THINK+++

I have been thinking lately of how lucky I am to live in a great country. Canada has low crime rates, health care is free, I enjoy the climate, the economy is good, and more. It is the country I was born in and I am thankful for the opportunities here and the great people around me.

I am not in control of what happens around me but I am in control of happens within me. Today I choose to fill my heart with love and patience and my mind with joy and peace. When I find the opposite creeping in I will make every effort to alter the course of my thoughts.

We had some friends call us up the other day and ask if they could come over. I am thankful for friends that are comfortable around us and are free to ask favours. They brighten our path through life.

I want to offer Hope again today. If your dreams are shattered and lying scattered at your feet just remember that broken dreams are doorways. You can choose if they will be doorways to fear, doubt, and depression or if they will lead to greatness, joy, and peace. Choose the right doorway by being positive and choosing happiness today.

Recently, after our youngest daughter seemed done crying after burning her mouth on some hot food I put my forehead against hers to empathize with her. She then let out a few more wails and hiccups even though she had finished crying once. How does Christ empathize with us after we have been through difficulty and fear? I am thankful for the times my Jesus has cared deeply for me and shown me His love.

Fear is contagious but so is Hope. That is what this blog is about: holding out hope to myself first and then to others so that it might spread like a plague. Wishing you a good day.

Today I need to own my thoughts and guard against negative thinking. The cause of unhappiness is never the situation you or I may be in but the thoughts we have. Today I will make the best of what of everything given me.

Although my mother was healthy when I was young, both physically and emotionally, her health has begun to fail physically. I was privileged to be set up for life from her care, given the keys to conquer the world; now I am seeing a different opportunity she giving me – the chance to repay the debt I owe her for her selflessness.

Too often I am tempted to try to impress others with what I own or control. I stake my reputation on what I have. However, what I really want others to notice is that I have unselfishness, love, and Christ in my heart. Christ is more impressive then me.

While walking in soft gravel on our yard, I noticed my footprints lose their long stride when I walked beside my 1-year-old daughter. I want to slow my world for my children so that Christ might slow His stride for me.

There is nothing more important then this moment. You will never have it again.

If how men treat you makes you lose faith in God then your faith was not in God but in man. You and I are not always treated fairly, are not always appreciated or loved; sometimes even by close friends. Reach higher and put your faith in God.

Here is a profound thought: if man does not master his circumstances then his circumstances will master him. Are you going to allow what you cannot control to dictate your happiness? Live above the things that would drag you down.

I have come to conclude that sharing our talents is less about being talented then it is about sharing. I may not be the greatest speaker but I can smile and say “Hello”. I may not be have many possessions but I can share what I have. I am determined not to get discouraged but to keep on sharing.

I am thankful today for the ability to choose love over fear. So often it feels like there is no choice but to live in fear and doubt but I have found that the way to conquer is to choose love. Love is stronger then fear.