tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57472792073437133342024-03-13T12:00:51.725-07:00CableCarrHe must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30Joan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-9268808318498187252010-09-25T07:53:00.000-07:002010-09-25T07:57:53.954-07:00Refiner's FireI don't know about you but most of the time God's refining process is hard, painful and sometimes very long in my life. Even so, I want to be refined so I can be more like "HIM".<br /><br /><object width="410" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/larbuWBZ58k?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/larbuWBZ58k?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="410" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/220/2D34B080BED753E301F9607D81205558.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Joan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-76904826169146967012010-09-22T19:06:00.000-07:002010-09-22T19:17:17.064-07:00"Did I Mention"<object width="405" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PmlpvuWlBnY?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PmlpvuWlBnY?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="405" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />I heard this song tonight at church and can't seem to get it off my mind. The lady that sang it did a really good job, and I thought I would share it with you sang by The Perry's.Joan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-1432826176523280402010-07-28T13:06:00.000-07:002010-07-28T13:35:41.520-07:00Today's Rant......WE had a lady in our church loose a teen granddaughter because her car was hit by a drunk driver. How pointless, the gentleman that hit the car was 28 and this was not his first offense. <br /><br />This has always been a sore spot from me, although I have not personally been affected by a drunk driver tragedy. It is so pointless, and it should never have to happen. The person drinking and driving does not have to do this and it is a stupid decision. So this week at least two families were forever altered because of a drunk driver, the family that the teen died from, and the family of the drunk driver and in this situation there were two other people injured. I do not know their situation.<br /><br />Alan and I also watched a movie this week entitle Seven Pounds, which was a decent movie with Will Smith in it. The jest of the movie comes out at the end of the movie that he was reading a text message while driving and killed his wife, and 6 more(or seriously injured 6 more). Their is more to the movie but these 2 events this week got me thinking about texting and driving(reading text messages/ or literally texting while driving). I will admit on occasion I have done this, read a text or sent a one word answer. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Today it stops</span>. I challenge you to do the same. You are to precious to your family to do this to them, and the other cars that you meet are to precious to their family for you to be doing this, also.<br /><br />Some statics for you on the internet.<br />According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 5,870 people died in car accidents in 2008. ( This is 5870 to many, 5870 families have been altered because someone could not wait to read or send a text. <span style="font-weight:bold;"> Nothing is that important</span>.) An additional 515,000 people were injured. Ridiculous!!! <br /><br />50% of teenage drivers admit to texting while driving. <br />28% of all accidents in 2008 were caused by drivers between the ages of 18 and 29 that were texting while driving. (To my family and yours please stop it, and stop it now,you don't want to become part of this number. Your cargo is to precious to us, and their cargo is to precious to them).<br /><br />Teens are not the only ones doing this. 81% of the U.S. population admits to texting while driving.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Most drivers today are aware of the risks of texting while driving but do it anyways</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Due to the fact that text messaging slows a driver’s reaction time by 30%, texting while driving is being shown to cause greater impairment than being on drugs or drinking while driving.</span><br /><br />So reading or sending texts, twittering, or checking out facebook needs to stop while you are in the car........Nothing is so important that it can not wait a few minutes until we get to our destinations. WE are not that important, but we are important enough to our families to not put them through an accident like this, just like the drunk driver should never get behind the wheel. We all think that kind of accident is such a waste and we should feel the same about our telephones in the car.<br /><br />So Lord willing for me, this stopped today. I challenge you to stop and do the same because you are loved to your family and the vehicles you meet are loved by their families.<br /><br />So that's my rant for today.<br />JoanJoan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-58338515826037031722010-06-17T11:11:00.000-07:002010-06-17T11:27:53.872-07:00What I Just Finished ReadingI have been trying to finish up reading some books that people have loaned me recently and return them to their rightful owners. I just read "Learning to Breath Again", by Tammy Trent. Honestly, I had not ever heard of her before this book and I have had it a couple of months at least. She is a musician/singer and also been a Women of Faith Speaker. But I decided to give it a try this week so the book can return home.<br /><br />I must say it was a very good book. Ms. Tammy's husband died in Jamaica in a diving accident Sept 10 2001. Then 9/11/01 happened and made her days in another country even more difficult after the sudden loss of her husband. She tells of their love story, marriage, career and then about losing the love of her life - Trent - her husband. And then she tells of learning to breath or live after becoming a widow and how God has helped her every step of the way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ge4EFrjFVIM/TBpnZXKUcNI/AAAAAAAAAEc/0TagocDofVk/s1600/learning+to+breath+again.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ge4EFrjFVIM/TBpnZXKUcNI/AAAAAAAAAEc/0TagocDofVk/s320/learning+to+breath+again.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483809181688688850" /></a><br /><br />If you have the opportunity and enjoying reading I would recommend this book. However, I am reminded in life we never know what we will have to face or where life will take us. But we can always rest assured that if we are God's child He will not hurt or harm us. Or ever take us through anything that He is not right there with us. So I leave you with this scripture..<br /><br />Isiah 43:1-3a<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. <span style="font-weight:bold;">When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.</span> For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour...<br /></span><br /><br />Until next time<br />JoanJoan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-1239354084328690762010-06-15T04:33:00.000-07:002010-06-15T07:24:31.630-07:00I Don't Know Where To GoOver the last year or so I have gone through many things that I will not or cannot write about on the blog and many times I am just empty on what to post. I have been struggling with what to do with my blog. I just don't know which direction to take it. Do you have any ideas? I have thought about just canceling it, what is your thought? <br /><br />I am not open to posting a lot of family pictures, or divulging a lot of family information. I feel this is way to dangerous for the world wide web. There is to much evil lurking around everywhere and I don't want to expose anyone of my family to any of that. I don't want this blog to be a place for gossip for anyone as I see happening in so many of the twitter and facebook accounts and blogs. I know they can be used for good but personally I am seeing way to much of how it is just a means to socialize with people one should not be socializing with. It monopolizes peoples time and they are always checking up on the lastest gossip and neglecting their families. Be careful!!!You might be neglecting those most important to you!!! Some can't drive, or carry on a conversation, or work, or accomplish any task without being tied to their phones. Is this really magnifying our Saviour!!!!<br /><br />I don't want the blog to be all about me, that is not having a humble spirit or for me being obedient to HIM. My life is HIS, and my life is to be about HIM, I don't want or need to post about me.<br /><br />So I don't know which way to go, I want my blog if I continue to always be around my Saviuor. I just don't know what angle to take for my very few readers. I have thought of cooking,and couponing but how do you turn that into HIM when it is all said and done over and over again. I have thought of some book reviews, daily devotions, the list could go on and on.<br /><br />But I just don't have an angle at this time. <br />JoanJoan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-17640201893513620122010-06-10T12:50:00.000-07:002010-06-10T12:56:16.194-07:00From a Child's Memory VerseLast night at church one of the young men, I mean pre-school age, young quoted this scripture.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man</span>. <br />Psalm 118:8<br /><br />God spoke to me with this verse and reminded me that my trust needs to be in HIM and HIM alone.<br /><br />In, With and Through Christ<br />JoanJoan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-38494912356724999842010-05-31T13:49:00.000-07:002010-05-31T13:52:53.446-07:00Many Have Served<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ge4EFrjFVIM/TAQg6IrJLmI/AAAAAAAAAEE/SJAZUy0c1tg/s1600/memorial_day.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ge4EFrjFVIM/TAQg6IrJLmI/AAAAAAAAAEE/SJAZUy0c1tg/s320/memorial_day.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477539229922307682" /></a><br /><br />Many have served our country in my family and yours. Many died so we could be free. But He died so I could be free of Hell. What a Solider!!! Oh what a Saviour!!!! <br /><br />In, With and Through Christ Alone<br />JoanJoan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-1479804513430346592010-05-24T09:34:00.000-07:002010-05-24T09:54:42.969-07:00Under His Wings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ge4EFrjFVIM/S_qtkaZp3nI/AAAAAAAAAD8/WRodilxyobg/s1600/under+his+wings.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ge4EFrjFVIM/S_qtkaZp3nI/AAAAAAAAAD8/WRodilxyobg/s320/under+his+wings.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474879138096078450" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings</span> - Psalm 17:8<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings</span>. - Psalm 36:7 <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast</span>. - Psalm 57:1<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah</span> - Psalm 61:4<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoic</span>e - Psalm 63:7<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler</span> - Psalm 91:4<br /><br />Under His Wings - Ira Sankey<br /><br />Under His wings I am safely abiding,<br />Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,<br />Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,<br />He has redeemed me, and I am His child.<br /><br />Under His wings, under His wings,<br />Who from His love can sever?<br />Under His wings my soul shall abide,<br />Safely abide forever.<br /><br />Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!<br />How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!<br />Often when earth has no balm for my healing,<br />There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.<br /><br />Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!<br />There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;<br />Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,<br />Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.<br /><br />I am thankful that I can rest safely under His wings,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/220/2D34B080BED753E301F9607D81205558.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Joan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-13044690376261479522010-05-21T12:18:00.000-07:002010-05-21T12:33:18.265-07:00If ONLY...Pslam 34:13-14 <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it</span>. <br /><br />This morning in our bible study we read the above scriptures in chapter 34 of Psalms. I know there is much in this Psalms, but verses 13& 14 is what has been on my mind since reading them earlier today. <br /><br />I do believe if we had no other words to live by(I know we do however) these 2 verses speak should speak volumes to us. I know that they do me. If I practice these verses, and if the whole world could and would practice these verses what a better place this world would be. I know I am dreaming, but let me dream on. However, If only Gods people would put this to practice what could the church get done for HIM.<br /><br />So, I am going to try to work harder to keep my tongue from evil, and by not speaking anything guile. (The dictionary describes guile as "insidious cunning in attaining a goal; crafty or artful deception"). Because the Bible commands it and it is pleasing into the Lord. And verse fourteen tells me I am to pursue peace, and if I do that I will depart from evil and do good.<br /><br />So I leave you today trying to live closer to my Savior by applying what I have read in the Bible this morning, how about you?<br /><br />In, With and Through Christ Alone<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/220/2D34B080BED753E301F9607D81205558.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Joan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-23503212388518677872010-05-17T18:39:00.000-07:002010-05-17T18:56:51.003-07:00FearsI am reading a book by Julie Clinton called "Extraordinary Women" that I got for Mothers Day and it is very good I must say. In this book I ran across a quote that I thought was very good and oh so true that I thought it was worth sharing with you. This quote is from Donna Claus who helps run a ladies retreat called No Fear Forwards which is a 4 day wilderness retreat to help women identify and relinquish their fears.<br /><br />"The major problem I see is that life is not about us. When we think that we are the reason for life, we live in fear. When we want everything our way, we live in fear. If women can go away from these Forwards with one idea, it should be that 'life is not about me'. Only when we leave the lie behind can we live fearlessly with our God. God had to wrench that out of me. It was painful; it was horrendous. But once I realized that all that matters is God and His plan, I found the secret to fearlessness. The opposite of fear is faith."<br /><br />After I read this I could not help but think of the scripture in II Timothy where God tells us He is not behind our fears. <br /><br />II Timothy 1:6<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind</span>. <br /><br />I don't know about you but God is still working on me.<br />JoanJoan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-21916998906826898882010-05-14T04:13:00.000-07:002010-05-14T04:24:28.276-07:00Holding HandsTwo or more people voluntarily hold hands for one of the following reasons and purposes:<br /><br /> * in various rituals:<br /> o handshake<br /> o in certain religious services, to pray<br /> o in various religious rituals<br /> * to express friendship or love<br /> * to enjoy physical intimacy (not necessarily of erotic character)<br /> * for emotional support<br /> * to guide (a child, a blind person, in darkness, etc.)<br /> * to urge to follow<br /> * to keep together (in a crowd or in darkness)<br /> * to help the other walk, stand or climb up<br /> * to dance<br /> * to maintain one's balance<br /> * to arm wrestle<br /> * when crossing the street<br /> * during a meal<br /> * while sky diving<br /> * to rescue in a dangerous situation:<br /> o pulling someone to safety<br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holding_hands<br /><br />I have noticed lately that when Clayton goes down the steps in our split foyer house that he wants to hold your hand. Or when he gets out of the car in a parking lot he wants to hold your hand. Now, he is not old enough yet to be completely dependent upon himself or confident that he can do it alone. Each time he reaches his hand up for comfort or security it brings to my mind that is the way God is and how we should be with God.<br /><br />Isaiah 42:6 I<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee.....</span><br /><br />Isaiah 41:13<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.</span><br /><br />If I could only learn to be more dependent on God like my 2 year old grandson is when he needs steadying. It is just awesome to think of God holding my hand.Wow<br /><br />In, With and Through Christ<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/220/2D34B080BED753E301F9607D81205558.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Joan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-87904146534135267762010-05-13T13:30:00.000-07:002010-05-13T13:38:38.118-07:00Be Still . . . . .I listened to this song today for the first time and God used it to speak to me in a way that I needed. <br /><br /><object width="400" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/c9zHn4QSH-8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/c9zHn4QSH-8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God.....<br /><br />In, With and Through Christ<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/220/2D34B080BED753E301F9607D81205558.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Joan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-85478187008589755952010-05-07T11:51:00.000-07:002010-05-07T12:06:58.881-07:00Mother's DayWe recently put this in our May 2010 church newsletter, and I thought it was very fitting.<br /><br />The following is an excerpt from one preacher’s Mothers’ Day sermon. He says, “I’m preaching without apology and with appreciation for that time-honored institution without the benefit of which we wouldn’t be here!<br /> Every Mother’s Day sermon I’ve run across starts with an explanation, this one is no exception. As ministers, we’re reminded not to get too sentimental about motherhood because:<br />for some, motherhood is an accident, and not always a welcome one;<br />(b) for some, biological motherhood isn’t possible;<br />(c) for some, mothers weren’t all that nice;<br />(d) for some, motherhood under the very best of circumstances is still less than a bed of roses and a primrose path.<br /> If I can take some liberties with poet Wilhelm Busch’s words, I’d have to say: “To become a mother is not so difficult; on the other hand, being a mother is very much so!”<br />So, with all the qualifications that come along with Mother’s Day, why bother with Mothers’ Day at all? I’ll tell you why. It is because for all its stumbling blocks, pitfalls and broken dreams, for all the soiled diapers, soiled wallpaper and spoiled plans, we’re talking about a beautiful ideal, a natural part of God’s creative plan to bring love and caring to light. Motherhood is a constant demand for the gift of love and caring.”<br /><br />Proclaim Magazine, “A Mother’s Day Sermon,” May 14, 1989<br /><br /><br />So for me this year I need not celebrate Mothers Day, I had rather honor my children. "Nikki, and Jesse" by natural birth, "Amy and Chad" brought into my life by my natural children. And of course to "Clayton" because I am known as his "Tram". I hope he always calls me Tram, it is just so sweet, special and created by him. "Johanna" who is with the Lord and makes heaven a bit sweeter for me and I can't wait to spend eternity with you. So to the 6 of you thank you for allowing me to be your mother, mother-in-law, and Tram. You have had to put up with a lot, and I am forever grateful that God brought all of you into my life. <br /><br />Last but not at all least to my wonderful husband for almost 30 years that has allowed me to be the mother of his children. So to all 7 of you, I love you all more than words could ever express, and I am the one blest by God to have you each in my life. All of you have a special place in my heart that could never ever be touched by anyone else but you.<br /><br />In Christ Alone<br />Joan(Mom or Tram)<br /><br />However I do wish my mother, and mother in law a wonderful day on Sunday.Joan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-60226049408269240472010-05-05T13:23:00.000-07:002010-05-05T13:25:13.352-07:00I Thought...Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.<br /><br />I thought someone else might need to be reminded today from the scriptures that He Careth for YOU!<br /><br />JoanJoan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-11353297261790307002010-04-29T10:05:00.000-07:002010-04-29T10:24:59.864-07:00BiblesI found this Purple Bible at the Barnes & Noble store this morning. Since I love, lovveee purple and it was readable and in the version I wanted it came home with me. Yahhh!!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ge4EFrjFVIM/S9m9kniabbI/AAAAAAAAADk/064iVQQmrFc/s1600/purple+bible.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ge4EFrjFVIM/S9m9kniabbI/AAAAAAAAADk/064iVQQmrFc/s320/purple+bible.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465608059577068978" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A girl at the church Alan is preaching at this week has this Bible and I love, love it too. You can't have to many Bibles especially in girl colors. Maybe one day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ge4EFrjFVIM/S9m_J5Bd2PI/AAAAAAAAAD0/Z4qaLLXolHg/s1600/pink+and+green+bible.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ge4EFrjFVIM/S9m_J5Bd2PI/AAAAAAAAAD0/Z4qaLLXolHg/s320/pink+and+green+bible.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465609799437506802" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />JoanJoan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-4052022928851997492010-04-28T12:33:00.000-07:002010-04-28T12:56:10.917-07:00"My Portion"Lam 3:24 <span style="font-style:italic;"><br />The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him</span>.<br />Psa 73:26 <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.</span><br /><br />I have had this on my mind since the EWomen Conference when we heard Lysa TerKuerst speak and she talked about God being "My Portion". I found 6 verses in the Bible and all of them being in the Old Testament. <br /><br />This is the Strong's definition of portion:<br /><br />1) portion, share, part, territory<br />a) portion, share<br />b) portion, tract, parcel (of land)<br />c) one's portion, one's possession<br />d) (chosen) portion<br />e) portion, award (from God)<br />2) smoothness, seductiveness, flattery<br /><br />And that is what I have been praying every day that God would be my portion.<br /><br />JoanJoan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-83610024132237748062010-04-23T12:43:00.000-07:002010-04-23T13:00:07.039-07:00Spiritually Wrung OutAlan and I were in Carrollton, GA this week for a Bible Conference. Alan was one of the preachers for the morning sessions. My what preaching we heard this week in the mornings and in the night services. But as I went to bed last night I felt like I had been spiritually and even emotionally wrung out. However, that is not a bad thing at all.<br /><br />God brought me to a place this week that I realized I had been trying to fix something in my own heart for months now. He showed me that He needs to do the fixing, and I need to let go and let Him do the healing. Sometimes it is painful for us to get before God in a honest state but however for us to grow and tackle life sometimes it is so necessary.<br /><br />I am so thankful that HE is mine, and I am HIS. <br /><br /><br />Joan <br /><br />Tonight and tomorrow the girls and I are off to a EWomen Ladies Conference.Joan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-69147569574946078142010-04-20T20:10:00.000-07:002010-04-20T20:15:29.965-07:00The Anchor HoldsI have journeyed<br />Through the long, dark night<br />Out on the open sea<br />By faith alone<br />Sight unknown<br />And yet His eyes were watching me<br /><br />CHORUS:<br />The anchor holds<br />Though the ship is battered<br />The anchor holds<br />Though the sails are torn<br />I have fallen on my knees<br />As I faced the raging seas<br />The anchor holds<br />In spite of the storm<br /><br />Ive had visions<br />Ive had dreams<br />Ive even held them in my hand<br />But I never knew<br />They would slip right through<br />Like they were only grains of sand<br /><br />CHORUS<br /><br />I have been young<br />But I am older now<br />And there has been beauty<br />That these eyes have seen<br />But it was in the night<br />Through the storms of my life<br />Oh, thats where God proved<br />His love to me<br /><br />I tried to find a you tube video that I liked, but couldn't so I am posting the lyrics. The choir sang this song tonight and Alan and I got some much needed help through it. I am so thankful that I am anchored with the true and living God.<br /><br />Anchored,<br />JoanJoan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-52280543170206179982010-04-19T07:41:00.000-07:002010-04-19T07:53:24.798-07:00"Screeching Halt"Traffic on I-85 has come to a screeching halt in Greenville, SC as we travel to Georgia today for a Bible Conference. Evidently there was a collision of a cement truck and another "Big Truck" Clayton terminology. <br /><br />But as I was searching the internet to find out was was up, and we set in the traffic I could not help but think that life is this way sometimes. We take life way to fast and the older I get the faster in passes by. Sometimes God has a way of forcing us to stop, by circumstances, sickness, snow, or traffic etc. <br /><br />I could not help but think out the scripture in Psalms 46:10:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.</span><br /><br />Oh, that I could learn to slow down more, or come to a screeching halt and ponder more on God. We can find thoughts of God everywhere if we will keep our mind on HIM.<br /><br />JoanJoan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-73160208434493004372010-04-16T10:49:00.000-07:002010-04-16T11:08:10.715-07:00Basking in the Sun(SON)Even though I not not like lizards in any way shape or form(I find myself relating to him today). To me the lizard is a cousin of the snake. Any one creature on earth that I despise it is the snake. I realize that it is Gods creature and He created them, but if they were not any on this earth it would be just fine with me. I have been known to panic on more than one occasion over this creature. My husband would love to have one as a pet, but I cannot live in the same house as one so we have an understanding and it works for us.<br /><br />However, my mind goes to the lizard today as we all have seen them on a concrete wall, or the side of a house, or just sunning on a rock in the warm/hot sun. I feel like the lizard in that I am basking in the SON(SUN)today. I find that the lizard warms in the sun to warm up his body, because he is cold blooded, and for the vitamin D that he gets from the sun. Sometimes I get cold hearted and feel the winter breeze all around and I must go back to the SON(sun) for warmth. The lizard along with humans need the vitamin D for strength to the body, such as strengthening his bones. I get weak in spirit and body and need to go back to the SON(sun) and get strength for my body.<br /><br />But if you notice when the lizard is sunning, he has a direct path to the sun, he does not lay in the shade. It is out in the open in the full sunlight that he lays and gets warmed up. I am still basking in the thought that I am "IN Christ" and God has been helping me to feel his love for me. So I feel like the lizard today as I feel the warmth of the SON(sun)all around.<br /><br />In Christ<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/220/2D34B080BED753E301F9607D81205558.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Joan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-20725016006918900242010-04-15T05:31:00.000-07:002010-04-15T06:06:18.894-07:00"In Christ"I listened to a song on my Ipod Tuesday while I was at the gym on the treadmill. The song was In Christ Alone by Natalie Grant. I posted this posted this video from You Tube by Travis Cottrell on Tuesday. I listened to it many times over the course of the day and I have already listened to it several times today. <br /><br />I just have not been to get away from the thought "In Christ". Beloved, I know that I am in Christ, because of what He did on Calvary. So, I just did a quick search to see how many times that "In Christ" was in the Bible. I have found it 76 times in the New Testament. WOW!!! I knew it was in Ephesians and Philippians many times, because I have it highlighted. But I had no idea it was in the New Testament this many times. God must want me to realize that I am "IN Christ". <br /><br />"In Christ" is in: <br /><br /> Acts - 1 time <br /> Romans - 10 times <br /> I & II Corinthians - 20 times<br /> Galatians - 6 times <br /> Ephesians - 10 times <br /> Philippians - 7 times <br /> Colosians - 4 times <br /> I & II Thessalonians - 3 times<br /> I & II Timothy - 10 times<br /> Philemon - 3 times <br /> I & II Peter - 2 times<br /><br />Later today, I plan on reading all the scriptures. I don"t know about you but I am soooo thankful that I am "IN CHRIST". So I think I will go listen to the song again as I read a few scriptures about being "In Christ".<br /><br />In Christ,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/220/2D34B080BED753E301F9607D81205558.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Joan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-83678779114381639972010-04-14T12:33:00.000-07:002010-04-14T12:37:28.389-07:00Hide Me, O SaviorA friend sent this to me today in an email. I thought it was worth sharing with you. It is from Adrian Rogers Love Worth Finding Daily Devotional. <br /><br />Psalm 17:8 - “Keep me as the apple of the eye, ... hide me under the shadow of Thy wings.”<br /><br />DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:<br />Charles Wesley was walking through the woods on a stormy day when a lightning storm broke out and the rain began to come down in torrents. A bolt of lightning flashed and a little bird was so frightened that it flew down to Wesley and tried to hide in his coat. He was so moved by the scene that he wrote a song we often sing: “Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high. Hide me, O my Savior, hide, ‘til the storm of life is past; safe unto the haven guide, O receive my soul at last.” That’s what our Lord does. He hides us, sustains us, and keeps us.<br /><br />ACTION POINT:<br />Are the storms of life raging around you? Hide yourself in the dark clouds – they are just the shadow of His wing.<br /><br />JoanJoan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-16841957477159941532010-04-13T13:02:00.001-07:002010-04-13T13:10:17.110-07:00Ultimate Blog Party 2010<a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/19667/ultimate-blog-party-2010/"><img src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k210/5m4m/buttons/events/blog_party_banner_horiz.png" title="Ultimate Blog Party 2010" alt="Ultimate Blog Party 2010" /></a><br /><br />So I thought I would hop on board with the blog party. I love to read other bloggers but I have not blogged much lately. I just needed to take a break and get refreshed. So here goes.<br /><br />I am a PW(Preachers Wife, matter fact a preachers mother, and a preachers mother in law)to the most amazing man, my sweetheart since we were 15. How did I get so blest? GOD! I am a mother of 2, Mother in Law to 2, so that makes 4 children. "Tram" to Clayton the most wonderful grandson. But first and foremost I am a child of God. I love HIM and am learning more about HIM everyday. <br /><br />JoanJoan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-38152484382236770132010-04-13T07:09:00.000-07:002010-04-13T07:14:01.423-07:00In Christ Alone.........<object width="400" height="375"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bvnpcKUrCo4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bvnpcKUrCo4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="375"></embed></object>Joan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5747279207343713334.post-27529036024952520642010-03-31T03:17:00.000-07:002010-03-31T03:22:02.147-07:00He Knows My NameVerse 1<br />He counts the stars one and all<br />He knows how much sand is on the shores<br />He sees every sparrow that falls<br />He made the mountains and the seas<br />He's in control of everything<br />Of all creatures great and small<br /><br />Chorus<br />And He knows my name<br />Every step that I take<br />Every move that I make<br />Every tear that I cry<br />He knows my name<br />When I'm overwhelmed by the pain<br />And can't see the light of day<br />I know I'll be just fine<br />'Cause He knows my name<br /><br />Verse 2<br />I don't know what tomorrow will bring<br />I can't tell you what's in store<br />I don't know a lot of things<br />I don't have all the answers<br />To the questions of life<br />But I know in whom I have believed<br /><br />Chorus<br /><br />He knew who I was when He carried my cross<br />He knew that I would fail Him but He took the loss<br /><br />Chorus<br /><br />Every step that I take<br />Every move that I make<br />Every tear that I cry<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/220/2D34B080BED753E301F9607D81205558.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a><br /><br />Genesis 21: 17<br />And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, <span style="font-weight:bold;">What aileth thee, Hagar?</span> fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.Joan Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098017161191861222noreply@blogger.com1