365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...CAUGHT UP WITH FEBRUARY

Technically this is the very last day of FEBRUARY...however a couple weeks ago I noticed that 2.9.2014 never received a word. Now I could have been upset with myself and my negligence, but I wasn't. That is one of the reasons I waited until the very last day of FEBRUARY to backtrack. I do not wish my one word journey to be just a mindless gesture. So FEBRUARY is finished after today and I look forward to March to see what words will encourage and inspire me. 1o more months left in my journey...I can't wait to look back and see if all I am learning...sticks with me...remember...I am by God's grace...a doer and not just a hearer.

365 DAYS...ONE DAY AT A TIME...SAY BYE BYE TO FEBRUARY

It often amazes me how many Christians depend on LUCK in their daily lives. They mention I am feeling my LUCK today or I am not feeling I have LUCK today. If they survive a disaster it is LUCK. Even Hollywood will thank God for their award..christian or not. So why is it that we, as followers of Christ, should be like the world, and depend on LUCK? I refuse to depend on LUCK because it will fail me and God will never fail me. He always has my back so to speak, and He always has my best interest in mind. There is no such thing as LUCK or coincidence in the life of a believer...believe that...God has not left anything up to chance. He is always in control.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WINDING DOWN FEBRUARY

February is winding down and studying God's word is a part of my morning ROUTINE now. However I feel I can not let my guard down because often when things settle into ROUTINE we begin to do them mindlessly and begin to take no heed in what we are learning in the process. I need to be aware of what I am doing and the motive behind why I am doing it. More on this in upcoming posts. I welcome ROUTINE in many ways...I want to live my life on purpose. I just can not let the ROUTINE become mundane. 

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WINDING DOWN FEBRUARY

The past few days have been filled with the words like EXCLUSION, intolerance, and tolerance. This is a tough topic for everyone. Me included. I had to do a lot of thinking...not because I don't have an opinion and a belief...because I do...but (and I know we are never supposed to say the word but) I had to look at it from God's point of view. God loves each and every one of us. We have all come short of the glory of God. As Jesus said...he who is without sin cast the first stone. If it were my place of business I would remember what my mother always says...that you can catch more flies with sugar than you can with vinegar. I think you get my point. EXCLUSION is not the answer.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

Sometimes TALKING is all you need to feel better about a situation. Then at other times it does not help at all. I am learning that many times it is the motive behind the TALKING. I will admit, yesterday I probably just wanted sympathy to sooth my crushed feelings. Although I received it, I also had to receive what I did not wish to hear...that I should turn the other cheek and call my mother back because after all she is getting old and changing. Yesterday I did not want to hear that at all. Because I have a WWJD thing going on...I had to do some soul searching. Although I wanted to give her a break for a day or 2,(for my benefit of course)...it is really more humbling to call her back. So today I did...twice...and she  did not pick up. I am not gloating...but I do know that I feel free. Especially since I did not wallow in self pity. When you forgive someone and move on...it feels great! So silly to be hurt because she does not get it that my phone system is not perfect. Why she takes it personal I don't know...but for me it was one too many straws that had been heaped upon me by her and it definitely broke the camels back. I know she will say she did not pick up my call because I hung up on her...but honestly I didn't. I walked away. Call it self preservation of my feelings and the fact that I did not want to say something I know would be very wrong. TALKING really does help when we do it for the right reasons. If you feel like you should be TALKING to someone about a problem you may have...find a confidant...it just might help. 

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

Todays word is something I have been learning more and more about. Most of you, like me, have heard of the law of sowing and reaping...but do we really think about the things that we say and do as SEEDS? If every action we do and everything we say are SEEDS...and they are...what type of SEEDS are we sowing on a daily basis? If we sow SEEDS of kindness...we reap kindness. If we sow SEEDS of anger and unforgiveness...we will reap the same. I know I want to only sow good SEEDS so that I will reap an abundant harvest of good things. I want to be aware of the SEEDS I am sowing so I do not go through my life being passive. None of us are perfect...but each day I want to grow in my understanding of God's word. I do not just want to have head knowledge. I do not wish to be a hearer of the word and not a doer. This is a big part of my 365 word journey.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

GONE...The Sochi Olympics are GONE and as with every olympics I have this sense of melancholy. I will admit that this one was even more touching for many reasons. The bear mascots tear certainly did not help...but also there is the fact that during the olympics all animosity between countries fades...if only for a moment. Although the olympics are GONE we can keep that spirit within us...to just get along...one person at a time...if that is what it takes. Sochi is GONE...it is in our past...but the future is before us...what we do with it is up to us. We can throw it away or put it to good use. I thank God...by faith...for each and every tomorrow...that is my future...one day at a time.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

When I am TIRED nothing seems to go just right. My mood is bad, my emotions tend to get out of whack, I can't exercise, and worst of all I just plain can not function! So if I am TIRED why didn't I sleep? Well I did until my dear Bailey (my new furbaby) woke me up at 5.20 am for no reason in particular. Its not like I have to wake up for midnight feedings like an infant. He had food and water but decided the wee hours of the morning were a good time to "voice" his opinion about his new water bottle. Which he absolutely doesn't like! I can not be TIRED everyday so I will have to come up with a solution or wait for Bailey to grow up. Until the end of last year, when I started doing some deep soul searching, I never even noticed how important not being TIRED is to my mental, spiritual, and physical health. I am sure being TIRED affects different people in different ways. It is always good to learn about yourself for your own well being. 

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

Most of the time I am filled with joy...but today I am filled with HAPPINESS! Who knew HAPPINESS would come in the form of a caramel, black, and white furbaby. Watching Bailey...yes I named him Bailey...smiles...jump straight up in the air was just too hilarious. All that laughter...I could not help but be filled to the brim with HAPPINESS! I can not wait to see what the future days will bring during Bailey's playtime (outside of his enclosure) I am sure it will bring us both great HAPPINESS, I pray for many years to come.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

Today's word is FURBABY! At last I have a new FURBABY and I am beyond excited. I had to do so much today and I did a lot of walking so when I returned home I was so tired I could barely function. But now that I have had some time to rest...I feel like I will burst!!!! My Bosco...a ferret...passed on almost 2 years ago and more and more I have been feeling it is time. I wanted a dog because I could take it for walks but that also requires they go out whenever they have to. I don't go out past dark and the flea and tick commercials were making me cringe. A cat would be great except I do not feel like coming home to it being up on the table the counter, or worse the stove...and then there is the plants...no I think a cat is not for me anymore. I want a FURBABY I can love and not one that drives me batty and stresses me out. I was not prepared to have another ferret FURBABY...maybe another time. My new addition...my new FURBABY is a lop eared bunny. I used to have one before and always wanted another. I never expected to just walk into the store and find the bun of my dreams. I waited two days to really decide. I can not wait to see what adventures we will have tomorrow and everyday thereafter. You might just say I am in FURBABY heaven. Now to decide on a name...hmmmm

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

Did you ever notice that although RESEARCH can be a good thing...it can also suck up your whole day? That was me today. I spent all day doing RESEARCH on what I left to God yesterday...although I do believe He gave me an answer. Tomorrow will be the test. I will know if I am making the right decision. Would have been a lot better if my very very very slow laptop would cooperate...I may have finished my RESEARCH hours ago...sigh...at least I did all the important things I needed to do...1st thing this morning...smiles

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

Today was a day of DECISIONS. I decided, while I was out to go look at fur-babies and get an idea of which type would want to adopt me....smiles...yes they do choose their human parent(s). I was not expecting to find both a lop eared bunny and a cat that I adored. They also both seemed to adore me. As if my DECISIONS were not already too complex for one afternoon...the cat has a sister (both female)..they have to stay together. That alone should have been a major turn off...but it wasn't. In fact when considering a cat...I have always thought about 2. Oh DECISIONS DECISIONS! I am weighing pros and cons in each situation but it is not helping one bit. Then I decided to ask God...He already knows the desires of my heart and He definitely knows what's best for me in the long run. This goes for all DECISIONS in my life...not just this one. Although this is my "One Word Journey" and not a spiritual one...in this new year...with a new mindset...it is impossible to separate the two. I would not even want to if I could. So I leave the DECISIONS to God...or at least to get His input. I do know that what is for me...is for me and no one can take it away...I can only allow them to have it. My words for that are...No Way! 

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

Today I feel a sense of ACCOMPLISHMENT! It was not easy to stick to my work schedule I will admit...but basically I stuck with the plan. I did pray for help in succeeding this morning. I also am learning if i just jump into the things I procrastinate with I can get them over and done with in a short amount of time. I love this feeling of ACCOMPLISHMENT! I believe I wear it well...smiles. I even woke up rested today and ahead of schedule...imagine that! By God's power and His might because last night I could not even drop off to sleep. Tomorrow I will wake up, pray, and repeat...Lord willing. ACCOMPLISHMENT needs to be my word for several days but of course that won't happen...smiles. Happy New Week and may yours be filled to the max with ACCOMPLISHMENT!

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

Today was full of DISTRACTIONS which led to a lot of frustrations. DISTRACTIONS can throw your whole day off if you allow it. I did for awhile until I became frustrated enough just to walk away and do what I needed to do. I may not have finished every little thing, but I feel better because I did what I needed to do. DISTRACTIONS can lead to animosity, anger, stress, and feelings of oppression. None of these are good for my well being at all. I felt it was best to walk away without getting angry and stressed out. I did learn something out of todays DISTRACTIONS though...maybe I should do the things I need to do a bit earlier in the day then the DISTRACTIONS will not cause so much strife...smiles. All in due time. Everything is a learning process...at least I have a little over 300 days to get it right. *Wink*

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

It is a strange feeling when you feel BETWEEN. Today I felt somewhere BETWEEN happy and not so happy...but in the reverse order. It would probably be okay if I knew why...but I don't. Sometimes I get the BETWEEN feeling when I am tired, but I actually wasn't since I had 8 hours of sleep. This time I believe it is partly attributed to my lack of appetite which is not good for my well being. Another thing to work on...sigh. So as I call it a night, I pray not to feel BETWEEN happy and not. I do know that focusing on God, His word, and prayer did a world of good. I try to remember the rules for the weapons of our warfare.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

What a wonderful and blessed today is! February 14th, Valentines Day! Being single, most people would wonder why I am feeling so great on a day considered a day for LOVErs and those in LOVE. Well I am in LOVE but that is secondary to the greatest LOVE of all in my life! I am in LOVE over and over and over again each and every day. Everyone needs to feel LOVE sometime in their lives. Studies have proven that babies who do not receive LOVE in the first few months and years of their lives suffer from failure to thrive. The elderly, whose friends may have passed on, and who do not have family members to call them or visit them, do not have the best quality of life...usually. The problem with human LOVE...it lacks stability. We fall in and out of LOVE throughout our lives. We marry we divorce...we remarry and perhaps divorce and start the process all over again. All the while searching for LOVE. It is as if it eludes us....but does it really? True and lasting LOVE is right there, patiently waiting, and all we have to do is receive it. The kind of LOVE we need comes from God. His love is unconditional, everlasting, it is patient, it is kind, and Jesus laid down His very life for us! That is LOVE at its purest. So today, if you don't have a Valentine who sent you flowers, or candy, or to spend time with you...just remember that God's LOVE for you is the ultimate LOVE and all you have to do is invite Him (Jesus) in...into your heart, into your life. Then you will have the greatest LOVE of all, which will never diminish. So Live LOVE and Laugh...today and always!

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

How wonderful it was to see the SUNSHINE today. It was glistening on the snow and the ice. I took photos just because it was so wonderful to see it at last. I have been told I love SUNSHINE too much. I can't help it. It makes me happy..the SUNSHINE is yellow...my favourite colour how could I help but not like it? I hope there are many SUNSHINE filled days in your future. Stay blessed!

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

There are many things we can do in life, things we want to accomplish, hopes and dreams we may have. The problem is...if we do not do them in God's TIMING they will not happen. Dreams will collapse or be forgotten, we will not do things out of fear of failure, while silently observing others accomplishing their hopes and dreams and wishing it was us. As long as we are not envying them, its okay. That can even be motivation....but if the TIMING isn't right, it may happen but may fail. Whether you want to start your own business, or go to university, relocate...there is a TIMING involved. I often say if I had known the luxury of living where it was warm and mostly sunny, I would have moved long ago. But would I have, should I have? It was not in God's TIMING. God knows the desires of our heart and He will not withhold any good thing from His Children. It is very important that while we are waiting on God's TIMING, that we wait with patience, without grumbling, mumbling, or trying to "help" God. He does not need our help. It is not easy to wait patiently for His TIMING for my life, but I am learning. You can too. Learn to wait for God's perfect TIMING to give you the desires of your heart.

TIMING was the word for today mainly because I posted yesterdays word after midnight which means it was posted as 2.12.2014. It was not a big deal except I had started writing in more than enough time to have it post on 2.11.2014. All because my TIMING was off and I got distracted. That had my mind focused on TIMING all day. I do not want to miss out on what God has for me because my TIMING was off.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

CATASTROPHIC and epic are not good words at all! The word CATASTROPHIC is really a scary word to me. Earthquakes are CATASTROPHIC, a Tsunami is CATASTROPHIC, a volcano is CATASTROPHIC...all the dreaded disasters that kill thousands of people. I don't feel like CATASTROPHIC is the right word for the weather in Georgia. Time will tell. We have the National Guard here already...there is a state of emergency already, all businesses are to be closed. The only thing that may be CATASTROPHIC is if nothing happens. We will be the laughing stock of the country again...and I might be laughing as well just for relief. But in the meantime I really had to pray so I did not feel fear...CATASTROPHIC is a scary word to me...but God has not given me a spirit of fear. I know that even this CATASTROPHIC epic event shall pass!

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

It is hard to believe that today's word is SNOW. Not only is it going to SNOW again...but I am not supposed to complain about it!. In all things give thanks! So no complaining or grumbling about the cold and being shut in. The only time I do this is when there is cold weather or SNOW and I am shut in lol. Sunday it was 60* degrees and did I go out the door? No! So why is it when I am forced to stay in because SNOW can paralyze the whole state, that I begin to feel like a claustrophobic prisoner? It is all mind over manner. Maybe it was that word catastrophic! I can not even pretend that word sounds nice. Okay SNOW or not...I can do this because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

We have all experienced DISAPPOINTMENT at one time or another. My latest was today. I will admit for five minutes the DISAPPOINTMENT was almost too much...that is until I realized it was something I did not need to begin with, for 2 reasons...1 I already have one, and 2 it took my eyes off my original plan. I had prayed about it to make sure I wasn't buying it just because it was something I thought I wanted. However I prayed after the fact. After my initial DISAPPOINTMENT I realized not only was it not something God wanted me to do, but that satan can cause us to get off track. Kind of the lust of the eye thing. I am perfectly satisfied with the one I already have and there was no need to have another. Not even to use it the way I wanted. God wants me to stick to the plan because He wants much more for me. One of my friends told me to "Think Bigger!" Joel Osteen says "Dream Bigger!" Joyce Meyer says that we should "Ask Bigger!" I can! So back to the original plan. Of course it may take longer but who knows...all things are possible with God! I know now though...I will be so much more satisfied with that item than my impulse buy. DISAPPOINTMENT can be good, especially when you really desire God's very best for you. I do not have to worry because I know all things work together for my good...even my DISAPPOINTMENTS.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

Did you know that a little bit of KINDNESS goes a long way? When you are in line at the market and feeling impatient with the checkout person because she or he may be taking a bit too long...do you show KINDNESS or get upset, short with them or worse? I have learned to show KINDNESS even in such situations such as impatience, incompetence, or when things just are not going the way I would like. My mother always says you can catch more flies with sugar than you can with vinegar and its true. I look at many people who seem to have either so much sadness, or anger, or bitterness, or other negative things etched in their faces and I often wonder why is that. Often when you show them KINDNESS their faces do not change at all, but now and again they do and you find out they are actually someone nice to talk to. A compliment can go a long way. If people treated each other with KINDNESS and respect...there would be far less problems in this world. Share some KINDNESS today...make it part of your day.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

Did you ever noticed how some people are never SATISFIED with anything? Many times it is the media that entices us to want more and more things. There will always be new furniture, appliances, phones, and technology on the market but do we always need the latest and greatest new gadget? I used to not be SATISFIED whenever I looked at store ads or went to the mall or big box stores. People go into debt because they are not SATISFIED with what they already have. Why continue to buy the same things over again and again and again...I have learned that is a great way to never get ahead. I have committed myself to saving money in 2014. Yes I will still allow myself a few luxuries...but when new items come in I really want it to be with God's blessing. I want to be both SATISFIED and grateful. If you are not SATISFIED with your life or with the things you already have...look inside yourself and look to God. What you are seeking will not make you SATISFIED nor will it keep you SATISFIED. Remember it is great to look at and have new things, but each tomorrow always brings more things. Be SATISFIED.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

It is always amazing to me how many people love DRAMA. They thrive on it...rejoice in conversing about it...even feel others are dysfunctional if they don't have any. Personally I can't stand DRAMA. Those that inflict their DRAMA on me by sharing too much or trying to involve me in it usually find themselves out of my life. It is very difficult though if the DRAMA lovers are family members. I often find myself sitting in silence wishing they would just shut up. I once read that stupidity is doing the same thing over and over and getting the same result. This fits this situation...DRAMA always has a cause and the effect is DRAMA! Get rid of it! DRAMA, like stress affects your health, your well being, and heart especially. No thank you! Although it may be impossible to lead a totally DRAMA free life, you don't have to let it become a way of life. Calm and peaceful  is so much more ...well much more calm and peaceful....smiles.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

LAUGHTER is very very good medicine. Any type of stress you may feel during the course of your day goes away with LAUGHTER. Considering how I felt when I went to bed last night....I am beyond happy to hear my own LAUGHTER and that of my friends. LAUGHTER is great for the soul....LAUGHTER causes a chain reaction and affects others...causing even more LAUGHTER...now what could be better than that? Pass your LAUGHTER to others...it will come back to you like a boomerang....smiles.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

Today's word by necessity is LOUD....my laptop is so LOUD I really can not even focus right now. It is grinding in several various pitches. I have been listening to this LOUD grinding sound since 1.30 pm and really I could do with a bit of silence right now. So please forgive me and good night and may there be no LOUD annoying sounds in any of our futures...although since this was off a few hours and overnight...I am not sure that this isn't the new normal...that's kind of disheartening....sigh. Good night and God bless.

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY

Because this is Super Bowl Sunday, an unofficial holiday I will continue with the theme of things since it does fit right in with my GOALS for the week. I know I could have been way more productive last week, actually the past 2 weeks, so this week I have set some GOALS for myself. Yes I have made lists although I did not look at it all I will admit. I did some of my exercise routine and not all which slows the progress I have set for my deadline of June 1st. I think part of the problem is that I am burning myself out trying to complete too many tasks in one day. GOALS are a good thing...especially short term ones. Most of us make long term GOALS but what are the steps we need to take to get to them? I learned so many wonderful tips from My daily Challenge ... for instance yesterday when we set GOALS we also set a timer for 15 minutes to complete those GOALS. I will use that method again this week. What GOALS do you have long term and short term? 

365 WORDS...ONE WORD AT A TIME...WELCOME TO FEBRUARY!!!

One thing I have been learning is that negativity that has no purpose should not be voiced...so I am going to skip the word that was a reflection of my day and move on to something much more pleasant...smiles. Now technically this might be two words but since most of us view it as one and this after all is 365 words...one it shall be. Tomorrow is a holiday right?  Okay well it is for sports fanatics! SUPER-BOWL Sunday will one day be on the calendar marked as a holiday, probably already would be except it is always moving around. SUPER-BOWL Sunday is celebrated with costumes (yes face paint and body paint can be considered a costume)lots of gear...in support of favourite teams, parties....with lots of snacks and alcohol. There are even decorations like tablecloths, banners, and those giant football players for your wall. People travel from far and wide to get to the stadium to see it live or to just attend the pre-party (tailgating) festivities. If your team wins there is the post party madness complete with parades....so yep...SUPER-BOWL Sunday is a holiday....so have fun...stay safe...don't drink and drive. 

Happy SUPER-BOWL Sunday!!!!