Right now our life still seems a little up in the air. Chuck has had some struggles with work the past few months that tend to over take our emotional energy. I could easily find things to be discouraged about. But...I choose to be positive. I chose to focus on the good things in life. And if you know me at all, this is a choice, it doesn't always come natural. So after a bummer of a day on Monday, I felt like Tuesday lifted my spirits. These are the things that encouraged me...
- We had a great day a our Precepts Bible Study
- We found a bunch of great books at the library
- I have a dear friend coming to visit this afternoon
- I met another new homeschool family at the library
- Tally's math only took her 8 mins. to do yesterday
- There are hints of spring in the air
So...what lifts your spirits? What encourages you? What is the positive in your life that you are focusing on?
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9 comments:
I try to get perspective. Homeschooling is hard and time consuming and frustrating and I never feel like I am doing all I want and should do. BUT--I am so thankful I CAN homeschool. My husband is supportive, I can afford to stay home, I really do enjoy it--love it actually--despite it being hard, time consuming, and frustrating. I wouldn't have it any other way. There are plenty of nights that I feel just too tired to make and clean up dinner. BUT--I'm thankful I have food in the cabinets and a family to share it with. The other day I was listening to NPR in the morning and they were reporting about somewhere in Africa where there was upheaval and one tribe was burning other tribes homes down often with the families in them. All that day, every time I felt overwhelmed or discouraged I just told myself--there is no threat of someone coming and burning down your house. Compared to so many other parts of the world we have it soooo easy and I just have to remember that when I'm getting discouraged about my house being dirty or being too busy, etc.
Also--starting my day in God's word and presence puts it all into perspective.
I wish I had some uplifting things to say. You are doing better than I am. I am also having a very bad week. I am not encouraged by anything right now and frankly feel like throwing myself a BIG OL pity party.
HUGS
Hang in there...this encouraged me today...from Jer. 29 The Message...
I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. 12"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen.
Thanks Cris. Those are very powerful words.
Everyone where I work is struggling right now. The company is having a hard time financially and everyone is under a lot of stress. Even little things become big issues at times like these... but I have a couple guys at work that are my "stay positive" buddies. -- Today one of them reminded me to stay focused on a few facts that we can be thankful for:
- We're still getting paid to be there!
- They make deposits into my 401k every pay period.
- I still have really good health insurance for my family.
It's easy to forget about those things when I'm being hit with problems & surrounded by stressful situations... and the fear & dread of the stresses that will come tomorrow. It definitely takes a conscious effort to CHOOSE to look for the positive. Today I decided to choose to be positive.
I'll deal with tomorrow's problems tomorrow.
Hmmm... that sounds familiar... where have I heard such great advice??? Ooooooh yeah, Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Now I understand! ;)
~cp
Hey Cris, I am encouraged by listening to great worship music and my husband being pleased with something I've done for him. Also, I really like it when the girls write well. Makes my day!
I keep forgetting my login for posting to your blog…so I’ll just send it this way! Keep pressing on…your blog is an encouragement to me and I’m sure many others.
Sherry
It is good to dwell on the positive things, not the negative. We all feel this way sometimes, but thankfully those that know the Lord overcome this hurdle. I know some people who feel this way every second of their life. I wouldn't want to be them. At least with God, I now I will get through this day, and you will too. {{hugs}}
On the simple side of things, Candles lit, restful music and a few quiet moments in the sunshine lifts my spirt...oh, and playing with my dog at the park...on the more serious side of things...on my little calendar, today's verse that was SUCH a blessing to me and totally LIFTED my SPIRITS was:2 Cor. 1:3-4 "What a wonderful God we have...the source of every mercy and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. (including our bad Mondays!)
Once again - you come up with the BEST subjects! I love to think about this! Unfortunately, I need to go home. But, I'll entertain myself on the road trying to think of those things that lift my spirits - and what might do it today! Well, the idea of trying a new recipe. How about that?
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