"No need for sight...

...when you have vision."

notes...

have a voice in your life you trust 

to run towards

acknowledge the obstacles in your way

& choose to fly over them anyway

your gift and your truth are in you

decide to stop wasting time 

& move forward

discover your true potential

stay the course

your faith in miracles & yourself

must be greater than your fear

however easy or rough the process is

be willing to fall down, get up,

look stupid, cry, laugh, make a mess,

clean it up and don't stop 

until you get there

no matter what

you can do anything

desire it

have faith

speak it

never give up

say 

"I will!"

be well...

xoxo

💗

"When you are sure you are aimed toward

destiny, 

you won't worry about the end."

"I'd rather have a couple of ideas fail

than have a faith that won't try."

"It's not about your circumstances

it's about who you become 

and what you believe is possible

for yourself."

 

It's Okay to ...

...hate where you are 

if it takes you where you want to be.

notes...

'there is no recovery without prayer

with prayer we recover even when

it's caused by our own impatience.

Jesus didn't run anywhere.

God is not in a hurry with your growth.

with prayer we recover even when... 

...we are paralyzed by our emotions

...when other people tell us it'll never happen

with prayer our vision will be open and 

we'll see things we could never see before &

what's important in life

with prayer we can fully recover

and even use our failures to help others

recovery only comes when we pray for the recovery

of others

you have to keep growing

God wants His children found.'

be well...

xoxo

💖

 

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."

 

The best place...

...to put your body is in a grateful state.

You have to work at being grateful

when life seems to be challenging you.

Practice intentional focus.

As soon as your feet hit the floor in the morning...

or any time of the day...

(could be fun)

say out loud...

"I am grateful for ...."

pick 3.

Start  the day right.

Set yourself up to get to a joyful place.

notes...

I complicate things.

I've been nudged

to stop it.

I want to fix everything

(I do well to fix me...)

 so I let it go...

then

it comes back 

thee old habit 

I'm learning to

replace it with more positive habits

look for the good..

trust in life

and it gets a little easier

definitely more effective.

I read that

there have been studies proving

'faith resonates with your cells accordingly'

it makes you healthier

& you feel better...

it's a win win

you are indeed lovable

since it is God's love

that dwells in you

find your own uniqueness 

in His Love

"And the peace of God,

which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds..."

Phil 4:7

don't try to understand 

what God is doing,

when He says it

surpasses your understanding

Access where you are right now

and where you're trying to go

spot bad habits

take action

shift your focus

imagine letting that habit go

how does your body feel?

you can release lousy behaviors

and what isn't working

bust yourself on the false rewards

pay attention to the small things

greatness has to marinate

no task is too great or too small

when done in love

be well...

xoxo

💞

'Choosing joy when life feels heavy can be a potent

shift in perspective and energy.

Take the time to quiet discontent, sadness,

frustration, and anxiety with joy

to interrupt the discomfort you feel

in lower emotional states.

When you flood your body with memories of purely

joyful moments,

you change your chemistry and the way you react.

Your nervous system responds to the flood of positive

emotions and your mood lifts.

Think about a time when your felt immense joy.

Carry that moment with you throughout the day.'

 

Respect yourself....

...instead of catering to your

insecure need to be liked.

Cardiologist with Hubs today

When you love yourself

enough to stand in your own truth

no matter what the cost,

everyone benefits.

notes...

Watering in the dark. Gorgeous breeze

it feels amazing, and the chimes...

Thank you God!

I love my mornings so much !

My peace, growth, healing, belonging

acceptance and love....

all take place in the mornings.

 I learn and unlearn,

ground, center and fuel up.

I start my day in peace

and hope is restored.

"Never apologize for who you are.

It lets the whole world down."

God doesn't lead you to the safest path forward

but one where you'll grow

do not compare yourself with others

who seem to skip along with ease

break free from other peoples disapproval

let others take you as you are

or not at all

trust God deeper

He supplies your needs

He is dependable

Co-create with Him

play your part in the world

quit playing it safe

with what you believe to be true

it takes no effort to be negative 

 cynical and pessimistic

it's  the natural black hole

that

corrodes your faith

weakens your immunity

zaps your energy

compromises your relationships

and robs you of joy

negativity is a self-inflicted wound

forgiveness is the most powerful 

thing that you can do

you have a choice

your thoughts can be different

your character can change

and your life can be transformed

 

be mindful of where your thoughts are taking you 

focus on your progress 

not perfection

it's not easy but simple

the difficult cringy thing 

is living with the consequences

of NOT changing the way you think

 make truth the keynote of your life

move closer to your heart

not away from it

this is not a journey about becoming something

it's a  journey of unbecoming what we're not

love always chooses to love

be well...

xoxo

💗

"Do things while you can and while they matter

to you,

because neither is a permanent state of affairs."

"You have no idea how long something you say

can stay inside someone's mind."

"If some remedy doesn't work,

try less of it before your try more of it."

"I spend an insane amount of time wondering

if I'm doing it right.

At some point I just remind myself

that I'm doing my best.

That is enough."

"God whispers to us in our pleasures,

speaks in our pains:

it is His megaphone to rouse

a deaf world."

C.S. Lewis

You can be close...

....to God &

dysfunctional at the same time.

You can be real.

notes...

'Discouragement is quite debilitating,

you can give up trying, hoping, caring,

and believing.

You need to change your thoughts,

your focus,

your mind.

Never forget how much God Loves you.

If the voice is negative, it's not God.

The #1 purpose of your life, is to let God Love you.

You don't have to prove your worth.

There is nothing  more discouraging than being

something your not.

Be authentic, genuine, real.

Be yourself.

God didn't make you to be someone else.

We start out as originals and end up carbon copies.

You can't fake it.

You've got to be who you're going to be.

Don't try to pretend you have it all together.

Remember it's not all about you.

Life is bigger than you.

God has a unique life message for you.

Your life message is not about you,

it's about Him.

God is always more interested in why you do what you do,

than what you do.

Relax in your limitations.

God often puts His greatest gifts

in the weakest people.

He only used flawed instruments.

Humility is not denying your strengths,

it's being honest about your weaknesses.

You are a bundle of both.

You can handle an enormous amount of pain

if you see a purpose in it.

Pain without purpose is unbearable.

You can't please everybody.

Even God can't do that.

Take time for renewal.

You can't stop the aging process,

but you can remain fresh inside.

Take time for renewal.

Recharge.

Refresh yourself.

When you get tired

you lose your perspective.

Know what renews you emotionally,

and physically.

We're all a little cracked.

Never forget you are Loved.'

be well...

xoxo

💖

 

A Cinderella story...

... of our own. 

A desire to find true love.

"God finds each of us in the cinders of a less

than perfect world, held back from the life

we dream of living.

He longs to raise us up to a high position,

transform us and grant us His power,

so he seeks us out,

inviting each of us to dance with Him.

And yet each of us needs someone to affirm our

inherent value and encourage our transformation.

We each need a Cinderella story of our own.

Each woman's relationship with God is such that

He finds her in the ashes, held back from the life

she dreams of living.

He seeks her, invites her to dance with Him, 

transforms her by revealing the beauty hidden beneath

the ashes, then confers on her His power and position.

Dancing in the arms of God is a relationship between 

you and God that is based on love and mutual respect.

The two of you communicate in a close, intimate setting.

He holds you, but His embrace is the embrace of a lover,

not a restraint of an oppressor.

As partners in this dance, God leads, and you let Him,

moving with the flow of His leading.

You are not enveloped in God, losing your 

identity as a unique person,

you are who you are,

retaining your freedom and individuality at every turn."

~Women's Devotional Bible~

be well...

xoxo

💞

"Let life happen to you.

Life is in the right, always."

~Rainer Maria Rilke

 

When you argue...

...your limitations

you get to keep them.

Change the way you communicate with yourself.

What you say today will create your experience

tomorrow depending on your focus.

notes...

 thoughts starting to go sideways...

  course correct

prayer breaks the chain

refocus...

barefoot in the grass

 cool breeze, an audience of birds, moving to the beat

fully receptive...

returning to the natural flow of things

savor the pleasures

you don't have to choose between staying close to God

& staying the course

He is the course

concentrate on and enjoy the present

stay in step with Him

He will show you little ways to 

clear out the chaos and lead a more

peaceful life

Help is available every nanosecond of your journey

be patient

it doesn't happen all at once

you continue to learn as you go

you need to persevere 

where is your heart today?

get real and honest with where

you really are

not where you wish you were

you can turn your worries into 

something positive

view worries as triggers

that switch your focus

to trusting God in them

things are not always comfortable or convenient 

don't be unkind to yourself

the words you speak to yourself can wreak havoc

they have the power to encourage or discourage

motivate or deflate

generate joy or repel it

stop beating yourself up

right now

sabotaging thoughts are in stiff opposition

to who God wants you to be

discipline your mind

the words you speak reflect your inner beliefs

& reinforce them

if you can't say something positive

silence is the best substitute

it's one thing for others to fill you with junk

it's worse when you choose to feed toxicity to yourself

learn to take good care of your mind, body, heart and soul

nurture the relationship you have

with you

take your focus away from the things that cause you

to feel pain, stress, fear and unhappiness

onto things that make your heart sing

things that make you happy

practice practice practice

"Sometimes reality is terribly unrealistic."

you are dearly loved

be well...

xoxo

💗

"Character cannot be developed in ease & quiet.

Only through experience of trial and suffering

can the soul be strengthened,

vision cleared, ambitions inspired

and success achieved."

~Hellen Keller

"Character develops itself in the full

stream of life."

~Goethe

 

Slow down...

...your mind.

Sit and listen.

notes...

'Look for God in the change that you are going through.

You can find the face of Jesus anywhere if you look close enough.

Don't seek the comfort.

Listen for God's whisper.

He speaks to those that take the time to listen.

Don't ask why, but what.

Every situation is an education.

You'll grow better or you'll grow bitter depending on your response.

Don't focus on  the circumstance, focus on your character.

Don't focus on the problem, focus on your personality.

Don't focus on what's going on around you,

 focus on what God wants to do in you.

Some things you only learn through difficulty.

Expect opposition.

Learn contentment.

Contentment and character is something you learn.

Give thanks IN all circumstances, 

not FOR all circumstances.

Focus on what never changes.

Don't face change alone.

Trust Him in the situations you don't understand.

God did not bring you this far just to leave you where you are.'

be well...

xoxo

💖

 

Learn the magical...

...lesson that making the most

of what you have

turns it into more.

notes...

cool windy morning

wrapped in a shawl and

spiced chai lattes from our favorite coffee shop

dress shopping today

gratitude  unlocks the fullness of life

it turns what you have into enough

gratitude provides a helpful

framework for the things

that concern you

gratitude brings peace for the day

and creates vision for tomorrow

it makes things right

reflect back and grab important 

lessons from the past

in order to make better

decisions going forward

flying through life on autopilot

can deprive you of joy

carve out time to evaluate

the quality of your decisions

and direction in your life

reflect on things that are working well

in your life

honestly assess where you're 

missing the mark

modify your strategy

pause and reflect on the person 

you are becoming

become more tuned in to how

you are actually living your life

be well...

xoxo

💞

"The unexamined life 

is not worth living."

~Socrates

"The unplanned life 

is not worth examining."

~Aristotle

"We ought not to look back,

unless it is to derive useful lessons

from past errors, & for the

purpose of profiting by dear bought

experiences."

~George Washington

 

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."