Scripture of the Day - May 25, 2021 - 1 Peter 4:11

Use the power God gives you every day and in all you do.

‘If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. '

Gratitude Journal - May 25, 2021 - Laughter

Today, I am grateful for laughter. On days when things seem the most challenging and I’m finding it hard to keep a positive attitude, some simple laughter can make things a little more manageable. Laughter brightens everyone’s day. For laughter, I am grateful.

Mindfulness Journal - May 24, 2021

Anxiety and stress often stem not from what is happening at the moment, but what you perceive could happen in the future. By focusing on the current moment, you can reduce the stress and anxiety of what may never be.

“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.” - Amit Ray

Scripture of the Day - May 24. 2021 - Isaiah 40:31

I will remember this passage as I workout and push myself physically. The Lord is my strength. I will RUN and not grow weary.

“‘but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Gratitude Journal - May 24, 2021 - A Clean Backpack

Today, I am grateful that my backpack is clean. While I was working today, I took a little time and sorted out my backpack. I carry this bag pretty much everywhere I go and it tends to build up a lot of junk. Having it nice, neat, and a bit lighter is excellent. For this, I am grateful.

Mindfulness Journal - May 23, 2021

Try to like who you are today.

“Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It’s about befriending who we are already.” - Pema Chödrön

Scripture of the Day - May 23, 2021 - Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Gratitude Journal - May 23, 2021 - Rhubarb

Today, I am grateful for rhubarb. Rhubarb is such a wonderfully versatile plant. Rhubarb can be used as an ingredient in pies, crisps, and other wonderful recipes. For rhubarb, I am grateful.

Mindfulness Journal - May 22, 2021

Being present and part of the lives of those we love is the single best way to show them that we love them. Being present is better than any gift money can buy. Your family won’t remember the toy or necklace you gave them, but they will remember the time you spent together.

“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” - Thich Nhat Hanh

Scripture of the Day - May 22, 2021 - Romans 15:5

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, "

Gratitude Journal - May 22, 2021 - Old Pictures

Today, I am grateful for old pictures. This past week I celebrated my 48th birthday and I was able to revisit some old pictures from when I was young. It’s so fun to look at these pictures, remember the fun times we had, and see the faces of those long gone. For old pictures, I am grateful.

Mindfulness Journal - May 21, 2021 - Day 53 of 365

Lying to yourself is easy. Being honest with where you are and where you can improve is hard. Do hard things. Be brave enough to be honest with yourself.

“The essence of bravery is being without self-deception.” Pema Chödrön

Scripture of the Day - May 21, 2021 - Isaiah 9:6

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Gratitude Journal - May 21, 2021 - Being Able to Read

Today, I am grateful that I am able to read. Books open up whole new worlds and provide access to important information. WIthout being able to read all of this information would be locked away and unaccessable. For the ability to read, I am grateful.

Mindfulness Journal - May 20, 2021 - Day 52 of 365

This quote struck me today. All you have is right now. Yesterday is gone and you can do nothing about what is done. Focus on the now.

“Now is the future that you promised yourself last year, last month, last week. Now is the only moment you’ll ever really have. Mindfulness is about waking up to this.” – Mark Williams

Scripture of the Day - May 20, 2021 - 2 Chronicles 7:14

It’s pretty simple really - be humble, pray, seek God, stop doing sinful things. God will fix it all.

“if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Gratitude Journal - May 20, 2021 - Playoff Hockey

Today, I am grateful for NHL Playoff Hockey. Go Minnesota Wild! For playoff hockey, I am grateful.

Mindfulness Journal - May 19, 2021 - Day 51 of 365

I’m spending a bit of time digging into the practice of minduflenss and uncovering some wise words. Today, the words of Louis L’Amour hit home. It got me thinking a bit. How often do we really enjoy what we are doing in the moment we are doing it? Focus on now, let the past go and the future happen.

“Few of us ever live in the present. We are forever anticipating what is to come or remembering what has gone.” Louis L’Amour

Scripture of the Day - May 19, 2021 - Proverbs 12:20

“Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.”

Gratitude Journal - May 19, 2021 - Getting Things Done

Today, I am grateful for being able to check things off my to-do list consistently. Over the past year, I have developed consistency by using my checklist to ensure I get things done each day. I have lists for body, mind, and spirit, as well as work and other tasks. Each day I work my way through my critical tasks, get them accomplished, and move on to get more work completed. For getting things done, I am grateful.