Quote of the Day - April 16

Every person has two main files in his or her memory system. The first is a file filled with all the good things that have happened to us. It's full of our victories and accomplishments, all of the things that have brought us joy and happiness through the years.

The second file is just the opposite. It's filled with the hurts and pains of the past, all of the negative things that have happened to us. It's full of our defeats and failures, things that have brought us sadness and sorrow. Throughout life, we can choose which file we will access. Some people repeatedly return to file number two and reliv the painful things that have happened to them. They are always thinking about the times somebody did them wrong, the times they were hurt or suffered awful pain. They practically wear out file number two. They are so preoccupied with the negative things, they never get around to exploring file number one. They hardly think about the good things that have happened to them.

If you want to be free, if you want to overcome self-pity, throw away the key to file number two. Don't go back there anymore. Keep your mind focused on the good things God has done in your life.

Don't Go There:

An old joke says, "If you break your arm in three places, don't go to those places anymore." There may be more truth in that corny line than we realize. When the pains of the past beckon your attentions, don't go back there. Instead, remind yourself, "No thanks, I am going to think on things that are of good report, things that are going to build me up, not tear me down, things that encourage me and fill me with peace and happiness, not things that appempt to steal my hope and drain my spirit.

Excerpts from Your Best Life Now!