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."

 

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*

 

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 

 

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.'

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

💝

 

"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

💞