Next New Year's Eve

by Kay Heitsch

How many of you reading this think you will be around next New Year's Eve? If I asked for a show of hands I believe most of us would raise ours. Not to be negative, but the reality is there will be some of us reading this who won't.

This past year I've had several friends die. If I had asked them if they thought they would be around this New Year's Eve they would have undoubtedly said, "Yes!"

We do not know what the future holds. However, we don't need to live in fear or worry when we live in a relationship with Jesus, the One who does know.

We can make this year the best year yet! As we live in relationship with the LORD He will help us to be the best we can be. He has created us for a life of good works and He will help us to do them. (see Ephesians 2:10)

Diet Is More Than What You Eat

by Kay Heitsch

Diet is not only what you eat. It's what you watch, listen to, read, and the people you hang around. Be mindful of things you put in your body emotionally, spiritually, and physically. ~ Inspirational Quotes ~

I truly believe that what we watch, listen to, read and the people we spend time with do affect our lives just as much as what we eat. What we feed our minds has a direct effect on our bodies.

If we want less stress in our lives and the results that stress causes we have to be very careful about what we allow. I've had to learn this the hard way.

This is one of my very favorite Bible verses. "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts." Proverbs 4:23 GNTA

What we watch, listen to, read, and the people we hang around with do affect our thinking. They can have either a positive or a negative effect on our lives. Diet is more than what you eat! Your life is also shaped by your thoughts.

A New Beginning

by Kay Heitsch

Remember, as long as you are breathing it's never too late to start a new beginning. ~ Moving On Quotes ~

Sometimes we have to move on from the familiar to start something new. It may not be easy, but it just might be worth it!

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 NLT

To move on we may need to forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead. I have to remind myself that as long as I am breathing I'm not too old to start something new...and neither are you!

Start from Where You Are

by Kay Heitsch

Don't wait to be "ready". Start from where you are with whatever tools you have and better tools will be found along the way. ~ Life Quotes ~

I think too many times people want all their ducks in a row before they try something new. Sometimes we need to start with whatever we have and watch things fall into place.

Our Bible verse says, "If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done." Ecclesiastes 11:4 TLB

How true this verse is! If we wait for perfect conditions we will never get anything done. Don't wait to be "ready". Start from where you are with whatever tools you have and better tools will be found along the way.

Don't Judge My Life

by Kay Heitsch

Don't judge my life by the chapter you walked in on. ~ Living Life Quotes ~

Everyone has a story. We walk in on different chapters of people's lives. Many times people form an opinion about us by the chapter they happen to walk in on.

Over the years, I've had people have very negative opinions about me. By the grace of God, I was able to not allow their negative opinions to define me. Did it hurt me? Yes! It hurts when people say hurtful things to you and about you.

I've had many people share part of their life's journeys with me. I've been surprised, to say the least by what some people have been through. I had no idea! I only knew them by the chapter I walked in on.

We all have a story. Let's not judge others by the chapter we happen to walk in on.

Embrace Your Uniqueness

by Kay Heitsch

You were born an original. Don't live like a copy. Embrace your uniqueness. Sparkle! Shine! Inspire! ~ Living Life Quotes ~

We are all unique! There is no one exactly like you! You have gifts and talents other people don't have.

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

Thank God that He made us who we are. We are born an original. Don't live like a copy. Embrace your uniqueness. Sparkle! Shine! Inspire!

Oh Just Another Birthday

by Kay Heitsch

How many times have we thought, "Oh it's just another birthday?" We don't think much of it until we find out that this was the final birthday.

The last few weeks I have had 4 friends die. Three out of the four were close to my age. Little did I know, nor did anyone else, that their birthday was to be the last one here on this earth.

There's a Bible verse in Ecclesiastes that says, Sorrow may sadden your face, but it sharpens your understanding. How true this is! Sorrow sure does sharpen our understanding. We learn very quickly how fleeting life can be.

Today is my husband, Bill's birthday. I don't think this is his last birthday, but because of my friend's passing on, it has sharpened my understanding. Don't take any day, especially birthdays, for granted.

There's A Time

by Kay Heitsch

"Wise men are not always silent, but they know when to be." ~ Quotes About Life ~

Our Bible verses say, "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens: A time to be quiet and a time to speak." Ecclesiastes 3:1&7

There is a time for everything. How many times have we said, "Boy, I wish I had said something or I wish I hadn't said that."

Wise men (people) are not always silent, but they know when to be. There is a time for everything. A time to speak and a time to be quiet.

Cherished Memories

 by Kay Heitsch 

Life brings tears, smiles, and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever. ~ Good Memories Quotes ~

We spent Christmas in Columbus. I'd like to share some funny memories from this year.

After the Christmas Eve service at the church where Eli our 7-year-old grandson was a shepherd and sang in the choir, we went over to Bob Evan's to eat. This is kind of a tradition we do on Christmas Eve. The waitress asked Eli what he would like to eat. Eli responded, "Oh I'll just have my usual." 😃

Christmas morning Noah and Eli hand out the gifts. Shannon outdid herself putting names like "From Baker Mayfield" on gifts. We were all laughing! 😃

We started to notice Noah's pile was getting very large. Shannon checked the gifts and told Noah that some of these gifts were for the rest of us. Noah informed Shannon, "They all have my name on them!" Noah only saw his name. He hadn't noticed they were "From Noah." 😃

Life does bring tears, smiles, and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever.

It Was The Night Before Christmas

by Kay Heitsch

It was the night before Christmas when the shepherds were out in the fields going about their own business. They didn't know at the time that their story would be told throughout eternity.

"That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks...Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them... The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:…Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:8-11

We never know what a day will hold. The shepherds had no idea what was going to happen to them that night. Suddenly, an angel appeared among them. Wow, wouldn't that be a surprise! The angel was there to tell them good news of great joy! Their long-awaited Messiah had been born.

Things Will Work Out

by Kay Heitsch

Keep believing, be happy, and don't get discouraged. Things will work out. Quotes About Life

Sometimes we need to accept a situation as it is and not how we think it should be.

We may not like every situation but according to our 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

When we keep in mind God causes everything to work together for good we can keep believing, be happy, and not get discouraged. Things will work out for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

Our Choices Make Us

by Kay Heitsch

We all make choices but in the end, our choices make us. ~ Positive Attitude Quotes ~

I think our attitude has a lot to do with the choices we make. I saw another quote today that read, "Attitude is the most important decision you'll make today."

When I need an attitude adjustment I think of this Bible text. It reminds me I can choose how I will live my life. "This is the day the LORD has made. We (I) will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

We all make choices but in the end, our choices make us. The attitude we choose is important. When we remember that the LORD has made this day we can make a choice to rejoice and be glad in it.

Who's Watching

by Kay Heitsch 

"I want to be a good person and live my life the right way, keeping in mind there might be a little kid who's watching what I do." ~ Who's Watching Quotes ~

This quote brought back a story that happened at last years Christmas Eve service.

Bill and I had driven down to Columbus, Ohio on Christmas Eve to attend the Christmas Eve service our youngest grandson Eli was in. Eli was a sheep in the play and he also sang in the children's choir.

The service was almost over. The congregation had just sung, Silent Night during the candlelit ceremony. There was a moment of silence and I thought I'd put my coat on.

I was sitting next to Noah our other grandson. When Noah saw me starting to put my coat on he announced in a very loud voice, "Ooma is putting on her coat...let's go!"

We need to keep in mind there might be a little kid who's watching what we do and they just might announce it! 😃

Deal With The Fact

by Kay Heitsch

Sometimes you just have to deal with the fact that life doesn't always go your way. ~ Peace Quotes ~

I'm sure we can all relate to this quote. If we're going to keep our peace we have to learn to adapt and adjust when life doesn't go our way.

When life doesn't go my way I remind myself of this Bible verse. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 NLT

Many times we don't understand why life isn't going our way. But we can trust the LORD with all our hearts.

To keep our peace we need to accept that sometimes we just have to deal with the fact that life doesn't always go our way.

It's A Joy

by Kay Heitsch

Doing good to others is not a duty, it's a joy, for it increases our own health and happiness. ~ Doing Good Quotes ~

Whatever good we do for others increases our own health and happiness. If we're not happy maybe we need to ask ourselves what are we doing for anyone else.

Our Bible verse says, So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Galatians 6:9 NLT

When we do good for others, at just the right time, we'll reap a harvest of blessings. Doing good to others is not a duty, it's a joy, for it increases our own health and happiness.

Live & Learn

by Kay Heitsch

Life is about making choices. Always do your best to make the right ones, and always do your best to learn from the wrong ones. ~ Life Quotes ~

The beauty of life is that we can not always undo what is done, but we can learn from it. When we do we won't live in regret, guilt, fear, or anger but in wisdom, understanding, and love.

Our Bible verse says, Let the wise hear and increase in learning and the one who understands obtain guidance. Proverbs 1:5

When we are wise we will learn from our mistakes. The beauty of life is that we have choices. We should always do our best to make the right ones and always do our best to learn from the wrong ones. Let's not live in regret but in wisdom, understanding and love.

Not Enough

by Kay Heitsch

Knowing is not enough; we need to apply. Wishing is not enough; we need to do. ~ Quotes About Life ~

We may know a lot of things that would make our lives better, but if we don't apply what we know it won't do us any good.

Our Bible verse says, "Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice." James 1:22 GNT

I believe the Bible is our instruction book given to us by our Creator. When we put what it says into practice we can have a great life right here on earth.

The Bible instructs us not to worry, not to be afraid, not to judge. It tells us to forgive, to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Most of us know by putting these into practice they would make our lives better. We may wish they were true in our lives. Wishing is not enough; we need to do them.

Knowing is not enough; we need to apply. Wishing is not enough; we need to do. We deceive ourselves when we don't put what the word says into practice.

Happiness Comes

by Kay Heitsch

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

How different our lives would be if we put this quote into practice. If we would stop to think about all the troubles we don't have we would be very thankful and happy.

The following Bible verse got me to thinking. "At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to You..." Psalm 119:62

When we get out of bed at midnight, as many of us do, let's not complain about it. Let's offer thanks that we are able to get up out of bed. Many people can't!

Happiness comes when we stop complaining about the troubles we have and offer thanks for the troubles we don't have.

Pep Talks

by Kay Heitsch

"Sometimes you have to give yourself pep talks!" ~Talk Positive To Yourself Quotes ~

I think it's so important how we talk to ourselves. Not everyone is going to motivate and encourage us, but that's okay, we can give ourselves a pep talk.

When we get down, which we all do, let's remember this Bible verse. "Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I should trust you, LORD. I will praise you again because You help me. Psalm 42:5 CEV

When we get down and discouraged let's give ourselves a pep talk and turn our thoughts to trusting the LORD. When we trust the LORD we will praise Him because He will help us.

Too Soon or Too Late

by Kay Heitsch

You can never do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. Ralph Waldo Emerson

How many times have we said, "Oh I'll do that tomorrow?" Sometimes tomorrow never comes and then we say, "Boy, I wish I hadn't put that off."

I'll share a story that happened last month.

Betty has been a wonderful friend to our family for many years. One thing Betty always did was to send birthday cards. From the time Brandon was little until he graduated Betty sent him a birthday card with $5.00 in it.

A few weeks ago I called Betty as I did from time to time. Betty didn't answer the phone; instead her daughter Carol did. Carol shared with me that Betty had gone downhill fast. She was now on Hospice. I talked briefly to Betty and told her I loved her.

I immediately sent Brandon a text and let him know Betty wasn't doing very well. Much to my surprise Brandon stopped what he was doing and sent Betty flowers.

The next day Carol called me. She was so excited and told me Brandon had sent Betty flowers. Betty loved them! A few days later Betty died.

Can I tell you how very proud I was of Brandon? He didn't wait to show kindness. You can never do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.

Life Is Like A Piano

by Kay Heitsch

Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it! ~ Quotes About Life ~

I honestly believe how we "play it" depends on the way we choose to think.

Two Bible verses have helped me beyond measure. One is... "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts." Proverbs 4:23 GNT The other is... "This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NLT

We need to be very careful about how we think. When we make up our minds and say, "We (I) will rejoice and be glad in it" we are choosing to be thankful that the Lord has given us another day.

Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it!

Christmas Blessing

by Kay Heitsch 

When I accepted a friend request this week I had no idea what a Christmas blessing it would be. When the request came I didn't recognize the name, but since I knew a couple of people she knew, I accepted.

Later in the day, I received a private message. I was amazed to find out that I had given Sue* a "Have A Great Day- Every Day!" book 25 years ago at a bank where she worked.

I felt overwhelmed and tears filled my eyes when Sue told me I had really made a difference in her life and in her words, "You were actually like an angel to me." What a Christmas blessing to hear that I had made a difference in her life and she saw me like an angel to her.

I could see God's timing was perfect too. I say this because the day before an old high school acquaintance had made a comment on one of my posts saying, "When were you ever an angel?" I'd replied, "I never was, as you well remember." I could see God was showing me that I was an angel to this girl.

I never expected to hear from someone after so many years, but I am very thankful for this Christmas Blessing!

* Name changed

The Power Of One

by Kay Heitsch

One smile can start a friendship. One word can end a fight. One look can save a relationship. One person can change your life. ~ Life Quotes ~

We may think what we do does not make a difference. But according to this quote, we see that we can. Personally, I have started a friendship with a just a smile.

One person did change my life. He was born in a manger, lived a perfect life of love, and died on a cruel cross. However, that was not the end. He rose again and lives in relationship with anyone who believes.

Let's remember the power of one. One smile can start a friendship. One word can end a fight. One look can save a relationship. One person can change your life.

Someone Is Always With You

by Kay Heitsch

No matter how dark things become, someone is always with you and that someone is God. He helps you by giving you peace and a positive mental attitude. ~ Dr. Norman V. Peale ~

Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love and respect Dr. Norman V. Peale. Dr. Peale helped me understand that I was not alone. He showed me that the LORD was there to help me live a positive life right here on earth no matter how dark things were.

The following Bible verse is one of my go-to 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

The thief had stolen enough of my life. I wasn't about to let the negative things in life kill and destroy anymore. I made up my mind, with the LORD's help, to live the abundant life that Jesus died to give me.

No matter how dark things become, someone is always with you and that someone is God. He helps you by giving you peace and a positive mental attitude.

Beautiful Memories

by Kay Heitsch

"Let's make beautiful memories out of ordinary moments." ~ Christmas Memories Quotes ~

I bet we can all think of some seemingly ordinary moments that have turned into some beautiful memories. I know I have. I'll share one.

Years ago I work in a memory care unit with a lady named Lucille. At Christmastime, I would play Christmas carols on a tape recorder I had tied to the back of Lucille's wheelchair. On the weekends Lucille's son Jim would stop up to visit. We would walk around with the taped Christmas carols playing and sing along with Lucille.

At the time singing these Christmas carols seemed like an ordinary moment but now those ordinary moments have turned into a beautiful memory.

This year let's make more beautiful memories out of ordinary moments.

Beautiful From The Inside Out

by Kay Heitsch

Beautiful people are not always good, but good people are always beautiful. Inspirational Quotes

When I describe my friends they are all "so cute" or "beautiful" and "good people." I see them as beautiful from the inside out.

Years ago I was describing some friends of mine. When the person I described them to saw them they were surprised. Somehow they didn't see the same way I did. However, they didn't have the same relationship I did either. To me, they were beautiful from the inside out.

Our Bible verse tells us how God sees us. "For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Beautiful people are not always good, but good people are always beautiful. They are beautiful from the inside out.

Small Acts Of Kindness

by Kay Heitsch

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. Christmas Quotes

Many times it's the small things that people do that are the most meaningful.

Our Bible verse says, "Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14. ESV

Let all that we do be done out of love. The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.

Work & Words

by Kay Heitsch

Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourselves and others. Uplifting Quotes

What we say and do does have an impact on our happiness. We talk to ourselves all the time. If we are having a positive inner dialog about ourselves and others we are bound to feel happy.

Our Bible verse says, Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25 NIV

If our inner dialog is filled with anxiety it will wear us down. But if we think and talk kindly about ourselves and others these words can be of great benefit. Happiness comes when our work and words are of benefit to ourselves and others.

A Gift You Can Afford

by Kay Heitsch

Kindness is a gift that everyone can afford to give. ~ Quotes ~

At this time of the year, people are wondering what gift they can give. Why not give the gift of kindness?

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

Wondering what you can afford to give this year? Why not give the gift of kindness? This is a gift that everyone can afford to give.

Let It Go

by Kay Heitsch

When people praise you, don't let it go to your head. When they criticize you, don't let it go to your heart. ~ Let It Go Quotes ~

Personally, I think it's easier not to let praise go to your head than it is to not let criticism go to your heart. It's hurtful when people criticize us. But it's to our benefit to let it go.

Paul in the Bible was criticized on several occasions. Today's Bible verse shows us how he dealt with it. "Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done." 2 Timothy 4:14 NLT

Paul let the criticism go and put Alexander in the Lord's hands. We can do the same. When people praise you, don't let it go to your head. When they criticize you, don't let it go to your heart. Let it go!

Regrets

by Kay Heitsch

Don't live your life regretting yesterday. Live your life so tomorrow you won't regret today. ~ Words Of Wisdom Quotes

How many things don't we do because we're afraid of what people may think? We know deep down it's something that would be beneficial, but we don't do it and regret it later.

Today's Bible verse says, "And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!" Jeremiah 1:8 NLT

We need to stop being afraid of what other people think! If we believe we are supposed to be doing something we need to do it. Don't live your life regretting yesterday. Live your life so tomorrow you won't regret today.

Life Is Like A Book

by Kay Heitsch

Life is like a book. Some chapters sad, some happy, and some exciting. But if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter holds. ~ Living Through Grief Quotes ~

Living through grief is hard work! You don't just get over it as some people may think. You grow through it! Each day you can ask God to use your pain and experience to help others and to bring something good out of it.

We can go to God and tell Him anything. He is the only one who really understands our deepest hurt. He will show us what we can do to turn the page and move on to the next chapter in our life. But it will take work on our part!

Our Bible verse says, "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10 NLT

We don't need to be afraid in life because God is with us. He will give us the strength in our happy chapters, sad chapters, and exciting chapters in our lives. We'll need to turn the page to know what the next chapter of our life holds.

A True Inspiration

by Kay Heitsch

Do you believe the happiness of your life has anything to do with the quality of your thoughts? Let me tell you about my friend Matt if you don't.

Several months ago I was asked to be FB friends with a guy named Matt. I was told that Matt had been in a terrible motorcycle accident in June of 2017.

As a result of that accident, Matt's wife died. If that wasn't horrific enough Matt broke 42 bones and was burned over 33% of his body. Matt spent 2 months in the Cleveland Meto burn unit, 1 month in rehab and another 9 months in therapy. At first, they were not sure that Matt would even live. Then he received the not so encouraging report it was doubtful he would ever walk again.

If there was anyone who could have fallen into a pit of self-pity you would believe it could be Matt. But that is not what Matt chose to do.

Matt worked hard in rehab and therapy. He not only lived, but he can also walk! Believe it or not, Matt went back to work this past April! How about that!

Matt put the following quote on FB. When I read the quote tears filled my eyes knowing all Matt had been through. Here's the quote:

"Train your mind to see the good in everything. Positivity is a choice. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts."

Matt has a new goal now to write a book and share his story to help others. Most people don't like to do public speaking but Matt wants to do that too.

Does Matt believe that the happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thought? Yes, he does!

My friend Matt is a true inspiration!

Make Today Brighter

by Kay Heitsch

"Make today brighter than yesterday." ~ Positive Quotes

You may have had a cloudy day yesterday. Things may not have been the best for you. But today is a new day!

I love this Bible verse! "This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

This is the day the Lord has made. Today is the day to rejoice and be glad in it. Let's make today brighter than yesterday. I'm sure we'll be glad we did.