Category: Inspiration

Blessings, encouragement, Encouragement Today, Holiday, Inspiration, Life, Parenting

It Takes Special Guys To Be Dad’s

Heidi Benson
Credit: Home. Life. Encouragement

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there.

Being a father is an important job and one of the most important ones you will have.

I know for me I had an amazing one.

My dad was special because he was one before he had to be. This is because he wasn’t my biological one.

My back story is that my biological father left my family when I was very young and because I was so small I don’t remember him, which does not break my heart because I have always had a dad.

My dad became my dad when I was 5 years old.

He would play ball and games with me. He would read to me. He would love me like a true dad loves their child, but when he was doing this, he wasn’t my dad yet.

Over the years our relationship grew as a father and child would and then one day my mom and dad got married and he then became my dad legally.

Due to the time he invested in me, we didn’t have to grow our relationship after he became my dad because we already had one.

Instead, the only thing that changed was that I could introduce him as my dad. That was a sweet time in my life.

So, in honoring our dads out there, I want to take a moment to say to the nonbiological dads,

“Any guy can be a father, but it takes a special guy to be a dad.”

To the dads who are investing in kids that are not their own biologically, I see you too, because you are a special guy.

To the biological dads, stay engaged with your kids because you too are investing in their lives.

Keep up the good work guys because your kids are watching you, mimicking you, and are loving you.

Love your kids not just today, but every day. Invest your time into them and grow those relationships with them.

Love on them as you love their mom.

#Keepingitreal, Inspiration, Journey, Keeping It Real, Life

Updates From The Heart

Heidi Benson

It has been a while since I have posted anything, but I wanted you to know I am still here. 

Life has become crazy busy on this end. My job has me at work more than I am at home. 

My days are by far longer than my nights, but that is okay. 

I have been offered an opportunity to shift gears in my work environment and in the new school year I will become the new lead teacher of a two year old class at our school’s daycare.

This is exciting for me as I will have the opportunity to take 5 of the children I have been playing with for a long time now with me and will be able to teach them and play with them in my own class. 

This change makes me so very happy. 

So, as we close out one school year and just ride the summer waves until a new year, I am in the background planning and preparing for my new school year. 

How funny is it that the plans we think are ours, end up only being truly mapped out by God and His plans.

I had no idea when I started working where I do that this job would have ever lead me here to this wonderful opportunity. 

Has this happened to you in your own life? You discovered in your plans really weren’t yours in the end, but what they became was something more than you could have ever hoped for? 

With all of these changes in my life getting ready to take place, you may start to see a shift in my topic choices as I would love to share this new adventure with you, my faithful friends and followers. 

I will always tie my subject matter or topics back to the theme of this blog, but as my journey in life continues to take it’s twists and turns I would like to continue to write about them here as well. 

Maybe one day when I find the time, I will do a summary post about where I started when I began this blog and where I am today. 

It would be interesting to see how God has orchestrated every road I have wandered down and how those roads have lead me to the one I am on now. 

I hope you all have a wonderful day and are able to close out the week tomorrow on a high note. 

Until I come back, know each and everyone who is still here with me are appreciated and that I am sending out hugs to all of you.

#Keepingitreal, Believe in Yourself, Character, Encouragement Today, Inspiration, Journey, Keeping It Real, Life, Moment of Inspiration

Not Everything Has To Change

Heidi Benson
Credit: Home.Life.Encouragement

As we start a new week of a new year, do not get wrapped up in so much change that you forget the simple things in life that bring you joy.

Not everything in your life has to change.

Remember this quote:

“Some of the best things in life are the small things you take for granted.”

Roger Lee

Instead of focusing on all things to change in your life, take some time to look at what you may be taking for granted.

#Findingyourcourage, Believe in Yourself, Bible, Comfort, Courage, Encouragement Today, Faith, Hope, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Moment of Inspiration, Strength

You Are Not Alone

Heidi Benson
Credit: Home. Life. Encouragement

I want to send out a note of encouragement to those who may be struggling during this time of celebration.

As the holiday season comes to a close and we approach a new year, often times the pain we are holding now, we take with us.

There are many who are:

  • Experiencing health issues and are in the hospital
  • Fighting against complicated health issues
  • Struggling financially
  • Grieving the loss of a loved one
  • Lonely
  • Lost
  • Suffering with PTSD and other emotional disorders

These problems do not discriminate because of a holiday season or a time of celebration nor do they automatically go away.

But, be encouraged my friend!

God sees you.

He sees your pain.
He is drying your tears.
He is calming your fears.
He is healing your body.
He is healing your heart.
He is meeting your every need!

Here is an encouraging verse to cling to today.

“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.

Psalm 75:26

Hang in there and know you are not alone. God has not abandoned you or forsaken you, instead He is holding you and is strengthening you.

Big hugs! ❤️

Bible, Blessings, Christmas, Comfort, Encouragement Today, Holiday, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Peace

Christmas, A Time of Reflection and Many Emotions

Heidi Benson
Credit: Home. Life. Encouragement

Merry Christmas to everyone who is on Christmas vacation and Christmas break.

It is my sincere and heartfelt message that you are able to make some precious memories and spend some quality time together.

Take the time to rest and watch Christmas movies together.

Take the time to fill your home with the sweet aroma of home baked Christmas cookies together.

Take the time to build a uniquely “your own” gingerbread house together.

If you live where it snows, take some time to play in the snow together. Make a snow angel family, go sliding, or make a snowman and then enjoy some creamy hot chocolate afterwards.

Take some time to sit in front of the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree or the warmth and sparkle of a fire in a fireplace to reconnect with the relationships you have missed or have been struggling with.

The time you spend and the memories you make will be the best present you can give to each other this year or any year.

To those who are not on vacation and are struggling, whether it is with grief, loneliness, discouragement, frustration, anger, or PTSD, know you are not alone. I see you.

For many, it is hard to see the joy the holiday season brings, but if this is you, I want you to know you are not alone.

It is my prayer God will soften the pain you feel and will provide you with a peace to see the sparkle of joy this season whether it is through a song that will touch your heart or the twinkling of Christmas lights you may see in the passing of your day.

It is also my prayer this verse will touch your heart and provide you with the comfort and peace you didn’t know was possible to feel again.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16 NIV

God wants us to remember that He sent His Son to give us the assurance there is better to come.

We don’t need to be hopeless or discouraged because no matter how bad life may seem right now, there is better to come.

Take some time in the week to come to seek God and receive His gift of grace, peace, and comfort.

Big hugs to those who are struggling and suffering today and big hugs to those who are celebrating the season with those who have embraced them.

Merry Christmas to all my friends and followers.

Challenge, Christmas, Encouragement Today, Inspiration, Journey, Keeping It Real, Life

Christmas Wish List

Heidi Benson
Credit: Home. Life. Encouragement

I woke up this morning and realized how much stuff I still have to do before Christmas.

Instead of continuing to feel the stress of it all, I decided to make light of it and create an encouraging image for you in case you are feeling the same stress.

No matter how much we have to do, remember… it all will get done no matter how much we stress about it or not.

Instead, stop, breathe, and rest knowing Christmas will come whether we are ready for it or not.

If the cookies are not made, it’s not a problem. No one will ever remember the year with no cookies.

If you didn’t buy the gift you wanted, it’s not a problem. No one will ever remember the year you didn’t buy that gift because they didn’t know they were getting it.

If you didn’t do an activity or go to the Christmas party, it’s not a problem. No one will ever remember you didn’t go.

What people will remember is if you were present.

Be present for the things that matter. The snuggle time, the quality time, the time where you were present and engaged.

This is what will be remembered this Christmas Season.

We’ve got this, friends!!

Encouragement Today, Gratitude, Inspiration, Journey, Keeping It Real, Life, Motivation Monday, PTSD, Real

Gratitude Comes in Big and Small Ways

Heidi Benson
Credit: Home. Life. Encouragement

With Thanksgiving knocking on our door, I am inspired to be mindful of being more thankful for the little things around me.

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

Robert Brault

One of the little things that comes frequently to mind is the sense of financial stability.

This came in the form of having our Military job. When my husband was deployed, we never had to question when we would get paid.

Likewise, when my husband was younger, before he began struggling with PTSD, I never had to question if he would be going to work. He just did.

This financial stability seemed so routined and normal, but now our life has changed so dramatically, life is no longer “normal”.

Our financial stability has improved, even more so since I got a job, but it is still stressful at times, as my husband has many health issues that prevents him from going to work consistently.

Although, financial stability would seem to be normal to most people, our reality is that it really isn’t.

I have learned a pay check is something you should not take for granted.

What is something you are grateful for today?

Bible, Blessings, Challenge, Envy, Inspiration, Journey, Life

Cultivate What is Yours Instead of Being Envious of What is Not

Heidi Benson
Credit: Home. Life. Encouragement

“The grass is not greener on the other side, instead, take the time to tend your own.”

Unknown Author

Before you envy the life of others, take time to tend to yours because you have no idea what is hidden in theirs.

Unfortunately, we find it easier to be frustrated with our own life and envy others as well as long for what they have.

This is a dangerous way to live because many people have the ability to keep their difficulties masked behind a smile or a blank look.

You have no idea how difficult of a life they are living because they have mastered the art of living a life with a mask on, so you do not see their reality or their truth.

Instead, God encourages us to not envy that which is not ours.

“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

James‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When you look to others in an envious way, you will be met with constant disappointments because God promises to not bless us.

Instead, take the time to cultivate what you have in front of you. Take the time to build your own home, family, and relationships.

When you do, God will bless you in areas you didn’t know was possible.

He will bless…

… your family
… your relationships
… your finances
… your health

He will bless you everywhere you need a blessing.

Be happy with what choices you have made and be encouraged to accept what your difficulties may be because you may find yours are better than those who you envy.

Be encouraged today to live what is yours.

#Keepingitreal, Bible, Challenge, encouragement, Encouragement Today, Faith, Grace, Humility, Inspiration, Journey, Keeping It Real, Life, Moment of Inspiration, Motivation, Peace, Pride, Real, Strength

Wisdom Prevails While Pride Destroys

Heidi Benson
Credit: Home. Life. Encouragement

This was my daily email Bible verse for today.

“Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”

Proverbs 13:10

Is this an area you are struggling with in your life right now?

If the answer is yes, try making a conscious effort to break this cycle.

I am going to give you a word for the day to serve as a reminder to ponder through out the day and to prepare yourself for when you encounter prideful situations.

Word of The Day

Wisdom

Instead of starting a debate or a quarrel with someone over an issue, take a step back and say, “No!”

This is not worth my effort.

I am going to refuse to be prideful right now.

I don’t need to be.

I don’t need to prove my point to this degree.

I refuse to look badly in this circumstance.

No, instead I am going to make a wise choice to just walk away.

Choose wisely what choices you make.

Seek God’s direction in how to best handle your situation.

Not every situation needs an immediate open mouth insert foot response.

Instead, remember to do this;

Stop… Pray for wisdom… and Allow God to show you how to respond.

If that does not work there is always the distraction method.

Stop… drop… and roll only because that is the one we all remember best.

They may think you are a weirdo and may need professional help, but one thing is for sure… you won’t come across as prideful in your situation. 😂

I’m sorry! I couldn’t resist.

The important key to remember is this, God looks down on those being prideful.

Instead, He wants us to choose wisdom because for every wise choice we make in our life, we will be in His favor and He will bless us for the decisions and choices we make.

I hope this helps for you to start your day with some inspiration, motivation, and just a tiny bit of humor for your day.

Let’s all make wise choices today and say, “no” to anything prideful.

#Keepingitreal, Believe in Yourself, Inspiration, Journey, Life

God Sees You Today

Heidi Benson

Stand tall and smile.

Stand tall and smile!

For all who are over worked and under appreciated, know God sees your loyalty and dedication whether those around you see it or they don’t.

Work for Him today instead of those around you while knowing He will give you the strength to get through the day.

You’ve got this!!