My reflection today is from Fresh Bread by Joyce Rupp:

“I think that is what it is like to be a letter from Christ which the author of Corinthian’s writes of in chapter 3. You are yourselves our letter, written in our hearts, that anybody can see and read, and it is plain that you are a letter from Christ, drawn up by us, and written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on stone tablets but on the tablets of your living hearts (2 Corinthians 3:2-3)”

My reflection today:

“ Positive thinking is the most effective tool ever created for lifting an individual to the greatest achievements humanity can aspire to. Montague Edwards

Positive thinking is the ultimate triumph of mind over matter; the victory of the spirit over all the shadows lurking in the world.”
Martin A. Browning

My reflection today comes from Living Faith:

“He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. be made clean. “ Matthew 8:3

“The hand we stretch out in our attempt to live as lovingly as Jesus did might not bring about physical healing like that of the leper’s,but we can at least momentarily relieve another person from his or her discomforting situation. We can extend our hand of kindness in such a way that it leaves the other person with a touch of Christ-like care: the hand sending a positive social media message or writing a letter of affirmation, the hands reaching for a crying child, the hand offered to an elderly person with an unsteady gait, the hand holding the check or the provisions ready to give to a food pantry, the hand extended to someone who has offended us or to those we shun because of how society deems them unworthy, the touch of our hand placed on the hand of someone sorrowing or distressed…

My reflection is:

Ten Thoughts to Help You Avoid Discouragement by Donna Fargo
1. Look at life as a journey, and enjoy the ride. Get the most out of the detours, and realize they’re sometimes necessary.
2. Do your best, but if what you’ve been doing has caused you discouragement, try a different approach. Be passionate about the process, but don’t be so attached to the outcome.
3. Wish the best for everyone, with no personal strings attached. Applaud someone else’s win as much as you would your own.
4. Trust that there’s a divine plan, that we don’t always know what’s best for us. A disappointment now could mean a victory later, so don’t be disappointed. There is usually a reason.
5. Ask no more of yourself than the best that you can do, and be satisfied with that. Be compassionate toward yourself as well as others. Know you’re calling, your gift, and do it well.
6. Don’t worry about something after it’s done; it’s out of your hands then, too late, over! Learn the lesson and move on.
7. Have the attitude that no one, except you, owes you anything. Give without expecting a thank you in return. But when someone does something for you, be appreciative of even the smallest gesture.
8. Choose your thoughts or your thoughts will choose you; they will free you or keep you bound. Educate your spirit and give it authority over your feelings.
9. Judge no one, and disappointment and forgiveness won’t be an issue. No one can let you down if you’re not leaning on them. People can’t hurt you unless you allow them to.
10. Love anyway… for no reason… and give… just because.

My reflection today:

“Positive thinking is not the destination; it is the journey. An optimistic person will become challenged – by external circumstances as well as inner fears and doubts. Always remember that these tests are like a ladder you must climb. As you move past each rung, your optimism strengthens and your confidence begins to flex newly found muscle that you might never have developed otherwise.”
Montague Edwards