Smile..Just Smile!

Recently, I watched the OWN network and Elizabeth Gilbert was a guest on Oprah's Soul Sunday. Elizabeth explained her personal journey and how she started keeping a happiness journal. A happiness journal is writing down all the happy moments of the day. When I focus on the happy moments such as a little bird landing on the porch railing or my dog kissing me, I can release any negative moments such as running late, another driver cutting you off etc. The more happy moments I focused on the more happy moments I had. I also began to smile. I smiled when I was happy. I smiled when I was sad. I smiled when I was angry. I smiled when I was fearful. Soon all my smiles became genuine. The more I smiled the better I felt and the more things I had to smile about. I changed my mantra from hum drum living to I am on top of the world!

I never realized the power in a smile. When I smile my whole outlook changes. I see the world brighter and so much more gentle. I encourage everyone to smile. Smile..Just Smile!

God bless all.

Kathy Mikshenas

Animal Hugs And Blessings Shop For A Cause

One Set Of Footprints

As I was walking through the snow this morning with my dog, I happened to look down at my footprints. They looked lonely and cold in the barren snow. I thought about how many times I had felt lonely and cold up here in the frigid Maine winters. Many times I felt isolated from family and friends. Many times I felt overwhelmed and abandoned by God.

Then I thought about how many times God showed me I was never alone. He carried me through twelve years of being a single mother. He brought a man into my life that loved both me and my daughter. In each step I took along my journey God opened up doors and placed people to bless us beyond measure. When there was not people around me God's love spoke to me through the beauty and gentleness of animals. I was never alone. God had never once abandoned me.

Whenever we feel alone and there is just one set of footprints in the cold, barren snow; God carries us close to His heart. His love will never let go.

God bless you,
Kathy Mikshenas

Many Blessings

It has been a crazy month! First the good old Androscoggin River decided to flood. Fortunately, only part of the road was closed. Next we needed to repair our furnace, fortunately, it was only a minor repair. Then the pressure tank for the well pump needed to be replaced. Last but not least was the Blizzard of 2010!

Through each trial God provided people to assist us, comfort us and bless us beyond measure! At times I felt like God forgot about us. He really showed me He was always watching over us and not for one second stopped caring for us. I am so very grateful!

May God bless each of us with a New Year full of blessings beyond measure! God bless all.

Kathy Mikshenas

Lord, I Believe

Lord, I believe that You are Our Shepherd, we shall not lack, we shall not want, we shall never be in need; for You are supplying ALL of our needs according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Lord, I believe that You are able to do exceedingly, abundantly, far over and above ALL that we ask, think, hope for or even dream.

Lord, I believe that With You ALL things are possible, miracles and blessings are limitless.

Lord, I believe that we are safe in the palm of Your hand, Your angels surround us, protect us and pray for us; we are shielded in the shelter of Your wing of protection. No weapon of any kind that may form against us shall prosper.

Lord, I believe that You have designed a plan for our lives; that we will prosper and succeed.

Lord, I believe that this is the day for which You have made, I choose to rejoice and be glad in it.

Lord, I believe that ALL is well for You are still on the throne and You have ALL of our answers in Your perfect love.

God bless all.

Kathy Mikshenas

Hot Coffee, Warm Molasses Donuts and Overflowing Blessings

This morning I needed to go to the laundry mat to wash some blankets. When my husband and I got there we met a woman that was having trouble with the change machine. Usually, I have a lot of trouble myself with those kind of machines. But before I helped her I said a prayer and called upon the angels to help me. The money slipped right in and the change came out for the woman. She was very thankful and I continued to help my husband load the washer.

A little while later the woman asked me again for assistance. I once again said a little prayer and called upon the angels to help me. The money slipped right in and the woman's change came out. The woman wanted to buy me some coffee. It has been freezing out around here and I said it was no trouble to assist her but I did not want her to go out in the freezing cold. I then went over to load the dryer with my blankets.

The woman told me she would be back and left the laundry mat. I patiently, waited for my blankets to dry. Within a few minutes the lady returned with a fresh box of warm molasses donuts from the bakery. She handed them to me and again thanked me. I felt bad but I felt God tell me to graciously accept the donuts. I graciously accepted the donuts and asked God to bless her one thousand fold. When my blankets were dry and folded I said thank you once again to the woman and wished her a day full of blessings and a Happy Thanksgiving. My husband and I left the laundry mat and drove home.

At home I made a fresh pot of hot coffee to serve my husband and me. Together we ate the warm molasses donuts and sipped hot coffee. I thought about how blessed I was to have met the woman and asked God to keep blessing her with abundant blessings.

Blessings come in many forms and sizes. The greatest blessings come with sincerity and love.
May we always be willing to give to others. It is in giving that blessings will overflow our days.
Nothing in this life is a coincidence. If we keep our hearts open and keep the dust from our eyes, we will see the beauty of God's perfect plan of perfect love.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Thoughts and Blessings,
God bless you,

Kathy Mikshenas

Calling on the Angels

Yesterday was a hectic day, especially in the morning. I needed to drive my daughter back to college and we awoke to thick fog. I get really nervous in fog and decided to wait a bit. I called upon the angels to clear a path of safety for us and began tidying up the house. After a few minutes I noticed it was brighter outside. I looked and the sun was coming out and the fog was lifting. My daughter, dog and I got in the car and started on our way.

I started the car and said a prayer of thanks to God and His angels for helping us. Well my gas gauge is broken and most of the time reads empty. I was not sure how much gas I had. Again, I called upon the angels and asked that the gauge would read accurate this time. Within 5 minutes of driving my gas gauge rose from empty and moved to one spot where it remained. I was able to tell how much gas I had and I did not have to stop for gas.

Well I got off the right exit on the highway and a huge tractor trailer truck cut in front of me. Because I could not see beyond the truck I drove right past the next exit that I was supposed to take onto a different highway. Well I called upon the angels one more time. I saw a sign that read the town where I was headed but on a different route. I decided to take the different route to hopefully get my daughter back to college on time. I asked the angels of God to guide me to the college, safely.

As I traveled a different route I noticed another sign that read the name of my daughter's college. We followed the direction of the sign and we were at the college in less than 5 minutes. The route I took was actually shorter and less distance than the usual route I take. Praise God!

Tears filled my eyes as I thanked God and His angels for all the help and for the three little but priceless miracles I had received.

God bless you,

Katherine Mikshenas
kathymwriting@gmail.com

Pray for Stephanie

I just read on Facebook that a 14 year old girl named Stephanie was involved in a serious car accident this morning. She was on her way to ice skating. The prognosis at this point is not good. But I believe, With God All Things Are Possible. Please pray with me. I do not know Stephanie but as a mother this touched my heart. I would appreciate as much prayer as possible if my child was involved in such a serious accident. Thankyou and God bless you.

Katherine Mikshenas