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Sunday, December 19, 2010

God is with you

If you are impatient or uncomfortable in your current circumstance or the occurrences in your life Read Acts 7. Or more specifically Acts 7:2-36. Then you will be reminded of biblical men of God and their life accounts from God's promises to their fulfillment. Acts 7:2-36 is all about those who had callings on their life and notice the way God led them. It is a way he leads all of us who follow him. No journey is straight or easy. But don't give up when Jesus is beside you all the way.

I am reminded God has a plan for every life and even in every life there are detours to get to the place God has for you. But if you hold on and fear God you should be fine; because God is with you. Just remember God's ways are not our ways. but his ways are perfect even if they are not our ways and not our thoughts . It says in the bible, A million days to us, is like one day to Him. So don't rush God and don't rush yourself to get to that place you want to be. Just know that God is always on time and his plans can not be thwarted by anything. Everything is under his control. God is your light, salvation, strength, fortress and shepherd. He will be there all the time. He will strengthen you and help you on your journey; just as he did for Abraham, Joseph and Moses.

So wait on the lord, God is with you and he will direct your steps. Put Him first and he will make your path straight.

And even if your journey leads to death as it did for Stephen in Acts 7:54-60 you will still be ok. Why? If you pleased God and you did what was right. God will reward that.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Building a dream

Have you ever felt a strong passion for something. Something you just had to and wanted to do so bad? And you worked hard to get it and get there. Year after year, day after day. Working and praying... Working and praying... This is where I am right now. Trying to get to this point in life where everything happens. Where time and my visions coincide. I am waiting and working . It is a hard life and a hard, long road to travel. I am hoping it all pays off.

For instance one dream is to be a great writer. So far I have written a couple of things. But nothing major. Just free writing, imagining and what not.

But I figure the more I read really good novels and books the more I will learn so that is my goal. To read as much as I can. Gather ideas and methods of good story telling. But then I think I may need to also get back to writing as well so that is my mission. To write good literature.

Wish me well in my mission...

But for starters I want to share one book I really enjoyed reading. It is called Tuesdays with Morrie: an old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson By Mitch Albom. It was such a great book. Very interesting and you could tell every page was heart felt. It is a memoir but also like a documentary, and dedication of someones life. It had good descriptive technique and alot of interesting tidbits of wisdom. Since I am a nurse I loved how deep and how real it was on matters of life and death.

The Colors of Hope

I love colors. Notice all the colors of the Rainbow...
Red is like... love
Yellow is like ...joy
Orange is like... goodness
Blue is like... peace
Purple is like... richness
Green is like... refreshing
These are some of the references I see when I see certain colors. And that gives me joy... I love colors and the joy that they evoke. I guess that is why I enjoy looking at flowers and painting too. It is evidence of God's love and attention to detail.

When God first made the rainbow God promised to never flood the earth again. This is somewhat like him saying he will never leave us nor forsake us. When he makes a covenant he never goes back on it, he never breaks his promises. His word remains forever. Just like a rainbow has many colors, there are many hopes in his promises. Look at a rainbow today and remember that God's promises are true and never fail. Just like when he said he would never flood the earth again.

Read Genesis 9:8-17

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Be encouraged


Here is a lilly of the valley flower for your delight.

Today I am reminded of this scripture. Which is great for when times are rough. Jeremiah 29:11-12 When all hope is lost I hold on to this verse.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."


Do you believe it? I do!!!

Have a nice sunday and a great week.


Friday, November 5, 2010

The Sun

I saw the most beautiful garden today and while baskin in it, I felt at home and peaceful.I knew then at that moment everyone can share this love for the sun and the way it makes our days brighter. Even after the rain the sun still comes out again... that is lovely.

This is it
we are all here together.

Again
the sun has risen,
the sun has ushered us in.

We sit in and take our turns
basking in its radiance
but we are in this together
this gift
One by one

Face by face

Time by time

Day by day
it is all ours to hold
and to share.


written today 11/5/10

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Thank God


This is just a note of encouragement to be thankful for where you are. Whether the blessing is great or small. No matter what, always be grateful for the little things. Find something or anything to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. Or rather this year... Not just on the month or holiday of Turkey!


I am thankful that...
First, that I have a job
That I am well and in good health
That I have the joy of the Lord in my heart
That I have a family who loves me
That I have friends who care
That the future is still yet unknown and that is a good thing cause God has yet to surprise me with more good things my way.
I am in my church choir

I am all right so far
God is with me wherever I go

My extended family is ok as well

I keep a job fairly well
I am a nurse
I did a full month of school nursing and nothing bad has happened yet. (Hopefully, God willing it stays that way.)

By Christina Carpenter 11/2/10

Monday, September 20, 2010

Quotes for the Day

Let me leave a thought or two today since I am in that type of mood...

Here is a quote from a wise man:
"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."
Nelson Mandela

Another quote by yours truely just for you:
"Life can worry you. Life can get you down. But as we know life is... life. Yet life is not all there is. There is a life after this one. The ultimate life which we Christian believers anticipate expectantly and look forward to. That is our eternal joy in this life!"
Christina

Have a Great and Wonderful day!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Evangelism Tools

Hello Everyone!!

Today I was checking up on blogs and came upon this website through another blogger. I think it is so relevant and necessary to challenge my faith.

I just wanted to share this really cool website with you!! It is called "sermon spice." Sort of like youtube with a christian twist. They have the most awesome and some funny, short christian sermon presentations. I really liked them. I found them to be encouraging and a fun alternative to watching you tube videos. They are colorful, creative and imaginative!!! My church sometimes uses things like this during our church services. Just go to Sermonspice.com and see for yourself. =)

One I thought was funny is about inviting your friends and nieghbors to church. you can find it at this link. invite-2

There are other really good ones you might like to see. Some of the ones I enjoyed were:
My Offering
Skit guys- God's chisel (A really good one!)
Evangelism heart


Check it out, I know you will like it! =)
Have a blessed Day

Friday, September 10, 2010

Enjoy the weekend!

Happy Friday to all of you!! The Week is over. Some of you have started school this September. That is great! I hope you are enjoying the last of summer and will continue to Thank God for all his many blessings. Have a wonderful weekend!

Monday, September 6, 2010

Verse Of The Day

Psalm 84:11

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

I encourage those who are possibly down and out to have good cheer. God is for you and not against you. God will be your rock.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

How to keep killing at bay

James 4:1-3 NIV
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you can’t have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive; because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

Poem
It’s so easy for a man to be killed
Over nonsense, a quarrel
Left unsettled, only to blow up
In ones face
Leading to a lost life
Or a broken friendship


It tends to call for ones tears
As we cry in our pain
Hold our stomachs
How life is so cheaply taken for granted
Relationships lost so quickly
Here today
And gone the next
Tomorrow is not the same
And it hurts.

James 1:19- 21 NIV
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Park scenery

One park I haven't visited in years is the Flushing Meadow Park. Well known for its famous globe fountain called the Unisphere. This fountian had been turned off after many years until this summer. This park is huge and a lovely place to have a picnic, play soccer, bike ride or take a walk. Lots to see here including the National Tennis Court stadium.




I like this shot it looks like wheat but I'm not sure what this plant is called.





I could walk through here and find lots of cool pictures to take.
I enjoy places like these with lots of greenery, trees and beautiful landscape. Being surrounded by God's creation and such majestic beauty makes me appreciate life.
Have a great day!
Enjoy what is around you because it may not always be there.


Friday, August 20, 2010

Have some fun!

Often times the summer goes by without a thought to go to places, where there is greenery. Usually we go to an amusement park, or the movies or the beach, but there are other outdoor places to explore.


I decided to go to a place that is famous for it's huge Globe. Flushing Meadow park.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

My flowers















Now that summer is almost coming to a close. I wanted to share, one my creative projects, I did for the summer. I decided to beautify my yard. My yard looks very bland. So I took my grandma's advice and planted some pretty flowers into the empty brick holes along the division of the yard. I picked some nice pretty pink and rich purple blooms to stand out. They look real, but are some artificial flowers.

I have already learned I am not too good with live flowers. Once, I bought a pot of blue Hydrandrias, which died with in two to three months. Problem was I should have replanted them into a bigger pot or the grass in my yard. But as you see in the photo my grass is pretty spares and dry. Instead I kept them in the pot.
But anyway I found a new way to add the beauty of flowers into my barren yard- without the green thumb. I like them. They do look almost real in the sun- don't they!? The people who walk by comment at how pretty they look. (Though sometimes after the comment, they question if are they real...)

One day I may try to plant some real flowers. Maybe I might do it right that time. But as for now, these will do.

Any body have ideas on gardening?...

Good News

I have some Good news!!
After the time I spent seeking out job openings, sending out resumes to hospitals, I finally received a call. I received a call last Thursday and it looks like I have a Job after all. Finally, the hard work has payed off. I found a Job, as a school nurse! I thought it would be months before I found something. During these times a lot of people are out of work. Even Hospitals are cutting back on hiring nurses. I am so grateful to God for his mercy. I will be working as a school nurse. It is so perfect for me. I like kids and schools are a wonderful place to try as a nurse.

This answer to prayer came the very next day, after I was prayed for by a friend. Lesson learned: God is faithful. Prayer Works. Never give up!

Yellow is the color of Hope!!!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Your Hearts


Proversbs 4:23
"Above all else guard you heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."
I've been thinking about this verse and how important it is to follow. Today's world provides many ways to veer off. Here is a picture of a fountain in a park in Washington D.C., that I took. This is a visual that helps me to remember this truth of the wellspring of life that resides in us. What is in your heart and mind will come out in some way. Thank God he helps to guard us because God is love and he is faithful. If you want a pure wellspring then you need to also maintain a close connection with God and his word. If you desire to walk a straight path that leads to life then you have to guard your heart. I hope you too will choose to guard your heart, as I will too.
God Bless!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

God's Heart

James 5:20 of the NIV says,
"Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his ways will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins."

Today, I was reminded how much God wants to save the lost of this world. I was doing my morning excersise with a christian show called "Rise Up! with Jennifer Brindley" on the NRB channel. The workout instructor, Jennifer Brindley said something so anointed. She said that God has a unique purpose for every life. She then proceeded to say that the purpose of all christians is to tell others about Jesus. Amen! (When you have somethin great, then you share it. Right!)


This resonated deeply and got me thinking. We as Christians represent Christ. We are his Ambassedors! So God's will is to share how Jesus forgives and reconciles us. We should share how we are new creations through Him. This can be the only purpose in living: that others may be saved and God glorified. It is radical, but it is also God’s heart. Christian men and women are to be like Fishers of men; telling others about Jesus.
Jesus has so many promises to lean on. He protects and saves us like a Good shepherd. His salvation and hope are richness to the poorest of poor. And so that is why we, Christians, are here.


I encourage reading 2 Corinthians 5: 16-21. It sums it up so nicely, Why Christians should share their faith. I enjoy reading this passage. The word of God is so living and active!

2 Corinthians 6: 1-2
As God's fellow workers we urge you not to recieve God's grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

Friday, August 6, 2010

A Day of Relaxation and Meditation

Sometimes I like to lay down in my favorite chair
and think of happy times
I praise God for how he's been good to me
And for who he is.
I practice my smile for the day
and I hug him in my mind
I clasp my hands as if to say
Thank you and pray.
I feel my pulse beating
in the stillness and
I am reminded of his love and control
inspite of me.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Don’t Be Lazy!! Send Out Those Résumé’s

Don't get me wrong I am in the same boat of Shoulda-Woulda-Coulda. When the tasks seems daughting; I hear it all the time “I have to do it…. I’m going do it…”

Then I ask: When?! The job is out there. Don't let it pass you by. I've made a list of things you (and I) can do in job searching. As your friend and support system to that inner voice of yours. I am encouraging you (and me) to go out and keep looking!

Here’s you list of to do’s:
Baby step:
1. Look over resume and keep it "clean, short and sweet!"
(Have a cover letter too, include it.)
Big step:
2. Send out Resume via email or in person. Most are online these days.
3. Call back any companies you sent your resume to…
While waiting:
4. Network Network! Network!
This is not a bad thing, it only means pick up the phone and contacting people you know who have connections with things you need.
For the interview:
5. Be friendly with everyone.
6. Show your interest
7. Let them get a visual of you as a potential hire
8. Close the sale by selling yourself 100%
This is business and social etiquette
Create your attitude
9. Meaning you believe that you are and will be successful and will win
10. Don’t beat yourself down before you get a chance to fight
11. Keep pursing that job with fervor

Persevere and you will win. I know you can do it!!!

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Have A Beautiful Day


This is a picture I took at the Queens Botanical Garden.

Beautiful day today, Isn't it!?


This is the day that the lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.


Smile.


Enjoy the many blessings God has placed around you.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

A Bike Riding Kind of Day

On a lovely day, the perfect thing to do is to go outside. Especially when the air is crisp and dry and cool. The temp of 79 degrees is perfect for riding. I went bike riding today and I had a blast. I rode like I never rode before. Which is true, literally, because I haven't ridden a bike outdoors in maybe ten years. The only bike riding I have done is on a gym bike.

Being outside is different. The trees and the air and the sounds and the obsticals and challenges. The scenery of a bike trail takes it to a whole other level. I had the air in my lungs and the breeze in my face. It was exhilerating how my legs pedaled on and on with ferver just around another bend or up a hill. I went down hills with incedible speed and I went up hills with determination to reach the top. There is a freedom in riding on a bikeout doors.

It is the sense of being one with a moving world. I like being among nature and moving at my own pace. It reminded me of my days as a kid and yet better.

It is funny how easily you can pick up a bike after so many years and still remember how to do it, as if it were yesterday.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Purple power!


I love purple.

It is such a warm and rich tone.

It makes my day.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Always be prepared

What a hot day. I went to an open house job interview today, for the Metropolitan Jewish Health System. I wasn't prepared at all...
I walked into a totally business atmosphere and another interview-ee had interview attire and her paperwork. Unlike me I had on a t-shirt and a some khaki pants and only my resume. I didn't realize that an open house interview meant the actual interview. I thought I'd ask some questions and they would ask some questions and I'd leave a resume and that would be it. But this was a real interview on the spot. Hence, I learned, what an open house Interview is. I stayed for five minuets, signed out and left. I was an hour early, anyway. No harm done. I have another open house to go to next week. I will be more prepared this time. I will also remember to bring my certifications and liscence with me. (I didn't have those either.) You'd think I wasted time, but at least I learned to always be prepared.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Happy Friday To All! Thank God.


Today is another day.

And yet again I encourage you to keep on striving.

For God's mercy is new every morning.

Today's color is Pink.

ENJOY.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

One Color of hope: An Orange bloom


Every day there is a new feeling.
Everyday there is a new promise to believe.
Everyday there is a new color to enjoy.
Today is orange and yellow...

OPTIMISM

Opposite to the dark clouds
In this dear young heart
Lies what I like to call hope
In a word---OPTIMISM.
It…is…
It is the sunshine that radiates through these eyes
The Joy that Sparkles in through those teeth
It is the gift that can be given or to be kept
But it will always keep on giving
To you and to me…

Pessimism once driving our thoughts,
Now must flee
Vision itself is also free
These old bodies are no longer weak
When optimism sets in
The positive state of mind sets in and streaks high
Now we can see it
Almost see the brighter side.

There it is…
There is a place.
It will finally be
A glorious ending.
No matter what
A solution is available
See it. Good.
See it. Great.
See it … optimism.

Do you see it???

BY: Christina Carpenter

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Never Accept Defeat

If people hate you
You won’t die
You won’t die.
Let them roll their eyes
But you won’t die
Let them talk
Let them laugh
Let them snicker
You won’t die
You just won’t die
You may cry but then pick your self up
And believe you can make it anyway
You know who you are
And you know where you are going
And one day they will be following in your dust
Who cares about them?
If they don’t like you then too bad
You like you and there are more people in the world
More people who have yet to get to know you
Your drive and belief in yourself lives on
Take the chance to be you
love yourself
You won’t die
You just keep living and striving on
Getting better and better, day after day
Learn from the mistake, they make you better
Don’t let peoples comments get you down
Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning
There is always hope of a better day
Don’t weep too long to miss how far God can bring you
You are more than a conqueror
You are a gift waiting to be unleashed
God made you for a reason
Don’t apologize
Love yourself first and let others love you second
It doesn’t matter what others think
They have a right to their opinions and you have a right to yours
Never give up. You won’t die
You won’t die only unless God wants you to.

written 3/15/09
By Christina Carpenter

I will smile

I smile when all hope seems gone
And when sorrows abound
I smile when uncertainty seems to fill my tomorrows.
I Smile.

I Smile
I stand tall and beautiful
Wide eyed and alert
I’m ready
I take on the world
And smile.

Sometimes I strike a silly Pose
I advise everyone to do it too
Let your smile grin
Remember, “Life is beautiful”
And that is true.

And if you agree, smile
If there is nothing left to do
But to do this at least twice a day
Then smile.

If it keeps your world from crashing down.
Then smile.

Life is a journey
A journey of ups and downs
Trials and challenges
Take it from me
God has brought me through this far
To this place I stand
All the things I have done and the places I have seen
And been
God has been with me
And He’s been good to me
Life is a journey
In which I greet cordially
It keeps me on my toes
And all I can do is smile
Smile when my back is against the grain
And the rain hits like pain

I keep a smile.
I give thumbs up
And a high five

To stay positive.
My smile brings joy
Though sometimes life gets me down
I won’t forget to smile.

By Christina Carpenter

9/09