5 Ways To Direct Your Thoughts (& Special Giveaway!)

Suppose I asked five of your closest friends whether or not you were a positive thinker. What do you think they would say?

Some people might be extremely confident in the answers that would be given, while others may feel a twinge of nervousness.

In my Proverbs 31 Devotion today, Your Thoughts Have Wheels, I referenced the verse from Proverbs 23:7 which says,  “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”  (KJV) 

This verse serves as a great reminder, that our thoughts not only determine our actions, but actually determine the type of person we become – which is why it is so important to make sure that the thoughts that drive our actions are positive ones.

I recently came across a story from an unknown author about a nurse who was helping an older gentleman. It seemed to fit in perfectly with today’s focus on positive thinking:

A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o’clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.

His wife of 70 years had recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.

As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. “I love it”,  he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.

Mr. Jones, you haven’t seen the room; just wait. “That doesn’t have anything to do with it,” he replied. “Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t depend on how the furniture is arranged … it’s how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it.”

“It’s a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.”

“Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I’ll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I’ve stored away.”

This sweet man had invested his entire life in learning how to be an optimist. Now that he was going through a difficult time, he made a conscious choice to focus on the good memories and positive thoughts, instead of the difficulties of his present circumstances.

He had obviously spent years making the life impacting decision to transport himself into a life of happiness, by committing to an attitude of optimism. 

Although we would all like to say we are like this, reality is that we live in a world full of problem, brokenness, negativity and self-centeredness, which means that positive thinking has to be a daily choice.

Making that choice is easy – but carrying out the daily actions that support that choice is easier said than done. So let’s keep it simple!  Below are five easy steps that can help jump start your journey to leaving the life of a pessimist, and embracing the life of an optimist instead:

1. Commit to being grateful.
  – Have you really counted your blessings lately, or have you been so focused on all the things that are wrong in your life, that you have overlooked all the things that are right?  Take a few moments to thank God for all of your blessings, and even hardships, because heartfelt gratitude leads to a positive attitude.

  * Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

2. Free your mind from worries.
  – If your mind is full of worry, then there is no room for anything else – much less positive thoughts.  Lay those burdens at foot of the cross today, and ask God to replace your worry, with hope and peace.

  * Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

3. Keep things in perspective.
  – The more we focus on our problems, the bigger our problems seem to be. With enough negative thinking, our problems can become bigger than we are, and may even feel bigger than God. But God is bigger than all our problems, and He always has a plan and a purpose for what we go through. Ask Him to help you see people and problems in a new perspective, and give you a fresh glimpse of His point of view.

  * Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

4. Help someone else.
  – Anytime we are focusing on someone else, we automatically take the focus off of ourselves. Be alert for opportunities that will allow you to help others. Seek out to do at least one random act of kindness each day.

  * Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

5.  Love the Lord with all your heart.
  – Joy comes from God. Today may not be the best day, but each day we are given breath, is a day to rejoice.

  * Psalm 118:24 The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.

So, friends, have a fabulous and wonderful day today! (unless you already have other plans. Smiles.)

236 Comments

  1. heather on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:25 am

    Keep things in perspective.
    That is an area I struggle in. I tend to make the problems bigger. i need to remember that God is bigger 🙂



  2. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:26 am

    Good Morning! Thank you so very much for today’s post it is exactly what I needed to hear! Of the five I will choose to be grateful because often times we fail to look back on what God has already done for us…I am a single mother with four beautiful children and another one due on Christmas Day sometimes it seems like I get Si caught up in the obstacles we face each day that I fail to see how blessed I am! So I will learn to count my blessings each day and thank God for each one! Again thank you so much for today’s post!

    Misscsierra@hotmail.com



  3. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:27 am

    Tracie- Love your blog today! I need to put things in perspective and put my worries at the feet of Jesus each and every day! I grew up being a worry-wart so this is my biggest challenge. I would love to win Rene’s book. She is showing such amazing grace in all the trials she is going through now!

    Josie lytlere@gpcom.net



  4. EbethT on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:32 am

    I am going to work on keeping things in perspective. I have been casting down my imagination and working diligently on loving the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength; and my neighbor as myself. Keeping things I perspective is a massive challenge, but its so important to my walk of faith. I am definitely up to the 20 day challenge! Buffisan(at)gmail.com



  5. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:33 am

    ‘Help someone else’ I troubled recently over the inability to be physically supportive of a friend who lost a parent. I was stuck working long hours during that time and have been dealing with sciatica that left me with little energy outside of work. But the opportunity has arisen to take her youngest child into our home for a few days while she takes her oldest child on a college tour. I am happy I could be there for her anyway!



  6. Bliss Moments on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:33 am

    I plan on doing a random act of kindness today, asking God to show me what that might be. I have been on the wrong bus too long and instead of motion sickness I have emotional and spiritual sickness. Ready to change my thought pattern.



  7. Charlotte on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:33 am

    I am going to go out of my way today to help others.



  8. Sherri I on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:41 am

    I will love the Lord with all my heart. Put Him first. Find things to rejoice over. Thanks for the encouragement!

    tba247(at)hotmail(dot)com



  9. Kathryn on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:51 am

    For me I struggle with not worrying….I am not confident in myself and always worry that someone is there trying to catch my mistakes and call me on them. I am only this way with my peers—with children I feel freer to be me. I always joke that I am waiting for the parent police to tap me on the shoulder and tell me I am not doing a good enough job faking it!



  10. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:52 am

    Good Morning
    Today I am goinf to be free from worry which wil also go along with keeping things in perspective!
    Have a happy day
    Deena

    deenakramer@msn.com



  11. Mags1955 on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:55 am

    Hi, My name is Maggie and I would ‘commit to being grateful’. If my mind is focused on thanking Jesus, there’s no time for worries or troubling thoughts to creep in and discourage me and drag me down.

    Blessings.



  12. Jennifer Graham on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    Keep things in perspective….
    I’ve been hearing the verse about God’s ways not being our ways a couple of times lately 🙂



  13. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:07 pm

    Thank you for this reminder. It’s difficult to bring this to the forefront everyday…it really is a choice one makes to be positive and thankful. It’s impossible without God…and keeping in mind, he is the reason we need to do so. Staying in relationship with him.



  14. Janine on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    4. Help someone else.

    I love and agree with all 5 ways you’ve listed and need to work on most of them! However, today I am committing to work on helping someone else. I was just thinking about this last night while I was watching a show about helping someone else. I thought “I need to be more intentional about looking for others that I can help”. Thank you for our devotional this morning. His timing is perfect!



  15. Pam on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    Your devotion and blog post today was just another nudge HE has been giving me all week! Our family is going through a tough time right now and I’ve found myself more focused on what’s wrong than what’s right. Oh, how easy it is to fall into this trap and stay there! Thank you for your thoughts and the boost to get out of the trap. Tip #3 Keep Things in Perspective is one I’m focusing on today. I do need a “fresh glimpse of HIS point of view.”

    Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Renee’s book and a journal 🙂

    I am a subscriber to your blog and have really been enjoying your posts!

    Happy Friday to you!
    Pam



  16. Kathy on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:12 pm

    I love God’s prmose in Jeremiah…..God has plans for me! Why do I try so hard to control my life when my Father is planning for me? And not just that, but He wants to prosper me, give me hope and keep me from harm! I surrender all Jesus….easier said than done, but I do know his plans are better than anything I could even imagine….Hab 1:5.



  17. Brenda Strain on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:12 pm

    Oh I needed this post! I need to stop worrying! AND reflect on what I have to be thankful for!
    Thanks so much!



  18. Heidi on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:12 pm

    Keep things in perspective.
    I am in the midst of a bathroom repair and it seems like with every piece I demo I find another thing “wrong”. It’s so overwhelming! I have to remind myself that I only need to fix what is necessary and those things that are likely aesthetic can be fixed later.
    God has provided for this repair. If I am patient He will provide for the others in time.



  19. Jodi on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    What an awesome blog today, this is my first visit and I am signing up for your blogs. I will help someone else today, as I am going to work at the beauty shop and there are lots of people there. Thank you for being such a wonderful blessing.

    In Christ~
    Jodi



  20. Michelle on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    I loved your post today, and it came at such a perfect time. All five steps were so appropriate for me and I will definately apply them all in my life. Keeping worries in perspective and being grateful to God each and everyday for the blessings in my life!
    Thank you for the encouragement!



  21. rachel on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    I definietly need to free my mind from worries. I tend to worry about a lot. Worrying doesn’t change the outcome, just the present feeling.



  22. JazzyTurtle on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    Tracie, Your blog and P31 devotion really hits home today with a conversation I just had with my hubby yesterday. He told me that I was different since the birth of our first little baby 4 months ago. I agreed with him because I feel different about things especially since Gemma was born. I shared with him that since her birth I’ve been getting attacked by aweful thoughts about really, really bad things that could happen to him and/or the baby. I’m sure all new mothers go through this, but I’ve never really been one that thinks about things like that. Your blog is a great reminder to me to focus on the Lord and let Him worry about things. Easier said then done, but I’m so thankful that I have you and the other P31 women to help remind me. Smiles, Shelon



  23. All B Boer Goats on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    Love this! I have the commit to being grateful one at the top of my list but I call it “what God enabled me to do today” that came with heath issues and at times getting out of bed is the greatest thing that God enabled for me that day, of which I’m grateful. Things are better now but I still use the saying when things aren’t going as “I” had planned. Thanks for the great list, I will be working on the rest.



  24. katfish41a on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    I think “Keep things in perspective” is what i need to focus on today. I have a meeting coming up on Monday that i have been worried about all week. I’ve kept it in the forefront of my mind and practiced what to say in the meeting. I’m not really sure why the issues being discussed in the meeting are of such importance to me. I’ve prayed several times for God to give the perspective i need to deal with the issues realistically. I know in the back of my mind that things will be fine, because God is in control, but continue to let this bother me. You artical is an answer to prayer.



  25. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    Thank you so much for your devotion and blog today. I needed the reminder to keep my thoughts focused in the right direction. It helps me to keep a grateful journal and to help others. That certainly helps to keep self from the front line. Thanks again for your blog and the chance to win your give a way.
    grammy



  26. Mollie on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    I love the idea of doing something kind for someone else so you’re not focusing on yourself so much. I’m going to work on doing a random act of kindness for someone else everyday!



  27. Beth Reinke on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    Wow, I sure needed this blog post today – thank you! I will focus on being grateful, because that helps push the worries out of my mind.

    Thanks for the chance to win the book and journal.

    Blessings to you!



  28. StephanieT8@suddenlink.net on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    This devotion was God Sent to me today, for I have been struggling and distracted all week with negative thoughts and worry. I am printing this list and putting up in my home office as a reminder when my thoughts get me off track. Today, I want to lay all my worries at the cross and give them to God…I am tired of them clouding my mind and my attitude. Thank you so very much!



  29. Samantha on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    Lately I have lost my joy along the way and reading this post certainly put things in perspective for me. I am so glad that you shared this with us today. It couldn’t have come at a better time in my life. Thank you for reminding me of how much God truly loves me and for these verses of scripture to help me get through each day. Jermeiah 29:11 is the one that sticks out most right now. I forget that God has a plan and has everything under control.



  30. A Nest in the Rocks on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:49 pm

    I’m committing to thankfulness and helping someone else. My family keeps a gratitude journal and we try to write in it daily, especially when life gets hard. My son and I are going to bake bread for friends of ours today, too.



  31. Claudia on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    Being grateful for even the hardships that God is allowing in my life, realizing He has a plan and purpose for what I am going through. That has been my challenge for many months now. Thanks for reinforcing my need to be aware of my choices and focus.



  32. Kirsten on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    I need to practice counting my blessings and choosing to focus on being grateful for the good things in my life rather than constantly remembering the bad.



  33. Tara on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:58 pm

    This is such a great message today and #4 Helping Someone today is the one that I’m going to focus on today. I what you said about taking the focus off ourselves and putting it on helping someone else!!



  34. Margaret on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    Commit to being grateful … even in the difficulties.



  35. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:00 pm

    My life is constantly filled with battles but I can honestly say that I try to remain positive and I never feel like God has left me and neither do I give up my trust in him. I just love your message to us today. I am past retirement years at work but I cannot retire now even though all my friends that I began work with have. Everyday I think about how fortunate I am to be physically and mentally able to work and I feel a sense of peace about not being able to retire. I will hold your words close to my heart and continue trusting God and I know he will provide me with the peace and happiness I need. Thank you and have a beautiful day…mine will be.
    Gwen



  36. Sue Hillard on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:00 pm

    I’m going to commit to being grateful…well, more grateful! All 5 points are awesome; I’m going to try to do all 5:)! Thank you Tracie for showing us ways to be more positive.



  37. Carla YSiC on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:01 pm

    Keeping my mind free from worry….

    I’ve grown up worrying in a dysfunctional abusive home, worried about my sister and her drug addiction, about my finances, job, etc. What clearly shines through time and time again is the Lord’s provision and command over all I worried about. He is faithful always! As I’ve gotten older, I worry less, but my prayer is to not worry and let the enemies deceit be overshadowed by God’s promise. Thank you for your message today Tracie!

    So today I will focus on…Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
    ~Philippiansme 4:6-8

    carlad311@gmail.com



  38. Carla YSiC on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:04 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.



  39. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    Worry is my challenge, so #2 would be my goal.



  40. BethA on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    Hard to pick. But I think being grateful will go a long way to helping me with the other tips. They are all really interconnected!



  41. Jamie on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    I have never read your blog before, but today God led me to it and I have been blessed. Thank you for the words that I needed to hear today!
    Blessings to you….



  42. Amy Sue on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    Keeping things in perspective is what I can do today! I have a lot to be thankful for, so why spend time worrying about the other things.



  43. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    Tracie, thank you for today’s post. I really focused in on Commit to Being Grateful. That is a constant struggle for me. I live alone and I broke and displaced my knee cap in April and am still recovering from the broken bone and surgery. It is so slow, but I am grateful it was not worse. God has given me many blessings and I am trying to focus on them.



  44. Dawn on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    Keeping things in perspective is the area where I need to concentrate. I am 55 yrs old and recently graduated from nursing school and passed my state boards, but I am waiting to find a job and getting more and more discouraged every day. I must daily remind myself that God is in control of every last detail and He would not bring me through this and forget me.

    I believed I was following a call of God to become an RN and I am anxious to begin my career of service to Him..I would love to win the journal and the copy of A Confident Heart. Thank you for your message today, it truly did hit home for me!



  45. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    Great post and great reminders! I’m a ‘worry wart’, as my mother used to say 🙂 Gotta remember to trust, trust, trust in the Lord.
    Jen



  46. melanie on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    I am going to work on keeping things in perspective. It’s not as bad as I make it out to be. I will take captive those negative thoughts and work to be grateful instead! Thanks so much!



  47. albargla on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    1. Commit to being grateful.
    This is the one I don’t do enough! I will focus on this one today. Thank you for your encouragement.



  48. Mom2boys on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    Thanks Tracie! That was a great story. I try to be the optomist most of the time, although I do fail sometimes. I choose to Love the Lord with all my heart today. I think if I do that every day and try to see people and problems from His viewpoint…the other 4 will fall into place.

    Thanks again and remember This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it!



  49. Dianne on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:27 pm

    This was very timely for me. I have caught myself focusing on the negatives instead of the positives on a daily basis recently. I purpose to be grateful every day and to look for the positives in my day instead of the negatives. Thanks.

    Whiteley6@sbcglobal(dot)com



  50. The Arnolds on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:27 pm

    Thank you! This was so helpful. I’m working on #2.



  51. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:30 pm

    Probably the big thing for me right now is worry and stress, so to
    2. Free your mind from worries.
    – If your mind is full of worry, then there is no room for anything else – much less positive thoughts. Lay those burdens at the foot of the cross today, and ask God to replace your worry, with hope and peace.
    I will certainly do so and try to remember to do so every day
    And remember:
    * Matthew 6:34

    AND keeping things in perspective is really good too for those worries about my future and if I’m doing the right thing and studying the right things and what major(s and minors) He wants me to focus on.



  52. Terry C on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:30 pm

    I can apply the tip of helping someone else by writing cards of encouragement to direct my thoughts. In fact, I can try one tip per day from Monday to Friday to help me make it through the week and to help transform my mind and make my thoughts conform to God’s word. Thanks so much for the directions!



  53. LaKeta on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    I can choose to help someone else. When I take my mind off of my own problems and focus on helping someone else through theirs I give God the opportunity to work on me without my interruption. My mother always said that when I complained about my problems that “No matter what your problem is, there is always someone out there with a bigger one.”



  54. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    Commit to be grateful.I don’t think I do that enough.
    Martha T. CRPrairie1@imonmail.com



  55. LF on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    I need to keep things in perspective & keep my mind from worry & with God’s help this will happen.



  56. Janet on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    Good morning,

    I have always struggled with worry & doubt so the tip on freeing your mind and laying it all at the foot of the cross speaks to my heart today. Thank you for this post and God bless you.

    Janet
    gatorgirl66@hotmail.com



  57. Kelly on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    It was like you peaked into my heart… it was exactly what I needed to hear today. Here I am sitting here feeling sorry for myself. But today, I choose be thankful and leave my worries at the cross. I pray that God fills me hope and peace instead. Thanks for writing and sharing.



  58. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    I am a mother of two and trying to reenter the workforce and trying to see where God wants to plant me. So I have been trying to seek direction so,Jeremiah speaks volume to me. I know that he has plans for me and will make me prosper. But I just haven’t figured out how or what he will do. I do trust it will be done. Also,I am learning that negative thoughts will do nothing but make you miserable. So I must learn to try to think good thoughts.Because God wants us to have good things and wants us to prosper but only through him can we truly be happy.



  59. Lauralee on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    This has been a huge blessing for me! Keeping things in perspective is crucial in my life. When I focus on the problem, it just gets bigger and bigger to the point that sometimes it seems bigger than God. And we all know that “ain’t so”!



  60. The Lemons Family on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    Keeping my focus outward is the one that I needed to hear most of all. The story of the older gentleman really hit home, though. That story will stick with me for quite a while.



  61. Stephanie on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    I need to keep things in perspective and not let my thoughts get away from me.



  62. The Lemons Family on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    Keeping my focus outward is what I needed to hear today. The story of the older gentleman really hit home, though. That’s going to stick with me for a while.



  63. Pauline on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    Keep things in perspective. Whenever am in doubt, I need to remind myself that God has the best for me and that He is bigger than my circumstances.



  64. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    How fitting is today’s post to my life!!! Thank you for that! I really needed this one! I am a worrier so I will work on keeping my mind focused on today and to not get ahead of myself. I will pray that God helps me lay my worries down and stay focused on the positive blessings He has given to me.

    Katie-katiemurphy02@insightbb.com



  65. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    Keeping free of worries…….

    I need to learn to trust God with everything in my life. I always want to figure things out instead of allowing God to give me the answers thru the Holy Spirit. I am prying and asking God to help me and I am willing to be obedient. It will be hard but I will be free of worries.

    Dorothy Travis

    dscott28@bellsouth.net



  66. Horse Prairie Chatterer on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    As Isaiah said-God is too great to fail- I will practice keeping things in perspective and let go and let God
    Bev



  67. Carol on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:05 pm

    I am going to try to keep things in perspective. I fuss and fume until I make the proverbial mountain out of a molehill.



  68. DMR on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    I will choose to think on my blessings. The Lord has been so good to me, yet I always seem to dwell on the negative. Thank you for the encouragement. “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Can’t recall the reference verse)



  69. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    I’m sure you get this a lot but…this was exactly what I needed to read! The story reminded me of my own granddad, who was very much an optimist. Thanks for the reminder. It’s a toss-up between #2 and #3 that I need to focus on. I plan on reading the verses often today to keep my focus on my Jesus!



  70. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    Thank you so much for your article today. I had heard the story of the man entering the nursing home before, but had forgotton it.
    Your blog helped me realized that I often forget to be thankful for the blessings in my life and instead focus an extraordinary amount of time on the parts of my life that seem wrong. I do this especially in the area of relationships.
    Today, I will be grateful.I also will pray for God’s perspective on people and situations.
    Thank you for your kind and loving words.



  71. Tracy G. on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    I will commit to being grateful today. Too often I find myself complaining about all that is I feel is wrong in my life rather than focusing on all that is right! Thanks for making me take the time to notice!



  72. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    Keeping things in perspective will be helpful for me. There are several people in my life right now that are suffering, and man do I feel helpless….but knowing the best I can do is pray for them. It’s hard to see things from God’s perspective…the bigger picture. That’s where our faith has to be active in knowing He has plans for us, not to harm us but to give us hope! Blessings, Pat



  73. Lynn Timmons on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Wonderful devotional on Proverbs 31 and the 5 ways to direct your thoughts is great! I’m working on Freeing my mind from worries. I’ve been working on this all week and I can always tell when I’ve laid them down because I feel a sense of peace. Then I feel the weight when I pick them back up. Going to continue to lay them at the cross and work hard at not picking them back up! I’m also going to focus on being grateful! If I can only think of what I’m grateful for then I won’t have time for those worries anyway. Please pray that my husband does not have cancer of the mouth. He is scheduled for a biopsy on Monday. Thanks for being an inspriation!!



  74. Heather on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    I just loved the story about the nice old man. Our happiness is a choice. No matter what situation we are in, we always seem to want more. I have been fighting to be thankful for the things I have. So easily I forget the many blessings i have and can only focus on the problems and short comings I have. This was so encouraging to me today. I am praying that I can keep my thoughts in perspective today



  75. mommyofthree on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    Help others Feel like God wants me to reach out to someone today praying he will show me the right person



  76. Unknown on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    Commit to being grateful. This post is so timely, I need it very much. Thank you.



  77. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    This really comes at an important juncture in my life. There is so many seemingly big problems going on in my life right now, that I have allowed the devil to cloud my mind and keep me from having the Lord’s joy. The biggest one for me is to Keep things in Perspective. Regardless of what is going on, I have to believe that God is in control and He can handle all my problems no matter how big they may be. What a great reminder to keep our thoughts on Him. Thanks so much!



  78. Julie on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:32 pm

    Man! Do I ever need this! I think Freeing my mind from worries and Keeping things in perspective are 2 things I can surely work on! I worry about alot of things alot of times, things I have NO control over! Does worry even add 1 day to our lives?? NO!! I need to see things more from GOD’s perspective! Thank you SO much for your ministry! It truly means alot!! 🙂 GOD bless! Julie j-bug@att.net



  79. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    Free my mind from worry. I am a worrier. I am praying today that God will replace my worry with hope and peace.

    Dora



  80. M & C on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    I really struggle with being positive right now. Thank you for this thought-provoking devotional and new perspective. I think committing to being grateful, making that decision is what I’m going to try to do first. Thanks again for helping your sisters in Christ through your gifts!



  81. Lorraine Furtner on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    Freeing my mind of worries is a continual struggle for me and a counselor has been helping me recently by working on changing my thought life. I can identify with all the points in the devotion today, but worry, fear and doubt are daily battle– especially more so lately as my teen has reached driving age. I must remember that she is really just on loan to me from God. Ultimately she is His child and I must trust that He will do what is best for her, and me and the rest of my loved ones.
    Thanks, Lorraine furtner_jl@hotmail.com



  82. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    Commit to being grateful…I find myself getting caught up in the hectic of the day and forget that HE is the very air that I breathe!!!
    Blessings,

    melissa_twine63@yahoo.com



  83. suebe on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    What a great post! I’m going to forward it to a friend who is going through difficult times.

    For my part, I’m going to work on keeping things in perspective.

    –SueBE



  84. IRENE on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE.
    I need to ask God to help me see people & problems in His perspective/ His point of view NOT my point of view.
    HELP SOMEONE ELSE.
    -to automatically take the focus off
    myself & my concern. This is an area of struggle for me & needs to be dealt with.So please help me God.



  85. Veronica on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    HELP SOMEONE ELSE
    Look at God! My specific prayer this morning was for me to help someone else today. I pray for others, but want a tangible way to help someone else. I ask God to provide the opportunity, the means and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to make that happen. Thanks to another comment, I will also be purposeful to seek someone to help.



  86. europlayer04 on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    your encouragement came at a ‘funny’ time! I already started thinking about it yesterday (same topic, relevant to this week’s happenings), and then right before I opened the ecouragement email to read (before even peaking what it would be about), I had a 2 hr long conversation with my friend: exactly about the same topic and even exactly about the same things that you listed in the devotion, if we think of certain things, where they would lead us! wow! that was quite a ‘coincendence’, really! And based on the outcome of my talk with my friend, your devotion and a blog on 5 steps- all these sources came to the same conclusion as to how I should deal with my situation: 1. being thankful/grateful and seeing things in correct perspective! Thank you for reconfirming and elaborating in a perfect timing on what I needed exactly! 🙂



  87. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    Great post! I struggle mostly with keeping things in perspective and focusing on my problems and issues. I have to remember that God is bigger than all and know that He will provide.



  88. Lucy on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    I need to use all 5 tips. But my no. 1 issue is worrying. Today I am going to put all of my trust in Him and believe all is well. Thank you for the great words. I always enjoy your devotions. Be blessed!



  89. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    I struggle mostly with keeping things in perspective and knowing that God is bigger than all my problems. He will provide. I commit to keep that first and foremost in my mind.

    christine.hawkins@hcahealthcare.com



  90. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 3:36 pm

    Thanx so much for the devo today. I would like to look for the opportunity to focus on someone else….not in my own family because obviously as moms we probably are already doing that. I find I have great intentions but don’t execute it well. I would like to be more focused on others. Thanx Nicole



  91. Renata on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    Good morning Tracie!
    Directing my thoughts is just what I needed to read this morning. Of the 5 I will free my mind from worries and not look at my circumstances but remember that He does have plans to prosper me no matter what the circumstances of my life might suggest. Thank you!



  92. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    Yesterday was the 4 year anniversary of losing our daughter to cancer. Thanks for helping me remember to focus on the blessings I have: great husband, 2 great sons and family and friends. I try to do this every day, but sometimes it is so very hard. Cyndee
    cyndee.owens@moffatsd.org



  93. Tara Norton-Loyd on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    Free my mind from worry…
    I find at times I am thinking so much about life stuff that it is so noisy in my mind & I can’t hear God’s voice. Things will turn out how they are supposed to whether I worry about them or not – so I will strive to free my mind from worry by meditating and prayer.
    Thank you for blessing me today with your words!



  94. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    Keeping things in perspective is something I could work on daily. Sometimes I tend to dwell on something I dont like till I make it so big that I can’t get past it very easily. I need to think more on the positive so that the negative thoughts could be less. Thank you for sharing these tips 🙂

    crystalpierce17@yahoo.com



  95. Jennifer K on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    Today I commit to being grateful. There are so many good things in my life, I need to focus on them instead of being the perpetual “Eeyore” as some have called me in the past.

    Jennifer E.



  96. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 3:57 pm

    I’ve been working on keeping my thoughts under control for about a year and a half now. The change’s been incredible: chains that I didn’t even now existed have been removed; others revealed. The road ahead seems to have no end.
    Glad to read where our Lord’s been taking you to. Sweet Blessings!



  97. TripletMom on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    This was exactly what my heart needed to hear today. Keeping things in perspective has always been a battle for me. I need to remember that God has a plan and will never give me more than I can handle.



  98. Elizabeth on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    All of your steps are touched my heart, for I need to remember all of them. However, I am going to choose the first one: Commit to being grateful. I have so much yet I tend to forget how blessed I am. I am a breast cancer survivor of 5 years. Items should no longer be important to me, yet for some reason I am not always able to get past all that. So, starting to day I am going to choose to be grateful for what the Lord has given me, and implement the other four steps as well. Thank you so much!



  99. Heather Richardson on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    “So you think, therefore you act” is a simple line I once read in a bible study, and that has since become my motto. I didn’t realize at the time how negatively I actually do think. It’s a daily process to change how you think, but I can do anything through Him who strengthens me. I struggle with focusing in the negative instead of the positive! Today (and every day) I will remember where God has brought me and work on having a grateful heart. I am so blessed, and by recognizing even the most mundane things (indoor plumbing is a really great thing, isn’t it?!) I can honestly turn to God and say, with a smile, “THANK YOU!”



  100. Rose B. on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    This week has been full of negative thoughts regarding my spouse and my marriage. I have focused only on what’s wrong and not on what’s right. Today I commit to being grateful. I so needed this reminder!



  101. Sara on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    What powerful truths! I definitely needed to read both your devotional from P31 and your blog post this morning. I am left convicted but thankful that the Lord used them to get my thoughts focused on Him. Your suggestions of being thankful and thinking of others are two in particular that I am going to allow the Lord to produce in me today. And thank you very much for the giveaway! 🙂



  102. Lee Ann on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:36 pm

    Keep things in perspective. This is an area I really need to work on and remember.



  103. Colleen on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    I was just outside walking through the grass with leaves crunching under my feet as I went to adjust the sprinkler on my gardens, and a song from VBS this summer came to mind: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” I was reminded of one night in particular when I had to lead this song, but my heart was heavy with worry. The song begins with “I’m casting my cares aside, I’m leaving my doubts behind; I’m giving my heart and mind to you, Jesus”. Wow, was that a lesson for me! As I sang these words, smiling at the children, I freed myself to unburden my heart and rejoice in the joy of those smiling faces and my love of the Lord.

    Tracie, I would like permission to copy this post to share with two family members who need to change their thinking to a more positive outlook. Your words say what I have been trying to share with them, and I hope might give them a reference to read and to help them through their struggles.
    Thank you.



  104. nancys1128 on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:43 pm

    I can direct my thoughts today to keeping things in perspective. If it won’t matter in the long run, don’t waste time and energy thinging about it in the short. It it will matter, deal with it appropriately and move on.



  105. Marcia on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    Putting things in perspective…I believe doing this will allow all other things to fall in place. Stop worrying about that I cannot control, do good for others, be thankful and grateful, and love GOD for through him all things are possible.

    mlewis@scana.com



  106. Kathy on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    Wow, this is so good, and just what I needed today. I can TODAY, right now, keep things in perspective. I tend to let my worries run away, and before you know it, they are huge mountains that are so much harder to overcome. And, quite frankly, what I worry about the most, never comes to pass.



  107. Evalyn Elliott on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:50 pm

    Fleeing from worry is my focus for today. Taking life one day at a time and trusting God to carry me through it. Going through marital problems with my husband, in counseling, and had a painful session this week that still has me reeling. But yet I am focusing on Philippinas 4:8… whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. This is where my heart is for today.



  108. NCBreeze on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    Thank you so much for today’s message! I truly needed it. I believe that I am going to try and work on #2 and give my worries to the Lord and ask him to fill me with positive thoughts and hope and peace.



  109. karend3 on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:55 pm

    Just the other day the Lord prompted me to begin writing a gratitude list,instead of dwelling on problems in my life. Then today I was reminded by you about gratitude again. My list the other day included simple things like being grateful for the smell of coffee brewing, the cool fresh smell of morning air and more profound things like three healthy children, whom even if we have a bad day, its a blessed day because we were together. Making a list like this really puts things in perspective and the blessings far outweigh the problems. Thanks for allowing God use you to work in the lives of others by reminding us to be grateful!



  110. NCBreeze on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 4:55 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.



  111. mh on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 5:01 pm

    for me, I’ve been really trying to help someone else. Nothing gets my focus off of ‘poor me’ better!



  112. beautiful sunset on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    Free yourself from worries & Help someone else will be what I focus first. It’s true worry consumes you & you don’t think rationally which is never what God wants for us. It seems so easy but its not – a VIVID reminder each day goes a long way….why let troubles be that reminder when a verse will do so much more!!!! What better way to fill your mind with God than helping others! I’m going to put both of those verses on my bathroom mirror for a month! Then alternate between the others!!!!
    For the rest of the year. I’ll be smacked in the face with it each morning & night.



  113. Jak W on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    Keep things in perspective.
    Working on finding the solution for problems and keeping positive, being proactive and not reactive in all situation. Remembering God will get me through this day and lighten my burdens.



  114. Angela Bush on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 5:43 pm

    All 5 are worthy of meditation but for me the first point is most relevant. I have found myself in a tornado of negative thoughts. They are mostly centered on ingratitude. It seems I can’t escape the high winds of this storm and I want desperately to change. Although my marriage is in a tough spot, I want to regain the hope that it will get better but that can only happen if I change the way I am thinking about it. Thank you for the reminder of getting centered on God in my thoughts.



  115. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    I happened to accidentally stumble upon your blog but I am so glad I did. Your post on directing your thoughts was very timely for me. I need to work on keeping things in perspective. My problem is I focus so much time & energy on my crummy circumstances. I start to believe that my situation is impossible and will never change. I sometimes forget that God can take something that looks impossible and make it possible. I need to change my stinking thinking! I need to remember & trust that God is always in control!

    deborahrmeeks@hotmail.com



  116. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 5:56 pm

    Due to sin in a loved ones life, my world has fallen apart. It’s odd that often time sin can be more detrimental to those around than to the one who has chosen the sin himself. I have had so many emotional ups and downs over the last months. One of the deepest battles against depression was this past week and I am now working to keep my perspective in focus. God has a plan for this, I KNOW he does. Each time I want to jump back in that black hole of despair I have to learn to cling to him and his plan.



  117. gramtam on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 5:58 pm

    I think “Do something for someone else”. I used to be pretty consistent with this, but lately I have become so busy that I have allowed it to fall by the wayside. I am committing today to get back at it and look for ways I can be an encouragement, etc. to someone who needs it. Thanks for sharing that!



  118. Beth (A Mom's Life) on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 6:00 pm

    Helping someone else when I feel negative has always worked for me. I really enjoy reading your blog and I love this list of tips because unfortunately I often struggle with maintaining a positive outlook.



  119. Marge on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    Free your mind from worries. I often spend too much time worrying about things that are happening and how I can take control of things. I need to focus more on just letting God do the driving. Where ever he leads me will be for a purpose and I will end up a better person because of it. I need to always trust Him.



  120. Marrissa on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 6:08 pm

    Thank you so much for your inspirational words today! I am going to print out the five steps and post it on my bedroom mirror so I can be reminded of them daily! I want my thinking patterns to be renewed in Christ so desperatley. I’ve felt like my joy has been missing from my life for so long and I have been on a mission to get my joy back. It seems as though everywhere I turn lately I am reminded that joy comes from God and God alone!(Which can only be God getting my attention!) So I am going to focus on loving the Lord with all of my heart! 🙂



  121. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 6:08 pm

    I’m going to commit to being grateful.



  122. Kaylee Wadge on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 6:11 pm

    I think that the two best ones were keep things in perspective and doing random acts of kindness for people!
    This post really spoke to my heart because i was getting mad at my husband and daughter and they weren’t even that big of a deal.
    Thank you,
    Kaylee W



  123. BeckyW on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    Love this post. I need to do #2 more often. Free my mind from worries…I keep going back and picking them up once I lay them down. I must quit doing that! Thanks!



  124. Heather S. Deaton on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    Commit to be grateful. God has given me so much that I forget to focus on the wonderful gifts I have. Instead I sometimes focus on the things I do not have, but want. God is the giver of good gifts and He does provide for His children.



  125. Renee on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    Free your mind from worries:
    For the past three days, my husband and I have been in court for our 8 month old daughter’s adoption trial. She was born in January of this year and we found out a few days after we brought her home, her Birthmom wanted to withdraw her consent. For these past 8 months, I could have let the weight of emotions for the impending trial overshadow all of the joy our daughter has brought to our lives. With God, I had that peace that He is bigger than all of this. He had a plan for her life and our lives. I could have driven myself crazy with worry, but I knew in my heart that God would do what was best for our daughter. Before we went into court I prayed that God would send his angels to surround the court room, to fight the battle before us. I knew as we sat there for three days listening to all of the testimonies, that God’s presence was there, in the middle of it all. And in the end, I praised Him for He is GOOD.



  126. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    I would chose number 5 Love the lord with all your heart because he will bring you joy. Every day I wake up I should be joyful and thankful for another da



  127. Lara on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    Oh, Tracie, this message was a gift from God today! I have been struggling with my thoughts BIG TIME lately, and I am committing to ask God to change me and make me and my thoughts more like Him. I will learn to free my mind from worry and settle my mind on my sweet Lord. Thanks so much! –Lara (lara.sadowski@gmail.com)



  128. Nicole on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    Keep things in perspective and leaving my worries at the foot of the cross really apply to my life right now as I’ve recently been struggling with my marriage. Thank you so much for this blog and for giving us ways to be a better Proverbs 31 woman.



  129. Gerilyn on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 6:53 pm

    I’ve always wanted to be more optimistic, but it doesn’t come naturally to me. Thanks for your devotional and post to steer me in the right direction toward positive thinking! I’m working on keeping things in perspective. Our paster taught on Exodus 20:2″I am the Lord your God…” this week. I’m reminded that God is enough, I don’t need anyone/thing besides Him!



  130. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    Good Afternoon,

    I have to say reading this truely helped me. In that sense loving GOD with all my heart is what I plan on doing today and for the rest of my life. I am looking at life differently and even though I encounter struggles I know he’ll never leave me. It is a joy to understand the love that flows from my FATHER. I can’t go astray or look back because he’s been to good. So I will love HIM with all my heart knowing I’ll inherit everlasting life if I continue to walk in the path of the righteous.

    Lashondae06@yahoo.com



  131. A Journey For Life on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    #3 Keep Things in Perspective, sometimes I overwhelm my self with doubts and my mind wanders about worries, worries that may not even happen. I know God is my protector and that he is in control of my journey.
    I just love, love the verse Philippians 4:8



  132. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    Keep things in perspective. That is so hard to do these days. But I am seeing the verse, Jeremiah 29:11, everywhere these days – so I think God is telling me what to do!



  133. Adriana on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 7:25 pm

    Keep things in perspective. I can be a worry wart at times



  134. Adriana on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 7:26 pm

    Keep things in perspective. I can be a worry wart at times.



  135. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    Keep things in perspective….I worry about everything, real and imagined….Thank you so much for your post today, just love it…Lisa

    quiltlovernsc@yahoo.com



  136. Kelly on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    Help someone else! Having just had total hip replacement surgery 8 weeks ago and having been the recepient of lovely get well cards, calls, friends and family bringing meals over, staying to help me, giving me rides, etc. makes me more aware of how important it is to help someone else and how much it means to that person being helped, so I am going to try to pay attention when other people are going through similar things to help them with a meal or send a card or call to encourage them, etc.!
    thanks for the reminder today…
    blessings,
    Kelly



  137. Nickie on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 9:14 pm

    I really enjoyed your blog today. It did my heart and mind good to read this. It couldn’t have been at a better time. I think that I commit to being grateful, it will help!

    Thank you again.
    Have a blessed day!



  138. Kim on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 9:56 pm

    Free your mind from worry! I am not usually worrisome but our current situation has even me in tears and wondering how it is possible to stay positive some days! I must remember that just because the issues are bigger doesn’t mean that God can’t handle them!

    craftypatch@gmail.com



  139. Kristina on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    I would have to say that helping someone else is one I can focus on. I love helping others! It’s exactly how you said it…helping others keeps the focus off of me. I look forward to your challenge as well. I really struggle in my thinking. I’m a pessimist. I keep trying to figure out how to change my thinking so I can be a happier person. Thank you so much for this post!



  140. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    My favorite of the five thoughts was Free Your Mind From Worries! I could actually see in my mind a box that was labeled ‘worries’ and mentally dumping that box to be replaced with deposits of positives! Worries are OUT OF HERE!



  141. Heather Richardson on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 10:48 pm

    “So you think, therefore you act” is a simple line I once read in a bible study, and that has since become my motto. I didn’t realize at the time how negatively I actually do think. It’s a daily process to change how you think, but I can do anything through Him who strengthens me. I struggle with focusing in the negative instead of the positive! Today (and every day) I will remember where God has brought me and work on having a grateful heart. I am so blessed, and by recognizing even the most mundane things (indoor plumbing is a really great thing, isn’t it?!) I can honestly turn to God and say, with a smile, “THANK YOU!”



  142. A Child of God on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:00 pm

    #4–Help someone else, that has been huge in my life to help me stay positive. I love helping out at the Rockford Rescue Mission. I go there to bless someone, and God always out blesses me. Get’s my mind and focus off me and on to God and others. God is soooo good!!



  143. Anonymous on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:10 pm

    I find all five are vital for me on a daily basis. However, Trust the Lord with all your heart is what I struggle with. I know he loves me and will meet my every need if I let him. But, these days I struggle with this due to financial difficulties that I have never faced before. I pray constantly that I can let go and let God. 🙂 Have a blessed day.



  144. AP on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:40 pm

    all 5 really!! Can you do one without the other? Thank you though, this list and post was a much needed reminder today.



  145. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 12:23 am

    I really need to commit to being grateful as I am truly blessed beyond measure. So often I let the very difficult situation that my family and marriage are in become my focus and I don’t speak or act out of gratitude. I have so much to be grateful for, I am loved by the King!
    Thank you Tracie,
    kareng



  146. Fleener's on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 1:15 am

    Keeping things on perspective. I tend to overanalyze situations and make problems big or little more than they need to be. I need to trust in the Lord always and not let things drag me down.

    Emily



  147. Grace on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 1:34 am

    I am so grateful to be reminded to be grateful – “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine” Proverbs 17:22. I am looking forward to hearing you speak at Utica Baptist Church on September 22, 2011. God Bless You. Love in Christ, Gracie Price



  148. Grace on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 1:36 am

    Dear Tracie, God Bless You! I am looking forward to hearing you at Utica Baptist Church on Sept. 22. The #1 comment you made on being positive and grateful and thankful blesses my heart greatly. Thank you! Love in Christ, Gracie Price



  149. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:17 am

    Good evening! I will choose not to worry! I just resigned from my teaching position, or rather I did not re sign my contract. I think that the Holy Spirit was trying to impress upon me the fact that God has something different for me to do with my time. So, I want to trust Him and not worry about how I will pay my bills. Thank you.



  150. amy b on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:21 am

    Definitely choose not to worry. I just resigned from my teaching position or rather I did not re sign my contract. I believe the Holy Spirit shows us how to respond in different situations and that He will provide when my bills come due. Thank you so much for this posting!



  151. Unknown on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:36 am

    I needed this post today. Rough day! I am going to commit to being grateful!



  152. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 3:55 am

    I struggle with most all these. I worry more than Trusting God. I struggle with keeping things in perspective. I just need to stop focusing on myself and look to the Lord. It is so hard and I need His grace daily.



  153. Sabrina Caston on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 4:38 am

    Free your mind from worry…I am a worrier. I tend to worry about everything. I can take it to Jesus but I find it hard not to pick it back up when I leave. We are working on it:)



  154. san42587@aol.com on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 4:41 am

    i need to focus on all 5 ways.



  155. Cathy Fleming on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 4:42 am

    Free your mind from worries.
    I tend to worry excessively daily leaving little room for rejoicing. I will start right now applying this principle and leaving my worries at the cross.



  156. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 5:13 am

    I think all five ways are very important but think I will concentrate on the first one of being grateful. If I would just spend more time doing that, I wouldn’t need the ways nearly as much. Really enjoy your perceptive on life.



  157. Shawnia Holler on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 5:44 am

    Mine we be to help others. I truly enjoy helping. I have had fibro, for almost 7 years. I live in pain every day. The more I help others the more I am focused on them and not my pain. There are some days I feel like I can’t do anything. Then I always remember Phil.4:13. I pray to serve more each day. God bless, Love Shawnia.



  158. Heartsong on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 5:49 am

    Thanks so much, Tracie! What a great list! I have always been an optimist and rarely had trouble living with joy except recently. I lost my way. I really needed to be reminded of all these things! I think I’ll work on all five. My rules have been to (1) Count it all joy when you encounter various trials James 1:1(2)Trust in the Lord (for) He works all things together for good and His plans are for good and not for evil {A combination of Proverbs 3:5,6;Romans 8:28-30; and Jeremiah 29:11(3)Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:6,7
    But adding to the list, Love the Lord with all your heart mind soul and strength and you neighbor as yourself…, well I am so glad those were on your list. It helps to have a mental list to live by.
    I also use taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ as a goal, but that is one that I have not had a lot of luck at lately.When you’ve lost your perspective, it is really a battle to tackle your thought life. It seems to take on a life of its own. I have been praying for God to help me. When He sends a message, He always sends it more than once, Bless His Heart!!!!!
    I did lose my perspective! Thank you!



  159. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 6:08 am

    I will choose #5 to love the Lord with all my heart. When I do this then I will put worry to rest.

    Thanks for your devotion.

    dixoname@msn.com



  160. one-step-at-a-time on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 6:44 am

    Leaving my worries at the Cross is something I need to practice daily. I am currently waiting to hear from a possible new job and it has been a very long process that never seems to get anywhere. Its so easy to focus on the waiting and all the what ifs but remembering God is in control and is taking care of me and all my needs total changes my perspective. Thanks for the reminders and encouragement.



  161. Michelle on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 10:03 am

    #2 I will free my mind of worries, because God is with me and my life is in His hands.



  162. Michelle on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 10:04 am

    I will keep my mind free of worries because God is with me and my life is in His hands.



  163. Joanna on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 10:47 am

    I will be grateful today, placing my focus on the clear blessings in my life and searching for the hidden treasure of the challenges God has orchestrated for me! For such a time as this, I will rejoice in the Lord always, praising his name, for He is good!

    joannalogan1@juno.com



  164. Fayevoorman on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 11:26 am

    This week was a bit tough. My 11 year-old daughter had 104 degree fevers beginning on Sunday. She coughed so much at night that neither of us could sleep (it made her throw up). Her fevers went so high, so fast that I had to put her in the tub. Tuesday we went to the doctors and found out she had pneumonia. I was so tired. Then Jesus reminded me through His word to be thankful. All week I was thankful that we had medicine to lower fevers, doctors to give antibiotics, a tub to put her in, a car to drive to get medicine, insurance…this devotion from Tracie was the perfect end to the week. The thankful focus kept me going! I was going to feel sorry for myself, for how sick my daughter was, for what we were going through, for the exhaustion…instead I praised God for all the blessings. What a difference a thankful heart and mind can make! Praise God, the fevers are now gone and she is getting better! Praise him for His word that gives me strength! Praise Him for Godly women who remind me to be thankful 🙂



  165. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 11:30 am

    Help someone else….there’s been so much loss in my community due to flooding and friends with a house fire which provides many ways to help. I’ve baked up some zucchini bread and am sharing today! Would enjoy reading Renee’s book!

    mail4mam@gmail.com



  166. Retro Girl on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    I love this post also! All 5 are very good ways to honor God and to try to live a more positive happy life. I especially like Do Something for Others. I like to try to help others even if it is something as simple as sharing a kind word or compliment, or reaching out and talking to someone who seems lonely or to be having a bad day and try to make them smile, but if I can do more I try to do so. I would love to read this book. I love your blog–I am a new reader–subscribing to the RSS so I can read daily. Thankyou for the encouragement and reminders of God’s love.
    Angela
    Retrogirl66@gmail.com



  167. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    Count my blessings! I’m going to start off each day thanking God for all that he has done and is doing in my life. I’m going to get intentional and start journaling my blessings by listing 3 things I have to be thankful for. I know I can list many more; but I’m going to commit to doing this daily for the next month. I think when I do this; all the other steps will fall into place. I can start today by thanking God for Tracie Miles, Proverbs 31 Ministries and all the gifted writers that encourage us and keep us pointed towards God and His Word. Thank you!



  168. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    Keep things in perspective. Such a short sentence with such large impact! This is the focus I choose today. Thank you Tracie for sharing teachings from our Lord to so many women.
    Colleen
    henry007@centurytel.net



  169. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    My biggest hurdle is worry. A mom of 2 boys I could drown in a sea of worry. Reminding myself every day that god is in control is a big help. Your blog is also an awesome reminder…thanks



  170. Christine on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    I’m going to “free my mind from worries and leave them at the foot of the cross”. This is an area I struggle with so often. Thanks for your devotional on how to stay positive! 🙂



  171. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    Step 2: Free your mind from worries. I needed to read this today. I am struggling to overcome a spirit of fear and woke up in a panic about taking a step through it. This put my thoughts and feelings into persepctive and helped me to re-direct my focus on God and His love for me. He is much bigger than my fears and I can overcome anything through Him. For me, it starts here. Thank you! sadams012@nc.rr.com



  172. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    Your post brought tears to my eyes this morning, but it was exactly what I needed! The reminder to “Keep things in perspective” is the push I needed after starting the day off focusing on a recent problem and how horrible I felt it was for me. I struggle with negative thinking in so many areas of my life that the simple reminder (that I know all to well, but often seem to forget) is that God has a plan for me. A bigger plan than I can imagine. I’m printing out all of the actions/verses you listed as a constant reminder of how making choices is easy!!



  173. Brenda on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    Trying to let go of worry. The fear that comes with worry seems to immobilize me.



  174. Monica on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    Letting go of worry, this is something I struggle with all the time and what I need to work on every day!



  175. Connie on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    Today I will choose to keep things in perspective. I tend to think negatively about everything. It just brings me to a place I don’t want to be, “feeling down”. God IS bigger than the problems that I think I may have. Thank you.



  176. Kewalla on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    Oh how I worry! Sometimes my mind won’t stop and I totally wipe myself out mentally and physically. I need to do a lot of praying and self-talk. I am a work in progress . . . I am not where I want to be but worrying used to be a bigger problem than it is now.



  177. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    Commit to being grateful! Over the years, I always assume the negative. I need to get back to my original ways of looking on the positive side and viewing all my blessings. Thank u for reminding me. I look forward to your next series.



  178. Rhonda on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Just one? I find days where I need to focus on all five! 🙁 The one specific one though I want to focus on is Love the Lord with all my heart. If I do that, the rest should follow. 🙂
    Thanks for a wonderful post.



  179. Jo-Anne on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Gratitude. I have applied this to my life in the past and it has worked. The enemy has snuck back and stolen that from me again. I choose to be grateful for ALL the blessings in my life, for all the lessons I can learn from and for the love of a God who sees me as I am and loves me so much He gave His life for me.



  180. Cheryl on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    What a great post! I’m going to print out these five steps and post them at my desk.

    I need to work on ‘free your mind from worry’. I have been a worrier all my life and it is a daily struggle for me not to allow my mind/imagination to get stuck in a loop of worries and/or worst case scenarios.

    phantomcg@aol.com



  181. Tracy H. on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    Commit to being grateful with my husband. For whatever reason he seems to get the brunt of my negative thoughts. He is the one who should get my best!



  182. Mama Mpira on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    ‘Help someone else’. I immediately forwarded this post to a friend – we’d been talking about different issues and this post just fitted in well!



  183. Lynn on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    It’s hard to pick one of those points because they are all so spot on. I’m thinking today I will concentrate on being grateful for all the blessings I largely take for granted. This is a WONDERFUL devotional. Thanks.



  184. mom of 5 boys on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.



  185. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    Good morning! Thank you for this wonderful post. I’ve been struggling with negativity for many years. It started when my mom died, then became progressively worse. Sometimes I wonder how my dear, optimistic husband can stand living with me. My biggest problem is not keeping things in perspective. I tend to take a relatively small problem or situation and enlarge it to unmanageable proportions. This leaves me paralyzed and unable to act or make decisions. So, I am now working toward developing an optimistic AND confident heart!



  186. mom of 5 boys on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    I love all five points you spoke about, but most of all it is keeping things into perspective….I can get so overwhelmed with everything that doesn’t go smoothly that I don’t want to take care of ANYTHING! Thanks for your post.



  187. Wanda Edwards on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    Good morning! Thank you for this wonderful post. I’ve been struggling with negativity for many years. It started when my mom died, then became progressively worse. Sometimes I wonder how my dear, optimistic husband can stand living with me. My biggest problem is not keeping things in perspective. I tend to take a relatively small problem or situation and enlarge it to unmanageable proportions. This leaves me paralyzed and unable to act or make decisions. So, I am now working toward developing an optimistic AND confident heart!

    wandatedwards@gmail.com



  188. Lorie on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    I think *keep things in perspective*. I have a son deployed to Afghanistan right now and when I hear of a death in his company I am overwhelmed with a sense of loss even though it was not my son. I think I need to keep in perspective that it is someone else’s grief and not mine and that I should be praying for the family. He is absolutely in danger (my son) but I already know he is being protected and to leave him in God’s hands.



  189. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    They all resonated with me, but the one I feel I have been lacking in is number one: Being Grateful. I’ve been focusing so much on what I do not have lately and that has really distorted my perspective. After I read it, I immediately began to thank the Lord for the blessings in my life that I take for granted. Thank you for a great post this day!

    Rebecca

    beckas24@aim.com



  190. SavannahsSmiles on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    I am going to free my mind from worry by fully surrendering my fear and anxiousness to God.
    christinaburrell@hotmail.com



  191. Carrie on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    Free my mind of worries. I worry about a lot of things, there are so many things to worry about. But I choose to let God handle my worries and really strive to free my mind of them.



  192. Unknown on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 4:50 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.



  193. Unknown on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    I am going to work to implement all 5 in my life on a daily basis but all of my life I have struggled with #2. I have been a worrier and in my walk with God I am learning (sometimes slowly) to trust in him. This is a wonderful post and I needed it! Thank You.
    Jennifer~
    notwgirl711@gmail.com



  194. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    #4 as I have a sick family today. mheard11@frontier.com



  195. Becca on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    Help someone else. What an awesome reminder!



  196. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    thank you, I shared this with some friends. Love the thoughts and attitude, love the story about the old man. Going to share this with more and learn from it myself!
    Mary B.



  197. kara on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    outward i am always positive and encouraging others but on the inside i often struggle with negative thoughts(sort of dwelling on something that has hurt me)i have been trying to stop myself and redirect my thinking in a way that is more pleasing to God.i appreciate your article and i will try to use my mind to thank God for all does for me.that should keep me busy as He is sooo good to me!!



  198. Margaret on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    I believe all 5 ways are very
    important, but #5 is the best of
    all – loving God with all my heart, soul and mind.



  199. Debbie on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 8:10 pm

    At this present time with circumstances pressing me so; I commit to starting my day out with being grateful. Just the act of gratefulness allows me to focus on the fact the “this is the day that the Lord has made” and furthermore “I will rejoice and be glad about it”. I am determined to walk in the purpose that God has given me and I will do so unemcumbered! God is… who He said He is. Thank you so much for this awesome post!



  200. Jihan on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    Hello! May God be with all of you! I think that I would have to say that two of these areas go hand in hand. If we don’t keep things in perspective we are eventually going to fill our minds with worry- and in those areas I need much work. I start thinking negatively then start to worry and forget that ONLY GOD is in control of my life and that I have to let Him guide it! All I have to do is remember His promises.

    jihanmaria@gmail.com



  201. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 8:40 pm

    ” Free your mind from worries.”. I worry about my kids, family, all I have to do, if my life will count for the Lord, etc. I need to be free of worry. Thank you for your blog and for entering me in your giveaway. -Jenny C. I already get your blog in my email – thanks!



  202. Sandie on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 9:14 pm

    How wonderful to read your thoughts on perspective. My mother was the poster child for positive thinking. She always said “positive thinking will always produce positive results”. She taught me to find the positive in every situation even if I am standing in a pile of dog doo-doo – after all it does make great fertilizer. All of life situations are a matter of perspective and how we CHOOSE to view them. As for me I CHOOSE to err on the side of the half FULL glass.



  203. emily on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 10:40 pm

    Keep things in perspective.
    It’s something I am working on.
    Thank you 🙂



  204. Anonymous on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 10:47 pm

    I plan to keep my mind focused on being grateful at all times, especially when I am facing obstacles. Although I know that I am blessed and that the struggles I am having are part of God’s plan for my life, I need to remind myself of this more often when I become overwhelmed. 🙂
    Stacy
    astacycreation@yahoo.com



  205. Inspirations by Stella on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 12:27 am

    Commit to being grateful…how much I take for granted! P31 devotion was spot on!



  206. Anonymous on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 1:30 am

    Commit to being grateful – focusing on the wonderful things that I have rather than the things that I don’t.
    kthomas732@hotmail.com



  207. Vanessa Barton on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 2:24 am

    The tip I can implement into my life right now is tip number four, help someone else. For way too much of my life I have made things about me, always trying to keep myself comfortable and satisfied(control). I just recently was made aware of this flaw of mine and want so much for God to change me, and I know He will. My counselor gave me some good advice in how to be a good friend and I just today used that advice and I hope it blessed that friend that I love and care about. To focus on others and give to them blesses them, and gives glory to God. I dont want to be selfish and controlling anymore, I want God’s love to shine through me.



  208. Tammy on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 11:51 am

    Good morning! I really needed this today. Commit to being grateful. In the busyness of my everyday – I tend to forget about the simple things I need to be grateful for – health, a loving husband, a job, etc. Thanks for reminding me that God wants me to appreciate all things.



  209. Anonymous on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    I really need to change my way of thinking b/c I always feel lousy. I’m going to try and do one act of kindness / day.



  210. Conniedianef@hotmail.com on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    Commit to being grateful.
    Count my blessings and put the focus on what I do have. Focus on gratitude, because what you focus on you get more of….



  211. Debi on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 12:58 pm

    I look forward to your Optimism Challenge – Perhaps I will learn how to truly leave my worries at the foot of the cross (instead of just thinking I do).

    Thank you for this message, Tracie,
    Debi
    NomDebPlume@gmail.com



  212. Anonymous on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    Commit to being grateful. One of my favorite verses is “Always be joyful, never stop praying and be thankful in all circumstances.” I have it hanging in my kitchen as a daily reminder.



  213. Julie on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    Free your mind from worries —
    I tend to hang on to things that I have no control over. God is in control!



  214. Kathleen on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 9:02 pm

    Although these are things I try to keep in my life daily, today I think I need to practice gratitude more. Keeping things in perspective may be tied for first. 🙂 Thank you for the reminders.



  215. L on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    Keep things in perspective and asking God for His perspective on the people He has placed in my life. Thank you for reminding me that God has a plan in all of this.
    Have a blessed day.



  216. Beth Werner Lee on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 10:39 pm

    Number Two. Just remembering that there is an option to worrying is so huge! Gonna lay it down in prayer. Daily!



  217. Kathy on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 10:46 pm

    Thanks for this great reminder. Kathy



  218. Anonymous on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 12:35 am

    fI like Free my mind of Worries. That so fits into my life right now, but it’s so hard to get the worries out of my head. I’m trying very hard, and need to keep praying daily for my worries to be replaced with good thoughts.



  219. Lali on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 12:56 am

    Thank you so much for the post I can apply every word you wrote to my life. “Keep things in perspective”…This is something I always have been struggling with but after I read “5 Ways to Direct Your Thoughts in the Right Direction”, I have decided to focus on GOD and not my problems and I can said that you have opened my eyes to the person I “was” This has been a blessing to me, once again thank you and GOD Bless 🙂



  220. Anonymous on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 2:50 am

    I need to free my mind from worry, by taking my worries to my Heavenly Father. I am going to lay my burdens at the feet of Jesus before I go to bed.

    Becci Cutting
    beccidee@hotmail.com



  221. debra on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 7:06 am

    Goodmorning, thanks for today`s post, it really makes me start veiwing life in a different perspective. I choose to love God with all my heart, for the sole reason that He is God and He is love itself, He loved me first sacrificed himself on the cross for my sins, that alone is good
    enough for me, that is true love.



  222. Jill on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 10:13 am

    I will work at keeping things in perspective. There are a lot of things on my plate right now and i need to not get overwhelmed. This new focus will help.



  223. Kyndle on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    Keep things in perspective…I tend to think negatively about things when they do not seem to be going my way. I want to see my hard work pay off immediately, and I find I may not be waiting on God’s timing. Most of my negativity is focused on myself. I always feel that everything that takes place is somehow my fault and happening because I’m not good enough or not doing exactly as I should. I could only hope to find a solution to my inner negative thoughts regarding myself. Thank you for your post. It touched a place in me that needed touching this moring.



  224. Anonymous on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    I am working on the 1st one – Commit to being grateful – because no matter what our circumstances are, there are things that we can focus on that will show how good God is. Nanci at kelbla@aol.com



  225. Anonymous on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Free from worries! That would be nice, as a mother it is hard not to worry about everything. This is something that has really been on heart lately, letting go and letting God.

    jebsaunt@yahoo.com



  226. Traci W. on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    I forwarded this to my husband. We have both been struggling with staying positive lately, and I’m concerned he might be depressed from it all. I told him that even though he wasn’t a woman, that he should read it…ha ha.
    The Lord has been teaching me many things from his Word lately, and you were part of it. Thank you for letting God work through you and in you. God bless!



  227. Holly N. on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 3:57 pm

    I think the one that speaks to me the most (although they all do) is about worry. I am ashamed to admit it is a big part of my life. Matthew 6:34 needs to be my morning mantra. Thanks for sharing and helping me to redirect my thoughts. God Bless!



  228. Cathy on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    I would like to become a natural at doing random acts of kindness….not being so wrapped up in myself & my own concerns that I forget to look around me & see what others needs are & how I can be a blessing. Thanks for that reminder!

    LLLCathy@gmail.com



  229. Susanne on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 5:28 pm

    The one that I continually work at is FREEING MY MIND FROM WORRIES. It seems that as soon as you lay a bundle at the cross, a new crop has sprung up and I am continually laying problems, thoughts, insecurities, worries at the feet of Jesus….and usually, while I am there, I see one I left before and take it back with me. I really need to work on LEAVING them there – but, I get so impatient. It’s a daily choice now to not take them back. 🙂



  230. Shawnia Holler on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    WOW- your post was amazing! Mine would be to free my worries! I worry about getting everything done. I do not like to be behind!!! I need to let things go and enjoy my day. Have a blessed day. With love and prayers, Shawnia. Phil.4:13



  231. Shawnia Holler on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    Thank you so much for all your up lifting post. Mine would be letting go of the worries. I always feel everything needs to be done. I worry about getting behind! I need to relax and enjoy my day. May God bless you in all you do. With love and prayers, Shawnia. Phil.4:13



  232. Lisa on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    free your mind from worries!! I SO HOPE I WIN!!!!!!! I would love to read the book!



  233. Nancy on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 11:40 pm

    Commit to being grateful! A reminder that it really isn’t as bad as it seems, and that I am abundantly blessed with all I have. God has always provided, as long as I have faith in His mighty works. That usually means in ways we do not even think of.



  234. Anonymous on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 3:45 am

    3. Keep things in perspective.
    Ask Him to help you see people and problems in a new perspective, and give you a fresh glimpse of His point of view.

    I do have a tendency to focus on the negative and I need to ask God to help me see from His point of view.
    Thanks for your words of wisdom.
    Jan
    janicelee11@yahoo.ca



  235. Jennifer @ Just Peachy in Dixie on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 10:57 am

    Number 3….Keep things in perspective is one I always try to remember! I find, when I truly turn my worries and problems over to the Lord, I am always rewarded. Not always with the answer I want, but the lifted burden is a great reward as well.

    Thank you for the reminder!



  236. Laura on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 2:22 am

    Thanks so much for this great post to think positive. Indeed, i like all the pointers but what i kept in my heart is to keep things in perspective now. I have been having very bad migraine that induced vomitting, at a time when you wanted to devote time to seek and serve Him. So, I had questions on this happening now.. And of course, there will be others like sad things happening to your family, difficulties with co-workers, and you wondered why!



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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