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."

 

A great lesson....

.... to learn is to soften during difficult times.

Times where we might rather shut down

and throw up our protective walls.

'When we open up, soften, and allow things to flow,

it provides opportunity to grow into our fullest potential

allowing amazing things to happen.

notes...

...laying down on the yoga mat draws the cat to my chest like a magnet 

she tries to shift with the all the changes

& sometimes she tries to hang on...

Chatting with a classmate/friend this morning

 we met during our coach training

 at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

she says...

"We've been on the phone for an hour and 45 min."

 

it's been a while...

we go to hang up

but we continue...

it's cooler this morning

 I caught a mosquito with tweezers

to feed a spider

 & my coffee tastes amazing

~

there are always challenges

you make the choice of whether you 

want to shut down or grow

frustration is your teacher

listen to what it has to say

about your beliefs

you may have to stretch a bit

face every situation with faith

not fear

get a bigger perspective

if you live for the approval of others

you will die by their disapproval

stay focused on your purpose

not your problem

life is meant to be fully lived

approach it with full involvement

understand timing on every detail

in your life

know when to speed up and when to slow down

remember God can bring good out of anything

He knows how to make the most of your life

more than you do

relax

He doesn't ask you do to anything

without providing you the power to do it

be kinder to yourself 

and to others

experience tenderness for who you are

be softer

be willing to love more today than you did yesterday

be well...

xoxo

💖

"When you blame and criticize others,

you are avoiding some truth about yourself."

"Beware of the half truth.

You may have gotten hold

of the wrong half."

"You gotta look for the good in the bad,

the happy in the sad, the gain in your pain,

and what makes you grateful not hateful."

 

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 

 

The bad news is....

 ...you can't change your past.

The good news is that you can have a new beginning.

notes...

'born again means to be born anew

to have a new beginning 

a spiritual nature

He created you because He desired to love you

and receive your love in return

unbelievers can't understand

logically and reasonably the lost

person is thinking right

minds have been blinded

human reasoning and logic don't work

the clean-up work is done

by the Holy Spirit

whoever looks and believes

some things you consider

this 

you have to decide'

be well...

xoxo

💝

"It is amazing what God can do to a troubled heart

in a short period of time

when a person understands the meaning 

of 'meditation upon the Lord'"

~Charles Stanley~

'It doesn't matter who you are, where you're  from,

or what you've done- 

God want's a relationship with you!'

Prayer...

"Jesus, I've tried to do things on my own for too long,

and I know it doesn't work.

I need something deeper.

So, today, I give my life to You.

I believe that You died on the cross for my sins

and rose from the dead to give me eternal life.

Thank you for your love, forgiveness, and this new beginning.

I know I will never abandon me! I am so excited to 

be a part of Your incredible family.

Amen."

Everything you experience....

....is a way to feed your spirit.

Some things nourish you

while others drain you.

Pileated Woodpecker feather

"Know the difference,

notice how you feel with each experience.

Your spirit is a navigation tool to 

keep you alive and well."

notes...

waking up with a nudge to walk the shoreline

a black and white feather on the beach

the Bald Eagle screeching across the cove

a beautiful space all to myself 

fishermen in their boats out early

a friend/coach that can see what I couldn't see

prayer, clarity, provision

refreshed hope

~

fill your mind with life and peace

pray for protection and discernment

refuse to worry it will weigh you down

and block your awareness

stay alert

find relief in the truth that 

it is more about

 persistence

not

 perfection

 in your spiritual walk

unforgiveness/ bitterness is devastating

it can imprison you

reflect the grace you have been shown

to others

forgive

'suddenly a wall becomes a gate...'

your mental fuel propels you

the kind of fuel you burn goes

from you to others

fill up on the highest octane available

and energize your inner and outer world

take responsibility for your actions

and nobody else's

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Only the heart knows how to find 

what is precious."

'You are a beautiful being, and your feelings,

personality, and essence make you who you are.

I accept you in all your imperfections.

I not only accept you as you are,

I LOVE you as you are.

I want to fulfill you

If you feel discouraged,

 like a bony finger is pointing in your direction

it is not Mine.

Don't be punked by the accuser.

Shut out the world and focus on Me.

I freely relieve you and heal you

because of My unmatched LOVE for you.

I never give up on you.

I won't stop transforming you.

So don't give up on yourself.'

~Jesus~

"If life were fair,

I'd be much worse off."

~

'Black and white feather:

spiritual

waking up to revelations you hadn't considered

guided on your quest

keep an open mind

remain grounded

protection from negative energy

diversity of the mind and soul

different perspective

growth

need for change

stir things up

overcome limiting beliefs

ability to see good and evil and recognize the difference

need for balance.'

Open the floodgates...

....of you heart and pour out a blessing

of love in your own life.

'See how outrageously rich you are

in the gifts of the Spirit'

notes....

Still dark...one after another sirens & lights

driving by

I pray

a grasshopper is jumping on me

I feel like an emotional clot was removed

I feel good

meeting with a friend/spiritual mentor in a bit

working hard to focus on what's good

as I have worked in the past to focus on the painful

& difficult

~

Love is the victor in every case

simply give in and let God's Love

be a constant current flowing through

as your life

choose to respond in a loving manner

& stop playing the blame game

enter into the stream of love

& watch how you are carried

stop reserving some of life today

to live for tomorrow

all the love your heart can hold

is already within you

begging to be released

be aware of what is going on around you

& be considerate of the people your

trying to love

see the needs

help them

simply notice what makes others beautiful

take it in

this is your day to make some changes

in some ways good changes are more frightening

than the hard times

things change

your circumstances change

you begin to explore uncharted territory

one day at a time

the good begins to happen

and misery dissipates

you no longer want to be a victim of life

life gets good

you learn to avoid unnecessary crisis

and trauma

"Only connect! That was her whole sermon...

live in fragments no longer."

we are not fragmented 

we are whole

it takes time to remember

but it's true

be well...

xoxo

💞

"I help you find your way to My Love 

which always focuses on the needs of others.

You are going to misunderstand someone or

read the room wrong...

but if you make it your highest value to be more

vigilant to the hopes,

needs, and desires of the people around you,

you will live a richer, more engaged & inspiring life."

~Jesus~

"People are not as beautiful as they look or talk.

They are only as beautiful as they love,

as they care, as they share."

"As you get older, you begin to understand more and more

that life is not about what you look like

or what you own.

It's about the person you have become."

"There is never enough  of that which

doesn't satisfy."

 

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."

 

In order to heal...

....the body 

one must first heal the soul.

notes...

early morning journaling with a friend

coffee and biscotti

grandma in the birdbath

(*chickadee)

and a visit to the Amish market

~

when you tend to the spark within you

it can become a flame

you have a primal need to make something

out of nothing

bring forth the creation within you

each day is an important part of the journey

you may feel like you're going nowhere

in this world,

your spiritual journey is another matter

realize the restorative power of rhythm,

routine, rest, recreation and ritual

make time for yourself

space is a silent force

the soul honors it

be willing to rest 

for a mental break &

create greater inner nourishment

your life drifts...return

your heart moves away....return

your mind wanders....return

returning is a lifelong struggle

breathe

feel

be aware

look for the things that speak to you

and foster optimism

go with

not against your nature

your purpose is to reach your 

greatest potential

be the most high functioning

joyful version that you can be

life is meant to be fully lived

approach it with full involvement

practice being more mindful

patient

conscious

focused

kind

thoughtful

&

loving

be well...

xoxo

💖

"A recent study found that having

just one meaningful conversation with a 

friend each day can boost happiness,

lower stress and reduce feelings of loneliness."

~Dr. Mark Hyman~

"Remember that being healthy is much more

than exercise and eating right.

It is about being around good people,

having uplifting habits,

letting go of attachments,

embracing gratitude, 

and maintaining your growth."

~Yung Pueblo~

"Many people who are seriously ill have 

been treated successfully by being placed 

outdoors in sunlight and fresh air for hours

at a time. 

Similarly, you need substantial amounts

of time soaking in the light of My Presence so I

can heal your deep wounds."

~Jesus~

 

What matters most....

....is not found in the destination 

but revealed in the issues that you

have to resolve along the way.

notes...

coffee with my stepdad on the porch

 bridging 1300 miles by phone 

letting go of some rigidity in my morning routine 

complimenting each other's sage,

color matched outfits with the orthopedic surgeon

another injection for trigger finger

blue skies and white fluffy clouds

more wedding plans and a gracious VRBO host

focus clears away dead space and clutter 

captures details

& highlights what you want to remember 

focus minimizes distractions 

keeps you from being preoccupied &

from overlooking important facts 

focus protects your goals & dreams 

from slipping away in segments of compromise 

 'focus is the antenna that prayer helps to

keep raised & alert '

let everything come to you in the moment it

is meant to be 

even the most routine part of your day 

can be spiritual 

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Faith is the application of what one believes - the process of putting feet to our beliefs & living in light of it....in practical terms."

"Nothing is so often irretrievably missed as daily opportunity."

"May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."

 

Anxiety is....

...a faith battle.

notes:

Our emotions are a gift from God and they carry a lot

of influence in our life.

we control them

or they control us

survey #1

anxiety is the most prominent emotion

distracted

pulled apart

what is anxiety

a feeling of dread, apprehension and uncertainty

God is not the source of anxiety

be willing to face up and deal with it

many people are physically sick from

their emotions

it is the way they think

and the way they respond to the way they think

all anxiety is a reaction to some circumstance

anxiety is against scripture

it doesn't fit who we are

if we truly believe

negative side effects:

divides your mind/distraction

slows productivity

effects your personal relationships

leads to unwise decisions

steals your joy and peace

wastes time and energy/you can't do your best

God does not want us to live in anxiety

we could all work up a nervous break-down in 

30 minutes if we wanted to

here's the plan

bring it to God and tell Him about

lay it out

or

it will keep taking it's toll on your life

have a spirit of thanksgiving

thankful for Him

God love's you unconditionally

He wants to help you

and He can

He wants the best for you

He will protect you

 you give it to Him with one hand

and yank it back with the other....

give it to Him

He wants to take it

why is that complicated?

He can handle whatever our anxiety is

let Him have it

trust Him

take your hands off

how long you keep it is the key....

as you think

the health of your body will follow

the light turns on

the smile comes back

be well...

xoxo

💝

 

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~