Prepare To Win

by Kay Heitsch

It's not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference. Bear Bryant Football Quotes

Everyone wants to win! However, some people aren't willing to do the work that's required to prepare to win. You need more than wishbone to win. You need backbone!

Our Bible verse says, "Don't you realize that everyone who runs in a race runs to win, but only one runner gets the prize? Run like them, so that you can win." 1 Corinthians 9:24 GWT

To win you must do what's necessary to prepare to win. It takes a will to do the preparation to get the job done.

It's not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference.

Colossal Burst Of Sunshine

by Kay Heitsch

A little spark of kindness can be a colossal burst of sunshine in someone's day. Overwhelmed With Kindness Quotes

I was overwhelmed by the kindness of so many yesterday by the likes and comments on the picture of Todd's grave on FB. Thank you!

Kindness is one of the most valuable gifts we can give someone. It's spreading sunshine in someone else's life no matter the weather. Kindness is a gift that everyone can afford.

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

This verse says we should be kind. It doesn't cost anything but maybe a little time. It is one of the most valuable gifts we can give and it's a colossal burst of sunshine.

A little spark of kindness can be a colossal burst of sunshine in someone's day.

Like A Movie

by Kay Heitsch

God's plan is like a movie, all the good and bad things are arranged together for a good ending. ~ Life Quotes ~

There are two Bible verses that speak loud and clear to this quote. I've used them often.

1. 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 2. 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

Sometimes when we look back on our life it does seem like a movie. It's great to know that all the good and bad things God works for our good to give us a future and hope.

God's plan is like a movie, all the good and bad things are arranged together for a good ending.

Every Season Serves A Purpose

by Kay Heitsch

Appreciate where you are on your journey. Even if it's not where you want to be. Every season serves a purpose. ~ Motivational Quotes ~

I believe most of us like certain seasons better than we do another. However, according to this quote, every season serves a purpose. If we're in a season in our life where we would rather not be let's remember this season serves a purpose.

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

We can appreciate where we are on our journey when we remember that for everything there is a season.

Appreciate where you are on your journey. Even if it's not where you want to be. Every season serves a purpose.

Be The Reason Someone Believes

by Kay Heitsch

Be the reason someone smiles today. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness of God and people. ~ Kindness Quotes ~

What would our world be like if we all put this quote into practice? We can be the reason someone smiles, feels loved and they believe there are good people in the world.

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

How can we expect people to believe in the goodness of God if we don't show them kindness and compassion?

Be the reason someone smiles today. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness of God and people.

Friends In Life

by Kay Heitsch

I'm sure I'm not alone by having a variety of different types of "friends" in life.

Some people are true blue friends. These people will go out of their way and put their words into action. I can count on them. I am blessed to have several of these friends in my life.

I have other '"friends" who seem to be in touch a lot but I almost feel they stay in touch in case they need me. If I happen to need them they always have an excuse why they can't be bothered.

I have "friends" on FB that I don't know personally but they have been there for me. I can always count on them to say a prayer if I need them. They know they can count on me too.

I also have "friends" who I don't know all that well who have come into in my everyday life. I enjoy their upbeat attitudes and smiling faces. They make me happy to be around them.

It's important to have friends. No matter where you fit in my life thank you for being my "friend."

Not Just Words

by Kay Heitsch

It's not just what you say, it's how you act that's important. ~ Life Quotes ~

Our actions very often speak louder than our words. It's not that words aren't important, they are. But our actions need to also match up with our words.

Our Bible verse says, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." Matthew 7:12 NLT

At times we may need to go out of our way to have our actions match our words. Sometimes we can talk a good talk, but it's important to walk a good walk too.

It's not just what you say, it's how you act that's important.

Declutter Your Mind

by Kay Heitsch

Clutter is not just physical stuff. Clutter is anything that stands in your way of the life you want to be living. Declutter Your Mind! 

When we think of clutter we usually think of physical stuff. However, we can clutter our minds with things that do us absolutely no good at all. We hold on to worry, anxiety, bad feelings about the past. The list goes on and on.

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

If we want to live a life worth living we need to declutter our minds of toxic thoughts and think good things.

Clutter is not just physical stuff. Clutter is anything that stands in your way of the life you want to be living. Declutter your mind! 

Stay Focused

by Kay Heitsch

Don't compare yourself to others. Stay focused on your own journey and leave footprints behind. Life Quotes

Today is the Crim Race in Flint, Michigan. This is a race where people from all over the world come to run or walk. Every person who takes part wants to finish the race. To do this they have to stay focused on their own race and not compare themselves with others.

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 can't compare ourselves to others. We need to stay focused on our own journey. By being kind to others along the way we leave footprints behind.

Don't compare yourself to others. Stay focused on your own journey and leave footprints behind.

Starting Something New

by Kay Heitsch

When life brings big winds of change that almost blow you over, hold on tight, and believe. ~ Starting Something New Quotes ~

This is the time of the year when people are starting something new. Children are starting school, parents are having to change their summer schedules, teachers are adjusting to new students. These changes can almost blow us over.

Our Bible verse says, "For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 NIV

Starting something new can be overwhelming but the LORD says, "Do not fear; I will help you."

When life brings big winds of change that almost blow you over, hold on tight, and believe.

Pay Attention

by Kay Heitsch

You learn something every day if you pay attention. ~ Quotes ~

I'm sure with the beginning of the school year many parents will be asking their children, "What did you learn today?" This is a great question. Maybe we should be asking ourselves the same question.

Our Bible verse says, "Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge." Proverbs 18:15 NLT

Intelligent people learn something every day because they are paying attention plus they are listening.

We learn something every day if we pay attention.

Know And Believe

by Kay Heitsch

Though our feelings come and go God's love for us does not. ~ Know And Believe Quotes ~

Our feelings are fickle and they come and go. We can feel differently about the same thing depending on the day and what's going on. But God is not like us. He is love and His love is unconditional.

Our Bible verse says, "So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love... 1 John 4:16 ESV

We have to not only know but we need to also believe God's love for us. God is love!

Though our feelings come and go God's love for us does not.

Worth More Than Money

by Kay Heitsch

A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money. ~ Life Lessons Quotes ~

Letting people know that you are thinking of them does not cost any money. When we reach out with kindness this is very often worth a lot more than money.

Our Bible verse says, "Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24 NLT

Very interesting that kind words are not only sweet but are healthy for the body.

A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.

A Matter Of Priorities

by Kay Heitsch

If it's important to you, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse. ~ Quotes ~

Isn't it interesting how if we really want to do something we can find a way? If we don't we can find an excuse. People use the excuse that they are too busy. Nobody is too busy, it's just a matter of priorities.

People show their true colors when you expect them to be someone that they aren't. When they show their true colors with one excuse after another we help ourselves by not getting mad. We can see their behavior as a life lesson and move on.

Our Bible verse says, "But they all alike began to make excuses...Luke 14:18

People make excuses when they really don't want to do something. If it's important or you're important to them they will find a way. People will show their true colors. So help yourself and see it as a life lesson and move on.

If it's important to you, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse.

Looking Back

by Kay Heitsch

Enjoy the little things in life for one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things. ~ Making Memories Quotes

Most of the time we don't remember a whole day. However, we do remember some special little thing that brought a smile to our face.

Our Bible verse says, But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. Luke 2:19 NASB

Like Mary, we treasure special memories in our hearts and ponder them as we look back.

Enjoy the little things in life for one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things.

Become Something Beautiful

by Kay Heitsch

Perhaps the butterfly is proof that you can go through a great deal of darkness yet become something beautiful. ~ Life Quotes

I'm sure we all know people who have gone through a great deal of darkness and by the grace of God came out a beautiful person.

Our Bible verse says, "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me." Psalm 23:4 NLT

We do not need to be afraid no matter what darkness we may go through because we know the LORD is with us. He can help us to become something beautiful.

Perhaps the butterfly is proof that you can go through a great deal of darkness yet become something beautiful.

Memories Are Photographs

by Kay Heitsch

Memories are photographs taken by the heart. ~ Making Memories Quotes ~

I am big on taking pictures. Since Noah and Eli have been here I've taken lots of pictures. I hope they look back at these pictures and remember the fun time they had with Ooma and Papa.

Our Bible verse says, "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God." Philippians 1:3 NLT

Wouldn't it be great if every time we think of those we have made special memories with we thanked God?

Memories are photographs taken by the heart.

Life Only Comes Around Once

by Kay Heitsch

Life only comes around once. Keep the smile, leave the tension, feel the joy, forget the worry. Hold your peace and be happy. ~ Life Quotes ~

Life can get a little tense at times but if we can see the humor and keep our smile it helps us to hold our peace and be happy.

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

When we give all of our worries and cares to God we can smile, feel the joy, hold our peace and be happy no matter what life brings.

Life only comes around once. Keep the smile, leave the tension, feel the joy, forget the worry. Hold your peace and be happy.

Expect The Unexpected

by Kay Heitsch

As much as you want to plan your life, it has a way of surprising you with the unexpected. ~ Expect The Unexpected Quotes ~

We are having our two grandsons for the week. We had things planned, but we weren't expecting the AC to be out when we got home. I thought we could eat out of the deck only to find a big wasp nest had been built in the corner of the door. Surprise!

Life has a way of surprising us with the unexpected. We never know what a day will bring. When this happens we need to look for the good.

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

These unexpected things weren't good but somehow in someway things will work out for the good.

As much as you want to plan your life, it has a way of surprising you with the unexpected.

But Then...

by Kay Heitsch

We fall. We break. We fail. But then...
We rise! We heal! We overcome! ~ Life Quotes ~

There is not one person on earth who has had a perfect life. We all have fallen, we've broken down and we have all failed. But then...We rise above the storms, we heal and we overcome!

Our Bible verse says, "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair." 2 Corinthians 4:8 NLT

Yes, we are pressed by troubles but we are not crushed!

We fall. We break. We fail. But then...We rise! We heal! We overcome!

Be Real

by Kay Heitsch

Be real. Be yourself. Be unique. Be true. Be honest. Be humble. Be happy. ~ Be Real Quotes 

How freeing it is to just be real!. No one is perfect! If we are honest and humble we know it's fine and dandy to be unique and happy. We are free to be ourselves.

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

We are free to be real because we are wonderfully unique. We're God's workmanship. We know it and thank Him for making us this way.

Be real. Be yourself. Be unique. Be true. Be honest. Be humble. Be happy!

Find The Blessing

by Kay Heitsch

Train yourself to find the blessing in everything. ~ Uplifting Quotes ~

I truly believe if we actually did train ourselves to find the blessing in everything it would make our days better.

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

Keeping in mind that God causes everything to work together for good can help us to look for and find the blessing in everything.

Train yourself to find the blessing in everything.

Smiling Faces

by Kay Heitsch

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. ~ Motivational Quotes ~

Yesterday Bill took a little trip to see the ship, Santa Maria. I didn't go so I drove over to the Planet Fitness I used to workout at. I wanted to see if anyone was there I still knew. I felt great when I walked in and right away I saw big smiles and heard, "Hi Kay!"

Our Bible verse says, "Smiling faces make you happy, and good news makes you feel better." Proverbs 15:30 GNT

There is something about a smile! I felt happy when I saw all of the smiles. Plus all the hugs I received. It was great to see friends I hadn't seen in a long time.

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.

Knowledge Versus Wisdom

by Kay Heitsch

Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. ~ Quotes ~

People may have a lot of knowledge but they don't have wisdom. They may know the right thing to do or say, but don't use wisdom and do just the opposite.

Our Bible verse tells us to ask for wisdom. "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5 BSB

The people who need wisdom the most probably won't ask for it. Why? Because they believe they don't lack wisdom and know it all. It's humble people who receive help.

Never mistake knowledge for wisdom.

What Do You See?

by Kay Heitsch

What we see is mainly what we look for. ~ Quotes ~

Today on Facebook I posted a picture of the window in our family room. I look out this window every day. When I look out this window I see a symbol of hope because I see the cross. There are signs of hope and encouragement all around us if we look for them.

Today's Bible verse says, The future, while uncertain, can be entrusted to God, and He will help us through. Proverbs 23:18 Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

If we look for symbols of hope we will see God everywhere. The future may be uncertain but God will give us hope and help us through.

What we see is mainly what we look for.

Who Knows?

by Kay Heitsch

Faith is trusting God when you don't know or understand. ~ Trusting God Quotes ~

There are many things we just don't know and quite frankly we don't understand. But when we put our trust in God we do know that He does know and understands. We can rest assured that God is working behind the scenes.

The following two Bible verses can give us peace when we don't know or understand. "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 NIV "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 NLT

Faith is trusting God when you don't know or understand.  Who knows?  God knows! 

Rewire Your Brain

by Kay Heitsch

Every time you resist acting on your emotions, you rewire your brain to be calmer. ~ Motivational Quotes 

Have you ever thought that you can actually rewire your brain? Years ago I heard a message where the speaker stated, "What you don't feed, dies."

When we resisted acting on our negative emotions we won't be feeding them. When we stop feeding them they die and we're calmer.

Our Bible verse says, "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control." Proverbs 25:28 NIV

When we use self-control we won't be feeding our negative emotions. What we don't feed, dies!

Every time you resist acting on your emotions, you rewire your brain to be calmer.

Enjoy Your Wait

by Kay Heitsch

If you know you have to wait anyway, why not make a decision to enjoy your life while you're waiting. ~ Enjoy Your Wait Quotes

I don't care who you are we all have to wait. However, we can enjoy our waiting times if we control our attitudes while we're waiting.

We can enjoy our wait if we exercise self-control. Our Bible verse says, "Losing self-control leaves you as helpless as a city without a wall." Proverbs 25:28 NLT

When we lose our self-control it leaves us helpless. Self-control is a fruit of the spirit and we have it. We just need to put it into practice while we're waiting. (see Galatians 5:23)

If you know you have to wait anyway, why not make a decision to enjoy your life while you wait.

Weeding

by Kay Heitsch

Your life and your garden reflect the amount of weeding done. ~ Quotes ~

Almost every morning and evening I go out and weed and pick off the dead flowers in my flower gardens. I don't like the way they look and I think they grow better removing the weeds and the dead flowers.

I was thinking about this one morning as I was working. How much better would my life be if I was as diligent about weeding out the unproductive attitudes and behaviors in my own life.

Our Bible verses say, "Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.' Ephesians 4:31 & 32

I know our lives would be better if we would weed out the unproductive attitudes and behaviors in our lives.

Your life and your garden reflect the amount of weeding done.