If this isn't Monday, it sure feels like it! It's been another hectic day and nothing's gone right. Now you're about to get stuck in traffic for a couple of hours. What a way to spend this dismal, rainy day. Surely this justifies a Guinness Book of Records case of the blues--but why do they call it "the blues"? There's not a patch of blue anywhere. "The grays" or "the blacks" or "the drabs" would be more like it.

We all get down in the dumps at times, and sometimes it seems nearly impossible to climb out. But no matter how low we sink, Jesus is always there to rescue us. He offers us a lifesaver, but we have to grab on. That lifesaver is praise and thanksgiving.

The Bible tells us that we should thank God always for all things (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). That seems easier said than done when everything is going wrong, but it works! Not only will praising the Lord and being thankful for what you have pull you out of the dumps, but maintaining a positive, praiseful attitude will nearly always keep you from getting down in the dumps in the first place.

Life looks brighter when seen through the rose-colored glasses of faith in God's unfailing love and care. Come and take a look through them now. Let the power of praise and positiveness pull you out of the dumps if--God forbid!--you happen to be there today. Kiss the blues goodbye!

Keith Phillips
For the Activated family