An Arkie’s Faith Rainbow Cheerios

circumstances, and in the end, all things work together for our good. “When my worry is great within me, Your comfort brings joy to my soul.” Psalms 94:19 (NLV) popular cereals in bulk and empty the contents into plastic containers so they stay fresh. (No, my own Fiber One is not one of these.) But we often do buy Fruit Loops. You know, those sweet and sugary rings full of all the colors of the rainbow. Cheerios have the Honey Nut version, the Frosted version, and the Banana Nut version, and now even the Multi-Grain version, but no rainbow version. Except through the eyes of Rachael.”

Charles R. Swindoll writes, “The single most significant decision I can make today is my choice of attitude.” Suppose you let negative attitudes such as anxiety, envy, anger, or bitterness dominate your mind. In that case, those attitudes will lead you to make decisions that negatively affect your life. But if you choose with God’s help to have a positive attitude, your life will become positive.

Two days after a tornado destroyed her house, she could still find complete joy – in a bowl of multicolored cereal. Her attitude reminds me of the admonition found in James 1:2 (NIV); “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” James explains, “You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:3,4 (NIV)

We are to consider the troubles we are going through pure joy, not because the trouble is pleasurable, but because it helps produce patience. At least one good thing is happening to us in the middle of our situation. Our suffering is more than just pain. God has a purpose, and that purpose is always good. “We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.” Romans 8:28 (VOICE) We can consider all things joyful because God is working in all situations, even the most painful, for our salvation.

When we have trouble, sorrow, and grief in our lives, we must be able to look to the future to find joy. Jesus is our example. “Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor.” Hebrews 12:2 (VOICE)

Joy is more than just feeling good. Joy has to do with accepting our present circumstances and having a positive attitude. Our positive assessment is that God is still in control of our difficult

In 1988, Singer-Songwriter Bobby McFerrin recorded the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” The lyrics say, “In every life, we have some trouble. But when you worry, you make it double. Don’t worry, be happy. Don’t worry, be happy now.” Whenever you have trouble, avoid reacting negatively. You can’t control situations or people, but you can choose how to respond.

Our attitudes are an outward display of what’s taking place in our hearts. Although enduring problems with a smile and pure joy in our hearts can be difficult, doing so helps us become stronger and opens the door for an attitude transformation. The only thing we have to lose by choosing a positive attitude is a negative attitude.

Gentle Reader, “Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times.” Romans 12:12 (NCV) “I heartily recommend that you pursue joy, for the best a person can do under the sun is to enjoy life. Eat, drink, and be happy. If this is your attitude, joy will carry you through the toil every day that God gives you under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 8:15 (VOICE) So, what will you do when you hit a bump in the road? Where do you find your Rainbow Cheerios?

By Ethan Nahté

It’s time for the Mena Boots & Badges Community Challenge Blood Drive.

Mena’s local law and emergency personnel are challenging you to schedule an appointment with Our Blood Institute using either of the QR codes for blood drives to be held at the fellowship hall in the First Baptist Church at 811 Port Arthur, across from Janssen Park.

The event will take place Thursday, June 22, and Friday, June 23, from noon – 6 p.m. each day. At press time, there were still several openings left. Use the QR code and type in the 71953 zip code.

Potential donors can also call 877-3408777 or visit obi.org to schedule an appointment. Log in to make your appointment and to be able to see your test results.

Donors receive a Boots & Badges T-shirt and one free entry to Magic Springs Theme & Water Park.

The Blood Institute is the sixth-largest independent blood center in the nation, with 16 donor centers in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. OBI is the nonprofit blood provider for patients at more than 240 hospitals, medical facilities, and air ambulances across all three states.

OBI has five donor centers in Arkansas and provides blood products for patients in more than 40 Arkansas hospitals, medical facilities,

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse) and air ambulances. OBI’s donor centers are located in Ft. Smith, Hot Springs, Little Rock, North Little Rock and Russellville.