Thriving, Not Just Surviving

How do we thrive in times like these? Some of us feel lucky just to survive. Joel Osteen says, "I encourage you to believe you are blessed--not that you will be blessed---but that you are already blessed." I think that's key to thriving in any economy, any situation, any circumstance, any relationship, and any health challenge in which we find ourselves. Gratitude for what we already have puts us in the state of mind for more of God's favor.

What if we don't feel blessed though? Joel says, "This is what faith is all about. You must believe before you see it. You need to act like you're blessed, talk like you're blessed, think like you're blessed, dress like you're blessed, walk like you're blessed, treat people like you're blessed." That's what is called putting the cart before the horse. This reversal in thinking helps us see our higher, blessed self instead of dwelling on our lower, complaining self.

There is a "hope theory" that has been been studied by researchers and psychologists, which found that people who focus on solutions often reach their goals while feeling good in the process. That blessed feeling is something we can bring with us everywhere we go and spread around. That way when we come into a place, we bring the blessing into it. Wherever we go, we bring it! God's favor and blessing arrive when we do. How awesome is that!

Joel says, "Wherever you go, just like cream, you rise to the top. Hold up your head....in confidence, knowing that wherever you go, you're taking along something very special." We're too blessed to be stressed. We bloom and smile, instead of complain. We don't just survive; we thrive.

Light and Love,
Patty

Praying Bold Prayers

"Ask Me and I will give you the nations as your inheritance." (Psalm 2:8) What a promise! God is not limited in what He can do for us. All we need is faith to activate God's power in our lives.

God has so many blessings in store for us if we will only ask. If we trust everything to the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible. "We can see, with absolute clearness, that the best, the most desirable and the most perfect must come to pass when Higher Power takes charge; when Divine Wisdom is the guiding light; and when the Great Love rules the way," writes Christian D. Larson. Whatever circumstances, conditions, or obstacles face us can be easily handled by God's strength if we give them to Him.

We might also call a friend to pray with us. My friend Holly will always pray with me, even if it is over the phone. This always soothes and comforts me. I pray for her too. We affirm good for each other, knowing the Holy Spirit solves all our dilemmas and pressures. We come boldly to the throne of God, praying with "the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind" (Philippians 2:2) for God's loving presence to shine light on our lives and give us strength and guidance in all our affairs.

May you pray bold prayers as well so God can show you His unlimited favor.

Light and love,
Patty

You Are Your Father's Child

"I know who your Father is......there is no obstacle you can't overcome....There's no challenge that is too much for you....There's no financial difficulty, no lack that will hold you back," says Joel Osteen.

I'm so grateful that I am the daughter of the Most High. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Paul tells the Phillipians in Chapter 4, verse 3. Sometimes I try to handle everything by myself, and that doesn't work so well. Recently I was planning a party to celebrate Mom's progress with her treatments. My husband had coupons for free rooms at a hotel, but not enough for the whole family. I really started to stress about it, but it all worked out in the end. I just needed to leave it to God and quit trying to control the situation.

God knows the way, and He is my GPS. His Light clears the way and leads me to peace of mind. When the disciples had anxiety, Jesus stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." (John 20:26) If I remember that I am a child of God and take a deep relaxing breath, my thoughts settle and my anxiety dissolves. That is when solutions appear and harmony reigns. I place everything in the spirit of the Supreme and the blessing of love and peace come into my heart. I am empowered by my Father. I rest in His love.

Light and Love,
Patty

New Seasons of Increase

"When we draw nearer to the Most High, the possibilities of living, knowing, and attaining become remarkable," wrote Christian D. Larson in LEAVE IT TO GOD. If we would just leave it to God and believe, we would enter a new season of increase.

God will bring us out of this economy better off than we ever were. Psalm 102:13 says that there is a set time for favor. Joel Osteen says, "God has seasons in which supernatural doors will open, seasons in which you will accomplish things you never thought possible, seasons in which you'll see great things begin to happen."

We can declare that 2010 is the year of God's favor. Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised" in Luke 4:18. This is our season of increase, and in this season, we will bring along our brothers and sisters.

Good things are in store for all of us. We need to believe that, and it will happen for us. "So I tell you, whatever you ask, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24).

Light and love,
Patty