We lost my great Aunt a week and a half ago to pancreatic cancer. She fought a long 17 month battle with the most painful cancer. She knew there was a better place than this suffering and did not fear death, she welcomed it – to her and all those who loved her, we embraced that day thru tears as a precious gift … an end to her suffering.

On Saturday they held the memorial service. I sat there listening to the Pastor paint this absolutely beautiful picture of my Aunt’s life. Different people shared with him things that she had done which had impacted their lives. I sat there with tears streaming down my face because I was so proud that she was MY Aunt. She lived a true life of Love. She wasn’t a pastor, she wasn’t one to go around sharing her beliefs … she lived it. As a result, it made others want to be like her … to live that Love because her entire life spoke Love without a single word. Thru my tears, I thanked God for the gift of both my Aunt’s Life and Death. God then whispered within my heart “The Dash”, encourage others to live the dash. Please watch this, it will be a true gift to you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch8oOWkGd8Y&feature=related

As I sat there in the memorial service so proud that she was MY Aunt, it was sealed within my heart that no matter what discouragement I may face in this world that I am to continue to live that Love and encourage others to do the same. What an honor it would be to think that some day the words spoken at my memorial service could be a gift to each person there.

This blog is dedicated to my sweet Aunt Ocie Wise, who left this world 03/31/10 at the age of 78.

May you live your life in and thru Love being mindful of the mark you will leave in this world … your dash.

Much love to you all!

Sandi Rauwolf

Have you ever had a situation where you didn’t understand how something that seemed so minor to you could upset someone else so much? Why does this happen? Our reaction is based on our personal experiences which can trigger a very positive reaction or a very negative one. An example would be two people looking at the same ink blot can have completely different opinions as to what the image is in front of them. Same exact image, two very different interpretations but one thing in common – both so strong in their personal interpretation that neither will back down because after all, it is right there in front of them in black & white (so they do not understand why the other cannot see the same thing). That lack of Understanding quickly leads to division and energy spent trying to convince the other to see it their way when reality is that they each “see what they see” based on their personal experiences (i.e., what they have lived and have been taught). But when reduced to the simplest form removing their personal interpretations, both agree that there in front of them is a piece of white paper with black ink. Common understanding … wonderful!!

We can learn a lot from that example and that is reducing things to the simplest form … understanding that there is only one something bigger. God knew that if we relied on our own understanding that different interpretations of His Word would manifest and division amongst His children would be the result but if we can remove the interpretations and go back to basics we will be able to see the ink on the paper … one God, one language (Love), one set of rules (His Word which is within us) – all we have to do is believe.

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130

May you open your heart and mind to those “heart tugs” believing and knowing they are God leading your every step with HIS understanding once you BELIEVE … He can then begin to truly bless your life.

God bless – love to you all!

Sandi Rauwolf
Author, Blessings Too Good

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Have a Blessed Life Now. Inspirational Seminar, Palos Heights, IL – Sunday, 04/26/09 go to this link to register www.signmeup.com/64817

Love Letters: Find your Sparkly Guy. Teen Girl Seminar, Palos Heights, IL – Tuesday, 05/19/09 go to this link to register www.signmeup.com/64946

2. LOVE OTHERS UNCONDITIONALLY – Yes, that means no matter what they do, you continue to love. It’s easy to love those who love you but when you can love others who do not yet know LOVE that takes great patience, strength, and humbleness. Turning the other cheek is not a sign of weakness but shows more strength than any fist could deliver (think about how much strength and self control it takes to turn the other cheek when someone is mistreating you – that speaks volumes about who you really are).

3. HAVE FAITH THAT NOTHING WILL SHAKE – When we have faith and believe, truly all things are possible – ALL things.

4. PRAY, PRAY, AND PRAY SOME MORE – The power of prayer is so incredibly powerful especially when done in numbers so be quick to offer a prayer to someone and just as quick to ask for one.

5. LISTEN TO THE TUGS ON YOUR HEART – The tugs where you know you need to check on someone or you know you shouldn’t do something. Many call this intuition or a gut feeling but it is God guiding you. When you learn to hear His voice clearly and listen to the guidance, you will be able to make decisions in your life that are going to bring abundant blessings to you and anyone who crosses your path.

6. BE KIND TO EVERYONE – a stranger, a friend, and your FAMILY.

7. LOOK FOR THE GOOD IN ALL THINGS – When we focus on the bad, that becomes all that we are capable of seeing but yet are confused as to why we seem to be surrounded by nothing good. When we look for the good then all we see is good and that is when we can truly find joy in all.

8. FORGIVE AND KEEP FORGIVING – we are to always forgive and that means over and over again. Remember you cannot change someone, only God can change someone so forgive them and pray that God will start to change their hearts. Only He can change us from the inside out.

9. SEEK PEACE – do everything you can to live a peaceful life and promote a peaceful life. Peace means freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, and anxiety – when you find peace, you want to help others find it because there’s nothing like it.

10. BE HAPPY – only you can decide how you will react to a situation, no one else can decide that for you. So don’t let life overwhelm you but instead focus on having joy and clear your mind of anything that doesn’t.

11. HELP OTHERS, DON’T JUST SAY YOU WANT TO … ACTUALLY DO IT! – give unselfishly of yourself. The world needs it. When you go out of your way to help someone whether it is a simple act of kindness like leaving change in the pop machine for the next person, letting someone cut in front of you in line at the grocery store, or you go on a missions trip – the gift you receive in/for giving unselfishly could not be purchased with all of the money in the world. I guarantee this is one thing that no matter what you are facing in life, it will help restore your soul. It just feels good! Don’t make excuses like I am focusing on my family right now – when we make time to help others, think of the incredible example we are to our children without saying a single word.

12. IF A SENTENCE EVER STARTS WITH “Please don’t tell anyone …” THEN IT IS BETTER LEFT UNSAID.

13. LET YOUR YES BE YES AND YOUR NO BE NO – never allow yourself in a situation where you need to make up an excuse, or tell a lie – again, let your Yes be Yes and your No be No.

14. BE COMPASSIONATE AND EMPATHETIC – when we can truly put ourselves in another’s shoes, our heart becomes merciful and our actions kind.

15. KEEP YOUR WORD – if you say something MEAN IT and DO IT, that means you must be mindful of all that you say, words cannot be taken back. A person’s word should count for something so make yours count.

16. DO NOT JUDGE OTHERS – you do not know what they are facing in life or if they have even been taught love. What if you are the only love God has sent into their path so they can learn from you but instead you judge them and turn away?

17. SAY YOU’RE SORRY AND MEAN IT – when you make a mistake, apologize from your heart and mean it. Do not expect anything in return (another words do not take away your apology even if someone doesn’t offer you their’s).

18. RESPECT OTHERS – when you respect another person, your actions tell them you care about them as a person and that they are worth something – remember God loves ALL His children.

19. THINK BEFORE YOU DO – if something is going to cause you to lose sleep, bring harm/hurt to yourself or others then NO amount of pleasure or fun in the world is worth it and I don’t care how good it feels/satisfies at the moment. It will just leave you feeling empty and it IS poison to your soul.

20. WHEN YOU FACE TROUBLES PUSH THRU THEM – it is our tendency to turn and try to run from difficult situations but if we are facing them, there is a REASON we are facing them. I have learned those difficult times are meant to teach us an important lesson that we need to be taught. The next time you face a difficult time, ask God to show you what it is He is teaching you – is it unconditional love? Patience? Forgiveness? Faith? …

21. SEEK WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE – pray for wisdom and knowledge, it is so important. God is waiting for us to ask Him to show us His way, to allow us to see things thru His eyes. So ask … when we ask for wisdom He will give it. Imagine having God’s Wisdom? Very powerful!!

22. DO GOOD – it’s a choice and again only we can make it, be eager to do good in this world. “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.” 1 Peter 3:13

23. DO NOT SEEK REVENGE – if someone wrongs you, forgive them immediately. Two wrongs do NOT make a right – so when you find yourself in a situation where you want to teach someone a lesson, give it to God instead otherwise evil becomes contagious and will spread destroying everything in its path. “Do not take revenge my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath for it is written, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord.’” Romans 12:19

24. RENEWAL OF THE MIND IS CRITICAL – anything that does not promote love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, peacefulness, gentleness or self control is not from God and should be pushed out of our mind as fast as it enters. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

25. UNDERSTAND AND LIVE A LIFE OF INTEGRITY – I love dictionary.com’s definition of integrity. It is “adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character, honesty.” When we renew our mind to living a life that represents integrity, we find a peace that is beyond our understanding. And although the world tries to convince us it is not possible to have peace in this life, we soon discover it obtainable and not so far outside of our reach after all. “…for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:16

26. WE LIVE LIFE TRYING TO FILL THE EMPTINESS IN OUR HEARTS WITH EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE ONE THING THAT WILL COMPLETE US AND THAT IS GOD.

I felt guided to share 26 things life taught me (versus any other number) because of the biblical significance of that number. In my last blog (titled 26 :) God led me to research the biblical importance of numbers. At the time, I had no idea that the Hebrew and Greek language (which are the two languages the original text of scripture was written in) are different from the English language in that each letter of the alphabet has a numeric equivalent. It is actually where 666 being equal to the anti-christ comes from – interesting, huh? Anyway, the number 26 represents the personal name of God. His name is stamped on everything including our hearts and minds. Once we open our hearts and minds to Him, He is able to begin teaching us His language. The parable in my last blog was this … 26 letters form thousands of words – literally infinite possibilities of creation once you know the language. So, 26 representing the name of God opens up infinite possibilities available to us once we learn His language – that is powerful!

I’m sorry for not getting this posted sooner, life has been so busy but in a GREAT way. I have had multiple radio interviews and am very excited that I have been invited to be a guest speaker for the Count It All Joy Women’s Retreat in Freemont, IN on 03/14/09. Following that I am booked to be on Celebration with Marcus & Joni Lamb on DayStar TV (www.daystar.com) out of Dallas, TX on 04/14/09. You can check my upcoming events on the Upcoming Events tab from my website www.blessingstoogood.com. I’m putting together multiple seminars and workshops as well to help others have a blessed life now – it is so exciting!

God never ceases to amaze me at all that He will do for us. The blessings that are waiting for us once we open our hearts and minds to Him (and learning His language) are unending and better than we could EVER imagine!! I’m pretty confident that most could use a few blessings in life right now so may you open your hearts and minds, seeking Him more than you ever did before so He can begin to pour His love and blessings into your life.

Love to you all!

Sandi Rauwolf
Author, Blessings Too Good

Those of you who know me understand that my belief is all about the LOVE … for without LOVE, there is nothing. It’s the premise of everything we do, everything we live, and everything we strive to be. Sure I am faced with arguments of it being more about the Truth with attempts to get me to remove my rose colored glasses but then God continues to send me something confirming how much it is about the LOVE. No matter what we face, if we would just fill our hearts with LOVE, we suddenly find ourselves enswathed with the opportunity to see the world through God’s eyes. And, it is magnificent – it changes every aspect of our lives going forward, changing us forever.

Imagine pure LOVE in our hearts for all that surrounds us, all who cross our paths. Pure LOVE giving us the ability to have God’s eyes just for one second. When we do, it’s as if we have put on magical glasses – glasses that allow us to walk through life living in the way God intended – with a LOVE filled heart for the world … for everything and everyone in it. There’s no judgment of others (Matthew 7:2), no grudges (Leviticus 19:18), no hate (Luke 6:27) … nothing that is unforgivable (Matthew 6:15). Everything that we are surrounded with suddenly looks different despite the fact that the same scenery has been surrounding us for years. That LOVE is what begins to change us and continues to change us. It is the foundation for all that follows.

It’s similar to how our perspective changes once we become parents. Our hearts are NEVER the same after we are blessed with a child. One of my close friends in Philadelphia was just sharing that exact feeling with me after the birth of their Angel baby, Evy. Our hearts become filled with unconditional, pure LOVE for this beautiful little miracle who stares back at us with the same unconditional, pure LOVE – a LOVE that is so new, so innocent, so perfect that we can actually “feel” God because it permeates our soul. Life will never be the same – we now see things differently.

The children that once annoyed us by being too noisy while we were trying to have a nice dinner, or the kid that frustrated us beyond belief bumping up against our arm every time he would run up and down the aisle on the train (you know the one … exactly! The one your mind drifts off for a minute to think, I outta! lol). But, now our heart feels differently and our perspective is completely new. We no longer look at them as annoying little rug rats. Instead our mind flashes back to a moment we have shared with our little one. Suddenly, a smile creeps across our face. We shake our head and go back to reading our newspaper with a LOVE filled heart being reminded that not long ago a moment like this would have ruined our day, but now ironically, we embrace that moment and hold onto it throughout our day to ease any frustration that might come our way.

My friends, if we have LOVE in our hearts it truly does change everything. I can’t think of a better way to live my life than with a heart filled with LOVE. Why is that people ask? It’s because God “is” LOVE. So again, without LOVE (without Him) there truly is nothing.

Without Love (There Is Nothing)
Elvis Presley
(Words & music by Danny Small )

I awakened this morning, I was filled with despair
All my dreams turned to ashes and gone, oh yeah
As I looked at my life it was barren and bare
Without love I’ve had nothing at all
Without love I’ve had nothing
Without love I’ve had nothing at all
I have conquered the world
All but one thing did I have
Without love I’ve had nothing at all
Once I had a sweetheart who loved only me
There was nothing, oh that she would not give, oh no
But I was blind to her goodness and I could not see
That a heart without love cannot live
Without love I’ve had nothing
Without love I’ve had nothing at all
I have conquered the world
All but one thing did I have
Without love I’ve had nothing at all

May you fill your heart with LOVE and see the world and everyone in it through God’s eyes – just for one second. Lots of LOVE!

Sandi

Today was Samantha’s first day of 1st grade. I remember back to when Ty was boarding the bus his first day years ago. He was a bundle of nerves, along with his mom! Both of our eyes filled with tears. As the bus approached, we both became seemingly more nervous. He stepped on the bus glancing back at me trying to be brave but obviously scared. The tears rolled down my face – the realization set in, my baby was growing up.

But today, Samantha was much different than her big brother (who is now an 8th grader). She confidently and very excitedly watched the bus turn the corner. The closer the bus got to us, the more excited she became! She knew every moment in kindergarten was preparing her for this moment today, and she was ready, more than ready! Nevertheless, there I stood tears filling my eyes being overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions … feeling so incredibly proud of her for the confidence she exhibited, being thankful for God blessing us with this little Angel as our daughter and the realization that my baby girl is going to 1st grade -feeling helpless knowing I have to trust that big yellow school bus to take care of her.

As she boarded, I stood outside through tear filled eyes peeking into the windows of the bus trying to find her. I noticed the other children around her with the same faces as Ty had years ago – nervous and scared …. but, then there right in the middle of it all was Samantha beaming, and I mean BEAMING. I couldn’t help but notice how the other children seemed to glance her way and suddenly their faces softened. It was as if they were unknowingly tapping into that feeling of euphoria she seemed to be illuminating. Looking into her beautiful blue eyes framed by her blonde spiral curls peeking out of her pony tail, she really did look like an Angel and not just to me but to those around her. I saw exactly what God was doing through her and it reminded me of how God works through those little moments to reach us. The exact moments sent to help us when we need something to soften our faces. The moments that are so easily missed unless someone shares the secret opening our eyes to a new perspective in life – one where we notice these “moments … God moments”.

A friend (thanks Mary Ann! :) sent me a story recently that is a perfect depiction of these moments. It causes us to step back, pause and realize how easily we all tend to underestimate the power of the simple things in life and how God touches us through them.

Twinkies and Root Beer

A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of Root Beer and he started his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he met an elderly man. The man was sitting in the park just feeding some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the man looked hungry, so he offered him a Twinkie.

The man gratefully accepted it and smiled at boy. His smile was so pleasant that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer.

Again, the man smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the man, and gave him a hug. The man gave him his biggest smile ever.

When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, “What did you do today that made you so happy?

“He replied, “I had lunch with God.” But before his mother could respond, he added, “You know what? God’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen!”

Meanwhile, the elderly man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked,” Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?”

He replied, “I ate Twinkies in the park with God.” However, before his son responded, he added,” You know, he’s much younger than I expected.”

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Embrace all equally!

~author unknown~

May God open your eyes this week to that secret … the “moments … God moments” that surround us every single day allowing you to embrace them with a knowing and true understanding that God works through them to reach us. The smallest moments in life make the largest impact so I encourage you to seek those moments in your life and to let God work through you to bring Twinkies and root beer to someone who needs it.

Love and Blessings!

Sandi :)