Self Talk

by Kay Heitsch

"Be careful how you talk to yourself because you are listening." ~ Encouraging Quotes ~

When I put in "Encouraging Quotes" this morning I was thinking along the line of encouraging others, but sometimes we need to encourage ourselves too.

We all can get down on ourselves at times. More than once I've opened the Bible and read, "Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5

We are listening when we talk to ourselves so we need to be careful what we think and say.

When I read this last half of the verse 5 it lifts me up and makes me smile! "Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God."

Set The Tone

 by Kay Heitsch

"Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have." 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Mark 12:31

We all know that we can't give away something we don't have. If we don't love ourselves, how on earth, can we ever love other people?

Knowing that God loves us unconditionally is the first step in loving ourselves. When we accept His love for us we then can love ourselves. This sets the tone for every other relationship we have.

Timing Is Everything

 by Kay Heitsch

"Timing is everything. If it's meant to happen, it will for the right reasons."

What a great reminder when we get in a rush for something to happen. Timing is everything! If we rush somethings there are disastrous results. Look at the caterpillar becoming a butterfly. If it's rushed it will never fly.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. "Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

When we come to grips with knowing there is a right time, our lives will be less stressful. We can stay calm knowing that if it's meant to happen, it will for the right reasons.

Patience

 by Kay Heitsch

"Have patience with all things and especially with yourself."

I've been trying to post something for almost an hour on fb. Quite honestly, I was about to lose my patience!

This quote came up too that hits the nail on the head. "Patience is not the ability to wait, but to keep a good attitude while you're waiting."

I can say I had enough patience with myself that I didn't give up. I'm not so sure about keeping a good attitude though. LOL!  

The First Step

by Kay Heitsch

"The first step of getting anywhere is deciding you're not willing to stay where you are." ~ Quotes ~

Sometimes the first step is the hardest when we want to make a change in our lives. But we must take that first step if we want to move forward.

Sometimes we need to forget the way we did things in the past and start to see the new things that are in front of us. It may seem impossible, but with God's help He can make a way when there seems to be no way. (see Isaiah 43: 18&19)

Let's decide to take that first step today. It may lead to a beautiful destination.

Beauty Tip

 Kay Heitsch

Let a series of HAPPY thoughts run through your mind. They will show in your face. ~ Norman V. Peale 

I've met some really beautiful people in my life. I can honestly say it was their smiling face and wonderful attitude that made them beautiful.

Dr. Peale was one of those beautiful people. Even though in was well into his 80's when I met him his eyes sparkled and his smile lit up the room.

Beautiful people don't have a perfect life by any stretch of the imagination. However, they put their problems in God's hands because they knew the joy of the Lord was their strength.

Here's a "Beauty Tip" for today! "Let a series of HAPPY thoughts run through your mind. They will show in your face."

Just Say No

by Kay Heitsch

"You can be a good person with a kind heart and still say," No".

There was a time in my life when I got burned out from saying, "Yes" to 'good' things people asked me to do. Somehow I thought if it was a good thing I should just do it.

Finally, I came to my senses and learned that not everything that's a good thing is for me to do. Sometimes when we step up to do something good it's actually for someone else to do. Our helping is keeping someone else from doing what they are suppose to do.

I came to a point when I started to pray about anything someone asked me to do. It took a while, but I started to understand that you can be a good person with a kind heart and still say, "No."

Fearless

 by Kay Heitsch

"Once you become fearless. Life becomes limitless." When I read this quote this morning I thought of the Bible verse, "Fear not, for I am with you. Isaiah 41:10 NLT

We can step out into the unknown without fear when we really know that the Lord is with us.

What are we afraid of? God has an awesome plan for each of our lives. He tells us to fear not for He is with us.

To work the limitless plan God has for our lives we need to become fearless and keep in mind, "Fear not, for I am with you."

What Could Go Right!

by Kay Heitsch

"Be Positive, Patient, and Persistent! Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and think of what could go right!" ~ Quotes ~

I don't know why, but when we start out on something new we often times think of all the things that could go wrong. I wonder how different life would be if we immediately thought about all that could go right.

We need to be positive, patient, and persistent to do anything worthwhile. Most things don't just happen quickly. People may see the finished result, but they don't know all that went into it.

When we stay positive, patient, and persistent we can stop being afraid of what could go wrong and think about what could go right!

Live Inside Out

by Kay Heitsch

"You may not be able to control every situation and it's outcome; but you can control your attitude and how you deal with it." ~ Good News Quotes ~

I think it's great to know that we can use self-control and keep a good attitude no matter what situations come into our lives.

No one said it would be easy, but it's possible if we live from the inside out.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and SELF-CONTROL. Against such things there is no Law." Galatians 5:22 & 23. (emphasis mine)

We can live inside out because we have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control on the inside of us.

When upsetting situations come along we can use self-control and live from the inside out. When we do we can keep a positive attitude no matter what life brings.

Enjoy The Moment

by Kay Heitsch

It's rare that I stop and think about enjoying the moment in my everyday life. I think back on moments that have become memories quite often though. As I sit here at the computer today I'm actually taking the time to look out the window. I'm enjoying the quiet of the moment.

Later today I'm going over to my friend Joe's memorial service. Maybe that's why I chose today's quote. "Life is only traveled once, today's moments become tomorrow's memories. Enjoy this moment because this is your life."

Life is short. I had today's Bible verse on our refrigerator for years. "This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NASB

Enjoy the moment because this moment is your life. Life is only traveled once. Today's moments will be tomorrow's memories.

Stress Free

 by Kay Heitsch

"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another." ~ William James ~

Wouldn't it be awesome to live free from stress?

What a culture shock to know that what's going on around us doesn't have to get inside of us. A storm may be raging, but we can be calm and peaceful inside.

What value do we put on peace? I think sometimes we just want something to complain about instead of really wanting to live in peace.

Our thoughts can seriously determine our stress level. I like this Bible text, "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 I like how some translations puts this, "Stop allowing yourself to be upset."

We have peace in us. Jesus left us His peace. We can choose to stop allowing ourselves to be upset by choosing one thought over another.

Let LOVE Guide Your Life

 by Kay Heitsch

Wow, what would our world be like if we let LOVE guide our life? I can only imagine.

I think if we did let LOVE guide we would be less judgemental, more forgiving, we'd be kinder, more peaceful, and we would show LOVE.

The following Bible verse has been called The Golden Rule, "Do to others as you would like them to do to you." Luke 6:31 NLT

I believe if we let LOVE guide our lives our world would be better not only for others, but for ourselves as well.

Life Is Short

by Kay Heitsch

"Today will never come again. Be a blessing. Be a friend. Encourage someone. Take time to care. Be kind. Life is short...show LOVE!"

Why do you workout at Planet Fitness? I've been asked that question on several occasions. We normally get into some discussion about health, but I usually end up saying, "To feel good mentally and physically today!" I'm also a people person and I've met some wonderful people there.

Life is short! We don't know when our last day will be here. Working out, in my opinion, will not prolong your life. But it will help you feel better while you're here.

One of my Planet Fitness friends died this week. Joe was only 56 and he seemed to be in fairly good health. He had some health issues like most people, but no one there expected him to die!

Joe was like a guy from the show, "Cheers." He was friendly to everyone. He made you feel he was glad you came over to PF to workout. When I'd walked in he'd call out. "Hey KK!" with a big smile.

Joe even brought in a little cake on a few occasions to people who had completed their goals to congratulate them.

I heard someone tease Joe about spending more time chatting than working out. Joe just laughed it off. Little did the person know Joe had already lost close to 100 pounds. We judge too quickly!

Maybe Joe knew his life would be short, I don't know; but he lived today's quote everyday. "Today will never come again. Be a blessing. Be a friend. Encourage someone. Take time to care. Be kind. Life is short...show LOVE!"

1 Corinthians 13 Everyday

by Kay Heitsch

If I decorate my house perfectly with matching pillows, perfect lighting and all the right colors, but do not show love, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, making perfect meals with healthful ingredients, but do not show love, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, visit people in nursing homes and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love, it profits me nothing.

If I volunteer every chance I get, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the cleaning to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's life, but is thankful for what they have.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things,

believes all things,

hopes all things,

and endures all things.

Love never fails.

One Kind Word

Kay Heitsch

Today being Valentine's Day I was thinking about love. "Love is patient and kind." 1 Corinthians 13:4

Today's quote stood out to me. "One kind word can change someone's entire day." Did it ever occur to you that one kind word to someone else, or to yourself, may change your day too?

The Bible says a lot about love. I was wondering why it says to love our enemies. Could it be the same reason it says to forgive? Could it be that when we love others, who don't love us, it changes something inside of us? It sets us free the same way it does when we forgive.

One kind word can do a lot for others. One kind word can do a lot for us too. One kind word may actually change the day!

What a way to live a life of LOVE!

Think Outside The Box

by Kay Heitsch

Think Outside The Box! We don't need to conform to how the world thinks! We can be transformed by renewing our minds.

Do not be conformed to this world, but continuously be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God's will is—what is proper, pleasing, and perfect. Romans 12:2 ISV

When we think outside the box we aren't thinking like everyone else. When others are being controlled by fear we can think faith thoughts. When others are controlled by hate we can be transformed by LOVE. The list goes on and on.

When we choose to 'Think Outside The Box' we are transforming our thoughts and our minds are renewed. We don't need to conform to the way the world thinks. We can be constantly transformed by renewing our minds.

We can think Outside The Box by thinking positive in a negative world.  

Free To Be Unique

Kay Heitsch

Y ou are
O ne
U unique person

Stay focused on your own journey and leave footprints behind.

When we realize that we do not need to be like other people we are free to be our unique selves. We can focus on our own journey and leave footprints behind.

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 NLV

Wow! We are God's masterpiece! It doesn't say we are some carbon copy of someone else. We are unique!

We're all on a journey. We are here to do good things and leave our unique footprints behind.

Keep Climbing

by Kay Heitsch

"You can't climb uphill by thinking downhill thoughts." ~ Attitude Quotes ~

No matter what we start out to do if we begin to think downhill thoughts it's likely we won't keep climbing. It's very important to keep a right attitude by thinking uphill thoughts.

"Be very careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life." Proverbs 4:23 NCV This Bible text is a favorite of mine.

Keep climbing with a right attitude by thinking uphill thoughts.

Focus On The Good

 by Kay Heitsch

"Focus on all the good things in your life. Don't allow negative thoughts or feelings drain your energy."

Have you ever wondered why you're tired and have no energy? There could be a lot of reasons. One might be because of the thoughts and feelings we're allowing.

When we focus on the good things in life this will change our thinking and feelings. When we add being grateful this adds even more.

Today is a great day to stop the energy draining thoughts and feelings and Focus On The Good!

It's Too Hard

by Kay Heitsch

"Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same." ~ Life Quotes ~

How many times have we all complained, "It's Too Hard" We may know it's the right thing to do, but we avoid it because we've convinced ourselves it's too hard. Most times it's not too hard. The problem is we just don't want to do it so we make the "It's too hard" excuse.

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels--a plentiful harvest of new lives." John 12:24 NLT

Doing the right thing, may mean dying to ourselves and our excuses. We have to give up the, "It's Too Hard" excuse and do the right thing we know to do if we want the plentiful harvest of a new life.

"Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same"

The choice is ours.

Strong Enough To Stand Alone

by Kay Heitsch

I've had to stand alone on several occasions. Sometimes it's not easy, but when you really know what you're doing is right for you, it's possible, with God's help.

People don't like it if what you're doing is something they don't want to do. If it's not right for them, they somehow believe, it's not what you should do either.

There comes a time when we all need to be strong enough to stand alone! It's nice to have people encourage us, but we don't need them if we believe what we're doing is God's plan for us.

If what we're doing is God's plan we are not really standing alone at all. God is always with us. He is helping us work the plan He has for our lives.

Be Strong! Be Smart! Be Humble!

by Kay Heitsch

"Be strong enough to stand alone. Smart enough to know when you need help. And humble enough to ask for it."

We all want people to approve of what we do. We have made a decision to do what we know is right for us, but others may not like it. We need to be strong enough to stand alone!

We like to do things for ourselves, but it's smart to realize we may need help!

Why is it so hard sometimes to ask for help? We know we could use it! We need to be humble enough to ask.

I chose two Bible texts to go with this quote."This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

"I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

These two texts tell us to be strong and courageous! We are not be be afraid or discouraged. We are to pray to the Lord and He will free us from all our fears.

Be strong! Be Smart! Be Humble! Sounds like a great way to live!

Unexpected Things

 by Kay Heitsch

"Life can be full of unexpected things, either happy or sad. No matter what things may happen, keep a loving heart, a wise mind, and a strong faith in God who will always stay with us through our journeys in life." ~ Faith Quotes ~

It's interesting how we react to unexpected things. If what we experience is something we like we can react totally different than when it's something unexpected that we don't like.

I like today's quote that says to keep a loving heart, a wise mind, and a strong faith in God no matter if it's something we like or don't like. Wow, what a way to live!

When we know that God is with us always through the unexpected happy or sad times we are more likely to keep a good attitude. We can use wisdom and keep a loving heart because we have a strong faith in God who will always stay with us through our journeys in life.

I Found It!

by Kay Heitsch

I guess by now most of you who read anything I write, know I write from my heart. I'd like to share some things that may shock you. You may not agree and that's okay. We are all on our own journey!

I was not a Christian when Todd died. I really don't know what I considered myself, but I knew I wanted nothing to do with religion.

Years ago a minister came over to our home.. He asked, "Kay, don't you want to go to heaven?" I answered quickly, "Quite frankly NO! I don't want to spend one hour a week with you religious people. Why would I want to spend eternity."

Many years after this visit and before Todd's death I started reading some books by Dr Norman V. Peale. Dr Peale told stories about people who had such amazing faith and love for the Lord that their lives were completely different from anyone I knew. I wanted that kind of life! Dr Peale quoted Bible verses though out his books showing how these people thought and lived their lives.

After Todd died I bought myself a Bible. I figured I'd buy a Bible and study it to see if I could find what these people had.

The more I studied the more I learned. I actually saw people I knew while reading the Bible. I remember thinking, "I know these people!" Sorry to say when I felt that way the people I knew were the finger pointing religious. The exact people I wanted nothing to do with.

I also saw other people who had tremendous strength in the face of adversity. I was seeing how to live a life of love depending on the Lord.

As I continued studying I started to develop a personal relationship with the author of the Bible. I could see how it was all connected. I was beginning to understand how these people Dr Peale talked about lived their lives of faith and LOVE.

Now years have gone by and I can honestly say, I Found It! What have I found? I've found what these people had that I wanted. A deep personal relationship with the Lord.

Live! Laugh! Love!

 by Kay Heitsch

"The rest of your life can be the best of your life. You may not have had a good start. But you can have a great finish! Live! Laugh! LOVE!" ~ Love Your Life Quotes ~

That's right! We can choose to make the rest of our life the best!

John 10:10 is a favorite text of mine. "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 This text changed my thinking and my life!

Each of us has had enough stolen, killed and destroyed by the thief! Now we can be determined to live the abundant life that Jesus died to give us.

It's time to have a great finish! Live! Laugh! and LOVE!

Why Is The Sun Shining?

 by Kay Heitsch

When I walked out of the emergency room on February 6th many years ago the sun was shining. My heart was broken and I was in shock! I had just learned our son Todd was dead. I remember thinking, "Why is the sun shining?"

As the years went by I started to write a blog called, "Let the SON Shine!" I did this in loving memory of Todd.

As I look back on that day when I was wondering, "Why is the sun shining?" I believe now the Lord was showing me that even in our darkest hour the SON still shines.

I'll See You Later

 by Kay Heitsch

When our 16 year old son Todd walked out the back door I never dreamed it would be the last time I would see him go out that door. He turned around as he walked down the steps, pointed his finger and said, "Later Mom."  (Todd died in a car accident an hour later)

Those words "Later Mom" have stuck in my mind all of these years.

"Good byes are not forever. Good byes are not the end. They simply mean "I'll see you later" until we meet again."

"I'll See You Later Todd"  I have no doubt!

Look For The Good

 by Kay Heitsch

"Train you mind to see the good in every situation. Have faith that something good can come out of it."

We all go through situations where we don't see how any good can come out of it. But I'm here to tell you that if you look you can find the good.

Our Bible verse today is a case in point. "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip. John 1:46 NIV Come and see who? Jesus, the son of God, came out of Nazareth!

Nazareth was a rough town back in the day. Just look what came out of that town.

We can all train ourselves to look for the good in every situation. We can have faith that we will see something good if we will just look for it.

Look On The Bright Side

 by Kay Heitsch

"No one ever injured their eyesight by looking on the bright side."  ~ Happy Quotes ~

There are usually at least two ways to look at a situation. It's easy to be negative and find fault. But we can also train our minds to look on the bright side.

The book of Proverbs has many verses to help people have a great life. Today's verse is one. "A happy heart is a good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 AMP

Being happy and looking on the bright side is good medicine.

When we see the sun shine this can be a reminder to "Look On The Bright Side" of life!

Focus

Kay Heitsch

"Life gives us both positive and negative. Focus on the good. Today choose to focus on the good things in your life."

Have you ever noticed that we usually have to choose to focus on the good things in life? God is always at work bringing good out of some bad situation. We need to focus on the good things He is doing.

I heard that in some TV news departments they say, "Good news is no news." Isn't that sad! No wonder people are upset and filled with stress.

"Let your eyes look upon that which is right, And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you." Proverbs 4:25

Focus on what is right and good. What we focus on grows. Remember what consumes your mind, controls your life.

Smile, You Are Loved

by Kay Heitsch

Twinkle twinkle little star. Do you know how loved you are?"

I believe everyone wants to be loved and happy. Someone said the greatest happiness is knowing you are loved with an everlasting love.

Today's Bible verse tells us that we are. "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness." Jeremiah 31:3

When we really understand that we are loved with an everlasting love we will love ourselves and also love others.

I really like James 2:8 TEV "You will be doing the right thing if you obey the law of the Kingdom, which is found in the scripture. "Love your neighbor as you love yourself."

Once we accept that everlasting LOVE we can say, "Yes" to the question, Twinkle twinkle little star. Do you know how loved you are?"

Smile and be happy. You are loved!

Kindness and Respect

by Kay Heitsch

"Set an example. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, even if you disagree." ~ Be Kind Quotes ~

Being kind and respectful to others even when we disagree says a lot about a person.

I believe if we treat people with kindness and respect, even if we disagree, we are living out Mark 12: 30 & 31 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 'Love your neighbor as yourself."

When we love God first and our neighbor as ourselves we can be kind and respectful even when we disagree. We feel confident in who we are. Others can have a different opinion without us getting all bent out of shape.

Let's set an example today and everyday by treating everyone with kindness and respect, even if we disagree.