Rejoice!!!

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again! Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

How difficult is it to rejoice? I know there have been a few times where I found it very difficult, but recently I've been learning to rejoice, especially in my job! Choosing to rejoice or be joyful, even when things are not going exactly as you would have like them to, is one of the best things you could ever do with your time! Your spirits are immediately lifted, and a lot of times God will change the circumstances around you when you choose to honor and glorify Him!

I personally had been struggling with my job recently... I was getting so bored, and I was finding very little to rejoice about. Then the pastor at my church taught us about rejoicing in our job! This message was taught on Labor Day. :) So I decided to start rejoicing in my job. Whenever I had a day in which I didn't feel very happy/eager to do my job I would change my attitude and choose to rejoice in the fact that I had a job; I focused on the parts of my job that I did enjoy or was happy about. This changed everything! Immediately I began to enjoy my job (even the parts that I had not enjoyed before)! Then after a few weeks I began to receive some of the things I had been asking for (the opportunity to switch positions, encouragement from bosses, co-workers, even customers)! Every day I still have to choose to set my attitude in a rejoicing and positive manner, but when I do the results are more AWESOME than I could even imagine!! God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think! (Ephesians 3:20) Isn't that so amazing!

I encourage you to set your attitude on things which are positive! Rejoice and be Thankful for everything He has given you!! "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

What are some areas in which you find it hard to rejoice? How could you change the situation? Can we be a better example to others by rejoicing in everything? Have you seen a difference in the way people respond to you when you choose to rejoice? What are some things God has done for you since you chose to change your attitude?

I look forward to hearing from you!!

~ S*

I'm Forgiven!!!!

Yes, you can tell I have been reading! I have finished book number two in the "Firstborn" series by Karen Kingsbury. As you can tell by the title a main subject of the book was forgiveness.

Have you ever had guilt about something, and you couldn't get past the thought of it until you apologized or made things right? I have had a few instances of this in my life. A couple times it was years afterward that I confessed my sin to someone and apologized. It can really be damaging to your quiet time with God if you have an unresolved issue in mind. The best idea is to face the issue, apologize if necessary, and come to peace with it. Believe me, it may be uncomfortable at the time, but it is WAY worth it in the end!

And if there happens to be something in your life where you can't physically go to someone and apologize, God has forgiven you. All He wants you to do is lay your sin at his feet, accept His forgiveness, and never look back. The amazing thing about God is that He truly forgives and FORGETS! Oh, how I wish I was able to forget certain things that have happened after I have forgiven the situation. The Bible says in Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." I don't know about you, but I want to prayerfully give my burdens (whether they are unforgiveness, lies, cheating, stealing, lustful thoughts, disobedience, etc...) completely to God. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins! His one and only Son! That is how much God loves us! Jesus's blood has wiped us clean! We don't have to live with our "dirty laundry" anymore. He has FORGIVEN us! And He has permanently forgotten it!

How AWESOME is that!?! Are there things in your life holding you back? Let God have them. '"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."' (John 8:11 NIV)

~ S*

I Am Blessed!!!

Just wanted to make a quick post to say how happy I am, and how Amazing my God is!! I have been witnessing a lot of crappy stuff at work recently, and I am just so pleased to announce that my life is not like that! God has definitely put me in the right place!

Church tonight!!

Soon we will be leaving to get ready to practice for Praise and Worship.

God is so amazing, and He has blessed me in more ways than I can imagine. I won the $50 credit bonus from the month of March! And I know that could only be God's doing!

A thought for you: When someone asks you how you are doing today reply, "I'm blessed how about you?" It is so fun to watch people's reactions! I have made some people's day saying this. And most of the people you say this to will be a little nicer/happier while they are talking to you. I have had a couple people say, "Wow, I really like that!" Or they pause before replying trying to figure out what to answer. Normally people just reply what ever you say like "I'm good how about you?" "Good." Etc... It almost "trips" up their mouth when you say I'm blessed. If they reply they usually make their reply a little more exciting than the normal good or fine. Like: I am doing extremely well, I am wonderful, or same here! :D Try it for a week and see what happens for you! And please let me how it turns out!!

Have a blessed week!!

PS NASCAR race tonight!!!! Not quite sure who I will be cheering for this time... We shall see..........