Gratitude for Simple Pleasures

Day 329 of Photo Inspirations -- Gratitude for Simple Pleasures

During this Thanksgiving week, we express gratitude for those things that money affords -- like our homes, cars, clothes, food, electronics, appliances and all those THINGS that add to our comfort.  But at the end of the day, those precious treasures that money can't buy....top my Gratitude List.  The Simple Pleasures.

Of course, the simple yet most profound blessings I have are my sweet family.  Thanksgiving brings them home.  This week, it's in segments.  Yesterday, I picked up my daughter's two at Victory Christian Center's Camp Victory in Mannford where they had been with their church's youth group for the last 3 days.  I retrieved them since this is Thanksgiving week, instead of their going back home on the bus with the group.  They were talking a mile a minute about their weekend.  Great fun on Go Karts, zip lines, dodge ball, and lots of other games, but most of their excitement was from being a part of radical life transformation moments during the praise and worship (Payton played the piano with the band) and ministry about God's love for them.  The youth were all so impacted by God's presence in such beautiful, tender ways.  I remember that it was a Youth Camp that I gave my heart to the Lord.  I understand those precious and intimate times of growing closer to Him with my peers.  I was so touched by the joy my grandkids exuded.  SIMPLE, yet profound pleasures.

After crashing for about 4 hours from lack of sleep (simple pleasures), we headed to Great Granny's. Payton, excited to show Nana his driving skills (he got his driver's permit last month), drove us.   He was excited to point out that the ceiling at Granny's he always tried to touch.....now he's so tall, it's easy-peasy.  Simple Pleasures.   Little Anna (great niece) was there -- loves seeing the kids getting off the school bus.  Simple pleasures. Then it was "Granny's Chocolate Cake Making Training" for Bryson's BD party tonight.   Simple Pleasures.

Last evening, the boys and Shawntel made it in.  (The rest get here on Wednesday.)  We had dinner, BD cake and then played a fun game that big Bear (Barrett) taught us. Simple pleasures.  Then we headed to the clubhouse to play pickleball and pool.  Lots of fun was packed into this first day of Thanksgiving Week.  There are beds everywhere in my house, including the two youngest bedded down in Nana's closet.   Simple pleasures.

It won't be long before all these kids will be grown up with families of their own.  Yes, I'm so grateful for the blessings of  "simple pleasures" -- family and friends that keep reminding me that the greatest blessings on earth come without a price tag.

This is the time for counting our blessings, noticing simple pleasures.  It means learning to live our lives as if everything were a miracle, and being aware on a continuous basis of how much we've been given. Gratitude even shifts our focus from what our life lacks to the abundance of what we already have.  Maybe, the best prescription we could take to dispel the common "woe-is-me" attitude is to offer thanksgiving for the "simple pleasures".  We just might be re-energized, have new vitality and excitement for this beautiful life that is made up of "simple pleasures"!  Mine starts again today --  in a big way when all these munchkins wake up in just a little while, and we head out for Bryson's Birthday Treasure Hunt.  We'll be celebrating so many "simple pleasures" throughout this day.  Yes, it's the simple pleasures that mean so much!

Living Life as an Exclamation Point

Day 283 of Photo Inspirations -- Living Life as an Exclamation Point!
#TBT -- I ran across this photo that was taken on a family vacation in 2003.  These are our four oldest grandchildren, who are now, 23, 20, 15 and 14.  Wow!  Where did those 12 years go?   Graduations from kindergarten, grade school, middle school, high school, boot camp, black belts in karate, piano recitals, baseball championships, speech & debate champtionships, that were accompanied by braces, bumps & bruises, lots of rehearsals and practices, lots of lessons learned, lots of moves from city to city and state to state, plus two more precious grandsons came along, and the biggest of all -- Papa's graduation to heaven.

James 4:14 "You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."  James sure did give us a "spoiler alert"!  He said our lives would be like a vapor that appears and then, just as quickly, vanishes!   That's a reality check -- especially for those of us who, in our 20s -- looked at the old folks (in their 50s) and thought, "They are so old!"  Now, we are past our 50s and "old folks" doesn't seem so old anymore!  LOL!

The fact is -- the length of our lives isn't based at all on quantity, but it's based on quality. This gift of life, however brief, should be spent living in such a way that the very One who created us will always look upon His investment as a "creation....well done"!  Rather than looking at how fast time goes by, wouldn't it be more productive to think....."How can I make the most of the time that I have?"  What if we put an exclamation point on every day we have?  An Exclamation Point is reserved for the accomplishments that excite our spirits and set our hearts on fire.  Living a humdrum life doesn't get an exclamation point.  Spending precious time complaining, whining, worrying, being cranky and cynical doesn't get an exclamation point.

Getting an exclamation point has everything to do with how we wake up each day.  Getting an exclamation point has something to do with "hitting-the-ground-running" each day.  There's just no time to be thinking about the good old days.  I love my memories.  I love these photos of my precious grandkids and husband from way back when.  But if I want an exclamation point at the end of each and every day, I need to to wake up saying "What can I do TODAY to leave a mark and a legacy?"  Here's what Exclamation Point recipients look like:

They have a life to live so they live it… EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have an assignment to complete…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have work to be done….. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a victory to achieve…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a devil to defeat…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a storm to calm…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a prayer to pray…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a promise to claim… EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a habit to conquer…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a temptation to overcome…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have an enemy to love…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a burden to lift…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a friend to help…. EXCLAMATION POINT!
They have a race to be won, EXCLAMATION POINT!

On a gravestone, it shows a date born, then a hyphen, then the date of death.  The hyphen represents all that person accomplished in their lifetime.  Quite frankly.....I'd like for mine to have on it.......
"DONNA LIVED.... EXCLAMATION POINT!!"

Fear Not. I Bring You Good News of JOY

Day 281 of Photo Inspirations - Fear Not. I Bring You Good News of JOY
Yesterday, our Bible Study was about the second characteristic of the Fruit of the Spirit -- JOY! Though I had diligently prayed and prepared, there is nothing like stepping aside and watching how Holy Spirit trumps my pre-planned agenda.  His way is the best way.

The first part of the Bible Study was given to women sharing their praises and their prayer requests. The tone was more subdued as a couple of the ladies had some major challenges going on in their families and friends' lives.

Once the meeting was turned to me, I shared about a message I heard on Sunday.  Pastor Craig spoke about a woman at the airport that he saw and heard singing, who had the most beautiful voice. She was running a snack kiosk and was singing to travelers that passed her.  Shed sing out "It's a beautiful day!  You're gonna have a beautiful day.  You're wearing a beautiful dress.  You have on a nice shirt!"  And, on and on, she just kept singing and singing. When Pastor asked why she did that, she said, "The atmosphere of an airport can be so negative; so many people are stressed and unhappy and I just figure if I can help give them joy in their day, maybe their attitude will be turned around."  I love that.  There are two kinds of people:  those who become like the atmosphere they're in -- negative, angry, depressed, or sad, or there are those who are atmosphere changers. In her case...she turned the atmosphere to JOY.

I had the ladies turn to Luke 2:10, where the angel said to the shepherds "Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great JOY which shall be to all people."  Immediately one of the ladies said, "OH, I remember when my granddaughter, Emma, said that scripture when she was 5 years old.  She said, "Fear not. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. And you will find a baby wrapped in cloths. Luke 2."  For 4 years this grandmother has carried that video on her phone and has continued to watch it. It brought her so much JOY. She showed us the video and it brought us JOY.

But, here's the best part -- that precious little, now 9-years old girl, when she was just born.....was left on the doorstep of this lady's daughter's home.  The little baby was abandoned, but a note was left with the baby...."Laura, I'm leaving my baby to you because I know you're Catholic."  Apparently, whoever the birth mother was (and they tried desperately to find her but never have), knew who Laura was.   Laura, an attorney, knew the legalities of this little baby's abandonment and she followed the laws of DHS, but Laura's heartstrings were tugged to do what she could to provide that little girl a loving family who would love her. By then, Laura and her husband and all 4 of her children loved this little "heaven sent" angel.  They kept her and adopted her.  As this precious grandmother spoke, the atmosphere in our room changed to utter joy, as she shared that Emma is the most delightful, joy-filled child that they can't even imagine not having her in their lives.  Indeed, Emma brought "good news of great joy" to their world.

Immediately, I understood Holy Spirit's word to us....."And, Emma is like us -- we were abandoned and unwanted and God adopted us into His royal family and now we have reasons for UNSPEAKABLE, INEXPRESSIBLE JOY!   Joy doesn't come from success, circumstances or a lack of adversity (we've ALL known adversity).  It's a gift that comes from spending time with the ONE who created it, the ONE whose grace and love gave us His JOY.    May you know that JOY that comes from KNOWING Him today!

The JOY of the Lord is My Strength

Day 280 of Photo Inspirations -- The JOY of the Lord is my Strength
After a full, vigorous, packed-full-of-fun week with my sweet boys in Seattle,  I returned home and early the next morning I was headed for a 4-day fast-paced, action-filled women's retreat.  It was a retreat where women were refreshed and restored, however, for those of us on the Leadership Team -- it was a work-out, and it was worth the work-out to see so many, so blessed.

But, I came home....depleted of energy and, from where I had fallen a few weeks before on my hip and leg....I was aching and in pain. I was hobbling. My mind was being taunted by the enemy saying "You're going to be hobbling like that from here on out!"  I even started imagining what that might look like.

But, I love how the voice of my Good Shepherd speaks to me.  I turned on the TV on and saw Joyce Meyer with a little devil on her shoulder (something her team made for her to emphasize a point). She was telling the audience.  "We all know the enemy is a liar, but how many of us just let him continue to lie to us and even consider what he's saying?  We called this conference  'Mind, Moods & Attitudes' and tonight I'm going to teach on the mind!"  Then, the voice of Satan came from the sound system...."The mind?  You've got to be kidding!  Don't you think you teach too much on the battlefield of the mind?  People are sick of hearing about the mind!  And, that outfit you have on looks ridiculous!"  Initially, Joyce, in her dramatic way, showed how Satan was getting to her, but of course, in her hilarious style, finally did what we're supposed to do -- she put him in his place by speaking God's Word and told him to "SHUT UP!".  Then she knocked him off her shoulder.  She WON!

Immediately, I took that message to heart, because I had been taunted by the enemy telling me "You're tired.  You should slow down.  You're going to be hobbling the rest of your life!"  But, I did what Joyce did.  I shouted, "Shut up, Satan!  I am healed.  By The stripes of Jesus I am made whole. The JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!"  I got it.  My part is to stop the enemy's lies in their tracks.  My part is to start rejoicing in God's love and faithfulness.
 
Nehemiah 8:10 "The joy of the Lord is your strength."  Joy is the second characteristic of the Fruit of the Spirit and I took it personally.  I know that joy doesn't come from success, circumstances or a lack of adversity. It's a gift that comes from spending time with the One who created it.   My Lord and I had some one-on-one time, and "His strength, that is made perfect in MY weakness", consumed and strengthened me.

This opportunity to teach on the Fruit of the Spirit over these next few weeks is teaching ME -- loud and clear -- that God has given us the opportunity to WIN over the adversary in our everyday lives!  God has equipped us with everything we need to win....and win big time.  I'm so thankful for His profound love that wakes me up and sets me straight in the knick of time.

Excuse me......I need to go eat MORE fruit!!!

Remembering Magical Birthdays

Day 249 of Photo Inspirations -- Remembering Birthdays at Disney World
#TBT It was September 2007 and we had planned for months to go on this special trip to celebrate Papa's & Alexia's Birthdays.  It was going to be Papa's BIG 60th on the 12th and Alexia's BIG 6 on the 16th.  And celebrate we did!!  We stayed in a great hotel with a lazy river and huge pools and we kicked up our heels in a grandiose way at Disney World and Sea World in Orlando.  Oh what fun we had.....and these photos say it all.   Alexia Wallace was smack dab in the middle of her "Princess" styles and fantasies.  She had to wear her "Belle" dress when she met Belle.  Of course, Payton and Papa's big deal was Buzz Lightyear and the sharks and whales.

Oh, what precious memories -- that will live on because SOMEONE (aka ME) was a fanatical picture-taker -- still am....and even more so as now I also carry my selfie stick.  Look out.....Nana's on her way to save the day AND memories!   It is those photos and those memories that help me recollect some of our most joy-filled times.  We made the most of our times together.  And, now, we REMEMBER!  

God talks a lot about "remembering" in His Word, so I'm in good company when it comes to remembering!  

1 Chronicles 16:12 --  "Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,"

Deuteronomy 8:18 -- "But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day."














It's AWESOME to remember all the good things God has done for us.  And, we learn so much from
those remembrances.  We get to start each new day with the wisdom and knowledge we gained from the past. Each experience – good and bad, has equipped us to be better, do better and appreciate time more.   

It is the dawn of a new day, today. I know one thing for sure -- we can’t live in the past, and the future isn’t ours to predict. But, we can make minutes, hours and days really count for what matters most. I speak a lot about it, but I repeat, treasure THIS day – make memories for yourself and someone else. Live as if there were no tomorrow. Spread sunshine. Give love and laughter and life to those who need an injection of fun, faith, and friendship. The BAD news -- time flies, but the GOOD news -- we get to continue capturing the joy-filled experiences and thank God for PRECIOUS MEMORIES!

Checked Your Fluid Level Lately?

Day 162 of Photo Inspirations -- Checked Your Fluid Level Lately?
God wired us with a built in “low-fluid indicator.”  It's called THIRST.  If the fluid level gets low, the signals will flare.  Dry mouth. Achy head. Weak knees.  Dizziness.     If we deprive our bodies of fluid, our bodies will tell us.

God also wired us with a built in "low-spiritual fluid indicator".  If we deprive our souls of spiritual water, the signals will flare.  Heavy hearted, sad, weary, depressed, grumpy, fearful, anxious, envious, moody, angry. If we deprive ourselves of spiritual fluid, our souls will tell us.

In John 4:13-14, Jesus says, “Anyone who drinks this (natural) water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life."

Jesus offers living water that will permanently satisfy our thirst.  If we feel unsatisfied with our lives, that’s called spiritual thirst. And the only One who can quench that thirst is the One who said, “I thirst.” Jesus thirsted on the cross so we don’t have to thirst. He paid for what we don’t have to pay for. He became thirsty so we never have to be thirsty again.

It's time to go to THAT FOUNTAIN that never runs dry.  It's time to "hang out" at THAT FOUNTAIN -- there, we'll  be refreshed, restored, rejuvenated and replenished......and not only will we know and feel the difference....others will know that we've been "hanging out at THE FOUNTAIN" again, and they'll want us to take them with us to get their "fluids" refilled, too.

Peace Be With You

Day 158 of Photo Inspirations -- Peace Be With You
There are so many lessons to be learned from the faith journeys of others and when we're in that atmosphere of thanksgiving and praise, God has the opportunity to get a Word in edgewise.

That's what happens in my Life Group every Tuesday night.  For example, having encountered some health issues, three of our ladies asked for prayer as they were being called back to the doctor or hospital for additional testings.   Immediately, one of our strong women of faith, quite confidently and boldly said, "Peace be with you.  Do not fear.  God is with you.  Cast down imaginations.  Be strong and of good courage because God is for you and you will declare His glorious works."  She was so passionate that it startled some of us, but we realized it was God, Himself, Who made His presence known.....and replaced our concerns with "PEACE be with you!"

I started thinking about that strong word and, I thought about the disciples after Jesus died -- afraid and hiding in the Upper Room.  THEN, the risen Lord appeared to them.   "On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “PEACE BE WITH YOU!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord."  John 20:19-21

It’s tempting to scoff at the disciples for their weak faith. But, we’re no different. Like the disciples, we don’t always understand what God is doing in our lives. We read His clear promises in the Bible, yet often succumb to concern, fear and doubt when life gets tough.  Jesus came into my house on Tuesday night.  He spoke those beautiful words "Peace be with you!"

I pass THIS WORD on to you today.  Perhaps you are facing some extreme volatile situations, potential failures, negative medical reports, relationships that are broken and many other worries and concerns.  

God loves us, as He loved the disciples.  He wants us to know HIS peace.   Think of it, those disciples had walked and talked with Jesus.  They witnessed miracle after miracle.  And while we sometimes want to roll our eyes at them because of their wishy-washy faith, we can be very grateful to them for providing us an object lesson in human ignorance… and divine patience.  Like Jesus said to them, He says to you and me today, "Peace be with you!"  Now, let's receive that Word, and make it our own today!

Seek Me and You Will Find Me

Day 155 of Photo Inspirations -- Seek Me and You Will Find Me
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."  Jeremiah 29:13.  I went along with my kids for their evening walk.  This night, we were on purpose.  We were praying and seeking God as we walked.  He wasn't hiding.  We found Him  everywhere.  We saw Him in the trees, in the warm Texas sunshine, the green grass, the birds flying, little children playing, people eating at an outdoor cafe, and we heard and saw Him in the waters of a beautiful fountain.  I saw Him in the love that my two kids share.  He IS everywhere AND He is HERE in my heart.  

The more that I sensed Him, the more aware and conscious I was of His love, His mercy, grace.....and most of all, His presence.  That's when I started noticing the greatest symbol of His love for us -- the cross.  I started seeing crosses in buildings, in fences, in objects -- thus my photo inspirations for this day.

The Cross:  of course when we seek Him.... we'll find Him, and this day I found Him in the greatest symbol of love that explains it all.  It's where Jesus  paid the ultimate price for us with His life.  I loved seeing that reminder everywhere we walked.  I paid attention to it.  I purposefully looked for it.

And, isn't that what this scripture means?  "You will seek Me and find Me.....when you seek me with all your heart."  He's just a thought away, a prayer away, a cross away, and a heart-beat away.  How I thank Him for the cross and how I thank Him for the reminder of His love for me.

Blessings Through Raindrops

Day 154 of Photo Inspirations -- Blessings Through Raindrops

I turned on Pandora and this song by Mercy River was playing.   Oftentimes I listen to songs, but really don't pay too much attention to the words.  But, this time, not only was I hearing the words as though they were straight from heaven, I felt so impressed to play them for my family. Staci immediately said, "Mom, don't you remember how I sang that song when Daddy was so sick?  It was such a great comfort to me."

So, today, I share them with you.  They just may be the words coming straight from heaven to you.  The verses carefully detail how we typically pray.  We ask God to comfort us, protect us, ease our pain.  This song called ”Blessings”, is such a powerful lesson.  Most people think life should be good, and that the ”blessing” is smooth, easy days, being healthy, care-free, and  financially secure.
 
This song tells it better than I can.  Here are the lyrics, and here is the link to this beautiful song.  I hope you listen and watch this video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGniRk_GcLs

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace; comfort for family, protection while we sleep; we pray for healing, for prosperity. We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering, And all the while, You hear each spoken need, yet love us way too much to give us lesser things.

‘Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near?
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear. We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near. We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love, as if every promise from Your word is not enough. And all the while, You hear each desperate plea,
and long that we’d have faith to believe.

‘Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near?
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

When friends betray us; when darkness seems to win, we know that pain reminds this heart, that this is not, this is not our home.  It’s not our home.

‘Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life, Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy? What if trials of this life -- the rain, the storms, the hardest nights --
Are your mercies in disguise?

Isaiah 41:10
”Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.”

Yes, God hears those prayers......and answers each and every one -- in His time and His way.  When we understand His profoun love for us, then we'll understand that the "stuff" we encounter (the trials of this life) are His tender mercies in disguise.  He knows that without the trials and learning to seek Him through the pain, we may not know our desperate need for Him.  God is so rich in His mercies and ON PURPOSE to bring about the very BEST for our lives.  So....we trust in Him.....knowing that "ALL THESE THINGS are working together for OUR GOOD......"Romans 8:28.  Thank you, Father God.  Indeed the rain and the storms are your mercies in disguise.

I Need Directions To...............

Day 149 of Photo Inspirations -- I Need Directions To.........
A few days ago, as my friends and I had our morning walk, we were talking about prayer and if we have an awareness of "God With Us" wherever we go, and whatever we are doing, then we don't have to be in a certain posture or location to pray.  We'll just be communicating with Him as we would with a friend with us in the car, or, in our case, our walking friends where we chat together along the way. We quoted the scripture in Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  IN ALL YOUR WAYS,  acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."  How awesome is that?

Having a little conversation with Him Who knows everything about everything -- provides DIRECTIONS -- when and to where we want to go.  That's HUGE when we consider those who refuse to ask for directions -- men AND women.  They'll go around the same block or same area of town over and over again, before they're willing to ask directions.  But, in this case.....if we just have a little one-on-one with Him Who is the Supreme KNOW-IT-ALL -- He WILL direct our paths and we'll get to our destination in record time.  That's what I call expert advice!

After our walk, I headed over to my cousin's home where the estate sale people are getting it ready for their sale this weekend.  I looked around to see if I could find a keepsake that represented my sweet cousin and her husband.  As I ventured through the house, lo and behold -- I saw this picture on the wall.  Of course, I wanted that picture -- not only did I feel "directed" to it, but that "Word" is now indelibly imprinted in my mind and heart.  Twice in one day, God was speaking to me.   And, now it has a place in my home that I see it everyday as a constant reminder of God's presence with me.

Perhaps you're looking for direction on decisons that you are having to make today.  Maybe, just maybe, this "Word" is your "Word" too.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In ALL YOUR WAYS , (while driving in your car, washing dishes, mowing the lawn, standing in line at a store, putting on your make-up, etc.),  acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."

The Ant Mentality

Day 144 of Photo Inspirations -- The Ant Mentality
Yesterday was such a spectacular day.  We appreciated it so much more because it was a day without torrential rain.  On our morning walk, we were set up for noticing nature -- the cactus growing on a neighbor's rock, the new flowers planted by another neighbor, the beautiful flowers planted so meticulously around our clubhouse......and crossing the road where we walked, was a line of ants.  I sang out "The ants go marching one by one...hoorah, hoorah!"  And my friend told me about an ants' video that she had seen --  working as a team carrying a piece of food.  Before long, some of those ants moved to the back as another group of ants took over and gave relief!  Teamwork!

What an amazing God we have -- He was so intentional with His creation -- I love how He uses props to teach us valuable lessons.  Quite possibly, He created ants..,..yes, for food for some of His creatures, but for you and I -- to pay attention to their ways of living in community and teams:

1.   Ants are driven by purpose -- obviously the ants my friend talked about had a sole job description of finding food for the colony.  That purpose is what they gave their time and energy into.  All for one!  One for all!

2. Ants work as a team --   they work together to achieve something great.  Teamwork makes the dream work!

3. Ants have a time to rest and a time to work -- ants have to work with the natural seasons. So in summer they gather their food and in winter they hibernate. Hi ho. Hi ho. It's off to work we go!

4. Ants think big -- ants can seem like one of the smallest and insignificant insects on the planet, but the colonies they build and the contribution to their society, is MAJOR!   "Little is MUCH, when God is in it!"

6. Ants carry workloads they can handle -- although they're small, ants can handle up to one hundred times their weight.  We will never know our limits unless we push ourselves to them.

7. Ants serve one another -- living for just ourselves is a lonely existence. Serving people goes that one step further and asks ‘what can I do for you?' The little things matter.  No one can do everything, but everyone can do something!

Walking With Purpose for Brain, Brawn and Blessings

Day 99 of Photo Inspirations -- Walking With Purpose for Brain, Brawn AND Blessings
I run or walk at least 15 miles a week.  Where my Jacuzzi tub would have been installed, I had my builder to simply put the plumbing in the wall, in case I ever wanted to install it.  Instead, that’s where my treadmill is located.  I’m on purpose.  I know the health benefits of running/walking/jogging.  I’ve been running for many years.  Best of all, it keeps my goal weight intact, especially when I love eating all kinds of foods as well as the occasional sweet treat!

But, my daily walk has gone to a new level, as I’m walking with friends.  We are walking on purpose – not just for the health benefits, but doing the Joshua “walk around the wall” walk. We walk, talk and pray. We are being BLESSED.

And, the health benefits have gone to a whole new level also.  I found it quite interesting a few days ago when I came upon the idea of walking to increase our BRAIN size.  It said, “Just 1 mile keeps our brain from shrinking.  Apparently, our brains tend to shrink as we age, just like a piece of fruit on the counter. But you can help keep your brain plump and young just by walking about a mile a day.  AWESOME!    

The article at www.sharecare.com went on to say that “in a 9-year study, people who walked just 6 to 9 miles each week preserved significantly more gray matter as they aged, compared with their more sedentary peers. What's so great about a big brain? It likely means more mental power. In the study, not only did the walkers have less brain shrinkage, but also that translated into a two-fold reduction in their risk for cognitive impairment. What's more, the researchers also looked at the benefits of physical activity in people already suffering from cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease and found that a mere 5 miles a week of walking seemed to slow progression of the condition. So when it comes to brains, bigger really is better. Let’s strap on those walking shoes and walk  for BRAIN, BRAWN AND BLESSINGS!
#WalkingWithPurpose

Some Birds Are Just Off Their Rockers

Day 97 of Photo Inspirations -- Some Birds Are Just Off Their Rockers
"You cannot prevent the birds from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair." – Chinese Proverb.  In my case, you can prevent them from building a nest on a front porch window ledge.

Another sign of Spring -- birds are flitting around -- trying to build a nest on my front porch and pecking at my mother-in-law's bathroom window.

I walked out on my front porch, and there were bird droppings all over it.  I looked up at the little window ledge and saw a bird hanging out.  Uh oh!  I knew it -- she was building a nest.  While I love seeing and hearing birds, I don't want them taking over my space -- especially when they have no manners about where they "do their business"!

Mom had a bird issue, too!  Sitting with her, my sister-in-law and little great niece on Mom's back porch, enjoying watching little Anna's antics.  Anna's antics got surpassed when her Gamma jumped up and started running and hollering around the backyard with a broom chasing a bird that had become a nuisance as it continued to peck at Mom's bathroom window. If anyone else had seen her, I'm sure they thought this was a looney bin!

Mom and I took matters into our own hands.  My creative idea was to take a box and put screws coming through the bottom.  I placed the box with the screws up on the ledge, and the bird couldn't find a place to build her nest.  In Mom's case, Karen bought some reflective tape and put it all over the window, and the bird has now disappeared. Drastic measures for drastic situations.  We felt like conquerors over those little birds.  And thank goodness, God cares enough for the birds that they've probably already found a new place to live and peck.  Birds don't worry, and God beautifully provides for them.

Birds figure it out.  We figure it out when we're kicked out of our nests or we continue to just peck away at something that seems to be taking us nowhere.  Both of those birds had to start over again on their quests.  And, so do we.  But, no problem.  We are only failures when we stop trying.  We'll find a new nest; we'll go after a new adventure....and this time we just might be exactly at the spot that God intended us to be at all along anyway.  But we would have never arrived here, were it not for the lessons we learned from those "tries" and "endeavours"!