Rocky Road

I remember driving down a long entrance road to a lake resort.  It was about a mile long and the very definition of "wash board"!  It was rocky and dusty and it took forever to get to the end! The car felt like it would shake apart. But just the mention, brings back thoughts we all have of "Rocky Roads"...

Issues come along in life, and doing the right thing isn't always easy.  Sometimes it's so clear it screams at you!  However coy, it usually comes with a consequence. 

So when you find yourself between a rock and a hard place...do the right thing...you'll know!

Funny thing about that  Rocky Road,  after it was paved, the memory became just that ...

Autumn Beauty...

Walking in the leaves...such a pleasure!

I remember warm afternoons, walking home from school...Hot Cider and Hayrides! The dry crunch, the rustle of trees blowing in the gentle wind!

Autumn will soon be bursting forth it's beauty!

As we approach this change in season, take a walk and be mindful of the beauty 

It's all around you!

oops...too late! :)  

Walking Not Fainting

Well, they say this is the last 80 degree plus day we will have for a while, and I just came in from a wonderful walk in my neighborhood.

As I walked, I thought about how thankful I am for another coat-less day,  the beautiful blue sky, and my faithful dog.  Not terribly long ago, walking my dog was on my "to-do" list as a goal.  At that time just walking was like training for a 5K. 

Life after Stroke is difficult for sure, and just like any storm, things are forever changed.  But don't let life's storms keep you down, thinking...

Has God lost track of me? Doesn't he care what happens to me?
God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
    He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
    And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
    gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
    young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
    They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
    they walk and don’t faint!...  Isa 40 Message
Keep walking one step then another!

Stuck in the Mud?

How many times have we ALL been a negative Nancy. We get stuck in the mud and no matter what we do or how hard we try,  we just can't seem to reach our "boot-straps".

If you have a habit of expecting poor service, it effects your expectation each time you go out to eat, visit the pharmacy, or get your car serviced. Our Mom's called it a "chip" on our shoulder...
Not sure this is you?  Well ask yourself,  when was the last time you started an encounter with a smile and a compliment?

If you notice the negative,  and find fault,  you paint yourself into the "nothing is good enough" for me corner. 

So, what am I saying?  What you notice is evidence of what you are thinking about...and it will come out...

in our mannerism's
body language, tone of voice,
phrases, comments, and humor...

And, negativity is contagious! What goes around, comes back around!

So how do we become a more Positive Polly?

1. Don't make snap judgements.

2. Re-train your brain to look for the good. 
3.Think of the other person as more valuable.
  
Change your thinking Change your Life

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it
                 Love your neighbor as yourself.

Ready for Fall?

Everyone has a favorite place or two.  It may be where they have had great childhood experiences.  A place where time stands still.  Well Northern Michigan does it for me. This summer I have been able to "Flip-Flop" down little town streets and La-Dee-Dahaa across beautiful beaches! 

Memories have been stirred and the sense of blessing has been raised to new heights.

So, as Summers breezes cool to Autumn
winds, and as sweaters and jackets replace sunscreen and tank tops, I am thankful for every minuet...for every bay beach and bonfire...
Ready for Fall? Never:) :) :)

A time for every season under heaven!
Thank your Lord, for your awesome creation!

Brighten the Cornor Where You Are

I love neutral decor.  It allows you to showcase your special gifts, snapshots and unique things that make your home sing your song.  It lets you put color where it's needed and light in dark corners.  It welcomes you and comforts you and makes you feel "right at home!"  

Is life becoming cluttered with too much stuff?  Busy schedule, too many irons in the fire?  Is it keeping you from really singing your song? 

This fall, say yes to one less thing.

 Do not wait to shed your light afar, Brighten the cornor where you are!

I am... the bright and morning star.    Rev 22:16

Summer Breeze

August has arrived and we have turned the pivotal cornor.  Soon the leaves will burst with vibrant color.  The La-dee-dahhha summer feeling will fade as we speed up the pace. Relish these days.

Not only will the attitude of our days change with the weather, but our focus will as well.

Don't leave all the casual openness of summer go down with the sun... No carry it with you. When the weight of your schedule winds up, be sure to greet those around you with the warmth of a June breeze and the calm of an August  sunset.

Summer Breeze makes me feel fine...