"The story of Joseph, the son of Jacob who was called Israel, is a vivid representation of the great truth that “all things work together for good to [those] who” love God. (SeeRom. 8:28.) Joseph always seemed to do the right thing; but still, more importantly, he did it for the right reason. And how very, very significant that is! Joseph was sold by his own brothers as a slave and was purchased by Potiphar, a captain of the guard of Pharaoh. But even as an indentured servant, Joseph turned every experience and all circumstances, no matter how trying, into something good.
This ability to turn everything into something good appears to be a godly characteristic. Our Heavenly Father always seems able to do this. Everything, no matter how dire, becomes a victory to the Lord. Joseph, although a slave and wholly undeserving of this fate, nevertheless remained faithful to the Lord and continued to live the commandments and made something very good of his degrading circumstances. People like this cannot be defeated, because they will not give up. They have the correct, positive attitude, and Dale Carnegie’s expression seems to apply: If you feel you have a lemon, you can either complain about how sour it is, or you can make a lemonade. It is all up to you."
Live above the Law to Be Free by Hartman Rector Jr. 1973
"A basketball coach claimed, “If you find a man on top of a mountain, he didn’t fall there.” If you and I are to reach the summit of our divine potential, we must work each step of the way. The path may be rugged, difficult, unheralded; but it can be successfully climbed if we are willing to work with all our strength and commitment.
Next, decide to believe. Believe in God. Believe in yourself. Believe that God is very interested in you as an individual, that he is anxious for you to succeed."
“Never get discouraged, whatever difficulties might surround [you]. If [you were] sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia, and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of [you], [you] ought not to be discouraged, but hang on, exercise faith and keep up good courage and [you] should come out on top of the heap.” (George A. Smith’s journal, quoted by Preston Nibley, in Church Section, 12 Mar. 1950, p. 16.)
Decide to Decide by REX D. PINEGAR
"Live your life how you want, but dont confuse drama with happiness" Ron Swanson in 'Parks and Recreation'
The decision to be happy is our choice. It isn't a circumstance that happens to us. This has been the hardest lesson for me as of late. Every day I try to wake up thinking," today is the day" and every night I go to bed saying," oh well... Tomorrow is another day." I look at my life and see lack of floral arrangements on my girls' heads, cuts, bruises, and homeless looking gremlins.
- I see Bella as a liar, when I should see the creativity she had to make up a story about her being pregnant with a cheetah cub and taking pills to stop contractions. Yes, this really happened at school.
- I view Alice as crazy, when I should be grateful she has a fun and entertaining personality. Alice peeing in the tee pee and then telling me about it means she's getting closer to finally being potty trained. She told me. It counts.
- I am frustrated Cecelia is so clingy. My attitude should be gratitude. I am thankful she loves us sooo much. She is here with us on earth. I wanted a Mama's boy and I got that minus the genitalia.
If you have everything under control, you aren't moving fast enough- Mario Andretti
My OCD has kept me from seeing the beautiful mess I have in my life. Life being messy isn't always a bad thing. The mess allows me to have the ability to reflect on what is most important in my life, which allows for progress and growth. If all else fails, watch Jerry Springer on repeat until you feel better about your life. I am thankful I know who my babies' daddy is. Don't let your faults become your identity.
