How to Walk Through Life's Hot Spots

1. Keep on walking.
A sure fire way to get burned is to stop walking. When you are afraid, or under extreme stress, or hurting -- keep going. You will get through if you keep dealing with the everyday tasks at hand to the best of your ability. Persevere!

2. Remember that this difficult time will pass.
It may feel that you are in a repeating time warp, but realize that pain is time-limited. All problems have a beginning and an end. Be Patient!

3. Make rough times work for you.
Not everything is good, but the Bible reminds us that ALL things work together for good for them that love the Lord according to His purpose. Look for ways to learn, grow, or cope in your pain or stress. (Read the book of James) Have courage!

4. Take "what is" and make the most of it. Make lemonade from your lemons. You are not called upon to create perfection from every situation, only to make the most of it. Don't waste your time on ceaseless complaining, but look for meaning and joy in all situations. Be content!

5. Clean up your own trash.
Stand on your own feet and don't try to blame others for your problems. You are not a victim. Choose to live the rest of your life with a controlled response to what is happening. Take responsibility!

6. Be true to yourself.
You will have more strength for dealing with ordeals in life if you have the courage to be true to your own values. Hypocrisy destroys internal energy. Model Integrity!

7. Be gladder than madder.
Expressions of gratitude calm the soul and clear the mind. No matter how tough your situation (loss of money, family, job, health, friends, possessions, etc.) there ARE people who are MUCH worse off than you all over the world. Show gratitude.

8. Have as much fun as you can.
Anticipation of fun and future pleasures raises the level of your energy and hope. Laughter has healing properties, makes you a joy to be around and pulls goodness into your life. Learn to laugh through your trials. Display humor!

9. Determine what is within your control.
You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control how you handle it - as well as choose the frame you put around your experiences. You can choose how you will deal (actions and attitudes) with all situations. You may not be responsible for being down, but you are responsible for getting up. Exhibit internal control!

10. Be enthusiastic.
Enthusiasm literally means: "GOD in us." If He is in you, let your life so shine. This life is just practice for the next - a learning experience. Learn to love life. Show your passion! Jump in with both feet. Learn all the lessons. "Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a fire". If you received this e-mail, you are not alone. Someone in this life cares about you - as well as our Creator/Father. He has built a home for you personally in the next life, on the Great Ponderosa. See you there.