The Present
   
   I try to spend a small amount of time in the past for insight and beautiful memories.  I work at not going over the "bad stuff."  I remember that what I think about effects how I feel!  
   I also try to spend a small amount of time in the future to plan what I'm able.
   Then, I spend the greatest amount of time in the present...it truly is a gift.  I appreciate it whether difficult or easy.  God truly gives us each day as a gift and is with us the whole way.  If it's difficult, I keep praising him because I've learned that if I go through it and hold to my faith, there is great blessing and lessons on the other side...so I appreciate it and practice "mindfulness.

Worry and Fear


Reject them.  Do what you can and believe that God is with you and will do the rest.  He has a plan for you and it is a good one.
Trust me.  It's one thing I've learned in 62 years.

                                  Gratitude

   Making a list of all the things you are grateful for has a way of changing our perspective on the day.  Here's the list I put in my book:
God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, my church family, my sons, my dog and cat, freedom, peace, my home, my car, food, water, safety, health, music, musical instruments, art, my studio, the beauty of God's creation, friends, family, retirement, a new schedule of getting healthy, painting, writing, recording and playing music, my doctors, medicine, health insurance, staying home when I'm sick......HOPE!

   
                                       Forgiveness
   I love to "art journal."  This is a page from one of my journals.  I also like to make books.  When I was going thru a rough time, I took a book 6x7 and painted and wrote on the pages.  Sometimes if the pages are too thin, I put "gesso" on first and let it dry.  
   Anyway, so far, I've been using that book for my entries and will continue to do so for a while.  I carried the book in my purse and read it often.  It has about 35 pages but you choose what fits you and use my material or write your own if you like the idea.  
   Today's page is about

                               "Forgiveness." 

   I forgive _______________and think  and wish only the best of everything for that person:  for well-being, health and God's blessings.
   Unforgiveness, bitterness and ...all those feelings when someone hurts you, eats at your soul.  It's not worth it.  Jesus calls us to forgive those who have hurt us and it's the only way to heal and move on.  Of course, you don't have to keep those people in your life, either.

What's worked for me

 You would think that I would be pretty wise in my 60's.  No, I still make mistakes but you can't help but accumulate a few things that work.

   Trusting God absolutely works and the Word of God is powerful and effective, living, in fact.
   The past year was very challenging.  My father died one year ago yesterday and that and a series of steroid treatments put me in a struggle with depression that was made worse by unfair challenges at my workplace.  Today, though, I have to say that not only did I make it but I was hugely blessed.  Now I am retired and make my own schedule.  I'm pacing myself, eating healthy (more about that later), and working on several Christian projects.
   "As he thinks in his heart, so is he..."  Proverbs  This is good advice and so I try to keep my thinking positive and use scriptures and affirmations.  Here are 5 of mine.

1. I am grateful to God for all that I have.
2. I am successful thru Jesus Christ.
3. I am a high priestess and daughter of the King, my God.
4. God sings over me.
5. God will never leave me.

   

Taking back your mind