears into Your bottle. When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back. This I know, because God is for me.”… “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
(Psalm 56:8,9; 126:5)

We are given this promise when Christ returns to dwell with us in the new heaven and new earth…
“And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes. There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have been passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

Hope - not despair

2008-09-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

Many people are feeling despair today because of the devastation made by Hurricane Ike that destroyed their homes and cities. My heart and prayers go out to all of those people who are affected by the storms. I can’t imagine how bad and hopeless they feel, because I am not there, but I am here watching it happen on my television. Watching a natural disaster as it happens, bringing destruction and loss of life does cause fear, even in those of us who are watching from afar.

You don’t need to have the TV on for very long to be drawn into a feeling of despair and depression. Long before the hurricane season started, the media was keeping us in a political storm encouraging the negative debates between the two parties about the candidates. Many would try to make us believe that everything about America is bad and there is no hope.

Some of the people I’ve talked with this week have storms going on in their personal lives. One friend told me that she can’t feel God’s presence. Her despair is so great that she can’t believe that He loves her.

I pray for her.

I’ve talked with many good Christian parents who feel despair as they pray for their unsaved family year after year and God doesn’t answer their prayers in the manner and time they think He should. But you know, if we surrender to our feelings of disappointment with God, we will then begin to doubt everything except our worries and our hopelessness. Before long we too will fall victim to despair.

What is despair? The dictionary defines it as a loss of confidence, an utter lose of hope. It is the sinking sensation of helplessness and inadequacy.

The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

What is hope? Hope is defined as: Trust, reliance, expectation of fulfillment or success; to expect with desire.

The Bible tells us in Romans 5:5 “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

The Bible is our best resource for renewing our hope in Jesus Christ:

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

I John 5:14,15.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”

Ephesians 3:20,21.

Our hope is in Jesus Christ! Don’t ever give up! Keep praying!

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

Mother's Elbows on My Bed

2008-09-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

I was but a youth and thoughtless,
As all youths are apt to be.
Though I had a Christian mother
Who had taught me carefully.

There came a time when pleasure
Of the world came to allure,
And I no more sought the guidance
Of her love so good and pure.

Her tender admonitions fell
But lightly on my ear,
And for the gentle warnings
I felt an inward sneer.

How could I prove my manhood
Was I not firm of will?
No threat of future evil
Should all my pleasures kill.

But mother would not yield her boy
To Satan’s sinful sway,
And though I spurned her counsel
She knew a better way.

No more she tried to caution
Of ways she knew its pain,
And though I guessed her headache,
I could not know its pain.

She made my room an altar
A place of secret prayer,
And there she took her burden
And left it in His care.

And morning, noon and evening
By that humble bedside low,
She sought the aid of Him, Who
Understands a mother’s woe.

And I went my way unheeding,
Careless of the life I led,
Until one day I noticed
Prints of elbows on my bed.

Then I saw that she had been there
Praying for her wayward boy,
Who for love of worldly pleasure
Would her peace of mind destroy.

While I wrestled with my conscience,
Mother wrestled still in prayer,
Till that little room seemed hallowed,
Because so oft she met Him there.

With her God she held the fortress,
And though not a word she said,
My stubborn heart was broken
By those imprints on my bed.

Long the conflict raged within me,
Sin against my mother’s prayers.
Sin must yield – for Mother never
While she daily met Him there.

And her constant love and patience
Were like coals upon my head,
Together with the imprints
Of her elbows on my bed.

Mother-love and God-love
Is a combination rare,
And one that can’t be beaten
When sealed by earnest prayer.

And so at last the fight was won,
And I to Christ was led.
And mother’s prayers were answered
By her elbows on my bed.

--Unknown

"Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy."

Psalm 126:5

Blessings to you and your family,

Carolyn

Answer to Our Prayer

2008-08-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

Jesus’ words in Luke 15:7, 10:

“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

It was early Monday morning, the day after Easter (2008), the phone rang and I heard my husband answer it in the next room. I heard him crying and laughing at the same time. Within minutes, he came into the bedroom handing me another phone so that I could listen in.

It was his daughter, Lori, who was telling him that she had given her heart to Jesus. Oh, what joy I felt! She was so excited and full of joy! She was laughing and crying at the same time too, and talking almost non-stop for more than an hour. There was no doubt that she had really fallen in love with Jesus.

Lori had been heavy on our hearts for some time. She was not a bad person, but she, like most people today, didn’t have room for Jesus in her life. She told me one time that she had put God on a shelf. A lot of people keep God there, thinking He will be handy when they need Him. But even in her greatest heartache and grief, it was some time before she realized that Jesus was as close as her prayer of surrender.

She thought her world had turned upside down when her husband died about fourteen months earlier. She went through the motions of carrying on her life, but inside she was dying.

I had gone through the same kind of grief when I was close to her age, so she did listen to me as I tried to console her. The message I tried to convey to her, over and over, was that she needed the Holy Spirit to help her take away the pain, that Jesus loved her and was waiting for her to come to Him. I told her that having the Holy Spirit in my life was the only way I had been able to survive.

But it seemed as though she was not listening. She later told us how deep the depression was and how very dark her life became. She said that she really felt like the devil was trying to kill her.

Oh, what a difference Jesus makes! During our conversation with her that early morning in March, we could hear the change in her voice. She had ‘done a 180’! She talked about the peace and the joy she felt. Her world was suddenly brighter, the sky bluer and the flowers prettier. She wanted to tell everyone about Jesus!

I asked Lori for permission to share how God answered our prayer for her. This is what she wrote back to me. In her own words:

“I am so blessed and want everyone to know it. God has saved my life and given me such a beautiful new one in the relationship I have with Him. I am not worthy of all the love and joy I feel everyday just knowing He is my Father who loves me unconditionally and wants nothing from me except my faithfulness to Him forever. Wow, what a "no brainer".

I am amazed and love the cleansing I feel each morning as I pray with my eyes closed then open them to feel tears just pour down my face. Not just a couple, but enough to wipe from the floor! To feel the Lord from every ounce of my being is incredible. I am tearing as I write this to you because I am so thankful for the peace He has restored in me and the life that has been opened up for me through His love.”

What a beautiful testimony! God is faithful and He does answer prayer! Continue to pray and praise God for His faithfulness. We will see all of our children come back to Him.

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

What Are You Praying For Your Child?

2008-08-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

I dare say that each one of you began praying for your babies before they were born, praying that he or she would be healthy. Being healthy seemed to be more important at that time, even more than if the baby were a boy or girl.

Our prayers begin to change when the babies started walking, climbing, and running into the streets. “Oh God, protect my baby, keep him safe!”

As my boys started school I continued to pray for their safety and good health. But now I was also praying that they do well in school, like their teacher, make lots of friends and be happy.

It was always very important to me for them to be happy. My three oldest boys were close in age and I really wanted them to love each other, to never fight and to be happy. Well, they loved each other most of the time, but being boys they were very active and very competitive.

Their teenage years kept me on my knees much of the time, praying that their guardian angels would keep them safe as they played competitive sports and they started driving cars and farm machinery. My prayer included, “Please God, don’t let them get mixed up with the wrong crowd of kids who could get them in trouble or get them hooked on drugs and drinking!”

My oldest sons are in their 40’s now and I have prayed many prayers for them through the years for many different reasons. God is faithful and He always answers! But the most important prayer a parent can pray, I believe, is to pray for that child to know Jesus Christ and to accept Him as his Savior!

I want to share a prayer with you. It is a prayer I believe the Holy Spirit gave to me and I have been praying it for several months, for each one of my children and grandchildren. It can be prayed for all of your family, those who are unsaved as well as those who are saved.

“Lord Jesus, by your Spirit, cause my children to seek You, and open their hearts to see You.
Bless them with a face-to-face encounter with You.
Cause them to confess Jesus as their Savior.
Bless them with a hunger and thirst for Your Word.
Bless them with a heart and desire to know You. Amen”

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

Jesus, No Other Name!

2008-08-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

Jesus is the only way to Heaven!
Am I politically correct when I make that statement? No, I’m not.
But those are Jesus’ own words. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

Do I have the freedom to make such a statement?
Yes, I do! I do for now, anyway.

I am very concerned with the way our society has accepted all the nonsense about ‘PC’, which is gradually eroding our freedom of speech. It is a common belief today that any pathway you chose will lead you to your god; for us to tell you any different will be criticizing your god and that would not be politically correct!

I believe there are even Christians who are fearful to speak out against other religions, those who are not preaching the truth. They fear that, in turn, our faith would then be criticized also and that we would all lose our religious freedom.

Please wake up! Don’t let the devil lull us to sleep with apathy! People all around us, even some in our own families are lost and going to hell.

We have the right message! We know the right way to Heaven! Share it!

Listen and be blessed as Sandi Patty beautifully sings,

"No Other Name But Jesus"

click on: http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=a12f2c227ef2628933a3

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

The Power of Prayer

2008-08-08T16:23:00.000-07:00

The most powerful position on earth is kneeling before the Lord of the universe!

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man (and woman) avails much.” James 5:16

While crossing the Atlantic on a ship many years ago, Bible teacher and author F. B. Meyer was asked to speak to the passengers. An agnostic listened to Meyer’s message about answered prayer and told a friend,
“I didn’t believe a word of it.”

Later that same day, the agnostic went to hear Meyer speak to another group of passengers. But before he went to the meeting, he put two oranges in his pocket. On his way, he passed an elderly woman who was fast asleep in her deck chair. Her arms were outstretched and her hands were wide open, so as a joke he put two oranges in her palms. After the meeting, he saw the woman happily eating one of the pieces of fruit.

“You seem to be enjoying that orange,” he remarked with a smile.
“Yes, sir,” she replied, “My Father is very good to me.”
“What do you mean?” pressed the agnostic.
She explained, “I have been seasick for days. I was asking God somehow to send me an orange. I fell asleep while I was praying. When I awoke, I found He had sent me not only one but two oranges!”
The agnostic was amazed by the unexpected confirmation of Meyer’s talk on answered prayer. Later, he put his trust in Christ. HGB - Our Daily Bread

I thought this was an amusing story when I read it, but it also reminded me of how much our Heavenly Father loves us and cares about even the smallest minute detail and concern in our lives. If He cares about what may seem trivial or unimportant to anyone other than our-self, how much more He cares about the salvation of our loved ones. After all, the whole reason He came to earth as one of us, was to die on the cross for our sins so that we would be reconciled with our Heavenly Father and have eternal life.

(2 Cor. 5:18-21)

He lovingly died for everyone so that none will perish and be lost.

(John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9)

There is power in prayer and God answers prayer!

Blessing to you and your family,

Carolyn

For His Glory

2008-08-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

I have been very intense as I learned the process of writing a blog, wanting to make every detail right. My young grandchildren have their own blogs, but for most of us grandmas ‘blog’ is a foreign word, or has been until recently.

In the midst of all this busyness, I suddenly became very excited this past week as I realized the tool that the Holy Spirit has given me to do the ministry He has placed in my hands. Wow! The Internet can be used to spread the gospel and to encourage and bless others, all for God’s glory! In doing my research I have found so many other wonderful inspiring blogs that are written by Christian believers. Thank God for this opportunity.

The Holy Spirit birthed this ministry in my heart about two years ago and meeting with other moms to share our prayers in unity has blessed me so much. God has answered many of our prayers. We have learned to praise Him for every sign, even small ones, that show us He is moving in our loved ones’ lives. He has brought reconciliation to some families and even changed our hearts and attitudes at times, so that we can pray with forgiveness. Our faith is strong, believing that we will see our prayers answered.

If you are praying for a family member to be saved, and would like for me to pray with you, please leave your request as a comment. I would like to encourage you to also meet with other praying moms to pray. There is power in unity prayer!

Matthew 18:19-20 explains one key foundation for the effectiveness of group praying. Jesus said, “If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it shall be done for them by my Father in Heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” What a promise!!

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn

Restoration

2008-07-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

Do you know the song, "Enemy's Camp"?
We sing it at our church and it brings victory to our spirits every time. A few of the lines are:

"Well I went to the enemy's camp,
and I took back what he stole from me.
He's under my feet, Satan is under my feet."

I searched the net looking for the lyrics of this song and found a YouTube of people singing it during the Brownsville Revival. They sang it with total victory! It blessed me so much that I want to share it with you. You can click on it or you may need to copy and paste, placing it on one line.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jgye4hAhfM&feature=related

In recent months, I have become more and more angry at the devil when I am reminded of how he has lured our children away from the Christian faith as they became older.

Yes I know, they have made their own choice, a decision to not follow Christ. So one might argue, why do I lay the blame at the devil's feet? Because the devil's purpose is to steal, destroy and to kill.

I Peter 5:8 tells us "...your adversary, the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour."

I Timothy 3:7 and 6:9 warns us about the snare of the devil.

However, we are not to despair and give up hope for our kids' salvation. If Christ is in us, we have greater power than the devil.
Jesus tells us in Luke 10:19,
"I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
Moms, if you are a child of God, the devil is under your feet!

The Word teaches restoration and recovery or escape.
We read in 2 Timothy 2:26, "...That they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will."

The story of the prodigal son who returns home, in Luke 15, is a great story to inspire our faith telling us of the father who is faithful and forgiving. But notice for a moment in verses 17-18, "But when he came to himself (in other words, came to his senses)
he said, "...I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.'"

I want to encourage you as you pray for your kids. There is no sin so great that He cannot forgive. There is no pain so great that He cannot take away. There is no hurt so deep that He cannot heal. There is no bondage so strong that He cannot break.

I like to pray scriptures over my loved ones reminding God of His promises. Psalm 51:10-12 is one of the scriptures that I pray using my loved one's name for the word 'me'. Try it with your loved one's name.

"Create in me a new heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit."

Blessings to you and your family,
Carolyn