Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Philippians 4:4 (MSG)
Hello Friend,
If I am to be honest with you, I must confess that there are days when I “don’t” celebrate God all day. I might be overtired, overburdened, overwhelmed, besieged, snowed under, weighed down, or plagued with anxiety. Surely you have those days also. Sometimes I can’t even manage a pleasant greeting to Jim in the morning. When I recognize those feelings, I have some serious decisions to make. Am I going to be cranky all day? I can’t just find a cave and hibernate till the cold chill in my heart warms? I could put on a “happy face” and get ulcers. Or, I can acknowledge that even the depressing, downbeat, and unconstructive emotions need to be dealt with.
While reading Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life by Barbara Johnson I encountered an idea that at first reading I thought was pretty corny. She writes, “Not long ago I began noticing how the household products I use suggest the importance of one’s attitude. For example, I like to use FRESH START laundry soap because it reminds me that Christians can have a fresh start.” She uses JOY detergent on her dishes and ZEST, GLAD, and PRAISE to name just a few others. Later, I found myself looking at the name of the products I use and getting a little boost in my spirit when I made a biblical connection. Maybe, just maybe, Ms. Johnson has stumbled upon an idea although she says her daughter-in law types out Bible verses that apply to the name of the product and tapes them right on the back of the package. Personally, I think her daughter-in-law has too much free time on her hands. But, Philippians does implore us to “Fix our thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about” (verse 8). So I have been paying particular attention to my product names as well. For example, I use DAWN dish soap reminding me of a wonderful new day and my shampoo is Pantene RESTORATIVE reminding me that God will restore my soul and my joy if I turn to Him. This week, give Ms. Johnson’s idea a try. You have nothing to lose but your sour attitude and I think God just might enjoy the extra attention you will be giving Him.
Affirmation: I take charge of my emotions. I choose to pay attention to the good and pure.
Willing to try a new idea, Linda
v
Hello Friend,
If I am to be honest with you, I must confess that there are days when I “don’t” celebrate God all day. I might be overtired, overburdened, overwhelmed, besieged, snowed under, weighed down, or plagued with anxiety. Surely you have those days also. Sometimes I can’t even manage a pleasant greeting to Jim in the morning. When I recognize those feelings, I have some serious decisions to make. Am I going to be cranky all day? I can’t just find a cave and hibernate till the cold chill in my heart warms? I could put on a “happy face” and get ulcers. Or, I can acknowledge that even the depressing, downbeat, and unconstructive emotions need to be dealt with.
While reading Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life by Barbara Johnson I encountered an idea that at first reading I thought was pretty corny. She writes, “Not long ago I began noticing how the household products I use suggest the importance of one’s attitude. For example, I like to use FRESH START laundry soap because it reminds me that Christians can have a fresh start.” She uses JOY detergent on her dishes and ZEST, GLAD, and PRAISE to name just a few others. Later, I found myself looking at the name of the products I use and getting a little boost in my spirit when I made a biblical connection. Maybe, just maybe, Ms. Johnson has stumbled upon an idea although she says her daughter-in law types out Bible verses that apply to the name of the product and tapes them right on the back of the package. Personally, I think her daughter-in-law has too much free time on her hands. But, Philippians does implore us to “Fix our thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about” (verse 8). So I have been paying particular attention to my product names as well. For example, I use DAWN dish soap reminding me of a wonderful new day and my shampoo is Pantene RESTORATIVE reminding me that God will restore my soul and my joy if I turn to Him. This week, give Ms. Johnson’s idea a try. You have nothing to lose but your sour attitude and I think God just might enjoy the extra attention you will be giving Him.
Affirmation: I take charge of my emotions. I choose to pay attention to the good and pure.
Willing to try a new idea, Linda
v
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