I Want To Attitude

 by Kay Heitsch

When people ask, "What do you do? Let's say, "Whatever it takes." ~ I Want To Attitude Quotes ~

It's amazing what we can do if we really want to. Boy, it's hard to stop an, "I want to attitude."

Our Bible verses today say, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might..." Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23

When people ask, "What do you do? Let's say, "Whatever it takes." When we have an 'I want to attitude' we can do whatever our hand finds to do with all our hearts.

Be Nice

by Kay Heitsch

"The world is filled with nice people. If you can't find one be one." ~ Who Are You Quotes ~

I'm sure over the years we've all heard or said the words, "Be nice." What a difference our world would be if we actually put "Be nice" into practice.

Our Bible verse today says, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32 ESV

If we are kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, we will be nice. I believe the world is filled with nice people. But if we can't find one we can choose to be one.

We're No Surprise To God

by Kay Heitsch

When God designed the plan for our life it wasn't dependent on us being perfect. Our mistakes are no surprise to God. ~ Quotes ~

I well remember the day I gave my life to the Lord. Somehow I knew I was no surprise to God. I said something like, "Well Lord have at it! You know what You're getting when You got me! I know I'm no surprise to You."

Our Bible verses today say, "I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born." Jeremiah 1:5 HCSB For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

We are no surprise to God. He chose us before we were even formed in our mother's womb. He has a good plan for each of our lives to give us a future full of hope.

Pretty On The Inside

by Kay Heitsch

The most attractive thing about you should have less to do with your looks and more to do with your heart. ~ Quotes ~

I've known people who other people would not have considered attractive on the outside, but they were beautiful on the inside.

I remember years ago telling Bill how pretty I thought some of my friends were. He saw them and said, "You must see something I don't." Right, I knew them personally and they were beautiful to me.

Our Bible verses today say, "Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing; but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious. 1 Peter 3:3 & 4 NHGB

Our beauty should not just be how well we dress, our jewelry and how great our hair style is. We should strive to be pretty on the inside too.  The most attractive thing about us should be our heart and how we treat others. 

What Are You Expecting?

by Kay Heitsch

Positive expectations are important for success. For we tend to get what we expect. ~ Game Day Quotes ~

I find it interesting to watch how teams play when something is on the line. Boy, even though some may think they aren't up to the challenge, they do win, because they are positive they will.

I saw that years ago when the Dover/New Philadelphia game was dedicated to our son Todd. That year some people were not expecting the Dover team to win; but win they did! There was a drive within the players to win that overcame.

Do we always win because we want to? No, we don't. But how much better to live our lives having positive expectations. More often than not we do get what we expect.

Our Bible verse today says the Lord longs to be good to us and to show loving kindness to us. We are blessed when we wait (expect) Him to do so. (see Isaiah 30:18 AMPC)

What are we expecting? When we look for and expect the good things the Lord longs to give us we'll live a happier life. Remember, positive expectations are important for success. For we tend to get what we expect.

Happy Thoughtful Thursday

by Kay Heitsch

Be kind to everyone you meet. One small dose of kindness can change someone's entire day. ~ Thursday Quotes ~

What a great way to see Thursday as "Thoughtful Thursday." Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone thought about how they could be kind to everyone on Thursday?

Our Bible verse today says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another." (see Ephesians 4:32) I like Galatians 6:10. It says, "Be mindful to be a blessing..." When we are mindful we will think about being kind, compassionate, and a blessing.

Happy Thoughtful Thursday! Let's be mindful to put these Bible verses into practice by being kind, compassionate, and a blessing to everyone we meet today.

I Don't Get It

by Kay Heitsch

Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop. ~ Cast Your Care Quotes ~

There are times in our lives when we just don't get it. We stress and worry because we don't understand what's going on.  In 1 Corinthians 13:12 it says, "All that I know now is partial and incomplete,but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely." Right now we may not get it, but someday we will.

Today's Bible verse is great advice. It says, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

When we give all of our cares and worries to God we can stay out of the darkroom of worry. Understanding that what we know is incomplete and partial can help us to cast our cares on Him before negatives can develop.

I Dare You

by Kay Heitsch

Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death. ~ Quotes ~

Too often we suffer from paralysis of analysis. We over think something to death instead of feeding our faith. We think we don't have what it takes to try something new. We forget God chooses the most unlikely people to do amazing things. 

Look at David a simple shepherd boy. His family didn't think he was anything special. But he chose to trust God to work through him and he killed the giant and became a great king. (see 1 Samuel 17)

Our Bible verse today is, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

I dare you to step out in faith today! Remember that we can do whatever we need to do through Christ who gives us the strength. Don't allow paralysis of analysis to hold you back.

God Meets Us Where We Are

by Kay Heitsch

Broken things can become blessed things if you let God do the mending. ~ God Meets You Where You Are Quotes ~

Even when we mess things up in our lives God meets us where we are. When we give Him the broken parts of our lives he will mend them. When he does our broken things can become blessed things.

Our Bible verse today is a verse from the story of the prodigal son. "And while he was still a long way off, his Father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him." Luke 15:20 NLT

Even though we may have made a mess of our situation God meets us where we are. He will run to us with love and compassion. "He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds." Psalm 147:3 NLT Our broken things can become blessed things when we let God do the mending.

It's Up To Us How We Respond

by Kay Heitsch

Life! We can not always choose what happened to us. But we can always choose how we respond. ~ Life Quotes ~

We can not always choose what happens to us as we live our lives, that's true. But how we respond not only impacts us, but it also has an impact on others.

Today's Bible verse 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

Our choices make a big difference, not only for us, but also for people around us and our families down the line. We can't always choose what happens, but how we respond is up to us.

Ya Wanna Be Happy?

by Kay Heitsch

Happy are those who take life day by day, complain very little and are thankful for the little things in life. ~ Quotes ~

When we focus on being thankful for the little things in life it helps us to enjoy our day to day life. If we would actually stop complaining, instead of complain very little, I believe it would greatly add to our happiness.

Our Bible verses today say, "Do everything without complaining and give thanks in all circumstances. (see Philippians 2:14 & 1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Ya wanna be happy? A great place to start is complain very little and be thankful for the little things in life. If we put our Bible verses, "Do everything without complaining and give thanks in all circumstances into practice it certainly would help us to be happy each and every day.

In Loving Memory Of Todd

The following is a personal letter I wrote to Dr. Norman V. Peale after our 16 year old son Todd died instantly in a car accident. Dr. Peale published the letter in Plus The Magazine of Positive Thinking in 1990. He also used it as the introduction to his book, Have A Great Day-Every Day! 

Dear Dr. Peale, 

I became acquainted with your writing strictly by accident. If I had known you were a minister, I would not have touched your books with a ten-foot pole. I was searching for something; I wasn't sure what. 

During my search, I had gone to the psychology section of our public library and selected your book You Can If You Think You Can. I was inspired by what you had written. Although I had picked up books by other authors, they left me cold. I returned to the library to find more of your books. In the card file, your books were also listed under "religion." This was not to my liking. But I was so inspired by the first book I had read that I checked out more. 

You see, I was brought up with a religion that had left me bitter; I wanted nothing more to do with it. 

As I began reading your other books, I would skip over all of the Bible texts, feeling the power of my own mind was enough. I typed pages of your tips from several books. After a while, I started to put, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) at the bottom of my typed pages. This amazed me! 

I showed many of these pages to my teen-aged son, Todd. He was also inspired, and encouraged me to continue my reading and sharing. 

Then, on a cold February day in 1988, one of my son's friends called. There had been a terrible accident. My son, Todd, had been killed. 

I could not believe this had happened. Todd was so positive! He had goals. He loved life. 

But it was true, My son was gone. 

Because my husband, Bill, always worked long hours and we were transferred frequently, Todd and I had developed a close relationship. Todd had found that making close friends in a new town inevitably led to painful good-bys. So he made it a practice to be casual friends with everyone. We had been in Ohio less than three years when he was killed. I remember wondering if anyone would come to pay respect. 

To my surprise, the funeral home was packed. People were lined up outside in the bitter cold. These teen-agers and teachers had loved Todd. They said that he was always happy and a friend to everyone. One teacher said he had never known Todd to have a bad day. This was because of you, Doctor Peale. Each morning, we read your book, "Have A Great Day." 

At the funeral home, I felt as though I were the comforter. I told all of the kids, after giving them a big hug, that they could come over and talk anytime. Several of them told me that Todd had always said I was easy to talk to and that they should visit me anytime. I was surprised. 

Kids started coming over to my home. They asked why Todd was always so happy, and I told them about positive thinking. I was even talking to them about the Lord, I started buying copies of "Have a Great Day" for everyone. On the inside, I would write, "In loving memory of Todd." 

I began seeing the Lord in a different way. This didn't happen overnight, however. It had been eight years since I first read "You Can If You Think You Can." I knew that my strength was coming from the Lord, but I was still holding on to my own strong will. 

Then one day, that all changed. It was just another day, but I couldn't muster up enough "positive thinking" on my own to face the day. I felt shaky and was afraid that I was going to fall apart. I knelt down and prayed. I finally admitted to the Lord-- and to myself--that He was the power, and I needed it right then. I felt such peace and love. This is what I had always been looking for! I felt as if He were saying, "What took you so long? I've been by your side all along." 

Sometime later, the phone rang. When I answered the phone, I recognized the voice of a good friend of Todd's. She was having trouble accepting Todd's death, and needed some answers. I told her I did not know how or why this terrible accident had happened, but that I would ask the Lord and get back to her. 

That night, I held the Bible and prayed that I could help this girl find her answer. I asked the Lord to speak to me throught His word. I told the Lord that I had totally accepted this tragedy. Now, with His help and guidance, I wanted to make something positive out of it. I then asked the Lord to please help me with this girl's problem. 

I hadn't read the Bible much in 20 years, so I did not know where to turn for the answers I needed. Randomly, I opened the Bible to John 15:13. It read: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." 

Was this the answer Todd's friend was looking for? I called her and read John 15:13

There was a pause. Then she said, "That was just like Todd. This is something he would have done." 

Shortly thereafter, the meaning of that Scripture bacame clear. Nick, the friend who had been the passenger in the car Todd was driving, told me details of the accident I had not previously known. Nick said he remembered the day as very cold. Sections of the road were quite slippery. 

All of a sudden, the car began to slide. Nick could see a tree coming closer and closer toward him. He remembered yelling. At that, Todd turned and looked over at him. Immediately, Todd turned the wheel with such force that it turned the car around. This caused the tree to come through the window on the driver's side rather than on the passenger's side The tree forced Todd to the back seat, killing him instantly. 

Gradually, John 15:13 took on greater meaning. You see, I, too was Todd's friend, and he laid down his life for me that day also. If this accident had not happened, I would no doubt be going down the same road, relying on my own power. 

I knew then why I had been typing the works, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." months before Todd's death. The day I had knelt down and surrendered my life to Christ, I also had died. Now I have His power and not my own. 

Nothing has been the same since I surrendered my life to God. 

Shortly after Todd's death, an advertisement asking for positive people to serve as Boosters for troubled kids appeared in our local paper. My husband and friends urged me to respond. I'm so glad I called that number. I could write a book on the wonderful blessings that have come from my experience as a Booster. 

I recently spoke before our church and community leaders, explaining how positive thinking had changed my life and the lives of the children with whom I was working. It has been a miracle. Several people, including me, were crying when I finished.

My son had been a cross-country runner, and in November 1988, the boy and girls decided to dedicate their season to Todd, They began training without a coach, so I gave each of them the condensed edition of "The Power of Positive Thinking." Both the boys' team and the girls' team made it to the state finals! It was the first time in our school's history that either team had gone so far. I even entered a local running contest, and won the "gold." 

I began starting the each day by talking to the Lord, thanking Him for another day, and asking Him what we should do with it. This prayer has led me to some unusual places. 

Doctor Peale, at all times, I carry several different booklets you have written. If I believe that someone would benefit from reading one, I give it to him. I have heard some wonderful stories because of this! 

I have distributed your booklets at our jail, at the laundromat, in doctors' offices and hospital wards, and at group homes for troubles teens. I also visit a nursing home every Thursday night. 

Around six months after Todd's death, my younger son Brandon (then three) began stuttering. You see, Brandon and I went for a walk each night, and about this time we saw a dead, decaying bird lying on the side of the road. Brandon referred to the bird as being "dead, just like Todd." He spoke of Todd often, and many people suggested that he needed professional help to deal with Todd's death. I took the problem right to the Lord. 

As I prayed about Brandon's problem, it seemed that the Lord was telling me to bury the bird. But I argued against this. After all, I did not wish to have to bury every dead animal we might see; I did not even want to touch this one! 

Finally, I gave in. We scooped up the bird in a bucket and brought it home. We dug a hole in the yard, and we talked. I told Brandon to shake the bird and call it; I did the same. I then told him that only Jesus could wake the little bird. I quoted the Bible and told him that one day Jesus would come back and call with a loud voice, and all who loved Him would come alive again. I said we would see Todd the minute Jesus woke him. 

The next morning when Brandon woke up, he did not stutter, and he has not stuttered since that date--the six month anniversary of Todd's death. A miracle? Yes, I believe it was, and I knew then that the Lord really did understand the problem.

Last November, our high school played the biggest football game of the year. It was dedicated to Todd, and, of course, our team won. The night before the game, I gave each player and coach one of your booklets in which I had written, "Believe , In loving memory of Todd Heitsch." 

Because of Todd's death, hundreds of people have been touched by the positive power of the Lord. I thank the Lord each day that he has seen fit to use me to reach others. Todd would have been a senior this year. In his memory, I am giving each of his classmates a copy of The Power of Positive Thinking. 

Dr. Peale, I started this letter by saying that I had become acquainted with your writings by accident. We both know, now, that it was no accident.

Step Out To Find Out

by Kay Heitsch

"Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step." ~ Inspirational Quotes

To find out if something is right for us we need to step out in faith. We need to step out to find out. Personally, I've had to do this many times in my life and I know you have too. It doesn't take long if it's not right for us to know it. Also, if it is right we know that too!

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

God does have an awesome plan for each of us. When we take a step of faith in the right direction we may find that this ends up being the biggest step in our life. We may tip toe, but we need to step out to find out.

What's LOVE Got To Do With It?

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 dies!

What's LOVE got to do with it? Everything!  1 Corinthians 13 

It's All About LOVE

by Kay Heitsch

I woke up early this morning, rolled over, and looked at the clock.. It said 3:16. When I saw 3:16 I thought of John 3:16. Now that's LOVE!

The word LOVE is all over the Bible. We are called to love. Mark 12:31 & 32 says, "Love God, yourself and others." Matthew 5:44 says, "Love your enemies". John 13:35 says, "By love all people will know you are His disciples." 1 Corinthians says, "Love is eternal."

LOVE is what it's all about! 

Is There Something We Can Do?

by Kay Heitsch

Is there something we can do to help ourselves when we are hurting? From personal experience, I think there is.

If we're feeling down and depressed I believe it works out best to turn on some good music, read some uplifting type books, exercise, and get out around people who are happy. In Heb 13:15 it talks about offering a "sacrifice of praise." Sometimes it really is a "sacrifice" to praise, but it helps!

I remember well when our son Todd died. I did everything I could to fill my mind with positive things. I listened to good music and positive tapes that would help me feel better mentally. I even took up jogging and joined a fun fitness group to feel better physically.

Clinical depression runs on both sides of my family. I knew I could not afford to allow myself to open the door and go down that depressing path. I had to be proactive! The choice was mine!

I could have sat around feeling sorry for myself, but who would have been helped from that? Certainly not me! Or quite frankly, anyone else.

I could have gotten around other people who were down and depressed too rehashing that terrible day when Todd was killed. After all misery loves company.

I'm not saying  not to tell others about things that hurt us, but spending an excessive amount of time is depressing not only to yourself, but for others too.

I also got my mind off of myself and started to reach out to help other people. I went to nursing homes, group homes, took in Booster kids and also had Foster kids. When I got my mind off of myself and reached out to others I was helped and so were they.

Is there something we can do to help ourselves when we're hurting. I believe from personal experience there is. We can start by giving a 'sacrifice' of praise, if need be.Then fill our minds with uplifting things, get out around happy people and at least take a walk. We can get ourselves off of our mind and reach out to others. To help ourselves we need to be proactive with God's help.

It Takes Time

by Kay Heitsch

A little progress each day adds up to big results. Your speed doesn't matter. Forward is forward. ~ It Takes Time Quotes ~

We might as well relax and understand that everything takes time. It takes time to change, heal, succeed, etc. etc.

Our Bible verse says, There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecclesiastes 3:1

We need to keep the faith and never give up hope. Great things can happen when we make a little progress each day. We may move slowly, but forward is forward. Everything takes time.

Why Did You Buy Me This?

by Kay Heitsch

My husband Bill likes to buy toys that our grandson Eli who's 6 can put together. Some of these toys say that they're for a 6 year old, when in reality, they are not.

One particular toy Bill bought was a real challenge. There were many tiny pieces that all needed to be taken apart to even start. Bill sat down at the table and got out his little knife and was cutting them as Eli tried to pulled them apart.

As they both sat at the table working together Eli looked at Bill and said, "Papa why did you buy me this? Did you want to do something with just me?"

This remark cause both of us to do a lot of thinking. How important it is to show a child or grandchild that we think they are so special that we would do something with just them.

Challenge Yourself

by Kay Heitsch

Even though it's easy to be negative in the world today; take a challenge and be positive. Maybe you'll lead the way. ~ Quotes ~

They say, "Misery loves company." And so it seems to be in the world today. People are unhappy; so they're negative. What's interesting is that it's easy to find many people to join them in their misery.

I liked today's quote as it said to "take a challenge and be positive." Sometimes it is a real challenge to be positive when it's so easy to be negative.

Today's Bible verse says, "This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NASB

Challenge yourself to be positive when it's easy to be negative. Remember, this is the day the LORD has made. Let's challenge ourselves to rejoice and be glad in it. Maybe just maybe we'll lead the way!

Smiles Are Great Investments

by Kay Heitsch

"Smiles are great investments. The more you collect the better you feel." ~ Inspirational Quotes ~

When we invest our time in something we like to feel good about it. I hadn't thought about a smile being an investment, but it is. I feel good when I smile at people and they smile back. I think the other person feels good too.

Today's Bible verse says, "A friendly smile makes you happy, and good news makes you feel strong." Proverbs 15:30 CEV

A friendly smile does make us happy. Let's collect a lot this week. They are great investments.

Dance To The Music

by Kay Heitsch

We can't always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it. ~ Saturday Quotes ~

We've all seen people dance to different kinds of music. I know we've also watched how people react to similar situations in life. Some people dance on and others go stand on the wall or sit on the bench.

Today's Bible verse says, Let them praise His name with dancing, making melody to Him with tambourine and lyre! Psalm 149:3 ESV

Life is what it is. There are times when the music life is playing is perfect for us to dance to. Other times we don't like the music at all. I think if we put today's verse into practice no matter what life brings we can dance to the music.

Make Someone Happy

 by Kay Heitsch

"When we have the opportunity to make someone happy we should do it. The world needs more of this." ~ Quotes ~

On Wednesday I was at Planet Fitness when a girl came in wearing a great looking patriotic jacket. I admired it right away, but didn't say anything. Time passed and I noticed she was about to leave. I was talking to someone and said, "Hey there's that girl in that great jacket. I'm going over and tell her how much I like it."

I wasn't sure how some stranger would react to my enthusiasm about her jacket, but it didn't stop me. I quickly walked over and introduced myself and told her how much I loved her jacket. She smiled and said her name was Amanda and she worked for this company that made the jacket. She went on to tell me how everything was American made. She then handed me a business card with her name on it.

Yesterday, I got online looking for ADDIX Gear the name of the company. I could see they actually made sports clothing for teams. I sent a message and was told they didn't sell retail, but they were thinking of starting.

I wasn't sure I would ever see Amanda again, but lo and behold there she was in the locker room when I got to Planet Fitness yesterday. I told her how I had gotten online etc.

Amanda reminded me that she had her email address on the card. She told me to email her and she would have a jacket like hers made just for me. I asked how much it would cost and she said it will be free to you! WOW!

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

Amanda had the opportunity and the ability to make someone's day happy. I'm so thankful it was mine!

What Are You Feeding Yourself?

by Kay Heitsch

Be careful what you feed your inner self. Your mind is a powerful thing when we feed it positive thoughts. ~ Feed Yourself Quotes

Many times we think about feeding ourselves when we think about the food we eat. But feeding ourselves goes beyond the food we eat. We feed our emotions and inner self by the thoughts we think, the people we are around, the things we listen/watch, etc. etc.

I read somewhere, "What we don't feed dies." How true that is. If we don't feed our negative emotions they simmer down and die. On the other hand if we feed our mind positive thoughts they grow.

Today's Bible verse says, "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts." Proverbs 4:24 GNT

It's so important what we feed ourselves. As our Bible verse says, "Be careful what you think, your life is shaped by your thoughts."

Why Sit On A Cactus?

by Kay Heitsch

Being negative only makes a difficult journey more difficult. You may be given a cactus but you don't need to sit on it. JM

We've all been given 'cactus' situations in life. If we keep dwelling on the negative things that have happened on our journey it's like sitting on a cactus. We keep hurting ourselves.

Our Bible text says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT

We can choose to look for the positive things in our lives that the LORD has in store for us. Then when we have cactus situations we won't be tempted to sit on them.

Pause And Praise

by Kay Heitsch

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. ~ Pause Praise Quotes

I hadn't thought about pausing and praising before. I believe if we did take the time to pause and think about things we are thankful for we would be praising and celebrating life.

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

If we can't think of anything, which I doubt very much, we can pause and praise the LORD for He is good and His faithful love endures forever. Now that's something to celebrate about!

Enjoy Your Own Life

by Kay Heitsch

"Enjoy your own life without comparing it with that of another."   ~ Enjoying Life Quotes

I don't know why but many times we do compare our lives with those around us. Quite honestly, if we really knew what was going on in their lives I bet we'd enjoy our own life more.

God has a plan for all of our lives. We are all special and have gifts and talents. There is no reason or point in comparing ourselves to other people.

Our Bible verse today says, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

God does have a plan for each of us. His plan is good to give us a future and hope. As we live out God's plan we can enjoy our life without comparing it with that of others.

Dare To Believe

by Kay Heitsch

If you fell down yesterday, stand up today. Dare to believe that something good it going to happen. ~ Dare To Believe Quotes ~

I think sometimes when we fall we have a hard time standing back up. When that happens it's time to dare to believe that something good is going to happen. We need to dare to believe that God can and will turn any situation around for the better.

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

We can dare to believe that God causes everything to work together for the good even if we fell down yesterday. We can stand up today and dare to believe that something good is going to happen.

Side Effects

by Kay Heitsch

Make wise decisions to experience positive side effects.

I always get a kick out of listening or reading the side effects on prescription drugs. I often wonder if the side effects are worth the benefit of taking them.

There are always side effects to our choices in life. Our choices not only effect us, but they effect the people around us. I read this quote this morning, "When you teach your son, you teach your son's son." ~ Consequences Quotes

Our Bible verse says, "Don't be misled--you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant." Galatians 6:7 NLT

So true, don't fool yourself. There will always be side effects to our behaviors, because we harvest what we plant. Let's make wise decisions to experience positive side effects.

Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover

by Kay Heitsch

How often do we judge people by the way they look?

This week I was talking to some guys at Planet Fitness. They told me about their boss who went in to buy a new car. Little did the sales people know, but this man was worth a lot of money.

The day he decided to buy his new car he walked in looking like a bum off the street. The first dealership he stopped in totally ignore him and treated him like he wasn't worth their time. He left with a smile on his face.

Later that day he walked in another dealership, looking the same way. The sale's people greeted him with kindness and respect.

It wasn't long before this man wrote out a check for almost $200,000.00 on a brand new car!

There's a Bible text that tells us how to treat strangers."Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!" Hebrews 13:2

Don't judge a book by it's cover! This man was not an angel, but you never know who just might be.

Life Is What You Make It

by Kay Heitsch

"Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be." ~ Grandma Moses

It's funny how people want to blame their unhappiness on something or someone else. It's the Blame Game. The Blame Game is a sneaky way of not taking responsibility for our own behavior.

Grandma Moses was right. "Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be."

Our Bible verse today says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

We can blame the "thief" for our unhappiness or we can choose to live the abundant life that Jesus died to give us. Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be. It's our choice.

Good For What Ails Ya

by Kay Heitsch

Do you know what the #1 best selling book in the world is? Well, if you don't know, according to Guinness World Records, it's the Bible.

I believe The Bible is the #1 best selling book because it's good for what ails ya. I don't care what your heart issue is the Bible has an answer. If you don't believe me you'll need to check it out for yourself.

I was a very cynical person back in the day about God or anything to do with religion of any kind. I bought a Bible out of pure curiosity to see if there was anything in it that might help in my everyday life.

I started to highlight things that were meaningful to me. Boy, was I shocked and amazed to find the Bible to be the best psychology book I had ever read. The Bible not only shows us how to have a great life right here on earth, but it also shows us how to have eternal life with God.

There's a great reason why the Bible is #1. This Bible is, Good for what ails ya!

Trust God

by Kay Heitsch

Trust God. When we do the future always holds hope. ~ Trust God Quotes

We can save ourselves a lot of upset if we really would trust God in all areas of our lives. I have a tendency to be high strung. I can allow people and situations to effect me emotionally.

Today's Bible verses say, "Don't worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong." Psalm 37:1 "Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper." Psalm 37:3 Some translations says, "Fret not yourself" I like that.

If we put our complete trust in the LORD and "Don't worry" or "Fret not yourself" we would save ourselves a lot of upset. But it's not enough just to trust God; we need to 'do good' as we are trusting.

When we put our trust in God we can stop getting ourselves upset and worrying about all that's going on in the world. When we add 'do good' we are doing our part to have a future full of hope.

A Meaningful LIfe

by Kay Heitsch

A meaningful life is not being rich, popular, or highly educated. It's about being real and humble. It's about loving God, ourselves and others.

When we love God, ourselves and others, life takes on new meaning. We don't need to be rich, popular, or highly educated to have a meaningful life. We are free to be ourselves.

Our Bible verses today say, 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.' ...Mark 12:30 & 31

If we put loving God, ourselves and others into practice we will have a meaningful life. We won't need to be rich, popular, or highly educated to feel good about ourselves. A meaningful life is all about LOVE.

New Normal

by Kay Heitsch

Our new normal is to continually get used to new normals. ~ Change Quotes

Everything changes. We never know what a day will bring. We no more get comfortable and something happens to change what we consider normal.

We can live in upset or we can see these changes as a new opportunity to adapt and adjust. These changes are new normals in our life. 

Our Bible verse today says, "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Everything changes. There is a time for everything. What we think as normal today may change tomorrow. We can get used to our new normals and see them as seasons in our lives for new growth and opportunities.

Understanding Is Deeper Than Knowledge

by Kay Heitsch

Most of us have a lot of knowledge about many things. We can read things in books and believe we know a lot. But until we have a heart understanding about something we don't really know.

My dad was big on saying to me, "You think you know little girl, but you don't know." He knew I had some knowledge about a situation or subject, but I didn't really have a deeper understanding about it.

Sometimes we need to go through a situation before we have a deeper understanding. We may think we know all about it because we've read some material. However, it's not until we've gone through it ourselves that we have a deeper understanding.

Today's Bible verse says, "Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding," Proverbs 3:13 NIV

It's not how much knowledge we have, but how much we understand that makes a difference in our lives. We are blessed when we find wisdom because we then gain understanding.

Hope

by Kay Heitsch

When life gets hard HOPE gives us the ability to see life as it is and still be confident that something better is coming.

People who are hopeful recognize what is going on around them. However, these same people don't let their circumstances keep them down. They keep anchored to HOPE. Knowing something better is coming.

There are several Bible verses about HOPE. In Hebrews 6:19 it talks about hope being an anchor for our souls. Proverbs 13:12 says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." In Romans 4:18 "Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping-- In Zechariah 9:12 it says, Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope...

When we let our circumstances get the best of us we may lose hope. When we do it makes our hearts sick. We can keep hope alive like Abraham. Even though there was no reason for hope he hoped on in faith. When we are prisoners of hope we can see life as it is and still be confident that something better is coming.

My prayer for each of us. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13