Our minds tell us who we are, what we feel, what we like and what we don't like. It is true!
It is all in the MIND!
If we think negative thoughts, we will feel negative. If we see the beauty in ourselves and our surroundings, we will feel good about living. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people.
We have none of us escaped the struggles in this life. We are none of us different. What you have lived through is devastating for you. There are cancer patients who know they are terminal, but while they live they encourage others with their faith, strength and hope. There are poor people who can barely make ends meet, but will share with their neighbor who also needs. There are survivors of childhood and adult abuse, who still encourage others to live fully.
We cannot give what we don't have. We cannot give true love unless we love God and ourselves.
What you think about living is your choice. It is really that simple! We chose to make life difficult by focusing on the negative things in our life, carrying that burden forward into the tomorrows of our days. Each day is truly a new beginning. Each morning, each moment we have the opportunity to make the choice.
Prayer is not only for asking, but blessings come from prayers of gratitude for the wonderful gifts in life that we have received. Begin each day with the Disciples Prayer as we have been taught. Supplement your prayers with a morning devotion which includes reading the Bible and other books of inspiration. Go outside, look up at the sky and say out loud: Thank You God!
Do not isolate your life with the misfortunes that beset you. We all have those. Open your life to all of the good things that you can see, smell, say and rejoice about! Rejoicing is the key to a joyful spirit, a smiling face and a countenance that says: God truly loves me!
Written and Submitted by: St. Aquilla P. Lanier
Third Tabernacle Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.A.