How do we get to know God?

This is a great question because it’s not like you can give him a call on his iPhone. But it’s actually EASIER than dialing a bunch of numbers and waiting to see if someone picks up.

It doesn't even cost a penny. Universally affordable and Universally available. My suggestion: Go somewhere you can be alone, this is for yourself, so you won't be distracted or embarrassed by the presence of other people. And then talk to God. Most people call it praying, but I think it’s okay to call it talking to God. Either way, when you are alone and able to honestly ask God to reveal Himself to you in your life, I know He will. Why am I so confident? Because I know and I believe God’s Word, look at what Matthew 7:7 says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” This means that if you seek God, you will FIND Him. Wow!!! Isn’t that amazing to think about? God of the Universe will answer little old us? Astonishing to consider and so incredibly wonderful that it makes my little heart just leap with joy! He loves us! He loves you! He loves me! He has seen every deed we have ever done, things done to us, struggles, triumphs…and not a detail is lost among the millions of people who are living at the same moment right now. He knows you more than you know yourself, after all, He planned for you to be born even BEFORE the foundations of the earth. Your mom can’t even compete with that! Ha ha ha! So go after God with determination, and be confident of the promise He has already made to us: Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. I can’t help but think that God loves to hear His children call out to Him. I can only imagine that one of the most precious sounds in all of the earth is to hear a little voice say “Mama.” At the sound of it, I would leap buildings to get to him/her. I know one day their little call will be louder in my heart than any rock concert. My love for this tiny little person will be bigger than they will ever be, and I will risk life and limbs to get to them. I think my vision of what it would feel like is only a small portion of the love God has for us, because He IS love. God’s love is true and without all the impurities that our human love carries. I think that is why when we experience God in those moments when we seek Him, we are overwhelmed with emotion and tears flow like a summer rain. It’s the awareness of His love and goodness coupled with a glimpse of how unworthy we are in His presence yet knowing He loves us still. And in that very moment you’ll feel more alive than if you had 12 cups of coffee! I encourage you to seek after God, get really honest in your heart and call out to Him. Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Next is getting to know God, which is done just as we do with people…spend time with Him. Read His book, the Bible. I’m praying for your heart to be open and for God’s love to rush in. Huge love and light Leah

The Glue That Holds Relationships Together

Have you ever heard that old children's saying, "I'm rubber and you're glue, whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you?" Well, there are times that we need to be like rubber and let hurtful words and offense bounce right off of us; and there are times when we need to be like glue and embrace words of healing, truth and life.

Scripture says that the power of life and death are in the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21) This tells me that we need to be mindful that our words also act like rubber or glue in our relationships. That means we can say things that repel people from us, or we can say things that draw them to us and connect our hearts.

Over the years, I've found that encouraging words are the glue that holds our relationships together. Looking back over the last year in my relationship, I can see how positive words and regular affirmations have bonded mine and Sean's hearts together allowing us to draw out the best in each other. We've learned the importance of encouraging one another daily, not just through our words, but also through simple acts of kindness and looking for ways to make life easier for one another.

You can do the same in your relationships and improve the atmosphere of your household, your workplace, your community and your world. Sure, it takes effort to be a great encourager. After all, there are so many forces that come against relationships on a daily basis. But when you encourage others, when you bring out the best in them and help them succeed, that success will come back to you and cause you to rise higher as well. When you fill up others emotionally, God will make sure that you are filled up in return.

Most importantly, realize today that just as words of affirmation draw us closer to the people around us, our words of affirmation, our praise and thanksgiving draws us closer to our heavenly Father, too. This year, make praising Him your priority. All throughout the day, just tell Him how much you love Him. Thank Him for what He's done in your life. Sing a song of praise because He is worthy. Let those words of love and adoration draw you to Him, and always use encouraging words as the glue to hold your relationships together!

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…" (James 4:8, NKJV)

It's Friday!

I am getting my hair cut today!
I have been trying to grow my hair really long for quite some time now, but every time I get it to a certain length, it results in lots of split ends, and I end up having to once again cut it shorter. I have been really wanting to cut a pixie cut into my hair, although I know I will miss my long hair too much, so i never actually go through with it. I am also thinking of putting more blond highlights in my hair =) yay!
It's Friday here in the beautiful city of Toronto, and I am looking forward to another day off as well tomorrow. I am going to have a more relaxing night tonight, and see my good friend Katie for dinner. Tomorrow will be an exciting adventure as well; Sean and I are going Skydiving. Let me tell you, I am absolutely terrified of heights, but I am facing my fear and conquering it. I love the feeling of looking fear in the face and showing it, that I am bigger than whatever fear throws at me. I can't wait to blog about that experience tomorrow.

Some other things I have been up to is, preparing for my trip to Nashville. I am really nervous about the whole ordeal. I am really hoping I don't regret leaving all behind to pursue some deep desires, and figure out my own emotions and heart.

I will touch more on all the little details about Nashville, and make sure I blog about my skydiving adventure tomorrow!!

Warmest wishes and big hugs,

Leah Mackenzie

early morning.

I need to get better at this blogging thing.
It has been ages since I have sat down at my computer to write a little caption on my life up to this point. I am sitting her 7:46 am, waiting for someone/anyone to wake up and have breakfast with me! Maybe I will go alone and read my book! hmm, Actually that is exactly what I will do! I had to get up at 6 am today, and let me tell you, there is nothing like going to bed at a decent hour, ( for me that happened to be 10:30 pm last night) , and getting up early to start the day. If I didn't hurt my shin, I would definitely be at the boardwalk by the lake, jogging for some portion of this morning, but sadly I have Shin Splints! If you haven't heard of them, they are so painful! When jogging you get shooting pains down your shins! ah
I am also watching youtube video's! I find that I am a sucker for watching them! My favourites are Kandee Johnson, Lights, reality tv, interviews, and watching raw talented authentic singers.

Guess what y'all !? I am moving to Nashville! I can't believe it! I will definitely be documenting my journey through all of that crazy excitement. I hope you are all well in your lovely beds sleeping away still.

Happy dreams and thoughts,

Leah Mackenzie. xx

Don't Let the Storms of Your Past, Cloud Your Future

ARE YOU GOING THOUGH A STORM IN LIFE?
I love the saying: "Don't Let the Storms of Your Past, Cloud Your Future"
I've had many storms in my life, from being cheated on, hurt, feeling like my dreams were over, being broke losing my first love, I could keep going on and on (ha ha ha)...and I definitely could have let that gloom up my future.

* Whether it was a relationship "storm"- someone hurt you, cheated on you, broke your heart, betrayed you.
* A depression storm- you feel hopeless, sad, and feel like giving up.
* A financial storm - you are feeling like your wallet is way to empty, your bank account has gone on a diet, and your bills are scaring you...
* Past Storms- you had a bad childhood, loss of someone dear to you, you've grown up with a bad family life, you've had trouble in your past, you feel guilty over something.


Chase the Storm Clouds Away
You have to make sure you chase the storm clouds away, and let the beautiful rainbow of your future come out and shine.
Your thoughts are more powerful than you know!!!

* If you just let any old "stormy" thought keep creeping into your mind- you are sure to stay in "stormy-land"!
* You must "re-set" the weather in your life!
* Think about how you want things to be, instead of how things are or how they have been. ~ If you've been hurt or disappointed, stop thinking about how hurt and disappointed you are and think about and tell yourself, "I am strong and have a bright future! I am getting better and better each day!"

* And just like you can't eat once a week and think that will keep you filled, you need to eat several times a day...same thing with your thoughts- you need to feed your mind with positive thoughts all day long!


GET READY TO LET THE RAINBOW SHINE IN YOUR FUTURE
Sure we may have more storms in life...but as long as you don't let the rain and clouds ruin your future...you can anticipate the rainbow!
The sun will always come out!

And sometimes our tears are like the rain that waters the rainbows in our heart! So, my precious hearts....if the rain or tears are falling right now in your life....know that I am sending you a hug right now, for my arms to hold your heart...and say, "it's okay....this storm will pass, and your future will grow full with blossoms, for even the flowers need the rainstorms to grow!"

My life has seen storms of all kinds....heartbreak, hopelessness, hurt, sadness, no money...just feeling like I can't go on...
and through it all I would tell myself, "Stop it Kandee...you better stop it with this sinkin'-stinkin'-thinkin'....and get your mind back on track with positive thoughts right now!"
*where the mind goes...the person follows....
Lead your self into great thoughts and places.
Tell yourself:

* I am great (even if you feel you're not...yet!)
* I am cherished and adored!
* My future is going to be awesome!
* I can't wait to see what is waiting for me in this life!
* I will make my dreams come true!
* I will find someone that will cherish and love me so much they will NEVER even think of hurting me in ANY way at all!
* I am worthy of being loved!
* I am happy- rain or shine!

I love you all so much...and I don't care what storms you have in your past...THEY WILL NOT CLOUD YOUR FUTURE....the storms only watered the blossoms in your life....and will make your future that much more beautiful with "watered" flowers!

This day is great and is waiting for you to change your thoughts, which will change your mind, which will change your life!


Watch your thoughts, for they become your words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become your character.
Watch your character, for it becomes you destiny.
- Anonymous

People always ask if it's okay to repost something I've written- PLEASE, please, please feel free to pass this on, post it where ever you'd like...I want to be able to encourage as many hurting, "stormy" hearts as possible!

Think about thoughts that are wonderful today....don't let those little "cloudy" thoughts sneek in...
huge love and even bigger, better thoughts

your Leah

Having a Generous Heart

What are you doing to help someone else?

Jesus says "If you love me get about in helping somebody." I think we need to live our lives like this.

Everyday we need to ask ourselves, "what am I doing to help someone else?"
Put it as a reminder on your mirror, on your fridge, on your door, your desk. Wherever you go frequently!

Always think, "Am I making a difference in someones life?"
We show our love for God, through the love we pour onto others.

The cycle of love is not complete until we take what God pours into our lives, and pour it out of us to meet other peoples needs.

Build into your character generosity.
Think everyday, "I am a very generous person!" build that into your character.
Be a giver!

Don't be a Stingy, small-spirited, narrow minded person.

Ephesians 3:20

If you want to be like God you have to always go the extra mile, always give more than enough, always do more than you have to, and always be generous.

Because our natural nature is to be selfish and self-centered, I think its a mind set you have to build in yourself.

Look for opportunities to give. Who can you bless today?
That should be the way you think.
Lay in your bed in the morning and think, "God who can bless today?" not how can I get blessed today.

Get your mind off yourself, and spend your life seeing what you can do for someone else. You don't even know what happy is till you get your mind off yourself and look for ways to make others happy.

Don't be Greedy.

You know, everywhere asks for money! The only place people complain about it is in church.
You go to Mcdonald's, buy a cheeseburger, they will ask for your money.
I think what we get from God is more valuable than any worldly possessions.
But when it comes to giving to spread the word to the world, to make it a better place,people hold tightly to their money.

He who gives generously, will be blessing generously.

When you give, do so with a good attitude.

Questions to ask yourself

How do I tip?
If you were a waiter or waitress, would you want to wait on you?

what kind of gifts do you give?
The cheapest thing you can find? something no ones going to like, just to meet the obligation? maybe you wrap something up you already got at home?

Do you freely and frequently encourage and compliment?

Are you willing to share what you have?

Do you hoard possessions? or do you give away what you are not using?
how much stuff do you have hidden in drawers in your house that when Jesus comes back, you still have not touched it. lol
How much fun would it be, to just go through your House, and get a big box, and get rid of what you know you are not going to use, and just have a big give away!
Don't just try and sell it, try and give it away, to someone who may really need it!
Stay on top of that stupid stingy spirit! you spend more money and time trying to sell your junk than just to give it away.

If you are with someone and they have cold and runny nose, and ask for a Kleenex, and you haven't had a cold in over a year, do you give them one, or the whole pack.

Do you give the restaurant seat with the view? or do you take it for yourself?

Do you take the steak with he least amount of fat for yourself?

Who gets the largest piece of pie? The last piece of candy?

You need to start thinking, "I am a very generous person, i always do more than I have to, and I always go the extra mile." Keep saying it, meditate upon it, and acting through it, until you choke the life out of your stingy spirit.

I am working through this myself. It puts piece in my heart knowing that everyday I am becoming a better person, and I challenge you to do the same. Have a little promise to yourself, that you will keep working at it everyday. We aren't going to change into perfect little people over night, but the point is we are making progress everyday. And you can be the change in the world.

So I leave you with this,

Have a generous heart in all you do.
Really treat others how you would like to be treated, and give your love away.

Hope all your little hearts make someones life better today!

Love, sunshine, smiles, and laughter!

Your Leah

be the light in someones day today.

Good Afternoon Everyone!!!
I love brightening days, and lives with little lessons I've learned, wisdom I've gained, or love that I want to pour out!
I just figured out the message all friends button, and thought i would take advantage of it everyday to send out a little message of smiles and little words that are on my heart!!

Today I wanted to encourage you all to do something to brighten someone's life. Whether it be some kind words, and little act of kindness, or anything else you can put your heart into!

We live in such a hard world, with people who want to take our joy, or bring us down. We are faced with circumstances that can break our spirits, and make us feel alone in whatever we are facing.
All it takes sometimes is a little impact of love from someone who loves us, to lift our spirits.
Be that person today for someone else.
Sometimes you may not even know that someone is going through something, and your little acts of love, could change the course of their day, week, or even month.

Lets be the change we want to see in the world.

love, smiles, and sunshine!

Your Leah