Thankful – 25 Positive Words, Day 8

December 8, 2017December 6, 2017Leave a comment

25 words day 8

Thankfulness isn’t just reserved for one holiday in November. Thanksgiving day should be every day! When we focus on our blessings, our attitude changes from grinchy to glad and from critical to content. One way to experience the joy of the season is to make a deliberate effort to thank the Lord for the blessings and the challenges of each morning as you sip your first cup of coffee. Start the habit of gratitude today and see what a difference it makes in your attitude throughout the holidays and in life.

See – 25 Positive Words, Day 7

December 7, 2017December 6, 2017Leave a comment

25 words day 7

In the busyness of the holidays, it’s easy to miss the wonder and awe of Christmas. Today, let’s be deliberate about observing the world around us. See the beauty. See the joy of the season in the faces of children. Notice and embrace the creative and colorful decorations surrounding you. But may we also be sensitive and see the sadness and the burden that some are carrying in their hearts. See everyone as a creation of God, and as a person who has a story to tell. See beyond the surface – see the heart. Aren’t you glad God sees us?

Grow – 25 Positive Words, Day 6

December 6, 2017Leave a comment

25 words day 6

A great question to ask ourselves when we experience a challenge of any kind is, “How can I grow from this?” It is good for us to be open to what God wants to teach us in the classroom of life. As we learn and grow and develop new skills, we can use our gifts to be a blessing to others. Most important, we want to grow deeper in our faith and love for Jesus. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Let your roots grow down deep into Christ.” As we allow our roots to grow deep in Him, we are strengthened and nourished to face both life’s blessings and challenges.

November 29, 2017Leave a comment

As we enter the Christmas season, I am launching a fun new series called 25 Positive Words for the Holidays. It is meant to help us look at the brighter side and the bigger picture each day of December leading up to Christmas. So join me here at Positive Life Principles or on my author Facebook page to get a daily dose of positive starting Friday, Dec 1. Feel free to share the posts with your friends to uplift their hearts during the holidays. I love walking this journey together!

pursuing-god-in-the-quiet-places

If you are looking for a gift for the holidays, Pursuing God in the Quiet Places Devotional makes a great gift and stocking stuffer.

5 Holiday Happiness Boosters

December 12, 2016Leave a comment

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Although we sing about Christmastime being the “hap, happiest time of the year,” many people struggle to experience the joy of the season. Whether it’s family relationships, financial struggles or stress-filled schedules, this time of the year has the potential to make us feel emotionally snowed under. Here are a few holiday happiness boosters to help you discover delight in the season.

Determine to find the treasure in everyone. Let’s face it, during the holidays we are surrounded by a few (or more) negative and annoying people. But just as every coin has two sides, so every person has both difficult qualities and pleasant ones. Sometimes we have to dig a little deeper to find the hidden treasure in a person. Make it your own personal challenge to discover the treasure in every person you encounter from the lady in front of you in the checkout line to the family member who sees life differently than you.

Choose to forgive. Make a positive decision to give up the grievance or bitterness you are harboring in your heart toward someone. It is only weighing you down and making you unhappy. Move forward and let go of whatever you are holding onto, and you will experience a great sense of relief and freedom. You may need to continue to set wise boundaries from hurtful people, but hand your unforgiveness over to the Lord. He came at Christmas to offer forgiveness for all our sins, how can we not do the same for others?

Stay healthy. Be deliberate about taking care of your body during the holidays. Get the rest you need and don’t forget to take your vitamins (I know I sound like your mother). A good stress-relieving walk will strengthen you, both physically and emotionally. And be thoughtful about what you are putting in your mouth. If you eat yucky foods – you will only feel yucky. Try to be intentional about eating green and lean when you can throughout the holidays.

Give joyfully. Keep your gift-giving perspective bright and loving. Instead of getting frustrated and stressed out as you shop, turn your attitude toward the wonderful thought that this is an opportunity to bless others. Pray for each person on your list and ask the Lord to show you what would be meaningful to that person. Remember, you can choose your perspective, so shop with a heart filled with love rather than grumbling.

Be Thankful. Every morning this week, take a moment to thank the Lord for at least five ways He has blessed you. Gratitude to God brings a fresh delight to your day. As you thank God for your immediate blessings, take a moment to reflect on the fact that Holy God came to this earth as a humble baby to bring us the greatest present of all – His Presence. He came to show us love and to offer His life as a sacrifice for our sins.

My hope for you this Christmas is that you will find your strength in Him and that you will know the love He has for you.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9,10

engage-square-graphic-01-1 Consider an end-of-year donation – gift that changes lives for generations to come. Engage Positive Parenting Initiative serves families in areas affected by poverty and adversity. Find out more: