Saturday, April 20, 2013

Attitude Check



"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8)


A common misunderstanding regarding a positive and optimistic attitude is that it can only come from a happy, healthy, and/or successful person.  But the truth is we don’t have to be prosperous or picture-perfect to maintain a positive attitude.  What we put into our minds determines our day and directs our attitudes, words, and actions towards others. It's so easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances, and I know that when I dwell on them with a negative attitude it has a contagious effect on those around me. We should not complain and discourage those around us because everyone around us carries some sort of baggage and heartache. When we chose to look at the bright side of life, our attitudes become filled with light; a light that affects not only us, but our environment and everyone around us! People who display and share optimistic attitudes with those around them encourage others to do the same.




The right approach to have when conditions and situations try to influence our attitudes is to persevere in our faith and draw closer to God.  We may not always be able to change the things that happen to us, but we can change the way we react to them, and what we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. When we look at life from the right perspective we are more likely to be rejoiceful no matter what the circumstances…

…as we focus more on what we are grateful for we worry less about the things we may be lacking. It’s all about our faith that things are going to work out in the long run.

 It’s a good habit to get into when we actively search for the positive side of everything, because when we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change!




"Whatever you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right!" (Henry Ford)


Our attitudes act like a buffer between ourselves and the world, and when we keep a check on our behavior and reactions it makes it easier to deflect worries and negative thoughts. I am pretty sure that a person’s life isn’t determined by how hard they fall, but instead, by the amount of times they are willing to get up after a fall. It’s all about how we react to circumstances that we face and our determination to endure. We have to bring our attitudes into obedience with God’s Word, apply discipline to our thoughts, and believe that all good things are coming to us today; then do what is necessary to make it happen.  If we keep this in our daily thoughts it will give us a sense of hope and it will put us on the fast track as we go forward with God into the better life that He planned just for us!


"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)

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31 comments:

  1. What a wonderful and valuable message. Your words would do well to be read every day as it's so easy to slip our eyes off Jesus and onto circumstances which I think accounts for lots of bad attitudes....

    Bless you girlfriend and I hope your weekend is a blessed one...

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    1. It is often a message I have to focus on a difficult day; a good and faithful attitude always brings me out of despair! Blessings to you too sweet friend!

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  2. I learned early that if momma isn't happy no one else is either. There are many times Jesus has to draw me aside to get an attitude adjustment and it makes a big difference in our home. This is good, Denise. I'll think of it the next time I'm reminded to check my attitude!

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    1. Ha; well said Pamela! I am reminded to check my attitude frequently! :)

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  3. What a wonderfully inspiring post! Denise, I beg the Lord for more light, a better attitude and a different perspective...and, He always gives it to me. Wow! It's like wiping mud from your windshield and realizing that the sun is shining! You have to wonder how much you have missed, with such a muddy perspective. Now that I know how my perspective affects my life and the lives of those around me, I wear my God-lenses, as much as possible. Smiles and much love. Many blessings!

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    1. I am always thankful for the reminder to check my attitude! Thanks for your (as always!) sweet comments Cynthia; you are such a joyful blessing!

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  4. Hi Denise. Good morning. I need to read this. Sometimes I am a bit grumpy and unstable until I take quiet time with God and after that I can mothering again with love. Or: life with love, with a smile on my face.

    Thank you. I am glad with this reminder.

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    1. Good morning sweet Jedidja; I hope your day is full of a joyful attitude, and that you have joyful attitudes surrounding you!

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  5. Great post! I love the Dahl quote with the giraffes. Sweet. :)

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  6. Great post. This past week in Bible Study, Beth Moore said, "Wholeness is as contagious." May we be contagious today! I was your neighbor at Sharing His Beauty & am so glad that I was!

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    1. One of my favorite sayings that I try and start (and carry out) my day with! Thanks for stopping by...blessings!

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  7. Wonderful truth Denise. Blessings.

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  8. Thanks for this post. I struggle and pray and work hard on thinking positive because my personality tend to the negative and that is not honoring to God.

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    1. So true; our thoughts and actions are a reflection of our love for Him! Blessings my friend! :)

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  9. Hi Denise,
    Awesome reminder and I love that passage from Philippians. Just think, Paul wrote this from prison, and right before it he instructs us to rejoice always. You are so right to say, how we view our circumstances, or what we put in our minds will determine how our day will go. Thank you for sharing this and may God bless you,
    Ken

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  10. Dear Denise
    I cannot agree more. I had to learn how to bring all my condemning thoughts about myself to the Throne of Grace asking our sweet Lord Jesus to free me from it as well. I have much in my past I can break myself down about, but we can choose to allow Him to set us free. He is so faithful in doing just that!
    Blessings from Tracey's.
    Mia

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    1. He gives us the choice through His amazing grace to set us free; so true sweet Mia! Blessings!

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  11. Denise, this is one those topics we can always use a refresher on. Much of life we have no control over but we do have a power of choice of what think and say. I once read a book where the author said he always tried to look for evidence of God any whatever situation. That really struck a chord with me because some situations are so hard that others are facing that I'm not sure the right words to say. But even in bad times, we can see the hand of God.

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    1. Oh we truly can with a mindset on His grace and love; He is there in any situation! Thanks Wanda! :)

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  12. Hi Denise! That must be the word of the hour! My post this week dealt with the very same thing. Our attitudes are bad because we're discontented with our lives. This often times stems from an ungrateful heart, when in reality if we really think about it, God has given us so many things to be thankful for. Thanks for hearing the Holy Spirit my friend...have a blessed week!

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    1. I will jump over to read yours Mitchell! Just like Wanda said, we can always use a reminder! Blessings! :)

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  13. Denise - This is so powerful & convicting. I even had to read it out loud with my husband as it hit it right on the mark for what I am going through today. He agreed! Lol. Thanks for getting me off of my pedestal today & bringing me lower into the truths of God's Word! Blessings, Jen

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    1. Sweet! I pray your day was uplifted and inspired my friend!

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  14. "because when we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change!"

    I love this statement. So powerful!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Victory...Blessings!

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  15. Not reacting is something I've always had to calm down and work on. I don't get frustrated too often, but when I do it's usually because I've taken my eyes off the Lord and the real picture of what is going on. Our attitude really does make a difference in this world. So thankful I have my King to look to for that strength when I need it.

    Thanks Denise!
    Love and Hugs,
    Lee Ann

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