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

 

A Gift

{Photo 318/365}  I’m not the crafty creative type…this is as good as it gets for me.  I stopped by Ben Franklin to grab some ribbon the other day because I’ve got orders for the book coming in that people want me to send to someone else as a gift — AND I want them to look “special” — so this is what I’ve been doing.  A polka-dot ribbon wrapped around the book, signed copy, with a little note on the front and a splash of purple curly ribbon.  It’s cute…there’s no extra charge…it’s just that personal touch I wanted to add.  That’s it. =)

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.

Make EVERYDAY Count

{Photo 301/365}  This message spoke to my heart — make everyday count — I do my best to live intentionally…I choose to grow, I do my best to respond positively in all situations, I focus on keeping my side of the street clean…making amends with others and owning my part.  But lately, life has been SO full — I feel that I’m not taking the time to plan to be effective, to make everyday count, to use the time I’ve been given each day wisely.  The message is one I needed to hear…what’s really important?  What really needs to get done, to happen?  Am I surrendered to His plan and I’m focusing on pleasing Him?  Am I making everyday count in my relationships, with my children, with my man, with what He’s called me to do?  Am I making everyday count for Him?  Lots of thoughts running in my head…encouraged by this message. grateful.

Proud Dad

{Photo 263/365}  His team rocks this year — they are 6 and 0.  This is his first year, and he’s having a blast.  The coaches are great and he’s learning a lot.  He loves football!  They walked back to the car together…discussing the game.  It was a cold windy night, I guess the two go hand in hand.

Sweet Smile

{Photo 258/365} S E R I O U S L Y?!?! Today was full…it wasn’t a bad day, just a long day, packed with meetings, phone calls, and lots of driving and then a few curve balls. By 9:00, I was cooked and ready for bed.  I was weary and smiling was the last thing on my mind.  UNTIL, I opened my refrigerator and saw this gallon of milk.  How could I not smile from ear to ear.  How could I not just look at this and think of God’s sense of humor.  Really, a S M I L E on my milk carton? Since when?  I’ve been purchasing Archer Farms skim milk for years now and have never seen it smile back at me…ever — until tonight.  My face smiled and my heart smiled, then I went to bed. joy.

Lemonade Stand

{Photo 227/365} Today we were driving down the road and we saw these two little girls at the corner of a busy intersection selling lemonade and cookies.  We stopped.  I’m glad we did.  I gave the boys a few dollars — they chatted with the girls while they ate and drank, asking a whole bunch of questions, like how many people have stopped?  how much money did you make?  It’s the little things that we take time to do that brighten the days of others.  The boys were excited to support their “little business” and the girls were thrilled to have customers.  I love to help and encourage others.  So sweet.  ”Act as if what you do makes a difference.  It does.” – William James

Every Detail

{Photo 223/365}  I’m just so incredibly impressed by the creativity and attention to detail that is in every hotel in Las Vegas.  Of course I’m into frogs, so I snapped this picture as we were walking around this morning.  Look at this…the plantings, the lily pads, the water.  I don’t know exactly where this was located — somewhere between the Venetian and The Wynn.  The colors were beautiful, the frog looks a little scary, but I love the uniqueness of the “sculpture” if you want to call it that.  I just wonder where people come up with the wild and crazy ideas that I see uniquely every where.  I love it.  There is so much beauty in details.  I love how God cares about every one of my minute details. blessed.

Forever Learning

{Photo 206/365}  We are back to tutoring; it’s been a hectic summer — but now we are buckling down until school starts.  Even with our little break, he did very well today.  I’m so proud of him.  I keep trying to help him understand that we will be forever students.  That learning doesn’t stop when we close the books or when the end of the day bell rings at school.  Some learn one way, others learn another.  Some things click instantly in certain subjects, others take a little more time and attention to grasp.  He will get there — with his reading — I know he will.  God has equipped him.  He’s got everything it takes, we all do.  ”Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.” - Abigail Adams

Let God Chisel

{Photo 203/365}  Refine.  Mold.  Change.  Rearrange.  This weekend is the Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference and tonight I had the opportunity to hear Lysa TerKeurst deliver this powerful message –> Let God Chisel.  Consider these questions:  What if the hard things in our life were actually good for us?  What if they were a tool in the hand of God used to shape us and mold us?  What IF?  I asked myself these questions and my answer is, BRING IT!  Whatever it takes God, use it as a chisel in Your hand to FREE me to become who You created me to be.  It’s not always easy.  In fact, it can be pretty ugly and painful at times — BUT moving through these “chisel” experiences brings joy on the other side.  She blessed us with this little gift, a keychain to serve as a reminder with the words “chiseled” on it.  So thoughtful.  I learned SO much from her talk, but this is just one nugget I wanted to share.  truth.