Smile Time

What makes you smile? 

If you take a minute and think about smiling, something will come to mind and you will start smiling, and may even start giggling. It could be a joke you heard, or an incident that happened, or something silly you did. No matter what, there are certain things, which when we remember them, make us smile. 

I think it's time we schedule

"smile time" into our days. 

There is something about a smile that makes you feel good. It's been said that a smile is joy bubbling up from inside. I agree. 

The other day a friend told about her son wanting "rooster juice". She had no idea what he was talking about. So the little boy went to the frig and pointed to the Apple juice box with "Big Bird" on it. Each time I think of that I smile. How cute, Rooster Juice!

If you've been reading my blog, you know that I've been dealing with a higher than normal pain level as I had to go off my medications for a new treatment. I was finding it harder to smile, when I just wanted to cry.

God realized this and provided  something to help! I stopped at a store to buy a new pillow. However the store didn't have the pillow I wanted, but did have a VERY CUTE little Snowman! (See picture) As I passed the display I smiled, and even giggled. I continued shopping, but couldn't get that snowman out of my mind. I returned to the display and put one in my cart. "SnowCone" now sits in the living room where I can see him. Each time I look at him, I smile. I have no idea why. It could be his silly smile.

I wonder how many other times, God has provided something special to make me smile, but I was too focused on my pain, or worry, or whatever, to see it. Each day God provides exactly what I need. And that includes things to smile about. 

Psalm 16:11 "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."

Proverbs 15:30 "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."

"SnowCone" is a good reminder to smile. No matter what is happening, God is greater than the situation. Even if the situation seems hopeless....God provides HOPE! God loves EACH of US with an unconditional love. That fact alone makes me smile. 

Yes, there are 'bad' things in the world. But God has overcome the world to provide Hope, Love, and Eternal Life to those who believe in Him. 

If you really want to enjoy a positive day, then schedule some SMILE time. Take a moment to remember something special that makes you smile. You will feel better and your day will take on a new focus.

Creating
a positive day

is as easy
as smiling

at a silly snowman!

Mondays. Do we have to dread them?

Today is MONDAY. 

This morning I am doing laundry. As I was waiting by the elevator (the laundry room is on the 4th floor), a neighbor joined me. She was heading to work, and was late.... again! Then she went on to tell me that she is ALWAYS late on Mondays. She just can't get going on Mondays, because she doesn't like them... period!

Why are Monday's so hard? There is even a song, "rainy days and Monday's always get me down". I remember when I was able to work, it always seemed like it was harder to get moving on a Monday. I was never sure if I had too much fun on the weekends, or if it was the thought of going to work and the week ahead. Whatever, Monday's seem to bring a source of dread.

How can we dread a day,

when it hasn't even started? 

It's all because of our mindset! 

We've been conditioned to dread Monday's so.... we do! We think of Monday's as a punishment: back to work after having fun all weekend. But Monday's aren't really bad. In fact many good things happen...each day INCLUDING on Mondays! 

I think we should start calling the day after Sunday, MAGNIFICENT MONDAY!, or MARVELOUS MONDAY! Why not? If our mindset can make us dread the day, then let's change our mindset to look forward to the day! 

So far today, my Monday has been GREAT. I got up and took my shower, took my last "weaning off pill", am doing laundry, and will get to see my chiropractor later today. Max is sitting on my shoulder singing and saying "happy" and "pretty bird".  I'm sure that as the day continues, I'll enjoy some blessings too!

YES! IT'S POSSIBLE

to Create a POSITIVE DAY...

... on a MONDAY! 

It's all a matter of your mindset! So, will your Monday be Marvelous or Magnificent? (A dreadful Monday is simply NOT a choice!)

Grilling! Yum!

A few weeks ago, God gave me a small grill. It's the perfect size for me. The first time I grilled it was steak. On Saturday, although I didn't feel like grilling, it helped me ignore the pain and provided some yummy food! This time, I grilled onions, ground turkey burgers and the buns. A few extra so that I can enjoy grilled burgers without all the work of grilling.

There are steps necessary to grill. First I have to clean out the old ashes, then add the new coals, set the grates. I also set up some chairs to keep the birds away from the hot grill. For safety, I fill a pitcher with cold water, just in case the fire gets too big. Then I get all the food ready and light the coals. Wait for the fire to die down, add the food, wait, and ENJOY! 

Just as there are steps to grilling, there are steps to living a positive life. The first and foremost is a relationship with God. He is the one who not only supplies eternal life, but also gives grace to live each day. Another step is to keep your focus positive. If you focus on "all the bad things" it will drag you down. Yes, there are bad things that happen, however, there are many good things too! Another step is to share the blessings with others. That way you remember the blessings and others can rejoice with you. And lastly, take time to thank God for the great things He does for you, including loving you with an unconditional love.

If you feel overwhelmed,  one way to create a positive day is to do something special, (in spite of the pain). Yes, grilling did increase my pain, but I sure enjoy the "reward" of the yummy food afterward.

Here are some pictures from the latest grilling episode.

(View left to right then down)