Happy Life

by Kay Heitsch

Today I put on a quote by Dr. Norman V. Peale on FB. "Let a series of HAPPY thoughts run through your mind. They will show on your face." with the Bible verse, "A happy heart makes a face cheerful." Proverbs 15:13

I'm sure some people wonder why I include a Bible verse with each quote I post. Maybe some people didn't even realize that I do because I put the verse in the comments. I'll share why in case you are wondering.

Many years ago, when I was not a Christian, I was searching for why I was unsettled inside. I had what most people would consider a great life, but I knew something was missing.

I found myself going to the library to search for some answers. I picked up several books, including books by Dr. Norman V. Peale.

Dr. Peale wrote stories of successful, happy people. I wanted what these people had. As Dr. Peale shared the stories, he always included Bible verses. I had never viewed the Bible like this. I saw the Bible as a stern book with lots of rules and regulations. I didn't know anyone who seemed to follow this book, who were happy people. So seeing the Bible this way amazed me!

I decided to study the Bible for myself! Dr. Peale suggested looking for texts that spoke to a particular issue in your life and find out what the Bible had to say about it. One of my problems was "worry." I bought a Bible and highlighted each text I saw on 'worry,' I was shocked! I could see the Bible had lots to say about it!

The more I highlighted areas of concern, I found I was starting to fall in love with the Bible. The more I read, the more freedom I felt. I could see the Bible was a book that was teaching me how to have a successful, happy life right here on earth.

I met Dr. Peale in person many years ago. He said that his mission was to actually get people to read the Bible for themselves. When they did, they would meet Jesus, and their lives would be forever changed. Wow, that's exactly what happened to me.

I like to share with people things that have helped me and that I enjoy. I share all kinds of things, as most of you know. So why I post a Bible verse on my positive quotes is simple. These verses have helped me! I want people to see the Bible as a positive book to help them with their everyday life.

Like Dr. Peale, I also want people to read the book for themselves and meet Jesus.

I Believe!

by Kay Heitsch

When Bill went off to work today, he said, "Today will be a better day!" I answered, "I believe!"

One of my favorite Bible verses is, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

I actually have "Believe" on a plaque on the porch and the word "Believe" on the back of my cell phone case.

Yesterday had a lot to be desired with the hot water heater pouring water out and covering a good 1/3 of the basement floor. If we didn't have anything down the basement, that wouldn't have been an issue, but we have lots of stuff.

I tried frantically to shut off the water as it kept pouring out of the bottom of the hot water heater. I unplugged it, but that didn't do any good. I sent Bill a text, and he said to call the plumber.

I could feel my emotions rising, so I decided to sing! I can say that this did help. I thought of the Bible texts, "Give a sacrifice of praise." Yes, this was a sacrifice for sure. I didn't feel like praising! Also, the verse, "Sing unto the Lord a new song." What I sang I don't even remember. I no doubt made something up!

I ran out to the garage to find the shop vac. Oh my, it was heavy! I gave it a shake and could hear water. I tried to drag it outside to dump the water out. In the process, a wheel broke off. I tried to keep singing!

The phone rang. Oh, joy, it was the dentist's office saying that the insurance wasn't going to pay for the 3 replacement crowns. They wanted to know for sure that they were old. Yes, they were old crowns. I couldn't remember when I had them done or even if we lived in Michigan. I certainly didn't have receipts from something done over 15 years ago. I ran back down the basement.

The day was not going as expected!

When I decided to turn my life over to the Lord, I started studying the Bible. From reading books from Dr. Peale, I could see that the Bible was a practical book to help people live a joyous life here on earth, and it also showed the way for eternal life. I wanted to be happy no matter what my circumstances dictated.

It's not easy at times, that is for sure! But I know it's possible because I have tried to practice, with the Lord's help, many things I have learned from reading the Bible.

Do I believe today is going to be a better day than yesterday? Yes, I do! But if things come up that I don't like, I know I can sing and keep believing! One thing I do know is I believe there is something good in every day, and I'll keep believing!

Small Act of Kindness

by Kay Heitsch

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intentions.

It was a sad day. I was going to the funeral of a little boy named Bobby. Bobby had died after falling and being caught under the tractor driven by his mom, Sue. I knew I needed to be there for Sue.

While I was getting dressed for the funeral, I had divine inspiration. A thought came to me to buy Lisa, Bobby's sister, a stuffed animal. I knew this thought to buy the stuffed animal must be from the Lord since I'd never done anything like this before, or even thought of it, for that matter. I left the house early and stopped at a local store, and bought a cute stuffed animal. I didn't have time to wrap it, so I bought a pretty gift bag and some colored tissue paper. I put the stuffed animal in the bag and topped it off with the tissue paper.

When I walked into the funeral home, I saw little Lisa sitting with her head hanging down. I walked over and handed her the pretty gift bag. Lisa looked up with tears in her eyes and gave me a faint smile. She removed the stuffed animal held it close throughout the service. I could see that holding this stuffed animal was bringing comfort to Lisa.

This morning I posted a quote, "The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intentions." I could have dismissed this thought to buy the stuffed animal to give to Lisa. However, I'm pleased that I acted on sharing a small act of kindness.

The Tennis Club

by Kay Heitsch

Several years ago, I was asked to come and talk to a youth group. The group was having a sleepover at the Tennis Club. Speaking to teens was not something I wanted to do. It was hard enough emotionally to share my story with adults, let alone teens.

When I turned my life over to the Lord, I put in some BUTS. I'll do this, BUT I can't do that! Speaking to teens was one of them. It was pretty funny when the Lord put on my heart that I couldn't and really hadn't done anything without His help. I had to admit that was true!

The night came for my talk at the Tennis Club. I arrived a little apprehensive speaking to only teens. Much to my surprise, the Tennis Club employees told me the microphone was not working in the gym. If I was going to talk, I would need to go to the Club's Bar.

I had to smile at the thought of sharing my testimony in a bar. I had spent a lot of time in bars. When my Dad babysat me, he took me to bars. When Bill and I were in our 20's, we ran a Night Club. This was a familiar atmosphere for me.

Several people were sitting at the bar and at tables when this large group of teens came in. Much to my surprise, none of the adults got up and left.

I shared my story on how God took the tragedy of Todd's death and brought triumph out of it. I don't know who may have needed to hear that God can bring something good out of something terrible, but I do believe someone was.

I know God will meet you right where you are. I smile when I think that He may even bring some person into a bar to share their story if He needs to.

What Will I Post Today?

by Kay Heitsch

I never know when I sit down at the computer what I will post on my FaceBook page in the morning. I'm as surprised as everyone else! Today I thought I'd Google "Inspirational Quotes." I found, "Spending today complaining about yesterday won't make tomorrow any better." Now, if that's not the truth, I don't know what is.

Next, I went over my email, looking for some story or adding to the quote. When I typed in "complaining," this quote came up. "The number one reason people complain is to get attention. Try looking them in the eyes and asking, "What is going well for you today?" Complaint Free World

Well, I can see that this is a good message for me today. Don't complain about yesterday, today, or tomorrow. Keep thinking about what's going well today!

My Bible text this morning went well with both. "This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NASB

Tire Hearts

by Kay Heitsch

Right before Christmas, I went to the dentist for a cleaning. The dentist came in to check and said, "I don't want to ruin your Christmas, but you need to have 3 new replacement crowns on your teeth." I thought that crowns lasted forever, but I found out they don't. One crown had decay under it, and all 3 were very old. I've had more than one crown at a time done before. It was an ordeal I was not looking forward to.

On the day of my appointment, I was kinda feeling apprehensive. I wasn't distraught, but I wasn't looking forward to this experience either. When I pulled out of our garage, I noticed that we had had light snow. At the end of the driveway, I saw two interlocking hearts made by tire tracks. I couldn't believe it! I jumped out of the car and took a picture.

When I got to the dentist's office, I showed the girls. Everyone was in awe and asked, "Who did this?" Of course, I had no idea. Since I'm on Facebook, I thought I'd post the picture. As I clicked on the "Home" page, a post read, "Someone In Heaven Loves Me." WOW!

Now I don't think that some angel came and put tire tracks in the shape of two interlocking hearts on the driveway. But I do believe this gesture was a reminder that someone in Heaven does love me.

Stick With Love

by Kay Heitsch

Today I posted a quote on FB from Martin Luther King Jr. This quote read, "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." with the Bible verse, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," Matthew 5:44 NIV.

As with many of you, I've had some so-called "enemies" over the years. You know, people who choose to not like you for one reason or another. These people tend to lie or bend the truth to fit their agenda. They want to believe something negative about you instead of getting to really know you personally.

It's hard to choose to "love" these people as the Bible says we should do for our own good and freedom. Martin Luther King Jr. came to understand, as I finally did myself, that hate was too great of a burden to bear, and love was the way to go.

When we hate and hold on to these negative emotions, they are tough to bear. But when we choose to stick with love, we're free.

I'm thankful I can choose to be free and stick with love!

Stranger Danger

by Kay Heitsch

(Today, I thought of this true story when the Grand Blanc Police Department sent out a notice. Two young boys in our neighborhood were approached by a W/M & W/F in a white Ford F-250 and told to "get in the truck." )

I was an only child. My parent had me later in life. My mom was 38, and my dad was 40 when I was born. For most of my life, people thought they were my grandparents. Maybe because of this, I don't know, but my Mom had a recurring nightmare that I was kidnapped. She would wake up very upset. She had always taught me to trust people, but because of these nightmares, I was also pretty aware of what was going on.

We lived about 3 blocks from downtown. The highway US 131 ran through the town. Almost daily, we walked to town. Sometimes I would go alone to pick up bread or something we needed, but my mom and I often walked together. It was fun to see people that we knew in town. My aunt worked at the insurance company, so we usually stopped in to say, "HI." On the counter of the office was an iron that had melted from being left on too long. I'll never forget that! It was there to remind people to unplug the iron.

One warm summer day, when I was around 10, my mom asked me to go to town and buy something. I was on my way home when a car with a man driving and a woman in the passenger seat stopped. The woman rolled down her window and asked me to come over to the car because they wanted to ask me something. I felt fear run through my body! I don't know if it was from my mom's recurring nightmare or what. I turned around and ran back towards town and went into the closest store. I told them what had happened. The shop owner ran out, but the car was gone.

I had this happen twice to me as a child. As most of you can tell I'm very friendly and I was as a child too. I truly believe the Lord helped me know that these people were up to no good. Maybe my mom's recurring nightmares helped me to be aware too.

Happy Birthday Shannon

by Kay Heitsch

Today is our daughter Shannon's 39th birthday. Now she can be like Jack Benny...39 and holding. grin emoticon

It doesn't seem possible that she could be this age. I remember well the day that she was born. I started to have labor pain in the morning, so I called the doctor, and the office told me to come on over. The doctor examined me then gave these instructions, "Go on over to the hospital and don't stop at McDonald's on the way."

Bill decided that he should come to the labor room with me. After all, he had attended some natural childbirth classes with me. Let's just say I wasn't exactly willing to listen to his instructions. The nurses, plus a class of nursing students, came in to observe, so they asked him to leave as they didn't need his help.

Shannon arrived, and the hospital staff said she was the most beautiful baby in the nursery. I totally agreed! It wasn't until I walked down and noticed that Shannon was the only baby in the nursery. I had to smile!

Shannon is as beautiful today as she was the day she was born. We're so proud of the woman she is. Shannon's a great daughter, sister, wife, and mom.

Surrounded By Love

by Kay Heitsch

While I was out shoveling snow today, I had this thought, "I'm blessed! Just look, I'm surrounded by love."

As I looked at my feet, I realized the warm boots I was wearing were given to me by my long-time friend, Vicki. The warm RED scarf around my neck was given to me by my wonderful friend, Evy. The RED ski jacket and pants were given to me after my beloved friend, Ann, passed on. My hat was 30 years old and hadn't even worn out. The gloves I had on were Todd's at one time.

Now tell me, if this isn't being surrounded by love, what is?

 

Do You Trust Me?

by Kay Heitsch

"Do You Trust Me?" I have heard those words in my mind more times than I can count. I'd like to say I have always said, "Yes, Lord, I trust You." but I know that would not be entirely true. It's hard sometimes to just trust.

Over the years, we've all been hurt by people we have trusted. We've thought we knew them and found out we really didn't. It hurts!

I've found if I want peace and joy in my everyday life, I need to trust the Lord and not people. There's a Bible text in Psalms I found that has helped me. It reads, "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." Psalm 118:8 KJV We may find that some people are not trustworthy, and they disappoint us.

But I have found that when I trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not unto my own understanding (see Proverbs 3:5), I am filled with peace, joy, and love. Now that's much better than stress, worry, and fear.

I have hope. I may not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.