It Really Is A Choice

Thinking about your past or looking at your current reality can sometimes make you feel sad and discouraged but if you learn to focus on all the good around you it will chase the yuckies away.

Instead of focusing on what you don't have, be thankful for what you do have.  God gives good gifts every day.

When things happen that spark a bad memory from the past, don't dwell there...thank the Lord that you're no longer held captive and be grateful for lessons learned and the strength and wisdom you gained.

When you miss someone who was once in your life, don't focus on the fact that they're no longer there, but rather on the great memories that you experienced with them.

Satan would love nothing more than for you to live a life of depression and discouragement.  He knows your weak areas for sure.  Thankfully, God also knows your weak areas and when you are weak, He is strong.  He's right there to hold you and wrap his arms around you and hold you up until you're able to stand again.  God desires for you to live an abundant and victorious life!

There may be a storm swirling around you...look for sunshine...seek His face and hold onto His promises.  Look for the good in every day (i know, some days it's easier to spot those things than others but trust me, they're there). God has carefully and personally prepared an incredible plan for your life.  Simply trust!

Today is my mom's birthday.  I miss her more than I ever knew possible...but today I choose to focus on her beautiful smile...and I'll share that same smile with others.

My son is laying in a hospital bed...ah, but he has been a perfect example of strength and perseverance in the midst of adversity and I choose to focus on all the good that's coming out of this experience.

I just received a bill that apparently his insurance didn't cover...lol, I will check into that, yet I still choose to be grateful for the excellent care he's receiving.

Sometimes my car does crazy things ... but I choose to be thankful each time we reach our destination (and besides, it really helps the prayer life as I pray we make it).

There are days I am tired and lonely and just long to come home and be engulfed in the strong loving arms of the man God sends to me ... but I choose to request His arms to hold me tight while I am waiting.

Are there days that I cry and feel sad, make mistakes and have to start all over again?  ABSOLUTELY!  Every day ... sometimes every moment it's a choice.  These days, more often than not there is joy there without even having to think about it.  Some days I have to consciously choose joy!  I allow myself moments ... but I try not to stay there (it's too easy to get stuck).  

How do I choose joy?  It varies ... sometimes I crank up the praise music ... other times I just have to turn it off and have a heart to heart with God in the silence ... focusing on His promises that He gives us in His word.  Full out joy doesn't come from the "opinions" of others, but when I hear of things that confirm what God is saying, that also helps to keep me on track.
 

 I love this picture!  What row are you in.  I happen to love being like the ladies in the front row.  Do you know people like that?  Check out the third row.  I know we all know people like that!

Until next time ... watch for those daily gifts from God ... and determine to choose joy!  <3