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~

 

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

 

Mental health is...

....vital to your happiness

as it goes with your thought life,

so it goes with your joy, hope, peace,

and perspective on all things.

You don't want your thoughts just wandering here,

there, and everywhere.

notes....

very heady this morning

longer than usual Jesus time

determined to seek His face unhindered

yet speculation, worry & playing

out scenarios are mentally, emotionally

and spiritually wreaking havoc

Allowing His Spirit to anchor me in the beauty

of what is true...

has been quite challenging today.

~

you live in a battle for the truth

who gets to determine the narrative for you?

Give God your thoughts

focus, attention, imagination, memory 

and interpretation of events...

fix your thoughts on what is true about God

and yourself

believe it

hold fast to it

take a break from those things that fragment your attention

direct and redirect your mind to Him

entrust to Him everything that concerns you

the mind governed by the Spirit is life & peace

pay attention to where your thoughts start to wander

your sense of true north is off

leading you to winding trails that lead nowhere

reach for what fills your soul

release feelings of guilt or judgement

allow your soul to speak its truth

allow your Spirit to be your guide

~

'It is vital that you pace yourself according to My timing:

neither dashing ahead or lagging behind.

I will help you in these matters.

The more you seek Me the better your life will be.

Get quiet.

Release distraction.

Turn your attention inward to love Me

who lives in you.

Awareness of My presence strengthens you 

as you receive & respond to My Love.

Let My love flow into you continually.

Your need for Me is as constant 

as the outflow of My love for you.

Look beyond the flux of circumstances,

and discover Me gazing lovingly back at you.

Trust that I will see you through.'

~Jesus

(Sources: Jesus Calling, Jesus Lives, Charles Stanley devo. God Loves Me by Mark Dejesus)

be well...

xoxo

💖

"If you could sense how important you are to the lives

of those you meet.

How important you can be to people you may never

even dream of.

There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting

with another person."

~Fred Rogers~

 

Refuge is something....

.... you choose-

something you enter into.

"On the whole,

God's love for us is a much safer subject

to think about

then our love for Him."

~C.S. Lewis~

notes....

loving these chilly mornings and warm afternoons

it reminds me of back home.

hubby led me to the back yard to show me the Moon & Jupiter

hanging out together

*sweet*

"occultation"

he said...."whatever that means?"

and we both shrugged and laughed

my neighbor delivered cake samples yesterday

with her daughter, and Ellie (goat)

American butter cream

Ermine

Italian meringue

and Swiss meringue

cake and coffee for breakfast

listening to the men cut up a tree on the next block

laughing and whooping as they work

good vibes in the hood 

~

refuge is the souls deepest need

refuge is not merely a state of mind

an assurance of the heart

it is reality

palpable

take a simple step of choosing 

this moment to return to

the shelter of God's presence

don't wait

He is as tender toward you

 as a Shepherd is to his sheep

be willing to follow Him wholeheartedly

wherever He leads

with glad anticipation

where there are gaps in your life

let God be God

leave the how and when in His hands

and acknowledge they are

His responsibility

it's what we trust in but don't see

that keeps us going

(2Corin. 5: 7 MSG)

He guards even the smallest details

of your life

depend on Him for everything you need

(Psalm 33:20 MSG)

be well...

xoxo

💖

Though you don't know what lies ahead

I know; and that's enough.

Some of my richest blessings are just right around

the bend: out of sight, but nonetheless

very real.

Anticipate blessings as we travel together.

I never fail to hear your prayers

& answer them wisely.

If My will differs from your request,

simply thank Me.

This will draw you closer to Me in the disappointment.

I assure you My ways are good.

I reserve My best for those who are willing to wait on Me

in faith-

even when they see nothing happening.

Stay close to Me and wait.

I am working things in your life

you could never do for yourself.

You won't be disappointed.

I'll Love you with all I got!

~Jesus~

(source: Message Bible, Charles Stanley Devo. Jesus Lives)

 

What is desirable...

...in a man is kindness.

notes...

are you a kind person?

friendly, generous, patient, easy going,

warm-hearted, thoughtful, and fun to be with?

be kind to one another

put on a heart of kindness

it's our responsibility

kindness is a fruit of the Spirit

kindness is a natural, normal trait of 

a believer

sensitive to someone who needs kindness

there is no reason not to be kind

kindness is strong

God is always kind

God rewards you for your kindness

an act of kindness is the strongest defense you

can have

you can't fight kindness

pardons, provides, protects

every answered prayer is an act of  pure kindness..

it may not fall under your category of kindness

He loves expressing kindness

kindness involves truthfulness

discipline, instruction, love, gentleness

kindness....

His presence with you

never leave you or forsake you

it's feel-able

don't let kindness and truth leave you

it's our responsibility to practice kindness

it doesn't always come easy

experience kindness

kindness is close to the top

kindness can change your family

your friendships

it only takes one person

it is a gift...

we are the channels

do the thing that is proper

kindness changes everything

express kindness

be well...

xoxo

💝

"You can disagree with someone and still be kind."

~unknown~

"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."

~unknown~

"Always help someone.

You might be the only one that does."

~unknown~

"Treat one another justly.

Love your neighbors.

Be compassionate with each other."

Zechariah 7:9