I am thankful to see a little bit better news these days, although sadly much negativity is still circulating.  The reality is that bad things will happen.  We live in a sin cursed earth (read the book of Genesis to see the origins of that).  However, even though we see ugly, hard things around us there are many blessings. 

I have heard a saying, “Blessings come to those who notice.” There is Biblical truth in those words.  We can get too focused on the negative and miss the positive.  I’m not saying that we pretend the bad things never happen, but I think we need help to keep a proper perspective.

I love to tell stories – positive stories – stories of blessing.  I have told several in my blog.  God sent me some more this week.  The picture behind Psalm 34:8 was sent to me by a friend who was thinking of me.  #heartwarming!  Another day I saw a friend at the grocery store.  I had a big grin on my face as I waved through the window to get her attention.  We talked for a few minutes. I was smiling for a while after our conversation (especially when she waved at me at the next store).  That evening God painted the sky yellow, orange and pink as the sun was going down.  I love the beauty of sunset.  All of these happenings were hugs from God – blessings God sent my way. 

I am still processing the negative things that God allowed in my life this week.  He is using those to perfect me (James 1:2-4).  However, I want to notice and claim God’s goodness to get me through each day.  Blessings hold great power when we allow God to work.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessing you send my way: friends who know and love You, all the beauty in Your creation.  Please help me to keep a proper focus on the blessings in my life and encourage others to do the same.  Please give me the strength to view the challenges correctly and not let them weigh me down.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.