A work in progress

Before we allow ourselves to place judgement on someone's life, we really do have to remind ourselves we've not always been of pure mind, heart and spirit.  There are times in our lives where we have fallen short - and for those who have honestly lived a near sin free life, hats off to you but remember, placing judgement is a sin too.

It's easy to talk about someone else's sins..because it takes the focus off the things we have hidden or tried to forget.  Let's make a conscience effort to offer praise or encouragement - focus on the good and let God deal with the other parts.

In starting over - we really do need to place the focus on ourselves and not have our eyes on others.

Have a wonderful day - and remember, we are all a work in progress!!!

What does your behavior say about you?

Just because you believe in good things, or even believe in God - doesn't make you a good person.  You have to behave in a manner that shows not only yourself but others that you are a person of good character. 

I can believe that I'm a millionaire but, I'm not.  Because I know I'm not, I don't run around town charging purchases I'll never be able to afford, or live beyond my means.  I know my financial status and behave in a manner that allows me to pay my bills and operate my life on a budget where local merchants don't have to cringe or refuse to serve me because I've misrepresented myself.  

We have to remember people are watching us.

Let your behavior speak of your goodness. 

Let your behavior speak of your good choices.

Let your behavior speak of your commitment to those you love.

Let your behavior speak of positivity.

As we start over in life we have to remember we've given ourselves a reason to make a better future - it starts within!

My identity

This declaration goes for all of us...male and female.

Don't let thoughts of doubt and self depreciation enter your mind and stay there.  You have to remember who you are in Christ.  If you believe in Him, you must know He's a God who will not and cannot lie.  He's bound by His Word.  He tells us we are His children and that He loves us!  He doesn't make mistakes, He doesn't take back His Word.  If He's said it, It IS!  And we ARE His children.  We are blessed, loved, redeemed, forgiven, we are beautiful and He has called us His own!

Please remind yourself as you start over - just how blessed you are.  

Don't lose focus on moving forward!

Make someone smile today

 

I challenge each one of us to compliment someone today.  

The teller at the bank, the grocery store clerk, the postal carrier, your spouse, your children....your loved one, anyone - just pass on a compliment and give them a reason to smile.  

We are all faced with too much criticism, negativity and depressing things in our day - let's make a difference and show some kindness.

Happy Tuesday - You are beautiful! :)

Just never know

Don't compare your walk with someone else's. 

Just remember....people are watching and looking to see how you navigate through this life.  You may be their only hope.  So when you feel like giving up - DON'T!  

They need to know they can make it!

Have a great day today and remember you are beautiful, you are unique, you are strong, 

you have what it takes to finish the race!!

Be expectant!

Why doubt this?  Today is a great day to believe good things are happening in your life!  Remember who you are, you are a child of the living God! He desires to bless you!!

Start your day with an expectancy - of wonderful things happening in your life!

Happy Friday! =)

Not a failure!!

When your baby is learning to walk, you don't tell them they are a failure because they fall, you help them back up, steady them and watch them try again.

Life is a series of fallings - not failings!

We fall down, but we get back up, dust ourselves off and take another step.

Every single day we live is a day to do better than the day before.  Just don't give up!

Have yourself a great day today!

Start this day with a new perspective...a positive mindset and a determination to stay upright! :)

Giving up is not an option!!!

DON'T EVER GIVE UP!!

Today is a new day - the first day of the rest of your life!  Make it count!!!!

Be nice to yourself

Seriously!!! It's time to show yourself some love and kindness.  Start telling yourself just how beautiful you are on the inside and the outside.  Encourage yourself!

If you have a friend who's going through some rough days and they come to you for advice - you don't tell them they are worthless, meaningless souls.  You encourage them, you build them up, you give good strong advice to help them through whatever they are facing.

Be that friend to yourself!

As we start over we face days/seasons that aren't the easiest...we do make mistakes.  Whether you're dieting and blew it, whether you're exercising and took a week off, or maybe you've been trying to quit smoking or give up the bottle...we blow it at times, but don't forget to give yourself a hand up in the process.  This is life.  We are in a giant classroom, learning each and every day.  Challenge yourself to pass the daily tests - but be kind to yourself in the process.  

Have a blessed day - starting over!!!

Just Believe!!!

Changing our thought patterns

Do you feel like your life or situation will never change?

Start over with a fresh new mindset today.  When negative thoughts flood your mind - force yourself to begin thanking God for the positive things in your life...

Praise brings breakthrough!  

In Acts 16: 25, 26 Paul and Silas began worshiping and singing praises while in prison and the ground began to shake - setting them free.

What situation are you in? I challenge you to begin thanking and praising God!  He will show up in your life in ways you've never imagined.

Listen, what can it hurt?  You've tried it your own way long enough... 

Start over with a new way of thinking today!

Happy Friday :)

Don't worry about it!

Quit fighting, quit trying to rewrite the script!

God has a desire to create something beautiful in your life - LET HIM!!

As you start your day today - put your faith, hope and confidence in Him.  

Get out of His way :)

The prettiest... :)

Don't start your day without putting your best accessory on!

Find your reason to smile and hold on to it.  Don't let anything take it away from you today.

If you're finding yourself in a struggle - fake it til you make it!

Even the Bible says in Proverbs 17:22

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Another translation says

A happy heart does good like a medicine: but depression drains one's strength.

Let's share some smiles and cheer today! 

To Starting Over ;)

Be brave

We are alllllll fail-able, but we CAN make it! No matter what may come our way.  

Be brave today - let go of your fears, failures and past mistakes.  Begin walking in faith towards a beautiful new you.  Our past is there to serve as a testimony as to how far God has brought us.  

It's there to be used as an encouragement to others who are facing struggles.  

Use your story as a tool to help others.  

Don't be ashamed to tell people just how far God has brought you - turn it into your testimony!

Write the greatest chapter of your life...STARTING NOW!!!

Learning

I went to the gym over the weekend and began doing a new circuit of exercises -  I could tell my body was resisting the strain of something new - and when I woke up this morning I was reminded that I'd pushed myself to a new level.  I learned through listening to my friend/trainer that I need to be very careful and "watch" my form while doing these exercises in order to make sure I do them correctly - to get the results I want.  This was actually new for me...to watch myself.

On a different level of learning...I have been faced with a trial over the past few weeks.  One that brought me to my knees and made me exercise the spiritual - more than the physical.  As I began taking it to God...I also began taking it to others (not wise).  I know I made a terrible mistake by doing that...not just because people talk...but because it's wrong.

Just as I was working out and checking the mirror to see my form....I need to make sure I do the same with my emotions.  I need to check myself in the "mirror" to make sure I maintain my integrity and form as a good person.  I am ashamed of my actions - and realize it doesn't matter how old I am...I am a work in progress and can be better in many areas of my life.  

As I work on becoming healthier - mentally, physically and emotionally...I'm going to do my best to watch my form.

To those of us who make mistakes when starting over!

It's NEVER too late to learn!!!

Positive mindset

Listening to Joyce Meyer speak this morning on controlling our thoughts, so powerful.

We do have the power to change our mindset.  

Someone once said "A negative mind will never give you a positive life"....that's so true.

I challenge us all to start this day with the mindset of positive thinking.  No matter our circumstance - we can focus on the good in our life.  What is God doing for us?  Do we have a job, good health, a car, a roof over our head, healthy children, WE ARE ALIVE and KICKING! :)

We do have great things happening for us - let's keep our focus on the good and keep the bad things out, it's a great way to start and finish our day!

Here's to starting over!!!

Faith, Hope or Doubt?

Just read the words...

Faith

Hope

Doubt

Which one stands out as a negative???  

Faith = hoping for what you can't see

Hope = the feeling of expectation

Doubt = fear of uncertainty, lack of conviction

You won't find change if you are constantly doubting!  You can't start over if you don't believe in yourself!  Remember you've had a lifetime of your situation - it's going to take some time to see progress, just don't give up hope!

Refuse to live without JOY, as Joyce Meyers says!

Start your day off with positive thinking, and keep the negative thoughts out of your head. 

Here's to starting over!!!

Patience is a virtue

I know we've all had those times in our life when we look back and think....

I totally missed that one!  I rushed it and ruined it!  

It doesn't matter what our goal is...whether weight loss, starting a new company, a relationship, a prayer life, it doesn't matter...just don't give up 5 seconds before the miracle.  

I know how much pain can come during the "waiting" period....trust me, but really....to have what you truly want in the end - the pain is worth it.  We don't stop praying for our kids just because it hurts to see them in tough situations - NOOO we pray for them...we don't give up praying that God would protect them, bless them, encourage them and bring them through their trials. 

God wants to bless us...He desires to, we just have to trust in His timing.  

Here's to trusting His plan for our lives!!

Starting over each and every day! :)

Joy in this journey

Our days aren't promised - they are numbered.  We can't get so wrapped up in what's going to happen in 2 months, 2 years, 10 years that we fail to live in the present.  I am determined to enjoy this beautiful life I've been given.  I don't want my focus to be on the past, the future, the bad times....I want to take time and enjoy today - it's the only 7/7/2015 I'm ever going to get.  Let's make the most of it!!

Put some time into making sure someone else has a great day!  Do you have children?  Send them some love today! Is there a retirement center near you?  Call the front desk and find out if you can bring some goodies down for them to enjoy.  Do you have a distant friend?  Send them a card or call them up.  If you have a certain someone in your life - don't wait for them to do something special for you - buy a card for them today - tell them you appreciate them!

I think you understand what I'm saying - small acts of kindness can drastically change the day for anyone.

Help someone find joy in their journey!

Here's to starting over!!! :)

Make a happy life

How many days to we spend wishing our lives were different?

We are all capable of changing our attitudes towards the life we are living.

A few approaches to creating our own happiness can be:

*Set a new goal

*Connect with friends or volunteer your time to a local church or organization

*Take care of your body

*Learn something new

*Pray or meditate

*Get outside and take a walk - notice the beauty that surrounds you

*Clean your house - car - yard

*Start saving for a vacation

Life does not have to be dull, boring or mundane... We are all capable of living a happy life - it all starts with our mindset.  Be positive today.  Encourage yourself and someone else to be happy today!!!

The most attractive people wear smiles!!

Here's to starting over!!

Changing direction

As I woke up this morning - I began praying for God to give me direction... Create a new path in my life...

Help me get rid of some ways of thinking that right or wrong have molded me over the past 42 years.  

As my prayer lengthened I began thanking God for revealing some pretty tough things to me. He's showing me that my thoughts and actions don't always align with His... And don't always bring me the results I wish to see...

Today as I prepare to get ready for my day... I want to thank God for allowing trials in my life - for they are bringing out my impurities- I don't want to carry those around...I want to get rid of them so I can move forward and into the direction He is taking me.  

Change isn't always easy... Sometimes brutally painful...but when embraced and done with a right attitude it can bring amazing results! 

On the road to starting over!!!!  Thankful for new direction!

My happy place*

This photo just captures the love between my grandson and I... 

I am so blessed!!!  

Have a safe 4th of July weekend!  

Much love to you all!!

Everything we want

How many times have I let fear get in the way?!!!  It's easy for us who have gone through difficult times to doubt and question ourselves, the blessings of God, the kindness or sincerity of others when bad experiences have been associated with good things.  Here recently I have allowed fear and doubt to dominate my mind and heart- shame on me!!  I know who is in control and it is not me!  God is in control!!!  He is also NOT the author of fear!!  

I want to be in the place where my faith and trust in God are so solid that nothing can shake me... Is that realistic???? I'm going to keep believing it is and working towards that goal! 

I want a life filled with love and happiness not fear and loneliness!!!!

Here's to those of us who are taking the steps to clean things out of our lives as we....start over!!!

Mark 2:5

Mercy Me - Flawless Lyrics

There's got to be more

Than going back and forth

From doing right to doing wrong

'Cause we were taught that's who we are

Come on get in line right behind me

You alone with everybody

Thinking there's worth in what you do

Then like a hero who takes the stage when

We're on the edge of our seats saying it's too late

Well let me introduce you to amazing grace

No matter the bumps

No matter the bruises

No matter the scars

Still the truth is

The cross has made

The cross has made you flawless

No matter the hurt

Or how deep the wound is

No matter the pain

Still the truth is

The cross has made

The cross has made you flawless

No matter what they say

Or what you think you are

The day you called his name

He made you flawless

He made you flawless

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As we start over - some of us need to be reminded that once we ask God to forgive us - He really does.  He really wants us to have a beautiful life.  

Here's to Starting OVER!!!

Gone too soon

Last night I lost a dear friend who died way too early.  She was a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend...as they took her off life support and her friends and family held on to any strength or hope that just maybe she would survive - God welcomed her home.  

Did anyone know the day prior to her admittance to the hospital that it was going to be their very last day to hug her, kiss her, tell her they loved her?  No....

We are not promised the very next breath we breathe.  We don't know the hour, minute or day our race in this life will end.  Please, please, please grab hold of this truth and make any changes in your life that need to be changed in order for you to finish strong!

I know I'm not perfect, I know I often make mistakes...but one mistake I don't make is I don't let those people in my life wonder if I love them or if I am devoted to them.  If God were to call me home today - my children and family would know they are/were loved by this woman.  After all....when it's all said and done - nothing else matters - but the love we've given and received.  

That's all we truly take with us to our resting place.

Here's to you Marcie - no more suffering - no more pain

Much love my dear friend!!

Until we meet again!