Even though...

...you may not always see it in real time,

the moments when you practice peace

are truly beautiful,

even if it feels like a struggle.

notes...

warm and sultry morning

hubby's negative stress test results

starting to spiral 

a short pithy prayer

and the next thing I know

I'm following a nudge 

to go jump in the lake

 

*side note

water bottle quote:

"your body is about 60% water

don't forget to give it 

a refill "

one positive voice can drown out all others

if you are listening for it

be picky about who you listen to

become picky about your daily inputs

put weeds in and weeds come out

put virtue in and virtue comes out

good thoughts and actions

can never produce bad results

bad thoughts and actions

can never produce good results

be more intentional about

what you feed your mind

don't sacrifice things that are important to you

to get a little approval or validation from others

refuse to be conformed to the worlds standards

no longer define your sense of worth by

the actions of others

when you love others well

you don't have to worry about what they think of you

claim responsibility for the conditions of your life

sometimes it's dreadfully difficult

but doing so begins an upward spiral

own your own power

or someone else will

 improve the quality of your life

by improving the quality of your thinking

keep vigilant watch over your heart

change what you can

there is so much you can change

do what you need to do to take care of yourself

if you can't do anything about the circumstances

you can change your attitude

remember the reason you are doing what you're 

doing

&

why

give yourself what you need

anchor your soul firmly in hope

take moments to recharge

be mindful of your limits

wherever you hear God's voice

go there often

there are all kinds of ways to hear from Him

fill your cup 

so you can continue to give love

let yourself be

be well...

xoxo

💞

..."Even though you did not know 

where the path would go.

Even though you did not know

where tomorrow would lead.

You were headed in the right direction

or where you were meant to be."...

"Love and compassion are necessities,

not luxuries.

Without them humanity cannot

survive."

~Dalai Lama

"Your vision will become clear only when

you look into your own heart."

~Carl Jung

 

We work to feed our appetites...

....and meanwhile

our souls go hungry.

notes...

'we don't know how to slow down

we don't know how to relax

God smiles when you rest

the difference between being blessed

and stressed 

is often rest

*misplaced identity

basin your worth on your work

life is more than just work

*materialism

always wanting more things

*envy

wanting to be like other people

so you follow a ridiculous lifestyle

*insecurity

when you're afraid

you won't have enough

you can't have security 

if it can be taken from you

God put you here to learn how

to love

that's what matters

*remember your value to God

He created you with value

He created you with purpose

He created you unique

you are priceless

that little voice that says you've got to 

prove you matter

you have to prove your worth

NO you don't

you don't have to prove anything to 

anybody

enjoy what you already have

contentment is something you learn

the greatest things in life aren't things

it's better to have a little

and have peace

he who dies with the most toys

still dies

and he didn't win anything

enjoy what you have

while you've got it

resting is a part of trusting

rest your body

recharge your emotions

refocus you spirit

adjust your values

learn the unforced rhythms of 

Grace.

Relax

be well...

💖

You fail to see...

...the most obvious things.

Miracles can happen before 

your very eyes,

yet you see only mundane occurrences

or - at best - coincidences.

notes...

I moved the table

spread the quilt on the ground

placed my books and mug down

placed me down

and had time to capture the moment

before it flew off

I feel like I received a green light today

and I am a little giddy-swirly-weird-feeling about it

I know one hell of a sign

when I see one.

He speaks to you continually 

through sights

sounds

thoughts

impressions

scripture

there is no limit to the variety of ways

He can communicate with you

your part is to be attentive

to the messages

whatever form they come in

"You will seek Me and find Me..."

"Mankind has long since been plagued 

with eyes that do not see what is 

most important."

~Jesus Lives

have a teachable attitude

your openness to His teaching

has wonderful results

He is the teacher of teachers

'no matter how intimidating your next leap

forward seems at the moment

it will be a pipsqueak

when you look back on it someday'

your greatest fears are

your greatest waste of time

face your fears with the truth

that they are all in your mind

and they will lose their power

over you

break it down so you can really

look at it and diffuse it

'fear is all about how you choose to look at things

so change your perspective on it

and let the fear of NOT

doing the thing you're scared of

fuel your quest'

what consumes your thoughts?

what holds the utmost place of

prominence in your life?

your answer will say a great deal

about what is truly important to you

the frustrations and discouragement you face

often have more to do with what you are pursuing

than anything else

misplaced priorities will rob you of peace

energy

and joy

in this tumultuous world 

God is the anchor that keeps

you steady

freedom comes from the truth

but the truth is not always easy to speak

or even live

put on kindness

and humility &

let love lead the way

keep your faith simple- because it is

Don't try to make it easy- because it's not

'He made you the way you are

so you could bring your flavor or love

& creativity into the world,

and your expression of love will look

a little different from everyone else's.

That's not a bad thing.

That's a great thing.'

be well...

xoxo

💝

"You deserve your own love &

affection."

~Buddha

"There is a basket of fresh bread on your head,

yet you go door to door asking for crusts."

~Rumi

When you notice tension....

....rigidity, frustration

or feeling short-tempered

slow down to a more natural flow.

notes...

this morning it's A. dark

B. cool

C. raining

from time to time a little breeze blows through

and a distant roll of thunder 

the Mockingbird is singing for  

the Wrenn, Robin & Cardinal.

Sitting here wrapped up on the porch

 in my favorite blanket

 from my favorite shop

back home...

sipping from my favorite coffee mug

 from Harney & Sons back home...

having an

 awe-good-morning-God-moment

and I am lovin' it!!

if you want there to be less stress, anxiety,

depression and tension in the world

start with yourself

you need stillness

outer and inner

hear the gentle whispers in your heart

find a place where the noise of the world is minimal

be still

let go

relax

'spiritual adventures are decorated

as the comings and goings of

everyday life'

celebrate each moment with everything to welcome

and nothing to prove

deepen your awareness 

practice thankfulness

....with all of your heart

and soul

and mind

lay aside all bitterness and defense

step away from the mental clutter

if the path you took overpromised

and underdelivered

then get back to the dream

you started out with

there are always second chances

find the things that light you up

make plans to do them

celebrate this beautiful life God has given you

learn to relax and follow the steps

as they appear

if you don't rest 

your body will eventually put it's foot down

"Stress is a leading cause of cancer,

heart-attacks, liver failure,

stupid accidents, grouchiness

& suddenly not being able to breathe."

if you're feeling overwhelmed

notice any unnecessary tasks

that steal your time

take care of your mind

choose what you pay attention to

take care of your inner world

allow time for activities and stillness

that make you feel good

feeling rushed robs you of experiencing 

the moment

'making time to do things that inspire you

should be a priority...

what's the point of living

without them?'

take time to really enjoy what matters

and let go of the rest

you learn your beliefs

why not master beautiful ones?

often appreciating your life

is the only

change needed

worry less 

laugh more

know what matters

enjoy your precious life while your

still in possession of it

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Prioritize peace. If it  nurtures, calms,

and revitalizes you,

make time for it.

If it stresses, distresses,

or depresses you,

reconsider it."

"Note to self: I don't have to take this day all at once,

but rather, one step, one breath,

one moment at a time.

I am only one person.

Things will get done when we get done."