You Find What You Look For! OPTIMISM

He who earnestly seeks good find favor, but trouble will come to him who seeks evil. Proverbs 11:27

Life has its ups and downs. We love the up times, but oh, how we hate the down times. After many disappointments and difficult times, it's sometimes hard to believe for the best. We become cynical and jaded, ashamed to be vulnerable and childlike, afraid that our hopes and dreams are foolish in the "real world" that often seems to reward cold calculation. Yet when we close our hearts to optimism and faith, we close the door on making our dreams come true in this world. By choosing an optimistic attitude, however, we open ourselves to the possibility that God can turn our negative situations into something positive.

You can choose to be optimistic. Optimism is a learned attitude of faith. Faith is a choice, not an argument. It is an inner conviction, an unshakable assurance. You make a decision to choose optimism, choosing to believe that God will truly work all things together for good.

Focusing on the negatives in any situation is counterproductive. You concentrate on what's wrong and soon that's the only thing you can see. Here are some of the negative thoughts that hold us back: I can't, I won't, That's a problem, It's not fair, It won't work, Stupid, Imposssible, Hopeless, It's too hard, I'm not good enough, What a drag, and We never did it that way before.

Positive thoughts help us to make positive choices. Choose to replace negative patterns with positive, empowering thoughts like these: I can, It's possible, I'll give it a try, Lets go, Yes, I will, It will work, I am able to do this and It will be fun. (i am adding this one: yes, i can write, publish and promote my book and have fun doing it, and yes, it is going to get done.) and so will you!

Learn to look for the silver lining in the dark clouds of your life. Expect God to bring you good or to bring good out of a bad situation. (ok, Diamond, did you read that? then apply it baby girl! Focus on the positives. See the glass as half-full instead of half-empty. Wash the windows of your soul by asking God to cleanse your thoughts every day, replacing negative defeatest thoughts with positive affirmations of faith and hope.

The book of Hebrews talks about running the race, leaving those things behind that would encumber you and drag you down. Let go of those negative thoughts, and train yourself to foocus on a positive outcome instead of looking for potential disaster. Learn to see that every stumbling block can be a stepping stone. You will find what you look for, see what you want to see. If you want to reach the goal of a life well lived, learn to look with optimism and faith.

I WILL

Have faith in God.

Expect God to bring good even in negative situations. (okaayyyy)

See every stumbling block as a stepping stone. (allrriggghhttt)

Be optimistic about outcomes.

Choose a positive attitude.

Focus on the positive instead of the negative.

Be open to new possibilities.

Things to Do

1. In your journal write about an unexpected blessing that came at a difficult time in your life.

2. For just one day, replace every negative word or comment with a positive word or comment.

3. Make a personal affirmation from a Bible verse (perhaps Psalm 118:24) and say it first thing in the morning every week for the next week.

4. Develop a friendship with someone new.

5. Write your worries in the sand at the beach.

6. Plant a flower or vegetable garden.

7. List ten "impossible" things you would like to do or try. Do one.

Things to Remember

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. Hebrews 10:35

This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. Matthew 6:22

Two Quotes

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. helen keller

As you travel through life, whatever be your goal, keep your eye in the doughnut and not upon the hole. author unknown

have a great week!

CHARLES BIBBS- ARTIST IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD

I do recall a friend of mine going to a show-an art show of Charles Bibbs. Mind you, I have never heard of Charles Bibbs. However, knowing this particular friend and her taste, he had to be some wonderful kind of artist, for she seems to know only the best. I was curious about Charles Bibbs, so I did my little research. I am interested in learning about more African American artists that I did not learn about in my class. I wanted to see his art on the web and I wanted to know his background. Here we go:

Charles Bibbs' artwork fuses African, African American and Native American cultural themes, to make powerful cross cultural statements. His renderings convey a deep sense of spirituality, majestu, dignity, strength and grace. Bibbs has always believed that "We are the keepers of our culture", and as such, has spent much of his time working towards developing a cohesive, energized African American community. Born in Harbor City, California Charles first expressed himself artistically in elementary school. He credits his parents with recognizing and encouraging him to develop his talents. He is also an entrepreneur and philanthropist who resides in Southern California. His work is thought provoking and capable of arousing strong emotions regardless of ethnic, gender and generational affiliation. Although he may have an idea or vision in mind when painting a particular piece, Charles prefers each individual who views his work to gain a personal vision from his artwork. It is sufficient to say however his works are viewed, whatever individual emotions they may evoke, they remain characteristically and recognizably Bibbs. His works have been collected and displayed in museums and private collecions around the world.

What insight I have learned about this wonderful artist! I hope one day to own one or two of his works...but ONLY, yes ONLY after my poetic collection is published and I am making the DOUGH! I just luv, his works, I mean I absolutely luv his works!!!!

Now, here is to the art of it!

Friends, bear with me, it may be two to three posts! I should have downloaded the pics first!

please go to the following blog for pics, please!

TREASURES IN THE DARKNESS

I WILL GIVE YOU THE TREASURES OF DARKNESS AND HIDDEN RICHES OF SECRET PLACES, THAT YOU MAY KNOW THAT I, THE LORD, WHO CALL YOU BY YOUR NAME, AM THE GOD OF ISRAEL. ISAIAH 45:3

Troubles come in all shapes and sizes. Trouble can be as small as a run in your stocking or as big as an emergency trip to the hospital. The same flat tire that made you a few minutes late for the grand opening sale at the department store could also be the few minutes that kept you from harm on the highway. When troubles come, you have a choice-to let troubles destroy you or transform you. A diamond is just a piece of coal that has undergone pressure. When you are handed a lump of coal in the form of trouble, it's an opportunity to see how God can transform it into spiritual treasure. Ugly things can become jewels relecting the light of God; if you are willing to go into the darkness with Him and find the hidden treasure.

First, acknowledge that the trouble is real and needs to be faced. You can't ask God for help if you keep denying you have a problem. Admit that you are hurt or disappointed or angry. God can take it. He is not afraid of your honest questions, and He doesn't expect you to gloss over the problem in the name of being spiritual. Read the book of Psalms and you will see that anger and sorrow are expressed as well as praise and thankfulness. If you can be real with God, then He can really help you.

Next, assess the situation. Ask God for wisdom and guidance. Take responsibility for what you can do in the situation. Do you need to admit a fault or ask someone for forgiveness? Do you need to make a wrong right? Is there a positive action you can take to ease the situation, relieve the trouble, or make things better? Avoid complaining. Instead, do what is in your power to do.

Perhaps there is nothing you can do right now to make things better. You may need to wait for the right timing. Or maybe something else must happen first or someone else needs to do his or her part. Sometimes a broken thing is broken and can't be fixed. Acknowledge what is out of your hands and put it into God's hands.

In the darkness, out of sight, God will use the pressures and problems to create the lovely jewel of a quiet spirit, a strengthened character, and a wiser heart. One day you will see-whether in this life or in the shining, glorious crown of glory you will behold in the next life. There are treasures to be discovered in the darkness, and troubles can be transformed into glorious victories if you can walk through them trusting God.

I WILL!

TRUST GOD WITH MY TROUBLES.

BE POSITIVE WHEN I'M TEMPTED TO
COMPLAIN.

LOOK FOR THE LESSONS MY TROUBLES CAN
TEACH ME.

REMEMBER THT TROUBLES ARE TEMPORARY
AND THAT MY TRUE HOPE RESTS IN ETERNAL
THINGS.

BE WILLING TO TAKE EXTRA EFFORT WITH MY
APPEARANCE WHEN I'M FEELING DOWNHEARTED.

BE GRATEFUL FOR THE SMALL THINGS THAT I
NORMALLY TAKE FOR GRANTED.

THINGS TO DO!

THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE TEMPTED TO COMPLAIN,
QUICKLY LIST FIVE THINGS YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR.

READ PSALM 42.

DO ONE KIND DEED WITHOUT BEING DISCOVERED.

WRITE IN YOUR JOURNAL ABOUT THREE THINGS THAT
TROUBLE YOU AND HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THEM.

HAVE A QUIET HALF-HOUR BY YOURSELF AND
RELAX.

DRESS AS BECOMINGLY AS POSSIBLE TODAY-YOU
WILL FEEL BETTER AND MAKE OTHERS FEEL BETTER, TOO.


(OUOTES)

IN TIMES OF TROUBLE, REMEMBER THAT GOD IS TOO
KIND TO BE CRUEL, TOO WISE TO MAKE A MISTAKE,
AND TOO DEEP TO EXPLAIN HIMSELF. (author unknown)

I WOULD RATHER WALK WITH GOD IN THE DARK THAN
GO ALONE IN THE LIGHT. mary gardiner brainard




checklist for life for women...timeless wisdom and foolproof strategies.
thomas nelson publishers.
www.thomasnelson.com

De-Stressing! Suggestions (Part 4)

How are you feeling today? Do you feel stressed or anxious? Tense, down in the dumps, feeling like you have no hope temporarily? Well I hope you do feel better. However, before you go on with the rest of your day, read the following suggestions here in part 4 of the series of de-stressing.

1. Put together a jigsaw puzzle. The best way to get rid of the problems that are causing you stress is to concentrate on another problem. A jigsaw puzzle is a "good problem" because it causes you to think about the puzzle and forget about your cares and woes.

2. Phone an old friend or a relative you have not spoken to in awhile. There is something magical about rekindling old relationships with friends and relatives. Pick up the telephone and reach out to someone special the next time you are feeling stressed out.

3. Clean out that junk drawer, or if you have enough time, clean out a drawer and a closet. By focusing your energy and efforts on ridding the drawer or closet of excess junk, your stress level will go down.

4. Seize the day. Don't let stress control your day; take command. Stop worrying about past mistakes or problems that are getting you down. Remember, most people overemphasize the past and overestimate the future.

5. Enjoy a cup of tea. (i have a friend in virginia who drinks mango tea curled up on a couch perhaps with a good book) Boil some hot water and make yourself a relaxing cup of tea. Find a quiet corner of the house and curl up in a chair while you enjoy drinking it.

6. Read your favorite Bible verse. When was the last time you read your favorite Bible verse? Medical research has proved that you can lower your blood pressure by reading the Bible.

7. Reach for the stars...literally. Next time you feel tense and stressed, start stretching high into the air. Reach for those stars and let your muscles stretch as high as they can. Hold the stretch for at least 25 seconds. Then relax, take a deep breath, and repeat a few more times.

8. Smile the biggest smile you can find. Wonderful things happen to your body when you smile. Within seconds, your brain receives the message that you are smiling and that whatever was bothering you will soon be gone. Remember the saying: 'Smile and the world smiles with you."

9. Dance. It does not matter what kind of dancing, just get on your feet and start moving! (shine diamond shine, go girl, get your groove on! you know it, you can do it sing it stevie, boy there is nothing like getting in that mirror and shaking it!)Put on your favorite music and dance that stress away.

10. Play a hand of solitaire, not the computer kind. Find a deck of cards and deal yourself a hand (and no cheating!)

11. Count your blessings. When you are down and out, grab pencil and a piece of paper and start making a list of the many blessings you have received throughout your lifetime. Focus on the positives, and the negatives will soon be a thing of the past. ( the positives far outweight the negatives on my list, probably the same for you)

12. Go bowling. When did you last go bowling? Bowling alleys are another good example of a "quick and easy" getaway when stress is getting you down. Find a group of friends and form a bowling team or join a local league
.
13. Doodle. When was the last time you just went wild by doodling? Grab a piece of paper and a pencil and start drawing. Shapes, symbols, animals, it does not matter...just put something down. (Drawing is relaxing, takes you away from stress for the moment)

14. Read a book about successful people. Stop worrying about your own stress and problems and and focus instead on the stories of successful people. You will learn and be inspired about how they have overcome obstacles (and stress) in their lives.

15. Plan a dream vacation. Even if you cannot afford a luxury vacation at the moment, there is something exciting about just planning one. Surf the net and find an exotic location you would like to visit.

that's it folks, hope those above suggestions helps. have a good week.

i am making progress with my poetic efforts. it is simply not to happen overnight. i spend time each day working on my poetic planning. it is not easy because of other thorn-like obstacles. i don't have a problem with promotion because the community is waiting for me. i want to make things simple for myself. a small chapbook of fifty poems. a book of poetry with one hundred..(Red Rose, Crimson Beauty)...and since there are to be one hundred..a section with (Pier 3 Poetry from the Projects) included. I am not sure whether it should be a separate book. anyway, i shall not stress over it because in due seson i shall reap if i do not tire out...

PROGRESS IS PROGRESS REGARDLESS OF THE HOW, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE!
INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES DIFFER AND THAT IS WHY I AM SO GLAD THAT GOD SAYS IN GALATIONS 6:4 AND 5 THAT WE ARE NOT TO BE COMPARING OURSELVES TO ONE ANOTHER FOR EACH ONE WILL CARRY HIS OWN LOAD..... EVERY LITTLE BIT ADDS TO THE GOAL! I AM NOT GIVING UP!

thanks,
queenwriter