#TuesdayTreasures The Forgotten Way by Ted Dekker

Good Morning,

Well, Easter is over and we're in a brand new month. Things have been .... IDK....interesting (I decided to stop saying 'crazy' LOL!)

The insurance office I work in has been under renovations, I'm in Nacogdoches, TX house/dog sitting for my son and sometimes I don't know if I'm coming or going.

Alas, that's the story of my life since 2009.

Anyway, as you all know, I'm very much a seeker of God and a voracious reader, therefore it's no surprise when I bring a book to your attention.

I must admit, I've never read Mr. Dekker's fiction novels, although I'd heard a LOT about them (I'm sure that'll change in the near future though) but when I first heard of The Forgotten Way, I was intrigued. One thing that's stood out for me from the book is the edict, "love holds no record of wrong."

I'm a firm believer in the power of affirmations and that people will rise to our expectations. Problem is, most of the time, our expectations are based on past performance and experiences instead of what we know these folks are capable of.

This hit home for me in more than one instance with more than one person who I love with all of my heart when I tried writing a page of positive affirmations about them and couldn't! 

I found this fact both heart breaking and mind boggling.

That's where The Forgotten Way has struck home.

If I can't find 1 page of positive affirmations around my loved ones then my "love" isn't as unconditional as I thought. My love isn't "holding NO record of wrongs."

My goal is to not only overcome these blocks to love in myself, but hopefully to teach others to do the same.

I hope/plan to do this with prayer and meditation, focusing my heart and mind on their strengths and positive qualities, and yes, writing those down in an affirmative way and to "die" to my old way of thinking, talking and feeling about them.

Isn't this what Jesus did when He looked past the actions and into the heart and offered love, forgiveness and healing?

Hopefully this exercise in Love and holding no record of wrongs will result in my loved ones rising to a new level in their own lives by rising to my new expectations of them.

We'll see!

Did you ever have blocks to love in your relationships? How did you overcome them? I'd love to hear your comments!

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

Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT

#TuesdayTreasure: Silence

Good Morning!

This may be a subject that's better for Thursday Thoughts than Tuesday Treasures, but here goes anyway....

There's an old saying that "silence is golden" why do you suppose that's true?

Is it even true?

Have you ever sat in silence and wondered at the noise that infiltrates our lives?

Have you ever sat in silence and listened to the craziness of your own thoughts?

I remember a story from one of Wayne Dyer's books about a boy whose father sent him to a special camp every summer and at that camp they practiced silence. They could not speak to one another and those who did had to leave. The point of the entire camp was to prove that we're all connected and that we can communicate with each other without words.

It was a fascinating story but have you ever tried to practice silence?

Dr. Dyer also talks about a quote by Rumi which says.... The morning breezes have secrets to tell you, don't go back to sleep!

The bible teaches us that God speaks in a "still, small voice."

Granted sometimes He speaks in a very audible one, but we are also instructed to "be still and know"....

How else can you hear the secrets whispered in the morning breezes or the still, small voice of God unless you are silent?

Often when I'm travelling I do so in absolute silence. Maybe not the whole trip but for long stretches of time. It's one way I reconnect with myself...my soul, and God.

Here's another thought....how many times does simple acknowledgement possibly accompanied by a hug say more to us than words ever can?

Here's a novel idea.... next time you're alone, instead of turning on the television or radio or picking up the phone, take some time to sit in silence. Take deep breaths and let all the chatter in your brain just fade away and then notice what you actually hear in the silence.

Who knows, it may be the answer to whatever is ailing you at the moment!

Any time you can grab a moment (or several) of silence in the midst of normal chaos is certainly something to treasure.

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

#ThursdayThoughts: Present Peace & Joy

Good Morning and Welcome to the first Thursday Thoughts of October 2015!

I'm sure you get tired of me saying this, but.... Where has this year gone?!

Seems impossible to be in October already. Alas, time marches on and as a rule, we march on with it.

The question is, do we do so enjoying peace in the present moment or with fear, worry and regret?

While talking with my daughter the other day I told her a simple truth I am still learning....

The more we practice peace, the more peaceful we and the circumstances around us become....

We tend to get ruffled less quickly and we bounce back more easily.

I believe this same principle applies to experiencing joy in the present moment.

I know, I know, easier said than done.

Or is it?

Here are a few ideas to help you (and myself) strive for and hopefully, (eventually) walk in present joy and peace....

*Stop often throughout your day and ask yourself: What Am I Thinking?
It is a proven fact that our thoughts have (or create) an energy frequency which can result in positive or negative feelings and emotions. If you find yourself worrying about the future or reminiscing and regretting something in the past, you are robbing yourself of present peace and joy. If you make a habit of asking yourself often "what am I thinking" you can then refocus your thoughts in a more positive, peaceful, happy direction.

Now you may wonder how to go about doing this especially if you work outside of your home. How about every time the phone rings, between customers, or tasks? Set a timer if you have to but make a habit of pulling your thoughts into the present moment and meditating (even for a few seconds) on peace and joy.

*Set aside specific time(s) to pray, meditate and practice gratitude.
Practicing gratitude is one of the easiest, quickest and most powerful ways to shift your emotions from negative to positive which results in peace and joy. Again this does not have to be a huge chore or large amount of time. Keep your gratitude journal with you and write one or two things throughout the day.

*Listen to uplifting music or programs.
Turn off the news! If you feel you must be informed, listen to noontime news. Spiritual leaders suggest you spend the first few minutes/hours of the morning and the last before bed in a positive environment. Listening to the news does not generate much of anything positive. Need the weather? Turn on the television or radio within a few minutes of the weather broadcast then turn it off or, like a dear friend of mine says...walk outside.

These are just a few ideas on how to generate and stay in present peace and joy. Establishing these practices may take time but don't give up! And remember....

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: When Enough is Enough

Good Afternoon Friends,

Yeah I'm a bit late in posting today's Thursday Thoughts but it's been a crazy couple of days.

You may wonder where the title of this post came from. Well, I'll tell you....

There is a situation in my life that seems to end up in the same senseless turmoil no matter what I do. 

As a Christian we are called to love and forgive. Jesus said 7 x 70  when asked how many times we should forgive the same offense.

If you know me at all, you know I write to encourage and uplift so I want to say this....

At some point you have to STOP putting yourself in the position to have to forgive the same offense again and again and again!

Forgive, Yes! By all means and move on. 

But Respect and Value YOURSELF enough to know when it's time to put your foot down and say ENOUGH is ENOUGH!

Photo Borrowed from Eternal Elements on FACEBOOK

Something to think about.....

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with an Edge" ™

#ThursdayThoughts: Grace & Gratitude

Good Morning Friends,

Well here we are, the last Thursday Thoughts in March 2015! End of the 1st Quarter.

Now's the time when most people look back over their resolutions and/or goals and see how they've done. And now's the time when most people give up because they just aren't where they wanted to be.

Don't be one of them!

Look over them, readjust if necessary and then express gratitude for how far you've come!

Then ask God for the grace to continue.

Next to LOVE, Grace and Gratitude are the most powerful aspects of faith you can express.

You might also consider incorporating writing and/or saying affirmations into your daily schedule. I can hear you lamenting now...I don't have time...

YES you do!

Say them while in the shower, while getting dressed, while waiting on the coffee to brew, while waiting on the kids to get in the car, while preparing breakfast or lunches. Mutter them under your breath while in traffic or the car line at school or at the bank.

In other words, use the time you would normally spend complaining to show grace and express gratitude.

Meditation is also important....Joyce Meyer has said, "If you can worry, you can meditate." All this means is shifting those worrisome thoughts into positive, faith-filled ones. Meditation is simple and can be done in as little as 5 minutes a day...better yet 5 minutes 3 times a day (morning, at lunch, before bed).

Here's the thing, we tend to make every little effort to change a big deal when really, it's a minor adjustment in our thinking and speaking. And, remember, any small improvement is a step in the right direction.

Have a Blessed and Grace-filled day!
PamT

#TuesdayTreasure: Peace

This weekly post is supposed to be about something I treasure and today the thing I not only treasure but crave during this holiday season (and every day) is PEACE.

You may wonder how to cultivate and maintain an attitude of peace in such a tumultuous world.

Here are a few ways....

Gratitude: Being grateful for the little things in life helps us to focus on the good instead of that which is less than we desire. Gratitude and Peace go hand in hand.

Love: Focusing on the love of God and the love in your life will produce a profound peace in your heart.

Focus on the Present Moment produces much peace. I've heard it said that stress comes from focusing on the "coulda/shoulda/woulda" situations in our life. Yes it's true we need to acknowledge where we are and where we've been, but ONLY in order to determine where we desire to be! Once we realize that, we can move toward it with hopeful expectation.

These are a few ways I strive to maintain peace in my life. I pray they help you.

Something to think about!

"Inspirational with an Edge! ™

#ThursdayThoughts: Happiness

Good Morning and Welcome to the last Thursday Thoughts for October 2014! Still can't believe this year is nearly over.

As I sit here in the quiet, early morning hours and take a moment to connect with my soul one thing is abundantly clear.... I AM Happy.

Writing that, emotions swell in my body... a lump in the throat, tears in my eyes, gratitude overflows my heart, my mind is awhirl.

I look back over this past year and recall a conversation with a friend when he said, "happiness is the greatest attraction" and I realize how true that is.

People are more drawn to those who exude happiness, joy and peace.

Just as misery loves company and depression darkens the brightest day, the vibrant energy of happiness permeates the atmosphere and has the ability to raise up everyone around you.

Knowing this, why wouldn't you choose happiness as a way of life?

Now, I know as well as the next person you can't be happy all the time. Things will happen, sad memories will rise up and put a damper on your mood. Some will even try to convince you that you have no right to be happy.

Give yourself permission to feel those feelings then let them go! Do NOT allow the thief to come in and destroy your innate happiness and joy. Afterall, joy is powerful, and happiness is infectious.

So how would someone whose been in a depressed state choose happiness and joy?

One way is to get up every morning and say Thank You, Thank God for even the smallest blessing in your life. Even if that means finding and focusing on one simple thing, do it!

Another is to keep a prayer/gratitude journal. Begin your list with "I'm so happy and grateful that/for (fill in the blank)."

Write affirmations of your choice to be happy.... "I let go and let God, I choose to be happy." I am happy. I am joyful. I am peace. I am gratitude.

Writing and speaking are very powerful tools of change.

Put on some happy, upbeat music and dance every chance you get! Movement is essential for good health and as you loosen up and feel the music down in your soul, realize this is a form of worship too.

These are just a few ways you can increase the level of happiness and joy in your life. Try one or two and I guarantee you'll come up with several of your own.

But bottom line.... Happiness and Joy are a choice. Therefore, choose wisely.

Have a Blessed & Happy Day!!
PamT

#ThursdayThoughts: Alone in Love....

Good Morning!

Well today is one of those random rambling days and I'm sharing some thoughts on being in love....

George Strait's song Desperately has been playing on the jukebox in the back of my mind for several days now so I thought explore the reasons why.

The chorus says.... "But desperately, I long to feel your touch, but you left me all alone in love."

How many of us feel that way after a breakup or death? I know I did....

Still do.

But lately another sharp edge to those words have been revealed and as the thought takes root, so does the fear. 

The fear of falling in love all by myself.

If you've followed me for long you know I don't see single-hood as a smorgasbord of opportunity to meet members of the opposite sex, but as a jungle or minefield. 

Therefore you'll understand my sentiments.

So how do I/you/we overcome this fear?

Prayer of course is the first and foremost way. Isaiah 34:16 says, "Seek out the book of the Lord and read: None of these will be missing, not one will lack her mate. For it is His mouth that has given the order and His Spirit will guide them together."

I meditate on this Scripture and trust that in God's perfect timing I'll meet my next soul mate.

Get clear of what you desire in a mate...write that down and put in in your bible next to this Scripture. Go deeper than what's obvious in your description, list the emotional attributes you seek (loving, kind, generous, emotionally available, etc)

Write a letter to your soul mate and his or her guardian angels.

I saw this on Face Book one day and it made perfect sense.

Visualization is a wonderful tool so get pictures of couples in love, hearts, couples dancing or sharing a romantic dinner, hiking or running together. In other words doing what you'd love to do with your soul mate and spend a few minutes every day or a couple of days each week imagining you with him/her doing these things.

Be patient and trust. I know, I know, these are the toughest to do, but the most important thing you can do is have faith and wait for God to bring your soul mate to you. Especially if you find yourself drawn to someone. Get in touch with your deepest self and always be aware of your feelings and open to those around you. You may be attracted to someone on every level but if that person is not responding as you'd like, understand he or she may not be as into you as you are to them. Or may be going through some emotional healing/growth and is not where your soul mate needs to be.

In other words, have faith in the process and trust in the fact that you and your soul mate are destined to meet!

Most importantly, spend quiet/quality time with the Lover of your soul. Lean on Him for comfort, strength and guidance while you wait on His timing.

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! ™

Thursday Thoughts: Overwhelm

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed all you want to do is sit down and cry? Emotional overload can do that as can daily stress, physical pain, or any combination of these.

So what do you do?

Here are a few suggestions....

Cry: Yes, go ahead and have a long crying jag. You may look like hell afterward but you will feel better. Studies have proven that crying is a great way to release stress and keep toxic emotions from building up.

Pray/Meditate: Goes without saying right? But if you're like me and most people, prayer seems ineffective when you're in the midst of a meltdown but do it anyway! I've found prayer is a great way to center myself after the crying jag.

Exercise: Take a walk, jog, run, bicycle or horseback ride, work in your garden, cut the grass. Whatever you choose but get out and do something! Physical exertion eases the mind and gets you "in the moment" and oftentimes, the solutions come when your mind and spirit are at rest. 

Have Sex: Okay bet you didn't expect that from me LOL! Of course I am NOT advocating casual relationships or one night stands, but seriously, making love with your spouse, partner or significant other is one of the best ways to relieve tension, boost your immune system, and fight overwhelm! 

Read: The Bible or other spiritual/emotional material. Or better yet, indulge in a romance, suspense or some other work of fiction. Losing yourself in a great story works wonders for refreshing your mind and easing emotions.

Get creative: Paint a room or a picture, tear down a wall or old building, clean & reorganize a closet or rearrange furniture, change things up a bit. Also known as Feng Shui, moving things around changes the energy of that area. Write a letter or a blog post or begin (or resume) a gratitude list. Journaling is very therapeutic.

Visit: A friend or family member or even just sitting in a coffee shop or mall among strangers can help shift your focus away from what is going on. Again, solutions come when your mind/emotions are at rest.

Rest: Sometimes emotional overload is due to so many factors the best way to combat it is take a long, hot bath or shower, drink a glass of wine or cup of hot tea or take an OTC sleep aid and just go to bed. Things normally look better when you wake refreshed. I wouldn't recommend making any of these a nightly habit but occasionally you need something to help you relax and get a good night's rest. 

Whatever you do, let go of the daily stress and/or emotional turmoil in your life because it is too short and time too precious to waste staying overwhelmed.

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

Tuesday Treasure: Angels

Good Morning Friends,

Back in June (2013) I shared a post with you on Divine Help in which I mentioned Archangel Gabriel. Since that time I've been more and more drawn and fascinated by angels.

Now before we go off on a tangent, I am not worshiping angels above God or Jesus but the Bible does tell us that God has given His angels charge over us (Psalm 91), so I'd like to get to know them better.  In fact, the Bible is filled with scriptures about angels so I don't think God minds that I pursue knowledge and connection with them.

Anyway...today I'd like to share with you two books I'm reading by Doreen Virtue.


     Dr. Doreen Virtue's life changed dramatically when angels miraculously warned her and then intervened during a carjacking. After her angelic encounter, Doreen began asking the angels for additional guidance. They answered her requests with very clear and loving words. She writes of how the angelic guidance affected her work as a psychotherapist:

"I began helping my counseling clients to hear their own angels. Very quickly, I discovered that the healing power of the angels exceeds any form of 'man-made' therapy I had ever witnessed. The angels have wonderful gifts from God to impart to us.

"The angels have a different way of seeing ordinary situations. Their messages help us heal our beliefs and thoughts, transforming them into empowering and loving viewpoints. They teach us how to use our spiritual senses to see, hear, feel, and know the real world that transcends the illusory world's problems."

Angel Therapy can be purchased at Amazon in Print or for Kindle & Barnes and Noble in Print and for Nook!

Bestselling author, Doreen Virtue, brings you this enlightening book on connecting with your inner calling; recognition of your higher purpose; and spiritual power for healing. Doreen describes her innate spiritual gifts, such as psychic communication and spiritual healing abilities. She tells us how we all have these innate gifts, and provides The Lightworker's Way as a guidebook on how to bring these abilities to fruition. The Lightworker's Way will help you to set your spirit free, teaching you how to have miracles in your life as an everyday experience. It tells you how to divinely plan your life, heighten your psychic receptivity, open your third eye, make peace with God, and much, much, more.


The Lightworker's Way can be purchased at Amazon in print and for Kindle & Barnes and Noble in print and for Nook.


I have learned so much from these books that I am now on my second reading of The Lightworker's Way!

Even if you don't feel called to spiritual work, these books serve to enlighten you in so many ways I highly recommend reading them.

Until later...take care, God bless and remember....There are angels among us!

Speaking of Angles...don't forget I have a short romantic story about God answering a prayer for a human angel :-)

Single mom Cathy Johnson is tired of running her life alone...what she needs is a well-trained angel to help out. Jared Savoy gave up the dream of having a family when he discovered he is sterile. Can a confirmed bachelor and the mother of four find love amid normal daily chaos? 

Cathy's Angel can be purchased for Kindle or at Pelican Book Group!

Thursday Thoughts: Joy

Good Morning Friends,

It's amazing how the mind works. Earlier I had no idea what to write about. Seriously, I've been in a "funk" the last couple of days. Can't pinpoint the reason. Could be a combination of fatigue, weather and the activity of the last month or so finally just catching up but Sunday and yesterday I was just plain dragged out exhausted.

Those 'feeling's followed me into the morning despite my usual prayer time. Then I scrolled through Face Book and in an instant everything within me shifted.

Joy welled up so strong, so powerful I knew what I had to write about!

Was it the funny things I saw, the cute video of a dad making his quadruplets laugh, the fact that the sun is actually shining today and it's a bit warmer, or something deeper?

The Bible teaches us that "Joy in the Lord is our strength."

The law of attraction states what you focus on you'll attract.

Abraham Hicks and other spiritual messengers exhort us to follow our bliss and to allow joy to lead the way.

I believe ALL of these are true and that joy is a powerful emotion that can not only lift you mentally but spiritually and physically.

So whatever it takes to shift your thoughts and feel joy to it's fullest, do it!

Something to think about....

Speaking of joy, Tempered Joy (along with the entire series) is on sale for $0.99 cents on Kindle, Nook & @ Smashwords thru Jan 15th!

Have a Blessed & Joyous day!

Thursday Thoughts: + or -

Good Morning Friends!

No, the title of this post does not indicate a pregnancy test LOL!

We've all seen these little signs on batteries and electronics that require them. And we all know if you put them in wrong, whatever it is you're using the batteries for will not work. We are also aware that the + indicates a positive charge and the - a negative one.

We all have bad moments or even bad days. Heck some of us can attest to bad months or even not so good years. But in all of those times, there is always something to be grateful for, something positive.

For instance, in 2004 my daughter was suffering toxemia with a risky pregnancy, and on moderate bed rest, my grandfather died and we had to put our long-time pet down. On top of all that, an auto accident plunged me into a depression unlike I'd known before. The doctor termed it "situation induced."

Definitely a negative year and yet, God in HIS mercy blessed our lives with a beautiful baby girl!

2009 was another bad year. My husband was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, the easiest form of cancer to cure with the best rate of no re-occurrence. The minus side to that was he had a bad heart. You all know the story, on August 18th his heart succumbed to the added strain of chemo therapy. It simply stopped and he went home to the Lord.

By far the worst year of my life! But God.... (yes, there is something good) .... God blessed me with a brand new grandson!

In this life there will always be instances of negative circumstances that can knock us to our knees and, if not properly processed, can render us down and out for sometime. However, circumstances are not the only things that can drain the positivism right out of us.

People can too.

Much like a bad alternator can kill a perfectly good battery, negative people can exhaust us emotionally and spiritually until there is nothing left. We've all known (or know) folks like this. 'Negative Nellie's' or 'Energy Suckers' that siphon our emotions, and suck the very life out of our soul until we either join up and become one of them, or we shut them out of our life.

Neither is the best way to handle these type of folks.

Do what you can do to help, know when your hands are tied and yet continue to pray for them. Send them little messages of hope whenever possible, and do your best not to add to their misery, but surround them thoughts of light and love while nurturing your own emotional and spiritual health.

Protect your energy systems by prayer and clearing. Ask God and Archangel Michael to cut cords of negativity that have attached themselves to you. Meditate on Peace, Love and Joy.

In other words, do your best and let God do the rest.

Something to think about!

"Inspirational with an Edge!"

PS: It's still not too late to leave a comment and be entered in the drawing for a copy of the soundtrack from the brand new movie Grace Unplugged!

Thursday Thoughts: Random Ramblings on Being Single & Finding a Mate

Nearly 4 years ago I was thrust into life as a single woman, the future I'd planned aborted by the death of my husband. Let me tell you the journey from wife to widow to individual has not been and is not easy! Especially for someone like me, someone who from the moment she could articulate, wanted to be a wife and mother.

Of course I'm grateful for the years I spent as a wife, mother & step-mother and I'm eternally grateful for my children and grandchildren but I miss my husband and I do not like being single....There I said it!!

I don't know how to be single and am too tired to figure out the games men and women play with each other. I prefer being open and honest and true to myself.

What you see is what you get...You like it? Good!
You don't? Hit the road it's your loss!

That might sound harsh but to be even more blunt, life is TOO SHORT for pettiness, bullshit and drama.

Why is it that these men my age and older are so into young, petite, compact bodies, big boobs and long hair instead of being concerned with the HEART of a woman. A real woman who knows how to love and appreciate a man?

UGH!

When I questioned God about this the advice He gave me was.... "Do not look for a mate in the flesh. Look for a mate in the spirit and that mate will come to you in the flesh."

Last evening I spoke with a lovely young woman who laughingly said she had a list of qualities she desired in a husband. Earlier in the day I visited with a friend whose brothers wife had made such a list (before they met) and was blessed with her perfect mate.

So, taking the advice of my Father I described my soul mate.... A spiritual man, loving, kind, healthy, energetic, attractive, financially secure, emotionally available, loves to laugh, love, play, grow, help others, travel and DANCE!

Not sure how long it will be until this man enters my life but until he does, I am not up to playing games with the rest of you guys.

Love you ALL but not happening.

I pray you single ladies and gents take courage and recognize what you truly desire in a life partner then work on healing your soul and life so that you will be ready when he/she comes to you!

Something to think about... "Inspirational with an Edge!" (tm)

Thursday Thoughts: Abundance

When you hear that word, what do you think?

Yeah, me too...

When abundance is the topic of conversation, the majority of us immediately turn our thoughts to money.

But there is more than one way to be/feel/experience abundance.

How about Abundant Health, Abundant in Friends, Abundant Joy, Peace, Love and Blessings?

Abundance can be experienced in any number of ways if we're open to them. For instance, have you ever considered the abundance of nature or the ocean?

Now I have absolutely nothing against abundant wealth or money but let's enlarge our vision and think of the many ways we already abound  in Abundance!

Something to think about....

Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!"

Tuesday Treasure - Meditation

Good Morning Friends!

You may be wondering how on earth Meditation can be a treasure. Well let me explain.....

Like many, I've wondered at the benefits of meditation and balked at what seems like an incredible waste of time. I mean, after all, who has hours (or even minutes!) a day to sit in silence and think nothing? Is it even possible to think nothing? Have no thoughts? What's the use? I've got so much to do, just thinking of thinking about nothing is a stretch of the imagination! (No  I'm not going to try and say that again LOL!)

Isn't it funny how we get all bent out of shape thinking about sitting around and doing nothing? And yet....yet...isn't that what we do when we embrace the quiet and sip a cup of coffee or hot tea? Isn't that what we do when we sink chin-deep into a hot bath or Jacuzzi? Isn't that what we do when we immerse ourselves in a good book?

Meditation has the same benefits of all the things we do to relax. The main difference I've found is between relaxing and letting your mind wander or center on the bliss of the moment or bliss in your life compared to 'focused' or 'intentional' meditation.

We've all enjoyed those moments of pure relaxation, pure bliss where you heave a huge sigh and just be still and listen to the quiet. Focused or intentional meditation has the same effect but a different result because focused meditation makes an impression or cements an idea into your subconscious mind.

The Bible talks extensively about meditating on the "law of the Lord (which is LOVE)."

The dictionary defines meditation as "continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation and spiritual introspection."

Focused or intentional meditation is taking a simple thought or word, (mantra) and keeping it uppermost in your mind. This can be done in the traditional way (sitting quiet, low or no lights, soft music, etc), but here's the good news! It can also be done any time, any where, for ANY length of time! Even mere moments throughout the day is beneficial.

How?  Simple.

Write your intention down, carry it with you and keep it in front of you throughout the day. Every chance you get, breathe deep and repeat the intention. Keep it simple - a single word or short sentence. If possible begin your sentence with "I AM" (ie; I am love, I am blessed, I am healthy).

Visualization is another form of meditation as is writing affirmations. Meditating on Scripture strengthens faith. Meditating before bed induces better sleep.

Want to experience the benefits of meditation but don't know where or how to start? Here's a couple of great CD's to check out.....

Prayer of the Heart - Meditating to the "Jesus" prayer, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me."

I Am Wishes Fulfilled - tuning forks subscribed to the letters in I Am set to soft, lyrical music.

Well known wellness expert and spiritual leader, Deepak Chopra has several CD's and often does a 21 day FREE Mediation challenge.

I hope you'll check out some of these resources and find your own special form of meditation because the peace and well-being that results from doing so is truly a treasure to behold.

Until later...take care & be Blessed!
PamT