Live in Joy!

Hope you are having a blessed day. I am going to get back to the basic thought of this blog; and that is Living in JOY.

When things have got you down, do you know what you have to do? Just be glad. Sounds strange? No, it's the only thing you can do. Put a smile on your face and a song in your heart, and just be glad. If you live in joy, live in the now, and live in the excitement of knowing you are right where you should be, you'll begin to totally trust God knowing that no matter what, you're in His hands.

You're always in His hands. Don't try to fix things. Just live in a joy-filled state and have peace knowing that "all is well." You are loved; you are God's child; you are eternal. So, live in JOY!!!

Live life abundantly,
Donna

Cheerfulness As A Life Giver!

Greetings to you. I love the topic of cheerfulness. People tell me that it's hard to be always cheerful in the world we live in today. There are so many that express depression, worry, and sadness that keeps them from feeling joy. However, cheerfulness is Life-Power. So what can we do to find cheerfulness? It's hiding within you.

Try this: Sit quietly in your favorite spot. Breathe deeply and think very happy thoughts. Think upon a very happy memory, or a vision of what would make you happy. Make it as real as if you have already done it. Feel it! Bring those feelings deep within you-into your gut. This is so important because cheerfulness brings health and well-being to your very soul. It's vital for a healthy life.

Do this several times a day. Laugh out loud, too. Make your own world of cheerfulness. I promise you: If you do this every day for a week, you will begin to feel better. You'll feel more peace within yourself. You'll start loving yourself and the world around you more.

If everyone knew the power of cheerfulness as a health tonic, and the power of laughter as a life-prolonger, the sadness which now clouds the minds of so many would disappear, and I suspect that doctors would find fewer patients in their waiting rooms. Our emotions affect us just as much as the foods we eat and the outside elements do.

Try this little experiment. Let me know how you're doing. You are an awesome creation and deserve a life filled with joy. God bless you.

In joy,
Donna

"Laughter heals the heart."

You and Today

It's already two weeks into the New Year. Are you beginning this new year in a state of joy? If you are having difficulty releasing from the past, and are carrying within you thoughts of regrets or sadness from last year, I have a little poem for you.

You and Today

With every rising of the sun
Think of your life as just begun.

The past has shriveled and buried deep,
All yesterdays--there let them sleep.

Nor seek to summon back one ghost
Of that innumerable host.

Concern yourself with but today;
Woo it and teach to obey.

Your wish and will, since time began,
Today has been the friend of man.

But in his blindness and his sorrow,
Man looks to yesterday and tomorrow.

You and today! a soul sublime
And the great pregnant hour of time.

With God between to bind the train,
Go forth, I say--attain--attain.

Make this year your beginning to Live in Joy!

Blessings,

Donna

Look At the Season Through the Eyes of a Child

Do you have little children around you? If you want to really see what the spirit of the season reveals, look through the eyes of a child.

Adults often live alone or in a retirement village somewhere. Retirees have their friends to celebrate the holidays with; however, things are often missed, moments of wonder, unless you have a child in your midst.

If you won't be spending the holidays with children in your own family, visit an orphanage, a boy's club, or a homeless shelter. Bring some presents and a snack. Reveal to someone this season the love of Christ through you. People ask for miracles: Be the miracle and watch the eyes of a small child light up. Your life will light up too, and you'll feel your youth all over again.

Who knows; maybe that little act of kindness will become a friendship that will last all year long bringing moments of joy to both your lives.

God bless you,
Donna

The Path with a Heart

Are you following a path with a heart? What is that, you ask? It's the course of life that fulfills you. It's following your passion, or, as one might say, your God-given path.

Thirty-seven years ago my husband and I found a framed saying in an old barn sale. It was the "The Path With A Heart." We have had it hanging in our homes ever since. I would like to share a few lines with you:

"I warn you. Look at every path closely and deliberately. Try it many times as you think necessary. Then ask yourself, and yourself alone, one question. This question is one a very old man asks. My benefactor told me about it once when I was young, and my blood was too vigorous for me to understand it. Now I do understand it. I will tell you what it is: Does this path have a heart?"

I was going over one of my latest blogs, "I Asked God", and I spoke of always knowing that you are in the Potter's hands. I stopped to reflect on that a bit and felt I should add something to that statement for a moment here.

Sometimes we can get off track. We all know the feeling of being in the right place. Yet, because of circumstances, anxiousness, fear, worry, or being enticed like the character Pinocchio, we can veer off-track of our destiny. We have to get into the habit of stopping once in awhile and asking ourselves if what we are doing is involving our life's passion. Each one of us has unique gifts that are given to us. If we do our work using them, life just seems to flow naturally. If, however, we continue to do things contrary to our gifts or neglect to involve those gifts in our work, we find an emptiness within and life is burdensome.

Are you staying in the Potter's hands? If not, you have to make the move to get back in His hands. Trust Him, and have patience. Have the patience to wait for Him to open the doors for the next step in life's journey that He has already prepared for you; steps that are filled with joyful expectation of what will come next; and steps full of inward peace: "The Path With A Heart."


In love & joy,

Donna

"For me there is only the traveling on paths that have a heart, on any path that may have heart. There I travel, and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse its full length. And, there I travel looking, looking, breathlessly. ---The last lines of "The Path With A Heart." May you have a wondrous journey following your Path With A Heart. God bless

Your Magic Wand

Did you know you had one? We all do. Many just don't realize it. People can go through their whole life and not use it. In fact, they often use it wrongly. What a shame to waste such a gift!

What is it? It's your words. Your words are the most powerful force you have. They can build up or tear down, not only yourself but others, too. They can express fear, worry, and other negative emotions that stop you ...in your tracts unable to go forward.

If you have a mind filled with worry, you can't have a mind filled with faith and courage. They can't occupy the same space. Choose-choose wisely what you say with your mouth and the thoughts that run around in your head. Fear just brings about mental paralysis which will prevent you from taking the steps which can enable you to overcome fear. It becomes a vicious circle that only you can change.

Use your magic wand. Use it for good. Eliminate fear. TRUST your heavenly Father. Let go and let God without question. Learn to live in the mystery of God. It's a wonderful journey if you choose to accept it. Live and speak only love, joy, and faith.

God bless,
Donna

"Father, We Thank Thee"

Wishing you a beautiful Sunday...

“We Thank Thee”
For the flowers that bloom about our feet;
For the song of bird and the hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear and see,
Father in heaven we thank Thee!
For the blue of the stream and the blue of the sky;
For the pleasant shade of branches high;
For the fragrant air and the cooling breeze;
For the beauty of the blooming trees,
Father in heaven we thank Thee!
For the mother-love and father -care,
For brothers strong and sisters fair;
For the love at home and here each day;
For guidance lest we go astray,
Father in heaven we thank Thee!
For this new morning with its light;
For rest and shelter of the night;
For health and food, for love and friends;
For everything His goodness sends,
Father in heaven we Thank Thee! –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Amen

"I Asked God"

How are you today? I was pondering on my post for today and looked over at a little plaque that my aunt had. It reads:

I asked God for all things,

That I might enjoy life.

He gave me life,

That I might enjoy all things.

What a wonderful saying. It reminds us that we have everything we need: We have life. And, no matter what comes our way, the altitude of our attitude and our gratefulness can change even the most dire circumstances.

Look at life with an expectancy for good and an inner joy; a knowing that you are always in the Potter's hands and exactly where you need to be for each and every moment. If you do that, you'll have inner "peace that passes understanding"; you'll have unconditional love and acceptance for all and yourself; and you will "enjoy all things."

God bless you, and have a beautiful day.

In love & joy,

Donna

Look at Obstacles as Stepping Stones

Have you ever had things come up in your life that seemed so overwhelming that you thought, "I just can't handle this"? I know I have.

Something that helped me was to think of the circumstance as flat stepping stones rather than boulders I would trip and fall over. Just as a seeds often struggle to push through hard soil to come up to greet the sun and grow, our struggles can be blessings in disguise to help us grow.

God works in mysterious ways. It's what the Bible tells us; that's just the way it is. If there is a struggle, greet it as a stepping stone to your growth. Know that God is with you, and what is happening is just a way to take you a step further on your path of life. Be assured that He'll carry you through whatever you're facing. Don't give up. Look at life joyfully, have faith, and walk on top of the stepping stones of life, one step at a time.

God loves you,
Donna

Be Undisturbed

God is waiting for you to say,"I am undisturbed by _____. I trust that You will take care of _____, and nothing-not a thing- moves me to be fearful or worry and doubt your eternal care."

That's what God was waiting for the Israelites to say when they first faced the "Land of milk and honey." However, in their eyes, they, also faced "giants" that they felt were too big and scary for them to go up against.

Oh, how things would have changed had they completely trusted God's strong arms to carry them through the perceived danger. He would have, you know. Instead, they were fearful and took themselves out of God's arms. The rest of the story we all know.

Don't deprive yourself of your land flowing with milk and honey. Trust and believe God. Nothing is impossible for Him. Jesus told us that. Be undisturbed by your circumstances: Let go and let God.

In love and joy,
Donna

God's Got Strong Arms

There's a scripture in Deut. 33:27 which reads, "The Eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. and he will thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.""

The arm of God symbolizes protection for us. The scriptural words used was one way to help us to visualize His power. God's arm, also, symbolizes strength. If you can just realize that God reaches out to you to hold you up under all circumstances, you could then relax, let go, and let God. It's the ability to be like King Jehosophat.

The king and his kingdom knew great armies were coming against them, and so he prayed to God for direction. Jehosophat told God they felt powerless before the great multitude but that their "eyes were on Him." As they stood looking out over the approaching armies, God's Spirit through a prophet said, "Stand and watch the salvation of the Lord on your behalf. Do not fear or be dismayed for the Lord is with you!"

God literally took over. The enemies were defeated miraculously while the king's people gave thanks for God's lovingkindness and sang praises. Afterward, King Jehosophat sent his men down to collect the spoils. It is an amazing story that can be found at 2 Chronicles 20:12-25.

Can we stand back in faith and trust allowing God to work in our lives? Believe in God's power and be miracle minded. Ask for direction believing, and God's arms will lift and carry you through your problems to victory.

In love and joy,
Donna

Don't Reason Too Much

People have a way of reasoning away their blessings. The reasoning mind and will often causes a short circuit in the path of receiving blessings. Most are filled with fear when there is nothing visible to hang on to.

Simply pray, believe, and TRUST. The trusting is the hard part that most people fail to do.

Remember: You needn't worry having God to back you up. Just trust Him

God bless you,
Donna

The Lord Is My Shepard-cont'd

Yesterday's post was regarding, "The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want," from the 23rd Psalms. When you get into the mindset that the Lord is really your Shepard, you will come to the full realization that your supply will be met.

Say that scripture to yourself and truly mean it. Say it several times a day. Feel the words. Don't let old Mr. Doubt creep into one thought you have.

When there is a need, is your first thought that of worry and fear? Or, is it complete trust that "I shall not want"? Put your faith thought out there first, not last. God never changes. He never lies. It all depends on our faith and trust that He is our Father, we are His children, and His love never fails. So don't allow Mr. Doubt into your life. Only you can stop him, and kick him out for good.

God bless you-Live in joy and prosperity,
Donna

Psalms 23:1, "The Lord Is My Shepard, I Shall Not Want."

I love the 23rd Psalms. More people have gotten comfort from this passage. There have been some people, however, that have been taught that the above scripture at Psalms 23:1, means that should not desire anything materially.

Upon hearing this, I had to post regarding this scripture. I have said before that I am passionate about word origins. And, when it says " I shall not want," want definitely means "lack," and we can substitute that word in the scripture and say, "I shall not lack."

Our Infinite Father wants us to live in prosperity or wholeness: Wholeness spiritually, physically, and materially. He said He would give us the desires of our heart. Humans were made to have the desires of their heart,made to dream, and to have dreams fulfilled. It's what makes life full and exciting. And, the word "shall" means absolutely or definitely without any doubt whatsoever.

Open up to the abundance of this life that is yours by divine right. Know that God loves you...
More tomorrow...

Till then, have a beautiful evening,
Donna

Inspiration

In these days of such tragedy such as we have seen at Virginia Tech, we have to build one another up, embrace one another, and send love to every person we meet. Love is stronger than hate, and love will triumph in the end. Here's a little thought for the day.

Inspiration

If I could climb to heavenly heights,
And beg one gift from the white-winged choir
I would not ask a greater boon
Than the power to inspire,
To lift by timely words and acts
The weak from day to day,
To point them to a higher life
To brighten all their way.

Inspire and life one another up. Let everyone see God in you.

God be with you,
Donna

Just a Little Word

If any little word of mine
May make a life the brighter,
If any little song of mine
May make a heart the lighter,
God help me speak the little word
And take my bit of singing,
And drop it in some lonely vale
To set the echoes ringing.

If any little love of mine
May make a life the sweeter,
If any little care of mine
May make a friend's the fleeter,
If any lift of mine may ease
The burden of another,
God give me love and care and strength
To help my toiling brother.

Your words and deeds can lift another person high above his cares. Help someone today to build his faith in God and mankind, and yours will be strengthened, also.

Love to you,
Donna

Prayers for Virginia Tech

Yesterday saw great tragedy in loss of friends and family of many at Virginia Tech. I am saddened and shocked, as everyone is, that such a thing has happened.

I send my deepest condolences and prayers to all who have lost those dear to them. I hope the sentiments of James Whitcomb Riley will be of some solace.

Away

I cannot say, and I will not say
That he is dead. He is just away!

With a cheery smile, and a wave of his hand
He has wandered into an unknown land

And left us dreaming how very fair
Its needs must be, since he lingers there.

And you--oh, who the wildest yearn
For his step, and the glad return--

Think of him faring on, as dear
In the love of There, as the love of Here.

Think of him still as the same, I say,
he is not dead--he is just away.

God bless you and keep you all and them in His most tender care.

With much love,
Donna

Cheerfulness Brings A Better Tomorrow

There's wisdom in having joy despite outward circumstances. Scripturally that is what we are encouraged to do. It's part of having faith: Standing instead of giving up. Here is a poem that exemplifies this:

Thank God for the man who is cheerful
In spite of life's troubles, I say;
Who sings of a bright tomorrow,
because of the clouds of today.
His life is a beautiful sermon,
And this is the lesson to me--
Meet trials with smiles and they vanish;
Face cares with a song and they flee.

Have joy in the Lord for it's our stength.

God bless you,
Donna

Faith Is...

Several have written me expressing doubts about faith. I have heard, "I pray, but nothing happens."

You know the scripture in Hebrews 11:1 says,"Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for though the evidence is not yet beheld." That is just one translation's rendition.

Faith is believing though the outcome is not seen. It's trusting without evidence. If we could see the outcome, it wouldn't be by faith, would it?

The secret is to really let go and let God. It's not by praying and then worrying. It's not by praying and then taking the problem back into our own hands, or trying to figure the problem out ourselves after we've prayed. If we do that, we might as well say, "You're not big enough to take care of me, God."

Take the problem to God and then rejoice, thanking Him. Praise Him, and know that all is well. Have a sweet night's rest free from worry. "Feel" at peace and cared for.

God loves you,
Donna

Good Advice from A Well-Known Author

We are all familiar with the writings of Louisa May Alcott. This author had some good advice when she wrote this so many years ago:

"It's part of my religion to look well after the cheerfulness of life, and let the dismals shift for themselves, believing, with good Sir Thomas More, that it is wise to be 'merrie in God.'"

Let your "dismals" fade away. Stay cheerful and "merrie in God" so that your days will be on the brightside of life.

Have a good day,
Donna