Daily AFFIRMATION via Post-It.....

I just love Post-It sticky notes.....and the many ways they can be utilized! 

I started doing this, off and on, several years ago.  When I found a quote, photo or something that I really want to imprint at a deeper level, I would jot it down and stick it on a mirror where I would see it several times a day.  Since Eddie Dale and I share a bathroom and humidity might create a "sticky" issue, I have posted this little message to myself on the full-length mirror next to the door of my closet. 

Okay, interpret that in any way you like.....it's not that I look in the mirror numerous times out of vanity.  It's just that I know I will see it here when I am getting ready every morning....or before I leave the house. 

Here is an idea, albeit an AFFIRMATION, that I can look at - and say out loud - as I am checking my appearance each day......

It reminds me to TRUST (my One Word for this year) and BELIEVE that God has great blessings in store for me.  It also prompts me to seek GUIDANCE with each step.  And it brings to mind one of my favorite scriptures to start off the day.....

"This is the day the LORD has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it!" - Psalm 118:24

Since this little reminder has gone up, I have repeated it enough times that I am now finding myself automatically incorporating it into my thoughts and prayers throughout the day. 

Does it work?  Well, how would you go about measuring the results?  

I can say, without reservation, that it truly brings a sense of PEACE to mind when I dwell on it.  And having it so close to the surface of my mind keeps these positive words accessible when I find myself thinking negative thoughts.  So, when I get stressed or discouraged and negative thoughts start creeping in, I can switch tracks easily by focusing on this affirmation. 

Since I am a visual person, and really need to see things written down to latch on, this method works for me.  Do you have something similar that helps you?   

If you do, I hope you will share it in the comment section below - it might really be an blessing to someone else who reads it.  If not, give this a try for a few days - your own words of encouragement, or maybe a pertinent scripture - and see if it helps you stayed focused and positive.

Pushing onward and upward.....

 

Let Me Let Go.....

I am sure you have all heard that quote -

"Let go and let God...."

Sounds like such a simple plan.  But, if you are a control freak/Type A kind of person.....well, it's not such an easy thing to do. 

Each time I just about get to the point where I am "letting go" and getting a sample - a small taste - of the blessing that awaits me, "self" steps in and tries to get back in the driver's seat.  What is up with that?!?!? 

When I just surrender and trust, I can feel the peace wash over me.  And yet I struggle to charge back in and grab the wheel.  Why?!?!?

I am frustrated with "self" right now.  "Self" gets to feeling all powerful and strong and forgets to be humble and obedient.  And, as is usually the case, she is getting taught a lesson. 

I quite underestimated the amount of hard work, time and selflessness that it would take to get established in my new career.  While I have made some great strides and had some success, I have also had some eye-opening setbacks and - to put it bluntly - rejection.  "Self" does NOT like rejection.  Honestly, who does??? 

Some days it feels as if I have not made a bit of progress, nearly hopeless; others I feel like I've climbed to the mountain top.  On those days when I get discouraged, I am quick to throw myself a little pity party for one.  On those days when I have achieved the goal, I often forget to whom I should give the credit.  Perhaps this is why I keep getting knocked back down on my booty?  A bit of humble pie?  A lesson being taught as though to a willful child? 

So, for now, I keep taking it one day at a time - because it is a daily matter to surrender.  Knowing what to do and doing it are two very different things.  I haven't completely figured out yet if it's a surrender in my heart, my mind, or both.  I suspect at this point that it is a surrender of my whole being, complete and total.  And it is obviously a process, not a one-time/temporary deal. 

My prayer for tomorrow, and for the day after that, is to allow work to be done through me - not by me.  I know there are blessings out there with my name on them - I just need to push "self" out of the way because she's got this really bad habit of blocking them!

Blessings to you.

Janie

A New Attitude.....

I want to share a scripture a friend posted on Facebook this morning.....

Whatever we do or say should be permeated with an attitude of joy, thankfulness to God, and encouragement of others. Instead of whining and complaining, we are to focus on the goodness of God and His mercies toward us.   Ephesians 5:18

For some reason, this one really jumped out at me today.   Hmmmm.......wonder why?

Probably because I've been pretty busy this past few weeks - nursing Ed after his surgery, keeping things picked up at the house, gaining momentum at work, and all of Life's other activities. I feel like I'm burning the candle at both ends when I finally crash in bed late at night.  And, sometimes when I feel tired or overwhelmed, I tend to forget this powerful exhortation.

Time for an "Attitude Adjustment", Jane!  

Many thanks to long-time friend, Valerie, for sharing this today - just when I needed it most!  Now, I'm just passing the Word along - in case you needed to hear it today, too.