I don’t know what came over me but I had no mental energy for anything this afternoon. We had a perfectly fine morning, but when nap-time rolled around, I parked it on the couch and zoned out. With gems like an article from Entertainment Weekly on next week’s dramatic episode of The Bachelor. I will totally own up to my guilty pleasures of trashy reality TV. I couldn’t really tell you what I did with the remainder of my two hours of afternoon peace. Well, besides one thing. I turned to my little pocket devotional.

It always starts my day with a little oomph. I needed some oomph this afternoon. I had another date with the gym after all. It worked like a charm. That tiny book is chock full of fabulous quotes and reflections! So, I figured I would share a few of them with you all. I can’t be the only one in need of some oomph, right?

Ask yourself which is stronger: your faith or your fear?

A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one. – Mary Kay Ash

Live today fully, expressing gratitude for all you have been, all you are right now, and all you are becoming. – Melody Beattie

I pray, but I don’t pray to win. I pray for the inspiration to give my best. – Althea Gibson

If you could choose one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor. – Jennifer Jones

Optimism is a gift you give to yourself – a way of putting self-fulfilling prophecy to work for you.

Peace within equates to beauty without.

Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there’s love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong. – Ella Fitzgerald

Give the world the best you have and the best will come back to you. – Madeline Bridges

And funnily enough…today’s message?
Do yourself and the world a favor: carve out the time you need to restore your energy, your optimism, your perspective, and your faith.

I guess I needed to hear that…

Question of the Evening – Which, if any, of these spoke to you? What do you turn to when you need a little “oomph”?

Do you remember the little song “my body’s nobody’s body but mine…”? We each have a unique body gifted to us. That gift values more highly than anything else in our possession. Or that we could ever possess. Yet, we tend to see our body as rags instead of riches.

What would do you if you didn’t have your hands to craft words on paper (or screen)? What would you do if you didn’t have arms to embrace a loved one? Legs to run? Eyes to experience the beauty of this world? Picture life without any single part of your body.

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Our bodies bring us so much opportunity and life. We must cherish the bodies we have, with all their quirks, soft spots, or pains. They do not deserve the abuse which we expose them to on a regular basis, both physically and mentally.

Even if they can’t do all the things we hope or look the way we desire, our bodies still require love. If you had someone in your life who supported you in every way imaginable, wouldn’t you want to show that person your appreciation? Our bodies are that entity. Let’s show them a little bit of thanks today and every day.

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I thank my heart for working hard endless hours of the day and night to pump blood through my body. Without you, heart, I would not be here to play with my daughter, love my husband, and share my message.

I thank my smile for the kindness it shows. You may have a small gap in the front two teeth and you may not be the whitest, but that makes you (and me) unique and beautiful. I thank you, smile, for the ability you have to display my care and happiness.

I have many more things to thank on my body, but now I want to hear yours. Reflect on your body’s gifts. Then declare… “I thank my ______”. Share at least one in the comment section to inspire others of the truly miraculous gifts of the body.

Quote to Reflect On
We don't stop at our skin.  ~Dolores Krieger