The Words I Would Say

I love music.  There are so many songs that have inspired me over the years.  There are so many songs that can instantly capture my mind, bring it to another place, another time.  I’m sure you can relate to being “taken-away” to a past memory, an earlier age, an experience, or a relationship.

Most often, for me, it’s the words — the lyrics of the song that sink into my soul…

…that leave a footprint.

Today this one inspired me. encouraged me. brought a SMILE to my face.  I’ve heard it many times, but cling to the chorus tightly…

These simple truths…

  1. Be strong in the Lord
  2. NEVER give up hope
  3. You’re gonna do great things
  4. God’s got His hand on You
  5. Don’t live life in fear
  6. Forgive and forget
  7. Don’t forget why you’re here
  8. Take your time and pray

These are the words I would say.

These words are a reminder.  These words are affirmation.

These simple truths are for YOU and for me!  You can listen to the song, The Words I Would Say by Sidewalk Prophets here.

From one simple life to another, come find peace in the Father — BE encouraged.

Photo Credit: Zupao

 

Transparency

{Photo 313/365}  Have  f a i t h  …trust the process.  God amazed me again…I am not surprised — He continues to do that in BIG ways and in little ways.  Transparency invites in SO much;  healing. restoration. connection. truth.  Life-long friendships were developed this week, in this little room as we embarked on The Ultimate Journey.  Each time I facilitate one of these groups they look different.  I have learned to have one expectation…on God, for Him to show-up.  He did. He is faithful.

Jesus Calling

{Photo 312/365}  Ok, so I picked up this little book when I was at the Relevant Conference a couple of weeks ago –> Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence <– I love, love, love it!  I’ve been reading it each morning, the messages are speaking directly to my heart.  The tag line…enjoying peace in His presence…is what I’m experiencing — peace in His presence.  This is the little piece of “fresh-ness” that I needed to add to my quiet time.  Today’s message was powerful.

“Learn to appreciate difficult days.  Be stimulated by the challenges you encounter along your way.  As you journey through rough terrain with Me, gain confidence from your knowledge that together we can handle anything.  This knowledge is comprised of three parts: your relationship with Me, promises in the Bible, and past experiences of coping successfully during hard times.

Look back on your life, and see how I have helped you through difficult days.  If you are tempted to think, “Yes, but that was then, and this is now,” remember who I AM!  Although you and your circumstances may change dramatically, I remain the same throughout time and eternity.  This is the basis of your confidence.  In My Presence you live and move and have your being.”

Twitter Love

{Photo 302/365} This is @MySoulReflects…sweet Cherie.  We connected about a year ago on twitter…when I found out she was attending this conference — I was SO excited.  SHE is an encourager a cheerleader!  She is a connecter a social butterfly…she is absolutely lovely.  Again, just overwhelmed with gratitude by the people I’m getting to know…this one is a GEM.

A long walk, A long talk

{Photo 296/365}  This was a very much needed day for both of us.  A long walk, a long talk.  It was a beautiful day.  We started our walk on the berm; saw several alligators.  Then down the boardwalk through the mangroves.  Then a walk up the beach, the sun was warm, the breeze was just right, partially walking in the water and partially on the sand; barefoot.  Great friend, great conversation, great day. blessed.

Thy Will

{Photo 285/365}  We are working Step 3 together, me and my “sponsee” — Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him — S U R R E N D E R!  The best part about working with others is that it forces me to, again and again, work on me.  I needed to review this message today — THY will, NOT my will.  It’s that simple, yes it’s that difficult.  I need this constant reminder to keep me grounded, focused, and to slow down!  I need this constant reminder to not get ahead of His plans with my plans.  I need this constant reminder in all my relationships to be more accepting, more patient, more tolerant.  I am grateful for the opportunity to “carry the message” each time I do, it affirms within me too.  blessed.

BE a Cheerleader

Running the Twin Cities 10 Mile prompted the video I shared today over at Keeping it Personal –> here  <– Are YOU shining your light into the lives of others by offering encouragement; are you a cheerleader?

“Remember, man does not live on bread alone: sometimes he needs a little buttering up.” - John C. Maxwell

 

 

 

 

Twin Cities 10 Mile

{Photo 275/365}  It was a BEAUTIFUL day for the TC10, I look forward to this race each year — this, I believe, is the 7th time I’ve run it.  The course is vibrant with fall colors, I LOVE IT!  My goal has always been to have fun and just finish, each year I accomplish that.  I’ve never been concerned about my time and I typically just run it alone.  When I see my biggest fan {my husband} I stop, chat for a bit and give him a kiss, then get back to running.  I don’t take it too seriously. =) It was an AMAZING, FUN, FABULOUS, day….

Our Gifts

{Photo 264/365}  I tell him we all have our own unique special gifts.  Just because others are good at or excel in certain areas, subjects at school, doesn’t mean that we will OR have to.  His least favorite class is art.  Drawing isn’t something he feels very good at.  For his book report in literature class, he has to draw the story in pictures.  He’s doing his best and I’m proud of him.  ”What we are is God’s gift to us.  What we become is our gift to God.”  - Eleanor Powell

New Beginnings

Today is a new beginning over at my company’s Blog, Keeping it Personal.  What does Labor Day mean for YOU?  For some of us, Labor Day…

is observed for what it is – Labor Day.

is the cut off date for wearing white shoes.

tells us, summer is officially over.

marks the end of one season and a start of a new one.

Join me over here <–  to read my post and watch my short video about “Who are YOU taking with YOU?” –> Happy Labor Day!

Labor Day is a glorious holiday because your child will be going back to school the next day.  It would have been called Independence Day, but that name was already taken.

- Bill Dodds