Yard Sale!

We are having a yard sale this weekend. I sure don't like all the work in preparing for a yard sale, I must admit. I do however, like making money and decluttering my home, so I do it.

This week we've been busy preparing for our yard sale. I've purged closets and dresser drawers. Gone through my kitchen cabinets and linen closet. We are even hoping to sell some bulky furniture that we don't 'need'.

We made flyers this time and put an advertisement in out little newspaper. The only thing I am concerned about is the timing, as it is Father's Day weekend. Oh well, I am just going to have to trust that the Lord is going to take care of it all.

I've been told be many locals that everyone loves yard sales here, so I am hopeful. Plus, I have a great friend who works at a local bank who has been spreading the word too.

Wish us luck on our yard sale tomorrow!

Have a lovely weekend and Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there...

Attitude ~

The definition of 'attitude' in the dictionary reads...

noun
1. manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, esp. of the mind: a negative attitude; group attitudes.
2. position or posture of the body appropriate to or expressive of an action, emotion, etc.: a threatening attitude; a relaxed attitude.

As a Christian our attitudes show others a lot about our faith, how well we deal with a difficult situation, and if we are trusting in God. Trusting in God is a very difficult thing when times are tough...and boy do I know it! Still, His word says...

Psalm 112:6-8 (New International Version)

6 Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever.

7 He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.

Pretty powerful words, yes?

~ Example ~

Today, I had an inquiry on some books I am selling. I was thrilled to get that email today. After corresponding back with the buyer, she decided to not buy the books. Usually I would be crushed by this...I needed that money to pay a bill! But I said, no I am not going to let this bring me down. This has to be satan taking my focus off the Lord and I can't receive His blessings if I am not focused on Him. I rebuked satan that second and praised the Lord for the buyer who inquired. I was feeling very good and full of hope to see how the Lord was going to provide for our needs.

Then an hour later I received another email from a potential buyer for the same books and a few more. This buyer did buy the books and her purchase was more than the first buyer! Not only did the Lord cover what the first buyer was going to spend, but He gave us more! Wow...I was/am so thrilled!! Praise the Lord!!!

I wanted to blog about attitudes today because this is an area which I believe is a great struggle for many of us, Christian or non-Christian alike. As a Christian we are to be His light and shine in honor of His glory. We are to be a witness to others who see us having a difficult time. Showing them how we are trusting in the Lord may be what brings them to know Christ, by showing them how wonderful it is to know Him, love Him, and trust in Him.

It isn't only about how our attitudes are when we ourselves are going through a difficult time, but how we counsel others who are going through difficult times. Having a good attitude in dealing with those people is equally important if not more important. We don't want to plant seeds of doubt when one is struggling because you cannot know what they have heard from the Lord. Do you know if they've been praying in earnest to the Lord for His guidance? Do you know if they have heard from the Lord? Has the Lord closed or opened doors for them? Wisdom would say that the best thing you should do for a person who you believe to be making the wrong decision is to pray for them. Fervently pray for your brother/sister in Christ. Because seeds of doubt are not of the Lord, but if someone is trusting you and coming to you for Godly counsel, then it would be prudent for you to be very careful in dealing with this person. Giving Godly counsel is quite serious and you don't want to mislead that person or misdirect that person from following God's will/word. So pray for them, fervently pray for them.

Remember, your attitude while giving that Godly counsel will speak volumes in how you feel and where your faith lies. Attitude is such a powerful emotion. It can either lift you up or tear you down. Having an attitude that will honor the Lord is what we should strive for and in accomplishing that, we must pray to Him and keep our focus on Him, He who loves us, is ever so faithful and trusting.

In His palm,