Blessed In Unexpected Ways

by Kay Heitsch

If you are going through difficult times keep trusting God. He knows how to bless you in unexpected ways! ~ Trusting God Quotes

We all go through difficult times. It's not easy! But I like how this quote encourages us to look for ways that God will bless us in unexpected ways.

Our Bible verse says, "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

God is able to bless us abundantly. If we are going through difficult times lets keep trusting God. He knows how to bless us in unexpected ways.

Feelings Are Fickle

by Kay Heitsch

Worry sees problems but faith sees the God who can handle problems. Feelings Are Fickle Quotes

Our feelings are fickle! We can feel different ways about the same problem depending on how we think about it. When we worry we see only problems. But if we put our faith and trust in God we know He can handle any problem we may have.

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

Our feelings are fickle. When we worry we only see our problems. But when we have faith we see God who can handle problems.

The Moon Keeps Shining

by Kay Heitsch

Life is short. Focus on what matters and let go of what doesn't. ~ Always Keep Shining Quotes 

There's an interesting story about Abraham Lincoln. He was being told about some lies people were saying about him. Lincoln was silent for the longest time which infuriated the man. Finally, he spoke. Lincoln said, "The dogs keep howling, but moon keeps shining."

Today's Bible verse shows us how to shine when criticised, "Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you." Luke 6:28

We've all had people talk about us in unkind ways. We can bless them and pray for them. Hurting people hurt people. We can also take advice from the moon. The dogs may bark, but we can just keep on shining!

Enjoy The Ride

by Kay Heitsch

Life is like a roller coaster. It has its ups and downs. But it's your choice to either scream or enjoy the ride. ~ Freedom To Enjoy Life Quotes

Life sure does have its ups and downs. At times we do feel like screaming, that's a fact. But we can learn from what we go through and enjoy the ride.

Today's Bible verse says, "I've told you this so that my peace will be with you. In the world, you'll have trouble. But cheer up! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 GWT

When we are having troubles and we feel like screaming we can put this Bible verse into practice and cheer up!

Life is like a roller coaster. It has its ups and downs. But it's your choice to either scream or enjoy the ride.

Best Version Of You

by Kay Heitsch

There is no better way to feel good than to be the best version of yourself. ~ Be Free To Be You Quotes ~

We can never be free if we are always relying on what other people think about us, our job, the house we live in, the kind of car we drive, the labels in our clothes to make us feel good about ourselves. When we do our best to be ourselves we are free.

Our Bible verse tells us to be thankful that we are not like everyone else. "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it." Psalm 139:14 NLT

There is no better way to feel good than to be the best version of yourself. Always remembering that everyone is created to be marvelous and complex just like you!

Hold The Peace

by Kay Heitsch

Keep the smile, leave the tension, feel the joy, forget the worry, hold the peace, leave the pain, and always be happy. ~ Peace And Quiet Quotes ~

As I sat out on the porch I was enjoying the peace and quiet of the morning. I love peace and quiet.

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

We all have things going in our lives to get us upset. However, we don't need to let our hearts be troubled. We can smile, feel joy, hold our peace, and always be happy when we have peace on the inside.

God Will Enable You

God Will Enable You by Kay Heitsch

"Love God and He will enable you to love others even when they disappoint you." ~ Francine Rivers ~

I'm sure all of us have been disappointed with people. We've expected one reaction and have gotten something totally different. We don't understand but we find out God is there to help us.

When a situation arises where we are disappointed with people our Bible verse today can help. "Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. 1 Corinthians 13:7 AMP

We can remember regardless what comes, love looks for the best, and remains steadfast during difficult times. When we love God He will enable us to love others even when they disappoint us.

A New Friend

by Kay Heitsch

Yesterday I was on the treadmill at Planet Fitness and a young guy got on next to me. He looked like a lot of guys there with many tattoos.

I smiled and it wasn't very long before we started to talk. I questioned him about his tattoos and he laughed when I said I bet I'm the only one here without one. I was curious how painful they were to get them. He grinned and said it depended on where they were put. I told him I saw one I might like. It went alongside the foot and it would read, "Walk By Faith." He let me know that would be painful!

It wasn't long before we were talking about other things too. I inquired how long he had been a member of the gym. He shared he had been there a few years.

When our treadmill time was over I asked his name and I gave him a hug. Then Josh stated something that kinda surprised me. He said, "It was great talking with you. Do you know that you are the first person to talk with me here? Most people are intimidated by the way I look."

I made a new friend. I've learned a long time ago you can't judge a book by its cover.

Plow Ahead

by Kay Heitsch

"Whenever you have a setback or disappointment, put your head down and plow ahead." ~ Les Brown ~

Everyone has had setbacks and disappointments. It's interesting how people handle them. We can't help but feel the pain of a setback or disappointments. Yes, they hurt! But we don't need to wallow in them. We can plow ahead! Our Bible verses today tells us how.

"Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you." Proverbs 4:25 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5 & 6.

When we have a setback or disappointment we can trust in the Lord and not try to figure it out. We can be determined and keep a good attitude as we plow ahead.

Flip The Switch

by Kay Heitsch

"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times. If one only remembers to turn the light on." ~ Flip The Switch Quotes ~

It was really foggy today when I got up. This is how it can be in our lives at times. Things happen that we don't understand. We are in a fog and it's dark. But it wasn't too long and the fog lifted! Guess what? The sun began to shine.

This can be a lesson for us. When the fog lifts the sun is shining! Instead of focusing on things we don't understand we can flip the switch in our thinking.

It helps to remember today's Bible verse when we need to flip the switch. "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

Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times. If one only remembers that God causes everything (good and bad) to work together for our good. Let's flip the switch and turn the light on.

One Proud Moment

by Kay Heitsch

With all the talk about bullying going around, I'd like to share a proud moment on the subject.

One day our son, Todd, came home from high school and shared with me about a boy who was being bullied at school. This kid was not a friend but that didn't seem to matter to Todd. He didn't like it that this kid was being bullied.

As we stood out in the kitchen Todd told me that he had confronted the guys bullying this boy. Then he went on to say he was planning to meet them after school off school grounds. Wow! I wasn't expecting to hear that!

To make a long story short Todd did go to the designated location to meet up with these bullies. He asked a few friends to come along. I'm not sure if these boys were going to confront these guys or if they were just going for moral support. Anyway, it didn't matter! Wouldn't you know the bullies never showed up!

Todd died in a car accident not too long after the incident. He made a statement by his actions that day. It didn't matter if the person being bullied was a friend or not. Todd confronted the situation!

When we had Todd's calling hours hundreds showed up. I don't know for sure but I bet the bullies were there too. I can tell you that when Todd died he was not only loved, but he was respected too!

Enjoy Life Now

by Kay Heitsch

Learn things from those around you. Enjoy life with those beside you. Enjoy life now! This is not a rehearsal. Enjoy Life Quotes

I like what Dwight D. Eisenhower's mother told him as a child when he was dealt a bad hand while playing Flinch. "Learn to take the hand life deals you without complaining. Just play them out."

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

Here on this earth, we all have trials and sorrows. We can learn to play the hand we're dealt and enjoy life anyway! We can learn from those around us. And enjoy life with those beside us. This is not a rehearsal!

Enjoy Life Now!

The Smallest Step

by Kay Heitsch

Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step in your life. ~ Quotes ~

In my own life, I have seen what a big difference taking a small step in the right direction can make.

Our Bible verse says, The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; Psalm 37:23 ESV

As we look back in our lives we can see what happens when we allow the LORD to lead the way. Even our smallest step in the right direction can end up being the biggest step in our lives.

Patience And Faith

by Kay Heitsch

God has perfect timing; never early, never late. It takes patience and faith but it's worth the wait. God's Plan Quotes

We know that God has a plan for all of our lives. Sometimes we wonder why things aren't moving along faster.

Our Bible verse says, "I'm glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I've pitched my tent in the land of hope." Acts 2:26 MSG

While we're waiting for God's perfect timing we can be glad inside when we pitch our tent in the land of hope! Waiting for God's timing will take patience and faith but it will be worth the wait.

The Power Of Love

by Kay Heitsch

There is no limit to the power of love. ~ The Power Of Love Quotes~

This morning I listened to the sermon of Bishop Michael Curry at the wedding of Harry and Meghan. I loved what Bishop Curry had to say about love. “We must discover the power of love, the power, the redemptive power of love. When we discover that we will be able to make of this old world a new world.”

Our Bible verse says, "But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love." 1 John 4:8 NLT

God is love! The power of His love can change us and the world. There is no limit to the power of love!

What Kind Of Difference

by Kay Heitsch

What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. ~ Desire Quotes ~

We all want to make a difference in this world.

Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives and they bless the giver.

Our Bible verse says, And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 GNT

Yes, we can be confident that God who began a good work in us will complete it! We can make a difference in our world. Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference.

You Were Right Mom

by Kay Heitsch

Today is the anniversary of my mom's unexpected death.

I was a young mom (22) and home with Todd when the phone rang. The doctor who had done a simple surgery called, "Hello, is this Kay? I have some sad news. Your mom didn't make it." "What! What do you mean?" was my reply. "Your mom made it through the surgery, but we couldn't bring her to in the recovery room."  I let out a blood-curdling scream! My neighbor ran over when she heard me scream. This was crazy, I couldn't believe it!

As I think back today I remember my mom liked to tell me I was going to be a missionary. "Oh really!!! Not likely!!!" was always my reply. I had plans and being a missionary was not part of it!

It was many years after her death that Todd died. As most people know I wrote a personal letter to Dr. Norman V. Peale that was published and went around the world. A friend reminded me of what my mom had said.

You were right Mom! I guess having a personal testimony of God's amazing grace that went around the world is being a missionary.

God's GPS

by Kay Heitsch

Sometimes I look up, smile and say, "I know that was you, God! THANKS!" ~ God's GPS Quotes ~

We have things that happen every day that we may not even notice where we are using God's GPS.

Our Bible verse says, "The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8 NLT

Yesterday I had an unexpected phone call. This kept me from leaving the house like I had planned. Because of this, I arrived at the cemetery later than I wanted.

As I was getting ready to drag the mulch up the hill to the grave a guy drove up and offered to carry it for me. I was surprised but happy for his help.

When we ask God to lead and guide we know he is watching over us. When something unexpected happens we can look up, smile and say, "I know that was you, God! Thanks!"

An Action Of Love

by Kay Heitsch

Every time you smile at someone it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. Mother Teresa

I hadn't thought about a smile being an action of love, but it sure is. When we smile at people it puts them at ease. They feel comfortable around us. This is a gift and a beautiful thing.

Our Bible verse says, "My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action." 1 John 3:18 GNT

True love doesn't just talk. It shows itself in action. Every time we smile at someone it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.

Be So Happy

by Kay Heitsch

Be so happy that when others look at you, they become happy too. ~ Kingdom Living Quotes ~

Years ago I read books about people who were happy no matter what was going on in their lives. I wanted what they had! I found out! They were living the Kingdom Life right here on earth.

I found these Bible verses that helped me to understand. "No one will say, 'Look, here it is!' or, 'There it is!'; because the Kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:21 GNT "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Romans 14:17 NTL

Wow, when we live the Kingdom Life of goodness, peace, and joy we should be so happy that when others look at us they are happy too.

Seek Peace And Pursue It

by Kay Heitsch

"Life on earth is temporary. May we pursue peace and live in harmony with one another." Lailah Gifty Akita

Life on earth sure is temporary. If we want to live in peace we will need to pursue it. It's wonderful to keep your peace when someone is expecting you to be enraged. Peace gives us power.

Our Bible verse says, "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." Psalm 34:14 NIV

When we are determined to remain peaceful on purpose we will seek peace and pursue it. Life on earth is temporary. Let's surprise people and keep our peace on purpose. Peace gives us power.

Mother's Day Surprise

by Kay Heitsch

It was the day before Mother's Day 2013. I was sitting in my usual spot spending alone time with the Lord. I looked up and noticed the little Mother's Day statue Todd had given me many years before. I had it on a shelf along with other memories of days gone by. It was hard to believe it had been 25 years ago that Todd had died in a car accident.

As I sat in my chair lost in my memories I thought, "It would sure be nice to receive something again from Todd on Mother's Day, Lord." I knew it was far-fetched to desire something like this, but I wasn't going to tell anyone and I even thought, "This is between You and me Lord."

I got up and went about my daily activities. I was out mowing when the thought came to me again. I smiled wondering if I might be surprised.

Later that night my husband, Bill came in from being gone for a few days. He walked in with a rose. He handed it to me and said it was from Todd! I was overwhelmed! Never in the past 25 years had anyone given me anything and said it was from Todd. I knew the Lord had heard and answered the "desires and secret petitions of my heart."

Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Find Your Sweet Spot

by Kay Heitsch

Find your sweet spot! Embrace the God-given talents you already have. Find Your Sweet Spot Quotes

We all have things we're good at and things we are not good at. We need to find our sweet spot and embrace the God-given talents we have.

Our Bible verse says, "In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well...Romans 12:6 NLT

Yes, God has given each of us talents and different gifts to do certain things well. Let's find our sweet spot and embrace our God-given talents.

Let Go To Grow

by Kay Heitsch

If you want to grow you must learn to let go. Let Go To Grow Quotes

There are times in our lives when we have been doing the same thing for a long time. At first, we enjoyed it but now it's become a burden. Maybe it's time to let go and grow.

There is a funny quote that says, If the horse has been dead for 10 years it's time to dismount.

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

For everything, there is a season. If we want to grow we must be willing to let go. If the horse has been dead for 10 years it's time to dismount.

What About Love

 by Kay Heitsch

Love is a treasure which we can never pay. The only way to keep it going is to give it away. ~ What About Love Quotes ~

Love is a treasure. For God so loved the world that He gave...John 3:16. There is no amount of good things we can do to pay God for His great love. What we can do is to give His love away.

This is another one of my favorite Bible verses. "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:35 NLT

Love is a treasure! And our love for one another is proof that we are His disciples. We can never pay for God's love but by giving love away we keep His love flowing.

Leave Everything In God's Hand

by Kay Heitsch

"Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything."  Grace Quotes

I don't know about you but I would love to see God's hand in everything. By this quote, the way to do that is to leave everything in God's hand.

Our Bible verse says, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

God does care about us. We can give all of our worries and cares to Him. When we leave everything in God's hand we will eventually see God's hand in everything.

Edit Often

by Kay Heitsch

"Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often." ~ Quotes About Life

Our lives are our stories. We need to do our best and change things that need to be changed. If we don't like something that's going on we can't keep doing the same things expecting different results.

Our Bible verse says, "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 NLT

If we want different results in our lives we can let God transform the way we think. We need to edit often. We can't keep doing the same things expecting different results. Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often.

Never Regret A Day In Your Life

by Kay Heitsch

"Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness & bad days give you experience." Quotes About Life

When I look back on my life I can think of good days and some bad days. Actually, It seems like I grew more working through some bad times.

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

When we know that God causes everything to work together for our good we don't need to regret a day in our life.

The Race Is On!

by Kay Heitsch

Today is the Kentucky Derby. At 136 years the Kentucky Derby is America's oldest continuously held sporting event. We host 255,000 guests on our grounds over two days, and a television audience of over 20 million. ~ Google ~

Years ago we lived close enough to Churchill Downs to visit the race track on several occasions. The grounds were beautiful and the horses even more so. I look forward to watching the Kentucky Derby every year.

The Bible talks a lot about our life being a race, running to win and finishing our course with joy. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 KJV  "...So run to win!" 1 Corinthians 9:24.  One of my favorite Bible verse is Acts 20:24...I might finish my course with joy.

The race is on! Let's keep the faith, run to win and let's finish our course with joy!

Victory

by Kay Heitsch

Today is Cinco De Mayo a day that celebrates an unexpected victory.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French forces of Napoleon III on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla. It was an expected and unlikely victory and it's a day of celebration.

Our Bible verse talks about victory. "But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57 NLT

We have reason to celebrate every day because our Lord Jesus gives us victory over sin and death. His death and resurrection were unexpected by many but it gives us reason to celebrate His and our victory today and every day.

The Beginning Of Wisdom

by Kay Heitsch

The beginning of wisdom is to desire it. Wisdom Quotes

Today I heard a message about wisdom. I learned something I didn't know before. Did you know that there are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs?

The teacher suggested that each day of the month we read one chapter a day. In that chapter look for a verse that speaks to us personally.

Since today is the 4th let's see what it says about desiring wisdom. "Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment." Proverbs 4:7

Reading a chapter of Proverbs a day is a great way to gain wisdom and to develop good judgment.

Let Me Sow Love

by Kay Heitsch

Today is National Day of Prayer. This year the theme is to Pray For America's Unity.

The Bible verse selected for this day is "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:3 NIV

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace...Galatians 5:22. As we make every effort to live in the unity of the Spirit we will sow love where there is hatred.

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

You Have Unique Talents And Abilities

by Kay Heitsch

Never spend your precious time and energy comparing yourself with others. You are endowed with unique talents and abilities.

Too often we compare ourselves with others. We wish we had some talent or ability that they have. Well, guess what? I'm sure there are people who wish they had what you have. We are each endowed with unique talents and abilities.

Our Bible verses say, "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it." Psalm 139:14 NLT "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 masterpiece. He has good things for us to do. We are endowed with unique talents and abilities. Let's not spend our precious time and energy comparing ourselves with others.

That's Okay!

by Kay Heitsch

Not everyone will understand your journey. That's okay! You're here to live your life, not to make everyone understand. ~ Life Quotes ~

Most people want other people to understand them but in all honesty, a lot of people won't. We all have our own journey to walk. We may not do things the same way someone else would. That's okay!

Our Bible verse says, "Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God." Romans 14:12 NLT "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV

That's right, each of us will give a personal account to God. We need to be strong and do not give up! Not everyone will understand our journey. That's okay! We're here to live our life, not to make everyone understand.