It’s wedding season. With 1 family member and 2 friends getting married, Love is in the air and Showers are being planned.

In my premarital counseling over 29 years ago, the pastor asked, “Have you decided who is going to pay the bills and who is going to clean the toilets? In my naivety, I thought, “We will share all these responsibilities!”

Thank goodness our Pastor recognized that we needed more counseling and direction in all things marriage related. We took the personality tests, read the books he recommended, and met faithfully for 6 weeks. I’m so grateful! We settled on Dusty taking care of the finances and I would clean. This was a good agreement!

So what is the best advice for new married couples? Is it to go to Marriage Counseling? Is it to know one another’s personality? Is it read all the books? Is it to talk about all the potential problems that will come your way? Yes! Talk about all of it!

Unsaid expectations are definitely a thorn in a marriage’s side. Open Communication is Key in a marriage.

However ~ of all the words of advice I could write about marriage to a new couple, there are 2 words that will be the most important.

Be Nice! ~ Even on the days you don’t want to.

I like these little cards that allow guests to give their best marriage words of wisdom. The couple can look back at these in years to come. They’ll need these little reminders from the people they know and love.

After they’ve worn off the “new”, after the honeymoon…when real life, real work, real bills, real heartache and real fears arise, they’ll need one another in these tender moments to just Be Nice.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

So when you’re giving out your best advice this wedding season, or if you just woke up beside your Soul Mate, remember…Be Nice!

Isn’t that what Jesus does for us every day? Despite our failings and mistakes, He’s so nice! He forgives and Keeps on loving us. He doesn’t yell at us. He doesn’t hold it over us. He just keeps moving forward. Thank You Jesus!

So Carrie On friends and Stay High on Him who has shown us great Love by living, dying, and rising for you and me. May we be Jesus to our Spouse today and every day. Colossians 3

And Remember, Jesus loves you! ✝️🙏🏻

What does Sunday Morning mean to you?

If you work full time, it may mean the anticipation of Monday and the stress of preparing for the week.

If you aren’t a practicing Christian, it’s just another Saturday.

If you’re a Pastor or on staff at a church, it’s “All Hands on Deck” work.

But, if you consider it your “Rest Day” or what the Jews and Christians call a Sabbath, then you rest. There’s no work to be done. Enjoy the day.

I’m reading about taking a true Sabbath. I’m trying to truly practice it.

It takes preparation. Grocery shopping and preparing food a day ahead. Mow the grass, water the flowers, wash the clothes, and get the remaining “to do” list gets done beforehand in order to have a true “Rest Day”.

Why?

Why have a “true rest” day?

To spend uninterrupted time with Jesus. Second, He rested. In Genesis, after 6 days of creating the world 🌎, He rested on the 7th. We are created in His image and should follow His lead.

Most importantly, He gave us a command to rest in Exodus 20, starting in verse 8. He gave us the Sabbath as a gift 🎁 ~ To be opened and used for His Glory .

Have you ever given a friend a gift that you made? You had a well thought out plan and put your precious time and creativity into it? Did you watch carefully at their eyes to see their joy when they opened it? And to your surprise, they set it off to the side? Did the recipient never or rarely take it out to enjoy it?

That’s how God feels when we discount the value of a Sabbath.

I’m guilty ~ As a task oriented wife and mom, allowing the busyness of the week, day, and moment, to steal my rest.

But I’m trying to do better. As we protect our children and Family, may we protect our time. I pray we practice the art of the sabbath. Schedule it, as if your life depends on it.

Does it seem impossible?

I remember when my children were little, I certainly thought it was. I thought, “One day, I’ll enjoy rest once again.”

What I’m learning from my study in “Emotional Healthy Spirituality “ book, is that the time is today. The time is now.

Here’s how: Any day can be your Sabbath ~ Pick one.

Any moment can be a sabbath moment ~ seize it! Schedule it! A few times a day, stop, for 2 minutes, 10 minutes, or whatever you have, and refocus your heart on Jesus. Be still. Allow him to fill you up with His soft whispers.

What if I told you that there’s blessings that abound in the quiet of a sabbath? Oh, if only we knew the joy of more time with Him who gives generously to those who love Him.

I pray you and I have the self control and commitment to spend time with Jesus today. ✝️🙏🏻

Colossians 3 says to to keep our hearts and minds on Him who is higher than we are.

Happy Sabbath ~ Remember, Jesus Loves you and me! ✝️❤️ Carrie On and Stay high on Him who created the gift of the Sabbath for us!

In a world where wrong seems right and right seems wrong, I often wonder how many people are left who believe and live by the Word of God.

When I do meet people are trustworthy and honest, Bible believing and Bible practicing Christians, I’m so relieved that I’m not alone.

My Dad used to say, “Life can be easy or life can be hard, it’s your choice.”

The “easy life” is the wide road of pleasure filled, enjoy more, work less, selfish decisions, “me first” mentality.

The hard life is one that requires self control, prudent planning, education, “make the sacrifice now so you’ll have” later mentality.

The “easy life” is a trick by Satan and eventually leads to sadness and depression due to a lack of people and resources to help dig us out of a hole.

Those who made the hard decisions eventually reap the rewards of their obedience. Who are they obeying? God ~ He gives us all the instructions on how to work, save, prepare, plan ahead, and live in the Bible. It’s all there.

So back to meeting Christian friends…I respect those who have made the hard choices to make a life of blessings for themselves and those they love. And I sympathize with them also, because I know how their heart is breaking for our world that is such a confused and utter evil state.

I pray that we who know Jesus will “stick together closer than a brother.” And I also pray that we will reach out to those who aren’t like us and share that the Real “easy” life is never really easy. That the lies that have been passed down to us need to be changed.

I’m going to change that saying that my dad used to tell me to say…”Life can be blessed or life can be cursed, It’s your choice.”

I pray we can break the curses of our families who came before us and start a generation of blessing bringers, who are willing to make the hard choices to have self control for their family and friends. Many generations will reap the rewards if they do.

Christian friends give me a Hope and a Peace for the future. When all else is falling apart, remember your Christian friends in prayer. We need each other. Iron sharpens iron!

And remember….Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother and He Loves You!

Carrie On and Stay High! ✝️🙏🏻❤️ Colossians 3

Don’t you love a good game?!? Team Sports teach us so much about life! One of my favorite books, other than the Bible, is Pep Talk. It’s a fictional story about a football team’s locker room Pep Talk by a mysterious visitor. That Pep Talk changed their lives.

In my current Small Group Bible study, we are reading EHS (Emotionally Healthy Spirituality). The core practice is silence and stillness before Jesus.

In practicing this over the last couple of weeks, I’ve learned more about myself and God. I have a position on Christ’s Team and He is my Coach. If I listen to Him and Trust Him, He will guide and direct me.

Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”

In starting today’s silence and stillness, I committed to putting all distractions out of my mind and heart. Imagining Gods Mighty outstretched hand and laying all the people and plans I have on my mind in His Hand.

Then, I walk to my quiet log in the sunny mountain air with a clear heart and mind, I sit still (kneeling) and waiting for God to speak.

Today, as with most days, it’s hard to stay quiet in my mind. However, I just kept repeating, “Hear I am Lord, speak to me please.”

And He did. He speaks in these moments, not with an audible voice, but with a Holy Spirit sweetness.

In the Book, EHS, the author says that we can be many years old in our earthly years, but still a spiritual infant. We lack growth if we aren’t knowing ourselves, in order to Know Him. We have to be in touch with our true selves. Then, we can know Him better.

In my Quiet still space today, God gave me the image of a player on a Team. Once we accept Christ, we are on the team. But we have to earn out spot on the playing field.

Christians are given the “Free Gift” of eternal life when we confess our sinful selves, and believe He is the son of God, and accept Him as Ruler and Savior of our life. John 3:16

But then, we have full faith in Him to follow His instructions. Obedience is better than sacrifice. 1 Samuel 15.

So back to Team Sports: We have to listen to and obey our coach (The Holy Spirit) We have to show up to practice (Quiet Times in his Word, Worship, and prayer). We have to work out in the weight room and grow our muscles ~ heart mind and soul muscles need work outs. These work outs are daily in our every day lives…Living out our faith through obedience. And then, if God so chooses, we get a chance on the field in Life to receive the blessing of His choosing. With open ears, hearts, eyes and minds, may we get a chance to show God that we are “All in!”

Oh we will have critics, but we will also have fans. So choose today to put in the work. Show up to practice, work it out, and most importantly, listen to your coach. After all, Jesus Loves you! ❤️So suit up! It’s Game time! Carrie On friends!

Colossians 3 ~ Stay High ⬆️🙏🏻

“What’s for Supper?” This is the text and question that I get most often from boys. So I created a short cut in my phone for them several years ago. Just text W F S and it will automatically type out, “What’s for supper?”

My husband calls me every work day when he’s on the drive home. He’s smart. He doesn’t ask me “What’s for supper?”. Instead, he asks, “Do you need me to pick something up on the way home?” That’s code for, “I’m hungry. If you haven’t cooked, I’ll pick something up for us to eat.”

The pets know every morning and every afternoon that I will feed them. They all show up and scratch, purr, pounce, jump, squeal, and inhale their food.

What a joy to see my people and pets enjoy a meal. I like to serve a happy crowd.

How much more does our Heavenly Father want that same satisfaction for His children?

That’s how it is with God’s Holy Word. He feeds us our Daily Bread through the Bible. We need it for our spiritual stomach to be filled.

My small group is working through a study by Kristi McClelland called Jesus and Women. She calls each lesson a feast. She encourages us to posture ourselves to receive the feast. She reminds us that we are not orphans. We need not to scrounge or work hard to understand it all, but “take it in and let it do it’s work.”

I imagine a baby bird in his nest looking straight up as the Mommy bird arrives with a fresh worm.

That’s how it is with God’s Word. We are weak, but He is strong. We have feasted before, but we get hungry again. He has set the table. All we have to do is show up. Open our bibles. And inhale His word.

To you Women who are always giving, feeding, serving, and working, doesn’t this sound amazing? We really appreciate someone else feeding us, don’t we? All you have to do is show up! All we have to do come to the table.

How many days do we delay this feast? And even worse, Why do we reject this feast? Why do we delay? What is it that keeps us from this gift of sitting and taking it in? If for only a few minutes, why do we deny our spirit this feast?

As a growing Christian, may we crave His word to nourish our hungry souls. May we run to the table! May we devour His word. Go ahead, get messy. Drool all over him. In Luke 7, The woman with the Alabaster Jar did. She kissed his feet. She poured her best perfume on his feet. She wiped his feet with her hair. She had faith in Him. She knew who He was and There was Grace for her.

How much more does He want that for you and for me?

Grab a bible today, belly up to the bar, and ask God, “What’s for supper?” Enjoy the feast!

Carrie On ➡️ and Stay High ⬆️

Colossians 3:1 says to “Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above where Christ is seated on the right hand of God.”

And Remember, Jesus Loves you!❤️🙏🏻

There’s 3 words I’m proud to be a part of.

I’m part of this new social media group of Army Moms.

These moms share their celebrations at Graduations, their fears for their children deployed, photos taken on or off duty, and prayer requests.

This is, without a doubt, my new favorite site to check in on each day. With my son at Basic Combat Training, it’s been good to know that I’m not alone.

It’s a group of people who I’ve never met, yet we all have the same goal, to keep our soldiers safe.

In psychology, this is called Group. It’s not a Group therapy, as such, but a group who raised children healthy enough to serve others before themselves. Even the toughest of soldiers needs encouragement.

One mom recently asked for prayer for her soldier who is struggling.

Can you imagine being in the military right now?

Our country and our world is mentally, physically, and spiritually struggling.

Prayer really is our only hope.

My prayers can get lengthy. (No surprise to those of you who know me)

Over the years, my boys and, even my husband, have asked me to shorten my prayers. 😉

I have learned to use my words wisely and summarize my thoughts to God.

Recently, I’ve repeated this prayer over and over, “Dear Jesus, please heal us all physically, mentally, and spiritually. May we find rest in You alone.”

God is the ultimate Commander and Chief. Only he has a Heavenly Army readily trained to take over the world when the Heavenly order is given.

So may we trust in Him. and Him alone for our salvation. No man ( or woman) can do that.

When I was a child, we used to sing a song in church, “I’m in the Lord’s Army.”

So as a soldier of God, may we stand ready to fight and win against the enemy of all enemies, Satan. Never forgetting that Jesus wins the war. And our covenant with Jesus is a promise that He won this battle on the cross and He will be back to take over once and for all! Revelation 22:12,13

So put on your full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Our battle is not in flesh or blood, as Romans 8:37,38 and 9 says, “For in all these things, we are more than Conquerers through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I’m so thankful for the ability that God gives us to have relationship with Him. His judgement and wrath are serious, but His love and Grace are too.

So Carrie on, and Stay High in Him who Sits at the Right hand of God Almighty! Colossians 3

And Remember, Jesus Loves you! ❤️✝️🙏🏻

When we lived in Europe, I searched high and low for an Antique English Oak Dining Table and 6 or 8 chairs.

There were none to be found.

Every flea market and resale store had 7 chairs or 5 chairs, but never 6 or 8 chairs.

As I kept searching, it never dawned on me to ask, “Why?”

Why aren’t there an even number of chairs?

That first summer, we took a bus tour of Munic, Germany.

A sweet older couple on the tour lost their wallet.

I immediately offered my cell phone (This was in 2001. ) Few of us had phones that would reach The USA for an insurance call, but thankfully, mine did.

After helping this sweet couple cancel their credit cards, they, in turn, wanted to help me.

The wife said, “Do you like antiques?”

That was like asking me if I like a good nights rest?

“Well, Yes, as a matter of fact, I love European Antiques.”

My newest hobby was waking up at 3 am to drive to France to the flea markets.

She continued to inform me that her husband is a retired Jag (Lawyer) and they own an old school house in Germany where they house antiques for sale.

We made an appointment and we toured her multiple rooms filled with beautiful European treasures. I wanted everything!

I asked her if she had an antique English Oak dining table with 6 or 8 chairs.

She responded, “You probably won’t find one.” I pressed in and asked her , “Why.”

She responded, “The English used to burn the Father’s chair as a symbol of respect for him.” she continued, “No one ever ever replaced the Father.”

She is right. Now that I’ve lost my dad. No one will ever replace my dad. And it’s hard to see that chair and know that he will not be there at Thanksgiving or Christmas.

She called me a few months later and exclaimed, “I found a beautiful oak table with 6 chairs. Do you want it?”

“Yes for sure, I do”

I don’t know the story “why” this table had its original even number of chairs. Probably because the wife died first, but there were an even number of chairs that matched with this table and I knew that was rare.

Unfortunately, We lost that beautiful purchase in Hurricane Katrina in 2005. But I learned a valuable lesson in English History.

I’ll never forget the lessons I learned from that experience.

#1 Help Strangers

#2 You can’t take it Heaven

#3 You’ll never replace your Daddy.

The Good News? Your Heavenly Father has a place at the table. His Chairs are eternal. You’re invited to the table.

So Carrie On and Stay High

God has a chair waiting for you. He’s got plenty of chairs. And, best of all, His chair will NEVER be burned.

🙏🏻❤️✝️

Colossians 3

As I listen to the news, even conservative news or Christian Radio, my anxiety level rises. There’s a call to everyone to get involved. To be a voice for what is right. Where do we fit in? What is our job? I thought we voted and that was it. But, unfortunately, I think there’s more for us to do.

Are you contented to watch our country crumble before us? Do you give up thinking there’s just not much we can do?

Did you know that your prayers are stronger than any other action you can take? When we can’t, God Can.

Let us Pray.

Lord heal us. For we have have become a nation and a world led by leaders who concern themselves through money, selfish gain, through bribes and pleasure.

Our leaders scheme and make deals with godless nations.

Take down the leaders in our nation who say one thing and do another. May their lies be exposed and disciplined.

We are suffering at the cost of our leader’s sinfulness.

Lord, our silence and contentment to sit back and watch has cost us our livelihoods and freedom.

Lord, hear our prayers of confession. We are sinners in need of a savior.

May we speak truth of you and your goodness.

You are a God of Light, Growth, Truth, Love, Compassion, and forgiveness.

Our country was built on these truths, “In God we trust. And Liberty and Justice for all.” But if those are just empty words, then they mean nothing. Lord, Give those words breath and life again. Raise up Mighty Men, Valiantly able men who are willing to sacrifice for the good of all mankind.

Jesus came to save the lost. Lord, there are many who are lost. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. May there be workers who rise up to help bring in the harvest.

Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and the glory forever! Amen.

May we take a stand for what is right, righteous, and full of your glory. May the world accept Jesus as their Savior.

So many in the news are saying that our country has lost all its liberties. That we may be too far gone. But I know the God of the universe. Nothing is impossible with You.

As the prophets of old did, So may we fast and pray for Your mighty outstretched arm to save our Land. To heal our land. And may our Land humble itself and turn from our wicked ways, and confess our sins. And then, may we rise stronger than we ever were before.

Lord, please heal our families. Bring mothers and Fathers together in unity under your authority.

May adults read and obey your word.

May children obey their parents.

May churches preach the Gospel. May they be open and welcoming of all who enter in.

May we be honest in all our relationships.

May we be as Matthew 5 says in your sermon on the Mount, poor in spirit, meek, humble, and forgiving.

And Lord, if this is not your will, give us the strength to be a good witness for you in our suffering.

Amen.

“Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on Things above, not on earthly things.“ Colossians 3

May we all Carrie On and Stay High remembering that Jesus Loves you! 🙏🏻✝️❤️

I see a lot of posts about feeling lonely or “left out”. I think that is a common thread among women especially as they scroll through social media and see “#GNO” while groups of women are out having a good time.

If you are feeling lonely and uninvited, Satan has been successful in bringing you down. Don’t believe his lies.

Say this out loud, “Satan Out, Jesus In!”

What if I told you that you never have to be lonely ever again?

There’s a Heaven sent friend who invites you daily. Jesus has invited you multiple times to join in the Fellowship of believers.

There are so many people, family, brothers, and sisters in Christ, who would love to be with you. They are all around you.

You have to take the next step. Go find your peeps. Go to church. Join a small group. Join a Bible study. Find your peeps in all the right places.

Turn that loneliness around and send the invitation. Send a text or call to someone saying, “You’re Invited!”

And take it a step further, send the invitation to someone who you know who might be feeling lonely too. The blessing of fellowship with a believer in Jesus will make it extra special.

So instead of waiting to be invited, invite someone to your table today. How about it?

And then, invite Jesus to have a seat at your table.

He is someone who will always accept your invitation. Jesus is waiting for you to reach out Him. He says so!

“Where 2 or more are gathered in my name , There I am with them.” Matthew 18:20 That’s a promise!

And may I warn you if you’re hesitant? Whether or not you invite Him, He’s coming. So be ready. Set the table. Matthew 35:13 says, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

When Jesus called the disciples, Simon and Andrew at the Sea of Galiliee, He commanded them, “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

It was not only an invitation but also a command. They would not be working for food, but for God’s Kingdom. They would not be sharing food for the stomach, but instead, food for the soul. That is our ultimate goal. As Christians, we’re winning souls for Christ and His Kingdom. Would you rather have a meal or eternity? Or an Eternal Meal?

Is this all too overwhelming? invitations, Planning? Wonder if they’ll show up? The fear of the unknown? What to wear? What to say? Is it easier to just stay home in your Jammies? Then remember this…

Jesus invited us and says, “Come to me all you are are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

And again in Mark 6:31, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

How often do you reject His invitation? This is not only an invitation but a summons to act. We are living a spiritual battle for the mind, body, heart and soul.

In Jeremiah 1:17, 19, God proclaims, “17 Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. 19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord.”

Are we in tune to what Jesus has in invited us to do or say, write or share? There are opportunities for fellowship in His name all around us. Are we distracted or selfish? Are we too concerned about what everyone else seems to be doing without us? Or are we open to focused on Him and His leading in our lives?

In Revelation 3:20, Jesus warns the church not to be Luke warm, He says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Let’s not get distracted by #GNO (Girl’s Night Out) Let’s make a new hashtag. #YITTT (You’re Invited to the table) #TDIO (The Door is Open) #COIAR (Come on In and Rest) #JLY (Jesus Loves you)

So Carrie On and Stay High. Send that Invite. And Accept His Invitation to an Eternal Meal. And Remember Jesus Loves You! 🙏🏻❤️✝️