That's Not On My Diet!

by Kay Heitsch

When we think about dieting we usually think about the food we eat or don't eat. However, there's a lot more to dieting than just the food we eat.

Today I heard a message on feeding ourselves thoughts that will help us grow stronger. We should feed ourselves thoughts of faith that help us dream big and give us the confidence to be all God created us to be.

When negative thoughts of fear, worry, doubt, guilt, regret etc. come we can say, "That's not on my diet!" We should stop feeding ourselves what we don't want to grow in our lives. What we don't feed dies.

Our Bible verse today says, "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8 NLT

When negative thoughts come we can say, "That's not on my diet!" We can fix our thought on things that are excellent and worthy of praise. When we do we can live simply, dream big, be grateful, give love and laugh lots. All these thoughts will help us grow stronger and help us become all that we were created to be.

Fresh Snow

by Kay Heitsch

Snow provokes memories that reach back to childhood. ~ Fresh Snow Quotes

I have a lot of fun memories growing up in Michigan in the winter with all the snow. I'm sure if you grew up where there was snow you do too.

Our Bible verse today talks about snow. "Come now, let's settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow..." Isaiah 1:18 NLT

When we see fresh snow we can remember fun times our childhood. We can also remember how the LORD makes our sins as white as snow.

Don't Carry Your Mistakes

by Kay Heitsch

Don't carry your mistakes around with you. Place them under your feet and use them as stepping stones to rise above them. ~ New Beginning Quotes ~

There's a story about a donkey who had fallen into a hole. The farmer decided to bury him. However, the donkey used each shovel full of dirt to rise up. He shook the dirt off his back and stomped it into the ground. The donkey used the dirt as stepping stones to rise up.

Our Bible verse today says, "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 NLT

Not all things that happen to us are good. But God causes everything to work together for the good. There's no need to carry our mistakes around with us. Like the donkey, shake them off and let God use them as stepping stones to rise above them.

Courage

by Kay Heitsch

Courage is not the absence of fear. It's the ability to act in the presence of fear. ~ Courage Quotes ~

We all feel fear at times especially when we are about to try something new. When we feel fear, but get up on the inside, that's courage.

Our Bible verse today says, "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 NLT

When we feel fear we can say, "I am strong and courageous I will not be afraid or discouraged! I know the LORD my God is with me wherever I go."

Be Confident Something Better Is Coming

by Kay Heitsch

Hope gives us the ability to look at things as they are and still be confident that something better is coming. ~ Hope Quotes ~

Our Bible verse today says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

When we are filled with hope we have joy and peace in our believing. We can see things as they are but because of our hope, we are confident something better is coming.

Advice From A Snowflake

by Kay Heitsch

Keep your cool. Appreciate small wonders, Take time to chill. Celebrate your uniqueness. ~ Winter Quotes ~

Our Bible verse today says, "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14

We should celebrate our uniqueness. When we do we'll keep our cool, appreciate small wonders and take time to chill. We'll praise God because we know we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Love, Joy, and Peace

by Kay Heitsch

How wonderful to have love, joy, and peace in our lives.

When we have God's love in our lives we can reach out and touch others with His love.

When we have joy we can bring a little sparkle into a dark world.

When we have inner peace we can stay calm when it seems everything is falling apart around us.

Our Bible verse says, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace... Galatians 5:22

May love, joy, and peace bring love to others, joy and sparkle to a dark world, and peace when things seem to be falling apart.

Be The Reason

by Kay Heitsch

Be the reason someone smiles today. ~ Inspirational Quotes ~

Tis the season to be the reason someone smiles today!

Really, we should be the reason someone smiles every day. It doesn't take much. When we smile at someone very often they smile back.

Our Bible verse today says, "A happy heart makes the face cheerful," Proverbs 15:13 NIV

When we take the time to help someone smile it makes their heart happy and face cheerful. Let's face it (no pun intended :D ) it makes us smile too.

Keep Calm True Love Never Dies

by Kay Heitsch

Today is the anniversary death of my friend's son. It doesn't matter how many years it has been that a child dies a mother still feels the pain like it was yesterday when certain days come around.

There's a feeling that mothers have when all of her children are home. It's a relaxed contentment that all is well. What happens when one of her children dies is that the relaxed feeling isn't quite there anymore.

Today's Bible verse says, Love never comes to an end. 1 Corinthians 13:8 GWT

We've all experienced the death of a loved one. When we are feeling sad at certain times we can remember to keep calm and know that true love never comes to an end.

Resting

 Kay Heitsch

The resting place of the mind is in the heart. ~ Resting Quotes ~

It's interesting that we can be sitting down but we are not resting. Our minds are going 100 miles an hour. We can also be working hard, but if our hearts are at rest so are our minds.

Our Bible verse today says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 NIV

When we feel weary and burdened we can go to the Lord. He will give our hearts rest and our minds as well.

Everything Is Going To Be Okay

by Kay Heitsch

Inhale. Exhale. Everything is going to be okay. Smile! Every day is a new beginning. ~ Quotes ~

It's interesting how simply inhaling and exhaling can relieve pressure and stress. We can smile and tell ourselves, "Everything is going to be okay." When we do this it helps us to see each day as a new beginning.

Our Bible text today says, This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NASB

We can choose to see each day as a new beginning. As we smile and tell ourselves, "Everything is going to be okay." we can rejoice and be glad in each new day which the Lord has made.

Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut

by Kay Heitsch

The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground. ~ Keep Good Thoughts Quotes ~

Our Bible verse today says, Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Proverbs 4:23 GNT

We need to be careful how we think to grow into the people God created us to be. We all feel like a little nut at times, but when we hold our ground we will grow.

Focus To See The Light

by Kay Heitsch

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. ~ Life Quotes ~

When we are going through a difficult time it's easy, and I think even natural, to focus on our troubles. It will take effort on our part, but we must do it if we want to see the light.

Our Bible verses today say, Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:6-8

In our darkest moments, we tend to worry. But when we talk to God He will put His peace in our hearts. As we fix our thoughts on things that are excellent and worthy of praise we are doing our part to focus on the light.

Sparkle On

by Kay Heitsch

"Nothing can dim the light which shines from within." ~ Sparkle Quotes ~

When we have God's love within us nothing can dim this light.

Our Bible verse today says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 NIV

We were born to sparkle when we have God's love in us. We can let our light shine and leave a little sparkle everywhere go.

Beautify Your Life

by Kay Heitsch

Kindness is like snow - it beautifies everything it covers. ~ Winter Quotes ~

When my friend Bea died I shared this with a cashier at Kroger. Linda stepped out from behind the register and gave me a big hug. Now that's a perfect example of kindness.

Our Bible verse today says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another..." Ephesians 4:32

When we show kindness and compassion it's like snow - it beautifies everything it covers.

Look For The Good

by Kay Heitsch

For beautiful eyes look for the good in others. For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness. ~ Look For The Good quotes ~

I heard a message today where the teacher said, "Instead of being a fault finder be a good finder. Look for the good." Wouldn't our lives be better if we put this into practice?

Our Bible verse today says, "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud." 1 Corinthians 13:4

If we walk in love we will be patient and kind. We will look for the good in others and speak kind words. We won't be a fault finder but we'll be a good finder.

Opportunity List

by Kay Heitsch

Rename your To-Do list to your Opportunity List. ~ To-Do List quotes ~

Our Opportunity List for today: Count our blessings, practice kindness, let go of what we can't control, listen to our heart, be productive yet calm, just breathe.

Our Bible verse today says, "Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone--especially to those in the family of faith." Galatians 6:10

When we think of our To-Do List we may feel overwhelmed. But if we think of it as an Opportunity List this may help to relieve some pressure.

Whenever we have an opportunity we can count our blessings, be kind, let go of what we can't control, listen, be productive yet calm and just breathe.

It's Time To Say Goodbye

by Kay Heitsch

Our eyes are in front because it's more important to look ahead than look back. ~It's Time To Say Goodbye Quotes ~

Today is my friend Bea's funeral. It's time to say, Goodbye. I won't be able to be there but I'll be there in spirit that's for sure.

Today may also be a time to say goodbye to other things in our lives. It's time to say goodbye to things that hurt us. It's time to say goodbye to anger, unforgiveness, jealousy, being judgemental. The list is endless.

Our Bible verses today say, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, outcry, and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31 & 32

Let's say goodbye to the things that hurt us. Our eyes are in front of us because it's important to look ahead. Let's be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other just as Christ God forgave us.

How Bad Do You Want It?

by Kay Heitsch

Do something today that your future self will thank you for. It comes down to one simple thing: How bad do you want it? ~ Doing The Right Thing When It's Hard Quotes ~

We all make choices every day. I've made many choices that have had both a positive and negative impact on my life.

Our Bible verse today says, "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life so that you and your descendants might live!" Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT

Doing the right thing isn't always easy. In fact, it can be very hard at times. But doing the right thing is always the right thing. It comes down to how bad do we want it?

When we do the right thing our future self will thank us for it. Remember to choose life. It will not only affect us but our descendants as well. Now, that's something to think about.

I Want

by Kay Heitsch

Never let the things you want make you forget the things you have. ~ Life Quotes ~

It's easy at this time of the year to think about the things we want. People ask, "What do you want?" Children have a long list of what they want. Adults, not so much. It's nice to have new things but we should not forget what we already have and be thankful.

Our Bible verse says, Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:1

At Christmas time and all through the year let's remember to never let the things we want make us forget the things we have.

But God...

by Kay Heitsch

Never let a bad situation bring the worst out of you. Choose to be positive and be the strong person that God created you to be. ~ But God Quotes ~

We all go through bad situations in life. It's easy to get upset and let the situation bring the worst out of us. We may not understand it and it may not be fair, but God...

Our Bible verse today says, "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

No matter how bad the situation may be we know God can bring good out of it. It may be intended to harm us, but God... We can choose to stay positive and be the strong people God created us to be.

Gifts Of Love And A Smile

by Kay Heitsch

"It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you. Yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at others and offer them your heart."

I had never really thought about Christmas as allowing God to love and smile at others through us until I read today's quote.

Wow, what a great way to think about giving! Many times we think of giving as a gift that cost money. But there are many ways to give that do not cost money.

Today's quote tells us we can give love and a smile to everyone we meet this Christmas season. Our Bible verse says, Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8

Today and every day we can allow God to love and smile through us because love never fails. What wonderful gift to give!

Look For The Blessings

by Kay Heitsch

Some days are better some days are worse. Look for the blessing instead of the curse. Be positive, stay strong, and get enough rest. You can't do it all but you can do your best. ~ Life Quotes ~

Some days are better than others that is for sure. If we do look for the blessings we'll be positive and stay strong. We certainly can't do it all but we can do our best.

Our Bible verses today say, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

When we know that God will supply all our needs and every good and perfect gift comes from the Father, we can look for the blessings in each and every day.

Treasured Memories

by Kay Heitsch

When someone you love becomes a memory...that memory becomes a treasure. ~ Quotes ~

I'm sure most of us have many treasured memories of someone we love who has passed on.

Last night my very dear friend, Bea, passed on. I sure have lots of treasured memories of her.

Today's Bible verse was a great comfort and eye-opener to me years ago when I found it. "Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8

I am confident that Bea has left her body is at home with the Lord.

I loved Bea and now she will be a treasured memory. Knowing she is at home with the Lord lets me know we'll see each other again.

New Hope

by Kay Heitsch

Start each day with new hope, leave bad memories behind and have faith for a better tomorrow. ~ Quotes ~

What a difference our days would be if we did start each day with new hope. If we would leave bad memories behind and have faith for a better tomorrow.

Our Bible verse today says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

When we believe the Lord has plans for our welfare to give us a future and hope we can start each day with new hope for today and a better tomorrow.

Be The Best Version Of You!

by Kay Heitsch

We all have been given gifts and talents. Comparing ourselves to others will not help us be the best we can be. We are all unique.

Our Bible verse today says "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14 NIV

We are all unique with different gifts and talents. Let's thank the Lord that He made us in a wonderful way. Let's be the best we can be. I like this quote, "Be the best version of you!"

It's How You Live

by Kay Heitsch

It's not what you do, but how you do it. It's not what you see, but how you see it. It's not how your life is, it's how you live it. ~ Quotes

It's interesting how people can go through the same life experience and react differently. People's motives for doing something may differ. Instead of looking for the good, they may see disaster around every corner. It's up to us how we choose to live our lives.

Our Bible verse today says, 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

It's up to us how we choose to live our lives. We may not understand what's going on, but if we trust the Lord with all our hearts and seek His will, He will show us the path to take.

Loving Memories

by Kay Heitsch

Loving memories never die, as years roll on and days pass by. In our heart, a memory is kept, of ones we loved and will never forget.

Over the years our lives bring tears, smiles, and memories. The tears dry, the smiles may fade, but some of our best memories last forever.

Our Bible verse today says, Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Philippians 1:3 NLT

I believe a lot of our loving memories are with people. When these memories come to our minds we can thank God every time we think of them.

The View From The Top

by Kay Heitsch

When everything feels like an uphill struggle; just think of the view from the top. ~ Quotes ~

We've all been through or are going through some uphill struggles. It's not easy to keep climbing when the going gets tough. But when we get a picture in our mind that something good can come of it our attitude can change.

Today's Bible verse will help us keep a positive picture in our minds when the going gets tough. "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 NLT

When everything feels like an uphill struggle, knowing that God causes everything to work together for good will help us think of the view from the top.

Benefits Of Worry

 by Kay Heitsch

"Here are all the benefits of worry. None, nothing, notta one." Quotes

We all know this is true, but most of us tend to worry anyway. There are no benefits, but there are some side effects of worry that are not good for us.

Today's Bible verse says, 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

Interesting the Bible text says not to worry about anything. The Lord knew there was none, nothing, notta one benefit of worry. We can relax, tell God what we need, and thank Him for what He has done.

Three Gatekeepers

by Kay Heitsch

The mouth should have three gatekeepers. Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? ~ Quotes ~

If you're a talker like I am you may need more than three gatekeepers, but these three cover about everything.

Our Bible verses today say, Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3 NIV May the words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Personally, I think what we say starts with the meditations of our heart. We no doubt have thought about it before we actually say it. We can ask the Lord to put a guard over our mouth so what we say will be true, kind and necessary.

Halfway There

by Kay Heitsch

Believe that you can and you're halfway there. ~ Quotes ~

Yesterday our whole family got new phones. We spent several hours at the phone store transferring the data from one phone to the other.

I was thrilled all my pictures transferred without me doing a thing. But that was not the case with all the apps. I'm in the process of downloading apps now. I'm halfway there!

I'll admit I get frustrated when my login says, "Incorrect password" and other apps don't upload my previous information. I'm finding I need to adapt and adjust better.

Our Bible verse today says, Dear brothers and sisters when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1: 2-4

I have a long way to go with this verse. I hope I can consider it great joy when trouble comes my way today as I keep working on this new phone. My endurance is going to have a chance to grow, that's for sure. I'm going to persevere and believe that I can because I'm halfway there.

Complete The Picture

by Kay Heitsch

We are all pieces of the big puzzle. Just be the piece you are so you're doing your part to complete the picture. Big Game Quotes

Today is the big game between Michigan and Ohio State. Can you imagine if every player only wanted to play the part of the quarterback?  Everyone has their part to play.

Football is like life. It's not whether you get knocked down. It's whether you get back up and play your part.

Our Bible verse today says, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 NLT

We are all God's masterpieces and we have our part to play to complete the picture.

The Way We Live

 by Kay Heitsch

Thanksgiving should not be just a day. It should be the way we live our lives. ~ Quotes ~

How much different our lives would be if we lived thinking about how thankful we are.

Our Bible verse today says, "Be thankful and say so..." Psalm 100:4

Our lives would be different if we were thankful and said so. Thanksgiving should not be just another day. It should be the way we live our lives.

A Family Tradition

 by Kay Heitsch

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I never knew why until this past year when I had my DNA done. That's when I found out that my 10th great grandfather, William Brewster came over on the Mayflower and he was at the first Thanksgiving in 1621.

I am very grateful for all of my blessings. I'm thankful Grandpa Brewster came over on the Mayflower with his family to this wonderful country I am blessed to be a part of.

This year our son Brandon and his dog Jenny are here with us. I'm actually writing this on the new computer he built for me. Thank you Brandon! I love this new computer!

Later we will enjoy a good meal together IF I ever get off of this computer and get with it. 😁

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you! May God continue to bless us all and keep this family tradition going for many years to come.

God bless America!

Unknown Blessings

 by Kay Heitsch

Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way. ~ Thanksgiving Quotes ~

There is always something to be thankful for. I hadn't thought about the unknown blessings already on their way until I read this quote this morning.

We have so much to be thankful for. Being grateful for unknown blessings just adds to the mix.

Our Bible verse today says, "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." Psalm 107:1 NLT

There is always something to be thankful for. We can give thanks for the unknown blessing on our way. And most of all to the LORD for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Why Don't You Drop It?

by Kay Heitsch

I have a few things in my life I need to drop, like dead leaves in the fall. Maybe if I share one in particular I will drop it!

Every time I hear a certain college football team's name mentioned I have a horrible feeling that comes rising up. Oh, there's a reason behind this feeling, that is for sure.

Years ago our son Todd played football. He played football from the time he was in the second grade until high school.

I'll admit we didn't live in the same state as relatives, but none the less, no one could be bothered to come and see him play, even one time. I knew it would have meant the world to him!

When I would send out his football schedule it was always, "Oh we can't make it. We have tickets to the so and so game. We're going to see them."

At the time I didn't really think I cared so much, but then Todd died. Now I started to feel angry whenever I heard the mention of this team's name. I knew how much it would have meant if anyone would have come to watch him play.

To add insult to injury, when our daughter got married a friend had tickets to see this same team. Of course, more apologies were given.

This year the football season started. As soon as this team's name was mentioned I made some negative comments. My husband said, "Why don't you drop it?"

Well, I am going to believe I will stop clinging to this issue like the old dead leaves on the tree, with God's help. Maybe sharing this story will help me move forward in the process.

Make Way For The New

by Kay Heitsch

Notice how the trees do not cling to their leaves. Fall is about releasing the old to make way for the new. ~ Thanksgiving Quotes ~

I had not thought about the way trees release their leaves to make way for the new leaves to come like this before. Some trees release their old leaves right away. However, some hold on to the old ones for dear life.

Our lives can be like that. We hold on to some old dead things that need to go. When we let go of the old dead things in our lives we can make way for the new things ahead.

Today's Bible verse reminds us to stop thinking about the past and look for the new. "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:18 & 19.

I will never look at leaves in the fall the same way again. We need to release the old to make way for the new.

Give And Take

by Kay Heitsch

Life is full of give and take. Give thanks and take nothing for granted. ~ Thanksgiving Quotes ~

Giving thanks opens our eyes to the many blessings we may take for granted.

We may not think of enjoying eating until we need a feeding tube. What about walking without pain? Ask someone who needs a hip or knee replacement. Hearing, seeing and breathing are things we take for granted until we can't hear, see or need help with breathing. Lastly, what about love? God's love endures forever.

Our Bible verse today says, "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

Life is full of give and take. We need to remember to give thanks and take nothing for granted.

A Happy Heart

by Kay Heitsch

Be kind. Be thoughtful. Be genuine. But most of all be thankful. ~ Be Thankful Quotes

I believe if we are thankful we will be kind, thoughtful, genuine and I will add happy. When we are thankful we have a happy heart.

Today's Bible verse says, "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

We may have problems, that's life, but we can be thankful for the problems we don't have. Let's be kind, be thoughtful, be genuine and most of all be thankful in all circumstances. Let's always remember that a thankful heart is a happy heart.

Let Them Make You

by Kay Heitsch

Be thankful for the struggles you go through. They make you stronger, wiser & humble. Don't let them break you. Let them make you. ~ Precious Memories Quotes ~

For sure when I looked up "Precious Memories Quotes" I was not thinking I'd be posting about being thankful for our struggles. However, for some reason this quote stuck out to me, so here it is.

Our Bible verse today says, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance." Romans 5:3 NLT

I'm happy to know that something good can come out of our problems and trials. Our struggles don't have to break us. They can make us. Trials, problems and struggles can help us to be stronger, wiser & humble and they can help us develop endurance. Now that's something to be thankful for!

Be Careful How You Think

by Kay Heitsch

Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right. ~ Henry Ford.

I chose this quote today because it's our son Todd's heavenly birthday. I found this quote in his journal after he died.

Our thoughts have a huge impact on how we live our lives. If we don't think we can do something we're defeated before we even start. We need to think strong and not be weak minded.

The following two Bible verses have helped me tremendously over the years. "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts." Proverbs 4:23 GNB And, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 BSB

If we want to live the abundant life Jesus died to give us (see John 10:10) we need to be careful how we think. We can't be weak minded. No matter what happens in our lives we can know that we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength.

Life Is As Random As The Weather

by Kay Heitsch

Life is as random as the weather. We don't know what's headed our way. When we are strong in the Lord we can rise above the storms and find the SON-shine.

Our lives are very much like the weather. We don't know what a day will hold. Some days are sunny and clear and other days are dark and dreary. Every storm is not in the forecast.

How can we stay strong no matter what life throws our way? Our Bible verse today tells us. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Ephesians 6:10

Life is as random as the weather. When we stay strong in the Lord He will give us whatever we need to rise above the storms in life and find the Son-shine.

Stage Fright

by Kay Heitsch

When our grandson Eli was 3 years old he joined the Rainbow Choir. He was one of the youngest children in it.

One day our son-in-law stopped in to pick him up from practice. Much to his surprise all the children were singing one song, but Eli was singing his own song,"Ba Ba Black Sheep Have You Any Wool." at the top of his lungs. :D

The Sunday came when all the children were to sing for church. Eli marched up with the rest of the children, but when the music started he ran off of the platform crying.

Eli continued in choir, but instead of singing he just stood with his hands folded staring straight ahead. We thought he must have stage fright.

One thing I like to do when I visit is to read Eli and Noah Bible stories. Eli loves the story about David and Goliath. I can really get into reading that story! Eli has no doubt that David is the hero with God's help.

Now Eli is 6 years old. He has joined the older children's choir. Once a year this older children's choir put on a play. This year it's going to be about David and Goliath.

Much to our surprise Eli made an announcement that he was going to ask the choir director if he could be David. Our daughter explained to him that he would need to sing a solo. Eli didn't seem to care. He believes he is ready to take the lead roll :D

I'm very happy that Eli relates to the story of David and Goliath. This story has given him the courage to believe that he'll be able conquer his stage fright to sing a solo.

Time will tell if he is given the part. Whether he does or not I'm very proud that Eli is willing to try and not allow stage fright to hold him back.

Is God Waiting On You?

by Kay Heitsch

Ah kindness. What a simple way to tell another struggling soul that there is love in the world. ~ Is God Waiting On You? Quotes ~

I've heard many people say, "Why doesn't God do something?" Well, when we show kindness to another struggling soul God is doing something. He is using us to show another person His love.

Is God waiting on us? Sometimes a thought comes to our mind to show love to another person and we feel weird about doing it. Somehow we know we should, but we don't. I've been guilty of this.

Our Bible verse today says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Is God waiting on us to show kindness to another struggling soul? When we show kindness we are allowing God to show others His love through us.

Try, Try Again

by Kay Heitsch

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. ~ Life Quotes~

When I was a little girl I liked a poem that went, "If at first you don't succeed try, try again." Whenever I tried something new and failed I thought of this poem. As I remember there was another part of the poem. "There's a lesson to be learned, try, try again." Oh there are many lessons to be learned when we try, try again.

Today our Bible verse says, "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7

Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try if we don't give up. Sometimes we need to try, try again. Even if we don't succeed there will be lessons to be learned along the way.

Don't Take The Bait

by Kay Heitsch

Take a breath and don't take the bait. Quotes

We set ourselves up for misery when we start to dread things that need to be taken care of. We can save ourselves a lot of misery if we just take a breath and don't take the bait.

When dread thoughts start to fill our minds we can say, "Hey, I see this is a set up! I'm not going to be miserable by taking the bait."

Our Bible verse today says, Every day is a terrible day for a miserable person, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15 NOG

Let's take a breath and don't take the bait. It's a set up for misery. We can save ourselves a lot of trouble by keeping a cheerful heart.

We Have The Power

by Kay Heitsch

Words are containers for power. Our encouraging words may stick with someone for a lifetime. ~ Quotes ~

In college an English Professor saw something in me that I didn't see. Little did she know that her encouraging words that day have stuck with me for a lifetime.

Our Bible verse today says, Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24 NLT Let's spread our kind and encouraging words like honey.

Words are container for power. We have the power to use them to encourage each other. Who knows, maybe some encouraging word we say may stick with someone for a lifetime.

A Little Umph

by Kay Heitsch

The difference between try and triumph is a little umph! ~ Quotes

How many times have we heard a half-hearted, "Well, I tried." I'm sure we have even said it ourselves when we didn't want to put in more effort.

If we want to live a triumphant life we have to add that little umph to our try. Roger Staubach said, "There are no traffic jams along the extra mile." That's true. Lots of people won't put in that extra umph as they go along life's road.

Today's Bible verses say, Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, Colossians 3:23 And whoever shall compel you to go one mile, go with him two. Matthew 5:41

If we want to have a triumphant life we need to put in more effort than just a half - hearted try. We will need to add that little umph and go the extra mile.

Be Strong

by Kay Heitsch

You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice. ~ Quotes ~

We all go through difficult times. It's not easy when one problem happens after another to the point you start to feel overwhelmed. Right now I'm in several situations. I know I need to be strong so I won't feel overwhelmed.

Today's quote and Bible verses are helping me to feel stronger. Here they are. "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12: "So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT 

We all feel weak at times. According to this verse that's a good thing. Because Christ's power can then work through us. As His power is working in us we can be strong and courageous. We don't need to be afraid or panic. Why? Because the Lord will go before us. He will never leave us or abandon us.

We never know how strong we can be until being strong is our only choice. With the good Lord's strength working through us we can be strong no matter what we're going through.

A Better Quality Of Life

 by Kay Heitsch

"Refuse to allow your life be brought down by negative emotions. The Lord has a better quality of life for us than that." ~ Quotes ~

How true this quote is. The good Lord does have a better quality of life for us than to be brought down by negative emotions.

One way to shift a negative emotion over to a positive one is to have true gratitude. This is helpful because positive and negative emotions can not occupy the mind at the same time.

When bad things happen, like the accident yesterday, I say this Bible verse over and over in my mind. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10 ESV

The Lord does have a better quality of life for us. We have to do our part not to allow negative emotions to steal this abundant life that Jesus died to give us.

Are You Being Robbed?

by Kay Heitsch

Are you been robbed? I was, but didn't realize it.

For years I was being robbed everyday. I was robbed of the happiness I should have been enjoying, but I wasn't.

There are many things that rob us of happiness. The list is endless.

When I read John 10:10 "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. This verse was a real eye opener to me.

Once I saw that I was being robbed I was mad. I was mad about all the time I had wasted allowing the thief to steal the life I was meant to have.

It's time to stop allowing the thief to rob us of the rich and satisfying life that's available to each and everyone of us.

Don't Miss Out

by Kay Heitsch

Happiness comes when we stop complaining about the troubles we have and offer thanks for the troubles we don't have. ~ Don't Miss Out Quotes ~

Boy, if there is one thing that robs us of happiness it's complaining. Once we start down that road there seems to be no end. However, if we are thankful for all the troubles we don't have we are happy.

Just this morning I got out of bed and thought about how many people can't get out of bed on their own. They have to wait for someone to help them. I was thankful as I put my feet on the floor.

Today's Bible verses certainly will help us be happy. Do everything without complaining and arguing, Philippians 2:14 NLT Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

If we don't want to miss out on happiness we can stop complaining and offer thanks for the troubles we don't have.

Wow In Your Now

Wow In Your Now by Kay Heitsch

When you focus on fear you put OW in your NOW. When you focus on FAITH you put WOW in your NOW. ~ Now Quotes ~

Isn't this the truth. When we focus on fear it brings OW in our NOW. Fear makes everything a big OW. However, when we focus on FAITH we feel energized and have hope. We see the WOW in our NOW.

When I bought my first Bible I wrote today's Bible verse in the front. I find it interesting of all the verses in the Bible I would write this one. Here it is. "Let us keep our eyes fixed (focused) on Jesus on whom our faith depends from beginning to end." Heb 12:2 TEV

I wanted a WOW in my NOW life. I somehow knew I had to stop focusing on fear if I was going to have it. This verse taught me that our FAITH depended on Jesus. When we focus on Him we can stop focusing on fear.  Remember,  FAITH  puts WOW in our NOW.