It's Then Sings My Soul Saturday and I link up with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

I have a list of songs that I accumulate during the week but I usually decide on Friday which one to use. It depends on what's going on in my life, my world or maybe what I'm learning in my walk with the Lord.

I had actually planned to use a different song today but felt that this song represents ...what I've been feeling lately.

This song is called "The Prayer" and the words express much about my own response to what is going on in the United States today.

God is being taken out of everything. No prayer at school. Tolerance has become the buzzword. As never before, I do believe we need to stand together as Christians and fight for the Truth. But as this song reminds me that ...it needs to be done in love.

Rod Stone is a singer and songwriter who is a Christian. I encourage you to visit his website called "Stuff I Believe In". Here is his song called "The Prayer":

But I happen to know that some of you say you're gonna start but haven't quite gotten around to it ...yet.

You know all the excuses. The summer is too hot. The winter is too cold.

If you wait for perfect weather to exercise, you're never going to do it!

The American Heart Association has a Start Program to help people begin to exercise and make healthier lifestyle choices. I encourage you to check out their website.

They have compiled a list of 10 ways to Start! moving:

1. Park far away from the entrance to the mall, your office or the store.
2. Walk instead of driving to nearby destinations. You don't have to drive to pick up your mail you know.
3. Instead of using the elevator, take the stairs.
4. Meet a friend for a walk instead of eating out or seeing a movie.
5. Build a before lunch or after dinner walk into your routine
6. Replace one 30-minute TV sitcom with your daily walk. I like to watch TV while I walk on my treadmill.
7. When you go shopping, walk one or two laps around the mall before making your purchases. Often the malls open early for walkers.
8. While waiting at your gate for your flight, walk around the airport for 10 minutes.
9. Walk with your family for extra bonding time - and bring along the dog.
10. Take walking breaks at work or set up walking meetings.

I'll bet that you can add more to this list. How about it?

I heard that Sandy is writing about a little of this and a little of that ...as only Sandy can do. And Sarah is writing about everything in moderation. Hmm ... that's what my mom used to always say. So check them out!

It's Thankful Thursday and my good friend Iris is our host at Grace Alone. The theme she chose is ...rescue.

I'm so thankful that I've been rescued from myself. I was born a sinner but I've been saved by the blood of Jesus. He paid my account in full so now ...I have peace with God.

Life may not be easy but I know I'm never alone. I live by faith in the One who saved me.

My heart is joyful as I allow this truth to sink in. This world isn't my home; I'm just passing through.

In the meantime, I'm amazed that God uses me in this world as a vessel for His Kingdom plans.

A person who is drowning can panic and fight the one who is attempting to rescue him. Jesus is our hope of rescue and ...He is trustworthy.

I'm so thankful that I can quit fighting and make the choice to submit my life to Him and then He can work in and through me ...to reach others.

Isn't that an awesome privilege to be used by God for His purposes?

You can link to Iris at Grace Alone to join in our visit other participating blogs on this Thankful Thursday.

The editor-in-chief is Kristen Schiffman. By the way, she's originally from Long Island and ...so am I.

Kristen wrote a blog post in June called Sweet Home as she was getting ready for a trip to visit family on Long Island.

I left a comment and mentioned that I was from that neck of the woods too. She sent me the nicest message back and said she was familiar with Lindenhurst (my home town) and that she also lived off Montauk Highway but further east. I grew up living across the street from the canal where the clam boats docked before heading out into the Great South Bay.

From what I've read about Kristen, she's a newlywed and living in Texas of all places! (I'll bet that's where her hubby is from.)

Anyway, there are a few more reasons why I love Exemplify Online magazine. Here are a few:

• It's free!
• You can download it to your computer.
• Or you can read it on the Exemplify Online website.
• Each issue has a theme and August's theme is "Holiness".
• There are an assortment of writers so there's something for everyone.

Paula Whitehouse wrote a featured article called "Living Holy".

I found Paula about seven months ago when I stumbled upon a post she wrote on her blog Paula's Sharing Spot. I can't remember the topic right now but it was just what I needed to read at that moment and let her know. Although she lives far away in Brisbane, Australia - it's such fun to make friends online.

Don't you just love the internet and how we're using it for good and for ministry?

In her article, Paula wrote:

"God wants us to live with a clean heart and a new spirit, and it is He alone who can help us to achieve this."

And if that weren't enough reasons to read Exemplify, here's another.

Elaine Olsen of Peace for the Journey is another writer. If you follow Elaine's blog, you know what a prolific writer she is. She always gets me thinking so I need to allow extra time to read her posts. But I just love her and have come to know her as she shares from her heart.

Elaine wrote an article in the August issue called "Walking My Holy". I took a little excerpt from it.

"We may think that our holiness is dependent upon our efforts, but in the end, it is God's efforts in us, through the power of his Holy Spirit, that warrants the applause and "well done" of heaven."

So, have I captured your interest yet? I'm sure the September issue will be coming out very soon. Be sure to visit Exemplify Online and read all about it.

Life isn't easy! I used to wonder what was wrong with me.

I really don't watch many of those TV preachers but there are some who claim that as a Christian, I should have:

• Good health
• Wealth and prosperity
• Happiness

Hmm ...what am I doing wrong?

I had poor health as a child but now my health is good.

I've had poverty, wealth, more wealth and not much wealth.

I've had many moments of happiness but also many moments of sadness and even some depression.

There are times when I've suffered because of the consequences of the poor choices I've made.

There are other times when I've suffered because of someone else's sin.

But there are also times when I suffer and ...I don't know the reason.

So, what do I do? I choose to pray for God's wisdom and strength. It seems I learn to depend more and more on Him when I go through my trials. And I hate to admit this, but I learn the most important lessons when I'm going through difficult circumstances.

I've learned that He will supply what I need for this day. By faith, I believe it and so I'm able to persevere and trust Him. I take it day by day and often ...moment by moment.

How about you? Has it been smooth sailing for you? Or do you find lots of struggles in your life? What do you learn when you go through difficult and challenging circumstances? How do you choose to respond? Have you become bitter or better?

If you're not familiar with them, I'll give you the scoop on Alltop.

Alltop is described as an online magazine rack. You can go to this one online place and choose a topic of interest to you. The topics range from health, tech, news, sports, celebrities, politics, and probably just about anything you might find interesting.

Guy Kawasaki is the co-founder of Alltop. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. How bad can that be? He has a BA from Standford and an MBA from UCLA. Guy started his career with Apple.

In the late 90's, he founded Garage Technology Ventures which is an early stage venture capital firm. They focus on making investments in tech companies.

And did I mention that he's authored 9 books! His latest book is called Reality Check.

Guy is a "friend" of mine on Facebook. However, I must say in all honesty that I doubt he knows who I am. LOL. And I follow him on Twitter since he posts great links.

Anyway, I just want to say a big thank you to Alltop and Guy Kawasaki for accepting Heart Choices. I love to meet new readers and bloggers and ...share from my heart.

Remember that your day to day choices determine what your tomorrows will become. So make healthier choices!

And if this is your first visit to Heart Choices, be sure to check out my About Page.

And don't forget to check out Alltop today!