Living A Positive Life In A Negative World

 by Kay Heitsch

"When we put faith, hope and love together, we can live a positive life in a negative world."

People wonder how they can live a positive life in a negative world. It's not easy, but it's possible when we put faith, hope and love together.

We start by putting our faith in God. When we do we are filled with hope. We know that nothing is impossible with God. (see Mark 10:27) He can and will bring something good out of a negative situation.( see Romans 8:28)

Finally, we add love to faith and hope. Here's what love adds. Love is patience, kind, not jealous, not boastful or proud, not puffed up, it's not rude, does not insist on it own way, not irritable, keeps no record of wrongs. Love rejoices when truth wins out. Love bears, believes, hopes and endures all things. Love never ends. ( see 1 Corinthians 13)

Our Bible verse today says, "Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT

When we put faith, hope and love together, we can live a positive life in a negative world.

Free To Choose

 by Kay Heitsch

We are free to choose, but we are not free from the consequences of our choices. ~ Quotes ~

Wow, how true this is! Our choices have consequences that's for sure. This proves true in our health both mentally and physically.

We can choose to eat a poor diet. We all know the consequences that brings.

We can also choose to dwell on hurtful situations in our past. We may even feel we have a right to do so. However, if we choose to do that there will be consequences we will not like.

Our Bible verse today says, "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life so that you and your descendants might live! Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT

Every day we are given choices. In this Bible verse, it states clearly what we should choose and that is "life and blessings." It also gives the reason why. "So that you and your descendants might live."

Our choices not only affect us, but they also affect those around us and our descendants. We are free to choose, but we are not free from the consequences of our choices.

We've Been Planted!

by Kay Heitsch

Sometimes when we're in a dark place we think we've been buried, but actually we've been planted.~ A Time and Place Quotes

What a great way to look at our times of discouragement! It may seem like we're in a dark place, buried in sadness, but it just may be that we've been planted and will come out better than before.

Today's Bible verse is repeated many times in the Bible. I believe it is because people get down for several different reasons. It says, "Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:5 HCSB

Those times when I've been down I find this verse and tell myself to put my hope in God. When I do, I praise Him because I know He is my Savior and God.

When we feel we're in dark place and think we've been buried, let's turn it around and think that we've been planted instead. When we put our hope in God we will praise Him. As we continue to put our hope in God we will bloom where we've been planted.

Change Me

by Kay Heitsch

God grant me the serenity to accept the people I can not change and the courage and wisdom to ask You to change ME.

It sure does take wisdom and courage to recognize it's not other people who may need to change, but it's us. It's not the truth about someone else that will set us free, but the truth about ourselves.

There are some things we can do to help ourselves, that's true. But deep down we need God's help to see what our real issues are. He can set us free from anything that's holding us back.

Today's Bible verse says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

This Bible verse doesn't say renew a right spirit in someone else. David is asking God to help him. He recognized his problem and asked for help to have a clean heart and a right spirit.

We can't change other people. But we can ask God for His help to change us. This will take courage and wisdom to recognize our own issues. I like to keep in mind, it's not the truth about others, but the truth about myself that will set me free.

Strength To Endure

by Kay Heitsch

"Do not pray for an easy life; pray for the strength to endure a difficult one." ~ Bruce Lee ~

We all would like to have an easy life, but that's not reality. We face challenges and go through life's situations on a regular basis.

Today's quote says pray for strength to endure. I don't only want to endure, but I want to go through these challenges with a good attitude.

Our Bible verse says, "We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy," Colossians 1:11 NLT

When we are strengthened with God's power we can endure with patience and also face life's challenges with a good attitude.

Anger Is One Letter Short Of Danger

by Kay Heitsch

Anger is one letter short of danger. Speak when you are angry and you'll make the best speech you'll ever regret. ~ Quotes ~

There is no telling what danger anger has caused in people's lives. They say there are not enough teachers for all the people who have been assigned to anger management classes.

I know I've said things I've regretted when I was angry. Anger is a feeling that makes our mouth work faster than our mind.

Today's Bible verses say, "People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness." Proverbs 14:29 "Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights."2 Timothy 2:23

If we really knew the dangers of anger we would control our anger. One way to avoid getting angry is to not get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments.

We all feel angry at times, it's normal. But when we do feel angry we need to stay in control. We certainly don't need to allow anger to control us. If we do allow anger to control us we just might make the best speech we'll ever regret.

Remember, anger is one letter short of danger!

Give Yourself A Pep Talk

by Kay Heitsch

Give yourself a pep talk! What you tell yourself will either tear you down or lift you up! ~ Encourage Yourself Quotes

We talk to ourselves all the time. We often think, "This is too much, I can't do this anymore." "I can't deal with this ongoing issue." "It's just one thing after another." When we think like this we get discouraged!

However, we can also give ourselves a pep talk. We can say, "I can handle this! The Lord will give me the strength to do it." "I am strong in the LORD!"

We all can get tired and distressed if we let negative thoughts roll around in our minds. But there's another way to handle this.

When we feel tired and distressed we can do like David in our Bible verse today. The Bible verse says, "David was greatly distressed!" He was having a very bad day! But the verse goes on to say, "David encouraged himself in the Lord." (see 1 Samuel 30:6)

We all get tired and discouraged at times. When we do we can give ourselves a pep talk. Our thoughts and words to ourselves will either tear us down or lift us up. The choice is ours!

Never Put Off Until Tomorrow

by Kay Heitsch

"Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today."

Names attributed to this quotes, Benjamin Franklin, Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson, Arron Burr, UNKNOWN etc etc. You get the idea.

I don't care who said it first because it's a message we all have said to ourselves when something happens. I wish I would have...

Our Bible verses today say, "How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone." James 4:14 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Proverbs 27:1

I had plans on what I thought I would do all last week. I had "put off" things I could have done with ease. I didn't imagine I would have difficulty doing them "tomorrow."

This is how life is. The person who dies instantly in a car accident had no idea what the day would bring. We can go to bed feeling great and get up hardly being able to move. We just don't know what tomorrow will bring.

So, "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today."

Adjust Your Focus

 by Kay Heitsch

"When life gets blurry adjust your focus." ~ Focus On The Good Quotes ~

Life can get pretty blurry when we focus on the wrong things. When we focus on what's wrong it's hard to see the good around us. We may ask ourselves, "How can I be happy dealing with this?" Maybe the answer is as simple as adjusting your focus.

Our Bible verse today helps us to know what to focus on. "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."Philippians 4:8 NLT

There is a lot of good we all have in our lives. Pretty obvious we can see if we're reading this, we can hear, we can breath, the list goes on and on.

When life gets blurry we can adjust our focus and think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

You're A Warrior...Fight!

by Kay Heitsch

"You're a warrior, warriors don't give up and they don't back down. Pick up your sword and shield and fight." ~ Quotes ~

We all go through things in life where we need to pick up our sword and shield and fight!

I chose this quote today because I've been dealing with a sciatic nerve issue in my back, rear, and leg. I want to enjoy every day of my life. When you're in pain it seems like it might be hard to do. But I remind myself and you too that WE ARE WARRIORS!

One of my favorite Bible verses is, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

So true, we all have trouble in this world and even pain. John 10:10 tells us that Jesus came that we could have an abundant life right here on earth.

We can enjoy everyday of our lives if we think of ourselves as warriors. We may need to fight and not give in to self pity when we're in pain.

We can do it because we're warriors so we don't give up. We can make the choice to fight on to live the abundant life Jesus died to give us. The choice is ours!

Believe That You Can

by Kay Heitsch

"Believe that you can and you're half way there." Now that's a good quote. It's interesting how if you think you can do something it makes it much easier than thinking you can't.

Todd had a Henry Ford quote in one of his journals. "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right."

Today's Bible verse has helped me believe I can do whatever I need to do. It says, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

We can help ourselves a lot if we believe we can do it. Christ will give us the strength we need to do whatever we need to do.

Be Strong

by Kay Heitsch

Never let a bad situation bring out the worst in you. Be strong and choose to be positive. ~ Working Through Pain Quotes ~

It's easy to be strong and positive when everything is going well. But when you're going through a bad situation and even physical pain it is more of a challenge.

Today's Bible verse says, "This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

When trouble strikes it's easy to get discouraged and even afraid. But we can stay strong and even courageous because we know the LORD is with us even in our hard times.

Trust and Believe

by Kay Heitsch

Trust God and believe in good things to come. ~ Trust God Quotes ~

When I read today's quote I had a feeling of a happy expectation.

Our Bible verse today says, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28

It's a great feeling to believe that the best is yet to come. We can know that when we believe we are at peace knowing that God will work good out of everything in our lives when we put our trust in Him.

Be Real

by Kay Heitsch

We're not going to always say and do the right things, and that's fine. We're not here to be perfect but to be real. ~ Quotes ~

You know there is real freedom when we take off our masks and are real with God. He already knows exactly who we are and that we're far from perfect.

Paul says in our Bible verse, "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own." Philippians 3:12

We aren't perfect by a long stretch. But little by little as we take off our masks and are real with God He will help us to be real and press on to be all that we were created to be.

Collecting Moments

 by Kay Heitsch

"Start collecting moments not things."

What a great idea. Rarely do we remember a whole day, but we do remember moments in the day.

Grandma Z. used to always say, "Make good memories." I think she was actually saying, "Start collecting moments not things."

Today's Bible verse says, He has made everything beautiful in it's time. Ecclesiastes 3:11.

We can look for the beautiful moments in each day. When we do we will start collecting moments and making good memories too.

Grow Through

by Kay Heitsch

"Grow through what you go through." Moving Forward Quotes

Everyone goes through hard times. Sometimes even the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step forward in our lives. We may need to tip toe, but we need to take a step if we are to move forward and grow.

When we go through hard times we can grow when we remember today's Bible verse. "The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

When we know the LORD is with us we can grow through what we go through and keep moving forward.

The Value Of A Moment

 by Kay Heitsch

"Sometimes we will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory." ~ Happy Memory Quotes ~

Last week I was looking for something in the basement. I opened several tubs when I found some old pictures. Wow, what a surprise to find them!

As I looked through several pictures the memory of these wonderful people and events made me smiled. At the time the picture was taken I didn't realize the value of that moment until it was now a special memory.

Today's Bible verse is something we can do when we think of people in our lives. It says, "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God." Philippians 1:3 NLT

Every time a special person or event comes to our minds we can thank God. There is always a piece of our hearts that smile whenever we value the moment of a wonderful memory.

Keep Calm And Trust God

by Kay Heitsch

What would happen if we put all of our trust in the LORD?

Today's Bible verse tells us, "But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him." Jeremiah 17:7 NIV

I believe two things we are blessed with are calmness and peace when we stop stressing and put our faith and confidence in the LORD.

I don't know about you, but I need to remember this verse. When we put our trust and confidence in the LORD we are blessed in more ways than one.

I Don't Understand

by Kay Heitsch

"Faith is trusting God even when you don't understand." ~ Trust Quotes ~

We all go through things we don't understand. I didn't understand why our son Todd died. I don't understand why our grandson is special needs, I don't understand why some health issues keep returning. I could go on and on......and so could you!

We don't understand why bad things happen in our lives. But I've learned one thing that has helped me tremendously when I don't understand. Trust God or go crazy!

Today's Bible verse is hanging on the wall right behind me. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 NLT

Another Bible verse I keep in my mind is, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." Romans 8:28

I don't understand a lot of things and maybe I never will here on earth. But one thing I do know is that God can work good out of everything when we trust Him and don't depend on my own understand.

Wisdom

by Kay Heitsch

Wisdom is doing now what you'll be happy with later on. ~ Quotes

How many times have we said, "I know I should or shouldn't but..." We know what would be the best thing to do, but we make an excuse why we don't want to.

Sometimes we really don't know what would be the best thing to do. Our Bible texts today tell us what we can do. "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5 "Think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths." Proverbs 3:6 HCSB

When we don't know what to do we can ask for wisdom. As we think about the Lord and His ways He will guide us on the right path. As we use wisdom we'll make decisions on what we will be happy with later on.

Our Desire To Change

by Kay Heitsch

Our desire to change must be greater than our desire to stay the same. ~Desire Quotes ~

Our desires have tremendous power in our lives. It's amazing to see how our desires can change our lives. I've seen this happen over and over in my life as well as others.

Our Bible verse says, "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." Philippians 2:13

God only wants the very best for our lives. He will give us the power we need to change for the better. However, our desire to change must be greater than our desire to stay the same. The choice is up to us!

Life's Curveballs

by Kay Heitsch

"When life throws you a curveball, hit it out of the park." ~ Quotes

We all have experience many curveballs in life. It's not easy when out of nowhere something happens that we were not expecting.
People handle curveballs many different ways. I think the best way is to hit it out of the park!

Over the years I've learned to keep our Bible verse in mind when life throws me a curveball. This is what it says, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

When life throws us a curveball we can know that we are able to do whatever we need to do because Christ will give us the strength.

If You Only Knew

by Kay Heitsch

I think it's interesting to listen to people. They look at another person and think IF I had your life then I would might be happy too. Probably not! These people have no idea what another person has been through.

Most people I know who have chosen to rise above the storm and find the sunshine have had very unfair and sometimes horrible things happen in their lives.

The difference between those who rise above and those who don't is quite simple. The person who rises above the horrible, unfair, things that happen make a choice to do so.

If you only knew what the person who chooses to rise and shine has gone through you might think your issues aren't quite as bad as you thought.

Born To Shine

by Kay Heitsch

"You were born to shine! It's a new day so shine on!" ~ Shine On Quotes ~

People wonder what they are suppose to do. It's pretty simple, we are suppose to shine. There are many verses in the Bible that express this thought.

Today's verse is one I hadn't noticed before. It says, "Arise! Shine! For your light arrives! The splendor of the LORD shines on you! Isaiah 60:1

When we get up (arise) to a new day we can know that we are suppose to arise and shine! There's no point getting up dreading yet another day. We were born to shine so shine on!

Treasured Memories

 by Kay Heitsch

When you think about memories you've made with friends...Those memories become treasures. ~ Quotes ~

It's funny how little things can bring back a treasured memory. When our son Todd died his friends came over and chose things that had meaning for them. Much to my surprise several chose a spike out of his running shoes. These spikes had no value except for a treasured memory attached to it.

One of Todd's friends carried this spike in his book bag for years. One day the book bag was stolen. Justin said the only thing he felt bad about was the little spike out of Todd's shoe that was gone.

We all have treasured memories of people. Our Bible verse today says, I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:31

When we think of our treasured memories we can thank God every time we remember them.

Make A Difference

by Kay Heitsch

Most of us want to make a difference in our world. Today's quote tells us how we can.

"Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives and they bless the giver." ~ Quotes ~

We can make a difference when we show love and kindness. We not only make a difference, but we are blessed.

Today's Bible verse says, Those who bless others are abundantly blessed: those who help others are helped. Proverbs 11:25 MSG

We can make a difference by showing love and kindness. When we do we bless others and we are blessed ourselves.

Step Out In Faith

by Kay Heitsch

Amazing things happen when we step out in faith. ~ Step Out Quotes ~

It's very true that when we step out in faith amazing things can happen. We have to step out to find out.

I have a book called, "If You Want To Walk On Water. You've Got To Get Out Of The Boat" by John Ortberb. This title is referring to Peter walking on the water in the Bible. Peter had to step out to find out to be able to walk on water. (See Mattrew 14:29)

Today's Bible verse says, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

The LORD does have a good plan to give us a future and a hope. We need to step out to find out. When we get out of our boat we will see what amazing things that can happen when we take a step of faith.

Get Back Up

by Kay Heitsch

"Everyone falls down. Getting back up is how you learn how to walk." ~ Walt Disney ~

Falling down is part of life. Sometimes it takes falling down before we can stand taller than we ever have before. It's not whether we get knocked down, we all do. It's whether we get back up and keep going.

Our Bible verse today says, "The godly may fall seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked." Proverbs 24:16

When we have the Lord helping us through life we still may fall many times, but we will get back up again. We will learn by falling how to walk and stand tall in life no matter what happens.

The Bird Can Fly

 by Kay Heitsch

"The shell must break before the bird can fly." This quote caused me to do a lot of thinking when I read it several weeks ago.

Sometime we have to go through some very painful experiences before the shell breaks and we see the light. It sure was with me at least.

I remember reading today's Bible verse over and over. "Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways." Proverbs 20:30 TEV

Yes, painful life experiences are not fun to go through. But sometimes they are needed to break the shell so we can fly.

You Are Capable

by Kay Heitsch

You are more capable than you know. ~ Quotes ~

When I read this quote today I thought back on today's Bible text, "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 This Bible verse has given me the courage and strength to step out of my comfort zone.

Here's the definition of capable: "able to achieve efficiently whatever one has to do; competent."

Yes, we are more capable than we know! Once we understand that we can do whatever we need to do. We can use the awesome strength that the good Lord gives us. When we do we will achieve efficiently whatever we have to do.