The Cheerful Heart

The Internet Cafe Welcomes Teresa Lasher today!

The cheerful heart is a continual choice which can be a tough choice at times. In my experience, it is a conscious choice. I’ll admit it’s easier to exude gloom and doom and play the martyr. Sometimes it takes less effort to point out the negatives and totally ignore the blessings. “A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.” (The Message) Most days, it’s a matter of choosing to be joyful. I must choose to fill the day with song and thanksgiving to the Almighty.

A continual feast takes energy. Tough financial times, job loss, death of a loved one do not naturally equate a cheerful heart. Quite the opposite. Aren’t I exempt from the “cheerful heart” syndrome if the doctor discovers a brain tumor? After all, what human being would jump up for joy and shout, “Guess what? I may have cancer, or at the very least, may lose my eyesight!”

A continual feast takes faith in the God who created me and knows my every weakness. I must chose to trust in what cannot be seen, but still exists. Supernaturally, through the Holy Spirit, I can rejoice and look for “glass half full” implications today.

I praise God, for a friend from Pennsylvania who suggested I get my swollen eye checked. Much to my surprise, an MRI detected a growth which needed to be removed to avoid more eye deterioration. Through research and a series of miracles, God used neurosurgeons and modern technology as His instruments. Even through trying times, I give God the glory as He walked through this dark valley with me. (Psalm 23)

Hebrews 13:5 assures me,

Ask:

Is there some blessing in my life right now that I need to record in my “Grateful Journal?” Then, I need to share that blessing with someone so we can rejoice together.

Prayer:

Lord, open my eyes to the good things in my everyday life. Do not allow me to focus on negative circumstances. Fill this day with a song brought on by a cheerful heart. Allow my joy to radiate so those around me will be encouraged and trust you even more. Amen.

Blessings,

Teresa Lasher

Teresa can be reached at Terri@lasherstudios.com.

I’d love for you to visit my personal blog: http://lasherstudios.com/blog/

Lori MacMath

Lori's daily mantra includes praying, "I will take it Lord, ALL you have to give," and a commitment to live out Colossians 3:17 daily. It's her prayer that the energy that fills her spirit be with her till her dying breath! She lives in the Deep South with her husband of 21 years and her 3 children, where she seeks daily to be creative and use the gifts the Lord has given her. With the heart of an artist and a spirit to live intentionally missional, Lori strives daily to see Him in all that surrounds her. Encouraging women on their daily walk with the Lord is her passion! She attends Vintage 242 church where she is active in women's and children's ministries. Lori can be found daily at her own personal website, "All You Have to Give." http://www.allyouhavetogive.com

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