Optimistic Journey

Learn To Accept Change

Jarrod Clark — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:19:37 +0000

One of the hardest things to accept in life is change. Anytime were put out of our comfort zone it becomes a big challenge to adapt.

Oftentimes change is what makes us grow in life. Sometimes when were put in a position that is out of the norm we stress out over what were used to and the difficulty of not being in control. But in order for God to do a new thing in your life you have to be accepting of change.

In order to rise to higher heights in life, you have to get rid of that old mentality. A good way to deal with change is to focus on the blessing aspect rather than the quote on quote “curse.” You see, there is always a rhyme and reason for the direction in which God takes your life.

If you’ll just stay in faith today and drop that old mentality God will do a new thing in your life. You have to realize that anything God allows in your life is there for you to grow. Understand that yesterday’s reality will not necessarily be today’s reality. Today’s reality may not be tomorrow’s. Know that any trouble that you encounter, while transitioning from point A to point B, God’s going to give you double for your trouble.

I’m reminded of a great saying – when it seems like you’re down to nothing, God is up to something! Next time change comes about, stay focused. Count your blessings and learn from the challenges it brings. In doing this, I believe that you will rise to higher heights and obtain the blessings and favor that God has in store for you!

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June 12, 2010 -- Greater Things Are In Store For You! (1)
April 30, 2010 -- Relinquish Stagnation and Step Into A New Dimension (6)
December 21, 2009 -- Change Is Not A Bad Thing (0)
July 21, 2010 -- He Always Steps In On Time (2)
July 18, 2010 -- Do What Is Right (1)

The Hardest Prayer to Pray

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:34:47 +0000

I believe that one of the hardest prayers to pray is to let God’s will be done in our lives. Generally we want things to happen in our lives based on what we want.

But our will is not always God’s will for our life. Therefore, it can be rather difficult to pray that God’s will be done in our lives.

In doing so we fear that God’s will is not what we want in life. God’s will might mean no to that person that isn’t meant for us to marry. It could mean no to that seemingly dream job. God’s will might mean that the time isn’t right to start that business.

However, regardless us what disappointment it may cause you, I encourage you to pray that prayer as you go through your journey. I believe it’s better to be in the will of God. You have to understand that God’s way is the best way.

It may not seem like the best way at the time. But God sees the future. He knew the end in the beginning. If you will just trust God today and know that He won’t guide you wrong, everything will turn out for the greater good in the end.

You see, your will may be based on the present or maybe even the future as you see it. But God’s will is based on the greater good. He has your best interest at heart.

Next time you pray to God, pray that His will be done in your life. Pray that He gives you the strength and courage to accept His will. It may not be an easy prayer to pray but it’s a worthwhile prayer. It can possibly save you heartache in the long run. Pray this prayer today as you charge forth on your journey of life!

June 24, 2010 -- 3 Ways to Combat Stress (2)
June 2, 2010 -- God Is Just A Prayer Away (1)
June 29, 2010 -- Don’t Forget to Pray That Prayer (1)
February 17, 2010 -- 5 Ways To Start A Successful Day (0)
February 2, 2010 -- Five Ways We Can Change The World (0)

Don’t Give In Too Soon

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:49:37 +0000

Recently I had the privilege of watching a live online charity marathon. The proceeds were going to the great cause of people who were being sold into sex-trafficking.

The moderator of the show was a young lady who works to help young women who have been abused, battered, and torn down. People were donating anywhere between just a few bucks to thousands of dollars per transaction.

As the marathon progressed, the show moderator would evaluate how much was being raised per hour. Then she would determine what the goal would be to raise for the next hour.

At one point, an anonymous person came in and stated that they would double the total donations for the next two hours to follow. I thought this was very generous so I placed my donation and checked back from time to time to follow the progress.

Later when I checked back, I could sense the tension. To them it seemed like all hope was lost. They had raised a lot of money but the goals weren’t being met. It was a 24 hour marathon and the goal was to raise twenty-thousand dollars. Ten minutes before the show was over they were short by a few hundred dollars.

The moderator had done all she could. She assessed the goals hour by hour. She stated what the goal was to raise for each hour. Some goals were met and some weren’t. But nonetheless, she didn’t give in.

Just at the last minute, when it looked like all had failed, the anonymous person came in and not only doubled the money for the two hours that he promised but he doubled the total amount of money that was raised.

In the end they raised just under forty-thousand for the charity. It turns out that their goal was not only met but they almost doubled the amount of money that they set out to raise.

Some might call this luck, others might call it good timing but I believe it was God stepping in just on time.

You see, when it seems that all hope is lost remember that God always make a way when it seems like there is no way. Don’t throw in the towel just yet, keep pushing – keep striving. I believe that God is sending an anonymous miracle your way today. Don’t give up too soon live in expectation for a miracle today as you charge forth on your journey of life!

July 5, 2010 -- You’re Closer Than You Think! (2)
June 30, 2010 -- Plot Your Course (3)
June 27, 2010 -- Don’t Let Anyone Rain on Your Parade (3)
June 17, 2010 -- It’s Never Too Late (2)
June 13, 2010 -- Don’t Forget To Take Action! (7)

Make Positive Declarations Ahead of Time

Jarrod Clark — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:43:23 +0000

One of the best habits you can learn in life is to speak positive things into existence. You can have anything in life that you want but you must first learn to ask in Jesus’ name and speak it into existence.

You see, God is a God of increase. He always wants to see you grow. I believe He’s moved when we have Faith enough to speak things in advance. In fact, the scripture says that we should speak things into existence.

No matter what the circumstances around you may be, know that you can make positive declarations ahead of time. God is going ahead of you and providing a way out of no way. All you have to do is exercise your faith.

Maybe you’re facing adversity, why not wake up tomorrow morning and make a positive declaration. Say “Lord I know things around me don’t look good but Lord I know you’re in control. I’m thankful that you’re going ahead of me making crooked places straight and rough places plain.“

Your declaration should be that no matter what you’re facing, you have the favor of God on you and something good is in store for you today!

Maybe you’ve been sick and you’ve got a negative report from the doctors. They said chances are you’re not going to make it. They’ve said that the odds are in your favor. Know today that Jesus is in the blessing business. He’s performing miracles that defy what the doctors have said. Make a declaration today that just like many who have defied the odds, you will be one of the ones to overcome.

When you wake up in the morning lift your head up – stick your chest out. Make positive declarations for the day ahead and witness the blessings that God has in store for you!

December 30, 2009 -- Is Your Glass Half Full or Half Empty? (0)
July 21, 2010 -- He Always Steps In On Time (2)
July 19, 2010 -- Be A Light In A Dark World (2)
July 5, 2010 -- You’re Closer Than You Think! (2)
June 13, 2010 -- Don’t Forget To Take Action! (7)

Who Are You Really?

Jarrod Clark — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:18:07 +0000

A wise man once said, “When you know who you are, you know who you aren’t.” I couldn’t agree any more.

Too often we walk around wearing a mask and conforming who we are to those around us. We lower our standards to fit in. We try too hard to be like someone else. And we end up forgetting what the bible says we are.

The bible says that you are more than a conqueror. It says that you’re a victor and not a victim. It says that you can do all things through Christ.

If you focus on doing what’s right and try to be all that God says you can be, then I believe you’ll rise higher in life. Don’t conform your standards to be like the next man – no be who God says you are.

If the world chooses to go left and God says that you should go right, take that bold step and take the God route today. If the world tells you that you shouldn’t smile no one will take you serious, smile anyway. God says to spread your light and let no one steal your joy.

You see, the bible says that you are the head and not the tail. You are above and not beneath. And just like today’s quote points out, because you know that you have the favor of God then you know that you’re not a failure. You know that you’re blessed and not cursed.

If you’ll remember who you are today, then you won’t fall into the trap of being someone that you’re not. Don’t conform to that of the world. Constantly reform yourself to be the person God wants you to be as you charge forth on your journey of life!

April 26, 2010 -- Empowerment Begins On The Inside (14)
April 16, 2010 -- 9 Ways to Boost Confidence (6)
February 24, 2010 -- Overcoming Low Self Esteem (0)
July 6, 2010 -- Be Just Who You Are (0)
June 15, 2010 -- Don’t Dress For Less, Dress For Success (2)

Are You Living Your Best Life?

Jarrod Clark — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:36:35 +0000

There are times during our walk with Christ that we feel like were just barely getting by. Between trying to meet deadlines and fulfilling those much needed tasks, we feel the life and energy being sucked out of us.

We loose our Joy. We loose our motivation and passion for life. Those things that once made us happy can easily become a thing of the past.

Most of those things that seem to get the best out of you are battles you face in your mind. You see, God wants you to live a life full of zest, zeal, and passion. He doesn’t want to see you struggle. He doesn’t want you to just barely get by. No, He wants you to live an abundant life.

He wants you to go about your day with enthusiasm for that which is ahead of you. You have to make a decision that no matter what is ahead of you, deadlines or tasks, that you will put your best foot forward. Decide that you will exercise Joy and Happiness just as God declares for you.

Well you may say, “I have so much coming at me I just don’t have the energy and stamina like I used to.” No, I encourage you to combat that thought. Know today that Jesus is your help. The scripture says “when we are weak that’s when He is strong.” Know that Jesus’ power is made perfect unto you. God has the power to make all things strong!

Make a decision today to take back your life. Take back your Joy, passion, and motivation. Dare to dream! Dare to live a little. Give yourself a break and take a trip up to the mountains. Go on a Joy ride! Plan a mini vacation. Jesus says that I’ve come that you might have Life and have it more abundantly. Live the life that God has for you today as you charge forth on your journey of life!

Photo credit: stuant63

June 27, 2010 -- Don’t Let Anyone Rain on Your Parade (3)
April 9, 2010 -- 5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Accepting a Yes (13)
April 12, 2010 -- Go Out With A Bang (3)
April 26, 2010 -- Empowerment Begins On The Inside (14)
April 22, 2010 -- When Passion Meets Discouragement, Stay Committed (2)

He Always Steps In On Time

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:46:43 +0000

I was thinking about all the trials and adversities that I’ve faced in life. And as I look back over time, it turns out that God has always stepped in right on time.

It may have not been the time that I wanted Him to step in but everything turned out for my good. You see, God has the master plan. Everything that has ever happened or anything that’s bound to happen, happens according to His master plan.

Even in the interim, you may be tempted to question God. You might say, “God any time now. If you’ll deliver me from this storm, it will be alright.” You may even feel like you’re tossed out to sea in raging waters just minutes from drowning. But you have to know that God will throw your rope out just when the time is right.

Your help is right around the corner. If you’ll just stay in faith, God will step in and make a way out of no way. You may want your breakthrough now but just like the Psalmist says, wait patiently on the Lord and be of good courage!

I love how the songwriter says lift up your head, your deliverance draweth nigh. In other words, your harvest is around the corner. Your promise is within reach.

Dig down deep inside and muster up the strength and courage. If God put you through a trial, He gives you the strength to endure it. Stay afloat and make a decision to roll with the punches. God has a plan that’s tailor-made for you. Fight the good fight of faith today as you rise to higher heights!

Photo credit: radiant guy

February 3, 2010 -- Weathering The Storms Of Life (2)
December 20, 2009 -- Relieve The Stress by Changing Your Thoughts (0)
July 17, 2010 -- Let Go of The Strongholds (2)
December 8, 2009 -- Brace for Impact (0)
November 5, 2009 -- Turn Your Mourning to Morning (4)

Kill Them With Kindness

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:27:12 +0000

One of the best ways to maintain peace in your life is to exercise kindness to others. Our natural reaction, when offended by others, is to close up and put up barriers. We may decide, well they’ve done me wrong I won’t speak to them. Or they’ve hurt me so I won’t give them the time of day.

But remember, Jesus was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. He could have easily decided to neglect those who hurt Him. He could’ve come down off the cross but if He did, where would we be? We would all be lost.

I believe that God is moved when we exercise love in those times when it’s most difficult. In other words, when someone wrongs you, don’t react in anger or bitterness. Don’t close up and put up walls. Respond in love and forgiveness. Kill them with kindness.

Forgiveness frees you and helps you to let go of those burdens that others put on you. I challenge you to go out of your way and show random acts of kindness to those who have put you down.

That person who overlooks and ignores you, keep speaking to them. One day they’ll come around. Their life will be changed by your kindness. That person who talked about you, forgive them. Be a Godly example of love and purity to them.

God has given you the tools to be a positive example. And you may discover that operating in forgiveness is one of the hardest things to do. But I encourage you to dig a little deeper. Find that inner strength that God has given you and exercise the agape love that Jesus exemplified here on earth.

Don’t let others steal your joy. Instead spread that joy, it’s contagious! Kill them with kindness and notice a great change as you rise to higher heights today!

June 21, 2010 -- Give The Benefit of a Doubt (0)
February 26, 2010 -- Fruit of the Spirit Breakdown (2)
November 12, 2009 -- Forgiveness Is A Must (0)
April 27, 2010 -- You Deserve To Be Respected (2)
March 30, 2010 -- Focus On The Good (3)

Be A Light In A Dark World

Jarrod Clark — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:27:40 +0000

In the world today so many people are faced with troubling times. For some, it’s difficult to stay positive with the world in the state that it’s in.

It doesn’t help to go out the door and face such a fast pace world where everyone has the persona of “me – me – me!”

Somebody out there needs a warm genuine smile. Someone needs a helping hand. Why not show a little compassion to someone else? Break down your barrier today and be a light in a dark world.

Remember, for someone you’re the only Jesus they’ll see. Maybe someone out there doesn’t know that Christ is a healer. Someone out there doesn’t know that Jesus came to save. Someone doesn’t know that they can be made free.

The same Jesus that died on the cross lives in you today. Why not share that same power that He has given you to spread Joy to others?

It’s amazing that something as simple as a little smile or a courteous gesture can make someone’s day. And you have the power to so. A smile will make their day. A cold shoulder can break their day. A simple hello will make someone’s day. Neglecting to speak to someone in passing may possibly leave them with a cold feeling.

You never know, someone may be on the verge of a break down. Someone needs a simple word to motivate them to push through that last stretch.

Offer a kind word of encouragement to make someone smile today. You will be surprised at how it changes your life and the lives of others as charge forth on your journey of life!

Photo credit: Thai Jasmine (Have a nice weekend )

May 22, 2010 -- What Inspires You? How to Go From Discouragement to Encouragement (3)
January 9, 2010 -- Are You Exemplifying The Fruit of The Spirit? (0)
July 26, 2010 -- Make Positive Declarations Ahead of Time (0)
June 22, 2010 -- Post It On Your Bathroom Mirror! (5)
June 9, 2010 -- Are You Spreading The Good News? (5)

Do What Is Right

Jarrod Clark — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:53:41 +0000

Were given many choices in life. When we come to a fork in the road, we have the choice to go either left or right. When we come to a crossroad, we can either turn around, go left, right, or keep straight ahead.

Naturally, we will make decisions that make us feel the most comfortable at the time. We feel that whatever makes us comfortable is the decision to make. When in actuality, the comfortable decision isn’t always the right decision.

In other words, the decision that’s pleasing to the flesh isn’t always the decision that God wants you to make. He want you to be a person of integrity. He wants you to make decisions that have an overall positive impact on life.

In every aspect of your life, you should want to do what is right. But it’s often easier said than done. Sometimes, doing what is right is putting others first for a change. Doing what is right is going home to study when your friends want to go party.

Doing what is right may mean saving money rather than spending it on that dress down at the corner shop. It may mean arriving to work ten minutes early so that you’re working by eight o clock on the dot. Doing what is right may mean eating a salad rather than something that’s fattening. What’s right could mean helping a neighbor carry in the groceries.

When making the decision to do whats right it may put us out of our comfort zone and that’s natural. But know that in the long run those right decisions that you make will have a better impact on your life and the life of another. Make a decision today to do what is right as you charge forth on your journey of life!

July 30, 2010 -- Learn To Accept Change (0)
April 30, 2010 -- Relinquish Stagnation and Step Into A New Dimension (6)
February 5, 2010 -- How To Deal With Negative Thoughts Associated With Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone. (1)
January 2, 2010 -- Leave Mediocrity Behind And Rise To A New Level (0)
November 14, 2009 -- Take The Right Road, Not The Wrong (3)

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