New Beginnings

by Kay Heitsch

And suddenly you know it's time to start something new and trust the God of new beginnings. ~ New Beginnings Quotes ~

It's interesting how all of a sudden something can change and you know it's time to start something new. In those times we need to trust the Lord.

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

We may not know how something is going to work out, but when we trust the LORD we know in our heart it's time to start something new.

And suddenly you know it's time to start something new and trust the God of new beginnings.

Start A New Chapter

by Kay Heitsch

It's time to unfold new pages and start a new chapter in your life. ~ New Years Quotes ~

In 2020 I will turn 70 years old. When I pondered that I thought of Grandma Moses. Did you know Grandma Moses started painting when she was 78?

Then I thought about Moses and Aaron. Moses was 80 and Aaron was 83 when they spoke to Pharaoh. Caleb, at 85 years, said, “Give me this mountain” (Josh. 14:12).

We don't need to allow age to be an excuse not to start a new chapter.

It's time to unfold new pages and start a new chapter in your life.

The Pen Is In Your Hand

by Kay Heitsch

The New Year is like a blank book. The pen is in your hand. It's your chance to make it a bestseller. Motivational Quotes

We really don't need a new year to begin something. There are 365 days in a year. We can see each day as a chapter in our book. The pen is in our hands.

Our Bible verse says, "For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." Isaiah 43:19 NLT

There is something new in our futures. The Lord has been working behind the scene. Things in our lives may have looked hopeless, but God is turning things around. Let's be looking for it!

The New Year is like a blank book. The pen is in your hand. It's your chance to make it a bestseller.

Only One Person...You!

by Kay Heitsch

It only takes one person to change your life...YOU! ~ Quotes About Change ~

We've all made excuses about things we know we need to change in our lives. If I was younger, if I had more money, if I had better health, etc, etc. Maybe we can't change our circumstances but we change the way we look at them.

C.S. Lewis said, "You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream." We don't need to use our age as an excuse.

Our Bible verse says, "Your future will be brighter by far than your past." Job 8:7 CEV

Let's keep that in mind this coming year that our future will be brighter than our past.

It only takes one person to change your life...You!

Keep Moving

by Kay Heitsch

Life is like ice skating. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. ~ Kay's Quote ~

This year for Christmas I received a pair of new ice skates. If you know anything about ice skating you know you have to keep moving to keep your balance.

I have a lot of stories about my experiences with ice skating. I haven't ice skated in years so I hope the experiences I have now will be pleasant.

Our Bible verse says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:" Ecclesiastes 3:1

Yes, there is a time for every activity under heaven. When the weather gets cold I'll be trying out my new ice skates on the rink in town.

Life is like ice skating. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.

Christmas Memories Last A Lifetime

by Kay Heitsch

Christmas presents come and go. Christmas memories last a lifetime. ~ The Day After Christmas Quotes 

When we think back I'm sure we all have some special Christmas memories. These memories bring a smile to our faces as we remember them.

In our family, we give and receive gag gifts. These are always good for a laugh. We also have traditions we do every year. I like that because I don't have to think of something new. :D

Our Bible verse says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above..." James 1:17

I consider our good memories as perfect gifts that God has blessed us with.

Christmas presents come and go. Christmas memories last a lifetime.

Birthday Celebration

by Kay Heitsch

You Are Cordially Invited To A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ

Date: Every day. Traditionally December 25, but He's always around, so the date is flexible.

Time: Whenever you're ready, (please don't be too late, though; or you'll miss out on all the fun!!).

Place: In your heart ... He'll meet you there (you'll hear Him knock).

Attire: Come as you are ...grubbies are okay. He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.

Tickets: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone..(He says you would not have been able to afford it ...it cost Him everything He had!!).

Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a far-out drink He calls "living water, followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!!

Gift Suggestions:
Your heart. He's one of those people who already has everything else. (He's very generous in return though; just wait until you see what He has for you)..

Entertainment:
Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness,

Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, and much more! (All rated "G" so bring
your family and friends)..

R.S.V.P. Very Important! He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, he's keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life").

Party Being Given By His Kids (That's us)

Hope To See You There!

How Much Do You Enjoy?

by Kay Heitsch

It's not how much you have, but how much you enjoy, that makes happiness. ~ Enjoy Life Quotes ~

Having a lot of stuff does not bring happiness if you don't enjoy it. There are people who have a lot of things who are miserable.

Our Bible verse says, "Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have." Ecclesiastes 6:9 NLT

There ya go...enjoy what you have.

It's not how much you have, but how much you enjoy, that makes happiness.

All Around You

by Kay Heitsch

Miracles happen every day. Change your perspective of what a miracle is and you'll see them all around you. ~ Miracles Happen Quotes ~

I have actually experienced what most people would consider real miracles in my life. I'm sure you have too. These very special events are awesome and unexplainable. But miracles happen all around us every day if we change our perspective.

Our Bible verse says, "Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 ESV

All things are possible with God. He is a God of miracles. Look around you and you will see His miracles every day.

Miracles happen every day. Change your perspective of what a miracle is and you'll see them all around you.

Random Memories

by Kay Heitsch

I love those random memories that make me smile no matter what is going on in my life right now. ~ Making Memories Quotes ~

Most of the time when we're making happy memories we don't even realize it. We're just having fun and enjoying life.

Our Bible verse says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10 ESV

When we're living the abundant life that Jesus died to give us we are making memories that will make us smile.

I love those random memories that make me smile no matter what is going on in my life right now.

Footprints In Your Heart

by Kay Heitsch

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but friends will leave footprints in your heart. ~ Remembering Friends Quotes ~

Christmas seems to be a time when we remember people who have left footprints in our hearts. We may have moved away or they did, but when Christmas rolls around we think of them.

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

What a wonderful prayer to thank God when we remember our dear friends.

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but friends will leave footprints in your heart.

Memories And Moments

by Kay Heitsch

The most beautiful things in life are not just things. They're people and places, memories, moments and smiles. ~ Enjoy The Little Things In Life Quotes ~

At this time of the year, we put a whole lot of importance on things. When we think back on our lives we realize some of the most beautiful things have been people, places, memories, moments and a friendly smile.

Our Bible verse says, "Good people will be remembered as a blessing..." Proverbs 10:7 GNT

I have been blessed with many wonderful memories of good people. I'm sure you have too.

The most beautiful things in life are not just things. They're people and places, memories, moments and smiles.

1 Corinthians 13 - Christmas Version

by Kay Heitsch

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas
cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend myriad holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but
rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Merry Christmas and lots of love to you and yours!

-- Author Unknown

Attitude Makes A Difference

Kay Heitsch

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

Why is it important to be positive today? Because a positive attitude gives us strength not only to endure the situations we face but also to overcome them.

Anyone can go through a difficult time with a bad attitude; it takes a positive person to endure it victoriously.

Our Bible verse says, "Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus..." Philippians 2:5 AMP

From all, I read in the Bible Jesus had a positive attitude. He lived a victorious life. A positive attitude can give us the strength to endure any situation we may face.

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

Get Your Hopes Up!

by Kay Heitsch

Hope is like a bird that senses the dawn and starts to sing while it's still dark. ~ Hope Quotes ~

What are you expecting? When we have hope we are expecting something good to happen. In fact, the word "hope" means a positive expectation.

This Bible verse is one of my favorites, "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 have hope we are filled with joy and peace in our believing. Even before we see anything we can be happy because of our positive expectations.

Hope is like a bird that senses the dawn and starts to sing while it's still dark.

Get your hopes up!

Love Will Last

by Kay Heitsch

Only one life that soon is past. Only what's done with Love will last. ~ Love Quotes ~

I'm sure there are many reasons why we do the things we do. It might be interesting to ask ourselves what is our motive behind them.

Our Bible verses say, "Let love be your highest goal!..." 1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT "Love never dies... 1 Corinthians 13:8 MB

If love is our highest goal our motives for doing things will be right.

Only one life that soon is past. Only what's done with Love will last.

Fun-Times

by Kay Heitsch

Time flies whether you're having fun or not. The choice is yours. ~ Fun Time Quotes ~

There are people who can go out and start to sweep the porch and end up dancing with the broom. These people know how to have fun-times doing ordinary things.

Our Bible verse says, "I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live." Ecclesiastes 3:12 NIV

There ya go the choice is ours. There's nothing better than to be happy doing good. We will be happy when we can have fun doing ordinary things.

Time flies whether you're having fun or not. The choice is yours.

Beautiful Life Chapters

by Kay Heitsch

Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won't have a title until much later. ~ Life Quotes ~

When we look back on our lives, if you're like me, you have wondered how something would turn out. Now you have clarity and see what was uncertain has become a beautiful chapter in your life.

Our Bible verse says, "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done." Philippians 4:6 NLT

Life is uncertain. But we don't need to worry about anything. When we thank God for all He has done we know He can make something beautiful out of the chapters in our lives.

Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won't have a title until much later.

Always Believe

by Kay Heitsch

Always believe that something good is going to happen today. ~ Quotes ~

How much better our days would be if we expected something good to happen. Even if we didn't see anything extra special we would still stay in a better frame of mind.

This Bible text is a good one. "Where would I be if I did not believe I would experience the LORD's favor in the land of the living?" Psalm 27:13 NET

Where would we be if we didn't expect to see the LORD's favor? I'd say normally depressed and unhappy. How much better to believe that something good is going to happen today.

Always believe that something good is going to happen today.

Christmas Kindness

 by Kay Heitsch 

My Mom came from a family of 14 children. Christmastime wasn't always the best. However, there was a man, who went out of his way, to make the day special.

Over the years my Mom talked about how this man would come out on Christmas and bring candy to her and her brothers and sisters. Mom never forgot his kindness. I believe because of the kindness shown to her at Christmastime Mom made it a point to do special things for the less fortunate.

Mom was a great baker and she did bake cookies, but she wanted a variety to give away. There was a lady in town who made cookies. Mom would place an order and when the cookies were ready we would go over and pick them up. I well remember the wonderful smell of cookies when she opened the door. After we had the cookies I'd help Mom divide them up on plates and we would deliver them.

One summer we went back to Mom's hometown. As I remember, she bought some flowers and candy. We then drove over to the house of the person who had given her candy on Christmas so many years before. Mom knocked on a large wooden door. An elderly, frail man answered. Mom introduced herself and thanked him for the kindness he had shown her family so many years before. Then she handed him the flowers and candy as she gave him a hug.

I'm thankful I had a Mom who taught me to give. I may have been an only child, but I was always giving toys, etc away to children who had less than I did. She taught me, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35.

Christmas Prayer

by Kay Heitsch

As we slowly drove down the street on that cold December evening we spotted the porch light. "This must be the house." I told our "Positive Teens In Action" group.

We pulled up in front of an older home with the porch light glowing. We gathered up our songbooks, walked up the steps, and knocked on the door.

We heard a faint voice from inside say, “Come on in. The door is open." We opened the door.

There in a rocking chair sat an elderly woman with a big smile on her face. "I've been expecting you," she said weakly. Ruth was one of our Meals On Wheels stops I had arranged; along with the usual church members who enjoyed carolers.

We handed Ruth the basket of goodies the teens had assembled earlier that evening. Then I asked Ruth what carols she would like to hear. Ruth's face was beaming as she joined in singing each song.

As we hugged Ruth good-bye she said to me with tears glistening in her eyes, “The day you called I was still in bed. I had just finished praying. I asked God if it would be possible to have some Christmas Carolers come to my home and sing this year. Thank you for being the answer to my Christmas prayer."

Wow, what an awesome experience to have the opportunity to be the answer to someone's Christmas prayer.

Christmas Memory

by Kay Heitsch

My husband Bill's Grandma Z. was in a nursing home when we moved back to Michigan. Grandma had been unable to walk for quite some time; now her eyesight was almost gone.

Over the years Grandma Z. and I had exchanged many cards and letters. I knew how she enjoyed staying in touch with people. Since I'd come back to Michigan, Grandma Z. thought I should be her "personal secretary." Trying to jog her memory I said, "I guess you've forgotten how bad my handwriting is." Grandma Z. acted like she didn't hear me. Grandma would have me write letters to go in the cards she would send. She would dictate; then I would do my best to write down what she said. Grandma would always have me read what I had written back to her. Grandma didn't have a problem hearing then because she was always telling me, "That is not exactly how I said that!" I would then rewrite whatever I wrote in her exact words.

Since I had some extra time before Christmas, I asked Grandma if she would like to send out some Christmas cards. Grandma readily agreed. I rounded up several different kinds of cards. I knew she had friends and family who all had different interests. I would take each card and describe in detail the front of the card, then I would read the verse inside. After thinking it over Grandma would tell me who she thought would like each card.

After a while, I looked up and I noticed that we had several nursing home residents standing in the doorway. I started to notice as I read each card, the look on their faces and Grandma Z's face, too. Each one had a faint smile and a faraway look in their eyes, as they were seeing the scenes in their minds' eye.

I thought when I went over to do the Christmas cards I would be doing Grandma Z. a favor, but it turned out that she did me a big favor. I'll always cherish this special memory of bringing some Christmas joy and pleasant memories to Grandma and her fellow residents.

Thanks to Grandma Z. I made a "Christmas Memory" that I'm now passing on to you.

The Turning Point

by Kay Heitsch

A smile at the right moment may be the turning point for a struggling life. ~ Encouragement Quotes ~

We have no idea what people are going through as we pass by them in life. We may think they look like they have it all together when they are crying on the inside. We never know what a simple smile might do.

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

At this time of the year, people may be struggling and come across as rude. We can show kindness and just forgive their behavior. A smile at the right moment might turn their day around.

A smile at the right moment may be the turning point for a struggling life.

Gifts Of Love

 by  Kay Heitsch

I had never really thought about Christmas as allowing God to LOVE and SMILE at others through us until I read today's quote. "It is Christmas every time you let God LOVE others through you. Yes, it is Christmas every time you SMILE at others and offer them your heart."

Wow, what a great way to think about giving! Many times we think of giving as a gift that cost money. But there are many ways to give that do not cost money. Today's quote tells us we can give LOVE and a SMILE to everyone we meet this Christmas season.

Today and everyday we can allow God to LOVE and SMILE through us. What wonderful gifts to give!

Focus

by Kay Heitsch

When we focus on the good, the good gets better. ~ Motivational Quotes ~

I've heard that what we focus on grows. This works in the negative as well as the positive. If we focus on something that makes us mad we can get really worked up. It starts out as a small annoyance then grows into something much worse.

How much better to focus on something good. 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

By thinking about things that are excellent and worthy of praise we are focusing on the good things in life.

When we focus on the good, the good gets better.

Be Motivated Not Annoyed

by Kay Heitsch

You are in control of how you look at life. Let your struggles and frustrations motivate not annoy you. Be mindful.

We need to be mindful of how we look at life. We all have struggles and frustrations but we can either let these annoy or use them to motivate us. We are in control of how we look at life.

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 will work even our struggles and frustrations out for good we can look at these things as motivation. After all, we are in control of how we look at life.

You are in control of how you look at life. Let your struggles and frustrations motivate not annoy you. Be mindful.

What Do You Want?

by Kay Heitsch

The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you decide to do. What Do You Want Quotes

I think if you ask most people what they want they'll say, "I want to be happy." They may see other people having what they want, but are they willing to do what these people did to get it?

Years ago I started to read inspirational books. These books had stories in them about people who had what I wanted. Some of these people were famous and others were just ordinary everyday people. These people had a way of living life that inspired me.

One thing I noticed with these people is the way they thought. Their thinking was much different than mine. To have what they had I knew I would have to decide to do what they were doing. I had to change the way I thought.

This Bible verse is a reminder when I get off track. "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts." Proverbs 4:23 GNT

To be who we want to be we may need to be careful about what we are thinking.

The difference between who you are who you want to be is what you decided to do.

What Do Parents Want?

by Kay Heitsch

If you ask most parents what they want they will say, "I want my children to be happy." It makes parents happy when they see their children happy.

I believe the same is true of God our Father. He has given us so much in this world for our enjoyment. There is no one who can't find something to be happy about. Yes, we have problems, that's life. But the LORD has given us many things to focus on besides those.

These two Bible verses have helped me so much, "In the world, ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 ESV and "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10 JB 2000

Let's put a smile on our heavenly Father's face today. He knows we have problems in our lives but Jesus came that we may have and enjoy our lives and have it in abundance.

The Art Of Living

by Kay Heitsch

Living in favorable and unfavorable situations is a Part Of Life, but smiling and keeping a good attitude in all those situations is called the Art Of Living. ~ Life Quotes ~

It's interesting to watch how people handle life's situations. Some people see unfavorable situations as part of life. They smile and keep a good attitude. They have learned the "Art Of Living". These people have learned that keeping a good attitude helps to make unfavorable situations easier to deal with.

When our son Todd died I put this Bible verse on the refrigerator.
"This is the day that the LORD has made; we (I) will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 BSB

It wasn't easy dealing with the death of my child. However, by keeping an attitude of rejoicing and being glad in the day helped me to handle the things I needed to without falling apart.

Living in favorable and unfavorable situations is Part Of Life, but smiling and keeping a good attitude in all those situations is called the Art Of Living.

Be Kind Anyway

by Kay Heitsch

For many years I was treated in a very unkind way. I was not only talked about behind my back but I was spoken to in an unkind manner to my face. I'm sure a lot of people can relate to this.

There came a time when I had the opportunity to help this person out. For some reason, much to my surprise, I chose to be kind and help. My action to show love and help not only surprised me, but it surprised others as well.

I'm sharing this because I can't tell you how much my action set me free. I now had the power to treat this person the same way I had been treated or I could be kind and put love into action. The choice was mine.

The Bible says in Matthew 5 to "Love your enemies and bless them that curse you. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst."

I never really understood this verse until I put it into practice. Being kind and showing love did as much for me as it did for the other person.

This Christmas season is a good time to not only show love to those who love us but to be kind to those who have done us wrong.

Kindness Holds Power

by Kay Heitsch

Kindness is love made visible. ~ Kindness Holds Power Quotes

Did you ever think that by being kind to someone who has been unkind to you held power? I never thought about it until recently.

It's easy to be kind to people who are kind to us. However, it's not so easy to be kind to people who have mistreated us. But it's in this area where we hold the most power. Using this power to be kind sets us free.

Our Bible verse says. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. Matthew 5:44 Message Bible

When we are kind to people who haven't been kind it's really a benefit to us. If we only show kindness to people we love anyone can do that.

Kindness is love made visible. Kindness holds power.

Unexpected Kindness

by Kay Heitsch

Love and kindness are never wasted. They bless the receiver and also the giver. Unexpected kindness is the most powerful. ~ Be Kind Quotes ~

When we show kindness to someone who we feel does not deserve it we are blessed. This type of kindness holds the most power.

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

When we give unexpected kindness to people who have hurt us we are the most powerful. We need to remember that there are many things that Christ has forgiven us for and He still shows us love and kindness.

Love and kindness are never wasted. They bless the receiver and also the giver. Unexpected kindness is the most powerful.

Weekend To-Do List

by Kay Heitsch

Weekend To-Do List: Count your blessing. Practice kindness. Let go of what you can't control.

At this time of the year, we all have a big To-Do list. I think we forget about the really important things like counting our blessing and practicing kindness. To keep our peace we need to let go of things we can't control.

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

To keep our peace we can let go of what we can't control. When we do that plus, adding counting our blessing and practicing kindness we are keeping our hearts from being troubled.

Weekend To-Do List: Count your blessing. Practice kindness. Let go of what you can't control.

Thank You

by Kay Heitsch

If the only prayer you ever said in your entire life was "Thank You" it would be enough. Thanksgiving Quotes

We have so much to be thankful for. If we thought about everything to thank God for it would be an endless prayer.

Our Bible verse says, "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." Psalm 107:1 NLT

We can thank the LORD because He is good! His faithful love does endure forever.

If the only prayer you ever said in your entire life was "Thank You" it would be enough.

Think Thankful Thoughts

by Kay Heitsch

Thinking thankful thoughts will help you to have a great day every day. 

It wouldn't take us any time to think of at least 5 things we are thankful for. When we focus on what we are thankful for it will help us to have a great day.

Our Bible verse says, "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts." Proverbs 4:23 GNT

If we are careful about how we think we will choose to think thankful thoughts.

Thinking thankful thoughts will help you to have a great day every day.

Focus On Gratitude

by Kay Heitsch

When we focus on gratitude the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in. ~ Focus On Being Grateful ~

It's interesting to see how we feel when we focus on different things. If we focus on being grateful for what we do have instead of complaining about what we don't have we will feel a lot better.

Our Bible verse says, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.' Psalm 100:4 NIV

Even when we pray the first thing we are to focus on is to be thankful. When we do it opens us up for love to come rushing in.

When we focus on gratitude the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.

Be Grateful For Little Things

by Kay Heitsch

Happy are those who take life day by day and are grateful for little things. ~ Be Thankful For Little Things 

Many years ago when I worked at a Memory Care Center a man came in with a feeding tube. Ken had lived with this feeding tube for some time but eventually, it was removed.

I will never forget the day Ken was able to sit at the dining room table and eat some pureed food. He had a big smile on his face and dug right in. After he had eaten it all he bowed his head and started to pray out loud. "Our Father who art in heaven thank you for this delicious food I have already eaten. Amen"

Tears filled my eyes when I heard Ken's prayer. I knew I may not have been too grateful for some pureed food, but Ken was making a big deal out of what we may consider a little thing.

Happy are those who take life day by day and are grateful for little things.

No Parking

by Kay Heitsch

It doesn't matter how slow you move forward as long as you don't park. ~ Keep Moving Forward Quotes 

Sometimes what keeps us from moving forward is that we park at the point of our pain. We mourn over something that didn't work out. We can upgrade our life with God's help. God can help us use our pain and bring something good out of it.

Our Bible verse says, ...But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Philippians 3:13 NIV

We can't park at the point of our pain and move forward at the same time. We need to forget what is behind and move forward to what is ahead.

It doesn't matter how slow you move forward as long as you don't park.

Never Quit

by Kay Heitsch

The one who falls and gets back up is stronger than the one who never fell. ~ Strength Quotes 

It's encouraging to know that even if we fall we can be stronger when we get back up. What happened in the past is in the past. Today is a new day to get back on track.

Our Bible verses say, "Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the LORD supports him with His hand." Psalm 37:24 "Even if good people fall seven times, they will get back up." Proverbs 24:16

We all are going to fall at times. The important thing is to get back up! The Lord will support you and give you the strength to go forward.

The one who falls and gets back up is stronger than the one who never fell. Never quit!

Cast Your Care

by Kay Heitsch

"It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it." ~ Lou Holtz ~

A lot of people go through very similar things but they respond differently. One reason why is the way they carry it. The person who doesn't break down is able to cast their care but not their responsibility. They do what needs to be done, but they give their situations to the Lord.

Our Bible verse says, "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV

When we understand that God loves and cares for us we can cast all of our stressful situations on Him. When we do this our worries and cares won't break us down.

It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it.

How Sweet It Is

by Kay Heitsch

Victory is sweetest when we have known defeat. Life Quotes

How sweet it is to go through something, learn from it, and come out better for it. What we learn from going through difficult times can either make us bitter or better. Coming out better is sweet!

Our Bible verse says, "No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!" Romans 8:37

In all things including defeat, we have complete victory through the Lord who loves us. How sweet it is.

Victory is sweetest when we have known defeat.

Look For The Positive

by Kay Heitsch

Look for the positive in the negative. Even a negative situation can work out for our good. ~ Life Quotes ~

We all have gone through situations in life that were anything but positive. We may not like them but even these situations God can work out for our good.

Our Bible verse is one I think about when I don't like what is going on. "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 I remember that God can work something positive out of something negative it gives me hope.

Look for the positive in the negative. Even a negative situation can work out for our good.

Silent Tears

by Kay Heitsch

Sometimes the heart needs more time to accept what the mind already knows. Time Goes On Quotes

We may know something in our minds but deep down inside our hearts still can't quite accept it.

We don't need a calendar to remind us of certain days in our lives. Out of nowhere, silent tears come to our eyes and run down our cheeks.

Our Bible verse tells us, "A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest." Ecclesiastes 3:2

Yes, there is a time to be born and a time to die. We may know this in our mind but at times our hearts need more time to accept it.

Sometimes the heart needs more time to accept what the mind already knows.

Inch You Closer

by Kay Heitsch

Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow. ~ Positive Quotes ~

I like the saying, "Inch by inch anything is a cinch." We don't have to do a lot to make a difference in our life or in the life of someone else. We can all do a little.

Our Bible verse says, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage..." Proverbs 21:5 NASB

When we are diligent we'll make plans that will be to our advantage.

Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.