The Land of Hope

Today, as I was driving to work, I received the coolest inspirational devotional on my blackberry (Thanks so much Manny for sharing them daily!) When I read it, I was like wow! I immediately thought of all of you...it is a reflection, a question, and a challenge....here it goes....

Just wanted to share some of what helps and inspires me....

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The Land of Hope
“I’ve pitched my tent in the Land of Hope”
(Acts 2:26 ~ The Message).

Where have you pitched your tent today? What are you expecting to happen in your life? What kind of attitude do you have? If you’re focused on what’s wrong, or what’s not working, it’s time to dig up your tent stakes! It’s time to pack up your belongings and move out of the land of discouragement. Move out of the “Not-going-to-happen” sub-division. Move out of “Can’t-do-it-ville.” It’s time to leave “Self-pity Estates.” Get out of those areas and move into the land of hope, faith, and expectation. Maybe you don’t quite know how to get there, but now’s the time to start looking for that new place...

source: Today's Word with Joel Osteen

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For me the Land of Hope is the assurance that I can be happy regardless of my circumstances because it is in not what happens but what I tell myself about what happens, that determines my attitude (I forget this one sometimes, but I do my best to live it), it is my faith in G-d, my family, my friends.

It is the knowledge that life IS NOT perfect, but the cool thing is that neither am I!! The fact that I can choose to focus on the positive and the good things, and also go through the bad times, grieve, be sad for a while, and come out stronger on the other side.... and it is in the lessons I learn from all of you that walk through the doors of room 127 every other Sunday...lessons of openness, trust, courage, honesty in the midst of pain and the hope for a better life....

So where did you pitch your tent yesterday? last night? this morning? Where did you pitch your tent today? You can choose where to pitch your tent...you can choose to shift your focus from the negative to the positive.....It sounds so simple, so trite, but it is soooo amazingly powerful, and such an important lesson in recovery, believe me, you have a choice...!!!!!!!!!

Peace, Hope and Love,

Lily

*G-d is not the usual way I spell G-d but I am doing so in this post in respect to all of our jewish friends...