Contentment

Starting a new journal. A gorgeous overcast morning, cool

and breezy. 

Mood: tuck-ey and serene.

 An old quilt, feet sunk into the soft grass, and a feeling

 of tranquility as I sit enveloped in flowers, bushes

and a covering of soft dappled clouds.

A gentle whistling of the dove's wings as she

flies in to land amongst the sunflowers & roses.

Polly jumps up, then settles back in...

holding back her temptation to stalk.

"good girl" I whisper.

I start to get up...

then hold back the temptation to pop in the house for tissue as I 

anticipate a drip traveling down my nose.

(I have my hoodie sleeve...)

If she can fight the urge, so can I.

We remain still.

Soak this in.

Appreciate the moment.

For now, all is well...

 peaceful and content.

Perfect really.

The drip never comes...the dove took flight,

and Polly came to snuggle beside me.

And the coffee just seemed to taste better this morning.

"The most beautiful life is the one you choose for yourself.

Decide how you want to spend your time, and then do that.

Even when your life doesn't go according to plan,

know that you've chosen a life that suits you.

And remember that a beautiful life isn't necessarily

a perfect one."

"People look for retreats for themselves, in the country,

by the coast, or in the hills....

There is nowhere that a person can find a more 

peaceful and trouble-free retreat than in his own mind...

So constantly give yourself this retreat and renew yourself."

~Marcus Aurelius~

"When my thoughts are centered on learning to live,

I will be less tempted to involve my mind

with the thoughts of how others live."

Be well...

xoxo

💝

 

Priority

Refreshment. Joy. Reprieve. Grace. Release. Beauty.

Connection. Peace. Awe. Hope. Forgiveness. Newness.

Intention. Integration. Provision. Focus. Good.

Openness. Truth. Presence. Calm. Acceptance.

Flow. Signs. Health. Simplicity. Care. Gratitude.

Light. Beauty. Faith. Receptive. Clarity. Hope.

When I listen to my heart for the answers, 

and watch for signs, sometimes I get the answer.

Sometimes I don't, and that is the answer.

Journal notes lately...

Slow Down. Quiet your mind.

God meets you in the question.

Living with Faith is living with uncertainty,

trusting in the unseen.

"Accept what you can impact,

& let go of what you cannot change."

Have a willing heart & a truthful spirit, 

and God will take it from there.

Meeting you where you are.

Everything you need in concentrated on Him.

Your life has meaning and beauty.

" I will instruct you and teach you in the way

you should go; I will counsel you with My

eye upon you."

~Psalm 32;8~

Many troubles are self-created & 

personal agonies self-inflicted.

You cannot run away from yourself.

He knows what is absolutely best for us.

Watch. Wait. Cooperate.

You don't have to engineer your own solutions.

You don't have to struggle, strive, or wear yourself out.

Let go of those wants & needs that cause you frustration.

It is in your times of weakness & failure that 

you have the capacity to grow the most.

See your weakness as an opportunity to grow.

Even the broken fragments of your life

can become a masterpiece.

"Even though there is so much brokenness in the world,

you can still find much that is excellent or

praiseworthy in it.

Search for such things like buried treasure."

When you unearth something lovely,

meditate on it & praise God for it.

Look at the world around you with eyes of gratitude,

& help others find the beauty in their own life.

Think about what it is your trying to build today. 

(Intention. Goal. Mindset.)

Prioritize.

You have the agency to build something in your life

that is both beautiful and lasting.

Use the right materials.

Be willing to let go of  what is old and familiar,

and be willing to stand with your hands empty 

while you wait for Me to fill them.

~Jesus~

Finally, brothers & sisters,

whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is

right, whatever is pure, 

whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-

thing about such things.

Philippians 4:8

"At the sound of the tone,

leave your name and your need;

God & Goodness will make sure  you get 

exactly what you need."

be well...

xoxo

💖

"A sign that you are healing is 

that you stop running back to the things that:

Hurt your body.

Mess up your mind.

Broke your heart.

Didn't love you back.

~Dr. Will Cole~

 

Nudge

Normally to start my day, I choose to be alone, undistracted,

and if possible, out in nature.

This morning I got the nudge to pack up my routine during half-time,

and head to the beach.

So I did.

What greeted me was pure delight.

Grandparents with young grandkids.

Innocence. Play. Curiosity. Encouragement.

Splashing. Energy. Chatter. Wisdom.

Protection. Support. Laughter. Courage.

Kindness. Respect. Fun. Sharing. Support. Love.

As I was writing in my journal.

"Hiiii!"

I look up.

A greeting, a little boy smiling, a cheerful wave.

I wave back.

Sweetness.

That one little nudge, I daresay, was everything I needed today.

Journal today:

(compilation to letter form. *different devotion)

"  * How precious are My children who are awed by nature's beauty.

This opens you up to My Holy Presence.

* I have fully equipped you to handle whatever comes your way.

Don't waste time bemoaning your circumstances and

avoid the trap of feeling singled out for hardship.

I equip you to handle adversity well.

You have to make the effort to use what I provide.

My Presence. My word. My Spirit.

*Come to Me when you are heavy and burdened,

and you will find rest for your soul.

Do not be dismayed.

I will strengthen and uphold you.

Be self-controlled & alert.

Stand firm in faith.

*Fill yourself with new thoughts, new feelings, and new energy.

Be responsible for your healing of your mental, physical, emotional,

and spiritual self.

*Let go of faulty faith.

The greatest barrier to your faith is not circumstances,

your past, or anyone's actions. 

Rather it's your lack of belief in My sovereignty,

wisdom, & love.

It is hindering My power from flowing in your life.

Be so centered in Me, that when difficulties arise,

you immediately look for my aid.

Relinquish control.

It's scary, but when I call you to follow Me in faith,

I promise to support you every step of the way.

I assume full responsibility for your needs,

and am ready to equip you for whatever arises.

Release your need to direct your circumstances &

trust Me. I will bless you.

* The source of real strength begins and ends with Me.

Rely on My help. 

All you need to do is believe and receive.

*Be grounded in the wisdom of uncertainty.

'Without uncertainty & the unknown, life is just 

a stale repetition of outworn memories. 

You become a victim of the past, and your 

tomorrow is your self left over from yesterday.'

'Step into the unknown, & you will step into a field of

possibilities. 

You will have excitement, adventure & mystery.

You will experience the fun of life. 

The magic.

The celebration.

The exhilaration of your own Spirit.'

'When you experience uncertainty, you are on the right path-

so don't give up.'  "

~Your higher power~

be well...

xoxo

💝

"The problem is not entirely in finding the room of one's own,

the time alone, difficult and necessary as this is.

The problem is more how to still the soul in the midst 

of activities.

In fact, the problem is how to feed the soul."

~Gifts from the Sea~

"Love yourself & each other.

Don't accept crap from yourself

or from anyone else."

 

Serenity

Summer, simplicity, calm, peaceful, refreshment,

joy, health, slow, mindfulness, experiment, create,

tranquility.

 

Today....I thought I would try a new recipe, and 

start adding in some healthy treats.

Spread a quilt under the shade tree and finish a book.

Listen to the sounds of Summer.

Practice yoga.

Call my mom.

I used to think I needed to live an extraordinary life,

now I know being content with an ordinary, simple life

is a real accomplishment.

No Bake Lemon Coconut Protein Bites

Ingredients:

1 c. almond flour

1/2 c. shredded unsweetened coconut

1/2 c. protein vanilla powder

1/4 c. honey or maple syrup

1/4 coconut oil, melted

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 tsp. salt

additional coconut for rolling

Combine almond flour, coconut, and protein powder.

Mix.

Add honey or syrup & coconut oil to dry mixture.

Stir together well.

Incorporate lemon zest & juice into mixture.

Combine well, to form a sticky dough.

(add more oil or honey/syrup if too dry)

Using hands, roll small portions into 1 inch ball.

Roll in coconut if desired.

Place balls on parchment paper plate and refrigerate 30 min.

Enjoy!

Sore leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator

for up to a week.

I give it a thumbs up!

Be well...

xoxo

💖

"If your life is not going the way you'd like it to,

you have the power to change it.

Sometimes it may seem impossible to produce

the changes you desire.

As you choose your own path every day,

be clear about what it is that you truly want.

Each day, you can move closer to the life you want

with intention and focus.

Welcome all the wonderful things life has to offer.

Take control and decide to focus on what you want

and not on what isn't working."

~Sunrise Gratitude~

Gokotta

Swedish. Experience. Culture. Dawn. Nature. Birdsong. 

Well-being. Stillness. Appreciation. Beauty. Coffee.

Flowers. Trees. Rustling. Moments. Personal. Fresh. Peaceful.

Grounded. Organic. Heritage. Simple.

Noun 

Zyohh-KOH-tah

"The act of waking up early in the morning to go

outside and listen to the first birdsong of the day,

enjoying the stillness and beauty of nature at dawn."

A picnic at dawn.

It is like a great, deep breath before I start the day.

Be well...

xoxo

💖

"Those who wish to sing...

always find a song."

~Swedish Proverb~

 

Peaceful

This morning I took my mug of lemon-ginger water outside under the shade, and 

sipped as I planted my feet in the sparkling dew covered grass.

 The dove flew in to take a stroll in the yard,

and a slight breeze blew.

I dreamt last night that I was at a friend's party, and there was a scrumptious looking carrot cake.

I didn't eat any. I woke up proud of myself.

I sprinkled some water on the Zinnias, and the hummingbird

stopped in to say good morning.

'Humming birds teach us the importance of living in the present.

They remind us to stay active, and enjoy each moment.

They show us that life is beautiful and we should appreciate it now.

And to find the joy in every small thing in our lives.

They can adapt to any type of bad situation.

They teach us to be strong and adaptable,

no matter what challenges we face.

They show us that we can overcome anything

and keep moving forward.'

Some journal bits....

Refuse to be conformed to the world's standards or

follow it's strategies to achieve your goals.

'The simple rules in life are fearless faith,

nonresistance and love.'

'Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.'

Forgive. Focus on love & let the rest go.

'Forgiveness is a choice to see people as they are now.'

If you are judging another, your wrong even if your right.

'By bringing the past into the present,

we create a future like the past.

By letting the past go, we make room for wonder and surprise.'

"Who has the microphone in your life?

Ignore the loudest voice;

listen to the truest one."

Be well...

xoxo

💖

 

Uniqueness

This week, I've been channeling my energy into areas that 

genuinely interest me.

Embracing my own individuality, and resisting the urge

to conform to social expectations.

Taking more time to really experience what matters, and best I can...,

let go of the rest.

Misplaced priorities rob us of peace, energy and joy,

causing us more stress.

Don't trade taking the time to understanding yourself,

for trying to impress someone else.

"Stress and anxiety create blocks in our lives.

Flow creates peace and harmony.

When we struggle with what's happening,

we move out of flow.

Everything is happening exactly as it should.

Trust that your efforts and prayers are being recognized.

Do your best and create change.

Life will unfold as it does.

We are responsible for how we react 

and the choices we make as it does.

Trust and faith can eliminate anxiety and stress.

We are given a wonderful life to live and experience."

"Keep faith simple because it is.

But don't try to make it easy-

because it's not."

"Remember being true self is your nature."

Be well...

xoxo

💖

"My body is on a budget.

I can't afford stress,

negativity, jealousy or foods

that don't love me back."

~Dr. Will Cole~

 

Reset

Todays to-do list:

Crank up some nostalgic favorites stored on my old iPod.

Revive the habit of drinking my lemon water out of a one quart mason jar.

(keep track)

Celebrate 182 days of sticking to nutrient rich/anti-inflammatory diet. 

Brainstorm 3 more self-care activities I'd like to focus on today...

starting and ending with this Vagus Nerve reset.

The nervous system has such an enormous impact on our health.

I love this simple exercise.

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Your nervous system and hormones can heal with...

Rest that is deep.

People that are safe.

Breaths that are slow.

Food that is nourishing."

~Dr. Will Cole~

Today

Choose joy. Practice love. Accept others.

Be kind. Show respect. Love yourself.

Repeat.

Today's journal notes...

(forming this letter from varied devotionals)

Seek my face, and you will find all that you have longed for.

The deepest yearnings of your heart are for intimacy

with Me.

Take time to be still in My Presence.

Do not be afraid to be different from other people.

The path I have called you to travel, is exquisitely

right for you.

The more closely you follow My leading,

the more I can develop your gifts.

Follow Me wholeheartedly.

Relinquish your desire to please other people.

The adversary of your life has no power to trap you,

as long as you remain close to Me.

I will protect you from emotional destruction &

emotional ruin.

Focusing on Me is not an easy assignment.

The world, flesh, and darkness all conspire to distract you.

Refuse to be discouraged by distractions and

the fickleness of your mind.

Do not be in such a hurry to move on.

Relax. Breathe deeply. Be.

Be in harmony today.

Be open. There is beauty.

There is purpose & meaning.

There is importance.

It is not so much what happens to you,

but how you respond.

Accept the feelings, and then let them go.

Breathe in peace & healing.

Every thing you need today will be given you.

Absorb the lessons, the healing, the beauty, and the love.

Face today to the best of your ability;

You will acquire the skill to face tomorrow.

The only meaning of anything in your past, 

is that it got you here, and should be honored as such.

Give your past to Me. I can change your mind about it

for you.

I provide you with a clean slate every moment.

Forgive yourself, for all you think you did &

did not do. Give yourself permission to begin again.

There is no way for you to know what's going to happen tomorrow,

or the next day, or 5 years from now.

Place it in My hands.

Be assured I hear you & will answer.

Be quiet before Me.

Meditate on Me. Listen.

I will give you direction, intervene, and

work in your favor.

My timing & plans are always perfect.

Commit to following My lead. 

I will not disappoint you.

~God~

be well...

xoxo

💝

"The Spirit of our journey is as important,

perhaps more important,

than the arrival at our destination.

In order to realize genuine happiness,

we must be willing to court contentment every

step of the way.

For after all, the journey is all that most of us will ever know.

Day in, day out.

The journey is real life."

'Caring for our authentic selves-

rarely comes naturally or easily.

But with practice, with patience,

with perseverance, it does come.'

Anniversary

Fourteen years ago today I was back home visiting,

 when Pastor Bob pulled me aside after our church service.

He placed Jesus Calling in my hands as a gift from him to me.

And so began the journey of putting God first every morning.

Sometimes requiring me to roll out of bed at 2 AM, to devote

an hour before heading to work.

My ritual has evolved over the years, and more devotionals have been

added, but Jesus Calling always starts the day. 

It has carried me through the toughest times.

Journal notes...

Focus on the beauty in life, and that is what I will 

most often experience.

The opposite is also true.

'Make a decision to believe in spite of everything.

Don't look to your circumstance or pay attention

to the opinion of others. 

Listen to God.

Open His Word and trust what He says.

"Small streams don't plan to become mighty rivers.

They just run in the direction they were created to move,

and their Creator decides what they'll become."

"I will instruct  and teach you in the way which you should go;

I will counsel you with My eye upon you."

~ Psalm 32:8 ~

Obey what He leads you to do.

be well...

xoxo

💝

"There is a universal, intelligent, life force 

that exists within everyone and everything.

It resides within each one of us as a deep wisdom,

an inner knowing. We can access this wonderful

source of knowledge and wisdom through our intuition,

and inner sense that tells us what feels right and true

for us at any given moment."

'Learn how to develop, listen and trust this inner voice.

Trust that there is a natural flow to life, and choose to go 

with it, not against it.

Instead of believing every fearful thought,

choose to listen to what your heart has to say.

Know that if there's tension and anxiety present within you,

you are disconnected from your authentic self.

If you feel peaceful and at ease, if love flow through you,

it is because you have chosen to relax into your true nature,

to allow life to guide you and to trust that it will take good care of you,

because it will.'

 

Simple

She made herself at home in the backyard for the day.

She napped in the wicker chair, stretched out in the shade, and snacked under the rose bushes.

Then, as the sun started to set, she flew away.

dove...peace, love and new beginnings 💕

These little things are the roots that hold me steady.

These are the moments that stay with me,

the ones I want to capture.

When everything else seems to move faster & louder,

nature flows at it's own pace, with a certain ease.

 It rests. It waits. It breathes.

 There is a quiet strength in pausing to watch nature flow,

naturally and perfectly with out any help. 

It has it's own way of pulling me back into the present.

be well...

xoxo

💝

"I wish people knew that healing happens

when we choose:

Calm over chaos.

Stillness over stress.

Presence over popularity.

Breathwork over busyness.

JOMO (joy of missing out) over

FOMO (fear of missing out).

Foods that love you back over

foods that don't.

Your body will thank you."

~ Dr. Will Cole ~

 

Fear

Realization, unveiling, truth, processing, stillness,

awareness, mindfulness, signs, resistance, shattered, grief,

shadows, burdened, humility, emotions, isolation, release, shift, glimmer, experience,

motivation, steps, lightness.

Turning the page into a new chapter, and getting sucker punched

right at the start.

An uncovering. Revelation.

A volcano of uncontrollable emotions.

Letting them go.

Kleenex littering the ground around me. 

Birdsong playing background tunes.

Closing my eyes to take it all in.

Aware of the faint breeze, a delicate tinkle of the chimes, the songbird.

Opening my eyes just in time to see the mockingbird perched above,

and catch it's little jig before it flew off into the maple tree.

"Mocking bird teaches you how to discover your voice,

all while showing you what inspires and ignites your soul."

"Inventiveness, keen-mindedness, happiness, playfulness,

protection, thankfulness, security, and most of all

communication."

"Be curious and learn from experiences. Listen carefully, and put the

knowledge into practice for personal progress."

 

Journal notes...

The world wants to squeeze you into it's mold.

Be still and attentive and listen to God.

He did not give you a spirit of fear.

'Do not fear. I am with you.

You face nothing alone. I will strengthen and

help you.

Let those words enfold you like a warm blanket,

sheltering you from the coldness of fear,

and dismay.'

~Jesus devotions~

He will reveal things to you.

Let go of your defects,- issues, behaviors,

old feelings, unresolved grief, and beliefs 

that are blocking you from the joy that is yours.

He speaks to your heart.

Somethings take longer than others.

The process is the reward.

you are learning along the way.

Growth, insight, and perseverance

are some of the results.

You don't have to force change.

You don't have to do it yourself.

Have an attitude of willingness & humility.

Be patient and thankful even when it's tough.

Create a space for the light to get through.

You will change through the process.

Relax and do your part.

Allow the rest to happen.

be well...

xoxo

💓

"Underneath all your fears, and doubts and insecurities

there's nothing but pure & unconditional love.

Love for yourself, love for those around you

and love for life itself.

But because you have been clinging to fear for so long, 

you no longer remember this truth.

You can no longer make the distinction 

between what is real and what is not."

'Where there is LOVE, you have peace, joy, contentment, serenity,

and forgiveness.

Where there is fear, you will have anxiety, sadness, depression,

fatigue, judgement and guilt.'

"Let go of fear and allow love to rule your world.

Let go of fear and allow love to show you

the way back onto your path."

~ 15 Things You Should Give Up~

Steps

Phases, moments, passions, humility, presence, appreciation, connection,

uncertainty, new, teachable, willing, allow, curious, mindful,

direction, conviction, truth, receptive, answers, open, change,

perception, worship, healing, service.

Today I am grateful for the difficulties that give me an opportunity to grow

& make me stronger day by day.

It all happens in steps, and you can see them for the magic they are

when you stop and look back one day. 

Todays my day.

The little moments that seemed insignificant 

at the time. The fears and the struggles and how they eventually

 ( and painfully slow in my case)

start morphing into a stronger faith, and small wins.

This week I followed the cues. 

Got up at 3:30 one morning to meditate 

on the front porch, read devotionals by lamplight. 

Journaling some instructions for the day.

Thoughts. Guidelines.

Nervous going solo to a early yoga class at the Y,

and then to my first day as a volunteer to assist in hippotherapy,

(horse therapy)

as a side-walker.

Breathe. Trust. Mindfulness.

Deep breath in stretch, breath out.

 Words of affirmation and love,

as we flow from Childs pose to Plank to Downward Dog up to Warrior pose.

Breathe in love...breathe out kindness.

Restoration pose, an offer to rub lotion on our feet.

"I'm want to serve you."

Tearing up as I gave myself permission to receive.

Having a moment.

Unity.

Arriving at the arena early to volunteer. Willing to help in any way.

Plenty to do. Happy to serve.

Therapy time and time to assist.

An old retired race-horse. 

A teenage boy.

A therapist.

Humility, reality, and a glow in my heart.

Everything coming together for a greater purpose.

Connection.

Passion.

Flow.

Journal notes that day...

The Holy Spirit will guide you and correct you as needed.

Refuse to entertain a gloomy view of the future.

'Morning is a time of preparation and opening.

It's a lovely time to prepare for the day & visualize

the outcome you desire.'

'Every time you put your passions into action,

you learn things you couldn't have learned

sitting still. You grow on the way.'

Decide for yourself what you want and need to do.

You belong. You are worthy. You are valuable.

You'll miss the blessing if you refuse to open your heart fully.

You must be non-resistant. Fear not. Poise is power.

"Sometimes an insignificant incident may be

a turning point in a mans life."

(typing this....Ha! Hindsight....as this is 3 days later...)

Today is Sunday. This song hit me right in the feels!

There's more to this little story, 

and I thought I would share.

This is how the mini-saga began. 

It began with a high...

then suddenly the low.

I had to let the dust settle.

be well...

xoxo

💞

 

Gift

Time, word, dark, light, discipline, hope, doubt, belief, willing, struggle, 

surrender, steps, insecure, refuge, guidance, truth, reflection, hindsight,

insight, humility, lost, found, perspective, presence, intention, choice,

listen, connect, allow, answers, steps, growth, restoration, moments, grace, peace, love.

Searching for the place to settle in, a moment here,

a shift there.

 Too distracting, too hot, too cool, just right. 

Space. Refuge. Alone yet not alone. Receptive. Serene.

July 14, 2011 written on the cover.

 The anniversary of my morning routine.

"Jesus Calling" a gift from my Pastor back home.

A daily commitment. An hour. A journal.

One step...then another...

 Dedication. Discipline. Persistence.

 The gift that keeps on giving.

5101.5 days....and counting.

Nestled in my spot on the porch with the cat, 

 a 2nd cup of coffee, and deep appreciation.

A page from Charles Stanley.

 Resonance. 

Truth. Grace. Love.

'As your relationship with God grows deeper, you will find that

the Lord reveals to you more and more of His love.

You  no doubt will find yourself saying again and again,

"Lord, I didn't know You could love a person that much.

I didn't know it was possible to love like that."

We often discover this truth when other people hurt us.

God loves us more than our pain hurts us.

He covers our wounds with His love.

No matter how much others might criticize us,

reject us, or cause harm, if we turn to God in our pain,

He extends to us enough love to completely compensate for the pain.

We turn to Him with a pound of pain, and He gives us back two 

pounds of love.

He gives us enough love not only to heal us, 

but to provide an overflow of love that we can extend to

the very people who hurt us.'

Time after time.

 5101.5 days,...

His love a healing balm.

Journal notes...

Do not fear. Take a deep breath & dive into the depths

of absolute trust.

"This time alone with Me is essential for unscrambling

your thoughts & smoothing out the day before you. 

Be willing to fight for this precious time with Me."

~Jesus Calling~

"Refuse to allow obstacles to consume 

& dissipate the quality of your attention in the present moment."

It won't be easy. It will take time and persistence. He will 

teach you how to overcome.

You have the right to be who you truly are.

Everyone deserves to be who they truly are.

Be more accepting of people who think differently.

You don't have to change your beliefs.

be well..

xoxo

💝

"Remember that we are each given the gift of being able

to discover what is best for ourselves. "

"Living well is both a discipline and an art."