It's no coincidence...

...that the things that comfort you,

the things that soothe you,

tend to be the things that connect you

to your natural self.

capture by my nephew

Like walking in nature
or staring at the sky,
being around animals,
 or being with loved ones.
When you feel frazzled, the shortest path back
seems to be the natural one.
Reconnect with your natural world.

~

notes....

choose whether your are going to be different
& follow your path
or go with the flow and blend in with everyone else

taking the road less traveled is not  going to 
be a cake-walk

you will make countless decisions today
many choices will be inconsequential
but others will have a lasting impact

keep your eyes on your destiny
your life will follow

know that you are a work in progress

celebrate moments of growth

it's not what you go through that matters
it's what you feel about what you go through

Breathe deeply
find peace
center yourself
trust 
~


"Let My life shine trough you as you walk in the light with Me.
Do not abandon the post I have given you or hide your faith.
I am aware of your situation including your fears, failings, and enemies.
Walk with assurance that I will go the extra mile to bring you through trouble
through confusion, & through disappointment.
I can help you find your true North.
Trust that the answer is near."
~Jesus~

(sources: Charles Stanley, Jesus Calling, Pause)

be well...
xoxo
💖


"Sometimes you don't need words to make you feel better.
You just need the nearness of your dog."

"We find comfort among those who agree with us-
growth among those who don't."

"A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval."
~Mark Twain~

 

Live in awareness....

....of His presence and it will 

change your life.

notes...

'...there is a God

He is in charge

and He knows what He's doing

everywhere is in His presence

He is a God of love, goodness, mercy

and you don't want Him in your life?

why would you not?

He is here whether you are aware of Him or not

it's awareness of His presence that He wants you to understand

He's continually in your thoughts

view everything in the light of His presence

you will have peace in the midst of the storms

His word brings you back into awareness of Him

He will assume responsibility for bringing

to your mind

things that you need to remember

you will have joy in your heart

live with your tentacles out

continue to have hope even when things look hopeless

the more you are aware of His presence

the less you will be tempted by anything

it's the lack of awareness than makes the difference

the wonderful things God provides 

depends on where you look

when you become aware of His presence in your life

He changes your viewpoint

and you see everything in His light

you are safe

He will work things out.'

be well

xoxo

💗

"God became man to turn creatures into sons:

not simply to produce better men of the old kind

but to produce a new kind of man.

It is not like teaching a horse to jump better

and better but like turning a horse

into a winged creature."

~C. S. Lewis~

"There is only one soul in the whole creation

you do know:

and it is the only one whose fate is placed in your hands."

~C. S. Lewis~

 

Learn to let go....

....into the wild of things,

learn to grow as things unfold.

sign: transformation, strength in adversity, personal growth
and evolution

The natural world's saturated with beauty,

and beauty nourishes the soul.

 

A fuzzy caterpillar with sixteen legs

goes into a chrysalis & emerges as a beautiful

winged butterfly that knows it's way to Mexico.

'The way you come alive in this world 

might not look like everyone else's,

and that's okay.'

~

notes....

Spirit will come to you in ways you will receive Him

learn to let yourself be guided in truth

allow yourself to have your own process

you will discover your truths at the right time

as you grow

your experiences will expand in new ways

lay down the skeptic

take a few deep breaths

you don't see the oxygen but it's keeping you alive

 love keeps you alive

you don't see it 

but it surrounds you 

you can't force things

remain open

don't close your mind

take steps necessary to develop

self-mastery

you have the capacity to shed your

old self and embrace new beginnings

emerging stronger, wiser and more beautiful

than before

use your time wisely

a thankful attitude is helpful

overcome life's challenges with grace

and fortitude

be well....

xoxo

💝

'Your pursuit of Me is actually a response

to my ardent pursuit of you.

You don't have to batter down doors between us.

Just open the door of your heart to Me.

I've already thrown open My door to you.

I want you to realize how utterly safe you are-

in My perfect persistent Love.

Bask in your life of praise.

Be more receptive to My blessings.

In faith, be on the lookout for good things

great and small.

At the end of the day 

take time to ponder what you have learned &

to savor the gifts you have found.

Love and be loved.'

~Jesus~

(sources: Message Bible, Jesus Today, Jesus Calling)

~

"The wind carries things away and brings other things closer.

It doesn't think about the destination;

it just blows where the current takes it.

As the wind travels, it picks things up

 only to set them down in a new location.

The wind doesn't hold on tight,

because it knows that nothing is permanent.

The spirit of wind is letting go.

Be like the wind, releasing and receiving as needed.

Be fluid, given that nothing in life is permanent."

~Sunrise Gratitude~

 

What is desirable...

...in a man is kindness.

notes...

are you a kind person?

friendly, generous, patient, easy going,

warm-hearted, thoughtful, and fun to be with?

be kind to one another

put on a heart of kindness

it's our responsibility

kindness is a fruit of the Spirit

kindness is a natural, normal trait of 

a believer

sensitive to someone who needs kindness

there is no reason not to be kind

kindness is strong

God is always kind

God rewards you for your kindness

an act of kindness is the strongest defense you

can have

you can't fight kindness

pardons, provides, protects

every answered prayer is an act of  pure kindness..

it may not fall under your category of kindness

He loves expressing kindness

kindness involves truthfulness

discipline, instruction, love, gentleness

kindness....

His presence with you

never leave you or forsake you

it's feel-able

don't let kindness and truth leave you

it's our responsibility to practice kindness

it doesn't always come easy

experience kindness

kindness is close to the top

kindness can change your family

your friendships

it only takes one person

it is a gift...

we are the channels

do the thing that is proper

kindness changes everything

express kindness

be well...

xoxo

💝

"You can disagree with someone and still be kind."

~unknown~

"Some of you are unaware of just how amazing you really are.

The way you make people laugh, lift others up,

or spread some extra love.

You do this even though you are struggling too,

and I think it makes you such a beautiful human being."

~unknown~

"Always help someone.

You might be the only one that does."

~unknown~

"Treat one another justly.

Love your neighbors.

Be compassionate with each other."

Zechariah 7:9

 

Another freaking growth....

....opportunity.

AFGO

Those often 'frustrating, recurring, life challenges

or relationship hurdle that forces you to 

grow whether you want to or not.'

'Failing to grow into new horizons can blind you

to the beauty of life's adventures.

You become like a plant that's outgrown it's container.'

notes...

agitated, frustrated, intolerant, anxious

and weepy.

I can usually guess what's coming next.

AFGO

Tired, yes. Too much caffeine...probably...

uncomfortable and edgy...yep. 

Classic symptoms.

Tempted to eat a whole bag of Dove Chocolates

and then wash them down with a 1/2 gallon of vanilla Blue Bell 

ice-cream?

 Yep.

(side note...didn't go quite that far...)

It all fits.

It's a process I've repeated 

times a zillion.

Hate it ? yes!

Grateful ? again....yes, with reluctance.

Until I give it time...let it come up, and wait for 

the tsunami to hit, linger, and linger....

until it cleanses whatever it is...

(which I usually am aware of what it is....the "thing")

until it follows it's natural process....

I'm stuck in the precursor of the emerging "thing."

Once it's over....

and it is over...

(*Hallelujah!!)

there's a certain peace, (exhaustion) relief, and humility.

I feel it all today.

~

renew your mind with the objective truth

of the Bible

"Spirit's thoughts on paper"

there is no division between logic & spiritual

when all is said and done

it makes perfect sense

things come alive

you see something new

you will have more understanding

look for principles 

principles are timeless truths

like the laws of nature

you will know when it is meant for you

Spirit will lift something out of the context for you

read a little every day

be encouraged to ask for wisdom

instead of direction

'He who trusts in his own heart is a fool

but he who walks wisely will be delivered.'

Prov. 28:26

(principle)

the soul is healed through union with God

His words are the fuel that keeps you 

functioning properly

no matter how much you think you know

always be willing to take another step of growth

growth is a process

and sometimes it is painful

if you allow it 

it will stretch you so much further 

once you determine not to let 

your current situation define or constrain you

humility is key

"ask, seek and knock"

Let go

Listen to your heart & quiet the ego

Love can create a path to understanding

in those moments

trust builds and love grows deeper

be well...

xoxo

💞

"The true challenge we face is to look at ourselves and the world honestly.

To see what wounds there are, so we can help heal them.

Not to flinch. Not to spend our life wrapped in denial and trying to avoid pain.

Not to avoid the feelings. 

'...the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant

by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly

and gently.'

Healing means living in the raw."

 

Rather than focus....

....on the external.

Focus on the value of your time

and what you 

want in your life.

Bluebird: happiness, hope, renewal, & spiritual connection.

notes....

very early start to take hubby in for a c-scan
hard to be still and focus when time is rushed
but then again....
that's the point and the practice
journaling in the waiting room....
a prayer break and scripture over the intercom
everyone looked up from their phone and honored the pause
it was sweet
~


find moments of peace amid the chaos

inhale
exhale
& be who you are
even when everything seems loud & rushed
around you

learn ways to nourish yourself

accept what makes you 
you

be present with where you are right now

take a moment to be grateful
breathe

know what moves you

say "no" to what is wrong for you

speak up about what matters to you
let things matter to you

pay attention to the small
as much as to the great

seek out room to breathe in daily life

make decisions that support your physical
psychological
and spiritual well-being

you create your life every day

be well...
xoxo
💞


'Do not be conformed to this world
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.'
Romans 12:2

"Experience one beautiful thing a day.
However small. However trivial.
Read a poem. Play a favorite song.
Laugh with a friend.
 Gaze at the sky just before the sun's final tumble toward night.
Watch a classic movie.
Eat a slice of lemon drizzle cake. Whatever.
Just give yourself one simple reminder
that the world is full of wonders.
Even if we are at a point in life where we can't appreciate things,
it sometimes helps to remember there are things 
in this world to enjoy, when we're ready."

 

If you imagine...

...that something is missing,

it is because you haven't caught your cue to 'look

deeply enough within to find your source & supply.'

notes...

brisk start to the day

donning slippers with the hoodie

a single hummingbird still filling up for it's

 departure...

Otis's choppy, mournful howl in the distance...

still making me smile. Loving that ol' floppy eared hound.

feeling the buzz of activity for the fall festival..

Ang coming for the weekend, Price performs later...

her happy place

hubby munching on burnt peanuts as he heads to work...

this morning all seems well with the world...

~

You can make positive changes in your life

you create your life experience with every word 

& thought

negative thoughts and behaviors are habits

when you say "life sucks"

it isn't life that sucks

it's your thinking that sucks

the way you choose to think right now

is just a choice

make the choice to think thoughts

that make you feel good

good health comes from love and appreciation

healthy thoughts create a healthy atmosphere within

and around you

the cells of your body respond to every thought you have

with positive thoughts they work easily

with negative or stressful thoughts 

your body is working at a disadvantage

"Filling your mind with pleasant thoughts

is the quickest road to health."

the only moment you ever live

is this one

be present where you are

every step can be a step in faith

pay close attention to your thoughts 

check in frequently

remain hopeful

hope is an anchor for your soul

exercise patience

try it:  

I'm not good enough or

I am making positive changes in my life.

or 

I can feel good about myself....

or

create your own..

practice

practice

practice

be well...

xoxo

💖

'I can see down to the very core of who you are,

and I'm crazy about you!

I mean head over heels about you!

Not someone similar to you- actually you !

Comparison is a trap.

It might seem to be a way of life,

but what if it isn't the way?

What if you settled into how I made you

and celebrate others that do the same?

If I'm head over heels about you,

you should be too.

When I make something, I do it right the first time.

You are a unique blend of temperament, giftedness,

and life experiences.

No regrets.

No mistakes.

No do-overs.

Don't rush what I'm doing.

I understand what you need and stay with you.

Slow down and see what I am up to.

I see you, know you, and love you

~Jesus~

*journal notes*

 

Slow down....

....for times of introspection and prayer.

..

Take to heart the idea 

that God is in everything.

notes...

this morning, I'm feeling sorry for myself...

discouraged that at times when I feel uncertain about things....

(or influenced, or just plain tired...)

I beat myself up, then eat ice cream &

down ginger snaps.  

Still have the tendency to default

into old patterns.

Duped by my weaknesses

rather than turning to my strength.

I get back on track

it's always a process

~

grace is a sense of presence

 & stillness

that's just below the surface

and undetectable with a cluttered mind

and feelings of unworthiness

work at being more conscious 

of when you default

to old destructive habits

maintaining a consistent faith-filled mindset

through all the ups and downs

is the most difficult challenge you face

the changing circumstances &

external situations of life is the primary culprit

that disturbs your confidence in God

they influence you-

often too much

don't limit your thinking with tunnel vision

decide that focusing on what God is doing

will be your new habit

one task at a time

one feeling at a time

one problem at a time

one step at a time

one pleasure at a time

relax

breathe

become present

center yourself

replace hurry with purpose

focus on what is before you

start where you are

provisions come in small increments

stay focused and faithful

one by one those increments add up

until you come into the fullness

of who you are meant to be

truly determine to root yourself in faith

don't give up

one phone call

one meeting

one random encounter

can change your life

let all of your actions be guided

by that fact

You are allowed to be under construction

for as long as it takes

there is no deadline 

you're not meant to be finished

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Wait quietly while My thoughts form silently in 

the depths of your being.

I can bring good out of everything I allow in your life,

but much of what I do is far beyond your understanding.

I want you to enjoy life-

in a way that pleases Me and brings you wholesome

fulfillment,

not in a manner that will ultimately destroy you.

Be cautious and wise.

If you hear urges to feed old habits

then it's not Me.

I speak of life that shows good character,

healthy choices, and actions that are loving.

I wouldn't have said you could do greater things

if I didn't think you could do it.

Stop listening to the voices saying you can't 

make a difference,

and start  listening to Me telling you to take your

next step.

Don't waste another minute.

Slow down.

Share your moment with Me

it will be one for the books."

~Jesus ~

journaling 

 

It's okay....

...to learn from other people,

but when you start to emulate them,

you lose the unique way God created you.

Don't let anything hinder your growth and transformation.

Keep pushing ahead 

because there is more inside you than what you are

right now.

notes....

church group & 

friends who pray together

morning appt. at the new (cute) dermatologist, who after an exam gives me an A 

and jokes that I'm boring...in the best way

Little House on the Prairie playing in the lobby

& Albert with a calf

leaves blowing in the breeze

a moment of pause near the pond

a shade tree to lean on

a place I revisit to be still and find peace

among the swans ducks and geese

~

listen to everyone with new ears

be on the lookout for something unexpected

do everything you can to have unshakable faith

surround yourself with people who know more

than you do

identify what continues to hurt you

allow God to shine the light on things

you'd prefer to leave in the dark

what you watch shapes you

you become like the people you watch and

a little less like yourself

it limits your ability to do things the best you can do

a day will come when you take a breath

and see through your own disguise

this recognition frees you from the shackles of

ignorance, lack, limitation, fear, doubt and worry

if your not growing

your dying

listen to the call of your heart

prayer will open your eyes so you can see 

who you really are

enabling you to see areas where you

need to change

 to be fully alive

and on the path of healing and wholeness

take time for pauses

it's when you rest that the growth happens

your story isn't even close to being over

remind yourself of this truth

everyday

 for the rest of your life

as it all comes together

you will be able to look back & see your journey

& be grateful for all of it

good

bad and ugly

because it took all that to get you where

you where meant to be

growth is a natural process

make sure your head and your heart stay 

connected 

be well...

xoxo

💞

"I know your situation, sacrifices, regrets, shame,

loneliness and pain.

I realize how hard you try, and I proclaim that what

you do out of love for Me is important.

So do not despair. 

Do not give up.

You matter profoundly to Me.

Get up, trust Me and keep going."

~Jesus~

"Travel light-

love will never weigh you down."

 

"Do not dwell...

...in the past, do not dream of the future,

concentrate the mind on the present moment."

~Buddha~

praying mantis:

 patience, stillness, mindfulness, and good luck.

This little one wasn't so lucky...it's little prayer limbs were

missing. I read about them....and it's common,

and they do grow back.

notes...

still dark, lightning flashing in the west,

cow moo's coming from a nearby farm,

coyotes that sound too close,

a cool breeze on the porch 

the trio of crickets, Polly purrs, and an owl hoot

wrapped in my NY blanket...

with my cup of coffee

having a moment

create some space to contemplate 

the mysteries of life

every event in your life provides opportunity

to learn the deepest lessons

act in your best interests and being true

to yourself

let go of the need for approval 

approve of yourself

in the end that's the only approval that counts

be open to healthy options for taking

care of yourself

"Meditation should be a daily priority

 for all believers."

~Charles Stanley~

peace is a quality of the Spirit

that is everywhere present

all of the peace that you could ever desire

is already within you

you contract this peace through prayer 

and meditation

quietness and trust accomplish far

more than you can imagine

your not looking for popularity or applause

you're in search of purpose

don't spend your time obsessing

about what others are doing

traveling your own path is all consuming

meditate on scripture

apply the word to your situation

through prayer and meditation

free yourself from wrong thinking

honor the mystery of each moment

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Relax. You are enough. you do enough.

Breathe extra deep, let go, and just live

right now in this moment."

"Stay in the moment. The practice of staying present

will heal you. Obsessing about how the future will turn out

creates anxiety.

Replacing broken scenarios from the past causes

anger and sadness.

Stay here, in this moment."

"Clear your mind.

Your heart is trying to tell you something."

 

Go with the flow...

....'be water my friend.'

"Empty your mind, be formless.

Shapeless, like water.

If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup.

You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle.

You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot.

Now water can flow or it can crash.

Be water my friend.

~Bruce Lee~

notes:

grateful for: our window cleaner who

relates to protecting a spider

(there's a story)

synchronicities

Chinese medicine

inspiration by Bruce Lee 

rain in the forecast

fall cleaning and purging

flow....💖

water just moves into place naturally

immediately 

simply

water that doesn't flow becomes stagnant

an open mind that doesn't get hung up on anything

not stuck in a feed-back loop

keep the mind fluid

like water

simple and direct

no limitations

remove (hinderances) things that block your flow

first you need to be aware of them

let go of your rigid training & look

upon yourself & your art with fresh eyes

pivot

train

learn to accept the ever changing nature of life

&  to work with it rather than against it

find the perfect pockets to slip into

'it is the moment, however small,

in which a choice is made.

In this tiny gap lies the moment of decision,

of action, of reflex, of thought.'

this tiny gap is where consciousness & unconsciousness meet

true flow-

you are moving within the oneness

develop a sense of what works best for you

perception is the way of truth

perception you must uncover

no one can give it to you

you choose how you want to participate in the rapid

unfolding of life, with a growing sense of ease

let naturalness become the norm

simply be

fully present

wise

and responsive in every moment

simply practice...

practice....practice

don't get bogged down by the approach

before you practice

simply begin

practice

& hone

hack away the unessential

so that the truth will be revealed unobstructed 

this is being whole

oneness

true flow

trust in God with all of your heart and

He will make your path straight

"Show me your ways, Lord,

teach me Your paths.

Guide me in truth and teach me."

Psalm 25: 4-5

perspective will come with retrospect

let whatever is being worked out in you take it's course

Be

feel 

go through

allow

being is enough

be well...

xoxo

💗

"The knowledge and skills you have achieved

are meant to be forgotten so you can float comfortably

in emptiness, without obstruction."

~Bruce Lee~

"In building a statue, a sculptor doesn't keep

adding clay to his subject. 

Actually, he keeps chiseling away at the nonessentials 

until the truth of his creation is revealed

without obstruction."

~Bruce Lee~

"It takes great courage to grow up and

become who you really are."

~E.E. Cummings~