Don't Worry

by Kay Heitsch

Today's quote made me smile and was one I hadn't heard before. "Worrying is like walking around with an umbrella waiting for it to rain." ~ Don't Worry Quotes ~

I had heard this quote before. "Worry is like sitting in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere."

Worry can have consequences though. Have you ever heard people say, "I'm just worried sick?" I sure have and I've actually made myself sick from worrying and allowing myself to get upset.

The Bible has a lot to say about fear and worry. It's been said there are 365 texts about it. After reading most I can put it in one word. DON'T!

Today's Bible verse is one to keep in our minds when we are temped to worry. "Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6 HCSB

I had a sweat shirt with these words printed on it, "Don't Worry! Be Happy!" Good advice in these troubled times.

Learn To Remember The Good Things

by Kay Heitsch

Learning to remember the good and not dwelling on the bad things in life takes time and effort.

Today's quote is good advice. "The best way to forget the bad things in life is to learn to remember the good things. Love always, smile often, and thank God for every moment."

I don't know why it's so easy to dwell on the negative things that are going on or the bad things that have happened in the past. When we do we feel depressed and unhappy.

If we want to be at peace, love always, smile often and thank God every moment we need to keep in mind our Bible text, "For as he thinks within himself, so he is." Proverbs 23:7 NASB

I believe it is a learning process to remember the good and to think good thoughts on purpose. Personally, I think it's worth the time and effort, because as we think so we will be.

Accept Responsibility

 by Kay Heitsch

"More people would learn from their mistakes if they would accept responsibility for their actions."

This quote reminded me of the following story.

Last week our little grandson Noah owned up to something he had done. Noah had taken the lid off of the gerbil cage and the cat had gotten in. I'm happy to report the gerbils are fine.

When Noah told me that he had taken the lid off the cage I was happy that he was taking responsibility for his actions. I told him how proud I was of him for owning up to what he had done.

This week at school Noah received an award for being the Star Student. When I asked what the award was for I was told it was, The Responsible Award. You know I am a proud Ooma (Grandma)

I think it's important that children learn early to be responsible and own up to things they do wrong. This Bible verse is good advice. "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

If a child is trained early to "Accept Responsibility" it's a good chance they will learn from their mistakes and grow to be responsible adults.

Step Out and Find Out

 by Kay Heitsch

"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try."

In order to accomplish anything we have to make a decision to try. We can't just sit idly by only thinking about doing something. We need to step out and find out.

Everything we try may not work out. It may be that it's not for you. It may be that the timing isn't right. There are many reasons why something may not work out. But what if it does?

Personally, I think most people don't even try because of fear and anxiety. Today's Bible verse will help if this is the problem. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

It's up to each one of us to "Step Out and Find Out." If something we try doesn't work out at least we have accomplished something by stepping out and trying.

If at first you don't succeed try again! You may need to step out and find out a few times. Always remember, every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.

Inch By Inch

by Kay Heitsch

One reason I enjoy going to Planet Fitness is that I'm inspired by the people there. People from all walks of life workout at PF and each one has a story.

I may not hear every story, but when I see someone come in using a cane or a walker I know they are determined to move forward inch by inch. I am inspired by people that no matter how slow they go they don't stop.

Today's quote reminded me of these people. "Inch by inch anything's a cinch! It doesn't matter how slow you go as long as you don't stop."

We can't compare ourselves to others. We don't know what they've been through. They may not be on a walker or cane anymore, but maybe at one time they were.

True for our emotional/spiritual well being also. We may see someone strong who seems to have it all together. However, we don't know what all they've been through to get that way. One thing I know is that they've lived life "inch by inch" and they didn't stop.

This Bible text is a favorite of mine, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

We can keep moving forward with Christ's strength. We may have to move inch by inch, but as long as we don't stop we can reach our goal.

Step Out and Shine

by Kay Heitsch

Sometimes it's not easy to step out and shine. We may even feel uncomfortable being friendly to people we don't know.

Today's quote encourages us to be an example. "Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how. Step out from behind your shadow and shine so you may encourage others to follow."

Some people don't know how to be friendly with people they don't know. It may be up to us to step out from behind our own shadow and shine to show them how.

I've made some life long friends with people I did not know. I had to step out from behind my own shadow and be friendly. I'll admit it's not always easy to be friendly to people you don't know, but I think it's worth it.

It's interesting how this quote tells us that we can be an encouragement and an example just by being friendly.

Today and everyday don't wait for people to be friendly, "Step Out and Shine!"

Use What You Have

by Kay Heitsch

God has given each of us a talent of some kind. It is up to us to use that talent to make our world a better place.

I like today's quote. "The woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those who sang the best. Do what you can. Where you are. With what you have. Your world is waiting for you."

God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 NLT

God has made us what we are. He has given each of us a gift to help make our world a better place.

"Use What You Have."

Rise Above It!

by Kay Heitsch

It's raining today and I thought about one of my favorite lines that Dr. Norman V. Peale quoted a lot. "Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine!"

I had these words typed out and on our refrigerator for years. I can still hear Dr. Peale's booming voice preaching, "Rise above it! Rise above it!"

Today I read about the eagle. You know that when it rains most birds head for shelter. The eagle is the only bird, that in order to avoid the rain, starts flying above the clouds! I love that! Eagles soar high and rise above the storm!

I love today's Bible verse, "But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

We all go through rainy seasons and even storms in our lives. We can be like an eagle and sore high! We can also do what Dr Peale encourages us to do, "Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine."

Set The Tone

by Kay Heitsch

I like the thought that we can, 'Set The Tone' for the day by the way we choose to think.

We can 'Set the Tone' for the day by filling our minds with uplifting thoughts right at the beginning of the day.

I chose this quote. "Let's set the tone for the week! Practice HAPPY thinking every day!" ~ Uplifting Quotes ~

This Bible verse tells us how. "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

We can 'Set The Tone' each and every day. The choice is ours to make.

Feelings

by Kay Heitsch

It's very hard sometimes not to allow our feelings to take control. I know I'm guilty of this. Our feelings can help us to act in kindness and compassion. However, our feelings can also try to push us to act in a negative way.

My personality type is more high strung. In years past it wasn't hard for me to just tell someone off. My negative feelings controlled me. I have come a long way, but I still have to keep a check on how I react to my feelings.

I like this quote, "Inner peace begins when we choose not to allow another person or event to control our emotions."

Our feelings come and go. This is just the way it is. It's up to us to take control over them with God's help.

Help us Lord!

Junk Food

 Kay Heitsch

We all know that if we eat a diet of junk food we will not feel good.

But have you ever thought that when we're not feeling happy it may be because we've been feeding our mind junk food?

I like to think of negative thoughts as Junk Food! These negative thoughts about our past, ourselves, or other people are feeding Junk Food to our minds. It's no wonder we aren't happy.

I'd like to eliminate Junk Food! I know it won't be easy, but I believe with God's help, it will be worth it.

A New Diet and Exercise Program

 by Kay Heitsch

I'm going to go on a new diet and exercise program! Yes, you heard it here first!

Today's quote will help in this new program. "Feed and exercise your faith. When you do... you will starve your doubts to death."

What we feed grows. The thoughts we think grow. They grow bigger and bigger in our minds. We can feed our faith or feed our doubts. We will receive results either way.

I had not thought of diet and exercise in this way before. I believe this 'New Diet and Exercise Program' of feeding and exercising my faith will bring positive results. I'm excited about the future! 

One Kind Word

 by Kay Heitsch

"Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered...just one kind word to another person." ~ Fred Rogers ~

I wonder what our world would be like if each person did this?

The Bible text I chose today was used in the Inauguration yesterday. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9

I hope and pray that we will take Mr Rogers advice and offer one kind word to another person everyday. I believe if we do we will be blessed as a peacemaker and act like children of God.

I Will Stick With LOVE

by Kay Heitsch

Today is Inauguration Day! I know that people in this country don't all agree on who our president is. Quite honestly, no two people look alike or agree on everything. That's life!

However, we can be respectful and kind. Here are some things Martin Luther King Jr. said, "The Time Is Always Right To Do What Is Right." "Only LOVE can drive out hate." "I have decided to stick with LOVE. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

I am going to be praying for our leaders and I hope you will too even if you don't agree. And I hope we will all remember, that "Only LOVE can drive out hate." I too like Martin have decided that "I Will Stick With LOVE!"

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

God BLESS America. Please pray for PEACE and LOVE!

It's Time

 by Kay Heitsch

I like today's quote, "It's time to be an encourager. The world has enough critics already."

The Bible tells us to "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." Ephesians 4:29 NLT I also like, "The one who speaks God's message speaks to people and gives them help, encouragement, and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14:3 TEV

Wouldn't it be nice if we would all be an encourager? It's true as the quote says we have enough critics in the world already.

It's easy to be critical. It takes absolutely no effort at all. However, unless it comes naturally it can be difficult to be an encourager.

"It's Time" to focus on using words of encouragement than being a critic. I know if we put this quote into practice we can make our world a better place.

Live On Purpose For A Purpose

 by Kay Heitsch

Do you believe God has a plan for your life? Do you believe He has work for you to do? I most certainly believe He does, without a doubt.

"Live on purpose for a purpose! Your life has purpose. Your story is important. You were born to make an impact." is the quote I chose for the day.

We all have a story and we were born to make an impact.

I was excited when I read Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This Bible verse made it clear to me that God does have good works that He has prepared for us to do.

Every day that goes by is a day we won't get back. We can either waste or invest our time.

I want to live my life 'On purpose for a purpose' and do the works God has already created for me to do. How about you?

Pause and Choose

by Kay Heitsch

Today I heard something that I hadn't thought of before. It went something like this. Our response to something can be just as wrong as the situation itself. That's true! The way we respond to something or someone can be wrong also.

Our quote today says it well, "Human freedom involves our capacity to pause and to choose our response. We may not be able to change the situation, but we can choose our response to it."

We can respond in a loving way even if we disagree. That is a human freedom we have to pause and choose our response. Too often we fly off the handle instead of pausing and choosing the right way to handle a situation. I know I have!

When we respond in a loving way we are living out 1 Corinthians 13. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth.…

I believe if we pause and use our human freedom to choose, we will respond in a loving way.

LIGHT and LOVE

 by Kay Heitsch

Martin Luther King Jr had a lot to say. This morning I read many of his quotes. I chose, "Darkness can not drive out darkness. Only LIGHT can do that. Hate can not drive out hate. Only LOVE can do that."

When someone doesn't agree with us we tend to feel angry. If you notice when we allow anger to control us we feel depressed, unhappy, and there's a darkness that is around us.

It's interesting to experience what happens when instead of allowing hate to control us we act in LOVE. There is a LIGHT that we feel surrounding us. We feel happy and the LIGHT of LOVE drives out hate.

In this day in age we need LIGHT and LOVE! Today's Bible verse, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21 ESV is great advice to remember.

Let's allow LOVE and LIGHT to drive out the darkness and hate in our world. We can overcome evil with good as we ask the LORD to help us.

Help us LORD to bring your LIGHT and LOVE to our world today and everyday!

HOPE

 by Kay Heitsch

I love today's quote, HOPE- Have Only Positive Expectations!

I came across the following Bible verse years ago. This verse helped my thinking. "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living." Psalm 27:13 NASB

What would have become of me had I not believed I would see the Lord's goodness right here on this earth? I really don't know, but I do know I am much better off having HOPE!

Living with HOPE and Having Only Positive Expectations for our future is a great way to see the goodness of the Lord.

Have A Good Workout!

 by Kay Heitsch

When I walk into Planet Fitness I'm greeting with a smile and usually these words, "Have a good workout!"

Today's quote, It's in the gymnasium of life where you get the workout to live life to the fullest. Today's a great day to be the best you, you can be.

When I saw the words "gymnasium of life" in today's quote I thought about how true it is that it does take work to live life it to the fullest.

We can't just sit allowing our minds to be a garbage dump for every negative thought that comes! Sometimes we may even need to distance ourselves from people who suck the joy out of life.

This is one of my favorite Bible verses. "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

I want to live the life that Jesus died to give me. I know this will take work on my part. I won't allow the thief to steal the life I know I can have.

Have A Good Workout! Make today a step towards living the abundant life. Be the best you...you can be.

Sunny Disposition

 by Kay Heitsch

I love being around people who have a sunny disposition. Somehow when I'm around them, no matter the weather, they brighten the day!

Today's quote says it well. "A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition!" I added, Shine on!

I want to be the person who brightens a cloudy day by my sunny disposition. I want to 'shine on!' How about you?

THINK

by Kay Heitsch

Today's quote is good advice. "Before you say or do THINK! T- is it TRUE ? H - Is it HELPFUL? I - Is it INSPIRING? N - Is it NECESSARY K - Is it KIND?"

This Bible verse goes well with it. "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you." Matthew 7:12

Before we fly off the handle and say or do anything I believe our quote today is good to keep in mind. THINK!

I pray to keep the word THINK forefront in my mind today. I believe it will he helpful in many situations.

Calm After The Storm

by Kay Heitsch

Awe, peace and quiet! The calm after the storm.

Yesterday I was enjoying being outside shoveling snow. Then the wind picked up and the freezing rain started to come down. I hurried into the house to find we had no power. The wind was blowing so hard that it blew our big trash can from behind the house out into the driveway.

Today the wind has calmed down and the sun has started to shine. I went outside to retrieve some other things that the wind had blown and I heard the birds singing.

Thinking about the calm I found this quote. "After the storm comes a calm. The sun always shines after the storm."

This is true in our lives as well. We all go through storms in our lives. But always remember that there is a calm after the storm and the sun will shine again.

People Watcher

by Kay Heitsch

I'm a people watcher. I think it's interesting to watch people and observe how they react to life's situations.

I know people who think that they should be spared of problems. After all, they pray..don't they! Shouldn't God be like Santa and give them what they ask for. We forget this Bible text at times, "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But be of good cheer, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33 We all have trials and sorrows in this world. Even people who pray! We can keep a good attitude (be of good cheer) and grow stronger in spite of our problems.

When we ask God to change a person shouldn't He just change them? When God doesn't do what we think He should we may get angry at God. I've found that sometimes God wants me to change, not the other person. Boy, that's an eye opener!

Somehow, at times we forget that God gives each of us free will. He won't force anyone to do anything, even if we pray that He will. One thing we do know is that with our choices comes consequences. We will reap what we sow. (see Galatians 6:7).

People watching is fascinating. At times what you see in another person is exactly what you do yourself. One thing that's encouraging, is that if it's something you don't like, you can ask God to help you change! Even that prayer usually takes time!

I've learned a lot being a people watcher. Watching people has shown me that we are all unique. We can learn from each other and be of good cheer (keep a good attitude) because Jesus has overcome the world.

Growing Strong Under Pressure

by Kay Heitsch

I don't like difficulties anymore than anyone else. I would like my life to be smooth sailing without any problems. However, that is not the realities of life.

Today's quote reminds us that we can grow strong under pressure. "When we long for life without difficulties, remember oak trees grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure."

When we go through life's difficulties, God will give us His grace to grow stronger under the pressure if we put our faith and trust in His mighty power.

Living Life Playing Trivial Pursuit Or Risk

by Kay Heitsch

I've lived a lot of my life playing, Trivial Pursuit. What I mean by living life playing trivial pursuit is living life pursuing what the world thinks is important. I've learned that what the world thinks is important is like chasing the wind.

After Todd died and I gave my life to the Lord I started to view life differently. I started to see that playing Trivial Pursuit wasn't what I wanted to play anymore.

I started to think in a whole new way. I knew that this way of living by simple faith in the Lord would require playing, Risk. I wasn't in control of Risk like I was in Trivial Pursuit. I was stepping out by simple faith and this could be risky.

Living life started to become exciting! I woke up wondering what good things the day would hold. I often had, and still do have, negative thoughts that try to slip in, but now I know I can cast them out! When the thought, "You can't do that!" comes I simply say, "I know I can't, but I trust that God can work through me!"

I've had some amazing experiences since I stopped playing, Trivial Pursuit and by turning my life over to the Lord. I'll admit it's seemed risky at times, but it's a lot better than playing, Trivial Pursuit!

Simple Faith

by Kay Heitsch

I'm a person of simple faith. I've learned that this is the best way for me to live.

Today's quote by Phil Yancey stood out to me. "I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse."

I have stepped out in simple faith. I had to learn to trust in advance what may only make sense in reverse. It's really an awesome experience to take a step of simple faith and find out when you look back, the good outcome.

I won't lie, it can be a scary experience to step out in simple faith. I can also tell you that living by simple faith is well worth it.

Winter Blessings

by Kay Heitsch

I don't know if it's because I grew up in Michigan, but I really love winter. I'm not crazy about winter driving, but I love to see the sparkling snow and the beauty of the trees.

Trees in the winter hold a very special beauty. There are no leaves on some trees, but the silhouette of the branches are beautiful to me. When the pine trees are covered with snow, beauty abounds.

There are many blessings in winter. Somehow today's quote, "Life is filled with many blessings. Don't forget to count yours." reminded me not to forget the blessings of winter.

I hope to be counting my blessings as I see the beauty that surrounds me this winter. I hope you will too.

No More Excuses

by Kay Heitsch

It's funny how when we make our minds up to doing something, somehow, it seems easier to do. We have set our minds!

There's a quote that goes, "If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you'll find an excuse."

That is so true! I've made excuses for why I quit working out on, The Ball. Working out on The Ball had not been that important to me anymore, so I made excuses why I didn't. Now, no more excuses!

If something is important to us we will find a way. If it's really not, we can always find an excuse.

Whatever you're thinking about doing, make your mind up, There's a Bible verse that says "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." James 1:8 This verse sure can speak to making our minds up and to stop making excuses.

Free To Choose

by Kay Heitsch 

I'm trying to get back in the swing of things after eating Halloween candy, Thanksgiving dinner, and all the Christmas goodies. I know I need to stop eating all this junk food and get back to exercising more.

Today I looked for quotes on Motivation. I liked, "Discipline...doing what needs to be done even though you don't want to."

I chose this Bible verse to go along with it. "You say, "I am allowed to do anything"--but not everything is good for you. And even though "I am allowed to do anything," I must not become a slave to anything." 1 Corinthians 6:12 NLT

I came on this Bible verse years ago. I LOVE it! I am allowed to do whatever I want---but not everything is good for me! This goes for food, bad attitude, worry, fear, the list is endless. The next part is priceless...I must not become a slave to anything! There ya go!

We are free to choose! But we are not free from the consequences!

I know that we won't like the outcome of being a slave to eating junk food, worrying, anger, etc. Even if we don't want to do something at the moment we are free to choose what is best for us in the long run.

Divine Intervention

by Kay Heitsch

Yesterday at Planet Fitness I sat down on a machine next to a new member. Right away he started to talk to me. He asked, "Do you believe in God?" I assured him I did. He went on to say he wanted to share something that had happened to him. Here's his story.

George* said he was home alone and was about to get into bed. He had the TV on. As he was sitting on the edge of the bed he felt his hand and arm go numb. He thought it was odd, but ignored it.

Still sitting on the edge of the bed George grabbed the TV remote and changed the channel. He heard the words, "You're having a stroke!" He listened carefully to the service announcement and knew he was having a stroke. George got dressed and drove himself to the hospital...just in time!

George told me that he had been sharing his story with people who believed in God and those who didn't. He felt that this was proof that there is 'Divine Intervention' in our daily lives.

Today's quote goes along well with George's story. "There are no coincidences, everything happens for a reason. Some come as a blessing. Some come as a lesson."

George's 'Divine Intervention' was no coincidence. It came as a blessing and a lesson.

*Name Changed 

Inventory Time

by Kay Heitsch

My husband Bill was in retail management for close to 30 years. Every January they had to take inventory. This was a very busy time.

January is a time when many people look at their lives. They take an inventory of what they have and what they don't have. They think about what they like and don't like about themselves.

I like today's quote. "There's a lot that is good in our lives. We should not take that for granted. We can't get so focused on what's wrong that we don't see what's right."

There is a lot of good in our lives. When we start to take inventory we need to focus on what's right about ourselves too and not take that for granted.

Life's Steering Wheel

by Kay Heitsch

I wanted to start the year off with a Bible verse that helped change my thinking and life. "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

I looked for a quote that would go along with it. "Think positive because thoughts are the steering wheel that move our life in the right direction."

I had to smile thinking about how true this quote is. Our thoughts are 'life's steering wheel.' How we think moves our life.

As we start the new year I pray we fix our thoughts on things that are good, excellent, and worthy of praise. I believe if we do, we will be steering our lives in the right direction.

Learning To Handle Life

by Kay Heitsch

As most of you know my Buckeye's had a big loss last night. For many Buckeye fans and players as well this was something they did not want.

But folks this is life! Whether we like it or not we don't always win. It would be nice if we did, but that's not reality.

What's important is how we handle winning and losing. Quite honestly, in my opinion, it's how we handle life when things don't go our way or when they do go our way, that matters.

Learning to handle life in a positive way whether we win or lose is a blessing.

We all know that we don't always get our way. Life brings us wins and losses. It is what it is! I hope we take each win and loss as an opportunity to handle it in a positive way.

Learning to handle life in a positive way, no matter what, is a blessing.

Happy BLESSED New Year

by Kay Heitsch

Every year is a new beginning! I am looking forward to 2017.

Some people go into a new year expecting the worst. I've found when you look for something whether positive or negative that's exactly what you will find.

This year I pray that we will look for the positives all throughout  the year. If something doesn't go our way and we're tempted to get negative, I pray we will see it as an opportunity to handle it in a positive way. When things do go our way I pray we will be gracious.

Today's quote is, "May God be with you in the New Year and fill your life with comfort, LOVE, and cheer. May this day and the days ahead, hold many blessings for you and yours." 

I chose today's Bible verse:  May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you His favor and give you His peace." Numbers 6:24-36 NLT

Every year is a new beginning. I'm looking forward to 2017. I pray we will all focus on the many blessings God will bring to us all throughout the year.

God bless you all in 2017