Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Are You Up For The Optimist Challenge?! (& New Prize Offer!)

Thanks to so many of you who commented on Friday about which of the 5 tips you would implement in your life to help better direct your thoughts. They were all inspiring, and I loved reading your stories!  I so wish there could be more than one winner, but only one could be drawn. The lucky lady who wins a free copy of A Confident Heart by Renee Swope, and a writing journal, is:

Cathy Fleming, who posted September 17 at 12:42am
Please email me with your home address so I can get your special prize in the mail.

(For the rest of you, be sure to check out the bottom of this post for another  free prize giveaway!)
_____________________________________________________________________________________


The grouchy man went into the restaurant and said,
“Do you serve crabs here?”

And the waiter said, “Why, yes sir, we serve anybody here.”


Last Friday's P31 devotion  was about directing our thoughts in a positive direction, which ultimately boils down to being more optimistic. You have probably known some "crabs" in your life, and maybe sometimes you have even found yourself being one! Yet, none of us want to be known as crabby, now do we?

But why is it so much easier to have a negative attitude than a positive one?

What is it about how we are made that causes us to naturally look at the negative side of things?

Even when we are focused on trying to be positive, it can take just one little thing - like someone cutting us off in traffic, hearing about a rumor, receiving some unexpected constructive criticism from a friend or co-worker, or not getting something we feel we deserved - to throw us into a tailspin of being in a bad mood and negativity.

I once read a quote that said "Negative attitudes come from negative thoughts that come from reactions to negative behavior."  This quote simply means that our thoughts and behaviors are a direct by-product of the status of our heart. So if we are not careful with our thoughts, then we will end up somewhere we do not want to be, just like that mishap on the school bus that I mentioned in the devotion.

So, how do we achieve a change of heart, which changes our thoughts, and ultimately changes our life?

How can we stay positive when facing difficult situations?

How can we keep our heart happy so that we continuously think and act in a way that glorifies our God?

I wish I could say that I knew a concrete answer for those questions, and I also wish I could say that I am always an optimist, but both would be untrue.

Yet what I do know for sure, is that negativity does not come from God. There is nothing negative about the way God thinks or acts, and nothing in the Bible tells us that negative behavior is condoned or accepted - despite our circumstances.

In fact, Gods Word says just the opposite. Philippians 2:5 says, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus".

Jesus had a lot of bad things to happen to Him, to say the least! Life was hard for Him. People hurt Him. People did not appreciate Him. He had to suffer unjustly. People rejected Him. People betrayed Him. People crucified Him.

But despite all that, was Jesus crabby, grumpy, resentful, bitter, unforgiving, rude or ungrateful? Did He develop a stern character of pessimism and negativity as a result of His hardships? Of course not, so we actually have no justification for being that way either, since our suffering, daily frustrations, or unjust treatment from others cannot hold a candle to what He suffered - for us.

We should long to be more positive for a lot of reasons, such as our own happiness and fulfillment, and so that we can be a witness to others of God's love. But most importantly, we should strive to be an optimist because our sweet Jesus, who gave it all for us, deserves nothing less.

As we kick off this ten day challenge, trust me when I say that I will be challenged right along with you! Let's embark on this journey together - to improve our attitudes, change our perspective, and pray for a heart of optimism and gratitude. A journey that will train our minds to leave the crabbiness to the crabs, and embrace the happiness that is within our reach through the reshaping of our thoughts.

If you are ready to become a true optimist, and willing to commit to the Optimist Challenge, leave a quick comment stating that you are in! Your commitment to allowing God to transform your heart and mind will create a special bond between you and all the prayerful men and women whose desire is to always see the glass half full, instead of half empty.

You will be amazed how a changed perspective, can lead to a change of peace and purpose.

Check back for the next 10 days (weekdays only) to get your daily Optimism challenge, or sign up to receive my blog posts in email. If you already a subscriber, then you are all set.

Just think, by October 4th, you could be a new and improved, more optimistic version of you!

As a special encouragement to participate in this challenge, I will be giving away a $10 Starbucks card at the end of the challenge.  To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on each of the 10 daily challenges! Winner announced October 5th.

Are You Up For The Optimist Challenge?! (& New Prize Offer!)SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

84 comments:

Joyful said...

Tracie, the quote you included in your devotional today is powerful: "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

Thankfully the Lord has worked with this on me over the years. I know I can still have a better attitude of gratitude, but over time the Lord has been cultivating a spirit of optimism in me.

Your challenge today is probably the one that has helped most in changing my reactions. No-one can make another person stay angry, see the negative or react a certain way. Brooding over something - even if it is legitimate - continues to let that other person control your life. I refuse to let someone else have that power over my life. I may react negatively to a situation or comment, but within minutes I'm ususally on my knees crying in surrender for the Lord to take my hurt, pain and anger and help me move on and not waste any more time by letting the circumstance or person steal my joy. Life is just far to short to live any time focused on the negative.

Know these next 10 days are going to bring opportunity to put this to the test :o)

Taking up the challenge,
Joy

Becky said...

Tracie, I have worked on my attitude for years, but recently, God has been showing me that I need a "tune-up" :) So your post on optimism is probably God-sent for me. I'm in....It's time once again for an attitude adjustment!
Becky

Wendy Blight said...

Knowing your circumstances Tracie, your devotional today is SO powerful. I am in awe of your faith walk and your attitude knowing the circumstances you deal with every day in your family. I pray God uses your words today to BLESS many women.

Love,

Wendy

Anonymous said...

Good morning. I'd say by nature I am an optimist but I'm thinking this challenge --- well, let's see what it uncovers in me.

I've actually already been working on your topic for Day 1. My job brings out the worse in me. I've allowed it to pull me down, give me a wrong attitude, and sometimes be downright miserable. I can't BELIEVE I've given in that much power over who I believe I really am In Christ. And so I press on to improve and take hold of who God wants me to be. Good or bad circumstances.

Sheena said...

Thank you for your post today.Really came in time.Just had a tough day at work and some negative feelings and attitude showed up.Though i am an optimistic person usually,sometimes its easy to get sidetracked.
So ur challenge is what i needed.God knew that i believe.I pray that i will be able to take up each challenge with a Christ-like attitude.

Sweet Blessings
Sheena Jeremiah

pegmeister said...

Tracie, I am new to this. I read the devotionals everyday through Prov. 31. I thank God for you women. I am taking on this challenge since I am a pessimist. I have been going through alot lately at work, home and other places that I am trying hard for them to not bring me down. I have been reading the bible chronological and have been tithing since Dec. 2008. I was feeling like Job there for awhile and now I am trying to not be negative. So I thank God for using you to type this devotion today. I will be reading your page for the next 10 days to read the challenge. Thank you for letting God use you. Peggy

White Hot Magik said...

I have been struggling with pessimism the past few weeks and between the devotional and this post, you have hit the nail on the head for me. I thank God for sending you this message.

WifeMotherGrandmotherofJoy said...

I have found that being around someone who is a pessimist was changing me into one. I began to listen to the Holy Spirit telling me that I need to stop being negative about everything just as she does, and be Me. By being the positive person, which I thank God for bringing me back to, I am beginning to see a change in my friend. Instead of agreeing with her about everything negative, I am trying to show her the positive through God's guidance. I know I can still be a pessimist about certain things, and I want to take this challenge to help me with God's help to overcome them. I love to read your devotions everyday. God bless all for sharing your love of our Lord here.

Tammy said...

Thank you thank you thank you! I needed this today! I'm in!

Anonymous said...

Tracie,
Unfortunately my personality is not typically that of an optimist as much as I wish it were. Today's devotion is right on time for me...God's timing. I look forward to taking the 10 day challenge to help me think more like God. Thank you for allowing God to use you to reach thousands of women! God Bless,
Cindy

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the devo on P31, and your challenge - it's a great idea. Can I still join if I don't have a personal blog that I write daily? I have told a lot over the last year that my once optimistic self is lost and a negative one has taken it's place -and I don't like it anymore than my family does! So I've been working on this personnaly, and this accountability is just what I need to recreate a wonderful "old" habit. Thank you again...you spoke right to my heart.
Ang

Docfrick said...

Hi Tracie, Thank you for being obedient to God to pursue choosing optimism as a topic! I soooo need it. I have never been a truly optimistic person and have been feeling conviction from God lately to change that. So, today, I too take up the gauntlet.

And Joyful is so right... accepting a challenge like this will bring lots of opportunity to practice. Thank you for the opportunity and the encouragement.

Let's do it!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks, this is a very "touching" helpful message for me...I hope to be here all 10 day...

thanks, and may your day be blesssed, as you help each of us...

SKWB

Brandi said...

Praise the Lord! I came into work today with a flooded back office. I grumbled and had NEGATIVE thoughts...then I logged onto my email and there it was! TaDa...What Has God Done For ME Lately? I ready it, prayed...and then clicked over to your Blog. God is good! He gives us all that we need...we just have to open our eyes and have faith. I am ready for this challenge!

Debra said...

I usually am a positive person, God has given me so much to be positive about. The challenge sounds good.
Thank You for this 10day challenge.
Debra

Anonymous said...

Blessings,
Like many women, I too fall short with my attitude. I thank God for my blessing daily, but when I see injustice, I go off the deep end. This usually steals my Joy and I question God. I am up to the challenge

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your post. I am usually an optimist but
a particular circumstance/denial or delay of a dream has thrown me for a loop. Is God wanting me to let go, or hang on? Thus, I am tossed by my emotions. This is such a good reminder to hope in Him and His
plans and to take the challenge to be optimistic about his will.

Anonymous said...

This is so timely for me....really shows how present God is in my life! I have always been an optimist, who is letting the "busy-ness" of my life turn me into a crabby wife and mommy. I start every day happy and optimistic and then let one little thing (like someone driving slowly in front of me) turn me into a person I don't like. I don't know how this happened to me, but your challenge is coming at a great time for me and my family.

Looking forward to the next ten days!
~Tina

Anonymous said...

I feel I am generaly optimist but I am married to an unbeliever who is very negative and the "crappy" man in the restaurant so it is sometimes easy to get negative even in the best of times. But I know that the Lord has blessed me in so many ways so I want to always see the glass half full even when assailed with negative words. Taking the callenge! Mary

Anonymous said...

I have never commented on a blog before but this hit me so strong. I am really having marital difficulties that are so huge and just when I think I can come home and be encouraging and at least pleasant my husband comes in and is critical of me and our children. We rarely can please him any more. Through all of this I have been spending more and more time in prayer and I am hoping that this challenge will be a help to me and then my kids.

Anonymous said...

Tracie, thanks a lot for your teaching. I usually am a positive person, I married a christian man but his family is not, we moved to live with them because they are getting old and my husband wants to care of them, in the last week my mother in law had a negative behavior that really hurt me, reminds me betrayers that I suffer in the past. Reading today"s devotional I realize that GOD IS IN CONTROL.
Love.
Carmen.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I'm up for the optimist challenge! I'm married to an unbeliever who is an optimist (thank you Lord) but prideful. He has been jobless for a few months and I am praying the Lord has a job for him surrounded by God fearing Christian men to be witnesses to him.
Thank you for this challenge!
Karen

Crystal said...

Dear Tracie,

What a great reminder to be optimistic or more importantly to have faith that God is there with you. I enjoyed the illustration of the mud being thrown at us. I am a very optimistic person "most" of the time. But it is those times that I'm struggling to be optimistic that I need my faith in God the most to get through the situation.

Crystal

MrsProverbs31 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MrsProverbs31 said...

Funny! "Grace, grace, grace." That is so funny, in a good way, of course. One day I was very mad at some for something very not worth it, regardless, I was mad. Suddenly, I remember Lysa, saying "grace, grace, grace" during the She Speaks 2008. Within a second, I was at peace and able to overlook this offense.

Okay, on to optimism. My son reminded me that when you look at the glass as half-ful, means more is being poured on you whereas if you look at the glass as half-emptied, you're dumping out what you already have. Thanks be to God who never gives up on me. My glass was always half-empty, but gently, He reminded me each day that if I would just hold up my glass, He will pour more into it. Isn't He wonderful?

Anonymous said...

Tracie, I have never commented on a blog before... here goes. I am willing to take this challenge of optimism. I just began reading Lord, change my attitude and it has been difficult to say the least. I have always been a pessimist and I have always looked up to those of my friends who are true optimists. I want that, I want to look and see the glass half full instead of half empty. I want people to be able to look at me and say, "she has such a great out look on life"! Most of all though, I want my three year old daughter to see me as a positive person! I am ready, count me in. :) Look forward to tomorrow's blog!

Anonymous said...

Tracie, I'm having a very difficult time today trying to be positive and I've always been a person that sees the glass half full. However, my brother underwent MRI tests today for pancreatic problems. he has lost a lot of weight and is in pain much of the time. All my siblings are praying, my Bible Study group is praying and I know I am to have faith and trust and not worry. Why do I worry anyway? One reason might be that we lost our brother Danny last August very suddenly. We can't lose Phillip. He is our baby brother. Do you have anything I can read and share with my brothers and sisters at this time? Thank you,
Lana

Anonymous said...

Tracie, I have never commented on a blog before... here goes. I am willing to take this challenge of optimism. I just began reading Lord, change my attitude and it has been difficult to say the least. I have always been a pessimist and I have always looked up to those of my friends who are true optimists. I want that, I want to look and see the glass half full instead of half empty. I want people to be able to look at me and say, "she has such a great out look on life"! Most of all though, I want my three year old daughter to see me as a positive person! I am ready, count me in. :) Look forward to tomorrow's blog!

Anonymous said...

Tracie,
Count me in! I've been tuning into your blog along with the other Proverbs 31 gals the last couple of months and you all have been such a blessing to my life!!!
I consider myself pretty upbeat and positive; however, I deal with many extended family members that can be draining to me. God whispered a verse to me right before the new year began: "We admolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." I keep stating this verse over and over in my mind when I find I'm having a difficult time.
Thank you for your devotional this morning!
Lori
Mesa, AZ

Kimberly said...

Thanks, Tracie, I needed that!
You can count me in! I will be praying for all of you!

Sharon Sloan said...

Thank you, Tracie!
I love the scripture from today's devotion! Phil 2:5 "Your attitude should be the same as that as Christ Jesus." Then it goes on to explain: servanthood, humility, obedience. And these heart attitudes bring intimacy in our relationship with Him.

"The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace..." Romans 8:6

Unknown said...

Tracie,
This is just what I needed. If you notice, I'm commenting at 4am because of the amount of stress that I am under, I can't sleep. Yesterday was probably one of the most difficult days of my life, a set of terrible circmstances that are being intiated by a Chtistian man that is now attempting to cheat our family out of several thousands of dollars...that we don't have. It is unjust and unfair and I was very ANGRY at God for most of the day. You're P31 devotion was in my inbox and I couldn't even bring myself to read it I was so ANGRY.

But, when I did read it, I cried...alot. Thanks for the reminder that Jesus was treated unfairly too and that his response was quite different from mine. Thanks so much for the challenge to be an optimist.

I have a feeling I'm really going to need to take to heart the things you'll be posting over the next 10 days as our situation is far from over!

Count me in.

Anonymous said...

Tracie
I visited your blog from P31. Thank you for the deveotion and challenge. I am kind a 'half empty' person one who looks for difficulty in an opportunity! I am married to a pessimist which makes matters worse. At home, at work, in my marriage I tend to see the negative instead of focussing on God's blessings. My current struggle is with my job. But God has been using some people around me to re-direct me to positive thinking. Your P31 devotion is an God send answer to prayers.

I pray that God help me to look at life with a Christ-like attitude. I will be visiting the blog for the next ten days. God help me to take up the challenge and follow on it for the 10 days!
Thank you and God bless
CT

Kelly said...

Thank you, Tracie, for this challenge, I am up for it. I admit I get negative at work sometimes due to the nature of the work and clients I deal with but it's no excuse. I need to continually pray and ask God to help me be grateful and helpful and kind and look at the big picture!

Tracey said...

I've noticed I've gotten a little more grumpy, a little more pessimistic and a little more sarcastic as a grow up (I'm not quite there yet). So I've decided to start an anger management class through church. Your message came at the right time. This is definately a God thing. Thanks Tracie!

Julie said...

Man, is this what I needed to hear today! WOW! How timely our GOD is! I am 6 months pregnant and hormones are going batty on me! I have not been too optimistic lately about alot of things and just got some constructive criticism from an e-mail I received. I just wanted to shut them out, but knew better. I really do want to be more positive. Especially when it comes to my family. I have a sweet hubby and 2 girls, almost 8 and 3, with another girl on the way! Have had alot on my mind, and just haven't been having too many positive thoughts! Would LOVE to be a part of this challenge! Thank you for this opportunity!! Julie j-bug@att.net

Anonymous said...

I'm in!! I can't wait to see what God has in store for us, through you, in the next 10 days!! Nanci at kelbla@aol.com

SueBE said...

Count me in!

Melanie C said...

Tracie,
I am so encouraged by this challenge. Recently I have been dealing with some serious physical and mental issues in my life and a dear friend has been constantly reminding me to "think on my positives"! So grateful that God has directed me to your encouraging words today...ready to be changed in the next 10 days!!!!

Melanie

Anonymous said...

I'm totally in, my husband would say this is exactly what I need. Of course in the most loving and wanting the best for me way. :-)

Anonymous said...

Yes! I'm in :)

Laura said...

I'm in! Thank you for doing this.

~Laura

Unknown said...

Needing this challenge! Thanks! Count me in!

Anonymous said...

hi, count me in as well. God really works i nways we cannot see. This is very timely. Been thinking lot of negative thoughts lately about work...and been really praying hard to God to replace it with positive thoughts. This is indeed the answer. Thank you so much for this article. God bless you.

Linda said...

Thank you! I really do want to focus on God & be more optimistic. Count me in for the challenge.

Anonymous said...

I'm in! I have been struggling with this for a while now....looking forward to the encouragement!

Irina said...

I'm in! I really need this challenge now as I often default to being a crab! :)

April said...

God has given me so much to be positive about and I am so grateful. But, I still manage to beat myself up over silly little things. I am so excited to take the optimist challenge!

Raspberrymama said...

Yes, I want to join the challenge!!

Christine said...

I'm in!! Thanks! :)

Janine said...

I'm in! Boy, if I'm successful at this, the bonus will be setting the right example for my kids!

Anonymous said...

I'm in! Lately, I have been feeling a bit crabby at everything and everybody. This challenge is just what I need. Thanks!

Leigh F said...

I am so excited about this challenge. I have found myself falling into a negative view of life lately that is not who I am, nor who I want to be.

What struck me the most in your post today was, 'There is nothing negative about the way God thinks or acts, and nothing in the Bible tells us that negative behavior is condoned or accepted - despite our circumstances.' That was powerful to me because it is so true. It is so easy to justify negative behavior but there really is NO justification!

Thank you so much for this challenge.

Pam said...

I'm up for the challenge ~ Thanks, Tracie, for this boost to get my thoughts headed in the right direction!

Robin (from MA) said...

Just the other day, I was golfing on a cloudy day in a tournament that had the ladies hitting from the men's tee box. And the comments I kept hearing were negative, but I would return with a remark that was positive. I refused to dwell on the situation when I could not change it, so went with whatever I could fine that was good to think about! By the time we were getting ready to tee off on the 4th hole......... I had noticed the ladies beginning to change their attitudes to be grateful for the good things about the day. I was hearing comments about the weather (sun was shining), the birds chirping, the butterflys fluttering about and even a more positive outlook on their hitting! On the 6th hole, A comment was made about me by one of the ladies that my perky and postive attitude being a great influence on her day! She asked me "How it is that I am so happy all the time?" My comment to her was "BecauseI have Jesus in my heart and choose to follow His ways!" No more was said until the end at the reception time, when the other ladie I was golfing with approched me and began talking about how she has fallen from her faith and would like to work on changing that!
Praise God for allowing us to witness with our attitudes and for placing the people who need it in our paths!
Thank you for posting this Challenge and reminding me that my attitude is seen by others!
Taking up the Challenge,
Robin (from MA)

Cindy said...

This was such an encouragement to me this morning, not only to have a positive attitude myself but to not let the negative attitude of others affect me. Thank you! :-)

Heidi J said...

I need this challenge. God's timing is awesome; I've been lowing circumstances affect my attitude too much and want the reminders to be like Jesus.
Thank you!

tina2mr said...

I am so in for this. This is something I struggle with way too often.
Tina R
Cumberland MD

mep said...

Trace, I need to change my attitude. I have been a half-empty girl for 50 years and a change is long overdue. Thanks for the challenge. I'm looking forward to positive results.

Butterfly said...

I am looking forward to this challenge. Negative thinking tends to be my "default". My desire is to be more Christ like in all areas of my life.

Jewels said...

I am in as well. I most surely can use this challenge. I want to be more like Christ. Lord help me with this challenge. And may I bring glory to you.

HD said...

Oh I am so in!! With everything right now I've lost sight of a few things. I definitely need an attitude adjustment. Thank you and blessings for bringing this challenge just in time!!

HD said...

Oh I am so in!! With everything right now I've lost sight of a few things. I definitely need an attitude adjustment. Thank you and blessings for bringing this challenge just in time!!

Julie said...

This sounds like just what I need right now! I'd always been an optimistic person, but over the years my husband's realism/pessimism has brought me down. Recently it's been brought to my attention and I'm trying, with God's help, to turn it around and this has come at the perfect time. I'm in!

Caty said...

I'm in!! :)

valerie in TX said...

I am by nature a pessimist and have found myself struggling even more lately. I'm truthfully starting to wonder if it might be more than just negativity...something that needs medical attention. Nonetheless, I'm taking the challenge. I don't want to be this way anymore. I want my kids to have a joyful mom. :)

Mary S. said...

Oh my, how I needed to hear this today! Was feeling like a bad mom and feeling a little negative! What a blessing to read this!! I am in all the way!!
Mary

Anonymous said...

I am in, I so need this. I try and stay positive and happy and one small thing can set me off and it is all downhill. Eva

Anonymous said...

Yes! I face a lot of challenges these days and strive hard to maintain an optimistic attitude. I am sure this will be of great help in that endeavor. Thank-you.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the challenge Tracie.
Looking forward to the days ahead!

Blessings,
Janet
gatorgirl66@hotmail.com

Angela Bush said...

I'm in! As I have been taking inventory into who I am and how I came to this place of being in my life, I have come to realize that I am more responsible for it than those around me. I have been wallowing in this pit of despair of negativity for so long. Before I can see change in the externals of my life, I must first examine and change the internals: my heart, attitude and perspective.
Your challenge is just what I need to focus on changing me.

LaTara said...

Thank you for doing this. I am really in need of some positivity right now :) I am up for the challenge! Count me in :)

Anonymous said...

YES! I AM IN. I HAVE BEEN WORKIN ON THIS MYSELF BUT WITH THE HELP OF YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE I KNOW ILL BE ABLE TO DO IT. THANKS TRACIE.

Anonymous said...

Tracie, thanks so much for this challenge. I have been grumpy lately and I don't like it at all.

I'm usually an optimist and see the glass half full but for several years now, I have had several illnesses and have found it hard to be just that.

Thank you again for your post and you can count me in. Will be praying for you and the other women who have posted.

Carole

Melissa G. said...

I'm in...looking forward to a happier, more optimistic me!
Melissa G.

Big daddy said...

Tracie, I have been up against one of the most difficult things in mylife the last year. I have almost given up. But, I am hoping and believing that all things are possible with God and that He works all things for good. This is a great time for me to take the challenge!

Anonymous said...

This challenge comes at just the right time for me! With all of the personal, self-induced trials going on in my life which create so many problems, it's about time that I just simply meditate on the Lord! By doing that, I know I'll become more optimistic and joyful. So, I'm in! :)

Showing Joy said...

I am so in. My daily prayer is to guard my heart from the devil, help me to be slow to anger, and give me a good attitude. Even with the best of intentions, I tend to fail miserably. I am excited about this challenge!

Carla said...

I'm in ! I am doing the A Confident Heart online bible study so this fits perfectly ! I have been a pessimist and want to change that. Thank you for this challenge and God give me strength to make the changes I need to make.

Lacey S. said...

I think this will be a hard challenge for me but somethig I really need in my life. I used to wake up positive every morning knowing it was a new day. But a few bad choices later and it seems like the negative is all I see. It's been a constant struggle because i know I shouldn't be negative but its so hard to pull yourself out of that slump. Can't wait to do this 10 day challenge!
Thanks for all you do!

agape13c said...

I am an optimist. But having said that I must confess that there are things in my life that would bring me down without the Lord being by my side. I praise the Lord for his oving ways. He has a future for me.

one-step-at-a-time said...

God has really been teaching me patience and to trust in his timing. Its so hard when things don't go the way we think they should or come about in the timing we thing would be best. However, God continues to show me his perfection timing every time I begin to doubt. We serve an awesome God who truly cares about us and knows what we need more than we do.

emily said...

I am in!!

Juliekg122 said...

I am just now getting to read this, but I am so in, if maybe a little late! I work hard to look on the bright side, but it's easy to get sucked into complaining, etc. I also live with a major pessimist, so I'm praying I can do better and improve the tone of our household. Thanks for this challenge!