Stand right there...

Our Daily Bread
My best friend, who I love like a brother, is a wonderful photographer.  He painstakingly tries to position me in the perfect spot with the perfect light for the perfect shot.  So on the rare occasions he lets me take his picture, I have to tease him.  "Stand right there... No a little to the left.... more... no, no, no, back to the right"  ha!  I keep telling him that needs a new best friend, one who treats him better!  hehehe

I loved the analogy in the devotional.  It is not easy to stand in the middle of the stream, regardless if the stream is popular thought, currently acceptable behavior, what other people find acceptable or even watching a lot of TV!  Standing against the current tide or stream takes courage and strength.  Where does that come from, especially when you don't think you can stand another second?  Our God gives us a firm foundation on which to stand and gives us the strength to resist those things that will ultimately wear us down.  Praise God!  How does this work?  Practice!  It is not that God gets stronger with practice; rather we get strong with practice as we turn things over to him more completely.  God knows our needs.  He knows what we can bear.  Are you worthy to be tested?

Lord, please find us worthy to test us.  Please help us rely on you for our strength and hope!

Wellness Wednesday
35 Affirmations That Will Change Your Life
I think these are cool.  I plan to use a couple each day.

1.) I am the architect of my life; I build its foundation and choose its contents.

2.) Today, I am brimming with energy and overflowing with joy.

3.) My body is healthy; my mind is brilliant; my soul is tranquil.

4.) I am superior to negative thoughts and low actions.

5.) I have been given endless talents which I begin to utilize today.

6.) I forgive those who have harmed me in my past and peacefully detach from them.

7.) A river of compassion washes away my anger and replaces it with love.

8.) I am guided in my every step by Spirit who leads me towards what I must know and do.

9.) (If you're married) My marriage is becoming stronger, deeper, and more stable each day.

10.) I possess the qualities needed to be extremely successful.

11.) (For business owners) My business is growing, expanding, and thriving.

12.) Creative energy surges through me and leads me to new and brilliant ideas.

13.) Happiness is a choice. I base my happiness on my own accomplishments and the blessings I've been given.

14.) My ability to conquer my challenges is limitless; my potential to succeed is infinite.

15.) (For those who are unemployed) I deserve to be employed and paid well for my time, efforts, and ideas. Each day, I am closer to finding the perfect job for me.

16.) I am courageous and I stand up for myself.

17.) My thoughts are filled with positivity and my life is plentiful with prosperity.

18.) Today, I abandon my old habits and take up new, more positive ones.

19.) Many people look up to me and recognize my worth; I am admired.

20.) I am blessed with an incredible family and wonderful friends.

21.) I acknowledge my own self-worth; my confidence is soaring.

22.) Everything that is happening now is happening for my ultimate good.

23.) I am a powerhouse; I am indestructible.

24.) Though these times are difficult, they are only a short phase of life.

25.) My future is an ideal projection of what I envision now.

26.) My efforts are being supported by the universe; my dreams manifest into reality before my eyes.

27.) (For those who are single) The perfect partner for me is coming into my life sooner than I expect.

28.) I radiate beauty, charm, and grace.

29.) I am conquering my illness; I am defeating it steadily each day.

30.) My obstacles are moving out of my way; my path is carved towards greatness.

31.) I wake up today with strength in my heart and clarity in my mind.

32.) My fears of tomorrow are simply melting away.

33.) I am at peace with all that has happened, is happening, and will happen.

34.) My nature is Divine; I am a spiritual being.

35.) My life is just beginning.
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You are a success in God’s kingdom if you are faithful where He has placed you. - Our Daily Bread