Trust in Jesus

Today is a brand new day. Let’s make it sparkle. Give it a verbal sunshine. Put on a “happy Face. Let the celebration of the gift of life begin in you. Enjoy God’s color of nature. Clap with the trees of the wind. Count the many blessings in your life.

God is love. He is our breath and our heartbeat. He is life in abundance. Be aware of God’s wonderful surprises today. With him nothing is just “happenstance.” He gives his children an inner vision. In your inner being, his secrets are revealed. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

New concepts appear. Solutions come to mind because his counsel and wisdom is freely given. “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you” (James 1:5 NRSV).

Let’s paint our days as an artist paints a masterpiece. Make brush strokes with beautiful thoughts, words and deeds. Represent God on this earth. He is representing you in heaven. Be the good that overcomes the bad.

Lose yourself in God. Saturate your mind to the extent you aren’t even aware of your existence. Make God glad he created you. Love him. Praise him. You can never be lost to his spirit. Start each morning pledging your life and those you love into his care. What a way to start a day!

What do you have to lose? Negative living doesn’t work. Everyday we see the effects of cynicism and criticism that is a life of defeat. If someone knocked on your door and asked, “Could I sell you some misery today? We have all kinds for sale.” Would you buy it? Of course not, but many of us, (including me) have bought it from time to time. I repent and start over: “No, thank you, I will not buy it!” You can do that too. It is your decision.

As for me, I want to soar on eagle wings. God has made my “feet like a deer that doesn’t stumble; he helps me stand on the steep mountains” (Psalm 18:33 NCV).

Our purpose on earth is to love God, honor him, glorify and serve Him. He watches over and guides our every step. With such an awesome God we cannot help but sing. Open the gift of life today. Share friendship with everyone you meet. Life is too delicious to be unhappy.

Happiness is every day things … a smile, a hug, a handshake, a sunset, a friendly face. Happiness is being grateful for being alive, being able to walk, to see, to hear, to be the best you can be. Happiness is looking into the face of a loved one, saying “I love you.”

Happiness comes from being grateful, thinking positively, praying without ceasing, being a good listener, being a good example, helping and cheering up others, looking for the good in everyone, knowing that God is always with you.

Open your heart to God’s love today. Being happy reduces stress, anticipates hope and optimism, attracts others and brings hope and health. Know that, “A cheerful heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit makes one sick” (Proverbs 17:22 TLB).

I dare you to hug life with a giant sized bear hug. Life is all around you just waiting to be hugged. Life hugs me back when an ex-student calls me long distance to say, “Hello.” Life hugs me when neighbors wave and say, “Good Morning!”

Trust Jesus … let him make your day!

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is: [email protected]