Negative Thoughts?

Have you ever had someone do you wrong? Not just a little misunderstanding, but something really hurtful and just plain wrong.  Did you cry?  Did you curse them?  Do you want revenge?  Do you want to scream from the rooftops what really happened but know it's just not the Christian thing to do?

I've struggled with this the past couple of months quite a bit. The hardest part, for me is forgiving and working through those negative feelings. Especially when, in my case, these people are continuing on the attack,  and will probably never ask to be forgiven.

A Christian friend told me the other day the way you know you have truly forgiven is when you want to bless that person.  I'm not there yet, but I'm working at it.

God is where I must have my focus. Pray, pray, pray.

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 23:7 "For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."

I have got to stop letting negative thoughts control my emotions and day.-- There are so many horrible things going on in the world but I must focus on the good.--Look on the brighter side!
Constructive, pleasant, and positive! This can change lives, mine and others and it will draw positive results my way.

Meditate on These Things
     "Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.  The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."
~Philippians 4:8-9

So here are a few things I'm so grateful for: (Positive Thoughts)

     Housework- I am blessed to have a home that is warm/cool and comfortable.
     Farm work- Even though on rainy days, I'm thankful I can care for our animals & in return I get food and companionship.
     Garden work- It's hard and hot but I know how to grow food and preserve it for later.

When I was homeschooling my children I used to have them keep a notebook and each day they had to say something they were grateful for and something they learned. If you can do that each day then you are learning and growing.

What are you grateful for today? I know for sure you can think of at least three things.

Do you struggle with negative thoughts? I'm hear to listen & give support.

I hope everyone has a blessed day.

Faithfulness

Yeti- our Great Pyrenees
Memaw- our adopted  chihuahua 

Over the years we have had many animals on our little farm. Chickens, ducks, quail, pigeons, rabbits, goats, pigs, and cats. None are as faithful as a good dog though.  We have had several of them too. Some were trained very well. Some were purchased for specific traits, and some were strays or ones that someone just didn't want anymore.

Dogs are always happy to see you and even if they do something wrong it is as if they understand and really try to do better and please their owners.  They put in a lot of work for us. Guarding the livestock, protecting our property, and the unconditional love they show us. They are faithful to us.
They trust us.  When they get older it's up to us to take care of them until their dying day.

Many things here our animals do reminds me of things in the 'real world.' 

Take for instance someone who has worked hard at a job. They show up every day, do a good job, and are being safe. This is being a faithful employee.  They too should be appreciated but are often times not. The business owner that treats their employees with carelessness and only thinks of his own greed will never keep faithful employees.

If I threw my dog some scraps and never petted or showed affection would he still be a good helper for us or would he try to get out and run away? Would he be aggressive?  Probably so because he has to be taught what is acceptable and what is not. Teaching and showing love takes time. It takes effort and it takes an unselfish attitude. 

This is in everything in our lives, our spouses, children, friends, and anything else we do. Including how we treat our pets, managing our homes, and taking care of ourselves.

So what about our relationship with the Lord?  Are we faithful in our everyday life? Do we make time to pray and read His word? 

Do you trust God to help you with your every day life?  Are you faithful?

Honestly, in the past years I've gone back and forth with being truly faithful in my study of Gods word. I know he is there but I try to lead and solve my own problems too much.  I allow my emotions to take control and make bad decisions.  However, when you do allow God control he is always faithful and always gives us hope. 

I  believe on day we will all stand face to face with the Lord and we will be rewarded for our faithfulness.

Luke 16.10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.