Dress Up no matter what you're wearing :-)

Okay – take a deep breath. We’re almost there……

It’s Thursday!!!!

I was sooooo pleasantly surprised yesterday to get home and walk into the cool evening air. The light breeze added to my pleasure. Our pets welcomed me and I began working on those things “around the house” that needed to be completed. I’m smiling still from the wonderful evening that followed. So, today I “dressed up.” The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.
Man looks at outward appearance,
But the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7


How lovely that the smile dresses us both outwardly and inwardly. That one little action seems to cause a “smile inside” AND immediately improves our own mood…… I’m so glad, though, that God sees my heart and its desires and longings… and joy in each day – as well as those things that make you go “ugh.”


For today – let’s smile and improve not only our appearance, but those around us. I understand it’s catching. Have a great day!

Your Passion... your legacy

I recently read, I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something, and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. I was so inspired by it, particularly because of who the author was. She was left deaf and blind at 19 months as a result of a childhood illness, yet became one of the most thoughtful, poignant authors. Her name, Helen Keller. While she inspires me, I am also a bit ashamed. She touched so many lives, never seemed to feel sorry for herself or wallow in self-pity, though none of us would have blamed her if she had.

I am lead back to the question, "what will my legacy be?" What have I done that is noteworthy or inspiring? Or more importantly, perhaps, what am I supposed to be doing? I have come to believe that God puts desires in our heart and repeats them, kind of like "knock knock knock, I'm trying to tell you something.” I’ve found He speaks to me in my heart when I become excited and animated about something – my passion. I know what mine is; do you know yours, or has it become lost in the necessities of budget and responsibility? Take some time today – even 10 minutes and ask God to bring to your mind those things that make you feel exhilarated - – to remind you of your passion.

May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

As you are reminded of your passion, share it with a trusted someone who will support and encourage you to follow it every day....even one step closer. And as you feel comfortable, please share with us. You can sign into the blog for that purpose. I look forward to reading your passions and what actions you are taking to follow them.

Success, vision, faith & Courage - TODAY

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.

Let your joy be complete

Wow!! The last few weeks have held so much...great time with friends and family, hard ships and world events that have caused deep introspection - grief mixed with the inspiration to live each day full of grace and joy. The key to that joy is found in love - "If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:10-12)

It sounds easy enough, doesn't it? Love one another. Love one another - not just in the good times when all is going well, but also in the difficult times when we fail to understand one another and need to extend grace and trust ... in love. Love even when we don't perceive another to be lovable. Love can be "holding your tongue" when another attacks. It may be "being still" while you wait upon another who seems a bit out of sorts. It may be in doing the mundane - washing dishes, cleaning, laundry, even picking up stray garbage that has blown in front of your neighbor's home. Today I encourage you to look for a way to show love to another...that your joy may be complete.