Choose To Be

I saw this picture on my cousin's Facebook page today and thought, this is exactly what I needed. Exactly what I am feeling today. I could harp on about how I don't feel good and am frustrated with the up in the air diagnosis of possible arthritis that I have or that my house is a wreck and needs cleaned or that I can't get my kids to clean their rooms or do their chores, but today I choose to be.....
I choose to laugh. I choose to love.
I love to smile and laugh. I love to be an active part in my life. To live life at its fullest, despite. Some days I don't feel like doing anything, but that's not who I am choosing to be today.
God gives us each day as a new gift. He provides for us and shows us where the positives are. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 it says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. God calls us to not dwell on that negative and focus on being positive despite the rain.

Maybe it has been raining for you for a very long time. It's not just a day. It's turned into a year or two. Maybe you have just started on a new path and can't see in front of you because of the darkness. Maybe the light feels too far away. Maybe it has been right there all along and you just didn't know it. God gives us all the answers, in His time (not ours). Choose to be positive. Choose to renew and choose to be that.

Dearest Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the true blessing of a new day. I have nothing without you, and today I choose to be that. I choose to accept that despite the fact that life can be hard, you are always there. You open my eyes and bless me if only I choose to listen. Thank you for all of the gifts you provide, not just those I see, but those I feel in my heart. I pray that you use those gifts in me to help others around me to see they also have special gifts from You who brings them life eternal. In your Son's most precious name, Amen.

Is it Legos?

In the past 24 hours, I have had three conversations and been led to numerous Bible verses about our words and building up your family members. I even felt led to speak to my boys about it this morning at breakfast. It's everywhere for me right now. I am working to try to be positive and to think positive thoughts to have better outcomes in my life and the lives of those around me.
Wake up achy and stiff. not get enough sleep. someone else is grouchy. just get up on the wrong side of the bed... These are all things we face on a daily basis. Things that could make or break out day. I have been getting up lately (late more often than not) asking myself, how are you going to be today. Sometimes I didn't win the battle, but today, I come at it with a different attitude. (It's a good day despite the pain and frustrations of being busy). Do my joints ache yet again? Yup. Did my children act a  little rowdier than they should have this morning? Yup. Do I have to get my entire house clean before the friends I invited show up tonight? Yup. Do I need to do baseball sign ups, swim lessons, workout, work in general? Yup, Yup, Yup, and Yup. Am I gonna let the crazy of the day overwhelm me? NO WAY!!!
This morning, God led me to this Bible verse (because no matter how crazy life is, there is always time to be in His Word).
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph. 4:29 

So I think about it. Am I building my family up like Legos or am I the one waiting and knocking them over? My focus today is going to be on the obvious, positive words. Words to build up, not knock down.  But it's more than just building for me, I want the world to know what an incredible husband and wonderful children I have. This isn't a secret to keep to myself! Everyone should know that my husband treats me like a princess. I am so very well cared for and feel like nothing can stop me as long as he is with me. My children, Oh my word, I treasure every sweet moment with them, and while they work hard to drive me crazy, I STILL love them and want everyone to know they truly are great kids! So, today, I'm building some Lego buildings, how about you?