The Clouds Appear...and there is blessing still

The day (and last few weeks for me) started and proceeded with overcast clouds that failed to produce the anticipated rain during the day, but as night fell....SURPRISE...a wonderful thunderstorm poured forth from the sky bringing joy, life, and encouragement!

You may be walking through a rough patch, with bad news, pain, heartbreak or betrayal swirling about you, but know that there is One who will never leave you nor forsake you...who is closer than a brother....and knows every hair upon your head. And as suddenly as the strike of lightening and boom of thunder, you are made aware that you are loved. You are surprised by love and joy that only He can supply.

So be that sweet note of friendship, the unexpected favorite beverage, the kind word of encouragement to those around you today! God bless you greatly!

Friends and Living Out Loud

When people behave in a way that we do not understand, we are quick to put up our defenses or to look upon them with mistrust and fear (often masked by anger). Truly, this does not serve us.

1 Corinthians 13 is commonly referred to as the “love chapter” and verses 4 through 8a encourage us to/defines love as follows: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

The best way to live according to psychologists and John 17 is wide open… let your truth be known and live it out loud. If someone calls into question who you are… talk it out. Often we hit a bump in a friendship or other relationship and assume we know motives, intentions and even feelings based upon our own reactions/actions in the same situation. We fail to remember that everyone is stuck with living their own truth; scars, wounds, bandages, that ever delightful baggage and all.

So what do we do with friends/loved ones when they behave in a way we don’t understand? According to 1st Corinthians, we are patient and kind – not easily angered – and we trust, hope and persevere…and ask. Keep the doors of communication open. We are meant to share each others burdens which brings all that much more joy when there are rejoices to delight in…… so today – Live wide open, big, bright and beautiful – sharing, spreading, realizing and experiencing love...and if you're struggling - share that too so that you burden may be divided.

New day – New spark in the eyes!

http://gratitudeattitudetoday.blogspot.com/

If you have a concern or are struggling, please feel free to email me and we'll get through it together.


Of all the "attitudes" we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life-changing. Zig Ziglar

Make it a Great Day!! Debby

The Future is Good!

There may be Valentines in the form of hearts, candy, flowers or even an occasional cupid causing us to smile .. yet at the same time, we are trapped by the confusion stepping into each day on this Earth can bring. There are concerns that we bury, cover or lay openly bare before the world – hoping an answer, some comfort, some completion will present itself brightly before with a neon sign announcing – THIS IS YOUR FUTURE AND IT IS GOOD.
Good News!!! GOD sees all, knows all, has all things at His disposal, is all sufficient, all powerful and ….AND WE KNOW HE CAUSES ALL THINGS TO WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM…! Romans 8:28

HOW EXCITING IS THAT?! His simple request of us..
We walk by faith, not by sight — 2 Corinthians 5:7
It’s hard sometimes, but carry it, count on it… take the next step knowing that the Creator of this Universe is on your side and He’s hoping you will allow Him to pour forth His blessings upon you and through you….. that you will receive and be grateful as each knew chapter in your amazing life unfolds.
Enjoy your day! May knowing the truth – holding on to it and dancing in its midst today bless your socks off!!!

Legacy of?

Today I am grateful for all that I have and the time (unknown) that I have left to enjoy.

Our days are numbered but none of us knows that number. So today – I choose to give it all I’ve got…. To shine bright, dream big and be honest in kindness and love. The headlines this weekend were hard to take - another life lost well before the time we'd hoped to have them with us. It serves as a great reminder to me about how I live each day. I don't want to leave with unresolved relationships, but rather with love. I know there will be those who misunderstood me, but that will always be the case - I am responsible only for the love I extend, not whether or not it's received. So because I don't know the time or day, I will enjoy this day and love....simply love as best I know how.

And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. (Psalm 139:16b)

Trust and Trials

Mother Teresa once said, “I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much.”

Often we are faced with trials in our lives. At first we are able to meet them with a positive attitude and a fairly confident feeling that this is just a “bump in the road” and all will be well in short order. Then, unexpectedly, we are faced with a new challenge and start to think…certainly I am to learn a lesson for my life in the midst of this “double whammy.” I’ll make the best of it and see what I how I can grow from it. While still grappling with this “trial” we are hit with another unexpected “opportunity for growth.” We may say – well, they say bad news comes in threes. That’s three, so I must be headed out of the woods now. But that may not be the case at all and we are to hold our heads high with thanksgiving for … we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3b-5 NASB

Whatever we are going through our situation is common to man. We are not alone, but can look forward with great expectation and courage to greater character on the other side…and even in the midst.

Look out beyond yourself to bless another today – yes – in the midst of your own trials and allow the love that has been poured out upon you to fall upon another. You may not even know about their trials, but what a blessing to them AND back to you.

Remain Faithful in Legacy Creation

So today you find yourself tempted to give in – it may seem harmless – but after all we are building a heritage/a legacy for others to see and say, “you made a difference in my life. You inspired me.” In order to do that, we must not give in, even to what appears to be the smallest of temptations – like participating in gossip, or giving an opinion where not welcomed nor invited, or supposing to know another’s motives in a negative light.

Don’t give in. It will change everything!

You are not alone. Others have been where you are and stood fast for much is at stake. Remember: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1st Corinthians 10:13

I believe in you and there are so many that are watching your moves this very day to see how you handle the unkind comments of a co-worker, that trial at home or the casual onset of gossip. Be a peacemaker – be bold and faithful. There is a way to stand up keep your very legacy intact today.

And just for kicks – remember for a moment that person you aspire to be – the one God created you to be – and smile.

Pray with Gratitude

Charles Swindoll said “There is no more significant involvement in another’s life than prevailing, consistent prayer. It is more helpful than a gift of money, more encouraging than a strong sermon, more effective than a compliment, more reassuring than a physical embrace.”

How many times do we look at a day ahead or a circumstance and try to “figure out” how we are going to make it work. Imagine me – a creation – thinking I can even see all of the opportunities, tools, etc. available to me…. When all along the Creator Himself has told us – you have not because you ask not. He makes all things work together for good for those who love Him. That’s ALL things. So while prayer is not tangible, it’s the most awesome way we can contribute to another’s well being. God in His amazing love, power and kingdom has ALL – THAT’S EVERYTHING at His fingertips and His plans are far greater for us than we perceive or dare to dream.

So – open your heart, mind and soul. Close your eyes for a moment and remember your dream. Now – lay it at His feet with joy and gratitude…. And watch with wonder as He honors each step in faith as you walk toward the dream He has given you.

Blessings upon blessings to you today… and pray!