Your Best Life Now

Beautiful Blessings

2012-01-15T17:00:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful tonight that I can hardly contain my joy. My beautiful new grandbaby Rosie is doing well. I will spend time with my grandson Sammie and granddaughter Kaya soon. I am blessed. My husband has a good job. My teaching assignments have been fulfilling. We have such a lovely home. The reason I am counting my blessings tonight is that I am appreciative for what I have. Joel Osteen wrote, "Seeds of discouragement cannot take root in a grateful heart."

Alphonse Karr wrote, "Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns. I am thankful thorns have roses." It's all a matter of perspective. My granddaughter Rosie's name is Briar Rose. She is a good reminder that beautiful roses grow among the briars. She was born to teenage parents, but she is thriving. I am so grateful that she has such good responsible parents even though they are young.

Recently I came across a poster that said this: "If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back." I think that is so true. There is always someone who has it much worse than we do. Joel Osteen says, "Keep the right point of view. If you have a hard time getting to sleep at night, think about all the homeless people without beds. If you are stuck in traffic, think about all the people who can't afford cars. If you have a bad day in the office, think about all the people who are unemployed. If you have to walk three blocks to church, thank God you are healthy and able to walk. If your hair is turning gray, be grateful it is not turning loose!"

Yes, we have much for which to be grateful. If we would keep the right perspective, we would thank God for each day we are alive and for every minute we have to spend with our loved ones.

Love and Light,
Patty

Rosie Makes Me Rich

2012-01-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

Briar Mercury Rose Rawlings was born on December 8, 2011. She weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz. She is absolutely beautiful! She was born on her cousin Sierra Jade Faulkenberry's 13 birthday so that made it even more special. I can't begin to describe what joy she has brought into our lives already. I just feel like a new person.

She is a little cutie patootie. We call her Rosie. She makes me want to take time to smell the roses because life is not about getting somewhere, it is about enjoying the journey. She was born during the busy holiday season, but I certainly took time off to go visit her for two and a half weeks. She was my Christmas!

During that time, Frank's mom Alice passed away. That was December 19, and it was a very low point of my visit. The weather was bad that day so Frank told me to stay with Rosie, and that he and his brother David would plan a celebration of her life in January. To have this sadness juxtaposed with the sheer joy of Rosie's birth threatened to take away the happiness of the occasion, but it also reminded me to slow down to enjoy my family because one never knows how long we will have them with us.

So for the first time in many years I enjoyed Christmas with my husband, my girls, and all my grandchildren, and it was joyous. I had to put it all in perspective. I will never get this time back. Rosie will never be a newborn again. I just couldn't take that for granted.

After Frank made some arrangements, he arrived to spend Christmas with the family. I know it was hard for him to share our joy when he had just lost his mom, but he did the best he could. I tried to lift him up and be his strength, but he was hurting. The day after Christmas, we went to visit my mom. It was there in the peace and quiet of Mom's home that he found solace. I am so grateful that my mom and Frank have such a special relationship.

We have a wonderful family and that makes us rich. Someone said, "It's not the time we spend together. It's the moments we ignite to make memories." We are not here forever. We need to take time to smell the roses. I think Rosie will remind me to do just that.

Love and Light,
Patty

Where Are You Christmas?

2011-12-05T06:37:00.000-08:00

Where do you find the joy of Christmas? Faith Hill sings, "Where are you Christmas? Why can't I find you?" Later in the song she gives the answer, "If there is love in your heart and your mind, you will feel Christmas all the time."

Psalm 16:11 says, "In God's presence is fullness of joy." We all have that joy deep inside. To bring it to the surface, we must smile. Even if we don't feel it yet, smile anyway, and your joy will follow. If we are frustrated and harried, the best thing we can do to calm ourselves is to stop and breathe; then smile to turn on the light switch inside that allows us to express kindness, friendliness, caring, and respect for others as well as our own selves.

We need to stop looking for Christmas and just realize that it's not out there somewhere, it's within. To quote the lyrics of Faith Hill's song again, she says, "Christmas is here everywhere, oh. Christmas is here if you care, oh."

The more we pursue it, the more we forget how to really celebrate it. Slow down. Stop being so busy and in such a hurry and simply start accepting and allowing the joy of the season to happen. Merry Christmas!

Love & Light,
Patty

Leave It to God

2011-11-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is Thursday! I'm so grateful this year for our many blessings. Our children are all gainfully employed, and we are going to have another grandchild in three weeks. How blessed are we!

The joy of the Lord is my strength! John 16:22 says that "no one will take away your joy." God is still God, and God is still good has become my mantra. I know that whatever happens in life, I have a choice about how I react to it. Recently, my oldest daughter Teresa lost her job. It was an unjust situation, and I was worried about how things would work out. A baby was coming into that family, and she was the sole provider. I just prayed every day about it. I tried to remain hopeful and even joyful, but it was challenging. I am happy to report that she regained her job with the promise of back pay. I am so proud that she didn't give away her power when she lost her job. She contacted corporate, and after an investigation, they realized that she had lost her position unfairly and restored it to her. Wow! Talk about an answer to prayer.

I am pleased to say that for the most part, during this trying time, I kept my inner peace and confidence that things were going to work out for good. I did what I could to alleviate the situation, including an offer to let her and my granddaughter move in with us. I knew in the long run, though, that I could not control the situation. Only God is in control. As long as I am a child of the Most High, everything is going to be OK. As long as I stay on the high road, God will fight my battles for me if I allow Him to do so. In Luke 10:5-6, Jesus told His disciples to speak peace over people and "if they don't receive it, then the peace you're offering will come back to you." No matter how much I wanted to fight Teresa's battles for her and how upset and frustrated I was over her job loss, the only thing I could really do is pray and try to stay peaceful and calm.

I was concerned that Teresa was too meek and mild to fight a big corporation, but I was wrong. She documented what occurred and presented her case and won. It brought new meaning to the verse, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). Joel Osteen wrote about this in his new book when he said, "Meekness is not weakness. It's strength under control." I was proud of Teresa for not giving away her power and for standing up for herself. She showed strength under control. She met the challenge with the right attitude.

This kind of thing gives me faith and brings me joy. It restores my inner peace and gives me a sense of well-being. I guess the whole point of this message is to stay in the Light, no matter what happens. Have faith and be grateful. Most of all, leave your concerns with God and don't give away your power or your joy.

Love and Light,
Patty

Christmas Letter 2011

2011-11-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

Frank and I decided that this year 2011 would be our slice of heaven, and it has been. Our reality usually follows our expectations. We enjoyed a wonderful trip to New York City last year during the holiday season where we saw the Rockettes, the Broadway musical Wicked, and the David Letterman show live. In late March and early April while Frank taught insurance agents we took in the Gila Cliff Dwellings and the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, the Guadalupe Mountains in Texas, and Vegas. June was a test of endurance as we attempted the Bike Across Kansas. We made it 100 miles before running into mechanical difficulty with our bikes. The end of June and first of July we visited Colorado and Utah while Frank trained. The end of July and first of August we enjoyed the Black Hills and the Badlands on another business trip. Labor Day Frank's brother David and his wife Sherry came to spend the weekend with us. We went to Liberty Memorial Museum in KC and to the lake. Late October found us in Eureka Springs enjoying family and the beautiful fall foliage.

Our family is doing well. We celebrated milestone birthdays with our moms this year. Frank's mom Alice turned 75 and my mom Joan turned 80. Chad graduated from Pitt State Suma Cum Laude in May. He is now teaching in Jasper, MO. Tori became a naturopathic doctor so she is busy with her practice in both Fort Smith and Eureka Springs, AR. Sierra is in junior high and receiving straight A's. Tori and Caleb's other two children are growing up quickly. Kaya is in kindergarten and Samson is three already. Caleb opened a drum shop and sells beautiful drums that he makes himself. Teresa and Jess are still in Kimball, NE, although we want them to move closer. Jess painted two beautiful murals for the library and sold her art in the park this summer in Eureka Springs, AR. She in involved in One Acts and won the Outstanding Actress Award this year. Dustin and Mandy live and work in KC as CNAs. Mandy is taking classes in hopes of becoming an LPN.

Our big news is that we are going to have a new grandbaby by Christmas. Jess and her boyfriend Alex are expecting a baby girl. I hosted a shower for them. They are young, but I know they will be good parents.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Come out and visit our Video Christmas Card!

Love,
Pat & Frank

The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength

2011-10-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

"This is a day that the Lord hath made. I will be glad and rejoice in it," writes David in Psalm 118:24. It's pretty important that we believe that in spite of the economy, in spite of family situations, in spite of the political situations, and in spite of health issues. If we really believe that God is bigger than our problems, this allows Him to do amazing things. We have a choice every single day to be depressed or to be joyful. We have to make a decision upon awakening to be thankful and in love with a beautiful day. We have what we need to be happy. Joel Osteen in his new book Make Every Day a Friday writes, "I know people who are perfectly healthy, but they are never really happy......if they were to lose their health and then suddenly regain it, I'm sure they would be thrilled." We can say the same thing about our spouses, our children, our jobs, our houses, and our leaders. It's all a matter of perspective. Thank God we have what we have.

Matthew 6:26 says, "Behold the fowls of the air, that they do not sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them." Maybe that's why they sing so early in the morning! Their joy is in the Lord. It wouldn't do any good for them to complain. They would then just remain where they are instead of flying away to a warmer place for winter.

When David became discouraged, he reminded himself in Psalm 43:5, "Why are you cast down, O my soul?.....Hope in God." Regardless of the news, that is what I want to do. It's over a year until elections take place. I will hear so much stuff from the politicians that it will make my head spin. I'll have to wade through all kinds of information, and it's important that I do so that I can make a good decision. However, there comes a time when I say, "Enough is enough." I think I'll turn this stuff off awhile and gain perspective. I need to find my garment of praise and put it on at that point like it says in Isaiah 61:3. This land will be restored and our futures will be bright again. Get ready for that! "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials," is what James 1:2 advises. Now that is not an easy thing, but restoration doesn't come from discouragement. Joy in the Lord is where our strength is. God bless!

Love and Light,
Patty

Set Your Mind on the Things Above

2011-10-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

"It's not what happens to you or what you have or don't have that is important; it's how your mind is arranged and the choices you make," writes Joel Osteen. If we would wake up every day, grateful for a brand new day full of blessings, we would surely have more positive experiences. Then if we would fully occupy the day, we would be aware of our thoughts and be conscious of whether we are letting in the light or dwelling in darkness. Colossians 3:2 says to "set your mind on the things above." I think I'll do that. Hope you will too.

Love and Light,
Patty

Make Every Day a Friday

2011-10-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated my Mom's 80th birthday, and it was quite a shin-dig. My brother Doug shared a childhood story with all of us.

"When I was a kid,
I did my chores, fed the chickens
and milked the cows.
My mom gave me a quarter a week
and that was my share.
She always did what was fair.
I saved my quarters till at last
I had almost enough to buy a bike
I was so excited. I could hardly wait,
but that night I lost it all
To Ma's five card straight."

I'm not sure those were his exact words, but in the excitement of the crowd at Mom's birthday party, I could hardly hear. I loved the memory, though, so I decided to record it here in my blog.

Mom is a remarkable woman. She reminds me of the title of Joel Osteen's new book, Make Every Day a Friday. I love my mama. When we drove over six hours to her house and were worn to a nub, she was ready to go to Sylvester's and dance to karaoke. She has so much energy. She may be 80, but she still knows how to have a good time. Every day she chooses to be in a good mood and make the best of it. Wow! I love her optimism and am motivated by it to make every single moment a moment of pure happiness.

I hope you too make every day a Friday because researchers have done a study that shows a 10% increase in happiness on Fridays. Even though today is Monday, I have decided to make it a Friday just so I can be 10% happier. God bless!

Love and Light,
Patty

Expect Miracles

2011-09-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

Stuff happens! We know that life brings challenges. I hear about so many things that seem so heart-breaking, yet we only see the small picture. Only God knows what is in store for us in our future.

Alice Caldwell Rice wrote, "Life is made up of desires that seem big and vital one minute, and little and absurd the next. I guess we get what's best for us in the end." I actually know the truth of this statement. I remember on July 18, 2004, that I had just completed a bike ride with my husband when I got a phone call that changed my life forever. I had just been wrapped up in my own little world and thinking about biking and unpacking from a recent trip to Canada. Then one of my daughter's friends called and told me that my daughter Tori had been involved in a serious accident with a motorcycle. What seemed big and vital before DID become little and absurd at that moment. All I could think about was getting to the hospital to see my daughter. We drove fast to Fayetteville, AR, to see her. It did not seem real. When we got there, we went to see her and came out of her room in tears and praying for her life.

God spared Tori, and everyday we thank God that we have been given another chance to enjoy our daughter. It is a miracle. Even more miraculous is the fact that even though the doctors told her that she would not be able to have any more children besides her five-year-old daughter Sierra, she gave birth to two more precious, healthy children.

This experience has taught me to expect miracles and to remember that God is still God, and God is still good. No matter what happens in life, God is in control, and thank God for that. I might mess up but God never will.

Love and Light,
Patty

Loss of a Pet

2011-08-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

Not long ago my grand dog Red was attacked by another dog and killed. I was in such a funk. I know I had to grieve his death, but my mood was so low. I had a sense of guilt about it because we usually let my granddaughter Jessica bring her dog with her when she comes to visit, but this time we didn't. We left the dog home with my daughter who works two jobs and really does not have much time to look after a pet.

Besides guilt, I was also dealing with such sadness because I loved this little dog. He was cute and mannerly. I actually enjoyed his company. The only reason we left him behind is because we didn't want to be tied down with the responsibility while we went on trips and stuff.

However, I do not need to dwell on such things because I know that God does not condemn me. The Holy Spirit tells me that guilt and blame are useless emotions. God is so forgiving and so compassionate that He releases us from the bondage of sin. He restores our peace of mind. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul" (Psalm 23:2, 3).

God blessed me abundantly just a few days after Red died by giving me a chance to spend time with my two youngest grandchildren. These two sunbeams are full of energy and joy and give me such light. They are truly an answer to prayer and give me such happiness with their smiling faces.

I still am a little sad about Red when I think about him, but as my husband says, "His troubles are over." I believe that Red is in doggie heaven and will bark with his sharp little voice when I get there and come running to greet me while wagging his cute little tail. He was a blessing to me, my granddaughter, and our whole family, and he will be missed. God's love is comforting me, and He provided me with exactly what I needed when He sent my two little grandbabies to love and cuddle me. As for Jessica, God is also blessing her life in many ways. Her art and music are a blessing not only for her but to everyone who comes in contact with it.

God bless you too as you stand firm in your faith.

Love and Light,
Patty

Stuff Happens!

2011-07-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

Stuff happens! We just need to accept it. One of my favorite quotes, "What you resist, persists" by Carl Jung, helps me remember that I need to surrender to what is, trust that God is working in it, and that everything will be OK. Good will triumph! God is still God, and God is still good. He will never fail or abandon my loved ones or me. In time, everything will work out for good. My favorite verse is, "All things work together for good." Oh, that promise strengthens me.

No matter what circumstances occur, I know that I am not in them alone. I know I choose my own emotions. I remember that in times of chaos to remind myself that I can choose peace instead of turbulence. I have the inner strength to push through any challenge.

Prayer helps me leave worry behind. I remind myself not to tell God how big my mountains are, but to tell my mountains how big my God is. I read that in a Joel Osteen book, and it helps me remember to live by faith. I look forward to the future with optimism and trust God for the right outcomes.

Love and Light,
Patty

The Little Things

2011-06-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

"The rainbow is more beautiful than the pot at the end of it, because the rainbow is NOW. The pot comes later and never turns out to be quite what you expect" writes Hugh Prather. Yes, we need to enjoy the little miracles we see everyday. The other day my friend Stacy and I were out for a walk, and she related a story to me about a wallet she found. She saw the checkbook inside so was able to look up the phone number of the lady who had lost it. The woman asked her if she had seen the purse that contained the wallet because the purse was a very expensive designer bag. When Stacy told her that she hadn't seen the purse, the woman wasn't concerned at all about the checks and just asked Stacy to shred them. It was all about the expensive designer purse, not what was inside. This story reminded me of the value we sometimes place on material things. We strive after money, possessions, food, power, recognition, alcohol, drugs, a special someone.....anything that will fill the void so we can feel better about ourselves, more complete, when in actuality, the only thing that can fill the void is the peace of God inside us.

Where do I find that peace? I think it is found in the little things like awareness of this NOW moment....the rainbow after the storm, the birds singing outside my window, the beautiful green grass and trees, and the explosion of color from the flowers this time of year. John Denver sings a song, "Sunshine of My Shoulders" in which he tells of the of the beauty of the sunshine on the water.

We let our lives get so complicated instead of living in the moment, carefree and joyful. My little granddaughter Kaya teaches me about the fun and playfulness of living in the moment. My friend Stacy's daughter Isabella shows me awareness of beauty when she catches a sandbox turtle and marvels at his shell.

Yes, we could all learn a thing or two from the awe and wonder of creation from children. "Truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" ~ Matthew 18:3. Lord, help me to appreciate your marvelous creation.

Love and Light,
Patty

I Will Praise You in This Storm

2011-05-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

Lopez Lomong says, "When you have suffered deeply, you understand that courage is the only way to fight fear, the best way to step forward. This is the first move to be better." OMG, the tornados that have hit MO, AR, KS, and OK are so devastating that it is hard to fathom.

It makes the words to Casting Crowns song "Praise You in This Storm" seem so relevant. I will share them with you,

"I was sure by now, God, You would have reached down and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day, but once again, I say 'Amen', and it's still raining. As the thunder rolls, I barely hear Your whisper through the rain, 'I'm with you.' And as Your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away. And I'll praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands for You are Who You are no matter where I am. And every tear I've cried, You hold in Your hand. You never left my side and though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm. I remember when I stumbled in the wind, You heard my cry to You, and You raised me up again. My strength is almost gone. How can I carry on if I can't find You? But as the thunder rolls, I barely hear You whisper through the rain 'I'm with you.' And as Your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away. I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth."

God is our sure and steady companion. He will take our burdens away and lighten our load. "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, Who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them." (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

My prayers enfold the residents of Joplin. We were coming back from a graduation and missed that storm by an hour. "I am grateful to God....when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day." (2 Timothy 1:3)

Love and Light,
Patty

Who's in Control Anyway?

2011-05-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

"Nothing splendid has even been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstances" wrote Bruce Barton. Too often we let circumstances govern our lives. Who is in control anyway? If we believe the circumstances are in control, then where is our trust and faith in God?

Whenever we feel frustrated, we need to ask ourselves what should be different about our situation. Is it that we aren't getting our own way about something? If we can release control into God's hands, we can experience peace and relaxation. If our situation needs changed, we can change it more easily from a sense of calmness rather than a sense of frustration.

This morning I got ready to go to school but couldn't find my keys. Then I remembered that we had to use a certain key on the key ring to retrieve the toll tag in another car. Long story short I think my keys are locked up in my husband's vehicle at the airport an hour away.

At first I panicked and then I remembered to focus. I called the sub coordinator and told her that I lacked transportation today and that she would have to find someone else to teach. I was suddenly grateful for the time that I now have to clean house and do laundry. I am too far behind on those chores anyway.

I am grateful today that I can release my control to God. I am receptive to the gift and opportunity of this day. I move forward and open myself to God's good. Like Colossians 1:10 says, "You may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God." I'm trusting God for a happy, healthy, enjoyable day. Hope you are doing the same.

Love and Light,
Patty

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

2011-04-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been praying for many people who are sick. God is showing His grace and restoring health and well-being to those afflicted. It is so refreshing to observe His healing power wash over loved ones with the gentleness of a spring rain.

Prayer is such a powerful thing. Jesus prayed through the night alone in the garden. Prayer is not just about asking but also about listening. Myrtle Fillmore says that it "lifts the individual into a wonderful sense of oneness with God, who is Spirit, the source of every good and perfect thing." Prayer helps us let go of our burdens, anxieties, worries, concerns, and find rest, renewal, peace, and serenity instead. We come away from prayer ready to take on the world.

When Jesus said, "Father, into Thy hands I commit my spirit," I think His earlier plea that the cup be taken away now became a release for Him and a cause of rejoicing when He gave Himself over completely to His Father. At that point the Atonement became the At-One-Ment. He was One with His Father, and the darkness turned to light. Fear and confusion were replaced with love and understanding, and all was well with the world.

All of us have experienced loss whether it is the death of a loved one, a divorce, or even the loss of a job. When external circumstances change in such a way for us, we can look to Jesus as our example and realize that no matter what happens to us, God has the final word. His divine plan is taking shape. God is merciful, kind, and loving. Because of these attributes, He has only good in store for us.

Instead of dwelling on the crucifixion, we can rejoice in the miracle of the resurrection. New life is awaiting us! There is hope after all.

Light and Love,
Patty

Time to Live in the Sunshine of Life

2011-03-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

Steve Martin quips, "A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." He's right, you know. It's our sunshine inside that causes all darkness to disappear. Right now Frank and I are enjoying an abundance of gorgeous red sunshine in Tucson, Arizona. We are enjoying 80 degree temperatures while back home it is 40 or 50 degrees. However, even if the bright Arizona sunshine were not beaming down on us, we know that our own internal sunshine can always radiate. We've learned to appreciate our surroundings, be they snow or sun.

We agree with William Makepeace Thackeray who says, "A good laugh is sunshine in the house." We love watching reruns of SEINFELD and Frank loves the Stooges. Anything to make us laugh. We have a hilarious four-year-old granddaughter Kaya who equates snow with Christmas. She told Frank once that she didn't want the sun to melt Christmas. (By the way, she said this in February). Anyway, anything that makes us laugh deeply is powerfully healing.

Wherever we are and whatever happens to us, we are happy to be here in this beautiful world where unlimited joy is ours if we so choose.

Like Jesus said in John 15:11, "I have said these things to you so that My joy may be in you." God bless!

Love and Light,
Patty

Lent

2011-03-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

This is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I read in my Unity literature that "Lent" comes from an Old English word meaning "Spring" and the lengthening of days. Lent means many things to many people. To Catholics it is a time to give up meat today and every Friday until Easter. To me it means a time of release. It is time to give up any thoughts or behaviors that are not serving me in the development of my highest self.

One of the things my husband and I gave up several months ago is the bad habit of overeating and not staying fit. Now we track our food and go to the gym to work out. I read somewhere that when you start weighing less, you shouldn't refer to it as losing weight because any time you lose something, you subconsciously want to find it again so instead I want to say that we have removed pounds. My husband has removed 88 pounds, and I have removed over 35. We are feeling fit enough to bike across our state in June. That is very exciting to us.

I hope you too can find a way to release anything that is limiting you and find renewal and purification this lenten season. God bless!

Love and Light,
Patty

Affirmation for Today

2011-02-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for the opportunity to teach today. So many blessings are occurring today in every way. Each student has strengths that are being revealed to me. Remaining non-judgmental has helped me see with my heart, not my eyes. If I see any error in the tasks they complete or any error in the way I teach, I am full of forgiveness for them and myself. These errors will prove wonderful learning experiences for both them and me. I stayed focused on the present, enjoying each moment. Like Oprah says, "If you love what you do, each pay check is a bonus."

Love and Light,
Patty

Our Slice of Heaven

2011-01-23T19:14:00.001-08:00

This year Frank and I have decided that 2011 is our slice of heaven. How do we experience this? Well, there are several ways. One thing we know for sure (to quote Oprah) is that giving and receiving are the same thing. When we give something away, we do not experience scarcity or loss but rather a feeling that we are gaining something ourselves. It's a win-win situation, (which by the way was our theme for 2010), in which no one ever loses but rather everyone gains. ""Give, and it shall be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall be placed in your lap, for the measure you give will be the measure you get back" ( Luke 6:38). This isn't about money but rather everything in life.

Secondly, we believe in the goodness of God. We do not fear Him, but rather we love Him as He loves us. Because of His Love, we change our negative thoughts to positive ones. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things" (Philippians 4:8).

Finally, we become more interested in the spiritual plane that the material one. "For in Him we live, and move, and have our being" (Acts 17:28). This just means that we become more interested in the things God freely gave us....even the snow, rather than material objects that we cannot take with us. We are grateful every day for our existence.

May 2011 give you a slice of heaven too. God bless!

Love and Light,

Patty

Together We Can

2011-01-16T17:41:00.000-08:00

"If the only prayer you say in your entire life is thank You, it will be enough," wrote Eckhart Tolle. Well, I am so grateful today for my health, my family, my friends, and my home. When I think of my spiritual journey, I fill up with gratitude for God's gifts of giving me a wonderful husband, great kids, and good health. I realize that my attitude toward everything in life has affected how I feel today. My inner peace has brought me health. Letting go of fear and worry has brought me healing. I put my life in the hands of God and follow the Holy Spirit's guidance now. I believe in God's goodness to help me reach any goal.

Sparkpeople, a community website for those of us who are trying to live a healthy lifestyle, did a survey which identified people who regularly reached out to other members to encourage them on their journeys towards their goals and found that these people actually had a five to ten percent advantage over the rest.

So, my conclusion is that if we join together in living our best lives yet or in spreading love wherever we go, we will have a higher success rate. This makes me very grateful for YOU. According to Felix Adler, "On the way to the highest goal, I must take my fellow beings with me." Paul said in I Corinthians 3:10, "According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it." So, join me on my journey. Together we can reach our goals.

Light and Love,
Patty

Helping Our Loved Ones Recover

2011-01-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

"Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to You; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them" (Psalm 32:6). This is such a comforting verse when you have someone who is recovering from a serious illness or injury. Both of my daughters have been in ICU before so I know the heartache of waiting for someone you dearly love to recover. My mother also just recently recovered from cancer.

When my friend Cat's father was in ICU not long ago, I told her that when he recovers, she will recover too. She agreed and suggested that I write about this.

I decided that out of gratefulness for my daughters' recoveries and Cat's father getting back to his normal life, I would share my experiences. For both Cat and me, prayer was key. We both affirmed positive thoughts and wellness for our loved ones. They remained in our hearts and thoughts at all times.

My daughter Teresa recovered from a pulmonary embolism in the summer of 1995. She had a three-month-old baby at the time. I lived in Nebraska but flew down to Arkansas to be with her through her ordeal. I found that I didn't want to leave her side or leave my baby granddaughter even after she was on her way back to restored health so I moved to Arkansas. The Lord blessed my move by giving me a great teaching job there and allowing me to meet my wonderful husband.

My other daughter Tori was in a serious motorcycle accident in the summer of 2004. She had a five year old daughter at the time. She spent more time in ICU than Teresa. It was Tori's positive attitude that helped her recover. She was an inspiration to me. Her positivity changed my life forever. Ever since then, I have tried to let God give me peace to get through any situation. I have learned the power of staying in the moment so that worry and anxiety would not overcome me.

My friend Cat's father was in ICU with appendicitis. Thankfully, he also is recovering. It has been less than a year since my mother had a good report that she is recovering nicely from the treatments she received to stop her cancer.

I think the one thing that keeps us positive in our prayers for our loved ones is not giving power to the illness or injury. We do not place limits on God's power to heal. This frees us to envision wholeness and wellness for our loved ones. We also have peace of mind because we believe in the goodness of God's Will. We know that our peace cannot be shaken by illness or injury because we have faith in the power of God's LOVE. We are not denying the situation, but we are putting our trust in the Power of God's Goodness.

Here are a few pointers for getting through a crisis. (1) Stay open to friends and family. Many times we feel the need to go it alone, but we need to let people help and support us during this time. (2) We need to be honest about our feelings. We are staying strong for our loved ones who are recovering from illness or injury, but we also need a place to surrender to our emotions and a confidante to listen and encourage us. (3) We need to take care of our own health too. If we want to be there for our loved ones, it's important for us to stay healthy. (4) Whatever our faith is, it can help us get through this situation. (5) We need to be an advocate for our loved one. It's important for us make sure the proper medical care is given to them.

"All things work together for good" (Romans 8:28). "Pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17). Remember that everything happens for a reason. If we just stay present with our loved ones, we will get through this, and so will they.

Love and Light,
Patty

Don't Let the Grinch Steal Christmas!!!

2010-12-07T18:05:00.000-08:00

James Dillet Freeman asks the question, "What if we walked down the streets and there were no decorations or lights or we never heard, 'Merry Christmas!'?" It would be a gray, barren time of year without the joy and color of Christmas. The short days and the cold winds would not only chill our bodies but our spirits would take a dive too.

As I was reading the grandkids a Christmas story recently, I was reminded of how truly incredible it is to read about the star that led the Wise Men and the shepherds to the stable to witness the miracle of a virgin birth and how the angels joyously sang. If I did not have this annual story in my life, it would be much more difficult for me to believe in the miracles of life. Christmas just makes the heart full of light.

Here's wishing you the joy, warmth, and brightness of the Christmas season.

Love and Light,
Patty

Visit Frank & Patty's Video Christmas Card! Love and Peace.

Christmas Letter

2010-11-23T12:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,

My, this year went fast. We enjoyed family, friends, and travel the entire year. We called 2010 our win-win year, and it definitely lived up to its name.

Our kids are doing well. They are all employed so that is a good thing. Teresa and Jess are in Kimball where Jess is a freshmen in high school while her mom holds down two jobs. Tori is almost a naturalpathic doctor....she hopes to be finished with her coursework by the end of the year. Her husband Caleb and all three children are living the dream in the house that Caleb built in the woods by Eureka Springs. Mandy and Dustin are gainfully employed in the KC area as CNAs. Chad is a senior at Pitt State and will graduate this spring with a BS in math. He will start student teaching and coaching after the first of the year in Gerard.

We enjoyed our travels this year to Las Vegas, the Grand Tetons, and Dallas. We plan to visit New York and see the Broadway show WICKED and also see the Rockettes at Radio City before Christmas. We've also enjoyed numerous trips to NE and AR to see family. A week ago we saw the Mannheim Steamroller perform in Topeka. What a great way to start the holiday season!

This year has not been without its challenges, though. Frank lost his dear friend Mike, who played football with him in college. At least we had a little time to say goodbye through our many visits with him and his family before he passed away on November 7.

This coming year 2011, our theme will be to enjoy a little bit of heaven. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord, we plan to shine His light wherever we can, to enjoy life to the fullest, and appreciate every day for what it brings.

Love and Light,
Patty and Frank

Visit our Video Christmas Card! Peace and love.

Effectual Prayer

2010-11-02T11:27:00.001-07:00

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). We know that when we ask God to give us our daily bread that He is more than willing to give us all that we need.

Our real need is greater awareness of Divinity in ourselves and others. In other words, instead of telling God how big our mountains are, we need to tell our mountains how big our God is. I've heard this put many ways, but one of my favorites is that instead of "surviving the storm, we dance in the rain."

It is really all about perception. For instance when my daughter had her motorcycle accident, of course I prayed for her healing, but an added benefit which occurred is my increased awareness of the preciousness of life. Even though she still has some discomfort from the accident, she is very thankful for the empathy she developed for other people who have injuries or illness. When I saw all that she was willing to do to regain use of her legs, I began to affirm my own life by wanting to take care of my health. Both Frank and I woke up to the idea that we could exercise and eat right to take care of ourselves more and have a better quality of life.

After awhile, we lost focus but then lately regained it again as we watched a dear friend struggle with cancer. The best way to handle life's challenges in my opinion is to "stop thinking about the difficulty, whatever it is, and think about God instead" as Emmet Fox suggests.

He calls the sense of separation from God a major tragedy of the human experience. Through illness and injury, sometimes we realize that this could happen to any one of us, and we realize that it is essential to stay aware and close to our Creator and have a mindset that allows faith and trust in keep us from worry. We can use our positive imagination to visualize a wonderful outcome to any circumstance we encounter.

If we believe that that we are blessed and that all things work together for good, we can not help but feel relief that a Higher Power has it all under control. God bless.

Light and Love,
Patty

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

2010-10-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

Emmet Fox, one of my favorite authors, analyzes the Lord's Prayer in his book POWER THROUGH CONSTRUCTIVE THINKING. He says, "Because we are the children of a loving Father, we are entitled to expect that God will provide us fully with everything we need." As children of God, we know it is His Will that we lead happy, healthy lives. So our food, clothing, shelter, transportation, books, music, and whatever else we require is petitioned when we say, "Give us this day our daily bread." Even abstract things like peace and freedom are covered in this request. According to Emmet Fox, all we need to do to gain what we need is to claim it and recognize that God is the sole Provider of all good things. As the Author and Giver of Life, God is the only one who can give us our best life yet. "For we are what He has made us." (Ephesians 2:10)

Another thing that brings us what we need is our gratitude and hope. We need to thank God in advance for His provisions. We also must never lose hope because hopelessness breeds weakness and that does not lead to fulfillment of our needs and desires. Studies have shown that discouragement can make us sick and age us, whereas the scripture says that a merry heart doeth good like medicine. So if we want health, longevity, youth, and strength, we must be hopeful and happy. If we are in pain, we need to be thankful that we are greater than the pain. My daughter Tori is my role model in this area. After a severe motorcycle accident over six years ago, she stays strong and optimistic. When the doctors told her that she would not have any more children, she gave birth to two beautiful babies. Her secret is to have a joyous spirit and a kind heart. This has kept her soul strong and her mind brilliant. She has not kept this joy to herself either but instead has spread it to everyone she knows.

Christian Larsen says, "The glad heart is the sunshine of all life, a benediction to everyone, a perpetual blessing to everything in creation." An attitude of gratitude makes our prayers stronger and our expectations higher.

Yes, give us this day our daily bread, Lord, and give us enough to share with others.

Love and Light,
Patty

Do What You Love!

2010-09-24T19:53:00.000-07:00

It's funny how much joy a smile can bring.

The other day I was subbing in an elementary art class where the second graders had to draw four facial expressions. I told them to draw facial expressions showing four different feelings that people express in their faces. One little girl piped up and said she'd draw my facial expression for her happy face.

Until then I didn't realize that I had such a huge smile on my face. At that moment I knew I was enjoying my day at work.

"Find a way to get paid for doing what you love, then every paycheck is a bonus," said the wise Oprah Winfrey. I agree with that. I love teaching. I did it for many years full-time, and now I'm subbing.

I am delighted to be with young people every day and the fact that I get paid for it sweetens the pot. For your best life yet, do what you love and hopefully the money will follow.

Love and Light,
Patty

Grandparents Day

2010-09-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's a wonderful day! I've been celebrating it for 15 years now. My first celebration of Grandparents Day was September 1995 when my daughter Teresa gave me a Mark Twain book called THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER and wrote a poem for me from her six-month-old daughter Jessica Marie. The poem humbles me to this day. I hung it up in our guest room, and it is very special to me. I want to share it with you.

THE WORLD'S GREATEST GRANDMA

So Patient
who always takes the time to play with me, to get down in a baby's world to play a
baby's game

So Understanding
with a loving touch and a kind word through my mistakes and messes

So Inspiring
always knowing what's important and always seeing the good in everything

So Proud
always talking about me, always showing me off, always capturing memories

So Kind
always thinking of me and always giving to me

So Important
You're a big part of my life.
Grandmas are such an important part of the family, but I got really lucky to get
the best of the best.

Love always,
Jessica

This is my anchor to love. Since then, three other grandchildren have been born so I am truly blessed.

This is how Grandparents Day began:

"In 1970, a West Virginia housewife, Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, initiated a campaign to set aside a special day just for Grandparents. Through concerted efforts on the part of civic, business, church, and political leaders, this campaign expanded statewide. Senator Jennings Randolph (D-WV) was especially instrumental in the project. The first Grandparents Day was proclaimed in 1973 in West Virginia by Governor Arch Moore. Also in 1973, Senator Randolph introduced a Grandparents Day resolution in the United States Senate. The resolution languished in committee.
Mrs. McQuade and her team turned to the media to garner support. They also began contacting governors, senators, congressmen in every state. And they sent letters to churches, businesses, and numerous national organizations interested in senior citizens. In 1978, five years after its West Virginia inception, the United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. The proclamation was signed by President Jimmy Carter. (September was chosen for the holiday, to signify the 'autumn years' of life.)
Today this event, begun by only a few, is observed by millions throughout the United States." (http://www.grandparents-day.com)

Gene Perret says, "What a bargain grandchildren are! I give them my loose change, and they give me a million dollars' worth of pleasure." My husband and I agree with that!

I hope all of you have the best day ever!

Love and Light,
Patty

Faith

2010-08-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

Thomas Aquinas, a philosopher and theologian who lived from 1225 to 1274, said, "To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible."

So which category do I belong? I always thought I had a lot of faith, but recently I have wondered. I am just now learning how to handle a new challenge. Do I have enough faith? Do I trust God enough to take this to my Source and leave it there?

Do I have faith to believe that this will be my best life yet? I know that I need to give my best, regardless of what is given to me in return. Do I have enough love in me to keep giving just for the sake of giving?

Second, do I trust and think the best possible thoughts for everyone? Do I refuse to dwell in negativity, no matter what? (Unfortunately, this has not been the case for me lately).

Third, can I rise above pettiness? Can I clothe myself in my spiritual rainment so that I reside in the spiritual world of love rather than the physical world of material success?

Fourth, will I view this as an opportunity to draw closer to God? Will I recapture the feelings of love, joy, peace, and strength that I know in my oneness with God? Will I renew my faith and trust God?

Fifth, will I remain in the light, looking up and rising to the occasion? Will I be open to learning new things? Will I have enough humility and serenity to accept things as they are?

Sixth, will I be able to accept a difference in opinion and establish a connection with everyone I meet? Will I recognize that every person is a unique creation of God and be tolerant and understanding of all?

Seventh, can I refuse to put limitations on myself or others? Do I have the faith to tell my mountains how big my God is? Will I pray without ceasing and receive God's provisions that have already been given to me?

Lastly, am I willing to surrender all to the Will of God? Can I let go of knowing how it will all work out and just trust God to do amazing things with my life? Will I receive my good with gratitude?

The answer to these questions is a resounding yes, only because of my GPS (God's Powerful Spirit). With God on my side, I expect only good. My Source cannot fail so I receive strength and power from this ever-present Help. Thank You, Lord. I have faith.

Love and Light,
Patty

Live for Today

2010-08-22T19:48:00.000-07:00

"Sha-la-la-la-la-la, live for today," sang the Grassroots in 1969. What good advice! Here's some more from that famous song, "When I think of all the worries people seem to find and how they're in a hurry to complicate their mind by chasing after money and dreams that can't come true, I'm glad that we are different, we've better things to do. May others plan their future, I'm busy lovin' you."

Yes, I choose to love the present moment and live in it. I don't want to miss a thing. We have been visiting a friend who is terminal, and I am relieved that we get to spend some time with him now before it is too late.

We live one precious moment at a time. Like the Grassroots sang, "We were never meant to worry the way that people do, and I don't need to worry as long as I'm with you. We'll take it nice and easy and use my simple plan. You'll be my lovin' woman; I'll be your lovin' man. Sha-la-la-la-la-la, live for today." Love for today too.

Light and Love,
Patty

Accept and Be Glad!

2010-08-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

"The present moment is as it is. Don't sit in judgment of it. That will only cause pain and unhappiness. Don't resist it. Just allow it to be," writes Eckhart Tolle in THE POWER OF NOW. I remember reading the analogy about the river which does not stop when it meets an obstacle. It does not fight the obstacle; it simply goes around, over, or through it. If we could only remember to do that, we would be so much happier and serene. One of my favorite sayings is Carl Jung's "What you resist, persists." If we want freedom from outside circumstances, we need to not only accept whatever happens, but to actually work with it and make friends with it. If we do this, serenity is ours.

My serenity is directly related to my faith in God and His goodness. My belief that God does not bring illness, sorrow, or catastrophe into our lives but rather health, joy, and wholeness keeps me from any discouragement. "It gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom." (Luke 12:32) The kingdom within brings me great joy.

In this very moment I am choosing to be glad. It doesn't the change the fact that a couple of days ago I was disappointed about something. It doesn't change the fact that a friend of mine is having health issues. However, my inner joy and outer smile is dispelling darkness by giving me strength.

I know that it is sunshine that makes the flowers grow and turns the acorn into an oak. I have read this analogy of life to nature many times, and the visual it provides gives me such hope. I want to be a smiling sunbeam that makes things better. I want to count so many blessings in my life that I can't see anything else.

I want to remember that even when clouds cover the sun, it is still there. I will keep singing and rejoicing, come what may. So this very moment, I am in acceptance mode, and even more than that I am choosing joy.

Love and Light,
Patty

It's All Inside

2010-07-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God." (Matthew 6:33) "The kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21) As long as we keep looking for the kingdom of God outside ourselves, we will never find it. Once we know that "it's all inside" as a commercial once boasted, we can take control of our lives and have the attributes we choose.

One of the attributes our granddaughter's dog has chosen is courage. He's a little, bitty pomeranian mix, but he barks ferociously at dogs many times his size. My hubby says it is a defense mechanism to protect himself from them. Whatever it is, I think he is pretty courageous. Either that or he is just plain stupid....one or the other. I prefer to think that he is courageous, just like the lion in the Wizard of Oz, which brings me back to my point. Although the lion found his way to the mighty Oz to ask for courage, he had it inside all along.

I remember a Tolstoy story about this very subject that I would like to share with you:

"A beggar had been sitting by the side of the road for over thirty years. One day a stranger walked by. 'Spare some change?' mumbled the beggar, mechanically holding out his old baseball cap. 'I have nothing to give you,' said the stranger. Then he asked: 'What's that you are sitting on?' 'Nothing,' replied the beggar. 'Just an old box. I have been sitting on it for as long as I can remember.' 'Ever looked inside?' asked the stranger. 'No,' said the beggar. 'What's the point? There's nothing there.' 'Have a look inside,' insisted the stranger. The beggar managed to pry open the lid. With astonishment, disbelief, and elation, he saw that the box was filled with gold."

That's the way it is with us. We have everything we need inside. Instead of begging God for what we think we need, wouldn't it be cool if we would just claim what He's already given us?

Love and light,
Patty

Going Through Challenges

2010-07-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

This week was one of those challenging weeks we all have once in a while. At times it was difficult to maintain my serenity even though I know that no matter what is going on around me, I can choose to stay peaceful inside.

I had to release my fears and calm my thoughts as I remembered that everything that happens is a positive lesson teaching me forgiveness, compassion, tolerance, acceptance, and patience. When I stay centered, I can help others who are going through challenges too. We are all connected so we hurt when others hurt.

Lots of my friends have been hurting lately. There is nothing I can do to help except listen with empathy and then leave it to God. I thank God for the presence of the Holy Spirit who comforts me and those around me. I am so grateful for that. "The Lord is my Shepherd." (Psalms 23:1) Thank God for strength to meet my challenges! I am never alone. I hold my friends in thoughts of love and strength too. I know that God will enfold them with everlasting love.

Light and Love,
Patty

I Believe in Miracles!

2010-07-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

I went with my mom to her beauty shop Friday and saw a sign that said, "We Don't Believe in Miracles. We Rely on Them."

What is a miracle? To me it's the little things that prove God's favor in my life such as a smile from a grandchild or gratitude from my kids. I just hosted Camp Nana and kept all four grandkids for three glorious weeks of swimming, amusement parks, zoos, and just plain fun times.

It's also the big things like the magnificent Grand Tetons that we visited just recently on our vacation. These beautiful mountains were formed by a collision of the tectonic plates along the west coast which bowed up a huge block of sedimentary rock deposited by ancient seas. The Teton fault lifted the range and erosion sculpted the landscape. As ice sheets filled the valley, alpine glaciers sculpted the jagged and beautiful Tetons.

Miracles are the beholding of the Divine in everything and everyone. It is seeing light where we once saw darkness. It is seeing healing in our loved ones. It is seeing a kindly world of gentleness. It is experiencing forgiveness and extending forgiveness.

Enjoy your miracles! Whether you see the sun breaking through the clouds or see a loved one who was near death healed, there are so many blessed miracles in our lives that it is amazing.

Love and Light,
Patty

It's My Life

2010-06-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

Remember the Bon Jovi song, "It's My Life"? In it he says, "It's my life; it's now or never 'cause I ain't gonna live forever. I just wanna live while I'm alive."

Yes, don't we all? Regardless of the economy and the oil spill, we just want to stay in control. Like Tom Petty, we want to say, "Well, I won't back down. No, I won't back down. You can stand me up at the gates of hell, but I won't back down." That's called perseverance. We need that to live our best life yet.

If we don't put any limits on ourselves, we can turn around any situation. It's all about attitude. Joel Osteen says, "It's time to stretch." It's time to believe that we are blessed and will continue to be blessed.

It's our time. It's our life. We have the wisdom, strength, and talent to live the good life. If we put our faith in God and believe in Infinite Wisdom, our lives will change for the better.

Yes, it's my life, but I need all the help I can get. I'm ready to be directed by a Higher Power that is Absolute Good. I'm ready for Divine Wisdom and Great Light and Love. I'm ready for joy and peace. I want a life that is richer and fairer than anything I could ever imagine.

So while I know it's MY life, I'm ready to place it in the keeping of the Supreme. Only then will I absolutely know that everything is going to be all right. "Come unto Me....and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) I need that peace. It's My Life, but I gladly turn all my affairs over to You, Lord.

Love and Light,
Patty

Your Sweet Spot

2010-06-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

A few years ago my friend Holly gave me a calendar with excerpts from Max Lucado's CuRe for tHe CoMMon LIfE. Lucado said, "God gave you a 'sweet spot,' a zone, a region in which you were made to dwell. He tailored the curves of your life to fit an empty space in His jigsaw puzzle. And life makes sweet sense when you find your sweet spot."

Yes, it does. When you find your sweet spot emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically, it feels awesome! I found my sweet spot!! Emotionally I know that every day I have a choice about the way I feel, and I choose joy and love. Spiritually, I go to God who knows all things and leave all my problems in the wisdom that can see through everything and give the perfect answer. Mentally, I appreciate the brain that God gave me, and I open my mind to that light knowing that my thoughts will be divinely created. Physically, I love where I am. I have an awesome family, live in a great college town, have wonderful friends, and a great opportunity to teach kids during the school year. What more could there be?

I found my place of blessing and have a serene sense of peace. I hope you have found yours too. When you find it, you can claim the promise of my favorite verse with me: "All things work together for good for those who love God." (Romans 8:28)

Love and Light,
Patty

Turn It Around!

2010-06-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Summertime! It's full of new opportunities. Just ask my granddaughter Jessica who is taking Driver's Ed. Each day this fifteen-year-old gets a chance to drive. She has confidence because I've been letting her drive since she received her learning permit around Christmas time. She's logged over 30 hours so far. She is preparing for new things. She doesn't think to herself, "I can't do this. I don't have those skills. This is not in my comfort zone." No, instead she thinks, "I know how to do this. I'm equipped." She is very confident but not always 100% secure. She is very cautious when she backs out of the garage, for which I'm very grateful. She hasn't wanted to drive in the Kansas City traffic until recently, but now she feels empowered and ready to do anything. She'll take the risk, and I guess since she only has a learner's permit and drives my car, I'll have no choice but to take it with her....lol! The point is that she is open to try something new, and I support her all the way in this.

Someone else who was willing to try something new is Steve Jobs. I have been reading about the new iPhone, and the technical difficulties that Steve Jobs is having with it. I know full well that he will work them out. He's had setbacks in the past, but none of them has kept him from making Apple one of the most successful companies in the world.

He started at the age of 20 to make computers in his parents' garage. Within 10 years, his company was worth two billion dollars. However, his own board of directors fired him from his company. He didn't become a victim though. Instead he became a victor by building up two more successful companies and selling them for billions. Then Apple brought him back and he turned that company into a huge success story.

My husband loves Apple and has it now for his personal PC. He recently purchased the iPad and sings its praises all the time. Where would Apple be today if Steve Jobs had become discouraged, gave up, or just settled when he had a setback? When something didn't work out, he tried another way until it did. He kept believing, and my husband, who is a big Apple fan, is glad he did.

That's the kind of faith I want to have. I know that life is not always fair, but I also know that God is fair. Nothing can keep me from my divine destiny except my own self. If I have the right attitude, nothing can stop me. Isaiah 60:1 says, "Arise, shine; for your light has come."

Joel Osteen paraphrases scripture when he says, "[God] lifts the fallen. He gives hope to the hopeless. His mercy is bigger than any mistake we could ever make." He also says, "God has a plan....don't worry....what you think is a setback is really a setup for a greater comeback.....when you face an adversity, that setback, that disappointment, you don't know where it's taking you. You've heard the saying, 'When you're down to nothing, God is up to something.'.....when it looks like your darkest hour, God will turn it around, restore you, and bring you out to your brightest hour!"

Oh, yes, I needed to know that today. Thanks, Lord!

Love and Light,
Patty

Divine Destiny

2010-06-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

Who are you? Isn't that the philosophical question we've asked ourselves since college? How do we realize our potential? How do we create what we want from ourselves? So often we fail to have the same vision of ourselves that God has for us. All too often we limit ourselves by negative thoughts and self-doubt. Sometimes our self-esteem is low, and our insecurity keeps us from fulfilling our divine destiny. Yet Joel Osteen says that "the world will not be as bright as it could be if you don't release the full glow of your gifts and reflect God's glory."

Sometimes we fall short because we compare ourselves to someone else. That is not a good idea because it is not only being unloving to ourselves, but it sets the other person up as our enemy, especially if we judge ourselves or the other person. It's great to have role models and see everyone's uniqueness in where they are, but we must also appreciate ourselves. The bible says in Galatians 6:4-5, "Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."

In 2005-2006 I lost 66.7 lbs. I felt so good. Unfortunately I have been gaining the weight back. I'm not sure what is causing it (except overeating and under exercising....lol), but one of the things I think I haven't realized until recently is that losing weight can be as worthy as any other goal. It is inspirational and helpful to others when we take care of ourselves properly. It gives other people hope too.

Joel Osteen says, "You are not a want-to-be.....You are fully loaded and equipped." I know that I have everything I need to fulfill my purpose. I have what it takes. You do too. We just need to stretch and have faith. If we do what we can, God will do the rest. We can leave the safe zone for the faith zone. It's my divine destiny! "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," according to Philippians 4:13. "The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right,"says Isaiah 60:19.

Today I have new confidence and boldness. You and I may have a different goals, but together let's pursue them. It's not the time to retire. Let's re-fire and divinely live our destiny! I'm excited! Are you?

Light and love,
Patty

Inspiration from Three Beautiful Young Women

2010-05-22T06:56:00.000-07:00

"We all go through times that are more difficult than others," writes Joel Osteen.

Speaking of difficult times, I know a young lady who has faced adversity and come out a winner. This girl woke up one morning to flashing blue and red lights flooding through her window, only to find that the police had shot and killed her next door neighbor who happened to be a good friend of hers. It's a long story, but it seems that her neighbor had borrowed his sister's truck without permission and when the police investigated, he came to the door with a gun and was shot and killed. Prior to this, the young lady's mom had lost her job and things unraveled at school too with bullying and other teenage drama. Everything seemed to be going against her. With so much going on around her, she felt intense pain. The only way to relieve it seemed to be cutting. She was depressed and hurt with nowhere to turn. After her grandparents learned of her dilemma, they drove 600 miles to pick her up. They found their granddaughter withdrawn and angry. After taking her to their home, they enrolled her in school and obtained counseling for her. The girl turned her life completely around. She not only quit cutting, but she excelled in music, drama, and art at her new school. She wrote poetry and drew sketches that were published by the school library. She performed "Walk Like an Egyptian" with a girls' ensemble. The choreography and singing brought down the house at her school's spring show. The girl's name is Jessica Parkos Alvarez. She came from a small town in Nebraska to a large university town in Kansas where she made friends with wonderful people who adored and admired her. How do I know so much about this young lady? Maybe because I am her grandma, her "Nana" who is very proud of her accomplishments. Jessica has hit her stride and everything is falling into place. Because she is in such a good space right now, she has given me permission to share her story.

The other two ladies who have shown strength in the face of adversity are my two facebook friends, Becky Clark and Cat Forsley, who were born with albinism. This rare condition affects only one in every 17,000 people. These ladies were born without the melanin pigment that gives color to eyes, skin, and hair. They usually have serious vision problems, and their skin is extremely sensitive to the sun. Less-educated people in some countries persecute those with albinism because they believe they are cursed.

Becky Clark suffered some persecution herself because she has very pale skin and white hair. There have been times at school when she has faced challenges of bullying and teasing. Yet, Becky has met these challenges with the help and care of Cat Forsley. Cat knows personally what it is like to have albinism because she has it herself, even though she is a beautiful model.

Cat has a huge group on facebook that has nearly 50,000 people in it. It's called "Positive People". Cat's mission is peace and love, and she spreads this message everywhere. Cat also has the voice of an angel.

As I am writing this, Cat is in Arizona recording an album. Becky is writing and inspiring other teenagers. My Jessica just completed 8th grade successfully and happily and is ready to enjoy a summer of driver's ed, art, and having fun. These young ladies are not cursed but instead are blessed with creativity, wisdom, and good ideas. They don't have to sweat the small stuff, or even the big stuff for that matter because they go with the flow. They have flowed right through insults, frustrations, and challenges of all kinds.

I've been reading Joel Osteen's book IT'S YOUR TIME, and he tells many stories like these of people who have overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable and came out victors. When they got knocked down, they got up with new hope in their hearts, knowing that life was going to get easier if they could just flow with the universe.

These ladies all have different beliefs. Jess says that she doesn't believe in God. I tell her that is OK because God believes in her. Cat is an humanitarian and Buddhist. I'm not sure about Becky. I'm still waiting for her to tell me about her beliefs. One thing I do know is that these young women are winners. Whatever their beliefs are, they are full of creativity and inspiration that will make our world a better place. Because of that, I am thankful and honored to know them and be a part of their lives.

Love and light,
Patty

Finding Strength in Adversity

2010-05-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you are facing one challenge after another? I felt like that this week.

First, I had a family situation to handle and then a job challenge appeared. I was thinking, "What next?" Then God reminded me that my perception was slightly askew. Instead of obsessing on what went wrong, I needed to remember what is going right.

We always have the choice to enter green meadows to rest beside quiet streams or to walk in gloomy darkness. We can proceed with quiet confidence or throw in the towel of despair. God will give us "a supernatural strength, a peace that passes all understanding, joy rising up in our spirit" according to Joel Osteen. If we remember who we are and trust our Creator, things will be arranged in our favor. If we know in our heart that all our needs will be met, we will gain the right perspective and see God's goodness in our lives. Then we can break through any barrier put in our path.

When I was feeling overwhelmed and confused, I remembered that God is my protector and my guide. Not only was I renewed at that time, but my family member seemed to find her way as well. Now I have the faith to believe my job challenge will be resolved and that I will come out of it stronger than ever. That is the kind of God I know and love. Instead of telling God how big my problems are, I tell my problems how big my God is. That fixes everything. May you have a blessed week and gain strength and renewal through any adversity that comes your way.

Light and love,
Patty

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

It's Mother's Day! What an outstanding day!

When I had children, my dreams came true. Now I pray for successful lives for my kids. As I do this, I visualize their freedom, health, peace, abundance, harmony, strength, light, and understanding. I see them under the direction of the wisdom of the Most High God, achieving good and wonderful things and lacking nothing.

I know that God remembers them and guides them into victorious lives. I trust in the infinite goodness of God. I truly believe that any adversity that comes into their lives will be transformed and that the greatest measure of good will come to pass.

What causes this kind of faith? It is my ability to leave everything to God. It is my ability to stop worrying and start experiencing the peace that comes from my connection with God. It comes from the belief that God is good and gives me a richer and fuller life than I could ever imagine. It comes from the belief that this will also come to pass for my own children and for their children as well. I claim God's promise found in Isaiah 49:15-16 for my children when He said, "I will not forget you. I have engraved you in the palm of My hand."

God bless you this Mother's Day! You are either a mother or have had a mother so that makes this a special day for everyone. Happy Mother's Day!

Love and Light,
Patty

Transcending with Trust

2010-05-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday! It's time to contemplate my life so far. I took time to think about the writers who have influenced my way of thinking the most.

I taught English for over twenty years and was always attracted to the transcendentalists, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. In fact, one year I had my juniors read Thoreau's entire book of WALDEN. (Previously, we had just read excerpts). What was really interesting to me was the tolerance in these men for all religions, knowing that one God is the basis for them all. They also had complete respect for nature and the equality of men and women. Both wanted women to vote and slavery to end and stated that immoral laws were void to them.

One of my favorite things about the transcendentalists is their name. I like to think about transcending whatever happens in our lives. The only way for me to transcend circumstances that seem overwhelming is to remember my Spiritual Self and leave everything to God. To realize with certainty that all things really do work together for our good. It's a matter of trust.

Today I'm inspired by people like Pastor Robert Schuller of the Hour of Power who encourages us to turn our scars into stars, and Joel Osteen who says to turn our mess into our message. We can learn so much from men and women of God. They teach us to live our best lives yet.

"Happy are those whose strength is in You" ~ Psalm 84:5. This year I plan to draw on my spiritual strength to transcend any circumstances that would hold me back. I plan to soar like an eagle to new heights and draw nearer to God, trusting in my divine potential to bring me peace, wholeness, freedom, and light to live my best life yet. Care to join me?

Love and Light,
Patty

Love Is on the Way!

2010-04-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

Do you need encouragement? Let me give you some. You will be healthy, debt-free, and loved by family and friends.

How can you have all that? You can have it by faith and by speaking victory over your circumstances. Phillipians 1:6 says, "He that began a good thing in you will bring it to completion."

Love is on the way! Light is coming! We need to live with expectancy and enthusiasm. The word enthusiasm come from two Greek words, "en Theos" meaning "God within". When we unite our minds with the wisdom and power of the Spirit, we will accomplish all these things. Christian D. Larson says, "Every situation will be met, and everything taken care of, when we leave it to God.....our highest aspirations will be realized. We will have no fear."

What a wonderful opportunity we have today! "My cup overflows with blessings," according to Psalm 23:5. Over a hundred years ago, F. B. Meyer put it this way:
"Whatever the blessing is in our cup, it is sure to run over. With Him the calf is always the fatted calf; the robe is always the best robe; the joy is unspeakable; the peace passeth understanding...there is no grudging in God's benevolence. He does not measure out His goodness as an apothecary counts his drops and measures his drams, slowly and exactly, drop by drop. God's way is always characterized by multitudinous and overflowing bounty."

Yes, indeed, love is on the way! Are you ready to live your best life yet?

Love and Light,
Patty

All Things Work Together for Good

2010-04-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

I have exciting news! My mom had tests taken after her bout with cancer, and she has recovered. Praise God! We had a party for her last weekend before she had her test results back, and she looked great. We were expecting good news, and that's what we received. What a relief!

What Mom went through will make her a stronger person. "All things work together for good," according to Romans 8:28, and I do believe that.

I know it didn't seem like things were working for her good when she went through chemo. She lost her hair, her eyebrows, and had to have surgery. She was uncomfortable, and it seemed that the treatments would never end. She became weak and many times wondered if the treatments weren't worse than the disease.

All of this was a preparation. These challenges helped her to grow. She began to question what was really important in her life and started prioritizing. She didn't spend time in self-pity or defeat. Outside it looked like her body was deteriorating, but her spirit became stronger than ever. She never stopped believing. She gave it her all.

Even though it seemed like she was walking through the valley of death, she didn't get stuck there. It was temporary. It passed. Psalm 84:6 says that passing through the valley of weeping, you will find pools of blessing.

This served as another reminder to expect good things. When something happens, I have choices. I can either say, "This really isn't fair. It makes me furious." Or I can say, "I really don't know why this happened, but I know God is in control so it will not steal my peace and joy." I might as well give God control of everything. He has it anyway, so why resist it?

If we trust in the goodness of God, we know that things will work out for the best. I remember when my daughter had her motorcycle accident. She was staying so strong for everyone else. I wondered if she needed to just let her family and many friends take care of her. For Mom I wondered the same thing. I thought, "Just let us be there for you in your time of need."

As much as I wanted to take the burdens from my loved ones when they were hurting, I couldn't do it, but God had placed in them the strength and faith they needed to get through their adversity and come out stronger than ever.

Thanks for letting me share my story with you. I sincerely hope that you experience your best life ever by knowing that whatever challenges you go through, God will restore you and turn things around for your benefit. He will give you beauty for ashes and joy for mourning. That's what He's done for me. God bless!

Love and Light,
Patty

Bounce Back!

2010-04-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend we enjoyed a party celebrating Mom's recovery from cancer. Her hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes have grown back. Mom has bounced back!

Mom's health and attitude reminded me of something I read today about palm trees. During a hurricane, other trees will be blown over and uprooted, but the palm tree can bend all the way over until its top reaches the ground and still not break. If the storm lasts for hours, they will still bounce right back. Why? It's because they are resilient. Biologists have pointed out that when the palm tree weathers such a storm, their root system is actually strengthened by the stress. This gives them new opportunities for growth.

My Mom is like that. She has come back stronger than ever. She has bounced back. Life almost knocked the wind out of her sails, but she is an overcomer. Life is good! The cancer was not welcome in her body, but she did not let it steal her joy.

She's still standing. It reminds me of the Elton John song, "I'm Still Standing". The lyrics go like this: "Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did, looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid. I'm still standing after all this time, picking up the pieces of my life......Once I never could hope to win....I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah....I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah...."

I'm trying to learn something from this for my own life. Like that old cliche', "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade," I want to be able to make something delicious out of something sour. Like the palm tree, I may get battered and beat, but once the wind stops, I'll bounce right back again. I like what I read in Joel Osteen's book when it stated, "I'm too blessed to be stressed." Let's make this our motto. Let's appreciate the little things, as well as the big things.

Light and love,
Patty

The Comeback Kid

2010-04-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

Jesus was buried and rose again on the third day according to I Corinthians 15:4. He is the original comeback kid. He literally rose above His circumstances.

At some point, we all face major challenges too. Thankfully, they will not be as drastic as what our Lord faced, but nonetheless, we have all faced or will face stuff: a layoff at work, a broken relationship, sickness, or the injury or death of a loved one. What keeps us from falling into despair when something like that happens? For me, it is my faith. It is my expectation that I will be able to rise above whatever happens.

Joel Osteen says, "When you plant a seed in the ground, you don't say, 'I'm burying this seed.' You say, 'I'm planting this seed.' The difference is that when you plant a seed, you expect it to rise again and come back to life. The time for planting comes when challenges arise....When you go through disappointments and you're in tough times, you may feel like you've been buried, but the fact is, you've simply been planted. That means you're coming back...better, increased, stronger."

When you plant a seed in the ground, if it had feelings, it would probably be dark, lonely, and uncomfortable under the soil, but guess what? It doesn't stay under there forever. It is planted and soon it will burst through the soil into the light. It rises out of the dark and becomes a beautiful plant.

We too can become more beautiful than ever before when we face adversity. No matter what we come against in life, we need to remember that we are not buried, but we are planted. The same Power that raised Jesus from the dead can raise us too. Our best life yet is coming. We won't live defeated. It's time to make a comeback.

Two thousand years later we are still in awe of Jesus, who was a man with skin like we have. We still look to His example to help us live our best lives yet. Nothing could keep Him down. Now we know that nothing can keep us down either. We don't have to tell Him about our problems. Instead we can tell our problems about Him.

This is a time of year we always celebrate resurrection. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us. We have eternal life. We don't have to wait until we die to enjoy it. Are you letting your life raise you up? Do you have comeback power to overcome any challenge set in your way?

Let's join the original Comeback Kid this Easter and let God's blessings bloom in our lives. Happy Easter!

Light and love,
Patty

If I Could Turn Back Time

2010-03-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever listened to Cher's popular song "If I Could Turn Back Time"? The song says,"I don't know why I did the things I did. I don't know why I said the things I said." Do you ever feel that way?

Joel 2:25 says, "I will restore to you the years the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you." Could that mean that He will restore the years that we feel we have lost?

Joel Osteen says in his new book IT'S YOUR TIME that God controls time and can therefore turn back the clock and bring restoration to our relationships. I think like every parent, I have suffered from guilt about child-rearing. For many years I was a single mom with two teenage daughters to raise by myself with no child support. I worked full time as an English teacher and sponsored the annual staff, directed drama, coached the speech team, etc. Sometimes I look back and think, "If only I had spent more time with them, they wouldn't have rebelled so much as teenagers" or "if only we had had more money, I could have paid for them to go to college." All those things haunted me for years, but now I can see that my girls' rebellion made them become free-thinkers and independent women. Our lack of funds helped them to realize that hard work is required if we want reach our goals in life. Both attended college and one of them received a bachelor's degree.

Let's remember that God can restore the years we feel we have lost. I spend plenty of time with my daughters now. Now I have the time I lacked when my daughters were young to dote on my four grandchildren. And guess what? I'm no longer single. I married the most wonderful man on the planet. My life has been restored and blessed abundantly.

If I could turn back time.....I wouldn't. All the things that I did or said were the best I could do for what I knew at the time. "He restores my soul" (Psalms 23:3), and for that I am most grateful.

Light and love,
Patty

Speaking Faith-Filled Words

2010-03-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

"Our words can bless our future or they can curse it," writes Joel Osteen. We give life to our faith when we use our words in a positive way. When we are grateful for our lives and complaint-free, we bring blessing in abundance to them.

When we look for the best in everyone and speak it, they become the best. With our children, we can speak blessing into their lives even when they are not living their best lives. If they are not behaving the way we would like them to behave, we can put a positive spin on it to our friends. When they ask about them, we can say, "She's blessed. She makes good decisions. She is kind and respectful. She just doesn't know it yet!" Joel Osteen suggests this practice in his new book, IT'S YOUR TIME.

We can also use our words to speak healing into our lives. Yesterday my back was hurting me, but I decided not to give it attention. I thanked God for my perfect health. I knew that if I didn't feel perfectly healthy at that moment, it was not a permanent thing. This morning I woke up feeling great. I took the time to thank God for healing me before I even got out of bed this morning. Once we realize the correlation between what we say and how we feel, we will make sure our words are full of faith. Let's remember to be victors, not victims. Joel 3:10 says, "Let the weak say, 'I am strong.'" We need to claim our victory even when we don't feel it.

Zechariah 10:1 says, "Ask the Lord for rain in springtime." It's the first day of spring and outside my window, I see snow, not rain! The idea of this verse, though, is to ask for what we need. We simply take things for granted sometimes, and do not even think about them. Yet, if we use the words to express our desires, we are voicing faith and releasing God's power. The snow may not disappear, but it will soak into the ground and bring forth flowers in as beautiful a way as rain would.

I'm grateful for today, and I am going to proclaim good things for my loved ones, myself, and you. God bless!

Love and light,
Patty

Favor Has Been Released in Your Future

2010-03-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow them," wrote Louisa May Alcott.

When I think about my future, I believe that every day the right people will come into my path, the right circumstances will unfold, and the right breaks will come my way. This has been a regular occurrence in my life, building my faith and expectation in such a way that I am extremely optimistic about my life and the lives of my loved ones.

Psalms 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Joel Osteen says, "When you stay in faith, you will walk into God's blessings. Understand that He's already released into your future everything you need to fulfill your destiny. My prayer for you is that you will receive everything God has in store."

I also pray that for my grandchildren. Yesterday my oldest granddaughter turned fifteen and I pray that God will release favor into her future and give her health, wisdom, strength, and supernatural opportunity. I ask it in the name of Jesus.

God bless her, and God bless you.

Love and Light,
Patty

Choosing Faith over Fear

2010-03-06T19:09:00.000-08:00

"Nothing before, nothing behind; the steps of faith fall on the seeming void and find the rock beneath," wrote the American poet, John Greenleaf Whittier. God is our solid Rock and the Source that gives us sure footing to meet every situation we encounter. God gives us the wisdom and power to do all things in the most successful manner. "All things work together for them that love God." (Romans 8:28) To find the security of the Rock beneath our steps gives us faith in a brighter world. Surely the greatest good will come to us and everything will work out perfectly if we have that kind of faith. Our lives will rise to meet our expectations.

Joel Osteen points out that faith tells us to believe in the positive, to believe that God will supply all our needs, and to believe that our best days are yet to come. Fear, on the other hand, causes us to think negatively about our finances, our health, and our state of being. He tells us that we can choose faith over fear and trust God with gratitude in our hearts to resolve any situation that could cause us anxiety. Even when things look a little dark and cloudy, we know that the Sun is still shining.

When one door closes, another opens. "According to your faith will it be done to you." (Matthew 9:29)

Let's stay positive so that the people around us will catch our optimism and be in a better mood and feel good about life. If we keep our spirits high, we will give everyone around us a healthy dose of hope.

Let's be careful not to watch too much bad news. Joel says, "I like to watch the news. I like to know what's going on. But I'm careful to recognize when I have the information I need and when it's just redundant doom and gloom that I don't need to hear again and again......Turn off negative talk. Fill your mind with thoughts of victory!"

Our God is all-powerful. There is no need to worry. We can choose faith over fear this very minute.

Light and Love,
Patty

Thriving, Not Just Surviving

2010-02-26T08:42:00.000-08:00

How do we thrive in times like these? Some of us feel lucky just to survive. Joel Osteen says, "I encourage you to believe you are blessed--not that you will be blessed---but that you are already blessed." I think that's key to thriving in any economy, any situation, any circumstance, any relationship, and any health challenge in which we find ourselves. Gratitude for what we already have puts us in the state of mind for more of God's favor.

What if we don't feel blessed though? Joel says, "This is what faith is all about. You must believe before you see it. You need to act like you're blessed, talk like you're blessed, think like you're blessed, dress like you're blessed, walk like you're blessed, treat people like you're blessed." That's what is called putting the cart before the horse. This reversal in thinking helps us see our higher, blessed self instead of dwelling on our lower, complaining self.

There is a "hope theory" that has been been studied by researchers and psychologists, which found that people who focus on solutions often reach their goals while feeling good in the process. That blessed feeling is something we can bring with us everywhere we go and spread around. That way when we come into a place, we bring the blessing into it. Wherever we go, we bring it! God's favor and blessing arrive when we do. How awesome is that!

Joel says, "Wherever you go, just like cream, you rise to the top. Hold up your head....in confidence, knowing that wherever you go, you're taking along something very special." We're too blessed to be stressed. We bloom and smile, instead of complain. We don't just survive; we thrive.

Light and Love,
Patty

Praying Bold Prayers

2010-02-20T19:42:00.000-08:00

"Ask Me and I will give you the nations as your inheritance." (Psalm 2:8) What a promise! God is not limited in what He can do for us. All we need is faith to activate God's power in our lives.

God has so many blessings in store for us if we will only ask. If we trust everything to the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible. "We can see, with absolute clearness, that the best, the most desirable and the most perfect must come to pass when Higher Power takes charge; when Divine Wisdom is the guiding light; and when the Great Love rules the way," writes Christian D. Larson. Whatever circumstances, conditions, or obstacles face us can be easily handled by God's strength if we give them to Him.

We might also call a friend to pray with us. My friend Holly will always pray with me, even if it is over the phone. This always soothes and comforts me. I pray for her too. We affirm good for each other, knowing the Holy Spirit solves all our dilemmas and pressures. We come boldly to the throne of God, praying with "the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind" (Philippians 2:2) for God's loving presence to shine light on our lives and give us strength and guidance in all our affairs.

May you pray bold prayers as well so God can show you His unlimited favor.

Light and love,
Patty

You Are Your Father's Child

2010-02-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

"I know who your Father is......there is no obstacle you can't overcome....There's no challenge that is too much for you....There's no financial difficulty, no lack that will hold you back," says Joel Osteen.

I'm so grateful that I am the daughter of the Most High. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Paul tells the Phillipians in Chapter 4, verse 3. Sometimes I try to handle everything by myself, and that doesn't work so well. Recently I was planning a party to celebrate Mom's progress with her treatments. My husband had coupons for free rooms at a hotel, but not enough for the whole family. I really started to stress about it, but it all worked out in the end. I just needed to leave it to God and quit trying to control the situation.

God knows the way, and He is my GPS. His Light clears the way and leads me to peace of mind. When the disciples had anxiety, Jesus stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." (John 20:26) If I remember that I am a child of God and take a deep relaxing breath, my thoughts settle and my anxiety dissolves. That is when solutions appear and harmony reigns. I place everything in the spirit of the Supreme and the blessing of love and peace come into my heart. I am empowered by my Father. I rest in His love.

Light and Love,
Patty

New Seasons of Increase

2010-02-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

"When we draw nearer to the Most High, the possibilities of living, knowing, and attaining become remarkable," wrote Christian D. Larson in LEAVE IT TO GOD. If we would just leave it to God and believe, we would enter a new season of increase.

God will bring us out of this economy better off than we ever were. Psalm 102:13 says that there is a set time for favor. Joel Osteen says, "God has seasons in which supernatural doors will open, seasons in which you will accomplish things you never thought possible, seasons in which you'll see great things begin to happen."

We can declare that 2010 is the year of God's favor. Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised" in Luke 4:18. This is our season of increase, and in this season, we will bring along our brothers and sisters.

Good things are in store for all of us. We need to believe that, and it will happen for us. "So I tell you, whatever you ask, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24).

Light and love,
Patty

Seizing Your God-Given Opportunities

2010-01-21T06:15:00.000-08:00

"When you trust and act on your intuition, you increase your self-esteem, build trust in yourself, and experience a profound sense of security that no relationship or amount of money will ever give you," says Cheryl Richardson. I often call my intuition my GPS, God's Powerful Spirit, because it is through this that I learn of the steps I need to take to seize my God-given opportunities.

I read a story in Joel's new book about Marie Callender. She used to work in a small restaurant by Los Angeles---waiting tables, cooking, and cleaning. Her boss told her to come to work earlier and make desserts because the customers kept asking for desserts. Instead of throwing in the towel, she came early and made the best desserts she could. Well, they caught on. Soon she was able to open her own business and eventually had 110 restaurants of her own and an entire line of frozen pies and entrees sold in supermarkets!

We used to frequent one of her restaurants when we lived near Denver and once bought one of her pies to take to Thanksgiving dinner at Mom's. They are delicious! Think of what would have happened if she had told her boss "no" and walked out of the restaurant in frustration. Because she listened to her GPS, she was able to use her job as a training ground for making the most delicious pies imaginable. Then she launched out on her own, with the help of her son, and changed her entire destiny. I want to have faith like that!

When I look at the world situation today, with the economy in such bad shape, and listen to the news of the horrific earthquake in Haiti, I have to fight off negativity, but Joel says, "This is a new day.....I know God has moments of favor coming my way!" Like David said in Psalms 31:15, "God, my times are in Your hands."
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Well, I don't doubt for one minute that God has plans for all of us. He will help the people of Haiti rise from the rubble, and He will give us all hope and comfort. God isn't the cause of natural disasters; He is the Comforter in natural disasters. You can see this in the survivors' reactions when they are pulled from the rubble. Most of them are praising and thanking God. God bless them!

Today may we listen to our GPS and open our minds to divine possibilities.

Love and Light,
Patty

It's Your Time

2010-01-13T11:16:00.000-08:00

That's the title of Joel Osteen's new book and also the title of its second chapter. Last week I wrote about the chapter, "You're Closer Than You Think", which really helped me realize that God's guidance is giving me such a boost to run the race that is set before me. Like in Paul said in Hebrews 12:1, let us run with patience.

Last week I was very close to a resolution in a job situation, which turned out perfectly a couple of days later. Remember that verse in Zechariah 9:12, which says we should be prisoners of hope. This week I read in Acts 2:26, "I have pitched my tent in the land of hope." Yes, I've moved out of the land of discouragement, and I hope you have too because it's your time.

You will receive double for your trouble. Isaiah 61:7 says, "For your shame you shall have double and for confusion, they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore, in their land they shall possess the double. Ever lasting joy shall be unto them."

Joel says that when an unfair situation happens, we should not pitch our tents in self-pity. Instead we need to go to the land of gratitude because now we will come out of the situation with twice the joy, twice the peace, and twice the victory. We are victors, not victims. God will bring justice into our lives. As prisoners of hope, it's our time. God's busy arranging things in our favor.

Light and love,
Patty

You're Closer Than You Think!

2010-01-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

"In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer," wrote Albert Camus. We have been blanketed in snow and the weather outside is frigid, yet inside our home it is warm and the fireplace is blazing. Inside my heart is summer even though outside the temperature is zero. How is this possible?

Well, today I went to Walmart and bought Joel Osteen's new book IT'S YOUR TIME. I just read the first chapter, "You're Closer Than You Think!" It reminded me of how easy it is to be challenged by something that we feel is bigger than us. Joel writes about hiking in the Colorado mountains on a trail that was so steep that he felt like giving up when he met a man descending the trail who told him, "You're closer than you think." That mountain may have been big, but that man gave Joel the encouragement to keep moving on, and sure enough he reached the summit about fifteen minutes later.

How many times in my life have I wanted to give up when just a little bit later things turned around for me? I can't count the number of times that has happened to me. Does it ever happen to you?

What we really need in times like these is hope. I remember as a teenager when a boyfriend was caught in a blizzard. I prayed so hard for that person. The parents had been calling our house because I was with him earlier. He had brought me home safely, but then on the way to his home, he was caught in a storm.

I read the bible and came across Psalms 30:5 which says weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. I took hope from that. Sure enough, in the morning we called our neighbors to look for my boyfriend, and they found him. He was very cold but alive. I remembered the psalm and rejoiced.

I came across that same verse when I was reading Joel's new book today, and I remembered how dear that verse was to me. He also quoted Zechariah 9:12, which says we should be prisoners of hope. What an interesting concept! A prisoner of hope. Yes, I would like to be a prisoner of hope and always realize that God is arranging things for my good.

I want to keep my attitude hopeful and realize that I am closer to victory than I think. Not too long ago an incident happened at work that I did not think was fair, but God was in complete control. It isn't resolved yet, but guess what? I am a prisoner of hope instead of worry so I have faith that the outcome will be perfect. Just because it is night doesn't mean that the sun will not rise in the morning. Just because it is winter doesn't mean that summer will not return.

As a prisoner of hope, tomorrow I will rise expecting God to give me another amazing day because that's the kind of God He is. How about you? Will you believe that tomorrow will be better than today? Will you claim the victory? You are closer than you think!

Light and love,
Patty

Win-Win in 2010!

2009-12-28T17:54:00.000-08:00

"I pray that...Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love." (Ephesians 3:16,17)

Christmas may be over, but Christ's Presence continues to direct my life. I came across the saying, "Don't cry because it's over---smile because it happened." That's the way I feel about Christmas. Thank God, Jesus was born and through His infinite wisdom, He has taught me that no mistake that I have ever made will separate me from His love. Not only that, but His guidance will bring about the best possible outcome to my life.

God is not limited in any way. He knows all things and can do all things. He makes all the clouds pass and gives me -life richer and fairer than I have ever before been able to imagine. I trust Him with my whole heart to handle my life and all my affairs. This gives me total peace. 2010 will be a win-win year for you and for me because our God is in control.

Have a win-win 2010! God bless. This year will be the best ever! Spread the love everywhere you go.

Light and love,
Patty

Hope of Glory

2009-12-06T14:10:00.000-08:00

"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans...to give you a future of hope." (Jeremiah 29:11) Yes, hope is what God gives us. Jimmy Buffet says, "It takes no more time to see the good side of life than it takes to see the bad." This Christmas season, let's receive hope in our hearts. Let's have faith throughout the season that God will continue to fill our lives with joy and gladness. When we look at the lights on our Christmas tree that symbolize the light within our own selves, we're filled with love and peace. We know our future will be bright. We know that our loved ones will be blessed. "And you will have confidence, because there is hope." (Job 11:18). Let's not be distracted from that hope by bad news in the media or the pervasive advertising that tells us what we must have to be satisfied and attractive. Remembering that "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27) is the greatest gift we could ever receive, let's savor all the sounds, smells, and sights of Christmas. God bless.

Light and love,
Patty

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T07:12:00.000-08:00

"For flowers that bloom about our feet; For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet; For song of bird, and hum of bee; For all things fair we hear or see, Father in heaven, we thank Thee!"

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Forgiveness

2009-11-18T13:54:00.000-08:00

"Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive." (II Corinthians 2:10) The only thing that brings peace is forgiveness. I found that to be true this weekend.

I went to see my mom with my husband, granddaughter, and grand dog. My granddaughter's dog is a cute little pomeranian mix that has never been housebroken. We keep him outside and in the garage at night so that he doesn't make messes. He has a yip that was irritating my step father so he asked why we didn't leave the dog home. It hurt my feelings so I started to cry. That night when I went to bed, I decided that the only way to soothe my hurt feelings is through forgiveness.

I looked at the situation through my step father's eyes and saw it from his point of view. In the morning, my step father made me coffee and apologized. I was sorry too, and the whole thing was over.

Had either of us decided to hold on to resentment, it would have destroyed the peace and made everyone around us tense. Our perceptions either pull us down or lift us higher. The choice is ours. A Slovakian proverb says, "Anger is the only thing to put off till tomorrow." For today I choose to adopt an attitude of forgiveness instead of one of resentment. That is the only way to peace.

Light and love,
Patty

The Peace of God

2009-11-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15) Tonight I realize how fortunate I am to be immersed in the love and peace of God. I am so relieved that He loves me unconditionally. I focus my thoughts on love and good.

Any decisions I have to make are not mine alone. I have God to help me have a good weekend and experience wonderful things. In the 23rd Psalm, David says, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters; He restores my soul."

We can be grateful even in the midst of sad news. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." In God's light, we can heal our lives.

With the relationship we have with God, we can be grateful that we have God's spirit within us. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

Tonight I fall on my knees in amazement that in this now moment, I can let go of all anxiety and fear. As a lily in the field, I surrender to what is, and I am grateful.

Light and love,
Patty

Harmonious Living

2009-10-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

"The world is one percent good, one percent bad, ninety-eight percent neutral. It can go one way or the other, depending on which side is pushing. This is why what individuals do is important," writes Hans Habe. What each one contributes is so important.

Last night, my husband and I went to our granddaughter's band concert and enjoyed it so much. The realization hit me that each band member has to practice individually to make such harmonious music. It's individual effort as well as group effort. I was so proud as I realized in her music she is a valued part of that band.

We are all a part of the harmony of life. We each have our individual make up in our families and in our work place, but we work together to make a collective whole that enhances the unit. I'm so grateful for our individuality, and yet so happy that we can harmonize and live together peacefully. "May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another." (Romans 15:5)

Light and love,
Patty

Time to Get Healthy

2009-10-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Our maple tree is losing all its pretty red leaves. I guess it is preparing for winter and rest. Our bodies get into that rest mode too.

With Thanksgiving only a little more than a month away, it's time to reflect with gratitude our many blessings. I so appreciate the bounty of food I have in my life.

At the same time, though, I long for the trim body I had not very long ago.

Florence Shinn wrote, "The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds, and words return to us sooner or later, with astounding accuracy." My overeating is catching up to me. I've been gaining weight!

Now I am coming upon the season of plenty with my body's innate desire for rest. Wow! What to do?

Well, I received an email a couple of days ago with all the super foods I could use to restore my sense of health and well-being. This holiday season I am letting go of the of the bad habit of over-eating. Just like my maple tree, I'm going to shed what no longer serves me. Here are some healthy foods to get me back on track. This will be my gift to myself. Want to join me at God's pharmacy? This is the info I received in my email:

"A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye.... And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body."

This is the kind of food I want to give my body instead of the unhealthy food I have been feeding it. What an opportunity to meet the challenge by letting God assist me in my quest for health and well-being! "My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net." (Psalms 25:15) Join me if you want, and we'll share our successes!

Who Are We?

2009-10-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

"Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind." (I Peter 3:8)

What a blessing to share our compassion wisdom, love, and understanding! We bring about peace and love by letting God shine all negative thoughts away. We can let God heal all our relationships when we remember who we are.

Who are we anyway? We can be God's love made manifest. If we let God guide us, we can let go of all guilty, unloving, fearful thoughts by taking each one to the Holy Spirit and letting Him bring us back to love.

This week let us walk in gratitude and love. If a thought enters our mind that does not bring us peace, let's take it to the Holy Spirit and let His light guide us to everlasting joy.

Light and love,
Patty

Out with the Old, In with the New

2009-10-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

"Don't cry because it's over----smile because it happened," is a quote from a pamphlet called BITS AND PIECES.

We build our lives brick by brick. When my girls graduated high school and left home, I was alone and suffering from an "empty nest". A few years down the road I met my wonderful husband and entered a new phase of life. Around that same time, God blessed me with grandchildren so my life became very fulfilling.

Sometimes we go through changes that make us feel like we are giving up something very valuable. I know I felt this way when my daughters left home. As a single mom, those girls were my life. What I didn't realize was that God would offer me a joyous alternative. I didn't realize that I was about to meet the love of my life and experience the joy and beauty of grandchildren.

About ten months ago my oldest granddaughter came to live with us. Now I am re-living those days of school functions and having such purpose in my life. It's amazing to see God's perfect picture. He had a much better plan for my life than I could have ever dreamed. Last night my husband and I had the pleasure of watching her up on stage in a school play, and I felt like I was in such a perfect place in my life.

We just need to learn to trust God for help, support, and guidance. He will give us strength. "Be strong and courageous...for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) Joel Osteen says God has more in store for us if we believe our best days are ahead of us. My best days are not past; they are yet to come.

Love and Light,
Patty

This Magic Moment

2009-10-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

"This God--His way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him" (2 Samuel 22:31). The DAILY WORD today says, "God is my source, my strength, and my shield." Because of that, I am full of peace. He lifts my spirit and calms my mind.

Whenever I come across a challenge, I realize that I do not have to rely on my own limited capabilities, but that I can call on my Source, almighty God, to fill me with divine potential to handle whatever happens in life.

I live in the present moment, knowing that it is only here that I can access the presence of the Lord. Here is where I can gently let go of all concerns and relax. Here is where I can pause and reflect. Here is where I can find wisdom and understanding. "O send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me" (Psalms 43:3).

There was a song in 1969 called "This Magic Moment". I know that as we live in the moment, we can touch the face of God and enjoy all the beauty of our surroundings. So in this magic moment right here at the computer, I let God's love move through me and accept the divine strength and love that only He can give.

Light and Love,
Patty

Pray Without Ceasing

2009-09-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

"Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28). Just a moment of prayer or meditation can improve your mood, lower your blood pressure, decrease your anxiety, grant you more optimistism, give you resilience, and strengthen your immune system. No wonder the bible says to pray without ceasing. It's really easy to stay in a prayerful attitude during the day if you practice doing that. Once you get the habit, it feels so good to stay connected, and you will wonder how you ever got along without prayer.

Where do we go to pray? You can pray wherever you are: driving, washing dishes, making the bed, or waiting for class to start. Wherever you are, you can connect with God, and that is such a blessing.

The other thing about prayer is that the time to do it is NOW. There is no need to put it off until you have more time. Peacefulness brought on by prayer is available to you right now, right here. Whatever is happening in your life, do not let it keep you from prayer. The time we need prayer the most is when life is the most hectic and stressful.

Many times at night, I wake up with a concern on my mind. I find that if I avail myself to prayer, the concern will gently go away to be replaced by a sense of well-being. "If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25)

The DAILY WORD yesterday had this suggestion: "I imagine that I have just walked through the desert and have now reached an oasis with refreshing water, a cool breeze, and a hammock tied between two shade-giving trees. I have reached a welcome refuge."

Let the calmness and serenity of a tropical vacation wash over you and release all your concerns to God. Have a blessed week!

Love and Light,
Patty

Pay Attention Already!

2009-09-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

"He said to them, 'Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more shall be given you.'" ~ Mark 4:24. I read that verse in the DAILY WORD today. It spoke to me about giving more attention to whatever I am doing. If I stay focused on this very moment, I am much more in tune with everything, and it is so much more enjoyable than if I absentmindedly go about my activities.

Today I was teaching at a junior high, and the kids and I were reading a novel full of action. I was caught up in the plot and so excited that I almost went over the allotted time. The students didn't want to stop reading and listening either because the climax of the novel was forthcoming with all the suspense and excitement that any good novel contains. We were caught up in the moment, giving it our full attention.

That's the way our life can be too. It is exciting and enjoyable if we give it our full attention. The more we practice this, the easier it will become.

We need to be selective, though, about what receives our attention. We can zero in on the ideas and feelings that give our life inspiration, and selectively filter out the things that give us a negative perception of the world.

The Holy Spirit guides us to what would serve us well if we are willing to listen and let Him sculpt our lives into something beautiful. Each precious moment of this life can impact us in a powerful, positive way if we let it dance around in our consciousness and let Him give us a loving, joyous rendition of the spirituality He offers so freely.

The Star of the Movie Is Me, but the Director Is God!

2009-09-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

"Be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and...clothe yourself with the new self." (Ephesians 4:23-24) Can you picture a whole new you?

Sometimes I use positive imagination to get me through challenging situations. This last weekend with family was wonderful, but an issue came up for which I had no solution. That night as I lay down, I shared my concerns with God as I always do. And as He always does, He helped me quiet my mind and release them to His guidance and direction.

I was ready to move forward with confidence and courage. I realized that I had become a very dependent person, one that was living my life in a way that longed for approval even if it met sacrificing my own beliefs. Instead, I felt the need to become someone who can stand on her own two feet and become assertive when the situation calls for that. "Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance the Lord will accomplish for you today." (Exodus 14:13)

Sometimes that can be a challenge, but the Lord will always give me direction when I go to Him in the moment receptive to His peace that passeth understanding. I can be a new person of changed perception and enjoy the miracle of peace when I forgive myself and others and open myself up to the flow of my GPS (God's Powerful Spirit).

When I get out of alignment with that golden flow of life and love, I know it from my uncomfortable feelings. That's when I want to give up my old way of thinking and know that the answer to everything comes from trusting God to work out all situations and circumstances in my life and turn them into something beautiful!

I use my positive imagination to create a harmonious picture of everything working out just perfectly! Yay! I'm enjoying starring in this movie of life. I know it will have a happy ending because God is the director, not me. I'm just the star!

You are starring in your own movie too. Enjoy it and let God give it a happy ending!

The Grace of God

2009-09-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for God's grace today. Even though I didn't ask for them, blessings rained down on me. I accepted a job in a music classroom this week, and as I was leading the fourth grade in their songs, I realized how beautiful the words were. We sang, "Something for me, something for you; you show love for me, I show love for you. If we take time to see what this world could be, we could live peacefully; we all could be free." This is part of a song by J.D. Steele, Larry Long, Brian C. Herron, and Nate Underwood. I just felt blessed to be singing these lovely words with such impressible little souls.

The second thing that truly blessed me today was getting out of school early. The teachers have an in-service every Wednesday so I get to leave an hour and a half before the usual end of the school day.

The third thing that blessed me today was our lawn service coming over to mow the lawn. I just felt so privileged to be able to have someone do such a wonderful task for us.

There are so many other blessings I received today like a wonderful dinner with my husband and granddaughter and the gratitude of my grand dog when I brought him in the house away from the scary lawn mower.

Paul said, "Everything is for your sake, so that grace...may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God" in 2 Corinthians 4:15. Every breath I take, every drop of rain that falls, every drink of clean water I enjoy, every morsel of food I digest, and every comfort of my home remind me of how abundantly God provides for me. I am grateful. "He brought me into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey," (Deuteronomy 26:9).

Love and Light,
Patty

Take This Job and Love It!

2009-08-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

I saw this on a Max Lucado calendar and loved it. I was reading this morning in the paper about a second grade boy who volunteered to take out the trash in his classroom. He said, "We all like jobs." If we had the enthusiasm of this second grader, we would have happier, more fulfilling lives.

We spend 83,000 hours of our lives at work. How much better we would feel if we actually loved our work instead of merely enduring it while always looking forward to the weekend!

In a week and a half we will be celebrating Labor Day. I wonder if we would feel differently toward our labor if we changed our attitude about work. Richard Bach says, "The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work." I thought of that quote this weekend when Hubby and I, along with our granddaughter, weeded flower beds. It was hot, exhausting work, but I kept thinking about how wonderful it was to be outdoors with my family and how nice our yard would look when it was done.

Maybe it's time to be thankful for our jobs. When we get something done, we feel good about it. When you think about it, it seems ridiculous to put off that good feeling of accomplishment we get when our work is done. Ecclesiastes 2:10 says "My heart took delight in all my work" and another great philosopher named Larry the Cable Guy says, "Get 'er done." Good advice!

Gratitude in All Things

2009-08-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

"Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving," suggests David in Psalm 95:2. Yes, I can do that.

Today I am grateful for the rain we had earlier and for the sun coming out after the storm. The quickest way I know to elevate my mood is an attitude of gratitude.

Last Saturday we went to the Missouri State Fair, and the rain poured down at one point, causing me to go in search of our granddaughter to make sure she found shelter. I didn't complain about the rain, though, because we found a nice shelter with live music and good food and beverages. There is always a blessing if we search for one.

Gratitude serves us in many ways. First, seeing the blessings in every thing opens the way for more blessings. Every year when Frank and I do our Christmas card, I am amazed at all the blessings we have to share with others. We have to leave many out because there isn't room on the card to write them all down (and we don't want to bore people to death....lol).

Secondly, gratitude helps us live in the present moment. Each moment brings its own blessings. For instance, right now I feel blessed to have a laptop computer so I can write a blog entry or a message.

Lastly, an attitude of gratitude is what keeps me reverent. I thank God that He sees fit to bless my life in so many ways with a wonderful family, a good job, and a lovely home. Paul instructs us in I Thessalonians 5:18, "In every thing give thanks." Thank You, Lord. I am indeed blessed.

Love & Light,
Patty

Prayer Offers Strength and Comfort

2009-08-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

I visited my mom a couple of days ago and sat with her through her chemo treatment. At the end, I hugged her and then went out to my car a little tearful. A sense of powerlessness overwhelms me sometimes. Then I realized something, I could pray. I went back into the treatment center and prayed with her. I felt a release. I think she did too.

Numbers 6:26 says, "The Lord lift up His countenance and give you peace." That peace carries with it the strength we need to get through life. In church we say, "Wherever I am, God is, and all is well."

Thanks, Lord, for being our comfort and our strength. Thanks for providing the care and the people needed to bring about healing. Thanks for blessing Mom in many ways with a wonderful doctor and great nurses, a caring husband, and a comforting niece to sit with her through treatments.

The Still Small Voice

2009-08-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

"After the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice," (I Kings 19:11-12). Sometimes things happen that challenge us and change our circumstances, but God will help us through them. Our GPS (God's Powerful Spirit) will guide us to a place of strength and peace. God doesn't cause catastrophes, but He does enfold us with His ever-present love and give us refuge. That still small voice opens our hearts to experience love and grace. He will show us the way and transform us and those we love with His healing presence. That is how we know that all is well. "The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places," (Isaiah 58:11). I am so grateful for this. Thank You, Lord. Our hope is in You, and I am renewed. "The promise of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him," (Psalms 18:30)

Light and Love,
Patty

All Is Well

2009-07-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

"Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing" (I Thessalonians 5:11). I just got back from my daughter's house. We were celebrating her birthday. I wanted to go there to encourage her because she has been going through some tough times lately. She has three children, and the two youngest keep her hopping. She hardly has a minute to herself. On top of that, she isn't doing too well financially. Before I left today, I prayed for her. I felt our bond strengthen, and the love of God soothed us both. I needed prayer as much as she did to become calm and peaceful. I try not to worry because I listened to an audio tape by Wayne Dyer in which he said, "It doesn't make sense to worry over the things you can control because if you have control, why worry? It also doesn't make sense to worry about the things over which you have no control because if you have no control, why worry? That takes into consideration all things. There is absolutely no need to worry because if you can control it, do it. If you can't control it, worry will do no good." I don't know if those were his exact words, but it was pretty close to that. What does make sense is to release all concern and relax in God's Presence, receiving His love and peace. "Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth;...for the Lord has comforted His people." (Isaiah 49:13).

Love and Light,
Patty

The River of Hope

2009-07-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

"Bless the Lord, O my soul,....who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's," said David in Psalms 103:1,5. This morning some negative thoughts were keeping my usually grateful self from rising from my bed with its usual happy bounce. I was not feeling all that youthful in my not-so-youthful body. What was wrong? I had temporarily stepped out of the present moment into anxiety of what the future will bring. In our current economic environment, I was concerned about our kids and ourselves. Yet I know that John Milton was right when he wrote, "The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of Hell, and a hell of Heaven." I could stay there in the misery of hell or rise up to the joy of Heaven. It was my choice. I decided to release my cares into the competent hands of the Lord. This is not always easy. Joel Osteen likens it to digging a new river, one thought at a time. He says, "At first, just a little water will be redirected out of the negative stream and trickle over into that positive stream." Then as we choose faith over fear, serenity releases tension in the spirit just like a massage releases tension in the body. (I know about massage because my daughter is a licensed therapist.) As renewal comes, I start expecting good things, starting with having a productive day. Finally the negative stream, referred to by Joel, starts dwindling and the positive river flows with great force. Alfred Lord Tennyson writes, "Cast all your cares on God; that anchor holds." I will not be washed away by that tiny negative stream. No, the mighty positive river will carry me in its current to calmness. Come to think of it, the bible tells us to cast our cares upon God too. OK, now I'm feeling like an eagle!

Who Is Responsible for My Happiness?

2009-07-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (I Corinthians 3:16) Because of God's indwelling Spirit, we can be happy and at peace. That's a fact! How do we release cares and concerns in our minds and hearts? We live gratefully in the present moment with faith in a loving God. We take responsibility for our own happiness. We stop blaming others and complaining about our circumstances. According to scientists who study the brain, 80% of our thoughts are negative. This kind of thought process poisons our systems. Are we doomed then to unhappiness? No, because we can learn to question our thoughts when they enter our brain. We can ask ourselves if the thought is true. When our district applied RIF (Reduction in Force) in 2002 and 2003 to cut the budget, I told myself that the district was wrong to let go of 132 educators in two years. I really seriously asked myself, "Were the district administrators and board members out to ruin our teaching careers?" Of course, the answer was "No", even though I told myself that lie for a while and let negative thinking engulf me. I had to finally let it go. After I did, I started to think about ways to make income without that job. I came up with the idea of substitute teaching. This positive thought expanded into a joyous plan to take pressure off myself and enjoy a very flexible schedule and still have the satisfaction of teaching. My husband's income and my inheritance from my parents could make up the difference. We can learn to let go of a negative thought and redirect ourselves to think in a more positive way. It will take time. If we are in the habit of thinking in a negative way, redirecting our thoughts to more positive ones will take some focus on our parts. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Paul says "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" in Colossians 3:2. With our GPS (God's Powerful Spirit) inside, we can be joyful children of God.

Love Is the Answer

2009-06-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

"I believe that every single event in life that happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear" (Oprah Winfrey). A group that was trying to get me to join just sent that to me at a time when I needed to hear it. I so believe in love. On facebook I have a group about love called, "The Greatest of These Is Love", named after the I Corinthians 13:13, "And now abideth faith, hope, charity; but the greatest of these is love." When we feel dumped on and wronged, we might fear love because it hurts. It is at that time, we need to realize that behind the pain someone may try to inflict on us is a call for love. We have to be careful not to let any negative words get into our thought processes so that we start obsessing over them and let them steal our peace. "Beloved, since God loved us so much....God lives in us, and His love is perfected in us," (I John 4:11-12). Any time we feel anger, it is because of fear. Jerry Jampolsky wrote a book called LOVE IS LETTING GO OF FEAR, and he explains that when we get upset, it is usually not for the reason we think. Usually something from our unhealed past comes up that we need to forgive, heal, and release. Forgiveness is the only thing that will return peace of mind to us. We need to make a choice to harbor good feelings toward others, no matter what they do. When we hang onto guilt and blame, we begin to fear love. We can not experience peace and love if we find value in guilt and blame. God promises us "a pleasant vineyard" in Isaiah 27:2-4. All we need to do is guard it from harm by not harboring anger. In the previous chapter in Isaiah, chapter 26, verse 3, the prophet tells us, "Those of steadfast mind you keep in perfect peace--in peace because they trust in You." Then in Romans 14:19, Paul states, "Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." When others are acting angry, resentful, judgmental, and seem to be attacking us, we need to hold out an abundance of love and compassion. What we give will expand and no one will lose. Every one will be a winner. So no matter what is happening, we can choose peace. This peace is not dependent on what another says or does, or whether we get our way or not. It is dependent on our choice and our perception. Our perceptions are formed by our thoughts and beliefs, and we can choose what we put in our minds. Choose forgiveness and healing for our relationships because harmony is more important than being right. Isaiah 52:7 states, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace." Let us be that messenger, Lord. Help us remember that no matter what is the problem, love is the answer. Jesus says in John 13:34 "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love one another."

Practice Happiness

2009-06-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

"You have made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with Your presence" (Acts 2:28). I just returned from visiting my daughter Teresa and granddaughter Jess in another state. While I was there, Teresa checked out a book for me called HAPPY FOR NO REASON by Marci Shimoff. I didn't have time to read much of it during my short visit, but I found what little I read was very illuminating. Aristotle wrote that "Happiness is the meaning and purpose of human existence." Thomas Jefferson, along with other founding fathers, said we had the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in the "Declaration of Independence". I did not realize until recently that in 1776 the word "pursuit" meant "practice" instead of "chasing after". We were guaranteed the practice of happiness, not just the right to chase after the elusive idea of happiness!! Wow! What a difference that makes! So few people are happy, but I've found that if I stand straight and tall, with my shoulders back and take a deep breath, while putting a smile on my face, a little light of joy comes on. Try it!! Joel is often criticized for his ever-present smile, but I practice smiling all the time too, even when I don't feel like it. Guess what? The smile actually makes me feel the joy that is on the inside. Tolstoy tells a story of a beggar that sits on a box full of gold begging for money because he is unaware of that on which he is sitting. Let's not be like the beggar. Let's be aware that we have the ability to be happy now, regardless of circumstances. It's inside us. All we have to do is practice to bring it out. Throw back your shoulders, believe in God's joy, and smile. Relax! Feel the joy! Now with gratitude in your heart, thank God for all your many blessings. "He will fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy" (Job 8:21). Yay! You might even start singing! :)

All Things in Moderation

2009-06-05T15:21:00.000-07:00

"Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand," says Paul in the King James Version of Philippinas 4:5. The dictionary says that moderation is the avoidance of extremes, or the practice of calmness. Aw, yes, calmness and serenity....I like that! I have my three granddaughters staying with me this week, ages three to fourteen, and believe it or not, I have found such peacefulness. For one thing, the older ones help a lot with the youngest one. To keep the house serene, we practice moderation...not too much sugar, enough sleep, and healthy food. The youngest two granddaughters are vegetarians so their eating style helps us all eat a little healthier. Last night Hubby fixed delicious eggplant parmigiana. It's been a while since I've had that, and it was yummy. Another part of this moderation is to stay in the flow....not too much excitement before bedtime, no mommy calls after six p.m., and no loud screamo music from the teenage granddaughter. Still, another very important part of staying moderate is to make sure I get some time to refresh my spiritual self....so I practice meditation as I perform simple tasks like dishes, etc. I also try staying in the present moment so I can enjoy each moment with them. While I am bathing the three year old, I pay attention to her chatter. She says the cutest things. This morning she told me that she loves me to the moon and back, and even to the grass and back. She also asks if she could wake the older girls and tell them that the sun woke up. Oh, the joy of grandchildren. "We were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children," says Paul in I Thessalonians 2:7. Lastly, I relax, realizing the divine order of everything. Peace fills my soul, and I am grateful to be a nana. I feel energized and ready for anything. These bright little angels are my heritage, and I love them so much!! :) In YOUR BEST LIFE NOW, Joel asks what we are passing down to the next generation. My hope is that I am passing down the blessing of doing things in moderation with peace of mind.

Clarity or Confusion?

2009-05-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

"In the same way, we can see and understand only a little about God now, as if we were peering at His reflection in a poor mirror, but someday, we are going to see Him in His completeness, face to face. Now all that I know is hazy and blurred, but then I will see everything clearly, just as clearly as God sees into my heart right now." (I Corinthians 13:12) NOW is the time to give up the fear and judgment that is causing blurred vision and see instead with clarity. Or do we want to stay in that haze? Do we want awareness or confusion? God is changeless and when we want His peace and joy above all else, we WILL receive it. Does that mean that we will experience nothing but good times? Well, no, but it does mean our perception changes about things in life. It means that gratitude in our attitude will help us truly see past what appears to be negative to what is a blessing about it. It means that we will realize that there is a positive in everything and that everything works together for good as promised in Romans 8:28. "For we know that all things work together for good." It means we will remain hopeful instead of despairing. If we truly believe that God is love as I John 4:16 states, then we will not fear God's will because love makes no demands. It only gives of itself. God loves us. If we will open ourselves up to the truth, we will experience the peace, joy, and awareness of God's unchanging love that is ours forever. We are safe. That can never change. Thank You, Lord.

Enter His Presence with Joy

2009-05-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness:

come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD He is God:

it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

and into His courts with praise:
be thankful unto Him,and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;

His mercy is everlasting;
and His truth endureth to all generations."

~ Psalm 100

How I love this scripture!! Years ago I learned to sing it in church. Enter into His courts with thanksgiving, and we will find only happiness and love there. When we enter God's presence, the peace and joy there are indescribable. Our mind becomes cleansed of fear, anger, and guilt. It becomes impossible to see anything but LOVE there. We see innocence and awareness, and our life gains purpose. With Christ's vision, we come to understand Paul's words that "the greatest of these is love." What a gift God has given us! We come to understand that everyone is either extending love, or putting out a call for love. I came to understand this a few years ago when someone was acting very rudely towards me. I realized that this person needed love in the desperate way. I resolved to show love no matter what treatment I received. I'm happy to say it released me from the pain of resentment and caused the "rude" person to act in a much more positive way toward me. We realize spiritual principles such as these when we spend time in the presence of our Lord. When God leads the way, the light on our path will illumine our life with the greatest sense of well-being and peace that we have ever felt. We will be too blessed to be stressed. Our wells will be full of joy, and hope will burn all burdens away. "Be still, and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10) Peace fills my soul.

Do You See Roses or Thorns?

2009-05-11T07:36:00.001-07:00

"You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses" ~ Ziggy (Tom Wilson). I just spent Mother's Day with my mom, and as much as I hate to admit it, it had been a long time since I had done that. It was such a wonderful day. My mom has every reason to complain. She has cancer and diabetes, but her optimistic outlook is amazing. She really does see the roses instead of the thorns. It reminds me of the story of Joshua and Caleb. Ten spies went out to check out the land of Canaan, and eight came back saying that while the land was flowing with milk and honey, the enemies were too formidable to overcome. Caleb and Joshua, however, came back saying while the Canaanites were a very strong people, the two of them were well able to possess the land. That's the way Mom views life. She knows her health issues are nothing to sneeze at, but she also knows that she has handled many obstacles in her life thus far.....and she isn't about to let her health challenges get her down. Thank You, Lord, for mothers. What an example of strength my mother is!

Joy Comes in the Morning

2009-05-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

"Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning" (Psalms 30:5). Last week my Mom was facing surgery, and now it is done. She did so well! I requested prayers for her. She experienced chest pains and had a small heart attack before her surgery, causing the doctor concern about her ability to withstand the surgery, but in the end, there was no choice. The cancer had to be removed. Well, thank the Lord, she survived and is thriving now. I talked to her last night, and she is optimistic and strong. I am very proud of her. While she was in surgery, I felt helpless. I couldn't be there. All I could do is pray, and pray I did! I was so relieved when it was over, and my sister told me that all had gone well. Like I said last week, my God is bigger than any challenge that presents itself. God is in control of each and every day, and each and every circumstance. My job is to stay in peace and faith while I await God's best. God never lets me down! "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31 NIV).

How about a Little Optimism?

2009-04-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

"Nothing can be done without hope and optimism," wrote Helen Keller. I'm creating an environment of gratitude today. I break through limitations and feel empowered by truth, health, joy, peace, and victory. I not only claim that for myself but for my mom who has been having health issues. I claim that for my husband, my children, my grandchildren, and my friends too. "So I tell you, whatever you ask, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24)

I'm asking the Lord to be with my mom tomorrow as she has surgery and to give her strength. I'm expecting the glass to be more than "half full"; I'm expecting the glass to overflow! "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1) I know God is in control.

I believe in miracles. I've witnessed them personally several times. My youngest daughter was told that she couldn't have any children after her motorcycle accident; yet she has given birth to two beautiful, healthy children since then! If God can work those kinds of miracles in my daughter's life, He surely can make Mom well again. Arnold Palmer said, "The most rewarding things you do in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done."

Today I will not limit a God of unlimited resources. Joel Osteen writes, "Today I'm beginning to change my mind, to allow God to help me make it anew. No more limitations. God created me to be a champion in life, and I'm going to start thinking like a champion." Me too, Joel. I'm not going to worry about the Swine flu, the economy, cancer, or anything else. I'm not going to tell God how big my challenges are; I'm telling my challenges how big my God is!!

My Best Life Now

2009-04-20T19:16:00.000-07:00

I am choosing right now to step out of negative emotions into the present. "Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery; today is a gift....that's why they call it the Present." I love that quote. Although I don't know the author, it means so much to me. If I follow it, I will live my best life now. I won't live in a world of guilt for what I did or didn't do. I won't worry about tomorrow. That's a tough one right now because my mom is getting test results from a biopsy back tomorrow, and yet I know that my anxiety will not bring about better results. It will only cause me pain so I don't want to go there. Today is all I have...actually tonight is all I have. This is a precious moment in time. I am sitting at the computer writing...which is one of my favorite things to do. My granddaughter is doing her homework, and I just enjoy knowing she is here with me. This is my life. I'm living in the present moment. My husband is on a business trip, but I will not waste precious time wishing him here. Instead I choose to be grateful for his contributions to our income. I am enjoying being in the presence of God. The present moment is the point of access to the timeless form and being of my Creator. This moment is my reality. Eckhart Tolle says in THE POWER OF NOW, "Just as the moon has no light of its own, but can only reflect the light of the sun, so are past and future only pale reflections of the light, power, and reality of the eternal present." Joel Osteen says, "Happy, successful individuals understand that the future begins with what happens today. They make the most of the present moment and build their future one day at a time." Yes, I am living my best life now.....right NOW!! How about you?

Stay Passionate about Life

2009-04-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

How do we keep our enthusiasm for life? I think the best thing we can do is be grateful. Life has its share of disappointments, to be sure, but there are so many blessings as well. If we focus on the blessings, we can't help but be thankful for life and love.

For those of us who have significant others, when we think back to when the relationship was new, we can't help but remember how wonderful it felt when our love called us or held our hand or any number of little things that made our heart race. We need to rekindle that flame and remember how fortunate we are to have someone in our lives. There are so many lonely people in this world.

Even if everything in our life is not perfect, we can be happy. We have discussed the idea before that we have a choice about our feelings. Joel Osteen says, "Quit looking at what's wrong in your life and start being grateful for what's right."

If we have a job, we need to remember that in these challenging economic times, many people would love to have our job. When I walk into the classroom, I always smile because I know that at least one of my students is going to smile back. Smiles are contagious.

Romans 12:11 says, "Never lag in zeal, but be aglow and on fire serving the Lord." Before I get out of bed in the morning, I start counting my blessings. My body is healthy; I have a wonderful family; I have an awesome home; my car works; I have food to eat......well, you get the point.....so many things! "This is the day that the Lord hath made. I will be glad and rejoice in it."

Isaiah 1:19 says, "When we are willing and obedient, we will eat the good of the land." What that means to me is that I need to have a good attitude! It's a privilege to go to work. It's a privilege to live in this great country. There are so many things I get to do. If I keep my perspective and say, "I get to do_____instead of I have to do_______," it makes a huge difference. I get to fix breakfast and make coffee in the morning; I get to go to school and teach awesome kids; I get to run an errand for my husband; I get to take my granddaughter to an appointment. Joel says, "When you focus on the good, that's when you bolster your enthusiasm and passion."

It's spring now, and everywhere we look, we can see the miracle of new life. We need to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness. Colossians 3:2 says "to set your mind and keep it set on the higher things." Let's stay passionate about life!

From Believing to Expecting

2009-04-06T16:29:00.000-07:00

I came across a picture of Sierra,one of my granddaughters, with an empty Easter basket but a huge smile on her face. I know why she was smiling. She was expecting to fill that basket with goodies! She was prepared. She had a big enough basket to hold everything. She was hopeful and positive, and she was putting actions with her expectations.

That is a good example of how we are supposed to start receiving. Dr. Bruce Wilkinson says, "Asking is the beginning of receiving. Through a simple believing prayer, you can change your future. You can change what happens one minute from now." James 5:7 says, "Be patient as you wait. See how the farmer waits expectantly." James 2:17 says, "Faith without corresponding actions is dead." That's why Sierra had an Easter basket and was ready to hunt for eggs when I snapped that photo. She was putting actions behind her belief. She was making preparations!

Isaiah 40:31 says, "Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint." Sierra, making preparations in a small area, such as getting out an Easter basket to prepare for finding eggs and other goodies is just a little example of getting ready to receive God's blessings. We may have bigger expectations in our hearts. But the one thing we can learn from a child is to have simple faith and put actions behind that faith.

Sometimes we need to ignore negative reports. Maybe someone will say, "You can't do that." Maybe we will start to sabotage our own efforts by telling ourselves we can't do something. I remember that in 2005, I was so tired of being overweight. I had tried many times before to lose weight, but this particular time my husband was going to eat healthy right along with me. That, along with some other things happening in my life, inspired me, and eventually I lost 66.7 lbs. Now I'm struggling again with my weight because I've gained about 30 of those pounds back, but guess what? I'm making preparations to lose those 30 pounds. I started a week ago and have already lost 3.4 of them.

Joel Osteen says, "Stretch your faith. Put some actions behind what you are believing God to do for you. Maybe you've just about given up on what God has put in your heart. You think your life is never going to get any better. It can, but you must rekindle the fire."

Like Sierra, I'm prepared. I bought the right kind of groceries. I went to my weight watcher meeting. I am keeping the right attitude. I'm going from believing to expecting. I will receive the desires of my heart. Thank You, Lord.

Keep Singing Your Song

2009-03-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

"Ever be filled with the Spirit by speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns, by making melody in your heart, and by being grateful" (Ephesians 5:18,19). I'm just so happy and grateful to be alive today. Sometimes I think people think that I just have a wonderful life, and I do. That doesn't mean I don't have stress and pressure. It just means that I choose to stay positive. I put into my life more positive stuff than negative. I sing a joyful song unto the Lord.

The other day, my granddaughter Jessie and I were driving home from Nebraska after Spring Break, and we started singing with the radio, "Follow me. Everythin' will be alright." I actually think we were singing a song about cocaine because the lyrics say something about "swimming through your veins". Yikes! Jessie says the song is about a woman cheating on her husband. But you know what? We were singing and enjoying the moment and not paying attention to the words of the song.....just singing and enjoying being together, making melody in our hearts.

The week before we kept my two-year-old granddaughter Kaya and she sways and dances to the music in such a comical way, we just crack up from watching her. She's hilarious! Oh, to have the innocent joy of a child again! When we recover our childlike enthusiasm, we have a song in our heart and a smile on our face.

Joel says, "How would our attitude change if we did not take everything so seriously and refused to allow every setback or disappointment to depress us for two weeks?" What if we wouldn't allow our problems to steal our joy? Our joy would rub off on other people. If we smile, others smile back.

"We are ambassadors of Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20). Wow! We can hold our heads up high and walk with confidence. It may not come easy, but we can train ourselves to guard against negative emotions and let the positive ones prevail. Just keep singing your song! :)

Plan for Blessing

2009-03-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

Too often we expect the worst! Why not plan for blessing instead? In Second Kings there is a story about a poor widow who had two sons about to be sold as bondsmen so that she could pay her debts. Wow! As a mother, my heart went out to that lady who in that ancient story had plenty about which to worry. I would have driven myself crazy with worry if my children were about to be sold for my debts. Wouldn't anyone? The prophet Elisha did not sympathize with her though or give her money. Instead, he helped her plan for a blessing. She had a little pot of oil, and Elisha suggested that she send her boys out to borrow dishes from the neighbors. Then the widow was instructed to use her faith and pour her little bit of oil into the neighbors' dishes. She filled all of them! She finally had to stop pouring because she ran out of dishes! Wow! What faith! Our God can supply our needs if we start asking Him. Lowell Fillmore says, "Let no one despair because he may seem to have little to draw upon. Rather let him look within and rejoice in the abundance that God has given him in Spirit, and then let him fearlessly give forth what he finds in the house." Joel Osteen says, "Start expecting. While we are expecting good things from God, we should be making plans. We need to talk as if what we are praying about is going to happen. We should dare to step out in faith and act like it's going to happen." Use the be-have-do model to get into the golden flow of the Holy Spirit's blessing. I am expecting a miracle. I already have a little bit of the resources I need to make it happen. In faith, I'm taking the step to make my dreams come true. Just like the poor widow, I will pour my little bit of resources into my huge plan for blessing. "They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither, and whatsoever they do shall prosper" (Psalms 1:3). I'm saying along with Joel, "This is going to be a blessed day; I'm having a good month. This is the best year of my life. I know great things are in store. Goodness and mercy are following me. God's favor is surrounding me. I am expecting increase, promotion, and abundance." I will succeed, not fail. I will stop worrying and start expecting blessings from on high. Father, I thank You that right now You are blessing me beyond my greatest expectations, and I am so grateful. You know my family situation, and You love everyone one of us. Things are going to work out beautifully because we can not fail when You are in charge. I feel the joy and enthusiasm of already having my dreams come true. I thank You for giving me the blessing of an awesome family, and I thank You that each one of them is going to live a long, healthy, blessed, prosperous life. Thank You for Your unlimited resources. Not only will You bless my family, but You will bless everyone who reads this message in whatever situation they may find themselves. I am making provisions just like the poor widow did. Thank You, Lord.

Dealing with the Root Issues

2009-03-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

It's easy to fix surface things, but sometimes we have to go deeper to get to the root of the problem. We need to look inside and get honest with ourselves. Why do I feel this way? Why do I have such a negative attitude toward this? Why did I say such hurtful things? Why do I react this way? These are questions for self-examination. We don't ask them to beat ourselves up, but to find out where, with whom, and why negative feelings arise so we can quickly release them and feel better about ourselves and other people. We are usually not upset for the reason we think. It's not usually what's outside ourselves that is causing our distress. It is oftentimes something from our unhealed past. If we can uncover it, we can forgive and heal. The Bible teaches that we should not let the root of bitterness spring forth and contaminate our whole lives. We are not victims of the world we see. If we feel wronged, dumped on, or like someone is taking advantage of us, or that love is ultimately dangerous or hurtful, we must remind ourselves that we are not the helpless result of others' thoughts and actions. Since all unloving thoughts of ourselves project outward and determine the way we see the world, we are ultimately victims of our own thoughts and not of the outside world. Joel talks about the children of Israel developing a victim mentality and blaming the past, complaining,and fretting over their wilderness journey instead of having faith to make their trip from Egypt to the Promised Land in eleven days instead of forty years! If we stay on the surface, it is like riding a treadmill and never actually going any place. If we dig deeper and get to the root of our problems, then we can rise above them. If we get rid of our bitter roots, we can be happier and have better relationships. Are we relying on someone else to make us happy? Do we have unrealistic expectations? Are we allowing our circumstances to keep us down? If so, we need to remember our royal heritage. We are children of the Most High God, and the Holy Spirit resides inside us. "Greater is He that is in you and He that is in the world" (I John 4:4). Let's get down to the root and face the truth about ourselves. Then we can make adjustments to improve our lives and be happier. We deserve good relationships and a full life. Let's get to the root of the problem and discover who we really are.

Develop a Tender Conscience

2009-02-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

"God will use your conscience to help lead you and keep you out of trouble," Joel Osteen says in BECOME A BETTER YOU. I attended an assembly today at a high school given by a former police officer who had a daughter, Kelsy Smith, abducted from the Target parking lot in Olathe and killed. He told us that 70% of personal safety depends on listening to your intuition. I am not sure how closely related conscience and intuition are, but I feel like both are the voice of God inside. I've called that a GPS (God's Powerful Spirit) before, and today I would like to make a case for using it. Joel says, "Don't override your own conscience. When you feel uncomfortable down inside, pull back and pay attention to what God is trying to say to you." He can protect you from danger. Joel goes on to say, "every time you obey, your conscience becomes more tender. When you obey, you're letting in more light. Your heart will be a little softer and you'll respond more quickly.....Live your life with a clear conscience. Get into God's best plan. The Scripture says in Matthew 6:22 that the lamp of the body is the eye." The former police officer advised us to be aware of our surroundings and make eye contact. It humanizes us and makes it harder for the offender to harm us. Also if we have our eyes open, we are aware of what is going on around us, and that adds to our safety. I am learning to accept direction from my inner, intuitive voice, which is my guide to knowing. I think of conscience as the urging to do the right thing. Both intuition and conscience are valuable tools of my GPS. As long as I listen to that still, small voice, I will be OK, and so will you. :)

Rising Higher

2009-02-19T10:28:00.000-08:00

Joel Osteen says, "The way to rise higher is by staying open and dealing with issues as God brings them to light....Anyone of us can rise higher. There is no limit to what God will do in your life, if you will learn to obey quickly." We need to listen to our GPS (God's Powerful Spirit). That is the part of us that transcends our body's and our mind's limitations. We can bring forth the light of God because our GPS lifts us above any experience we may face. How does this happen? Well, we have a wonderful example in Jesus. He stole away from the masses to pray. This communion with God kept His Spirit high. Even when He went to the cross, He was not overwhelmed because He knew that He was fulfilling His purpose on earth. He did not see himself as a victim but as a victor. Another example He set is forgiveness. Jesus said, "Forgive them for they know not what they do." We need to also forgive if we expect to rise higher. A third example he sets is His ability to stay focused on the present moment. Jesus was placed between two thieves at the crucifixion. One thief represents the past. He says to Jesus, "I know I deserve what I'm getting because I know I've done a lot of negative things. However, YOU don't deserve this, Jesus." The other thief represents the future when he says, "What's going to happen to us after this experience?" Jesus represents the present when he says, "Today, thou shalt be with me in paradise." When we hang out in the past like the first thief, we set ourselves up for regret. When we hang out in the future, we set ourselves up for worry and anxiety. Jesus stays in the present moment. It is in our awareness of what is going on right now that we can find peace. It is in the present moment that we can hear the voice of God and rise higher. When we go from "nowhere" to "now here", we experience divinity and bliss. When we are ready to transcend, we go within and get in touch with our GPS. God will then raise us higher so we can transform our world a little at a time. We can rise above any circumstance and let our light shine to make this world a better place. Joel says, "God is preparing you for greater things. He's going to take you further than you thought possible, so don't be surprised when He asks you to think better of yourself and to act accordingly." Jesus taught us these three things by example: (1) Pray and listen to the Holy Spirit, our GPS; (2) Forgive;, and (3) Stay in the Present. If we would do these three things, we can rise above any circumstance that comes along.

God Is in Control

2009-02-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

If you believe that God is there for you no matter what, then sorrow will have as much divinity as joy. GOD IS in control!! Banish any doubt of that! It is not enough to believe this to be true; you must KNOW this to be true. Otherwise nagging doubts will steal your joy. If trauma happens in your life, strive for peace of mind by KNOWING God is in control, and that HE has your best interests at heart. HE loves you and me. Thank You, LORD! Joel Osteen says, "When we truly trust Him and believe that He's in control, we can rest. There's a peace in our hearts and minds. Deep down on the inside, we know that everything is going to be all right." Wow! Isn't that a comforting thought? No matter what happens, God is in control, causing us to be in the right place at the right time. Every day the media puts out more scary stuff about the economy, and if we don't know WHO is really in charge, that news will steal our peace and joy. Last week we discussed remembering our good. It's a good thing to remember how God has bailed us out in the past. His economic bail-out is much more dependable than anything the government can do. He's never let us down in the past, and He will certainly be there in our future. That's not to say we won't have some challenges in our life, but ultimately we will see God's hand in everything that happens. He's working in our lives and arranging things in our favor. I Thessalonians 2:13 says, "God is effectually at work in those who believe." God has the answer. He knows the beginning and the end. That takes away the stress and the worry. What a relief from the pressure of life to know that God is in control! Expect good things. Rely on God's perfect timing. "Weeping my endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalms 30:5).

Remember the Good

2009-02-04T07:28:00.001-08:00

David says in Psalms 77:11, "I recall the many miracles God has done for me. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about them." Talk about an attitude of gratitude! David constantly remembered the good. What an example! When I remember the good things in my life, I am so grateful. I remember the sad times too when God carried me through them to a sweet spot. One of the loneliest times of my life occurred when my girls grew up and moved away. I was in Lodgepole, Nebraska, and my daughters moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas. I missed them so much. My first grandchild was born to Teresa in Arkansas while I still lived in Nebraska. Oh, how I longed to be with my family! Then Teresa had a pulmonary embolism. It was one of the scariest times of my life. I flew down to Arkansas to be with her and my new granddaughter while she was in the hospital. Later when she was released from the hospital, I went back to that small Nebraska town where I had taught English for fourteen years, but I found that I could no longer endure the separation from my daughters and little granddaughter Jessica. So I decided to resign from teaching in Lodgepole and move to Fort Smith, Arkansas. It was already summer, and I wondered if the schools in Fort Smith had already hired all the teachers for the fall. I filled out applications for the schools but took a minimum wage job for the summer. I was concerned about how I would survive on that wage when one of the junior high schools responded to my application. I had an interview! Every one told me that it would be very hard to get the job because there were a lot of applicants. I had God's favor, though, and landed a job at the junior high. It was awesome! I now lived close to my daughters and granddaughter. I was thrilled. Before long, I met Frank, my wonderful husband. God turned my loneliness and my daughter's health issue into something beautiful. Teresa recovered and my lonely life was suddenly full to the brim! Talk about God directing my steps and giving me such blessings in His perfect timing. Wow! What an encouragement that is for me even to this very day! I thank God for what He has done. That memory causes me to dwell on God's goodness so I can stay in an attitude of faith and victory. The pictures above show Teresa, Jessica, and me years later climbing around on Mt. Evans in Colorado.

It's good to write down how God answers our prayers. In our bible study group, at one time we were encouraged to keep our worries in a notebook and pray over them. Then when God answered them, we recorded that. It was amazing what an encouragement that notebook was for me. Every time I got it out and read how God worked out every situation, I was so encouraged. I started to call it my blessing notebook. Joel Osteen says, "When you recall how God opened this door for you, protected you over here, restored you over there, healed you here, your faith will increase....He is holding you in the palm of His hand, and He will take care of you." Yes, Lord, help me to always remember the good that You have done. Thank YOU, LORD!!

Stay in Peace

2009-01-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

I can choose peace by directing myself to be peaceful inside, regardless of what is happening outside. Joel Osteen says, "Many people are trying to get rid of their problems, hoping they will then be happy;then they can start enjoying their lives. But God wants us to learn to have peace in the midst of storms. He wants us to have peace even when things aren't going our way." There will always be something that has the potential to upset us. If it is something that we cannot change, we might as well go with the flow. What other choice do we have? Will it do any good to get upset about the things of which we can do nothing? Remember St.Francis of Assisi's prayer for God to "grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change." Instead we need to turn the situation completely over to God, knowing He is in control of our lives. How do we show our trust in God? We do it by remaining calm in the midst of the storm. With God all things are possible. One of the ways to stay calm is to soar about the drama like an eagle. I recently watched a video about eagles, which was posted by one of the members of a facebook group I created called "The Greatest of These Is Love". Like an eagle, we need to rise above our circumstances. If we can stay above the storm and not let anyone or anything pull us down, we will feel so much closer to our God who gives us the peace that passeth understanding. He told us to cast all our cares on Him and become more than conquerors. If we can't change our circumstances, let's rise above them by letting God carry us just like the wind currents carry the eagle. Remember the scripture that says we will run and not be weary, walk and not faint, but instead we will rise up with wings like eagles. Joel says, "Be the eagle....Stretch your wings and rise to the level where God wants you to live. You were made to soar; you were made for more." No, these bad economic times will not get us down. Instead we will rise up with wings like eagles.

It Is Well with My Soul

2009-01-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

Can you relax and go with the flow? It's challenging at times. Joel Osteen says, "Stretching can sometimes be uncomfortable." It is during those times that it is important to stay in the present and be at peace. With this peacefulness comes power. That's because when we are at rest, God can take over. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Let God take your burdens and with a good attitude and a joyful spirit, let Him bring you the peace that passeth understanding. Our circumstances are not going to change until we do. There is a purpose for everything. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (I Corinthians 10:13). I certainly have claimed this verse many times, especially when my daughter had a motorcycle accident. I also remembered the Romans 8:28 passage that "all things work together for good", which I am sure I've quoted many times on this blog. This takes a lot of the stress away because we know that if something "bad" happens, something good is going to come from it. Exodus 14 says that "if you will remain at rest and hold your peace, then the battle is not yours, but the battle is the Lord's". We show our trust in God when we stay in peace with a smile on our face. God is bigger than anything we are facing. Joel says, "He can make a way when it looks like there is no way. Don't quit living your life. Don't let that obstacle be the central focus of your existence. Keep pressing forward, trusting God, and knowing that as you believe, all things are possible." Psalms 30: 5 says that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning". I remember coming across that verse as a teenager when I was worried about someone caught in a snow storm in Nebraska. When I found out in the morning that he was safe, I rejoiced as I recalled that verse. Sometimes we have to go through trying times for our own personal growth, but sometimes we have to go through trying times for someone else's sake. It's not always all about us. What we go through may help someone else in similar circumstances. I remember my daughter ministering to others in similar circumstances after her accident because she understood their pain as no one else could. Like we discussed last week, we need to embrace the place we are. "Cast your burdens on the Lord. Release the weight of them and God will sustain you" (Psalms 55:22).

Embrace the Place Where You Are

2009-01-12T06:35:00.000-08:00

When we were growing up, we formed a mental picture of who we were based on the conditioning we received from our culture and family. We kept dwelling on this picture until we decided that our identity was synonymous with the image we had of ourselves, but it is so dysfunctional to keep the past alive or to project ourselves into the future. We may be saying to ourselves, "Someday, when this, that, or the other happens, I am going to be happy and at peace", but Paul says in Philippians 4:11, "For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." We can be peaceful inside no matter what is happening outside because we can choose how we feel about ourselves, others, and the world. Many people are not happy with where they are in life so they worry, try to reason things out, and then try to change things that only God can change. Joel says, "I believe that we create much of our own unhappiness by constantly resisting and fighting against situations and circumstances occurring in our lives." Carl Jung said, "What you resist, persists." We need to relax and accept the place where we are. Is it easy? Well, no. We have been conditioned to wrestle with life and resist our circumstances, but great peace of mind occurs when we REALLY turn things over to God. If we relax and give up worry and stress, we can start enjoying life. That doesn't mean we can't be honest and pray that things will be different, but in the end, we know that God has the final say. If we believe that our God is loving and has our best interest at heart, it is so much easier to give up our struggles. Romans 8:28, my favorite verse, says, "All things work together for good to those that love God." God won't automatically remove every challenge because we have to go through some things to refine and develop our character. That is for our own personal growth, but if we have the right attitude, we will come through these challenges stronger and better than ever. The thing is: GOD wants to give us a GOOD life and fulfill our DESTINY more than anyone. He put a dream in our hearts, and He will direct us to it. At the same time, we need to trust that He knows the big picture. He knows when there is danger ahead or the timing is not right. So with the little knowledge we have that allows us to "see through the glass dimly" (I Corithians 13:12), we need to trust that He knows when something or someone will be a distraction that hinders our destiny. Some of the very things we may be frustrated about right now will be the very things at which we look back in the future with a great deal of gratitude. I remember when my teaching job was RIFed because of budget cuts. I was so heart-broken. Today I am so grateful for the opportunities I've had as a guest teacher to meet so many kids in the district, and mostly I'm grateful for the flexible schedule it has given me so that I can take care of my family. Let's stop being short-sighted and start embracing the place where we are TODAY.

Keep Yourself Happy

2009-01-05T20:32:00.000-08:00

Joel Osteen says that "one of the most important keys to a better life is to keep yourself happy, rather than trying to please everybody else." Too often we get out of balance and try to "fix" people and solve their problems for them. Years ago I read a book by Melody Beattie called CO-DEPENDENT NO MORE about trying to rescue people instead of turning attention to our own selves. I learned that I am not responsible for other people's happiness. I am only responsible for my own happiness. I have to set boundaries. We need to quit trying to be the keeper of the Universe. That's God's job. If someone around me is unhappy, I want to be caring and compassionate, but I don't want to become depressed with that person. On the other hand, if I am the one who is unhappy, I don't want to drag someone else down with me. I want to take responsibility for my own happiness. It is truly liberating to realize that I only need to follow my own heart. I want to be a giver, but that does not mean that I have to be a people pleaser. Solomon 1:6 says, "They have made me a keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept." If we keep everyone happy but neglect our own selves, our energy will be drained and then no one will be happy. This new year I plan to less stressed by taking care of myself and my happiness so that I have a huge smile that spreads happiness to everyone else.

Handling Criticism

2008-12-29T08:05:00.000-08:00

Let's make 2009 a year that shines! One of the ways we can do that is to let criticism bounce off us and not to take it personally if we receive it. Another way is to make sure we are not the one doing the criticizing. There is never any value in comparing ourselves to others. When we do that, we are being unloving to ourselves and setting the other person up as our enemy. We can admire their abilities and set them up as a role model, but at the same time, we must be careful about drawing comparisons or judging ourselves or the other person. God gave us all unique abilities and we need support others in their abilities as well as appreciate and enhance our own. I want to be inspired by other people's success instead of being jealous. Since God did something marvelous for them, He can surely do it for me too. In the Old Testament people who criticized others were called "slingers" because when an enemy would attack a city, the first thing they did is to sling stones into the city well to clog it up so the people would have to leave the safety of their city walls. Joel Osteen says that we have a well inside us of joy, peace, and victory, and we must not let the slingers clog up our wells. He writes, "Perhaps somebody speaks derogatorily about you, but instead of letting it go, you dwell on it, growing more and more upset." He goes on to say that before long, we think about getting even and paying them back. He says that instead of dwelling on the criticism, we need to make it a priority to keep our well pure. We must not sink to the level of retaliation or defensiveness. In order to defeat a slinger, we need to shake it off and keep moving forward. Keep our eyes on God. Matthew 10:14 says, "When you go into a town, whoever will not receive and welcome your message, when you leave that place, shake the dust off of your feet." We won't let anyone steal our joy if we stay on the high road and let God vindicate us. We don't need to be a people pleaser. It's important to accept the fact that not everyone is going to like us, and we certainly cannot make everyone happy. There is tremendous freedom in releasing ourselves as the warden of the imprisoning thought that we must make everyone happy. Instead, this new year let's put our energy into running our own race. We can be tough on the outside but stay tender on the inside. Remember that Psalms 139:14 says, "I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Your works are wonderful. I know that full well." When God endorses us with those kinds of words, what need have we of any other endorsement? Joel says, "Don't let unwarranted criticism create stress in your life. Stay focused on what God has in store for you."