Thursday, November 25, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 30)

Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving!  We did... although I am very tired. I was awake before 5 a.m., and we were on the road to my parents' by 7:30 or so... long day by oh so good! 

So on day 30 I am so grateFUL for safe travels, the love of an incredible man of God, time spent with family, and all that of you that may be reading this.

I do realize that a day of thanksgiving should be a daily thing... and I really try to make that happen in my life, but I need to try harder... it is hard to stay in a bad mood if you are speaking what you are grateFUL for... don't you think?

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17

Time to crawl into bed... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 29)

We just got home from Testimony Night at church... I look forward to it every Thanksgiving Eve... it is so great to see how Papa God is restoring marriages and families.  So on day 29, I am grateFUL for being established in the faith.  I can't imagine how hopeless my life would be without Christ.

"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." Colossians 2:6-7

I am a big fan of Josh Groban and a couple of years ago I purchased his Christmas CD... on that CD was the song titled, "Thankful"... every time I hear it my heart overflows with gratitude.  Take a listen here.  Hope you are blessed by it.

Heading to my parents' in the morning for a long weekend... looking forward to family time. 

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 28)

It seems “funny” that when I did my devotions this morning that this was the verse that jumped out at me… “For He (Christ) Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,” Ephesians 2:14. What I am grateFUL for today is for the peace I have through Christ.

Shortly after I wrote the above statement... the devil quickly leaped in there and tried to set me off track. Satan will not steal my peace!!!!  I went searching for scripture to set my mind back on heartfelt peace and I came up with, “Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. It can be easy for me to shut out the external noise in my house, being most days I am the only one home, but it is the internal noise that is the tough one for me… yes, the voices in my head! The noise of worry, anxious thoughts, second-guessing… sometimes even after my quiet-time with God those things can start echoing in my mind again. What I need to be reminded of is that Papa has given me a way of “sound proofing” my mind which in turn brings peace once again to my heart.

First of all I need to remember that God understands my dilemma and He will always provide a way to calm my heart. Secondly, do I want to continue to carry my worries or am I willing to exchange them for His peace??? “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. Lastly, I need to remember it is a choice on my part… who is more capable of handling anything in my life??? I already know that I find that peace, only Papa can provide, when I let go of the “noise.”  Just writing all this down has helped me and I hope it helped someone else too.

I have to share a picture of the "pie man" that lives in my house!  My hubby makes the best pecan pie around... I never make pies because he always makes them, including homemade crusts.  He is a keeper!

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Monday, November 22, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 27)

On day 27... I am grateFUL that God gave me the chance to help out a friend that had surgery last week.  Took goulash and pecan tarts to them for supper.  Stayed and visited for awhile... hope I was a help... hope they liked supper.

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Sunday, November 21, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 23-26)

Once again I am sorry that I just didn't blog the last few days!  I had lots to be grateFUL for though.

Day 23 - I was grateFUL that I was part of a church-wide fast... we are in the midst of trying to choose a new lead pastor, so the fast was for prayer and guidance in this.  I fasted facebook and blogging, which many days takes up too much time! ;)  If you think of it, please pray for our church in this matter.

Day 24 - I was grateFUL for a trip to Arnie's Crafts with a good friend... a little craft supply retail therapy! Plus, we had dinner with some great couples that night too.

Day 25 - I was grateFUL for Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel... okay... sappy, silly, maybe, but I luv them!

On day 26 I am grateFUL for child-like faith.  I accepted Jesus into my heart as a young child, which I am sure back then I didn't realize how blessed I was that I had the foundation set by my parents for that to happen.  Every person can come to Christ with child-like faith, but us adults can learn from the little ones!  "When the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' they were indignant and said to Jesus, 'Do You hear what these are saying?' And Jesus said to them, 'Yes. Have you never read, Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise?'" Matthew 21:15-16  Don't let life or being "adult" stop you from having the faith of a child.

Sharing a Thanksgiving Day card today... I don't do many but I have this cute little turkey stamp from SU so I had to use it. *Ü* (sorry the lighting on this was so poor)
with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 22)

I am grateFUL for a hubby that warms my side of the bed for me!  Night all!

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 21)

It has been a busy day, but I accomplished a lot... so that makes it a good day!  On day 21... I am grateFUL for the things I was able to accomplish today.  Not everything went favorably, but that is okay... I will deal with it and like the bookmark below says, "All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today."  There maybe "flowers" tomorrow. *Ü*

Okay, so here is the rest of my story from yesterday... the pilot made an alarming announcement that we would be landing at Detroit Metro Airport instead of Detroit City due to freezing rain, he said the City Airport had shorter runways and they were afraid the plane would slide off the end. Ok, now you have my total attention! I was a little shaken and started to silently pray, but I knew all would be okay. As the plane attempted to land… the closer we got to the ground the windier it was… it was like being on a rollercoaster… weaving and tipping and tossing back and forth. We got within a couple hundred feet of landing and all of a sudden we took off again with full throttle, or what seemed like full throttle. Again, the pilot made an announcement, saying we had to take off again because of massive wind shears… so we were to circle for awhile until the wind died down… we circled for what seemed to be forever… when the pilot’s voice once again came over the speaker… this time he said we were running short on fuel and we had to land no matter what. The flight staff prepared us as good as they could, but I was really scared… being all alone and so new at flying. The gentleman sitting next to me calmly folded his newspaper, and started to speak words of assurance to me. He reached over and held my hand, the whole time speaking words of comfort to me. It was a landing like I could never imagine and hope I never experience again, but this man, that I know God had set next to me, brought me such peace. As we unloaded the plane he said he would find me at baggage to help me and to keep an eye on me. I looked for him, but I never saw him again… it was like he vanished. I don’t know this man’s name… I probably would have a hard time even giving a description of him… what I do know and believe is that at that very moment, when I needed that human connection… he was my angel… an angel sent from God.

Since then I have thought many times about the verses, Hebrews 13:1-2 “Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” I like to believe this might have been my one time I actually saw my guardian angel. Farther in that same chapter is this verse, “So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:6 The Lord helped me that day by giving me this man to help me on that specific day… whether he was really a celestial being or not… he was sent from my Heavenly Papa to comfort me in that moment.

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Monday, November 15, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 20)

It is opening deer season here in Michigan today, so my hubby has the day off... yes, there are businesses that close in this neck of the woods for opening day!  So today I am grateFUL for the extra time I get to spend with my hubby on this Monday!  That is one of my favorite past-times! *Ü*

I also am trying to get back into tatting... here is a little sample of my beginning again with tatting.


I have a story to share with you too.  This time of the year reminds me of Luke’s time stationed in Oklahoma in ’91 for officer’s school. He left the first part of September and was gone for 5 months. I had my hair salon open at the time so there was no way I could go with him. After 5 weeks, I flew down to see him (my first flight ever) for a long weekend. Then 6 weeks later I flew down again to spend Thanksgiving with him… that time I went on Wednesday and came home on Monday. It was a great Thanksgiving, filled with many “firsts” including… the first time I wasn’t with my family for Thanksgiving and the first time having Thanksgiving dinner in a restaurant. It didn’t matter where I was or what I ate… I was just so grateful to be with my hubby (we had only been married for 15 months at that time). The interesting part of that trip started on the flight home. I flew out of Oklahoma City to St. Louis with a 4 hour layover before flying onto Detroit. Four hours in an airport by myself… now remember this was before laptops and cell phones… 4 hours turned into 5 hours because of bad weather… finally after all that time I was on my way to Detroit City Airport. I was in the aisle seat and I was seated next to an older man in a suit who spent the flight reading a newspaper… I was very shy and didn’t speak much to strangers, plus I took Dramamine for air sickness so I was a little out of it. As we got close to Detroit, the pilot made an alarming announcement...

I didn't want today's post to be too long, so I will finish my story tomorrow... please "stay tuned".

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Sunday, November 14, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 19)

It has been a very dreary day today... weather-wise, but really good otherwise.  Great morning at church... love to worship and a good message too.

On day 19 I am grateFUL for words of kindness.  I am the sort of person that will speak my mind, trying always to do it in a kind way.  I also use a lot of humor, in fact I really have trouble relating to people that don't have a very good sense of humor... they probably have a difficult time dealing with me too. *Ü* I try to speak only life giving words and not waste my breath on unnecessary words... trying to speak words of kindness and encouragement to others, and this morning I had so many people speak kind words to me.  When that happens it can turn a dreary day into a cheery day. I don't live my life by what others say about me, but it is nice to hear positive things and not negative.
"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Psalm 15:4

Here is another little project I made for a gift.  I bought the picture frame a long time ago at a surplus type store, wish I would have bought more.


with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Saturday, November 13, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 18)

Getting an early jump-start this morning. Hubby is working and then I think we are heading to Traverse City for the afternoon... we have not been to TC since August!!!  Going for no particular reason, just sometimes you need a change in scenery.

On day 18, I am so grateFUL that I am significant... I may not feel like... I may not even think it, but Papa God told me so in His Word.  "Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!" Psalm 139:16-17
 Growing up I always felt like I didn't belong and you know, especially as a teenager, you just want to fit in, but I never did really.  I accepted Christ into my life at a young age, so I always knew I was "not of this world" but that didn't make it easy to be different so many times.  I probably even resented it at times... that my values and moral/spiritual compass wouldn't let me go have "fun" that everyone else was having.  Not saying I was perfect... I got away with plenty, but I never stepped too far over the line before the Holy Spirit redirected.  When I read chapter 139 of Psalms and especially those verses above... I am just amazed!  Papa not only created me and loves me, but He sees me as significant... and He sees you as significant. Now, that is something to be grateFUL for... don't you think?

Here is a little birthday card I made... it is my sister, Renee, that taught me how to do the owl... I think it is a woot! (sorry couldn't resist!)
with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Friday, November 12, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 17)

Can't believe Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away.  Looking forward to going "home" (to the Thumb where my parents live) for Thanksgiving... we haven't been there since the first part of August for a weekend... too long.

I asked my hubby to share what he is grateFUL for today, first he said me, and I told him that couldn't be his answer. LOL So then he said he is grateFUL for the beautiful Fall weather we have had and such a great harvest.

Here is a wall hanging I made for a friend's birthday.  I know I got this idea from someplace on SCS, but I am not really sure from who, sorry.


 with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Thursday, November 11, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 15 and 16)

I am so grateFUL today for the men and women that have given their lives, serving our country, protecting our freedom.  There are not enough words to express my thankfulness.

"Father God, please place Your mighty arm around those men and women who are sacrificing right now for us.  I pray for their families... God give them the peace and comfort that can only come from You.  I thank You that through You and Your Son we are able to know what true FREEDOM is. In Jesus Name, amen."

Remember, FREEDOM is never free!

Off to spend the day with some super duper ladies... 2 of which have birthdays today! Happy Birthday Ruth and Laurie!  Chatting, eating, laughing (for sure), and yes, even a lil' stamping... what more could you want in a day???  I might have something to share with you a little later, but it is a birthday surprise so don't want to ruin it.

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 14)

Today was a much quieter day... went through a lot of piles and threw out a bunch of needless stuff.  Oh, that feels so good when I take the time to do it.  Clutter out of the house helps me keep the clutter out of my mind!  Anyone else like that?

We had a great Night Out For Ladies last night at church, which leads me to what I am grateFUL for today... I am grateFUL that Papa God has called me not only to be a wife, but to be Luke's wife... I have been so blessed with a hubby that is so much my opposite that we compliment each other perfectly, or as perfectly as we can... it just keeps getting better and better.  I am not bragging... I am just giving God the glory He deserves.

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Monday, November 8, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 13)

It was a busy, long day so this will be short and sweet. On day 13 on am grateFUL for a good report from my second mammogram and ultra sound, and having supportive friends that care for me.  Thank You Papa for bringing goodness in my life.

with a grateFUL HEART, cairn

Sunday, November 7, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 12)

It was a busy day today, but a good busy.  Starting with an extra hour of sleep with the time change, but you know I was still up very early.  I served in the information center at church this morning for first service then was able to worship at second service.  It was a great message... love a pastor that will get up... speak the truth... maybe even step on my toes... just be very genuine. My hubby and I were privileged to have lunch with 3 awesome men... that was good. Then we were off to a funeral home visit... not so good, but necessary.  I had mixed feelings about the passing of our friend... so sad to see her go, but rejoicing that her 8 year struggle with cancer is now over.  She is resting in the arms of Papa God.

So on day 12 I am grateFUL for time... the time Papa gives me to live this precious life and hopefully use it to reach out and touch others lives with His love.  Time to serve Him... time to worship Him... time to spend with my hubby and friends... time to just share a smile or a kind word with someone... even time to take a nap on a Sunday afternoon with my hubby.

Here is another of the cards I created... I luv the SU "In Colors" and they look so nice against Chocolate Chip.

I would love to hear what you are grateFUL for today... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Saturday, November 6, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 11)

On day 11 - I am grateFUL that I got to spend the whole day with my hubby.  This time of the year he works every other Saturday (Spring and Summer it is every Saturday), so I so appreciate days like today.  I slept in a little longer than usual and he made breakfast for us... then we went grocery shopping in Cadillac... he doesn't mind shopping and that is so much help to me... I don't mind the self-checkout but it is so much easier with 2 people.  He even helped the lady ahead of us bag her groceries.

I also got to go to one of my favorite places today... Arnie's Craft Store in Houghton Lake... it is one of the best craft stores around here. We met my sister and her hubby there... they are in Houghton Lake for the weekend celebrating their anniversary.  We had a late lunch with them and spent some time chatting... the guys didn't chat so much but me and my sister kept the conversation going! *Ü*  I hadn't seen my sister for a couple months, so it was great to just spend some time together.  Happy Anniversary Renee and Frank!
Here is another one of the cards I created yesterday.  These are different colors for me to use, but it turned out okay... I think.  And I am "thinking of you" as I post this.

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Friday, November 5, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (days 9 and 10)

Sorry, I am posting 2 days together again today... I have been feeling under the weather most of the week and yesterday just got away from me without posting on my blog.

On day 4, I am grateFUL for peace... peace that even when I am not getting much sleep at night because of coughing... I know that Papa is there watching over me and giving me strength. ‎"The LORD will give strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace." Psalm 29:11

On day 5, I am grateFUL that I was able to do some stamping.  I haven't done too much lately and I need to get back in the habit... it can be like therapy for me.  And here is one of the cards I made using Really Rust, Always Artichoke, So Saffron.  The trim I bought at Hobby Lobby... when I saw it I thought it would look pretty used on cards, especially with Fall colors.

Gonna go snuggle up on the couch with my hubby... with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 8)

Today I am grateFUL for LOVE... love from Papa God... love from my dear hubby... love from my family and love from great friends that are like family.  A kind word, a warm smile, a gentle touch, a big hug... I pray I will be known for my love.

with a grateFUL HEART, carin

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 7)

I am grateFUL on day 7 to live in a country where I have the right to vote.  The process may not be perfect but it is the best we've got.

That is all I got for today... I am feeling a little under the weather... hope I feel better tomorrow.

with a grateFUL HEART, carin



Monday, November 1, 2010

30 Days of grateFULness (day 6)

I am grateFUL on day 6 for the Seasons… the Seasons of nature and the Seasons of life.  I love living in Michigan where we are able to enjoy the different Seasons… I will admit that some Seasons could be shorter than others, but Papa God’s creation is so unbelievably beautiful. 


Just like the Seasons of Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall… life has many Seasons.  I was reading in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”  As I am looking back over some incredible things that took place in the last 10 months I am also reminded of some sad things as well… friends that have been in my life for only a short season, but through sad circumstances are no longer a part of my life.  I can remember a message our previous pastor gave about how friendships may not be friendships that we are meant to have forever.  Sometimes people are brought into our lives for a time to learn from in a mutual way.  I have had friendships where my friend took a wrong turn that was detrimental to my well-being… but like our pastor said, those are the times we just may have to vacate that relationship.  It doesn’t make the friendship any less than it was, but it does take strength to see the problem and to part ways for one’s own sake.  If you are going through something like that now… it is not fun, but it can be a learning experience… search God’s Word… pray for guidance.

with a grateFUL HEART, carin