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Only Love Today Sample
Only Love Today Sample
Only Love Today Sample
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CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
I. Spring: Opening Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Renewal, New Habits, and Growth
II. Summer: Shining Through . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Authenticity, Connection, and Acceptance
I II. Fall: Wrapping In. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Gratitude, Grace, and Awareness
IV. Winter: Holding On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Hope, Encouragement, and Introspection
Conclusion: Looking Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Epilogue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
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S pring: Opening Up
Renewal, New Habits, and Growth
1. One Different Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Firsts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. Vow to Soften . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. Time Is on My Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5. You Have Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6. What Would Love Do? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7. Creating a Sun Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8. When I Stopped Trying to Change You,
You Changed Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9. I Am My Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10. Lets Start Over . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11. Dig In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12. A Sign of Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13. If Its Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14. See What Is Necessary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15. Three Questions to Live by Heart . . . . . . . . . . . .
16. Undistracted Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17. Dont Wait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18. Talk Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19. What Cannot Be Measured . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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right in the very spot this child makes tea in hues of yellow, purple,
and orange.
Each time my daughter handed me a glass and said, Taste this
one, Mama, I felt like I was being handed forgiveness, redemption, and the promise of a new dawn. I was reminded that even
the best stumble sometimes. Even the one who holds up the world
needs a reprieve. Even the most mindful need to evaluate their
priorities every once in a while. I was reminded that even those
who appear the most vibrant on the outside can be dying on the
inside. Id blink back tears as I recalled pieces of ceramic flying
in every direction and how my daughter loved me in spite of it.
I look back on that unseasonably warm spring day and realize
I was in a bad place. I was sleep-deprived. I was trying to meet
work deadlines and fulfill end-of-the-school-year duties. Id been
in physical pain for months. I was worried about an infection I
couldnt seem to shake. In this fragile state I made a mistake that
could have hurt someone I love or myself.
That night I went to Natalies room to ask for forgiveness. I
am so sorry, I said. I did not handle the situation well. I think
its because Im not taking good care of myself lately, I said. I was
realizing and admitting this truth all at once.
My little budding orthopedic surgeon (who reads medical
textbooks in her spare time for fun) quickly came up with suggestions as if shed been waiting to be asked. More sleep, Mama.
More fresh air. More water, Mama. Too much caffeine. More
chilling out. Get your heart rate up when you exercise. And tea.
Drink herbal tea instead of soda. I can make you some, Mama.
I publicly declared then and there what I intended to do to
get to a better place. I would give up soda and drink more water.
I would add a little running into my daily walks; a mile or two
of heart-pumping, sweaty exertion could do wonders. I would
be more selective when it came to writing and speaking opportunities. I would get at least seven hours of sleep. I would go to
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the readings in the season ahead in the hope that they will be your
tall glass of forgiveness, your undiscovered options, your promise
of a new dawn. Each entry is a tangible lifeline toward positive
change, renewal, and growth. Today offers one empty box in the
calendar of life. Use it to do one good thing for your body, heart,
mind, or soul despite its inconvenience at a time like this. Then
do it again tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after
that. With Gods grace, let us begin the hopeful restoration of our
eager souls.
1
New Habits
One different element = a starting
point to a better way of life
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Spring: Opening Up
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2
Growth
Firsts can build confidence,
bring dreams closer,
and be the start of a new beginning and
better days to come.
FIRSTS
Maybe its your first job interview.
Maybe its your first day putting beloved people on the bus.
Maybe its your first real attempt at living a better life.
Maybe its your first day without someone you love.
Maybe its your first day of putting on a pair of running shoes.
Maybe its the first day you believe dreams really can
come true.
Maybe its your first day doing something youve never done
before.
Maybe its the first day you wont know anyone there.
Maybe its the first day you need directions to get where
youre going.
Maybe its the first day you can find the strength.
Maybe its the first day youve chosen to forgive.
Maybe its the first day you find the time to do what youve
been promising to do.
Maybe its not your first, but the first for someone you love
or the first for someone standing next to you.
That may explain the nail biting, the stuttering, the
grouchiness, the uncertainty.
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3
Growth
By being softer you can hear more, learn
more, feel more, and love more.
VOW TO SOFTEN
Ive had enough of my hard edges.
Im tired of straining my voice.
Spring: Opening Up
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4
New Habits
For the sake of your health, happiness, and
beloved relationships,
choose to live the alive way.
TIME IS ON MY SIDE
Time is on my side when I go to wake my sleeping loves, and
I stop to watch their little chests rise and fall.
Time is on my side when I stop to give someone an airport
good-bye even though we are not at the airport.
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Spring: Opening Up
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5
Renewal
All the mistakes, failures, poor choices, all the things you
wish you could do over are gone. Today stands before
you with arms wide open. All you have to do is grasp it.
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6
Growth
Today I will ask myself: What would
love do?
I will ask myself again and again and let
love lead me forward.
Spring: Opening Up
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7
New Habits
Perhaps youve never known how happy
someone could be simply to see you.
Spring: Opening Up
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8
New Habits
Noticers are the thriving blossoms in a
concrete world,
reminding us to stop and feel our beating
hearts every chance we can.
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