Pray. Pray hard. Pray harder.

My phone reminder says “Pray” everyday at 1pm. A 1 minute prayer at 1pm to lift up to God that 1 item of business that, is not my first priority, but because Of it’s nature, is priority on our (My husband and I) prayer list. Its the one part of our life that I can have full faith in one minute, and be at a complete loss another. In my flesh, if I let it get the best of me, it can be real drain on my life.

However, there’s those moments that We allow to God to use it to strengthen our faith.

Prayer is a mystery. It’s the opportunity to give away praise, grateful adoration, supplication, and peaceful silence all to the All Knowing, Ever Present, All Powerful Creator of the universe. His name is God. Jesus is His son. And He gave us the Holy Spirit to guide us on this narrow road called the Christian life.

This 1 request has been top on our prayer list for many years. It’s an earthly complicated mess. There are no easy answers. It’s a “thorn” in our side…as The Apostle Paul would describe it.

Paul would also tell us that, although painful, it’s also a blessing. It keeps us humble. It helps us serve those who otherwise we may choose not to serve. To hand it over to the One who knows it’s purpose. It keeps me on my knees. Literally, on my knees in desperate prayer.

We have goals set, which can’t be met. We make a plan, that can’t be carried through. It’s all because these goals and these plans are dependent on other people. These people that We’re praying for, don’t show up. They don’t keep their commitments. Man made equipment breaks down. Bills flow. Yet, I know God has a plan. I know God will see it through. He will not leave us nor forsake us.

Therefore, I pray. And, then, I pray harder.

I’m thankful that God has the answers. Where would I be without Him?

So, I Carrie On. I remember Colossians 3 that reminds me, Since then, I have been crucified and raised with Christ, to seek the things that are above, on heavenly things, where Christ is, not the earthly things. For I died with Him, and He is and I am now manifested in glory. (summarized)

Jesus loves Me and You! Don’t Forget that. ❤️

If I had to summarize the Bible in 3 words…They would be just those 3…”Don’t give up!” Because, if you keep reading, you’ll find , in the end…God wins! You win! It says so in Revelation 21.

If you’re praying for a job, a mate, a phone call, or some other something of importance, “Don’t give up!”

If you’re praying for healing, “Don’t give up!”

If you’re praying for a wayward family member, “Don’t give up!”

“Because in due time, you will reap the harvest.” You will. Your prayers will get an answer. You will see God work things out for you Bigger and Better than anything you could ask or imagine.

This answer, this phone call, this person, will come around. This situation that you’re diligently hoping for, praying for, working towards, will get attention if you are surrendering it to Him who can and will see it to the end.

He promises He will. And He keeps His promises.

I was once encouraged to underline or highlight all the promises from God in my bible. Then, write the letter ‘P’ beside it. Every time I open my bible and see a ‘P’ written in the margin, then I remember, “God’s got this!” “Don’t give up!”

So sister, as it says in Colossians 3, Stay High on Him who sits on the throne of your heart.

Keep your mind on Jesus, who is higher than us. He’s already done the work.

And remember, Jesus loves you! ❤️

Carrie On and Stay High

Colossians 3

To God be the Glory, Great things He has done! ✨🙌🏻💯

My man and I became husband and wife before God, family, and friends 25 years ago today. 💒

It’s taken me 25 years to learn and know who Dusty really is through and through. No doubt, we are praying that God will help us to take it to the next level in the coming years.

Maybe if you have a successful achiever as a husband, you can relate.

Here are 25 ways that I can keep our love strong:

1. Be Nice

2. Smile

3. Laugh

4. Be positive

5. Tranquility at home

6. Talk Less, Love more

7. Remind him that he’s not alone

9. Encourage him in his successes.

10. Remind him that he is Loved for just being himself.

11. Let him work and rest without interruption

12. Be strong in the Lord.

13. Encourage him to be strong in the Lord

14. Make his coffee, with our favorite cream and sugar, every morning.

15. Cook his favorites meals and desserts.

16. Give gifts, no matter how small or large.

17. Schedule dates. Just the 2 of us.

18. Never underestimate the importance of a request stated once. If he asks once, do it. In humble submission, be a cheerful giver.

19. Clean out the fridge often. He doesn’t like a fridge full of old food.

20. Keep the house somewhat clean and organized.

21. Send him texts with the 😘

22. Hugs matter

23. Keep me healthy…Physically, spiritually, and mentally.

24. Communicate at the right time in a calm tone of voice. Weekends are a good time for serious talk. Bedtime on weekdays is not a good time.

25. Most importantly, Pray often for him and us. Praying Colossians 3 (is a great choice! )

I knew Dusty was a Christian before we started dating. This was my first requirement for a date. We were also good friends before we dated. I knew him pretty well.

Before we married, we dated 3 years. We were engaged for 6 months.

Like most, we sought out wisdom from our parents and family.

Once we scheduled a wedding date, we went through several weeks of premarital counseling.

However, no one can really know what to tell you for your specific relationship. Marriage is like a fingerprint. No two marriages are alike.

We have experienced a lot of blessings and challenges since then. Through 10 moves (3 rentals, on-base housing, and 3 home purchases, and 6 months in a camper) a residency, a hurricane, flooding, 3 sons, starting a small business, commercial property, and much more, we have continued to love one another.

Marriage is like a good investment…it’s going to have peeks, take dips, and have increases over time, but with a long term investment, dedication, “stick-to-it-give-it-a-chance-never-give-up-hard-headed-white-knuckle-take-deep-breath determination, both people are going to increase in value. When plugged in to the greatest investor and source of righteous wealth and strength, there will be many blessings to reap.

There is no greater joy on earth than a person who knows you and still loves you. It’s the truth! It’s easy to love the good, the fun, the honeymoon, the vacations, the gifts, the successes. But the true test of a marriage is knowing one another’s weaknesses….and still loving them. Thankful that Dusty knows my bad qualities and still loves me.

Jesus knows us and loves us unconditionally. He speaks to us and tells us to do the same. I’m grateful that my God and His word is truth.

This blog, based on the truth of Colossians 3, is a result of crying out to God on days when I just didn’t know where else to go. There will come a time in your marriage, when God is pressing in, eager to grow you, passionately stretching you further than you ever thought possible. And those are times to press in to Him….He is….God is… the Great I Am. Don’t make your spouse God. Only God Can do that.

The pressure we wives put on our men to be perfect can cause a lot of problems. God has spoken to me for many years. He has said, “Carrie, I never asked you to change him, I only asked you to love him. Let me do the changing. You pray, relax and watch what I can do.”

Obedience is hard. But when we crucify ourselves to Gods plan, He Rocks a man’s heart!

Don’t ask for perfection. Lord knows none of us are capable of that. Just Pray for God’s will.

May He continue to bless us above and beyond what we can ever ask or imagine.

Thank you Jesus! 🙏🏻🙌🏻

Stay High Y’all!

Jesus loves you! ❤️

Sing with me! “Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was heeeeeee. He climbed up in the sycamore tree, for Jesus he wanted to seeeeeeeee.”

“As The Savior passed that way, He looked up in the tree, And He said, ‘Zacchaeus! You come down! For I’m going to your house today.”

🎶🎵Can’t you here the Sweet little voices and high notes? 🎶🎵

Many of us know this Sunday School Song from our younger years at church.

But do we really remember the story?

I love rereading these Jesus stories as an adult. The deep feelings and real relationships that existed as Jesus walked the earth were amazing.

The sacrifice that day on both Jesus’ and Zacchaeus’ part was huge!

Jesus knew he would be judged for going to a untrustworthy tax collector’s house. Another opportunity presents itself for the Pharisees to blame him for wrong doing. He knew it would, once again, tarnish his reputation with the Jews.

He did not care what they thought. Nor did He care what they said. All He cared about was a Wee Little Man 👨🏻 whose soul would be saved.

He had Salvation on His mind.

When we show an interest in Christ, He responds. And when we are willing to throw our hands up and say, “I’m all yours Lord!” He brings Salvation to our house.

Zacchaeus knew he would have to put his pride aside to say he was “Sorry” to all he had cheated. He was willing to give up to 4xs back the amount he had cheated others by and give taxes back that he had kept.

Zacchaeus did not care what others thought. He did not care what others said. He had Salvation on his mind.

If I apply this to my life, I think to myself, do I truly care what others think? Do I care what others say? If I want Salvation to come to my house, I have to look at Zacchaeus’ ability to not care what others think, nor should I care what they say. Be in awe of Jesus. Walk with Jesus. Surrender all I have to Jesus.

Zacchaeus also had to stop sinning against others. To let Go of his selfishness, and let God work.

Jesus went to Zacchaeus’ house knowing he was a sinner. And When Zacchaeus gave up his selfish ways, Jesus gave him His Love.

All He asks of us is to return Love, Compassion, Sympathy, Gentleness, and Patience. He asks us to Forgive. To say, “I’m sorry.”

Do you remember the end of the story?

He was given “Salvation”

Luke 19:9 says “Salvation has come to this house today.”

And the end of the song?

….”and a Happy Little Man was He, and a happy little man was he.”

May we seek to know Jesus. He knows us all too well. And He loves and Forgives us anyway. Give it up. Hand it over. And Be Happy. True Joy comes when we surrender all to Him. 💯

May we Carrie On and Stay High On Him who gives us Salvation. 🙌🏻

Remember: Jesus loves you! ❤️

Colossians 3

Women. We Like to talk. We like to talk too much. We like to talk too much about people and situations that we have no idea about.

“Oh, you think you’re better?”

No, I’m just as guilty as the next person. But, in my 46 years, I’ve learned that most situations aren’t as they seem….at all.

“You have it all figured out?”

Maybe that’s what you’re thinking 🤔

As Christians, We have to ask ourselves this question…What would Jesus do? It’s so true! If we are to spread His light and bring Him glory…we have to ask ourselves, am I building this person up or tearing them down? Am I helping or hurting? Is my life going to improve if I talk about this? Or is God going to discipline me from my actions?

“Oh, here we go. Another Christian preaching.”

Look it up yourself. Google “Tongue in the Bible”. God’s instruction manual, the Bible, is full of wisdom about our tongue and how we use or words…to bless or curse.

My daddy used to repeat this one a lot, “The tongue 👅 is as sharp as a double edged sword ⚔️. ”

https://www.biblestudytools.com/passage/?q=james+3:1-12

It can be used to heal or hurt, tell truth or lies, Gossip or bless, pass on love or hate, stir up tension or peace.

There is protection for those who hold their tongues from lies and gossip. And there is blessing for those who mind their own business.

I Thess 4:11,12 “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 SO THAT your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and SO THAT you will not be dependent on anybody.”

I love a “SO THAT” = Blessing = Respect and independence.

Do we want the blessing or the curse?

How will we use our tongues today?

Take a step towards rising above the noise.⤴️

Take the tongue challenge…Next time you’re tempted to talk about someone…Pray for them instead.

Don’t heap burning coals on their head with malicious talk, heap blessings on them with prayer. And we all get the blessing. Amen!

Rise above the lies, gossip, and empty talk. Stay High and Carrie on. And remember…Jesus loves you! ❤️

There’s not a Netflix series that compares to the Bible.

All the stories in the Old and New Testament are packed with PG-13 excitement. I’ll never forget watching the Bible series when my, then, 7 year old walked out in fear. The violence was too much.

As Gods people, we experience joy, love, crisis and pain just like they did. My son argues that the barbaric means back then we’re much worse than now. Today’s guns were yesterday’s swords. However, as God’s people, their ending was and is always better. It always has a “Good Finish”.

If you were to describe your favorite bible story, you may use such adjectives as anger, jealousy, war, attacks, assassinations, grief, strife, death, and family trauma. They are all part of Old and New Testament drama. Every good story also includes the good. There’s always an element of reconciliation, forgiveness, obedience, poems, love, songs, sex, surprises, and joyful fate. It’s all in there. When you least expect it, unexpected twists and turns occur in God’s Story. After all it is His Story (History).

In John 1:1, it says, “In the beginning was the word. The word was with God, and the word was God.”

He’s ALL knowing, ALL the time.

And He’s the God of unexpected change….Also known as Chiastic Structures, opposing thoughts that compliment one another.

“The first will be last and the last will be first”

“The Humbled will be exalted and the exalted will be humbled.”

“He who knew no sin, became sin, so you could have eternal life”

“He who was rich became poor, so that you who were poor could be rich, and have eternal life”

Do you see it? Up will down so that down will be up. Change of Destiny is yours too.

Are you ready for a Change?

↖️↗️ My favorite quote is anonymous but my Youth Director used to always say it. “I may not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future. ”

Thank You Jesus!

↙️↘️ Nervous about change? Want Peace? He will give it to you. All you have to do is give it to Him. Without hesitation, without reservation, hand it over to Him who is able to do with your life far more than you can ever imagine.

One of my favorite Bible Verses says “Do not be anxious about anything , but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (The best reward comes as a gift for our obedience….) in verse 7 he tells us, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Study Esther. She was a Foster child who became a Queen and saved her people! It’s a great success story.

Study Joseph. Favored by his Father, rejected by his brothers, who became Pharaoh’s Vice President over all the land. He saved Egypt and his family.

Study Paul. He persecuted Christians and then, converted and became the most famous missionary for Jesus who ever lived.

Study Jesus. The King of the world became a baby and died our savior. He’s alive and lives everywhere. Heaven and Earth proclaim His glory.

Jesus changes everything. So stay High on Him because He loves you! He really does!

Carrie On. 🙏🏻❤️

If you died today, and you stood before Jesus, and He asked you, “Why should I let you into my Heaven?”, what would you say?

How do you know if you would go to Heaven?

I was asked this very question for the first time, and a few times after, when I was in 5th grade. My parents were in a group at church called Evangelism Explosion (EE).

My church ⛪️ led this EE group of adults from home to home in our community asking this very question. They were on a mission to help build a community of believers in Jesus Christ. They had hope that they could help others find a better life in Christ.

They had confidence as they knocked on strangers doors. They knew that a mind set on eternity is a mind at peace. We all need peace. We need to share what we know about Jesus.

I have a friend who is ready to stand before Jesus. She’s done all she can do to fight cancer, and yet, her body is not responding well to treatments. Her doctor has informed her that she’ll be better without it. She is ready. She is positively ready. She’s at peace.

🎶 I can only Imagine ….do you know that song? ….What will it be like…..to stand….before Jesus when he asks you, “Why should I let you in?”

THE ANSWER….It’s simple, Just Believe that He is who He says He is. 🙏🏻The Bible gives us all the answers. Ephesians 2:8-10 is a good start.

“For God so loved the world that He Gave His one and only son, that whosoever BELIEVES in Him will not perish, but will have eternal Life.” John 3:16❤️

So Carry On and Stay High On Him who saves us from death, and gives us eternal life. 🙌🏻

And remember, Jesus Loves you!❤️

High Intensity Interval Training 👊🏻 = HIIT

If you never experienced HIIT, I Challenge you to find a workout studio or YouTube video and give it a try.

I used to be a “Runner”. And only a “Runner”. Until I lost all motivation one rainy cold winter about 5 years ago.

My most Fit Friend was a HIIT instructor, so I asked to join a class. Maybe something different would help me.

4 years later, I’m still “HIITing” 👊🏻

Warning: It’s addictive.

Especially during a very challenging time in your life, HIIT is very therapeutic. Whether it’s a sick parent, a rebellious teenager, a busy spouse, or all 3…HIIT is better than any therapy out there. And worth every penny.

HIIT is a lot like life, the Christian life. When God stretches you, prepares you, and sends you on a mission.

You start out warming up. Then, a little cardio to get the heart rate up. Next, isolated muscle group weight training to tone those “oh so flabby” areas. Then maybe a little more cardio and cool down. Finally, rest.

Life is like HIIT: There’s little rest, sometimes we stretch our emotions, our abilities, and our gifts. Then, we put forth more than we thought possible. Then, we pray that we can complete the job (work out). When the assignment is done, we have the peace of mind, knowing that we did it! We can be more confident than ever that our bodies, mind , and spirit are able to accomplish more than we ever asked or imagined because, …

” Through Christ, we can! “🙏🏻

I’m taking a little break from HIIT as the business of life has called me to spend more time helping my husband and family.

But, like all Chapters in this story called “Life”, it’s only temporary. I will go back, stronger than ever. 💪🏻

So, Carrie On and Stay High (Colossians 3) On Him who is the Strongest, and who gives us strength.💪🏻

And remember: Jesus loves you! ❤️

In my HEAd 🧠 and HEArt ❤️ I have a choice to be Emotionally HEAlthy every day. I will have complete HEAlth in HEAven .☝🏻🙏🏻

Noticing a pattern?

As I journaled this morning, I noticed that every word God was giving me starts with H E A…

So, I thought..”What is the Latin, Greek, or Hebrew root HEA mean?” I picked up my phone and Googled HEA. What popped up first in my online search was an acronym used by authors and movie directors. H E A is used to describe an ending to a story as “Happily Ever After.” 😁😄😃

Well, How about that?!?! God speaks once again.

As Christians, we are given the story. We may be burdened with the world’s problems, the troubles of the day, or the checklist that never ends, but we must take a minute to remember…Jesus came to save us. He Rose again and is in Heaven and our hearts. He will come again to Rule over Heaven and Earth. We are a part of the Master’s Plan. We are on the winning team. You and I win! 🏆

I needed to hear this today. And I thought you might too.

We are part of the best “Happily Ever After” ending of ALL!

Revelation 22:12,13 “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

And my favorite is Revelation 22:20,21 “He who testified to these things says, ‘Yes, I am Coming Soon!’ Amen Come, Lord, Jesus. 21 The Grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.”

So Carrie On and Stay High!

This is not the end. In our HEAd and in our HEArt we can be HEALTHY because we have much to look forward to in HEAVEN.

Our Father, who is in HEAven, Holy is your name. Your Kingdom Come, Your will be done, on earth, as it is in HEAven.

Don’t forget…Jesus Loves you!❤️

Just think….if the only addiction we ever had was Jesus! Can’t you just hear us sharing the gospel like this, “Just try it! It won’t hurt, just this one time, just inhale.”

“It’s free! It’s the only Real High.”

We would be hooked on the one who can give us an everlasting high. Just think of the effects we would have on our families and communities.

My mom warned me as a child that addiction runs in our family. She taught me how to respond to temptation. I didn’t always get it right, but I’m thankful that she prepared me. In the same way, I warn my sons of the temptations that have grave consequences.

Meme died of cirrhosis of the liver. I never met her, but my mom said she very beautiful and outgoing. However, she would get especially angry when she drank.

One of my brothers was addicted to hard drugs and he died of a stroke at 42 years of age. He was artistic and fun to be around when he was sober. He was easy to love. It’s not easy to watch someone go down that destructive path.

Some Addictions are dangerous. Satan uses them to destroy a precious life that God created. They eat away at the soul of one and break the soul of those who they abuse. Whether themselves, or others, it has an effect on multiple people and generations.

I’m not a smoker. In fact, the one weak puff I took as a 15 year old, I regret. I’ve seen an aunt and an uncle suffer through lung problems, and die as a result. I have seen many family members and friends struggle to quit. I’m sure you have too.

As smoking was in my early years, vaping is today. I’ve taught my guys about the possible health risks of all of it. But they’re young and wreck-less, and I’m not naive. They will try it. They have tried it. Like me, I hope they come to their senses and hate it. I hope they hate what it does to their bodies. I hope they don’t like it at all. I pray against such things.

Paul says in Colossians 3, “Set your mind on the things above” God speaks to us here. He says, “Stay high on Him who is higher than all of this.” He is Life! Eternal life. He Gives life and sustainability when we live for him.

He names all the sins we are so wrapped up in, anger, jealousy, lust, gluttony, etc….and He encourages us to focus, not on earthly stuff, but on Christ. He sets us free from the bondage of sin when we let go of our addictions.

May we open our bibles and inhale the Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, and all the greatness that He has for us. May we eat of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. May we crave it. Galatians 5

That’s what our minds are seeking is acceptance and deep joy that only He can give us. We need a break from the real world. So get away from it, close your door and open your Bible. Pray. Read, sing, praise, and seek Him who is higher: He gives himself away to us when we just have faith and believe in Him who is Higher!

Next time we have a stressful moment or day, may we pick up our bibles instead of our addictions and distractions. Try it! He’s faithful to meet you.

⚠️ Warning: He’s addictive. The blessings that flow from following Jesus are awesome!

May we stop, and pray. May we let go and let God.

May Jesus be our only Addiction. Crave Him.

So Carrie On and remember, Jesus loves you a lot!❤️Stay High On Jesus! ☝🏻🙏🏻