The View From The Top

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

Today's Bible verse will help us keep a positive picture in our minds when the going gets tough. "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28 NLT

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

Benefits Of Worry

 by Kay Heitsch

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

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

Today's Bible verse says, Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT

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

Three Gatekeepers

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

Halfway There

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

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

Complete The Picture

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

The Way We Live

 by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

A Family Tradition

 by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

God bless America!

Unknown Blessings

 by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

Why Don't You Drop It?

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make Way For The New

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

Give And Take

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

A Happy Heart

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

Let Them Make You

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

Be Careful How You Think

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

Life Is As Random As The Weather

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

Stage Fright

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is God Waiting On You?

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

Try, Try Again

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

Don't Take The Bait

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

We Have The Power

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

A Little Umph

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

Be Strong

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

A Better Quality Of Life

 by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

Are You Being Robbed?

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don't Miss Out

by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

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

Wow In Your Now

Wow In Your Now by Kay Heitsch

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

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

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

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

Encouragement Is Like Oxygen

by Kay Heitsch

Encouragement is like oxygen to the human spirit. Help someone breathe today by offering encouragement. ~ Encouragement Quotes ~

Years ago I came on today's Bible verse. It says, "But the one who proclaims God's message speaks to people and gives them help, encouragement, and comfort." 1 Corinthians 14:3 TEV

We have enough critics in the world. Today and everyday let's proclaim God's message and help people breathe. We can do this as we give help. encouragement, and comfort.

There's A Party Going On

by Kay Heitsch

There's a party going on and everyone is invited. Don't let bitterness keep you away from the party.

Every day we have a choice how we're going to live our lives. We've all had unfair things happen to us. But it's up to us not to let the bitterness of these unfair things spoil the party that's going on.

The story of the prodigal son is very interesting. When the boy came home his father gave a big party. Everyone was invited! However, the older brother would not go to the party. He was bitter! What's great about this story is that the party still went on without him. (See Luke 15:11-32)

Our Bible verse today is one of my very favorites. "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

There's a party going on! Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly. Don't allow the thief of bitterness to keep you out of the party.

What Are You Going To Do?

by Kay Heitsch

Strength grows in the moments you feel you can't go on, but you keep going anyway. ~ What Are You Going To Do? Quotes ~

How many times have you heard these words, "What are you going to do?" I know I have many times. We may hear them from others or we may just think them ourselves.

Sometimes we need to push ourselves even when we don't feel like it, to keep going. Today's Bible verses talk about "straining forward." (see Philippians 3:13) It can be a strain to move forward. But Isaiah 40:31 says if we wait on the Lord we will find new strength, we will soar high, run and not be weary, walk and not faint.

When we wait on the Lord we will find new strength in the moments we feel we can't go on. We may need to push ourselves to strain forward, but new strength will grow when we feel we can't go on, but keep going anyway.

What are you going to do? We are going to keep moving forward knowing the strength will come as we trust in the LORD.

Stay In Your Lane

by Kay Heitsch

Run your own race and stay in your lane. Stop comparing yourself to others. God has a specific path for you. ~ Run Your Own Race Quotes ~

I like that "Stay In Your Lane" part of this quote. Too often we think maybe we should be doing what someone else is doing.

I remember years ago I went to a nursing home every Thursday to visit and pass out candy. I enjoyed doing this. One day a friend said, "Maybe I should be going to a nursing home too, but I don't like doing that." This was not the lane this friend needed to be in. It was my lane at the time.

Today's Bible verse 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 has a specific path for all of us. This verse says, I know the plans I have for "you." God gives ability to everyone for their particular service." 1 Corinthians 12:6 TEV

Let's run our own race and stay in our lane. We don't need to compare ourselves to others. God has a specific path for us. He'll give us the ability to do whatever our particular service is.

Stand Guard

by Kay Heitsch

Everyday stand guard at the door of your mind. ~ Be On Guard Quotes ~

It takes no effort at all for self pity, anger, worry etc etc thoughts to come into our minds. But if we want to have a victorious life we need to stand guard and not open the door to these thoughts.

Our Bible verse today says, "Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT

We have to stand guard to stay firm in our faith. If we want to be courageous and strong we need to guard the door of our minds.

What's Stopping You?

 by Kay Heitsch

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and think of what could go right. ~ What's Stopping You? Quotes 

I read that we are only one decision away from a totally different life. That's true in both a positive and the negative way. When problems come we can see them not as stop signs, but as guidelines. They help us know we may need to go in another direction.

Our Bible verse today says, "The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

When we know the LORD goes before us we don't need to be afraid to step out into something new. We can think of what could go right. We don't have to be great to start, but we have to start to do something great. Let your problems be guidelines. Remember, we're only one decision away from a totally different life.