Diet

Kay Heitsch

I've been on a diet. I know some people don't think I need to lose weight, but I want to. I don't want to lose much, only 5 more pounds.

I lost a couple of pounds, at first, when I gave up eating crackers. But it's been 2 weeks and I haven't lost an ounce. It's discouraging! I've increased my exercise from doing my 20-minute workout on the Ball, yoga, and walking 3 miles a day in the afternoon by adding more walking in the morning.

My diet this week has consisted of a hard-boiled egg, low-fat cottage cheese, 1/2 of a banana, blueberries, coleslaw, apple with caramel dip, spring mix salad with carrots, celery, and cucumber with no calorie seasoning on top. I drink at least 60 oz of water and 2 cups of coffee daily.

Maybe it's the caramel dip that's the culprit. :D I believe apples are good for me, but I don't like them. The dip helps me to eat one.

Now you would think I would see some progress, but nothing for the last 2 weeks! However, I am NOT giving up! I know I'll be glad to see the progress I've made if I don't give up.

Don't Quit

by Kay Heitsch

Someday you're going to look back at all the progress you've made and be glad you didn't quit. ~ Don't Give Up Quotes ~

Some people are gung-ho to start something. However, when the going gets tough they quit.

Did you know that 60% of people who join a gym never go one time after they join?

It doesn't matter if it's going to a gym, keeping with a diet, or staying away from things that steal your joy. If we want to see any progress we can't give up when the going gets tough.

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

Remember this...at the right time, we will reap a harvest if we don't give up!

Someday you're going to look back at all the progress you've made and be glad you didn't quit

Lift Someone Up

by Kay Heitsch

Words are powerful! Why not use them to lift someone up today. ~Lift Each Other Up Quotes ~

Words are powerful! They can lift you up or put you down. The words from others are powerful, but the words we speak to ourselves are just as powerful. Quite honestly, they may be even more so.

Our Bible verse says, "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

This verse tells us to encourage and build each other up. While we're at it let's not forget to do the same for ourselves.

Words are powerful! Why not use them to lift someone up today.

Stand Firm

by Kay Heitsch

Build your spiritual muscles. Exercise your faith. ~ Stand Firm in Your Faith Quotes ~

We can build our spiritual muscles every day as we put all of our faith and trust in the LORD. We know He is always with us to help us stand firm in our faith.

Our Bible verse says, "Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT

When we are firm in our faith, we will be on our guard against anything that would shake it. We will be courageous and strong.

Build your spiritual muscles. Exercise your faith.

Thank You! Thank You!

by Kay Heitsch

When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. When life is bitter, say thank you and grow. ~ Stay Positive and Thankful Quotes ~

Acknowledging the good we have should give us plenty of reason to celebrate. We are all so blessed when we stop to think about it.

How do we want to live our lives? When we choose to be thankful and positive, we will certainly have a better quality of life than being ungrateful and miserable.

Our Bible verse says, "Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!" Psalm 95:2 ESV

Instead of coming to the LORD with all the things, He needs to do to keep us happy, why not come into His presence with thanksgiving. We don't have to have a great voice to sing praises. This verse says to make a joyful noise.

When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. When life is bitter, say thank you and grow.

Agree to Disagree

by Kay Heitsch 

Respect is one of the greatest expressions of love. ~ Respect and Love Quotes ~

We don't have to agree with people to like them and to show respect. We can agree to disagree.

Some friends of mine had a political sign in their front yard. Two teenage girls were driving by, stopped, and stole the sign. Just so happened a man drove up behind them and saw the whole thing. He reported their license number to the police.

This happened in a small town and the police went over to the parent's home and let them know what had happened. These parents had some common sense. They made the girls take the sign back and apologize. However, it's against the law to steal things out of people's yards so these girls now have a record.

You can disagree with other people and still show respect. What are we teaching children when we do not show respect to people who have a different opinion than we do.

Our Bible verse says, "Fill us each morning with your constant love, so that we may sing and be glad all our life. Psalm 90:14 GNT

If we ask to be filled with God's love we will show respect. When we do we won't be filled with hate and disrespect. We will be filled with God's love and this will help us to feel glad.

Respect is one of the greatest expressions of love.

When You Don't Understand

by Kay Heitsch

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

There are many things going on in our world right now that we don't understand. We don't like what we see or hear and we can't understand why God is allowing this to go on.

Our Bible verse today says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 NIV

As I see it, if we want to stay full of joy and peace and overflow with hope we need to trust in God. We not only need to trust in God when we do understand but when we don't understand also.

Faith is trusting God when you don't understand.

Encouragement

by Kay Heitsch

In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. ~ Encouragement Quotes ~

Even when we are going through difficulty, or we know someone who is, we can still look for the opportunity to be encouraging.

Our Bible verse says, "But those who proclaim God's message speak to people and give them help, encouragement, and comfort." 1 Corinthians 14:3 GNT

God's messages give people help, encouragement, and comfort. I love this verse. We are to build each other up even in difficulty.

In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.

Hard Times

by Kay Heitsch

Looking back on your life. It's always the hardest times that made you who you are. ~ Motivational Quotes ~

We do not like to go through hard times. But our hard times have made us who we are. It's because of the hard times that we are grateful for health, we are now more empathic to other people's problems, we've become closer in our relationship with the Lord. These are only a very few things that can come out of going through hard times.

Our Bible verse says, "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while." 1 Peter 1:6 NLT

We all must endure many trials at times. This is just the way life is. However, if we think about what we can gain from these trials, we can be glad.

Looking back on your life. It's always the hardest times that made you who you are.

Analysis Paralysis

by Kay Heitsch

Overthinking about how things might go wrong is one of the biggest causes of our unhappiness. ~ Analysis Paralysis Quotes ~

How many times do we overthink a situation and conjure up some scenarios that might go wrong? We often feel helpless to do anything at all. Then we get stymied looking for answers. Now we suffer from analysis paralysis.

Our Bible verses can help us when we start to overthink a situation. "So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!" Hebrews 10:35 NLT "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 NLT

When we put our confidence and trust in the Lord we will not need to depend on our own understanding. We will not get stymied looking for answers. Part of our great reward will be happiness and peace which will lead to our wellbeing.

Overthinking about how things might go wrong is one of the biggest causes of our unhappiness.

You Are Being Watched

by Kay Heitsch

Today I posted a picture of our son-in-law, Joe watching our grandson, Noah, as he was wading out into the ocean. Noah seemed to be oblivious to Joe. But Joe was there in the water behind keeping a watchful eye on him.

Today's Bible verse says, "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go." Genesis 28:15.

We may not see God or even feel His presence but never forget that God is always watching over us wherever we go.

Always remember you are being watched.

Born to Choose

by Kay Heitsch

You are not born a winner; you are not born a loser. You are born a chooser. ~ Choose Well Quotes ~

God has given each of us free will. We are born with the ability to choose.

Our Bible verse says, "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose today whom you will serve... But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Each day we can choose to follow the LORD or to do our own thing. It's a choice that will not only affect today but it also will ultimately affect your eternal life. It's your choice.

You are not born a winner; you are not born a loser. You are born a chooser. Choose well.

God's Perfect Peace

by Kay Heitsch

When we put our problems in God's hands, He puts His peace in our hearts. ~ Peace of God Quotes ~

It is interesting how we are sometimes. We fret and worry about so many things. When we finally figure out this isn't doing any good, we say, "Well, now all I can do is pray." If we put our problems in God's hands right away, He would put peace in our hearts.

Our Bible verse says, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!" Isaiah 26:3 NLT

We can stay in peace when we focus our thoughts and keep our trust in the LORD. When a problem comes to our minds we can simply say, "Thank You, Father, for working on this. I put my trust in You."

When we put our problems in God's hands, He puts His peace in Our hearts.

Strength to Overcome

by Kay Heitsch

Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you thought you couldn't do. ~ Strength Quotes ~

All of us can look back and think, "How did I ever live through that?" When we think about these situations, we realize we are stronger for the experience.

But where did we get the strength in the first place?

Today's Bible text tells us. "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear." Psalm 18:32 BSB

Whether we know it or not it is God who gives us the strength to overcome and move forward.

Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you thought you couldn't do.

Come On Now!

by Kay Heitsch

Live a good life! And in the end, it's not the years in your life, it's the life in your years. ~ Abraham Lincoln Quote ~

Last night I was talking to a friend. I told her that I have lived more years than I have left and I intend to enjoy the years I have left.

Today's Bible verse changed my thinking when I read it years ago. "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

Come on now, why would I allow the thief to steal, kill, and destroy my life? We see signs of his work all around. It's not only the things we see on the news these days. It's horrible! We also allow the thief to steal our abundant life by living in worry and stress. We worry about tomorrow; we stress about today. We live in regret about yesterday.

Since I have lived more years than I have left I intend to enjoy the life that Jesus died to give me. I hope and pray you will too.

Live a good life! And in the end, it's not the years in your life, it's the life in your years.

A New Beginning

by Kay Heitsch

There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be a new beginning. ~ A Time for Everything Quotes

When our son Todd died, I really felt that everything was finished. I didn't know how or if I even wanted to go on. Yet, as I look back, I see that even Todd's death was a new beginning in my life.

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

When we go through difficult times, we may feel that everything is finished. Yet, if we remember that everything has a season, we can know that the ending is really a new beginning.

There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be a new beginning.

The Power of Hope

by Kay Heitsch

Never underestimate the power of hope. It fuels us with the energy and courage to go forward. ~ Hope Quotes 

To keep moving forward on our life's journey God has planned for us we need energy, courage, and hope.

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's plans for each of us are plans for good and not for disaster. His plans give us a future and a hope.

Never underestimate the power of hope. It fuels us with energy and courage to go forward.

This Is the Day

by Kay Heitsch

Life is like a camera focus on what's important. Develop from the negatives. If things don't work out just take another shot. ~ Choose to be Happy Quotes ~

If we want to be happy, we need to choose to. One way to do this is to focus on what's important. We all go through things we don't like, but we can develop from them, keep moving forward, and choose to be happy along the way.

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

I like how this verse says, "This is the day." Not yesterday was the day or tomorrow will be the day. It also doesn't say, "If you feel like it." Or "If everything is going your way," It says, "This is the day the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

This is the day to focus on what's important. This is the day to be thankful that the LORD has given us this day. Let's choose to rejoice and be glad in it.

Life is like a camera focus on what's important. Develop from the negatives. If things don't work out just take another shot.

In All Circumstances

by Kay Heitsch

Whenever you don't understand, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and be thankful that God is working everything out for our good. ~ Quotes ~

When we look around at all that's going on in this world, we shake our heads. I have to remind myself that God is working behind the scenes to bring good out of everything.

Our Bible verse says, "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

But how can we be thankful in all circumstances? We can be thankful when we keep this next verse in our minds. "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 two verses can help us when we don't understand what is going on. We can be thankful because we know that God is working everything out for our good.

Whenever you don't understand, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and be thankful that God is working everything out for our good.

Keep Believing

 by Kay Heitsch

Faith is all about believing. You don't know how or when it will happen but you know it will. ~ Keep Believing Quotes ~

When we keep a believing attitude it helps us get through difficult times. There are no hopeless situations. There are only people who have grown hopeless about them.

Our Bible verse says, "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

If we want to be filled with joy and peace we need to keep believing. Our God is a God of hope. He will help us abound in hope if we don't stop believing.

Faith is believing. You don't know how or when it will happen but you know it will.

Show Respect and Kindness

by Kay Heitsch

Show people the same respect and kindness you want them to show to you. ~ Show Respect and Kindness Quotes ~

When we see ourselves equal to others, I believe we will show respect and kindness. There's a Bible verse that says, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you." Matthew 7:12

Today's Bible verse says, "Faith in Christ Jesus is what makes each of you equal with each other, whether you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a woman." Galatians 3:28 CSV

Our faith in Christ Jesus makes us all equal. Because we understand that we are all equal we will treat others with respect and kindness. We will treat others the way we want to be treated.

Show people the same respect and kindness you want them to show to you.

Stay Hopeful

by Kay Heitsch

Tough times never last, but tough people do! ~ Stay Hopeful in Tough Times Quotes ~

When we are going through tough times, we need to stay hopeful. Things are going to get better. Look back on all that you've been through and what you have overcome.

Our Bible verse says, "We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV

We all have been hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, abandoned, and struck down at times! Sad to say, this is a part of life. However, we are not crushed, not in despair, not abandoned, or destroyed by all of these things. We can stay hopeful because we are not alone. The Lord is with us.

Tough times never last, but tough people do!

Love Sets Us Free

by Kay Heitsch

One word frees us all. That word is Love. ~ Love Conquers All Quotes ~

When we know the true love of God, we understand that His love sets us free. We do not need to live in fear, worry, or hate. We are free! We can love others when we stay focused on how much God loves us and how many things He has forgiven us for.

Our Bible verse says, "Hate stirs up trouble, but love forgives all offenses." Proverbs 10:12 GNT

Have we not witnessed that hate stirs up trouble? It's horrible what is going on in our country. How much better if people would forgive and love. I truly believe that Love will win in the end!

One word frees us all. That word is Love.

Turn on the Light

by Kay Heitsch

Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if you remember to turn on the Light. ~ Walk in the Light Quotes ~

Fear grows in darkness. If we want to be happy in the darkest of times, we need to remember to turn on the Light!

Our Bible verse says, "Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the Light that leads to life.” John 8:12 NLT

When we follow the Light, we won't have to walk in darkness. We won't need to live in fear because He is the Light that leads to life.

Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if you remember to turn on the Light.

Your Actions Reflect Who You Are

by Kay Heitsch

Always show kindness and love to others. Your actions always reflect who you are. ~ Show Love and Kindness Quotes ~

When we show love and kindness to other people our actions are a reflection of who we are.

Our Bible verse says, "Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another." Ephesians 4:2 GNT

When we are humble, gentle, patient, and tolerant we are showing love to one another. It's not easy to be like this sometimes, but with God's help, we can be.

Always show kindness and love to others. Your actions always reflect who you are.

Simple and Difficult

by Kay Heitsch

Love one another. It's as simple and as difficult as that. ~ Love One Another Quotes ~

Loving people isn't as simple as it seems. Quite honestly, it can be very difficult at times.

Our Bible verse says, "Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7 NLT

This verse says to love one another. It doesn't say it's going to be easy. We can love one another when we know God and remember how much God loves us.

Love one another. It's as simple and as difficult as that.

Better Days Are Ahead

 by Kay Heitsch

Stay hopeful and calm. Keep believing. Better days are ahead.
~ Remain Hopeful Quotes ~

When we see upsetting things going on in the world, we need to stay calm and remain hopeful. Always keep in mind that better days are ahead.

Our Bible verse says, "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 NLT

We can be calm and hopeful when we know that God will be honored in every nation and throughout the world.

Stay hopeful and calm. Keep believing. Better days are ahead.

Uncertain Times

by Kay Heitsch

Faith is not a feeling. Faith is a choice to trust God even when the road ahead seems uncertain. ~ Uncertain Times Quotes ~

We are living in uncertain times. One day we hear one thing. The next day the same news can make a 360-degree turn. Our times may be uncertain but we can choose to put our trust in God to guide us on the right path.

Our Bible verse says, "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." Psalm 25:9

This is interesting. If we want to be guided by the LORD, we need to be humble and trust God to show us the right way. We can't be the type of people who already thinks we know it all.

Faith is not a feeling. Faith is a choice to trust God even when the road ahead seems uncertain.

Freedom to Do What Is Right

by Kay Heitsch

"May we think of freedom, not as a right to do as we please, but as an opportunity to do what is right." ~ Peter Marshall ~

What a difference there would be in this great country of ours if everyone saw our freedom as an opportunity to do what is right.

We have many opportunities every day to do what is right. It's great when doing what we please, and the right thing, are one and the same.

Our Bible verse today is, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance." Psalm 33:12 NIV

Our nation is blessed when God is the LORD. When we follow His way of doing things, we will walk in love. As we do, we will have the freedom, not only do as we please but to do what is right also.

Right Words

by Kay Heitsch

The right words, in the right place, at the right time, can soothe, calm, and heal. ~ Calm Strength Quotes 

It's so true how hearing the right words can actually soothe, calm, and heal a person. We can help others by our kind words. We can also help ourselves by reading Bible verses.

Today's 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

This Bible verse is something I repeat to myself when I'm feeling upset. These words soothe and help me stay calm.

The right words, in the right place, at the right time, can soothe, calm, and heal.

Fertilizer

by Kay Heitsch

When you go through difficult situations don't get discouraged. See them as fertilizer. Don't just go through, grow through.

We all have been in situations that have been very difficult. We can get bitter and discouraged by them. But if we see them as fertilizer we can actually benefit and grow from them.

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

When we know that God is with us we don't need to be afraid or discouraged. He will strengthen us and help us. We can see our unfair situations as fertilizer and grow through as we go through.

When you go through difficult situations don't get discouraged. See them as fertilizer. Don't just go through, grow through.

Don't Wait

by Kay Heitsch

Life is short! Don't wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to enjoy your life. ~ Enjoy Your Life Quotes ~

Our lives are changing every day. We don't know what tomorrow will bring. It may be something we like or it may not be. Everything is not going to be perfect. We need to decide to enjoy our life today. Life is short!

Our Bible verse says, "Whenever I am anxious and worried, You comfort me and make me glad." Psalm 94:19 GNT

Yes, we may feel anxious and worried at times. But when we spend time with the LORD He will give us comfort and make us glad. Life is too short. We need to decide to enjoy our life.

Life is short! Don't wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to enjoy your life.