Thoughts for Life: Habits of a Healthy Mind

David McCasland tells us: "There is much said today about improving our health by developing habits of optimism, whether facing difficult medical diagnosis or a pile of dirty laundry.

Barbara Fredrickson, PhD, a psychology professor at the university of North Carolina, says we should try activities that build joy, gratitude, love, and other positive feelings.

We know, however, that more is required than a general wish for good feeling. We need a strong conviction that there is a source of joy, peace, and love upon which we can depend.

Psalm 37:1-8 gives positive actions we can take as an antidote to pessimism and discouragement. Consider these boosters:

'Trust in the Lord, do good, dwell in the land, feed on
his faithfulness (v.3); delight in the Lord (v.4); commit
your way to the Lord, trust in Him (v.5); cease from anger,
forsake wrath' (v.8).

Because they are connected to the phrase 'in the Lord,' those directives are more than wishful thinking or unrealistic suggestions.

It's because of Jesus, and in His strength, that they become possible. Our one true source for optimism is the redemption that is in Jesus. He is our reason for hope! — David McCasland

Pray with me:

Father, we are in need of Your help, as
we hold onto the belief that You want us to
have, and maintain healthy minds.

We know only too well that evil thoughts
bombard us daily, and we ask for Your Spirit's
help to enable us to come against them in the
power and authority of Jesus' blood.

It is in His strength, and His strength alone, that we will be victorious in these battles.

I give Jesus have first place in my heart. I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Jer. 42:11 "Be not afraid...of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid...saith the LORD:for I am with you to save you..."

Marriage Monday: No More Perfect Marriages Resources
By JillSavage on Feb 02, 2015 05:39 am

Jill says:
"It’s was one year ago today that my hair had fallen out from my chemo treatments and I had no choice but to shave my head.

Mark says:

I couldn’t bring myself to shave Jill’s head, so we called a friend of hers to do the job. I however, decided to shave my head in solidarity. That meant the world to Jill..."

(I encourage you to check out Jill Savage's post message, as there are helpful books for your marriage. I've ordered 2 myself from the used books listing, for a total of only $7.88, which includes the postage!).

A quote today: "The secret of abundant living, then, is to commit our lives to God and, with joyful singleness of purpose, follow His daily leading. Such wholehearted commitment is not out of line with our everyday experience. Singleness of purpose is essential to success in almost every field of endeavor." Lenn L. Latham author of Let God In (out of print)

Our thought today: There's got to be a significant amount of affirmation for each of us daily, to keep our love tanks filled up. When we give affirming words to those around us, we will begin receiving them, too.

22nd- Sunday evening's post: When I Go to Heaven
Debbie McEwen

24th- Tuesday's post: #43 Does this Happen in the United States?
C. Peter Wagner

26th- Thursday's post: #44 Spirits in the Wagner House
C. Peter Wagner

28th- Saturday's post: What's the Difference Between Worry and Concern Jean Oathout

jean-oathout.blogspot.com (save to check in sometime)

Samples of Jean's crafts

http://twitter.com/jeanoathout

http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse

Kindle $2.99