Our Actions

by Kay Heitsch

When you're really believing, when you're in peace, you're showing God by your actions you are trusting Him. ~ Joy and Peace in Believing Quotes ~

Our actions tell a lot about us. People can talk the talk, but they don't walk the walk. When we really believe that God is in control, something happens. We are at peace because we have all of our trust in Him.

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

By our believing we can be filled with joy and peace. What a way to live! We can abound in hope when we live by the power of the Holy Spirit.

When you're really believing, when you're in peace, you're showing God by your actions you are trusting Him.

Living the Good Life

by Kay Heitsch

Thank you, God, for this good life, and forgive us if we don't love it enough. ~ Living the Good Life Quotes ~

We have so much to be thankful for. I'm sure we can all come up with a long list of things God has given us for this good 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

Are we allowing the thief to steal and kill and destroy our lives? Jesus came that we may have not only life but abundant life. Let's begin to live the life that Jesus came to give us.

Thank you, God, for this good life, and forgive us if we don't love it enough.

Special Day

by Kay Heitsch

Today is Bill's birthday. I got up early this morning and baked a birthday pie with the help of Marie Callender. So later today we will have a birthday apple pie and ice cream.

Joe, Shannon, Noah, and Eli called Bill this morning. When they heard about our birthday pie and ice cream, they decided to take a trip to Kroger and buy a pie and ice cream too. Later today, we will celebrate together, long-distance by eating pie and ice cream.

Eli said he's going to try learning the song Happy Birthday on his violin and plans to send a video later today.

Our Bible verse says, "This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NASB

This Bible verse goes well with the quote for today. You're older today than yesterday but younger than tomorrow. This is true for all of us. Let's rejoice and be glad every day.

Christmas Traditions

by Kay Heitsch

Traditions are kept alive only by something being added to it. ~ Keeping Traditions Alive

I like to keep Christmas traditions alive. I enjoy making the same things and using some of the same decorations. We even have a memory tree where I hang old ornaments from Christmas pasts.

A few years back, we added buying funny gifts. Our kids have kept that tradition going. These gag gifts bring a lot of laughs.

We usually go to church on Christmas Eve and watch Eli in the Christmas program. However, because of the pandemic, the church recorded the children performing the program outside, with masks on. On Christmas Eve, we watched the program on TV. This was different, but we all clapped after Eli did his number, as if we were sitting in church.

One of our traditions is to eat at Bob Evan's on Christmas Eve. Eli always orders the Little Piggy Pancakes. A few years ago, the waitress came to take his order. Without missing a beat, Eli told the waitress he would be having his usual. The waitress smiled and replied, "Oh, that would be the Little Piggy Pancakes?" Eli nodded, yes. We all laughed and still talk about it.

This year Eli had his usual, Little Piggy Pancakes. However, the guys decided to all order the Whole Hog Breakfast. I'm not so sure this will be an added Christmas Eve tradition, but you never know.

The snow was falling fast and furious this year while we ate at Bob Evan's. Since it was very treacherous driving, Brandon left his sports car at Joe and Shannon's and drove their SUV home. We're hoping this won't be a new tradition.

Christmas day, we all opened gifts, and Joe and Shannon made their traditional breakfast with Wisconsin Kringle. Wisconsin Kringle has become an added tradition to our Christmas celebration after their vacation to Wisconsin a few years back.

A wonderful new addition was to have Veronica to our Christmas celebration. We were happy that she was able to be with us this year. We are looking forward to having her with us for years to come.

To keep everything in perspective, Noah wanted to know why Papa didn't have any fat on him as Ooma did. Looks like a diet will be starting soon for me.

Christmas traditions are only kept alive by something being added to them.

What a Way to Live

by Kay Heitsch

Live in such a way that those who know you, but don't know God, will come to know God because they know you. ~ Show God's Love Quotes ~

Now tell me, wouldn't we be living a great life if we lived this way? We would be putting true love into action.

Our Bible verse says, "Love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul and all your, strength and all your mind. And love your neighbor as you love yourself." Luke 10:27

If we did love God with all that we are and loved our neighbor as we love ourselves, we would be living a great life. The people we meet would want to know God because we would be showing them God's love.

Live in such a way that those who know you, but don't know God, will come to know God because they know you.

No Reqrets

by Kay Heitsch

Make your decisions out of love and kindness, and you will never regret any of them. ~ Do What You Do Out of Love Quotes ~

When we do things out of love, we'll have no regrets. We don't have to feel like doing something to do it out of love. We can do it out of our love for the LORD.

Our Bible verse says, "Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV

Wow! What a difference our life would be if everything we did, we did out of love.

Make your decisions out of love and kindness, and you will never regret any of them.

Hold Your Peace

by Kay Heitsch

Life can be hard, and people can be cruel. But victory can be yours when you hold your peace. Peace is power!

When we lose our peace, we've lost control! Victory is ours when we hold our peace when life gets hard. It's difficult at times. But if we hold our peace, we will have power.

Our Bible verse says, "Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone." Romans 12:18 NLT

We have to do all that we can to live in peace. Not only with everyone else but also with ourselves.

Life can be hard, and people can be cruel. But victory can be yours when you hold your peace. Peace is power! 

Ignite a Light

by Kay Heitsch

Kindness is igniting a light in someone else for no reason other than to watch them enjoy the glow. ~ Be a Light Quotes ~

I had never thought that showing kindness was igniting a light. But it sure is. When we show kindness, it ignites a light, and we can see the glow in their eyes.

When we let God's light shine through us, we will show kindness to others, igniting their light.

Kindness is igniting a light in someone else for no reason other than to watch them enjoy the glow.

Where Do I Get Help?

by Kay Heitsch

Any struggle you are facing, God will give you the strength to endure it. ~ Strength of Life's Battles

Some things we go through are more like battles than struggles. It's important to remember that God will give us the strength we need to endure whatever we go through.

Today's Bible verse says, "From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1&2

When anyone asks, "Where do I get help?" You can answer, "My help comes from the LORD!" God will give us the strength and help to endure life's battles.

Any struggle you are facing, God will give you the strength to endure it.

Feed Your Faith

by Kay Heitsch

Feed your faith, and your fears will starve to death. ~ Live by Faith Quotes ~

If we keep feeding our faith, fear will starve to death. We will be much happier if we choose to feed and exercise our faith instead of allowing fear to creep in.

Our Bible verse says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." Ephesians 6:10 NIV

When we feed our faith in the Lord, we will be strong. The more we exercise our faith and feed it, the stronger it will become.

Feed your faith, and your fears will starve to death.

Peace in God's Plan

by Kay Heitsch

God's plan for our lives far exceeds the circumstances of our day. ~ Peace in God's Plan

I believe we are all part of a greater plan. God has placed us where we are for a reason. Every experience we go through is part of His divine plan.

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

God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. We can have peace when we know that God causes everything to work together for good.

God's plan for our lives far exceeds the circumstances of our day.

Choosing to Trust

by Kay Heitsch

Faith is a choice, not a feeling. It means choosing to trust God even when you don't understand. ~ Quotes ~

We can't always go by what we feel. We don't understand everything. If we choose to trust God when we don't understand, we will reap benefits.

Our Bible verse says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding...Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones." Proverbs 3:5 & 8. NLT

When we choose to trust the LORD, especially when we don't understand, we will have less stress. We all know how harmful stress can be. Trusting the LORD will bring healing to our bodies.

Faith is a choice, not a feeling. It means choosing to trust God even when you don't understand.

Merry Christmas, Todd

by Kay Heitsch

Well, Todd, it's Christmastime again. It doesn't seem possible that you have been gone for so many years.

I'll admit, Christmas has not been the same since you have been gone. When we all get together, I often look around and wonder what it would be like if you were still here. I can see you laughing and joking. I know Noah and Eli would love you.

Every year, I still hang your Christmas stocking up that Aunt Kathy made you. I put your stocking, with your name on it, right in the middle of all of ours.

We don't have the old Christmas tree anymore. However, I did make night lights out of the bubble lights. I've given many away as gifts. I made a little memory tree using some of the ornaments we had on the old tree.

Keeping with our Christmas tradition, I still make most of the same things I made when you were here. I make the peanut butter chocolate candy. Joe has given this candy a name now, Crack! The Kiss and Snowball cookies are still a hit. Of course, you won't forget the party mix! If you can believe it, I still use the same bowl to make the dip and crackers we enjoy on Christmas Eve.

So much has changed since you've been gone, but I try to keep some of our Christmas traditions going.

Your grave is decorated for Christmas. It's not much, but I hope you know how much you are loved.

Merry Christmas to you in Heaven.

I will love you forever, Mom

Rest and Not Stress

by Kay Heitsch

Rest! Be still and trust God. ~ Relax in the Lord Quotes ~

We may sit down or even lie down, but we are not resting. Our minds are going a mile a minute. We roll many things over and over in our minds. We worry about this, that, or the other.

Our Bible verse says, "Be still in the presence of the LORD and wait patiently for Him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes." Psalm 37:7 NLT

Just think how peaceful our lives would be if we put this verse into practice. Be still in the LORD's presence. Wait patiently for Him to act. How about not worrying about evil people and their wicked schemes? Being still, not worrying, and being patient would sure help us to rest and not stress.

Rest! Be still and trust God.

Christmas Carol Sing-Along

by Kay Heitsch

It was the week before Christmas at the Memory Care Center.  Since it was close to Christmas, a Christmas Carol sing-along was the planned activity.  

Bob, one of the residents, was in his joy.  He was busy handing out the song sheets to everyone. Before each song, Bob would announce the name of the carol. When the people finished singing, he was quick to praise everyone for their participation. I smiled to see Bob so actively involved. The music was on a CD player, and after each song, Bob would say, "Now this is our last song, I've lost my voice." However, when the next song began, he sang out loud and strong. 

When the sing-along was finally over, Bob thanked everyone for coming then he started to cry.  He shared how he missed his brothers and sisters, who I assumed had passed on.  I hugged Bob and reminded him that we all cared for him.  He stopped crying and said, "Yes, you all are my family now." An announcement was made that the activity was over.  Bob went around and shook everyone's hand and thanked them for coming. 

You never know what Memory Care people might say, and today was no exception.  In a loud voice Mary, one of the residents, said to the lady sitting next to her, "Well, when I was the Sunday School Superintendent, I at least served refreshments when it was over!"    

 

Take a Deep Breath

by Kay Heitsch

Take a deep breath and enjoy life. ~ Enjoy Life to the Fullest Quotes

A couple of years ago, I was given an antibiotic that almost did me in. One of the many side effects was I could not take a deep breath. Several times a day, I would go outside and try to fill my lungs with fresh air. However, for numerous days I could only take shallow breaths that hurt.

One day, I had this thought, "I will never take being able to breathe deeply for granted again!" It's interesting what we take for granted. Taking a deep breath doesn't seem like a big deal until you can't do it.

I read a quote that said, "What we take for granted someone else is praying for." How true that is.

Let's think about what we take for granted, even taking a deep breath, for example. If you can take a deep breath, enjoy your life to the fullest!

Take a deep breath and enjoy life!

Difficult Times

by Kay Heitsch

The hard times you go through build character, making you a much stronger person. ~ Grow Strong in Difficult Times Quotes ~

It's hard when we don't understand why we are going through difficult times. But if we keep our trust in the Lord, these hard times can build character, making us a much stronger person.

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

When we keep our trust and thoughts fixed on the Lord, He will keep us in perfect peace. Even when we go through difficult times we will stay in peace and grow stronger.

The hard times you go through build character, making you a much stronger person.

Even in the Storm

by Kay Heitsch

"There is peace even in the storm." ~ Peace of Mind Quotes ~

One thing I have found from being in a personal relationship with the Lord is peace in the storm. When I start to become uneasy, I can repeat a few Bible verses and find peace of mind.

Today's Bible verse says, "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

Our relationship with the Lord gives us peace that the world does not know. We don't have to let our hearts be troubled or afraid. We know our Lord is with us even in the storms of life.

There is peace even in the storm.

Forget Not

by Kay Heitsch

Never forget God's benefits. Remember how blessed you are. ~ Inspirational Quotes

I don't know about you, but sometimes I tend to forget what I should remember. Instead of focusing on the things we don't like, how much better it would be if we remembered God's benefits.

Our Bible verse says, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Psalm 103:2 ESV

This text is a great reminder not to forget all the benefits we have. We should bless the LORD every day.

Never forget God's benefits. Remember how blessed you are.

Lesson Learned

by Kay Heitsch

Life isn't meant to be easy it's meant to be lived. With every up and down, we can learn lessons that will help us to be stronger. ~ Quotes

We would all like an easy life. But that is not how life goes. We can learn lessons from what we go through, good and bad. I know I've said many times, "Well, I won't do that again! Lesson learned!"

Our Bible verse says, "Let the wise hear and increase in learning and the one who understands obtain guidance." Proverbs 1:5

If we are wise, we will learn from our ups and downs. Once we have understood we'll know better what to do the next time.

Life isn't meant to be easy it's meant to be lived. With every up and down, we can learn lessons that will help us to be stronger.

Special Christmas Memory

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 song books, 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.

Bible Text: When you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Matthew 6:6

I Have So Much to Do

by Kay Heitsch

Sometimes you must stand still in order to get moving to where God wants you to go. ~ I Have So Much to Do Quotes ~

Many years ago, our family welcomed 11 foster children into our home. There was a time when we had 2 teenagers, 4 grade-schoolers, and one infant in our home. Needless to say, I was very busy, cooking, cleaning, doing a lot of laundries, etc., etc., etc. There was so much to do that I didn't know how I would get it all done.

It was during this time I read something that Martin Luther said, "I have so much to do I must spend the first 3 hours in prayer." Now I didn't spend 3 hours in prayer, but I did spend quiet, alone, time with the Lord!

Every morning when I got up before everyone else and spent quiet time with the LORD the day seemed to run smoothly. I was able to get more accomplished than I thought possible.

Our Bible verse says, "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

This Bible verse was true for me. When I spent time with the LORD, I renewed my strength. I was able to accomplish more than I thought possible.

Sometimes you must stand still in order to get moving to where God wants you to go.

Joy & Happiness

by Kay Heitsch

Many years ago, I started to give a small gift of homemade cookies and candy to our mail carrier and the men who picked up our trash at Christmastime.

One week before Christmas, I was at church when a lady walked up to me that I didn't know. I was surprised to find out that she was actually our mail carrier. She expressed to me how much she appreciated being remembered at Christmastime. I felt happy that I was able to give her some joy.

Today, I put some homemade candy and cookies out for the recycle and trash guys. When I heard the trucks coming down the street, I watched from our upstairs window while they got out of the trucks to pick up their treats. After putting the treats in their trucks, they brought our cans back up the driveway and honked the horn. I smiled and felt joy at their kindness. I knew they were happy with their Christmas treats.

Giving an unexpected gift to someone is a way to show God's love. When we show God's love, we find joy and happiness ourselves.

Under His Wings

by Kay Heitsch

You're safe not because of the absence of danger but because of the presence of God. ~ God's Protection Quotes ~

A couple of months before Todd died in a car accident, my Aunt Carmelita sent me a Christian cassette tape. I found it odd because I was not a Christian, nor did I like Christian music. However, since I loved Aunt Carmel, I thought I'd listen to it.

There was a song on this cassette tape that got my attention. It was called "Under His Wings". When I was asked if I wanted any music played at Todd's funeral, I chose this song and one other one.

Later I found a Bible verse that says, "He will cover you with His wings; you will be safe in His care; His faithfulness will protect and defend you." Psalm 91:4 GNT

When I saw today's quote and this Bible verse, I thought about this song, Under His Wings.

I cannot count the times I have run to God for His protection. I have felt His love, comfort, and presence surrounding me like wings each time I have.

The Naughty List

by

Kay Heitsch

I'm still smiling after listening to our grandson, Noah, telling me who's on the "Naughty List."

Of course, Noah is not on it! However, he thinks his brother, Eli, is.

Noah started acting up while we were talking on the phone. Our daughter, Shannon, corrected him. Now, according to Noah, Shannon was put on the "Naughty List."

Noah had me laughing right out loud. But as I thought about this, I wondered how often I've put other people on the "Naughty List" but didn't see that my behavior wasn't any better.

I hope we all stay off of the "Naughty List" and see the good in ourselves and in others.