Live in the Day: a To-Do List

“It’s not what you did; It’s how you lived.” Great line from the song How You Live by Point of Grace. The song also gives me ideas on how to live in the day.

So how have you lived this week? 

• In the moment?
• In the past?
• Waiting for tomorrow to live, create, help, celebrate?

To live in the day means embracing the moments as they present themselves . . .

• Waking up with open windows to hear the singing birds or splashing rain. Here’s my variation on this idea. My dd and I have a date to eat in the car the next time it pours down with rain. Snuggling under dryer-warmed blankets . . . Eating steaming food . . . Hearing the drops pound upon the car . . . Reciting rain poetry . . . Sharing the moments together. What moment will you seize today to live  fully with ALL your senses and with a loved one?
• Taking a few chances. This is harder for me. I am not naturally a big chance-taker and get less so the older I get. Last night my dd and I wrote for 10 minutes on “I Want… (fill in the blank).”  I listed fairly predictable things, except for the one about wanting to ride a camel. I need some new ideas. What are some ways you are taking chances?
• Embracing the truth. Praying and journaling from two different Lenten Guides (found here and here) are helping me discover the lies I hold dear. And they are helping me to lean into the truth of simplicity, sacrifice, relationship with God and thankfulness. What truth do you need to/want to lean into and embrace?
• Thinking about those around me. This week I’ll do that by making time to listen to a few through a phone call or visit. I’ll write a few notes of appreciation and several “I’m praying for you” cards. I’ll pray with the staff today about church attendees, ministries, and other requests on our hearts. “Lord, help me to be open to Your agenda for my life today and this week. ”Give me Your eyes for just one second” and help me respond NOW with Your love.” Shall I pray the same for you?

Look over the lyrics of  How You Live. Have a listen. What will go onto your “Living in the Day To-Do List”?

Are Thoughts Getting in Your Way to Goal Achievement?

What you think about makes a big difference. “Whether You Think You Can or Can’t, You’re Right”–Henry Ford

You need to “firmly etch onto your mind your goal. Whatever you fix your thought upon or steadily focus your imagination upon, that is what you attract.” Claude Bristol in The Magic of Believing.

The Bible says the same. What you think is what you are. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Today I am identifying what my thoughts are about my goals. I’ll do this by journaling my responses.

What are your thoughts regarding goals for your life? Any of them holding you back?

There’s more to this topic.

Answering 6 Questions Turns Wishes into Attainable Goals

12 Ways to Keep Your Motivation Going

Making Change Through Ridiculously Easy Steps

10 Things I Like About My Best Friend

I meant to write the following list for Valentines Day. But the week around this love holiday holds sad feelings for me and I’m usually sad/depressed. Even though I don’t want to be. This year was no different.

Anyway, this post is dedicated to my best friend with love and thanks for helping me grow and get through my rough patches.

1. She faithfully engages in prayer.
2. She believes the best about me.
3. She brings the silly and slightly naughty out in me. (We have fun together.)
4. She likes herself.
5. She is devoted to her family.
6. She has an ongoing, growing, love/grace relationship with Jesus.
7. She has a sense of humor.
8. She is honest and vulnerable about her growth areas. (This makes her approachable.)
9. She tells me when I am wrong or need growth in an area. (She gives godly counsel.)
10. She loves me according to my love language. 

 What are some things you like @your best friend?

Writing prompt is from here, Creativity Portal.

Dozen Ideas to Move Past the Blah’s

Sometimes the weather, hormonal cycles or life events cause me to feel BLAHHHHH or even depressed. You, too?

Here are a dozen ideas to combat those blahs.  Be sure to leave your suggestions.

1. Fingerpaint
2. Go on a photo shoot of newly emerging flowers
3. Buy yourself one See’s candy
4. Rent a Redbox movie and enjoy it with a cup of tea/coffee and a plate of appetizers
5. Journal
6. Take a bubblebath
7. Write a devotional about something you are learning
8. Sing along with a record/CD/8 track
9. Watch the puppies webcam: http://puppiescooley.blogspot.com/
10. Have a prayer fest with your Bible, notebook, pen and a yummy smelling candle
11. Go to the library and read their magazines
12. Visit someone who adores you

Choosing 2 Express Gratitude During November

Fear, losing jobs, foreclosures, families splintering because of the stress, making do and doing without. These are things that America has seen before. So, how do you turn the worst of times into the best?

According to the movie Kit Kittredge An American Girl  the answer is “don’t let it get the best of you.” Magic, courage, humour, perseverance, helping others, compassion, gratitude, and best friends and family also make a big difference. 

The economy isn’t as bad as during The Great Depression, but I think the fear is as great. So, which of the following are you choosing to add more of to your life to combat fear?

• Magic
• Courage
• Humour
• Perseverance
• Helping others
• Compassion
• Gratitude
• Best friends and family

During November I’ll be posting about gratitude. Everytime I’ve done this, my fear level goes way down. Plus, it helps me to get a correct view of my world.

This correct view involves acknowledging God – one thing the movie did not mention. “If I keep my eyes on God, I won’t trip over my own feet (Psalm 25:15)” because fear won’t be obscuring my vision. And while I don’t always understand what God does and allows, it gives me great comfort to know “God doesn’t miss a thing – He’s alert to good and evil alike (Proverbs 15:3)”.   

In other words, He’s got my back. See Psalm 3:3-4 for one example: Thou, Oh, Lord, art a shield about me. You’re my glory and the lifter of my head. (Do you know the tune to that?)  What verses would you include here?

Today’s Gratitude item is that I can focus on Someone who is bigger than all fear and problems. And that Someone, God, is able and willing to help me in this life. I”m thankful that because of Who God is, I don’t have to hide from fear. I can hide in God.

Music/Words to Bless You and Me.

• Father, Hear Your Children -  “We’re blind but pray for eyes to see. Where we’re bound, Lord, make us free.
• Warrior Is a Child/Do I Trust you Lord - “People say that I’m amazing, strong beyond my years. But they don’t see inside of me; I’m hiding all the tears. They don’t know that I go running home when I fall down. They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around. . . Deep inside this armour the warrior is a child.”
• You Are My Hiding Place/ As the Deer Panteth - “I am strong in the strength of my Lord.”
• You Are Holy (Prince of Peace) – “You’re my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for You.”
• Breathe – “And I’m desperate for You. And I’m lost without You. . . Your Holy Presence living in me.”

What song(s) encourage you? For what are you thankful for today? Won’t you join me in my gratitude journey this month?

P.S. Be sure to watch this youtube trailer about the movie. It will make you smile.

Why I Put Quotes With My Signature

I like to put quotes with my signature on email. I like to change them frequntly. 

I choose quotes that remind me.  

They remind me to grow…think…act courageously…or be silly.

They remind me to feel…what I’m feeling…the forbidden…how I did as a child.

They remind me that life…is a gift…is hard…has a purpose.

I use quotes that inspire…outrage…hope…unordinary thinking.

My current quote is… “Living clearly and consciously takes work. I don’t mean struggle. I mean that it takes choosing. And choosing again. And then again.” Christine Kane

Quotes I’ve used and pondered in the past . . .

• “Spend less than you make and do it for a very long time.”  Ron Blue

• “I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once.” Jennifer Yane

• “The more I resist Him and try to live on my own, the more I become
  dominated by my own heredity and upbringing and surroundings and natural desires.” C.S. Lewis

• “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world.
  For, indeed, they are the only ones who ever have.” Margaret Mead

• “Be strong. Have strength of heart, and do it.
  Do not be afraid or troubled, for the Lord God,  
  my God, is with you.
  He will not stop helping you.
  He will not leave you until all the work
  of the house of the Lord is finished.”
  1 Chronicles 28:20

Do you use quotes with your signature? Why or why not?

Wondering About the Blogs I Read Meme

How many of you use Google reader to keep track of your blog reading? Or some other reader?

• How many blogs do you track?
• Are they in the same category or varied? What are the categories?

I wonder what my blog reading choices reveal about me. What do they reveal about you?

This could be an interesting meme. You know the drill. Answer the questions. Tag a few people with the info here. Link back.

6 Words That Define Philosophy of Life

Jesus might say one of the following:

1. The Father and I are One.
2. Greatness? Humble servant, always obedient.
3. I always do the Father’s will.
4. My life, for yours, for eternity.

Saint Augustine could be quoted as saying:

1. Desire what I know God desires.

The Westminster Larger Catechism says:

1. Glorify God and enjoy him forever.

Somethings I say:

1. Don’t let fear make your decisions.
2. Walk with your eyes forward. Ouch! (I added the ouch to make it 6 words.)
3. Do not make decisions at night.

Wondering what I’m doing? The other day, Theresa from Stitches of Grace sent me this meme. I keep thinking about it. Even in my dreams.

I’ve written 2 other posts about it. One is what others say is their 6 word philosophy. The other one is my reply.

Writing my reply has given me perspective on life. Upon further contemplation, I think I have a ways to go. I’m still so self-centered. In reality my life does not always match up to my philosophy: Joyful Hope, Patient Affliction, Faithful Prayer.

I don’t want to be a complainer with hope. I don’t want to be bitter about my afflictions. I don’t want to be feckless in prayer. It is EASY to do the don’ts.

I want to live an uncommon life of being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.

Father God, fill me with Your Spirit’s joy, patience and faithfulness. Help me to remember that life on Earth is an ongoing task that is sometimes hard, therefore, requiring hope and prayer. Give me Your power to live life in obedience and to live life well. Amen.

11 Generations Particpate in 6 Word Philosophy of Life Meme

I’ve been reading the answers people have been leaving to this meme. It’s causing me to think some more; AND the opportunity to investigate blogs outside my norm.

Since I’m the curious sort, I investigated to see how far back this meme goes. Looks like about 11 generations. Heidi (who lives in the Netherlands) is the first person mentioned. Heidi has 2 blogs and I wasn’t able to find the original post. Her blogs are as follows: Celebrate the Seasons, Needle Necessities. She is also part of a group blog titled Creative Home Life.

1. Heidi from the Netherlands tagged Rhondi at Rose Colored Glasses. Rhondi’s answer is . . . Laughed, cried, worked, played, loved, prayed. Rhondi tagged Deb of Posted From Home.
2. Deb’s six words are: Live Life With a grateful heart. Deb of Posted From Home tagged Tara from Days Missed on a Hammock.
3. Tara’s philosophy is . . . Make Lemonade Out of Life’s Lemons. Tara from Days Missed on a Hammock tagged Oliver Rain.
4. Oliver Rain’s answer is . . . Everything Works Out in the End. Oliver Rain tagged My Cakies.
5. My Cakies lives by the following philosophy . . . Enjoy God & Make Him Known. (Side note Look here for a beautiful felt crown for a princess. Can you tell I’m a princess at heart?) My Cakies tagged Jenny at Babyfingers.
6. Jenny’s answer is . . . Exit your comfort zone everyday. Jenny from Babyfingers tagged Julie at the Knotted Apron Strings.
7. Julie’s contribution is “Do the Math . . . Count Your Blessings.” Julie at Knotted Apron Strings tagged Theresa from Knitting Non Pareil.
8. Theresa’s answer is . . . Learn to love who you are. Theresa from Knitting NonPareil tagged Theresa from Stitches of Grace.
9. Theresa’s 6 words philosophy is . . . . Seek first the kingdom of God. Theresa from Stitches of Grace tagged me. My answer is Joyful Hope. Patient Affliction. Faithful Prayer. So far none of those I’ve tagged have responded.
10. Theresa also tagged Amy from Journaling Back to Joy. Her 3 people have answered. Teresa, The Virginia Queen Bee’s Answer: When I am weak, then I am strong. Perri’s, My Life in Bits & Pieces wrote: God’s in control, I’m at peace. Michelle at Happy Mom 777 also said: Seek first the Kingdom of God.

This was fun researching. So many wonderful projects, photos, thoughts and recipes to look at. Have a looksee and tell me what struck your eye. Either on the blogs or about the 6 word summaries.

Also let me know if we can go back further than Heidi. Thanks.

My 6 Word Philosophy of Life Brings Perspective

Coming up with my Philosophy of Life took some thinking. What is my philosophy of life? What truths do I follow consciously or unconsciously?

And it took 12 tries:

1. God loves me. Live like it.
2. First things first. Forget the rest.
3. Weary but still hanging in there.
4. Live life on purpose every day.
5. Forgetting is easy, forgiving is hard. (At 50, forgetting is a natural talent.)
6. Friends are treasures. Tell them often.
7. Loving God. Loving others. Loving myself.
8. Life is hard. Deal with it.
9. I love being mom, auntie, sister.
10. Breathe. Eat. Read. Walk. Think. Talk.
11. Forgive often. Pray always. Love now.
12. Joyful Hope, Patient Affliction, Faithful Prayer.

I choose #12 as my 6 word philosophy of life.

It comes from Romans 12:12: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. This has been my on-again, off-again verse for the year for many years. It gives me proper perspective on how to handle life. It also reminds me that life here on earth is short, has a purpose, and is preparation for a greater forever destiny – Heaven. Most importantly it reminds me that Someone (God) is in control, has the answers and power and wants to share both with those who ask and obey.

This meme was brought to you by . . . . Theresa from Stitches of Grace . She tagged 3 people (me, Lynette and Amy) for this meme.

Memes have rules. Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you. Done.
2. Post the rules. Done.
3. Share a 6 word philosophy of life. Done.
4. Tag 3 other people. I’ll tag 6 because in RSVPing there is usually a 50% chance of a No: Lori, Doodah, RunningShoes, Jenny, Alanna, Can’t Backspace. It would be awesome if either Catlady or Duker left their 6 word philosophy in the comment section.

Be warned. This is not as easy as it looks. Be sure to let me know if you do participate.