Live Wide Open

When people behave in a way that we do not understand, we are quick to put up our defenses or to look upon them with mistrust and fear (often masked by anger). Truly, this does not serve us.

1 Corinthians 13 is commonly referred to as the “love chapter” and verses 4 through 8a encourage us to/defines love as follows: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.


The best way to live according to psychologists and John 17 is wide open… let your truth be known and live it out loud. If someone calls into question who you are… talk it out. Often we hit a bump in a friendship or other relationship and assume we know motives, intentions and even feelings based upon our own reactions/actions in the same situation. We fail to remember that everyone is stuck with living their own truth, scars, wounds, bandages and that ever delightful baggage and all.

So what do we do with friends/loved ones when they behave in a way we don’t understand? According to 1st Corinthians, we are patient and kind – not easily angered – and we trust, hope and persevere…and ask. Keep the doors of communication open. We are meant to share each others burdens which brings all that much more joy when there are rejoices to delight in…… so today –

Live wide open, big, bright and beautiful – sharing, spreading, realizing and experiencing love.

New day – New spark in the eyes!

We are ambassadors

Every day is filled with miracles – whether it’s the miracle of life; or a sun rising at the perfect distance from our earth to shed light that empowers every living thing yet does not consume it; or a sky of colors you just can’t find in a crayon box; or the smile and embrace of a loved one; or even the near misses and right-ons of life – we are blessed with miracles in abundance.

It is a new day…. There are opportunities around every corner to meet new challenges with grace and confidence ON PURPOSE. The miracle may be that someone does not respond the way you anticipated, but surprise you pleasantly. You see, we all have the opportunity to grow/improve – spiritually, mentally, emotionally and even physically.

Let’s give each other the benefit of the doubt and always always look for the best light possible in one another…… remember, let them catch you smiling – not just your mouth… but your whole being…. Let those eyes twinkle and spread the light today for we are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.... (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Leap in Faith and Life

Today I am grateful for all that I have and the time (unknown) that I have left to enjoy.

Our days are numbered but none of us knows that number. So today – I choose to give it all I’ve got…. To shine bright, dream big and be honest in kindness and love.

I grew up in a family that camped on vacation. Those times provided me with memories, lessons and times that were very dear to me and have served me well throughout my life. My sister and I had a habit of running ahead on the trails to find the next new and exciting sight to behold, whether it was a babbling brook, a banana slug, or a cool big rock to climb and sit upon. Every moment held excitement and that bottled up energy inside so full of life. Every once in a while, however, I would have the great “luck” to have a snake meander across the path separating me from the rest. (I’m not so much into snakes.) One time a train was coming – my family had said – just jump over it – but I had visions of the snake jumping up and biting me as I jumped across… so I froze. My father came and I jumped toward him as he held his hand out to me.

There has always been safety in my father’s grasp or embrace. As times come that loom in front of us as “a snake” we must remember that our Heavenly Father’s grasp is there. His hand extended – His arms open saying – “jump, I’ll catch you.” In that leap of faith – we are free to live – to dream – to love all of those around us just as we are called to do in this life.
"yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God," Romans 4:20
So today, full of faith – jump, leap and run arms wide open into life and live this new day – running ahead, smiling, giggling, looking for the new and exciting sights along the way.

Awaken & Live in the Midst of the Storm

Lately the skies have been filling with clouds and sometimes yield amazing light shows, sunsets or just a sticky day. I must admit, I am often looking forward to the prospect of an amazing lightning display and accompanying thunder. I have always found the storms exciting, and if you will excuse the pun, electrifying. I am mesmerized and somewhat comforted as I strain to hear the voice of our Creator in the storm. "Under the whole heaven He lets it loose, And His lightning to the ends of the earth. 4"After it, a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, And He does not restrain the lightnings when His voice is heard. 5"God thunders with His voice wondrously, Doing great things which we cannot comprehend. Job 37:3-5I love to stand in the midst of the blowing winds and pelting rain filled with wonder and wearing a smile. Washed over by the rain - refreshed and renewed - awakened by the lightning and thunder. It is awesome!We have the opportunity to do that everyday - as the clouds of sour economic news, unexpected health, job or marriage woes - we can smile take comfort in God's voice and even be renewed...we can stand in the belief that great works are at hand which we cannot comprehend. With calamity all around, his health failing and misery at every door, Job held fast to his belief in Almighty God and His promises. He is faithful. As the storms rage in our lives, His voice can be heard above the din, it is but ours to awaken and know that it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)I I see thunderheads building in the distance.....awaken and live!

To be known

Familiar sites for me – along Lake Tahoe. They make me smile and it’s almost as though I can feel the sun shining on my face – the cool mountain air dislodging my hair enough to cool my neck. Familiarity rests within our heart and is brought to the forefront when we see, hear, touch or smell something from our past or the joy of our heart in the present.


For me – my present is wonderful – a place where I love and am loved – my cup runneth over. When I view these familiar sites I am welled up to overflowing as they blend with my state of being.

To know and be known – to love and be loved – are the greatest cries of our heart. And now these three remain – faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Love is what makes “chores” into blessings to another. Love is why we hold onto someone dear shivering with fever with no regard for our own health. Love is what gets us up out of a comfy embrace to fetch a glass of juice or water for another…to do the mundane so that someone does not have to. It is love that never fails.

So in this new day … eyes twinkling bright with the love that fills your being - let it shine. Speak to another with a smile and let them feel familiar… loved.

I am so grateful for this new day.

Reach out in the midst of the clouds...

Today the sky is gray and the temptation to withdraw to a sofa and old movies might be so strong – we actually go there in our mind and block out (not so much intentionally) all that is around us while completing the “have to do”s. We are much like the child hiding behind their hands certain they have become invisible to those around them in the covering of their face……… Sorry – but we are see, found out, and can even be interpreted as being rude if our daze is so absorbing that we neglect those around us.

It’s a new day – and we don’t know exactly how many we have left, so we’d better make the most of this one.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 -
My challenge to you – reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while and make sure they know they’re on your mind, that you care and that your life has been richer for their part in it.

So put on a smile – open your eyes (don’t forget to let them twinkle) – and go out to brighten your world.
I’m grateful you’re there!

Stand Tall and Lift Others with you

You can stand tall without standing on someone.
You can be a victor without having victims.
-Harriet Woods
This sentiment appears on the signature block of a friend of mine and I’ve always loved it. If we are lifting others (each other) up then there are no victims… we are all victors in rising. For when we lift another – our hands are raised skyward acknowledging our “smallness,” and at the same time our strength in the lifting. And sometimes, we have to allow others to lift us.Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
A smile sent our way should never go unanswered – it should always be a dual blessing – though we should never expect its return to us. Some things naturally return to us in kind or in multitude simply because we’ve been the first to offer it. The shy and uncertain need to be bolstered by the light of your eye, acknowledgement and dawn of a bright smile.
I try to put this to practice – even with strangers – if someone looks lovely in something – why not say so? In the withholding, we’ve withheld love and kindness. I believe these things dawn on us because we are meant to share them. Even the man or woman who appears to have it all together may only be holding on by a thread. So lift high your beautiful smile, kind words and your neighbor today. Enjoy!

I see you shine!

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” Philippians 13:4
What privilege and joy it brings to my heart each time I think of YOU. I am often gulping back tears when I see you – where you’ve been – what God has done in your life. You bless me! Your spirit shines brighter than you know, and while we are hasty to see and catalogue all of our misdeeds, ills, faults and past – we miss that we could shine brighter, love more, and still realize the dreams and visions God has given us if we let those things slough off of us as old skin – retain the lesson, but lose the “yuck.”
It was shared with me once by a wonderful pastor friend that wounds of heart and soul heal. Sure, they are there.. but one day… they hurt less, then a while later they don’t hurt anymore, but the scar is still there. We’ll remember the lesson because of the scar… but it no longer carries its pain and we can move on – loving better – into the world who has seen the wound and now your joy in moving on… and I always see a beaming, beautiful person emerging from the trial…. And I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.
Have a terrific day! Let your light shine bright!

Vision faith and Courage

Success requires the vision to see, the faith to believe and the courage to do.
Often we look at ourselves and say…it’s too late, I’m too old, too young, etc.. Today, though, I ask you again to dream… to dare to allow the vision that you push away to wash over you. See it clearly. Embrace it. Hang on to it and believe. And right now… today… take one step toward it.
You will have exhibited belief and courage; not only in yourself, but in mankind. You don’t know who’s watching you and may be inspired to allow their own dream and vision for their life to flourish, take flight and carry them right along with it.
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men [and women] of courage; be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13
How amazing that we live in a country where – because the Bible was the root of our founding father’s design – we have the freedom to “fly”, to “be”… to dream and ACT ON IT.
NOW GO DO IT!!!! And have a lot of fun along the way.

Continue to Dream

Thought this would be a good time to remind you – At every crossroad – continue to follow your dream. Whether it’s hot, cold, muggy or mild outside – the dream you hold within should be sparkling in your eyes and give your face that beautiful countenance of light with a dash of joy as though you hold inside something just bursting at the seams to come out.

As we look to our friends – the spark can start a fire within them as well… and even to those with whom we come in contact.

Philippians 1:6 confirms this, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

So close your eyes for a moment – FEEL what it would feel like to have achieved your dream just now – let it well up inside of you – now go forward with your day, grateful for the achievement and taking one step closer to its fulfillment.

How to help others

Charles Swindoll said “There is no more significant involvement in another’s life than prevailing, consistent prayer. It is more helpful than a gift of money, more encouraging than a strong sermon, more effective than a compliment, more reassuring than a physical embrace.”

How many times do we look at a day ahead or a circumstance and try to “figure out” how we are going to make it work. Imagine me – a creation – thinking I can even see all of the opportunities, tools, etc. available to me…. When all along the Creator Himself has told us – you have not because you ask not. He makes all things work together for good for those who love Him. That’s ALL things. So while prayer is not tangible, it’s the most awesome way we can contribute to another’s well being. God in His amazing love, power and kingdom has ALL – THAT’S EVERYTHING at His fingertips and His plans are far greater for us than we perceive or can dare to dream.

So – open your heart, mind and soul. Close your eyes for a moment and remember your dream. Now – lay it at His feet…. And watch with wonder as He honors each step in faith as you walk toward the dream He has given you.

Blessings upon blessings to you today… and pray!

Where is your focus?

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.by Eleanor Roosevelt

How beautiful and true. We attract into our lives those things that we dwell upon. If our thoughts and energy is devoted to regret for action not taken, a road not traveled or the beating up of ourselves for that, then we dwell in a quagmire- stagnant and limiting as though quick sand pulling us under. If, however, we dwell on the future with joy and a dream before our eyes… we draw that to ourselves or conversely ourselves to the dream.

The Bible tells us “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Thinking otherwise does not prosper us. So today – I am grateful that I have a choice – and I choose to dream and to dwell on “such things.”

Finding Your Way

You may remember a couple of years ago a news story where two humpback whales (a mother and her calf) had lost their way. They came up the Sacramento River and far enough inland to have been spotted in West Sacramento at the Port. The water on their journey would have gone from wonderful ocean water – clean and beautiful to fresh water. Options would narrow along the way with the water becoming more and more murky and a deep channel being their only avenue narrowing the further inland it goes.
I think sometimes we are like the poor humpbacks who lost their way. We get our mind set (rightfully or otherwise) on a track and follow it – not noticing that the waters around us are being filled with the pollution of self-doubt, fear and worry until we no longer see the light.
Rescue crews were deployed for the whales to get them turned around; but it is not so with us. An observer might say “what in the world?” about our odd behavior, demeanor or mood, but alas, unlike the whales there is no rescue in sight.
There is one, however, Who knows our inmost being, Who is the lover of our soul – thankfully, He is also the Creator of the Universe and He can take the murk we’ve floundered into, lift our heads and continue His work in us.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
So, today, if you’re feeling inadequate, unable to see above the mud and mire – simply call His name and remember – He’s still working on you and you’re worth it!

free indeed

William Penn wrote, “There can be no friendship when there is no freedom. Friendship loves the free air, and will not be fenced up in straight and narrow enclosures.”

Each aspect of our freedoms in this world have come with pain and suffering of one on behalf of another. Jesus died a horrible death – conquered death and rose - that we may be free, many lost their lives escaping from terrible tyranny and the inability to worship God and pray as their heart called in the trips and trials to America. The civil war was truly about the fact that no one should be enslaved to another as “all men are created equal under God.”

Those that would rob u s of freedom continue to fight for their own way… yet in the place of the heart, I’ve recently learned within my own struggle… that it loves best when truly free. Stars return to our eyes when we allow, assist, encourage and even love enough to set flying those whom our hearts hold dearest. And while we may fear the launch… the open hand… the sending….it is only in freedom that we can remain friends and lay fertile ground for love to continue it’s flight.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 (NIV)
Loving well says, “I want the best for you no matter what.” So today- along with loving the heroes who’ve brought our phy sical, educational, and spiritual freedom to this place, I encourage you to look again toward your dearest loved ones with stars in your eyes and allow their flight to the greatest heights they can achieve as we cheer along the way, understanding we truly hold no one…. Yet God holds on to us.

You’ll find in the “release to soar” that you feel refreshed and liberated from grasp as well – for the Son has set you free – Enjoy being free indeed.

Free Indeed

William Penn wrote, “There can be no friendship when there is no freedom. Friendship loves the free air, and will not be fenced up in straight and narrow enclosures.”

Each aspect of our freedoms in this world have come with pain and suffering of one on behalf of another. Jesus died a horrible death – conquered death and rose - that we may be free, many lost their lives escaping from terrible tyranny and the inability to worship God and pray as their heart called in the trips and trials to America. The civil war was truly about the fact that no one should be enslaved to another as “all men are created equal under God.”

Those that would rob us of freedom continue to fight for their own way… yet in the place of the heart, I’ve recently learned within my own struggle… that it loves best when truly free. Stars return to our eyes when we allow, assist, encourage and even love enough to set flying those whom our hearts hold dearest. And while we may fear the launch… the open hand… the sending….it is only in freedom that we can remain friends and lay fertile ground for love to continue it’s flight.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 (NIV)
Loving well says, “I want the best for you no matter what.” So today- along with loving the heroes who’ve brought our physical, educational, and spiritual freedom to this place, I encourage you to look again toward your dearest loved ones with stars in your eyes and allow their flight to the greatest heights they can achieve as we cheer along the way, understanding we truly hold no one…. Yet God holds on to us.

You’ll find in the “release to soar” that you feel refreshed and liberated from grasp as well – for the Son has set you free – Enjoy being free indeed.

July 9, 2009 Attitude of Gratitude

Not long ago I had chance to speak to a lady who was to be leaving on a cruise the following. As we spoke she indicated to me that this was a trip she and her husband had planned to take, but, alas, he died two months after a cancer diagnosis several month ago and so now her daughters would be accompanying her. She continued to say that they had been married for 53 years at his passing. You could see in her eyes that she was looking to another place and time as she lamented, “where did the time go? We had 14 years of retirement together. But, my time has just flown by. Where did the time go?”

Today, my friends, is again, a new day. We have the opportunity to make this day different from the rest… a new day to work on how we will be remembered. Are we living our lives in such a way as to make each day count? Are we living “on purpose?” I aim to. I want anyone who knows me to be able to smile, even chuckle, when they remember me…. as a character, an encourager, friend and lover of life and those within it.

So today is my opportunity to smile – and no matter what the day brings – make it count – ON PURPOSE.

You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in Your providence watched over my spirit. Job 10:12 NIV

Today - let's show kindness, laughter and the light of love that comes from our Creator – remember that a smile can change your whole day – and someone else’s at the same time.

I see your sparkle.