Excuses Don't Get Results

by Kay Heitsch

Do it now! Will it be easy? Nope. Worth it? Absolutely! Excuses don't get results. ~ Motivational Quotes ~

I've started to clean out closets and drawers. I've made excuses for a long time not to do it. It hasn't been easy, but it's been worth it!

Getting rid of bad behaviors in our personal life isn't easy either. We make excuses why we behave and think the way we do. But when we decide to stop making excuses and do what we need to do it will be worth it.

Our Bible verse says, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 NLT

Whatever we want to see results in we need to stop making excuses. When should we start? Do it now! Will it be easy? Nope. Worth it? Absolutely!

Multiple Rewards

by Kay Heitsch

For every disciplined effort, there are multiple rewards. ~ Reward Quotes ~

If we would focus on the multiple rewards we will receive for our disciplined efforts I believe we would discipline ourselves more.

But discipline is not enjoyable. Our Bible verse makes that clear. "No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it's painful! But afterward, there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way." Hebrews 12:11 NLT

No matter what areas we want to see multiple rewards we will need to make an effort to train ourselves through discipline.

Practice The Pause

by Kay Heitsch

When in doubt, pause. When angry, pause. When stressed, pause. And when you pause, pray! ~ Quotes ~

Wouldn't our lives be better if we 'Practiced The Pause?" Instead of flying off the handle we paused and took the time to pray.

Our Bible verse says, "Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" Matthew 26:41 NLT

I think if we keep watch and pray we will be practicing the pause. When we do we'll save ourselves a lot of trouble. We won't be so quick to fly off the handle and give way to anger, stress, and doubt and many other behaviors we would be better off without.

Always Believe

by Kay Heitsch

"Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen." ~ Inspirational Quotes ~

I can hear some people saying, "But what if something wonderful doesn't happen? I say, "But what if it does?" I think we are a lot happier if we are expecting something wonderful, instead of expecting the worse.

Our Bible verse says, "Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20 NLT

According to this verse God is able to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. So why shouldn't we believe something wonderful is about to happen? Our God is able to do more than we may ask or even think!

New Ending

by Kay Heitsch

Though no one can go back and make a new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. ~ Start New Quotes ~

It might be nice to be able to start our life over again but that's not going to happen. What can happen is to start from now and make a new ending. We can learn from what we have gone through to move forward to a brighter future.

Our Bible verse says, "Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end should greatly increase." Job 8:7 KJ 2000 Bible

"You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream." CS Lewis

We may have started out small, but we can start from now and have a brand new ending. No matter how old we are like CS Lewis said we're never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream.

The Value Of A Moment

 by Kay Heitsch

"Sometimes we never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory." ~ Dr. Suess ~

How many times have we looked back in our lives and remembered a precious memory? At the time we didn't think much of it but later on, we see it's true value.

Our Bible verse says, "I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3 NIV

A lot of our memories involve people. We may not know the value of a moment, at the time, but when that moment becomes a memory we learn the value of a moment.

Consider The Side Effects

by Kay Heitsch

If you have ever taken any RX drugs they all come with a long list of side effects. There are times when you read these side effects and wonder if they are not worse than the issue you are having.

No matter what we put in our bodies or our mind there will be side effects. Some will be worth the side effects and others will not.

When we fill our minds with positive thoughts from the Bible we will have the side effects of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (see Galatians 5:22 & 23) These side effects are worth our time and effort.

As we consider the side effects of the things we put in our minds and bodies we need to ask ourselves if the side effects are worth it.

Live The Let Go Life

by Kay Heitsch

Live the let go life! Train yourself to let go of the things that hold you back. ~ Let Go Life Quotes ~

I read that when a negative thought comes to our minds we should think of 3 positive things to cancel it out. Now, this would take some training to put this into practice.

Our Bible verse 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 NLT

There are many things that can hold us back from having the abundant life that Jesus died to give us. If we want to live the 'Let Go Life' we will need to train ourselves to let go of the things that are holding us back.

God's Hand

by Kay Heitsch

Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything. Faith and Trust Quotes

When I look back on my life I can see God's hand helping me. However, I may not have seen it at the time. But eventually, I could see how God worked when I left the situation in His hand.

Our Bible verse says, "Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you." Psalm 37:5 NLT

When we commit everything we do to the Lord we are putting everything in His hand. This verse tells us when we trust the LORD He will help us.

As we leave everything in God's hand and trust Him we will eventually see God's hand in everything.

Enough

by Kay Heitsch

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

Sometimes we don't have any problem to stand alone. We may even be smart enough to know when we need help. But are we humble enough to ask?

Our Bible verse says, 'Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3 NASB

How awesome is it that when we are humble enough to ask we can call to the LORD and He will answer us. He will tell us great and mighty things we do not know!

Dance In The Rain

by Kay Heitsch

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's learning to dance in the rain. ~ Rain Quotes ~

We all have storms in our lives. Quite honestly, we never know when one will hit. Our attitude can make all the difference in how we weather the storm.

Today's Bible verse says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart (some say, cheer up)! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

In this world, we are going to have trouble. We don't have to wait for the storm to pass. We can take heart and cheer up and learn to dance in the rain.

Things Will Work Out

by Kay Heitsch

Sometimes we have to stop worrying. Have faith that things will work out, maybe not how you planned, but how they were meant to be.

Our 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

The LORD has a good plan for our lives. His plans will give us a future and a hope. If we will stop worrying and put our problems in God's hands He will put his peace in our hearts.

Trust

by Kay Heitsch

The Bible never once says, "Figure it out." But over and over it says, "Trust God." He's already got it figured out. ~ Trust Quotes ~

Our Bible verse says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

If we really trust God that He has it figured out we can rest and stop depending on our own understanding.

See The Stars

by Kay Heitsch

A certain darkness is needed to see the stars. ~ Quotes ~

Sometimes when we go through a dark time in our lives we see things we would not have seen if everything was bright and going well.

Our Bible verse 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

According to this verse, God causes everything to work together for our good. Even when we go through dark times in our lives these can open our eyes to see the stars.

Talk To Yourself

by Kay Heitsch

Your relationship with yourself set the tone for every other relationship you have. ~ Talk To Yourself Quotes ~

We all have a relationship with ourselves. No matter where we go or what we do, there we are. We can't get away from ourselves. The question is, What kind of relationship do we have and how does it affect others?

Our Bible verses say, "The most important commandment is this: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Mark 12: 29-31

According to this verse loving our neighbor as yourself is equally as important as loving God. Let's be careful how we talk to ourselves because our relationship with ourselves sets the tone for every other relationship we have.

The Secret

by Kay Heitsch

The secret of being happy in life is to accept where you are in life and make the most out of every day. ~ Life Quotes ~

I believe if we make the most out of every day we'll find something to be happy about. Not all days are good, but there is something good in every day.

Our Bible verse says, "I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12 & 13 NLT

When we have the Lord in our lives He can give us the strength to accept where we are and help us to make the most of every day.

Are You Okay?

by Kay Heitsch

"Faith is not about everything turning out okay. Faith is being okay no matter how things turn out." ~ Step Out Quotes ~

Our Bible verse 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 be okay even if things don't work out the way we thought they would. Knowing that God causes everything to work together for good helps us to step out in faith. When we step out in faith we can be okay no matter how things turn out.

Your Go-To Person

by Kay Heitsch

"Finding someone who you don't have to explain things to, they just understand, is so comforting." ~ Quotes ~

I noticed on FB there's a quiz going around. One question was "Do you have a go-to person?" I found that an interesting question.

We all want someone who understands us totally. Someone we don't need to explain things to. They know us personally and still, love and care for us.

As you well know that person is difficult or impossible to find. Yes, people can kind of understand us, but they really have no idea who we are on the deepest level.

Our Bible verse says, "O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me." Psalm 139:1

According to our verse today the LORD knows everything about us. And I might add He loves us no matter what. "I have loved you with an everlasting love" Jeremiah 31:3

How comforting to know we have 'Someone' who is our Go-To Person! We don't have to explain things and wonder if this Go-To Person understands. He knows and understands everything about us.

Fireproof

by Kay Heitsch

Sometimes God will deliver you from the fire. Other times God will make you fireproof. Fireproof doesn't mean a fire will never come, but when it does come you will withstand it. ~ Fireproof Quotes ~

One of my favorite Bible verses is Daniel 3:27. "Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke!"

My favorite part of this verse is at the very end when they came out of the fire. "They didn't even smell of smoke!"

How was it that these 3 young guys were thrown into a fire and came out and didn't even smell like smoke? Well, it was because they were not alone. The King said in verses 24 & 25. "Didn't we tie up three men? I see four men walking around."

What a great lesson! When we are going through fiery situations we are not alone. Right in the middle of our trouble, we can be fireproof! We can come out and not even smell like smoke because Jesus is with us.

Look Up!

by Kay Heitsch

Look up! Get up! Never give up! ~ Look Up Quotes ~

I read a story about the Bumblebee. Did you know if a Bumblebee is dropped in an open tumbler it will be there until it dies unless it is taken out? It never sees the means of escape at the top but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists until it completely destroys itself.

Our Bible verse says, 'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' Isaiah 41:10 NASB

In many ways, there are lots of people like the bee. They are struggling about with all their problems and frustrations, not realizing that the answer is right there "above" them.

Daily Deposits

by Kay Heitsch

The best things in life are earned by making "daily deposits" into the "effort account" needed to achieve it. ~ Everyday Life Quotes ~

We may want a lot of things, but are we willing to make a "daily deposit" into the "effort account" to achieve it?

Our Bible verse says, "In all labor there is fruit, but to talk and not do, brings poverty." Jubilee Bible 2000

I really like the Jubilee translation as it says "to talk and not do." We may talk a good talk, but if we don't put a "daily deposit" into the "effort account" we won't have the best things in life. We need to not only talk the talk but walk the walk.

What Do You Want?

by Kay Heitsch

Many years ago we spent a great deal of time and money helping a family. One day out of the blue the mother asked, "What do you want?" I was taken aback by the question. I paused and thought for a second and answered, "Nothing."

At that second I had a moment of clarity and added, "I've learned that most of the time people do not give you what you think you deserve. Expecting nothing is freeing."

When I said these words I surprised myself. I hadn't thought about it before but it was so true. When we help and give without expectation of what we will receive it is freeing.

What Are You Expecting?

by Kay Heitsch

Learn to love without conditions. Give without any reason. And most of all care for people without any expectations. ~ Quotes ~

We can become disappointed at times. Our brain has to readjust to the fact that things and people are not the way we thought they were.

Our Bible verse says, "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked." Luke 6:35 NLT

This Bible verse tells us when we love, do good, lend and expect nothing in return we are acting like children of the Most High because he is kind to those who are unthankful.

I believe if we learn to love without condition, give without any reason, and most of all care of people without expectations we will save ourselves a lot of disappointments.

Zip Your Lip

by Kay Heitsch

Isn't it hard to zip your lip when someone says something you don't agree with? For years my first response was to say something sarcastic so they knew without a doubt I did not agree. I'm still tempted at times, believe me!

Over the years as I studied the Bible I found there was a better way to live. I could see how Jesus responded to people when He was under pressure. In Isaiah, it reads, "He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word." Also in John 14:30 "I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me" Looks like we open the door to trouble when we don't zip our lip.

I believe there are times when we need to speak up. But we all know there are times when it would have been best to zip our lip.

When we are under pressure and we're tempted to say a few choice words we can remember there's a better way to live. Being right is highly overrated. There are times when it's better to zip your lip!

Let Me Sow Love

by Kay Heitsch

"Lord, make me an instrument of peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love." ~ Francis of Assisi ~

What a change we would see in this world if people would go around sowing love. One way we can sow love is the way we speak to people.

Today's Bible verse says, "A gentle answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

This verse tells us one way to sow love is the way we respond to people. When we answer in a gentle way we turn away rage. But if we choose to be harsh we will stir up anger.

Lord, make us an instrument of peace. Where there is hatred let us sow Your love by the way we speak and respond to others.

True Peace

by Kay Heitsch

True peace comes from knowing God is in control. ~ Peace Equals Power Quotes ~

There are many things in life that can make us lose our peace. We stress and worry about so many things. But when we stop and realize that God is in control we can relax and experience what true peace is.

Over the years we have moved many times. It can be stressful trying to sell a house. The phone rings asking to show the house! The anticipation that maybe this is the day the house will sell is exciting. Then the call comes that they aren't interested, or they didn't even show up. Believe me, these things can disrupt our peace.

After going through this cycle several times I learned to keep in mind that God is in control. If the house was meant to sell it would if not it wouldn't.

We've sold a few houses. Some took forever and some sold quickly. The one we're in now didn't sell at all when we listed it. Praise God it didn't because the out of state company Bill was working for went bankrupt and we needed to stay right where we were.

Our Bible verse says, "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 NIV

When we start to feel troubled and afraid we can remember that true peace comes from knowing God is in control.

SMILE

SMILE by Kay Heitsch

S-ee
M-iracles
I-n 
L-ife
E-veryday

What a great way to live!

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

Let's keep a happy heart and look for the miracles in our lives every day. When we do we will SMILE!

Worry Less! Praise More!

by Kay Heitsch

We would worry less if we praised more. ~ Praise Quotes ~

If you've ever read things on how to worry less you'll find it's a matter of changing a worry thought to something positive. Praising the Lord and being grateful would certainly be a wonderful way to worry less.

Our Bible text says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4 NLT

How different our lives would be if we worried less and praised more. When we think about all we have to be thankful for we will worry less and give thanks and praise more.

It's An Inside Job

by Kay Heitsch

Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you, but on what happens inside of you. Life Quotes

I've seen people who had what seemed to be everything going for them on the outside. However, they were miserable because they were not happy on the inside. Our happiness is an inside job!

Our Bible verse says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

When we have a clean heart and a right spirit inside of us our happiness will not depend on what's happening on the outside.

Who's Watching

by Kay Heitsch

We never know who is watching what we're doing.

This last Christmas we were in a Christmas Eve service at a church in Worthington. We had just finished the candlelight service and there was a silence over the congregation.

Since the service was almost over I started to put my coat on. Our grandson Noah must have been watching me. The silence was broken when he announced in a loud voice for all to hear, "Ooma's gettin' her coat on, let's go!"

This was a good lesson. Not everyone who's watching will announce what we're doing but you never know.

Unconditional Love

by Kay Heitsch

The ultimate lesson we need to learn is unconditional love, which not only includes others but ourselves as well. ~ Loving Others Quotes

Sometimes it seems easier to love others more than to love ourselves. Loving others and ourselves doesn't mean we love everything we do. We are all on a journey. We make mistakes and so do others.

Our Bible verses today say, "Jesus, replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Matthew 22: 37-39

I believe if we love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and accept His unconditional love, we will learn to love ourselves and be able to show God's unconditional love to others.

Good Times Are On The Way!

by Kay Heitsch

Life is a circle of happiness, sadness, tough times and good times. If you're going through a tough time have faith that good times are on the way.

Sometimes when tough times come around we feel like they won't end. But we need to have faith that happiness and good times are on their way.

If we want to be a winner in life we will fail, but winners don't quit. Winners know that tough times never last, but tough people do.

Our Bible verse says, "Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NT

Here on earth, we are going to have tough times, that's a fact. But we can take heart and know that life is a circle and happiness and good times are on the way.

"Who Cares?"

by Kay Heitsch

"Who cares?" Over the years I've used this phase in different ways. I've used it when someone has said something I didn't like to shrug off their hurtful remark. I've used it when I wondered if anyone cared.

I'm here to tell you I've learned that someone does care! God cares! He cares when someone says things that hurt us. He cares when we're going through hard times. He cares about every tiny detail of our lives.

As I've wondered, "Who cares?" I've come across many Bible verses that have answered my question. In Matthew 10:30 it reads, "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." In Matthew 6:26 it says, "Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?" In Jeremiah 31:3 it read, "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Finally, Matthew 28:20 says, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Who cares? By these verses, we know that God cares. He knows the number of hairs on our heads. He cares about the birds and tells us He will care for us as well. God loves us with an everlasting love that will last to the very end of the age.

When we question, "Who Cares?" Let's remember, "God Cares!"

I Believe I Can Fly

by Kay Heitsch

"If you want to fly give up everything that weighs you down." ~ God Watches Over Birds Quotes ~

It's our faith that helps us to give up everything that weighs us down. Our faith helps us to see the light when the dawn is still dark. Faith helps us believe that we can fly no matter what's going on.

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

There's a song whose words are, I sing because I'm happy. I sing because I'm free. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.

We can give up whatever is weighing us down. We are free! God is not only watching the birds, but He is watching over us too. We can believe that we can fly and sore high.

What Do You Want Most?

by Kay Heitsch

Never give up what you want most for what you want at the moment. ~ Junk Food Quotes ~

This quote is about food, but we give up a lot of other things like peace and joy for wanting to have a fit about something that's irritating us.

Our Bible verse 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 ESV

Why let the thief steal, kill, and destroy the abundant life that Jesus died to give us? We need to decide what we want most!

Start A New Chapter

by Kay Heitsch

Today I close the door on the past, open the door to the future, take a deep breath and start a new chapter in my life. ~ New Start Quotes ~

Today is the first blank page of a 365-page book in our lives. We are never too old to start a new chapter. As long as we are still breathing we can start a new beginning.

Today's Bible verse says, "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 43:19 NLT

The LORD is always doing something new in our lives. He is there to help us make a pathway in hard times. Today we can open our eyes and look for the new beginning. We can close the door on the past, open the door to the future, take a deep breath and start a new chapter. Today is the first blank page of a 365-page book.