Optimistic Journey » Healthy Mindset

10 Ways to Have a Complete Joy-filled Day!

Jarrod Clark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:22:05 +0000

God wants you to live an abundant life. He doesn’t want you to just get by. He doesn’t want you to live an ordinary, average or mediocre life. No, He wants your days to be full of joy, enthusiasm and excitement. Here are 10 practical tips to get you on the road to a life full of a complete joy.

1. Devotion – Start your day off on the right foot. Have your prayer time with God. Study and meditate on His word. It’s great momentum for the rest of the day. And it can suit you better than any coffee, instant tea or hot chocolate ever can. It’s a sure way to build your day on a solid foundation.

2. Feed yourself – Studies show that you’re not you, when you’re hungry. You’re cranky, moody, irritable and on edge. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It gives you a boost of great energy. Having a healthy breakfast is a great way to start your day.

3. Smile – One of the greatest gifts God has given you is your smile. Nehemiah 8:10 says that the joy of the Lord is your strength. Wear your joy and wear it well. Studies show that when you smile, you’re subconsciously communicating to yourself that everything is going to be okay. Make a decision to smile, it’s a win-win. Not only are you benefiting yourself but you’re bringing joy to another person’s day by being a light in a dark world.

4. Build up another – A great way to bring joy to a sad time is to build up another person. Encourage someone today. Tell someone they are the apple of God’s eyes. Let them know they are blessed and highly favored of the Lord. Remind them that they are God’s most prized possession.

5. Exercise – One of the greatest stress relievers is physical fitness. It doesn’t take much. Some experts say just a few minutes of physical exercise per day is a great way to relieve stress. In doing so, your body is releasing natural chemicals that give you a sense of complete joy and well being.

6. Do a Good Deed – Much of what Jesus did while he was here on earth was simply do good deeds. In Acts 10:38, Peter makes reference to John’s preaching about how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good… One of the greatest ways to bring joy to your day is by simply “doing good.” Think of one good deed you can do for a friend and do it. You’ll be surprised at how much joy there is in putting others ahead of yourself. Remember, you reap what you sow. God will turn around and bless you in return.

7. Think good thoughts – When you go around focused on the negative, you’re robbing yourself of joy, peace, and wholeness. God’s Word says to think about things that are virtuous, noble and excellent. Think on things that are pure, things that are of a good report and worthy of praise. When you meditate and think on good things the Lord will satisfy your day with increase, favor, joy and peace.

8. Express gratitude – I always like to say, “when you complain, you remain. When you express gratitude, you change your altitude.” Count your blessings. Express your gratitude and look for the Lord to open up doors of opportunities and enlarge your territory!

9. Get plenty of rest – This is a hard one for the ‘go getters’ to swallow, but the truth is we must get plenty of rest. When you get the proper amount of rest you’ll wake up refreshed, energized and ready to face your brand new day with excitement. It also impacts your attitude.

10. Rinse and repeat – Be consistent. Make it a lifestyle. Don’t just do it once. No, results come with consistency. Shake off the burdens of the day. Leave your cares with the Lord. Wake up the next day, wipe the slate clean and do it all over again. When you do so you’ll find increasing joy in every area of your life as you charge forth on your journey!

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October 6, 2011 -- The Choice is Yours (6)
October 5, 2011 -- God is Working (You Can Go on Autopilot) (5)
September 5, 2011 -- Happiness Even During the Storm (3)
June 24, 2010 -- 3 Ways to Combat Stress (3)
December 24, 2011 -- Merry Christmas from Jarrod… (0)

Stuck in a Rut? How to Get Out

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:49:40 +0000

By nature, we all desire to progress forward in life. We all have hopes, visions and dreams. But for many, its the same day in and day out, year in and year out.

For some, traditions are holding them back. Others fall prey to the barely-get-by, lackadaisical mindset. But know today that we serve a God who makes all things new. He doesn’t want you to be stuck in a rut. He wants to bring you into increase, promotion, and a higher dimension.

If you’re going to come into your God-given destiny, you’re going to have to leave the old mindset behind. Don’t fall prey to that toxic mindset that says, “I’ll never achieve that dream” or “I don’t have the talents to be an achiever.”

Don’t say what you can’t do, say what you can do. Don’t be stagnant, make positive declarations that will catapult you into your destiny.

I’ve heard it said that you believe more of what you say, than what anybody else says about you. If you’re going around saying, I’ll never break this bad addiction… I never get the right breaks… I never come into the right relationships, then that’s all you’ll ever acquire. Like the Children of Israel in the Bible, you’ll be stuck in a rut. You’ll be circling that same mountain over and over again, day in and day out.

In order to progress, you’re going to have to break bad traditions. If you’re going to stretch forth to the next level, you’ll have to change some things.

Instead of saying, I don’t have the talents, say I have everything I need to do anything I could imagine. Instead of saying, this relationship will never work, your declaration should be, I serve a God who mends broken relationships.

I’ve heard a great saying, “When you complain, you remain.” If you’re going to progress in life, you must first believe that a change is yet at hand. You’ll have to get rid of the limiting, defeating mindset and believe that you can achieve those dreams. You can get that promotion. You can break through into a higher dimension.

I always say, “change your I can’ts to the I cans.” In other words, let your declaration be, I can recover from a bad break. I can achieve the unachievable. I can break down the walls stagnation. When you do so, you’ll discover that with God, you’ll come into bigger opportunities, better relationships, and fulfilled dreams as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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January 18, 2012 -- Have A Right Now Faith! (2)
August 19, 2011 -- Don’t Limit Yourself (0)
March 4, 2010 -- Progressing In Life – Accomplishing Your Goals Part 2 (1)
January 29, 2012 -- Too Blessed to be Stressed (0)
January 8, 2012 -- Your Enemies Will Promote You to Your Destiny (0)

Choose Your Thoughts

Jarrod Clark — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:26:23 +0000

“…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” – Matthew 12:34

God has given us the wonderful gift of choice. And one of those choices is the ability to choose our thoughts. Day in and day out, we’re bombarded with thousands of thoughts. Some are good and some are bad.

I’ve heard it said that the average person has somewhere around 7,500 bad thoughts a day. This may be an alarming statistic to swallow but the truth is, you can change those negative, defeating thoughts.

Here’s the key, you don’t have to entertain every thought that enters your mind. Whatever you meditate on will take root, multiply, and grow.

If you’re unsuccessful at something, don’t meditate on what went wrong, dwell on what went right. if a friend betrayed you, don’t think that you’re “less than” or “not good enough.” No, your thought should be, “It’s their loss.” “That person lost a good thing.”

Maybe you had a bad day, and you’re tempted to get in despair. Your declaration should be, “as long as I’m among the living, I have hope.”

You see, the enemy wants to get you down in the dumps. The scripture says that the thief came to steal, kill, and destroy. How does he do that? Partly by appealing to your thoughts. The enemy wants to plant negative seeds of doubt, discouragement and defeat into your mind.

But you don’t have to be a slave to your negative thoughts. No, there’s a better way. God wants you to have an abundant life. A life full of peace, wholeness and joy.

I love how Philippians 4:8 puts it. It says, “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable– if anything is excellent or praiseworthy– think about such things.

In other words, if it’s not building you up, don’t think about it. If it doesn’t bring a smile to your face, don’t think about it. If someone says something about you and it’s not true, don’t think about it. If it’s defeating you, don’t think about it.

If it’s causing you stress and bad health, don’t think about it. If the critics and naysayers come at you with a false negative report, don’t think about it. If an enemy comes at you with a bad accusation, don’t think about it. Notice, none of these things are noble, admirable, excellent or worthy of praise.

Next time you’re tempted to complain, remember the Nation of Israel and how they were stuck in the wilderness for forty years. Day in and day out, they circled around that same mountain. They were stuck in a rut. They didn’t progress forward, partly because they complained.

Remember, every complaint starts with a thought. Every thought is a seed. If you plant bad seeds, you’ll reap a bad harvest. Make a choice today. Choose to think positive thoughts of life, abundance, and wholeness as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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January 10, 2012 -- Meditate on These Things (2)
September 12, 2011 -- Look for the Silver Lining (0)
November 13, 2011 -- Only Regard the Things that Matter (0)
August 23, 2011 -- Don’t Take Yourself too Seriously (1)
August 18, 2011 -- Put God First (1)

Meditate on These Things

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:57:46 +0000

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable– if anything is excellent or praiseworthy– think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

God wants us to live a life full of peace, wholeness and abundance. And in order to do so, we have to meditate on things that are life giving. He doesn’t want us to worry about things that are out of our control. He wants us to meditate on things that are excellent and praiseworthy.

You have been blessed with the gift of life. Sure it’s full of ups and downs. Yes, it’s easy to focus on your problems, fears and doubts. But God’s Word commands us to think about things that are pure, true, noble– things that are of a good report.

When you choose to focus on the silver lining, you end up feeding and nourishing your spirit. You end up planting good seeds of life on the inside. On the contrary, when you choose to dwell on the negative, you end up bringing unneeded stress and turmoil into your life.

God’s Word is constantly affirming who we are in Him. It says that you are the apple of God’s eye. You are God’s most prized possession. His Word says that you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a peculiar people… It says that with Christ, you can do all things that strengthen you! God’s Word is worthy of praise, meditate on what it says about you.

Even in day to day interactions, you may get sidetracked in route between destinations. That’s an opportunity for you to stop and “smell the roses.” Maybe you just received some good news from a friend. That’s the chance for you to celebrate, rejoice and bask in the favor of the Lord. Think about the excellent things around you- the little ways that God has shown favor towards you.

Don’t worry and focus on the things that are out of your control. Dwell on all the goodness and blessings that the Lord has brought forth.

I’m asking you today to make a life-giving choice. Meditate on things that are pure, things that are of a good report. If it’s worthy of praise, think on those things .When you do so, you’ll see more of God’s peace come to guard your heart and mind as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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January 22, 2012 -- Choose Your Thoughts (2)
January 5, 2012 -- Preach Always, Use Words Only when Necessary (0)
October 23, 2011 -- How to Know if God is Speaking to You (vs Satan Speaking to You) (2)
September 12, 2011 -- Look for the Silver Lining (0)
December 26, 2011 -- Look for the Showers of Blessings! (0)

How the Words “So What” can Change Your Life

Jarrod Clark — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:57:36 +0000

Sometimes living an optimistic lifestyle requires us to have a “so what” mentality. That doesn’t mean that you don’t care. It doesn’t mean that you’re being tossed to-and-fro in the wind. No, it simply means you say “so what” to the things that don’t matter.

If someone cuts you off in traffic– “so what,” don’t give power to things that don’t matter. Keep the bigger picture in mind. Maybe you lost the battle, “so what, that’s okay.” You may have lost the battle but rest assured you’ll win the war.

Maybe you didn’t finish your task. Maybe you didn’t cross the finish line– “so what,” tomorrow is a new day. It’s a new day with brand new mercies and compassions. God will give you the strength to cross the finish line in due time.

Remember, in the grand scheme of things, everything works together for your good. Your steps are ordered by God and He has a plan for you.

When you keep the bigger picture in mind, the little petty things don’t matter. When God is for you, nothing or no one can be against you.

Rather than letting the little insignificant details of life stress you out, keep the grand picture in mind. If it doesn’t directly affect God’s divine plan for your life– “so what.” If it irritates you, “so what.”

If someone doesn’t want to be your friend, “so what.” That just means there’s room for the ones who are deserving of your friendship. If a door of opportunity closes, “so what.” Let that serve as good news. Because that means that the Almighty God is drawing you closer to the divine destiny He has for you.

In the same way that we have to organize our homes or our working spaces, we must do the same for our inner man. That means you have to hold on to the things that are of value, and dispose of the things that have no relevance.

Choose to sort the insignificant things in your life from the things that hold great importance. Say “so what” to things with no meaning and put your focus, time and attention on those things that matter the most. When you do so you’ll draw closer and closer to the divine destiny that God has for you!

November 29, 2011 -- What’s Your Bigger Picture? (2)
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Experience God’s Peace During the Christmas Season

Jarrod Clark — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 03:18:11 +0000

God wants us to experience peace on earth, not only during the holiday season but all year round. But for some, the holiday season can be one of the most stressful times of year.

Despite all the turmoil and stress that comes with the holiday season, know that peace is available to you. When you find yourself in the hustle and bustle trying to meet deadlines, take a moment to reflect on Christ. It’s all because of Christ that we have peace on earth.

Don’t focus on the things in which you have no control. Don’t let the stress of the season get the best of you. No, meditate on things that bring true joy and peace.

You see, when you let the pressures of the holiday overwhelm you, you bring on unneeded worry, stress and anxiety. But you can fight this opposition by having a right mindset and by being thankful for the little things.

The scripture says in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Know that with God, you can have peace even in the midst of your storm. If opposition comes your way, don’t be anxious. No, just like the scripture says, through prayer, petition, and thanksgiving, present your request to God. Then you will experience God’s peace that transcends all understanding as you charge forth on your journey of life!

December 24, 2011 -- Merry Christmas from Jarrod… (0)
March 8, 2011 -- Enjoy The Journey Along The Way (1)
February 2, 2012 -- 10 Ways to Have a Complete Joy-filled Day! (2)
December 20, 2011 -- He Brought Joy to the World! (0)
October 31, 2011 -- You’re Free from all Trouble! (2)

The Man with the Master Plan

Jarrod Clark — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:35:09 +0000

I once saw a sign that says, “man plans but God laughs.” Although there is no scripture that directly correlates this saying, I do believe God has a sense of humor.

Often times, we think we know the right way but God’s way is the better way. He has the master plan already laid out. He’s just waiting for us to submit to Him.

When things don’t go our way or we think we’re not hearing from God, we tend to take matters into our own hands. But Proverbs 3:5-6 says to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all of your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

‘My friend, God knows the end from the beginning. He knows what’s best for you. He has your best interests at heart. Jeremiah 1:5 says that before you were formed in the womb God knew you, before you were born God set you apart.

Know today that God has a plan for you. He’s got your destiny mapped out. When you try to take matters into your own hand, you’re only complicating the matter for yourself. When you try your own way, essentially, you’re just furthering yourself from your own destiny. You’re causing further delays and difficulties for the journey.

God knows everything that you do before you do it, and He has planned everything accordingly. Don’t make matters worse. Submit to His plan and His will for your life.

Pray that His will be done in every area of your life. When you pray this prayer, not only will you see your way, but you’ll gain understanding as you charge forth on your journey of life!

Photo credit: by doortoriver

December 19, 2011 -- How the Words “So What” can Change Your Life (4)
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October 5, 2011 -- God is Working (You Can Go on Autopilot) (5)
April 6, 2011 -- Be Open to a Higher Way of Thinking (0)
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Only Regard the Things that Matter

Jarrod Clark — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:00:05 +0000

Too often, we go around regarding the things that don’t matter. We’re focused on the negatives instead of the positives. We’ve got our sights set on what’s going wrong, instead of what’s going right.

But that’s not what God wants us to do. He wants to prosper you. He has plans of a future full of hope in store for you. And when you regard the things and people who don’t matter, you’re giving your power to the wrong sources.

When you get a setback, instead of becoming sour, bitter, or defeated, take great pleasure in knowing that your outcome will be glorious. Delight in the fact that no matter what happens, the good or the bad, you’re going to come out triumphant and victorious.

If you get a bad break, don’t focus all your time, attention, and efforts on that one little disadvantage. No, take no regard for what’s worthless. If it’s not furthering you, don’t let it burden you. If you’ll take care of the business that matters, God will take care of the business that doesn’t matter. Set your expectations on the divine plan that God has for your life.

Photo by fictionalidentityIf a friend lets you down, if you’re rejected, wronged, insulted, persecuted, or forsaken, make a decision to put your expectations in the good that God has promised you. He’s promised you a bright future full of abundant life and hope. There’s a rainbow at the end of your storm.

I love how the Psalmist pleaded in Psalm 119:37. It says, “keep me from paying attention to what is worthless.” Remember Jesus says, “I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” If it’s not bringing you life, disregard it. If someone lets you down or they bring sorrow to your day, disregard them. Love them, but move on to bigger and better things that will bring you life, joy, and encouragement.

When obstacles come, don’t let them distract you. No, look ahead to the finish line. That’s where you’ll find your hopes and expectations. Maybe you’ve made mistakes in the past. Instead of letting them form strongholds in your mind, do just like the scripture says in Hebrew 12. Lay aside every weight that so easily besets you. Run this race with patience, by keeping your eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith.

I’m asking you today, what matters to you? Do the petty things of this life matter? Are you concerning yourself with the insignificant things that aren’t furthering you or causing you to grow? If someone cuts you off in traffic, do you let that get the best of you? Do you stress out over the things in which you have no control?

My friend, put your expectations in the things that matter, and expect nothing of the things that don’t matter. Rather than stressing over what’s worthless, your declaration should be, “I’m too blessed to be stressed.” When you take on this mentality, God will fade away all the stress, worries and cares. He will then bring you into an abundant life full of victory, hope, and wholeness as you charge forth on your journey of life!

November 29, 2011 -- What’s Your Bigger Picture? (2)
December 19, 2011 -- How the Words “So What” can Change Your Life (4)
September 12, 2011 -- Look for the Silver Lining (0)
January 10, 2012 -- Meditate on These Things (2)
August 18, 2011 -- Put God First (1)

Just Say No to…

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 03:53:19 +0000

- Just say no to condemnation.
- Just say no to strife.
- Just say no to bitterness.
-Just say no to envy.
- Just say no to un-forgiveness.
- Just say no to defeat.
-Just say no to turmoil.
- Just say no to anger.
- Just say no…

- Just say no to Jealousy.
- Just say no to Satan.
- Just say no to bondage.
- Just say no to captivity.
- Just say no to doubt.
- Just say no to fear.
- Just say no to failure.
- Just say no to regret.
- Just say no to toxic individuals. Just say no.

- Just say no to bad influences.

- Just say no to division and dissension.
- Just say no to worry.
- Just say no to anxiety.
- Just say no to drugs.
- Just say no to cancer.
- Just say no to hate.
- Just say no to insecurities.
- Just say no to contentment.
- Just say no to pride.
- Just say no to negative thoughts.
- Just say no to closed mindedness.
- Just say no to those defeating words, “I Cant’.”
- Just say no, say no, say no!

- Just say no to stress.
- Just say no to sickness.
- Just say no to weaknesses.
- Just say no to rejection.
- Just say no to lack.
- Just say no to the impossibilities.
- Just say no to the storms.
- Just say no to curses.
- Just say no to your enemies.
- Just say no to your bullies.
- Just say no to confusion.
- Just say no to destruction.
- Just say no to those three words, “I give up.”
- Just say no to depression.
- Just say no to impatience.
- Just say no to ignorance.
- Just say no to hurt and pain.
- Just say no, say no, say no!

James 4:7 says to submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee. Remember, my friends, when the enemy comes in like a flood, (just say no) for the Lord will lift up a standard against him. – Isaiah 59:19b Just say no!

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October 13, 2011 -- Forget Not His Many Benefits (3)
August 11, 2011 -- Stand Firm Against the Enemy (2)
October 21, 2010 -- Don’t Hold On To The Pain (1)

Have You had Your Apple Today?

Jarrod Clark — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:06:41 +0000

There is a great saying that says, “what goes in comes out.” And we can always tell what seeds a person takes in, by the seeds they put out.

Any doctor or health consultant can tell you that what you take in has a lot to do with your health, and how you perform. If you’re taking in fatty foods and or foods high in salt or sugar, you run the risk of getting diabetes, high cholesterol, or even heart failure.

On the other hand, they’ll tell you that when you take in healthy food, you’ll feel better. You’ll be more energetic. You’ll have an over-all sense of well being.

Well the same thing goes for your spiritual being. If you’re taking in junk that isn’t good for your mind and soul, you’re going to put out what you’re taking in. If you’re taking in bad seeds, such as music that’s a bad influence, or hanging around people that are bad role models, you’ll find yourself mimicking or putting out that sort of behavior.

On the other hand, if you surround yourself around positive people and listen to positive music that’s uplifting and encouraging, then you’ll find yourself doing good deeds. When you’ve got good and positive inspiration flowing through you, you’ll even find yourself seeing the light through a dark tunnel.

There’s a great saying that says, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” When you expose yourself to uplifting images and positive messages, you’re keeping yourself healthy and whole on the inside.

Luke 6:45 says, “the good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” This further proves that what goes in comes out.

When you expose yourself to good and uplifting things on a daily basis, in the spiritual, that’s your equivalent to having your “apple a day”. Studies have even shown that many diseases are linked to the conditions of the mind. And when you take care of your mind and heart, just like you take care of your body and health, you’re “keeping the doctors away.”

Proverbs 4:23 says to “guard your heart, for out of it flows the issues of life.” Be sure to monitor what goes in your heart and mind. Next time you find yourself listening to a negative conversation that’s feeding your mind bad fruit, look for that “good apple” that’s going to sustain you. When you do so, you’ll find that God will cause you to prosper even as your soul prospers, as you charge forth on your journey of life!

Photo credit: by keightdee

September 26, 2011 -- Change The Channel (2)
January 18, 2012 -- Have A Right Now Faith! (2)
January 15, 2012 -- Plant Good Seeds! (2)
January 11, 2012 -- Stir Up the Gifts Inside of You! (0)
September 15, 2010 -- What’s Influencing You? (1)

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