Most people downplay the power of a positive attitude. The outlook you have on something can change everything. It can make it more fun or it could send you into a downward spiral of negativity that can ruin your day. It's up to you which one you pick.
For the most part, I tend to be a very optimistic person but we all have our days or moments of getting caught up in the wrong thought process. One option is that I could dwell on the struggles of my life or I could use them as stepping stones to become closer to God. Instead of being upset that I wake up in pain or have nightmares when the pain is bad I pray and ask that God be the one to help me see the purpose of this in my life. I ask that He give me the strength to endure it with a smile and a joyful heart. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Give thanks in ALL circumstances, not just when things are good and you are happy but when you are struggling and things don't seem to be going in the direction you want. You may not understand His plan for you right now but that is okay! Whatever it is you know it will be amazing! I can honestly say I would never change or take back what I have gone through if I could. I am happy with my life. Yes, I have setbacks. Yes, I still have lyme disease. Yes, I work my butt off everyday to get things done. And Yes, I couldn't be prouder of where God has lead my life in the last 5 years. A positive attitude can not only change your day but it can change the whole outlook for your entire life. Some people look at me and I get those dumb pity looks because they feel bad for me and I never understand that. What is there to feel bad about? I am not missing out on anything nor am I unhappy! I am a child of God! What is there to not be happy about! When someone gives me a pity look all they are seeing is the struggle and pain but with a positive outlook your eyes are opened to the happiness, endurance, and God's power in my life. That is what I want people to see because that is what I see. If you change your attitude you change how you see everything. You see potential in the drug addict. You see a fighter in the single mom. You see an opportunity to love a child when visiting an orphanage or NICU. You see God's healing power in the pain. You see a great life in everyone's future with God.
God is the secret to a positive attitude. When you are feeling overwhelmed with life's demands God calls us to cast our burdens onto him. Psalms 55:22 states, "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you..." You are not meant to carry the burdens of life on your own two shoulders! Philippians 4:6 urges, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer let your requests be known to God." God has meant for you to bring your struggles to him so you may live a joyful life. We are meant to cast our burdens onto Jesus because He cares for you. (Clap, Clap, Clap) So if you have given it all up to God what is left? Relief? Happiness? A better attitude maybe? For me, It gives me a sense of relief knowing that God has my back no matter what! If I fall, if I make a mistake, if something upsets me or if I just don't understand something I know God will always be there to take my sins, my pain, my struggles and make them into something beautiful. That is what makes my heart happy and joyful. No matter what happens God is the light at the end of the tunnel and each struggle is just a stepping stone closer to God. That is what makes me smile and that is what makes me happy! That is what gives me a positive attitude.
For the most part, I tend to be a very optimistic person but we all have our days or moments of getting caught up in the wrong thought process. One option is that I could dwell on the struggles of my life or I could use them as stepping stones to become closer to God. Instead of being upset that I wake up in pain or have nightmares when the pain is bad I pray and ask that God be the one to help me see the purpose of this in my life. I ask that He give me the strength to endure it with a smile and a joyful heart. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Give thanks in ALL circumstances, not just when things are good and you are happy but when you are struggling and things don't seem to be going in the direction you want. You may not understand His plan for you right now but that is okay! Whatever it is you know it will be amazing! I can honestly say I would never change or take back what I have gone through if I could. I am happy with my life. Yes, I have setbacks. Yes, I still have lyme disease. Yes, I work my butt off everyday to get things done. And Yes, I couldn't be prouder of where God has lead my life in the last 5 years. A positive attitude can not only change your day but it can change the whole outlook for your entire life. Some people look at me and I get those dumb pity looks because they feel bad for me and I never understand that. What is there to feel bad about? I am not missing out on anything nor am I unhappy! I am a child of God! What is there to not be happy about! When someone gives me a pity look all they are seeing is the struggle and pain but with a positive outlook your eyes are opened to the happiness, endurance, and God's power in my life. That is what I want people to see because that is what I see. If you change your attitude you change how you see everything. You see potential in the drug addict. You see a fighter in the single mom. You see an opportunity to love a child when visiting an orphanage or NICU. You see God's healing power in the pain. You see a great life in everyone's future with God.
God is the secret to a positive attitude. When you are feeling overwhelmed with life's demands God calls us to cast our burdens onto him. Psalms 55:22 states, "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you..." You are not meant to carry the burdens of life on your own two shoulders! Philippians 4:6 urges, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer let your requests be known to God." God has meant for you to bring your struggles to him so you may live a joyful life. We are meant to cast our burdens onto Jesus because He cares for you. (Clap, Clap, Clap) So if you have given it all up to God what is left? Relief? Happiness? A better attitude maybe? For me, It gives me a sense of relief knowing that God has my back no matter what! If I fall, if I make a mistake, if something upsets me or if I just don't understand something I know God will always be there to take my sins, my pain, my struggles and make them into something beautiful. That is what makes my heart happy and joyful. No matter what happens God is the light at the end of the tunnel and each struggle is just a stepping stone closer to God. That is what makes me smile and that is what makes me happy! That is what gives me a positive attitude.
You are my hero still. You give me an example to aspire to. You are also living proof of the verse that states suffering brings perseverance which builds character which brings hope in all fullness. I am not happy that you have Lyme but I am happy with how you let God use it and what He is weaving into your life. Love you.
ReplyDeleteI do not say this lightly. You were cursed with Lymes but you turned into a kind of empowerment. It is so amazing to watch how you have handled all this, how you continue to grow and impress.
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