Be Yourself

by Kay Heitsch

Don't you love to be around people who accept you for who you are? You can just be your unique, creative, self!

There are no two people alike. I don't know why many people try to copy others. We are all unique. We are an original.

We know that we all have our own set of fingerprints. No two are alike. Psalm 139:14 NLT says, "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it."

Halloween is the day people like to dress up and pretend to be something they are not. Unfortunately, many people wear masks and pretend to be something they aren't other days besides Halloween.

We need to take the masks off and be who we are... children of God! We are an original, unique, unlike anyone else. So be yourself . Someone only you can be!

In God We Trust

by Kay Heitsch

Our little grandson Eli likes to look for "lucky pennies." I thought it was cute because I like to look for pennies too. I shared with Eli that when I find a "lucky penny" it reminds me of what's written on the penny. I took a penny out of my purse and showed him the words, "In God we trust."

Today's quote, In God We Trust!
In God's Mercy. We trust our past.
In God's Love. We trust our present.
In God's Providence. We trust our future.

There's no need to worry when we put all of our trust in God. We can trust Him with our past, present, and future.

We may not understand some things and that's okay. Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding."

In God We Trust! We may not know what the future holds. However, those of us who trust God, know who holds the future.

Little Things Are Big Things

by Kay Heitsch

Today's quote, "Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you'll look back, and realize they were the big things." is so true.

We do remember little things that happen in our lives that make us smile.

I'll never forget the excited look of our grandson, Noah, getting off of the school bus when he saw me there to greet him. He was so excited he went into his happy dance! Yes, it was a little thing, but it is a big thing in my memory.

I'm sure you can recall little things in your life that seemed small at the time. Now the event is etched in your memory and it's a big thing.

Today let's enjoy the little things that happen in our lives. Who knows maybe they will be a big thing down memory lane.

Remembering

by Kay Heitsch

When we are down or discouraged there's a great way to pick ourselves up. How? By remembering all the times God has led us on our journey.

Wow, when I look back over my life and think of all the times God has guided me and protected me I am amazed!

There's a text in Deuteronomy 8 that says, "Remember how the Lord led you on your journey..." Also, Psalm 126:3 says "The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."  Both of these texts have helped me stay focused on the great things God has done.

Today's quote, "Life is like a piano: The white keys represent happiness, the black keys show sadness. But as you go through life's journey, remember that the black keys make music also."

This quote is a reminder that even in the dark times of our lives God can make some beautiful music out of them. He sure has in mine!

Be Confident Of This

by Kay Heitsch

Confidence is a word that makes some people uncomfortable. They confuse confidence with arrogance. We need to be confident to move forward in life. Confident in God!

Many years ago my friend Eugena gave me a Bible verse. "Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

I had never heard this Bible verse before. But this verse gave me confidence! I had a lot of issues in my life, but after reading this verse I was confident that God who began a good work in me would complete it. My confidence was in His ability and not my own.

Today's quote, "We are a work in progress. When God starts something He finishes it. Be confident! He will complete the work He began in you!" should give all of us hope!

We are a work in progress. God is not finished with us yet! He will complete the work He began. Be confident of this!

Different Abilities

by Kay Heitsch

Years ago I highlighted, "God gives ability to everyone for their particular service." 1 Corinthians 12:6 TEV in my Bible. Somehow this text took the pressure off of me. I didn't have to be concerned if I couldn't do something as well as someone else. God gives ability to everyone for their particular service.

We all have different likes and dislikes. We all have different things we enjoy doing.

I used to spend a lot of time in a nursing home visiting. One day a friend said, "I really don't enjoy going to the nursing home. I don't know how you do it." I responded, "Well, this is a service God has given me the ability to do at this time. It may not be for you. You have a great singing voice. God's given you that ability for service."

Today's quote "God give different people different talents. Wherever He has you, He has you there for a purpose." goes right along with this Bible verse I highlighted years ago.

We don't need to compete and compare ourselves with others. God has given each of us the ability we need for our particular service.

Count Your Blessings

by Kay Heitsch

Most of us remember the song by Johnson Oatman, "Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done." But there's another verse I hadn't noticed. "Count your blessings, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

I bet if we actually did start to count our blessings we would be surprised at what the Lord has done!

I read a story about a man who was sure he had lost everything. He was depressed thinking about all he had lost. He was asked to write down the things he had left. Much to his surprise he found that he had not lost everything. He had to smile because his blessings outweighed his problems.

Today's quote reminded me of this story. "Smile and remember at the end of the day your blessings outweigh your problems." I am sure this is true for everyone.

Count your blessings name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Counting our blessings should give us something to smile about.

The Storms Of Life

Kay Heitsch

There is not a person alive who has not had to go through many storms in life. The question is, "How do you weather the storm?"

I've known people who make a huge deal out of little storms. It's like they enjoy the drama the storm brings. Somehow they feel they are the only ones who have ever experience any storms in life. Even if it's the weather. We may be having the same kind of weather, but for them it's unbearable. Any little thing can tip their boat.

But then there are other people who have gone through some really tough life experiences. Somehow they don't let the storms in life get inside of them. They keep a good attitude and don't allow the storm to get inside of their boat.

Today's quote, "To have God in your life doesn't mean sailing a boat with no storms. It means having a boat that no storm can sink." speaks well to this.

God is our refuse and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 When we know that God is our refuse and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, we can go through the storms in life and not let them sink our boat.

Sign Of Peace

by Kay Heitsch

Years ago I was in a difficult situation. I would walk and talk to the Lord about it. As I walked I'd hold out my hands like I was giving my problems to the Lord. However, I had a very hard time actually handing the problems over. It wasn't long before I found myself stressing and thinking about the situation over and over again. I'd taken the problems back. I was not at peace!

According to today's quote, "When we put our problems in God's hands He puts peace in our hearts." The sign that we've actually put our problems in God's hands is peace.

God's peace is different than the world's peace. John 14:27 says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

I've known people who are very peaceful when they have problems. They have learned to let not their hearts be trouble or afraid. They put their problems in God's hands and leave them there. I have a ways to go.

Peace is the sign that we've put our problems in God's hands. We can know if we've really given the Lord our problems if we have peace. I hope and pray to experience more peace as I trust the Lord more by putting my problems in His hands.

Faith

by Kay Heitsch

For many years I thought "Faith" was what denomination you belonged to. When people asked, "What faith are you?" People responded, "Oh I'm United Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, etc etc." I somehow didn't know "faith" was much more than this. Now I know faith is all about believing.

My phone case says, "Believe" on it. I also have a plaque on the porch that says, "Believe."

Today's quote, "Faith is all about believing. You don't know how it will happen, but you know it will." What a great way to live! Having faith that something good is going to happen. You don't know how, but you believe it will.

I heard another definition of faith. "Faith is a happy expectation that something good is going to happen."

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28

God has a plan and it's for good! Keep the FAITH! Keep a happy expectation that something good is going to happen. You may not know how, but you can believe that it will.

How Do You Feel?

by Kay Heitsch

How do you feel when you're in a situation that isn't working out as you would like? Do you feel patient? Probably not all the time.

I heard a message today and this line got my attention. "You don't have to feel patient to be patient." When we start to feel tense and upset we can use self control and not give into the feelings.

Years ago I started to pray for patience. As I prayed we started to have one situation after another where we had to exercise patience.

One day in Sunday School my husband said, "If anyone is praying for patience for Kay, please stop!" Everyone laughed! Why? Because these people knew that when you pray for patience you'll get plenty of opportunities to exercise self control before you get patient.

Today's quote is right on. "Patience is not the ability to wait but how you act while you're waiting."

We don't have to feel patient to be patient. We can exercise self control and act right even if we don't feel like it. Praying, "Lord help me!" is a good prayer when you need to exercise patience. I know this personally! I've used that prayer many times.

Smile You Are Loved

by Kay Heitsch

A lot of people don't know that they are love.

Years ago when I entered into a personal relationship with the Lord I was excited! I had found something that I wanted to share with everyone. The more I studied the more this message stood out, "Tell people I love them!" Really? Don't people know that God loves them?

The longer I live the more I see that a lot of people don't know that they are loved by a God who was willing to die for them.(see John 3:16) Many don't realize that God knew them and formed them in their mother's womb. (see Jeremiah 1:5) We are no accident!

God/Jesus not only loved us enough to die for us, but he also loved us enough so show us how to have a great life right here on earth. (see John 10:10) Sometimes people miss that part.

Today I want to say, "Smile, you are loved!" Now that's something to smile about!

Yes, You Can!

by Kay Heitsch

It's easy to give up when we stumble on our journey. When we want to give up we find an excuse to do so.. However, if we really want to do something, even though we stumble, we will find a way to get back up for a comeback.

We all get 24 hours in a day. 7 days a week. We make time for what we really want to do. If it's important to us we can find a way. If not we will find an excuse.

Instead of giving ourselves reasons why we can't. Why not give ourselves reasons why we can.

One of my very favorite Bible verses is, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 3:13 This verse has helped me make a comeback many times when I've stumbled on my journey.

When I stumble I sometimes make the excuse, "I can't do this!" That's when I have to remind myself to get back up. It's time for a comeback! I know that if something is a part of the plan God has for me, He'll give me the strength and ability to do it.

You're Not Too Old

by Kay Heitsch

I've always smiled at the story of Caleb and Joshua. Boy, these two had spunk! At age around 85 they were in great shape and Caleb even asked for a mountain! What kind of mountain/opportunity would we ask for at 85?

Today's quote, "You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream." brought this Bible story to my mind.

Some people are old before their time. Then people like Caleb and Joshua are quite another story. Age did not stop them!

Think about Grandma Moses. She didn't even begin to paint until she was 78 years old!

Good News! We can still set another goal or dream a new dream at any age. "It's all a matter of your mind." Now that's a Todd quote.

God Has A Plan

by Kay Heitsch

When I first started to study the Bible I prayed every time I opened it. I held the Bible close to my face and prayed that the Lord would teach me what I needed to know. I wanted Him to lead and guide me in the way I should go.

When I opened the Bible I seemed to always open it to John 18:38. "What is truth?" I highlighted it in blue! I'd smile and think, "That's right, I want to know, "What is truth?"

We all have different backgrounds. I knew the Lord was the only one who knew me on the deepest level. I needed to start afresh and see what He had to say to me personally. I wanted the Lord to lead and guide me on the path He had for me. I wanted God's plan for my life.

Today's quote, "I know God has a plan. I pray for direction to follow it, patience to wait on it, and knowledge to know when it comes." reminded me how I started out on my journey with Him.

Oh, I found the answer to my question, "What is truth?" It was in John 14:6, "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

I know God does have an awesome plan for all of our lives Jeremiah 29:11 show us that clearly, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

When we ask the Lord for His leading and guidance we will work the plan He has for each one of us. The LORD will give us a future and a hope.

Paying Attention

by Kay Heitsch

There are so many things in life we take for granted. We don't realize what we have until we no longer have it. Then our eyes are opened. We realize we hadn't been paying attention.

It's funny how when some freedom is taken away we didn't realize how much we took that for granted. This goes for our health or just about anything.

When we can get up and walk, see, hear, eat, we pay little attention. But let something happen where we can't do any of them, then our eyes are opened. We realize we were not even paying attention to what we had.

Today's quote is a reminder, "Sometimes bad things in life open up your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before."

Paying attention to what's going on in our lives can help us to be thankful for what we do have. Let's not wait until it's gone before our eyes are opened to the good things we already have.

Words Have Power

by Kay Heitsch

Most of us know that our words have power. What we say to others and ourselves can be hurtful or helpful.

This may surprise those of you who know me now, but years ago I absolutely could not stand to exercise. Oh, I'd walk some, but not too much. I'd tell myself all the time, "I hate to exercise. I'd rather starve to stay thin than exercise!" I played these words over and over in my mind.

There came a time when I was challenged by our son, Todd, to run in a race with him. I thought it was funny at the time. This race was to happen in a year. However, when that year rolled around Todd had died.

Because of Todd's challenge, I ran one race and didn't do too well. Why? I didn't like to exercise, so I used that as my excuse not to exercise.

One day while I was out shopping I saw a cassette tape called, "Enjoy Exercise." I decided to buy it. I played it over and over. In this tape this line was repeated, "I enjoy exercise."

Well, surprise, surprise! Telling myself, "I enjoy exercise" started to change my way of thinking and living. Instead of thinking/saying, "I hate exercise. I'd rather starve to stay thin than exercise." I started to think, "I enjoy exercise!" Not to brag, but the next race I ran I won, a gold medal.

There are verses all over the Bible talking about the power of words. One is, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat it's fruit." Proverbs 18:21

Words Have Power! Use them wisely!

Change The World

by Kay Heitsch

I thought about change as I sat with hair color on my hair this morning. As always, I type in a few words on the internet and add 'quotes.' Today what stood out to me was this quote, "How do you change the world? One room at a time. Which room? The one you're in." Wow!

How true this quote is. We can change the atmosphere of the room we're in. Think about it...even if we're home alone.

What happens when you walk into a room? If you smile and greet people you can feel a welcoming feeling. But walk in and be in a bad mood, barking at people, and it's quite a different story.

Today is the day to change the world. How? One room at a time. Which room? The one you're in. By letting our light shine, we can change the world. When we do people will give the glory to God. (see Matthew 5:16)

Please Don't Feed The Fears

by Kay Heitsch

Fear is an emotion we all feel at times. I don't think all fear is bad; because we need it to know when something is dangerous. But some fear is, False Evidence Appearing Real.

I've had different experiences with fear. I was so fearful once I started to have a nose bleed. This was when the verse, "God has not given you the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 came to my mind. I knew this fear was, False Evidence Appearing Real!

I'm normally very healthy and energetic! I don't take any medication. However, I had a problem and was given a RX. Well, this drug may not of been an issue for most people, but it was for me! I called to let the doctor know and was given something else. When I read the side effects on this new RX I read the same ones I had just experienced. I felt fear!

I've been telling myself, "Please Don't Feed The Fears."  I'm calling today to see if this is something I should also avoid or just take it. Because this fear could be, False Evidence Appearing Real.

This Too Shall Pass

by Kay Heitsch

Keeping this thought in mind, "This too shall pass." can help you when you're going through things you don't like. I've had to say this to myself on several occasions.

Today's quote, "This too shall pass. Worries, hardships, and the things of the world are temporary. Eternity is forever." speaks well to this phase.

Our worries, hardships, and the things of this world are temporary. It's hard not to think at times, "Will this ever end?" Well, maybe not today, but one day it will. Hold on!

I like to remind myself, "Don't let your heart be trouble! Trust in God" These words are in many places in the Bible. I believe they are repeated as a reminder to stop allowing ourselves to be worried and upset.

"This too shall pass" and also, "Don't let your heart be troubled." are two thoughts I know that will help us keep a positive frame of mind in troubled times. They sure have helped me!

Tie A Knot And Hang On!

by Kay Heitsch

I've heard people say this phase, "I'm at the end of my rope!" many times in my life. I've even said it myself. However, I've never heard anyone, including myself, say, "Tie a knot and hang on."

Sometimes we're in a situation where there is nothing else we can do but, tie a knot and hang on.

When I'm in a situation where I'm at the end of my rope I like to say, "Help is on the way!" I think I'll start to add, "Tie a knot and hang on. Help is on the way!"

I do know that help is on the way because I trust the Lord. Psalm 12:2 says "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

Developing Strength For Tomorrow

by Kay Heitsch

Today's quote, "The struggle you're in today is developing the strength you'll need tomorrow. Keep believing! Be happy! Don't be discouraged! Things will work out!" went along well with a Bible verse I read on a friend's fb page this morning. "This is my command-be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9.

I hadn't really thought of our struggles developing strength, but really they do. It's easy to give into discouragement when we are going through things we don't like. Especially if the same things keep happening over and over. We've done everything we know to do, but it seems to no avail.

However, there is something we can focus on when we keep facing the same ol' struggles. These struggle's are developing strength for tomorrow. We can keep believing, be happy, and don't get discouraged. We can be strong and courageous because the Lord is with us and things will work out in the end.

My Friend Pain

by Kay Heitsch

I hadn't thought about pain as being my friend until I developed a foot problem. If I hadn't had pain I wouldn't have known that what I was doing was hurting me.

I love to go barefoot. I've been doing it all my life. However, this was not a good thing for me to be doing anymore. I tore something in the bottom of my heel. It hurt! I found several solutions to help with the healing. For one...if I wear shoes I feel less pain. However, pain reminds me to put my shoes on when I forget.

Pain can teach a person a lot of things. It can teach us what not to do. It can teach us to be more compassionate to others. It can teach us to be thankful when the pain subsides. The list goes on and on.

I don't like to be in pain anymore than anyone else. But I'm thankful that by having pain I've been helped to avoid things that could have really done some serious damage.

So today I'll do what I can to help myself heal. Plus, I'll see pain as my friend, to keep me keepin' on.

Remembering

by Kay Heitsch

"Often in life we forget the things we should remember, and remember the things we should forget." was the quote that stood out to me today.

I read a book by Dr. Caroline Leaf that pointed out why we keep remembering things we should let go. We keep remembering these unpleasant memories because we have thought about them over and over. By doing this these thoughts make deep grooves in our brains. She said we can undo this by purposely thinking something else every time these thoughts comes up.

There's a lot of things I'd like to remember. Some days it's just where I put something in the house. I've prayed and asked the Lord to help me find several things. Many times this works!

I had a friend who had suffered a stroke. She would say out loud things she wanted to remember. Doing that seemed to really work for her.

If we want to stop remembering things we need to let go we can apply what Dr Leaf said. "Think about something else." When we want to remember something, saying it out loud, may help. If we can't find something we can ask the Lord for help. 

Your Mess Can Be Your Message

by Kay Heitsch

If you really believe that God's in control and that you can do all things through Christ who gives you the strength (see Philippians 4:13) then "Your Mess Can Be Your Message."

Today I found a scrap of paper in an old Bible. These words were written in a child's handwriting. "Positive thinking is complete faith and trust that God is in control of every situation. God may use people, but it's better to trust God than to depend on people." I found these words to be so true.

When we believe God is in control of our situations we can trust Him to turn our mess into our message. It's nice to have people help us out, but we don't need to depend on them when we put our faith and trust in God.

One of my favorite Bible verses is, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This verse has helped me believe that with the Lord's help I can turn my mess into my message.

ASAP

by Kay Heitsch

I like to find cute ways of remembering spiritual things. Today I found ASAP which translated into Always Stop And Pray. What a great way to remember to pray.

I have several reminders around our home to remind myself to pray. Years ago Brandon gave me a little angel holding a sign. The sign says, "Prayer Changes Things." I can recall many things in my life where a simple prayer changed things.

Another little reminder is a plaque that hangs in our kitchen. This plaque reads, "Life is fragile. Handle with prayer" Life is fragile. We never know what a day will bring.

One of my favorite Bible verses is "Do not worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking with a thankful heart." Philippians 4:6 GMT

When I see ASAP from now on I'm going to think, As soon as possible, Always Stop And Pray.

Don't Eat That Elmer

by Kay Heitsch

"Don't eat that Elmer. It's not candy!" is something my Grandpa Hays would say when he knew something wasn't true.

That phase has come to my mind many times lately when I listen to the news. It's frustrating to see how the news is slanted and manipulated to try to get us to think in a certain way.

Most American people do not like to be controlled, manipulated, or lied to. It insults our intelligence to think we are so gullible that we're going to take what the news spews out as true all the time.

Maybe our name isn't Elmer, but I think most of us know what's not candy. We're intelligent, thinking people, who do not like to be lied to, manipulated, or controlled.

Today's quote, "It's not the lie so much that bothers me. It's the insult to my intelligence that I find offensive." This quote is so true.. Don't insult our intelligence to think we are going to believe everything we read or hear.

Okay, that's my political statement for the year. When we can see something isn't candy we don't need to eat it!

It's Time For A Change

by Kay Heitsch

I used to be a big worrier. Quite honestly, I didn't know there was anything wrong with it. It was just the way I lived my life.

There came a time when it was clear to me that worrying was a waste of time. It was time for a change.

As I read the Bible I started to highlight all the verses I saw on not to worry. Boy, I was shocked to see so many. Later I heard there are actually 365 verses telling us not to worry. Hum, I wondered why? Maybe it's because we need to be reminded every day.

Today I heard that a day of worrying takes as much energy as a weeks worth of work. Wow! It's obvious that worry takes a lot out of a person...that's for sure.

Today's quote, "Worry does not empty tomorrow of it's troubles. It empties today of it's strength." by Corrie Ten Boom is a great reminder of what worry can do. It empties today of it's strength.

I don't know about you, but I need all the strength I can get. I'm going to keep this Bible verse in my mind today. "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Philippians 4:6 NLT

"It's Time For A Change" is something we can tell ourselves if we get in a pattern of behavior that's not working. As Philippians 4:6 say, Don't worry about anything , pray about everything, tell God what you need, and thank Him for what he's done. Now that's a change that will give us the strength we need to live each day worry free.

Control Yourself

by Kay Heitsch

I don't know about you but I don't like to be controlled.

Years ago I drank and smoked. There came a time when I could plainly see that I was no longer in control of these bad habits. They were now trying to control me. I didn't like it one little bit!

I had to make a choice. Either allow them to control me or I had to take control. I won't say it was easy, but I stopped both.

I learned I couldn't keep thinking, "This is too hard! I will never be able to do this!" These kind of thoughts sabotage the good results I wanted. I was determined enough to think, "I will not allow these bad habits to control me."

Today's quote, "If we don't learn to control our thoughts, we will never learn to control our behavior." is so true!

If you are like me and you don't like some bad habit to control your life, control yourself. It may not be easy, but it's possible. "Everything is possible with God." (see Mark 10:27)

Today's Bible verse also tells us it's possible. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and SELF CONTROL." Galatians 5:23

Control yourself with God's help!

Don't Take The Bait!

by Kay Heitsch

Don't believe every thought that comes into your mind. Don't take the bait!

We all have problems of one sort or another. When we do sometimes thoughts come to our minds that say something like this, "You'll never get over this! You can't take this anymore!" The lists of negative thoughts go on and on. Don't take the bait!

Today's quote, "Problems are like washing machines, they twist us, spin us, and knock us around. But in the end we can come out cleaner, brighter, and better than before."

Many times we don't know why we have some problems. There's no point going to the self-pity party and taking the bait. That party will only bring us down more.

We can focus on putting our trust in the Lord. (See Proverbs 3:5) Knowing He can cause everything to work together for good. (see Romans 8:28) When we do this then we know that our problems can bring us out cleaner, brighter and better than before.