Not that my decisions endangered me in anyway, but they cost me some precious time, sleep and
yes, money. What did I learn from this? A few things. One is, my decision was mine. I didn’t act on
what someone else told me I should do but instead, on what I believed was the right thing to do.
Two, my decision wasn’t one of selfishness. The better outcome of it would have blessed my
family. And three, the decision was made; it’s over, and now it is time to move on.
I refuse to wallow in my muck.
It’s time we stop beating and bruising ourselves over past mistakes. If I had allowed myself to
dwell on the negative aspects of my decision, it would have taken away the joy and excitement God
wanted me to experience. Dread is a trap, and you must be determined not to fall into it. I’ve made
a quality decision to enjoy my life in spite of circumstances, whether I’ve engineered them or not. I
have a vision board next to my bed that reminds me every morning to command how I desire my
day to develop. And you can do the same thing. No matter what problems you may feel entangled
with, “These little troubles are getting you ready for an eternal glory that will make all your
troubles seem like nothing.” (See 2 Cor. 4:17 CEV).
Okay, now the decision is yours. You can greet each day with expectancy for a day of blessings,
good health and bright ideas, or with an attitude that makes you want to pull the blankets over
your head and dread facing what awaits you. I’ve learned that the right attitude is actually a “joy-
driver” and my joy driver is my life designer. Think about it this way. Regardless of any negative
circumstance that you are faced with, be it challenges with your children, a conflict with your
spouse or another family member, a battle with your health, hopelessness, frustration on your job,
or a financial issue, you must decide to keep a confident attitude of expectancy. I know that may
seem difficult to do. This will require a lot of effort. However, the rewards are far greater, as it will
also develop your character and keep you from becoming stressed out.
Let joy be your life designer. The Bible says a merry heart does the body good like medicine
(Proverbs 17:22). The medical profession can support this biblical truth, as their studies on
laughter and the terminally ill have produced evidence that laughter has healing power.
Additionally, laughter reduces stress, which has become a major contributor to some of the most
serious health issues of our time. Humor is the quickest and most effective way to combat stressful
situations. God isn’t sad and you shouldn’t be either. It pleases Him when you are joyful in spite of
the issues of life because it tells Him that He is trusted and relied upon for the best outcome. When
our hearts are right before God, the scriptures say, “Light shines on the godly, and joy on those
whose hearts are right.” (Psalm 97:11 NLT)
I remember hearing Pastor Joel Osteen talk about his mother who, over 25 years ago, was
diagnosed with cancer and was told by her doctors to go home and prepare to die. Now that’s a
problem and circumstance that no one should have to face. But Jodie Osteen decided to watch her
favorite comedy shows and just have a good time laughing. That’s therapy. She didn’t give up hope
nor lose her sense of humor during hard times. She used laughter as a tool to release the power of
joy into a negative situation.
Find a reason to laugh. I believe we are harder on ourselves than we are on others. So when your
decisions have left you in a dry place, remember this:
I give you this same advice. Find a reason to laugh everyday. I enjoy calling this “laughing at the
devil.” Nothing can bring more confusion in the devil’s camp than laughing while you are going
through problems.
I believe that Believers want to make good decisions, but no one is perfect or infallible but Jesus.
Remember, life happens. Every single day is filled with all kinds of situations that could upset you,
but you must learn to take responsibility for your own happiness. You’re the one person you will
never get away from. Learn to make better choices and stop being so hard on yourself when you
don’t. So get up everyday knowing the joy of the Lord is your strength and say, "This is the day the
Lord has made. I choose on purpose to rejoice and be glad in it. Good morning, Lord!"
If this article has been an encouragement to you, please drop me a note at
dmurphy@eewmagazine.com
yes, money. What did I learn from this? A few things. One is, my decision was mine. I didn’t act on
what someone else told me I should do but instead, on what I believed was the right thing to do.
Two, my decision wasn’t one of selfishness. The better outcome of it would have blessed my
family. And three, the decision was made; it’s over, and now it is time to move on.
I refuse to wallow in my muck.
It’s time we stop beating and bruising ourselves over past mistakes. If I had allowed myself to
dwell on the negative aspects of my decision, it would have taken away the joy and excitement God
wanted me to experience. Dread is a trap, and you must be determined not to fall into it. I’ve made
a quality decision to enjoy my life in spite of circumstances, whether I’ve engineered them or not. I
have a vision board next to my bed that reminds me every morning to command how I desire my
day to develop. And you can do the same thing. No matter what problems you may feel entangled
with, “These little troubles are getting you ready for an eternal glory that will make all your
troubles seem like nothing.” (See 2 Cor. 4:17 CEV).
Okay, now the decision is yours. You can greet each day with expectancy for a day of blessings,
good health and bright ideas, or with an attitude that makes you want to pull the blankets over
your head and dread facing what awaits you. I’ve learned that the right attitude is actually a “joy-
driver” and my joy driver is my life designer. Think about it this way. Regardless of any negative
circumstance that you are faced with, be it challenges with your children, a conflict with your
spouse or another family member, a battle with your health, hopelessness, frustration on your job,
or a financial issue, you must decide to keep a confident attitude of expectancy. I know that may
seem difficult to do. This will require a lot of effort. However, the rewards are far greater, as it will
also develop your character and keep you from becoming stressed out.
Let joy be your life designer. The Bible says a merry heart does the body good like medicine
(Proverbs 17:22). The medical profession can support this biblical truth, as their studies on
laughter and the terminally ill have produced evidence that laughter has healing power.
Additionally, laughter reduces stress, which has become a major contributor to some of the most
serious health issues of our time. Humor is the quickest and most effective way to combat stressful
situations. God isn’t sad and you shouldn’t be either. It pleases Him when you are joyful in spite of
the issues of life because it tells Him that He is trusted and relied upon for the best outcome. When
our hearts are right before God, the scriptures say, “Light shines on the godly, and joy on those
whose hearts are right.” (Psalm 97:11 NLT)
I remember hearing Pastor Joel Osteen talk about his mother who, over 25 years ago, was
diagnosed with cancer and was told by her doctors to go home and prepare to die. Now that’s a
problem and circumstance that no one should have to face. But Jodie Osteen decided to watch her
favorite comedy shows and just have a good time laughing. That’s therapy. She didn’t give up hope
nor lose her sense of humor during hard times. She used laughter as a tool to release the power of
joy into a negative situation.
Find a reason to laugh. I believe we are harder on ourselves than we are on others. So when your
decisions have left you in a dry place, remember this:
- Laughter not only makes you healthier, it also makes you feel better emotionally and
mentally.
- Laughter helps you see your circumstances in a more positive light.
- Laughter promotes a good sense of humor, friendliness, a healthy attitude and an overall
sense of well-being.
- Laughter can generate a feeling of closeness among loved ones and friends.
- Laughter, according to psychologists, contributes to creativity and diffuses tension with an
ability to cope more easily with daily stressors.
I give you this same advice. Find a reason to laugh everyday. I enjoy calling this “laughing at the
devil.” Nothing can bring more confusion in the devil’s camp than laughing while you are going
through problems.
I believe that Believers want to make good decisions, but no one is perfect or infallible but Jesus.
Remember, life happens. Every single day is filled with all kinds of situations that could upset you,
but you must learn to take responsibility for your own happiness. You’re the one person you will
never get away from. Learn to make better choices and stop being so hard on yourself when you
don’t. So get up everyday knowing the joy of the Lord is your strength and say, "This is the day the
Lord has made. I choose on purpose to rejoice and be glad in it. Good morning, Lord!"
If this article has been an encouragement to you, please drop me a note at
dmurphy@eewmagazine.com
Dr. Deana Murphy passionately supports the
success of women helping them to design
their best life. Creator and visionary of the
LivingDesigns™ brand, Deana is an absolute
expert on life design and your Go-to-Resource
for promoting empowering life makeovers,
whether you seek one-on-one consulting,
group trainings, virtual workshops or live
lifestyle makeover events.
Visit Dr. Deana at deanamurphyglobal.com
Email Deana:
dmurphy@eewmagazine.com
Connect on Facebook
Facebook.com
success of women helping them to design
their best life. Creator and visionary of the
LivingDesigns™ brand, Deana is an absolute
expert on life design and your Go-to-Resource
for promoting empowering life makeovers,
whether you seek one-on-one consulting,
group trainings, virtual workshops or live
lifestyle makeover events.
Visit Dr. Deana at deanamurphyglobal.com
Email Deana:
dmurphy@eewmagazine.com
Connect on Facebook
Facebook.com
EMAIL:
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August 30-September 13
| EEWMAGAZINE.COM |
I was beginning to see some progress in an
area of my life and enjoy a sense of
accomplishment from my efforts. And then
last week happened. I received some news
that left me feeling as if I'd been kicked in the
stomach. And on top of that, a few other
hindrances began piling up and I noticed a
tired, torn and tearful outlook approaching.
My auntie would always say, “Baby, when it
rains, it pours.” I’d stepped into a downpour,
feeling drenched in the showers of my
problems and I began regretting some
choices I’d made.
But you know, those choices were not forced
on me. I had made them of my own free will.
I could have made much better ones. I
believe most women are like me in that
respect because we generally act too hastily
out of our emotions. Let me tell you, this can
be dangerous.
area of my life and enjoy a sense of
accomplishment from my efforts. And then
last week happened. I received some news
that left me feeling as if I'd been kicked in the
stomach. And on top of that, a few other
hindrances began piling up and I noticed a
tired, torn and tearful outlook approaching.
My auntie would always say, “Baby, when it
rains, it pours.” I’d stepped into a downpour,
feeling drenched in the showers of my
problems and I began regretting some
choices I’d made.
But you know, those choices were not forced
on me. I had made them of my own free will.
I could have made much better ones. I
believe most women are like me in that
respect because we generally act too hastily
out of our emotions. Let me tell you, this can
be dangerous.
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