in a world of challenges

"The truth is that stress doesn't come from your boss, your kids, your spouse, traffic jams, health challenges, or other circumstances. It comes from your thoughts about these circumstances."

Truthfully, I love to play the blame game. Whatever challenge comes my way, I always find a way to blame it on something else. Even something simple that happened today... my computer keyboard randomly stopped working. I instantly threw up my hands and gave up because "technology just hates me." It obviously didn't have anything to with the simple fact that it ran out of batteries. 

I love to blame my stress on my circumstances. I have a long list of reasons of why certain things are the way they are and none of them have to do with my own self and attitude. Things happen. Challenges come. But these circumstances in themselves do not bring you stress. It's the thoughts about your circumstances that bring you stress. The fact that I'm not making as much money as I'd like in itself is not bringing me stress. What brings me stress are all the worrisome and anxious thoughts that I have about my circumstances. 

If you have a positive attitude and constantly strive to give your best effort, eventually you will overcome your immediate problems and find you are ready for greater challenges. 

In all circumstances, we can choose to be a blessing. We can choose to look at challenges as opportunities instead of burdens. When we use our challenges to learn, we can bless others as well. 

I heard a message the other day and it reminded me that there are many things that we come with the attitude of "have to" instead of "get to." This is something I am learning in some of the challenges I face and changing my perspective. 

For example, as most of you know I am raising support in order to work in South Africa. Recently, I've had the mindset of I have to raise support. But what a change in perspective when I change the word have to get. I GET to raise support! What an exciting opportunity to bond people together for one goal. 

I'm challenging myself and I'd like to challenge you to think about all of the "have to's" in your life and look at it from another perspective. Yes, I have to go to work. But I get to go to work so that maybe in some small way I can make somebody's day. 

And that brings me to my next support team highlight of the week: Beth Waltrip. 

I have known Beth forever. She has been such a blessing in my family's life and her and my mother's friendship has given me hope and inspiration for my own friendships. Seeing how long their friendship has lasted and how it's still going strong is amazing. I love all the memories of birthdays where she has always baked the most delicious cakes. 



         My mom and Beth-- and a delicious cake! 

I love that she didn't have to be on my support team. But she chose to. We get to be in God's ministry together. 


Thank you to all who are currently supporting and praying for me. If you'd like more information on my ministry vision and financial goals, please email me at rpearson@twr.org.