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Light, Love, Hope

Light in the Darkness Surrounded by Love with Hope for those in need.

Intentionally Focused

Dolphin Island

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Oh, how I love movies like Dolphin Island!

This movie takes place in paradise on a tropical island!   It all begins with Annabel, a 14-year-old girl, and Mitzy, the dolphin.  As you can imagine, I was immediately drawn in as this movie setting reminded me of the times my family and I visited the Bahamas and swam with the dolphins!

Annabel came to live with her fisherman grandfather after tragedy struck and took her parents away.  Her grandfather cares very deeply for her and has provided for her the best he can, even retiring to ensure he is there for her whatever the need.  She is living what seems like the best life, when a shady lawyer is sent to rock their world.  It isn’t long before a social worker pays a visit to their fishing boat, and looks down her nose at their living conditions and their surroundings.  Later, this very same social worker would become one that turns the case completely around.  Ah, but I will not spoil the surprise for you!  Just know that it truly matters who your friends are.  ~wink~

Annabel’s ailing maternal grandparents seek custody of her, as her grandmother’s mental state is declining.  The maternal grandfather seeks to have a relationship with Annabel since things were so strained with her mother before her passing.  Uprooting Annabel isn’t right, and it causes great heartache and pain for her.  When the transition was to take place, Annabel runs away, taking the helm of the ship herself.  Trouble awaits, and soon things take a drastic turn.  Luckily, Mitzy, the dolphin is able to point them in the right direction to save Annabel’s life.

This movie is about overcoming challenges, strong family ties, devoted friends, and unwavering faith … and it is available for you and your family to watch!  Dolphin Island will not disappoint!

#DolphinIslandMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

 

Disclosure: Many thanks to Entertainment Squad for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

I Love You

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I grew up in a family where we said, “I love you,” often.  No matter if we spoke on the phone ten times a day, we always ended every phone call this way.

Parting ways for a short while?   Yep, a hug and the words “I love you” were necessary.

I have carried this over to my own little family now, and I make sure to tell my family this often.

They are only three small little words, but oh the meaning behind them!

It has always been important to me to say those words, but it goes further than that.  I hope that those in my presence feel my love for them; in the things I do, the way I carry myself around them, and in how I care for them.  That, to me, is one of the most important things in life is to make sure your loved ones know without  shadow of a doubt how important they are to you and how much they mean to you!

We never know what will happen in the seconds after our loved ones close the door and begin to walk away from the car or the house.  Will it be a regular, normal day when they will return home at the same appointed hour they usually do?  We hope so!  But then working in the line of business that I do, we see tragedy strike at any moment.  No one is immune to it.  Our loved ones could be snatched right from our lives so fast, and nothing will ever be the same again.  That is why I stress to EVERY one around me to be certain you speak those words straight from your heart and show your loved ones how you feel!

Don’t reserve those words or your actions for a special occasion.  Every day we wake up in the morning, open our eyes, and breathe in … that’s when you should begin your day by striving to ensure your loved ones know how you feel about them.

Friends that say, “I love you,” before they hang up are also so very important.  This isn’t just reserved for family members.  Oh no.  I have a friend in Arizona that ALWAYS makes sure to tell me, as well as a friend in California that will say it each and every time as well.   These two ladies are so dear to my heart, and I smile each time they say it.  We are always so happy to hear from the other, so our conversations begin with joy, yes … and then they end with joy in our hearts as well when those words are spoken.

My daughters, no matter how old they get, will be told repeatedly how much they mean to me … whether it’s “cool” for their friends, coworkers, or strangers passing by to hear or not.  (Flash back to my teenagers seeming mortified in front of others, but I didn’t seem to mind.  I did it anyway!)

“I love you.”

Three powerful words that have the ability to improve someone’s mood immediately, have a smile plastered on the recipient’s face, create butterflies stirring in their very soul, and/or at times may send tingles down to their toes.

Speak those words often, but make sure to show it as well!

 

What Are You Expecting?

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Try as we may, we all go into different situations with expectations.  It is hard as human beings NOT to sit in anticipation of what will happen.  Whether we’re expecting a miracle in a situation only God can control such as someone’s health issues, or we’re expecting a raise for all of our hard work, if we’re honest, we’re all sitting in anticipation of something.

For the vast majority of Seniors, they are expecting to walk down the aisle at their graduation ceremony in just a few, short days.  They have no idea that all the years they complained about school will actually be the best days of their lives when they look back on things.  When all you really have to do is go to school, study, and make good grades all while hanging out with your friends, oh yes, these are the best days of your life.  You just haven’t realized it yet.  When you get out into the real world, you will, though.  Whether you go to college to further your education or you go out into the work force, you will soon realize that the world does not revolve around you and your friends.  It can be, and often is, a cruel world out there.  I bet of all the things you’re expecting your adulthood to be, you won’t be expecting the harsh reality of those that occupy the planet with you caring very little about your well being and your success.  Don’t let people, their actions, or their lack of care and concern make you lose sight of your goals in life.  Be the best YOU can be.

There was once a guidance counselor at my husband’s school that discouraged him from going to college.  The guidance counselor said such damaging things like, “You clearly are not college material.”  That stuck with my husband, and honestly, it discouraged him a great deal.  It was, indeed, damaging to hear the guidance counselor, of all people, say this to him when he was looking for … well … guidance … for his future plans. My husband certainly didn’t go into the office that day expecting THAT.  Thankfully, though, he has a spirit of determination, and those words were actually the words he needed to hear.  He didn’t give up like ones would do under those circumstances being told such things.  Instead, he forged ahead, and he went to two technical colleges, and THEN he entered the big university where he graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering!

Don’t EVER discourage someone when they come to you seeking advice.  Especially if you’re in a position such as this guidance counselor!  Instead, be a great encouragement to them.  My husband went in there expecting encouragement from the guidance counselor, but instead that was not what he received.  Yet, in the long run, he proved the guidance counselor wrong!  He not only went to two technical colleges where he obtained an Associates Degree, he went on to the big university where he obtained his Bachelor Degree!  Although he’s never gone back to that guidance counselor to show them just how wrong they were about him, I wonder if the thought has ever crossed his mind.

What are you expecting?  Where are you in life and what are you looking forward to, anticipating, or expecting? Are you expecting to go on to bigger and better things?  Who is stopping you then?  Go for it and live your dream!  If there is a way possible for you to embark on the path that will lead you to your destiny, do it!

Live your dream.  Reach for the stars!  You CAN do it!

 

Equestrian Ministries

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If you have been with us for any length of time, you know that we have a special fondness and love for gentle giants, aka horses! These massive creatures leave us in awe each time as we watch them in all of their greatness and marvel at these gorgeous animals that God has given us.

Here at Light Love Hope we strive to share the message of God’s light in the dark world that we are living in, His unconditional, never ending love for us, and hope for a future and for eternal life in Heaven with Him!

Last year we became horse owners.  It is something that we have always dreamed of and had an interest in, but we hadn’t taken that step.  When we did, though, we jumped in with both feet into horse ownership and now have two paint horses, a dark bay quarter horse, a pinto pony, and a Shetland pony.  We feel we have a good mix, and oh boy do we love to gaze out at them in our yard as they are grazing.

Our HorsesDuring this past year as we’ve adjusted to life on the ranch tending to our beauties, we wondered if there was a way to incorporate the two things that our family is passionate about: Jesus Christ and our horses. After researching this topic, we found that there IS a way to do both, and so we have just recently joined the Equestrian Ministries in our state!

What, exactly, is the Equestrian Ministries and what do we do?  We are a nonprofit, nondenominational organization consisting of individuals and fellowships throughout the state that have united under a mutually agreed upon statement of faith for the purpose of fellowship and ministry to our local communities. We believe there is one God who exists in three persons:  the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  We believe in the Bible and the words that God has given us to live by.  We believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, that He walked the face of this earth and lived a sinless life.  We believe He performed miracles, and we believe that He died on the cross for all of our sins so that we may have eternal life through Him.  We believe that He rose from the dead, is now in Heaven, and that one day soon, He will come back for His children.  We also believe that we were made in the image of God, but we have been corrupted by the sin in the world.  However, there is still hope for lost souls if they believe in Jesus, have faith in Him, and ask Him into their hearts.  Their sins will be washed away, and they will have the gift of Eternal Life through Jesus Christ!

We are very excited as we embark on this new journey with the Equestrian Ministries.  We ask for prayer as we reach out to those in the community.  Everyone needs Jesus, even people that ride horses!  Why not try to reach as many people as we can, in whatever ways that we can?  That is what we are here on this earth to do – to share Jesus with lost souls.

Shirley and Arizona

Joining the Equestrian Ministries wasn’t just a move to ensure that we get to go trail riding. No, no, no.  It’s a much bigger picture than this.  Sure, we love trail riding like the next horse person, but it’s about believers coming together to share the message of Jesus.  Do I like the fact that we will be camping out and riding the trails with people of faith?  Yes!  Absolutely!  I don’t have to worry about what my ten year old will be subjected to while on a trail ride now, nor do I have to worry about conversation around the camp fire.  I have the assurance with the company that we will be keeping that there won’t be anything that her little eyes shouldn’t see or her little ears shouldn’t hear.

Tiff and Daddy

But, there’s more.

My daughters will get to share in this with us as much as they would like to be involved.  We will use our horses not just for pleasure, enjoyment, and the thrill of the ride.  Now we will be using the strong and mighty creatures that God has given us for His Honor and His Glory as we try to lead people to Christ.

Pray for us as we embark on this new journey.

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 After writing this post, I saw where Karen used the prompt word “Dream” for Tuesday At Ten.  It seems to fit right in with our post, so I am sharing it on her blog as well for the link up today.   Join us!

Weekend of Love

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How was your weekend of love?  Did you do anything special on Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart?  Flowers, chocolates, candlelight dinners … they are all so nice!  What a way to show your special someone how much you care!  But, you know what?  They shouldn’t just be “celebrated” one day a year just because that day has been set aside as a lover’s holiday.  You should be striving to show your husband or wife DAILY how much they mean to you.

Do you share anything in common with your spouse?  Besides children, do you have any thing that you do together?  Or, does your spouse have a hobby that is different from your own?  If possible, just try something your spouse likes.  It will make a difference to them that you’ve shown an interest and are alongside them in their favorite sport or hobby.

For me and my husband, I am thankful to say that we share several of the same interests.  From horseback riding, fishing, camping, and things of that nature, we enjoy doing things together side by side.  I hear of a lot of couples that go their own way in this area.  Some times it works out fine if there is a group of guys that go golfing.  However, if there is a lady in the mix that shares the same interests as your husband and ends up spending more time with him than you do, trouble will soon begin to brew.  The same can happen if a man shares an interest in an activity that your wife is involved in.  You would be surprised to learn the number of affairs that begin with something so simple as a desire to work out, get fit, and become healthier.  If you go to the gym alone, you might develop wandering eyes while you’re there.  It’s just better to go with your spouse, in my opinion.  Find something that the two of you can do together to keep the interest and adventure alive.  It will matter if you take an interest in something your spouse enjoys.  Think of how you’d feel if your husband took a sudden interest in something you love to do, too.  It works both ways.

Our weekend of love was spent together by having dinner and a movie out just the two of us on Friday night.  Then Saturday we went horseback riding with our youngest daughter.   We all three share the love of horses, and the faster my daughter gets to go on her horse, the more smiles, laughter, and giggles you will get out of her.  At one point, we three lined our horses up as if we were going to race, and we had the best time loping across an open field together.  With the wind in our hair, feeling as if we were riding the magic carpet each time our horses went into a full gallop, with smiles plastered across all three of our faces.

In between trail riding and galloping our horses, my daughter enjoyed playing on the monkey bars, sliding on the curvy slides, and swinging together on the swing set at the park by the pond.

Later, my daughter’s only request was Subway for dinner.  She was easy to please!  And so, we had Subway before we headed back home.

Sunday we spent a leisurely day together at home with both daughters.  I’m thankful that my 18 year old daughter still likes to hang out with the family.  We made potato soup and stayed inside as much as possible since the high was only 37 degrees here in the South!

We enjoyed our weekend of love together as a family.  We hope you took time for your family as well this weekend.

As we go forward, make sure to do something daily to let your spouse and your children know that you are thinking of them and love them.  Don’t just celebrate them one day a year because you feel obligated to do so.  They deserve to be shown your love daily!

Welcome To The Month of Love!

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It’s here!  Are you as excited as I am?

It starts today!!

Welcome to the month of love!

Ladies and gentleman, we don’t just want to celebrate the wonderful feeling of love for one day … no, no no!  We want to celebrate it ALL … MONTH … LONG!

After all, to love and to be loved is the greatest gift we can give another human being!

Let me tell you of the greatest display of love ever!  That was when Jesus died on the cross for all of our sins.  What a way to say, “I love you …”

With letters of crimson,

God wrote His love

On a hill side so long, long ago

For you and for me,

Jesus died

And love’s greatest story was told!

I love you …

I love you …

THAT’S what Calvary said

I love you …

I LOVE you …

I love you, written in red.

I had the privilege of singing the words of this song at a revival several years back.  This song has been a favorite of mine for some time, and what a feeling to be able to sing those words!   I didn’t just sing those words, though, I thought on the message of the song and how great the Father’s love was for ALL of us to send His only son to die on the cross for us.  There is no greater love and no greater display of love than Jesus dying for you and I.

That’s how we will begin the very first day of February – our month of love.  Think on God’s love and the love Jesus had in His heart when He bore all of this for us.

How To Be A Modern Day Gentleman (Part II)

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Today we are continuing with some additional tips.  We’re so glad you joined us for How To Be A Modern Day Gentleman (Part II).  These suggestions can also be used as some resolution ideas for 2015:

‘ Mind your manners and your mouth (not just around women and children).

‘ Use self control and keep your composure.

‘ Admit when you are wrong! (There is NO room for ego – Ego means to Edge God Out.)

‘ Stand up for positive beliefs and values.  Make your voice heard!  Take initiative!

‘Get the bread and milk, or whatever household items are needed.  Volunteer to do these things or to run errands.

‘Dress for the occasion.  You do clean up nicely.  Show her that side more often.

‘Dance or at least try.  She won’t mind if you have two left feet.  She just wants to dance like a princess with her prince charming.

‘Learn to cook – not just on the grill – and do the dishes so she doesn’t have to.  Pitch in around the house instead of letting her carry all of the load.

‘Cry on her shoulder.  She likes when you are not afraid to show your emotions around her.

‘Live in the present.  Don’t worry about what is on your “to do” list tomorrow or next week.  Focus on her, your children, and the time you are spending with them now – today – in this moment!

`No matter if you’re in a room full of a thousand people, turn your full attention to her.  She will notice.

`Lavish your love and affections on her.  Hold her hand, put your arm around her, kiss her softly … all with no expectations whatsoever.  Just “because.”

If you do all of these things, along with any positives you can come up with, she will surely think that you hung the moon.

How To Be A Modern Gentleman

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Today I would like to share my thoughts on how to be a modern gentleman.  In the world today, people rush here and there, never really taking the time to care about those that cross their paths during the course of a day.

My wife, Shirley, has spoken on being intentional in the past.  I’d like to add my thoughts below for this topic in particular.  Just how do you show that you’re a gentleman?  By doing the following:

`Greet people politely.  Treat your wife and children better than anyone else in your day.

`Always open the door for your wife and children.

`Be punctual.  It does not make the person feel good to have to wait on you all the time.

`Keep your word.  Do what you say/ follow thru with your intentions.

`Leave the  place better than you found it.

`Put your cell phone away!

`Have fun.  You don’t have to be so serious all the time.

`Don’t hold on to the negatives of the past.

`Don’t assume or accuse.

`Pray for yourself and others.  Seek God in all things.

`Don’t brag or boast.

`Be authentic.

`Have eyes for only her.

`Make your wife feel like a queen every chance you get.

`Discover her “love language” and do things that speak directly to her heart.

`Make reservations or plans.  While it’s nice to be spontaneous at times, it makes her feel special if you thought it out in advance and planned things just for your wife.

`Give her your jacket if she’s cold.

`Don’t be a pig at the table.  Wait to start your meal and wait to finish together.

`Pull her seat out for her at the table.

`Rise from your seat when she enters the room.

`Listen with empathy.  This is very important as women as big on communication.

`Compliment her often but be sincere about it.  Don’t use “cookie cutter” phrases.  Mean what you say.

`Say please and thank you.  Using your manners is still “in” these days.

`Watch your mouth and your language.

`Control your temper.  Don’t let it control you!

`If you are mechanically inclined, fix things around the house without being asked.  She won’t have to “nag” if you just do it!

`Pay attention to details.

 

Turn

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Things haven’t been right in a while.  There have been struggles … lots of struggles … and happiness?   That seems like something in the past that will never return again, or if it does, it will only be for a fleeting moment.

Don’t you think it’s time for a change?

Isn’t it time to return the heartache and pain in exchange for joy and love in our hearts once again?

TURN THE PAGE!

Turn

Only … allow it to be better this time than ever before.  While the sins of the past have been repented of and forgiveness given by God’s grace, let’s put it all behind us.  Cast the hurt and pain aside.  Write it all down and burn the pages if you must, but rid yourself of all that has been tagging along stealing your joy, happiness, and intimate moments with your family.  Anger has no place here, neither does destruction.

It’s time for new beginnings.  For a fresh start.

The pages of the book are crisp and clean … white … just waiting for you to write the next chapter of our lives together.

Begin writing a new chapter, focusing on our happily ever after!

A New Chapter

 

I want my happily ever after.

And it starts … right now.

 

Happily Ever After

Things That Ruin A Marriage

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In October, we focused our entire 31 days on marriage tips to help build intimacy and a closer connection with your spouse.

Now I’d like to break down a few things that have the potential to ruin a marriage:

*Insecurities – If your spouse suffers from low self esteem, they will have plenty of insecurities.  Which will lead us directly into the second item that I’d like to discuss which is …

*Jealousy – If the green eyed monster rears his ugly little head in your marriage or in your relationships, do your best to put him in his place!  Show him the door!  While a little bit of jealousy is a good thing because it shows that you do care about your spouse and want them to be yours and yours alone, too much jealousy can ruin a marriage!  If you become possessive and are easily angered, squash the green eyed monster as fast as you can!

*Lack of Communication – If you can’t wait to call up  your friend and tell them everything that is going on within your marriage yet you fail to talk that openly with your spouse, there is a huge problem!  If you stone-wall and close your partner out of your heart and will not talk things out with them, nothing will ever be resolved!  Don’t shut them out!  Instead, take it to God first … pray about it … and then, take it to your spouse!  While I’m sure your friends mean well and will offer support, the one you need to be speaking to about all of the problems in your marriage is not your friend but your spouse!

*Trust – If trust has been broken in your marriage, you will have a long road ahead of you.  It takes a LOT of time to rebuild and regain trust once it has been lost.  Do not lie or keep secrets from your spouse. Also, omitting details is deceitful and a form of betrayal.  Be very careful here!

*Assumptions – This is where the lack of communication gets things all out of whack!  If you aren’t talking to your spouse, it leaves you with nothing but your thoughts that have gone wild thinking the absolute worst!  That is when the devil loves to place doubt and whisper lies in your ear.  Pretty soon, you’re making assumptions, then you’re accusing, and no good will ever come of this!

*Pornography – Guard your eyes, your mind, and your heart.  If you focus your attention and affections on your spouse, you wouldn’t have time nor the desire to look at such trash!  “Be careful little eyes what you see …” It’s not just a cute little song, it’s the truth!  You should only long for and desire your spouse!  If you are lusting after any one else, you are sinning in your heart and mind against your spouse and against GOD!  “Give us clean hands … give us pure hearts, oh Lord!”  Again, not just a song, a plea we all need to make and then ensure that we guard what we look at … ask yourself if it’s honoring your spouse.  Better yet, think of how you’d feel if your spouse were viewing such things in private while withholding their affections and intimacy from you!  You wouldn’t like it one little bit, now would you?

*Flirting – This is where a lot of people don’t have a clear understanding of what flirting truly is.  There’s plenty that fall into this category.  However, just to be clear … if you stare or look more than a glance at someone, that can be viewed as flirting.  If you touch someone playfully on the arm, that can be viewed as flirting.  If you laugh and give all of your attention to someone other than your spouse, be careful because you’re on a slippery slope … and this is most definitely flirting!

*Not Having Clear Personal Boundaries – Now this is where we really need to focus!  If you have clear personal boundaries, the above will NOT be an issue.  You won’t be tempted to go to lunch with a coworker of the opposite sex … alone … to just talk … or laugh … or have a drink after work.  This is when you need clear personal boundaries so you aren’t putting your arms around people you don’t know to have your picture taken at their request if you’re out in a group setting or not.  If your spouse is within reach, insist that they are in the picture, too!  Or simply say no and walk away if they aren’t … because you know in this day and age that your picture will show up on someone’s newsfeed on Facebook.  How would your spouse feel if they stumbled upon your picture with another woman or another man?  Innocent or not … do not give the appearance of evil.

The above are just a few things that ruin a marriage.  What can you do?   I’m glad you asked!

*The golden rule truly does still apply:

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

A lot of times people simply cannot see themselves until you mirror their actions and behaviors back to them.  Then and only then will they have an “Ah ha moment” and begin to see the light and the error of their ways.  Some times this is necessary to make them see themselves.  I did just that recently, and it sent a very clear message to my spouse and opened his eyes.

*Focus on your spouse.  If you’re tempted to look at someone else, turn to your spouse and focus on them, instead.  If you’re tempted to think bad thoughts or lustful thoughts of another, turn your thoughts to those of your spouse and all the things you love and enjoy about them.  Truth be told, if you were 100% committed to your spouse, this would NOT even be an issue!

*Keep the lines of communication open.  Talk, talk, talk … and talk some more!!  Do not share anything of an emotional nature exclusively with your friends or coworkers of the opposite sex.  Go to your spouse with all things, especially things on an emotional level!

*Do not put yourself into a situation where you will be tempted!  If you find yourself there, quickly make your way to the nearest exit!  It IS possible to resist temptation!  Even Jesus was tempted in the bible, yet He did not give in!  Ask yourself what Jesus would do … and ask yourself how your spouse would feel if they found out or consider how YOU would feel if your spouse was doing the same thing you’re considering doing or are currently doing!  Ouch!  If it would hurt you if your spouse was doing it, you KNOW what you’re doing without a doubt would most certainly hurt your spouse!

Think on that!

We want all marriages to thrive!  God ordained your marriage.  He put you two together.  You committed yourself willingly “til death do us part.”  Don’t take that lightly.  Be intentional about your marriage!  Focus on each other, and there won’t be time for any other to try to weasel their way into your lives!

***Most importantly*** Turn your eyes upon Jesus … get your heart right with God first … your spouse second, and your marriage will be successful.

Enjoy The Moment

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This is the last official holiday of the summer.  What are your plans?  Whatever you do, please take time to enjoy the moment.  Forget about the problems you have been dealing with.  Put them on the back burner for now.  There isn’t much that can be done about them any way at this point in time.  Just take the long weekend to try to relax and unwind the best that you can.

If it’s where you can, plan an outing with your family or friends.  Take advantage of every single moment that you can spend with those that you love.  Make memories with these precious people in your life.

A lot of times we are sitting in front of someone, but we are not present with them.  Our minds are a million miles away, and often times, it shows on our faces and in our lack of contributing to the conversation.  Put down those cell phones also and pay attention the ones that are there with you.  Vow to be intentionally focused when you’re with family and friends.  Focus on them and enjoy the moment instead of thinking of what is on your “to do” list next week or what work you’ll have to go back to after the holiday weekend.  Simplify your life.  Life is to be lived and enjoyed to the fullest not packed with so much to do with so little time.

Take this weekend to just … be.  Whether it’s being one with nature, being in the presence of those you love dearly, or just being still and one with God and the universe.  Enjoy each and every moment that you have been given this weekend.

Blessings to you and yours!

A Grateful Spirit

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Things are tough in the world today.  People are dealing with far more stress and anxiety than ever before.  When once we would occasionally feel overwhelmed, that feeling has become the norm in a lot of lives.  There never seems to be enough hours in the day to get it all done.  There’s work, there’s family responsibilities, children that are growing up way too fast that need our love, time, and attention, and then there are chores around the house that need to be done as well.   You may feel stretched to the limit at times.  When could you possibly fit in any time to just … be?   When would it be possible to just take a day off from life and be still?

When you throw in the fact that a lot of families are struggling financially these days, with gas prices soaring through the roof and the increase cost of groceries, the stress level shoots through the roof.  There are some families that have just faced lay offs at their jobs, while others have been unemployed for months.

With all of this whirling around you, is it even possible to have a grateful spirit?   In my opinion, yes, it is.  You see, I’ve been a struggling single mother before with very little money to pay the bills and feed my daughter.  I was going through a really bad divorce, and all of the responsibilities of work and home fell solely on my shoulders along with the care of my one year old daughter.  It was a difficult season in my life, but I did not allow myself to dwell on my situation.  Instead, I prayed to God to help me and had faith that He would.  And you know what?  He did!   It was not always easy, but with God, all things are possible.   Even when I was struggling financially, I had joy in my heart.   Why is that?  Because I had my daughter, and she was my entire world!   When everyone expected me to be sad and depressed, I was all smiles and cheerful for my baby girl.   Was I always this way in the mist of all that I was going through?   No.   I tried really hard, but I had my moments.  I tried to keep them to a minimum, though, because if I continued to dwell on those hard times, I would remain a ball of fear wrapped in anxiety and worry.   My daughter needed me to be strong and be there … and present … for her.  There is a difference in being in the same room with someone and actually being present with them.  She needed my full attention, care, and love … and I gave my all to her.  If I had spent one more second dwelling on my situation or the circumstances, it would have pulled me under.  The depression would have surely taken over, and there would have been no way that I could carry on.  Instead, I had to keep on going and remain strong for her.   I prayed and just knew that God would provide, and He did.

In the mist of all of that, I had to be intentional and purposeful with my attitude.   Sure, I could whine and complain about the situation, but would it do any good?  Would it “fix” the situation or solve any problems that would crop up?  No.  The only thing a complaining attitude would do is allow me to remain in misery.  I didn’t want that, not for myself and certainly not for my daughter, so I had to be aware of my thoughts and the words coming out of my mouth to ensure that I had a grateful spirit about me when around my daughter and others.   Some times you have to fake it til you make it, and that is okay.   However, when troubles threatened to steal my joy, all I had to do was look into the beautiful blue eyes of my baby girl … and my grateful spirit returned.

The next time you want to allow your complaining spirit to take over, stop yourself for a moment and begin to focus on all of the things that you have to be thankful for.   Allow yourself to shift your focus from the negatives to all of the positives in your life.  You have a roof over your head, food on the table, and clothes on your back.  You had a family that surrounds you with love, and that is all you truly need right there … love.   You have your health, even if there are some health issues that you’ve struggled with in the past.  You’re still here on this earth, and that means you have a purpose, your life has meaning, and you have a lot more living to do.

Will you work this week toward being more thankful and maintaining a grateful spirit?   It may not be easy in all of the circumstances that you will have to face this week, but I’m simply asking if you’ll join me in putting your best foot forward in this regard.   Any time that you find yourself wanting to focus on the bad things that are happening or wanting to wallow in self pity regarding things of the past, will you, instead, begin to turn your attention to all of the good things that you have in this life?  Will you turn your eyes upon Jesus and thank Him for the gift of another day?  Will you honor Him by using your words to praise and lift up others, instead of fault finding and tearing yourself and others down?   Will you forgive yourself of the mistakes you’ve made in the past that may be holding you back or pulling your spirit down?   Will you use your words – whether it’s your internal dialogue that you speak to yourself or words spoken out loud around others – to build up and to focus on the good and the positive?   It will take being intentional and purposeful, but you CAN do this!

For every negative that you wish to speak this week, will you, instead, replace it with a positive?   For any thing that you’d like to complain about, will you find something in your life that you are thankful for and focus on that instead?   Your words have power – and it is up to you as to if you will allow a spirit of complaining to take over or whether you’ll maintain a grateful spirit.

Choose wisely, my friend.   Your joy and happiness in life depends on it.

 

Choosing things that bring us joy!

 

 

 

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