A Positive Mindset with Affirmations

Today’s verse:  Romans 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The brain is a powerful tool.  30 seconds of positive or negative suggestions can influence your day and your life.  Try this simple experiment. Have a friend stand in front of you.  Extend your arms straight out to the side and have them push down by placing their first two fingers on each wrist. Try to resist them.   This is your base strength.

Now relax, close your eyes, and say out loud four or five times:  “I am strong”   Now do the exercise again with your friend.   Do you notice that they cannot push your arms down as far as they could before?

 

 

Try the reverse – repeat “I am weak and unworthy” at least 4-5 times.  They will easily be able to push your arms down.

 

 

This experiment, simple as it is, really shows how the mind can be influenced.  When we wake up every day, we need to stand in front of the mirror and repeat positive affirmations to and about ourselves.  These affirmations need to be exactly what the name implies: life-affirming, uplifting, positive thoughts.  The affirmations should always start with “I AM” or “I CAN”.   This triggers the brain to believe this about you.

Every morning, look yourself in the eye and repeat:   “I am strong.”  ” I am addiction free.”  “I am happy.”  “I am awesome”.   “I can beat this”.   “I can do anything I set my mind to”.  “I can stick to my diet”.  “I can…” Choose whatever affirmations work for your particular situation.  Write them down and tape them to your mirror, put them in  your car, or wherever you will see them every day. It is amazing how strong these can be. If you repeat them every day, with conviction, you will see how strong they make you.

Daily prayer will also help you to get strength to help fight what ever fight you are facing.  Our Lord Jesus has his own “I AM” sayings, and these are all positive statements to give us courage to keep going.  A few examples:

I AM the vine; you are the branches.
I AM the bread of life.
I AM with you always, to the end of the age.
I AM the light of the world.
I AM the way, and the truth, and the life.

Believe in yourself, believe in God, and your life will improve immensely!  Blessings to all of you today!

Healthy Living Snack Idea:    3 Kinds of Granola Bars

1. Basic Granola Bars:

Add 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup any nut butter together in small saucepan over medium heat.  Stir until melted together, 2-3 minutes.  Whisk to combine well.

Put 1 cup crispy brown rice cereal, 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup chopped nuts and 1/2 cup dried cherries in large bowl.  Add honey mixture and stir well to combine.

Lightly grease 8×8″ baking dish and spread mixture evenly in dish, pressing down gently, and cover with plastic wrap.  Chill until firm, at least 1 hour.  Cut into bars. Makes 16 bars

2.  Cranberry Granola Bars:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.  Spray 13×9″ metal baking pan with non-stick spray. Line pan with foil, leaving 2-inch overhang; spray foil.

Spread 2 cups rolled oats on plate.  Microwave on high in 1 minute intervals, 4-5 minutes until fragrant and golden, stirring occasionally.  Let cool.

In large bowl, whisk 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 vegetable oil, 2 Tbsp. water, 2 lg. egg whites, 2 Tbsp. packed light brown sugar, 1 tsp. ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp salt.  Blend well.

Fold in oats and 3/4 cup each toasted wheat germ, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.  Transfer to prepared pan.  Press into an even layer.

Bake 28-30 minutes until golden.  Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.  Makes 16 bars

3.  Maple Pecan Granola Bars

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.  Spread parchment paper on 13×9″ baking sheet.

Mix 3 cups rolled oats, 1/3 cup pecans, 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/2 Tbsp. cinnamon, 1/3 Tbsp. nutmeg, 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp maple syrup, 3 Tbsp. melted butter, 3 Tbsp. brown sugar, 1/3 cup honey.

Transfer to prepared pan.  Press into an even layer.

Bake 20-25 minutes until golden.  Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars or crumble to make granola.   If making granola, add 1/4 cup shredded coconut, 1/3 cup raisins, and 1/4 cup dried cherries or cranberries when cool and mix well.