Learning To Be Content

By Kay Heitsch

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's learning to dance in the rain. ~ Learning To Be Content Quotes ~

Learning to be content takes time. We have to go through many storms to find out what works and doesn't. But, unfortunately, we can't always wait for the storms to pass. So to be content, we must learn to dance in the rain.

Our Bible verse says I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation...I can do all this through Him, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13

The verse tells us learning to be content is a learning process. But it also gives us a secret on how to do it! We can learn to be content through Christ, who will provide us with strength.

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's learning to dance in the rain.

Best Version Of Yourself

By Kay Heitsch

God wants you to become the best version of yourself. ~ Life Quotes ~

There is no one like you, and there never will be. We were all created differently, and that's great! God wants us to become the best we can be.

Almost daily, I pray that I will be the person God created me to be and do the work He has for me to do. I also pray this for my family and friends. We can rise above any difficulty we may face as we become the best version of ourselves.

Our Bible verse was given to me by a friend many years ago. I love it! It says, "I am confident that the One who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

We can be confident that Jesus, who began a good work in us, will continue until it's completed. YAY! I may not be where I want to be, but thank God I am not where I used to be.

God wants you to become the best version of yourself.

Your Future

By Kay Heitsch

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

What our future will look like depends significantly on what we think about. If we think about everything that hurt us in the past, our future will look pretty sad. But if we keep a positive attitude and think about our hopes, what a difference this will make.

Our Bible verse says, Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Proverbs 4:23 GNT

Our life and future are shaped by our thoughts. So it's essential to be careful what we think about.

Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.

It's Time To Move On

 By Kay Heitsch

Every day is a blessing from God. Let go of what was and have faith in what's to come. ~ Move On Quotes ~

There is a time for everything. And there comes a time when we need to move on. When we think of every day as a blessing, we can let go of what was and have faith in what is to come.

Our Bible verse says, Forgetting what is behind and straining toward to what is ahead, I press on. Philippians 3:13&14

We can press on. But if we hold on to the things that hurt us, it won't do us any good. It will take some effort to strain forward, but we can do it through Christ, who gives us the strength to do it. Let's press on.

Every day is a blessing from God. Let go of what was and have faith in what's to come.

Love Without Words

By Kay Heitsch

Sometimes our actions are much more meaningful than words. A hug can sometimes express more than our words can ever express. ~ Wisdom Quotes ~

Reading this quote brought back memories of when hugs spoke more than words. So many times, when a person is hurting, we think we need to say something. But, many times, we don't need to say a word.

For instance, when I stood in the receiving line when Todd died, I found a person's warm, meaningful hug meant just as much as any words. People have asked me what they should say when someone is hurting, and I always say, you don't need to say a word. A hug or a soft touch of their hand is enough.

Our Bible verse says, "Let all that you do be done in love."

1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV

If we do all we do in love, even a meaningful hug speaks as much as words.

Sometimes our actions are much more meaningful than words. A hug can sometimes express more than our words can ever express.

Good News!

By Kay Heitsch

Good News! Good News! Good News! ~ Good News Quotes ~

Just reading these words makes me smile and feel better. I like to hear good news! When I hear good news, it makes me smile. There is something about hearing something positive that is also good for our health.

Our Bible verse confirms this. Smiling faces make you happy, and good news makes you feel better. Proverbs 15:30 GNT A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health. Proverbs 15:30 NLT

When we smile, or someone smiles at us, it brings us joy and happiness. Plus, when we hear good news, it's good for our health.

So today, let's do our part to spread some good news and smile more.

Today

By Kay Heitsch

SMILE, it will make you look better. PRAY it will keep you strong. LOVE it will help you enjoy life more. ~ Enjoy Each Day Quotes ~

Our grandson Eli got his first cell phone last week. He's been sending me a "Good Morning" before he starts his day. This makes me smile. So I send him a text back telling him good morning, and I'm sending prayers and love his way.

Smiling, praying, and loving will undoubtedly help us enjoy life more. But, if we wait to be happy until all our circumstances are just the way we like them, we will be waiting to enjoy life for a long time.

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 is the day, not tomorrow or next week. Today is the day the LORD has made. So let's all rejoice and be glad in it!

SMILE, it will make you look better. PRAY it will keep you strong. LOVE it will help you enjoy life more.

The Power Of A Moment

By Kay Heitsch

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you'll look back and realize they were the big things. ~ Little Moments We Remember Quotes

There is power in a moment! For instance, I will never forget walking into Brandon and Veronica's home and Brandon handing me baby Gus. It was a little thing, but it's a moment I will never forget.

It's the little moments in life that we seem to remember. We may not remember the whole day, but we sure remember a moment some little thing happened.

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

The thief does come to try to steal, kill, and destroy our lives, but Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly.

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

The Best Is Yet To Come

By Kay Heitsch

What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven't happened yet. ~ Your Latter Days Will Be Greater Quotes ~

This is a wonderful thought! To think some of our best days haven't happened yet! It's exciting to feel our best days are ahead of us.

Our Bible verse says, "The lifestyle of good people is like sunlight at dawn that keeps getting brighter until broad daylight." Proverbs 4:18 CEV

Our lives can be like sunlight at dawn that keeps brighter and brighter. We have so much to look forward to.

What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven't happened yet.

The Big Game

By Kay Heitsch.

Last night was the big game between Dover and New Philadelphia, Ohio. I remember the game well when the Dover Seniors dedicated the game to Todd. It was a special night.

I don't believe that year the Dover team was supposed to win, but can I tell you they did! It was an exciting game!

A few days after the game, a football player came to the house and gave me the game ball. I will always treasure this ball. I still have it on display. I have to say, thanks for the memories!

After all these years, I have very special feelings for this game. But since I have friends who live in Dover and NP, I was hoping the game would end in a tie. Well it did end in a tie and went into OT. Then a NP player kicked an extra point.

Thank You, All Of You!

By Kay Heitsch

Sometimes I forget to thank the people who make my life so happy in so many ways. Sometimes I forget to tell them how much I really do appreciate them for being an important part of my life. So thank you, all of you, just for being here for me. ~ Thankful Quotes ~

Sometimes I forget I have been beyond blessed to have wonderful people in my life. Some people had shown up at just the right time when I needed them. They may not have stayed long, but they were there when God knew I needed their friendship. Others have come and have never left. I am sure this is true for a lot of you too.

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

Because sometimes I forget, today, I want to start to put this verse into practice. I want to thank God every time a person comes to my mind.

Sometimes I forget to thank the people who make my life so happy in so many ways. Sometimes I forget to tell them how much I really do appreciate them for being an important part of my life. So thank you, all of you, just for being here for me.

Who's In Your Boat?

By Kay Heitsch

"I have peace today, not because there are no storms in the world but because the LORD is my peace in the midst of the storm." Inner Peace Quotes ~

We all go through storms in life. But how we go through them depends on who's in our boat. We can have peace when we know the LORD is with us no matter what storms we face.

Our Bible verse says, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NLT

Unfortunately, in this world, there are many trials and sorrows. That is for sure! But we can take heart and have peace when we have Jesus in our lives because He has overcome the world.

I have peace today, not because there are no storms in the world but because the LORD is my peace in the midst of the storm.

Noah

By Kay Heitsch

When our first grandchild, Noah, was born, we didn't know what to expect. We thought he would be healthy and developed like most babies. Unfortunately, however, that was not the case.

Noah had a lot of health problems from the very beginning. As a result, he had several labels put on him, one being failure to thrive.

We take a lot for granted when we have children, one being their eating ability. Unfortunately, Noah wasn't able to suck like most babies. While in the hospital, a feeding tube had to be put in. As much as this was needed, it broke our hearts to see what all Noah and our children went through.

One day I was in the grocery store. A young mother was walking by with her newborn baby. The baby started to fuss a little. Then, in a disgusted voice, the mother looked at me and commented that now she had to feed the baby again. I knew she was taking feeding her baby as an inconvenience and not something to be thankful for.

I was kind, but I shared with her what Noah was going through. I said, "You have no idea how thankful my daughter would be to feed Noah like you're able to."

Noah is unique and has come a long way. I'm thankful he can do things today that I didn't know he would ever be strong enough to do.

Today, let's take some time to think about things we often take for granted and be thankful.

Always, Always

By Kay Heitsch

There is always, always, something to be thankful for. ~ Be Thankful Quotes ~

I was talking to someone yesterday who was so thankful to be back in her home. But, like most of us, she took it for granted when she was in her home before.

Isn't it interesting that we are so thankful when something is taken away, and we get it back? We take so much for granted that we miss being grateful for everyday things.

Our Bible verse says, "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Why would giving thanks be God's will? I think it's because we are happier when we do. When we complain and aren't thankful, we are unhappy. So let's spend today and every day focusing on things we are grateful for. We'll be happier if we do.

There is always, always, something to be thankful for.

Giants

By Kay Heitsch

The giant in front of you is never bigger than the God who lives in you. ~ God Is Greater Than Giants Quotes ~

We all face giants in life. But as long as we have God in our lives, we have nothing to fear. God is greater than any problem we face.

Our Bible verse says, "Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 ESV

God lives in us and is greater than any giant/problem we may face. Help us to remember God is always available to help.

The giant in front of you is never bigger than the God who lives in you.

What Took You So Long?

By Kay Heitsch

Talk to God. He loves to hear from you throughout the day. ~ Reach Out To God Quotes

I remember the first time I called out to God in earnest. I was in distress! I needed God to help me. I had tried everything I knew, but now I was at the end of myself.

What I heard surprised me! I don't know what I was expecting, but God answered me with these words, "What took you so long? I've been here all along."

Our Bible verse says, "In my distress, I called to the LORD, and He answered me." Psalm 120:1 ESV

I relate to this verse. I sincerely called to the LORD in my distress. And much to my surprise, He answered me.

God was there all along, but I hadn't sincerely called to Him. It took being in distress to call. Don't wait like I did until you're in distress to pray.

Talk to God. He loves to hear from you throughout the day.

A Perfect Excuse

By Kay Heitsch

The phone rang; a woman asked if I would come and share my testimony about the death of our son Todd with a women's group at her church. This would be an intimate setting in the lady's lounge.

I had shared my testimony once a couple weeks before. I only did that because an old friend had been bugging me for months to come and share. I am not a public speaker, and talking about the death of our son, Todd, in a car accident was not something I had ever thought about doing.

Honestly, when that night was over, I thought I would never be asked to talk about this tragedy again, even though I knew the Lord had brought a lot of good out of Todd's untimely death.

However, now I was on the phone with someone I did not know, asking me to share my testimony again. I wasn't sure what to say until I was told the date this women's group wanted me to come over.

Todd died in a car accident on February 6th. That said, February 6th can be an emotional day for me, so when this caller requested I come over in the evening on February 5th, I hesitated! I knew I would be feeling more emotional than usual. I certainly didn't want to cry in a group of women I didn't even know.

Then it hit me; I had told the Lord I would be available to do whatever He wanted me to do. So I could see I had a perfect excuse to get out of this, but somehow I knew I was supposed to accept the invitation.

I did share my testimony on February 5th with this lady's group even though I had a perfect excuse not to. It was a memorable evening. I felt their love and became close friends with many women in that church. In fact, I'm still friends with many of them today.

When The Time Is Right

By Kay Heitsch

If you have ever had to sell your house, you will understand that keeping it clean and ready to show anytime isn't easy. Unfortunately, I've had to do this several times over the years. One time our house was on the market for over a year.

During this year, many things were happening. My husband, Bill, had started a new job an hour and a half away from home. As a result, we were able to help a homeless mission there. Our daughter, Shannon, was a senior in high school, and she was able to graduate.

During this year, my friend, Ruth Ann, asked me to help her with a teen group at church. We had a lot of fun working with the kids. However, I knew I would, at some point, be moving on. That being so, Ruth Ann and I wanted the church to hire a youth minister. However, not everyone agreed with spending the money to hire a new staff person.

Ruth Ann had clarified to the pastor that we would not be attending business meetings. However, one evening Ruth Ann and I participated in a business meeting to discuss and vote on hiring a youth minister.

I don't know who invited a youth minister from another church, but he was at this business meeting. I was happy to see him. He sat quietly listening until he seemed to sense some tension in the room. Then, suddenly, he spoke up and asked everyone to get in a circle and hold hands. Everyone did as he asked, and he prayed. After his prayer, a vote to hire a youth minister was approved.

I was overwhelmed with joy! I stood up and said, "Well, now I believe my work here is done, and our house will sell! Then I added, but not tomorrow Lord because we're taking the teens to Geauga Lake." I was shocked I was being so outspoken, but the words were out!

Bright and early, the morning after we went to Geauga Lake, I was in bed when the phone rang. Paula, our realtor, was on the phone and asked if she could bring some people over to see the house immediately.

I scrambled my sunburned body out of bed. What's funny is I didn't have time to get everything perfect as I always tried to do. But it was the right time, and these people bought our home.

Our timing isn't always God's timing, but He will make it happen when the right time comes.

I Trust You

By Kay Heitsch

God, I have no idea where you are taking me, but I trust You. ~ Trust In The Lord Quotes

I distinctly remember saying these words right after I gave my life to the LORD. I told Bill I didn't know what God would do or where He would take me. But I knew He would bring something positive out of Todd's death, and I was available if He wanted to use me.

I have been amazed at what God has done! He has taken the tragedy of Todd's death and brought many positive things. I have been blessed and so have many others.

This Bible verse is on a plaque on the wall right behind me as I write. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3: 5&6.

This has been true in my life. I have trusted the LORD with all of my heart. But, of course, sometimes I haven't understood what He's asked me to do. But I have tried to seek His will in all I do, and He has shown me what path to take.

I highly recommend living life trusting God. He'll show You how to live your best life. Trust Him!

God, I have no idea where you are taking me, but I trust You.