Category: Life is Good (mind)

  • How’s the Weather?

    My friend posted a comment on Facebook, “What a beautiful day! Praise God from whom all blessings flow … God’s beauty is apparent in all weather conditions.” While some may complain about the cold and ice, she chooses to be positive and uplifting. Finding beauty can sometimes be a chore.      IMG_20150103_092214311_HDR

    You see, she’s home in the frigid, icy, white conditions up North in Michigan while my husband and I took a vacation down south. She could choose to be negative, but she doesn’t operate that way. For me, temperatures were warm enough to wear shorts and sandals. She and others didn’t note comments of jealously, but rejoiced with me.

    We can find beauty anywhere with an open heart. I’ve come to realize that beauty, as well as joy, doesn’t have to be contingent on circumstances or our environment. Joy is a choice. We choose to find beauty which leads to joy within.

    •  Look around you. Name a few things you see that make you think of “beauty.”
    • What type of emotions or feelings come forth as you view your surroundings?

    Dear God, thank you for Your handiwork in creating such beauty. We have so much to be thankful for! I want to be present in every moment and acknowledge the part You play in my daily life. Amen.

  • Roof Robins

    On my morning walk, I noticed several robins atop one of the roofs in our neighborhood. They chattered happily sounding glad to be alive. The spotting of robins reminded me of when we all eagerly waited for the first sign of a robin after a long and snowy winter. Most of us were more than ready for spring to arrive. Now that the first day of summer is here, we forget about when we longed for signs of warmer weather. I wonder how many other sightings were missed while looking forward to spring.     Robin

    Traditions and rituals are commonplace in most families. We are creatures of habit. A major holiday is coming up. For quite a few years now, we’ve invited family and friends over for a cookout, boat ride, and watching fireworks over the lake. Except for this year. Our boat remains in the shop for repair. We all ask, what will we do? We ALWAYS get together, and now we can’t?

    I’ll be the first to admit that I take comfort in the usual way of doing things. It’s much easier to plan ahead when the routine is predictable. This time we’ll step out of the normal, comfort zone and try something different. Being flexible is a good thing. Steve and I (Grandpa & Nana) plan to travel to Madison for a Goldwing event then on to Minnesota to visit the kids and grandkids. They are excited to see us and, of course, we’re just as excited to see them too!

    My goal is not to linger on what normally happens during this time of year, but focus on the current season of new memories. I am ready for whatever comes our way. Bring it on!

    “Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.”—Pearl S. Buck

    *****

  • Keep in touch

    God, I hear Your still small voice calling out, “Where are you? Where have you been? Don’t you realize you need me?” Oh, I need You, yes I need You—every hour I need You!

    Liberty holding baby Elijah's hand
    Liberty holding baby Elijah’s hand

    Of course, I know I need God, but I don’t always act like I know I need God. It’s sometimes easier to go about my merry way and ignore the fact that I’m really not in charge. In fact, life doesn’t usually go as well when I operate as though I’m the one in control.

    “Spending time alone with Me is essential for your well-being. It is not a luxury or an option; it is a necessity. Therefore, do not feel guilty about taking time to be with me,” Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young.

    You, too, have decisions/choices to make. Big ones and little ones. But before any decisions should be made, I must spend time with God, in His presence, in His word. When I take the time to do this, I find guidance and blessed peace. Peace that this world can never offer me. Do you find this to be true?

    • Do you find it difficult to set aside time to meditate in God’s presence?

    • What truths did you encounter when you spent time with God and in His Word?

    “Come near to God and he will come near to you…”—James 4:7-8.

  • Help is only a prayer away

    Sometimes it’s about admitting our inability to shoulder the burden alone. There will be times of troubles, trials, and temptations. We’ll be disappointed and distressed as we walk this journey called life. Maybe you’re plagued with an ongoing health issue, or a child you love dearly tests every fiber of being in your body. For some, Satan is trying any way possible to place a wedge between you and your spouse.           image002 (Copy)

    The question is not if fears and trials come, but when. When these afflictions plague us, know that there is a place to run to for help, a strong tower to shoulder our weak frame.

    God’s comforting words appear many times in the Bible, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” When God says something, He means it. He is there right alongside us as we go through deep waters. I may not see Him physically, but faith tells me that He’s there regardless of my limited sight.

    • Whom do you seek in times of trouble?
    • When have you felt the mighty hand of God?
    • Can you name your fear(s) and willingly offer them up releasing them to a compassionate God?

    We’re offered solace and refuge in Isaiah 41:10/NLT, “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.”

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  • Steady as she goes

    Bad news comes in all shapes and forms. It could be: a car breakdown, loss of job or hours at work, strained relationship, death of a loved one, inability to become pregnant, health issues, or a rebellious/wayward child. Regardless of the bad news content, we do not welcome it’s intrusion into our busy, pre-planned lives.    image001 (Copy)

    Life was going so well, but then _______ or _______ happened! When life seems to go swimmingly along, I tend to revert to “neutral/coast” mode. Yet when life throws me a curve, insignificant details don’t seem to matter all of a sudden. Then I’m all about seeking wisdom or a cure. Daily mundane tasks are put on hold. I may cry out to God, Why me? Why now? I tend to search out Scripture for comfort. Or, humble myself and ask others for prayer support.

    I looked up the definition of the word ‘steadfast.’ You don’t hear the word used much these days. Here’s what I found:

    Fixed in direction, steadily directed, firm in purpose, resolution, faith, unwavering, firmly established, firmly fixed in place or position.

    What I hear the psalmist saying is that I must keep my heart firmly fixed on God. To be steady in my direction and purpose. Do not waver on my convictions. Stand firmly planted on what I believe and in Whom I believe.

    •  Where do you go when you hear bad news?
    • How steadfast is your heart?

    “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord”—Psalm 112:7.

  • Come along with me to the Ocean!

    Dabble your fingertips
    Through textured sand
    Close your eyes
    Touch the shells & coral   Sand and shells (Copy)

    Dream of majestic birds in flight
    Brilliant sun kisses cheek & forehead
    Imagine a breeze off the ocean
    Count the rhythmic waves

    God’s creation speaks volumes
    If I only stop & allow
    His message to permeate
    Mind, Body, and Soul

    “Be still and know that I am God”—Psalm 46:10

     

     

  • Happy Valentine’s Day !!

    image001 (Copy)

  • Mind Renewal

    “A renewed mind is Presence-focused. Train your mind to seek Me in every moment, every situation!” (Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young)

    From the moment I open my eyes this morning; You granted me another day on earth. I hear the furnace pop on and my room becomes toasty warm. You are present.

    I see Your written words when I turn on a switch. Light illumines the page. Words of comfort and affirmation waken my soul. I don’t see You, but my being knows You are orchestrating my day.

    “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always,”—Psalm 105:4.

    It’s not always easy to seek God’s face. It’s not necessarily a natural response, but a learned one. Every time I seek after God and His wisdom and ways, I am rewarded. Blessings come. Some I recognize; others I breeze past.

    How about you … how do you seek God’s face?

     ***** 

  • I am with you always

    Welcome banner in snowdrift (Copy)

    Are you dealing with a tough decision today? Know that the God of all ages sees, hears, and knows your every struggle.

    He knows when you’re happy, sad, glad, or angry. God longs for you to tell Him your doubts and to share your pain. Confide in Him, my friend. You won’t regret it.

    “And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”—Matthew 28:20.

     

  • God is with me & God is for me

    snow atop table and chairs (Copy)

    Regardless of how I feel today or yesterday, God is on the sidelines cheering me along. Even though I might not sense it. Even though I don’t see Him or His work. He is there! God’s word declares it, so I believe it!

    My body may be weak and my mind not so quick, but God knows my every ache. He knows my every thought and feeling. He longs to comfort and tell me that it will be all right. This too shall pass.

    I must slow down my pace to equal His perfect timing. His timing may not be mine. Prayerfully and slowly I must give space to God’s leading in my day and in my life. His ways are just. His ways are perfect. My ways are often the exact opposite.

    Even though the day is very cold and dreary, God watches over all. There is no bright light in the sky to uplift my spirits. Yet, He knows my heart yearns for sand and sun. I do know that He can be my all sufficiency if I allow Him free reign and control.

    Dear God, I confess I am not fully satisfied. Circumstances and certain people in my life cause me to be confused and sometimes unhappy. Help me to be content in my circumstances and in the people you have put into my life. Only You can show me joy in this journey. With You leading the way, I know my journey is not in vain. With You, nothing is wasted. You use every situation as an opportunity to praise Your Name and give You the glory. I long to be that person who will do just that for You. You’ve done so much for me. Thank you. Amen.  

    • Do you long for something different? To be somewhere else? Where/what might that look like?
    • Feeling like there should be much more to life than what you see and feel right now? What exactly has you troubled and stuck in neutral?
    • Will you stay close to God and be open to His love and leading? How will you do this?

    “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?”—Romans 8:31.