Stop And Look Around

by Kay Heitsch

"Because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing." ~ New Week Quotes

We are usually so busy running from one thing to the next we don't take the time to stop and look around. When we do we'll find that life is pretty amazing.

Today's Bible verse says, God saw all that He had made, and it was very good... Genesis 1:31 NIV

This new week lets stop and look around and see how amazing life is. God saw all that He had made and it was very good!

We Often Take For Granted

by Kay Heitsch

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. ~ Cynthia Ozick

There's another quote I love that says, "The things you take for granted someone else is praying for."

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

We never know what a day will bring. We need to be thankful for everything. Even things that seem unimportant that we may have taken for granted.

Pay It Forward

by Kay Heitsch

"No act of kindness however small is ever wasted." ~ Pay It Forward Day Quotes

Today is Pay It Forward Day. Just think how different our world would be if kindness was our natural way to live.

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

Interesting that this verse doesn't say to be kind and compassionate only on Pay It Forward Day. It looks like being kind and compassionate should be our natural way to live.

Let's remember that "No act of kindness however small is ever wasted."

Find A Way

by Kay Heitsch

"If it's important to you, you will find a way. If it is not you will find an excuse." ~ Find A Way Quotes

We may have many reasons why we are the way we are. But we can't use our reasons for an excuse to stay that way. We can make an excuse or we can make progress. The choice is ours.

Our Bible verse today is funny but it makes a point. "Don't be so lazy that you say, "If I go to work, a lion will eat me!" Proverbs 22:13 CEV

Some people will make up any excuse not to do what needs to be done, including coming up with a silly excuse that a lion will eat them.

If something is important to us, we will find a way. If it isn't let's not find an excuse. We can make excuses or we can find a way to make it happen. The choice is ours.

Love Out Loud & Live 2 Love

by Kay Heitsch

LOL means different things to different people. Some see it as "Laugh Out Loud." I had a friend who ended all her emails with LOL to mean, "Lots Of Love." How about seeing LOL as, "Love Out Loud."

Our Bible verse says, "Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the Truth by our actions." 1 John 3:18 NLT

We can love out loud by our actions. It's nice to say we love each other but we show our/God's love by our actions.

When we see the familiar LOL let's be reminded to show love by our actions. When we do we will Love Out Loud & Live 2 Love!

Happy Hour

by Kay Heitsch

"Live every day like it's a celebration and make every hour a happy hour." ~ Celebrate Everyday Quotes 

Today is our youngest son, Brandon's birthday. It's a time to celebrate the awesome man he has grown up to be. But we shouldn't just celebrate on special days, but every day.

Every day is a gift. We should open it, celebrate, and enjoy it!

"This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 This verse is a great reminder to live each day like it's a celebration and make every hour a happy hour.

Let It Go!

by Kay Heitsch

Don't ruin a good today by thinking about a bad yesterday. Let it go! ~ Inspirational Quotes ~

I don't know why at times we ruin a good day by rehashing a bad yesterday. We need to let it go and enjoy today.

This favorite Bible verse of mine is a good reminder to do just that. "This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NASB

To rejoice and be glad in this day we need to stop thinking about a bad yesterday. Let it go!

Nurture Your Mind

 by Kay Heitsch

Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go higher than you think. Benjamin Disraeli

We need to be careful what kind of thoughts we put in our minds. We owe it to ourselves and others to be the best we can be.

Our Bible verses say, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:8 NIV "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he". Proverbs 23:7 NASB

We owe it to ourselves and others to be the best we can be. To be the best we can be we need to nurture our minds with whatever is excellent and worthy of praise. Let's remember, as we think in our hearts so we are.

It Is What It Is

by Kay Heitsch

Life is not what it's supposed to be. It's what it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference. ~ Virginia Satir ~

We all have our ideas about how our life should be. We'd like to think we shouldn't have any trials or sorrow, but that is not how life is.

Our Bible verse says, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NLT

We can have peace even if we go through many trials and sorrows. Life is not what it's supposed to be. It is what it is. The way we cope with it is what makes the difference.

Beautiful Things In Humble Places

by Kay Heitsch

"Blessed are those who see beautiful things in humble places when other people see nothing." ~ Camille Pissarro ~

Camille Pissarro was an artist who died in 1903. I truly believe artists have an eye for seeing beautiful things in humble places. But I also believe, even if we're not an artist, we can train ourselves to look for beauty in the world around us.

Our Bible verse says, "Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time..." Ecclesiastes 3:11

Because God has made everything beautiful in its own time we will be blessed if we train ourselves to look for beauty in humble places.

Mind Mouth Moods & Attitudes

by Kay Heitsch

A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you. ~ Mind, Mouth, Moods & Attitude Quotes ~

Sometimes a negative thought comes to our minds. We know it's wrong, but somehow we don't cast it out. Now we start to talk about it. The next thing our mood starts to go into the pits. Before we know it our attitude towards life, others and ourselves is negative.

Our Bible verses say, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2 Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." John 5:8 NIV

When our thinking is transformed we will have power over our circumstances. We will be able to think about what we're thinking about and choose thoughts that will help us to get up and not bow down to our moods. We only have this one life. We are free to choose how we will live it.

A Day Of Worry

by Kay Heitsch

"A day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work." John Lubbock

This morning I heard a message on worrying. When we feel exhausted and even sick it may be because we've been worrying. No matter what we're having to deal with worrying only makes us miserable while we're waiting.

Our Bible verses today say, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

We don't need to worry about our everyday life. A day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work. Don't even worry about what you're going to wear today. Your smile goes with any clothes.

When we are tempted to worry and we all are, we can give our worries and cares to God, for He cares for us.

Find And Focus

by Kay Heitsch

Nobody is good at everything, but everybody is good at something. Find and focus on your strengths. ~ Inspirational Quotes

The Lord gives each of us the ability to do whatever we are called to do. We don't need to be good at everything to do our job.

Today's Bible verse says, "God has made us what we are, and in our union, with Christ Jesus, he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 GNT

God has made us what we are, and He has prepared deeds for us to do. Nobody is good at everything, but everybody is good at something. Find and focus on your strengths.

Moments In Life

by Kay Heitsch

"Life isn't perfect but it has perfect moments." Moments In Life Quotes

Spending time with our children and grandchildren gave me several perfect moments to remember.

Our Bible verse says, "Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." James 1:17

Whatever is good and perfect comes from God our Father. Life sure isn't perfect but we do have perfect moments to remember.

I'll Try Again

 by Kay Heitsch

Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says, "I'll try again tomorrow." ~ Sunday Quotes ~

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 NIV

It's easy to throw in the towel and give up. Lots of people do. But we can be strong and now give up. It takes courage to try again. Courage doesn't need to roar to be heard. It can be a quiet voice at the end of the day that says, "I'll try again tomorrow."

Rise Above The Storm

by Kay Heitsch

You can rise beyond the clouds or even the darkest storm and find the sun never stopped shining. ~ The Sun Always Shines Quotes ~

Today we'll need to rise above the storm to find the sunshine. We are having wind, rain, freezing rain and ice. Our children and grandchildren are driving here from Ohio.

Today's Bible verse is a good one on a wintery mix day. "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1 ESV

It's not so much the weather outside but the weather in our minds. Sometimes we just need to bring our own sunshine to the day especially when it's a wintry mix day. We should bless the Lord at all times. Not only on sunshiny days.

Getting Up Is Living

by Kay Heitsch

Falling down is part of life. Getting up is living! Fall down 7 times get up 8. ~ Quotes ~

We all have times when life gets hard. It's a part of living.

Our Bible verses make this clear. "We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again." 2 Corinthians 4:8&9

Falling down is part of life. Getting up is living! We are often troubled but not crushed. We may be knocked down 7 times but we get back up 8. No matter what we're going through God is with us.

The Art Of Being Happy

by Kay Heitsch

The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things. ~ Henry Ward Beecher ~

There are many common things that we can extract happiness from every day. Happiness is appreciating the little things in life.

This Bible verse is my daily reminder to extract happiness from little things. "This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NASB

The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things. This is the day the Lord has made.  Let's rejoice and be glad in common things.

Happy Birthday, Noah

Happy Birthday, Noah by Kay

Happy 9th Birthday to our grandson Noah! We love you! 🎂🍨🎉🍕

Today's quote, "What do you do?" Answer: Whatever it takes!" is perfect for Noah and our daughter and son-in-law.

Noah is special needs. I can't begin to ever tell you how much Noah and his parents have gone through to get him to this point.

Noah has come a long way! What did they do? Whatever it took! That's why they are winners!

Whatever It Takes

by Kay Heitsch

When someone asks, "What do you do? Answer: "Whatever it takes." Winners don't quit, that's why they win. ~ Life Quotes ~

Life can be tough. However, if we want to win in life we need to do whatever it takes and don't quit. Just think, the way we handle life can be an inspiration to someone else.

Our Bible verses say, "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

So true, here on earth we will have many trials and sorrows, but we can do whatever we need to do through Christ who gives us the strength.

When someone asks, "What do you do? We can answer, "Whatever it takes!" Because winners don't quit, that's why they win. Life is tough but so are you!

Winners Never Quit

by Kay Heitsch

Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit. ~ Inspire Quotes ~

We all fail at things. But someday when we look back at all the progress we've made we'll be happy we didn't quit.

Our Bible verse encourages us not to give up. "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV

Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit. When we are strong and do not give up our work will be rewarded.

See The Bright Opportunity

by Kay Heitsch

Rise up. Start fresh. See the bright opportunity in each new day. ~ Monday Quotes ~

It's cold, cloudy, and gloomy today here. But when I read today's quote I felt optimistic.

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

This is the day! Today is the day to rise up, start fresh and see the bright opportunity in each new day.

One Thought Over Another

by Kay Heitsch

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

I looked up the word "stress." It said it was the state of mental or emotional strain, tension...worry and anxiety.

Our Bible verse says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6 NIV

When we feel stressed we can use our greatest weapon. We can choose to change our stressful thoughts to thanksgiving thoughts and present our requests to God.

Thoughts Have Energy

by Kay Heitsch

Thoughts have energy. Make sure your thoughts are positive and powerful. ~ Motivational Quotes ~

Our thoughts have more power than we realize.

Our Bible verse says, "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8 NLT

If we're lacking energy we may want to think about what we're thinking about. Let's make sure our thoughts are positive, excellent and worthy of praise. Why? Because thoughts have energy.

This Present Moment

by Kay Heitsch

If you want to live an amazing life, a truly abundant happy life, make it a priority to live more in the present moment. ~ Miracle Of A Moment Quotes ~

We need to be mindful to live in the moment. Too often we are remembering the past or thinking about what we are going to do next. I believe that is one reason why we walk into a room and forget what we went after.

Our Bible verse says, How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone. James 4:14 NLT

We have no idea what our life will be like tomorrow. So if we want to live an amazing life, and be truly happy, we should make it a priority to live more in the present moment.

Enjoy this moment. This moment is your life.

How Well We Live

by Kay Heitsch

It's not how long we live but how well we live that matters.

I've known people who have lived many years. Some lived their lives well and others actually lived a dying life their whole life.

Jesus only lived 33 years. It wasn't very long, but He lived it well.

Today's Bible verses say, We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. (see Colossians 1:9 & 10)

If we want to live well we can ask for wisdom and understanding. Then our lives will honor the Lord and produce good things. It's not how long we live, but how well we live that matters.

Live Life Happy

by Kay Heitsch

"There are two ways to be happy: change the situation, or change your mindset towards it." Live Life Happy Quotes

Truer words were never spoken! There are so many things we deal with in life that can steal our happiness. We may not be able to change the situation, but we can change our mindset towards it.

This is one of my favorite Bible verses, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10 ESV

Jesus not only came to offer us eternal life, but also an abundant life right here on earth! God's will for each of us is to live this abundant life.

We may not be able to change our situations, but we can choose to change our mindset towards it. Let's live life happy!

Be Free

by Kay Heitsch

Sometimes the thing you're most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set you free. ~ Quotes ~

I heard a story about a woman who was afraid of many things. She let her anxiety control her to the point she wouldn't leave her home. After listening to "I'm afraid of doing..." Her friend asked, "Why don't you just do it afraid?"

As this woman started to slowly get out of her comfort zone and do things afraid she was set free. We are not here to live in anxiety and fear.

Our Bible verses say, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

God has not given us a spirit of fear. He has given us power, love and a sound mind. We have to stand firm to be free! Sometimes we may need to do something we're afraid of doing to be free.

Focus

by Kay Heitsch

Ask yourself if what you're doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow. ~ Focus Quotes ~

The sun's energy warms the world. But when you focus it through a magnifying glass it can start a fire. Focus is so powerful.

Our Bible verse says. "Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame." Isaiah 50:7 NIV

Because the Lord helps us we can stay focused and set our face like flint! We need to be focused so what we're doing today will be getting us closer to where we want to be tomorrow.

Love Hope & Happiness

 by Kay Heitsch

Love, hope & happiness is what Easter is all about.  He Is Risen! 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Love -- For God so loved the world. Hope -- That whoever believes in Him should not perish. Happiness -- Knowing we have eternal life with Him.

May this Easter Sunday fill you with love, hope & happiness.

Amazing Love! He Is Risen Indeed!