Greetings, Dear Friends!

Susie Larson here...

And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way.

Each month I give away a $10.00 gift card, and this month's gift card is from Barnes & Noble. So stop by, leave a comment, share a story, and bless lots of visitors!

Now on to my topic...

On Monday I lost a very precious friend. Wendy (pictured above) died of a heart attack. She was only in her thirties. Wendy and I met about 7 years ago when I taught aerobics at Life Time Fitness. She went from being an avid participant to becoming an amazing instructor. I absolutely loved this girl.

I eventually retired from teaching to go into ministry full time. I joined the YMCA near my home and was absolutely thrilled to learn that Wendy started teaching there. Wendy was my favorite instructor by a lot. Wendy had an electric personality and lit up a room the moment she stepped foot in it. She was hilariously funny and wonderfully caring.

After cycle class Wendy and I loved to hang out and work on aerobic combinations together. We'd laugh and jump around and then end up leaning on the bikes and talking about family, faith, God, and life. To tell you the truth, I am absolutely devastated by this loss.

The Bible says that it's better to go to a house of mourning than a house where there's a party.  Parties inspire us to leave our cares at the door - which we need to do from time to time. But houses of mourning remind us - on a very deep level - what is truly important. All of the peripherals fall by the wayside.

Thank you for letting me share about my friend. But there's a takeaway for you here too, I hope.

We have today and what a gift it is.

Embrace life today. Embrace the fact that you have breath in your lungs and loved ones who are still with you. Kiss them, hug them, and tell them why you think they're great.

Embrace God and His unimaginable love for you. Nothing can separate you from His love. And daily He pours it out, so stop amidst your busy, stress-filled day, and look up. Open your hands. God has something for you to do today and it may very well be off your radar screen. Surrender your task list and ask God for a better one. Be in tune with the Holy Spirit who whispers in your ear. Make your life count.

Give life today. Every chance you get, offer encouragement; offer a word of  hope; pray for peace. The Bible calls us to encourage one another - all the more - as we see the days coming to a close. Use every opportunity you have to offer life and a faith-filled perspective to those in need. Speak the truth in love. Forgive the grudge. Reflect back to others all of the great things you see in them. Be joyful in all things.

Receive life today. When others tell you the great things they see in you - receive their words. Embrace the blessings God sends your way whether they be in the form of a compliment, sudden clarity, a held door, or a free cup of coffee. When people compliment you, don't dismiss it. When your child says, 'I love you' slow down long enough to cherish those words, and the child who speaks them. Every day the Heavens pour forth speech and provision. Receive every shred of life God sends your way.

Believe in life today. You are called. You are chosen. You have a divine destiny written over your life. Believe it! Precious soul, you are far more important than you know. Believe that you are alive today for a very distinct purpose. Believe that you have access to the riches of Heaven to accomplish your divine purpose. Believe that what you do in this life directly affects how eternity will be for you. Believe that no one can diminish your value because God has already determined it. Believe that faith, hope, love, courage, compassion, and conviction are essential to the life of the Believer. Believe that today is a gift straight from Heaven, because it is.

Even if you feel sluggish or bored or weighed down by your cares, rise above it! Embrace life today with everything in you. Take in the sights and sounds all around you and be fully present, here, now, in this day. You have today. Don't squander it and don't miss the chance to live fully today. And remember, you are loved deeply.

Be blessed today!

Until next week~

PS - If you haven't signed up for my quarterly Ezine yet, you may want to. Four times a year I release an Ezine packed with good stuff (book giveaways, devotional thoughts, great quotes, and great book recommendations). Signing up is easy, click the link below:

Susie's Ezine signup...