Grumbling

That's not a picture of me...today anyway...but I have to admit some days....

Attitude can make our day or ruin it.  And it can ruin our Christian witness faster than anything!  We are supposed to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20)...but if we are going around with a glower and a testy disposition what kind of representative of God's love are we?

How do we react in an adverse situation?  When someone cuts in line ahead of us...or cuts us off on the freeway?  When unexpected illness attacks a loved one?  Or the car breaks down?  When our heart is aching...  this list is endless...but our response is our choice.

And what about things we should cast off to be better able to serve God?  Grumpy girl is hanging on to that blanket...are we hanging on to something?   In the story of the rich young man (Mark 10:17-22), he could not give up his possessions for the Lord.  Oh, what blessings he must have missed.  Do we grumble when God asks us to give up something?

Choose today to be less grumbly....and choose the JOY of serving Christ.
Laura

Be Thankful!

     "Never let someone else's joy ruin your grumpy day!!"  That's what I say... before I've had my coffee anyway.  But seriously...
      Joy and thankfulness are not  my first reaction in a difficult situation.  But that is what God wants.  ("Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say Rejoice." Philippians 4:4)  I don't think it is just to glorify Him...it is actually better for US.  It is healthier to our bodies and better for our pysche (both medically proven).  And it is certainly better for the people around us.
     A short story...my husband is a pastor.  There was a very stressful time in our church.  There was a vote being taken determining if we would stay or go.  While people were voting I had my head bowed in prayer.  I heard someone softly singing, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there's just something about that name."  I started looking around and discovered it was my husband.   Thankfulness and joy in the midst of trials.
     When we dwell on the problem it weighs us down.  When we can be thankful in the Lord, despite the problem, we begin to rise above it.
     I pray you can be thankful today and find JOY.
     Laura

Illustration Note:  "Grumpy Kitty" was my first 'official' sale since starting this new career.  For that I am 'thankful.'  :)