I absolutely love that gloomy grey donkey in Winnie the Pooh and his famous one liner, “Thanks for noticing me.”

Do you feel unnoticed? Does all your hard work seem for naught? Are you invisible? Do all your efforts seem wasted because the old negative view is more to favor then the new ones. We have all been in this place or walked in a pair of these shoes.

We will never measure up to mans expectations. Human nature dictates, the more you give the more that is expected. Pretty soon little niceties become assumed and the gesture is lost. After awhile, you no longer feel appreciated or worthwhile.

I have great news! You are noticed, you are loved, you are appreciated and most certainly needed. God, formed you to be who he wanted you to be. Don’t ever let someone or something make you feel less then the blessed daughter or son of our King. You are royalty and need to remember that.

1 Peter 2:9 NCV “But you are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people of God’s own possession. You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Revelation 2:19 NLT “I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.”

So, maybe your: spouse, sibling, boss, teacher, partner, friend or co-workers don’t see you or even take the time to notice all you are doing. My advise, stop worrying about what man thinks or notices and trust that the Lord does see and knows all your hard work and effort.

Remain faithful in your mission and walk. Don’t let anyone destroy your dreams, heart or mind. You are you and wonderfully made. Go out and make your mark, man might not appreciate your hard work but our Lord always will. Be blessed today and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Well doesn’t that sound daunting and painful? I suppose that would depend on who you are having this particular conversation with. If I were to be setting in a doctor’s office the fear would be out of control however if I’m setting amongst a thousand bubbles in my bathtub talking to God, then it’s a conversation of hope and rejuvenation.

Psalms 51:10 NCV “Create in me a pure heart, God and make my spirit right again.”

I said this actual prayer last night, while amongst a thousand bubbles. It’s so very easy for our hearts to harden, for one it’s a safety valve. Someone has hurt you and so turn the valve off. There, that ought to do it but does it? What if that person who hurt you is your: parent, spouse or one of your children, what then? Do you keep turning off valves? Seems the easiest way!

What happens to machinery of any kind when you start turning things off? It eventually shuts down and stops working.

Ezekiel 11:19 NLT “And I will give them a singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stoney, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart.”

You see, when things get shut off or even turned down they become cold. From the coldness of the heart come the cold thoughts, hurts and memories. We have a savior Jesus Christ and he understands hurts of the heart by humans more then any of us and yet he didn’t turn the valve off. Instead he showed us the way.

Romans 12:2 NLT “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Because I asked once in prayer is my heart and mind instantly transformed? No, but it’s a start and now I will continue working toward and thanking him for the changes within; by believing he will heal and change my heart back to the way it’s supposed to be. You see the new heart is as much for me as for the person I’m needing it changed for.

I hope if you have a frozen spot or two this will help you on a start to a change of heart. Make it a blessed day and smile. Thank you for joining me. 🥰

To be content: “A state of peaceful happiness.” Another definition: “a peaceful kind of happiness in which one rests without desires.” This doesn’t mean we’ve acquired all our wants and wishes. Or that, all our hopes and dreams have come true. But you’ve reached a place of being Okay.

Just Okay, I don’t usually think of just okay as being enough but in this realm it’s perfect. Being content with the time and space you are in. I believe this place has to come from within. You are your own real estate, your very own place. You are wherever you go. So, move in and make yourself comfortable. Change the decor if you don’t like it, throw out the trash that has started to accumulate. Scoot things around until they feel pleasing, open the windows of your heart and spirit and let some fresh air in.

You may be in a job you hate, a home that is to small and way to full, a relationship that seems like a struggle each and every day. Situations within your world or body making you feel like you no longer have control and are spinning violently. How can one be content when the storm winds are blowing and the wolves are howling?

Philippians 4:11-13 NCV “I am not telling you this because I need anything. I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more the enough and when I don’t have enough. I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.”

John 14:27 NCV “I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

Hebrews 13:5 NCV “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be satisfied with what you have. God has said, ‘I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.”

Your world may not be exactly where you want it to be, we always need something to strive for, work toward, and dream of but while we are working towards those goals be sure to take Jesus along with you. He might not make the walk feel any easier but he will iron out some wrinkles, help you over a log or two and hold your hand along the path.

Take a moment to consider where you are and what you are doing. You might just be where he wants you to be, ask him what it is he would like you to accomplish. If not, simply ask for the next direction and take it. All the while, slow down and take a look around, I’m sure you can find something good and some beauty somewhere, it’s everywhere if you take the time to look. Once you find some, tuck it in your pocket and carry it with you.

Life is always going to have its ups and downs. I hope and pray you can find your place of contentment within our Lords love and care, so that no matter what your circumstances, you know you are going to be Okay!!! Be blessed today and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Does prayer seem uncomfortable? Does conversing with the creator of time seem daunting? How do I start? What do I say and how do I say it. Does it require thee’s and thou’s? How long does it need to be?

We need to understand and be thankful for Jesus, and his sacrifice. Because of him, the Temple curtain (separating God from man) was split in two thus enabling us to boldly approach the throne.

Hebrews 4:13 NLT “So let us boldly come to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

Jesus instructed his disciples to pray like this.

Matthew 6:9-13 NLT “Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, May your name be kept holy. May your kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”

I wish to simplify prayer, it is nothing more then a conversation with Jesus. Easy Peasy…just start talking and keep talking until you are talked or cried out. There are prayers of: thanksgiving, taking a moment to reflect on all the good in your life and thanking him. Thanking him for your health, your families health or the medication that has it under control. Prayers of: SOS!!! I call those the parting of the Red Sea prayers. There is an ocean of or sized problem in your life and you need his mighty hand of HELP!!! There are the: I don’t know what to do or which path to take prayers. I call those the billboard prayers. Lord, I need your answer or direction to be the size of a billboard so that I know, that I know I’m not going to miss it!!!

Maybe you are simply missing someone who lives with Jesus now and you just want to tell him how much you miss them and ask him to tell them hi and that you love and miss them, ask him to give them a hug sent from you.

Could be you live alone and are lonely. He’s in that empty chair or spot of the sofa. He’s just waiting for a conversation…Just talk to him. He loves nature and the beauty of his flowers and how glorious they smell also. If something tickles or blesses you, he loves sharing your moments of delight. You aren’t alone and never are.

If I leave you with anything today I hope it’s with the knowledge that our Lord is always there, always listens and always loves you. All you have to do is…Just Talk! Be blessed today and thank you for being here and joining me. 🥰

It’s Sunday, the Lords appointed day of rest. Naturally this is where my mind goes today, my favorite day of the week. To rest and to be still … they often go hand in hand only to just as often wrestle with each other.

To Rest: “being or characterized by dormancy.” This is a physical act, taking an afternoon nap or when going to bed for the night. Our bodies and minds need this type of rest on a daily basis to function properly. Same effect as charging your phone battery and clearing away todays searches and data. Enabling us to be fresh, recharged and ready for the next day.

To Be Still: “Being still is a state of mind. A state of quietness.” This is where we allow ourselves to stop striving, stop fighting and to work on renewing our spirit. This could be: reading for enjoyment, a video game, setting back and watching a movie, yoga, meditation, a hot bubble bath and lots of prayer.

Psalms 37:7 NLT “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.”

Exodus 14:14 NLT “The Lord will fight for you. Just remain calm.”

Isaiah 32:18 “My people will live in safety, quietly at home. They will be at rest.”

Resting and being still don’t come easy for many and requires some dedication. To reach a place where your mind and body can be quiet at the same time is hard but with determination and practice it can be done. I hope you have a favorite room, hiding spot or big comfy chair that you can go to, let out a deep sigh, set back and watch the clouds float by, send a message in a bubble to those you love now living up there, wave and smile. Gods got this and you.

Be blessed today and thank you for joining me. 🥰

Do you ever wonder how you will be remembered? Sorry, might be a morbid thought to some, possibly an eye opener to others. Not long ago an acquaintance unexpectedly passed. I knew who this gal was, her husband and who her kids were but really nothing further that’s why I feel kind of sad inside because I remember her always with a scowl. I know she laughed because I have witnessed it but happy was never a word I would associate with this woman.

Whether this person was truly happy or not isn’t the point, I certainly hope she was but how are you viewed? How would you be remembered? I hope to be remembered as: funny, kind, loving, smiled a lot and loved to laugh. God and her family meant everything to her and the rest was sheer bonus. I hope that I will cause a smile to come across a face or two.

Apparently smiling and laughter is important not only to our spirits as we live but to the memories of those we leave. I have lost my maternal grandparents and two childhood friends who I miss so much but when I think of these four, the first thing that comes to mind is the smiles that lit up their faces and their infectious laughter. Those being some of what I miss the most.

Proverbs 17:22 NCV “A happy heart is like good medicine, but a broken spirit drains your strength.”

We can’t always walk around like the smiley emoji but we can pay attention to how we project ourselves. I tend to have a serious look when I’m thinking, evaluating a situation or in new or uncomfortable surroundings. This does not mean I’m in said mood but the perception I can give is often unapproachable. Not caring for this, when I feel my face in that stern form, I immediately change it; brighten it, soften the lines, bring a sparkle to the eyes…my whole demeanor changes. I am all of a sudden approachable and I can feel myself start to relax as well.

It’s amazing what a smile will do; not only for you but those around you. I hope this gal who always looked mad, wasn’t and that I have given you some food for thought. Go out and smile at someone or if you have a partner give them a big smile the next time they walk in the room. It has the most amazing affect, sort of like sunshine on a cloudy day. Be blessed today, I pray for you a reason to smile and Thank you for joining me. 🥰

I loved these cartoons as many in my generation did. I was always fascinated with the exact opposites they represented. These cartoons played right beside each other; first of course came the Flintstones followed naturally by the Jetsons.

The Christian Bible has two sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament is the original Hebrew Bible, the sacred scriptures of the Jewish faith, written at different times between about 1200 and 165 BC. The New Testament books were written by Christians in the first century AD. (BBB>UK>Christianity>texts>Bible)

165 BC (Before Christ) These words were scripted in a time so long ago, that we can only view them through words and depicts in paintings. An era closely resembling The Flintstones. The 10 Commandments were carved on two stone tablets. David took down Goliath with a slingshot and a stone. Issacs manservant met Rebecca, his masters future wife at a well as she was drawing water for her sheep. The majority walked wherever they went and the shoe fashion was an open toe leather sandal. The mode of transportation above your feet was: a donkey, horse, cart and for the elite, custom chariots.

Battles were fought with: clubs, battle axes, swords, bow and arrows, sling and stones; shields, armor and helmets were the uniforms worn. Letters or correspondence took months to arrive and often probably never did. The law was an eye for an eye and punishment was cruel and often barbaric. Daily life was hard work; let alone simple body functions. Nope, the Flintstones era was a hard one!

Fast forward a couple thousand years. Here we are! We have every convenience known to man. At our fingertips we can find an answer to pretty much everything. Place an order for something needed or desired and have it two days later. Everything and everyone moves so fast, you can almost see the blur and hear the zipping sound as we scurry to and fro. In five minutes we can have dinner and I am forever grateful for running water and toilets. Just saying!!! The Jetsons definitely had it easier.

It’s not easier though, it’s just different. The weapons are different but the fighting is still the same. We need God and his word today as much as they needed it in 165 BC, probably more! There aren’t many things still around let alone thriving from the era of the; “beginning of time”. Yet, according to Guinness World Records as of 1995, The Bible is the best selling book of all time, with an estimated 5 billion copies sold and distributed.

Matthew 24:35 NLT “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” His words are alive, thirst quenching, peace giving; its a book of love and instruction, that has withstood the test of time. On this you can rely…on this you can depend.

If you need a bible, please leave your mailing information in the comments. I hope your day is blessed and you have sunshine in your heart. Thank you for joining me. 🥰

The Bible is full of the greatest people who ever lived and walked this earth. The Old Testament is full of the warriors, movers, shakers and builders. The New Testament is full of the peace makers, movers, shakers and teachers. There are many I can’t wait to meet and talk to, after Jesus, family and pets of course; but the first person I hope to meet is Simon Peter.

He is one of my very favorite characters in the Bible and can be found in the New Testament. He is also known as: Peter, The Apostle Peter, Saint Peter, and One of Jesus’ 12 Disciples. Jesus upon meeting Simon called him Cephas; meaning in Aramaic-Kepa “Rock” hence from the Greek translation of Kepa comes Peter.

When we first meet Simon, he is a Jewish fisherman in Bethsaida (once a fishing village east of the Jordan on the Sea of Galilee). Why do I love Simon Peter? He is highly mentioned in all four books of the gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John so we get to know him; but the true reason is, he is so relatable. He loved Jesus with a passion he could barely contain yet every time he opened his mouth he’d bungle. His love was so strong he’d rush into promises and situations without thinking them through. He’s the one who jumped out of the mighty fishing vessel into the churning sea to walk on the water with Jesus. You know what, he was doing it until he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the waves. But I will save that lesson for another devotion.

Simon was so human there isn’t one of us who can’t relate and I believe that is why he is so visible within the pages of history and time. We as devoted believers love with a passion we can’t describe. Does this make us now perfect, better than, above reproach, holier than thou? No, it does make us watched, judged, viewed, responsible and accountable. You see, Jesus loved Simon Peter so very much but I imagine he rolled his eyes a time or two and was inclined to shake his head in disbelief. But, our Lord knew and saw something more then the bumbles and that was Simons true heart and that heart had more love then it could hold.

Simon started his walk with Jesus as a fisherman and as a result of that undying love; learned, grew and became one of the first leaders of the early churches. He founded the church of Antioch and appears to be the author of the first and second books of Peter. All beginning from an enthusiastic fisherman who fell in love with our Lord.

Do you love so much that it’s hard to contain? Then don’t…Simon is an example for us all. We don’t have to know it all, we don’t have to be perfect, we just have to love and share what we know to be true…Jesus will do the rest! You are loved…go out and love. Be blessed today and Thank you for joining me today.🥰

Sounds like a set of siblings discussing their belongings and establishing their boundaries. We learn at a very young age what is ours and what isn’t however that seldom deters the toddler from continuing on their mission to have access to yours also.

From the beginning of our days, we want and are interested in what others have or are doing. In fact it’s so much a part of human nature that it’s one of the Ten Commandments…You Should Not Covet! Covet; “to feel inordinate desire for what belongs to another.”

I’m not wanting to talk about desiring your neighbors house, car or spouse. I wish to speak about our individual walks with The Lord; yours is yours and mine is mine. Our walks and relationship with our creator are as individual as we are. They are personal.

God works within us each and everyday. He works at a pace that is specifically yours. We need to be careful when looking at a fellow believer; whether they be seasoned or a beginner. We are all on the same journey but each of our paths are our own. God may be working on an area in your life but yet there’s another who is still getting to do or have what God is asking you to remove or give up! What!!! That’s not fair…maybe not but you don’t know what God is working on them about. They may need growth somewhere else before he moves them on to possibly where you are now standing.

We must also be careful when looking at a believer and then looking at their family members. What’s ours is ours and what’s there’s is there’s. God doesn’t hold us responsible for our families actions and choices. Please don’t judge my walk by the walk of one of my siblings or children.

We are God’s children and he loves and teaches as a parent, he knows which battles to pick and when. He starts our spiritual walk slow and steady, never rushing and always patient. The way you and I should be.

1 Corinthians 3:2 NCV “The teaching I gave you was like milk, not solid food, because you were not able to take solid food. And even now you are not ready.”

So, the next time you are tempted to look at a brother or sister and judge their walk against yours, remind yourself; Gods got them and you in his hands. Keep your eyes on your path and keep walking the walk. Be blessed and Thank you for joining me. 🥰

Time is a fickle thing; often moving way to fast only to then make an about face and seem to stop. We can’t control the time or the times. We can work daily at managing our time and times but the hours and days will still march on like an uniformed soldier.

Our world is in serious times. The globe seems to be spinning out of control and time. The seasons seem to change quicker and the days feel shorter…

Unless… you are waiting on a report, possibly a particular date when one stage of life ends and a new one begins. The reunion of a loved one or a vacation. Then our fickle time gives a cynical giggle and slows to an unhurried pace.

In the book of Ecclesiastes: Chapter 3 … verses 1-8; speak of time. A time for every activity under heaven. There’s a quickening, even non- believers can feel. Now is a good time to know who you stand with and where.

Matthew 7:15 NLT “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.”

2 Timothy 1-5 NLT “You should know this Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather then God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that.”

Sounds like our nightly news? Sounds like what they are doing to beautiful downtown Portland, or I should say “what once was beautiful.” It resembles a war zone these days. Sad times!!! For believers it’s also a hopeful time.

2 Peter 3:8-9 NLT “But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”

Is it time? Has the Lord been calling you? It’s as simple as reaching out, asking for forgiveness of your sins. Believing as much as you can that God sent his son Jesus to die for your sins. Ask him to come into your heart and be your Lord and Savior. Amen!!! If you repeated this prayer then it’s a glorious time in heaven as you now have a home in and with our Lord. This is a hallelujah time!!!

Enjoy your time today. Be blessed and Thank you for joining me. 🥰