Attitudes

This page presents the alternatives we have for the patterns of thinking which color our world. We can choose what we think about.

Use this graphic to train your mind to think differently. Can you see three different perspectives?
1) a solid cube, with a dark top, floating in front of the larger cube;
2) a solid cube sitting at the back of a room with a darker floor;
3) an empty section cut out from the front corner of a large cube.

Credits: C.L. Stong, Scientific American, The Amateur Scientist; Nov. 1974. Art: Bob Ausbourne

Topics this page:

"The View"

I Am Thankful

We Don't Have To Feel Bad

The Letter from Jesus

Resources From Here

Your comments???

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About this site

Being Tactful

Being Joyful

Recovery from Addictions

Voice of Arthur Godfried as Yagro saying “I can't take it anymore” from Disney's Alladin

"The View"

Forwarded from Judy Tyner
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
Epilogue. . . .There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy. "Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."

Les Trois Masques by Raoul Dufy. Get this print framed for your wall!

Get this framed for your wall!

“To cheer yourself up, try cheering someone else up.”

"I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when not feeling it. I believe in God even when He is silent."
—Anonymous inscription on the wall of a cellar in Cologne, Germany, where Jews hid from the Nazis.

Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?

“It isn't your problems that are bothering you. It is the way you are looking at them.” —Epictetus (55-135AD)

“The soul is born old, but grows young. That is the comedy of life. The body is born young and grows old. That is life's tragedy.” —Oscar Wilde

“I have discovered that patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” —Joyce Meyer

I am thankful

For the wife who says it's hot dogs tonight because she is home with me, not with someone else.
For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes, because that means she is at home & not on the streets.
For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.
For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.
For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.
For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.
For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.
For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.
For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.
For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.
For the noise from my neighbor, because it means that I can hear.
For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means that I have clothes to wear.
For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.
And finally, for too much e-mail, because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.

'Migrant Mother, Nipomo, CA 1936' by photojournalist Dorothea Lange became the face of the Great Depression [from Eyestorm.com]

“Nobody really cares if you're miserable, so you might as well be happy.”
—Cythina Nelms

“People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
—Abraham Lincoln

You can't start over, but you can start again.

Sign in a New York restaurant:
"Customers who find our waitresses rude ought to see the manager."

We Don't Have To Feel Bad

From a "New Age" perspective:
Sometimes we slip into "always" or "never" attitudes, where things seem black or white ("never" grey) and we are either high on the wings of hope or deep in the gulf of hopelessness. Beware! If you find yourself thinking something "always" or "never" happens, it cannot be true. Yet the certainty of "always" is preferred because it does away with the anxiety of uncertainty. Remember that uncertainty is movement and change .... the very stuff and source of creativity. Embrace the uncertainty and watch the anxiety melt away. — Linda Peterson at Life By Design.

By changing your thinking,
You change your beliefs;
When you change your beliefs,
You change your expectations;
When you change your expectations,
You change your attitude;
When you change your attitude,
You change your behavior;
When you change your behavior,
You change your performance;
When you change your performance;
You Change Your Life!
— Stuart Levy

From a Christian perspective:
From the Cynic's Dictionary:
POSITIVE THINKING: Self-improvement through self-deception.
My happiness doesn't come from just looking on the bright side of things.
My happiness comes from my gratefulness to the all-powerful creator of the universe who is active in today's world. I'm thankful that I've been given the gift of faith. No matter what happens, heaven awaits me because I have been given a position with Christ.
“Don't tell me about your gratitude! Your attitude will display your gratitude.”
“Thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work.” —Psalm 92:4 (KJV)

“When Satan reminds you about your past; remind him about his future.”
Satya Kandula writing in the Utne Reader: I said, "have a great day, and lots of fun." He said "Ok mom, I'll try, but it's not always possible."

Note that these are to be read to ourselves and not to others (who may be more receptive to a kind hug than to scripture).

I don't have to think/feel ... because ...

I'm too tired Jesus Christ said “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:28-30

I can't go on “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.“ Therefore, “boast all the more gladly” about your weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on you. —2nd Corinthians 12:9

I'm not smart enough “Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.” —2 Corinthians 1:12

I'm not able “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” —2nd Corinthians 9:8

I don't have what it takes “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” —Romans 12:6
I'm not getting better “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” —Philipians 1:6

I can't compete “If God be for me, who can be against me.” —Romans 8:31

I'm all alone “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5 “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Mathew 28:20

I don't know what to do “A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?” Proverbs 20:24 “God gives wisdom to all men generously and without reproach who ask Him for it.” —James 1:5,

I feel trapped “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” 1Corinthians 3:17 and
“It was for freedom that Christ set me free.” —Galatians 5:1

I can't stand it “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” —Philippians 4:12-13

I never get a break “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who have been called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28

I'm afraid “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, and love and a sound mind.” 2nd Timothy 1:7 “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.” —Matthew 10:28

I'm worried “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:19

It's impossible “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” —Luke 18:27

I have lost everything Christ will “provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” —Isaiah 61:3

I don't have enough faith “think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” —Romans 12:3

I am a failure “In all things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” —Romans 8:37

I'm not strong enough “The Lord is the strength of my life.” —Psalm 27:1 “Though the fig tree should not blossom, And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail, And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold, And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds' feet, And makes me walk on my high places.” —Habbakuk 3:17-19

People are getting away with murder “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recompense everyone according to his deeds.” —Mathew 16:27

I can't forgive myself “There is no condemnation for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:1 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” —1st John 1:9

I am useless “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” —2nd Corinthians 1:3-5

Nobody loves me “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16

There is no hope for me “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.” —1st Thessalonians 4:16-18

“It is not by miraculous deliverance that our faith grows, but by discovering God's faithfulness in the midst of our pain.” —Margaret Clarkson
Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to metal: it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it. —Eliza Tabor

Emergency Numbers

Are the pages of this book fanned toward you or away from you? This is an optical illusion. (The vertical line can be the outside spine of the booklet or the inside 'gutter' of the book.) Open the book ...

Adapted from Naomi Mohr's Single Tidbits
Many people have a long list of supporters who they depend on when things get a little rough. Most of us would say our mother, best friend, spouse, etc.

Who do you run to in times of trouble?
Do you reach for the phone or run to the throne?

Where on the list is Jesus? Next to which number is God?

Please remember They (God and Jesus) are there and Their greatest joy is to comfort you when thing go wrong, to rejoice with you each time you take a step forward and to catch you when you fall.
Jesus loved you enough to die for you, surely such a sacrifice speaks volumes of love . . . . why not trust Him with your problems? He has said He'll never leave you. Why do you search for company when in sorrow? He has said He will never forsake you, so why do you say or feel you are alone?

He waits with open arms to comfort, heal, help, strengthen, lift, carry, hold, calm, rescue, protect, raise and bless you.
There has never been a problem that He couldn't solve, a heart that He couldn't mend, an illness that He couldn't cure . . . or a cry that He couldn't hear.

When in sorrow, call John 14
When men fail you, call Psalm 27
If you want to be fruitful, call John 15
When you have sinned, call Psalm 51
When you worry, call Matthew 6:19-34
When you are in danger, call Psalm 91
When God seems far away, call Psalm 139
When your faith needs stirring, call Hebrews 11
When you are lonely and fearful, call Psalm 23
When you grow bitter and critical, call 1 Corinthians 13

For Paul's secret to happiness, call Colossians 3:12-17
For idea of Christianity, call 1 Corinthians 5:15-19
When you feel down and out call Romans 8:31-39
When you want peace and rest, call Matthew 11:25-30
When the world seems bigger then God, call Psalm 90
When you want Christian assurance, call Romans 8:1-30
When you leave home for labor or travel call Psalm 121
When your prayers grow narrow or selfish, call Psalm 67
For a great invention/opportunity, call Isaiah 55

When you want courage for a task, call Joshua 1
How to get along with your fellowman, call Romans 12
When you think of investments/returns, call Mark 10
If you are depressed, call Psalm 27
If your pocketbook is emply, call Psalm 37
If people seem unkind, call John 15
If discouraged about your work, Call Psalm 126
If you find the world growing small, and yourself great, call Psalm 19

Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is necessary.

All lines are open to Heaven 24 hours a day!!

Feed your faith, and doubt will starve to death!!

I Am Accepted. I Belong.

“God does not justify us because we are worthy, but by justifying us makes us worthy.”
—Thomas Watson (1557-1592)

The following copyright by Richard Collins,1997 Sculptor.org

John 1:12

I am God's child.

John 15:15

I am Christ's friend.

Rom. 5:1

I have been justified.

1 Cor. 6:17

I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him.

1 Cor. 6:19-20

I have been bought with a price. I belong to God.

1 Cor. 12:27

I am a member of Christ's body.

Eph. 1:1

I am a saint.

Eph. 1:5

I have been adopted by God.

Eph 2:18

I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.

Col. 1:14

I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.

Col. 2:10

I am complete in Christ.

I Am Secure

Copyright by Richard Collins,1997 Sculptor.org

Rom. 8: 1-2

I am forever free from condemnation.

Rom. 8:28

I am assured that all things work together for good.

Rom. 8:31f

I am free from any condemning charges against me.

Rom. 8:35f

I cannot be separated from the love of God.

2 Cor. 1:21-22

1 have been established, anointed, and sealed by God.

Col. 3:3

I am hidden with Christ in God.

Phil. 1: 6

I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected.

Phil. 3:20

I am a citizen of heaven.

2 Tim. 1:7

I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.

Heb. 4:16

I can find grace and mercy in time of need.

1 Jn. 5:18

I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” —Romans 12:12 (NIV)

I Am Significant

Copyright by Richard Collins,1997 Sculptor.org

Mat. 5:13-14

I am the salt and light of the earth.

John 15:1-5

I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life.

John 15:16

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.

Acts 1:8

I am a personal witness of Christ.

1 Cor. 3:16

I am God's temple.

2 Cor. 5:17f

I am a minister of reconciliation for God.

2 Cor. 6:1

I am God's coworker (1 Cor. 3:9)

Eph. 2:6

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm.

Eph. 2:10

I am God's workmanship.

Eph. 3:12

I may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Phil 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

by Dr. Bob Moorehead, in Words Aptly Spoken Overlake Christian Bookstore (December 1995)

Some who quote this begin with "An African pastor was overwhelmed by rebels who demanded that he renounce his faith. He refused. The night before they took his life, he wrote the following lines on a scrap of paper:"

I am part of the "Fellowship of the Unashamed." I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I've stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals!

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought , compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, or burn up till I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops.

And when He comes to get His own, He'll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear.

Liverpool Street Station, London, 1951

The Letter from Jesus

Dear Ruth,
I'm going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I'd like to stop by for a visit.
Love Always,
Jesus

Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table.

"Why would the Lord want to visit me? I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer." With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets.

"Oh my goodness, I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to run down to the store and buy something for dinner." She reached for her purse and counted out its contents. Five dollars and forty cents.

"Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least." She threw on her coat and hurried out the door. A loaf of french bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey, and a carton of milk. leaving Ruth with grand total of twelve cents to last her until Monday. Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm.

"Hey lady, can you help us, lady?" Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alleyway. A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags.

"Look lady, I ain't got a job, ya know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and, well, now it's getting cold and we're getting kinda hungry and, well, if you could help us, lady, we'd really appreciate it."

Ruth looked at them both. They were dirty, they smelled bad and frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to.

"Sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, and I'm having an important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him."

"Yeah, well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway." The man put his arm around the woman's shoulders, turned and headed back into the alley. As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart.

"Sir, wait!" The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them. "Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to serve my guest." She handed the man her grocery bag.

"Thank you lady. Thank you very much!" "Yes, thank you!" It was the man's wife, and Ruth could see now that she was shivering.

"You know, I've got another coat at home. Here, why don't you take this one." Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoulders.

Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street..without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest. "Thank you lady! Thank you very much!"

Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front door, and worried too. The Lord was coming to visit and she didn't have anything to offer Him. She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox.

"That's odd. The mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day." She took the envelope out of the box and opened it

Dear Ruth,
It was so good to see you again. Thank you for the lovely meal.
And thank you, too, for the beautiful coat.
Love Always,
Jesus

The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed.

'Grand Central Station'. Get this print framed on your wall!

Get this print framed for your wall!

What if Jesus came?

“He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.”

From Here ...

The Motivational Mecca has an inspiring archive of ebooks, quotes, success stories, and links to motivational personalities.
Motivational Quotes.com publishes daily motivational quotes as well as wallpapers, music, postcards, and links.
How Can I Feel Good About Myself? Seeing ourselves as God does
What Can I Do With My Worry? Turning anxiety into trust
Do I Have The Right Kind Of Faith? Examining eight wrong objects of faith

“I was the most even tempered guy in the world — I was mad all the time.”
Joyfulness Prayers Preachers and Sermons Recovery from Addictions Being Tactful

Head of Poseidon (Greek Zeus) c.460-450 BC from The Bridgeman Art Library

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