Four Days and Counting …

A CHANGE IN ATTITUDE CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE

As you’ll read about in the first chapter of Unsinkable Faith, this season of life I’ve been living through the past eighteen months has been extremely difficult.  There have been many days when I felt like I was sinking under the crushing weight of sadness, fears, and worries. There were even days when it seemed I couldn’t catch my breath from being knocked down time and time again by the waves of problems and emotions that kept slamming against the shore of my heart.

But I’m so thankful God opened my eyes to see the dangers of toxic negative thinking and the toll it was taking on me, before it rooted itself too deeply into my heart. I will never forget the day I decided I was not going to let people or circumstances rob me of a happy, positive life. Although I had little to no control over how other people acted or treated me, and no control over certain situations in my life, I did have control over my own mind.

Through prayer and faith, God helped me come to the conclusion that just because something bad happened in my life, didn’t mean my life was bad, and just because I was unhappy in the moment, didn’t mean I had to live an unhappy life. And neither do you.

No matter what we’re facing, we don’t have to let negativity become a stronghold in our hearts and hold us hostage to pessimism and bitterness.  A “stronghold” is anything that holds us back from living life the way God intended and hinders our ability to live with peace, love, joy and hope-fueled optimism in our hearts.

If a majority of our thoughts are negative, that “strong hold” of negativity can slowly choke out our happiness but even worse – we may be completely unaware this is happening.  We may resort to blaming other people for the way we are feeling, struggling with fears, harboring anger or assuming we are not lovable or forgivable by God.  We may find ourselves not thinking Christ like thoughts, allowing fear and worry to run rampant, and letting the ups and downs of everyday life dictate our emotions while harboring chronic negativity.  We might even justify our pessimism and negativity to ourselves and to others all because we feel like a victim of people or life.

Then one day, we wake up and realize we are sinking in a pit of pessimism or anger or frustration, and soaked with a mindset of negativity, bitter about our circumstances, irritated at the smallest things, addicted to complaining and grumpiness, lacking peace and joy, snapping at our loved ones, and just overall discontent and unsatisfied with our life and the people in it.  If you ask me, the only thing worse than realizing we have quite possibly become a full blown pessimist is becoming one and never realizing it at all.

Fortunately, we each have the power within us as believer’s to fight this invisible battle for our thoughts, but first we have to recognize that the mind is a battlefield where God and Satan are fighting for our thoughts, and we are caught in the middle.  In the Message Bible, 2 Corinthians 10:4 says “We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.”

We have plenty of “God-tools” within our grasp to fight this spiritual war in our minds. We have His Word, prayer, the prayers of others on our behalf, holy strength, perseverance, divine peace, and our faith walk, all of which equip us to push back against negativity and thoughts in our minds that do not line up with God’s Word.

Although it’s not ever easy to reshape our thoughts and change our thought patterns, especially when life feels hard and we are hurt or discouraged, we can always ask Christ to help us use those tools He has given us to chisel away at our negativity and lack of faith and restructure our hearts, our minds, and ultimately our life, to be more like Him. Satan’s weapons don’t stand a chance against God’s power, but we must decide to pick up our spiritual weapons (and I talk a lot more about these in the book!) and fight for control of our thoughts and emotions and our lives overall.

Attitude transformations don’t happen overnight, but they do happen. If you invite God to begin a transformation in your mind, He will!

 ______________________________________________

TODAY’S COUNTDOWN GIVEAWAY

Today’s giveaway is a signed copy of Unsinkable Faith, a Prayer Journal to help you start using one of your God-tools, and a Hope Anchors the Soul coffee mug to enjoy a steaming cup of hot coffee while spending time journaling and talking to God.

For a chance to win this prize package, leave a comment on this post stating one situation in your life of which you want to develop a more positive attitude about, then copy and paste one of the Facebook posts below to your Facebook page.

Be sure to tag me in your post to be entered to win! 

 

Post 1: Does negative thinking keep you from feeling happy and joyful? Do you long to break free from the bad habit of negativity but not sure how to really change?  Attitude transformations don’t happen overnight, but they do happen, and it can happen to you if you invite God to begin transforming your mind. When we change our attitudes, our lives take a positive turn for the better. Tracie Miles new book Unsinkable Faith: Transforming the Way You Think, Feel and Live, releases April 1st! Pre-order your copy and get 5 free gifts! https://amzn.to/2nlqT2Q #thinkpositive #unsinkablefaithbook

Post 2: God is faithful to show us the misconceptions that have anchored us in negativity, doubt, and despair. Releasing the misconceptions we’ve held doesn’t mean that the rest of our lives will be smooth sailing. Storms will still come. Skies will thunder. Lightning will strike. Waves will inevitably rock our boats. We’ll still have to deal with the words and actions of others that once dragged us under. But unsinkable faith can be ours as we purpose to expose and release the misconceptions that have kept us stuck. With God’s help and an intentional commitment, you can retrain your mind to think positive thoughts. Guided by the Spirit, you and I have all the tools we need to live well.  Tracie Miles  Order your copy of Unsinkable Faith and 5 free gifts!  https://amzn.to/2nlqT2Q #thinkpositive #unsinkablefaithbook

(Winners of all the daily giveaways will be announced on April 1st when the Grand Prize package is up for grabs!)

68 Comments

  1. Cyndee on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 7:25 am

    Thank you, got a notification yesterday that my book has been shipped. So excited to read!



  2. Faith on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:09 am

    We are moving, again. My kids are excited/sad but I am struggling with the excited part. We have been tremendously blessed through this move and God is so good and I KNOW He has a plan…. but human me is struggling. Thanks!



  3. Nita Haddad on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:24 am

    I really need faith that some how God is working in my adult children’s lives. That somehow He is leading them back to Himself.



  4. Elsie on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:24 am

    I seem to have to have something to worry about. As i was doing this last night, the words”Trust Him” came to mind. Thanks for writing a book on this very thing.



  5. Jane on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:25 am

    As a women’s teacher, there are times when I struggle with attitudes toward God. I have to put aside my confidence in His care to help others realize that for me that confidence didn’t come overnight. It is a maturing process. For some the light bulb moment is early. For some, like myself, it takes years and lots of trials to finally be a clear understanding. I am thankful for the Lord’s patience.



  6. Carol on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:28 am

    One thing I am struggling with is my oldest son’s situation. He has major health issues due to childhood leukemia and the re-current health issues due to that. His wife decided to divorce him because of his sicknesses and having to go to the hospital so much. She served him while he was in the hospital. I am really struggling to pray for her and not become bitter and negative about her. I want to love her regardless of what she did.



  7. Carol on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:35 am

    How do I tag you on Facebook? Don’t we have to be friends in order for me to tag you?



  8. Danielle on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:35 am

    There are many areas in my life that I need to work on with God.

    Tracie Miles



    • Lynn on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 9:33 am

      Trust. Sad to say. To trust that God will take care of my children and the needs of my family. Lynn



  9. Joy on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:38 am

    I want to develop a more positive attitude about my job search. Sounds more positive than “joblessness” doesn’t it? See: I’m already learning!



  10. Tammy on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:42 am

    Tracie,
    I am striving to be positive about my upcoming lumbar surgery….I am so anxious and it upsets me that I can’t feel more peace that God’s with me in this and will bring me through it….I know it in my head and heart but struggle to stop being anxious. I know the surgery will keep me going longer, but the long procedure and recovery is overwhelming compared to anything else I’ve been through.
    I want the peace of trusting God in this… I’m working on it!!
    Blessings!



  11. Danielle on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:44 am

    Is anyone else having trouble posting and tagging?



    • Carol on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 9:05 am

      I am. I can post it, but I can’t tag it.



      • RebeccaLynn on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 1:14 am

        You just type “@TracyMiles” within the post, and her Author profile should come up. Click on it to tag her. Hope that helps!



        • RebeccaLynn on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 1:15 am

          Sorry, I meant “@TracieMiles”



          • Carol on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 7:45 am

            Thank you so much!



  12. Joy on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:45 am

    Unsinkable Faith is just what I need to get over the belief that I am never good enough. Tracie is straight forward in helping me know that God loves me regardless. She also explains that our ultimate approval is our belief that with God we can live in a positive environment and believe that we are good enough.



  13. Brenda Heimann on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:51 am

    Your new book, seems like just the answer to some tough times I’ve been dealing with our teenage daughter. I can’t wait to read your book.



  14. Kim on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:53 am

    I am struggling with my parent’s divorce after 53 years of marriage! Hard on adult children too.



  15. Lisa Lark Taylor on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:57 am

    Sometimes life throws you curves and I need to learn to deal with them better…Dealing with a grown child that is a drug addict isn’t easy.. I look forward to reading your book….



  16. Heather on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 9:29 am

    This is just what I need right now, there are so many things challenging me right now!



  17. Kristi Davis on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 9:33 am

    There’s so much sickness and loss around me that I’ve fallen into the ‘negative attitude’ and it’s a miserable place to be. It was so uplifting to read your post today and I would LOVE to read your book. I’m posting to Facebook, but am having no luck in tagging you. I may be doing something wrong, but I’m still trying.
    Thanks!!!



  18. Linda C on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 9:33 am

    I want to be more positive, less negative about my job. I tend to get pulled into others negativity much too easy.



  19. AJ on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 9:46 am

    God’s nudges, his taps on our shoulders, his reminders are always perfectly on time! Although I have made tremendous progress in my grief and healing (with God leading me all the way, to be sure) after my son took his life over two years ago, I still at times struggle with anger and hurt over what ‘friends’ did or did not do in response to such a tragedy. I asked God for supernatural peace a long time ago, and He blessed me with it and abundantly, to be sure! So, I was able to isolate those thoughts that were not at all conducive to my healing, such as focusing on a hurtful statement someone made, or the bewilderment and hurt in response to someone I thought was a friend who never acknowledged my son’s death, and He taught me to focus on who I DID have around me, those friends and family who were always there for me and who continue to be ready and willing to love and be loved in return. So, although I still struggle with flares of anger and disappointment, as anyone would, I am learning to STOP negative thoughts before they take up residence in my thought life and permeate my peace.



  20. Tammy Dobson on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 10:01 am

    I want to develop a more positive attitude about Myself:)
    I want to see me like God does
    I don’t feel like I can talk the talk
    until
    I walk the walk:)



  21. Terri Gobble on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 10:28 am

    My husband is struggling spiritually and has stopped attending church with me; he needs spiritual healing. My two adult sons do not attend either, and I feel they truly need God in their lives. I just need some peace over these situations, and to be able to let God handle everything.



  22. Olga on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 10:33 am

    all in life is about our attitude in every event that comes in our way the way we react i s how things are gonna change for us. i do have many examples that happened to me in my life and i can assure you that the only way to survive life s unnexpective challenges is having a Faithful, Hope, Up in the one who holds and is in control of all our heavenly father our Lord Jesus Christ.



  23. Chanda on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 10:54 am

    My husband left me 11 months ago, and still says he just wants to get divorced. I don’t know what to do. It’s hard to accept that it’s over. I feel like a failure. My whole attitude is covered by this. I feel like I’m faking being okay ( I don’t feel okay). It is so hard to try, and be everything my kids need to be. I really believed God would save my marriage.



  24. Deb on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 11:06 am

    Wow! I was behaving like ‘wifezilla’ – an angry, easily irritated woman toward my husband. God gently spoke to my heart through His word and a marriage class we were attending. I realized I can (& should) take control of wrong thoughts and began showing appreciation for my husband, letting God change my attitude into one of gratefulness rather than entitlement and the results have been amazing. My heart goes out to those who are struggling in their marriages as a change in our attitude doesn’t always result in a change in our spouse. We still have struggles but they are less intense and don’t happen as often. I’m so thankful for God’s patience and the way He’s working. Would love the bundle!



  25. Deb on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 11:17 am

    P.S. I shared this on FB but don’t know how to tag you, Traci – help!



  26. Dawnielle on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 11:19 am

    Shared post #2 on FB

    A more positive attitude regarding betrayal and the soul ripping effects.



  27. Sandy on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 11:24 am

    My husband passed on 12 years ago. Since then, I have had struggles beyond what I could have imagined for my life and because of these, I’ve fallen into a poor me “victim” mentally. God has made me aware that as long as I continue in this role of playing the victim, I will remain a victim. It’s up to me to see myself as the person God created with purpose and meaning.



  28. Mary Tullila on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 11:33 am

    Multiple suicide losses can really mess up the way you view things. Subsequent losses afterwards sends a soul into panic and anxiety. Since my dad’s suicide I am again revisiting the valley. I need to recall that Jesus got me thru before…he will again! #beautyforashes
    Shared on facebook .



  29. Kellie Cooper Metzker on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 11:58 am

    I need to develop a more positive attitude when it comes to my relationship with my son. We live 15 miles from each other but I have not seen him in over a year. It hurts



  30. M on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 12:05 pm

    Trust.
    I do not have Facebook.



  31. Noelle on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    I want to be more positive in my marriage



  32. Noelle on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 12:14 pm

    I want to be more positive in my marriage.

    And in my walk with the Lord



  33. Noelle on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 12:15 pm

    I want to be more positive in my marriage.

    And in my walk with the Lord.thank u for giving us this opportunity to win



  34. Ev on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 12:33 pm

    I’m a Clinical Instructor for Health Care Aids,,,,and you teach a wide range of young adults that come from all walks of life. Most are not Christians. God led me into this position and I want to BEST serve him by take each day…being postive in a ‘scary world’ of fearing the unknown and make each student feel comfortable with me, through a positive attitude each day, not matter what the situation could arise to be very ‘distracting or intimidating’ for me. I want to know that the answer God gives me in EACH situation have a ‘Godly influence’ and Positive outcome as God plants the seed through me, by just being that person there for them in all ‘trials that comes in life’ for these young students~!! Thanks you Tracie for your great devotions/books and time you spend to give us encouragement



  35. Lori A. on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    Negative Thoughts = Co-Workers



  36. TMC on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    Just purchased your book for a friend of mine. She is on the same journey that you have been on. I am hoping your book will give her hope and encouragement for the days to come.



  37. Pam on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 1:43 pm

    Negativity, worry and fear are three major strongholds in my life and I desperately want to be free of. I have two daughters and a grand daughter and I worry constantly about their safety because of this world we live in today. Thoughts will just randomly pop in my head that scare the living daylights out of me and it torments me. I tend to always see the “negative” in daily life rather than focusing on the many blessings that I have each and every day. It’s a heavy weight to carry these around day after day. I would love nothing more than to read your book to help me with this daily struggle. Thank you!



  38. Lynn on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 3:32 pm

    I have a negative attitude within my marriage. I struggle with being critical and selfish. I am blessed by this and other Christian blogs to help me change my outlook and live positively with Christ’s example.



  39. Susan Best on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 4:50 pm

    I need to breathe positivity into my children’s futures; speak light, be a beacon now and as I think about their futures.



  40. Sheila Watson on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 4:55 pm

    I just got home from work and my book was in the mailbox. I can’t wait to start reading. I have always had a negative attitude about everything. Mainly about my self. I’d like to change that. I want to see and be seen as, the person God sees. The person He made me to be.



  41. Linda Somerton on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 7:10 pm

    I have one positive thing that came to my life and that is when me and my husband adopted my daughter from China when she was 17 months old. She is now 11 years old



  42. Rachelle Craig on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 7:40 pm

    I need a more positive attitude towards a certain person in my life that makes one bad choice after another. I love her with all my heart, but I am a little bitter towards her behavior and bad choices. She is all about drama, and gossip, and I have a hard time knowing where to draw the line with her, and how to get through to her. I pray daily she will change, and realize that she needs to make better choices, but most of all, that she will realize how desperately she needs God!



  43. Jen on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 8:20 pm

    I have been going through a time or extreme anxiety and depression. Everything was coloured grey and I have been anxious and cranky and stressed. I was miserable and didn’t even know it. God is showing me every day to walk with him. He is my life line right now. I don’t know where I would be if he hadn’t caught me. I would love a copy of this book and an opportunity to participate in this study. Prayers are welcome. I am getting there. It is a work in progress.



  44. RebeccaLynn on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 11:31 pm

    I ventured over here from Compel and have to say, I’m so glad I did! This book sounds amazing, Tracie! I’ve dealt with a “battlefield of the mind” for as long as I can remember. In fact, it is something God spoke to me about through a dream when I was a little girl – warning me even then that the enemy would use my thoughts to try and attack me. I’ve never forgotten His words, and I’ve needed them more times than I can count. Our minds certainly are a battlefield! Our own misguided thoughts, ungodly images and messages we take in from the world, the temptations and lies the enemy plants, and negative messages we receive from others can all wage a very powerful war within us. And if we aren’t careful, we battle without the armor of God, and by our own strength. That’s a recipe for failure every time! I can’t wait to read this book!



  45. Anissa on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 12:51 am

    I need to change my negative thinking! I would love a copy of your new book to help me be more positive.



    • Anissa on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 12:54 am

      I can’t tag you! But I posted on my fb!!



  46. Hilda on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 4:37 am

    I’m in a terrible season. I’m clinically depressed, have anxiety/panic attacks, and agoraphobia. Please pray for me.



  47. Donna on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 5:22 am

    I have a dear friend whom I have watched over the last couple of years become possibly the most pessimistic person I have ever met. I love you dearly and treasure her friendship but, in all honestly, there are days that I feel I just don’t want to be in the presence of all that toxic negativity. I’ve been praying that God would show me how I can help her find the joy in her life that has been missing for so long, and as I read this, I felt a prompting in my soul that this book is for her. Waiting for payday to get here so I can order this book for her. I can’t wait for God to open her eyes to all the peace, comfort, strength, and joy that she seems to have lost along the way. I long for her days to be filled with joy no matter what those days may bring.



  48. Barbara Doeler on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 6:00 am

    This is my story this is my song fighting negative thoughts all the day long ( sung to the tune of Blessed Assurance ) . Thank you I’ve been on this journey for a long time now and this is just what I need right now. Praise The Lord



  49. Casey on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 6:15 am

    Just ordered my book! I think this will be a great read. I’m def going to share on my FB feed.



  50. Casey on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 6:25 am

    I posted on Facebook but can’t seem to make it tag tracie.



  51. Men on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 6:25 am

    I have been going through a time or extreme anxiety and depression. Everything was coloured grey and I have been anxious and cranky and stressed. I was miserable and didn’t even know it. God is showing me every day to walk with him. He is my life line right now. I don’t know where I would be if he hadn’t caught me. I would love a copy of this book and an opportunity to participate in this study. Prayers are welcome. I am getting there. It is a work in progress.



  52. Julie Woodman on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 7:24 am

    Your words speak such truth. I have been in a pit of negative thoughts. Our financial and professional struggles have taken such a toll on my life. I feel like I am drowning in fear and anxiety. I would so love to read more about the God-tools. I do so desperately need them.



  53. Lisa on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 12:48 pm

    I have quite of few personal things going on in my life…..several that I have no control over. However, I keep repeating the “Serenity Prayer”. Therefore, what I “can” control is my reactions….progressing slowly but I am getting there. ~Lisa~
    @TracieMiles



  54. Lorri on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    Struggling with what the next step should be in my life.



  55. Janice Elrod on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 10:54 am

    I am striving for a more positive attitude as I deal with negative remarks from my husband. Most are not directed at me, but listening to negative talk can bring you down quickly. Tracie’s book has definite promise in helping me with this issue.



  56. Marisha on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 6:42 pm

    Love this gift idea, and love the reminder on the mug in particular. Such a positive image of an anchor, while we can usually interpret it at times negatively. I have two main things right now in my life: my job and the feeling that I had a concrete ceiling there and my personal life. Trying to trust God with both and hope for the best thru the power of His peace. 🙂



    • Marisha on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 6:51 pm

      posted on fb #2 🙂 and tagged you .



  57. Michelle Chick on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 10:28 am

    I have two favorites from today’s blog. Hearts anchored in God don’t sink and What we think, becomes who we are.

    I am in the midst of a journey right now that calls for unsinkable faith. Both of the quotes above are my life line right now. Timing was perfect to receive them.



  58. Amy on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 11:54 am

    The future.
    Lost home and belongings in the flood & having to rebuild & replace is very expensive.
    Job is very stressful.
    Health has some issues.
    Completely overwhelmed.



  59. Darlene Dunlap on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 12:31 pm

    The one thing I want to develop a more positive attitude about is my faith and belief in God. I feel guilt over past errors. And doubt creeps in.



  60. Rachel Knutson on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    It is hard for me to choose just one situation in my life to be more positive toward. Right now I would have to choose my marriage. I feel that I am going through a rough patch right now after being married for 12 years and just need more time with God and working on my positive self and being attentive to my husband’s needs. Just getting deeper with God is a struggle of mine and wish it to be better. Less negativity, more positivity.



  61. Rhonda Fluellen on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 12:28 am

    I would love to have this book!! I’ve been struggling for years with negative thoughts along with the depression and anxiety. Wow this book would truly be a Godsend for me. I Thank you so much for your insight and wisdom into these gray areas of life. I’m Praying against this Battlefield! To God Be the Glory for He is Faithful! and I thank Him for the spiritual tools He gives us all to fight this battle/stronghold. For He is Victorious and Gracious Lord over our lives. AMEN!!!



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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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