Make Room

The thought of "making room" has been playing around in my head all day. What does that really mean?

Well, it's a proven fact that if your hand is balled up in a fist nothing can get in it; by the same token, nothing can come out of it either. To receive in that balled up hand you first have to open up or make room for whatever it is you stand to receive.

Making room, from a spiritual standpoint, means:

• Cleaning out the negative nooks and crannies in our thought life because thoughts become things.
• Replacing and repairing those negative mind posts with positive energy because our worlds are nothing more than manifested thoughts given positive or negative energy.
• Having faith that God wants to give to you that which you desire; He just needs you to let go of the old so that He can bring in the new.
  

This is a huge leap for many of us, because we often become so stuck in our comfort zone we inadvertently turn it into a complacent zone. We are afraid of the unknown and petrified to be, do, or have more than those in our immediate circle because we don't want to be different. The problem with all of that is this: we end up living lives far beneath our potential.

I want a newer car. I've prayed about it, meditated on it, visualized it, and given it to God. Or at least I thought I had until this morning when I felt impressed to sell my car! In other words, make room!

What do you want in your life that you currently don't have? Are you willing to unclentch your fist? Will you make room?

"Life with no purpose is no life at all!"

Dr. Angela

Day 7 of the Purposeful Gratitude Project

Today marks a week into this project, and I have found that deciding to be positive has had some decidedly positive effects on me. I've noticed that I look for uplifting moments more. What about you? How's this project defining and/or redefining you?

Well, here is my list for today:

1. I am grateful for God's blessings that allow me to be a blessing. It's true, it's great to give and I thank God for giving me blessings to pass on to others.
2. I am grateful for the ability to smile. I used to feel self-conscious and hide my smile. Now I grin all the time, and I realize that my smile brings joy to others ... strangers and friends and family. It cost nothing but it's priceless!
3. I am grateful for the Word of God. I notice that when I speak His Word as I've done today, I feel better. I just believe it's working on the inside, growing my faith. LORD, thank You for leaving me Your Word to change my world and the world at large.
4. I am grateful for music. I love the sound of instruments and it's so amazing how God gave man the ability to create instruments that make wonderful sounds of praise to Him.
5. I am grateful for my daughters of destiny ... Andi, Katie, Saundra, Michelle, Patress, Mercedes. These young women are precious, and it is an honor to be able to share life with them. They are strong and resilient young women and having them in my life makes me a better person

Day 5 of the Gratitude Project

Happiness researchers? Did you know there was such a thing? Well, there is! It's probably not as popular an area of study as the greenhouse effect, but I think it's interesting that people have actually studied the effect of gratitude on happiness. Are you happier because you're grateful? Do grateful people have better attitudes than ungrateful people? Mm mm.....

All I can tell you is while running my own unofficial happiness research, I've discovered that I am happier. Fluke, you say? I think not! You see, as I've consciously appreciated people, ideals, concepts, places, and things, it has become harder for me to stay in a blue funk pass 5 minutes. Okay, so it's not scientific, but it works for me! So I'm happy to share my gratitude list for today:

1. Computers. My first experience with a computer happened back in 1982 when I went to work for IBM. It was love at first sight and first use. The very idea of being able to communicate with the world at the click of a key is a blessing. I can write my sons in Texas, read Kristin's blog, post my own blog, meet and make new friends, shop in my pj's, and mail packages without leaving home. Oh yeah, I love my computer.
2. Sweaters. It's 12 degrees here today. I've pulled out all of my warm clothes, and I found one of my favorite sweaters. It has a black and white geometric pattern, looks good over my black turtleneck and black pants. It's practical, yet stylish. Sweaters of great pieces to have in your wardrobe.
3. Mom's talking better! Mom called today and she spoke so clearly. I am grateful that she is getting better and better every day.
4. An unexpected blessing. For no apparent reason someone paid my cell phone bill.
5. Shug. I was cleaning my office today and found a card my sister sent me a couple of weeks ago. It was a "Sister" card and sent just because. Her real name is Cathy, and she's my little sister. Shug is my vault. She holds my secrets, my fears, my joys, and every now and again she'll even let me complain. I love you, Shug!

What are you grateful for?

Dr. Angela aka "The Purpose Professor"