This past year seems to have been all about quotes that inspire me.  So, before you even begin to start reading, I will let you know that after I compiled a few of my scribbly notes, I realized that everything was just that . . . all about inspirational quotes. 

So, here are just a few.  I hope you enjoy...

As I am going through my normal routine of having coffee, loading the dishwasher, making the bed, and having a light breakfast, I decided to read some scripture from a small booklet that has been staring at me for a few months.  After highlighting and reflecting on some of the scriptures and readings, I proceeded to take a shower.  As I sat at a small bench at the end of my bed, my eyes were drawn to a plaque hanging over the window above the tub.  The sign reads:  “Cleansed - mind, body, soul."  A friend had asked me a while back if I would make her a plaque for her bathroom with this quote.  I decided to make one for myself also.  So now, this serves as a reminder to me that our mind and our body and our soul will be cleansed, and will remain cleansed if we make it a daily effort to focus our thoughts on Jesus . .  continually. 

  

 I have always expressed to my children when they were growing up, is to “follow your heart."   In my spiritual walk, I’ve learned that as a woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, that I want to devote (not starting tomorrow, but today) my life to continuing to do my best at lifting people up, and trying my best to be an inspiration to those around me, pray for others, and to follow my heart.

It is so important to remember to pray for others.

 

 

As I am looking around my bedroom, I am drawn to another plaque that is hanging nearby.  A friend gave it to me before she passed.  She said, “you will find a place for this, I know you will." It reads:  In the morning I will sing of Your LOVE"...Psalm 59:16.  I just love this picture with the sun shining through it’s windows,  and it is also a reminder of my friend who was a delight to talk to and laugh with.  It wasn’t two seconds later after reading this, I caught a glimpse of the sun shining through the window above my tub.  What a beautiful morning, what a beautiful sunshine, and what a beautiful Lord we have.  We have to find the beauty in all things, and in all people.  And the beauty I saw in my friend, is that she was a very “giving” person.  She spoke the truth, (whether you liked it or not), and she loved everyone...I truly miss her and how she was an inspiration to me.

Somehow I believe she continues to be an inspiration. 

 

I know one thing, I’ve learned a lot about patience this past year, something I have made a true effort to work on, to be determined to have more of it.  Unknowingly, I recently discovered that someone in our Bible Study group was inspired  by me to work on his own patience, something he felt was a priority in his life.  He is continuing to make an effort to build upon his patience, something he feels is a very important asset in our lives.  If you have the faith that something will work out, it eventually will, if it is in God's will.  I read a devotion in 'Jesus Calling' this past week, and feel it may pertain somewhat to patience.  It says whenever you start to feel anxious, that you should let it serve as a warning that you are putting your trust in the wrong place.  WOW, what an eye-opener!!   If you ever have the chance to get into a really good Bible study, please do so.  I wish everyone could come to ours.  I have learned so much in the past ten weeks, it is truly amazing how God works, and how united people can become if they make it an effort to believe that we all together can accomplish what God places in our hearts.  Psalm 133:1 "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity". 

Yes, you guessed it....another small plaque hanging on another wall of my bedroom.   "Let us be silent that we may hear the whisper of God.”  I thought this plaque was appropriate hanging on this wall because at night as we lay down our heads, is when we are most at peace, with a quiet mind.  Sometimes we just need to stop and listen, and wait for Him to direct us in the way in which He intends.  Reminds me of the Bible verse:

Psalm 46:10  "Be still, and know that I am God".

 

 Another quote which came across my path recently is one of my new favorites by Mark Twain:  "The two most important days in your life is the day you were born and the day you find out why"...  pretty powerful words to think about if you ask me.   I think one of the most important lessons I have learned this year is that God is so amazing in the way in which He has everything laid out to the most precise detail .. puts me in a state of "awe" when I think about that.  And a quote I read just the other day, it goes kind of something like this:  "If you live your life everyday as God intended, there is no need to make a new year’s resolution."  Cool, huh?

Oh yeah, one more thing for the ladies reading this . . . something new I've tried.  After all of these years of 'not' wearing eyeliner, I have learned that it is much easier to apply if you are equipped with the right tools, and a little patience.

                                                                                  

 

Wishing you all the happiest of new years.  Blessings to you all.

-Sandy-