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

 

"I don't know"...

...is a game changer.

"When you give up having to  know

or needing to be right,

you feel lighter right away.

Surrender your stories.

The mind is not the boss of anything,

and it doesn't want to be.

Let life take over from here."

notes...

hubby joined me on the porch this morning

he's sharing a story of heroics as he rocks on the porch swing

with his coffee

&

 I'm listening intently while trying to capture droplets of rain

as they land in the garden 

experiencing an outside hygge moment

slow down your pace of living for a time

quiet your mind

when it comes to faith

if you're looking for proof

you won't find it

somewhere along the way

you have to make the leap from that which you know

to that which calls you from within

you need only a willing heart

and a truthful spirit

God will take it from there

 meeting you as you take the leap

the way before you may be steep

and rocky

it is nonetheless 

the path of life

you will have feelings of uncertainty

fairly often in your life

no matter what age

you may not have all the answers

but God does

you must be open to receive

you can receive inspiration, endurance, strength,

wisdom, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

self-control, 

or whatever else you require

He has plenty to give

you can't create those things yourself

losing your place in your personal story

is the way

that deeper discoveries come to life

confusion is a catalyst for growth

it helps you to lighten the load

for your journey ahead....

"....it's here to help you forget 

what you thought you knew

to reveal an even greater truth"

'be honest about your confusion

allow it

 to unwind your overstimulated nervous system

so that you can discover the safety

that is always within you'

slow your breath

life will be more gentle as you 

choose to be more soft and supportive

of yourself

relax into not needing to figure things out

allow understanding to find you

instead of you pursuing it on a regular basis

you will always know everything 

you need to know

exactly at the moment you 

need to know it

don't forget 

to remember

that everything good 

comes from God

He will lead you to life

at it's very best

be well...

xoxo

💝

"When it's time for something new,

you will feel it.

You will feel a desire to let go,

to shed layers, to move,

to re-create.

You will know because there will be

 subtle shifts all around you.

You will release the old because you 

are really clearing the path for what's ahead.

Trust the process."

"Be the reason someone still believes in magic,

truth, authenticity, compassion,

intelligent conversation,

loyalty, courage, and love that 

doesn't have an agenda."

 

Don't let failure...

 ....be final.

                                                                            notes...

my girlfriend was bullying me in my home

so I grabbed my purse and left.

It was almost dark & my emotions were over the moon

as I climbed into the John Deer tractor to drive away...

...then I woke up.

Stepped out into the dark morning to feed the birds,

 sunk my feet into the 

rain soaked grass and thought about trying to drive a

tractor as a get-away rig, and laughed out loud.

...tearing down the walls of control

building the walls of faith...

trusting the creator.

relinquish your desire for control

it's scary to let go

but walk in faith with God

& He promises to support 

you every step of the way

release your need to direct circumstances

trust

all you need to do is believe

and receive

when things are difficult

those are the moments

you find out whether you

really trust that God knows best

to feel safely rooted 

no matter what you encounter

be honest with yourself

by admitting how you feel

part of pain's roll is to make you

more honest with yourself

about the things

you can't control

it helps you become more open

and receptive

truth can be discovered once you

stop fighting against the natural forces

God is the best teacher

the more you turn things over to Him

the better it goes

your answers are inside you

you make your future anew every day

life is a mix of fate & free will

with a dash of mystery

"When you knock, ask to see God...

not any of the self-appointed intermediaries."

~Thoreau~

be well...

xoxo

💖

'At age 7 his family was forced out of

their home, and he had to go to work

to help support the family.

At age 9, he's still a shy little boy,

and his mother dies.

At age 22 he lost his job as a store clerk.

He wanted to go to law school but,

 his education wasn't good enough.

At age 23 he went into debt

to become a partner in a small store.

Three years later his partner died,

leaving him a huge debt which took years

to repay.

At age 28 after dating a young woman

for four solid years, he asked her to marry him

and she said "no".

In his 30's he ran for public office and he lost.

A couple years later he ran again, and he lost again.

At 37 years of age it was his third attempt to 

run for office, and he finally got elected to congress.

But two years later when he ran for re-election 

he lost.

 He had a nervous breakdown as a result.

At 41, (in an unhappy marriage) his four year old

son dies.

At 42 he ran to be elected as the land officer

and he lost.

At 45 he ran for the senate,

and he lost.

A few years later he ran for vise presidency 

and he lost again.

At 49, he ran for the senate and lost again.

At 51, he was elected President of the United States.'

His name....

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Abraham Lincoln

our 16th President

💞

You are whole...

...complete & beautiful,

just as you are.

Believe this.

Pretend if you have to.

Your subconscious mind 

believes everything you tell it.

Every word.

Be careful what you say.

Like yourself for who you are.

Radiate that.

notes...

I woke up happy this morning.

Positive.

Hopeful.

Back on track...whatever that looks like?

you feel that inner tug

returning you to your true center

what needs to come

will always come

don't buy the lies

develop a keen sensitivity to the 

promptings of your spirit

you were created perfectly

to be you

don't get wrapped up in your

 fears & insecurities

that keep you from

seeing what you're made for

& tell you you can't

before you even start to try

take the time and energy you

pour into worry

and put it toward your passions

uncover new ways of experiencing

those things that matter to you most

the mind that has pulled you to the worst of things

is the same mind that is capable of remembering

the better things

even when you cannot discern

 the terrain before you

take the next step

now is still the time 

to go forth with an open heart

growth leads to joy

stagnation does not

enjoy the gift of being alive

 being fully human

being who you are

be well...

xoxo

💖

"The only real beauty is self acceptance."

~Megan Fox

"Some people are going to reject you 

simply because you shine too bright for them.

That's okay.

Keep shining."

"You deserve to be loved without having

to hide parts of yourself you think

are unlovable."

 

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

 

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."