Positive Affirmations

Recently, I realized that thinking positively was not coming naturally.

That stinkin' thinkin' was just taking over.

Blech!

I had to do something.

First, I downloaded John Osteen's book Your Words Hold a Miracle:  The Power of Speaking God's Word to my Kindle.

Great book, lots of scriptures we can use to remind ourselves of God's promises.  The late Pastor Osteen reminds us that the more we proclaim God's word and His promises, the more His word can come to pass in our lives.  I concur.

Thing about it is...I cant remember all the scriptures.  So, when I get anxiety during the day or start to think of all the worst that could happen in any and all situations, I have to go get my Kindle.  Sometimes, that just isn't practical.  I find it helpful, though, to read those as I awake and as I retire for the evening.

But during the day I started turning to positive affirmations.  I found a ton on the web, although, I didn't note any of the sites I found them at.

One of the ones I love the most is,

"I watch with joy as God abundantly supplies me with more than I can even imagine." 

Love it!

Another one I love is,

"Life is a joy full of delightful surprises".  

I repeated that one as I awoke on Monday morning as I was feeling a little anxiety about Mom and Ron having doctor appointments that day.

And then I had this bright idea.  I decided I would take note of all the "delightful surprises" in my day.

It started soon after I got out of bed.

Ronnie had an early doctors appointment in Lake Jackson, about an hour from here, so we were up and moving at 6:30 a.m. 

As I stepped out of the bathroom after my shower I saw my first delightful surprise.  Jake, our black lab mix, was all curled up and sound asleep on Ronnie's side of the bed.

He does this all the time, but that morning it just melted my heart.  He was so content and looked like he felt so safe.  It was awesome.

Since we were going to be gone for a while I wanted Jake to go out again before we left and as I stood at the door with him I saw a squirrel in the tree. 

I see squirrels all the time, but I just saw it through new eyes Monday morning.

Then on the way to Lake Jackson, we crossed a creek. 

There was condensation rising from the water caused by cold air from the first real cold front blowing over the creek water that was warmer below.  It was an incredible sight.

Ronnie and I had the best time, even at the dr's office. 

I noticed that as I kept my eyes open for "delightful surprises" I wasnt worrying or thinking about the worst that could happen. 

Our thoughts create our future.  Thoughts of fear and lack get us no where.  God did no create us with a spirit of fear.  He created us with a spirit of joy, strength and hope.

It is a practice.  I have to concentrate on positive thinking, but it helps.  And I know one day it will be natural again.