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~

 

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.'

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 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."

You may not know....

..."the impact you have had on someone's life,

the feeling you have given to someone

simply because of your kindness.

Your small act might have changed the mind of someone 

ready to give up.

Choose kindness.

Choose grace.

Change the world."

notes...

grace can't be outsmarted, out-worried

or outrun

throw back your arms & fall into it

grip love tightly

 instead of spiraling out of control

connect

love one another

keep your head clear

so you can focus on your purpose

look at your motivations

let others know how your life is impacted

because they are a part of it

evaluate your value system

and determine whether it 

aligns with God

or not

treat others as you wish to be treated

treat yourself as you wish others to treat you

examine your thoughts and feelings

look honestly at what you allow

to enter into your awareness

prepare for the best

even when there isn't the slightest 

sign of it

get into the spiritual swing of things

every perfect gift 

is already awaiting your recognition

be well...

xoxo💞

"Your imagination is a stepping stone

to waking up to what always has

been true about you."

"Imagination is more important than knowledge.

For knowledge is limited,

whereas imagination embraces the entire world,

stimulating progress, 

giving birth to evolution."

~Albert Einstein~

I don't crave...

 ...."extraordinary moments anymore.

Just small, gentle hums of beauty

streaming from below,

above, simply from paying attention.

Sound. Light. Shadow.

Art. Warmth. The night.

The the morning.

Dreams that are not faraway

but exist right here

already in my days,

hands, and heart."

notes...

'to thine own self be true'

pause long enough to calm the noise in your life

tune back in to what's important

 & the beauty that dazzles you

find a way to create a sanctuary in your daily life

because these safe places are within reach

if you'll stop long enough to see them

find your place in life and faith today

be well...

xoxo

💖

"I don't care much for things I can't take with me

after I die.

Give me love.

Moments.

Purpose.

Things that'll settle in the soul."

"Life is actually really simple,

but we insist on making it complicated."

~Confucius~

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."

 

Passion is the fuel...

 ... 'in the engine of your purpose.

It moves you in the direction your

best intentions want to go.'

It digs in for the long haul.

It's your " want to".

notes...

passion, self-sabotage, truth, accepting,

draw near, application, weak, becoming,

 continue, be,

character, mission, motivation, love,

 mind, body, soul, spirit,

daily word, step-by-step, presence,

encouragement, friends,

faith, everywhere, wherever, whoever,

 define, delight, attempts,

precious, able, recognize, unique, heart,

spiritual,

recovery, real, hope, belief, build on,

warps, perspective,

writhe, discomfort, sweet timing,

prayer, outward, upward ,God,

do better, work, true place....

a few of the words I circled in my journal this morning.

I called to touch base with my girlfriend,

she shared... 

"I woke up this morning,

and I just felt wrong."

It was so cute, honest and real,

it made me laugh.

Then she laughed too.

she added...

"If I don't get this straightened out,

I'm going to have 

a whole

 bad day."

and we laughed some more.

Lately, I'm acutely aware that I've been dragging my

 feet on a path that is etched in my own heart.

Today I'm motivated and encouraged to

step up

set new intentions, 

and tweak my priorities.

Learn to enjoy life more

savor every blessing

ground yourself in faith and prayer

accept yourself and the choices you've made

get together with friends for prayer and encouragement

you don't need permission to spread love

you don't need an invitation to live your faith

there is a place for everyone-

a unique

special

place

your need for God's grace is 

a passion enhancer

hold out your hands in thankfulness and gratitude

for His faithfulness and goodness

stop trying to "fix" 

and "figure"

everything

it's up to you to find your true place

no matter how difficult it may be

when you arrive

you will know it

be well...

xoxo

💓

"If God had wanted a better me,

He would have created a better me,

which leads to the daunting possibility

that He did."

"For some this true place will shake the entire world.

For others it will soothe just one tiny home.

In either case,

the world will be left a better place."

special note:

Thank you for allowing me to share your words,

and for giving me a lift my dear friend...

xoxo💗

Respect yourself....

...instead of catering to your

insecure need to be liked.

Cardiologist with Hubs today

When you love yourself

enough to stand in your own truth

no matter what the cost,

everyone benefits.

notes...

Watering in the dark. Gorgeous breeze

it feels amazing, and the chimes...

Thank you God!

I love my mornings so much !

My peace, growth, healing, belonging

acceptance and love....

all take place in the mornings.

 I learn and unlearn,

ground, center and fuel up.

I start my day in peace

and hope is restored.

"Never apologize for who you are.

It lets the whole world down."

God doesn't lead you to the safest path forward

but one where you'll grow

do not compare yourself with others

who seem to skip along with ease

break free from other peoples disapproval

let others take you as you are

or not at all

trust God deeper

He supplies your needs

He is dependable

Co-create with Him

play your part in the world

quit playing it safe

with what you believe to be true

it takes no effort to be negative 

 cynical and pessimistic

it's  the natural black hole

that

corrodes your faith

weakens your immunity

zaps your energy

compromises your relationships

and robs you of joy

negativity is a self-inflicted wound

forgiveness is the most powerful 

thing that you can do

you have a choice

your thoughts can be different

your character can change

and your life can be transformed

 

be mindful of where your thoughts are taking you 

focus on your progress 

not perfection

it's not easy but simple

the difficult cringy thing 

is living with the consequences

of NOT changing the way you think

 make truth the keynote of your life

move closer to your heart

not away from it

this is not a journey about becoming something

it's a  journey of unbecoming what we're not

love always chooses to love

be well...

xoxo

💗

"Do things while you can and while they matter

to you,

because neither is a permanent state of affairs."

"You have no idea how long something you say

can stay inside someone's mind."

"If some remedy doesn't work,

try less of it before your try more of it."

"I spend an insane amount of time wondering

if I'm doing it right.

At some point I just remind myself

that I'm doing my best.

That is enough."

"God whispers to us in our pleasures,

speaks in our pains:

it is His megaphone to rouse

a deaf world."

C.S. Lewis

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