Strengthening Your Ability to Cope

Coping is a necessary part of gaining and maintaining mental and emotional health. Through many stages of life, we all face challenging times and even adversity so it is always good to keep an arsenal of coping tactics in your pocket to get through them.

Start Small

Oftentimes, problems that come up in life have smaller problems attached to them. By solving these smaller problems, you can gain a better sense of control and resolve the situation in a more efficient and less stressful manner.

Focus on the “Can”

Another way to gain a bigger sense of control over difficult situations and cope more effectively is to focus on the things you can control, rather than putting energy into worrying about the things you cannot change.

Prepare in Advance

It has been said: “Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy”. By looking to the future and anticipating situations or problems in advance, you can adequately prepare for something that may otherwise feel overwhelming. Your ability to cope will be much higher, as you approach a problem already armed with the tools to successfully make it through.

Think and Speak Positively

There is great power in the words we choose to use when we think of ourselves, our situations and our abilities. This article recommends staying away from words such as “always” or “never” because using them can lead to a situation seeming hopeless and take away from our ability to succeed. When you find yourself struggling through a situation, choose to use positive words to talk through the problem at hand. This will be good not only for your mental and emotional well being, but has also been shown to have great physiological effects as well.

Build a Healthy Support System

One key to successfully navigating troublesome situations is to have a support system. As you talk with a trusted friend, a close family member, or even a professional counselor, you will find your ability to cope increases each time. It is possible those you choose to trust have experienced similar situations and will be able to provide you with comfort and even advice.

Take Time to Meditate

Whether this means doing yoga, taking time for prayer, or simply just being still and taking deep breaths for a while, meditation does wonderful things for your mental wellbeing. In the calm and peace you find from meditation, coping with the task at hand will be much more manageable.

Limit the Substances

Occasionally, people will turn to less healthy coping mechanisms like medications, cigarettes, alcohol, and even caffeine. While these can help you to feel better for the moment, eventually you will experience a drop off. The return to reality will only add to the stress of your situation. Find healthy things to put into your body, like fruits and vegetables. Exercise regularly. When you feel good physically, you are in a much better position to cope mentally and emotionally.

Teach Your Children to Cope

Just as it is important for us to be able to cope, it is just as important to help children learn how to cope early in life.  As children encounter disappointments and difficulties they will be able to face them in a healthy manner. Here are some ways you can influence the children in your life and help them learn good coping skills:

• Encourage them to face their problems head on. Rather than avoiding their problems, they can find solutions for them and learn great skills for problem solving.
• Express confidence in their abilities. This is true in any situation, not just when facing trials. Avoid the tendency to take charge of areas where children can learn for themselves. This will help them develop confidence in themselves.
• Acknowledge that unfairness, cruelty, and sorrow do exist. Eventually every person experiences each of those and it is better to know how to get through them than to be caught off guard with a false sense of reality.
• Listen to them and validate their feelings. There are times when children will want their own opinions and feelings heard. That is completely normal and should be treated with respect. However, tantrums and poor behavior are not acceptable ways for them to communicate these feelings. Help them learn mature and effect modes of communication.

As you encounter problematic situations that inevitably come up in life, healthy coping skills will ensure that you get through these situations and find yourself on the other side happy, stronger and better able to cope with the next trial life brings your way.

Got 5 minutes? 3 Bible Stories on Strong Mother Figures

The Bible contains great examples for people from all walks of life. Here are three Bible stories that illustrate the power of faithful women and mothers.

Ruth - An Example of Faith

After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to continue living with her mother-in-law, Naomi. This decision meant she would not be returning live with her biological family in Moab, an area that revered traditions that did not align with the truths of the God of Israel. Naomi encouraged Ruth to return to her own mother, but Ruth demonstrated great faith, hope, and love for Naomi when she said: “. . . whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth chose to forsake family, friends and other familiarities to stay with Naomi so she could continue to live in righteousness. Ruth was willing to sacrifice much to do what was right and exercised great faith to embrace truth. Ruth was blessed; she eventually married again, and through her lineage, the Savior was born.

Hannah - An Example of Prayer

Hannah is another woman in the Bible who demonstrates sacrifice and faith. Hannah was unable to have children, leaving her in bitterness of soul. In faith, Hannah turned to the Lord in prayer and “poured out [her] soul before” Him (1 Sam. 1:15). Hannah vowed that if the Lord would grant to her a child, she would give him to the Lord, or raise him to follow the teachings of the Lord all the days of his life. Hannah’s prayers were answered and her son, Samuel, was born. Hannah kept her promise and sent Samuel to be raised in the Temple of the Lord. Samuel later became a great prophet. Hannah’s love for the Lord, her faith and her sacrifice are great examples to us of how to pattern our own lives.

Eve - An Example of Motherhood

Eve was a great mother. She was the first of all women and a great example of how to live and raise children in righteousness.

In “Lessons from Eve,” a talk given by Russell M. Nelson, he highlights five things Eve accomplished during her life which we can also emulate:

1. She labored beside her companion (see Moses 5:1).

2. She and Adam bore the responsibilities of parenthood (see Moses 5:2).

3. She and her partner worshipped the Lord in prayer (see Moses 5:4).

4. She and Adam heeded divine commandments of obedience and sacrifice (see Moses 5:5, 6).

5. She and her husband taught the gospel to their children (see Moses 5:12).

As a mother, you have the power to make a difference. Read tips on giving your children what matters most here.

**Stories taken from here

SAFEGUARD YOUR FAMILY WITH PRAYER

"There has never been a time when we had greater need to pray and to teach our family members to pray. Prayer is a defense against temptation. It is through earnest and heartfelt prayer that we can receive the needed blessings and the support required to make our way in this sometimes difficult and challenging journey we call mortality.” -Thomas S. Monson

"As a people, aren’t we grateful that family prayer is not an out-of-date practice with us? There is no more beautiful sight in all this world than to see a family praying together. There is real meaning behind the oft-quoted ‘The family that prays together stays together.’ The Lord directed that we have family prayer when He said, ‘Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed’ (3 Nephi 18:21).” -Thomas S. Monson

Families that pray together build eternal relationships on a foundation of strength, comfort, inspiration, and love.

Whether we struggle with challenges, live away from home, or want to unify the members of our family, the Lord blesses us when we pray with our families.

"Nothing can take the place of kneeling with our families and petitioning God for His help, guidance, and mercy. If we would help save and strengthen our families, nothing else we do can replace family prayer. I have often reflected upon my own experience growing up in a home with family prayer. I don’t remember ever being instructed by my parents on how to pray. It was just something we always did in our family. My earliest memories of prayer are kneeling as a family around the kitchen table, feeling the steady, unwavering faith of my father. Although he passed away more than a quarter of a century ago, I will be eternally grateful for his humble and sincere prayers. He had many sayings and proverbs he used to impart to us children, but no phrase of his is more often remembered than one I heard him pray every time he spoke to Heavenly Father. It wasn't a vain repetition but a daily, heartfelt, and sincere petition: “Wilt Thou bless the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, and those who have cause to mourn.” Little did I realize at the time that my father was teaching me compassion for others less fortunate and mercy for those in need. No lecture or lesson has had as far-reaching an impact on my soul as did this simple, faithful, heartfelt plea of my earthly father to our Heavenly Father" -Gordon B. Hinckley

Be Consistent

The challenge for parents in this age of rapid transit, rapid communication, and hectic schedules is that families can easily fall into the habit of rapid prayer or no prayer at all. Gathering the family together can be quite a challenge when everyone seems to be headed in different directions at different times. 

President Kimball counseled: “When we kneel in family prayer, our children at our side on their knees are learning habits that will stay with them all through their lives. If we do not take time for prayers, what we are actually saying to our children is, ‘Well, it isn’t very important, anyway. We won’t worry about it. If we can do it conveniently, we will have our prayer, but if the school bell rings and the bus is coming and employment is calling—well, prayer isn't very important and we will do it when it is convenient.’ Unless planned for, it never seems to be convenient.”

Be Flexible and Creative

Some parents may get discouraged trying to hold family prayer. It may be challenging because of conflicting work hours and school schedules, it sometimes seems impossible for them to gather their families to the same place at the same time. Even so, with faithful devotion and a little inspired creativity, families can find a way to pray together. 

Don’t Let It Slide

President Hinckley has encouraged parents to be hopeful and to persist in holding family prayer, even if the blessings of doing so are not immediately apparent: “I give you my testimony that if you sincerely apply family prayer, you will not go away unrewarded. The changes may not be readily apparent. They may be extremely subtle. But they will be real, for God ‘is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him’ (Heb. 11:6).”

Faithful adherence to the counsel of prayer brings forth blessings. Most children probably don’t realize the impact their parents’ example will have on the rest of their lives, but parents must persevere and continue to be an example to their children.

Teach Your Little Ones

Although children learn to pray as they listen to their parents pray, family prayer is meant to be a time for all the family to participate. Even very small children should have the opportunity to voice family prayer. “One cannot learn to pray by merely listening, but must be given experience.” 

As children participate in family prayer and hear their parents speak to God in humility, with faith in Jesus Christ, they can begin to learn things of the soul in a setting that cannot be duplicated anywhere else. During family prayer, children may begin to consider the answers to the great questions of the ages: “Who am I?” “Why am I here?” “Where am I going?” Through family prayer—and their own personal prayers that are thus encouraged—children will begin to learn that they are sons and daughters of a loving Father in Heaven, that they are here as part of a great and wise plan of happiness, and that they can hope to return to their Father after this life. It is through family prayer that children become acquainted with many eternal family values.

As parents pray for the Holy Spirit to be in their home, children will come to know the importance of seeking the Spirit in their own lives. As children hear their parents plead for help in resolving difficult challenges and then witness the answers to those prayers, they will begin to develop a spirit of inquiry of their own. They will pray with a desire to knock, seek, and ask for help with problems and trials they face in their own lives (see Matt. 7:7–11). The spirit and behavior that parents leave as a model when they approach Heavenly Father in prayer will have an important, long-lasting effect on their children. As President Kimball once reminded parents, “Your little ones will learn how to talk to their Father in Heaven by listening to you as parents. They will soon see how heartfelt and honest your prayers are. If your prayers are a hurried and thoughtless ritual, they will see this too.”

Don’t Wait to Begin

Families that have not been having family prayer should not wait for some change in conditions or some ideal time to start. There is no better time to begin than now. Family prayer is a habit that should be part of a family from its beginning—when a husband and wife become one through marriage. 

Sometimes there are special circumstances—a spouse or child who declines to participate, for instance. But if the spouse will permit prayer or if the child will be present, even without participating, a heart often can be won in the end by humble, persistent, loving example. Over time, the benefits of family prayer usually become obvious even to those who decline to participate, and they may be learning from what they observe, even when they do not realize it. 

The end result is worth whatever sacrifices we make to build the habit—and often these are no more than small sacrifices of time. President Hinckley has said: “I know of no single practice that will have a more salutary effect upon your lives than the practice of kneeling together as you begin and close each day. Somehow the little storms that seem to afflict every marriage are dissipated when, kneeling before the Lord, you thank him for one another, in the presence of one another, and then together invoke his blessings upon your lives, your home, your loved ones, and your dreams.”

A prominent American judge was asked what we as citizens of the countries of the world could do to reduce crime and disobedience to law and to bring peace and contentment into our lives and into our nations. He carefully replied, ‘I would suggest a return to the old-fashioned practice of family prayer.

As a people, aren't we grateful that family prayer is not an out-of-date practice with us? There is no more beautiful sight in all this world than to see a family praying together. There is real meaning behind the oft-quoted ‘The family that prays together stays together.

Do you pray as a couple or family?

If so, why is prayer important to you?

**Information taken from various Ensign articles and messages**

FYI (really needed to hear this today): 
Loving this post I read this morning on choosing happiness.

Follow Diary of a Brown Eyed Girl on:

10 Virtues of a Proverbs 31 Woman

1. Faith - A Virtuous Woman serves God with all of her heart, mind, and soul. She seeks His will for her life and follows His ways and His perfect timing in all things. (Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 31: 29 – 31, Matthew 22: 37, John 14: 15, Psalm 119: 15

2. Marriage – A Virtuous Woman respects and loves her husband. She does him good all the days of her life. She is trustworthy and a helpmeet. She supports him and encourages him. (Proverbs 31: 11- 12, Proverbs 31: 23, Proverbs 31: 28, 1 Peter 3, Ephesians 5, Genesis2: 18)

3.  Mothering - A Virtuous Woman teaches her children the ways of her Father in heaven. She nurtures her children with the love of Christ, disciplines them with care and wisdom, and trains them in the way they should go. (Proverbs 31: 28, Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 22: 6, Deuteronomy 6, Luke 18: 16)

4. Health – A Virtuous Woman cares for her body and treats it as a Temple. She prepares healthy food for her family. (Proverbs 31: 14 – 15, Proverbs 31: 17, 1 Corinthians 6: 19, Genesis 1: 29, Daniel 1, Leviticus 11)

5. Service - A Virtuous Woman serves her husband, her family, her friends, and her neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit. She is charitable and always willing to lend a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. (Proverbs 31: 12, Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20, 1 Corinthians 13: 13)

6. Finances - A Virtuous Woman seeks her husband’s approval before making purchases and spends money wisely. She is careful to purchase quality items which her family needs. (Proverbs 31: 14, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 18, 1 Timothy 6: 10, Ephesians 5: 23, Deuteronomy 14: 22, Numbers 18: 26)

7.  Industry – A Virtuous Woman works willingly with her hands. She sings praises to God and does not grumble while completing her tasks. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 24, Proverbs 31: 31, Philippians 2: 14)

8. Homemaking – A Virtuous Woman is a homemaker. She makes the house a safehaven from the rest of the world. She establishes a house of  She creates an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family and guests. She uses hospitality to minister and help those around her. (Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20 – 22, Proverbs 31: 27, Titus 2: 5, 1 Peter 4: 9, Hebrews 13: 2)

I also love this scripture from the Book of Mormon. This is my desire for how I want our home to be...

"Establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God. That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High.
-D&C 88:119-120

9. Time - A Virtuous Woman uses her time wisely and trys to find the balance. She works diligently to complete her daily tasks. She does not spend time dwelling on those things that do not please the Lord. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 19, Proverbs 31: 27, Ecclesiastes 3, Proverbs 16: 9, Philippians 4:8 )

10. Beauty – A Virtuous Woman is a woman of worth and beauty. She has the inner beauty that only comes from Christ. She uses her creativity and sense of style to create beauty in her life and the lives of her loved ones. (Proverbs 31: 10Proverbs 31: 21 – 22, Proverbs 31: 24 -25, Isaiah 61: 10, 1 Timothy 2: 9, 1 Peter 3: 1 – 6)

Are there any virtues that you can think of that are not on the list??

Would love to hear your thoughts and comments!!

Psalm 23

The Book of Psalms is one of the most beautiful and meaningful books of the Bible.

 

King David, who wrote this Psalm, grew up and worked as a shepherd, so he knew a lot about sheep and shepherding. He loved the metaphor of seeing God, or the Lord, as a shepherd. The shepherd’s job is to care for his flock, making sure they are safe, nourished, calm and happy at all times. Sheep are vulnerable to danger from wolves and other predators because they cannot run very fast, and they are not always smart enough to avoid danger. To care for them correctly and safely, sheep require a shepherd to take them to the fertile areas to graze, protect them from predators and other hazards, and keep them together so they don’t stray from the group. This is the job of the shepherd.  God does this for us, if we submit to His will.
 

             The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

 

 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

If this prayer seems helpful for you, use it often and learn to appreciate that when you truly embrace the concept of God as your shepherd and guide, you will be protected and helped in ways you cannot imagine.



What I'm Thankful For

Scripture Sunday

Shirt: F21//Jacket: Ross//Skirt: Thrifted//Shoes: Payless //Necklace: F21

Purse: JcPenney//Sunglasses: TJ Maxx

Alma 34:20-28

Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.
Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.

Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.

Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.

 Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.

Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.

 But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.

 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.

And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need-I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith.

Weaknesses Into Strengths

It is usually pride that keeps us from being shown our weaknesses.

It is humility that allows the Lord to show us our weaknesses.

He says we are given weaknesses for a reason.

  That we may humble ourselves...

Our weaknesses present us with a choice.

We can choose to turn to the Lord for help, or we can choose to try and overcome it ourselves.

If we choose to turn to the Lord, our weaknesses then become strengths ... through His power.

This mortal test was purposefully designed to bring us to our knees.

To make us want to cry-out for a Savior.

One of my favorite Hymns is "I Need Thee Every Hour"

We do need Him every hour.

I think about the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane before He
was placed on the cross.

There the greatest single act of love of all recorded history took place.

Our PERFECT loving Savior was on His knees crying out to our
Father in Heaven.

 "Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee;
 take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.”
How much more do we need to cry out to our Father in Heaven.

Our only Hope is Christ.

There is no other way or means to heaven, but through Him!

This reality requires us to humble ourselves before Him.

Many people don't want to admit that they need help with something, that they cannot do it under their own power.

Before coming to know the Lord a few years ago, I tried that.

It doesn't work.

I became frustrated because I felt like nothing in my life
was working out.

 It wasn't.

 I felt like I was walking through life with a blindfold,
not knowing what my purpose was and I felt no hope for my future.

 I was going down all the wrong paths trying to find peace and happiness in partying, money, shopping, and other people.

Only to soon find out that it only provides a cover up for a time and then quickly fades away.

For me, knowing that I have weaknesses and I am imperfect is okay...

that in some pre-mortal realm I agreed to accept the weaknesses that I have. 

This reality changes everything for me.

 When I counsel with the Lord in all my doings I feel close to Him and I feel like I can do anything... and I can do anything through Him who strengthens me.

Together, the Lord and I are taking my weaknesses and using them to teach me, humble me, and ultimately make me stronger.

 Without my weaknesses, such growth would not be possible, and I would feel no real need to cry unto my Savior, or make use of the great gift He has given me in the form of His Atonement!

I am grateful for all my many weaknesses and imperfections
because it makes me who I am and I know I can overcome
my weaknesses and imperfections through Him!

Have a great Friday & a fabulous weekend!!

Testimony Tuesday

Good Morning! It's that time again for Testimony Tuesday!

Today Kerri is visiting us from Love Always

Guys...she is seriously AMAZING and she is here to share her testimony with you.

You can feel through her words the love that she has for the Lord.

WARNING: Be prepared to get chills all over

Hey! I'm Kerri
I blog over at Love Always

This is me and my cute Husband.

and this is my testimony....

I contemplated sharing one of those- oh wow miracle stories of mine.
because i figured i should since it is testimony tuesday.
then i really started thinking about a testimony and how it is gained.
testimonies are not born from the once in a while big miracle moments.
those moments are special situations when he decides to come down and write his divine signature on your heart, just because He loves us.

a testimony is gained from little moments- and not all at once.
those everyday tender mercies that we receive because of the Lord's love for us.
they nurture our soul and allow a beautiful faith and confidence to continually grow in our hearts.

for example- last sunday night, i was on the verge of tears at the thought of enduring the monday ahead of me. scratch that. the verge had come and gone. i was in tears.
the dreadful monday.

chalk full of classes, studying, appointments, and an opening and closing shift at work.
i am 9 weeks pregnant right now which means i have about 2% of my normal energy.

i honestly didn't think i could get through the 18 hour day.

i prayed. i prayed that i could just make it through the day.
and guess what? i did.

throughout the day, i found little comforts.
finding a new song i could listen to that seemed to re-energize me,
venting to a doctor about all my pregnancy symptoms,
work wasn't as busy as usual, and i was able to get in a quick nap,
and biggest shocker of all, i was in a happy mood all day.
i randomly felt like giggling or hugging a stranger
my husband hardly recognized me
because I've been quite sick and sluggish the past month and a half.

these sorts of things happen to me whenever i am humble enough to turn to the Lord.
they seem small, maybe even sound insignificant-

but praying and asking for divine help; although it doesn't necessarily make life perfect-
it does allow to me to live my days with my eyes open a little wider and i am able to recognize the small blessings i am always receiving.

my testimony is not based on the big huge miracles that have happened in my life,
although those didn't hurt ;)

it is a compilation and a combination of all the love i have felt and all the blessings i have received from my Father in Heaven; and all the love i have consequently felt towards the Lord and so many of the His children on this earth, the love that is undoubtedly rooted in Him.

thank you so much for having me Kimberly!



Want to participate in Testimony Tuesday?!?!
Email me if you are interested!
bostonksox@gmail.com

Quote of the Day:

"Our hope is not in any one election...

The most important election in your lifetime is your election into the household of God....

Mood Swings

 

I believe that there's a time to pray and a time to act. And even though it's not easy sometimes, confrontation is often necessary. If you feel the need to confront someone or something in your life, make sure you do it. 

If someone has treated you badly, you don't have to let them continue to disrespect you, de-value you or mistreat you. Obviously it won't help you, and it won't help that person either. Confront them about it in a nice way.Maybe what you need to confront isn't a person. Maybe it's something you've let creep into your life uninvited, like negative thoughts, a bad attitude or habitual sin. 

We shouldn't let these things control us...

We need to confront them face first...

Some people let unstable moods and out-of-control emotions take control of their lives. They feel miserable all the time and feel like nothing good can happen to them. 

Does this sound like you?

Challenge: Start with saying

 "I'm going to do something great with my life!" Get rid of small thinking and begin thinking according to what God's Word says and promises.

When you first feel your mood sinking, that's when you need to get a hold of yourself. As the Bible says, "Resist the devil at his onset (James 4:7)

 Even if someone's done you wrong, forgive them in the first 5-10 minutes or you'll sink deeper into that bad mood, and it will be harder to deal with and let go of.

You don't have to feel like doing the right thing to do it. Just take that first step and make the choice to do it.

Stability is defined as the ability to quickly return to a calm, stable state when disturbed, disappointed or upset; the strength to stand or endure any situation and remain calm. One of the most wonderful gifts we can give others or ourselves is stability, or dependability. It's a sign of choosing to trust God. Once we're stable, we will have the ability to do what we're called to do.

Trusting in God and relying on Him is the key to moving forward into the things God has in store for us. 

You never know what's going to happen when you get up in the morning for that day, but God wants us to rely on Him and look to Him all throughout the day for guidance and direction.

A dozen opportunities may arise to get you offended or to say stupid and negative things, but no matter what you feel like inside—even if you feel like you're going to blow up—you have a choice. Are you going to throw a fit, or are you going to go to God and ask Him to help you to change your mood? 

I had a situation this week happen and made me feel like I was going to "blow up" and I felt like I had to vent and tell everyone around me. I have to admit...it was hard trying to take a step back, take a deep breath and get a hold of my negative mood. I feel so grateful that we have the gift to communicate anytime we want with God and tell him what we are feeling. I said a silent prayer to myself and asked God to help me with the situation and help me to calm down and relax.

He did just that :)

When you immediately go to Him, suddenly something will change inside you. Once you get into the habit of this, you will start to see those moods and bad attitudes leave a little sooner. That "uninvited guest" may try to come back, but you will have already decided to not let him in! 

Make a choice...then do it.