E.GOne

It'll Be OK.

I was really proud of all the things I accomplished as a young teacher.  I thought it was awesome that my speech classes  and I could create huge events like Rally in the Alley, Hog Wild, Great Greek Grill ‘n Games and Uncle Sam’s LoveCat Sumo Fest for hundreds of students.

So when I retired, I was excited to start REACH — a Youth Ministry  with  25 different hands-on classes for all kids in Gr. K-5 — so they could explore their God-given talents. But, honestly, I was shocked when members of my own church questioned if I could really pull it off.  My self-esteem kinda took a hit. 

But, one day I was in the basement of the church setting up a REACH  display when the Weekday Religious Education Teacher asked, “Hey, how’s it  going?”

Feeling sorry for myself, I replied, “Really good!  I just wish more people would have Faith in me.”

Without a moment’s hesitation she said, “Think how God feels!”

Call it an “Uh-Ah Moment,”  a  “Lightbulb Moment”  or a  “Come to Jesus Moment,” it doesn’t matter  -- because THAT moment changed my life.  

The authors of the book You Can’t Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought remind us that negative thinking can NOT exist in our brains when we are being grateful – grateful for even the smallest things that God has provided  for us.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by today’s chaotic world?  Feeling like a martyr? Well, try keeping a Joy Journal or  thinking of 10 small things you are thankful for each night before falling asleep.  It’s not what you are grateful for, but the feeling that gratefulness  produces in you. You will definitely be surprised how it makes you feel less self-centered and more positive the next day.

Tonight I thanked God for:

yellow tomato blossoms, twining morning glories, smiling sunflowers

pink flamingo inner-tubes, Boise earphones, Donny Mac’s “Home”

the smell of fireworks, hamburgers on the grill, Bounce dryer sheets

pictures of Layne picking up shells, Heartland,  family

clear skies, sunshine, rainbows

cardinals, blue jays, little wrens

Our American flag, a broken pool clock, outdoor lights

“When I was young, I used to hope I’d wake up beautiful.  Now, I just hope I wake up.”

                                                                                                                ~ Maxine

Please, join me in being Grateful today & share your joy with others.   WHAT’S ONE SMALL THING YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR?

STOP and smell the roses ~ or day lilies