The only way out is through. ~ Joyce Meyer

Tell me this; do you think people would be happier if they would choose to be content with the blessings they already have?  There is nothing wrong with striving for and wanting more. Thing is, do you know the difference between your wants and needs? Just because you want something does not mean you are going to get it, nor does what you want mean it is what is best for you.

Your needs on the other hand, are those things you absolutely must have to survive; like food, shelter and clothing. Our society has become a selfish one. There is not as much compassion for your fellow human being because so many of us have become focused on our own wants and desires without regard to others. I admit, I have been this way before and it is not a part of my past I am proud of, but I can share my testimony and how I grown out of this kind of mindset.

It all starts in the mind. You can choose whether or not you are going to have a bad attitude and allow your feelings to run your life, or you can choose to be happy and content right where you are. Happiness is a choice and you are responsible for your happiness. Material things do not make you happy, wanting what belongs to another does not make you happy, and thinking the grass is greener elsewhere will not make you happy. Happiness is a choice.

What are you choosing today? Are you choosing to wake up and think yourself into a bad day before your feet hit the floor? Are you choosing to go to bed with ill-will against someone in your life? Are you choosing to see the good in people or the bad? Are you choosing to speak blessings over your loved ones and your enemies? What are you choosing to do today?

Please share, because I am genuinely interested in hearing about the choices you are making today. Let me start: I am choosing to speak a blessing of favor over everyone I encounter today.

I miss running. I miss the park I run in. An additional 8″ of snow fell yesterday on top of the 8-10 inches we already have. Around this time of year, people start talking about Spring and how they wish it was here right now. I have been one to want to rush it along, but not anymore. There is a time for every season. To rush it along robs you of the blessing of that time.

I become rather reflective during the Winter months. Especially on days like today, I want to be home where it is warm, and stay close to my family. I think about the things I would like to do when the weather warms. I think about what I want to add and purge from my life. I reflect on where I am. Self-reflection is not an easy process when you are totally honest with yourself. I have prayed for God to reveal to me areas I need to change and get in order. My father-in-law mentioned to me yesterday that God is about order and things being of one accord. I have a few areas that could stand some improvement. This slower time of the year is just right for making those changes.

How do you use the winter season to order and refocus your life?

How fitting a heart would appear on the roof of my party bus during the last snow storm. I hope this has been a joyful Valentine’s Day for all of you. It is not about whether or not you receive a gift, it is about sharing your love the best way you know how. May you be a blessing to someone who really needs it today.