How often does an inconvenience or negative experience help us in a positive way? Anthony J. D’Angelo said: “Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”

How do we do this you ask?
 

1. Focus on the good things in your life. I overheard a conversation recently between two people who were having difficult struggles. One said, “No matter what else is going on, we really have a good life.” As we look at the good things around us, we are able to remember to be happy.

2. Record your gratitude. Being grateful for the good things in life, helps us stay positive. Each day, record at least 5 things for which you are grateful that day. Keep the list in your journal or planner so you can refer to it often.
 

3. Spend time with those you love. Being with our family and friends helps us to stay focused on the good things in our life. Surrounding yourself with love just makes you feel good.

4. Make a list of your accomplishments and the good things about you. Looking realistically at who you are and what you have accomplished is a good thing. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a religious leader, said: “…It may seem odd to think of having a relationship with ourselves, but we do. Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations…” As you spend time with yourself, you can find peace.

So, back to cleaning the kitchen. The kitchen is the center of our home. We gather for meals together, we prepare those meals together and we clean up together. But, sometimes, usually early in the morning when the house is still quiet, I clean the kitchen and spend time with myself. Ahhh, the joy of cleaning the kitchen…

“For Good” from Wicked. Now, I confess that I haven’t seen the musical (& after numerous posts on a recent Facebook status, I imagine I won’t ever read the book), but this song was introduced to me a couple years ago, & has grown in meaning through experiences I’ve had singing it & teaching it to others. (Isn’t music wonderful that way?…like an old friend that keeps becoming more dear as the years pass & experiences increase?)

Anyway, I began to sing–vacuuming, sweeping, and crying as I saw faces pass though my mind of people who have influenced my life for good. I know I am a better person because of the empowered people who strengthen my life each day.

Thank you for touching my life. “Because I knew you, I have been changed…for good.”

1.  What kind of time have you spent considering what is written on your heart?    a.  Days      b. Minutes    c. Hours    d. Seconds    e. Not even a moment

Okay, what was your answer?  (This question is meant to be part of the discussion and not part of the quiz, mind you!)  And I’m not talking about flippant desires, either, such as, “I want a Like It with sweet cream ice cream with Reese’s mixed in from Coldstone!” or “I’d like to have a housekeeper & chef to take care of my house & meals so I can spend more time enjoying my children/hobbies/connections/fill-in-the-blank…!”

Do you know what is written on your heart? Life is full of surprises–and yet, we can still keep our eyes on goals which lead us to the desires of our hearts.

When I was in college, a friend asked me about some goals I wanted to accomplish. I numbered several writing endeavors on the fingers of my hand as we sat among art projects, and then we went back to work.  That moment has replayed in my mind on several occasions since.  I feel driven to do the work that I discussed with her that day.  Since that day, too, I have married an amazing husband, given life to a handful-plus of amazing children, and fulfilled some of the other work that has been written on my heart for as long as I can remember.

Still, I reflect on the writing projects.  I work on them (though not at the expense of my family…and dishes…and laundry….and cooking–those items can’t wait until we get that housekeeper/chef!).  And I have picked up a few more projects since then that are written on my heart–such as supporting women and marriages and families through MPower Generations.  This project, too, is written on my heart.

So, what about you?  Will you take a few moments to reflect on the wonderful accomplishments you have achieved thusfar which have been a part of you and welcome the new opportunities before you to discover the language written on your heart?  You’ll be happy you did…

You see, I often spend several moments each month scrubbing the grout & tile in our shower.  I’m not sure why exactly the shower gets so soap-scummy and moldy, but it does.  I have been known to sit and scrub at it for half and hour at a time…often only cleaning a small area!  Anyway, I wondered if the pressure washer would work better than my figurative tooth brushing attempts to scrape away the grossness.

Well, I casually mentioned this to my husband, and, when he finished the driveway, he helped me pipe the hose through the bathroom window.  I closed the door of the shower, and on it went!  Now, I’m not sure I’d do it again, and I’m not sure how proficient I was at washing that way (in the huge cloud of water that took over my shower, I couldn’t see very well), but I do know that I started to think about power.

Sometimes in our lives, we seek solutions to issues that are troubling us.  I know I do.  Sometimes I am willing to live with grime that is around me because I only take a few minutes each month to scour my life with a proverbial toothbrush.  Sometimes, though, I do the work to hook up the pressure washer and tap into more power.  I take the time to ponder what I do that brings energy and power into my life, and I eliminate those actions that deplete my power (such as giving way to negativity and contention…for further discussion on contention, read Marissa’s post here).  I find that my media–music, movies, etc.–also have a strong affect on the way I feel empowered or depleted, and I am working to address these areas of my life.  I know I need all the energy I can lay hold on to do all the activities I desire in my life (like learn how to quilt…which will be in another entry…).

Well, my question to you today is, “Would you rather clean your shower with a toothbrush or pressure washer?”

Claire responded, “But I want to help. I won’t mess it up….”

Will Julia take advantage of the opportunity to work with her sister? Will she continue in solitude with negative energy toward Claire while she remembers past experiences of Claire knocking over books or pulling clothing from drawers? Julia will have to choose whether or not to open the door…

And so will we. Opportunities are knocking all around us. The relationships we have with those we love need to be nurtured just as the people we meet in the grocery store need our smiles. We choose each day whether we will bless others and ourselves with the opportunity to forgive and be forgiven, to love and be loved, to offer and to receive. Will we ponder on the blessings that come from these opportunities, or will we let the opportunities knock us into a rut where we bury ourselves with feelings of self-pity and malice?

What did Julia do? Well, she took a chance. She let the opportunity in…and now I hear laughter coming from the general direction of their bedroom. How long do you think it will last?