Half Empty/Half Full

Is this cup half empty or half full?

Lately, I've been contemplative about what its like to fully have a THANKFUL heart.

I've drawn a conclusion that when I have a pessimistic outlook on any type of situation in life (the glass is half empty)- I tend to be more ungrateful. And when I have a optimistic outlook on any type of situation in life(the glass is half full)- I tend to be more thankful.


Half Empty- PESSIMISTIC:
I think about the times I look at my life "half empty". I can focus on the things I dont have, or the things that aren't complete, or aren't perfect, or aren't entirely fixed, or not organized. I also think of the bad things- my kids are misbehaving, my husband is not perfect, my friends never call, or even I can go as far as focusing on mistakes, or bad relationships, or past hurts, or missed opportunities. THEN I really can start to feel discontent. I get all torn up into millions of pieces of pitifulness and unhappiness. This is not good. I hate finding myself in this attitude.

Half Full-OPTIMISTIC:
And then I think about the times I look at my life "half full". I can medititate on the things I do have, and the things that are complete, and working. I also think of the good things- my kids do love and care for eachother, my husband is so genuine and loving, my friends really do care for me. I can trail off to meditate on the accomplishments, and tribulations, healing relationships, and opportunities that I've had. THEN I really can start to feel content. I get built up in joy and gratefulness. This is a great place to be.

God's Word gives us intruction as to how to view life, Phillipians 4:8 says: "Finally, brothers, 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." I guess God knew that thinking of these mentioned things are better for our minds than the other things we can fill our minds with.

I've heard it once said like this "An undisclipined mind is like a battle field, the enemy can attack from every dircetion. A disclipined mind is like a mighty fortress, nothing can enter into it"

I want to challenge you all, to use Phillipians 4:8 as a filter, to purify the things of your mind. I promise, its a great path to having a THANKFUL heart.

TAGGED!!

So, I've been tagged by my pal (that I miss greatly) Ashley.





I am to post 7 weird or random facts about myself. Here goes!

1. I really don't need alot of sleep, I can get an average of about 6 hours asleep at night and be fine. Works out perfect as a mom of four!!
2. I use to live in a children's home called the Methodist Home. An experience I will never forget. Maybe I will blog about it someday.
3. I really wish I lived back in the 1800's. For some reason I just desire that life- the dress, the daily life, the simplicity.
4. If you gave me to opportunity to swim in a pool of chocolate or ranch, I'd choose ranch for sure.
5. I have four tattoos: one little ladybug, two butterflies, and one clover. I use to have my tongue and belly pierced- but those can get taken out- the tattoos stay forever.
6. I married my sweet hubby when I turned 18. We have been married 11 years now, that makes me how old? And yes, our oldest is almost 10. We started out life young- and started a family early. (But wouldn't take it back for anything!)
7.I do not have one full-blooded sibling. I have four half brothers, and three half sisters. I was raised with my two of my half brothers. I've never met in person the others- only over phone and internet.

Now, I must tag 7 people. I tag Kathy, Becca, Steph, Annabeth, Angela, Becky, and Charity.

CHRISTmas!!!!

OK...so I am gonna rant here for a minute. I got home today and unloaded my groceries and realized all the grocery bags that carried my groceries had "Have a Jolly Holiday" decorated all over the bag. What happened to "Merry Christmas"?!?

This bothers me.

SO much so- that Im thinking about not shopping there for the Christmas holidays.

Then I heard over my local radio station that the Focus on the Family sent certified letters to the CEOs and marketing executives of 33 leading retailers inviting them to share their plans to generously use the term ”Christmas” in their 2008 catalogs and Web publications. They also requested information about their policies regarding in-store use of the term “Merry Christmas.”

In exchange for an early commitment to use the term “Christmas,” Focus on the Family offered to share the decision's with the world early in the shopping season.

Eight of the 33 retailers replied with enthusiasm and stated their plans to generously use the term “Christmas.” In fact, a number of them intend to increase their use of “Christmas” this year.

The eight that plan to intentionally recognize Christmas are:
Best Buy
Cabela's
Kohl's
Lowe's
Nordstrom
Pier 1 Imports
Toys "R" Us
Wal-Mart

Focus on the Family qoutes "We trust these industry leaders will make good on their promise and publish “Christmas-friendly” material as they roll out their catalogs and Web sites. As you observe their “Christmas-friendly” approach, please thank them and patronize their stores."

GAP, Banana Republic and Old Navy were also kind enough to send a reply but did not convey a clear commitment to use the term “Christmas.” Rather, they communicated their intent to approach their marketing in broad and diverse terms.

They have not received a reply from the following retailers:
American Eagle
Barnes & Noble
Bed, Bath & Beyond
Bloomingdale's
Borders
Circuit City
Crate&Barrel
Dick's Sporting Goods
Dillard's
Eddie Bauer
The Home Depot
JCPenney
KB Toys
Kmart
Lane Bryant
Lands' End
Linens 'n Things
L.L. Bean
Macy's
Neiman Marcus
Sears
Target

After they review the publications for all 33 retailers, they will publish their ratings. Watch for the complete list and more details on CitizenLink.com.

TAKE ACTION
Since their staff can’t possibly monitor what’s happening in local stores across the country, please let them know what you notice as you visit these 33 retailers. They encourage the utmost respect and kindness, of course, should you offer any feedback to your local stores. You can e-mail them your observations.

As you observe the “Christmas-friendly” approach of these eight retailers, please thank them and patronize their stores.

Best Buy (612) 291-1000
Cabela’s
Kohl’s (262) 703-7000
Lowe's
Nordstrom (206) 303-6000
Pier 1 Imports (817) 252-8000
Toys "R" Us (973) 617-4040
Wal-Mart