She did not...

...need much,

wanted very little.

'A kind word, sincerity, fresh air,

clean water, a garden, 

books to read, sheltering arms,

a cozy bed, and to love

and be loved in return.'

notes...

cloudy, breezy & nice this morning

 hubby getting tickled over a

lost-in-translation moment...

and hearing him laugh

cleaning out the cabinet and unearthing

a bubble gun & a supply of ammo

a quick pop-in-pop-out by my kiddo

passing through town

getting the yard mowed just as it started to sprinkle

munching on a lemon protein ball (in recipes) &

 just letting life unfold at it's own pace today...

'God wired you with a unique way of giving

away love, and then He told you

to go play.'

embrace those around you

enjoy your story

divert your attention away from the junk

and toward the best things in your life

life can only be found in the present moment

don't miss out

there are plenty of small things there for you right now

are you there for them?

value simple pleasures

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Six year olds laugh an average of 300 times a day.

Adults only laugh 15-100 times a day.

Be six again."

"There's a system in your brain called

the RAS.

It filters millions of signals every day.

What you consistently focus on  

becomes what your brain prioritizes.

Train your attention toward health,

purpose, connection, and possibility,

and your brain will start looking for them."

~Dr. Mark Hyman

"Your nervous system & stress hormones

can calm down with

Peace 

Love

Stillness

Grounding

Breathwork

Safe People

Forgiveness

A cleansing cry

Self-Compassion

Deep belly laughs

Somatic practices

Food that loves you back

JOMO (the joy of missing out)

These are little love notes to 

your body."

~Dr. Will Cole

 

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."

 

We get so wrapped up....

....needing to have everything together,

trying to figure it all out,

that we forget that

sometimes....

the most beautiful things are found in life's

little imperfections.

notes...

an unmowed lawn

 weeds growing in the wildflowers

splashed coffee on the quilt

Polly's tiny wet foot prints on my journal page

cat hairs on my PJ's

another used up pen 

 a tiny chip in my favorite mug

and dirt on my feet

oh how much

I love all the itsy bitsy gifts of imperfections....

... I breathe a little deeper

what a perfect morning

you have a rock solid foundation 

with on which you can live

and move and have your being

as you worship

a new hope will grow within you

sit quietly

each time you are tested and overcome

you exercise your spiritual muscles

surround yourself with people who add wisdom

but don't subtract love, acceptance and purpose

be choosy 

you never outgrow the need to get feedback

from other people who see the world differently

but naysayers can stymie your progress

keep cynics at a distance

when you wrestle with big life decisions

you want love and acceptance first

information second

when you fail you need hugs

not advise

be an encourager

challenges are opportunities 

to refocus & keep going

slow down the pace of your life

life unfolds in a way

that guarantees growth

of your best self

keep your eyes fixed on what matters

to you

with God continue 

to move toward it 

even shake off a few sticky wickets as you go

see what happens

you cannot miss out on an experience 

that you are meant to have

every breath offers you a chance

to put your faith into the hands

of God

and to remember how blessed

supported

and guided 

that you already are

'once you slow down

something more than ups and downs

of personal gains & loss

can shine through'

slowing down is essential

this invites your heart to feel safe

enough to open

you are not a robot

let your attitude toward yourself soften

'whether your goals are spiritual

personal

or professional

when you slow down & relax

into a more natural rate of speed

you create a perfect space

for life's most incredible 

discoveries to unfold

you discover a more honest

relationship with life'

discover your heart as the home

you never left

envision a lovely future

or spend time visualizing 

what you don't want

your decision

you are here on your own journey

open your eyes to see all that life

has to offer

'your soul is the compass for your

adventure

and your wisdom is the testament

of your life'

do your best to create change

your efforts & your prayers

are being recognized

be well...

xoxo

💝

"People who take time to "be"

on a daily basis are measurably

more productive, better listeners,

more alive and more resilient

than those that don't."

"It is impossible to see the world as a 

friendly place (despite disappointments

and hassles) until the world inside

you own mind is also friendly."

 

If you can't run away...

...'to a cabin in the woods right now,

start small.

Make a cup of tea and find a sunset

to watch.'

Turn off your phone go for a drive and blast some

great music, read a book in the back yard.

Fight for moments of peace

in the midst of the crazy.

You can do that.

notes...

Hubby's got a stress test

up early to hit the road

coffee to go

love it when it's still dark

it's cooled down outside

pretty morning

nice breeze

what you do with your love 

is where you are in your faith

if you think you don't have time to 

bless someone

consider how consuming 

worry can be

learning to shift from worry to blessings

just takes practice

send blessings to your loved ones

to strangers

to enemies

to animals

to the planet

to you

Throw up an insta-prayer

and then just wait

use your energy to believe

create

love &

grow

taking control of your mind

can be the key to finding

peace in other parts of your 

life

your emotions are a by-product of 

the way you think

the spiral is real

"...according to researchers,

the vast majority of the illnesses

that plague us today

are a direct result of a

toxic thought life"

thoughts are just habits

see them for what they are

what you believe and 

what you think about matters

be well...

xoxo

💞

"Do what you can, when you can,

with as much love and honesty as you can,

and when you can't, rest."

"Life is all about balance.

You don't always need to be getting

stuff done.

Sometimes it's perfectly okay,

and absolutely necessary,

to shut down, kick back,

and do nothing."

"Our life is frittered away by detail.

Simplify, simplify."

~Thoreau 

 

Stop trying...

...to figure everything out!

I wrote in BIG capitalized letters

on the top of my journal page this 

morning.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord

with all your heart and mind and do not rely

on your own insight or understanding....

seemed to keep showing up.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

 

I waste a LOT of time trying to understand

 things out that aren't mine to understand.

I've pondered this a lot today.

notes....

trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on

your own understanding 

x5

the main culprit of the struggle is

 the minds appetite 

for understanding

and a strong desire to feel in control

of your life

you want to trust

but you feel stuck

believe that this is training you

wait confidently to see results

'despite how the snow globe of your reality

might get shaken up

it only occurs in order to guide

your journey in an 

exciting new direction'

allow the wisdom of you heart

to become your

inner compass

even when the odds seem stacked against you

it is only a brand new chapter of growth

obedience is about doing what you don't want

even when you don't fully understand

you may never shake the tendency to dissent

when you don't get what you want

you just act better

those are the moments when your faith

is put to the test

it's when you actually find out 

who you are

hang tight when things get tough

it's training ground for the next adventure

this is where it gets good

don't drink other peoples poison

even when it's offered with love

God can soften hearts, change circumstances

beyond your control

provide resources &

untangle messes

He's just waiting for your call

there's a difference between not getting what you've

asked for

&

not asking for what you need/want

sometimes you need to let yourself be & trust

that clarity will come later

in retrospect

it will all make perfect sense-

later

stop straining to know what you don't know

see what you can't see

understand what you don't yet understand

trust that being is sufficient

and let go of your need to 

figure it out

set aside time

to be quiet & secluded

call Him

be well...

xoxo

💗

"In the end, there doesn't have to be

anyone who understands you.

There just has to be someone that wants to."

"Sometimes we can't find the thing

that will make us happy,

because we can't let go of the thing

that was supposed to."

"The realist sees reality as concrete.

The optimist sees reality as clay."

 

Focus on...

...the elements of your life

that seem to be going really well

at the moment while

downplaying your existing

dissatisfactions.

notes...

one moment I'm on the porch enjoying my part-time dog,

& getting ready to open my devotional...

then...

 I'm writing in my journal on the way to the farm

doing the chores early to beat the heat

 and taking Jesus along

for the ride. 

persist

turn down the chaos of everyday life

when the noise around you fades

tune into the soft whisper

align your heart with love

your feelings change after your focus changes

if you feel terrific about life

that's a reliable indicator

that your most recent thinking has been 

healthy and constructive

make wise decisions

you can make today whatever you 

want it to be

you have the power to create 

your own reality

do not be afraid to be different 

from others

the path you are called to travel

is exquisitely right for you

see yourself clearly

notice your reactions

go within

nourish yourself

appreciate the blessings

let go of what you don't need

so what you do 

can show up

make space

the good can't get in 

if it's blocked by junk

release it

listen

don't miss God's activity

direction & intervention

in your circumstances

and miss His

 joy

peace 

power 

love & wisdom

and the very purpose

for which you were

created

dark thoughts keep you

away from beauty

darkness isn't always destructive

sometimes it's just distracting

hope is always eager to burst

onto the scene

but you need to be there

to catch it

you can't be all run & no stop

practice being a better listener

only your choices and

perceptions can determine

the quality of 

your experience

trust yourself

 life

and God 

let today happen

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Never mind searching for who you are.

Search for the person you aspire to be."

"Usually, when you can't overcome

the obstacles in your path,

it's not your path."

"You can hope for a miracle in your life,

or you realize that  your life is the miracle."