The 7 "Ups" of Life (by Carolyn Marshall)

I know most of us find the tons of junk email we get everyday a little annoying. Many avoid it by having it immediately sent to trash mail "Never Neverland". I am one of the few who love to get it. It’s easy to tell pretty quickly what is real junk; but, occasionally, you find jewels among the garbage. Sometimes, you will find a poem, video, or inspirational message that makes your heart smile, and you just have to pass it on. Here’s one that has been around awhile, but is good advice for anyone to have a great day.

© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

 

The 7 "Ups" of Life

1.  Wake Up

Decide to have a good day.

"Today is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

2.  Dress Up

The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.

A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man

looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3.  Shut Up

Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one

mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.

"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he

who speaks rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 13:3

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise."

Proverbs 19:20

4.  Stand Up

… for what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap

a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."

Galatians 6:9-10

5.  Look Up

… to the Lord.

 “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

6.  Reach Up

… for something higher. Always try to better yourself. Have FAITH.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

7.  Lift Up

… your prayers.

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done." Philippians 4:6

(AUTHOR UNKNOWN)

My prayer for all of you today is that you feel the power of change that these 7 "Ups" can make, and that God bless you with a new perspective in your life.

Reasons To Rejoice (by Carolyn Marshall)

Do you ever get up in the morning and think that you just aren’t sure how you are going to make it through the day? I can remember a time in my life when I dreaded going to bed at night because sleep would pass fast and then I would have to face the inevitable “tomorrow”.



© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

The people of our world are facing some very difficult times now. Regardless of whom we are, where we live, or how much money we make, at some point in our lives we all face times when we are afraid, sad, lonely, rejected, or poor (not necessarily in an economic way but, rather, poor spiritually) . Some find it difficult to cope because they feel there is no way out of their situation and that there is no hope for things to get better. But there is always hope, and there is always reason to be joyful. Here are just a few that Jesus gave us when he was speaking to His disciples:

“Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: ‘Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.” Luke 6:20-23

The bible is full from beginning to end with reasons for us to be full of hope and joy. If you are tired of running in never-ending circles; if you’re ready to say “goodbye” to the lies of the world, and “ Thank You, Lord!” for the promises of our Savior, then:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Now … REJOICE!