Positive or Negative--- August 3, 2016

It is very important to surround yourself with positive people.  When those who surround you shine their light and exude a presence that you are drawn to, by all means keep these wonderful souls in your life!  My life has truly been blessed with those whose glass is half full instead of half empty and a goal of mine is to help others see the glass half full!  Growing up, my Momma had an amazing small group of women she called her friends.  This taught me to cherish positive relationships and to nourish my heart with the love of those who enjoy life’s simplicity. 

     It’s so very easy today to get caught up in negative energy and jump on a wagon with those who don’t shine their light.  Christ intended for us to fellowship with one another and spread the “good news” about Him. If we have Christ in the center of our lives, the positive will follow and flow out.  

     My Momma used to have hot tea weekly (or iced tea in the summer) with her dear friend Anita and she always took me along. Both had their favorite tea cup and saucer and it was usually paired with a homemade snack such as pound cake or sugar cookies.   I would play with my toys, sing a little tune, run around the house with Laura, or twirl in the kitchen while they sat at the round table basking in the sunshine. 

      I would hear them laugh until their bellies hurt and occasionally a sniffle would seep out from a nose or a tear would fall from an eye and the other would immediately follow suit..  They sipped away the world, encouraged one another, told stories and mostly listened.  This was their glass half full time and as a little girl I learned to value diamond relationships.    Many years later as an adult, sweet Anita gave me their two favorite tea cups and saucers and I treasure them today!   Those cups heard a lot of laughter, felt a lot of tears fall from their beautiful eyes and mostly listened.
     No man, woman or material possession will ever give you true JOY, PEACE or ETERNITY.  Your joy and peace will never be sustained long term without a personal relationship with Christ.  You glass may be half full but when you see it as half empty, Christ is the only one who can KEEP it filled!  And watch out because it just may overflow! Thank you Momma for filling my cup here on earth and for giving me your overflowing love.  You reflected  a Christ-like love and you live with me every day. You even topped my cup with whip and drizzled it with caramel and you always sprinkled it with laughter!  Lots and lots of laughter! :-) 

Cherish your positive relationships, be there for those who love you and lean on God to lead you to people whose cup is filled or need help topping theirs off. We are all going to die and our legacy will continue.  How do you want people to remember you?  Half empty or half full?  Much love y’all! <3 Jodi