Do you or someone you know have issues with finding the bright side of things? I would have to say at times I am this way, but I could name quite a few of people that always seem to see the negative. Isn't it amazing how we can easily name so many people and say that is not me, without looking in the mirror?
I had the opportunity this weekend to spend some time with some amazing ladies. I realized a few things: a person could always have a larger trial than the next and still be happy; we may easily say, "I am glad that is not me," yet be overlooking the benefits; and I needed a different viewfinder.
This weekend I saw a person I have not seen in about a year and a half. She let me know that her husband has Stage 4 lung cancer. My heart went out to her. Since my grandfather passed away with this last July, I know how emotionally draining this could be, and imagine it to be worse for a spouse. But, my friend had a wonderful perspective! Read her blog! (blog.asitetobeseenonline.com). She looks as this as a time that many are watching her, if she has a righteous response, God will be pleased. I admire this friend for her wisdom, calmness, patience and peace with the situation. How easily a person could look at her situation and say, "I am glad that is not me." While she is embracing this journey God has put her and her husband on.
I went this weekend to a Ladies Conference that a person by the name of Martha Peace spoke (www.marthapeace.com). She is the author of a book called Damsels in Distress, I am currently reading this book and have found that my perspective on my things in life have been a little off. Martha is the type of person that makes you walk away and say, "okay Lord, I have been selfish and whatever you want to send my way, I am here and willing to take it." I strongly recommend this book to any ladies out there....it will help you!
So, I ask are you the type of person to wake up and say, "I am going back to bed it is raining?" or "Why do I have to keep putting up with these noisy neighbors? I just want to move?" or "It is freezing out and it is April! Where is the sunshine?" Everything happens for a reason! God puts people in certain places, certain circumstances at certain times. Remember even if it is raining, as long as you have the right perspective there will always be sunshine!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Great Expectations
I was reading this blog about expectations (http://www.seekinghim.com/radio/today.php/04/04/2011) and have been reflecting on it ever since. Thought I would share a little.
Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I just don't understand why they won't return my call?" Has it become an expectation of that person from you to call you back? The author of this blog talks about how expectations can become a prison (for you). In the scenario of the phone call, the person you called could have lost the paper that the message was written on, perhaps just forgot, or something happened and they were unable to return your call. When a person has an expectation of another person and that person fails to meet those expectations what feelings arise? Anger. Bitterness. Heartache. Hostility. Disappointment. Just to name a few.
Think of someone in your life who continually fails to meet your expectations. Now think of the thoughts or feelings that come to mind. Having a different frame of mind without expectations can help change those thoughts. Think of someone new you just met, so you are unable to have expectations. What thoughts come to mind? Thinking of that person who has let you down time and time again without expecting anything from them can change the way you perceive them. Try it!
Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I just don't understand why they won't return my call?" Has it become an expectation of that person from you to call you back? The author of this blog talks about how expectations can become a prison (for you). In the scenario of the phone call, the person you called could have lost the paper that the message was written on, perhaps just forgot, or something happened and they were unable to return your call. When a person has an expectation of another person and that person fails to meet those expectations what feelings arise? Anger. Bitterness. Heartache. Hostility. Disappointment. Just to name a few.
Think of someone in your life who continually fails to meet your expectations. Now think of the thoughts or feelings that come to mind. Having a different frame of mind without expectations can help change those thoughts. Think of someone new you just met, so you are unable to have expectations. What thoughts come to mind? Thinking of that person who has let you down time and time again without expecting anything from them can change the way you perceive them. Try it!
Monday, April 4, 2011
My Country Tis of Thee
Have you ever had a chance to enjoy a quiet evening reading a book on the sofa with a candle burning, a quiet yet warm house, while drinking the hot cup of coffee? Or if you are not a reader the opportunity to sit and watch a movie with your family? The reality is there are people in the world who do not have the opportunity to enjoy these freedoms that we take for granted in the United States. How about the ability to walk outside and get your mail? Many countries don't have mail delivery and you can't safely walk outside your house.
Many people agree with what the military does, many don't, but the reality is these people are out in the world sacrificing their lives, their time with their families, and so many other things, so that we can sit on Facebook, take a walk in our neighborhood, go to a sporting event, read a book in a home that has a roof with food in it. I challenge everyone the next time they disagree with the military, think about those sacrifices. They deserve respect. If those sacrifices are no big deal, then why not enroll in the military?
The point is we are to try to contribute to a better world. There are so many evil things occurring around us and in so many places in the world, why not do good to impact the lives of others?
Many people agree with what the military does, many don't, but the reality is these people are out in the world sacrificing their lives, their time with their families, and so many other things, so that we can sit on Facebook, take a walk in our neighborhood, go to a sporting event, read a book in a home that has a roof with food in it. I challenge everyone the next time they disagree with the military, think about those sacrifices. They deserve respect. If those sacrifices are no big deal, then why not enroll in the military?
The point is we are to try to contribute to a better world. There are so many evil things occurring around us and in so many places in the world, why not do good to impact the lives of others?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)