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

 What a wonderful few days spent with my daughter and youngest grandchild!  I am so grateful for these amazing visits!!  I think I've finally figured out how to get my tree up to stay without our cat and kitten "bringing down the house" so those preparations will be finished over the weekend.

I know this can be an incredibly stressful, emotional time of year and I just want to remind you that today you woke up for a reason and with the power to make (or break) another's day with your smile, kind words and little act of kindness.  Love well today and every day and you'll be happier for it!

Blessings upon you!!

Good News

 "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15

 

Amidst the turmoil of our times, when people turn on one another rather than working together toward a common goal, it is wonderful to hear good news.  Today, I was blessed to hear such news....to know that a friend is a friend indeed.  How wonderful to make another feel as grand as I today.  I would love to be that bearer of good news for another.  I'm going to look for new ways to share good news every day!

 

Let's seek to have "beautiful feet."

Faith Filled Friday!

Often of late, I've been in need of wisdom - for words, actions and direction. I know it is promised when we seek the Lord, but when referring to this promise, we are also called to have faith and do not doubt.

5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:5-8

The words of a wise man speaking on faith came to mind. He asked - what is the first thing you do when you walk into a dark room? We all answered pretty much in unison that it is to switch on the light so that you can see where you are going. He then showed us the faith we initiate when reaching for the switch and our expectation that the room will be illuminated. Certainly, we do exhibit faith every time we reach for a light switch. In fact, we are surprised if the light does not come on. It is with the same expectation that we should go before the throne with our request for wisdom...with the assurance that God will answer our prayer. Further, we should actually feel the relief as we know His answer is coming and He will reveal the way and illuminate our path. Certainly, God is not a switch to be turned or manipulated, but rather we should hold the faith we do when turning on a light switch in the One who Is and Was and Will be - the Alpha and Omega. He is so much more trustworthy than what we see with our eyes before us.

I hope today holds much light, wisdom and faith for you.

Please don't forget to sign in to the blog - I will be adding more soon. Meanwhile also enjoy this offering from the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdO2cRXVHII. Carol Cymbala wrote this song at one of her darkest hours - not knowing what was to come, but knowing her history with God

It's Thankful Thursday!

I'm meeting the day with an attitude of gratitude! How about you?

In 1904 Civilla Martin went to visit the Doolittles of Elmyra, New York. Mr Doolittle was confined to a wheelchair and ran a successful business that supported he and his bed-ridden wife. Mrs Martin was amazed at the joyful spirit of this dynamic couple and asked if they ever got discouraged. The response from Mrs. Doolittle (who had been bedbound for 20 years) amazed her. “Mrs. Martin, how can I be discouraged when my heavenly Father watches over each little sparrow and I know He loves and cares for me.”

Matthew 10:29-31 came to mind, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father in heaven. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than sparrows”.

The Doolittles' attitude, joy and love in the midst of their circumstances inspired Mrs. Martin to write the hymn "His Eye is On The Sparrow." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7Pk5YMkEcg&feature=related

......And I know He watches me. I hope you, too find inspiration from the Doolittles as you face your own condition today. May your day be blessed and you know His perfect rest as you take comfort in the fact that His eye is on the sparrow and indeed, He watches over you.

I've included the words below and would love to hear how He's working in your life. You can comment below. Why should I feel discouraged, Why should the shadows come?

Why should my heart be lonely and long for Heav’n and home,

When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,

And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;

Tho’ by the path He leadeth but one step I may see;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, Whenever clouds arise,

When songs give place to sighing, When hope within me dies.

I draw the closer to Him; From care He sets me free;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain:

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,

For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

 Ever feel like you're being watched?  Ha ha ha.  Well, this guy, our 6 year old ragdoll cat does a lot of watching and even whining!  Yep, you read that right - whining.  He actually has a quiet "muew" and has been known to head but a closed door to be near us.  However, when it comes time for me to do my chores, he seems to just hang out and watch, which is what he was doing here..

I am grateful for our bundles of fur, though.  When I'm able to a take a moment and sit quietly, I can always count on the company of one of them - no judgments, just the desire to be petted and near.  Isn't that what we all want, though: to be known, acknowledged and near?  I am so grateful that there is One who knows me, loves me and will never leave me and I can be content in that.  "...be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

It's Thirsty Thursday!

The clouds are rolling in and I am hoping for a big, beautiful thunderstorm!  We need the water here and I just love the way the clouds form in the sky.  For some reason it's always fascinated me.  I am so grateful that I am able to enjoy fresh water throughout my day: I rise to drink a glass of water, shower and refresh, use water in preparation for my meals and then get to drink it throughout the day providing hydration to my cells for better health.  This is something I don't take for granted.  What are you thankful for today?