“I place this day, my life, my loved ones, my work in the Lord’s hands. There is no harm in the Lord’s hands, only good. Whatever happens, whatever results, if I am in the Lord’s hands it is the Lord’s will and it is good.”

― Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking

A great little prayer to start and think about throughout the day.

I like to think of crowding out the negative thoughts with simple ones like this.

To make the most of each day by thinking of the best things.

Fill yourself up with the good. With thoughts that help and build up.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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Joy is the serious business of Heaven. – C. S. Lewis

CS Lewis wrote a book titled – “Surprised by Joy”.

A major premise being that joy is something we are surprised by. Not something to held on to tightly but something to look for – out of the corner of your eye, in the right place and at the right time.

Those moments when nature or someone surprises you when you weren’t expecting it.

Put yourself in a position to be “surprised by joy”.

Spend time outside.

Call an old friend.

Pray.

Hug a loved one tight.

Write about something your thankful for.

Tell somebody you are thankful for them.

And then maybe do it again?

Make it a great day.

Jake

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https://youtu.be/bS6B8zC2CNI

A sunny song to keep this spring weather coming (hopefully).

Nothing important to say, just a reminder to take some time to enjoy the warmth and sun.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism. – Norman Vincent Peale

Maturity Moment for Jake – this one hit a little too close to home.

Praise is a good thing and we could all use more of it.

Criticism is a good thing and we could all use more of it.

Not sure about you, but I know which one I prefer.

This quote was a good reminder though….I could be praising myself right over a cliff.

Wisdom must be applied when dealing with power and both criticism and praise are powerful motivators.

Are you seeking out feedback? Not just the feedback you want to hear? Not only from the people that will say good things?

Make it a great day.

Jake

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For the mind disturbed, the still beauty of dawn is nature’s finest balm. – Edwin Way Teale

I heard the other day that at one point humans spent 85% of their time outside.

I don’t know about you, but I sure don’t spend enough time outside.

As winter winds down its seems like I feel the urge to get outside more and more.

As the weather warms up, I’m hoping it’s a good excuse to spend more time outdoors.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still. – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Reminder for the day – get moving forward.

Stop standing still.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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"Strong hearts and helpful hands are needed, and, fortunately, we have them in every part of our beloved country." — William McKinley

Apparently I’m getting old. Election year comes around and I’m tempted to complain and wish things were different.

To want others to see things my way or want the same future for our country that I do.

I’m trying to get better at focusing on what I can do to help.

To love my neighbor as myself.

To trust in God.

To believe in kindness and truth.

I’m not saying we don’t vote, get involved and work to do our part in the political process.

We should.

With love, kindness and trusting in God.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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https://youtu.be/xVOJla2vYx8?si=imd3aZTBWL1s7_yl

Last game of the basketball season last night and Maggie’s senior year has me thinking about this song.

The seasons of life continue to march on.

As I get older – I try to focus on the gratitude part of the changing seasons.

To be thankful for the season just experienced.

I sure do have lots to be thankful for (even when it doesn’t go perfectly or the way I would have picked it).

Make it a great day.

Jake

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https://www.facebook.com/reel/368998788981156

Jordan Peterson offers some direct talk here.

“It’s not ok to be a weak loser. The reason it’s not ok is because you could be way more than that. It’s a crime for you to let all that necessary potential to go to waste. It hurts you. It hurts your family. It hurts the world. Really.”

Putting in the effort to work through your own idiosyncrasies and to push through and become your best isn’t for you.

Sure, it helps you, but the real point is that you have something to give to others.

You were meant to be of service (in love).

Don’t give in to just getting by. To living day to day and not thinking it doesn’t matter what you do. It does matter.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

Valentine’s Day – the day of love.

The story running throughout the Bible is that God is love.

It’s behind everything He has done.

He loved you so much He sent His son to die on the cross for you. So that you can be with Him forever in heaven.

We run around every day, busy as bees. Thinking of all of our to dos, our worries, our anxieties and our selfishness.

He wants us to put that all down and be loved. Fully and completely.

On Valentine’s Day remember this – you are loved.

Make it a great day.

Jake

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