Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
- John 1:2-4 (ESV)
Each of us has the occasional day when we don't always feel optimistic about life. Maybe there's been a string of dark and dreary days or we've received some bad news about our health or a job opportunity we applied for; it can be almost anything. But if you read the cited Scripture from the Gospel of John it becomes clear that God wants us to count even our trials and tribulations as joyful events because testing of our faith makes us stronger and more complete. That's a good thing to know as we face the sometimes upside down nature of a world so enmeshed in sin. And if we stick to our faith and our belief in the Savior, the ultimate result will be Salvation and an eternity the likes of which no one can possibly imagine. The riches we will share by being at the side of Our Lord is incomparable to anything we've ever experienced.
I like to remind myself of this daily, particularly when I start each day. That's one of the reasons I choose to wear a small silver cross continuously, for each morning when I freshen up to start the day, it's the first thing I see in the mirror. And I am reminded of the many gifts I have that are so often taken for granted. I have a roof over my head, plenty of food to eat, good health for my stage in life, a wonderful wife and a house full of animals that make me laugh and brighten the family and two grown children who battled issues in their youth but are now good stewards of the Christian faith. And then I also have five beautiful grandchildren, all girls, who have the opportunity to develop and advance their skills and dreams as they choose. All of these blessings would not have ever come about were it not for a loving God who just wants me to love Him in return.
And today, I have even one other small but special blessing that I owe to Him. My new book debuts Monday on Kindle and I am well on my way to finishing a second book about a different subject. I thank God for keeping my mind keen and my fingers nimble in completing these works and for helping me to stay on track with my work schedule on those days when I really don't want to write. And I know that He guides us where He wants us if we only pay attention and that, friends is the key to optimism. You can't be downtrodden and depressed for long if you open yourself up to Him.
What about you, my friends? Have you taken your troubles to God and asked Him for help. It's never too late to gain that breath of optimism, for He wants all of us to be happy and focused on the mission that He has in mind for each of us. So open your heart and be optimistic, look for the half-full, not the half-empty glass and work with a smile on your face to top off that glass. With that attitude and a willing spirit, you will find the way to optimism through God where true happiness and joy awaits.
- John 1:2-4 (ESV)
Each of us has the occasional day when we don't always feel optimistic about life. Maybe there's been a string of dark and dreary days or we've received some bad news about our health or a job opportunity we applied for; it can be almost anything. But if you read the cited Scripture from the Gospel of John it becomes clear that God wants us to count even our trials and tribulations as joyful events because testing of our faith makes us stronger and more complete. That's a good thing to know as we face the sometimes upside down nature of a world so enmeshed in sin. And if we stick to our faith and our belief in the Savior, the ultimate result will be Salvation and an eternity the likes of which no one can possibly imagine. The riches we will share by being at the side of Our Lord is incomparable to anything we've ever experienced.
I like to remind myself of this daily, particularly when I start each day. That's one of the reasons I choose to wear a small silver cross continuously, for each morning when I freshen up to start the day, it's the first thing I see in the mirror. And I am reminded of the many gifts I have that are so often taken for granted. I have a roof over my head, plenty of food to eat, good health for my stage in life, a wonderful wife and a house full of animals that make me laugh and brighten the family and two grown children who battled issues in their youth but are now good stewards of the Christian faith. And then I also have five beautiful grandchildren, all girls, who have the opportunity to develop and advance their skills and dreams as they choose. All of these blessings would not have ever come about were it not for a loving God who just wants me to love Him in return.
And today, I have even one other small but special blessing that I owe to Him. My new book debuts Monday on Kindle and I am well on my way to finishing a second book about a different subject. I thank God for keeping my mind keen and my fingers nimble in completing these works and for helping me to stay on track with my work schedule on those days when I really don't want to write. And I know that He guides us where He wants us if we only pay attention and that, friends is the key to optimism. You can't be downtrodden and depressed for long if you open yourself up to Him.
What about you, my friends? Have you taken your troubles to God and asked Him for help. It's never too late to gain that breath of optimism, for He wants all of us to be happy and focused on the mission that He has in mind for each of us. So open your heart and be optimistic, look for the half-full, not the half-empty glass and work with a smile on your face to top off that glass. With that attitude and a willing spirit, you will find the way to optimism through God where true happiness and joy awaits.
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