It is so important that we think positive thoughts and say positive words to ourselves and others. There is so much destructive potency in condemnatory words or thoughts. We need to lift ourselves and others up rather than condemn. Discouragement is so limiting to how high we can go in life. We are made in the image of the Almighty God. In order to enjoy our life, it is imperative that we stay in an attitude of gratitude and optimism. We need to encourage those around us as well, especially our children. Our children, as well as ourselves, are full of potential. We can do all things through Christ. God gives us strength, courage, and ability. We have these attributes inside. We just need to realize our God-given favor, which surrounds us wherever we go. Don't let one negative remark bring you down. We have a tendency to shut out all the positive stuff if we hear even one negative voice. Why is that? Sometimes we obsess about our offenses instead of basking in the praises we hear. We just need to get up every morning with gratitude in our hearts, energized by God's blessings and affirming our destiny as children of the Most High God, so we can get ready for a glorious day. We might want to spend a little time in stillness to hear God's voice, and then flow with His blessing down the river of life to our marvelous destiny without letting any obstacle get in our path! Happy Halloween!!
4 comments:
Thank you for using the picture, Patty, that is just my most favorite spot to rest, recover, rejuvenate, and remember... I drive the 7-8 hours home to visit, unload, and head for my spot, with a sleeping bag and a water bottle, and a favorite book. There, I can let go, and let the sound of the water, the wind in the trees, the birds singing, etc, just wash over me, and I usually fall asleep. When I wake up, I am ready to visit, etc. I think we all need a spot to just let our hair down, and relax to the point of sleeping soundly. I can put the discouragement and disappointments behind me for a few hours, and it helps my attitude return to the upbeat arena I need to survive. As you mention in your comment, Patty, we get beaten down by everyday life, and sometimes it is so loud we have trouble hearing the still small voice, because we are scrambling so hard, making so much noise, we cannot hear!
I do not think it is a coincidence that David mentions 'lead me beside the still waters' in Ps 23. It is so soothing, so peaceful, and there is a special 'hearing' ability there. I keep the pictures of that bend in the river close by now, so I can glance up and remember back to this summer, esp. I woke up on afternoon to little finches flitting through the tree above me, their little yellow bodies so bright in the sun, and their little voices so sweet. I am so grateful for that moment. I feel like it was a God-given gift to me for all that this year has held.
Rozan, you did such a good job with your post. I love the alliteration---remember, rest, recover, rejuvenate. It brings out the English teacher in me.
Anyway, I am so glad that you have a place to go. I can picture the tranquility of that spot in the river. If my mind's eye lacks clarity, I have a real picture of that river that Jeanie gave me for Christmas. Three of us on this blog grew up by this river...Jeanie, Rozan, and me. I think the river always draws us back to our childhood. I have so many memories there.
When we've lost confidence in ourselves and go to a restful place like the one on this river to be alone with God, He reminds us that He has not lost confidence in us. He will always believe in us, no matter what!
Rozan, I liked the article you sent me and decided to post it here. I think it is so valuable to have a positive attitude in everything we do.
Get Rid of Negative Thoughts
by Dona DeZube
Monster Finance Careers Expert
Get Rid of Negative Thoughts
"You've been unemployed for six months. Your spouse recently passed away. You think you're too old, fat or stupid to find a job. Keep thinking that way, and you'll prove yourself right. Negative thinking and speaking can derail your job search. Most employers want to hire happy people -- not people who are down on themselves and the world.
Picture two job applicants. Each walks into an office for an interview and is greeted by a receptionist who says, 'Good morning.' The first says, 'I thought I'd never find this place. It's raining so hard that I got drenched just walking from the car to here.' The second says, 'Those directions you gave me were great. It sure is raining, but we really need it, don't we?' Which of the two do you want to hire?
It's All in How You View the World
Maybe you wouldn't complain about directions or the rain, but the way you view yourself can influence your job search. 'You can perceive anything in a lot of ways,' says Elaine Varelas, managing partner at Keystone Partners, a Boston career management firm. If you're an older worker, you can see yourself as experienced -- or just old.
So how can you sound happy when you're really feeling the opposite? First, admit you have a problem. Tell yourself out loud that you have a tendency to be pessimistic and that you are going to look for the positive. 'You don't need to totally revise your personality, but you have to recognize that it's not a lot of fun to be around someone who's cranky and negative, and people have that choice when they hire,' Varelas says.
Next, set up reasonable daily goals, and reward yourself when you accomplish them. A reasonable goal might be making five personal contacts. The goal can't be vague or too large, and certainly shouldn't be, 'I'm going to find a job today.'
Next, tell yourself that job hunting is a numbers game. 'It's a lot like being single,' says Jay Arthur, author of How to Motivate Everyone. 'I know that somewhere out there, there's a way cool job that's right for me. I just haven't found it yet. Part of it is knowing that a 'no' from someone is the universe keeping you from a bad job.'
Can You Do It? Yes, You Can!
Can people really turn their job searches around just by reining in negative thoughts? 'I had [as a client] a senior person in healthcare who was a solid, good guy who had a great wit [but] was a little bit pessimistic,' recalls Varelas. 'He couldn't see himself growing from this negative experience.'
'What we said was, 'Picture every interview as your ideal job. After the interview, you can turn it down, but use the same kind of words. You'd be energized to go to work each day, so emphasize that you're a high-energy person who's energized to go to work,' Varelas says. 'His networking became much more positive, and he rose from middle management to senior executive.'
Picture who you want to work with, where the job will be and what you'd be doing, Arthur adds. When you go into an interview, you'll already see yourself helping the employer succeed. That attitude will come through. 'It's not, 'Do you want me?' It's, 'Here's how I'm able to help you,' he explains.
And as for being too old or overweight, just remember everyone has something to overcome. So get out there and try one more time, because this may be the day you talk to the person who puts you in touch with someone who hires you for your dream job."
I greet each day confidently as I trust the love of God within to guide me on safe pathways. Each step I take is with sureness and a feeling of security. I give thanks that I am cared for in every way.
"And you will have confidence, because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety."--Job 11:18
Happy Halloween!
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