Your superhero power...

....is available 24/7.

Just tune in.

connecting with others

You carry all the 'stress-relieving,

life-appreciating, joy-delivering,

mood-lifting, source-connecting, butt-kicking

benefits with you all day long.

The best way to do this is through  your breath & prayer.

~

notes...

the kids are having a blast on their honeymoon...

and I am grateful for my little soul fueling getaway

I'm so proud of them...

and their wonderful little space...

going park hopping with Fritz 

it's another gorgeous day

take a moment to clear your mind

check in with your body

become present in the moment

and connect

find direction and purpose for your life

Give God first place

Let go of that hinderance-

it isn't serving you

it is only holding you back

from discovering the joy you long for

encourage others

condition your mind to be curious

about what life has to offer

don't talk yourself out of so many things

live a deeper life

don't waste your time or your life 

trying to impress people

stay true to yourself

stand firm in faith

~

'Learn to unwind whenever possible, resting in My Presence.

How twisted the world has become when people feel

guilty about meeting this basic need.

How much time & energy you waste by being always on the go

rather than take time to seek My direction for your life.

Make sure you enjoy your journey, rather than spend your time

frustrated trying to get where you "think" you need to be.

Get rooted & grounded in the things I want you to be rooted and grounded in,

like Love, confidence, knowing who you truly are.

Depend on Me more and more, & I will shower Peace

on all your paths.

I love you just the way your are.'

~Jesus~

(sources: Jesus Calling, Joyce Meyers)

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Some people are empowered by travel and some are

inspired by the warmth of home.

Some thrive in the spotlight and some feel called to support those

who are on stage.

Some people are comfortable half-dressed and cussing like sailors

and others prefer modesty and gentleness.

The thing is: we are all empowered and inspired in different ways,

and it's not our job to decide what that looks like for anyone else."

 

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."

 

Show up everyday...

...with a good attitude.

Do your best.

Keep your faith strong.

Lean back and celebrate what is...

and with grateful expectation

 and belief that God is in control.

notes...

at 4:20 I heard the kids leave,

then anxiety.

I sat in prayer

a two hour drive...dark...most likely tired

normal Mom worry 

mixed with wanting everything to be perfect for them

a text when they arrived at the airport...with plenty of time to spare

more prayer for more protection & provision

room darkening blinds and a sense of peace...

I rest...

& wake up late morning..

with Fritzy cuddled by my side....

(side-note...they arrived at their honeymoon destination

and all is well...)

~

surrender is the part where you hand the job over to God

have faith and gratitude allowing God to deliver

(*love-based thinking)

surrendering isn't about what you do

but who you're being as you do it

surrender is free-falling backwards into the unknown

let go

have faith

be grateful &

wait...

while your at it love yourself &

love others

remember...

God holds your story in His hands

sometimes it will look just as you pictured it

sometimes it will look way better...

~

' Your heart is where heaven and earth come together.

Remember that I created this day.

I am present with you whether you sense it or not.

Do not be afraid or discouraged.

Trust Me and find rest for your soul.

I understand you perfectly & I know exactly what you

are experiencing.

As you continue communicating with Me,

your mood will lighten.

Experience My Power in your life.

Stop focusing on your circumstances & believe in Me.

I hold your story in My hands.

Now, joyfully go about your day.'

~Jesus~

be well....

xoxo

💞

"Sometimes all you can do is accept there's  not much you can do.

And sometimes all you can control is how well you let go of control."

"Life is a balance between what we can control and what we cannot.

I'm learning to live between effort and surrender."

"One of the happiest moment in your life

is when you find the courage to let go of what you can't change."

 

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."

 

It's no coincidence...

...that the things that comfort you,

the things that soothe you,

tend to be the things that connect you

to your natural self.

capture by my nephew

Like walking in nature
or staring at the sky,
being around animals,
 or being with loved ones.
When you feel frazzled, the shortest path back
seems to be the natural one.
Reconnect with your natural world.

~

notes....

choose whether your are going to be different
& follow your path
or go with the flow and blend in with everyone else

taking the road less traveled is not  going to 
be a cake-walk

you will make countless decisions today
many choices will be inconsequential
but others will have a lasting impact

keep your eyes on your destiny
your life will follow

know that you are a work in progress

celebrate moments of growth

it's not what you go through that matters
it's what you feel about what you go through

Breathe deeply
find peace
center yourself
trust 
~


"Let My life shine trough you as you walk in the light with Me.
Do not abandon the post I have given you or hide your faith.
I am aware of your situation including your fears, failings, and enemies.
Walk with assurance that I will go the extra mile to bring you through trouble
through confusion, & through disappointment.
I can help you find your true North.
Trust that the answer is near."
~Jesus~

(sources: Charles Stanley, Jesus Calling, Pause)

be well...
xoxo
💖


"Sometimes you don't need words to make you feel better.
You just need the nearness of your dog."

"We find comfort among those who agree with us-
growth among those who don't."

"A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval."
~Mark Twain~

 

Remove the pressure...

....for something amazing to happen.

'It might, but we know pressure kills,

and childlike wonder opens up so many

possibilities.

view out my window

This is a beautiful process if you simply allow it

to unfold.'

notes...

treating Mom to a weekend birthday celebration

whimsical ducks for entertainment this morning

as I sip my coffee 

chilly and sunshiny 

dining out for lunch

pizza last night

whatever goes...

it's her 84th.

~

your grateful attitude will bless you immeasurably

unburden yourself

your body and soul cannot rest until

your mind settles down

live your life as a "thank you" to God

you can have peace in the midst of a whirlwind

He is in full control over the circumstances in your life

it is His nature to put things together with

intricate beauty and order

you don't have to dissect everything in order to experience it,

benefit from it

He comes in different ways

He brings you many delightful things

He can come to you in any way He likes,

but He will usually come to you in ways

that fit your heart

He loves to speak to you in your heart.

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Let mine be a merry, all-receiving heart.

But make it whole, with light in every part."

"Do not let your hearts be weighed down

by the cares in life."

Live in awareness....

....of His presence and it will 

change your life.

notes...

'...there is a God

He is in charge

and He knows what He's doing

everywhere is in His presence

He is a God of love, goodness, mercy

and you don't want Him in your life?

why would you not?

He is here whether you are aware of Him or not

it's awareness of His presence that He wants you to understand

He's continually in your thoughts

view everything in the light of His presence

you will have peace in the midst of the storms

His word brings you back into awareness of Him

He will assume responsibility for bringing

to your mind

things that you need to remember

you will have joy in your heart

live with your tentacles out

continue to have hope even when things look hopeless

the more you are aware of His presence

the less you will be tempted by anything

it's the lack of awareness than makes the difference

the wonderful things God provides 

depends on where you look

when you become aware of His presence in your life

He changes your viewpoint

and you see everything in His light

you are safe

He will work things out.'

be well

xoxo

💗

"God became man to turn creatures into sons:

not simply to produce better men of the old kind

but to produce a new kind of man.

It is not like teaching a horse to jump better

and better but like turning a horse

into a winged creature."

~C. S. Lewis~

"There is only one soul in the whole creation

you do know:

and it is the only one whose fate is placed in your hands."

~C. S. Lewis~

 

Life is full....

....of different roads.

Detours and dead ends make up a lot of this journey

we call life.

Stop for a spontaneous photo shoot, or grab a coffee

at the tiny coffee shop on the corner.

road trip with Capt. America & my nephew ...

Enjoy the route.

Don't be so worried about the destination,

that you lose sight of what is around you.

Pause. Breathe. Focus.

Take in the moment, experience the joy,

happiness & adventure.

note...

it's cold this morning,

the chickadee (gram) is all puffed out sitting on the feeder.

Cozy in my sweats...staying in today.

Listening to the howl of the wind, and the cat skidding across the floor

with the zoomies.

A fresh cup of hot tea in hand

and a hefty C.S Lewis book resting on my lap...

appreciating the slow today...

~

often it is the little things that get us to the big things

tune out the world around you and tune into your heart

remember the world of wonders

good things have been planned

trust in the rightness & the timing

you have no option other than to take

responsibility for your own happiness

happiness has to be cultivated from the inside out

live a happy life

~

"It is God who does everything. 

We at most, allow it to be done to us."

~ C.S. Lewis~

 

See everything...

...as a gift

and open your eyes to the wonder

all around.

...there is no fear in perfect love...go and be loved.💖

notes...

my nephew...

seconds from missing his connecting flight, 

hard workout to hoof it to the gate

and sweat-stained cap...

 made it before the door closed...

 home safe...

brother and girlfriend making the long trip home

him in pain 

an emergency room visit first thing for my brother 

  a torn ACL...

home with crutches

dad and stepmom...

safely making there long journey back east...

hoping to arrive at little brother's this evening for a rest

....still on the road

my 2 kiddo's catching their breath

enjoying some time to settle in at home

 before they take their honeymoon later this month

....starting a new chapter

grateful for

grace, strength, provision and protection...

& loads & loads of Love.

back home this morning with all the emotions...

happiness mixed with a sense of longing...

deep breath in...

deep breath out....

my heart is full...

  with a bit of a leak...

hopeful and grateful...

 and very blessed.

Love us God with all you've got-

that's what I'm depending on.

xo

~

stay the course

endless opportunities are available to you

'sometimes life looks like a big jigsaw puzzle

without the box of what it looks like completed.

assemble it as best you can.'

breathe slowly & deeply

His peace is an inner treasure

growing as you trust

depend on God

He is everything you need

thank Him for His marvelous 

Love

He sets up a circle of protection around you 

while you pray

He keeps His eyes on you

He listens to you and hears you

He blesses those who run to Him

He rescues you

He opens the doors

to all His goodness

He'll help you catch your breath

He is ever present

everywhere

at all times

He has a fantastic plan for you in your life

He has your very best in mind for you always

focus on the abundance around you

He demonstrates His infinite Love

in fresh new ways

each day offers moments of awe

don't miss a moment of the blessings 

He promised

be kind an patient to yourself

allow yourself time to grow

everything is going to be okay

listen to your heart song

keep going

you're doing amazing things

be well...

xoxo

💖

'The more you include Me, the better your life will be.

My stockpiles of loyal Love are immense!

I take no pleasure in making life hard,

in throwing roadblocks in the way.

I'm gracious to you.

I take the time to do everything right-

everything.

I give you abundant life here and now-

overflowing with every good blessing

so you can accomplish all that I have called you to do.

I supply your needs.

I provide for My people.

My resources are unlimited.

I will not fail you.

I work through everything that touches your life

for your good.

See Me shining brightly on your future.

Remain in My Love.'

~Jesus~

~

'Through all that is changing,

there are practices we must hold on to:

wisdom, love, gratitude.

Gratefulness for how life shaped us,

no matter where the journey takes us,

we know we never go alone.'

 

Intentionally choose...

...to live in love.

To be rooted and grounded in love.

Nephew on Team J. Christ


notes....

....time went by fast, and we packed as much as we could in
our short visit.
My family all tucked together in the same town...
most of us under one roof.
A quaint historical village, charming buildings & a stunning venue nestled in the woods.
My kiddo and his bestest of best friends joining together as Mr. & Mrs.💝

A deer walking past as I write in my journal,
I feel like it's a little parting gift.
Family is now home or on their way.
A perfect couple, a fabulous wedding,
amazing family and friends,
lovely weather
and hearts filled with Love, laughter and gratitude.
~

Love is available today

give love more room to operate in your life

God works in the power of unified relationships

what you focus on and how you focus on it
 is key

you are an average of all the main relationships you cultivate

you need people that encourage, respect, and empower and mature
with you in love

be intentional

be patient

take refuge in His Love

remain in His Love

love and accept yourself fully

give yourself a big hug
take time to be still
to look in the mirror and like what you see
take time to care for yourself

focus your thoughts on His Love for you

His Love is made complete in us

make a way for Love to have it's fullest 
effect on your life

live love fully

the powers of darkness become disempowered
when exposed to the light of Love

accept love from people

'relationships are the laboratory 
for opportunities to grow in what love means'

make efforts to connect

sometimes all it takes is a hug
or an embrace that's pure

sometimes it takes someone looking you in the eyes
and speaking Love over you.

Remember your somebody who belongs.
It's like vitamins for the soul.


deer :grace, gentleness, intuition, spiritual guidance, and renewal
 
be well...
xoxo
💖

"My love language is when peoples words
align with their actions."

"Your not selfish for wanting the same
energy and love you give."

"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails."

~1Corinthisans 13~

"Beauty doesn't come from physical perfection.
It comes from the light in our eyes,
the spark in our hearts,
and the radiance we exude when we're 
comfortable enough in our skin
to focus less on how we look
and more on how we love."

 

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

💝

 

Our life comes...

...."to us moment by moment.

One moment disappears before the next comes along:

and there's room for very little in each.

That is what time is like."

notes....

up very early to get some quality Jesus time

car half packed

blogging while eating a bowl of oatmeal

& admiring my freshly polished nails

 (Thank you M. xo)

my heart is racing

I get to see my family today

it's been way too long

running on coffee and excitement

~

God is good- always good

God is loving- always, entirely loving

God is always involved in the cares of your life

God is in control

do the best you can do

it's not all up to you

believe in the kind of Love that is true

Love will not give up on you

journey through the wild of where you are

Celebrate the life unfolding before your eyes

pay attention to the stories

listen

keep an open heart

breathe

"Love goes deeper than what you can see

it rattles the soul."

~

'Live fully in the present, depending on Me each moment.

Train your mind to seek Me continuously.

Rely and lean on Me in every situation.

This will enable you to enjoy life more

& face the day confidently.

You are never working alone.

Include Me in more and more of your moments

See me shining brightly on your future.

Focus on the abundance around you.

Love and be loved.'

~Jesus

 

Life is a story...

...and you can have a beautiful 

love story.

Remember the root command:

Love one another.

notes...

up early

my brother & his girlfriend in town

frosting for cake...decided

suitcases semi packed

gifts wrapped & bows tied

a bit of wonk that tries to steal my joy

standing steadfast, but feeling the weight

of the wonk

friends that have my back

and some empowering words from sister A...

"I love you ! You've got this-

you're "unf--kwithable"

Things is, with God on my side...

...I believe her.

the Blue Jay keeps squawking in the tree...

so I finally look it up...

'communication, protection, and a push to speak your truth'

...and then... silence

~

What is the story you are living in?

Is it the story God is telling?

Who is the bad guy?

Who is the Hero?

Who or what are you looking to to save the day?

Where does hope lie?

Is Jesus central in your story?

say a quiet "yes" to God

get serious

really serious

get down on your knees

it's the only way you'll get on your feet

in silence you can hear your intuition speak

in stillness you find your balance

wait...

...however many times you banged your head against the wall

time is a valuable thing

trust that all is on schedule

something is being worked out

direct your attention elsewhere

practice acceptance and gratitude 

deal with your frustration and impatience

focus on the power available to you

you do have a life to live while you're waiting

go about living it

~

'I understand the stresses and strains that have afflicted you.

You can vent safely to Me.

I will put My thoughts in your mind and My song in your heart.

Be sensitive to Me.

I am closer than the air you breathe.

I am constantly available to you.

Awareness of My abiding Presence will protect you.

My knowledge of you is picture perfect and it 

is framed in unconditional Love.

I will fill you with Life to the Full.

I am your Peace-

there is no need to live in fear.

I will deliver you.

Remember, you didn't choose Me;

I chose you. 

Get your directions from Me &

I will enable you to produce fruit.

Don't try to make sense of the ongoing confusion.

Think of all the beautiful things taking place right now.'

~Jesus

(sources: Jesus Calling, Jesus Today, Charles Stanley devo. & Journal of Letting Go)

be well...

xoxo

💖

"Our feelings come and go.

His love for us does not.

When the most important things in our life happen

we often do not know, at the moment, 

what is going on."

C.S. Lewis

"I'll refresh tired bodies.

I'll restore tired souls."

~Jeremiah 31:25

"To trust means, of course, trying to do all He says.

There would be no sense in saying you trusted

a person if you would not take his advice."

C. S. Lewis