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Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
The other morning, I was looking out the kitchen window at a fair amount of water lying on the concrete landing. I turned and said to my husband, "Too bad that when the man did that work out there, he didn't put a bit of a slant on the cement so that the rain would run off instead of just lying there." I have commented on that on different occasions, which is a waste of time, since it will never be corrected.
When I turned back to look out, I noticed six little birds having fun as they washed and played in that puddle. I stood and watched with pleasure, as God quietly showed me that He has a purpose for everything. God is so good! Now, I have pleasure when I look out my window, instead of seeing a poor job.
It seems as if God sees when something is bothering us, and in His divine way, He changes things up a bit so that we can see that thing in a new way. God was looking after me as well as looking after the little birds.
I told God that I would never complain about that water again, now that I know the purpose of it. Now, I go to the window to see if the little birds are playing and enjoying the water.
I pray that we do not look at anyone as a poor job, but rather we remember that God has a purpose for each of us. He does not make mistakes, and He is not a liar. When I look in the mirror, I pray, God help me to see You working things out. You are making changes in me. I am still under construction — and I am not a mistake or a failure. To think that I am either is a lie that the devil wants me to believe to keep me from being all that God has planned for me.
Considering how I used to live before meeting Christ, I guess that I was a negative that God turned into a positive, or rather my actions were negatives that God turned into positives — and He is not finished with me yet. Praise God!
Prayer: God, may we keep close in our hearts the words that we know come from You. Help us to see people and things the way that You do. You are our hope no matter what our circumstances look like. Thank You for Your peace, forgiveness, and love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – In Toronto, Ontario — Praise God for the Alpha series at Knox Presbyterian Church, Toronto, Ontario, as they conclude the series today with over two dozen guests and many supporters. Pray that God may continue to bless and guide them and bring lasting results for Christ in the lives of guests and helpers.
Prayer for P.: "Update April 15, 2024; Please keep praying for P to find new accommodations.**March 22, 2024: P is..." 
Amen, Brenda.
Love it!! Thanks for sharing such a perfect example.
I so needed this reminder, Brenda! Blessings.
(Ont.)
Thanks for a good and thoughtful word today Brenda.
Blessings.
Thank you for the wonderful message to see a positive message in things.
Blessings.
Thank you for this encouraging email.
May God bless you and your family and keep you safe during these trying times.
Hi Brenda. I found your devotional today very encouraging. I needed to hear that I am not a mistake or a failure. God bless you!
Beautiful words that bring us hope in this time of uncertainty. There is always something to be thankful for. May we all be graced with an attitude of gratitude.
Thanks for your message today, Brenda. In these trying times it is so easy to think negative thoughts instead of positive ones. Blessings to you and stay safe!
Amen and amen, Brenda! God is so good to us…and the birds…through puddles, bird baths and feeders…not to mention all the plant seeds. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
What a joy to read your writing today, Brenda. Thank you. ‘I can be positive that my old ideas and old ways were negative.’ But then negativity is the old life I led before I met the Savior.
Dear Brenda,
A delightful encouraging message of “Turning Negative into Positive.” What a lifestyle blessing from God. Thank you for brightening my day for a great spiritual truth.
Good Morning, Brenda,
The image of “your” birds and your message has started my week off perfectly.
Thank you
(Texas, USA)
Dear Brenda,
Thanks for your devotional. Its simple story is a great lesson. I’d never heard of Pico, Azores so I looked it up. Wow! It seems you live in a very isolated part of the world; yet I imagine it to be beautiful.
Hello Brenda,
I saw your post today in PresbyCan, and I just wanted to say that I LOVE how God spoke to you through the poor workmanship!
God bless you as you continue to write for Him!
Good morning Brenda,
Thank you for a good devotional this morning. There is a purpose for everything, but sometimes it is hard for us mere humans to see what it is. But God is our hope, regardless of what happens in our lives.
Thank you again.
Thank you, Brenda, for your beautiful days for a Monday morning. Yes, thank you Lord for these blessings. I could complain about other things, but I am so grateful for many promises of God to cling to Him for the reasons and answers.
I’ll have to check to see where you are as I forget my geography. God bless you.
(Ca.)
Thank you, Brenda. This is the second time I’ve read the same thought this morning! So I think it’s meant for me.
We stopped at one of the islands in the Azores on a cruise and were welcomed into the house of a local lady. She proudly showed us her family pictures and even though we could barely understand each other, we were blessed.
Love it! During the pandemic, there’s so many things that are limited, we COULD complain, but… I’ve rediscovered knitting, learned how to Zoom, attended churches all over the globe, enjoyed watching the seasons change on my daily walk, made great friends, who live NEXT door!
Gratitude is the fuel to power happiness!
(BC Canada)
Thank you, Brenda, for your sharing with us all about how God has a purpose for everything.
Nothing is wasted, and he has plans for all of us; there’s no one too small or too big, not too poor, and not too rich. We all have our purpose in this world that God created.
The birds are always fed and looked after, and when we see them being cared by God; it’s the blessing of joy that comes to our hearts.
Have a good week and keep on writing.
Blessings, and my God watch over you always,
(Quebec Canada)
Dear Brenda,
I am always telling my granddaughter about how our thoughts go negative much faster than positive and it is our responsibility to “reframe the picture” and see the positive. We will be more joyful if we do. I loved your illustration of the birds and love to watch the birds in the bird bath. One of her friends was here and took a picture of them splashing around. The sparrows also take sand baths in what was my children’s sand box. It is truly fun to watch God’s creations.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I like your analogy with your life before and after your faith in Christ is powerful. Blessings.
H Brenda
I enjoyed your devotional. I can see that you take time to speak often to our Lord and Savior. Keep looking to Jesus. He will be with you. I am a Brazilian living in Canada and am a pastor in a small town and work with the Alliance church.
Hi Brenda
Love your positive attitude.
God always has a better plan.
Interested that you live in Azores. I’ve always wanted to visit.
Blessings.