Step back or a step forward?

When something 'bad' happens
to us, why do we usually consider it
a step backward?

Why don't we see it as a step forward?

 Usually if something 'bad' happens to us, we see it as a hindrance, rather than moving forward to our goals. Everything happens in our lives for reasons and each happening is a teaching moment. Therefore, we shouldn't look as going backward, rather we are continuing moving forward and growing.

For example: On Friday, Feb. 5, I fell while getting out of my car. The fall wasn't hard, or far. But, I did twist my back and shoulder. Immediately, I thought of all the things I wouldn't be able to do this weekend. All my plans had to be put on hold.... or did they?

I was looking at the fall as a "step backward". My shoulder had been bothering me for sometime and it was just starting to feel better... now it's hurting again. If I look at it as a step backward, then I'm not looking at the positive aspect and I'm questioning God's will in my life. Instead, I need to see this as a step forward!

The fall has allowed me to move one step closer

in my relationship with God.

How?

1. I say that God leads me and cares for me. This is just one more opportunity for me to relax and allow God to work.

2. I need to re-evaluate my plans. One of my posts, talked about plans being etched in stone. I need to remain flexible and allow God to change my plans for His glory.

3. I continue to talk about creating a positive day. This fall has given me another opportunity to see the positive in what I could easily see in a negative situation.

I hope the next time something happens to me, that instead of seeing it has a hindrance or a step backward, I'll see it as another step forward to reaching my goals.

Creating a positive day is not just a Pollyanna belief. Rather it is looking at each situation as an opportunity to grow.

Enough

Last night as I was standing in front of my 365 Days of Thanks Calendar, I was reflecting on the day and deciding what I should add to the calendar. I decided on ENOUGH. Just, enough. I'm thankful that God is enough. That God supplies enough. That I have enough. Just, enough. Oh, at times, I'd love to have more money or more things... but really I have enough.

I have enough money so that I remain dependent on God. Having more would make it easier. However, when I have to depend on God to pay the bills and care for me, I learn more about God and His creative ways of supplying. 

There are "things" I'd like to have, but don't really need them. More things may make some tasks easier, but then again, are not necessary for living. And if I had more things, would I ever be satisfied with what I have? 

Enough. I have enough to accomplish God's will. I have enough to live so that I can glorify Him. I have enough...if I keep my focus on God. If I look to the "Jones" or "Smiths", then I begin to want.. and that is a sin. I need to know that I have enough.

God is enough. Often people want things to fill a void in their lives. They know something is missing, and try to fill it with things. Yet, a relationship with God fills that void. God created us to have a relationship with us. When that relationship isn't developed, we feel incomplete. God is not a religion. God is God. He is our Creator. When our relationship with God is in order, than God is enough. However, if that relationship has been hindered in any way (all on our part), than we begin to want. 

So, I'm thankful for ENOUGH. God is enough. God supplies enough so that I continue to build my relationship with Him. And when my relationship is right with God, than my days are positive.

February 1

It's February already, wow.

How are you doing with your 

"2010 Habits" (resolutions)? 

I like the idea of habits, since it's something that can take time to develop and I want to continue them.

In January and February

I'm working on
a Nutrition Habit. 

Due to my medications and pain, I'm very seldom hungry; therefore, I forget to eat. That's not good. This year, I'm working on creating a habit to eat 3 meals and a few snacks each day. There are some days I forget lunch, but I'm improving on my eating habit.
 

Another habit I'm working on 

is encouraging others. 

I wasn't sure how I would do this, but God has showed me that this is done in many ways and often unplanned.

The main habit for 2010 is Thankfulness. 

For each day, I write down something for which I'm thankful. Often the hard part is picking just one thing for the day! This has been a great blessing so far. Usually, each night before bed, I take a few minutes to write on the 365 Days of Thanks calendar, and than thank God for His hand on my life. I've enjoyed this habit. I truly am blessed. 

Well, one month of 2010 is gone, there are 11 more. I have no idea what God has planned for this year, but I do know He is in control. I'm looking forward to seeing how God leads this year. Creating habits is not done quickly, rather they are created one day at a time by repeating an action. 

The same is true for creating a positive day. It happens slowly over the day. Yes, some days it's a bit harder than others; however, it is still possible.

It is a choice to create a positive day. 

That choice is made by directing

our thoughts toward God and His will.

365 Days of Thanks January List

This year, I'm creating 365 Days of Thanks. Each day I write down something for which I'm thankful. One night as I was standing in front of my 365 Days of Thank Calendar with Max on my shoulder, I said out loud, "What should I be thankful for?". Max quickly replied, "Pretty Bird!". And I am very thankful for that little guy. In fact, he made the list a twice this month (#1 & #16).

Here is my 365 Days of Thanks January List:

As I reflect on January's list of "thanks", all I can think is: I'm blessed. Creating a positive day is done one day at a time, and creating this list of Thanks, has helped me continue to create positive days. God deserves to hear "thank you" much more than He does. So, as I re-read my list,

"Thank you, God. Thank you very much!"

To create this layout, I used my 365 Days of Thanks January Kit. This kit and additional 365 Days of Thanks Kits and Calendars are available at Crafty Scraps under the Creative Team Stuff; Freebie Collections.

What God had planned....

Back on Tuesday, Jan 19th, I mentioned some things which I had planned for the day, but didn't know what God had planned. Well, here's the update.

I dropped off my car for an oil change, and maybe a new battery. Then a friend and I went up to Woodfield Mall, so I could drop off my computer to get that fixed. My friend and I went to enjoy a nice lunch and talk, while we waited for the repairs to be completed. During lunch my phone rang. It was the Auto Repair, I quickly thought, 'my car is finished'. However, I was wrong. The car needed many more repairs that I had planned. My friend quickly and kindly reminded me that God is in control.
After lunch we returned to the computer store, they'd need to keep my computer for a few days to fix it. And since my car wouldn't be ready for a few days... my friend drove me home..empty handed. 

The car repairs and a computer operating system upgrade, were not in my plans. However, God has a way of teaching me total dependence on Him. I had a credit card check (pay a 1 time fee and no interest for 6 months) so I used that to pay the car repairs. That gives me some time to pay it off, or for God to supply in one of His creative ways.

When I went to pick up my car, I took the "guys" cupcakes. I wanted them to know that I wasn't mad at them for the high priced repairs. They work hard to keep my 15 year old car running and safe. 

The next day, I went to pick up my computer. It was raining so I turned on the wipers.... I noticed one of my wipers was worn out and the rubber kept sliding out of the holder. Not a good then when driving in the rain. 

The next day, I stopped by the Auto Repair so they could put on new wipers. The guys greeted me with hesitancy..is something else wrong? When I explained it was just my wipers, there were sighs of relief all around! One of the guys put on my wipers and when I asked how much, the reply was..."This is on us! You brought us great cupcakes!". That was a great reminder that since God takes care of little things, He can easily take care of the big things.

Jan 19th was a day which did not go as I had planned.  However, God once again showed me that He is in control and He can take care of me, no matter what comes my way. God continually teaches me to depend on Him.

On Jan 19th post, I included a part about Leading. God does not lead aimlessly. He has reasons for His plans and all that He allows in our lives. He wants us to be dependent on Him and to glorify Him... no matter what! Years ago, a friend said something which I remember even to this day... "Is God enough?" We quickly answer "yes, of course". But when it comes down to daily living... every day needs.... do we really believe, that "God is enough?". 

On Jan 19th I had to work hard to create a positive day. If I focused on the news of all the "bad" that was happening it was overwhelming. Yet, when I got my focus back on God and His leading and His ability to care for me.... it was a very POSITIVE DAY!