LOVE Keeps Going...

by Kay Heitsch

There have been times in my life that I have felt like giving up. It's not easy to keep on keepin' on when we go through difficulties in life. We can either give in, give up, or get stronger.

The English have a phase, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." I really like that!

How we respond to difficulties in life makes a huge difference. We can actually make a bigger deal out of things than we need to. Or we can ask the Lord to give us strength to go through our troubles with a good attitude.

Today I chose, "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:7

LOVE has kept me going when the going was tough! LOVE never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. LOVE keeps us keepin' on!

Be Ready!

Be Ready! by Kay Heitsch

Life is unpredictable and you never know what is coming next. Always be ready for change. Miracles come in moments. Be ready!

Some changes that come into our lives are welcome. Some changes are not. Welcome or not change comes. We need to be ready and look for the miracle in the moment.

When change comes I like to look for the miracles in the moment. When I look at life like this it makes change exciting.

It's the season for a change. I'm going over and remove the fall decorations from Todd's grave. I'll be changing it for Christmas and winter. I've experienced some 'miracle moments' at the cemetery. I'll be ready just in case I have one today.

I chose this Bible verse today, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

There is a time for everything and change will come. Be ready!

Love, Joy, Faith, Hope, Peace

by Kay Heitsch

Every morning I look for some quote to post on fb. Today I saw these words, Love, Joy, Faith, Hope, and Peace and felt uplifted.

Isn't it strange how just seeing certain words can affect the way you feel. I've heard someone say that words are containers for power! How true that is! The words we see and the words we speak have power in them.

Did you know that one kind word can brighten someone's day? Just the opposite is true too. One unkind word can cut as deeply as a knife.

Today is a great day to be aware of words. The words we read and the words we say.

Psalms 91:14 is a prayer to help us be aware of words, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Say What?

by Kay Heitsch

What we say not only has a powerful effect on others, but it has a powerful effect on ourselves as well.

It's so easy to let our feelings dictate what we say. I'm guilty of that! I like the prayer David prayed. "Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3

This is a great quote, "The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."

It's great to say the right thing at the right time! But it's even better to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

Lord, help me!

Rise and Shine It's Game Day!

by Kay Heitsch

Life is very much like a game of football. We have a goal line, but in order to get there we go through many obstacles. We run, pass, and fall down. But in order to win we must get back up and never quit.

Today's quote, RISE AND SHINE IT'S GAME DAY! It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get back up! Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit! is a great way to live our everyday life.

The Bible verse I chose today talks about our life's journey. It says, "We are pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8 & 9

According to this verse no matter what we go through in life we can RISE AND SHINE! Why? Because IT'S GAME DAY!

Blessed!

by Kay Heitsch

It's the day after Thanksgiving! I don't know about you, but I feel blessed. As always the food tasted better than it usually does all during the year for some reason. Yes, we still have pie left over.

Today's quote kinda tells the story. "Happy day after Thanksgiving! I can't eat another bite! Oh look, pie! Hope you didn't forget to set the scales back 10 pounds!" I pray I didn't gain 10 pounds though.

Almost every Thanksgiving something special happens here. This year our son Brandon came with his new puppy, Jenny. She has given us a lot of laughs.

Shannon sent a video of Eli singing and Noah dancing. Their video made us all smile!

One year one of our foster daughters came for Thanksgiving as a surprise! It was great to see how she had grown into a beautiful woman.

I'm thinking back and feeling blessed today. I hope you are too.

Family Tradition

by Kay Heitsch

I heard a message this morning about Abraham leaving his country and heading off for a land he did not know. When I heard this I thought about my 10th Great Grandfather William Brewster. He did the same thing.

William Brewster, along with several others came to this country on the Mayflower. Like Abraham they did not know what was ahead of them.

What they did could be considered, 'A short term price for a long time benefit!' It was quite a price to pay, but look at the long time benefit the price they paid has been.

Bill made me smile when he said he knew why Thanksgiving has always been your favorite holiday. He said it's because it's a 'family tradition' which started with your Great Grandpa Brewster.

The "Family Tradition" continues all over this great country of ours in many homes. I'm thankful for Great Grandpa Brewster and others for paying the price for our long time benefit.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Why Is Thanksgiving My Favorite Holiday?

by Kay Heitsch

Anyone who knows me well knows there are certain things that have always been very important to me. First of all, my relationship with the Lord, my family and friends, my country, and that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday!

I'd never really thought much about why Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday until this year. Somehow, deep in my heart I've felt something was extra special about it. What I found out this past year gave me some insight into why Thanksgiving has always been so important to me.

Around May my husband, Bill, sent for a kit to find out my DNA. Much to my surprise I received the results on my Mom's birthday. I found out that my 10th Great Grandfather was William Brewster. William Brewster, actually was a minister who came over on the Mayflower. He was one of the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving!

I was thinking about Thanksgiving this past week when it dawned on me why it has always been my favorite holiday. Thanksgiving has always been special to me, but this year it's going to be extra special. Why? Because now my head knows what my heart knew all along.

Who Ya Gonna Believe?

by Kay Heitsch

I have the word, BELIEVE on my cell phone case. When I feel doubt rise up I say, "I do believe; help my unbelief." (see mark 9:24)

We all go through situations in our lives that we don't understand. I'm sure Joseph was wondering why he was going through all that he did. I love the way he handled his situation when he came face to face with his mean brothers. He said, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good." He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people." Genesis 50:20

I like today's quote, "Sometimes you have to stop worrying, wondering, & doubting. Have faith that things will work out. Maybe not how you planned, but always believe that God will see you through."

It's a rare occasion that God works things out the way we planned. I've found that out many times over the years. That's when I have to ask myself, "Who Ya Gonna Believe?"

I may not understand. However, I know from past experience that God will see me through! Even things that were meant for my harm. I've seen God work it out for my good in the long run.

Who Ya Gonna Believe? For me I'm going to believe and trust in the Lord. When bad things happen I can say like Joseph, This was meant for my harm; but God intended it for good. I'm gonna believe!

Enjoy The Journey

by Kay Heitsch

We've all read the poem, "I'll be happy when..." I can almost bet that at some time we've all said those words, "I'll be happy when." I know I have.

How about being happy now? How can we ever enjoy the journey if we are constantly thinking, "I'll be happy when..."

I like today's quote, "Life is a journey, with problems to solve, lessons to learn, but most of all, experiences to enjoy!"

It was a great day when I came on the Bible verse, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

When I read John 10:10 I knew I could be happy today. I was here to enjoy the journey!

We have so much to be thankful for. Yes, we have problems to solve, lessons to learn, but most of all, experiences to enjoy!

Enjoy The Journey!

Do You Trust Me?

I can't even count the times I've heard this question in my mind, "Do You Trust Me?" I've thought, "Do you trust Me?" so many times I actually bought a plaque to remind myself to have faith.

This plaque with these words hang in our office. It reads, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5&6 NLT

Today's quote, "Faith isn't a feeling. It's a choice to trust God even when the road ahead seems uncertain." I believe this quote goes right along with the Bible verse on our plaque.

We don't know what the future holds. But we can keep our joy in uncertain times when we can answer, "Yes LORD, I trust You!"

Why God Why?

by Kay Heitsch

When bad things happen in our lives we are tempted to ask, "Why God Why?" We want to know why something bad happened to us. We know bad things happen to other people, but somehow we feel nothing bad should happen to us.

Today when I saw this quote, "God's promise isn't that He'll keep bad things from happening; it's that He'll be there if they do." I thought this quote was good enough to post. 

There is trouble in this world. Sometimes we cause our own problems. Sometimes the things that happen aren't our fault. I don't know why our son Todd died in a car accident. I know others who have had several car accidents and didn't die.

I love Ephesians 3:18, "And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love."

I don't know why bad things happen to good people. But I do know that when bad things happen in my life I understand that God's love is right there with me through thick and thin.

Enjoy The Ride!

by Kay Heitsch

I had to smile thinking about today's quote, "Life is like a roller coaster. You can either scream every time there's a bump or you can throw your hands up and enjoy the ride." How true this quote is.

I'm sure we all know people who are upset by every bump in the road. But we also know people who throw their hands up and enjoy the ride.

I want to be a person who "Enjoys The Ride!" I know, like all of you, that life is not fair at times. Life can be like a roller coaster. It has it's up's and down's. It can be scary at times. But it is what it is! We have a choice how we respond. We can scream or throw our hands up and enjoy the ride.

When life gets hard I like to remind myself of this Bible verse, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 KJ 2000

It's very clear that in this world we will have trouble. No doubt about it! But this verse also tells us to "be of good cheer." Why? Because "I (Jesus) have overcome the world."

So next time you feel like you're on a roller coaster remember that this is just life. You can scream if you like, but you can also throw your hands up and "Enjoy The Ride."

Love Never Ends!

by Kay Heitsch

Today would be our son, Todd's, 45th birthday. However, he died in a car accident when he was 16.

Today's quote, "Keep Calm because LOVE never dies!" and the Bible verse "Love never ends." mean a lot to me.

I remember well reading 1 Corinthians 13 after Todd died and seeing, "Love never ends." I've kept 'Love never ends' etched in my mind and in my heart. I know that my love for Todd has never died! I truly believe his love for me is still living on.

Hey Todd do you remember that record we had for you and Shannon that we played on your birthdays? Yours went something like this. "Hey Todd it's your birthday! You're the big STAR today!" Today is the day we celebrate you our STAR.

Happy Birthday Todd! I'm keeping Calm because I know LOVE never dies! I will love you forever!

You Are YOUnique

by Kay Heitsch

How cool it is that there is no one else like you! You are YOUnique! I don't know why people try to be like, and even look like, someone else.

Over the years I've found it's freeing to be comfortable with me. The more I've been able to accept myself the more I can accept others.

Today's quote, "Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face. Your life has a purpose. You are YOUnique" is good advice.

I met Dr Norman V. Peale. When I met him he was very old. What I noticed about him was the twinkle in his eye and the smile on his face. Dr. Peale knew who he was and that his life had a purpose. He knew he was YOUnique!

When we know who we are we can have a twinkle in our eye and a smile on our face. We know our life has purpose and we are YOUnique.

Attitude of Gratitude

by Kay Heitsch

The miracle of gratitude is that it changes the way we see life. When we are grateful it somehow changes our perspective.

"A moment of GRATITUDE makes a difference in your ATTITUDE." was the quote I chose today. I like to find simple ways to help in maintaining a positive attitude. Having an attitude of gratitude is a simple way.

The Bible verse that has helped me over the years to keep an attitude of gratitude is, "This is the day the LORD has made. We (I) will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

When we are grateful for each day this helps us keep an ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE.

What If?

by Kay Heitsch

I'm sure I'm not the only one who's had the words, "What if?" played over and over in their mind. No matter what we go through in life the fear of the unknown causes us to think, "What if?"

I'm sure Abraham when he was called to go into a land he did not know he had the thought, "What if?" come into his mind. However, Abraham went out not knowing. (see Hebrews 11:8)

I was thinking about the 'unknown' when I looked for a quote to put on today. I came across this one. "Fear can keep us up all night. But FAITH makes one fine pillow." How true that is.

Many people lose sleep over the, "What if's?" I like how this quote says, "But FAITH makes one fine pillow."

I pray we'll put our faith in God. I know when I've done that I have peace. The Bible verse I like to repeat to myself is, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

No Greater Love

by Kay Heitsch

If you're familiar with the Bible I'm sure you've read, "Greater love has no man than this; to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:13

Years ago I came on this Bible verse not really knowing who it was talking about. For Christians this verse is talking about Jesus who gave His life for our eternal life.

However, when I saw this verse for the first time, it took on more than Jesus giving His life for us. As I pondered this text I realized our son Todd was trying to save his friend when he lost his life. Todd had laid down his life for his friend.

Today on Veteran's Day this Bible verse reminds me of our Veterans. These men and woman were willing to lay down their lives for our freedoms in the United States.

Thank you to all our Veterans who were willing to lay down their lives for our freedom. No Greater Love!

Taken For Granted

by Kay Heitsch

Have you ever felt taken for granted? I think we all have at some time or another.

Today's quote "The things you take for granted, someone else is praying for. Be Thankful! " puts a new twist to being taken for granted.

Today let's think of things we often take for granted. Our eyesight, our hearing, the ability to walk, ability to smell, hair, friendships, freedom. I'm sure you can think of many things we often take for granted. I know I can for sure!

Today and everyday is a great time to be thankful for things we take for granted that others are praying for.

Kindsight

by Kay Heitsch

Kindsight! Isn't that a cool word? We all want others to treat us with kindness. How would it be if we went around looking for ways to be kind to others.

We all need eyes to see the good in everyone and even ourselves. Mark 12:31 says, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

The election is over. It's time to move forward and ask the Lord to give us Kindsight! We all need eyes to see the good in ourselves and others. Be kind! Life is short!

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted... (see Ephesians 4:32)

When we have "Kindsight" we can be kind to others and ourselves as well.

Keep Calm and Trust God

by Kay Heitsch

When you have a personality like mine, keeping calm isn't something that comes naturally. Anyone who knows me well is smiling right now. Over the years I may have gotten a little bit better, but I still have to tell myself, "Kay, calm down and trust God!"

Today on this election day is a day when many people will be anything but calm. I'm sure a lot of tears will be shed. People will be upset for one reason or another. Even if the person they wanted to be elected is, there will be high anxiety over the future of this country.

I plan to pray, keep calm and trust God. The Bible verse I chose to focus on is, "It is better to trust the Lord than to put your confidence in man." Psalm 118:8. I know God has a plan and it's good. (see Jeremiah 29:11) I also know that all things work together for good to those who love God. (see Romans 8:28)

As I put my trust in God I will keep calm today!

God Bless America Land That I Love!

When Fear Comes Knocking

by Kay Heitsch

For years I wasted a lot of time worrying about what might happen. I think worry is directly related to fear. Quite honestly, most of the things I stressed over never happened.

I've learned that you will not have a peaceful, happy life if you spend it in worry and fear.

When I became a Christian I started to understand that I was not meant to live in fear. I started to say, "I trust God" when fear came knocking.

Today's quote, "When fear comes knocking at your door send faith to answer it." has helped me close the door to fear. I answer it with, "I trust God!"

Isaiah 41:10 says, Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Today and always we can put our faith in God when fear comes knocking. Then go out and have a happy day!

Shine On!

by Kay Heitsch

"It's a new day! We're alive, we're loved, we're blessed! God is great! Shine on!"

We all have people or things that come against us.These people or things try to stop us from shining. It's up to us to drop it, leave it, let it go and continue to "Shine On!"

Not everyone is going to like us. They say 10% of people won't like you no matter how nice you are. Some people find pleasure trying to make others look bad. I've found usually these people aren't too happy with their own life. Don't be discouraged! Shine on!

Today is a new day! We can be thankful we're loved by God. We are blessed to be alive! God is great! We have plenty of reasons right there to Shine On!

Set Yourself Up

by Kay Heitsch

We set the tone for our days. We can have ourselves on our minds thinking, "Well, what about me?" What will someone do for me today?" Or we can get ourselves off of our minds and think about how we are going to treat others.

We don't have to wait for someone to smile at us. We can be the first to smile and say a kind word to them. We can set the tone of our days.

I like today's quote, Set the tone of your day by treating people better than you expect them to treat you. Be the first to smile and show kindness. Set yourself up for a great day!"

We can set ourselves up for a great day by getting our minds off of ourselves and being the first to smile and be kind to others.

Celebrate Life

by Kay Heitsch

Today I went over to "Celebrate Life" quotes on the computer. I did so because I'm going to a funeral later on.

Bea's 89 year old cousin, Mary died. Bea and Mary were very close growing up. They had a lot of fun together. Even in their older years they talked almost daily on the phone.

It's a sad time for Bea, but I'm happy she has a lot of happy memories of Mary. I'm sure I'll be hearing the same stories I've heard many times before again. It's great to be able to relive special memories.

Today's quote stuck out to me, "There is always a blessing to thank God for; the ones you are aware of, and the ones you are not. Be grateful to God everyday."

I'm thankful to God that Bea is still able to remember what a blessing Mary was to her. I'm sure there are many blessings she was not even aware of too.

Being grateful to God is a wonderful way to celebrate the life that He has given us.

Give And Take

by Kay Heitsch

Today's quote jumped right out at me. "Life is full of give and take. Give thanks and take nothing for granted."

Wow, how much do we take for granted? Our health, our freedoms, people in our lives, our everyday life conveniences. I find I am very thankful for things when they're gone and I get them back. We don't realize how much we take for granted until they're gone.

I can recall several times when the power went out in the house. I'd taken flipping on the light switch for granted. I found myself trying to flip the switch on when I walked in the room, but now to no avail. I was certainly giving thanks when the power came back on. I'd taken 'flipping the switch' for granted.

In this month of thanksgiving I pray I am more aware to give thanks and take nothing for granted. I hope you will too.

Our Thoughts

by Kay Heitsch

Our thoughts have a powerful impact on our lives. We can think ourselves into a real fit if we think about something or someone who irritates us long enough.

However, we can choose to take control over our thoughts. How? By choosing to "cast down" wrong thoughts (see 2 Corinthians 10:5) Then we can replace them. "Think on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." (see Philippians 4:8)

For years I never picked up a Bible. I thought it was full of gloom and doom. I didn't realize until I studied it that it is full of great advice on how to live a peaceful, happy, victorious life right here on earth.

I learned that the happiness of my life depended on the quality of my thoughts. I could make a choice to "cast down" wrong thoughts and choose to think on" whatever was excellent and worthy of praise" instead. I had a choice! It was up to me to choose!

Today's quote by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale "Change your thoughts and you change your world." speaks well of these two Bible verses. Our world will change when we change our thoughts.