Carmen Horne

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Because We Don’t Know What’s Ahead – Gratitude

by Carmen Horne 11 Comments

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. [a]In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. Proverbs 3:5-6, AMP

Gosh, I’ve missed talking to you all. My daughter has battled illness for about a month. Our focus has been on caring for her and I report today that she is so much better. We thank God for healing her and for protecting her from so many things – things we didn’t even know about. Have you ever thought about that? We know only a small portion of what we really face. Holy Spirit dropped that into my heart as I was thanking Him for her healing. Although that reminder from Him was sobering, it also was humbling. Thankful seems like an inadequate word to use, but I am so thankful.

Last night at church our co-pastor, John Skipworth, spoke so eloquently on gratitude. He shared how deeply thankful he is for his life today – a life that could have been so much different. He is a felon, former inmate, and former drug addict who can now say, “But, Jesus…”

As I sat in the pew and pondered my story, my heart and mind drifted over my life. My first thoughts were that my story didn’t seem as dramatic as Pastor John’s. Then, I remembered the sobering, humbling word that Holy Spirit dropped in my heart recently.

I know what I have faced, I have little idea from what I have been protected. 

because-we-dont-know-whats-ahead-gratitude

Middle-age gives me the opportunity to look back over my life and recognize some of that favor. How did I escape some of the traps? How did I not let some of the struggles and pain carry me down very dark paths? How have I stayed sane? How am I not addicted to some kind of substance? How have I stayed married for 39 years? How did I raise a godly young woman? How did I get out (I still put one leg in there sometimes) of the pit of fear and insecurity? How…? Oh my goodness, the only answer was and is, “Jesus”. Jesus’ unmerited grace, mercy and favor. 

Friends, all of our conversions, redemptions and restorations are dramatic. Gratitude overwhelms me. 

Our lives could have been so different. We can all say as Pastor did, “But, Jesus…”

Will you share one thing you are grateful for in the comments?

 footnote [a.] Proverbs 3:6 One of the ancient rabbis said that all the essence of the Torah (Law) depends on this verse. 

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From His Abundance We Receive – Happy Thanksgiving!

by Carmen Horne 2 Comments

Scripture says it best…

“From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another”

John 1:16, NLT

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving 2015

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"Carmen spoke to us from her heart.  She encouraged us be women of faith. Carmen is very genuine in her love of God and people. Her heart for God is evident in her devotion and also the life she leads."

Deana G.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
5
2016-06-25T01:28:02-05:00

Deana G.

"Carmen spoke to us from her heart.  She encouraged us be women of faith. Carmen is very genuine in her love of God and people. Her heart for God is evident in her devotion and also the life she leads."
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/deana-g/
"Carmen always has a word of encouragement for everyone. She makes you feel good about yourself by just being in her presence. She loves Jesus and wants all to know Jesus; the broken, the wounded, the desperate, the empty and the guilty."

Norah A.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
5
2016-06-25T01:27:16-05:00

Norah A.

"Carmen always has a word of encouragement for everyone. She makes you feel good about yourself by just being in her presence. She loves Jesus and wants all to know Jesus; the broken, the wounded, the desperate, the empty and the guilty."
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/norah-a/
"It takes a depth of pride to accept our way might not be the best way or the only way...' If Carmen had not already made me a follower of her blog, that one sentence would have had me hooked. It's not always easy to find someone who writes in ways we can relate. Carmen makes me stop and take a deep long look at who I am and where I want to be in my walk with Christ. I trust her to be a truth teller and a peace maker. Not only has she encouraged me so many times, but often my heart is pierced to make a change."

Judy H.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
5
2016-06-25T01:26:03-05:00

Judy H.

"It takes a depth of pride to accept our way might not be the best way or the only way...' If Carmen had not already made me a follower of her blog, that one sentence would have had me hooked. It's not always easy to find someone who writes in ways we can relate. Carmen makes me stop and take a deep long look at who I am and where I want to be in my walk with Christ. I trust her to be a truth teller and a peace maker. Not only has she encouraged me so many times, but often my heart is pierced to make a change."
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/judy-h/
"Carmen writes from her heart and her own life experiences. What she says is always spot on for me. She is a gifted teacher and her love for the Word shows. Carmen is easy to understand and her words always leave me with a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. Her wit and charm make her a joy to listen to. She speaks truth, even when the truth is hard to hear and does it with understanding and compassion."

Karen S.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
5
2016-06-25T01:23:50-05:00

Karen S.

"Carmen writes from her heart and her own life experiences. What she says is always spot on for me. She is a gifted teacher and her love for the Word shows. Carmen is easy to understand and her words always leave me with a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. Her wit and charm make her a joy to listen to. She speaks truth, even when the truth is hard to hear and does it with understanding and compassion."
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/karen-s/
"Rarely will you find a woman with such a servant’s heart as Carmen Horne. I have had the pleasure of attending many church events, trips, and girl lunches with Carmen over the past sixteen years. She continues to be one of my favorite mentors whether in North Louisiana or on the beach in Florida, which is probably OUR FAVORITE place! She uses her kind and faithful heart when giving advice or mentoring others. Carmen is truly a light to many and guides you to find the light in yourself no matter how faint it may be. Hebrews 13:7"

Dianne A.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
5
2016-06-25T01:22:56-05:00

Dianne A.

"Rarely will you find a woman with such a servant’s heart as Carmen Horne. I have had the pleasure of attending many church events, trips, and girl lunches with Carmen over the past sixteen years. She continues to be one of my favorite mentors whether in North Louisiana or on the beach in Florida, which is probably OUR FAVORITE place! She uses her kind and faithful heart when giving advice or mentoring others. Carmen is truly a light to many and guides you to find the light in yourself no matter how faint it may be. Hebrews 13:7"
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/dianne-a/
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Carmen Horne, Life Coach

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