Category Archives: Love

Don’t Let the World Take Your Smile Away

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Yesterday, someone tried to take my smile. I was at the supermarket, and I greeted the person and smiled. They proceeded to glare back at me with pursed lips and no greeting. I know I shouldn’t let it bother me, but it did. It made me question the smiling, the greeting. Maybe I’m just annoying, I thought. Maybe I should stop smiling at people so much.

But that is wrong. People need smiles. Not annoying smiles that are inappropriate and placed when people are grieving or in pain, but encouraging, I’m glad to see you smiles. Smiles that make us feel good, or at least better.

“Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.” — Unknown

“There is fear when frowning. There is love when smiling.” —Maxime Lagacé

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward

¨Smile at strangers and you just might change a life.¨- Steve Maraboli

 “If someone is too tired to give you a smile, leave one of your own, because no one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give.” — Samson Raphael Hirsch

¨A smile cures the wounding of a frown.¨- William Shakespeare

 “Keep walking and keep smiling.” — Tiny Tim

I wish I could see all of you readers in person right now. We could smile at each other, and we would feel so much better. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Smiles and blessings,

Lisa

A Great Dog Living His Almost-Best, Yet Best, Life

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This is our cockapoo dog, Finnegan. He is almost ten years old, and he is a wonderful companion.

As he looked out at the new surroundings on our last vacation, I wonder what he thought. Probably along the lines of….”What is that? Is that a creature? I want to go down there and get it. If this wood just wasn’t in the way. Is it time for treats? Where is Mom and Dad? What was that?” Or maybe he was just content and happy. I love to think about what he thinks.

He loves to run free off-leash, but on vacation and in strange places, it’s not safe for him to do that. So that’s why I say ‘almost-best.’ Yet, that leash and those deck railings provide him safety. Which gives him his ‘best life,’ full of pets, rubs, treats, reliable dog food and water, walks, ball playing, car rides, and comfy beds to sleep on practically all day and night.

Note to self: the things I see as restrictions can sometimes be working for my good. Hmmm…much to ponder now. Which I like.

Love, Lisa

Thank You

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When I knew nothing of You, You knew all about me

When I was lost in the darkness, You were the Light that kept me safe

When I was drowning in guilt, You kept me afloat

When I reached out to You, You heard and answered me

You hung on a cross to pay for all the bad I have done

Even though I was blind to it for so long

But thank You, thank You, thank You.

You are Lord of all, You are King of the universe, You are Everything.

Thank You, Jesus.

Death is no more, You have conquered the grave

For all who believe in You, You made the way

To eternal life, to peace, to joy

You rose after three, You’re alive evermore

You are God, You are Lord, You are King

Thank You, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus.

c2023 Lisa Lyons

Read Matthew 26:36 through Matthew 28:20, and Luke 22:39 through Luke 24:53.

Have a blessed Resurrection Day! Love, Lisa

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

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“We are always either drawing nearer to God or falling away. There is no holding pattern.”

“I discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness. He can’t resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need him.”

Both of the above quotes are from Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, a wonderful book written in 1997 by Jim Cymbala. I heartily recommend reading this accounting of what the Lord is doing at Brooklyn Tabernacle Church. It is energizing, convicting, and is exactly what I needed to read.

We all want change. We look around at the state of the world, of people’s souls, and feel at a loss. God and God alone brings real change. And real prayer and humility and true love to those who are desperately hurting is the way that people see that Jesus Christ is real and alive and that He loves them without measure.

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” – 2 Chronicles 16:9

Praying with you…..let’s pray and keep praying and then pray some more. Pray continually.

Lord, we humble ourselves before you. Forgive us. Cleanse us. Make us like Your Son through Your Holy Spirit. Help us to love, love without limit like You. Fill us with Your Spirit, for Your Glory, for this time.

Love, Lisa