Good morning family and friends,

When you woke this morning what was your attitude? Attitude is the state of mind towards something. It might be work, or paying the bills. It might be about what you will do now that your home was engulfed in flames. It might be due to an appointment with the doctor that you really don't want to go to. What is your state of mind?

Mine? Well, as you know me, a little tune was floating through my head before I even raised off my pillow. "Put on a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, lift up your hands and sing..." Do you know this one?

I am so grateful that the Holy Spirit speaks to me through songs. So, as I began to think about my attitude, not knowing what the hours ahead will bring, I thought of Colossians 3: 1-4. When everything around us is going right this is pretty easy to attain to. But, what if___________happens? What then will be your attitude toward that event? It is best to just jump right in there with worship. Only God sees your future, so trusting Him is vital to your state of mind.

"If then you have been raised with Christ [to new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ. When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory." Better read this again and let it sink in deep and take aim to claim it.

I see here that I am one of those accounted as a believer, thank the Lord. Looking at the treasures I have here on earth are nothing compared with the treasures of heaven! Jesus Christ is sitting on His Throne, in power. The more often I look away from the dirt on my feet and onto the beauty of Jesus feet, it is well with my soul. I am dead to the things of the world and risen with Christ into eternity, right now. Someday, Jesus will appear and on that day I will stand in His full glory!

Taking a deep breath, I find I am revived in my mind too. A new attitude of worship wells up and I can walk forward into the unknown because, I am known by the Father. Are you thankful for your new life in Christ? If you haven't yet made that decision, don't put it off for a later time. That burned out home, those doctor appointments cannot change the unfailing Love of the Father for you. Realize you can't fix yourself or really call up out of the ground true happiness. Our joy comes from our attitude of worship. Not our circumstances.

When I read the book of Psalms and see the heart of David for God, I am encouraged. He went through great trials and loss, yet, he worshipped the One and Only Who could save him. David found his heart enraptured with the glory of Almighty God. He knew where he stood. A humbled man. Once you begin reading about his life it is hard to stop. We get a glimpse into his mistakes, sorrows and triumphs. Not so different than our own journey is it?

As I glance through Psalm 95-99 just where my Bible is open, without turning pages, I see key words. "O come, let us sing; come let us worship; Sing to the Lord a new song and bless His name; The Lord reigns; Oh sing to the Lord a new song; shout joyfully to the Lord; The Lord reigns; the Lord is great." And it goes on. Today I will try to aim at this attitude! Will you?

It is like standing before a huge Sequoia tree. You begin at the bottom and let your eye gaze up and up, until you can hardly stand upright for the bending of your neck. It is so high you can not see the branches at the top. They reach up into the heavens and you begin to feel smaller and smaller. Now try touching you fingertips together. You can't reach around the mighty tree. But, you try anyway. I think this is a good picture of having an attitude of worship. You are invited to lift up your eyes anytime, anywhere. Your spirit will soon soar and your heart and mind will praise the One True and Living God! In the matchless name of Jesus we are free to worship, amen.

Well, it is time for me to leave you. Heartstrings is such a good place to find food for our souls. I pray that the Lord will bless you today as you take aim to worship Him with all of your strength and might. He will be your peace. Only set your eyes on things above. God bless you and keep you in His marvelous grace. Patricia.

Abundance is...when I look up