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

💝

 

"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 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."

 

What if...

..."your markers of success

were how well you slept at night?

How many books you read?

How easily you laughed?

How much time you spent storytelling,

feeling warm in the arms and homes

of people you adore?"

notes...

when you focus so much on what you must do 

you miss who you're doing it for

we try to organize our days

God wants to shape our hearts

productivity is a great tool

but not always the best way to build

and maintain relationships

reflect love, joy, peace, 

and compassion

you have the power to

transform the environment you're in

with love

the present moment is where peace lies

your mind will try to pull you away with problem solving or worry

and you live in your head

instead of experiencing the life happening right

in front of you

life can be good even in a broken world

you don't create your world from the outside in

you create and transform it from the inside out

the strongest person isn't the one that

controls everything around him

the strongest person is the one that 

learns to master themself

be respectful to everybody

appreciate their uniqueness

value their worth

do the best you can do 

with what you have

Know what matters

and what doesn't

let values guide your behavior

the only way you will have a remarkable life

is if you're willing to be different

the rest of your life 

could be the best of your life

be well...

xoxo

💖

"One difference between friends and relatives is that

a relative presumes you're innocent because you

didn't mean it;

a friend presumes you're innocent because

you didn't do it."

"Free Nervous System Regulators

Hum

Rest

Sigh

Sing

Swim

Walk 

Yawn

Dance

Laugh

Nature

Ground

Prayer

Stretch

Meditate

Sunlight

Gratitude

Pet Animal

Safe People

Cold Shower

Breath Work"

~Dr. Will Cole~

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable-

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-

think about such things."

 

But little by little...

..."as you left their voices behind,

the stars began to burn

through the sheets of the clouds,

and there was a new voice

which you slowly recognize as your own

that kept you company

as you strode deeper & deeper

into the world,

determined to do

the only thing you could do-

determined to save

the only life you could save."

~Mary Oliver~

notes...

an unhealthy & unrealistic sense of self can 

make your life miserable & even ruin your health

you don't need to prove your value

your sense of worth can only be found

in the one who made you

"fighting keeps you strong,

but all of life is not about storms and battles."

wake up to the infinite possibilities of life

see yourself as you truly are

let the reasons NOT to fear

outnumber your reasons not to try

loosen your grip &

prepare for a positive transfer

be clear about who is in charge of your life

know thy self

you  have to know yourself

to live an authentic life

do not run from pain

embrace it

and then and only then can you move through it

acknowledge what you feel 

then affirm your trust in God...

out loud or in a whisper

erase the words 

"I can't"

from your vocabulary

'the hero is always more powerful

than the obstacles in front of them'

demand of yourself that you can

become who you need to become

to create the life you desire

keep connecting to what is beautiful

even when you don't feel beautiful yourself

keep connecting with nature

admire what is beautiful around you

break free from a hampering shell

there are more heights to climb

to reach serenity and a full life

love will win in the end

be well...

xoxo

💞

 

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~

 

Your gift of time...

...invest it wisely

to help you live fully today

everyday.

pretending she hasn't been anywhere
pretending I don't notice the tell tale signs...

notes...

the question....

"If you knew that today would be your last day,

how would you live it?"

...loving the people & animals I love, clinging to my kiddo

& taking few shots to capture our cherished moments...

Today's word :Practice.

a: carry out apply

b: to do or perform often

c: to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient

d: to train

That pretty much sums up my life in a simple word today.

Practice what I want to be better at...

that will be beneficial for myself and others.

Stop practicing & release the things that aren't.

Once you figure out what that is for you...

it simplifies things a bit.

Whatever you have learned or received 

or heard from me-

or seen in me- put it into practice.

Phil.4:9

it may take a long time

but keep waiting

keep trusting

keep learning

keep practicing

don't give up on all the cultivating 

you've done

'plans to prosper you not harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.'

Jer. 29:11

Live in the present moment

set aside time that belongs only

to God

place yourself in a position of receptivity

discover His personal love for you

allow the callouses to fall away 

as you've tried to guard your heart

from getting hurt

He cares about the heart behind it all

He loves and accepts you completely

He works on your heart

changes will come

some painful

some delightful

all of them purposeful

your life is happening in this moment

soak it all up right now

while you've got the chance

when it comes to the creatures you love,

the things you love,

the life you love,

what could possibly be more important?

each day is an opportunity

to make things better

express thanks for the smallest things....

hugs, smiles, second chances, music, 

AC....

appreciate the big and little blessings

that surround you

love and accept yourself now...

others too

be well...

xoxo

💖

"What are the things in my life that I most cherish,

and what did I do to cherish them today?"

"I have found that winning isn't everything,

and, in fact, in the relationships I most care about,

it isn't anything."

"We age not by holding onto youth,

but by letting ourselves grow &

embracing whatever youthful 

parts remain."

~Keith Richards

 

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."

 

It's Okay to ...

...hate where you are 

if it takes you where you want to be.

notes...

'there is no recovery without prayer

with prayer we recover even when

it's caused by our own impatience.

Jesus didn't run anywhere.

God is not in a hurry with your growth.

with prayer we recover even when... 

...we are paralyzed by our emotions

...when other people tell us it'll never happen

with prayer our vision will be open and 

we'll see things we could never see before &

what's important in life

with prayer we can fully recover

and even use our failures to help others

recovery only comes when we pray for the recovery

of others

you have to keep growing

God wants His children found.'

be well...

xoxo

💖

 

The fastest way...

...to build self-worth is to be impressed

with yourself.

To do things that make you respect

 you.

So that when you go to bed at night

you can say

"I'm proud of my day."

When you let yourself down

it whittles away at your self-worth.

Don't let yourself down.

You're not trying to get away from "suck"

your trying to move towards "awesome."

notes....

went to the clinic to hang on the bar 

in the corral

hubby's been timing me

I go once a day

& hang twice

today I hit a minute

my first time

(to be cont...)

the discouraging scribbles of your life 

can become a masterpiece

(...with God)

refuse to dwell on past ugly mistakes

or unfair criticism

put these things behind you

and keep your eye on what is up ahead

indulging in negative thinking and hurtful

thoughts affect your relationships

and may have a depressive effect on you

contentment comes from inner growth

unproductive habits will

hinder your growth

celebrate your attempts to

give love

and spread hope

your story is still being written

don't let failures define you anymore

don't let who you were decide 

who you'll be

what still haunts you?

things change

life changes

you change

your life cannot remain static

in order to get where God wants you to be

you can't stay where you are

be observant for subtle changes and signs

carve a new path

if the road you're on

gets cut short

the hardest thing to do 

is trust and believe in God

when in transition

let go of your desire to change and control

what you cannot know

change

or control

constantly calibrate yourself and let 

go of who you were

to embrace who you're becoming

determine to be open to where

you are being led

and be willing to take responsibility

take care of yourself

life is hard but you don't have to make it 

more difficult by neglecting yourself

there is no glory in suffering

just suffering

the solution rests with you

be well...

xoxo

💞

"You cannot change tomorrow by changing

yesterday,

that is what today is for."

"There are times you just have to look in the mirror

and say,

'I will if you will.' "

"Confession: I hate small talk. It gives me anxiety.

But if you want to get honest and vulnerable and weird

for a little bit I am totally down for it."