More Love And Kindness

by Kay Heitsch

As we start our day let's determine to respond with more love and kindness to whatever may come our way. ~ New Beginning Quotes ~

What kind of day would we have if we set our minds to respond with more love and kindness to whatever may come our way?

Our Bible verses say, "Never let love and kindness leave you!... Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation." Proverbs 3:3 & 4.

If we want to have a good reputation with God and people we should keep love and kindness deep within our hearts. As we start our day let's determine to respond with more love and kindness to whatever comes our way.

A Work In Progress

by Kay Heitsch

Life is a work in progress. We learn a different lesson from each experience we meet. ~ Life Quotes ~

We don't need to look down on ourselves if we haven't arrived. We should see ourselves as God's masterpiece who has been created for good works. (see Ephesians 2:10)

Our past is where we have learned lessons. Now the future is where we can apply them. Every day we can get a little wiser, a little better and a little stronger.

Our Bible verse was given to me years ago from a friend. "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." Philippians 1:6 NLT

We are God's masterpieces and He created us for good works. He began this good work in us and we can be certain that He will complete it.

Our life is a work in progress. We learn different lessons from each experience we meet. As we apply the lessons we learn, we can get a little wiser, better and stronger each day until our progress is complete on the day when Jesus returns.

Far More Important

by Kay Heitsch

The life in front of you is far more important than the life behind you. ~ Life Quotes ~

This quote gave me encouragement. Sometimes we may think our best days are behind us but that's not true. Every day is a new beginning.

Caleb in the Bible was 85 years old when he said to give him a mountain. (see Joshua 14) Grandma Moses was 78 when she began painting in earnest.

Our Bible verse says, "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." Philippians 3:13

When we focus on looking forward we can see the life in front of us is far more important than the life behind us.

Abound In Hope

by Kay Heitsch

Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future. ~ Hope Quotes

Hope is a wonderful thing. No matter what we are going through we can always be hopeful that something good is going to happen.

I love the following Bible verse. Over the years I've said this to myself many times. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13 ESV

When we are filled with joy and peace in believing we will abound in hope.  Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.

I Used To See It That Way

by Kay Heitsch

Many years ago I met a man who was a great Bible teacher. Why I liked Lowell so much was because he was non-judgemental.

If people in the class said something he might not agree with Lowell would say, "I used to see it that way, but I don't anymore." After he said this he would show the reason why he was seeing things differently now.

I learned so much from Lowell. We may not have seen things the same way, but that was okay. I realized that as we grow in our journey we may see things differently than we did before too.

As I look back on my life's journey I can say the same thing as Lowell did, "I used to see it that way, but I don't anymore."

Totally Different

by Kay Heitsch

I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. ~ Life Quotes ~

How true this is. One person can look at a rose and see the flower and another can only see the thorns. One person can see Christianity as a religion of rules and regulations. While another person sees it as a personal relationship with the Lord. The second group of people sees it as the freedom to live the abundant life. We all see things differently.

I used to see Christianity as a religion of rules and regulations. However, I don't see it that way anymore. We can even change the way we see things.

Today's Bible verse helped me see things differently. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

I wanted to live the abundant life that Jesus died to give me. In order to do that I had to change the way, I saw things. I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

Be Real

by Kay Heitsch

We're not going to always say and do the right things, and that's fine. We're not here to be perfect, but to be real. Be Real Quotes

I enjoy being with people who are just themselves. They aren't trying to put on airs. I can be my imperfect self around them and they can feel comfortable around me too.

Our Bible verse says, There is no one on earth who does what is right all the time and never makes a mistake. Ecclesiastes 7:20 GNT

There is no one on earth who does what is right all the time. We're not always going to say and do the right things, and that's fine. We're not here to be perfect, but to be real.

It Isn't Over 'til It's Over

by Kay Heitsch

Stay focused! Your start does not determine how you're going to finish. Herm Edwards

Today is the big Ohio State - Michigan game. Sometimes it's hard to watch a game when your team is behind at the beginning. I try to tell myself, "It isn't over 'til it's over."

I know many people who have had a rough childhood. They didn't have a good start in life. However, they can have a great finish.

Our Bible verse says "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

In life we need to fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. Let's stay focused! Remember your start does not determine how you finish. It isn't over 'till it's over.

Count Your Blessings

by Kay Heitsch

When we start to count our blessings, our whole lives will turn around. Thanksgiving Quotes

When we spend time counting our blessings we won't have time to complain. Complaining drains our energy and causes upset in our lives. Counting our blessings will make life more enjoyable.

Our Bible verse says, Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

Knowing that God's love endures forever is a blessing we can count on. When we start to count our blessings, our whole lives will turn around.

An Optimist

by Kay Heitsch

An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving day. Fruits and vegetables are a must. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie. ~ Before Thanksgiving Quotes

The holidays are times when we enjoy eating foods we ordinarily don't eat. I only make a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. I never think to make one any other time of the year.

Our Bible verse says, "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy the foods we eat. Be an optimist! Eat your fruits and vegetables. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.

Let's remember to give thanks for whatever we eat and drink and do it all for the glory of God.

Watering The Weeds

by Kay Heitsch

Your life is a garden, your thoughts are the seeds, if your life isn't awesome, you've been watering the weeds. ~ Life Quotes ~

There's a lot of truth to this quote. So many times we water the weeds in our thoughts. We think about what's wrong instead of thinking about how much we have to be thankful for.

Our Bible verse makes this very clear. Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Proverbs 4:23 GNT

If we don't like the way we are seeing life, it may be time to take a good look at what we've been thinking about. Let's be careful how we think. Our life is shaped by our thoughts. Stop watering the weeds.

I Could Be Wrong

by Kay Heitsch

I think I'm right, but I could be wrong. Relationship Saving Quote

It's hard to be in a relationship with a person who always thinks they are right. How many times could we defuse an argument if we admitted that we might be wrong?

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10 Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall. Proverbs 16:18

When we love other people we go out of our way to show honor. Pride and arrogance only lead to downfall. When we're in a disagreement with someone let's remember these 9 words. "I think I'm right, but I could be wrong."

Being Strong

by Kay Heitsch

Being strong doesn't mean you will never be hurt. It means even when you get hurt, you'll never let it defeat you. ~ Being Strong Quotes ~

We have all been hurt in some way or another. But even so, we can make up our minds and never allow that hurt to defeat us.

I love this Bible verse. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

When we know that the Lord is with us we can be strong and courageous. Will we be hurt at times? Yes, we will! However, we can make up our minds that the hurt will never defeat us!

Loving Memories Never Die

by Kay Heitsch

Loving memories never die as years roll on and days pass by. In our hearts, a memory is kept, of ones we loved and never will forget. ~ Special Days Quotes ~

When I read the following poem this morning it touched my heart. How true this is. Our loving memories never do die no matter how many years have passed by. We think of the special memories we have kept. These memories often bring a tear to our eyes and many times a smile to our face.

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

I do thank my God when I remember Todd.

Happy Birthday in Heaven Todd. I have many loving memories that have never died. I have kept these memories in my heart. I will love you always, Mom

Isn't Likely

Isn't Likely by Kay Heitsch

If a person isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he gets. ~ Thanksgiving Quotes ~

I believe it's an attitude of the mind to be thankful. If a person isn't thankful for what they have it isn't likely that they will be thankful even if they get more.

Today's Bible verse tells us, "It's better to enjoy what we have than to always want something else because that makes no more sense than chasing the wind." Ecclesiastes 6:9

It is better to enjoy and be thankful for what we have instead of always wanting something else. If we aren't thankful for what we have it's not likely we'll be thankful for anything else we get.

Doubt Kills

Doubt Kills by Kay Heitsch

Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. ~ Deep Quotes ~

Why do we doubt when we think about starting something new. Maybe it's because we think we will fail. I believe if we are supposed to do something we can step out in confidence.

When we doubt we start to shrink back. Doubting hinders our progress and we can't make up our minds.

Our Bible verse says, "But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind." James 1:6 GNT

Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. Let's remember when we pray to believe and not to doubt. When we doubt it's like we are a wave blown around by the wind.

What Do You See?

by Kay Heitsch

Vision is being able to see the sun before it shines. ~ The Sun Still Shines Quotes ~

We all go through dark times in our lives. But we can know that even the darkest night will end and the sun will shine.

What do we look for when we go through hard times? Do we look for the rainbow after the rain? Do we look for the sun to shine after the darkest night?

Our Bible verse can help us to look for the good before it happens. "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 the good LORD will work everything out for our good we can visualize the sun before it shines.

In The Blink Of An Eye

by Kay Heitsch

"In the blink of an eye, everything can change." Suddenly Quotes

I'm sure everyone can attest to this. We've all experienced things that have happened suddenly.

Our Bible verse says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:19

When things look bleak keep your eyes open. God may be ready to do a new thing. In the blink of an eye, everything can change.

Think About It

by Kay Heitsch

Silent and listen are spelled with the same letters. Think about it! ~ The Importance Of Peace And Quiet Quotes ~

I remember years ago when I felt like I never had any peace and quiet. The only time I had a quiet time was in a church service. In this service, the minister would ask for a brief period of quiet where people would lift up a silent prayer. I don't know if anyone else looked forward to this time, but I did.

Peace and quiet are so important to me. Our Bible verse gives me peace just by reading it. 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

Silent and listen are spelled with the same letters. When we are silent and listen it's amazing what we can hear. Think about it! 

Everyone Has A Story

by Kay Heitsch

When you look at a person, any person, remember everyone has a story. Everyone has gone through something that has changed them. ~ Everyone Has A Story Quotes ~

We all have gone through something that has left a scar. Some scars are visible and some scars are invisible. These scars are part of our stories.

When we look at our scars we can be reminded of how God has seen us through very difficult times; these scars can fuel our faith.

When we share our story, scars and all, we can help others to believe that God can take our scars and make something good out of them.

I love this Bible verse. "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 all have a story. We've all been through life situations that have left a scar. Let's see these scars as positive proof that God has taken us through even the bad things in life and He's brought something good out of them.

What Do You Want Most?

by Kay Heitsch

Discipline is simply choosing between what you want now and what you want most. ~ Life Quotes ~

This quote is so true. If we really want peace we can't fly off the handle when things upset us. If we want to lose weight we can't eat foods that will add weight instead of helping us lose weight. We need to make a choice what we want most.

Today's Bible verse says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT

God has given us self-discipline. Now we need to use it to choose between what we want now and what we want most.

Butterflies Of Winter

by Kay Heitsch

Enjoy the butterflies of winter. Each as unique and amazing as you. ~ First Snow Quotes ~

Today when I got up I immediately looked out the window. I heard this may be the day of our first snowfall. I was excited like a little child to see that sure enough, it was snowing.

As each snowflake is unique and amazing, so are we. Our Bible verse says, Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it. Psalm 139:14 NLT

For those who are blessed to have 4 seasons l hope you will enjoy the butterflies of winter. As we watch the snow fall let's remember that we are as unique and amazing as each butterfly of winter.

Good Friends

Good Friends by Kay Heitsch

Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them but you know they are there. ~ Friendship Quotes 

I am blessed to have a lot of good friends. Last night one of my longtime friends, Kathy, came and spent the night. Now we don't see each other often but I know she is there.

It's wonderful to have great friends. Our Bible verse tells us that there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (see Proverb 17:17) We all know who that friend is...our friend Jesus.

Good friends are like stars. We may not always see them but as our good Lord, we know they are always there.

Organize Your Life

by Kay Heitsch

Set peace of mind as one of your highest goals, and organize your life around it. ~ Peace Of Mind Quotes ~

How would we have to organize our life if peace of mind was one of our highest goals? For me, I would need to not allow negative thoughts or feelings to drain my energy. I would focus on what's good. I would be thankful and know that God is in control and that all things work together for good. 

Our Bible verse says, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." Proverbs 4:23

I truly believe if we want peace of mind we will need to guard our hearts. If we set peace of mind as one of our goals, we will need to organize our life around it.

Learning To Deal With Stress

by Kay Heitsch

If anyone knows me very well they know I am high strung. Now having this type of personality has its pluses and minuses. I have a lot of energy, but I can also allow situations and people to get on my last nerve. I'm sure there's no one else like this. 😀

Over the years I've had to deal with health issues because of allowing myself to get upset. Stress is a major cause of a lot of health problems, not only for me but for others too.

My first serious stress-related health issue came when Todd died. I started to have severe pain in my stomach. When it hit I would be doubled over on the floor in a fetal position. I'd go to bed and calm myself and eventually I'd get relief.

All my stressfulness lead to another health issue. I still have it now if I allow myself to get upset by situations or people.

I've learned a lot from dealing with these health issues. It's amazing how I can calm myself down when I know I will not like the consequences if I don't.

I've learned to change the channel on the TV and also change the channel in my thoughts. I've learned to scroll past posts on FB and not be drawn into unnecessary drama.

Life is too short to live in upset and stress. I've learned both are powerless without my reaction. I'm learning to live the let go life!  

Powerless

by Kay Heitsch

Don't get upset by people or situations, both are powerless without your reaction. ~ Wisdom Quotes ~

It's easy to allow people and situations to upset us. Don't get set up to get upset.

Our Bible verse speaks to this. "Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper--it only leads to harm." Psalm 37:8 NLT

Come on let's use wisdom and stop being angry. It only leads to harm. Don't get upset by people or situations, both are powerless without our reaction.

Just A Thought Away

by Kay Heitsch

Choose your thoughts carefully. Keep what brings you peace. Release what threatens your peace. Know that happiness is just a thought away. ~ Peace and Love Quotes ~

If we want to keep our peace we need to choose our thoughts carefully. When a thought threatens our peace we can release it. Why allow bad thoughts to steal our happiness.

Our Bible verse shows us how to keep our peace. "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...And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8&9

God's peace will be with us if we do our part and choose our thoughts carefully. We can keep thoughts that bring us peace and release thoughts that don't. Our happiness is just a thought away.

Do The Thing You Fear

by Kay Heitsch

Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain. ~ Quotes That Make You Think ~

Years ago our son Todd had to take allergy shots. The only problem was he would need to take the shot before he ran cross country when the office was open. The nurse suggested I take the medicine home and give Todd the shot myself before he went to bed.

I'm sure there are people out there who could do this without a problem. However, I was not one of them. When the time came for me to give Todd a shot I started to panic. My heart was racing and I began to sweat. Someone told me Todd could go into a reaction from the shots. What would I do if that happened? I was filled with fear!

Even though I was afraid I made up my mind to just do it! As I did the fear slowly began to leave.

Our lives are not supposed to be lived in fear. Our Bible verse tells us "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you." Isaiah 41:10

We may all feel fear at times. But I believe "Fear not" means not to run. Don't bow down but stand up to fear! Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain.

The Greatest Show On Earth

by Kay Heitsch

Life is a ticket to the greatest show on earth. Life Quotes

There's another Life Quote that says, "One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching."

Our Bible verse says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Our life is the ticket to the greatest show on earth. When we live the plan the LORD has for our lives we will have a life that is worth watching.

Stay Cool!

by Kay Heitsch

If "Plan A" didn't work. The alphabet has 25 more letters! Stay cool! ~ Inspirational Quotes ~

I've always liked the poem "If At First, You Don't Succeed Try Again." Many times we try something new and it might not work. But that doesn't mean we can't try something else.

Thomas Edison said, "I have not failed. "I've just found 10,000 ways that didn't work." I'm happy he didn't stop at 26!

Our Bible verse encourages us not to give up. "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Let's remember that we will reap if we don't give up. If "Plan A" didn't work. The alphabet has 25 more letters. Stay cool!

Strength Wisdom Peace & Love

by Kay Heitsch

God will give you strength for every battle, wisdom for every decision, and peace that passes understanding. ~ Life Quotes

All of us have been through some battles in our lives where we needed supernatural strength. We've also had important decisions to make where we needed wisdom. And last but not least we all need a peace that passes understanding.

There are Bible verses that speak to each of these. "God gives strength." (see Isaiah 40:29) "Ask for wisdom." (see James 1:5) and "God's peace that passes understanding will guard your heart" (see Philippians 4:7)

When we have strength, wisdom, peace and I will add love "I have loved you with an everlasting love" (see Jeremiah 31:1) what more could we possibly want?