Don't Worry

by Kay Heitsch

Today's quote made me smile and was one I hadn't heard before. "Worrying is like walking around with an umbrella waiting for it to rain." ~ Don't Worry Quotes ~

I had heard this quote before. "Worry is like sitting in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere."

Worry can have consequences though. Have you ever heard people say, "I'm just worried sick?" I sure have and I've actually made myself sick from worrying and allowing myself to get upset.

The Bible has a lot to say about fear and worry. It's been said there are 365 texts about it. After reading most I can put it in one word. DON'T!

Today's Bible verse is one to keep in our minds when we are temped to worry. "Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6 HCSB

I had a sweat shirt with these words printed on it, "Don't Worry! Be Happy!" Good advice in these troubled times.

Learn To Remember The Good Things

by Kay Heitsch

Learning to remember the good and not dwelling on the bad things in life takes time and effort.

Today's quote is good advice. "The best way to forget the bad things in life is to learn to remember the good things. Love always, smile often, and thank God for every moment."

I don't know why it's so easy to dwell on the negative things that are going on or the bad things that have happened in the past. When we do we feel depressed and unhappy.

If we want to be at peace, love always, smile often and thank God every moment we need to keep in mind our Bible text, "For as he thinks within himself, so he is." Proverbs 23:7 NASB

I believe it is a learning process to remember the good and to think good thoughts on purpose. Personally, I think it's worth the time and effort, because as we think so we will be.

Accept Responsibility

 by Kay Heitsch

"More people would learn from their mistakes if they would accept responsibility for their actions."

This quote reminded me of the following story.

Last week our little grandson Noah owned up to something he had done. Noah had taken the lid off of the gerbil cage and the cat had gotten in. I'm happy to report the gerbils are fine.

When Noah told me that he had taken the lid off the cage I was happy that he was taking responsibility for his actions. I told him how proud I was of him for owning up to what he had done.

This week at school Noah received an award for being the Star Student. When I asked what the award was for I was told it was, The Responsible Award. You know I am a proud Ooma (Grandma)

I think it's important that children learn early to be responsible and own up to things they do wrong. This Bible verse is good advice. "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

If a child is trained early to "Accept Responsibility" it's a good chance they will learn from their mistakes and grow to be responsible adults.

Step Out and Find Out

 by Kay Heitsch

"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try."

In order to accomplish anything we have to make a decision to try. We can't just sit idly by only thinking about doing something. We need to step out and find out.

Everything we try may not work out. It may be that it's not for you. It may be that the timing isn't right. There are many reasons why something may not work out. But what if it does?

Personally, I think most people don't even try because of fear and anxiety. Today's Bible verse will help if this is the problem. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

It's up to each one of us to "Step Out and Find Out." If something we try doesn't work out at least we have accomplished something by stepping out and trying.

If at first you don't succeed try again! You may need to step out and find out a few times. Always remember, every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.

Inch By Inch

by Kay Heitsch

One reason I enjoy going to Planet Fitness is that I'm inspired by the people there. People from all walks of life workout at PF and each one has a story.

I may not hear every story, but when I see someone come in using a cane or a walker I know they are determined to move forward inch by inch. I am inspired by people that no matter how slow they go they don't stop.

Today's quote reminded me of these people. "Inch by inch anything's a cinch! It doesn't matter how slow you go as long as you don't stop."

We can't compare ourselves to others. We don't know what they've been through. They may not be on a walker or cane anymore, but maybe at one time they were.

True for our emotional/spiritual well being also. We may see someone strong who seems to have it all together. However, we don't know what all they've been through to get that way. One thing I know is that they've lived life "inch by inch" and they didn't stop.

This Bible text is a favorite of mine, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

We can keep moving forward with Christ's strength. We may have to move inch by inch, but as long as we don't stop we can reach our goal.

Step Out and Shine

by Kay Heitsch

Sometimes it's not easy to step out and shine. We may even feel uncomfortable being friendly to people we don't know.

Today's quote encourages us to be an example. "Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how. Step out from behind your shadow and shine so you may encourage others to follow."

Some people don't know how to be friendly with people they don't know. It may be up to us to step out from behind our own shadow and shine to show them how.

I've made some life long friends with people I did not know. I had to step out from behind my own shadow and be friendly. I'll admit it's not always easy to be friendly to people you don't know, but I think it's worth it.

It's interesting how this quote tells us that we can be an encouragement and an example just by being friendly.

Today and everyday don't wait for people to be friendly, "Step Out and Shine!"

Use What You Have

by Kay Heitsch

God has given each of us a talent of some kind. It is up to us to use that talent to make our world a better place.

I like today's quote. "The woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those who sang the best. Do what you can. Where you are. With what you have. Your world is waiting for you."

God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 NLT

God has made us what we are. He has given each of us a gift to help make our world a better place.

"Use What You Have."