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

 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!!