“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
But the way that a man thinks in his heart will most likely determine how his day goes. How do you have a good day when everything seems to be going wrong? Determine that the moment you think a negative thought about anything or anyone, you will delete it and replace it with a good one. I’ve found that the quicker I push that delete button in my mind the happier I am. If you don’t believe it’s possible try this little experiment for a day or a week in your life. It is found in God’s Word. Philippians 4:8 “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” 
Think about how a child views life. He wakes up enthusiastic and can’t wait to begin the day. He bounces out of bed and begins looking for the next exciting adventure that life may send his way. He doesn’t worry about the danger or the cost or any of the “what ifs” that older and supposedly wiser people think about. At night he says his prayers and asks God to take care of him and his love ones and falls soundly asleep in minutes.
The next morning, he wakes up ready to face a brand new day of possibilities. He thinks about what he can achieve. Perhaps he will build a fort or a tree house. 
Maybe he will go for a ride on a big tour bus. 
Or perhaps he will learn how to pilot a helicopter. 
He may even decide to start up a sandbox bakery business. 
He doesn’t worry whether he can do it or not or what others will think because he is not afraid of failure. He is filled with hope and he only dreams about the wonderful amazing things he can and will do. He hums as he works and his mind is alive with ideas. His eyes twinkle, his mouth smiles, and he is energized to do great things.
The good life is filled with the energy and renewing power that comes from God. The word enthusiasm comes from en Theo – full of God. If you are not sure how to become an enthusiastic person, try praying these two verses for yourself and family (from the prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21) every morning before you begin your day.
“I pray that out of His glorious riches He will strengthen me with power through His Spirit in my inner being so that Christ will dwell in my heart through faith…..and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that I may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Did you notice that you are praying “to be filled to the measure of fullness of God?” God wants us to be filled with His power and love so that we can follow His will and discover the wonderful good life that He has planed for each of us.
But if we never take time to talk to God and listen to Him we will never know His plan.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 
Is this not what Jesus had in mind for each of us when He said we must become like little children? The unquestioning love and trust of a child is a requirement for living the full life that God intended for us. But we must also know God and be obedient to His commands in order to live the good life. Material blessings and wealth can be obtained without knowing God, but His most precious blessings of peace, hope and joy are reserved for His very own children and come from an intimate relationship with Him.
“O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.” Psalm 84:12
illumylife 
Just what I needed to read this morning, Joy — Thank you! You know how I’m striving to hone in on this childlike faith we each have within us…
Love your thoughts on our attitudes, too. There are a lot of things that have stuck with me from reading “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp. But one thing I reflect on nearly every day is “We can only experience one emotion at a time. And we get to choose what that one emotion will be.”
And today — I choose joy! 😉
Oh Nikki, thank you for your encouraging comment. I haven’t read “One Thousand Gifts” but I am placing it at the top of my read list for the summer. Hugs and abundant joy to you today!
Oh yes, I like this. It’s even calming to sit and watch a child play. They are focused on such minute things with curiousity and wonder, and God bless them, they do have such hope and think anything is possible. These verses are such a wonderful reminder, and yes, I have had negative thoughts which bring doubt and fear, and when I replace them with God’s refreshing and re-assuring Word, my mood and attitude change. I did this just last night… heard some serious information from a family member right before bed. I was struggling to get to sleep. I calmly reminded myself that God was not surprised by this new development and He is in control, and He will guide us IF we seek Him and His wisdom on how to proceed. Thanks Joy! Have a JOYFUL day!
Oh yes, I do know how difficult it is to sleep when you have disquieting news right before bedtime. I loved what you said about realizing that God was not surprised and always in control. Blessings of joy and peace to you and your family.
Joy
I had to call on Him today to switch out some faulty thinking…Amazing how quickly this process can be. Of course, it’s not always this easy, but quite frequently it is. He’s so good to us.
You are so right. Donna. So thankful that He is always there when we call on Him and so ready to come to our help. Blessings to you dear friend.
Joy
Oh to be childlike and not childish . . . wonderful post.
You know that’s the great thing about having children and grandchildren. I can get down on the floor and play cars and trains or build a sandcastle and pretend to eat delicious sand bakery cakes with them and no one questions my sanity. Thanks for your sweet comment and have a beautiful day!
Joy