How Are We Like Horton the Elephant? Read On...

Our health is so important to our well-being. But, did you know that our emotions and feelings are connected to our health? Every cell communicates with one another. I liken it to the Dr. Seuss story, Horton Hears a Who.

Horton the elephant took responsibility to save this "world" that existed on the fluff of a weed. That is how we are in a way. We have our thoughts. They are powerful. More powerful than we often realize. And, our thoughts are responsible for the welfare of the trillions of cells within us.

There are outside influences, of course, such as the chemicals in the environment and the foods we eat that can influence our health. We have to be wise and avoid harmful, non-nutritive foods and substances for our body's sake. However, we can contribute health and wellness or we can contribute sickness to our own bodies by what we think and feel, too. Our emotions play a vital part in our own well-being.

Take responsibility for the world within you. Choose to have happy thoughts, and thus happier cells. Dwell on thoughts of peace and prosperity. Guard your thoughts so as not to slip back in the past, or harbor regret. Enjoy every moment of every day and embrace life. You'll see better health if you enter each day with a cheerful heart.

In love & joy,
Donna

Being A Grandmother is Delicious!

My husband and I had a lovely evening out with my son and his beautiful girlfriend last night having sorbettos and gellatos. Oh, are they good! We had never had one until a few weeks ago. If you haven't tried them, by all means do so soon.

I was asked what it was like being a grandmother. I though a bit for the perfect one word to describe it and then I said, "Delicious."

It was a description I heard in the movie Nanny McPhee. The father described his children as being delicious. What a wonderful word to use. Each child is unique, and a miracle of divine creation. So, they are indeed, "Delicious." Watch the movie if you can. It is a lovely story.

Have a beautiful day,
Donna

God Says to Take Care of the Earth

Hi, It has been some time since I posted. I have been blogging on some of the other social networks writing about the environment and this beautiful planet we all call home; the only home we have. I usually only write about spiritual aspects of life here at Live in Joy; my original love and my first blog from 2006.

One of my passions is studying what the original Hebrew and Greek words in scripture actually meant. One of these is "take care" at Genesis --- It is not to be taken lightly. It means to care to the extent of cherishing as a mother for her child. It means to tenderly watch over, not letting any harm come to it whatsoever, and so much more.

Are we really "taking care" of the earth as is commanded of us in Genesis. Take a quick peak at http://www.yourlifeandhome.wordpress.com/ and read about some of the things people are doing to this home of ours, and the legacy we will leave to our children if we don't change our daily habits.

We all desire joy in the lives of our children and in the lives of the many generations to come. So to fulfill that wish, let's be wise, and careful to live without unecessary waste and pollution such as plastic bottles. Those plastic bottles are mounting up to the tune of billions and billions every year. And, that plastic pollution will not go away for 1,000 years! Incredible and somewhat scary, isn't it? So much is being dumped into the oceans affecting life.

I'm optimistic enough, however, to believe that we can make a difference individually and collectively. It's not too late. Let's help each child growing up to live in joy and prosperity and to realize their dreams in a beautiful, well cared for world just as we have been blessed to enjoy.

Blessings to all,
Donna

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

Spring is almost here. The clocks have changed and the birds are singing. Is this a good time to start your own life anew? It indeed is! Change how you speak if nothing else.

We all say things that sabotage our lives. We say words that seem so innocent, and yet have such an impact on our personal world and those around us. We all live in our own world that we create with our WORDS: Powerful, life-changing words that can be good or very bad.

Remember the fairy tale, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves? What are your thieves that take things away from you everyday. Is it words that express worry or fear? Do you accentuate your aches and pains? Do you criticize your spouse or children and make jest of them or situations-all in fun? Every time we say something, put "as you wish" after it. If you do that, you may discover that many words you say everyday may be stealing happiness from you. Choose wisely what words you use.

Have a great day,
Donna

Attainment of Joy is Possible

Here's a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. She was very famous in the late 1800's, early 1900's for her poetry. Heads of state would carry with them her little books of wisdom. She couldn't have said it better about how we do have the power to attain the joy we so desire. Enjoy these words of this great poet.

Attainment

Use all your hidden forces,

Do not miss the purpose of this life, and do not wait

For circumstances to mould or change your fate;

In your own self lies Destiny,

Let this vast truth cast out all fear, all prejudice,

All hesitation, and

Know that you are great.

So dominate environment, and enter into bliss.

Love largely, and hate nothing.

Hold no aim that does not chord with universal good.

Hear what the voices of silence say--

All joys are yours if you put forth your claim.

Once let the spiritual laws be understood,

Material things must answer and obey.

Get that "joy, joy, joy, joy down into your heart." Think beautiful thoughts every day. Feel them. Keep close watch over what you think and speak as if it means your life, because it DOES. Joy and happiness are yours if you do this.

God bless you,

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

Holidays Are Just About Here-Are You Stressed Out?

It's a very busy time-so much to do. I hope that you're not losing out on the joy of life over the stresses of meeting deadlines and "shopping till you drop."

Hi, I've been on a bit of a hiatus since my last post. I got on the proverbial merry-go-round myself and had to stop. Life can get one in a tail spin if you don't watch out.

Are you a perfectionist? I admit that I am. I have to remind myself of what's actually important in life this time of year. If the last decoration doesn't get up, or the Christmas dinner isn't absolutely perfect, or, heaven forbid, Aunt Susie didn't get her gift in time even though you mailed it two weeks ago, learn to stop and relax.

Stop and enjoy a cup of tea with your Santa or Mrs. Claus. Make some cookies with your children-you, too, Dad, even though they'll make a mess and persnickety Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary may stop over.

This is family time. Just be grateful! That's what this whole season is all about; being thankful, grateful for all that we are, all that we have, and for being alive.

Until next time...Love to all.

God bless,
Donna

Keep Moving Forward

Something has gone awry. What ever it was, it shouldn't have happened, you tell yourself. But it did.

The "It" can stop you in your tracks and you can become paralyzed with the moment. Sometimes the "It" paralyzes you for years.

Suggestion: Look whatever "it" is straight on; whether it be a circumstance, a person, a tragedy. If "it" has stolen days, months, or years, confront "it" at the moment it happened; at the age you were at the time. Take that person you were and mentally hold yourself, love yourself, and forgive yourself and whoever or whatever else was involved at the time.

Release so that you can keep moving forward. If you stay in unforgiveness or regret and remorse, it is death to your soul. To have the freedom to feel joy again is to have life. Have life again. Move forward.

Forgive yourself and others. Love yourself, and "Keep Moving Forward."

Love to 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

Take the Time to Love

It is so good to be back. I've missed blogging and sharing "possibilities" with you. I was with my dear, sweet, 94 year old aunt while she was ill, and when she passed on a few weeks later. I will miss her for we were very close. I took off a few weeks to reflect and spend time with the family.

Life takes twists and turns along the road of life. Being with someone who is in their last days on the earth gives one new perspectives on life in general. I was going through her humble possessions and shedding copius tears in remembering many joyous moments together. As I looked up, I saw a little piece of paper on the side of a cabinet that I hadn't noticed being there before. It said "Life goes on." And, it was in her own handwriting. Wow, in that moment I desparately needed that advice from her.

Love those who are around you. Take the time to call or write those who aren't. If there is time for anything, there is time for love. Make time to share a hug; time to listen to a friend; time to smile at someone. Take time today to stop for a moment and just be thankful. Life, no matter how long it is, even 94 years, is still too short. Don't miss out on what's truly important-loving people.

May you have a life that is long, filled with music, laughter, joy, and love.

God bless you,
Donna

The Most Interesting Feature of Worry

Ralph Waldo Trine once said, " The most interesting feature of worry, as well as the most astonishing when we examine carefully into it, is the fact that through it nothing is ever gained, but on the other hand, everything is lost."

What do we lose? We lose time, our physical well-being, mental well-being, and even our looks over worry. Lines appear on our face in the course of consistent worry. Is it worth it, especially when it is a fact that the majority of the things we worry about NEVER happen? What a price we pay!

Trust God, be joyful, have peace that passes understanding, and know that you are in good hands. He won't let you down.

Be happy, Donna

P.S. I am going to have to take a pause in posting for several days to be with my dear aunt who is in the hospital. So, till my next post-LIVE IN JOY!! God bless you.

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

The Golden Rule

Jesus wrote of the Golden Rule. Yes, it can be found at Matthew 7:12: "Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the law." It's so simple, yet so apropos for these days of turmoil.

There is a poem, What We Learned in Kindergarten. They were all those simple little rules to live by that we were taught that could carry us through our whole life, most of which told us to just be nice to one another.

Here's a little poem on this thought:

"If you'd help the world a bit,
Do as you'd be done by:
If you'd help to brighten it,
Do as you'd be done by;
If you have a blessing, let
Someone share it; don't forget,
Selfishness will bring regret;--
Do as you'd be done by.

So, simply do unto others as you'd have them do unto you. The Golden Rule is summed up in just one little word-Love.

In love-God bless you,
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