Tag: positive

True Positive: Day 14 – Laughter

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Laughter is good medicine! In the busyness of life, sometimes we forget to add a cheerful chuckle into our day. When you face a disappointment or make a mistake, yes you need to feel frustrated, but you can typically find the humor in the situation as well. If you look for the bright side of things, you will typically find it! Everyone needs a good guffaw now and then. Victor Hugo said, “Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.”

Without a doubt, a good dose of humor levels some of the bumps in life and lightens the load of our day-to-day routine. When is the last time you had a good hearty laugh? Make the decision today that you will intentionally look for the delightful and funny side of the circumstances in your life. Be honest and realistic, but also allow yourself the freedom to smile and giggle. You will be surprised by the joy of walking on the sunny side of life.

 

Genuine laughing is the vent of the soul, the nostrils of the heart,

and it is just as necessary for health

and happiness as spring water is for a trout.

Josh Billings

 

 

A cheerful heart is good medicine,

But a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22 NIV

 

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

True Positive: Day 13 – Stop Complaining

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Grumbling and complaining rarely make things better; in fact, they usually make things worse. I’m not trying to be a Pollyanna and suggest that we never have anything to complain about. Yet, when negative things happen, we can recognize it and choose to do something constructive rather than destructive with our concerns.

It is easy to let our minds and mouths run with negative complaints or gossip, but it takes a strong person to guard her mouth and think about a positive plan of action. What is a healthy way to respond to our challenges? Pray, plan and present. When we face something that we don’t like or agree with at work, or in the neighborhood or at church, let’s first bring it before the Lord and seek His wisdom and guidance. Next, let’s think of a positive and constructive plan. Perhaps an alternative or a solution or even simply informing the right person about the problem. Then present your information to the one who can actually do something about it, and do it in a respectful and wise way.

Positive people make a plan rather than waste their time and energy complaining about the issues.

 

True Positive: Day 11 – Purpose

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We were created on purpose and for a purpose. God has given each of us unique gifts, talents and abilities to use for His Kingdom purposes. When we recognize that God has an individual purpose for each one of us, it gives us a sense of joy and confidence. How do you discover that purpose? I believe the best way to walk in your purpose is to walk closely with your Creator.

As you get to know Him through reading His word and spending time in prayer, you begin to sense His direction and purpose in your life. I love how David wrote in Psalm 23, “He guides me down the right path, bringing honor to His name.” Paul encouraged the Ephesians with these words, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” How wonderful to know that God planned long ago for us to do good works for His glory!

Ask the Great Artist to lead you and guide you as He carries out His great purpose in and through you.

True Positive: Day 10 – Perseverance

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Perseverance means to continue doing something in spite of the difficulties or opposition. It means being steadfast in purpose and to persist. When we face challenges of any kind, let’s be honest, our tendency is to want to quit. Whether it is school or work or a relationship, it is natural for us to want to take the easy route or the less painful path. Possibly one of the most positive things we can do is to push through the uncomfortable circumstances and persevere.

It takes courage and strength, mixed with a glimmer of hope, to press forward in tough times. Granted, there are some circumstances in life when we ought to call it quits, but we must be wise, discerning and prayerful in those situations. We can learn from the apostle Paul’s example as he faced hardships, imprisonments and beatings. He wrote, “Forgetting the things that are behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God is calling me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Press on my friend, with your eyes on the goal. Find your courage, strength and hope in Him.

True Positive Day 9 – Courage

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courage

How willing are you to step out of your comfort zone? Whether it is trying something new, facing a fear or reaching out to people you have never met before, it takes courage to step into the unknown. Let’s be honest, it is easy to remain safe and stick with what you have always known. Part of being a positive person means moving forward and exploring unchartered waters in our life.

Some of us need to move forward from discouragement or self-pity. Others need to step forward in faith to follow God’s calling. While others need to step across the street and meet their neighbors. Where do you need the courage to get moving? Paul wrote in his letter to Timothy, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” Do not let the negative qualities of fear and worry hold you back from moving courageously in a positive direction.

May God give you the courage to step forward!