Top 5 Suggestions for Saying Up in a Down World

With all of the negativity surrounding us on social media and the news it seems we are in desperate need of something positive.   I, like many of you I would imagine, have considered closing down my Facebook account in an effort to stay away from the constant bickering and fighting that seems to permeate the site.   Each time I think about doing this, another thought comes to my mind and that is, "how am I using Facebook to glorify God?"

Here are a few suggestions on how you can move through life with a positive outlook, beginning with the issue on Facebook:


5) Facebook: This is difficult for many people, myself included, because with the creation of sites like MySpace, Facebook and Twitter....heck, even Blogger, society has bought into the idea that every voice should be heard.  That's a little silly and yet here I am posting on my blog thinking that "my voice should be heard." The beauty of my blog is that if you want to read my opinions, you are free to do so, but if you don't, you don't have to.  Many would argue that the same goes for Facebook and while that would be a good argument, Facebook allows for an immediate soapbox in response to someone's opinion or post, whereas my blog doesn't provide such a quick and direct response.  Simply put, we don't "have" to respond to everything that makes us mad or offends us and we surely don't need to fill Facebook with such negativity.  A great way to stay up in this down world is use Facebook for good, positive and encouraging posts and un-follow the negative stuff.

4) Read God's Word Daily: It may sound like legalism, but it really isn't. It's filling yourself with the good news and blessings that God has in store. How to read and when to read may become legalistic and there are a lot of suggestions out there as to how this "should" be done. As for me, I do it as the Lord leads me.  That may not be as easily discernible for some, but the key here is that the more good news you fill yourself with, the less "down" you will find yourself.  Whenever I am feeling down, those closest to me will ask, "when did you last read God's Word?"  What a wake up call that can be!

3) Pray Unceasingly: There is a reason 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing and I believe that the more we pray, the better we will feel.  There are a lot of other reasons to pray, don't get me wrong, but in this post it is important to focus on staying positive. Praying about what God has done, giving thanks and focusing on his goodness can really be great medicine for the mully grubs.

2) Do Unto Others: I don't know about you, but whenever I do something nice for someone else it really lifts me up. It feels good to help others and see their reaction when they realize someone has done something for them. Wouldn't the day be a little different if each day we were looking for someone to bless?  Be creative and think outside the box! If you go out of your way to bless someone else, that's 365 people in a year that you have touched in a special way!

1) Share the Gospel: This may sound like "preacher stuff," but I am always uplifted when I spend time telling someone about how amazing God has been to me, my family, our church and our friends. There is something special about sharing God's love and the stories of His blessings with others.  Sometimes it may be other Christians and then again sometimes it is with people that don't know Jesus.  The key is share the good news as much as you can with anyone and everyone. As the good news leaves your lips and hits your ears, it has a powerful way of reminding you of His love for you and that can lift up anyone's day.


I hope you have a great week!  What are some ways you encourage others and yourself this week?

And now.....Off to the lake!

Chester
 

Top 5 Ways to Handle the Thorn in Your Flesh

As my ministry assistant aptly pointed out today, I have missed two weeks of blogging!  I apologize for doing so, but two weeks ago was camp and last week I was having major back troubles.  Now, as she also pointed out, "no excuses!" So, I don't offer those as excuses, but actually as a way to lead into today's blog.

For almost six years I have been battling spinal stenosis and degenerative disk disease, both of which are advanced. Advanced, in this case, means that I have the spine of a 65-75 year old with normal progression. This causes disc problems and bone spurs, both of which can really slow me down. I live with a daily dose of pain and the only real question is, "how bad will it hurt", not merely "will it hurt."  This has definitely become the "thorn in my flesh" like Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 12:2-10.

With that in mind, today I will offer you 5 ways to deal with the "thorn" in your flesh, if in fact it doesn't seem that God is going to heal you right now.

5) Keep Praying:  Just because I haven't been healed today, doesn't mean I won't be healed tomorrow. I keep praying and regularly ask God to heal me. Countless times God has healed me, though they have been temporary. I have found that when I needed it the most, He has always come through.


4) Don't Get Mad: This is easier said than done, I know. There have been times that I have sat in anger and pain, tears in my eyes, and cried out to God to deliver me from this disease. Over time, I have learned how to deal with this in a more productive way and when I feel myself getting down or angry, I turn it back to praise by recognize how God is carrying me through it. Just like Paul, in my weakness, He is made stronger.


3) Praise God:  There are times when I don't feel as bad as others. As I type this today, my pain is at about a 5 on a scale of 10 and it's been increasing all morning.  Typically, by the end of the day, it is at an 8 or 9 and I find it difficult to even eat dinner without wanting to go lay down. When my pain level is at a 5 or below, I try to praise God for that!  It helps me remember how good it feels to not hurt as bad. When it is above that, I reflect on those times when it is less than a 5 and give him praise for I know healing is coming in one way or another.


2) Use it for His Glory:  Facebook is an amazing thing. Unless, you use it for a stage to vent from. Then it can be depressing and irritating to view.  I try and often post about how God is carrying me through the pain or going to get me beyond where I am at that moment. I try to remain positive in my posts and although I ask for prayer in many of them, I try and stay away from sounding defeated. Those posts can help others, encourage my readers and give God the glory and ultimately, they make me feel good too.



1) Don't Give Up: Just because God hasn't taken that thorn away from you, doesn't mean He won't.  We don't know how or when, but eventually, God will work it out for his glory.  Many times when things are going well, we tend to forget how much we need God. It is during these tough times that we depend on him greatly, so do just that. Depend on Him because it will be God and God alone that brings you the healing. Take it one day at the time and remember, don't give up and keep on living!


I know many thorns are in many of my readers and I hope these tips have helped you!  Do you have any ideas?

Now...off to the lake!  That’s right, the lake! I found that I enjoy the lake much more than the river, now that I have a 1985 Lowe Pontoon boat! Never stop living!

Chester