We must empty....

....'ourselves of all that fills us,

so that we may be filled with what we are

empty of.'

~Augustine

clearly His hand is in this...Luke 1:66 MSG

notes...

a gust of wind, and then the rain,

so I moved everything in again

cushions and quilt thrown on the floor

breathing in the moment through an open door

~

Beautiful reminders this morning...

(sources: Jesus Calling, Jesus Lives, The Message Bible & Charles Stanley devo.)

His ways are higher

and  He is capable of all you need

pursue a righteous life-

a life of wonder, faith, love,

steadiness & courtesy

seize the eternal life

..listen to the wind words

His heart is full of unfailing LOVE 

for you

you can relax and enjoy His presence

since you know He is taking care of you

your tendency to be anxious

grieves Him

awareness of His pain can motivate you

to break free from this hurtful habit

He is showing you the way

one foot at a time

Luke 1:79 MSG

surprise us with love at daybreak;

then we'll skip and dance all day long

Ps. 90:14 MSG

walk right up to Him 

and get what He is so ready to give.

Take the mercy & accept His help

He will take care of everything you need

He wants you to obey Him out of Love,

Joy, & Gratefulness-

not out of obligation

He wants to pour Himself into you

and shine through you

and give you a genuine Love

His purpose is never to break your spirit

or cause you pain

there is always a positive, crucial

eternal purpose in struggles

He works all the details together

for the good to those who love Him

you may not be at fault for what has happened to you

but you are accountable for your response to it

be well...

xoxo

💖

"So whatever you experience & however broken you 

may feel because of the trials that assail you,

always remember that I have a blessing in store for you.

Never give in to the thought that this is the end

or that there's a limit to My ability to redeem

even the worst, most pain-filled experiences

in your life & turn them into something worthwhile.

Accept that I know your pain,

I am powerful,

I love you unconditionally,

and I work in the unseen for you. "

~Jesus~

"When you speak to yourself, be more like a cool breeze

and less like a furnace of judgement.

Give yourself love and accept yourself exactly as you are.

Honor the journey you've been on with acceptance and appreciation.

As you wake up, think about all the things you have

accomplished.

Give yourself gratitude and love.

When you slow down to recognize who and what you are,

acceptance comes in like a breeze,

making everything better."

~Sunrise Gratitude~

 

If you imagine...

...that something is missing,

it is because you haven't caught your cue to 'look

deeply enough within to find your source & supply.'

notes...

brisk start to the day

donning slippers with the hoodie

a single hummingbird still filling up for it's

 departure...

Otis's choppy, mournful howl in the distance...

still making me smile. Loving that ol' floppy eared hound.

feeling the buzz of activity for the fall festival..

Ang coming for the weekend, Price performs later...

her happy place

hubby munching on burnt peanuts as he heads to work...

this morning all seems well with the world...

~

You can make positive changes in your life

you create your life experience with every word 

& thought

negative thoughts and behaviors are habits

when you say "life sucks"

it isn't life that sucks

it's your thinking that sucks

the way you choose to think right now

is just a choice

make the choice to think thoughts

that make you feel good

good health comes from love and appreciation

healthy thoughts create a healthy atmosphere within

and around you

the cells of your body respond to every thought you have

with positive thoughts they work easily

with negative or stressful thoughts 

your body is working at a disadvantage

"Filling your mind with pleasant thoughts

is the quickest road to health."

the only moment you ever live

is this one

be present where you are

every step can be a step in faith

pay close attention to your thoughts 

check in frequently

remain hopeful

hope is an anchor for your soul

exercise patience

try it:  

I'm not good enough or

I am making positive changes in my life.

or 

I can feel good about myself....

or

create your own..

practice

practice

practice

be well...

xoxo

💖

'I can see down to the very core of who you are,

and I'm crazy about you!

I mean head over heels about you!

Not someone similar to you- actually you !

Comparison is a trap.

It might seem to be a way of life,

but what if it isn't the way?

What if you settled into how I made you

and celebrate others that do the same?

If I'm head over heels about you,

you should be too.

When I make something, I do it right the first time.

You are a unique blend of temperament, giftedness,

and life experiences.

No regrets.

No mistakes.

No do-overs.

Don't rush what I'm doing.

I understand what you need and stay with you.

Slow down and see what I am up to.

I see you, know you, and love you

~Jesus~

*journal notes*

 

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."

Something is shining...

...inside of you.

'And despite what you may be telling yourself,

you probably already know what it is.'

Simply let the light within you shine in the things you do.

It will breathe new life into you.

Live with your soul wide open.

notes...

look within

you may be quite surprised

by all those many good qualities

tucked away under those layers

great things take bravery

think about your dream

take the doubts and fears &

breathe courage into them

make time alone with God a priority

it affects & influences every single

aspect of your life

live in that sense of awe at the 

infinite possibilities that are 

right within you and all around you

the direction you go with your gifts won't matter

as much as the fact that you went

you moved

you saw a need and you did what

you could to meet it

let the real version of you authentically show up

& you will experience a new take on your life

and the lives of those around you

keep your belief in limitless possibilities

keep a positive mind-set

strong and unwavering

affirm the good until it sinks in and feels real

do something beautiful with your life

be well...

xoxo

💖

"The two most important days in your life

are the day you are born

and the day you find out why."

~Mark Twain~

"If I knew what I was really like,

chances are I'd like myself much better 

than I do."

"We're all deeply flawed & even

more deeply Loved by God."

Cure yourself...

...'with the light of the sun and the rays

of the moon.

watching the lunar eclipse with Ang

With the sound of the river and the waterfall.

With the swaying of the sea and

the fluttering of birds.

Put love in tea instead of sugar

 and drink it looking at the stars.

Heal yourself with the kisses the wind 

gives you and the hugs of the rain.

Stand strong with your bare feet on the ground

and with everything that comes from it.

Get smarter every day by listening to your

intuition.

Jump, dance, sing, so that you live

happier.

Heal yourself, with beautiful love

and always remember you are medicine.'

notes...

grow strong in the light

as it shines upon you

you receive nutrients that enhance your 

growth and grace

take good care of yourself

time

in prayer & meditation

blesses you doubly

value the contribution of your life & 

the role you play

your are irreplaceable

this is your life

no rehearsals

no retakes

no delete button

realize how priceless you are

value yourself

you have been chosen to play

the lead role in your life

a mission that no one else

can accomplish

be well...

xoxo

💖

notes...on lunar eclipse...

marks a powerful point of release

soften your grip 

let the old dissolve

emotional clearing

make space for a life that feels more aligned

more honest

more true to the woman you are becoming

closing an old chapter for good

and opening a brand-new beginning.

 

"No need for sight...

...when you have vision."

notes...

have a voice in your life you trust 

to run towards

acknowledge the obstacles in your way

& choose to fly over them anyway

your gift and your truth are in you

decide to stop wasting time 

& move forward

discover your true potential

stay the course

your faith in miracles & yourself

must be greater than your fear

however easy or rough the process is

be willing to fall down, get up,

look stupid, cry, laugh, make a mess,

clean it up and don't stop 

until you get there

no matter what

you can do anything

desire it

have faith

speak it

never give up

say 

"I will!"

be well...

xoxo

💗

"When you are sure you are aimed toward

destiny, 

you won't worry about the end."

"I'd rather have a couple of ideas fail

than have a faith that won't try."

"It's not about your circumstances

it's about who you become 

and what you believe is possible

for yourself."

 

You can be close...

....to God &

dysfunctional at the same time.

You can be real.

notes...

'Discouragement is quite debilitating,

you can give up trying, hoping, caring,

and believing.

You need to change your thoughts,

your focus,

your mind.

Never forget how much God Loves you.

If the voice is negative, it's not God.

The #1 purpose of your life, is to let God Love you.

You don't have to prove your worth.

There is nothing  more discouraging than being

something your not.

Be authentic, genuine, real.

Be yourself.

God didn't make you to be someone else.

We start out as originals and end up carbon copies.

You can't fake it.

You've got to be who you're going to be.

Don't try to pretend you have it all together.

Remember it's not all about you.

Life is bigger than you.

God has a unique life message for you.

Your life message is not about you,

it's about Him.

God is always more interested in why you do what you do,

than what you do.

Relax in your limitations.

God often puts His greatest gifts

in the weakest people.

He only used flawed instruments.

Humility is not denying your strengths,

it's being honest about your weaknesses.

You are a bundle of both.

You can handle an enormous amount of pain

if you see a purpose in it.

Pain without purpose is unbearable.

You can't please everybody.

Even God can't do that.

Take time for renewal.

You can't stop the aging process,

but you can remain fresh inside.

Take time for renewal.

Recharge.

Refresh yourself.

When you get tired

you lose your perspective.

Know what renews you emotionally,

and physically.

We're all a little cracked.

Never forget you are Loved.'

be well...

xoxo

💖

 

You are whole...

...complete & beautiful,

just as you are.

Believe this.

Pretend if you have to.

Your subconscious mind 

believes everything you tell it.

Every word.

Be careful what you say.

Like yourself for who you are.

Radiate that.

notes...

I woke up happy this morning.

Positive.

Hopeful.

Back on track...whatever that looks like?

you feel that inner tug

returning you to your true center

what needs to come

will always come

don't buy the lies

develop a keen sensitivity to the 

promptings of your spirit

you were created perfectly

to be you

don't get wrapped up in your

 fears & insecurities

that keep you from

seeing what you're made for

& tell you you can't

before you even start to try

take the time and energy you

pour into worry

and put it toward your passions

uncover new ways of experiencing

those things that matter to you most

the mind that has pulled you to the worst of things

is the same mind that is capable of remembering

the better things

even when you cannot discern

 the terrain before you

take the next step

now is still the time 

to go forth with an open heart

growth leads to joy

stagnation does not

enjoy the gift of being alive

 being fully human

being who you are

be well...

xoxo

💖

"The only real beauty is self acceptance."

~Megan Fox

"Some people are going to reject you 

simply because you shine too bright for them.

That's okay.

Keep shining."

"You deserve to be loved without having

to hide parts of yourself you think

are unlovable."

 

If anyone...

..."is magically going to appear

and just suddenly make your life 

better,

just know that 

person's always 

going to be

you."

notes... 

sometimes one gets separated from her herd

and I feel a certain ache

we couldn't get her to follow us to the herd

so we got her herd to follow us to her

surrender fully 

day by day

'God does not show favoritism

we're all tied for first

in His view'

discern what is highest and best

in how you should make your

decisions

sometimes it doesn't take much

the most minuscule unexpected

change can shift everything

put your priorities first

don't pick the wrong things to dwell on

dwell on uplifting things that are working

dwell on the good stuff

sit quietly or take a walk and 

dedicate those moments

to focusing your attention

on God

it will likely be a rewarding break

trust in yourself

don't look back at your shortcomings

your past experiences do not define you

stop telling yourself that something

is wrong with you

you are capable of navigating your life

don't let your life get sidelined

by the things you can't control

allow yourself to be uncomfortable

and don't shrink when you feel uncertain

have faith

it is all preparing you for something

better

random unexpected things can come up

when you least expect it

 to push you along

put your heart in the lead

grow upward

be well...

xoxo

💞

"An open heart is a good thing,

just remember to be 

careful with it."

~Pa to Laura

Little House on the Prairie

"The introvert empath:

Sometimes they want to be left alone.

Sometimes they want to be included.

But most of the time they want to be included

with the option to be left alone."

~unknown

"I wish I could show you,

when you are lonely or in darkness,

the astonishing light of  your 

own being."

Stop. Look...

...and listen.

This just simplified a few things for me.

notes...

It's okay to be who you are meant to be

The 5 things that make you, you.

    ' S  spiritual gifts

H  your heart

   A  your abilities

        P  your personality

       E  your experiences

there are certain things you don't do well

what are you really good at?

what do you love to do?

don't believe every message you hear

test it

How do you know if you are hearing His voice?

It passes all 7 questions:

~Is it in harmony with the word of God?

truth never changes

whether you believe it or not

~Does it make you more like  Christ?

life is a test, a trust

a temporary assignment

~Does your church family confirm it?

~Is it consistent with how God shaped you?

He doesn't want you to be somebody you're not

He made you to be you

there are certain things you don't do well

what are you really good at?

what do you love to do?

~Does it concern your responsibility?

if it's not your responsibility

why should God talk to you about it?

don't try to figure out other peoples

lives.

Is it convicting rather than condemning?

condemnation is not from God

Do you sense peace about it?'

confusion is not from God

"If all you hear is negative messages

something is wrong."

be well...

xoxo

💖

Pause worrying...

...about what you "should" be doing

or what your missing out on,

or what other's think.

Be happy being your true you.

In the moment.

In the middle of where you are.

notes...

...a nest was laying on the ground, so I placed it 

back in the bush...

I wish I could buy them all a house.

I hear Otis howling...💕

approach each new day 

looking for treasures 

along the way

tap into what brings you true joy

it means something

and usually represents

the biggest & best version

of yourself

do not doubt your worth

your life is important

you are the only you there is

pray

investigate

plan

prepare

and follow the steps as they unfold

if your learning to be "right"

instead of learning to love

you've missed the lesson

give yourself a break from 

comparison

don't try to measure up 

to unfair expectations

sit quietly

be patient

wait to hear from your

inner guidance

you have all the answers you need

you just need to give them the chance

to get through to you

"God's love isn't as complicated as our

discussions about it are.

Keep it simple.

Love everybody, always."

be well...

xoxo

💝

"Our hearts speak volumes. We can learn and grow

from intuitive clues if we know how to listen

in stillness.

Intuition gives signs as to how we can fulfill our

desires and take the necessary actions to make

our dreams come true.

To find your intuition, take some time to sit in silence.

While sitting in silence, listen to what your

heart has to say.

It may take practice, but in time you will

recognize your inner voice."

"Sometimes we don't know what we want,

and we blame our unhappiness

on someone who doesn't know,

either."

"Things work out best for those who 

make the best of how things work out."