I’m so excited to share an encouraging post from a guest, Kathy Carlton Willis. She calls herself “God’s Grin Gal” and she not only wears a grin but puts a grin on other people’s faces. Plus, she helps others put grins on those they reach out to. She’s just an encouragement all around and has encouraged me so many times.

Enjoy her words and be sure to check out her website:  www.KathyCarltonWillis.com

Where Does that Grin Come From?

by Kathy Carlton Willis

I’m often asked, “How can you keep grinning despite the challenges in your life? It has nothing to do with me. It has to do with the God in whom I put my trust. Knowing “He’s got this” helps me carry on (in hope) rather than to carry on (complain)!

Grinning instead of grimacing comes from the discipline of thinking on glorious victorious thoughts outside the current stinky situation.

First I get my imaginary lariat out and wrangle those negative thoughts. TWEET THAT!

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV)

Once I evict those destructive thoughts, I fill the void with healthful and helpful thoughts. Thoughts that line up with the mind of Christ.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. …Then the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8b-9 NLT)

If I practice this passage in Philippians, it might look something like this. I’m going to fix my thoughts on what is:

  • True: I remember the extreme way God answered my prayer to provide for our family.
  • Honorable: I’m blown away by the way that writer stays humble when others try to put her on a pedestal.
  • Right: I respect the decision this politician made to choose an unpopular but godly path.
  • Pure: How precious the gift of life is when I see photos of the much prayed for Lyla.
  • Lovely: How beautiful are the wildflowers dressing up that field.
  • Admirable: I see integrity in the choice Russ made to not malign a wrongdoer.
  • Excellent: I respect how she endures through her weight-training routine.
  • Worthy of praise: God’s faithfulness is something I can count on.
Are you having a hard time grinning this week? TWEET THAT!

What will your fix list look like?

Share with Kathy and I which item in the Philippians 4:8-9 passage you want to concentrate on this week. We’d love to chat with you. Which one is the easiest for you or hardest for you? Let’s get the conversation going in the comment section below. You have lots to share with us all!
About the Author:
God’s Grin Gal, Kathy Carlton Willis, shines the light on what holds you back so you can grow. She’s a popular speaker and writer’s coach. Read her book, Grin with Grace, or find more information at: http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com/.