When King Jehoshaphat got bad news in 2 Chronicles 20, he remembered God’s faithfulness and told his whole country to fast.

He prayed. In His prayer, He reminded God of His promises to His people.

In Verse 20:9, Jehoshaphat states that he is with God no matter what, “If Calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgement or plague of famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name, and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.”

And then He said this in verse 20:12, “oh our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”

Keep your eyes upon God.

I really love chapter 20:13, “All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones stood there before the Lord.” Isn’t that great?!?? “Children and little ones” don’t you love that they even brought the “Little ones”.

Let’s review…They got bad news. So they fasted. They prayed. They gathered their family together to seek the Lord. And then the Spirit of God spoke.

He says to them in verse 15, “Listen…”

He says a lot more, but let’s just stop there for a minute. If we don’t open our ears to what God has to tell us, how do you think we will hear from him?

If we really want to hear from God, we are going to have to stop darting our eyes back and forth, clicking our fingers around the screen or keyboard, and wake up before the stress of the day demands our attention. The noise all around us says “stay so busy that you can’t hear God.” But God is a good Father and He knows us. He knows that we have to be told to stop 🛑, Look 👀, and Listen 👂🏻 to His words.

Then He continues in verse 15, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army (and might I add…or whatever you are battling) …For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

He goes on to tell them that they won’t have to fight them, only to “Stand firm and see”. He repeats himself in verse 17, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”

And they all fell down to the ground and worshiped Him. Some stood up and worshiped him.

Then, Jehoshaphat, like God, told the people to , “Listen to me, have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld.” And they began to sing praises.

They battle was fought while they were singing praises. The enemies turned against one another and they all died.

Jerusalem rejoiced over their enemies. It says so in verse 27, “For the Lord had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies.”

And the best part of all? Peace. God gave them peace. Rest. God gave them rest.

Obedience to God gets the blessing!…Every time.

So take that bad news to the Lord. Fast. Pray. Listen. Keep your eyes on Him. Have faith. Worship Him. Let Him fight your battle.

Carrie On. Stay High. And remember that Jesus loves you. ❤️Colossians 3

My Small Group Bible Study is reading through A Guide for Listening and Inner Healing and Prayer by Rusty Rustenbach.

He encourages us to be still and listen to God.

Really?!?! Here are 5 of the most God ordained women together working through some serious issues, who, no doubt, in my whole life, were meant to be together. We talk more than anyone I know (I can say this because I’m one of them). And here we are, trying to be quiet before the Lord.

I mean didn’t Jesus himself say, “Pray without ceasing?”

Doesn’t that translate into, “Talk without ceasing?”

Well, through this study, I’m figuring out that it might just translate into, “Listen without ceasing.”

After all, God is our Heavenly Father. He is our “Counselor”, “Friend”, and “King”. I mean, He may just have a word or two for us every now and again. Ya Think?!?!

I’m amazed at how the distractions, once removed, and the mental thoughts, once hushed, can leave room for God to speak.

And when we clear our schedule for God, and invite him in to speak, He Speaks! Oh yes, He does. He is clear. He is interested. And He is intimate.

So allow yourself some God Time. Some listening time. Go ahead. He’s ready. But he isn’t going to fight you on it. It’s our job to stop, look and listen.

Just like our parents taught us before we crossed the street, we have to stop long enough to exterminate all the distractions, look for Him to show up, and listen with intense ears for His voice.

And when you hear Him, there’s no sweeter voice. It’s a quiet whisper of truth that you’ll know. You’ll know without a doubt that He was there. He saw you. He suffered with you. He cried with you. He was there to protect you. He knows and He’s ready you hold you through the healing. He loves you and He wants to tell you how much you mean to Him. He’s waiting. Go ahead. Spend some quality time with your Heavenly Father today.

If you don’t hear him, don’t over think it. Get the book. It walks you through the “how’s” and the “whys”.

Sometimes, we aren’t ready to hear what he has to tell us. And sometimes we are too stubborn to open our ears and stop our thoughts long enough.

So be patient and remember that He is patient too.

And remember, Carrie On, Stay High. Colossians 3.

After all, Jesus Loves you!❤️

Thank God for boys. 🙌🏻

They put their dirty clothes in a basket. 🙌🏻They throw their towels on the floor. 🙌🏻

They eat what I cook.🙌🏻

They ride away on their bikes and leave as soon as they’re ready. 🙌🏻

They don’t ask for anything all day except, “Did you wash those pink shorts!” 🤣

“How did I get the honor of serving 7 men at once?”, I think 🤔

It’s truly a blessing. 🙏🏻They live their best life knowing there’s a woman who makes food and clothes happen for them. 🙏🏻

I’m happy to be that woman. 😄

I know that God gave me men and I’m here to serve them. ❤️

I started my college career at Belhaven College, who preached and taught, “You are to serve and not be served”, Matthew 20:28

My prayer is that they too will serve their family one day. I pray they learn from observation. 👀

So Serve, Carrie On, and Stay High! Colossians 3

And remember…Jesus Loves you! And gave much more than food and clothes, He gave His life! ❤️

Counseling, therapy, “help”, or whatever you refer to it as is a wise use of your time. Make and keep an appointment. Make the time and investment for you. If you’re thinking of everyone else that needs to read this post, it’s likely that you’re ignoring your own need for it. We all have something to heal from. It’s worth it! I promise!

Here’s what I’ve learned about myself that might help you too. We are always a work in progress. None of us is perfect, ever. As the Missionary Paul put it, “As it is written, no one of us is righteous, no, not even one.” Romans 3:10

And as my pastor says, “It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to stay there.”

Christians have a reputation as those who think they’re better than everyone else. Confession…I’ve wanted so badly to be better than others, but, truthfully, I’m not.

I’m not judge nor jury. I’m a sinner in need of a Savior. That Savior is Christ Alone.

I’m no better than the the worst person I know. I’m awful! I’m deserving of death and hell.

However, as John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but will have everlasting life.”

I’ve learned these basic biblical truths my whole life. But, as I’ve experienced more life, I’ve had to apply these truths in some very uncomfortable situations and places.

When arrogance and self righteous whispers of Satan tell me to look down on those who are in the middle of sin, it is a good time to remind myself that I am no better than they are. Here’s what I’ve learned…

I can hype myself up by saying I was not the liar or the adulterer or cheater, but the truth is I was no better than they are.

Perhaps I could get a pat on the back because I was not the thief, but now I know that I’m no better than they are.

I was not the murderer, but I was no better than they were.

I was not the abuser, But I was no better than they were.

I’m was not the addict, but I was no better than they are.

But this I was, I was the childhood victim of abuse by someone I loved turned adult angry bitter judgemental Pharisee.

I WOULD completely cheat you out of your forgiveness as I willingly held on to a grudge.

I WOULD lie to myself about who I am deep down inside. If you were to ask me, “How are you doing?” With my head held high and a wide grin I would reply with a lie, “I’m great! And you?”

I WOULD steal your joy when I didn’t have any. Why should you have joy when I don’t? Holding on to my anger is like a child holding on to a dirty blanket for false comfort.

I WOULD murder you in my mind by throwing you away as if you don’t matter, because in some awful twisted ways, that made me feel better.

I WOULD verbally spew awfulness to those who I love the most because I had a “right” to be angry.

I WAS addicted to the negativity that Satan whispered in my ear to remind me that I’m mad.

The “Old” me used to allow myself to make excuses for my bad behavior. It’s as if I had earned the “right” to treat people with disdain.

The new me has a disaster plan. I have to stop ✋🏻, put my hand up and say out loud, “In the name of Jesus Christ, Satan out! You are not Welcome here! This is Jesus’ temple, And I am a child of the one True King.”

Jesus died to give us the Holy Spirit. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can stop the malicious thoughts and hateful behavior. And from the heart, give genuine compassion. By inviting the Holy Spirit into my realm every morning to give to Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, and self control. Galatians 5:22-23

Another good scripture for healing and forgiveness is Luke 6 and Mathew 5.

May I give you some unsolicited advise? Let the healing begin. Find a good Christian Counselor.

Don’t Delay! Get Therapy today!

And remember to Carry on and Stay High! Why? Because Colossians 3 says so! Jesus loves you! ❤️🙏🏻

My Birthday Bible Verse is Romans 8:31. On August (the 8th month) 31st a few years ago, I made a new goal for myself to memorize more scripture.

I asked God to help me. As I was praying about knowing more of God’s word, I admitted to Jesus that I have a hard time remembering the scripture reference. “Dear Jesus, you know me and I just can’t remember numbers.”, I prayed. He responded, “Carrie, You don’t forget your birthday or anyone else’s birthday that is important to you.”

So, that started me in my journey running my fingers quickly through all 66 chapters scanning through and looking for Chapter 8, verse 31 of each book of the Bible. I got through the Old Testament without finding any that really resonated with me. Then, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans! Yes! I read it and immediately knew that the Lord led me to know that very special and specific verse. It was timely for the spiritual battle I was fighting.

Romans 8:31 reads, “What can we say to these things, If God is for us, who can be against us.”

It’s wild how I know that I will never forget that verse now that I associate it with my birthdate.

I can use this to find a Birthday Bible verse for those around me who I love. I can share with my family and encourage my spouse, children, and friends this practical kind of scripture memorization.

Other numbers are unforgettable also. How about an Anniversary date Bible verse? Or an house number? Any significant number will do. You could even use the last few numbers of your telephone number, social security number, or any other number that you already have committed to memory.

Jesus works in mysterious ways as they say. I’m so glad he gave me this idea. This has really helped me. I hope it helps you too.

Carrie On and Stay High on Him who Loves you! Your birthday matters! 🎉 Jesus Loves you! ❤️

It wasn’t until I read the Narnia Series as an adult that I grasped a fuller meaning of the series. When they made the movie, I was reunited with a sense of wonder for the series again.

I remember reading the series to my own sons when they were in elementary school. We would read a chapter a day. Sometimes we would read more because we just couldn’t put the book down. There are very few fiction books that make me stop and ponder 🤔, but the Narnia Series certainly did. C. S. Lewis crafted such deep theology in this children’s fairy tail.

“When things go wrong, you’ll find they usually go on getting worse for some time; but when things once start going right they often go on getting better and better.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Horse and His Boy

As someone who enjoys writing, C.S. Lewis is someone whose writing I enjoy reading the most.

He sprinkles so much biblical truth throughout the series. Without quoting scripture, he rewrites Principles we find throughout the Bible into a fictional story.

Most importantly, he uses children to carry out the battle! Oh! The faith of a child! The struggles, the lessons, and battles that these 4 children experienced are so typical. Remember when they meet Asian for the first time? Aslan knows them, just as God knows us, His Children. Just as Aslan gave them weapons as gifts, we each are given gifts and abilities to use in order to help the Kingdom. May we use them wisely.

I, too, would like to create a story that would help encourage people to be strong. It’s important to remember that good always wins. There may be conflict and unknowns, but when we stay the course, according to His word, He will lead and guide us into good places.

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 make your path straight.”

May we all know that God is ultimately in control. He is a mystery. But we can have faith that our world is in His hands. We who believe and are in the Lord’s Army know His plan is better than our plan. We can rest knowing that when the Trumpet Sounds, and when the Lion roars, we can stand our ground.

Pick up a good book today! I highly recommend the Bible. It’s full of good encouragement to remind you, you are not alone.

No matter the path you’re on or the battle your fighting, the Bible will give you knowledge that will help you take the next best step towards wisdom.

So Carrie On. Stay High, remembering that Jesus is on the throne. He knows you. He Loves you! ❤️

One last Narnia quote to remember today…

“Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

“Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red ❤️and Yellow💛, Black 🖤 and White🤍, they are precious in His Sight. Jesus loves the Children of the world. “

Mark 9:36, 37, “He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Mark 9:42, “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.”

In July of this year, I kept seeing hints in posts about people eating children. It tore my heart into pieces. Not only was this awful, grotesque, and incomprehensible, but also satanic.

As I started to research it, one thing led to another, and, in fact, it is sadly true. There have been hundreds, perhaps thousands of years of child pornography, pedophilia, child sex trafficking, and worse, eating children. And to my cognitive disdain, More so in recent years in our nation and around the world.

Unfortunately, as cities use Covid as their reasoning for “Lock downs”, It’s really children they want.

The masks? Oh it’s much easier to steal children with a mask on.

Who is involved? You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Do your own research. I think you’ll be surprised.

What can we do? Pray, Protect, Give, and Help. Pray for our country as we move forward. President Trump is well aware of the Satanic rituals that are occurring in our nation and all over the world. He’s given much attention to helping those who are combating it. Perhaps those who don’t want to be found out are the ones who hate him so much. May God help us if they continue in office. Research that.

Be aware of your surroundings. I’m afraid it’s happening before our very eyes.

Be the helper. Remember what Mr. Rogers said. Always be looking for the helpers. And I’ll suggest one step further. Be a helper.

Many of the homeless and drug addicted population were sexually abused as children. It causes trauma to the brain and prevents many from living a normal life. Normal has never been a reality for them. Unfortunately they were introduced to Satan at a very young age. They’ve been fighting a spiritual battle their whole life. May we have compassion for them.

I do believe that the awful monsters who have allowed this to happen to our culture will be punished. I do believe that it will happen soon. I believe that God is Just and Justice will be served from the Highest Court in the Land.

And as awful as all of this sounds, may we be reminded…to Carrie On. Stay High! God is still, always has, and always will be in Control. His timing is not our timing. He knows. He’s not going to leave us. He’s not going to forsake us. So remember, Jesus Loves you!❤️You are His child. And He Loves the little children! All the children of the world! Go God! You’ve got this!

Praise God from whom all blessing flow! To God be the Glory! Great things He Has Done! 🙌🏻

My new favorite emoji is the face with eyebrows glasses and mustache. It reminds me of the film icon Charlie Chaplin.

I grew up seeing reminders of movie theaters full of people watching him. They were looking for a laugh. After all, they were living through WWI and WWII, a depressed economy, brokenness and sadness all around them.

They needed an escape from reality and Chaplin provided that. However, in reality, the man, Charlie Chaplin, was also escaping his own brokenness. If you read about Chaplin, you’ll find that he was born into poverty, raised by a single mom who was eventually committed to an insane asylum.

Many of Chaplin’s movies were politically driven. He was a socialist. No surprise. He was from England, moved to America, then asked to leave.

Just as most of us enjoy an escape to a fictional story, with its twists and turns, we are living the best movie now. The best shows are increasingly climatic and mysterious, with unexpected surprises, and full of intrigue. When our emotions are tapped with laughter, sadness, and calm, relief from the unexpected problem that is eventually solved, then we enjoy a show even more. Might I add, a glimmer of hope that “Good” will win is always a component that makes a show shine.

May I encourage you to sit back and enjoy the show? This world 🌎 that we live in is somewhat a movie. We are living on God’s set. This movie has an ending. It’s script is the Bible. Reading Revelation is almost like cheating, but God gave John a vision of what the ending will look like.

May we play our part. You and I are the “Good Guys”. It may look like the “Bad Guys” are winning now. But, make no mistake, The “Good Guys” win every time. God makes no mistakes. He saw this coming. He’s in control. Keep the faith. Stay strong. Don’t give up. Don’t walk off set. Your part is important. You matter.

There is a happy ending. So when you get caught up in the drama, remind yourself of God’s promises. There are many such promises sprinkled throughout the Bible. One of my favorites is Joshua 1:9. It says to “Do not fear, do not be dismayed. For I, the Lord your God will Never leave you nor forsake you.” Say it over and over to yourself all day every day.

Genesis 18:14, the Angel says to Sarah when she laughed at the news that she was going to have a baby in her old age, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

Jesus promised us to leave us the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. Have you invited the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you today? He promises many things, but most comforting that he is coming back. And he is going to throw all the evil into the sea of fire. There will be a new Heaven and a new Earth. That is a great ending!

You and I are in the greatest movie ever made. Our director is watching over us. Don’t walk out of this movie. Play your part. Be the “Good”.

So today, in this chapter, this scene, Carrie On. Stay High! And remember, Jesus Loves you!❤️

Colossians 3 is a great reminder of what our part is in this movie called Life! Read it today. He wrote it for you. Know your lines. Encourage someone else today. 🤗 It’s not over. It’s really just beginning.🙌🏻

Get your things in order. Our Country, the United Stars of America, has a death sentence upon its head. We do not know what tomorrow brings, so Secure your investments, Make your will, and Prepare your family.

If you are a Bible reading, Jesus loving, outspoken Christian, 1 of 2 things is about to happen. One, you’ll be called up in the rapture. Or two, You’ll be persecuted for your faith.

I’ve read the Bible through 7 times. He warns us. Satan is real and so are the Spiritual Forces of this dark world. Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the Full Armor of God. God doesn’t play around. God’s Wrath is also real and is for those who reject Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Our Country has been “playing with fire” for far too long. Our Country and those who rule it have chosen a “Luke Warm” mentality.

We should be neither Luke warm nor cold, but hot with fire for our Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation 3:14,15

It may seem like Satan is winning, just like when Christ was crucified. However, after the Revelation is through, After Hell on Earth is over, then a new Heaven and a A New Earth will be for those who “Fought the Good Fight and stayed true to the Faith.” (Read and study Revelations)

Remember Easter? The end of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John? Jesus defeated Hell and rose again! 🙌🏻 He lives in you and me. This is our time. This is the moment we’ve been waiting for. Seize it.

I pray with a unwavering faith for all of us who believe, “May we be in that number …oh when the saints come marching in.”

I’m no prophet, nor a pastor. Just a Jesus girl who has studied His Word.

I’ve learned God’s timing is not our timing. He is not slow about His purpose. But he is patient in hoping that all will turn from their wicked ways and follow Him.

The New Testament Church in Acts tells us to “Be ready.” And might I add and say take Joy in the tribulation (James 1:2-5) knowing that Jesus’ return is near. Pray for Wisdom. Pray for knowledge. Pray for understanding. Read His Word.

Jesus has already won this war. But it will be a War, A Heavenly war. It will be full of tragedy, crisis, and pain. Sin has consequences. But through it all, Stay High on Him who sits on His Throne. Keep your heart and your mind steadfast….and remember..Jesus loves you. ❤️ Carrie On Soldier. Colossians 3

In Genesis 1, “God created”, “God said”, “God saw”, “God Called”, “God made”, “God blessed”. …And “it was good.”

Our church has an annual bible reading plan. You read the daily entry, then you journal what you Read, Examine how it applied then, Apply how it applies now, and Pray, =REAP.

So here’s my entry for Genesis 1:

Read (Pick one verse) – Genesis 1:31. “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good”

Examine = God was and is actively creating all the earth for good.

Apply = God is still creating day and night, earth and light, for His enjoyment with all His might… for good.

Pray = Oh Mighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, you are A Good Good God. All that you have made, are making, and will make is Good. May I look up and see all that you have made and praise and worship you, for you and all that you make are good. Thank You Jesus for the good in my life.

If you need a bible reading plan for this year, download the Pinelake Church App. Click The “L3” plans at the bottom of the page.

Reading through the Bible annually never gets old. The Holy Spirit reveals new and amazing truths each time.

I hope and pray that you will Stay High on Him who brings the Good into your life! And Remember…Jesus Loves you! ❤️Carrie On in 2021!