The fastest way...

...to build self-worth is to be impressed

with yourself.

To do things that make you respect

 you.

So that when you go to bed at night

you can say

"I'm proud of my day."

When you let yourself down

it whittles away at your self-worth.

Don't let yourself down.

You're not trying to get away from "suck"

your trying to move towards "awesome."

notes....

went to the clinic to hang on the bar 

in the corral

hubby's been timing me

I go once a day

& hang twice

today I hit a minute

my first time

(to be cont...)

the discouraging scribbles of your life 

can become a masterpiece

(...with God)

refuse to dwell on past ugly mistakes

or unfair criticism

put these things behind you

and keep your eye on what is up ahead

indulging in negative thinking and hurtful

thoughts affect your relationships

and may have a depressive effect on you

contentment comes from inner growth

unproductive habits will

hinder your growth

celebrate your attempts to

give love

and spread hope

your story is still being written

don't let failures define you anymore

don't let who you were decide 

who you'll be

what still haunts you?

things change

life changes

you change

your life cannot remain static

in order to get where God wants you to be

you can't stay where you are

be observant for subtle changes and signs

carve a new path

if the road you're on

gets cut short

the hardest thing to do 

is trust and believe in God

when in transition

let go of your desire to change and control

what you cannot know

change

or control

constantly calibrate yourself and let 

go of who you were

to embrace who you're becoming

determine to be open to where

you are being led

and be willing to take responsibility

take care of yourself

life is hard but you don't have to make it 

more difficult by neglecting yourself

there is no glory in suffering

just suffering

the solution rests with you

be well...

xoxo

💞

"You cannot change tomorrow by changing

yesterday,

that is what today is for."

"There are times you just have to look in the mirror

and say,

'I will if you will.' "

"Confession: I hate small talk. It gives me anxiety.

But if you want to get honest and vulnerable and weird

for a little bit I am totally down for it."

 

There is power...

....in experiencing the simplicity

of faith.

notes...

First words in my journal this morning

"I'm in severe need of a mind renewal"

Woman's conference this morning.

Yay.

Then...

 stomach ache, didn't register,

couldn't find my wedding ring...

pause. pray. breathe. 

determined to go

even if....

Have a heart overflowing with gratitude

cultivate a thankful mindset

He will open up the way for you

one step at a time

wait in expectation

waiting and trusting are ever so closely connected

don't be overly focused on getting the answers you seek

watch and wait

He is trying to take you to a place you 

can't go alone

surrender to His plan

and exercise your gifts

when your faith is stretched to the limit

& your dreams are shattered,

everything in you may be telling you to give up

don't

believe 

despite everything around you

when you experience a situation for 

which answers are lacking & there seems

to be no hope

your facing a test of faith

conference notes...

'once you've tasted the Lord

you can't go back'

~Sarah

'Do you want to ask me?

Or do you want to tell me you can't'

#prayer

~Sarah

"Pour out what you have...

pour out your light

& God pours into you."

~Sarah

"There's always miles you didn't see coming

Nobody can run the miles for you."

#triathalon

~Sarah

'We love even if it is never reciprocated.'

~Cassie

'Come and see a Man who meets you

right where you are

who wants to make your heart whole.'

~Sherice

'Healing and transformation began

after the woman stopped hiding.'

~Daphne

'Walls keep people out

keeps healing out

keeps God out.

~Daphne

"You can't heal what you won't reveal."

~Daphne

"Jesus knows the whole story

and He stays."

~Daphne

"He will cancel out all the

voices of your past."

~Donna

....and I was severely blessed

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Holding space for another person requires active

listening through presence and respect.

When people share their stories, 

they are inviting you in with a bid for connection.

Giving them the time and space to express

themselves is an offering and deep connections

are formed with each interaction.

We tend to get wrapped up in our own story

when we need to listen.

Try to really hear what they are saying and offer 

the empathy and love they are seeking.

Open your ears when others choose you

to open their hearts to."

 

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."

 

To celebrate...

...is to delight in the gift

and to show gratitude.

Celebrate the lessons from the past

and the love.

Enjoy the beauty.

Celebrate all that is your life

 and all that is good.

Celebrate you!

notes...

We celebrated America's 250th

and our 11th Anniversary.

We kept it relaxing & simple.

The clouds have been so gorgeous lately.

Summer is flying by....

"....It has been and exciting 11+ years.

The next 11 will be even better....."

~Hubby

you do not have to try harder,

be better,

be perfect, 

or be anything you're not.

Your beauty is in you,

just as you are,

each moment.

be thankful on a daily basis

love the people around you

connect to the truth of your own heart

make inspired heartfelt choices rooted in love

not fear

true belief is more than something we say

it's a path we follow

write your own love story

move toward what you want to experience

say yes to the right things

and no to the wrong things

back off and look at the way you

have been thinking about your life

create space for the light to get through

do your best at whatever is before you

you feel what you dwell on

whatever holds your attention

molds your intention

when you go negative

you cannot produce anything positive

fix your mind on blessings

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Some things take longer than others.

The end goal may not be the reward;

perhaps the process is.

We can learn many lessons along the way.

Growth, insight, and perseverance are some

of the results we can see

throughout the process.

If something is taking longer than 

expected, stop and reflect on what you

stand to gain during the wait.

Be patient and thankful, even if it 

seems though.

Transitions generate discomfort and help

us achieve a new 

level of comfort."

 

Let go of...

...the need to control.

Let go and be freely who your are.

Don't hide your light. 

notes...

family and friends gathering together

love and laughter filling the space 

...she asked if I ever thought about doing

something with my photos

I've learned so much over the last

few years

the path I had in my head

looks nothing like the path I'm on

deciding to lean in

to trust (that was a hard one...)

& believe

 has lightened my load

the best antidote 

is always love

everything speaks to you

trust His goodness

let go and see what bread crumbs 

come for you to follow

it's all about timing

'you'll miss the blessing

if your refuse to open your heart

to Him fully'

sometimes what you're asking for

doesn't fit with His plan for your life

and He has something better

believe He has a plan

quit adding to it

thinking there's a different plan

'you live your life best

where your passions & purpose 

& your capabilities intersect'

use the gift He gave you

and love the people around you

no matter where you turn

you'll find Him already there

if your looking

you grow on the way

love no matter what

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Stay in the moment.

The practice of staying present will heal you.

Obsessing about how the future will turn out

creates anxiety.

Replaying broken scenarios from the past

causes anger and sadness.

Stay here in this moment."

"Sometimes all you can do is accept

there's not much you can do.

And sometimes all you can control

is how well you let go of control."

Would you rather...

...choose to complain about everything

that's wrong with your life...

or

count your blessings?

notes...

had a visitor this morning

I'd love to keep it close to it's home

but I worry about the girls (chickens) next store

I tried to pick the perfect spot

and got a nudge

those always turn out well

welcome to your home little one

twin fawns 

 on the way

I grabbed my camera

captured blurs as they

disappeared into the grass

so dang cute

celebrating America's 250th Birthday tonight

with the family

living well is both a discipline 

and an art

discipline your thoughts

stay present

be sold-out on your beautiful 

ambitions

be captivated by purpose

learn to follow your inner guidance

remember every step is of worthy gratitude and awe

the choice for gratitude rarely comes without

some effort

gratitude is a discipline

focus on what's lacking and experience deficiency and incompleteness

or

dwell of the positives and experience being blessed

your choice

it isn't easy

but you can control your thoughts

'On December 17, 1903

Orville & Wilbur Wright flew the first airplane

at 10:35 AM.

They saw their dream lift off the ground.

What were they thinking at 10:34?

odds

risks

physical safety

public face plant if they fail?

At 10:34

they chose to focus on their beautiful ambitions

rather than all the reasons not to try.'

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Move, but don't move the way

fear makes you move."

~Rumi

"The city of truth cannot be built

on the swampy ground of skepticism."

~Albert Schweitzer

"Who does not thank for little

will not thank for much."

~Estonian proverb

 

A Double feature...

... for this rainy Sunday. 

Rick and Michael pair well for me.

  Sharing my picks for the week.

notes...

A Wrenn perched right above me on the porch and 

serenaded me. I reached for my camera and it flew away.

The tornado sirens went (3 times)

 and I made a mad rush to empty out the pantry

in case we needed to crawl in.

Debating on weather we need a pantry at this point.

More storms in the forecast.

Yesterday was nice.

Molly's bridal shower was sweet. It was nice to see

everyone, and meet some of the faces I've 

only heard stories about.

One was directionally challenged like me.

Another pea in my pod... it made me happy.

from Rick...

Sharpen your ax

learn how to deal with negative people

remember that they are not God

fear of humans disables

what others think is none of your business

don't get distracted by negativity

you were made for something bigger

with every opportunity comes opposition

you do not have to defend everything you do

or believe

most use motivational reasoning

it is bases on emotion

not logic

you are not nearly as logical as you think 

you are

don't be intimidated by naysayers

some of them aren't very bright

never attack back

if your smart you'll keep quiet

you don't need anyone's approval to be happy

you are as happy as you choose to be

be well...

xoxo

💖

"You can wrestle with a pig 

but only one of you will enjoy it."

"Birds only sing when they feel safe-

signaling on a deep cellular level that you 

are safe too.

Their frequencies calm the nervous system,

lowering cortisol and anxiety.

Birdsong is nature's medicine.

Every chirp, a somatic baptism."

~Dr. Will Cole~

"Your nervous system will naturally

feel calm around people with pure

intentions and kind hearts.

Gut feelings are guardian angels."

~Dr. Will Cole~

 

One thing...

...she believes in is love.

She believes you can smell it,

that you can taste it,

that it could change the course of

your entire life.

notes...

We celebrated her.

Price made brownies all by herself.

More rain.

Each of us has a unique perspective to 

bring to the world

Our purpose is the reason our 

souls are on Earth

reflect on the things that spark you up inside

and the things you do well

true vibrancy comes from within

our hearts speak volumes

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Be the reason someone feels welcome,

seen, heard, valued, loved and supported."

"I don't know that laughter is the best medicine,

but, if not,

it has wondrously curative side effects."

"Be yourself. Weird, wonderful, sensitive,

impulsive, crazy, mystical, vulnerable,

lovable, magical, and beautiful.

The right people will adore you."

~unknown~

 

Greatness is...

...not about accomplishing

some great achievement,

but realizing that presence alone...

has a purpose.

The lessons are right where you stand.

Be still and inhale what you can see,

there is greatness in every day.

notes...

"...all you have to do

is put your dream out there..."

~SH~

live by faith

you don't have to earn love

or try harder

don't hide your heart

the best way to do life is together

find people to draw close to

you can encounter greatness

right where you are

you are only a part of a

bigger picture

be well...

xoxo

💖

"But I can promise you,

as long as your heart is beating,

you are meant to be

on this earth, and you have more love

to give, and there is more love

to be given to you."

"As soon as you honor the present moment,

all unhappiness and struggle dissolve,

and life begins to flow with joy and ease.

When you act out of the present moment

awareness, whatever you do

becomes imbued with a sense of

quality, care , and love-

even the simplest action."