Tag: wisdom

A Word Of Encouragement Goes A Long Way

The Wild Gems1 Comment

Encouragement is defined as, “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.”

Encouraging another human being doesn’t cost a thing but it gives them more than anything. It can be life changing for some!

A small act of encouragement pushes people, gives them strength, reassures them, gives them something to hold onto and maybe even fight for…..especially during challenging and sorrowful times.

Even a smile is an act of encouragement.

Don’t fall into the common trap of belittling yourself and your capabilities. You are power.

You can save lives and you DO save lives. You may not know exactly how, but does that really matter? You influence others more than you know. That’s something to think about.

Who knows what doors you have opened for others.

Know in your heart you make a difference. Pass on the love, pass on the encouragement, pass on the hope. The world needs it.

The world needs you.

– m.g.

There Are Many Who Believe In You, You Just Don’t Believe In Yourself Yet

The Wild Gems2 Comments

Awhile back now I was researching how some baby birds learn how to fly. The reason I was reading into the process to begin with was because an author of one of my devotional books tied the development of baby birds learning how to fly to personal growth.

I just absolutely loved it and it resonated in such a way. What a great metaphor that many can relate to! Such a different perspective to perceive.

Think of a baby bird for a moment will you, all cozy and comfy in their little nest. The nest is harmless, and it’s very familiar. It’s all the baby bird knows really. Mama feeds and provides for them there, and they feel safe.

Then one day, mama bird just starts throwing her babies out of the nest! What a far drop too! I’m not kidding either, she tosses them out and I imagine her saying, “todays the day!” I found this fascinating! I had no idea!

There comes a time where mama knows it’s time. If she’s not throwing them out she’s gently nudging her precious babies out of the nest. There’s no bargaining with the mama.

The baby bird I’m sure is TERRIFIED, like what is going on!! Is my mom trying to kill me! She must hate me! But the mama bird doesn’t feel that way at all. In fact, she does this because she LOVES her babies. She KNOWS that her baby needs to learn how to fly for survival. Because there will come a time when she knows she will longer be there for her baby and she needs to know that they will be okay.

She knows her babies to need to fly and her bird friends know it. The baby bird is the only one saying, “mama No, later later! I’ll learn later. I’m not ready!”

But guess what….

Push comes to shove and the baby bird FLYS. The baby bird finally believes in itself as the mother always has and chooses to opens its wings. The baby bird trusts in his mom that there’s a reason behind this.

Life is very much like this. It never waits for us to be ready. Because truth be told, we never will be. We are too cozy in our nests.

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If you have been thrown out of “the nest”’in someway….if you’ve been taken outside what you know and you’re scared and frightened this may actually be an unprepared flight lesson.

Who’s knows why this is happening, but there may something that you need to learn. The time is now. And this frightening experience will benefit you, as it does the baby birds. Questioning it will not do anything.

You will later realized that you HAD to be thrown out in order to learn how to fly.

Oh I hope this all makes sense. Ponder it a bit.

What I want you to know is that God believes in you, the universe believes in you, many others believe in you……. people believe in you and see your potential (they always have) , it’s time to believe in yourself and to not be afraid of the falls from the nest. You were born to fly, that’s what those wings are for.

Welcome the push and shoves with bravery and perseverance. It’s normal to be afraid but once you push through that fear who knows what you’ll see and capabilities you’ll discover.

Who knows where your wings will take you……

Beautiful places, that I’m sure. No need to be afraid. Trust, always.

-m.g.

Your Ideas Are Smart AND Needed

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I read something awhile back that said,

“what kills dreams more than anything is this thought, ‘what will they think of me…’”.

Someone out there needs and is waiting for your idea, your perspective, your plan, your project , etc., you have to believe that! You are being relied on and you don’t even know it yet. The person out there may not even know it yet. But someone or someone’s is waiting for YOU.

You were born here. That’s miraculous in itself. Now show who you are.

Our voices are so powerful. Our ideas are powerful and can influence change in countless, possibly infinite ways!

The world is your oyster has more meaning with age and experience, but how true this statement is.

Whatever it is don’t give up. Welcome any pushback with open arms and use that to fuel your fire that lingers inside your soul.

Share your ideas with trusted individuals and hear their opinions but don’t take everything to heart. Sometimes the ideas in our heads are so tangled up, and be challenging to articulate to others.

Sometimes unweaving them is only something you can do and MUST do by yourself.

So be patient with yourself. Give yourself grace daily. You know your vision and you can’t let others or yourself hold you back.

What are you waiting for? I’m cheering for you. It doesn’t matter what they think. Seek your reason and the nothing else at all will matter.

– m.g.

It’s Time To Stop Mediating On Things That Haven’t Even Happened…..Or Are Even Happening

The Wild Gems2 Comments

We poison ourselves with these types of thoughts and non-existent scenarios. Our minds have the power to liberate us or to imprison us.

When we begin to ruminate on things that haven’t even happened, we begin to believe that it HAS HAPPENED or will eventually happen. We self sabotage ourselves, our relationships, and end up causing pain that didn’t even need to exist to begin with.

Unfortunately, we allow these types of meditations to thrive, to develop, and they could destruct us and those around us.

When you feel yourself dwelling in events that haven’t even happened, stop and recognize that it’s just a thought. Then, shoo it away.

Controlling your mind/ thoughts doesn’t happen over night, it’s a conscious effort that you have to work towards everyday.

It’s time to develop a shield to protect you from this type of thinking.

Whatever thoughts you may be meditating on, there may be something deeper as to why you’re dwelling on those thoughts.

But in the meantime when you feel those thoughts creeping in, acknowledge them and then just shoo them away like you would a fly.

Stay focused on the present and what’s in front of you right now.

Lots of love.

– m.g.

YOUR VOICE IS A SUPERPOWER

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Many of us are masked and unaware to the powerful force that our words posses when spoken.

It’s one thing to say something in your head where nobody can hear it but yourself and God, it’s another to speak out loud for all to hear who listen.

Once words leave the tongue, they cannot return from where they came. Just as a river cannot decide to switch directions.

Given this awareness can feel a bit unsettling. You, yourself, begin to wonder about the influence of your language and if your very words are leaving positive or negative impressions on the heart and souls of others. You may never fully know.

But think for a moment…

…think of the words that have been spoken to you that you still remember. Words that you may have been carrying for years and still hold in your pocket today. What do you remember, what was said that inspires and encourages you? What was said that still haunts you?

Do you see?

You posses that same thing, that same power. As we all do. The ability to shape a persons life by a sentence. Whether it be good or cursed. We influence every time we speak.

It can be extremely difficult to be mindful when deciding to speak but it is something worth practicing. Who knows where your voice can take you and others. It is a gift each of us has been freely given. And it is to be used wisely otherwise we curse ourselves and others.

Speak with passion, love, and honesty. Swallow the words of hatred and deceit, otherwise beware of their consequences.

Remember that your words are a super power.

– m.g.

Soften The Heart: Devotional #13

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“Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

For the commandments, “you shall not commit adultery,” “you shall not murder,” “you shall not steal,” “you shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

Romans 13:8-10

We tend to make things far more complicated than they truly need to be. Sometimes the answers that we receive aren’t good enough for us. This scripture is simple, to love one another. Simple right?

But another person may read this and reply with, “but why, why must we love one another.” And then there we go again making something more complicated than it needs to be.

Would you agree?

Now here’s another example, my husband says I always add too much seasonings in food. He says, “salt and pepper, that’s good enough. Everyone wants to get all fancy with food, but if you have salt and pepper then that’s truly enough.”

Of course I really enjoy more spices, and seasonings than that. But he’s got a point, when it comes down to it, salt and pepper are good enough. Even just salt brings enough flavor!

Life doesn’t need to be complicated, and we shouldn’t be wondering what we need to be doing in this life. The answer again, is simple. The answer is love. With every thing that we do, we must pour love all over it. Soak it, drench it, submerge it in love.

God has woven love like a ribbon into each and every one of us. We want to love, we crave love, we need love. The best way to receive it, is to give it.

But sometimes we do put up walls and boulders to prevent that flow of love. Love doesn’t want to be restricted, it so badly wants to be released. But some truly don’t know how to release the love that is buried deep like oil in the ground. It needs someone to help discover it. To show that person, love has been with them this whole time. They just didn’t know.

We must be patient with those, and do as we are instructed. To love those as ourselves. How God has been incredibly patient with us, can’t we do the same for others.

If someone doesn’t know how to love, you must show them. Let your compassion, empathy, and kindness be exposed for all to see. Be that guiding light, and pass the flame, that they too may have light in their lives.

Allowing yourself to love or to love others can be difficult for some. Wounds that were once covered in sand and repressed are now exposed and have to be dealt with. But you don’t have to remove those boulders that block your flow of love by yourself. Help is always near. God wants us to work together to become closer to Him.

We often think love is a feeling, but love is more than that, it’s a choice. And we must choose love at all times.

I pray, that the love that flows in each and every one of you may be released. That you may follow love, and submit to it. God is love, we know this. Like a river, love may take you to unimaginable places. But you must surrender, and trust the almighty. Who knows what waits down the river of love. I pray that you seek the unknown and discover new beautiful things that would not have been discovered had you not trusted your Heavenly Father. I pray that you may have courage and not be afraid. For God is always with us. May each of you always feel His presence, even during those rough trenches. May you let love in, and be free.

Amen.

60 Small Pieces Of Life Advice From A Mother To Her Daughters

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To my daughters; Demi, Ella, Wrenn. I love you girls so much. I scribbled these pieces in a notebook awhile back and I decided to share these and make it accessible to others who may need a little piece of advice.

May each of you continue to notice the lights in your life, always.

  1. Pay attention to children. Study them and watch them with great intent. They will remind you how to live.
  2. Always appreciate your surroundings. Compared to another, you may be living a dream.
  3. Create friendships that will last a lifetime. Cherish that best friend you have, those kinds of friendships are like finding treasure.
  4. It’s more than okay to cry in front of others, don’t ever be embarrassed.
  5. Keep this in mind, “this to shall pass.” The bad things, and the good things. Embrace it. Enjoy it.
  6. Cut the distractions and enjoy the moment.
  7. Always respect yourself. You are so worth it, never doubt that.
  8. You are not merely words, you are poetry.
  9. Life will disappoint you sometimes, and you are never alone in that disappointment. What are you going to do about it?
  10. Falling in love is worth it.
  11. Think before you speak. Words stain like lipstick.
  12. Don’t judge others. Just don’t. Everyone has a story and everyone has value.
  13. Stick with the people who make you belly-ache laugh.
  14. Love is a choice, choose love, always.
  15. Scary moments will arise, but you can do it. Have faith in yourself, have faith in others.
  16. Help whenever you notice the opportunity, but be cautious. Please don’t pick up hitchhikers.
  17. Read. Read. Read. Gain knowledge and understanding. The world needs that.
  18. Your body is perfect. Absolutely perfect and full of magic. Believe it.
  19. Never lose sight of who you are, stay true to yourself.
  20. Love God with all of your heart. Nobody loves you the way God does.
  21. Get outside every chance you get and BREATHE. Close your eyes and just breathe.
  22. Write whenever you can. Write your ideas, your dreams, things you have learned. Share it and pass it on.
  23. Give gifts for no reason. One simple way to show another how much you value and treasure them. But the best gift is your time and attention.
  24. Mama says use your manners but also eat with your hands and burp. It’s good for you.
  25. Forgive yourself. Mistakes are going to happen. And when you begin reflecting, forgive yourself.
  26. Dream big. Not everyone gets to the dream (or maybe they do) but you know what, most of the fun is the actual dreaming.
  27. Have fun and get muddy.
  28. Listen to others. You can hear and not be listening. Listen to what someone is saying.
  29. Count your blessings, and count them often.
  30. Tell the ones you love them, ALL THE TIME.
  31. Learn about space. It’s a little terrifying, but absolutely miraculous.
  32. Grudges are not good for the soul. Let it go baby, let it go. Practice forgiveness.
  33. Cake for breakfast, why not? Sometimes you eat dessert first.
  34. Be highly conscious what you are feeding your body and your soul. But make exceptions. Some day are for movies and pure comfort food.
  35. No one is a mind reader. Steer from making assumptions and learn to talk it out.
  36. Practice independence. It will benefit you.
  37. You could be a billionaire or millionaire and still be unhappy. “The best things in life cannot be seen or touched but only felt with the heart.” Helen Keller.
  38. Swallow your pride and say sorry when you need to.
  39. You make an impact every single day. Even the days you don’t get out of bed.
  40. Explore. Travel. NOTICE the world. There is so much beauty even in your front yard.
  41. Cherish time, because you don’t get it back. But then again, you kind of do, just in a different way. A smell can make you time travel.
  42. Be yourself, always. Because there is nobody who will ever be you. So embrace who you are, you beautiful creature!
  43. Embrace your path. Comparing will only make you lose focus. You have your own purposes in this life.
  44. Practice calmness verse becoming angry. Breathe in, breathe out. I know its hard, I know. But you are stronger than you believe.
  45. Be a hostess, and host often. And it’s okay to go to bed and clean up the next day. Pay attention to who helps though and offers to clean up.
  46. “I hope you dance.” by Faith Hill. Listen to that song and when you become a mom one day you’ll really understand it. I love you.
  47. Don’t go looking for trouble, but get in a little trouble. It’s fun. Some trouble is worth it.
  48. Pray everyday.
  49. Let your voice be heard. You have so much to say and so much to share. You will inspire and change the world. You’ve completely changed mine.
  50. Don’t surrender to peer pressure. If you are ever in a situation where you are feeling pressured, get out. That’s a red flag.
  51. Fight back what you are passionate about. You’ve always had the fire. Don’t let anyone dim your light.
  52. Don’t believe everything you hear. Ask questions or just smile. Take it with a grain of salt. And don’t things too personally. How a person treats you is a reflection on how they treat themselves. Show compassion.
  53. Don’t ignore your intuition. But if you do, learn from it.
  54. If you don’t want anyone to find out, there’s a good chance you shouldn’t be doing it.
  55. Don’t be afraid to come across as foolish. Ask the questions, be the first, remain curious, try new things, and laugh at yourself.
  56. Walk in light, be a light for others, and help others shine.
  57. Be patient with yourself. A tree doesn’t grow that tall and give that much shade over night.
  58. Go through your things often, and donate whatever you can. You can survive with less than you may believe.
  59. Love life. Love it all. The bad and good. I mentioned this in number 14. Choose love over fear.
  60. Never forget how much your parents really do love you. You are what gave them life.

I love you.