Carole Brewer Ministries

Victory Over Adversity

Hi Again Friends and Happy Fall! 

I’m grateful to be sending you my 70th Issue of Praise Notes!  Yes, my gift of gab is also expressed through my typing fingers so here are my thoughts as we get ready for a new season to praise Him!

My husband and I made a special trip last week to visit one of my very favorite places; a campground at 8,000 feet in the Sierra where I spent many happy summer days with my family decades ago.

It’s been five years since I last climbed up the high rocks but everything looked the same as when I was about 10 years old.  The man-made campground at the base had changed somewhat but the rock formations and trees remained the familiar friends I’ve always known.  They welcomed me back!

Pictured above is one of my lifelong friends! I loved this beautiful old cedar tree when I was a little girl and I love it even more today!

Interesting shape, don’t you think?  After maybe 300+ years of battering, this precious little tree that God established in the cleft of a rock, has roots that go very very deep.  The trunk’s been shaped by extreme wind, blizzards, deep snow, and drought but the graceful and lush green branches moving in the breeze spoke volumes to me about victory over adversity.  Like this tree, we too can also thrive when well-rooted; rooted in God’s word!

Here are some promises we can to take to heart in this new season:

…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Romans 5:3-4

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:4

Let’s pray! — Thank you Lord that nature gives us a feast for the eyes and so beautifully encourages us to put all our trust in You.

Watch as God gives you a new season with many blessings!  

In Christ always, 

      Carole    

   * 2 Cor. 10:31 

Being Liked

My Praise Notes for August are from my devotional titled Revitalize.  Since school is starting again for most, I remember the low self-esteem I felt during my school years and into early adulthood.  My thoughts today are from the section of my book under Re-Discovering Me — Week 4, Day 4.   

Being Liked

Have you ever been desperate for people to like you? Thinking back to my pre-Christian days, I remember feeling if I could only be a member of that club or have that car or live on that street, then people would like me. I did get applause for my performance in a musical, boosting my self-esteem from a minus 10 to a minus 5. It was an improvement but not a lasting one. After learning grooming tips through a modeling course, my lack of confidence still hurt my attempts to audition, do well on job interviews, and relax when meeting new people. It was a painful, confusing time in my early adult life but it was my pain, and I was going to exercise my prideful right to hang on to it.

When striving to be “liked” by others, people with low self-esteem often give into peer and family pressure. Criticism, even if constructive, can be taken as a slap. The great fear of rejection especially interferes with the giving and receiving of love.

Jesus understands.

“…He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering,” (Isaiah 53: 2-4).

Even women who know the Lord struggle with trading self-esteem for Christ-esteem. It’s a spiritual battle that requires full surrender to the Holy Spirit living within us. (Ephesians, Chapter 6)

In the Book of Romans, Paul confirms,

“…we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us,” (Romans 5:3-5).

Through Christ’s sacrifice for us, we are far beyond being liked. (John 15:13) We are totally and unconditionally approved of, loved, and accepted by God. Jesus desires to be our closest and most intimate friend.

A Devotion to “Revitalize” Your Day

When my husband and I visited there, our eyes beheld one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. It was especially breathtaking to behold the centerpiece of the estate; the gorgeous Sunken Garden. “This is what heaven must look like,” my husband remarked. And when I thought even more about the garden’s heavenly appearance, I thought it could also be a picture of our lives.

You may be thinking, “That’s a very nice thought Carole, but let’s get REAL! That garden sounds like a unique, tranquil, well-groomed repose. My life is anything but that; more like a weed patch! I’m just hanging on, trying to survive every day, and it’s hard to see any flowers blooming in my life right now.” Okay, I hear you so let me further explain.

Before the Sunken Garden  was a beautiful oasis of color with thriving plants, flowers, and trees, it was a parched, barren rock quarry. Perhaps that’s how you picture your life now; being exhausted and parched from long-suffering.

Mrs. Butchart’s solution for change over a century ago, was to order a huge shipment of rich topsoil for that barren place. Then, the soil was cultivated; broken down into fine soft pieces so it could receive and nourish new plant roots. With plenty of sunshine and water, the environment was perfect for growth. (Mark 4:3-9)

Life is hard, but the trials we face are like cultivators for the heart; a way God can break down our pride and hurts into fine soft pieces of humility and surrender. On our journey, many faith entanglers will continue to intersect our path putting our spiritual growth on hold. With God’s help, our cultivated hearts will overcome, grow stronger, and be pliable to let the truth of His Word take even better root than before. All the victory will be His, and our life will be more beautiful to behold.

God’s Love Reaching Straight To Us

Hi Again and Happy Summer!

For many, it’s vacation time!  Will you be traveling?

One of my great vacation memories happened on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera when my husband and I had the most surprising and astounding experience!

While at sea, I awakened around 3 am and walked onto the balcony to view the stars.  I saw a gorgeous glittery sky and the great expanse of a misty Milky Way. Then, my eyes beheld a once-in-a lifetime exhibition of God’s glory through His creation!

Appearing low in the sky and just above the horizon, I saw a tiny red-hot, brilliant glowing dot.  Mars, the red planet!  How beautiful!   While star-gazing, my eye suddenly caught a faint streak of light across the dark waters below. I blinked and blinked again wondering if my sleepy eyes were imagining the tiny luminous rust-colored ribbon.

I rushed back into our cabin, grabbed my binoculars, and made my husband get up to go outside with me! You can imagine how thrilled he was about that!

Within a few minutes, we both stepped onto the deck and I raised my binoculars to view a beautiful amber stream of light rippling on the black water. My husband confirmed what we were both seeing.  A Marsbeam was reaching straight to us.

That awesome experience has reminded me that God reveals His presence in life’s darkest places. The Book of Genesis gives us a picture earth’s beginning with God’s Spirit right there, hovering, breathing over the dark waters.  His same Spirit is with us today to illuminate our path, protect us, and empower us.

God’s comfort and peace is available to everyone. Simple reasoning tells us that because of Jesus Christ’s incredible love and sacrifice for each one of us, His heart’s desire is to be our closest and most intimate friend.  Picture our best friend, Jesus, treasuring every one of our tears and unconditionally loving us beyond measure.

The Bible verse 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all of your anxiety on Him because He cares for you”. Each of us can benefit greatly by embracing this truth and speaking it aloud. It is a resource to be treasured in times of trouble.

No place is too dark for God’s piercing light.  When faced with an exhausting and numbing situation, picture Him; Jehovah Shalom, our peace.   God reveals His presence to us through His holy word, the warm touch of His Holy Spirit, and even through a Marsbeam gently dancing on the calm night sea.

Pray With Me:   Father God, we thank You and praise You for divine moments in our lives that remind us of Your magnificence, Your power, and Your never-changing love for us. Keep our hearts open and ready for the next transforming moments in our lives that draw us closer to You.   Amen.

Whether vacation or stay-cation, may God richly bless your Summer days ahead!

In Christ always, 

Carole    

2 Cor. 10:31 

My “Ah Ha” Moments!

Dear Friends,

I’m so blessed to share a new interview with you!  You’ll have a chance to get to know my heart for ministry and learn more about my writing and speaking!

Thanks for taking time to watch!

My “Ah Ha” Moments with Marnie Swedberg are my reflections of some of the key passages from my new devotional Revitalize  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Sxpztdaw5w&list=PLDzbzZXxUyTcT6mbssZL0tqDlhox-LZMH&index=20&t=0s

Many blessings to you as we begin summer!

In Christ always,

Carole

Keeping Our Hearts Above The Clouds

Dear Friends,

Last weekend, my husband and I took a quick flight to Portland, Oregon for our cousin’s memorial service.  The weather for this time of year is so unusual for us West Coasters; especially in California since the rain and cloud cover have made many of our days so dreary.  We’re just not used to it.  Where’s the warm weather and sunshine?

As our jet climbed out of Portland, I was reminded that above the cloudy veil lies a much larger, open space; the one that God sees above all our sorrows and trials. In the beauty above the clouds is where I want my heart to be; joyful and in His presence. That’s where the Son is.

Consider these Bible verses that help us keep our hearts above the stormy clouds of life.

I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit.  Leviticus 26:4 

 He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. Psalm 18:9

Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge?  Job 37:15-16 

Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:24 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  James 1:2 

God bless you with a beautiful Spring whatever the weather! 

In Christ always, 

       Carole   

– 2 Cor. 10:31 

Hosanna in the Highest!

Dear Friends,

Have you considered that there are 226 names for Jesus in the scriptures? Those names are all important because through them, God gives us a window into the character of His Son.

Jesus can’t be completely defined in our finite understanding but as we learn more about Him through God’s word, our trust and faith will grow.

Some of my favorite names for Jesus are here.  Won’t you take a minute to consider who Jesus is to you and the difference He makes in your life?

I am certain that Jesus is who is says He is;  the King of kings, Lord of lords, and our very best Friend. What a joy to worship and praise His name forever!

God bless you as you praise His Name throughout this coming Holy Week!

In Christ always, 

 Carole     

  2 Cor. 10:31 

Busy Women Revitalize!

Hi Friends!

I’m so honored & blessed to share with you my latest video book review with Marnie Swedberg, Author and Founder of WomenSpeakers.com

Watch here:  http://www.carolebrewer.com/#video

Revitalize is my new six-week devotional for personal or group study.   Available @ Amazon.com, you’ll refresh, revive, and renew your spirit!

Order here:   http://www.carolebrewer.com/store.html

Be blessed!

Carole

Spring is here! Easter is coming!

Greetings Again in Our Lord!   What a beautiful time of year to grow our relationship with Christ, our Lord! Take time now to reflect on the fundamentals for being a faithful follower of Jesus. LORD, Your will in my life    How easily we can make decisions without first asking our heavenly Father for guidance. Remember the Lord’s prayer: “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 Nothing more The Apostle Paul explained to the believers in Corinth that Jesus supplies all our needs. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9  Nothing less Expect God’s best! “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.”  Psalm 23:6  “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”  Ephesians 3:20 Nothing else   Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5  God bless you as you walk each day with Him! In Christ always,          Carole

A Plan to March Forth

Hi Friends!

This being that last day of February and the nearing of Spring, let’s consider that we have an opportunity for a fresh start in the Lord!

Here’s a 4-Day Plan to consider:

^{FRIDAY, MARCH 1st}

Let’s march first to our desks and write two lists.   The first will be an honest list of our current needs and short-comings (sins and frailties).   On the second list, write from scripture some of God’s names that describe His cabilities and love for us!

Here are some beautiful names of God to ponder:

^{SATURDAY, MARCH 2nd}

On Day 2, set aside a special time to tarry in God’s presence.  Through prayer, surrender your list of needs and shortcomings to our precious King and Savior, Jesus.  Wait with confidence for His cleansing power as we empty ourselves of us and are re-filled with His Holy Spirit.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9

I love the Lord because he hears my prayers and answers them. Psalm 116:1 TLB

SUNDAY, MARCH 3rd

It’s Sunday, the Lord’s Day!  It’s the New Testament Sabbath honoring the Lord’s resurrection on the first day of the week!

Take time to rest, take a break, and bask in God’s presence.

He said to them, “This is what the Lord commanded: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to the Lord. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.” Exodus 16:23

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  Exodus 20:8

“Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:30

MONDAY, MARCH 4th

It’s Monday; time to get up and march forth!   Let’s put feet to our faith and move ahead with excitement as we trust God for His guidance, wisdom, and power through His Holy Spirit!

He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.    Psalm 1:3 (NKJV)

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us   Ephesians 3:20

God bless you with a wonderful new month as you march forth in the name of Jesus!

In Christ always,

Carole