~Want to be a positive mom?

 A couple of months ago I picked up the book, "The Power of a Positive Mom" at a thrift shop.  I read a chapter here and there when I get a free moment.  I have received a lot of good encouragement thus far.    Anyhow, I read chapter 9 today, titled "The Ladies Pity Party, Don't Accept The Invitation".  Wow!  This was a really good chapter!!  I just want to share a few lines from this with you.
(these are taken straight from this book, I did not write these)
~Life is not always fair.  It's not always easy, especially for mothers.  But you and I have a choice each day whether to wallow in self-pity or put our trust in God as he works in our lives.  
~A third reason we complain is to get attention.  It's not always popular to sound like a Pollyanna, pointing out the positive.  But when we sing that all-too-familiar tune, "Nobody knows the trouble I've seen," our friends rush to our side to give us sympathy to be reciprocated when it's their turn to whine!
(My words here: She talks about the Israelites and all their complaining.  Lack of water, lack of food, lack of meat, and hardships. They grumbled and complained to the point of saying they'd be better off back in Egypt as slaves. She pointed out that not only did God provide for them in all these things, their shoes did not even wear out during their journey.  Then she points out God's reaction to their groanings in Numbers 11:1-2.  God heard them and it says, " His anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp."  Now read what the author wrote in the book "The Power of a Positive Mom".)
~God was not at all pleased with the Israelites' constant complaining.  ...Instead of focusing on the great miracles God had done on their behalf and His goodness toward them in securing their freedom, they focused on what was bad about the situation.
~Are we able to see God's provision for us?  Do we see his hand at work for our good?  Or are we so focused  on our problems that all we can do is complain?
~The question is not "What are you going through?" but "What is your perspective and attitude in the process?"
~(Read Hebrews 12:2) Jesus was able to endure more than you and I will ever have to-all because he had His eyes focused on the joy of securing our salvation.  If we are going to be positive moms, we need to check our focus. ...."Stop Whining!"
~The truth is, our contentment is independent of what we have or who surrounds us.  Contentment is the opposite of self-pity.  If our hearts are content because we trust in God as our loving provider, then we'll tend to keep our eyes off our troubles.  But if we dwell on our wants or our difficulties (great or small), we will lose sight of the provisions God is granting us.
~(read Job 1:21 and think about the trials of Job)
~Contentment is not based on what you have; it is based on how you choose to view life.  It is an issue of the heart.
~(read Philippians 4:11-13 and think about the trails of Paul) Now if Paul could say this from his prison cell, I wonder if we could say it from our laundry room?
~1.)Recognize who the enemy is. Satan... 
2.)Change your perspective. Consider what is good... 
​3.)Ask God to give you strength. Based on Philippians 4:11-13...
~(after a story about kids whining and complaining about everything, she says this) Believe me, God understands.  His children frequently complain and grumble and whine, oblivious to all the good he is doing in their lives.  May you and I not be those kinds of kids!

Pretty good stuff!!  What I got from this chapter; Quit whining and be content!   :)

Note:  By recommending this book I am not suggesting you follow the author, nor am I saying I agree with everything she has ever said.  I had never heard of her prior to the title of the book catching my eye on the book shelf.    Like I always say when I recommend a book, I am a strong KJV girl.  This book uses other translations.  I encourage you to read this book, however, pull out your Bible and read the verses for yourself to see what it says!  I would never recommend a book that changes doctrine of God's Word.   If I read a book, for instance this one, that has a good message, and sticks with the teaching of the Word,  I will share it with you!   Happy Reading!