#TuesdayTreasures Freedom

Good Morning Friends,

My scheduled guest couldn't be here so I'm winging it today.

Yesterday marked the 16th anniversary of 9/11 and I'm sure you've seen posts all over encouraging us to never forget and to honor those lives lost in the attacks.

All good advice.

However, I'm going to encourage you to remember the outpouring of love and the way most of our country turned back to God. The same kind of generosity of spirit that has poured out in the last few weeks due to hurricanes and fires and earthquakes.

As a spiritual seeker, I am continually amazed at the books and songs and reminders which assure us As we THINK, we ARE.

If we keep focusing on the bad, we'll perpetuate more and more bad.

However if we focus on the inherent good in mankind, the greatness of our country, the beauty of our planet, the abundance of our universe, the absolute love and benevolence of God....you get my drift... we will see more and more evidence of those things in our lives (goodness, greatness, beauty, abundance, benevolence).

What's all this have to do with freedom, you ask.

Because in this one thing, we have more freedom and more power than we imagine: the freedom to choose what we think about!

So remember and honor, say a prayer, then turn your focus to what's * true *honest *pure *lovely *of good report *virtuous and *praise worthy knowing this is what will help heal America.

Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™

Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God bless!
PamT

*Philippians 4:8

#ThursdayThoughts on Higher Love

Good Morning!

Well, August is winding down...only 1 week to go before we get into September. Fall is quickly approaching and there's a tropical storm (Harvey) in the Gulf so everyone is on high alert. But that's not what I want to talk about....

I'm reading A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson and the song Higher Love by Steve Winwood is one of the tunes in the current Centergy workout I stretch, bend, strengthen and sweat to at Dynamic Demensions in Moss Bluff.

As a word person, the lyrics to this song really caught my attention. Steve talks about finding a higher love "down in the heart or in the stars above" and how without this higher love, life is "a wasted time."

As a spiritual seeker, it amazes me how, where some folks hear a tune that gets their feet moving (it does that for me too LOL!) I hear words that reflect the longing in my soul.

In fact, I'm pretty sure it's the longing of everyone's soul.

How often do we run from job to job or relationship to relationship or even move from one location to another in search of something better? Something higher. Something that fulfills the ache in our heart and longing in our soul.

In reality what we're seeking is already within us....in our relationship with God.

And that's where Marianne's book comes into play.

A Return to Love is filled with thoughts and prayers about returning our hearts and minds to God, to reconnect with His love by power of the Holy Spirit within us and in others - which we pray to recognize, see and call forth in those whom we love and come into contact with. This leads to the healing of our soul, the perfection of our inner being, and is reflected in our outer life circumstances.

Now I know there's a lot of controversy around A Course in Miracles and this book is based on the author's understanding and reflections on the Course, but for me, it has opened a whole new outlook on Jesus' commandment to love God with all our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40).

Here's the rub though....do we really love ourselves?

And, how can we truly love anyone if we don't first love God and love our self?

How often do we put ourselves down in a way we'd never put down a friend or even a stranger for that matter!

So instead of thinking about all that's wrong in your life or the world at large, take a moment today and meditate on the blessings in your life and the good within yourself. Reflect on the love you've given others, the help you've extended when possible, the knowledge and experience you've shared just because you love what you do, and spend a few moments thanking and praising yourself for your generosity and God for the gifts and talents He's given you.

I promise doing this on a regular basis will lead to a realization of how full and beautiful your life really is!

Something to think about...
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™

Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll drop by each week for more Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts Guest post by Vanessa D Werts

Good Morning!

Been a crazy couple of days. After a long trip / short weekend in OK, I'm packing to go camping at Kincaid Lake / Kisatchie National Forest in Boyce, LA (near Alexandria) so I won't be taking up too much time with today's introduction.

Vanessa D Werts has shared the spotlight and treasures with us and today she shares some thoughts....

God is the Healer of all things broken.

When we think about the healing power of God, usually the first thing that comes to mind is restoration in the physical body. This is one of the ways that God heals; but not the only way.
God wants to heal everything about us that’s broken: our heart, thoughts, and relationships.

Having gone through childhood feeling unloved by my father, I believed that I was justified in being bitter and resentful toward him. I knew what the Bible had to say about forgiveness, but how could these principles apply in my situation when I was the one left hurting?

For nearly twenty years, I struggled with forgiving my father for not being there for me; for loving my sister and brother more than he loved me. At least that’s the opinion I drew based on his actions. But God didn’t leave me with those negative thoughts.

One Wednesday night in a Bible study class, the teacher gave us a homework assignment to write a letter to a person of our choosing, forgiving them of an offense they’d made against us.

My father was the first person that came to mind. By this time, I was in my late thirties and had barely had a handful of conversations with my father before he passed away from a massive heart attack.

Though mortality has a way of softening the heart, I was still surprised by the emotions that sprung up as I wrote to my deceased father. This was the first time that I had given my pain a voice. Putting the words on paper caused a tenderness to happen in my heart: compassion replaced the bitterness and for good while I wept. I realized that my father was only human and that he must have had pain in his life too when I was a child. I prayed for him that night as I closed out the letter, hoping that he didn’t die alone and that he was at peace.

God used this exercise in forgiveness to heal my broken heart, all the thoughts associated with my father in childhood, and the outcome of our relationship (in my heart). I felt so free after writing that letter. The healing power of God had restored the years of my life and made me whole when I least expected it.

God wants to heal everything broken in our lives. This is how we get on with living the abundant life he promised in his Word.

What a wonderful testimony Vanessa! Forgiveness is definitely something we should all think about.

Vanessa D. Werts is the author of both fiction and nonfiction books. She is a military veteran and minister with a calling to speak value and honor into the lives of women. 

Overcoming many obstacles in her own life such as daddy issues, sexual assault as a teen, infidelity in marriage, divorce, and being a single mom,  motivated Vanessa to be a champion for women achieving a positive self-image. 

Her primary purpose for writing is to encourage and inspire women to walk in their God-given right to be healed and whole.​ Find out more by visiting her website.

Vanessa's newest release, Lies and Love: Cleansing the Heart to Make Room for Radical Love is available at Amazon.

Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Vanessa D Werts

Good Morning Friends!

I am in Oklahoma City visiting with my friends from OWFI but never fear, Saturday Spotlight will go on!

Today's guest has shared Treasures with us earlier this month but today we'll learn a little bit more about her book, Lies and Love: Cleansing the Heart to Make Room for Radical Love 

“God put a spirit of love on you when he formed you in your mother’s womb, and there’s nothing you can do about it. This is radical love.”

Lies and Love: Cleansing the heart to make room for radical love, the 30-Day Heart Cleanse, is a deliberate approach to rid the heart of lingering issues that affect how you think, and limit your capacity to love and be loved. These heart issues or heart "chaos" include feeling abandoned, angry, fearful, jealous, holding grudges, being sad, and even hating others.

"What is your heart story?" is the question Vanessa asks in Lies and Love.

• Are you frustrated with your current station in life (career, personal)?

• Are you angry often and take it out on those close to you?

• Are you single and discouraged by the dating scene?

• Does your childhood still haunt you today?

In thirty days, Lies and Love will help identify what's going on in the heart that limits healthy thinking and behavior, offer a step-by-step cleansing process, and provide inspiration to love without boundaries. The key to unlock breakthrough and healing is held up in your answer to the question: What is your heart story?

Vanessa D. Werts is the author of both fiction and nonfiction books. She is a military veteran and minister with a calling to speak value and honor into the lives of women. Overcoming many obstacles in her own life such as daddy issues, sexual assault as a teen, infidelity in marriage, divorce, and being a single mom,  motivated Vanessa to be a champion for women achieving a positive self-image. Her primary purpose for writing is to encourage and inspire women to walk in their God-given right to be healed and whole.​ Find out more by visiting her website.

Vanessa's newest release, Lies and Love: Cleansing the Heart to Make Room for Radical Love is available at Amazon.

Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll join me each week for more Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlights.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT

#TuesdayTreasures Guest post by Vanessa D Werts

Good Morning and Welcome!

I hope your New Year celebrations were blessed, safe and happy.

Today we welcome a new-to-me author, Vanessa D Werts to share something she treasures.....

When I look at my two sons, sometimes my eyes water, remembering them as little boys. All they cared about and wanted back then was to eat, sleep, and play. Now that they are 25 and 17, I treasure the time I spent with them when they were kids, especially as I grow closer to being an empty nester.

Just the other day, I heard them laughing and it took me back to a time when their smiles would light up my world. Those little faces could bring calm and balance to my frazzled nerves after a hectic day at work and rush-hour traffic. Somehow my boys energized me, giving me a second wind to cook for them and hear about their day. Maybe it was hearing their silly jokes and random questions about the craziest things, that made me laugh and lightened my heart. Whatever the case, I treasure and often miss those times.

As I reflect on it all, I ask myself, where did the time go? When did their once smooth, baby faces become framed by a strong jawline that needs to be shaved? The deep voices belonging to men now, call me mom and I smile, shaking my head as I remember the former days. If I could turn back time, just for a day, to hold their small hands and feel that closeness, I would.


I’m so grateful for my sons. I will always treasure the memories of them as little boys and the joy they brought me in that time of my life.

Vanessa D. Werts is the author of both fiction and nonfiction books. She is a military veteran and minister with a calling to speak value and honor into the lives of women. Overcoming many obstacles in her own life such as daddy issues, sexual assault as a teen, infidelity in marriage, divorce, and being a single mom,  motivated Vanessa to be a champion for women achieving a positive self-image. Her primary purpose for writing is to encourage and inspire women to walk in their God-given right to be healed and whole.​ Find out more by visiting her website.

Vanessa's newest release, Lies and Love: Cleansing the Heart to Make Room for Radical Love is available at Amazon.

Hope you enjoyed today's Treasures and that you'll check back weekly for this year's lineup of great Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlights!

Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT

#SaturdaySpotlght: Jillian Lambert & Real Pain, Real Peace

Good Morning and Happy Halloween!

If you've followed me for long, you'll recognize the name of our spotlight guest today. Jillian Lambert shared something she treasures in September and thoughts on peace in October. Today we are spotlighting her latest book, Real Pain, Real Peace.

"Although we may not see while experiencing it, pain can be our friend."  (RPRP)

Real Pain, Real Peace is an inspirational true story of a fifty-year-old woman in Texas who experiences a life-changing breakdown on every level. Her journey ranges from creation of a dream to financial devastation; excellent health to physical illness; a life of passion to praying for death; a healthy mind to mental illness; and a beautiful, five-acre home to bottomed-out homelessness. Life goes from complete destruction to total reconstruction, wavering faith to renewed spirit.

The physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual challenges transform in ways that will wrench your soul, yet warm your heart. The author tells her riveting story in an inspirational, spiritual way while sharing valuable life lessons. Learn from her transforming challenges and discover how to bring peace to your own body, mind, and spirit. Overall, Real Pain, Real Peace shows you how courage, determination, and faith can turn real pain into real peace.

What People Are Saying About Real Pain, Real Peace

"This incredible woman has an amazing story to share. Read about her personal journey through total and complete devastation in every level of her life to rising up from the ashes of despair still standing strong and finding peace at the end of her quest of living an authentic life." ~ Ron Bowles, Bloomington, IN

"I can't put it down! I actually had to set the timer on my phone so I wouldn't be late for work!"   ~Nanette Lines-Warn, Clear Lake, IA

Read the official Press Release for Real Pain, Real Peace HERE.

Real Pain, Real Peace can be purchased from Balboa Press & Amazon (Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle) as well as other retail outlets.

And while you're at it, check out Jillian's other book, Real Health, Real Life (Paperback, Kindle) and her Real Serenity stretch dvd!

  

^{Jillian Lambert, M.S. - Author of inspirational book, ”Real Pain Real Peace,” wellness book ”Real Health Real Life,” and stretch/relaxation/meditation video/DVD, “Real Serenity.”  Author, Holistic Nutritionist, Juicing Instructor, Fitness Trainer, Feng Shui & Wellness Consultant.} 

Website:  www.realhealthreallife.com   Email:  realhealthreallife@gmail.com   

^{Books and video available at www.RealHealthRealLife.com}

Well Friends, hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and if you're out an about tonight, be careful of those ghosts and goblins, angels and fairies, and especially the politicians LOL!

Until later...take care, God bless and remember... "On the other side of pain is peace." (RPRP)

Something to think about!

"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™

#TuesdayTreasure: Guest post by Jillian Lambert

Hello and Welcome!

Today my friend Jillian Lambert returns with ideas on things to treasure....

PEACEFUL TREASURES

What are your treasures in life?  When we think of the word “treasure” we think of the material world…A large, wooden treasure chest full of sparkling gold and jewelry. Material treasures are appealing, but what about the intangible treasures? Common treasures in life are love, peace, joy, health, and money.  Which one do you treasure?

I, personally, treasure peace, and I will tell you why.  Peace is a core treasure, and necessity for other treasures to be enjoyed.  Think about it…What would love, joy, health and money be without the core treasure of peace?

The treasure of love is a beautiful, uplifting, joyful feeling.   Love without peace would be the fear of not being loved, or of losing your loved ones.  Peace lets us know that, no matter what, we are loved.
What about the treasure of joy?  Joy without peace would again be fear, fear of losing that joyful feeling…Always waiting for the next horrible thing to happen.  Peace lets us know that there is joy and all is well.

There is the treasure of health.  We can’t do anything without our health, right?  What would health be without peace?  Health without peace would be fear of getting sick or injured.  Peace lets us know that we are healthy and all is well.

Money is a well-known treasure.  What would wealth be without peace?  Fear…Fear of spending too much money, not having enough money, or the fear of someone stealing your money.  With or without money, peace lets us know we are wealthy.

When it comes down to it, peace is the treasure of all treasures.  Peace eradicates fear.  Peace washes away worry, fear and doubt. Peace dissolves the fearful “What if?” questions in life.  Peace gives us comfort, relaxation and a knowingness that all is well.  Peace says, “All is well, enjoy your treasures.”

_{Jillian Lambert, M.S. - Author of inspirational book, ”Real Pain Real Peace,” wellness book ”Real Health Real Life,” and stretch/relaxation/meditation video/DVD, “Real Serenity.”  Author, Holistic Nutritionist, Juicing Instructor, Fitness Trainer, Feng Shui & Wellness Consultant.}

_{Website:  www.realhealthreallife.com    Email:  realhealthreallife@gmail.com}   

_{Books and video available at www.RealHealthRealLife.com}

                                                                                                   

Real Pain, Real Peace is available at Amazon in Print andEbook!

#ThursdayThoughts: Guest Post by Jillian Lambert!

Hello Again Friends!

Today it is with great pleasure I bring my dear friend and Health & Wellness / Feng Shui expert Jillian Lambert back to our blog. Today Jillian is talking about going from real chaos to real peace.....

Real Chaos vs. Real Peace

by Jillian Lambert

Everything starts with a thought…Everything.  Thoughts can create chaos, or thoughts can create peace.  Here are two simple steps to help you go from chaos to peace.

Disconnect from the ”external voices” of life.  External voices are any voice outside yourself.  Everyone has an opinion about how you should live your life.  Familiar ‘external voices’ are your husband/wife, kids, family, friends or your boss.  Unfamiliar ‘external voices’ are the radio, television, computer, etc.

Reconnect with yourself. Only you know what is best for you, so listen to the voice that knows you best.  Reconnect with the Real Voice, your inner voice.

Below are what I call “Soul Activities,” activities that bring joy to your soul.  Soul activities help you reconnect with yourself.

Affirmations – Override chaotic thoughts with positive affirmations.  Writing down positive affirmations is five times more effective than thinking, or saying them.

Journaling – Like a pinball machine, chaotic thoughts bounce around in our heads with nowhere to go.  Journaling helps release negative thoughts and feelings.  Putting it on paper releases thoughts from your head and replaces them with peaceful, positive thoughts.

Meditation – Slowing down your body helps slow your thoughts down.  If you can’t seem to stop, do a moving meditation (slow, repetitive motion like painting, washing dishes, walking, etc.)  Slow your thoughts down.  No past.  No future.  Just now.

Zen yoga – Yoga based on complete relaxation.

Zen swim – Swimming laps until you get into your peaceful “zone.”

Nature – Being in nature brings peace.

Silence – In stillness come answers.  Silence is golden, embrace it.

Next time chaos comes knocking, remember two steps.  Disconnect and Reconnect.  Disconnect from  chaos. Reconnect with peace.  Disconnecting from the ‘external voices’ of life, will help you reconnect with the Real voice, your inner voice…The voice that has your best interest at heart!

<sub>Jillian Lambert, M.S. - Author of inspirational book, ”Real Pain Real Peace,” wellness book ”Real Health Real Life,” and stretch/relaxation/meditation video/DVD, “Real Serenity.”  

Author, Holistic Nutritionist, Juicing Instructor, Fitness Trainer, Feng Shui & Wellness Consultant.</sub>

Website:  _{www.realhealthreallife.com    
Email:  realhealthreallife@gmail.com   
Books and video available at www.RealHealthRealLife.com}

Real Pain, Real Peace is available at Amazon in Print and Ebook!

#ThursdayThoughts: The Soundtracks of Our Lives

Good Morning and Welcome to the first Thursday Thoughts of December.

Yeah, it goes without saying that this year has flown by and not always indicative of having fun.

Back in 2008 I wrote a post about the role music plays in our lives. Today I'd like to expound on that a little.

One question I'm often asked is if there is a particular song or songs that inspire me while I'm writing. Many songs influence me, but I don't listen when writing because I either get so engrossed in the music that I lose my train of thought or get irritated at the distraction and turn it off.

If you've followed me long you know about my devotional, Love is a Rose, which parallels the love of God and Christian life to the words of the song, The Rose, and how the words reached deep into my spirit.

Today I'd like to share with you another song that has touched my life in a very meaningful day.....Homesick by Mercy Me.

I discovered this song after my husband passed away in 2009, called it my "feel good cry." That remains true to this day. So much so, that I had it played at my mother's funeral just last month.

Some days I shed tears of joy because the words and the hope they contain are so powerful. Other times I weep with sadness and grief, longing to see my loved one's who've crossed over into the heavenly realm.

We all have special songs that become the soundtracks of our lives. I still remember the song my husband and I first danced to and the one I sang or hummed the day my granddaughter was born.

This song will always remain part of the soundtrack of my life.

I pray it touches you as deeply as it does me....

**Love is a Rose can be purchased at Amazon in Print and on Kindle, Barnes & Noble (Nook) and at Smashwords & Deeper Shopping.

Hope you enjoyed this week's Thursday Thoughts! Stay tuned for Saturday Spotlight & Tuesday Treasure.

Until later... take care, God Bless and remember... God uses any and every means to speak to His children, so listen up whenever a sign, song or something unusual makes your spirit stand up and dance.

Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge! ™

#ThursdayThoughts: Moving Through Grief

Good Morning Friends,

You know I try to use this feature to encourage and uplift and today is no different despite the title of this post.

If you've followed me long, you'll know that my husband, my heart, my soul mate passed away in 2009 and that I've found myself in this jungle called single-hood. From the time I could articulate, my dream was to be married and have babies so I've never been comfortable being single.

"They" (whoever the hell 'they' are) say one of the signs of moving on is when you can look back without as much pain.

I can attest to that.

In the last five years I've done everything in my power to get through this valley of death. I've prayed, cried, loved and yet, there's still a place in my heart that literally aches and I'm not sure that will ever totally cease.

But at least I can say I'm don't feel as though I'm crawling through quicksand anymore.

Anyway, yesterday I saw this on Face Book and well.. it pretty much explains how I feel.....

 I believe this is true no matter who you are grieving.

A friend who recently lost a spouse said, "trying to figure out who I am now is the crazy part."

That too, is true.

No matter the fact you maintain your separate identities throughout the relationship, you still feel as though you're only half a person and that you have no idea who you are anymore.

But God does and He knows the great things in store for you!

So let me encourage you today.... If you find yourself in the pit of despair because God has called your loved one home, hang in there and when you begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel and realize it is not a freight train, ask Him to show you a new vision for your life.

Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge! ™