Take time to reflect....

....at the end of the day and appreciate the fact

you were able to live it.

notes....

the stories, splitting a funnel cake with hubby,

and slushies for us girls.

perfect festival weather

reconnecting with old friends

 photos 

bubbles and escaping balloons floating to the sky

nostalgia and magic in small town traditions

~

embrace the goodness

see people that are right in front of you

love your neighbors as yourself

choose joy and appreciation

be still and listen

remain present &

become one with it.

the best of life exists beyond the things

you were taught to crave

don't miss the sacredness of any moment

by wishing it was some other way

take a little time to be amazed

experience a glow

a sparkle

make memories

feel alive

 

A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind

works healing,

but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

~Proverbs 17:22

"It's not joy that makes us grateful,

it's gratitude that makes us joyful."

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Every now and then it's good to stop climbing

and appreciate the view from right where you are."

"The biggest lie we're told is 'Be with someone who makes you happy.'

The truth is, happiness is something you create on your own.

Be with someone who adds to it."

 

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*

 

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."

 

"Do not dwell...

...in the past, do not dream of the future,

concentrate the mind on the present moment."

~Buddha~

praying mantis:

 patience, stillness, mindfulness, and good luck.

This little one wasn't so lucky...it's little prayer limbs were

missing. I read about them....and it's common,

and they do grow back.

notes...

still dark, lightning flashing in the west,

cow moo's coming from a nearby farm,

coyotes that sound too close,

a cool breeze on the porch 

the trio of crickets, Polly purrs, and an owl hoot

wrapped in my NY blanket...

with my cup of coffee

having a moment

create some space to contemplate 

the mysteries of life

every event in your life provides opportunity

to learn the deepest lessons

act in your best interests and being true

to yourself

let go of the need for approval 

approve of yourself

in the end that's the only approval that counts

be open to healthy options for taking

care of yourself

"Meditation should be a daily priority

 for all believers."

~Charles Stanley~

peace is a quality of the Spirit

that is everywhere present

all of the peace that you could ever desire

is already within you

you contract this peace through prayer 

and meditation

quietness and trust accomplish far

more than you can imagine

your not looking for popularity or applause

you're in search of purpose

don't spend your time obsessing

about what others are doing

traveling your own path is all consuming

meditate on scripture

apply the word to your situation

through prayer and meditation

free yourself from wrong thinking

honor the mystery of each moment

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Relax. You are enough. you do enough.

Breathe extra deep, let go, and just live

right now in this moment."

"Stay in the moment. The practice of staying present

will heal you. Obsessing about how the future will turn out

creates anxiety.

Replacing broken scenarios from the past causes

anger and sadness.

Stay here, in this moment."

"Clear your mind.

Your heart is trying to tell you something."

 

What is missing....

....from many of our days is a true

sense of enjoying the life we're living.

filling up at an old pump

Savor the small, authentic moments that 

that make you smile...

and simple pleasures that often get overlooked.

notes...

an unexpected refund, 

a flatbed full of pumpkins

& sunflowers

pulling up to fill the tank at an old gas pump...

sharing a story with my kiddo...and laughing over the phone

enjoying the simple things....

embrace moments of happiness that are

uniquely your own

you can spot God's gifts all 

around you

be aware of the little things

that bring a smile to your face

keep a list of what triggers delight

your day

stop thinking that things outside of 

your control are going to make you happy

happiness that can't be taken away 

grows in your soul

be willing to pursue it

commit to making it a personal

priority in your life

hunt for small surprises

in the midst of the mundane

realize the value of a minute

and how precious the seconds of 

your life are

protect your time

and how you spend it

you have a life to live

one that has purpose and meaning

daily meaning is important as daily bread

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Every time you make a choice you are turning

the central part of you, the part that chooses, 

into something a little different from what it was before.

And taking your life as a whole, 

with all your innumerable choices, all your life

you are slowly turning this central thing into either

a heavenly creature

or a hellish creature."

~C.S. Lewis~

"I compare the pursuit of happiness

to a day of fishing--

it helps if you stock the pond."

"Perhaps if one knew when one was happy

one would know the things that were

necessary for one's life."

God doesn't give us...

'a detailed map to follow;

He gives us people to go with.

Ang

It doesn't matter which direction we go,

because God is more concerned with

who we become along the way

than where we go with our lives.'

notes....

beautiful morning

we packed up our coffee and journals 

and headed straight to the beach

the people around you

 are the ones that will shape you

they remind you who you are

& what's most important 

when you get off track

spend time together

what goes on in your heart is just as important

as what goes on in your head

embrace what you don't quite get

let them know what you're wondering about

let them know you have questions and doubts

by hiding your pain you also

hide your ability to heal

you are going to mess up;

that's just the way it is

always has been 

and will always be

don't be too hard on yourself

contentment comes from accepting gratefully

the good that comes to you

when you beat yourself up

it eventually affects the people around you

don't let mess ups keep you from fully

showing up today

somehow the wrong turns always turn out all right

no matter where you end up,

you'll be better off when you have a 

friend you can travel with

welcome healing

release expectations 

 embrace the blessings 

welcome newness

and possibility with open arms

you will see every day how Jesus' 

message of love really is

be well...

xoxo

💖

"A key element in the art of  communication

is the perfectly-worded glance."

"You can be your own best friend,

but happiness really begins when you 

become your own second-best friend."

"Maybe your not the best person

you can be,

but you have the best shot at it."

 

She was happiest...

...."in her own little world.

She didn't need anyone or anything

to complete her.

She was whole all by herself."

notes...

...I took the long way home

stopped and sat in the shade

a friendly black lab came bearing a stick

wanting to play

I stopped in at a friends, and left at dark

she called to let me know I left my glasses

so I turned around

I parked in her drive and looked to the right

 coming eye to eye with owl perched on her car beside me

we sat transfixed 

seconds later it flew off

My heart still skips a beat when I think about it

Owl symbolizes:

deep intuition,

hidden truths, wisdom,

and major life transitions.

love in spite of imperfections

break old bad records in your life

and make beautiful new ones

become the kind of person who creates

exactly what you want

adventure, true love, and a whole new 

way of life awaits on the other side

of your comfort zone

decide to get over your s--t

you can do anything you want to do

break out of your mold

expand your beliefs about what is available

to you in all areas of your life

take a leap of faith 

connect with people who are near the place

you want to be

learn from them

(reached out to S this morning & set a date)

"Sometimes the best hello to new opportunity

is the good-bye you gave a dead situation."

dig your heels in 

and hold on with

faith-filled determination

be well...

xoxo

💞

"Happiness is simple.

Everything we do to find it is complicated."

"At the end of life our questions are very simple:

Did I live fully?

Did I love well?"

"I have just three things to teach:

simplicity, patience, compassion.

These three are your greatest treasures."

~Lao Tzu~

 

The trick is...

 

....to just follow your small moments of curiosity.

"It doesn't take a massive effort

Just turn your head an inch.

Pause for an instant.

Respond to what has caught your attention.

Look into it a bit.

Is there something there for you?

A piece of information?

For me, a lifetime devoted to creativity

is nothing but a scavenger hunt-

where each successive clue is another tiny bit

of curiosity. Pick each one up, unfold it,

see where it leads you next.

Small steps.

Keep doing that, and I promise you:

The curiosity will eventually lead you to passion."

~Elizabeth Gilbert~

notes...

work with the moment 

not against it

be well...

xoxo

💖

"We can't always choose the music life plays for us,

but we can choose how we dance to it."

~unknown~

'Humming bird symbolizes:

Joy, sweetness, resilience, endurance, adaptability, presence and focus.

Hope, healing and emotional renewal.'

Release the hold...

...that discontent may have on you.

Make a habit of noticing the little things

 that you're thankful for,

and your mind will begin to look for such things.

The more you practice,

the easier it is to see the good in each day.

When things aren't how you'd like them to be,

shift your focus to acknowledge what is going right,

and what you are grateful for.

notes...

I may not be very good at sitting 

to meditate at long lengths and 

allowing thoughts to flow by...

or not getting caught up in them and

sometimes starting to spiral...

but give me a camera, a garden & a bird,

I forget I even have a head.

it's a beautiful unfolding 

as your gifts open doors for you

determine where you're going to be all in

dream big

don't let the world stifle your imagination

there are endless ways to enjoy life

if you open your heart and your eyes

"God is not  limited by the rules you make up.

He doesn't want you to be either."

be wise and generous 

with what you've been given

 do the best that you are able

wherever you are 

be mindful of your actions

& whether they will improve or worsen 

your situation

remember that your health is more important 

than trying to prove your point

pause

give yourself a time-out

'the gift doesn't shine

if the giver is extinguished'

as best you can 

handle situations with wisdom

and grace

think healing thoughts

feel your feelings

learn from them

then release them

pray

Love is greater than fear

pursue the unique calling you are given

what lights you up?

what are you good at?

what is lasting

 important, 

 meaningful

and purposeful?

what has worked in the past?

what have you bounced back from?

these point to your calling

get clear on your current calling

release the things you've grown out of

welcome new connections

& new opportunities God brings your way

your gifts are the many ways in 

which you express who you are

friendship

kindness

patience

joy

peace

forgiveness

gentleness

love

hope

trust

and many others.....

be vigilant in your faith

life is about learning &

loving &

growing into your best self

not seeing how much

torture you can endure

you don't need special powers

you just need to make good use out of

what you already have

discipline your mind to center on productive thoughts

positive memories

winning moments

small wins

God

be well...

xoxo

💗

"Where shall I find my happiness today...

in my memories, in my dreams,

in my appreciation of the moment?

That last one would be a novel idea."

"It is a sad lament--

the happiness you might have found if

you had taken the road that still lies

right there in front of you."

 

Prioritize & determine....

... that your time is best spent on your destiny,

not on keeping track of what 

everyone else is doing.

notes....

no distractions

  children running, laughing 

and jumping off the dock

hamburgers on the grill

fellowship with friends

singing a hymn together before dinner

in the shade of the willow tree

men being chivalrous

strangers becoming friends

 sharing stories

it was one of those gatherings

where love was tangible

God's love cannot be measured or explained

but it can be experienced

a true

balanced 

sense of worth

can only be found in the one who made you

your peace is never missing

you just search for it in the wrong place

live your life rooted in & built on faith

hope & love

God is growing you

even if it seems slow

prioritize your life and the things that are

important to you or you'll get off

focus and invest your energy in trivial matters

there's some stuff you just leave alone

develop the art of handling minor issues

appropriately

cherish the ones you love 

more than ever before

presence is truly a priceless gift

be marked by love

peace and compassion

rather than hatred,

anger and selfishness

live purposely 

think rightly

serve generously

forgive quickly

trust there is enough

be generous and kind

be with what is and enjoy the ride

assume there is a perfect plan for you

(with God)

be compassionate

be calm

breathe

if your goal is to be happy

walk close to God

and use that as a filter eliminating 

words, habits, behaviors, and beliefs

that oppose it

you are the one who determines your thoughts

and the issues that are worthy of your time

stop allowing minor thoughts 

to occupy your mind

you can meet life with openness 

awareness and inner stability

even if a unity of faith is not possible

a unity of love is

your walk with God is yours

to have

'we're all different

we're all spiritual beings

we're all connected

and we need each other'

something beautiful can happen when you take 

the time to know somebody that's different from you

you might just learn something about yourself

truly see each other

spread love the way God intended

Love always has the final word

be well...

xoxo

💖

"The ultimate test of love is a test of forgiveness,

and no one so tested will ever ask again,

"What is love?"

"Peace is not found when everything becomes perfect.

Peace is found then everything quits disturbing your inner world."

~Michael S

"Mastering others is strength;

mastering yourself is true power."

~Lao Tzu

"Take delight in the Lord,

and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4

Start from scratch....

...with God every day

and then be careful what you add 

after that.

notes...

it's too pretty to finish up and go home,

so hubby's moving some hay and

 I'm going to chill out in my little nook in the tack room.

 A nice breeze is blowing through the open doors,

  the sound of the Johnson grass swaying back and forth is so soothing.

It's so peaceful. I love being out on the farm

 simply enjoying

nature for a while.

an open heart comes from providing

the kindness, care, support, and attention

that only you were designed to give yourself

own who you really are

feel the breeze against your skin

noticing life's beauty

and just be inspired by life

this is the time to come alive

fierce determination can bring many

wonderful things into your life

you have the power to be the change 

you want to see

there's a difference in what you can't do

& what you won't do

align your behavior with your values

energy and time 

are limited and precious

use them wisely

narrow down your focus 

on what's truly matters most to you

it does you no good to focus on your

deficiencies

it's wasted contemplation

you'll know your trusting God

when you walk around thankful 

for everything

if you're still alive

God has a plan for you

and His plans blow yours away

accepting yourself and your

idiosyncrasies gets you further 

than picking on yourself

trying to be perfect

sometimes flaws and imperfections

determine your uniqueness

the way it does in art

let your life become a great work of art

create a life that is truly yours

from the inside out

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Making the simple complicated is commonplace;

making the complicated simple,

awesomely simple,

that's creativity."

"Sometimes you've go 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

"Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity,

because if you're passionate about something,

then you're more willing to take risks."

~Yo-Yo Ma

"Negativity is the enemy of creativity."