Don't Stop Searching

by Kay Heitsch

If you can't stop thinking about something don't stop searching. ~ Quotes ~

Yesterday I found out something I have been thinking about for many years. I can't say I thought about this every day but I have thought about it off and on since I was a child.

Most people think of me as an only child. The fact is I was raised as an only child, however, I was not the only child my parents had. My mom gave birth to my brother 12 years before me.

My dad only mentioned my brother once. My mom mentioned him maybe 3 times that I can remember. I knew he was born prematurely but that was all I knew. I often wondered when he was actually born. I've tried to find out information from family but no one knew anything. Some didn't even know he ever existed.

Yesterday I got a hold of Jim my second cousin who does genealogy. I asked him if he knew anything as he had spent a lot of time with my dad. He didn't, but he started to look into records on the internet.

Lo and behold, Jim found information about my brother. He found that he was born on April 1st and died on April 2nd.

I'm happy I didn't give up my search to find out about my brother. Hearing the information had me in tears for some odd reason.

In the Spring I'd like to put a little marker on his grave. He may not have lived long but his little sister has never forgotten him.

Inspire

by Kay Heitsch

Aspire to inspire before you expire. ~ Inspirational Quotes ~

I've met many people who have inspired me. They have given me the motivation to move forward in life. Most did not have an easy life but they lived life in a positive way.

Our Bible verse says, "In everything set them an example by doing what is good...Titus 2:7 NIV

If we would aspire to set an example by doing good we would be inspiring others before we expire.

Aspire to inspire before you expire.

Fears

by Kay Heitsch

Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are your own fears. ~ Quotes

How many times have people wanted to step out and try something but they were afraid to. They listened to the lies of fear instead of stepping out in faith.

They say there are 365 "Do not fear" verses in the Bible. One for every day.

Here's one. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

When we know that God is with us we can step out without listening to the lies of fear.

Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are your own fears.

Spending And Buying

by Kay Heitsch

When you spend your time you're buying something with it. ~ Quotes ~

Sometimes we need to think about how we are spending our time. Are we investing our time or wasting it. Life is too short to be unhappy. Don't waste time on anger, regrets, worries, and grudges.

Our Bible verse says, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you live--not as unwise people but as wise--" Ephesians 5:15

When we pay careful attention to how we live we'll be investing our time in what is beneficial. We need to make sure that what we spend our time on is worth having.

When you spend your time you're buying something.

Adding And Subtracting

by Kay Heitsch

When things aren't adding up in your life, start subtracting. ~ Enjoying Life Quotes ~

There are a lot of things we may need to subtract from our lives in order to really enjoy life. Some attitudes and maybe even a deep root of bitterness needs to be subtracted.

I love this Bible verse. 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

To live an abundant life we need to subtract things that are not adding to our life.

When things aren't adding up in your life, start subtracting.

Everyday Things

by Kay Heitsch

It's up to you to see the beauty in everyday things. ~ Seeing Beauty Quotes ~

Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it. We are blessed if you can see beauty where others see none.

Our Bible verse says, "Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time..." Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT

God has made everything beautiful in its time. We only need to open our eyes and look for it. We will be blessed if we do.

It's up to you to see the beauty in everyday things.

My Path

by Kay Heitsch

Just because my path is different doesn't mean I'm lost. ~ Life Quotes ~

It's interesting how some people think. If you don't live your life like they believe you should you must be doing things wrong. We are all unique and have different gifts and talents. We don't all fit into the same box.

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

The LORD does have a plan for you! What you will do and how you will accomplish it won't be the same as someone else. You're not lost because your path is different.

Just because my path is different doesn't mean I'm lost.

Do What's Best For You

by Kay Heitsch

Do what's best for you! Don't expect everyone to understand...they won't. ~ Quotes ~

Yesterday I received a message that another cross country runner had been killed in a car accident like our son Todd.

How people deal with the death of a young person or anyone for that matter is personal. We don't all grieve alike. If we think everyone will understand...they won't.

Our Bible verse says, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." Psalm 34:18

The LORD is close to those who are brokenhearted. I know personally that He will show you what is best for you. Will everyone understand? No, but that's okay.

Do what's best for you! Don't expect everyone to understand...they won't.

Seize The Moment

by Kay Heitsch

Seize the moment because some opportunities don't come twice. ~ Opportunity Quotes ~

There are times in life where we wished we had seized the opportunity to do or say something but we didn't. We can look back at those times with regret.

However, there are also times when we find that the time was not right. Now we are given another opportunity. When this happens we need to seize the moment.

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

There is a time for everything. When the right time comes we need to seize the moment.

Seize the moment because some opportunities don't come twice.

Your Life

by Kay Heitsch

Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often. ~ Positive Inspiration Quotes ~

Since our life is our story we need to do things that are interesting and inspiring. To enjoy our lives there are things and attitudes we may need to edit out.

Our Bible verse is a favorite of mine. "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

There are many things that can steal and kill and destroy our life's story but they don't have to. Jesus came so that we may have life and have it abundantly.

Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often.

Life Is A Reflection

by Kay Heitsch

Everything in our life is a reflection of the decisions we make and the steps we take. ~ Quotes 

Our choices certainly do reflect how we live our lives. We are free to make choices but we are not free from the consequences of our choices.

Our Bible verse says, "Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. You will reap exactly what you plant." Galatians 6:7 GNT

We deceive ourselves if we think we can make a bad choice and get away with it. We reap exactly what we plant.

Everything in our life is a reflection of the decisions we make and the steps we take.

There Is Beauty All Around

Kay Heitsch

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see. ~ Life Quotes ~

We took another little road trip. This time it was only 1,700 miles. We started out in MI, went to OH, WV, VA, NC, TN. This trip was not as far as the almost 5,000 miles trip we took out west last month.

We looked at a lot of things as we went whizzing by in the car. But we had to actually take time to really focus to see the beauty all around.

Our Bible verse says, "Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them." Psalm 111:2

God's works are great when we don't just look but really see. There is beauty all around us.

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.

Forever Young

by Kay Heitsch

I think being in love with life is the key to eternal youth. ~ Life Quotes ~

There is something about people who enjoy life. I don't care how old they are they have a youthfulness about them. I've known several people who always seem forever young.

Our Bible verse says, "But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 NLT

One of the keys to eternal youth is to trust in the LORD. When we put our trust in the LORD we will find new strength and soar high in life like the eagles.

I think being in love with life is the key to eternal youth.

Enjoy Your Life

by Kay Heitsch

This life is yours to enjoy, and it's up to you to do so. ~ Living Your Life Quotes

We all have things we enjoy doing. Not everyone likes doing the same things. What's interesting is if some people don't enjoy what you do they tend to want to discourage you from doing it.

Take exercise for example. I love to walk and work out on The Ball. I enjoy going to Planet Fitness and exercising there. Is this something everyone enjoys? Obviously not but I do.

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 GNT

Part of living an abundant life for me is walking and exercise. I call it health insurance too. I feel better both physically and mentally when I do it.

This life is my (your) life to enjoy, and it's up to me (you) to do so.

Every Setback Is A Setup

by Kay Heitsch

Every setback is a setup for a comeback. God wants to bring you out better than you were before. ~ Setback Quotes ~

If we will keep the right attitude, your setbacks will be a setup for God to do something great in your life. I believe this!

Our Bible verse is a favorite of mine. "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

When we know the LORD has a good plan for us with a future and hope we also know He will use every setback for a setup to bring us out better than before.

Every setback is a setup for a comeback. God wants to bring you out better than you were before.

Starts With Goodbye

by Kay Heitsch

It's a difficult thing, but there are times when moving on with your life starts with goodbye. ~ Meaningful Quotes ~

It can be hard to say, "Goodbye" to people, attitudes, feelings, etc but in order to move on saying, "Goodbye" has to be the start.

Today's Bible verse says, ...Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead...Philippians 3:13

When we forget the past and are looking forward to what lies ahead we are saying, "Goodbye" and we are moving on.

It's a difficult thing, but there are times when moving on with your life starts with goodbye.

Disposition Of The Mind

by Kay Heitsch

Happiness depends on the inward disposition of the mind not on outward circumstances. Happiness Quotes

People oftentimes forget that it is our own choice of how we want to spend the rest of our lives. For example, if we live being jealous this is the result of counting someone else's blessings instead of our own. If we want to be happy we need to count our own blessings.

Our Bible verse says, "The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." John 10:10

To live the rich and satisfying life that gives us happiness we need to pay attention to the inward disposition of our minds.

Happiness depends on the inward disposition of the mind not on outward circumstances.

Mistakes Are Lessons

by Kay Heitsch

Some of the best lessons are learned from past mistakes. The error of the past is the wisdom of the future. Mistakes Are Lessons Quotes

Yesterday I made a German Coffee Cake. I was planning to take some to give to a friend. However, I didn't realize the nuts I was putting in had gone bad. They looked just fine but they made the coffee cake have an odd taste. The lesson I learned was to check the date on the nuts.

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." Roamans 8:28 NLT

Even our mistakes God can work out for good even if it's only a lesson learned.

Some of the best lessons are learned from past mistakes. The error of the past is the wisdom of the future.

Stop Expecting

by Kay Heitsch

When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are. ~ Friendship Quotes ~

When I read this I thought about ourselves as well. When we stop expecting ourselves to be perfect we can like ourselves for who we are.

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

We can stop expecting people, including ourselves, to be perfect because there is no one on earth who doesn't make a mistake.

When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.

Full Of Surprises

by Kay Heitsch

Be open to unexpected turns in the road because life is full of surprises. Pleasant Surprise Quotes

Some people like to have all their ducks in a row. Unexpected turns in the road aren't something they think of as pleasant. When we're more open to unexpected turns we may be pleasantly surprised.

Our Bible verse says, "Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already--you can see it now!" Isaiah 43:19 GNT

Life is full of surprises and we need to watch for a new thing the Lord is doing. We need to be open to the unexpected turns in the road.

Be open to unexpected turns in the road because life is full of surprises.

Behind The Scenes

by Kay Heitsch

While it may look like things are not going to work out, behind the scenes, God is working. ~ Behind The Scenes Quotes ~

I try to keep this thought in my mind, "God is working behind the scenes". When I believe that God is working I feel relaxed and I know that God can and will work things out for good.

Today's 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 understand what is going on but we can trust that God is working behind the scenes for good.

While it may look like things are not going to work out, behind the scenes, God is working.

Wake Up

by Kay Heitsch

Wake up and say, "Something good is going to happen today!" ~ Life Quotes ~

Wow, now that's the way to start our day positively. I feel more hopeful just thinking this thought.

Our Bible verse says, "This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NLT

We can think whatever we want when we wake up. Choosing to say, I will rejoice and be glad in this day can help to start our day off right.

Wake up and say, "Something good is going to happen today!

Choose To Be

by Kay Heitsch

Choose to be optimistic it feels better. ~ Motivational Quotes ~

There are different ways we can look or deal with life. Go ahead and be pessimistic and always negative and see how you feel. Our thoughts and our words have a direct effect on how we feel.

Our Bible verse says, "What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words." Proverbs 18:21 GNT

Our words start with our thoughts. Our thoughts and words affect our feelings. The consequences of our thoughts and words can either make us feel better or worse. The choice is ours!

Choose to be optimistic it feels better.

Slip 'N' Slide

by Kay Heitsch

When life rains on your parade bring out the slip 'n' slide. ~ Motivational Quotes ~

We all have had situations in life that we didn't like. It seemed like these situations were raining on our parade. We had expected something and it didn't happen.

There are different ways of handling these situations. I like our Bible verse and say it to myself when I feel a situation is raining on my parade. This 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

Even if we go through something that seems like it's raining on our parade we can know that God will work something good out of it. We can bring out the slip 'n' slide and enjoy life anyway.

When life rains on your parade bring out the slip 'n' slide.

Peace In The House

 by Kay Heitsch

When we are at peace on the inside the troubles on the outside have little effect. ~ Peace On The Inside Quotes ~

If we want peace in the house we have to be careful what we allow to go on inside of us. We can't think junky thoughts and expect to have peace. We can't allow people or events to control our emotions.

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

If we want to have peace in the house we have to stop allowing ourselves to be troubled and afraid. We have peace on the inside. Now it's up to us to live in it.

When we are at peace on the inside the troubles on the outside have little effect.

Our Inner Life

by Kay Heitsch

Our inner life is more important than our outer life. Inner Life Quotes

What goes on inside of us is so important. Our thoughts can make us or break us. If we're filled with anger, fear, hostility etc they will effect our outer life. Our inner life can sap our energy and drag us down. Or our inner life can fill us with energy and vitality.

A person can dress up and look good on the outside but be a total mess on the inside. What goes on inside can and will effect not only our mental health but our phycial health as well.

Our Bible verse says, "You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." 1 Peter 3:4

The beauty that comes from within is our inner life. When we look good on the inside we look good on the outside too.

Our inner life is more important than our outer life.