POSITIVE THINKING - IT COMES STRAIGHT FROM THE BIBLE.

"Every single day happy people are thinking thoughts that help them feel better. Unhappy people do the opposite." Dr Henry.

Over the years I have done a lot of failing and have had to deal with what is known as `rejection syndrome.' To stay on top of it, I have had to develop some positive thought patterns.

* I am God's child and nothing can separate me from His love.

"I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from GOD'S LOVE. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today or our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from GOD'S LOVE." Romans 8:38

* I can do all things through Christ who gives me STRENGTH." Philippians 4:13

* There is certainly a future hope for me. "We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. Endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. This HOPE will not lead to disappointment, for we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love." Romans 5:3-5

"I pray that God, the source of HOPE, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident HOPE through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the HOPE we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise." Hebrews 10:23

As you can see the Bible affirms all the research that "happy people are not overcome by their circumstances" (Dr Henry) Instead, we can overcome them by thinking in ways God has shown us to think - ways that breed faith and hope.

"Do not conform any long to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

I know, I make it sound easy. For some people, yes, the transformation can happen overnight. But for most of us, it takes a lot of hard work. It has taken me years to put behind me words and thoughts that have been imbedded in me by the world.

"You are hopeless - a failure."

"Why can't you be like................."

"You never do anything right."

As I discovered in my last BLOG, I still struggle, especially with that second one. But I am learning more and more each day that with God in my life, I can control my thoughts. I need to no longer fear rejection or anything else that may be in my future.

I've said it before, I know, but I have to say it again: "I know the Lord is ALWAYS WITH ME. I will not be shaken, for He is RIGHT BESIDE ME." Psalm 16:8

The reality of life is that we live in an imperfect world. We will always face trials or negative experiences. But GOD IS BIGGER THAN THE NEGATIVE, and He can control how much we allow negative thoughts to control us. Remember His promise:

"We know IN ALL THINGS, God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

I AM WONDERFULLY MADE - WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Happy people don't compare themselves with others. This has always been one of my downfalls. It could be a symptom of `middle child syndrome' or just my insecurities.

In childhood and adulthood I was always comparing myself to my sisters and sister-in-laws. As a Learning Support teacher, moving from school to school, it usually took about 3 years before you stopped hearing, `The previous teacher did it this way'. Even in ministry - the Church leaders expected Youth Group and Kids Club to be run `just like Trixie did it'.

I have always known the truth of the Bible: "Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to someone else'

Gal 6:4&5

But I still found this one of the hardest things to do. Consequently my stress levels would rise whenever one of my sisters or in laws did something I knew I could never do. If a colleague had a book published or produced a learning program I had been working on too. Whenever a family left the Church to follow `Trixie'.

I know - God made me unique with my own gifts and abilities. I know I have faced challenges and overcome them to become who God wants me to be. I know God `created me to be one person and not to judge myself in relation to others'. (Dr Henry)

I KNOW it all, so why do I keep comparing myself with others. I guess KNOWING is not enough, you have to BELIEVE it too. Believe that you are wonderfully made, in the image of God, and that He wants to use you - your lives and your talents - to serve Him to the fullest. I'll have to keep working on that one!

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things God planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10

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Computer Physio

As I am a little stiff and sore, I have decided it's time I did some computer physio. Before I go on though - please forgive any spelling or grammar mistakes. The latest week has been spent on a journey through Psalms 30-34. I had hoped to have gone further, but have had a really sore eye and reading has been difficult. But I have still been blessed with some wonderful promises: "I will exalt you, O Lord for you rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me." Psalm 30:1 "O Lord, I cried to you for help and you restored my heath." Psalm 30:2 "Weeping may last for the morning, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5b For those who don't know, my recovery, according to doctors and nurses has been amazing. But we know why, don't we. As I say to them all, it can't be anything else with people praying from Bundaberg to Melbourne, and even in Canada. Here are some of His miracles already: * First of all I didn't have to have the planned surgery - taking a graph from my leg. Although it was still long - 8.30-5.00 - I don't have as much scaring. I was a naughty girl when I went under anaesthetic, and had a little fit, then again, I believe when I came out of it. But it shouldn't effect my driving record - I don't think I will every be driving under aneasthetic. * Only one day and night was spent in ICU, mainly because I refuse to breath properly. But it hurt!! * Mark was able to rest well after the surgery - thanks to you wonderful friends and `bossy' nurses who were able to convince him to go home. * I had lots of surprise visitors in hospital, and this was helpful I am sure to my recovery. Not having Aaron and Emily there (except on skpe), it could have been easy to fall into depression. Had one bad night when I realized I hadn't been able to smile at my visitors. But the ENT Specialist were able to save all the other nerves in my cheek, so I can sleep and eat. Wasn't sure about the eating, but finally today, my system has decided it is time I started enjoying my food again. I don't think I will eat in public yet though. * My early release on Day 5 was a witness to a number of people I think, especially to the ladies on my ward. One of which, Daria, asked me if I'd put her on my prayer list. I was a little upset when they placed me in a larger ward. I thought I had been a little spoilt with the Private Room. The patients were a group of complainers and started to drive me a bit batty - very unselfish of me I know. Then I realized they were a lot worst off than me, and I couldn't do a lot of witnessing and praying for patients in a private room. Was a but uneasy about early release - not feeling well enough. But I probably have been able to sleep and recover better at home. I thought it was just because I had been such a good girl, then I discovered the truth. Just before I left, their last words to me were: "When is Mark coming, we need your bed." Oh well!! It was nice to be loved for a while. "I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me for you are a faithful God." Psalm 31:5 "Be strong and courageous, all you that hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24. "For you are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory." Psalm 32:7 On Thursday I had my stitches out. I am now covered in sticky plaster, which needs to stay on for 6 weeks. But it definetely isn't as bad as we all thought it would be. Was feeling very tired when I got home and a little depressed - still in a lot of pain. Received a care package from a very special friend. We have been friends for years - not always close, but the kind of friend you know will always be there for you, even when you are not always there for them. Pauline collects `Teddy Bears' so it shouldn't have been surprising to find a gorgeous Teddy Bear named Sherwood, and the words: "A TRUE FRIEND IS ALWAYS THERE". It was just what I needed to give me that lift. "For the word of the Lord holds true, and everything He does is worthy of our trust." Psalm 33:4 "I cried out to the Lord in my suffering and he heard me. He set me free from my all my fears. For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear Him and He rescues them." Psalm 34:6&7 "The righteous face many troubles but the Lord rescues them from each and every one." Psalm 34:19 Today has truly been a day of healing. I woke up with no pain in my throat, my eye is only now just starting to get a little watery, and my stomach is so much better - thanks to the Lord and I have to confess, taking some drugs, and I believe going off others. I have stopped taking the painkillers. The panadol is making the pain bearable, but today I have not been afraid to eat. But the biggest healing of all is an emotional/spiritual thing that has been binding me for a number of years. On Thursday it was my son Aaron's Graduation. Mark was afraid to show me the photos on Facebook, because he knew how much we wanted to be there. I looked at a photo of Aaron and his mother in law, and instead of feeling the `jealousy' I sometimes feel when I see how much fun Aaron has with his `new' family, I just felt so happy that Aaron is happy. As Ros said, `Her son in law is now a Batchelor'. I also joked, that I can also do some photo shop on the photo, but I am sure he wouldn't have wanted a photo with his mum the way she looks at the moment. I have been practicing, but I still can't seem to smile. We rang Aaron and Emily that afternoon and they were enjoying their time together over their graduation celebrity lunch - and they said they wished we were there. This is just the beginning of my healing journey, and I know it will continue for I know how God works in all circumstances for good. "We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purposes. " Romans 12:28

"A Push and a Prayer"

The other day I was watching an episode of the T.V Detective show, "Monk". One of the characters, a young policeman called Randy, was always being teased by his partner and colleagues.

Monk asked him, "How do you do it? How do you stay so happy?"

Randy answered: "It isn't always easy. But one day, after coming away from a gruesome murder scene, I noticed a sign on a car, `Don't Worry, Be Happy'. I made a decision that day that no matter what happened or what people said to me, I would always BE HAPPY."

I believe, like Randy, that even when depressed you can still pursue life to the fullest if you are seeking happiness. As my psychologist told me over and over again, "Never stay at home - get out there".

* Build relationships.

* Pursue goals.

* Serve others.

* Exercise and stay healthy.

* Resolve pain and conflicts.

* Pursue activities you love.

And top of my list, which wasn't on hers:

* Nurture a spiritual life. Devote time to prayer and Bible Study.

It isn't easy. It is a step by step process. But it is up to you to make the decision to make others happy and yourself happy.

"We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." Hebrews 6:12

I have a feeling over the next few months I may need a lot of encouragement to stay happy. Yes, I have the internal aptitude and the faith, but I also know how easy it is to fall into depression. As I go into my cancer surgery tomorrow, then look ahead to my recovery. I have given my friends and prayer partners the permission to `push me' (not literally). A `PUSH AND A PRAYER' - that is my new motto.

I am hoping with their help and that of the Lord, I will find the courage to stop worrying and to BE HAPPY. If Randy and Monk can do it, so can I.

GIVING AND TRUE HAPPINESS

There is so much truth to the well known saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive".

Before moving on to University in 1996, I had spent the previous 20 years as a volunteer - Scripture teaching, reading with children, teacher aiding and of course my children's ministry activities.

I could say, in those days it was easier to survive on one income. But no, we had our struggles. But it didn't seem to matter as much. My husband too, was always helping someone neighbours or someone at church. Then of course we had our foster children. Nothing brought more happiness to our home than children.

I hate that I now have to work for money. Oh, don't get me wrong - when my boss gave me $200 in cash the other day, I sighed with relief. "Ah, great, now we can get those few things we need."

God tells us that money is just a tool, a tool we can use to give of ourselves to others. I'd like to say my first thought was to give the money to our church. Sorry, it was gone before I thought of that. That's a discipline I still need to work on.

I know that being prosperous is not evil. In fact the few wealthy people I know have worked really hard for what they have. They are also good savers. Most of all, though, they give generously to the Lord's work. They are happy people, not because of their money, but because they have a `rich' relationship with the Lord.

"God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7

Recently I have discovered that it is not wrong to have limits on giving. Some of us give beyond our emotional resources until we burn out. Saying `no' does not always mean you are selfish. Selfishness is not giving at all. We need to enjoy our giving. Sometimes, though, God may ask us to give beyond our comfort zone, or to someone who may not seem deserving.

In these times, I think you will find the most happiness. Maybe not at the time, but later. For it is in times that we are giving as God gives - unconditionally. Often my gifts or `acts of kindness' have melted the hearts of an ungrateful person.

"Love your enemies and be good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be great. You will truly be acting as children of God, for He is kind to the unthankful and wicked." Matthew 5:44

Here is a little song I wrote years ago as a Sunday School teacher. I always like to think they would say `thank you'.

TEN MEN.

Ten men went to see Jesus

Ten men got down on their knees.

Ten men were healed by Jesus

Then they went away to tell their friends.

One man went back to Jesus

One man got down on His knees.

One man said `Thank you Jesus

For healing me from my leprosy'.

Jesus wants us to the be thankful

Jesus wants us to know He cares.

Jesus wants us to know that He loves us

And He'll be with us to the very end.

Ruth Cheater

Have a happy `giving day', and don't forget to say `THANKYOU', for those gifts given to you.

Prayer - Lifestyle or Discipline.

"Let us have confidence then and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16.

When telling everyone my news about my Cancer this past few weeks, I realized that there was only one person in my family (except my son and his wife) that said they'd pray. I realized it is time I started doing some `heavy' praying for my family. I keep thinking about my Mum and her `gift of praying' and now I have discovered my young niece who really has a gift in this area.

I say my prayer life is more a `lifestyle faith' , but maybe this is just an excuse for not being committed to prayer. Those who know me well know how hard it is for me to `keep still and focused'. My Dad and sisters too were a great prayers, but I seem to have let the side down. Time I did something about it.

Where do I start - the Bible of course. My young niece reminded me to look at how Jesus prayed.

1. JESUS MADE IT A HABIT TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH HIS FATHER - Jesus would always find time to go off and pray.

"Then accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went AS USUAL to the Mount of Olives." (Luke 22:39)

My friend Bob Gass reminds us that prayer is a conversation with God. It is a RELATIONSHIP. "Spending time alone with Him is the secret of knowing Him. I can be anywhere, but it needs to be somewhere, and it needs to be a set time."1 It is one of those necessary disciplines. It may mean changing your schedule or rearranging your priorities, but you need to MAKE IT A HABIT to PRAY.

2. JESUS PRAYED ACCORDING TO HIS FATHER'S WILL.

"He walked away and knelt down and prayed: "Father if you are willing, please take this cup away from me. Yet not my will be done, but yours". Luke 22:41&42

God wants us to understand that if you don't need it yet, he may not supply it. The hardest thing I have found in my spiritual walk is to have patience and simply trust God - waiting for His will to be done.

Paul writes: "Don't worry about anything. Instead PRAY about everything. If you do this you will experience God's peace." Philippians 4:6&7

As humans we find this difficult to do, because we seem to have to sort things out ourselves. We need to know all the answers. We want things our way. When I am in pain, I remember this verse, as I know Jesus didn't particularly like it either, but he was willing to let God's will be done. And with that will came our salvation.

2. JESUS WAS PASSIONATE ABOUT PRAYER.

"He prayed more fervently and He was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood." Luke 22:44

There are times, like Jesus, we need to just look up and cry out to God.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

Lots of things happen when you seek God with all your heart. Often there are miracles, but even if you miss them, you will grow spiritually as your relationship with God blossoms.

4. JESUS PRAYED THE WORD.

"No the Scriptures say, `People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

This is only one time in the Gospels where Jesus used the Scriptures - in this case to defeat Satan. The prophecies of His Father were the basis of his ministry, prayers and of course the salvation of the world.

I usually begin my prayer time with the reading from the Psalms. Not only do I love them, but the words are often written in a prayer like form, that make it easier to focus your thoughts on God. I was brought up memorising scripture, but I didn't find this as easy task. So I have a book I put together with thematic verses - if I can't remember, I look up my book. Usually, I know where the verse came from in the Bible, even if not remembering the exact words, so I try to always have my Bible close by.

5. JESUS PRAYED CONFIDENTLY.

"I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who believe in me through their message. I pray that they will be one just as you and I are one - as you are in me Father, and I am in you. May they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me." John 17:20721

What confidence we can have as we pray, when we know that Jesus prayed confidently for us. God has wonderful things in store for us, but only if we believe in Him.

"You have asked nothing in my name. Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full."

(John 16:24)

6. JESUS TAUGHT HIS DISCIPLES TO PRAY.

The greatest reminder of how Jesus prayed and how we should pray are in the Lord's Prayer - the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray.

In it we find words of adoration and praise, words of confident petition as we seek His will, the promise of forgiveness, and help as we try to forgive others. Finally we are given the courage to fight the devils attacks.

Take this prayer with you every day and make it a discipline as well as a lifestyle, as you seek to PRAY AS JESUS PRAYED.

"Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name

Your Kingdom come, your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever.

AMEN.

1. "Praying and Getting Results" (2001) Bob Gass Ministries.

Challenge and Comfort

The hardest book in the Bible for me to read is the book of Job. But there are three verses that bring challenge me and bring me comfort.

"But He knows where I am going and when He tests me I will come out as pure as gold." (23:10)

"For I have stayed on God's paths. I have followed His ways and not turned aside." (23:11)

"I have not departed from His commands, but have treasured His words more than daily food." (23:12 (NLT)

I'm not through the "tests" yet, but I am getting there. I will continue with God's help to stay on His path and to follow His ways. I am not sure I will be a fill time teacher again. I don't know where my writing will take me, if anywhere, but I will continue to do as my old mate Hezekiah did:

"He sought His God wholeheartedly." 2 Kings 18:5-

One of my favourite stories is that of Mary Jones, which is why it is on the first page of my book: "In the Palm of His Hands."

The Bible has always been an important part of my life, both as a mother, a wife and especially as a teacher. Whenever I teach about the Bible, I am always reminded of the story of Mary Jones. Mary was a young girl from Wales, who worked as a child to raise money for her first Bible. She walked to a Church, many miles from her hometown, because there were no Bibles in her language. On meeting with the Pastor of this Church, Mary discovered there were no Bibles left. So, the Pastor gave him his Bible and she walked home to share its wonders with her parents.

Yesterday in Children's Church we talked about courage, and how through prayer and reading the Bible we can gain courage to help us when we are afraid. Specifically facing up to the bully at school, telling the truth when everyone else is lying, making the right choices when faced with peer pressure. I'm not saying has always been easy to do. It has been a challenge. But I can honestly say it has been easier, because I made the choice to `stay on God's path and not turn aside. It was easier because I made the decision to `never depart from His commands and have treasured His word in my heart'.

I challenge you to do the same, and no, it won't always be easy - there will be CHALLENGES, but I can also say with confidence, that God's Word will bring you COMFORT.

THE BIBLE

As a child I sat and wondered, feeling alone and scared,
I needed someone to be my friend, someone who really cared.
So I asked my Mum about it, I asked her where I could look,
She said, `Try reading the Bible",
I thought, "Now that's a strange book

But I started from the beginning
And read right through to the end.
I learnt that I had a BROTHER,
And He was my SAVIOUR AND FRIEND.

I never let Him leave me, I always knew He was there,
At home, at school, at work and play
My FRIEND was everywhere.


As I grew older I needed more, someone to guide me along.
There were paths and paths, which one do I take,
I didn't want to go wrong.
This time I asked my minister, he always had lots to say,
He said, "Try reading the Bible".
He said that would show me the way.

So I started from the beginning
And read right through to the end.
I learnt that I had a SHEPHERD
And He was my SAVIOUR AND FRIEND.

I never let Him leave me, I always knew he was there,
At Church, at home, when studying at school,
My SHEPHERD was everywhere.


Now I've come to a mountain, how do I get across,
I need someone to take my hand, to keep me from getting lost.
This time I'll ask my father, `cause I know he really cares,
He'll probably say `read the Bible',
`Cause I know He knows what's there.

So I'll start from the beginning
And I'll read right through to the end.
I'm sure that I'll find my FATHER,
For He is my SAVIOUR AND FRIEND.

I'll never let Him leave me,
I'll always know He's there.
At work, at home, and when I'm alone,
My FATHER is everywhere.

RUTH CHEATER