Philippians 4:8- “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”

A group of pioneers on the Oregon Trail suffered for weeks from lack of water & grass for their animals. Most of their wagons were broken down, causing delays in the heat. Spirits were low and morale was in the pits.
            One night, the leaders called a meeting to air complaints. When they gathered around the campfire, one man stood up and said, “Before we commence our gripe session, don’t you think we should thank God that He has brought us this far-with no loss of life, no trouble with the Indians, and enough strength left to finish the journey?”
            The settlers agreed and after a brief prayer, they started their meeting. And all that was heard was the sound of the crackling fire and the howling of the wolves in the distance. Apparently, after the time of prayer, no one felt they had grievances that were important enough to voice.
I doubt anyone has noticed…but there’s a ton of NEGATIVE stuff out there right now! (Yes, Sheldon…that was sarcasm!) Every time you turn on news, TV, social media or check the weather report…it just sounds bad. And that has a tendency to weigh on our attitudes and our general mood!
But I started naming some GOOD NEWS that I had heard or seen this week:

• NUMEROUS Wedding anniversaries! Some only a few years, some 50+!
• Friends that purchased a home…and that process working out for them!
• Dear friends had a baby (Congrats Tori & Kevin!) and others have them on the way! (Exciting news for the Vaughn family, the Faver family, and Gavin & Bree Bonestroo!)
• We got RAIN!! Of course we can use more, but a decent amount this weekend!
• Tom Banks is getting stronger every day, and John Bridges may be home for good this week!
• Exciting weddings happening in the next few days: Emily Roberts & Jonathan Langdon this week, former members Margie & Russ Michaud this weekend, and Veronica Vigil and Andrew Roybal in a couple of weeks!
• The sunsets in the summer! Amazing skies…then breathtaking stars after that! Wow!

 
Trust me friends…my attitude gets a little pouty lately. And it’s very easy to be discouraged at what we see in the news, in the weather, in the sports, and in the world! But Paul challenged us: don’t fill your mind thinking about THOSE things…THINK about the things of GOOD! Concentrate on the things that are lovely! SEARCH for the things that are ADMIRABLE! And don’t let the pain of the week take away the joy of the day!
 
Almighty Father, forgive me when I concentrate on the broken, and forget all the things that You make beautiful! May I CONCENTRATE on the good things You have given me…and may I bring hope to those around me!
In the name of my brother, Jesus, I praise You, Amen
 
Shalom Alachiem-May His Peace be upon you all! 
Don