This paper pack coordinates with my new Deja’ Brew Digital Clip Art Kit, but with its contemporary color palette it can be used for much more than coffee-oriented designs.
There are 12, 12″ digital papers included in this kit for $2.98. There is a third kit in this series that I will have out in another couple of days (hopefully!) That kit is “Deja’ Brew Holidays” and has fall and winter art with a coffee theme. All three kits color coordinate for your use.
Also, I have a FREEBIE bookmark and gift tag set that is available at this link: LINK TO FREEBIE IN AIMEE ASHER STORE
SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: 1 Thess 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. NIV
COMMENTS: I’ve been watching people for many years. I am fascinated by watching how people weather the storms in their lives. It seems that the same storm that swamps one person and begins to send them underwater elevates another person to a new place in their walk with Christ. What makes the difference? What makes one person bitter and other better?
I’m not sure what the entire answer is but here are a few things I’ve observed over the years. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING. Circumstances come and circumstances go — God’s will as expressed in the scripture above isn’t about the circumstances — it’s about our response to them.
An attitude of gratitude carries us to victory especially over difficult circumstances. When faced with terrible struggles, those who lead a joyful life find their proper perspective by looking first to God. They recount what He has done in their lives in the past and begin to expect Him to bring them through the current situation as He has many, many times before. They express gratitude. They look for the good that can be brought out of difficulties. They ask God to use their current circumstances to touch others. They ARE NOT “ME” CENTERED, but are others and God-centered.
So far in my life, I have not yet met a continually depressed person whose life is characterized by a spirit of gratefulness and thanksgiving. For those that struggle with depression, I know that it can be a physical issue, a mental issue and a spiritual issue. Without discounting the physical aspect, there are ways that you can take control of your thoughts and choose to express gratitude for what you have and look up to God to make a way out of the darkness you feel trapped in. Your focus and attitude can change your feelings.
This scripture is a command. Notice it doesn’t say “Feel joyful. Feel prayerful. Feel grateful?” Instead it says “Be joyful always.” What’s the difference? Choice, pure and simple. I can choose to be joyful. I can choose my attitude and usually the feelings follow. If I wait for the feelings to take the steps toward the action I’m usually waiting and waiting and waiting….
When dreary thoughts come, try this exercise. Think about what God has done for you in the past week, month, or year and thank Him for His faithfulness. When you feel overwhelmed and depressed or perhaps feel that no one cares for you — ask God to show you someone who you can make a difference in their life today. Turn your thoughts outward rather than inward.
If you wish someone would call to cheer you up, find someone to call and cheer up! Be joyful! Spread joy! Be thankful! Spread thanksgiving to others. Find someone who is doing a great job and tell them so! Do you wish someone would take notice about what you are doing for them? Do you feel unappreciated? Trust me we ALL have to admit to feeling this on a regular basis, LOL! Look for someone else that is doing kind things and express your appreciation. These actions can go a long way to lifting your depression and blahs.
Joy is contagious! Gratefulness is contagious! Living in an attitude of thanksgiving produces great joy and satisfaction in our lives — without our circumstances changing one bit and if they do change?! Whoo hooo hoooo! IT’S PARTY TIME!
PRAYER: Lord, sometimes I find my eyes become downcast and I become so focused on my own needs that I can’t break loose of depression and heaviness of heart. Show me how to be joyful. Help me to learn that joy is an action not a feeling. Teach me the attitude of joy and gratefulness.
Remind me of all you’ve done for me in the past that I might express my heart of thanksgiving towards you in a new way. Let thanksgiving fill my heart and my mouth so that I can be filled with your presence and joy. Show me others who are in need of the joy of the Lord today and help me to be bring a ray of light to their dark and dreary world.
