We must empty....

....'ourselves of all that fills us,

so that we may be filled with what we are

empty of.'

~Augustine

clearly His hand is in this...Luke 1:66 MSG

notes...

a gust of wind, and then the rain,

so I moved everything in again

cushions and quilt thrown on the floor

breathing in the moment through an open door

~

Beautiful reminders this morning...

(sources: Jesus Calling, Jesus Lives, The Message Bible & Charles Stanley devo.)

His ways are higher

and  He is capable of all you need

pursue a righteous life-

a life of wonder, faith, love,

steadiness & courtesy

seize the eternal life

..listen to the wind words

His heart is full of unfailing LOVE 

for you

you can relax and enjoy His presence

since you know He is taking care of you

your tendency to be anxious

grieves Him

awareness of His pain can motivate you

to break free from this hurtful habit

He is showing you the way

one foot at a time

Luke 1:79 MSG

surprise us with love at daybreak;

then we'll skip and dance all day long

Ps. 90:14 MSG

walk right up to Him 

and get what He is so ready to give.

Take the mercy & accept His help

He will take care of everything you need

He wants you to obey Him out of Love,

Joy, & Gratefulness-

not out of obligation

He wants to pour Himself into you

and shine through you

and give you a genuine Love

His purpose is never to break your spirit

or cause you pain

there is always a positive, crucial

eternal purpose in struggles

He works all the details together

for the good to those who love Him

you may not be at fault for what has happened to you

but you are accountable for your response to it

be well...

xoxo

💖

"So whatever you experience & however broken you 

may feel because of the trials that assail you,

always remember that I have a blessing in store for you.

Never give in to the thought that this is the end

or that there's a limit to My ability to redeem

even the worst, most pain-filled experiences

in your life & turn them into something worthwhile.

Accept that I know your pain,

I am powerful,

I love you unconditionally,

and I work in the unseen for you. "

~Jesus~

"When you speak to yourself, be more like a cool breeze

and less like a furnace of judgement.

Give yourself love and accept yourself exactly as you are.

Honor the journey you've been on with acceptance and appreciation.

As you wake up, think about all the things you have

accomplished.

Give yourself gratitude and love.

When you slow down to recognize who and what you are,

acceptance comes in like a breeze,

making everything better."

~Sunrise Gratitude~

 

Whatever we are today...

....is a result of what we've been thinking.

notes....

'What you think about is what controls you.

Your mind controls everything else in your life.

The mind is a battlefield in every persons life.

If your mind is filled with unpleasant things,

you suffer the result.

We sow a thought and reap an action.

We sow an action and reap a habit.

We sow a habit and reap a character.

We sow a character and we reap a destiny.

You are the one that determines what you're going to be.

Start thinking rightly.

Where will these thoughts lead me?

Will these thoughts get me where I want to go?

Will these thoughts build me up or tear me down?

Do you feel guilty thinking these thoughts?

Do these thoughts fit who you are as a follower of Jesus?

Some thoughts don't fit you.

What is best for you?

Seek those things.

Set your mind.

You decide your victory or defeat in your mind

Your feet are going to travel where you set your mind.

Say no.

You can say no.

He brings about the changes in your life.

He knows what you need.

He knows how to provide it.

be well...

xoxo

💝

 

What if...

...we could make the most of the detours

we didn't plan on,

and discover what there is to see and 

explore along the way?

What if we braved the long way

with our mind set on learning,

adjusting, and opening our hearts

to fall deeper in love with life?'

What if we hit the pause button and resist

the urge to fix something or someone

letting the good and bad grow together

trusting God to sort it out when the time is right?

What if it gets us where we want to go

because it gets us to where God want's us to be,

no matter how inconvenient &

 even if we didn't think we wanted to be there?

notes...

...the purpling sky at dusk 

the warmth of a friend's understanding

the laughter from a child as he splashes in the lake

a flock of geese swimming to shore then taking

flight so close I can feel them as I stand with my feet 

in the water...

a refreshed, revitalized mind is able to sort 

out what's important and what's not

have a steadfast heart

do not worry about your life

(Matthew 6:25)

while it's fun to imagine yourself differently

don't get trapped in a life

thinking you need to be different

remove your focus away from the complexities 

of your own broken heart

toward Jesus

embrace His unconditional love

God doesn't want us to be a better version of us

He wants us to be a more accurate reflection of Him

don't miss your prayer and meditation time

get your mind clear

you don't have to be captive to bad experiences

if you're not flexible enough to change 

what's in your head

you can't change your life

change your mind

or you won't change anything else

allow a new truth to be planted in your mind

the sooner you develop a clear mindset

the more efficiently you will use your time

appreciate the value of time

by focusing on what's 

in front of you

not by lamenting what is behind you

the years zoom by

time is your most valuable resource

it can not be reproduced or replicated

learn to guard it and hold it precious

live on purpose 

make conscious choices

there is no going back

live in the present today

God is in the subtle nuances

be well....

xoxo

💞

"The peace of God is tranquility and quietness

of the soul.

it is the assurance that,

no matter what is going on around us,

everything is secure."

~Dr. Charles Stanley~

"Did you know your thoughts,

habits movement, sleep, and nutrition

can all help you rewire your brain

through a process called neuroplasticity?

Small choices, repeated daily,

can have a profound impact on your

mental health and your life."

~Dr. Mark Hyman~

"The butterfly counts not months but

moments, and has time enough."

 

You have two options: ...

'forgive the offender completely

or refuse to let go,

believing they owe you something

to make up for what they've done.

notes....

slept well, woke up early,

felt off...maybe tired? It was a "thing".

first read of the day...

"When you don't forgive, a barrier of bitterness

grows & obstructs My Love from entering in."

~Jesus~

&

every message that followed 

 stayed on topic

 when I finally wrapped up my morning

time out

I had clarity about the "thing"

and a butterfly flew past

landing beside the hummingbird

in the garden

~

if you harbor resentment 

your hurting yourself without reason

forgive those who've hurt you

it is crucial

for you to live freely

have an accurate view

of all you've been forgiven

so you can understand others

don't remain captive to your hostility

any longer

when you harbor bitterness toward others

it will affect you profoundly

and time does not heal those injuries

the poison of an unforgiving spirit

can damage the entire person if left unhealed

(emotionally, spiritually relationally, and even physically)

you are not injuring them with your bitterness

you're only hurting yourself

the only cure when resentment has taken root

is forgiveness

nothing else does the job of genuine

healing

you have been shown an enormous amount of grace

don't carry a grudge

'be yourself 

and let others be themselves-

because that's the starting point of God's love.'

now is the time

where you are is the place

and who you are is deserving

choose forgiveness

let go of your hurt

when you can't

Jesus can

'whatever you have been through,

whether heavenly or horrific,

it will serve a meaningful purpose in your life

if you allow it to.'

they are all stepping stones to a higher place

if you open up and allow them to be

sometimes your perceptions have to change to give

you a fresh perspective of your circumstances

don't get stuck in your past

don't allow painful memories

to keep you from what you were 

created to do

you are valued and loved

steer away from negative behavior...

you're better than that!

forgive yourself

embrace who you are

influence someone in a beautiful way

~

because it's fun...

butterfly...

freedom

playful grace

living fully in the moment

renewal

breaking free from old habits

hummingbird...

savoring life's small pleasures

staying grounded and fully

engaged in the present

and finding nourishment in everyday

moments

be well...

xoxo

💓

"The beauty of forgiveness is that it requires only a forgiving party.

it does not require a party worthy of forgiveness."

"To forgive the forgivable is merely justice,

an accommodation of a reasonable mind.

To forgive the unforgiveable is true forgiveness,

an accommodation of a merciful heart."

"Be kind and compassionate to one another,

forgiving each other, just as in Christ

God forgave you."

Ephesians 4:32

"Bear with each other and forgive one another 

if any of you have a grievance against someone.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Colossians 3:13

 

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 have....

...the powerful gift of choice-

the ability to select the direction of

your life.

Some lead to abundant life & others

divert you away.

 notes...

this week's pick

(more ads than usual to skip through...

consider it a test...challenge....whatever motivates you to stick to it😉)

'uncontrollable thoughts can ruin your life

compulsions & habits can mess up your life

fear can destroy your life

hopelessness keeps you from keeping on

bitterness is a cancer that will eat you 

alive 

you

always hurt you

the most

insecurity will cause you to do

foolish things

you have a power 

greater than willpower

keeping laws 

never work

transforming change

changes your nature

you start in your mind

whatever gets your attention

gets you

you don't resist it

you replace it

what you resist 

persists

you have the ability to say no

to destructive habits

not everything natural 

is good for you

"Baby!...."

if your afraid

that's not from God

your filled with love, power

and self-control

it doesn't make you a nut

it makes you more human'

be well...

xoxo

💗

While you are waiting...

...don't put your life on hold.

notes...

this weeks repeat listen..

'God sometimes has to work on you 

before He works on the solution.

There is a natural delay between planting 

and harvesting.

You don't plant and harvest

 in the same season.

There is a war between good and evil

and you are caught in the middle.

....the dart of doubt, discouragement, 

disappointment, depression.

A delay is not 

a denial.

You are being prepared for a blessing.

He is more concerned with your character.

Troubles test your faith.

When you're going through hell...

keep going.

You don't want to stay there.

Waiting is always a test.

Write down the lessons your learning.

He wants you to learn

before the seed will sprout.

We wonder...we worry...we whine....

Waiting is the time your develop the habits

and skills needed.

Keep praying

 asking

searching

seeking

God cannot steer a parked car.

Trust

His plan is good.

His timing is perfect.

Sometimes you think you are waiting on God,

but He is waiting on you.

Don't give up.

"I will not let you give up.

I will beat you!" '

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Decide that no matter what is going on around you,

you are not going to let it change

what's going on inside you."

"Don't ever let anyone convince you

that your intuition is nothing but insecurities."

~unknown

"Your beliefs don't make you a better person.

Your behavior does."

 

 

Love finds us....

...where we are,

not where we were.

Blondie, 62 and Buddy

notes...

There was a knock on the door...

Ellie came to visit.

We had left the gate open to the road...

Blondie and Buddy kept with us as we drove back...

we sped up, they sped up,

we sped up, they did the happy dance

and sped up too.

We almost didn't win.

T1 likes to come up an nibble on me.

your renewed heart 

will be better

than before

be forward thinking

God meets you where you are

uses your story

and guides you into a better story

you are a mosaic 

of those who have loved you

give up the desire to have full control-

you don't

attempting to control things

will never solve the problem

it only makes things wonky

and ends up controlling you

you get to choose who &

what you allow in your life...

(thoughts, habits, beliefs....)

explore different solutions

make choices to improve the

quality of your life

you are designed to change

when you choose to

the way you live

will influence future generations

Be very careful, then, how you live-

not as unwise but as wise...

Ephesians 5:15

let go of beliefs 

that do not serve you well

believe that change comes from you

get better at things you 

know will help you

ask

seek

knock

request

search

action

deep breath in...

exhale...

be aware of your moments,

be well...

xoxo

💖

"I asked, "How can anyone who really knows me

ever love me?"

Only to discover it was the only way

anyone ever would."

"Yes, there are reasons no one could ever love you,

and you can be sure that the people who

love you know them all."

"It's not easy--loving someone through

the chinks in their armor--

especially when the love they return

is so often trapped inside."

 

Lay your...

...burdens down,

and come alive right here,

right now.

Instead of looking for things that need 

to be done...

concentrate on the task before you.

Let everything else...

fade into the background.

notes...

hold plans tentatively

the most important thing to determine

is what to do right now

unclutter your mind

don't be lulled into sleepwalking

through your days

you make a difference

your choices impact others

you may feel lost

when you're actually in

the process of finding your way

don't panic when a chapter of your

story doesn't make sense

God writes really good stories

stay close to Him

find ways you can experience

a joyful, meaningful life

& an inner sense of contentment

discover your part in life

your role

enter into the place you've been invited

live it fully

"Don't be afraid. Just stand still & watch

the Lord rescue you."

Exodus 14:13

you do not become less valuable

as you age

you become more of who you are

find a way to get out of old

unhealthy patterns

choose habits that help you flourish

keep growing and changing into a

healthier person

don't let your brain boss you around

focus on the positives

and the good in your life

quit settling for less

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Adapt what is useful,

reject what is useless,

and add what is specifically

your own."

~Bruce Lee~

"It is not a daily increase,

but a daily decrease.

Hack away at the inessentials."

~Bruce Lee~

"The most basic strategy is to get time on your side.

The most basic tactic is to sit and wait."

"A milestone in life is the day the challenge

of discovering who you really are

is replaced by

the challenge of being the person

someone thinks they married."

Sometimes...

..."you've got to let everything go...

purge yourself.

If you are unhappy with anything...

whatever is bringing you down,

get rid of it.

Because you'll find that when you're free,

your true creativity,

your true self comes out."

~Tina Turner~

I like that!

I myself struggle with being creative today

as I have outside chores to do before it rains...,

& my head is still slightly swollen 

from receiving a lovely compliment

 ( from the instructor & one of 

my mates)

 on my form and flow yesterday in Tai Chi.

Grateful. Encouraging. Uplifting.

I practiced all weekend.

notes lately...

when you are talking to yourself

watch your language

you strengthen what you put your attention on

keep your mind on the things you want

and off of the things you don't

if you were never frustrated by something.

you would never seek a solution

practice until it becomes second nature

simply take action

knowing is not enough, you must apply

applying is not enough, you must do 

step-by-step

trust the process

be thankful for quiet days,

when nothing special seems to be happening

remember you can choose the subject of your thoughts

let go of discouraging ones

refuse to get discouraged

each moment provides a fresh opportunity

God can't add beautiful things to your life

if there's no room in your life

keep space open for more beautiful

things to be added

get rid of old hurts, beliefs, and memories

you've collected over time

allow life to surprise and delight you

let yourself enjoy life as you go through

the day

release the grip on things that keep you bound

let go of lesser things

glow up your life with gratitude & be specific

recognize the gifts and call them out

every good and perfect gift is from above...

James 1:17

prayer is a lifestyle

position your heart

the sweetest moments in life happen unannounced

seek moments of ease

allow yourself moments of peace

make room for the delightfully unexpected

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Of Time and Space I don't know much,

But this I'm pretty sure of--

That both are things that doesn't hurt--

To give someone a bit more of."

"It's hard to change someone's mind

who believes in their head bone."

"It seems, in youth, that everything we do is practice

for the real thing,

a rehearsal for some future grand debut.

And then the years go by,

and we look back and realize,

that the practice was the real thing,

the rehearsal the grand debut."

"Absorb what is useful,

discard what is useless,

add what is specifically your own."

~Bruce Lee~

"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000

kicks once,

but I fear the man who practiced one kick

10,000 times."

~Bruce Lee~