August 11, 2018

“Most of us can categorize our lives in both positive and negative ways. You could write a glowing list of the positives in your life, and you could then write a list of sobering negatives. Both lists are true, but the focus of each list is different . . . Which list do you spend the majority of your time dwelling on?" - Linda Dillow

This quote is very true. We ALL have good things and tough things in our lives. Some people seem to focus on the difficulties in their lives, replaying that script over and over in every conversation they have. Other people do the opposite. They focus on the good, looking for the ways that God has blessed them and the lessons they have learned along the way. 

Metastatic cancer isn’t for sissies. Knowing I have a disease that can be treated but not cured, is challenging. We absolutely believe - and know - that God can do all things, and that He alone numbered my days before I was even born. But we don’t know what the ending looks like - only God does. 

God has an opinion on which way is the “better” way to live with regard to focusing on the negatives or positives. In this season, when we are facing some very difficult days, I see more than ever the value in Philippians 4:8. Basically, the short version of this verse could easily be “choose joy.” And that is good advice! We can’t control our circumstances but we can always control our response!!

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬