Chin up Buttercup...

...a memory from my childhood.

Plucking the yellow flower to place under our 

chins to determine whether 

we loved butter or not.

We all did.

It's the nature of the flower to reflect.

I picked a handful in the pasture while hubby 

 did his farm chores.

I wanted to find out more about this little yellow flower...

Meadow Buttercup

symbolizes joy, cheerfulness, childhood innocence,

happiness, and humility.

Humility...

it's a word I have bonded with this last 3 months.

I have been vague writing about my latest health

concerns, but it was so unexpected,

and as I was walking into the unknowns...

I thought it best to take it as it unfolded,

lean into my faith, and pray for the mindset

to trust God with my fears and concerns 

no matter how scared as I was.

Few knew more.

 I was in good hands.

A brief timeline...

 started with trigger fingers in my hands

x-rays

referral to get an MRI on cervical spine

 & referral to an orthopedic surgeon

in waiting....

suspect a UTI 

call my obgyn

get tested

confirmed

start antibiotics 

day before ortho visit

3 injections in 3 fingers at ortho

next day get a call from obgyn

rare UTI not treatable with oral antibiotic 

 referral to Infusion center,

 & Infectious disease Dr.

& for a C-scan to check my bladder, kidneys and stomach

infusion center very next day

2 shots of high dose anti's (one in each arm) for 5 days.

follow up at infectious disease...

explanations...about UTI & that

future UTI's (thankfully not common for me... )

may likely be treated the same way

released

C-scan with contrast

all is well in area of concern,

however

 obgyn is concerned with bowel

she discusses it with  Gastro Dr. 

(who I have been to)

he wants to examine...

better to be safe

pull in the driveway for this appt. and get a call

he's been called to OR

a brief moment of "NO....!!!"

redeemed by the thought ..."someone needs him worse than I do"...

a little conversation with God ...

"this is Yours."

I trust Him.

 At this point I know He is in control...

&

I have learned that I am DEFINITELY NOT!

 I breathe...

 then carry on...

wait on hold to reschedule...

drive towards plan B, to get groceries in the meantime...

"can you come in an hour if he's back from OR ?"

"Of course. Sign me up"

*thinking of it as a little cliff hanger

as I've come to the final Dr. on this seemingly long list.

Uncertainty mixed with relief.

Dr. shows up.

I show up. 

We talk, he's thorough, reassuring and fun.

His nurse is too.

We find the humor in the situation,

and we all giggle through the exam.

And I loved them for it.

And..

I am okay.

It's stressful facing the unexpected and the unknowns,

and I will forever be learning how let go & to walk with trust.

Life keeps twisting and turning to make sure of it.

Truth is, this hit me in the place I thought I had under control.

It has been a humbling and teachable experience for me.

I am not in control,

but I know who is,

I close my eyes and whisper "thank You!",

and all is well.

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Whenever you meet a ghost, don't run away,

because the ghost will capture the 

substance of your fear and materialize

itself out of your own substance...

it will take over all your own vitality...

so then, whenever confronted with a ghost,

walk straight into it and it will disappear."

~Allan Watts~

"The more you push against the things,

people and experiences you find unpleasant,

the more exhausted you will get and

the unhappier you will become."

"If the challenges of life waited for you 

to be ready for them,

they wouldn't,

of course,

be called challenges."

 

I never knew...

how much I resisted 

until I  realized how much I was.

sunflowers starts & girl friends..

A jet echoed from above...I couldn't see it anywhere...

no proof, but I could hear it, 

it was louder than usual,

and it continued on for some time.

It makes me think of God.

I may not always see Him, but I can hear Him

& I know He's

here.

This morning, (as in most)

a letter formed from my Jesus notes.

I write as I hear...and in order of

how I receive the words from different sources.

I use * when I switch sources.

I thought I'd share today's.

My child,

Hope refers to the future. Wait patiently for Me to 

fulfill my promises.

If patience isn't a strong point,

remember that it is a fruit of the spirit.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you.

Rejoice that you are in My company.

I am more creative than you can imagine.

Delight in this privilege of being with Me.

* Prayer is acceptance, knowing I will

become known to you in the nature around you.

In the people you meet, and the situations

you run into.

Receive Me with open hands, and with love.

* When you meditate on Me you will see life

from a different perspective.

Even your own personhood changes

because you learn to see all with My wisdom.

At first your frustration levels will be high,

but the pressures will dissipate as you sit with Me.

I accomplish all things for you.

I can fully help you with whatever concerns you.

Nothing can defeat Me.

I provide, protect, and deliver you from all harm.

True biblical meditation will transform your

spirit, emotions, and even your physical body.

Spend time focusing on Me.

I will provide a fresh outlook for your life,

and peaceful rest for your soul, despite the difficulties 

of the day.

Seek Me for every burden. Seek My perspective for all

that concerns you.

* I created  you and have good works that you are to

accomplish for Me-

assignments that require your unique mix, talents,

personality, experiences, and abilities.

I am Author and Finisher of your story,

and not the half has been told.

You have a very limited perspective of the plot,

and as long as you insist on forging your own path,

 I will not write My living will on your heart.

Once you acknowledge Me, I will show you

My viewpoint of your life-

what I'm accomplishing-

and guide you into wholeness, fruitfulness, 

and blessings.

Stop evaluating your worth and look to Me.

I continue to work in you.

* Hope makes your life a page turner.

Every good story has unexpected twists and

even the best hero might lose her way for a few chapters.

I write more chapters.

I have the power to turn the story around.

There's more to come.

* Check out everything, and keep only

what is good. (1Thes.5:21Msg.)

*Silence the voices that do not align with

with My messages.

Create space within your heart to hear what I am saying.

Eliminate junk mail, various voices (media, other's opinions) trying to sway you

one way or the other. 

* Practice peace. Learn to let stuff out.

You should always feel safe.

*Stop trying to control.

*Surrender to Me with complete and intimate trust.

I hear you. I see you. I know you.

I love you.

xoxo

 Jesus

be well...

xoxo

💝

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,

kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

"It's a persistent daily challenge--

trying to change your life for the better

without changing it."

"I am told to just be myself,

but as  much as I have practiced

the impression,

I am still no good at it."

 

In your simplicity...

...dwells your power.

'Silence means rest, rest of body and mind

in which you become available for 

Him whose heart is greater than yours.'

Give up control over your actions and thoughts,

allowing something creative to happen

not by you but to you.

Silence is that moment in which you not only 

stop the discussion with others

but also the inner discussions with yourself,

in which you can breathe in freely

and accept your identity as a gift.

It is in this silence that the Spirit of God

can pray in you and continue His 

creative work in you....

Without silence the Spirit will die in you

and the creative energy of your life will float 

away and leave you alone, cold, and tired.

Without silence you will lose your center and

become the victim of the many who demand

your attention.'

( from  a Henry Nouwen reading)

some notes:

there is no randomness about your life

walk in the here and now

every moment is alive

ground yourself in truth and prayer

be still 

set aside a time for listening

blocking out distractions

reconnect with your soul

find the still-quiet place within you

a dream is planted there

discover what you want to do in this life

faithfully pursue it with integrity and hope

without this time

your soul becomes malnourished

set priorities 

and do the most important things first

stand in awe of the life around you

be merciful

learn to trust yourself

take care of yourself

simple awe is not complex

not expensive

sunrises & sunsets are free

live so much in awe of what's going on 

around you,

there's no time to live in judgement

of others around you

resist the distraction of comparison 

& criticism

be calm and quiet by yourself

fully awake & following with

close attention every move 

going on inside of you

seijaku (Japanese)

tranquility, serenity or active calmness

profound inner stillness and peace

maintaining a steady focused mind

a quality of quiet, even when noise is present

stay home with yourself

there's no shame in not having the answers

healing feels like finally finding a friend that understands

it might taste like the morning air that reminds you

of your freedom to breathe

when the mind gets quiet

something beautiful happens

you are most beautiful on the inside.

be well...

xoxo

💝

"In the end it's probably less important that you believe in God

than that there's a God who believes in you."

"I understand now that the vulnerability I've 

always felt is the greatest strength a 

person can have.

You can't experience life without feeling life.

What I've learned is that being vulnerable to 

somebody you love is not a weakness,

it is strength."

~Elisabeth Shue~

Singer teachings...

never get old. 

The message he conveys...

 calls me out, & helps me see 

the error of my ways.

"The most precious thing in anyone's life is time.

What are you going to do with that time?"

"It doesn't matter how much time you have,

but what you are doing with your time."

"You can't take stuff from the outside &

make it good on the inside."

"Don't look outside for something that's inside.

Something outside is not going to fix your inside."

"There is a reason for everything that is."

"...you walked into a moment that has

nothing to do with you."

"Learn to use your will to put your

consciousness onto something healthy."

"Honor and respect the moment unfolding in 

front of you."

"You didn't create the moment

the moment created itself.

The moment you are seeing 

is a moment no one has ever seen before

and never will again.

This is your moment."

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Nothing makes you a good and decent person

like having friends who stubbornly

operate under that assumption."

"Do things while you can and while they matter to you

because neither is a permanent state of affairs."

"The reason life works at all

is because not everyone in your tribe

is nuts on the same day."

 

Sometimes...

..."you've got to let everything go...

purge yourself.

If you are unhappy with anything...

whatever is bringing you down,

get rid of it.

Because you'll find that when you're free,

your true creativity,

your true self comes out."

~Tina Turner~

I like that!

I myself struggle with being creative today

as I have outside chores to do before it rains...,

& my head is still slightly swollen 

from receiving a lovely compliment

 ( from the instructor & one of 

my mates)

 on my form and flow yesterday in Tai Chi.

Grateful. Encouraging. Uplifting.

I practiced all weekend.

notes lately...

when you are talking to yourself

watch your language

you strengthen what you put your attention on

keep your mind on the things you want

and off of the things you don't

if you were never frustrated by something.

you would never seek a solution

practice until it becomes second nature

simply take action

knowing is not enough, you must apply

applying is not enough, you must do 

step-by-step

trust the process

be thankful for quiet days,

when nothing special seems to be happening

remember you can choose the subject of your thoughts

let go of discouraging ones

refuse to get discouraged

each moment provides a fresh opportunity

God can't add beautiful things to your life

if there's no room in your life

keep space open for more beautiful

things to be added

get rid of old hurts, beliefs, and memories

you've collected over time

allow life to surprise and delight you

let yourself enjoy life as you go through

the day

release the grip on things that keep you bound

let go of lesser things

glow up your life with gratitude & be specific

recognize the gifts and call them out

every good and perfect gift is from above...

James 1:17

prayer is a lifestyle

position your heart

the sweetest moments in life happen unannounced

seek moments of ease

allow yourself moments of peace

make room for the delightfully unexpected

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Of Time and Space I don't know much,

But this I'm pretty sure of--

That both are things that doesn't hurt--

To give someone a bit more of."

"It's hard to change someone's mind

who believes in their head bone."

"It seems, in youth, that everything we do is practice

for the real thing,

a rehearsal for some future grand debut.

And then the years go by,

and we look back and realize,

that the practice was the real thing,

the rehearsal the grand debut."

"Absorb what is useful,

discard what is useless,

add what is specifically your own."

~Bruce Lee~

"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000

kicks once,

but I fear the man who practiced one kick

10,000 times."

~Bruce Lee~

 

Take action...

...to move toward the vision of life you 

desire.

You get to decide the way it will go.

"Your vision will become clear

only when you look in your own

heart"

~Carl Yung~

Notes to self,

Appreciate and non-compete.

'the shoe that fits one person

pinches another'

you are complete

remove debris and clutter from your heart

it is impossible to have a need

God cannot meet

miracles of transformation happen every

day

'a mystery-ridden life is still filled with light

and it's OK to have days where you are

still learning what that looks like.'

relief, release, and change are possible

when you simply accept

taking the wrong path is not dangerous

pouring all your will into serving that path

is

stop investing in what has lost it's meaning

a thought is not forever

if you don't like it

release and change

accept who you are

trust the magic that acceptance brings

be well...

xoxo

💝

"If the art of the magician to to distract attention

from what's really happening,

then what is life but the ultimate

magic trick?"

"Never mind searching for who you are.

Search for the person you aspire to be."

"May this be the season of courageous pursuit:

to fully enjoy the present moment

right in front of you,

no longer restrained by heavy mind

and things to do,

choosing to believe with bold faith

today is worth a long and loving look."

 

I Love You...

be still...listen...breathe it in...💝

"I am your God, I have molded you with My own hands,

and I love what I have made.

I  love you with a love that has no limits,

because I love you as I am loved.

Do not run away from Me.

Come back to Me-not once,

not twice, but always again.

You are My child...I am your God-

the God of mercy and compassion,

the God of pardon, and love,

the God of tenderness and care.

Please do not say that I have given up on you,

that I cannot stand you anymore,

that there is no way back.

It is not true.

I so much want you to be with Me.

I know all your thoughts.

I hear all your words.

I see all your actions.

And I love you because you are beautiful,

made in My own image,

an expression of My most intimate Love.

Do not judge yourself.

Do not condemn yourself.

Do not reject yourself.

Let My love touch the deepest,

most hidden corners of your heart and reveal

to you your own beauty, a beauty that you have

lost sight of, but that will become visible to you

again in the light of My mercy.

Come, come, let Me wipe your tears,

and let My mouth come close to your ear and say to you,

'I love you, I love you, I love you.' "

~The Road to Daybreak~

be well...

xoxo

💗

 "If ever you have been afraid to fly

for fear of where you'd land,

and you have struggled finding peace

in what you do not understand,

Know that trusting is better than knowing

there is ground beneath your feet

because, my dear, courage is found 

in believing beyond what you can see."

~Morgan Harper Nichols~

"Reading consistently regulates the nervous system,

Lowers inflammation, calms stress hormones,

strengths the brain, improves focus, and 

supports longevity.

And by reading, I don't mean doomscrolling

social media."

~Dr. Will Cole~

"Respect your body when it tells you it needs time to rest.

If you don't pick a time to slow down,

your body will choose one for you."

~Dr. Will Cole~

Love Text

...."listen to this after your prayer." he said.

having a moment ...

Today is his birthday....and he has

a knack for synchronicity. 

I  am so grateful to be on this climb with him.

Notes to self:

Allow the light to shine into the deepest recesses

of your being- cleansing, healing, refreshing,

and renewing you.

You don't have to be anyone other than who

God created you to be.

Focus on your provision.

Forget the "what-ifs".

'The purpose of the game is to enjoy

one another, not to win.'

"Life isn't a competition.

There is no winner or loser in God's family"

Care more about loving than being right.

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Music is an experience we enter into.

The only product at the end of it 

is that you were present to it.

Oh, what a difference it would make

if we could be present in our days 

in the same way.

What if we could end each day

exhaling with a sense of peace,

saying, 

'I engaged. I listened. I was present.'

And what if that was enough?"

Happy Birthday to my sweet nephew!

Today I celebrate you!!

Much love...xo

💝

Real Good Love

My life has felt like a big DIY project without the 

instruction manual.

I guess being directionally challenged has added a bit of difficulty,

and yet...

I've made it.

I know how.

In fact, I'm convinced.

I read over my journal from this week, and noticed there is a theme

of mindfulness and goals......

and also...

as it often happens, letters compiled from a collection of my notes taken from a variety of 

devotionals.

This is a compilation from the whole week...probably 6 different sources,

4 days, and in order. 

And as I sit here listening to the church bells ring through my open window,

I want to share with you.

A letter for us...

Beloved,(insert you here..)

Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal.

Let the light of My Presence soak into you,

as you focus your thoughts on me.

Do not skimp on our time together.

You can relax and & live more abundantly.

You don't have to perform well enough to earn my love,

or keep it.

Enjoy your life without worrying about what is on the road ahead.

When you go through tough times, I will help you, and strengthen you with

My Love.

Accept that you are My beloved child, unconditionally loved.

I set you free from your compulsion to prove yourself from the world.

Interacting with Me in a profoundly meaningful way

fulfills your deepest longings.

As I reveal Myself to you, you discover sincere contentment,

the reason for your existence, and hope for the future.

You do not have to understand everything that I have said;

you must simply believe that when I say I have a plan for you,

I do.

Trust how I lead you.

Let Me guide your life because I have the best plan.

Refresh yourself in Me.

I go before you to open up the way.

I am devoted to you.

Walk with a lightness in your step.

Do not be weighed down by problems and unresolved issues.

I am your burden bearer.

Don't let things get you down.

Sometimes I place you in humbling circumstances.

You feel held down, held back, and powerless to change things.

You long to break free & feel in control of your life.

This is a good place to be.

Allowing Me to lead you is a deliberate decision you must make

for yourself.

Following Me is always the right choice, even if it appears

contrary to your human reasoning.

I lead you in the best way possible.

I want you to learn a new habit.

Try saying "I trust You Jesus" in response to whatever happens to you.

Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm

your trust in Me.

No matter what-

your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen 

our relationship & keep you close to Me.

When you trust Me, you take refuge in Me.

Trusting Me is more than  a matter of words,

it is a matter of your will.

Be watchful and alert.

Take refuge whenever you notice anxious feelings.

I provide protection.

A safe place.

I will help you and give you relief. 

I am with you at all times.

You are not what others, or even you, think about yourself.

I am using your circumstances to deepen your relationship with Me.

I promise to deliver you in My way & time.

Trust Me & surrender to My will.

Live a life of constant anticipation.

Trust Me.

Believe.

I am going to do awesome things in your life.

love,

~Jesus~

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Life is better with someone 

who makes you feel irreplaceable 

in a world filled with distractions."

'Maybe now is the time to allow lights interruption

to pour through the cracks of your walls,

reminding you of meaningful life on the other side.

When the walls come down, you will see a 

broken beautiful world around you.'

December 23, 2025

It's 69 degrees and I've been pairing working in the yard,

with stretching and pulling my sourdough every 30 minutes.

The birds are singing, and the bluebirds are flying about.

A Blue Jay landed, with much to say.

It was carrying on so much that Polly hid under a chair.

I sat & listened until it flew off...then looked up the "sign".

I prayed last night for direction and clarity for something

weighing on me.

I fell asleep right away..., and had a dream about a room in my house

flooding.  I woke up...and had only slept for an hour.

So I looked up the "sign" for that too.

I've been experimenting with mindfulness, faith, and surrendering.

Being more intentional with my thoughts.

Practicing Philippians 4:8.

(my all-time favorite verse)

I enjoy testing things out.

To discover what works and what doesn't.

For me.

It's effective.

This year while I muttered, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

and "With God all things are possible."  while breaking old habits and patterns,

and talking to the cat...

 ...lately I've been muttering, "He will perfect that which concerns me."

while wondering why I've wasted so much time trying to "perfect"

things that really don't concern me.

And I still talk to the cat.

Paying attention, and taking notes.

Signs:

* Bluebird: 'Is letting you know to choose happiness at all time.

Life may not be how you want it, Bluebird encourages you to count your blessings.

It reminds you to take control of your life & not let anyone or anything

steal the joy you have found.

Place value on the pleasant things growing around you.

Your about to enter a new chapter.

Be open and embrace any change.

All will be well.

"There's beauty all around us if you look hard enough."

~Bluebird~

* Blue Jay: Spiritual messenger. Communication. Courage. Protection. Truth.

Clarity.

And...the *flooded room dream interpretation:

Being overwhelmed by emotions or life circumstances.

Represents inner turmoil, stress, or unresolved issues within 

your personal life.

Facing a major life transition, feelings of loosing control, or a

need of emotional cleansing.

That sums it up nicely.

be well...

xoxo

💗

"Finally, brothers and 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-

think about such things."

Philippians 4:8

"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me,

or seen in me-

put it into practice.

And the God of peace will be with you."

Philippians 4:9

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