I'M ON A JOURNEY... BUT WHO ISN'T

Can you believe that today is the 31^st, the last day of January… already. Time waits for no one… that’s got to be written somewhere in the book of Ecclesiastes. When I started this blog back in August-September 2013, it was mainly because the Lord impressed it upon my heart to do so; honestly, I still don’t fully know why… and I don’t have to, it’s a journey. Today will be DAY 1 OF A 40 DAY JOURNEY. Every day is a journey, but I’ve set aside these 40 days for a specific reason… fasting, prayer and meditation (quality time with God and His Word). (PAUSE)

While I was in the middle of writing this, a relative showed up, she came all the way from Maryland to Madison, GA for a funeral… she is 49 years old, she drove with 4 children that are in between Kindergarten and Seventh Grade; the trip took between 7- 8 hours because of the traffic and they stopped to rest a little bit. She was telling me that in October of last year she had surgery to remove a brain tumor that was behind her eye, she showed me a picture of the MRI/ CAT Scan (not sure which one or if I’m even saying it right), it was a pretty big mass… they were able to remove most of it, but not all of if, thankfully it was benign; she had taken radiation treatment because it was still growing. She also showed me her post surgery pic; she had metal staples in her head that formed a horse shoe shape (it was 37 staples, I believe). She’s still experiencing shooting nerve pain in her head, but she is very jovial, to look at her, you wouldn't have thought that she had gone through something as major as brain surgery.

You know it was a week or so ago that there was a fatality on one of the streets I travel on from time to time. This is one of my least favorite roads to travel, it has deep curves. I was told that a log truck lost control and a woman was killed, just like that. And on January 1st I attended the funeral of an elderly family friend and it was after the funeral, that her sister and brother-in-law was in a car accident and the man died, just like that. This was the same man that would visit my dad when he was in town. It was not my intention to say all that, but it was worth saying.

This journey we call life has a beginning and an ending; conception to death; ups and downs, ebbs and flows, tears of joy, tears of sorrow; so we need to make the most of each day, make it count for the glory of God. For those of us who are in Christ, He is our saving Grace, it’s our faith mingled with His faith that keeps us from losing our minds when the uncontrollable happens. It’s His Word that sustains us, carries us through those difficult pilgrimages.

During this 40 Day Journey, I expect for my flesh to act up, become irritated, agitated, frustrated because it can’t have its way. I expect a deeper and closer fellowship with my Lord, I expect God to reveal some things to me, so for the next 40 consecutive days; I will keep you posted.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; 3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; 7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; 8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.

Love & Blessings xo

GOD’S FAVOR

Hey Everyone,

I’m back again, two weeks in a row; so proud of myself right now. Getting into the swing of things is usually the hardest part; am I right? As of lately I’ve had a burst of inspiration and I thank God for that, especially since this blog was His plan; not mine. Oh! I started working out again last week, only got two days in, but it’s better than no days and I felt really good physically. My eating habits are much better, trying not to overeat or allow my sweet tooth to get the best of me; portion control is what I need to happen in my life… but you know, when I feel overwhelmed by my appetite, I just ask the Lord to help me and He does…it’s been working.

Guess what?... Friday my bus broke down. I was on my afternoon route and my bus (Grace) started overheating, thank God, I was really close to my community and I was able to pull safely into a closed store front parking lot. The kids were a little excited about the whole ordeal, but thankfully it wasn’t a big deal. I called the bus shop and they dispatched someone to come help me, within a short time another driver arrived to access the situation.

Prior to his arrival; I had dwindled down from 24 students to 3…I had gotten on my cell and called some of the kids parents and they came right away and picked up their child; a couple of the parents took some of the other kids home for me and a few walked home because they were about 100 yards or so from home and they were within eyesight, so I knew they would be safe walking. My daughter came to pick me up at 4:30 and we took my other 3 kids (sibling) home. The problem was a broken belt, so glad it was an inexpensive fix and a quick fix at that, my bus (Grace) was back in my yard at about 5:30 that evening.

I’m so grateful for God’s protection and His favor; I love it when things just come together. It’s in situations like these (though minor) we get a chance to see what we’re made of and what others are made of as well. The parents didn’t just get there kid and leave, they also wanted to know if I was alright or if I needed anything, that made me feel… loved and appreciated. Lord, knows I’m grateful to drive for the community that I live in and the support that I get from the parents is remarkable, not every bus driver can say that; it comes down to relationship, communication, listening, and doing your very best for the student and the parent; if we treat one another the way we want to be treated, it will be reciprocated. I love my kids.

Love and Blessings xo

BE AWARE!

Hey Everyone,

How appropriate that I'm making this post on Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. If we're not careful we will fall back into old unwarranted habits. Dr. King stood for a lot of things, integrity, family, dignity, civil rights, non-violence; but he couldn't have stood in any of it without Jesus. His legacy will continue to live on and we mustn't forget how far Christ has brought us through this man's leadership. God has placed a dream, a desire, and a purpose within us and it's left up to us to find out what that is. The only way to do that is to seek His Kingdom and His Righteousness. I'm feeling inspired today... my passion is coming back.

It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged… reason being, procrastination. That word procrastination is of the Devil, lol. It is a very nice, politically correct way of not saying "lazy". In my mind, I was trying not to be lazy, but it was the only thing I kept putting into action. I had it really bad this past year, I wasn't depressed or anything like that, I did a lot of crocheting (I had quite a few customers for my first year, yay!). I really enjoy being a School Bus Driver. The kids on the bus have been really good, they have their moments, but they are so short lived, I never stress about it. My holiday breaks were long, peaceful and always welcomed. My family life is real good. That "thing" that use to annoy me, doesn't get next to me anymore. Praise God! So, how and why did I fall into laziness? I don't know, but it proves that things don't have to be bad for it to happen. "I don't feel like it or I don't want to" became my vernacular (language).

My procrastination list: me, not going to Sunday School (the last few months of the year, I didn’t really go and I love Sunday School); I kinda stop going to Intercessory Prayer and during church service my mind would be on other things (not focused on Jesus, worshipping Him); Oh, and I’m responsible for the upkeep (the cleaning) of the church and I wasn’t consistent, my attitude was like, “whatever, if I do-I do; if I don’t-I don’t”... I know, awful right. Oh, and seven months of not working out, I gained back 12 of the 30+ pounds I lost, Ugh! I haven’t been writing or sewing or studying my bible or praying (quality prayer, deep fellowship with Jesus). Just Lazy!

It would be real easy for me to make excuses for myself, like… “the fall/winter months will do that to ya! Everyone hits a dry season in their spiritual walk; and the holidays can be somewhat depressing and eating all that starchy, heavy food during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hmm! Although, now that I think about it; there may be some validity. Seriously, though; I just allowed the spirit of laziness to take over and hinder my progress in the Kingdom of God. I came up slack on all three levels: Spiritually, Physically, and Mentally. Thank God, I didn’t become a monster with hateful emotions. I just chose to be… lazy; which is a sin and never good for anyone.

Proverbs 6: 6 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! 7 Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, 8 they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. 9 But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? 10 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 11 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

Song of Solomon 2: 15 Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!

These particular scripture verses reminds me to be careful; be aware of those little things that could possibly pull me away from my love (Christ). Even though my actions came up short, He was in my heart and mind and I love Him; not to the degree that He loves me, of course… in my final day of reckoning, I will “get it” fully. So for now, I’d rather focus on His love for me. It’s His love that encourages me to be more like Him, it’s His love that has picked me up out of my lazy-slump. Time to be about my Father's business, I'll tell you more about it next week.

Love and Blessings xo

Back At It Again

Hey Everyone,

Hope all is well with you and your family. Over the summer I did not blog AT ALL, but I did enjoy my time off. When I worked at Walmart, I can recall wishing to have a schedule like the school teachers had, but I knew that I wasn't going to be a school teacher, so therefore that wasn't going to happen. Unbeknownst to me God had a plan to give me my hearts desire, LOL. I didn't have to be a Teacher, but a School Bus Driver would be the way to go.

Believe it or not, I missed seeing my kids over the summer, so when it was time to go back I was ready. This new school year has brought many changes; 5 of the kids graduated, 6 moved away, 3 are being home schooled, 1 changed schools and I only gained 4 new students... 2 of them are PRE-K, need I say more. My student count has dwindled from 40-45 kids to 29 kids, I have a small bus load, yeah.

Well two weeks have passed, the first week was easy-peasy lemon squeezy, but the second week was like 'the dead has arisen' LOL, but it was nothing that the Lord and I couldn't handle. I've started my reward system again for my young elementary school kids, they get a little blow pop for good behavior everyday, this is especially helpful with my Pre-K kids. During my second week, one of my Pre-K's had yet to earn a lollipop, until Friday.

When I arrived at his stop I said, "good job, you earned yourself a pop today" the look on his face was priceless, he was shocked, he didn't have the words to say thank you, so you know what he did? he laid himself on me and hugged me. It's moments like that, that make me really love what I do and yes, I realize that it is a "MOMENT" and that we will start this dance all over again come Monday, but that's alright.

For me it's about growing in the grace of our Lord Jesus and being the best example of Christ that I can be.

Blessings to you and your family.

Wednesday's Word

The Relationship of Believers to Christ and each other.

John 15: 9-17 (NLT)

9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 
10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 
11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 
13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 
14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 
15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 
16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 
17 This is my command: Love each other.

Blessings & Love <3 

Carolyn

The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life

Hey Everyone,

Book-It Tuesday... It's that day again, when I suggest to you a book worth reading. "The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life" by Dr. Charles Stanley is such a book, I don't recall when I came across this book, but it has been many years ago. This book became a divine breakthrough for me; I can remember as a young girl, the Holy Spirit was SOMETHING  that I wanted nothing to do with, imagine my joy as I began to grow in our Lord Jesus and revelation came about Holy Spirit and who "HE" is.

Praise God, then I came across this book that was on my mother's bookshelf, that's when I found greater understanding of Him, all praises to a Holy Father. This book has meant so much to me, that I've even given it as a gift a few times. As Christians, when we come into the Grace of who Holy Spirit is and His purpose in our lives, we are able to flow in the things of our Father with greater ease, wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

So, if you know of someone who is struggling with the 'idea' or the purpose of Holy Spirit and who He is, this book would be a wonderful teacher for that individual. You can read an excerpt of this book here.

Blessings <3

To Provoke or Not To Provoke...

Hey Everybody,

As always, I hope all is well with you and your family. This is the final week of school, then summer VA-CA... here I come. I've got a cute little story to share with you. One of my 4th graders was sitting on the front seat, my Pre-K student was sitting directly behind him. My 4th grader says, "Ms. Carolyn, tell her to stop looking at me like I'm stupid". I glance up in the student mirror, I don't see her watching him, and I tell my 4th grader, "Well, you know you're not stupid." A few minutes later, "Ms. Carolyn, tell her to stop looking at me." I glance up in the student mirror and there she is staring him down, she's so cute and little and the icing on the cake; she wears glasses :) She may have been looking at him like he was stupid, but she was also looking at him like, "I will cut you" in my Bon Qui Qui voice. I called to her and she sat back, I tried not to smile about the situation, but I couldn't help it, I know some of the student's must have seen me. Why she was doing it, I don't know, but they all do things to provoke one another; not a day goes by that they don't irritate one another... sometimes unintentionally, but most times... on purpose.

So my question to you is, Are you provoking others? Are you doing things perhaps, unintentionally... that sets another person off? My dad had this thing, he could not stand the sound of popping gum and I could go to town with some gum. Now, I wasn't doing it on purpose... I just forgot. The first few pops he didn't say anything, it wasn't until I found my rhythm, he would say, "what did I tell you about popping that gum." I know your mind went to that seen in that "Madea" film. I was going to post that clip, but decided against it, LOL. Anyway, that was my cue to leave the room. Just in case you think that's not you, let me give you the definition for provoke.

PROVOKE - to anger, enrage, exasperate or vex, to stir-up, arouse, or call forth (feelings, desires, or activity). To incite or stimulate (a person or animal, etc.) to action. To give rise to, induce, or bring about.

That definition hits on all levels, whether it is another person or animal. You can probably recall a time when your children may have provoked or stimulated the family pet; you've even witnessed your own children going at it from time to time, just nit-picking. Perhaps, you may have provoked someone by being "flirtatious" or dressing in a "provocative" manner. Have you ever seen someone who was already upset or angry and someone comes along and adds fuel to a situation that has been kindling, maybe you were that person. I'm just throwing this out there to get us all thinking about the ways we may provoke someone.

Galatians 5:19-26 (KJV)
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Don't think of the word provoke as only associated with negativity, we can provoke others to good works, our word of choice is usually; motivate, encourage, or inspire. When I'm in the gym and can barely do another rep, my fitness instructor provokes me to push through. The word of God provokes us to do His Will, not out of fear (fight or flight or paralyzing fear) but reverential fear (loving respect and honor for a Holy Father). The Grace of Jesus, provokes us to live in His righteousness.

Hebrews 10:24 (KJV)

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:s. When we look at all that our Lord has done for us how could we not have a desire to please Him.

Ephesians 6:4  (KJV) 
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Love & Blessings <3