What you’re doing impacts how you’re doing. Or, put another way, what you’re doing influences how you’re feeling. A 2013 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology discovered that if you listen to upbeat music it can improve your mood. How many of you have felt lighter after listening to a stand-up comedian? How many … Continue reading What you’re doing impacts how you’re doing
attitude
The right attitude
I once heard about a man who had a heart attack. His life flashed before his eyes which scared him. As a result, he started to take better care of himself, pay more attention to the people he cared about, and live by better priorities. A friend noticed the change and came to visit. “How’d … Continue reading The right attitude
Pessimism & Optimism vs. Reality
There was a family with two boys. One was an extreme pessimist. The other was an extreme optimist. The parents didn’t like their extreme attitudes, so they tried a gift-giving experiment at Christmas to try and correct them. They thought that if they gave the pessimist a gift that was so over-the-moon awesome, he would … Continue reading Pessimism & Optimism vs. Reality
An accurate view of yourself
Some people have too HIGH a view of themselves. They think they’re always right and others are always wrong. They think it’s a privilege for you just to be in their presence. They think they’re the best thing since sliced bread. Others have a too LOW a view of themselves. They think they’re good for … Continue reading An accurate view of yourself
A willing spirit
In Psalm 51:10 David asks God to renew him. Then in verse 12 (CSB) he says, “sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.” The idea of a "willing spirit" resonates with me because it’s something I also want… especially on those days when my spirit is stubbornly UN-willing! An UN-willing spirit neglects God, neglects … Continue reading A willing spirit
He spat on me
I was driving up the four lane highway about to go under a bridge. I noticed a guy just standing there on top of the bridge looking down at the traffic. As I drove under… he spat on me! He had great aim because it went right in the middle of my windshield. What do … Continue reading He spat on me
It’s a win-win (With thanks to Billy Graham)
Yesterday we learned that the great preacher Billy Graham passed away at the age of 99. So for today’s devotional, and as a testament to Graham’s own teaching, let me share a story he once told, and which captures something about the hope that was deep within him. There was a 30 year-old truck driver … Continue reading It’s a win-win (With thanks to Billy Graham)
Thankful in a hellish experience
During World War Two, Corrie ten Boom and her family sheltered many Jews who were fleeing the Nazis. In 1944 the Nazi police seized Corrie, her sister Betsie, and their father. They ended up in a concentration camp, all the while holding firm to the promises of God. One day they moved into Barracks 28. … Continue reading Thankful in a hellish experience
At risk of contamination
Last year I overheard a child ask his mother this question: “What is Easter about?” The mom paused for a moment and said, “It’s about family and fun and chocolate and spring.” A part of me wanted to whip out my Bible and say, “Actually, it’s about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!” But … Continue reading At risk of contamination
Your second wind
I work out 3 or 4 times a week. And let me be honest with you. It’s not my favourite thing to do. I like how it makes me feel, and there are definitely some beautiful trails to bike and paths to run. But before I start, I usually have to convince myself it’s a … Continue reading Your second wind
The Up Devotional 