Good morning dear one,
            It’s Monday morning.  What kind of attitude did you wake with?  Here are several tips to help you achieve a glorious week—a joyous life.  It takes practice.   Developing a new mindset takes practice.  Romans 12:2 tells us to “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”    And never, ever give up hope.  Joy is waiting just around the corner. 

1.  Savor pleasure:  If there is nothing on your agenda today that sounds like fun, add some.  Make time (even five minutes) for somethings that makes you feel special.
2. Practice gratitude:  At the end of each day before bed, please list five things you are grateful for.  Quit grumbling!!!! 
3. Cultivate mindfulness:  Train your mind to focus on the present moment only.  No rehashing regrets from the past.  No crazy predications about the future.  Just enjoy each and every precious moment.
4. Retain a sense of purpose:  Find a reason to get up in the morning. Volunteer.  Help a neighbor.  Call a friend a day.  Stay in touch, don’t hibernate.
5. Emphasize the positive:  Focusing on the positive aspects of a situation are key factors in acquiring resilience—the ability to bounce back from bad times—that will help you weather the losses that may occur in the years ahead.

Focus your mind on hope, gratitude, joy, and calmness.    Let’s enjoy our lives, each and every day.
                                                                                                   Linda

                                                          He leads me beside peaceful waters.                                                                                                                       He renews my strength.   Psalm 23: 2-3
 
 
Good morning my sweet friend,

          When I look around me , listen to the news or podcasts, or hear my loved ones groan,  troubled waters seem to be engulfing our world.  Yet, amidst these waters,  you and I are called to  seek the calm peace of our soul.  We must not allow ourselves to miss even one moment of this precious life sinking under the weight of  fear and/or anxiety.    It is possible to feel serenity in troubled times.  Are you looking deep within?
          Spiritual care is self-care of your soul.  It is not about changing jobs or leaving a relationship.  Outer circumstances should not knock you off balance. The touching story behind the familiar and well-loved hymn It is well with my soul was written at sea by Horatio Spafford directly over the spot where all four of his precious daughters perished a few month before.  You might ask, “How is that possible?”   Friends, there will always be storms to face, and sometimes  there will be tragedies.  But by faith in a loving God and with trust in His divine help, we can confidently say, “It is well with my sou.”
          You and I must make a decision to care for our soul.  Be still and listen. Take a walk at the beach.  I find renewal at Philippi Park as I walk beneath the giant elms.  The earth has music for those who listen. 
COMMITMENT:                                                                                                                                                            This week I will allow God to lead me to quiet pools of serenity.
                  Listen to your inner voice and not the outer chaos.                                                                                                                       Linda

 You will make a new start, listening obediently to God, and He will outdo Himself in making things go well for you.  You will enjoy an all-round good life.  Deuteronomy 30:8-9
 
 


Good morning dear one,


          I love bluebirds of happiness, so this morning I am sending one to you.
                       
                     And when he sings to you                    
                          Though you’re deep in blue
                   You will see a ray of light creep through
                  And so, remember this, life is no abyss
                        Somewhere there’s a bluebird of happiness.

          Jesus was giving his disciples (and you and me) final words of instruction in John 16:33. He said, “I’ve told you all these things so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace.”             
Affirmation:  I will make this day a good day even if it’s a sad day.   Right now, I am at peace and content. I am joyful.  I am blessed.                                                                                                                                                           
My prayer for you this week is that you discover a bluebird sitting quietly on your shoulder.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Love & Peace,                                                                                                                                                                                         Linda

            Phillip said, “Lord show us the Father.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                     John 14:8
 
Good morning dear ones,                                                                                                                                               
          Phillip was like most of us when he asks Jesus, “What is God like?”  And Jesus explains to them, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Believe because of the work you have seen me do.”  Friends, read the gospels.  Jesus was love.  And he implores us to “Follow Him.”  Act like Jesus.  So, this morning, I am quoting these lyrics of a Dolly Parton song.                                                                                                                 
Think of your fellow man, lend him a helping hand                                                                                            Put a little love in your heart.                                                                                                                                 You see, it's getting late, oh, please don't hesitate.                                                                                            Put a little love in your heart.                                                                                                                                        
Another day goes by, and still the children cry                                                                                                    Put a little love in your heart                                                                                                                                      If We want the world to know, we won't let hatred grow                                                                                   Put a little love in your heart.
And the world will be a better place,  And the world will be a better place  for you and me,                        you just wait and see.  Put a little love in your heart.
 

                                       Let’s spread love, Linda