Rely on the Holy Spirit....

....or do your own thing.

notes....

you've done everything you know to do...

...you're missing something

...it's not all it was cracked up to be

you feel like you've been defeated

a walk is a continuous series of decisions

we are absolutely inadequate to live the Christian life

our responsibility is decision making

He sends us a helper

Yield

Rely 

Trust

live by faith

be well...

xoxo

💗

 

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 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)

 

Learn to let go....

....into the wild of things,

learn to grow as things unfold.

sign: transformation, strength in adversity, personal growth
and evolution

The natural world's saturated with beauty,

and beauty nourishes the soul.

 

A fuzzy caterpillar with sixteen legs

goes into a chrysalis & emerges as a beautiful

winged butterfly that knows it's way to Mexico.

'The way you come alive in this world 

might not look like everyone else's,

and that's okay.'

~

notes....

Spirit will come to you in ways you will receive Him

learn to let yourself be guided in truth

allow yourself to have your own process

you will discover your truths at the right time

as you grow

your experiences will expand in new ways

lay down the skeptic

take a few deep breaths

you don't see the oxygen but it's keeping you alive

 love keeps you alive

you don't see it 

but it surrounds you 

you can't force things

remain open

don't close your mind

take steps necessary to develop

self-mastery

you have the capacity to shed your

old self and embrace new beginnings

emerging stronger, wiser and more beautiful

than before

use your time wisely

a thankful attitude is helpful

overcome life's challenges with grace

and fortitude

be well....

xoxo

💝

'Your pursuit of Me is actually a response

to my ardent pursuit of you.

You don't have to batter down doors between us.

Just open the door of your heart to Me.

I've already thrown open My door to you.

I want you to realize how utterly safe you are-

in My perfect persistent Love.

Bask in your life of praise.

Be more receptive to My blessings.

In faith, be on the lookout for good things

great and small.

At the end of the day 

take time to ponder what you have learned &

to savor the gifts you have found.

Love and be loved.'

~Jesus~

(sources: Message Bible, Jesus Today, Jesus Calling)

~

"The wind carries things away and brings other things closer.

It doesn't think about the destination;

it just blows where the current takes it.

As the wind travels, it picks things up

 only to set them down in a new location.

The wind doesn't hold on tight,

because it knows that nothing is permanent.

The spirit of wind is letting go.

Be like the wind, releasing and receiving as needed.

Be fluid, given that nothing in life is permanent."

~Sunrise Gratitude~

 

Another freaking growth....

....opportunity.

AFGO

Those often 'frustrating, recurring, life challenges

or relationship hurdle that forces you to 

grow whether you want to or not.'

'Failing to grow into new horizons can blind you

to the beauty of life's adventures.

You become like a plant that's outgrown it's container.'

notes...

agitated, frustrated, intolerant, anxious

and weepy.

I can usually guess what's coming next.

AFGO

Tired, yes. Too much caffeine...probably...

uncomfortable and edgy...yep. 

Classic symptoms.

Tempted to eat a whole bag of Dove Chocolates

and then wash them down with a 1/2 gallon of vanilla Blue Bell 

ice-cream?

 Yep.

(side note...didn't go quite that far...)

It all fits.

It's a process I've repeated 

times a zillion.

Hate it ? yes!

Grateful ? again....yes, with reluctance.

Until I give it time...let it come up, and wait for 

the tsunami to hit, linger, and linger....

until it cleanses whatever it is...

(which I usually am aware of what it is....the "thing")

until it follows it's natural process....

I'm stuck in the precursor of the emerging "thing."

Once it's over....

and it is over...

(*Hallelujah!!)

there's a certain peace, (exhaustion) relief, and humility.

I feel it all today.

~

renew your mind with the objective truth

of the Bible

"Spirit's thoughts on paper"

there is no division between logic & spiritual

when all is said and done

it makes perfect sense

things come alive

you see something new

you will have more understanding

look for principles 

principles are timeless truths

like the laws of nature

you will know when it is meant for you

Spirit will lift something out of the context for you

read a little every day

be encouraged to ask for wisdom

instead of direction

'He who trusts in his own heart is a fool

but he who walks wisely will be delivered.'

Prov. 28:26

(principle)

the soul is healed through union with God

His words are the fuel that keeps you 

functioning properly

no matter how much you think you know

always be willing to take another step of growth

growth is a process

and sometimes it is painful

if you allow it 

it will stretch you so much further 

once you determine not to let 

your current situation define or constrain you

humility is key

"ask, seek and knock"

Let go

Listen to your heart & quiet the ego

Love can create a path to understanding

in those moments

trust builds and love grows deeper

be well...

xoxo

💞

"The true challenge we face is to look at ourselves and the world honestly.

To see what wounds there are, so we can help heal them.

Not to flinch. Not to spend our life wrapped in denial and trying to avoid pain.

Not to avoid the feelings. 

'...the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant

by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly

and gently.'

Healing means living in the raw."

 

A great lesson....

.... to learn is to soften during difficult times.

Times where we might rather shut down

and throw up our protective walls.

'When we open up, soften, and allow things to flow,

it provides opportunity to grow into our fullest potential

allowing amazing things to happen.

notes...

...laying down on the yoga mat draws the cat to my chest like a magnet 

she tries to shift with the all the changes

& sometimes she tries to hang on...

Chatting with a classmate/friend this morning

 we met during our coach training

 at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

she says...

"We've been on the phone for an hour and 45 min."

 

it's been a while...

we go to hang up

but we continue...

it's cooler this morning

 I caught a mosquito with tweezers

to feed a spider

 & my coffee tastes amazing

~

there are always challenges

you make the choice of whether you 

want to shut down or grow

frustration is your teacher

listen to what it has to say

about your beliefs

you may have to stretch a bit

face every situation with faith

not fear

get a bigger perspective

if you live for the approval of others

you will die by their disapproval

stay focused on your purpose

not your problem

life is meant to be fully lived

approach it with full involvement

understand timing on every detail

in your life

know when to speed up and when to slow down

remember God can bring good out of anything

He knows how to make the most of your life

more than you do

relax

He doesn't ask you do to anything

without providing you the power to do it

be kinder to yourself 

and to others

experience tenderness for who you are

be softer

be willing to love more today than you did yesterday

be well...

xoxo

💖

"When you blame and criticize others,

you are avoiding some truth about yourself."

"Beware of the half truth.

You may have gotten hold

of the wrong half."

"You gotta look for the good in the bad,

the happy in the sad, the gain in your pain,

and what makes you grateful not hateful."

 

The bad news is....

 ...you can't change your past.

The good news is that you can have a new beginning.

notes...

'born again means to be born anew

to have a new beginning 

a spiritual nature

He created you because He desired to love you

and receive your love in return

unbelievers can't understand

logically and reasonably the lost

person is thinking right

minds have been blinded

human reasoning and logic don't work

the clean-up work is done

by the Holy Spirit

whoever looks and believes

some things you consider

this 

you have to decide'

be well...

xoxo

💝

"It is amazing what God can do to a troubled heart

in a short period of time

when a person understands the meaning 

of 'meditation upon the Lord'"

~Charles Stanley~

'It doesn't matter who you are, where you're  from,

or what you've done- 

God want's a relationship with you!'

Prayer...

"Jesus, I've tried to do things on my own for too long,

and I know it doesn't work.

I need something deeper.

So, today, I give my life to You.

I believe that You died on the cross for my sins

and rose from the dead to give me eternal life.

Thank you for your love, forgiveness, and this new beginning.

I know I will never abandon me! I am so excited to 

be a part of Your incredible family.

Amen."

Open the floodgates...

....of you heart and pour out a blessing

of love in your own life.

'See how outrageously rich you are

in the gifts of the Spirit'

notes....

Still dark...one after another sirens & lights

driving by

I pray

a grasshopper is jumping on me

I feel like an emotional clot was removed

I feel good

meeting with a friend/spiritual mentor in a bit

working hard to focus on what's good

as I have worked in the past to focus on the painful

& difficult

~

Love is the victor in every case

simply give in and let God's Love

be a constant current flowing through

as your life

choose to respond in a loving manner

& stop playing the blame game

enter into the stream of love

& watch how you are carried

stop reserving some of life today

to live for tomorrow

all the love your heart can hold

is already within you

begging to be released

be aware of what is going on around you

& be considerate of the people your

trying to love

see the needs

help them

simply notice what makes others beautiful

take it in

this is your day to make some changes

in some ways good changes are more frightening

than the hard times

things change

your circumstances change

you begin to explore uncharted territory

one day at a time

the good begins to happen

and misery dissipates

you no longer want to be a victim of life

life gets good

you learn to avoid unnecessary crisis

and trauma

"Only connect! That was her whole sermon...

live in fragments no longer."

we are not fragmented 

we are whole

it takes time to remember

but it's true

be well...

xoxo

💞

"I help you find your way to My Love 

which always focuses on the needs of others.

You are going to misunderstand someone or

read the room wrong...

but if you make it your highest value to be more

vigilant to the hopes,

needs, and desires of the people around you,

you will live a richer, more engaged & inspiring life."

~Jesus~

"People are not as beautiful as they look or talk.

They are only as beautiful as they love,

as they care, as they share."

"As you get older, you begin to understand more and more

that life is not about what you look like

or what you own.

It's about the person you have become."

"There is never enough  of that which

doesn't satisfy."

 

It's okay....

...to learn from other people,

but when you start to emulate them,

you lose the unique way God created you.

Don't let anything hinder your growth and transformation.

Keep pushing ahead 

because there is more inside you than what you are

right now.

notes....

church group & 

friends who pray together

morning appt. at the new (cute) dermatologist, who after an exam gives me an A 

and jokes that I'm boring...in the best way

Little House on the Prairie playing in the lobby

& Albert with a calf

leaves blowing in the breeze

a moment of pause near the pond

a shade tree to lean on

a place I revisit to be still and find peace

among the swans ducks and geese

~

listen to everyone with new ears

be on the lookout for something unexpected

do everything you can to have unshakable faith

surround yourself with people who know more

than you do

identify what continues to hurt you

allow God to shine the light on things

you'd prefer to leave in the dark

what you watch shapes you

you become like the people you watch and

a little less like yourself

it limits your ability to do things the best you can do

a day will come when you take a breath

and see through your own disguise

this recognition frees you from the shackles of

ignorance, lack, limitation, fear, doubt and worry

if your not growing

your dying

listen to the call of your heart

prayer will open your eyes so you can see 

who you really are

enabling you to see areas where you

need to change

 to be fully alive

and on the path of healing and wholeness

take time for pauses

it's when you rest that the growth happens

your story isn't even close to being over

remind yourself of this truth

everyday

 for the rest of your life

as it all comes together

you will be able to look back & see your journey

& be grateful for all of it

good

bad and ugly

because it took all that to get you where

you where meant to be

growth is a natural process

make sure your head and your heart stay 

connected 

be well...

xoxo

💞

"I know your situation, sacrifices, regrets, shame,

loneliness and pain.

I realize how hard you try, and I proclaim that what

you do out of love for Me is important.

So do not despair. 

Do not give up.

You matter profoundly to Me.

Get up, trust Me and keep going."

~Jesus~

"Travel light-

love will never weigh you down."