photo credit: Stuck in Customs
“You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.” ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach
Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he’s not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
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Hi Lance — You’re quoting another favorite author of mine. This is a great quote, and, so true. Over the years I’ve realized that in the past I was buying more, thinking THAT is what made me abundant, when in fact when I stopped and looked around, I realized I was already abundantly rich.
I use the practice of writing in my gratitude journal on a regular basis. I find it amazing how when I stop to think about that which I’m grateful for, it’s often the littlest things, things I can’t put a price on. Oh, how blessed I am.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog post..Be A Person Who Needs People
Hi Lance, Wow this quote really speaks to me. I have tendencies towards the glass being half empty. I was thinking, last night, that I need to start a gratitude list. I have been blessed in so many ways, but I don’t always see that. Thank you so much for this thought. It was just the thing I needed to read today! Enjoy your Sunday!
Natalia
Natalia Burleson´s last blog post..No title
Gratefulness is something I’ve been trying to work on lately. I try to make a point to write down something I’m grateful for in my journal at the end of every day, but in truth, I haven’t done this in a few days and I think it’s starting to show in the marked increase in complaining I’ve been doing! How useless. Thanks to you and the other commenters that I need to restart my gratitude list. And a happy Sunday to you!
Monica Shaw´s last blog post..Quick Fit Tip: Walk up a hill
I stopped to say a silent prayer of thanks when I read your quote. I remember how my life has changed the day I started to express my gratitude for the blessings I have. I’ve been amazed by how much more I have been receiving. I’ve never felt happier or fulfilled since! Much love and light to you!
Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..20 Funny Money Quotes
**nods**
you know I entirely believe in this and, my biggest amazement in my life recently, are how many people can not see the abundance around them.
How if it doesnt take a traditional form (a!brand!new!car!) they perceive themselves to be lacking.
thank you for the sunday morning posts—I start my morning here always.
Miz´s last blog post..Sunday Update of Sorts…
You said it, Lance. I mean your quote said it. You know what I mean!
I read once that gratitude is the only prayer, and that is so true because once we are grateful, everything we could want it given to us, and often we find that we already have everything we could want! Thanks for this gem, and for being a gem yourself.
Daphne´s last blog post..Book Review: Flying By the Seat of My Soul
As I think back over the past five years and how far I have come, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I just celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary and surprised my hub with a small service to renew our vows. The next day I was pondering the past five years and began to tear up from gratitude that God has brought me through some really difficult times. He not only stayed with me, but picked me up and carried me through. We all need to give thanks everyday, even when times are difficult. God will not waste the difficult times. He will use them to teach us things we need to know or bring us places we need to be. My journey taught me just how trust worthy God really is. Life is so good.
PS. Love the daisies. Doesn’t the beauty of nature just make you thankful?
Hi Lance,
SO so true! In healing myself gratitude was ONE of the MOST important shifts I had to make. When you are in chronic pain with a grim prognosis it seems easy to concentrate on all you DON’T have. I credit gratitude for being an important part of my healing process and still pay gratitude at LEAST once a day (before I even get out of bed in the morning) for all I do have. It is something I am also enforcing in my children.… Being in that state of gratitude can indeed change you life and open up the floodgates for goodness and more things in life to be grateful for. Perfect quote and picture — as always!
Love,
Jenny
Jenny Mannion´s last blog post..The Living Matrix Movie — The New Science of Health and Healing is Here
Thank you — two small words that truly pack a punch! And you are living this today, aren’t you Lance! Have a wonderful Sunday!
Lovely thought for the day Lance. I like to look for positive things each day and write about them. Sometimes it is difficult, but I find that it keeps me positive and there is a kind of “pay it forward” aspect to that. It seems to rub off on people.
“Gratitude begets more of everything you already have!” ~Henie~
Henie´s last blog post..Life Is Like A Door
Very true. Give thanks now, because today is the best day of your life!
Jay´s last blog post..The Sunday Ponder
Yes, I find it’s the sustained consciousness of gratitude that when fully felt really acts as a causative energy in our lives.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s last blog post..Why Loving Your Work is Overrated
Always a great start to the week Lance! It’s so easy to slip on being grateful. I keep a small board where I keep pics of the people I love and the qualities in life, myself and my family that I am grateful for…it changes periodically, but it’s a great way to keep in touch when I’m feeling a little whiney
Have a great week!
~rupal
Rupal´s last blog post..Could you define yourself in a shape?
I have certainly not given thanks for two months straight at any point, but I can see how building a habit/routine of doing so for 2 months would leave the appreciating person with no choice but to get a better understanding of how he has what he has, and what he can do to build on it. It is a habit that seems like it would not bring about actual results, but actually would, due to its improvement of one’s understanding about the positives/strengths of their current situation.
Armen Shirvanian´s last blog post..Being Ahead vs. Being Behind
I’ve been keeping gratitude journals for 6 years now. I date every entry and now can see in an instant what I was doing and appreciating 6 years ago. The weird thing is it’s mostly the same stuff. What money doesn’t buy is always first on my list. Experiences second and then stuff. My car is 10 years old and my gratitude isn’t for “my car.” It’s that my car runs perfectly! I’ve decided when this car does give out I’m not getting another. I could pay cash for a new one but I just plain don’t need one. So what gratitude has done for me is show me how rich one can be with less.
Oh and I love love love the sunflowers. They’re like “little and big heads of happiness!
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..Bold Changes for Bold People
Very powerful! Some call it karma. Thanks for this Lance!
Mark´s last blog post..Link Love Friday 4÷3÷2009
Hi Lance,
That’s a great quote — I haven’t come across it before, but will be adding it to my collection! Gratitude is a key cornerstone to being happy
Amen and pay it forward the more you have the more you have to share.….…
Love your postings.
Blessings on this Palm Sunday
Jeanne´s last blog post..Palm Sunday
And do you know what? Right after I read this quote I had the thought that we receive more when we are appreciating more… because, the very fact that we are appreciating these things, cause us to see more to appreciate. I used to think it meant that I would GET more if I showed appreciation. But to me this now means that I will see and accept more to appreciate, that IS already there. Wow. Thanks for making this epiphany possible Lance :~)
Davina´s last blog post..Good Advice in Tough Times
I agree. Giving thanks is very powerful.
Vered — MomGrind´s last blog post..Suffering For Beauty
@Barbara — Hi Barbara. We live in a materialistic society, and that leads to it being so easy to “want” more (not to say that some of these want aren’t okay and good). We are bombarded by the “latest and greatest”. And what truly makes us happy in life — it’s not the new car in the garage, the bigger house, or the biggest boat. It’s what comes from inside. A gratitude journal — what a great idea, thanks for sharing Barbara!
@Natalia — Hi Natalia. I try to focus on “glass half full”, except sometimes I fall into the “glass half empty” mode. And all of a sudden, I start to forget all the “good” as I focus on the “bad”. And the reality is, that most of us have lots of good in our lives, especially compared to some parts of the world — we are very much blessed. Remembering that is the key…
@Monica — Hi Monica. I like this idea — writing down at least one thing you’re grateful every day. And I can see how that can be uplifting — just in reminding yourself of the good in each day — that it is there. And a very happy Sunday right back at you Monica!
@Evelyn — That’s great Evelyn, and for all of us — just taking a few seconds even to say “thank you”. To ourselves, and for who we are — such an easy gift we can give ourselves. Life is abundant, isn’t it!
@Miz — Why is it so easy to focus on the negative? I certainly know I’ve done it, although it’s less and less in recent times. And the truth is — when I see the abundance I already have — I’m so much happier. And that’s a much better way to live, I think! My kids — they think we need a new car. Because their friend’s parents drive a new fancy car. And I tell them — that we could get a new car — or we can spend some of that money on experiences — things that will stick with them for a long time. A car — it will come and go … It’s great to have you here…
@Daphne — Hi Daphne. Ha! I know what you mean!! I think you’re hitting a real key point — that once we really embrace an attitude of gratitude, we begin to realize we already are abundant in so many ways. We can lose sight sometimes because of everything we’re bombarded with — which pulls us away from being grateful into want…
@Laurie — Hi Laurie. Happy Anniversary! What a great surprise with the renewal of vows! Sometimes when we reflect back — we can see things in a different light than when they actually happened. And if we get to that point where we are truly in a grateful mindset, there is usually something good we can find in the “bad” of life too. You’re doing that Laurie — and it’s your attitude — one that we can all glean a little bit from and make ourselves a bit better. Thank you! And yes — nature — I’m drawn to it — and these flowers, and just the sheer amount of them — pulled me into this picture.
@Jenny Mannion — Hi Jenny. What you were able to do, I think really is pretty amazing! Being in pain, I think I would have a hard time seeing the good. And yet, you’re a real example of just how even changing your mindset can change the way you feel — and that’s physically as well as emotionally. What a great lesson to pass on to your children — and what a great lesson to pass on here! Jenny, thank you for sharing just how powerful this has been in your life — it helps me, and I’m sure it helps others here too!
@Stacey Shipman — Hi Stacey. Yes, those two words, “thank you”, can really make such a difference. And how easy is it to say! Today is a great day, and yes, I am really trying to live this one today. You too, have a fantastic Sunday — and THANK YOU for being here today!
@Lynn — Hi Lynn. Writing about positive thoughts, what a great way to really make them real in your mind. I love that! Thanks much for sharing what works for you — I think this is awesome!
@Henie — I love that Henie, thank you for sharing it here today!
@Jay — Today is all we have for sure — how do we want that day to be remembered as? I’m with you — let’s be thankful for this day and all it is being for us!
@Tom — Hi Tom. Yes, being consciously aware of all we have in our lives — this does create an energy, and one that rubs off on others in very great ways!
@Rupal — Hi Rupal. And it’s a great Sunday here, having you visit! I hear you about how easy it can be to slip. I think this relates well back to Tom’s point of being fully conscious of all we have to be grateful for. When I am in this state, setbacks just don’t seem to happen. And when I slip into a less conscious state of gratefulness — it becomes so much easier to find the faults. Your board of gratitude — what a fantastic way to remind yourself of what you’re truly grateful for! Thank much for this Rupal!
@Armen — I think you’re hitting upon something very important. Being appreciative for a long period of time doesn’t necessarily mean that anything is really different — except that we’re looking at it all through a much different lens — the one of gratitude. And seeing through that lens, might also lead us in new and different directions — and to new and exciting places — and that can bring about real change — in many positive ways!
@Tess — Hi Tess. This is completely awesome what you’re doing — and what it means! I think this really is the essence of this quote. We see things differently when we look at life with gratitude. And that you’re seeing this about your car — you’ve found good in what many would see as bad. And I love that and can relate (we’ve had our car for 8 years and our van for 4 years) — and they run great! And I’m extra thankful for that today. And what a positive way to review your life — with the gratitude journal you’ve kept and dated. It shows what is important to you — and over the last six years — how awesome! Tess, thank you for sharing all of this — it is really so great to read!
@Mark — Thanks much Mark!
@Hilda — Hi Hilda. This was a new quote to me — and as soon as I saw it, I knew this was what I wanted to use today. It just fit so well with how I’m feeling right now!
@Jeanne — Hi Jeanne. …and share freely. Jeanne, I love that thought, thank you!
@Davina — Hi Davina. And I say WOW back to you, because that’s what I’m getting from this too — well, in reading the comments today — especially what you’re saying and what Tess is saying — it just really seems to go along these lines. There is so much more “there” that we’re maybe not seeing and appreciating already. What a wonderful thought — to find more of what is already there to appreciate! Davina, thank you so much for this!!
@Vered — Hi Vered. A simple thanks can go a long way…
I’m in total agreement. After my Yoga each morning I take two minutes to just list the things I’m grateful in my life. I feel like so much more love and happiness has come into my life.
Karl Staib — Work Happy Now´s last blog post..Bruce Lee — Complete the Other Half
Lance, no comment needed.
Stephen — Rat Race Trap´s last blog post..Develop the Courage to Take Risks
Hi Lance. Another great choice and how appropriate! I just taught on the subject of gratitude Wednesday night at church. There is no way a person can be the same after consciously giving thanks every day for the blessings God has given them. I have done other things to develop an attitude of gratitude, but I just recently learned what a gratitude journal is and am starting to keep one. It is absolutely wonderful! I truly do feel like the most blessed person in the world (even before the gratitude journal, but now even more so).
I am truly grateful for each and every one of your posts and wonderful “Sunday thoughts of the day.” Thanks for making the world a brighter place by your writing and presence in the blogosphere.
Jennifer´s last blog post..Making a Difference — Little by Little
Hi Lance,
First of all, what a beautiful picture.
As for the quote, it is so true. The more grateful we are for the things that we have, we can then be sure that more blessings will be sent our way.
Hope all is well!
Nadia — Happy Lotus´s last blog post..Happy News (April 5, 2009)
I believe that just a few thankful hearts can change the world. I’m seeing more than a few in just your comments today, Lance. Thanks for being a catalyst in this area. I know that God promises that to those that have been given much, much is expected. I can’t hope to exceed those expecations if I’m not aware of all that I’ve been given. I love the idea of the gratitude journal. As a writer, I should always have something to write about, at any given moment I could write of at least ten things I’m grateful for. I think I just said good-bye to writer’s block forever.
Audra Krell´s last blog post..John Eldredge Sitings
Hi Lance — A thoughtful quote as usual. I am amazed at how turning my focus towards what I can give, not only brings more abundance to my life, but also simply makes me enjoy myself more. I like that when I donate money, volunteer my time, or make use of my best talents in a way that contributes to the community that the need to “protect” and “guard” becomes less powerful. Give it all away and you will get it all back!
Amanda Linehan´s last blog post..The Use Of Self Discipline
Love the quote, Lance. Sometimes we take our “things” for granted, wanting more and more. The latest fashion, the newest car, the fanciest house, etc. If we’d just stop and be grateful for what we already have, the world would be a much better place. Plus, cleaner, greener, and a whole lot less cluttered.
What I’m most grateful for is my family and friend, both online and off. Thank you, Lance for reminding us to just be grateful.
BTW, today, I took my camera down to the beach, walking around for almost 2 hours, just taking pictures, talking to a few people, and enjoying the sun and atmosphere. I’m so grateful for today. I’m relaxed, and looking forward to taking a look at the pictures, I got. (PS — I’m sure there’s a few blog posts in there.)
LisaNewton´s last blog post..A Boy and a Wave
Hi Lance,
I love that quote, it is just so true. There is such power in taking stock and being truly grateful for what you have. Since I started my gratitude journal I’ve noticed a huge change in my outlook on things. It’s really empowering. You’re right that a simple thank you can go a long way!
Sherri (Serene Journey)´s last blog post..Favorite Finds Of The Week
So true. Great quote Lance (love the pic too). I have a gratitude journal where I write down anything (big or small) that I’m grateful for. It’s very cool to go back and read over every once in a while. It really helps put things in perspective.
Sami — Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog post..How to Write a Cheque
I’m such a HUGE believer in this Lance as you know. That quote is dead on and all I can do is smile after reading this.
Tabitha´s last blog post..Soothing Sunday
@Karl — Hi Karl. Great idea — two minutes — we all have time for that, right? I love this, it’s so simple and easy — anyone can do it. Thanks much!
@Stephen — Thanks for stopping by!
@Jennifer — Hi Jennifer. Everything you were discussing in the last week — it really had me thinking — and this all just led to the idea of gratitude — and how much of a gift that can be that we can give to others. So, this is you! And see — now more people are thinking about it. It IS spreading! We are blessed with so much. Every one of us here. Think of what we have in comparison to some parts of the world. And even those who have little, or maybe especially those who have little — are even more grateful for what they have. And through it all — no matter what — we DO have God — and what greater gift than that! The gratitude journal and variants — they’re bouncing around in this post big time — maybe this is something… And Jennifer, you’re radiating goodness — I’m thinking that plays a big part in how blessed you feel. Thank you, always, Jennifer, for shining your light…
@Nadia — Hi Nadia. The flowers that just go on and on — how abundant they seemed! The quote really nails it, doesn’t it! Thanks for stopping in today!
@Audra — Hi Audra. This has really turned out to be a very feel-good post today! There is just so much goodness and thankfulness being expressed. Now, if we all take just even a portion of that out into our daily lives — we CAN change the world! Audra, you shine gratitude — and are a real example for me. And to your writers block being gone — how great is that! It’s great having you here today, as always, my friend…
@Amanda — Hi Amanda. A giving attitude, being open to giving generously –knowing that our world is filled with abundance (even if we don’t always see it) — what a great way to live! How often, though, do we put up our shields. Do we need those shields, though? You know the answer Amanda — no, we don’t. Give freely… Thanks much for this, Amanda.
@LisaNewton — Hi Lisa. What a great way to enjoy today — just “being” in the moments as you wandered the beach. And I’m, too, most grateful for family and friends (online and off). It’s the relationship, and the experiences, that have the biggest impact for me — not the “things”. Thank you Lisa.
@Sherri — Hi Sherri. Thanks so much for stopping by tonight! Gratitude journals are appearing to be popular here today. They are obviously very beneficial in keeping focused on what we’re thankful for. I’m glad to hear it working so well for you, too.
@Sami — Hi Sami. Thank you (and thank you!). Have a journal to go back and review — I’m sure this is very much an uplifting experience as you realize how much you truly do have to be thankful for. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
@Tabitha– Yes, I know you are really all about giving thanks! What a gift you give Tabitha! Keep on smiling…
I’ll vouch for this post as well. It’s so amazing how that “law” works. It’s even more amazing at just how true it is. This is an excellent post full of goodies. Thanks, Lance!
Scott´s last blog post..Quick Thought — Storms
It’s interesting Lance… the more I try to uplift others the more grateful I feel and the more grateful I feel the more I want to uplift others. That truly is a great cycle to be in. I know you have experienced that this past week too.
I challenged my class on Wednesday night to pick out the thinking errors that are typically present when gratitude is absent. Which ones do you notice?
I’m grateful that my thoughts have inspired your readers here in such a powerful way. I’m grateful that this post reminds me to be even more grateful. I’m grateful for the beautiful pictures that you always take the time to search out and add to your post.
Jennifer´s last blog post..Making a Difference — Little by Little
Hi Lance
What a great message today. If we give thanks everyday for 2 months we will see a lot more things to be thankful for and we will be happier as a whole.
Thank you for the reminder.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Giovanna Garcia´s last blog post..Brooklyn Bridge was build by one finger.
Beautiful and True — thanks, Lance
Robin´s last blog post..Calling All Gods And Goddesses!
This is a truly beautiful, inspiring quote Lance and one I try to live my life by.
Gratitude is great because it makes us focus on the positive. By being focused on what is going well, we keep those positive vibes going in our life. Personally, I love spending time with people who choose to express themselves positively and be happy and thankful for the things in their life.
Being grateful is so simple, it doesn’t cost anything and is very rewarding for other people in our life as well. Have you ever noticed that when we are genuinely grateful for a favour that someone performed for us, that person is more likely to help us again.
Happy blogging anniversary Lance.…one wonderful, inspiring year and wishing you many, many more to follow.
I am so grateful for your friendship and wisdom.
Cheers
Peggy
miruspeg´s last blog post..Connecting Together
Awesome quote! This is definitely a quote that many of the Wall Street folks should take a look at. They need to realize the idea of abundance and stay clear of fear of greed and they only breed more of the same.
Thanks!
–Dustin
Happiness Is Better´s last blog post..5 Steps You Need to Take in Preparation of Being a Mentor/Protégé
Who you sense you are changes every instant until you evlove to think in one dimension. HUman beings experience emotions and other thougths that disrupt energy flow. Learning energy exists is a steps toward learning how to channel it.
Liara Covert´s last blog post..Find blessings everywhere
Hi Lance
Wow, that picture just takes me into a glorious future!
Thank you
Juliet
LifeMadeGreat | Juliet´s last blog post..An Interview with Tom Volkar from Delightful Work
Being grateful is a wonderful way to live. Glad to see so many people of all ages embracing thankfulness these days. Thank you for this post, Lance!
Diane C.´s last blog post..Cactus Monday — Hedgehogs
Lance you have a great way of finding just the perfect quote to have here on Sundays:)
Gratitude and value are very important in life. We all need to be able to recognize and honor it our everyday.
BunnygotBlog´s last blog post..TV Fanatics, Shopping & The Anti-Aging Miracle
Beautiful. We change so much, and we can perpetuate GOOD change by giving and opting for an optimistic attitude.
Sagan´s last blog post..Life Lessons: Learning how to cook
@Scott — Hi Scott. If we really and truely appreciate what we have, it’s like we are granted so much more — our life becomes filled with abundance! And that is pretty amazing and great!
@Jennifer — Which thinking errors are present when gratitude is lacking? I would think it’s Poor Me Thinking, Blaming, Personalization, and Polarized Thinking. These are what I see as the top thinking errors leading to a lack of abundance mentality. And I’m also thinking many others of these you could apply as well — and find a correlation between them. And Jennifer, I’m grateful that you continue to be here and support me and my site. Thank you for giving so selflessly.
@Giovanna — Hi Giovanna. Even if we’re already filled with a grateful heart, taking this to a higher level — again, how powerful it can be! We can all benefit from this, no matter where we are on teh abundance continuüm. Thanks much Giovanna.
@Robin — Thank you Robin!
@Miruspeg — Hi Peggy. I too like spending time with positive and upbeat people — it just feels good! And seeing the good, what a way to lift others up. Especially when this is done genuinely, it is a wonderful gift to give! Thank you, Peggy, it’s great having ou here and for all the support you’ve given me — I truly do appreciate it very much.
@Happiness Is Better — Hi Dustin. Thank you! Ah yes, Wall Street — where greed rules over abundance and giving. It would be very interesting to see true abundance taking shape in this place — and what Wall Street might look like because of that. Great thought!
@Liara — channeling our energy — will we do it for good, or for bad? With an abundance mindset, we really do focus on the good in our lives (while still acknowledging the bad).
@Juliet — Hi Juliet. The endless flowers — it just shouts abundance to me!
@Diane — Hi Diane. Yes it is great to see thankfulness in action — it is a gift to savor, even if you aren’t the recipient, just seeing this I think gives hope for our future, and for generations to come.
@BunnygotBlog — Hi Bunny. Well, this quote really fit with a lot of what I’ve been thinking recently. I’m glad you enjoyed it too! The more gratitude we have in our life — I think the more joy we have also. Especially true joy. Thanks Bunny.
@Sagan — Hi Sagan. Change. A great point. when we do make changes — are they with an abundant mindset, or a lacking mindset? I know what I want. Thank you Sagan.
Hey, are you sure Sarah Ban Breathnach wrote that and not Liara Covert? Funning of course. Liara Covert has touched me as deeply as this abundance quote with the wisdom she shares over at her Dream Builders Australia.
Of course there are many who would say I’m just plain “touched,” in general.
Abundance — we already have all we need and desire. And to exude our gratitude with every breath, overfills our cup. Wonderful!
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..Potential Regalements
You a nature fan? I would have never thought it (Just kidding)!
Speaking of gratitude, Thanks Lance for all you do!
Lance, this picture is incredible.
C. Taylor Brown
English Experiment
http://chriswasbrown.blogspot.com
C. Taylor Brown´s last blog post..The Hall Calls Stockton
Hi Lance,
Thanks for the reminder. It’s hard when we’re going through storms to remember to give thanks for what we are blessed with — but when we do, it changes our whole perspective! Thanks again.
Bri´s last blog post..What If …
Running short on time to read all your comments here, but I do want to weigh in on the importance to me of being grateful — even for the smallest blessings. Usually someone is responsible for them, and I pray never to take people for granted. A thank you attitude does as much for me as it does for the person I’m thanking. I wake up thankful.
You’re so right — and the woman you quoted above — being intentionally grateful changes how you accept life and what you then do with it.
And seeing the tremendous response you’ve had to this post tells me you have a grateful following here…
Barb
Barb Hartsook´s last blog post..Snowy Track Meets Take Me Back to the Old Days
I always liked the quote from Ovid’s Metamorphosis:
“What we were yesterday, what we are today, we shall not be tomorrow.”
I once put it on a mirror as an art piece for a minimalist show.
Thanks, Lance!!
Dr. J´s last blog post..How choices influence the food decisions we make
I absolutely, one thousand million percent agree with this.
brandi´s last blog post..I’ve moved…
Hi Lance: I recognize that quote from Sarah’s book “Simple Abundance” (which I’ve reread so often I almost have it memorized). And I completely agree with it: once you start focusing more and more on what you have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have, life makes a definite shift for the better.
Marelisa´s last blog post..Make Your Workspace More Creative
Hello Lance,
This article was great, I mean REALLY great. Facing life each day with a heart filled with gratitude will indeed change your life. It certainly isn’t the accumulation of material things that makes us truly rich. Thanks so much for this post and the perspective it brings.
–Keith
Keith´s last blog post..Key to Cashflow
Isn’t it amazing how that works! Love all the sunflowers too!
Lisa’s Chaos´s last blog post..Wanna Play?
Lance,
My body is telling me to slow down, that it needs a rest. And it just gets it, no matter what I had planned. Though I feel like Sh.., I am enjoying the lazy, healing time on the couch with tea and Oprah 
Spot on! I am sick at home and I am actually grateful for it
I am also grateful for the great online community I have met recently and that make me want to be a better person everyday.
Thanks
Mimi
Mindful Mimi´s last blog post..Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering — Winnie the Pooh
@Jannie — Hey Jannie! Yes, Liara is quite wise, isn’t she. Her stuff is solid and deep. Good stuff to think about. Abundance, it is within us! And when we share that with others, how much our cups DOES overflow!
@Laurie — Hi Laurie. A nature fan? How’d you guess!! Thank you Laurie, and thanks for all the support you’ve given me!
@C. Taylor Brown — Thanks much!
@Bri — Hi Bri. Yes, during the rough times, it’s easy to forget how much we still do have. If we can, though, remember just how blessed we really are — how powerful this can be. Thank you Bri!
@Barb — Hi Barb. Excellent point. Even the smallest of blessings — these are things we can be thankful for as well. And I think if we are — this just makes us appreciate everything more — the big and the small. And it’s a great attitude to have. Thank you Barb!
@Dr. J — Hi Dr. J! We make our tomorrows, and they don’t have to be our yesterdays, or our todays. That’s a great thought…
@Brandi — That’s a big percent!!! And I get what you’re saying — how much you believe in this — and I think that’s something you definitely exude — so not only do you believe it, you also do it — I’m sure of that, one thousand and one million percent!
@Marelisa — Hi Mare. Sounds like a great book (as in — I should probably check it out!). Focus on what you have — I love that thought. We have much by comparison to many — are we appreciating just how blessed we are?
@Keith — Hi Keith. This quote says so much — it’s all about appreciating what we do have, and being grateful for how we’ve been blessed. It really is a great perspective.
@Lisa’s Chaos — Hi Lisa. Yes it’s amazing, and true!
@Mimi — Hi Mimi. I hope you’re feeling better quickly. So, you’re appreciating the down time — good for you! That’s what this is all about — you could easily focus on the negative — being sick. Seeing the good, though, look how much there is in this! And I have to agree with you — the online community that we are both familiar with, what a great group of people!!
What a beautiful quote. And how very true! We will not be the same person we are 2 months from now… I love the part about the spiritual law of abundance…the more we give the more we receive.
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What a beautiful — and true — quote. I love it!
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@Caroline — Hi Caroline. And it’s true isn’t it — about giving, and how much we receive because we give. Abundance is a beautiful word!
@Positively Present — Thanks much!
Lance, that quote could not be more true, you would become a different person right away. I believe that people are always evolving and therefore you can meet the same person 5 times and htey will be different each time. It’s the ones that don’t change you have to worry about!
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What bothers me the most is that everyone here seem to reap the benefit being thankful to the Lord each day, but on my end is the total opposite. I go to church every Sunday, I pray with my kids before they go to bed, thank the Lord for giving me another day each time I wake up. But I yet to receive his blessings, I know my Kids are the blessing, but in other aspects in my life I such a pain. The I thought about thinking positive each day even though things dont work out as planned. I dont know if I can continue to stay positive and I dont want to loose it either. Any words of wisdom that can direct me to a better understanding on life because my life is totally not going as planned right now.
Mary,
You raise very real feelings and situations. Feeling like you are doing the right thing but not getting the desired result. My question to you is where is your focus? If you would study Ephesians, Paul wrote this letter from jail. He had to have been frustrated, disappointed and ready for this season of his life to be done. Yet in the middle of his impossibility, he encouraged other believers by saying, “Now is the time, despite life’s difficulty, to consider the ability, the greatness, the grandeur of my God.” (Ephesians 3:20–21) In the midst of his suffering, Paul had his eyes fixed on Jesus and praised, worshiped and honored God. Have you ever praised God despite your prison– like circumstance?
There is an enemy out there whose desire is to kill, steal . and destroy. But what? He wants to make you believe that the promises of God are not yours. Jesus comes to give life and give it in abundance. Rest in the promises of God and don’t let the enemy shake your faith. You can experience the abundance of God in the middle of your circumstances. Paul wants for us to rearrange our thinking. The abundant life is not when no impossible situation occurs and you experiencing peace, joy, and happiness. True abundance is really seen when you are sitting in a prison circumstance, and right in the heart of your impossibility, you experience the fullness of God.
I too went through a horrible season of misery. I felt that God’s promises did not pertain to me. Things began to change for me when I turned my eyes from my circumstances and fixed them on Jesus. Yes I did pray with passion about my situation, but my main focus was on becoming more intimate with Christ rather than feeling relief from my pain. During that time my relationship with Jesus grew by leaps and bounds. I learned to trust God and really believe that, yes, those promises were for me too. I might not understand God’s timing or ways, but I did understand that, as a child of God, he was totally for me in all of this.
I prayed with expectation. Mary, God is able. His power can not be used up. He is able to do anything. Pray for God to go beyond what you see is his limits in your life. God is able and can go beyond the beyond of what we understand. Understand that everything that concerns you also concerns God but while God is predictable in his character, he is unpredictable in his activity. He will work out circumstances for good to all who love in him and are call according to his purposes (Romans:8:28) So pray. Don’t give God a limit on what you believe he can do. Don’t limit the time for him to do it in, and don’t limit the ways in which he can do it. God will use your pain, after all he collects your tears. But what he wants more than anything is your love, and an intimate relationship with you. If your pain will led you to that, God would use your pain for you to turn to him and become more intimate with him. The pain in your life is temporary even though I know from my experience, it seems not. But your relationship with God is forever.
My advice is to refocus your eyes on Christ first. Pray with passion not limiting God in those prayers. Surround yourself with Christians who will give you truth in love and hold you accountable in your study and growth. (a ladies bible study group is wonderful for this) Stay in the Word. I would also recommend these video sessions from Kay Arther, Beth Moore, and Priscilla Shirer. http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/Companions.asp?ISBN=1415868980&. The things I say here I learned from this study on the link. I think if you watched the video sessions, you would get so much encouragement and hope.
If there is anything I can do to encourage you myself, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Blessing are on their way!
Mary,
First off — thank you so much for so candidly sharing you here in this space.
It can very certainly seem like all that we’re doing, all the “good” we’re thinking and trying to see in our world (our very own personal world) is for naught.
…stay the course…{it’s so easy to say when everything is going good…}
In those moments where it seems like life is unfair, or that things just are not working out like you had hoped, or whatever else can come up — be the light. As I think of God, I think of God within me (as I believe He truly is). God is that light within. And when we shine that (however much we can) — we give others the belief in a life that is good. (your kids, those around you, those whom you hold in your heart…)
And the last thing — believe. Believe in the goodness of our world — even in those moments where this just feels so challenging. Maybe you are touched by that goodness…and maybe others are.
So, please consider staying the course, and shining your beautiful and amazing light out into the world…
Much peace,
Lance