The Storms of Life

As I sit here working from home, the sun is shining and it's a hot summer day. All of the sudden it seems the clouds move in, the skies darken, and then the storm begins - wind, thunder, torrential downpour. Just that quickly. Five or ten minutes later it's all over and the sun is out again. Then another burst of stormy weather and so it goes throughout the day.

Isn't that how life can be sometimes? We're going along on our merry way and Boom! Out of nowhere comes a storm: something that gets our attention and perhaps even causes us to fear or be anxious, something we didn't see coming.

How do we react when the storm comes? Do we get anxious and fearful, worry and stew or do we pray and trust God?

I've lived long enough to realize that storms come and go in my life. Some are short and some are long. If I begin to feel anxious, I lift up a prayer. Phil 4:6 instructs us not to be anxious but to pray about everything and I have found that indeed this works. I have learned that God is faithful. I 've learned that when I need to take action, it's better to do it sooner rather than later or mull about it for even a day. Anything that steals my peace and clouds my mind needs to be dealt with promptly.

Are you ready for the next storm in your life? Prepare yourself by memorizing scripture. Know that God allows all things for His purposes and glory. Do what you have to do and then look for the sunshine that is sure to follow.

The Power of Words

Ever think about the words you use on a daily basis? See if you can catch yourself using the same words or expressions and then think about how they impact your mental state or that of a loved one. Our words can build up or tear down. The words we speak to others and to ourselves have more power than most of us realize.

Imagine if you meant to say to your son or daughter "What's bothering you?" but instead you said "What's wrong with you?" Think of the impact that would make on them.

In his book, Awaken the Giant, Anthony Robbins talks about changing the words we use to describe our feelings to either diminish negative feelings or intensify positive feelings. For example, instead of saying, "I am angry" he suggests toning it down by saying "I am peeved". Instead of "I am anxious" say "I am a little concerned." To increase our positive feelings, try "I am fabulous", "I am captivated", or "I relish the idea" instead of "I'm okay", "I'm interested" or "I like." Notice the difference?

Proverbs 18:21 says "There is life or death in the power of the tongue". James 1:19 implores us to be "Quick to listen and slow to speak." My mom used to say "Think before you speak."

What words are you speaking to those you love? Are they words of encouragement and edification? I know I can use some work in this area. How about you?

Are You Happy Now?

"I will be happy when the kids grow up." "I will be happy when I lose 10 pounds." "I will be happy when I retire." "I will be happy when I find a partner." "I will be happy when I earn x$".

Ever hear yourself saying something like this? We are expecting some external circumstance to make us happy. The truth of the matter is that we really don't need ANYTHING to make us happy. Happiness is a mental state of mind that we CHOOSE. As long as we structure our lives on something we cannot control, we will experience pain and unhappiness.

Things will never be totally perfect in our lives. There will always be some area, some relationship, some problem that needs attention. The key, I think, is to not dwell on what is wrong with my life, but what is good in it. Today I went for a walk, took a dip in the pool, and had a nice lunch. These simple pleasures give me great happiness and I am thankful for them all.

Abraham Lincoln once said " People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Life is too short. Today, will you make a choice to be happy?