As I look around me and consider everything I have in my life, I feel truly thankful.

I am blessed because I do work that I love, have people nearby who love me, and my home is comfortable and welcoming when I step through my front door.

My life has ups and downs, just like anyone else’s. Sometimes, my life’s pace is hectic and chaotic. Other times, it is easygoing and serene. Whichever the case, I receive all with open arms.

When I look around, it is clear that the lives of others are different from mine in many ways. I might occasionally think that I would like to have another person’s existence rather than my own. However, that thought is fleeting because I recognize the blessings unique to my life.

My gratitude for all that I own and my experience is deep and wide. Feeling thankful is such an awesome and comfort-filled emotion. I am glad to be alive.

I take note of all that I am thankful for in my life. I realize the abundance...

The power of music is undeniable. Music stirs my soul and unites me to my emotional center. I relish the journey that melodies allow me to take.

At the end of every day, I turn on the soothing sounds of Christian music to help me wind down and feel at peace. I focus on love and other wonderful feelings. Christian music connects me to a place of well-being.

I also rely on sounds from nature to provide that same soothing effect. The sounds made by windblown trees and chirping birds are the real music of my soul.

When I get the desire to feel alive, I listen to upbeat music. The rhythmic beats and catchy lyrics motivate me. My heart beats with the tunes. This worship music helps me prepare for a busy workday ahead.

Music that calls for worship is important to me. It reminds me always to consider what is important in the world.

When artists feel the need to sing about life and faith, I feel inspired by their words. It awakens a desire in me to do my...

I can find pleasure in almost anything. My career, home life, and recreation time are all valuable to me, so I make a point to enjoy all of them!

I work hard to have a positive attitude, and I experience satisfaction in all parts of my life.

I look forward to personal development in my career and take pride in what I do. Therefore, I can take pleasure even in simple tasks that I complete daily. The satisfaction of a job well done strengthens me until the next challenge, which I confidently approach.

My home life satisfies me, too. I continually cultivate sanctuary in my home and with my family. I am always pleased to see them! My time alone there is also enjoyable; I do plenty of nourishing things for myself whenever I get a chance.

I also enjoy going out with friends. I choose relationships that encourage me to be my best, and I support them in return. My social life is as full as I want it to be, and I love it!

If I find myself experiencing...

My dream world renews my love for the physical world. I awaken daily with a restored sense of happiness. I welcome each new day with passion in my heart.

I have renewed energy and a deeper appreciation of my surroundings. I enjoy our magnificent world and am grateful for all my blessings. My sense of discovery and wonder is restored so that I can explore new experiences.

Acts 2:17 KJV

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.”

My body and mind are connected to the deepest parts of God’s creation. They are renewed each night as I dream.

I am secure in my perception of the world. I find new meaning and joy in daily tasks. My love grows with each moment I spend on this planet. I appreciate the people, places, and events that shape my life.

The Holy...

Positive, healthy relationships strengthen my happiness. I value relationships with loved ones and friends. I give their happiness as much priority as I share my own.

I do what I can to make the lives of my loved ones better.

I know I may not be able to help in every situation. But I give my best effort to support and uplift them however I can. I know that my input is greatly appreciated.

My happiness is multiplied when I can contribute to someone else's happiness. I feel accomplished. I believe in fulfilling my God-given purpose on earth.

I am sure to pay attention to my own needs as well. At times, I have to choose one or the other, but I am aware that I can only be as good to others as I am to myself.

When I have loved ones around me, my days feel much brighter. The sense of family and community makes life worth living. I enjoy the genuine care and love we have for each other.

Today, I commit to unselfishly loving others. I believe that...

Each day, I take part in situations, events, and tasks. Some of these occurrences involve only me. But whatever I am doing, I make every effort to do it with zeal, enthusiasm, and spirit.

I feel that whatever it is I am doing is worth my time. Therefore, I do it with enthusiasm.

Because I am enthusiastic about most tasks, I am rarely bored. Life is filled with fascinating people, places, and things. I want to experience all the best of what life has to offer. I embrace every situation with zest.

I make a conscious decision to jump in with both feet and develop a keen interest in whatever I do.

I find the day goes by faster when I stay enthused and consciously connected to what is going on around me. My enthusiasm flows, whether I am washing the car, talking to a neighbor, or working on a favored project at the office.

I live life in living color because of my enthusiasm. I put my all into each job, and because I do, my life is better.

My...

What is lupus?

Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any body part. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system—the body system that usually fights infections—attacks healthy tissue instead.

Lupus most commonly affects your: 

• Skin
• Joints
• Internal organs, like your kidneys and heart

Because lupus affects many body parts, it can cause many different symptoms.

Who is at risk for lupus?

Lupus can affect anyone, but it is important to note that women are most likely to be affected by it. However, men and children can also be affected. This understanding can help women feel less isolated in their struggle with lupus.

Those with the highest risk for developing lupus are:

• Women aged 15 – 44 years
• People from racial and ethnic minority groups
• People with a family history of lupus or other autoimmune diseases

According to the Centers for Disease...

I am thankful today for the abundance of gifts in my life. Not the least of these are my natural abilities and aptitudes. Whether I have many or just a few of these, I make sure to put them into service. It brings me joy to use my natural talents.

Each day, I have an opportunity to do something at which I am innately good. I see every one of these situations as a blessing. Not only do I get to feel good about myself and my abilities, but I get to offer the fruits of those gifts to others.

Perhaps I am good at organization, and my neighbor is frustrated over her lack of skill in this area. I can certainly be helpful there.

Or maybe I paint or sing well and can offer the results of my artistic abilities to others.

Perhaps the thing I do best is cook. Surely someone I know could use a hand with this! I feel good each time I have a chance to help.

Also, doing the things I am good at helps me connect with people who value those skills. Whether they have...

Lupus and Women’s Health: A Christian Perspective

Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, presents unique challenges for Christian women. It causes pain, fatigue, and inflammation throughout the body, making it an “invisible illness.”  Living with lupus can be a daunting journey, both physically and emotionally, especially when viewed through the lens of faith.

Diagnosis

Lupus can be hard to diagnose since its symptoms are often mistaken for symptoms of other diseases.

A rheumatologist can diagnose lupus.

• A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in painful conditions affecting the body's joints, muscles, or connective tissues, such as lupus.

There is no one test for lupus. But your doctor will most likely:

• Discuss your symptoms.
• Do physical exams.
• Take X-rays.
• Run lab tests.

How is lupus managed?

There is a lot that women can do to manage lupus.

Women with lupus can have a typical lifespan and a high quality of life. They can...

I approach each new day with enthusiasm and an open mind. Even if I am faced with the unexpected, I handle it without complaining. I agree with the timing of experiences in my life.

I welcome the new path before me. Instead of feeling down about things taking time to happen, I make the most, here and now. Each moment I get to live is a chance to live well.

I have goals that are crucial to me, yet I am patient in going after them. I look at delays in my journey as opportunities to prepare myself for better success.

My academic path is different from my friends', but I am okay with getting my degree later than planned. I made space for other experiences. And those experiences shaped the future that is just right for me.

Each moment I get to live is a chance to live well. I applied it to my advantage and came out well in the end. This attitude allows me to accept my situation.

My attention is on making the most of all that life puts before me. I...