Appreciate everything...

....'appreciate the sunshine on your skin in the morning,

the quiet peace you feel when you're doing something you love,

the fresh air that reminds you you're still here,

still living, still becoming.

tree hugger

Appreciate the small moments too.

A stranger smiling at you,

a message from someone who thought of you,

laughter that catches you off guard,

a slow walk that clears your mind.

Appreciate the people who choose you,

the effort someone puts into loving you,

the blessings that don't always look big

but still change your day in soft ways.

And most of all, appreciate yourself for growing,

evolving, and continuing to show up for your life

even on the days it feels heavy.'

notes...

up at dark

more meditation...less journaling

a nudge for an early drive out to the big burr oak 

a group of cyclers riding from Kansas City

to St. Louis

on their way to Hermann tonight

one rider weighed down with cameras

we talk our talk...

he hands me an old 1970 camera he's been shooting with

looking in from the top to see ahead...

then he hands me another, (complete with a film advance lever)

 to shoot a few photos of him and his group before they headed out.

~

listen & believe

keep moving

keep growing

keep evolving

all life is either moving forward & evolving

or shrinking back & dying

push through the obstacles instead of running from them

if you want a new life

you have to do the work instead of  just

studying & discussing & wishing & wanting

you can change your entire reality in a moment

if you want it bad enough

wake up excited to be who you are

decide to make it happen,

 to be engaged with your life & let God work for you

trade your bad habits for some good ones...

good time management

good thought habits

good health habits...

get out of autopilot mode

be intentional

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Some of you are unaware of just how amazing you really are.

The way you make people laugh, lift others up, or spread some 

extra love. You do this even though you are struggling too,

and I think it makes you such a beautiful human being."

"At the end of the day I am thankful that my blessings

are bigger than my problems."

"Look around you. Appreciate what you have.

Nothing will be the same in a year."

 

You can't think too far ahead....

....'about where you'll end up.

You can only go where He tells you

to go today.'

'When you wake up tomorrow,

He'll show you where to go.

The day after that, He'll show you.

And the day after that. And the next day.

Moment by moment.'

~

notes....

heading to my kiddo's today

as they head out on their honeymoon

planning to visit some family and get back on

track with my meditation & nutrition.

A restoration-staycation

It's been a wonderful month of anything goes...

but looking forward to getting back into a healthy groove.

set priorities 

sharpen your focus

and ignore distractions

get to know yourself

check yourself carefully

make sure you have a solid plan

then act on it

expose and expel your rebellious tendencies 

whatever your body does effects your soul

don't let your feelings control you

have a lot of self control

you grow your whole life

age is a number

old is a mindset

take good care of your body

feed your mind an body things that strengthen

& nourish you so you can enjoy life

even as you age.

This requires discipline, faith, and an investment of time

get the most you can out of your time

your day

your life

~

'You don't have to search for ways to suffer.

Search for Me in the midst of struggles.

I'm dealing with you on a few things.

Your beginning to notice some behaviors you 

didn't pay attention to before.

You are important.

You have to get out of My way.

If what you want, I want, 

you'll end up with it.

You don't have to spend all your time trying to get it.

If you spend your time chasing Me

the blessings will chase you.'

~Jesus~

(source: Joyce Meyers, Jesus Calling, Steven Furtick )

be well...

xoxo

💝

"The six best doctors: sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise

and diet."

"Health does not always come from medicine.

Most of the time it comes from peace of mind,

peace in the heart, peace in the soul.

It comes from laughter and love."

"When you are resting because you are worn out,

you need to remember that you are not wasting time.

You are doing exactly what you need to do.

You are recovering."

 

Loosen your grip....

He's got something better.

notes...

'You're holding on to something He doesn't want you to hold on to. 

...be transformed by the renewal of your heart.

You may be absolutely surprised at what God will

do in your life.

A storm in your life can destroy you or

it can develop you.

It depends on how you respond.

Your response is how you view God.

We need an anchor.

It's natural and normal for us to drift.

Storms are inevitable.

Our anchor is immovable.

If you don't understand who He is

the anchor doesn't work.

He can quiet the your stormy heart

and give you peace in the midst of the storm.

He knows all about our storms,

and He comforts, assures us and 

understands.

If you don't start the day with Him

then you have to start in your own strength.

Meditate on His word day and night.

He is a compass to us.

No compass

you don't know where you are.

He will keep you in the right direction.

Whatever the storm is 

He's at work.

Read the word.

Meditate on it.

Believe it.

Apply it.

It doesn't happen by osmosis.

be well...

xoxo

💝

 

Learn to let go....

....into the wild of things,

learn to grow as things unfold.

sign: transformation, strength in adversity, personal growth
and evolution

The natural world's saturated with beauty,

and beauty nourishes the soul.

 

A fuzzy caterpillar with sixteen legs

goes into a chrysalis & emerges as a beautiful

winged butterfly that knows it's way to Mexico.

'The way you come alive in this world 

might not look like everyone else's,

and that's okay.'

~

notes....

Spirit will come to you in ways you will receive Him

learn to let yourself be guided in truth

allow yourself to have your own process

you will discover your truths at the right time

as you grow

your experiences will expand in new ways

lay down the skeptic

take a few deep breaths

you don't see the oxygen but it's keeping you alive

 love keeps you alive

you don't see it 

but it surrounds you 

you can't force things

remain open

don't close your mind

take steps necessary to develop

self-mastery

you have the capacity to shed your

old self and embrace new beginnings

emerging stronger, wiser and more beautiful

than before

use your time wisely

a thankful attitude is helpful

overcome life's challenges with grace

and fortitude

be well....

xoxo

💝

'Your pursuit of Me is actually a response

to my ardent pursuit of you.

You don't have to batter down doors between us.

Just open the door of your heart to Me.

I've already thrown open My door to you.

I want you to realize how utterly safe you are-

in My perfect persistent Love.

Bask in your life of praise.

Be more receptive to My blessings.

In faith, be on the lookout for good things

great and small.

At the end of the day 

take time to ponder what you have learned &

to savor the gifts you have found.

Love and be loved.'

~Jesus~

(sources: Message Bible, Jesus Today, Jesus Calling)

~

"The wind carries things away and brings other things closer.

It doesn't think about the destination;

it just blows where the current takes it.

As the wind travels, it picks things up

 only to set them down in a new location.

The wind doesn't hold on tight,

because it knows that nothing is permanent.

The spirit of wind is letting go.

Be like the wind, releasing and receiving as needed.

Be fluid, given that nothing in life is permanent."

~Sunrise Gratitude~

 

Another freaking growth....

....opportunity.

AFGO

Those often 'frustrating, recurring, life challenges

or relationship hurdle that forces you to 

grow whether you want to or not.'

'Failing to grow into new horizons can blind you

to the beauty of life's adventures.

You become like a plant that's outgrown it's container.'

notes...

agitated, frustrated, intolerant, anxious

and weepy.

I can usually guess what's coming next.

AFGO

Tired, yes. Too much caffeine...probably...

uncomfortable and edgy...yep. 

Classic symptoms.

Tempted to eat a whole bag of Dove Chocolates

and then wash them down with a 1/2 gallon of vanilla Blue Bell 

ice-cream?

 Yep.

(side note...didn't go quite that far...)

It all fits.

It's a process I've repeated 

times a zillion.

Hate it ? yes!

Grateful ? again....yes, with reluctance.

Until I give it time...let it come up, and wait for 

the tsunami to hit, linger, and linger....

until it cleanses whatever it is...

(which I usually am aware of what it is....the "thing")

until it follows it's natural process....

I'm stuck in the precursor of the emerging "thing."

Once it's over....

and it is over...

(*Hallelujah!!)

there's a certain peace, (exhaustion) relief, and humility.

I feel it all today.

~

renew your mind with the objective truth

of the Bible

"Spirit's thoughts on paper"

there is no division between logic & spiritual

when all is said and done

it makes perfect sense

things come alive

you see something new

you will have more understanding

look for principles 

principles are timeless truths

like the laws of nature

you will know when it is meant for you

Spirit will lift something out of the context for you

read a little every day

be encouraged to ask for wisdom

instead of direction

'He who trusts in his own heart is a fool

but he who walks wisely will be delivered.'

Prov. 28:26

(principle)

the soul is healed through union with God

His words are the fuel that keeps you 

functioning properly

no matter how much you think you know

always be willing to take another step of growth

growth is a process

and sometimes it is painful

if you allow it 

it will stretch you so much further 

once you determine not to let 

your current situation define or constrain you

humility is key

"ask, seek and knock"

Let go

Listen to your heart & quiet the ego

Love can create a path to understanding

in those moments

trust builds and love grows deeper

be well...

xoxo

💞

"The true challenge we face is to look at ourselves and the world honestly.

To see what wounds there are, so we can help heal them.

Not to flinch. Not to spend our life wrapped in denial and trying to avoid pain.

Not to avoid the feelings. 

'...the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant

by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly

and gently.'

Healing means living in the raw."

 

If you imagine...

...that something is missing,

it is because you haven't caught your cue to 'look

deeply enough within to find your source & supply.'

notes...

brisk start to the day

donning slippers with the hoodie

a single hummingbird still filling up for it's

 departure...

Otis's choppy, mournful howl in the distance...

still making me smile. Loving that ol' floppy eared hound.

feeling the buzz of activity for the fall festival..

Ang coming for the weekend, Price performs later...

her happy place

hubby munching on burnt peanuts as he heads to work...

this morning all seems well with the world...

~

You can make positive changes in your life

you create your life experience with every word 

& thought

negative thoughts and behaviors are habits

when you say "life sucks"

it isn't life that sucks

it's your thinking that sucks

the way you choose to think right now

is just a choice

make the choice to think thoughts

that make you feel good

good health comes from love and appreciation

healthy thoughts create a healthy atmosphere within

and around you

the cells of your body respond to every thought you have

with positive thoughts they work easily

with negative or stressful thoughts 

your body is working at a disadvantage

"Filling your mind with pleasant thoughts

is the quickest road to health."

the only moment you ever live

is this one

be present where you are

every step can be a step in faith

pay close attention to your thoughts 

check in frequently

remain hopeful

hope is an anchor for your soul

exercise patience

try it:  

I'm not good enough or

I am making positive changes in my life.

or 

I can feel good about myself....

or

create your own..

practice

practice

practice

be well...

xoxo

💖

'I can see down to the very core of who you are,

and I'm crazy about you!

I mean head over heels about you!

Not someone similar to you- actually you !

Comparison is a trap.

It might seem to be a way of life,

but what if it isn't the way?

What if you settled into how I made you

and celebrate others that do the same?

If I'm head over heels about you,

you should be too.

When I make something, I do it right the first time.

You are a unique blend of temperament, giftedness,

and life experiences.

No regrets.

No mistakes.

No do-overs.

Don't rush what I'm doing.

I understand what you need and stay with you.

Slow down and see what I am up to.

I see you, know you, and love you

~Jesus~

*journal notes*

 

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.'