Let your inward beauty flow forth

What a beautiful (albeit chilly) day! Let your light shine brightly within it!

What a great day to count blessings! In so doing, allow the gratitude to build from within and well up in you as a beautiful fountain spilling forth upon all you come in contact with. You can't help but overflow.

Think of one thing you could do today to beautify your spirit. Be creative..be kind in a way that no one expects to another.

Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit that is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:4

That inward beauty will show and you'll have a whole new glow about you.....Smile, my friends, Smile!!!

In times of Change - Be Still and Know....

Change seems all around me these days and for several months. It's no use "waiting it out" for stabilization...I've been "on hold" in some ways and it's time to get on with living this day with all that it holds - even if on wobbly ground. As the change swirls around me I close my eyes and when I am listening, really listening, I hear that still small voice that says to me...."Be still, and know that I am God; …." (Psalm 46:10)

Another version says – “cease your striving and know that I am God;”

I love to hear that whisper to my heart, my very spirit. I am grateful for that promise today… and I am still in wonder at the beauty, the majesty of our earth and that the Almighty Creator of all of the Universe takes time to speak to me from a love that we can’t come close to imagining, but He calls us to accept. It is truly a miracle that in my infinitesimal being – He speaks to me, loves me and even knows my name. Miracle of miracles – He came here to save us… and I stand in awe – grateful, amazed, blessed and embraced.

Do it for Mikey

Last week and the onset of this have been difficult. Thankfully, I was blessed to recieve the following scripture from a friend and determined that I would make this my focus:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:12–13

Sadly, I report my week got worse with the news that a loved one had passed away unexpectedly. It was difficult news at best and still facing a cold front, I took a walk and was able to enjoy the sunshine and a long-distance chat with my mother. What I would have given to be having that chat in the same room and to have been comforted by the engulfing embrace of my father. It was during that chat that the scripture above and an idea combined to bring about my "I did it for Mikey" idea. You see, my cousin Mike touched so very many lives. He was a mentor to some troubled young men, a business wiz, a contractor and mechanic with a zest for life and passion for helping people - not by foundations or groups or even in a public way - just anyone he ran in to who needed a hand. So - in honor of my cousin Mike (who had just turned 46) I will be quietly doing something nice for someone each day - something unexpected. I'll be reporting my tributes (retaining confidentiality for all recipients) on the blog and I'd love to hear about your "Mikey adventures" if you would join me.

Let's make today count with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear[ing] with each other and forgiv[ing] whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgiv[ing] as the Lord [has forgiven].

You are known.

Sometimes we find that someone is suddenly treating us differently. As far as we know, nothing has changed, but still we are being treated differently. Inevitably it turns out that an action or expressed thought was misunderstood or misconstrued and the person believed there was a slight and their feelings were hurt. It may take some time before we find out what happened, but ultimately, we have been misunderstood. The person did not understand our intention or heart. Thankfully, there is One who never misunderstands and judges us by our miscommunication.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

To be "known by the thoughts and attitudes of [our] heart." Ahhhh....simply to be truly and fully known is our heart's very cry. So today - I will seek to understand and to be understood. What would you want people to know as your heart toward them?

Won't you share?

Do not fear - you're flying with a net!!

As we look forward - hearing the voice of our Creator call us forth, often our heads fill with messages of dismay - "but I can't do that... or I'm too old to try that now... or but that's impossible." Sometimes it's not even a "great calling" but simply the prompting just to speak to a stranger or extend a hand to a neighbor that prompts doubt and fear of rejection. But we are told clearly - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Isn't that amazing?!? It means we go through life with a net. As we teeter on the tight rope in the circus of life, feeling frail and weak at times we receive encouragement from the greatest, most powerful One - I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you.

What an incredible promise! Now - run and fly with renewed courage, strength and hope. I am so grateful that I can live my life from this premise. Join me, won't you? I can't wait to see you soar!

Be Inspired - Listen and Go forth

I love movies that inspire...Twister...Remember the Titans...Save the Last Dance...In Pursuit of Happyness...Seven Pounds (mixed feelings), but when the movie's over, maybe you're left feeling as though you didn't achieve all that you'd hoped or questioning what you can do now to contribute in a meaningful way to the world around you. Don't allow yourself to wallow in regrets or self doubt. Remember your Father has a plan and He wants you to realize even more than you can imagine. For one person, it was planting a few flowers every year until her gift to the world was a hillside of daffodils that people come from miles to see and enjoy. For another, it was teaching students every day with dignity and respect so that they knew these attitributes as their own, and for another writing a song, another just being the best at what they do with joy each day. Today - for you - I pray...that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. (Ephesians 1:17-19)

Close your eyes and listen... really listen to what God wants to reveal and call to you. And encourage those around you to do the same in the love that overflows from your new perspective.

Love means a name is safe in your mouth...

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 (believers) 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.