The Unconventional Solution!

It's been a while since I posted... I've been busy unpacking in my "new" place. I'm enjoying the remodel results. 

The unpacking has been moving slowly for several reasons, 1) my pain level can't take too much at one time, 2) I'm rearranging things. 

I decided while packing up my apartment, that this would be the time to reevaluate what I have where and why. Throughout the years, I've worked on getting things which help keep my pain level lower: sleep number bed in the bedroom, a high table in the kitchen, a shelving unit putting things within my reach (my pantry), and most recently the daybed and new mattress in the living room. 

Yet, I didn't think through where things were put and how they affected my pain. Until now. 

One simple change I made was in the kitchen. Since lifting things up above my head is painful putting plates away in the cupboard is difficult. So, why not put the plates in a drawer?! I love it. Yes, it's not the "conventional" way to do things, but it sure helps me. I used the silverware drawer for the plates and bowls. The silverware is now by the stove in a drawer which was for the towels and hot pads. The latter are now in a basket on a shelf (my pantry). 

Moving the plates to the drawer is such a simple thing.... don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. But then plates aren't to go in drawers.... until now! 

So often I am caught up in the pain that I miss simple solutions around me. Oh, I fully understand those all consuming pain days. But those are the days I should work harder as changing my focus. The more I focus on the pain, I miss the solutions to lower the pain. 

Maybe you don't suffer from physical pain, but there are frustrations which can be all consuming. Perhaps at work, you are in the midst of a problem and you can't find your way out. Take some time to think about something else. "Oh, but I don't have time." Well you aren't making any progress by focusing on the problem are you? Most often we find solutions to our problems or relief from pain, when we take a moment to change our focus. Then when we return to the problem, the solution will be very clear. 

Creating a positive day isn't possible, if I focus on ONLY the pain or the problems. When I change my focus to the positive and give my mind a rest, the solutions will come. It's not a difficult thing, to change our focus, but it's one that doesn't come naturally. Next time you find yourself consumed with a problem (or pain), think about my unconventional solution—the drawer of plates.  

The solution is there,

if you DON'T think about it!

"New Place"

Here are some pictures of my "new" apartment. The remodel make the place look GREAT. I'm still unpacking boxes, but making great progress. 

On Friday, God led me to an Estate Sale and I was able to get two almost new tan swivel rockers. They look so much better with my decor than the rose colored ones I had. God also provided the "man-power" to load them into my car, and carry then up to my apartment. Love it when God takes care of those details! 

Since I'm unpacking slowly, I've been able to take time to reflect on how God provided various items. From craft supplies to a stereo, God has given me wonderful gifts. It's been fun to reflect on God's creative provisions. 

Unpacking would be a dreaded chore, except by reflecting on how God provided the items, it has become a very positive experience. Throughout Scripture people built memorials to remember what great things God did. I think we miss out on opportunities to remember God's greatness because we don't take time to reflect on all He's done for us. While unpacking, I've been reminded over and over of the creative ways God cares for me. And when I remember that God loves me... that makes the day positive!

Communication

On Sunday, I received a phone call from my Dad. My Mom was in the hospital. Tests were being done, it could be her heart again.

As I waited for another phone call from my Dad, my mind went to the last words I spoke with my Mom. We had laughed about an ongoing family joke.... and that made me smile. 

A few years ago, I talked with my parents only once every 2 weeks or so. Long distance can be expensive. Yet, now I talk with my parents, especially my Mom, every day. Why the change? Our cellphone provider allows free calls.

With about 675 miles between us, our phone calls keep us connected. Our conversations aren't important to anyone else. We discuss what we ate that day, books we're reading, Max's antics, and even "watched" sport shows together. We talk about her life and about mine; the same yet different.  Over the past few years, through our talks, I've gotten to know my Mom better. 

Communication is important to our daily lives. We communicate in a variety of ways: phone calls, texts, emails, tweets, blogs, face to face talking, etc.

This past Sunday, after I spoke with my Dad, I spent time having a conversation with God sharing my emotions and thoughts. Prayer is comforting in so many ways. It allows me to share my thoughts, feelings, and frustrations with God. Knowing that God, who created everything, is listening to me overwhelms me with peace. 

Just as my conversations with Mom are providing me glimpse into her life, prayer teaches me more about God.

Prayer is not a vending machine—

say the right words and get what you want.

Prayer is the privilege of communicating with God.

Our ordinary views of prayer are not found in the New Testament. We look upon prayer as a means for getting something for ourselves; the Bible idea of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself. --Oswald Chambers 

So when we sing, 'Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,' we are not thinking of the nearness of place, but of the nearness of relationship. It is for increasing degrees of awareness that we pray, for a more perfect consciousness of the divine Presence. We need never shout across the spaces to an absent God. He is nearer than our own soul, closer than our most secret thoughts. --A.W. Tozer 

Communication.

So simple. So vital.

So taken for granted. 

The next time you have a conversation with someone, appreciate the moment. And as you spend time talking with God, adjust your mindset to one of thanksgiving and worship. 

When the day begins 'bad news', the only way have a positive perspective is to spend time with God. After talking with God, it's easier to accept His will and move forward with a positive mindset. 

My Mom is now home from the hospital and doing well.

Walk on Water or Sink

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm reading the book Upside of Down, by Joseph M. Stowell. As I was reading last night, this paragraph stood out.

"Though we often view trouble as an issue of me verses my circumstances, in reality hope dawns when we refocus our thinking and view our situation as a matter of constructively and biblically controlling the me and trusting the truth about Him (God)—the one who controls my circumstances."

So often, we lose sight of God because the circumstances overwhelm us. We get lost in the "fog" of what's happening. A good example, is when Peter walked on the water in Matthew 14:25-33.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

When Peter SAW the wind, he was afraid. He wasn't afraid before that, because He was focused on Jesus. Peter, even said, "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he (Jesus) said. Peter had the courage to WALK on water when his focus was on God. Only when he allowed the circumstances to control him did he begin the sink.

The same is true in our lives. We can allow the circumstances to control us, or we can control our will and focus on God. If we keep our focus on GOD, rather than our circumstances, we can "walk on water". We can have courage to face any circumstance we find ourselves, whether it be pain, loss of a job, family matters...whatever.

We can't change

our circumstances,

but we CAN change

how we view them. 

This is the entire premise of Create a Positive Day! Choosing to be positive will hep you rise above the circumstances—or you can sink in the pain and happenings of your surroundings. Me, I'd rather walk on water!

The Why's or The Who?

I'm reading the book The Upside of Down by J.M. Stowell. One statement that stood out is: "In the end God resolves the mental anguish by turning Job from the question why to the question who. Hope begins when we start with the right question: 'Who?'."

Often when something happens in our lives, we first go to the question "Why?". When we should be focusing on God and Who He is. God cares for us and when He allows something to happen in our life, it's for His glory. If we keep our focus on WHO, rather than why.... our spirits are calmed and we can move forward. 

That's the big difference between Christians and non-Christians... our focus should be on God, not us. God allows various things in our lives to bring glory to Him and accomplish His purpose. When we focus on "why me" rather than God (Who), Satan gets a hold and we start doubting, worrying, we become anxious, and fear takes over. If we keep our focus on Who... God... we trust God, we are secure, we are calm... we are at peace. 

As you go about your day, if you find your mind wandering to the 'why', stop and refocus on God. When we keep our focus on God, our day will overflow with positive aspects.