Not Going To Stay

by Kay Heitsch

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. ~ Life Quotes About Change ~

If we want to make a change in our life we need to stop being comfortable where we are. We are the only ones who can change our lives, with the Lord's help. No one else can do it for us.

Today's Bible verse says, "For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a time for every activity under heaven. The time may be now to make some changes in life.

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.

Motivate Yourself

by Kay Heitsch

With the right attitude, you can motivate and inspire yourself to do whatever needs to be done. Motivate Yourself Quotes

I had to motivate myself this morning. I came down with a cold and quite honestly I felt like staying in bed. However, I got up and did my morning cleaning and worked out on The Ball. I didn't think it was wise to shovel so I put a pan of birdseed out on the porch for the birds.

Our biggest source of motivation is our own thoughts. Be miserable or motive yourself. Whatever has to be done it's always our choice. We don't need for someone else to come along and motivate and inspire us.

I know that no matter what I need to do I can put this Bible verse into practice. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 This verse has moved and motivated me more times than I can count!

With the right attitude, you can motivate and inspire yourself to do whatever needs to be done.

Want To Life

by Kay Heitsch

Live a "want to" life not a "have to" life. Simple Life Quotes

We can take a lot of pressure off of ourselves if we develop this attitude. We don't "have to" do anything. However, we may not like the consequences if we don't.

Years ago this thought came to me. "You don't have to read the Bible for Me. I already know it! You're doing yourself a favor by studying it." Somehow this thought changed my whole attitude about doing almost anything including shoveling!

No matter what I need to do I tell myself, "I want to." It sure makes life more pleasant than feeling the burden of "I have to."

We're called to be free, but not everything is beneficial. (see 1 Corinthians 6:12) We need to choose what is best for us and others.

Live a "want to" life not a "have to" life.

Just Passing Through

by Kay Heitsch

Not everyone will make it into your future. Some people are just passing through to teach you lessons in life. Inspirational Quotes

I have been blessed to have some very inspirational people pass through my life. How I wish they could have stayed with me, but they didn't. They passed through and my life moved on.

Our Bible verse says, "People come, and people go, but still the world never changes." Ecclesiastes 1:4 CEV

People do come and go in our lives that's a fact. Some are truly inspirational and teach us some valuable lessons.

Not everyone will make it into your future. Some people are just passing through to teach you lessons in life.

You Already Are

by Kay Heitsch

When you live your life being a blessing you don't need to worry about being successful. You already are!

Being successful in life is much more than what we own or the amount of money we have. When we live our lives being a blessing to others we are a success.

I believe if we put this Bible verse into practice we will live a successful life every day. "Be mindful to be a blessing," Galatians 6:10  As we look for simple ways to be a blessing we will be living a successful life.

When you live your life being a blessing you don't need to worry about being successful. You already are!

A Kind Gesture

by Kay Heitsch

A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. ~ Life Quotes ~

When we show compassion by giving a hug, a little pat on the hand or back we have no idea how this simple kind gesture just might heal a wound.

Another great Bible verse to put into practice. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32 NIV

When we are kind and compassionate we can bring healing to a wound we know nothing about.

A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. Life Quotes

Peace On The Inside

 by Kay Heitsch

Do you realize we can be resting on the outside but be in total unrest on the inside? How many times do we lie in bed supposedly resting when our thoughts are going a mile a minute?

I have learned the hard way that sitting or lying down on the outside does hardly any good if I'm worrying, uptight and stressed out inside.

Personally, I've had health problems because of not staying at peace on the inside. I know this may sound crazy but I'm kinda thankful that I learned my health issues were directly related to stress because now I can do something about them.

Today I learned what I can say to help myself, "Let not your heart be troubled" when I encounter a situation that is starting to cause me stress. (see John 14:27) If I want to stay peaceful on the inside I have to do my part and keep stress out of my mind before it affects my health.

Maybe this is not an issue for you, but if it is, you can join me in saying, "Let not your heart be troubled" when you feel stress starting to rear its ugly head.

Let Not

by Kay Heitsch

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

If we want peace in our lives we have to learn to let go of the things that cause us stress.

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

If we really want to live in peace on the inside we need to put this verse into practice. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.

No one can do this for us. This is something we need to do for ourselves. Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.

Hand It Over

by Kay Heitsch

Several years ago we were foster parents. Over the years we actually welcomed 11 foster children into our home.

There were times when the kids were all in school and I would find myself walking down a country road alone. On my walk, I would talk to the Lord and tell Him about all the problems I was dealing with; as if He didn't already know.

Now, this is kinda funny. I would hold my hands out and say, "Okay, Lord here is this problem (I would name it). However, instead of putting my hands down and letting it go I'd continue to hold my hands out.

For some odd reason, I had a hard time handing my problems over to the Lord and letting them go. I seemed to want to think about them and talk about them.

I'm still learning that I need to put 1 Peter 5:7 into practice. "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

When I put this verse into practice I can quickly hand my worries and cares over to the Lord and let them go. I can do this because I know He cares for me and you too.

Stress-Free

by Kay Heitsch

Make sure your worst enemy isn't living between your ears. Stress-Free Quotes

Sorry to say but many times we are our own worst enemy because of the thoughts we think. We cause ourselves a lot of unneeded stress.

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

I noticed how this verse says, "All." What would happen to our stress if we actually did give all of our worries and cares to God? I believe we would live a happier, healthier life.

Make sure your own worst enemy isn't living between your ears. Let's give all of our worries and cares to God, for He cares for us.

Strength Under Control

by Kay Heitsch

Be strong but not rude. Be kind but not weak. Be bold but don't be a bully. Be humble but not timid. Be confident but not arrogant. ~ Meaningful Quotes ~

I've always like the definition of meekness/humility. Meekness is not the same as weakness. Humility or meekness could also be defined as strength under control.

Our Bible verse tells us. This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

We should be strong, courageous, kind, bold, humble and confident. When we act in this way we are showing strength under control.

A Fight Worth Fighting

by Kay Heitsch

Have you ever watch a show where they tell one side of the story first. Then after you think you know what's going on they tell the other side. I have and it's an eye-opener on how quickly we judge before we know the rest of the story.

I have gotten myself all up in arms over only hearing half of a story. I've given up my peace for what? A half-truth!

Today I heard a message on fighting to stay at rest and keeping your peace. I hadn't thought about staying in peace as a fight, but sometimes it certainly is.

After listening to this message I know now that staying at rest and keeping my peace is a fight worth fighting.

Make Peace A Priority

by Kay Heitsch

Peace is not the absence of conflict, it's the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means. Quotes About Rest

To rest in peace in the midst of the storm we have to choose to make peace a priority. It can start by practicing to pause before judging, assuming, accusing, etc.

Our Bible verse talks about rest. "For all who have entered into God's rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world." Hebrews 4:10

When we enter into God's rest we can live our lives in peace. We can pause before judging, assuming or accusing. We know our God is in control.

Peace is not the absence of conflict, it's the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.

Relationship

by Kay Heitsch

"Often the relationship that needs the most work is the one we have with ourselves." Quotes About Life

If we don't have a good relationship with ourselves it's very difficult to have a good relationship with others.

Our Bible verses speak to this issue. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:31 & 32

The first commandment for a happy life is to love God. The second is to love your neighbor as yourself. If we want to love our neighbor we first need to love ourselves.

Being Kind

by Kay Heitsch

You'll never regret being kind. ~ Life Quotes ~

We may regret many things but being kind isn't one of them. What a difference our world would be if people were just kind.

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

Another good verse to put into practice for living the abundant life. Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving.

You'll never regret being kind.

Meaningful Life

by Kay Heitsch

There's not a drug on earth that can make life meaningful. ~ Life Quotes ~

Drugs can do a lot of things. Some are helpful and some are not! But there is no drug that can make life meaningful.

Our Bible verse shows us how to have a meaningful life. "Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires." Psalm 37:4 NLT

When we trust the LORD and delight in Him He knows what the desires of our hearts are. The LORD will show us how to make our life meaningful.

There is not a drug on earth that can make life meaningful.

Attitude Aptitude Altitude

by Kay Heitsch

Your attitude, not your aptitude will determine your altitude. ~ Zig Ziglar ~

You may have a natural talent to do something, but if you have a bad attitude you won't go very far.

There's another quote that says, "A bad attitude is like a flat tire. If you don't change it you won't go anywhere. "

Our Bible verse reads, "You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." Philippians 2:5 NLT

What kind of attitude did Jesus have? His attitude was forgiving, loving, and kind, etc. If we want to rise above the storms in life we may need to adjust our attitude.

Your attitude, not your aptitude will determine your altitude.

Mindset

by Kay Heitsch

Mindset is what separates the best from the rest. Motivational Quotes

I believe it is our mindset that will move us forward when we start out in an endeavor. We may have a desire but if we don't set our mind in a positive direction we may not keep going forward.

Our Bible verse says, Set your minds and keep them set on higher things. Colossians 3:2

When we set our minds and keep them set on higher things we will move forward and complete the things we set out to do.

Mindset is what separates the best from the rest!

Milestone

by Kay Heitsch

"When you feel like quitting think about why you started." Milestone Quote

Today is a milestone for me. It's hard to believe but I've actually posted 1000 times in this blog Kay's Insights 4 Living.

There are several reasons why I started this blog. For one I wanted people to be encouraged. I've always loved quotes so I look for uplifting quotes and Bible verses to go along with them.

It was years ago that I started to read books that told how people were living the overcoming life. I wanted what they had! I could see that these people had a personal relationship with the Lord and they were also putting Bible verses into practice.

Each day I have no idea what I'll post. I pray and ask the Lord to help me find something encouraging to post. Interesting enough I find quotes and Bible verses that encourage me. I figure if they help me they will be something someone else needs too.

Today's Bible verses say. "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him," 1 Timothy 1:12

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:25

So today is a huge milestone for me. I have certainly been blessed! I thank the Lord who has given me the strength and ideas to write things to encourage myself and others.

When you feel like quitting think about why you started.

Sometimes People Won't Understand

by Kay Heitsch

Sometime the people around you won't understand your journey. They don't need to, it's not for them. ~ Unexpected Journey Quotes

We are all on a journey. We would like for everyone, especially those close to us, to understand. However, many times they won't, but that's okay. They don't need to understand, it's not for them.

Our Bible verse makes this personal. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

This verse says, "I know the plans I have for YOU." Some things are for everyone, but some plans are personal and only for you.

Sometime the people around you won't understand your journey. They don't need to, it's not for them.

Without Saying A Word

by Kay Heitsch

Hugs were invented to let people know you love and care for them without having to say a word. ~ Best Quotes ~

There are many times when we don't know what to say. At those times a little hand squeeze or hug says it all. A hug tells someone that you love and care for them.

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

I believe when we are kind and compassionate it will show. Hugs were invented to let people know you do love and care for them without having to say a word.

Think Yourself Happy

by Kay Heitsch

Very little is needed to make a happy life. It is all within the way you think. ~ Think Yourself Happy Quotes 

Did you know that it takes the same amount of effort to think ourselves happy or miserable? It sure does so why make yourself miserable.

The following Bible verse is something Paul said, "I think myself happy" Acts 26:2 One of my favorite Bible verses reads, "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts." Proverbs 4:23 GNT

We can either think ourselves happy or miserable. It takes the same amount of effort. When we realize that our thoughts shape our lives we can think ourselves happy like Paul.

Very little is needed to make a happy life. It is all within the way you think.

Blessings Outweigh Problems

by Kay Heitsch

Smile and remember at the end of the day your blessings outweigh your problems. ~ Life Quotes ~

This quote sure is true. If we would remember our many blessings our problems wouldn't seem to heavy.

Our Bible verse says, "Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me." Psalm 103:2

This verse is a reminder to never forget the good things the LORD does for us. So let's smile and remember at the end of the day our blessings outweigh our problems.

You Are

by Kay Heitsch

Life isn't always wonderful but you are! ~ Sweet Love Quotes

I don't know who needs to hear this today but I believe someone does. Too often we focus on what's wrong with us and today let's focus on what God says about us.

Today's Bible verse says "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14 NIV

Life isn't always wonderful but you are! Let's not focus on what's wrong but that we are wonderfully made.

Good Better Best

by Kay Heitsch

Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Till the good is better and the better is best. ~ Quotes About Life ~

I think we may settle for just being good at times when we could be better. If we move past good for being better before long we may be the best that we can be.

Our Bible verse says, Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, Colossians 3:23

Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Till the good is better and the better is best. I believe if we work heartily as for the Lord we will be doing our best.

Peace Within Yourself

by Kay Heitsch

When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others. ~ Peace & Love Quotes ~

When we are not peaceful on the inside it's hard to live at peace with others.

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

When we focus on the peace we have on the inside we can stop letting ourselves get troubled and afraid.

When we find peace within ourselves, we become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.

God Hears Your Heart

by Kay Heitsch

When you can't put your prayers into words, God hears your heart. ~ Peace and Love Quotes 

Isn't that great news that we don't need to pray the perfect prayers for God to hear them? I know there have been many times the only word I could think of was "Help!"

Our Bible verse says, "In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don't know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words." Romans 8:26 CEV

When we can't put our prayers into words, God hears our hearts

Inspire Others With Your Words

by Kay Heitsch

Always be generous with your words, you may find they will inspire others to be the best they can be. ~ Encourage Others Quotes ~

We never know what a kind word of encouragement might do to inspire someone. We have enough critics in this world. We can be an encourager.

Our Bible verse says, "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT

Let's encourage each other and always be generous with our words, we may find they will inspire others to be the best they can be.

This Too Shall Pass

by Kay Heitsch

Keep calm because this too shall pass. ~ Quotes About Life ~

Years ago I had an elderly friend that would always tell me not to worry because this too shall pass. It may sound odd but her words helped me to calm down and relax. Keeping calm in a stressful situation helps us in more ways than one.

For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17

Although there is no Bible verse saying "This too shall pass" the Bible does say that His love will calm all of our fears. Things do come and go in life and we know that to keep calm in stressful situations is the best thing we can do.

Mistakes

by Kay Heitsch

It's not the mistake that matters. It's how you deal with it, what you learn from it, and how you apply it to your life. Life Quotes

We all make mistakes. But if we handle them in the right way they can actually be a benefit for us. You know Live & Lean!

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

Are all things good? No! But the Lord can make even our mistakes work out of our good. It's not the mistake that matters. It's how you deal with it, what you learn from it, and how you apply it to your life.

Get On The Ball

by Kay Heitsch

For quite a while I've been thinking, "Get on the ball!" I always used the excuse that I go to Planet Fitness to get out of doing it.

I'm happy to report I dusted off the old ball and brought it up from the basement. I'll admit, I had a little trouble remembering how to use the 2 remotes to play the Core Secrets DVD, but after a few attempts, it played. I did forget to bring up the weights from the basement. I'll need to go dust them off and bring them back upstairs.

Today was my first day working out on the ball in a very long time. To be honest, it felt pretty good.

I'm happy I did get on the ball today! I hope I make this a good habit!

Life Goes On

by Kay Heitsch

Things end, people change. And you know what? Life goes on! ~ Quotes About Life ~

As much as we may want some things to never end, they will. We may think we can't live without some people, we can. We learn as hard as it is sometimes that life goes on.

Today's 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 or discouraged when things end or people change. We have God to strengthen and help us.

Things end, people change. And you know what? Life goes on!

Lighten Up

by Kay Heitsch

Lighten up, enjoy life, smile more, laugh more, don't get so worked up about things. ~ Be Real Quotes ~

We all know if we actually put these things into practice our life would be a lot better.

Our Bible verse says, "A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing," Proverbs 17:22 AMP

I've been reading about the benefits of laughing. Our Bible verse says a happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing.

So let's lighten up, enjoy life, smile more, laugh more, and don't get so worked up about things.

The Dream

by Kay Heitsch

Years ago I had a dream. I saw a person walking down a dusty road. This person was bent over because of all the burdens they were carrying. As I looked closer I could see these burdens had names...guilt, anger, fear, worry, jealousy, unforgiveness, etc.

Up ahead I could see a bright light. In the light, I could see Jesus smiling with open arms. As the person slowly looked up and walked towards the light their pace quickened. Now they were walking more upright and the burdens were falling off. The closer they got to the light a constant flow of love, joy, peace, etc started to come into their heart.

I've thought about this dream many times. I knew it related to my life. I believe others can relate to it too. I've thought it would be cool if someone would paint a picture of this dream. Who knows maybe someone will someday.

Too Expensive

by Kay Heitsch

"Anything that cost you your peace is too expensive...learn to let it go." ~ Deep Life Quotes ~

Every so often I like to look at "Deep Life Quotes." These quotes cause me to think.

How often has our inability to let something go caused us great stress and health problems? I know I can relate to this big time. Because of the pain, both physically and mentally, I'm learning to let things go because they are too expensive.

Our Bible verse has helped me. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27 ESV

If peace is important to us we need to learn to "Let Not" and "Let it go" Anything that cost you your peace is too expensive!

Every End Is

Every End Is... by Kay Heitsch

Every end is a new beginning. ~ New Beginning Quotes ~

I think most of us like the thought of starting fresh in the new year. We like the idea that we can begin again. We can leave the old year behind, remember the lessons we learned and start with a clean slate.

Our Bible verse says "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

The LORD has a great plan for our lives. His plans give us a future and hope. Today is a great day for a new beginning!