What will your legacy be?

Recently I received word of the passing of two ladies who had each seen over 7 decades of life here on earth.  One lived a life that poured forth love, compassion, gratitude, and joy no matter what she faced in life.  People poured in upon news of her illness and she had constant companionship, whether aware or not.  The love she'd shown each person with whom she'd come in contact was as a Stone dropped into a pond where it's impact sent wave upon wave ever expanding and reaching those who would never meet her, but benefited from the love of God she allowed to overflow from her heart toward others.  Her legacy remains, she is missed, but those who knew her are even more vigilant to pay it forward.

The other woman lived a life wherein she "told it like it was" through her eyes, when a friend or family member was absent there were sure to be unkind words or judgments, and she was clear about who she liked and did not.  She had several children, though nearby, not frequent visitors as she'd worked her "magic" on their spouses and children as well.  Her unkindness was legendary.  Visitors had trickled down to an obligated few.  Her legacy.  

I am grateful for the opportunity to have known each of the women.  I learned from both; inspired by one and through necessity with the other.  I offer these verses as they came to me so clearly. 

" ¹ If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body ^[a]to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, ⁵ does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, ⁶ does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; ^7 [b]bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  ⁸ Love never fails..." (1 Corinthians 13: 1-8a)

 

God bless you as you step forward, continuing your own legacy creation.

 

 Recently, I was reminded of an event I was part of.  There were a few new folks and the leader was amazed at the particularly energetic response he was receiving from some of them.  He thought it unusual until half-way through the event the passenger (and relative) of one of the new members came to him and thanked him for inviting the driver.  She explained that he’d just lost his wife and he’d been rather lost, but being welcomed to the group had made him happier than she had seen him since his wife’s death.  She was so grateful. The leader's natural welcoming nature created a club of welcoming individuals, who were in turn welcoming and friendly. 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

While this scripture may not have been in the mind of the leader, it was certainly exemplified as he welcomed, introduced, and encouraged others to get to know this new friend without any knowledge of the pain he was in.  A simple act of kindness with sincerity can mean more to another than we could know.

Enjoy this week – and love without ceasing so that you aren’t even aware that it has just become a natural outpouring blessing others along the way.

The last few days I was reminded that there are no guarantees as to the length of our time here. It was a great wake-up call to me to live with great life, zest and joy in such a way as to leave all of those who come in contact with me a bit of the same. If I were not to see them again, I would want to have my “house in order” so to speak. I would want them to know that I loved them, prayed for them and respected them.

My challenge is to end each day with a sigh of delight in a job well done…not just my vocation, but in the relationships in my life. I want my legacy to be reflective of someone who loved greatly and openly, and who lived invitingly.

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

I hope people know that I do, indeed, thank my God each day. Let’s go out there and spread the light…shine brightly and boldly so that others will know they have been touched by THE LIGHT and enjoy life more because of it.

 In response to all He has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good.   Hebrews 10:24 (TLB)

 

Today we all rest warmly knowing we have a home to return to tonight along with a bounty of blessings that are beyond the imagination some in our country and world less fortunate.  So today – whether your wealth is defined by joy, love, family, the material or the eternal.  Live out your gratitude ON PURPOSE.  How??  Here are some ideas to outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good.

 

It costs no more than a moment and a smile in your heart to: hold the door open for someone struggling with packages or groceries, or to allow someone with a few items to go ahead of you in the grocery store or a few more moments to help your neighbor with a little yard work.  Is there a neighbor you haven't seen out in a while ...wouldn't a kind card and a "how are you?" bless them?  You don't even have to identify who you are.

 

ON PURPOSE - Let's outdo one another showing love and compassion toward each other and others.

 

 It never ceases to amaze me how time flies…and we forget it’s preciousness until it has passed.  We get lost in the mundane, the hurriedness of daily life and forget the important.  It’s days where sleep passed too quickly the night before that I find myself putting on bright colors, requiring a smile of myself and looking again at what important, fun and even motivating thing I will do today to make it count – to live it ON PURPOSE.

 

⁵"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:54

 

May today hold new adventures, new plans, new life and at least one step toward creating a legacy from a life lived ON PURPOSE.

 

It can all start with a SMILE.

Regard each other with brotherly love

 

Sadly, each day's headlines seem to bring new levels of human misdeeds - crises in conscience and morality across the board.  But, my friend, do not be discouraged for there is hope and you don't have to wait for the "light at the end of the tunnel," you can take courage today with gratitude and thanksgiving for a new era that starts today.  You may not see it on a large scale at first, but the truth is....He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

 

Isn't that amazing?  No matter where you are today...He's not finished with you yet, and you are still on your way to coming into your own.  So fret not - continue with each baby step toward the dream that keeps you awake at night - the success of your heart.  And above all...Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor...Romans 12:10   Help another to see their potential, to realize that they, too are a work in progress.

 

Gratitude Attitude Today

 

How many times do you catch yourself saying "I wish" I could do this or this problem would go away? While wishing upon a star seemed like a great idea as a youngster and I still make a wish upon a falling star, there is one place where we CAN place our trust and hopes. I have always found it in one of my favorite verses:

Be anxious for nothing, but in all things through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6

 

:There have been times when - with all of my heart - I thanked God for provision that was needed, but I knew He would provide (there have also been those times where it was more of a challenge and I would say to God - You say this and now I am believing you for it). Each time when the provision came, my hope was renewed and my faith increased. Is there some situation in your life today that you would like to see change? Well - I suggest you roll up your shirt sleeves for your part and trust fully in God for the rest. You take that first step in faith and He will carry you the rest of the way - if you let Him.

Now have a great day!

When I look back in my journals from time to time and read what was happening at the time, knowing now how God worked in-through-about it, I am filled with faith, joy and wonder.  If you're looking for a journal.  Here are some inexpensive ones: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gr8ful+girl&i=stripbooks&crid=2P81U22ZT9I6P&sprefix=gr8ful+girl%2Cstripbooks%2C116&ref=nb_sb_noss  

 

http://gratitudeattitudetoday.blogspot.com/

This is so true!  You can have a great day or a bad day - you decide.  When you get out of bed, do you dread the day or do you start with a grateful - "Thank you for this day, Lord?"  It sets the tone.  If you start your day with the news and reports of crime, war and fear, it can affect the rest of  your day.  Did you know that being a "news junkie" can actually affect your personality and mental well-being?  That's why we're instructed to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy in Philippians 4:8.  I journal every day and can look back at how God answered prayer and how I've grown in faith and life.  If you're looking for a journal, here's a simple 6x9 100 page journal that reminds you that you are a bright and shining star!  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09VFNDJ29/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 

 I "quit the news" several years ago and only seek news that states the facts, not someone's opinion of events, when I do catch the news - and I limit it to 5-15 minutes a day.  It will not be the focus of my day.  I will live in gratitude and faith.  How do you get through these turbulent times?

 Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day!  You'll see it if you look.

One of my daughter's names her pets by how fun it would be to call or correct them.  How hilarious is it to say  in a serious tone to a cat, "Larry, what are you doing?"  Her theory is that your pets should make you smile and when you call them or need to correct them and it tickles you to say their name, you are moved to a smile and kind correction.  I adopted her theory when we named Lucy (seen above and named for Lucille Ball and her crazy antics on "I Love Lucy")  She bends and moves in ways I've never seen a cat move.  She will also reach out with a paw to grab your ankle if you've not shown her enough attention as you walk by. She wants to be part of everything.  While it can be annoying to have your cat try to share the phone with you during a phone call, it can also make you smile to know you're loved and lucky.  Enjoy your day!  
 

 Offered as a prayer -  

Give us true ambition—ambition to find our greatness in serving others, and the ambition to put into life more than we take out.

— William Barclay

My parents always said as we hiked, visited parks or most anywhere to always leave a place better than we found it…. Often this found us picking up trash left by less careful trekkers, but we saw it not only as a duty, but a delight to make the area more beautiful.  

 

In this “true ambition” we are to understand that it really is the only eternal thing we have to offer this world – and as believers – we are not home, but only here for a short while until we go home to be with our Heavenly Father.  I believe we are to "leave this place in better shape than we found it."  Hopefully - at least in our "neck of the woods," we will leave it more beautiful - marked by greater faith, hope and love because of how we have walked in faith, shared our hope and lived out our love.

 

"In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."

— John 14:2

I’m so grateful God is in control and preparing our way.  Now go out and change your world!  You can do it – one smile, act of kindness, or
conversation at a time.  ENJOY!

Say My Name

 Recently I received an email of children's definitions of love.  This one stuck out to me. 

 

'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.  
 You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'  Billy - age 4

Wouldn't it be great if we became known as those with whom your name is safe; that in the midst of this world we were able to convey scripture by living it out? 

But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief. (Job 16:5)

 

Would those that know you say their name is safe in your mouth?

 

Today - encourage and let the love of the Lord flow through you.

 

 

Good morning!

How I love the water!  This photo I took at the pahranagat national wildlife refuge.  There was more water again at my last passing and how I love to see the blue and green in the midst of the desert.  Just as the levels of water there ebb and flow, so does the day to day and I am so very grateful for so many blessings in my life; parents still here and married in their 80's, kids and grandkids who've all had and successfully conquered the CoV, and so much more.  So, a peaceful view and settled soul is wonderful!  I revel in moments of quiet - they are soothing to my soul.  So today with gratitude - even in the midst of the busyness - I will be still and know that God is with me and directing my steps as I allow and seek after Him.

Where is your place of peace and quiet?  I'd love to know.

 Wow!!  It's a new year and a new day!!  Every day we have the opportunity to make something new, grand, healthier and happier.  Instead of reacting to others who may be walking in a stupor of stress during this time which may include "going on" after the loss or during the hospitalization of a loved one, loss of a job or fear of their business closing, we can try to be kind and share love.  It's simple, really.  A smile alone can do wonders when directed to someone.

According to Walden U., smiling increases mood-enhancing hormones while decreasing stress-enhancing hormones, including cortisol, and adrenaline. It also reduces overall blood pressure. And because you typically smile when you're happy, the muscles used trigger your brain to produce more endorphins—the chemical that relieves pain and stress.  Imagine what the world would be like if we all smiled more - and others will if we show them how.  You actually can help someone to better health today - just by sharing a smile. Be the example.

Consider today - whether a "good" or "bad" day - it can all change in a moment - with a smile.  If you're having a rough time by nightfall, remember...The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23