NEGATIVITY?? Yeah, no thanks. I’ll pass.

​Recently on social media, I have participated in many ‘TBH’ things (idk what to call them) from many different types of people, and each time I get the same up-lifting and lovely message.
Almost all of them call me “positive” and “encouraging” and honestly I couldn’t be more thankful for all of the messages. One gal even asked me HOW I’m so positive and so I decided to write a blog post about it.

Now if I’m honest with you right now — this post has been in my drafts for a few weeks. I didn’t want to necessarily post it because I didn’t think that anyone would really NEED to hear it. Until tonight.
If you watched my Snapchat bible rant a few weeks ago, you might have noticed that I have decided to start reading the 365-day devotional, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It is amazing, and nights like tonight really make me support that statement 100%.
Right before bed I decided to just simply read the devotional, pray, and read the attached scripture at the bottom — AND IM SO GLAD I DID. It really topped the cake to this blog post that has been patiently sitting my drafts while I wait the on the Lord to finish with it, AND HE HAS.
So let’s just jump in. Alright?
If you own the book, I would like to encourage you to flip to February 25 yourself, BUT if you don’t — its okay. I’ll attach a picture for you 

I want to focus on the sentences that say, “Thank Me for each blessing along the way; this brings joy to both you and Me. A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking.”
Also, If you check out the bottom of the page, there are two BIBLE references for you to check out. (WE WILL BE DIGGING INTO THESE SO GO AHEAD AND GRAB YA BIBLE AND FAVORITE PEN)
First off, Colossians 4:2 (I’m gonna talk about verses 2-6 though):

Second, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22:

Can we just take a moment for that. How about a round of applause for Jesus. #AMIRIGHT ????
You gals ask me HOW to be positive — and how to have that ‘happy’ mindset,
AND HERE IT IS:::
--
HOW TO BE HAPPY
Written by Jesus and Brittany Merrill
--
STEP ONE: It is clear as day what step one should be. In the devotional, and both verses it says the same thing — A thankful heart. Now this can be difficult. Before I devoted my whole heart to God I was not a happy gal. I tended to focus more on what I DIDN’T have vs. what I DID. I strongly believe that this is something that you need to understand and if you want to be TRULY HAPPY/POSITIVE. Wake up every morning, THANKFUL. You are alive. You have breath in your lungs, you might complain about getting out of bed, and waking up for school, but think about it — How bad is school REALLY? You are getting an education. You are having to get out of bed that probably gets fresh sheets every week. The negativity flees when the thankful heart begins to grow.
-
STEP TWO: PRAYER. 1 Thes 5:17 says it best, y’all, “Never stop praying.” Conversations with God himself will fill you with a joy beyond comparison. A joy that can’t be duplicated and cannot be stolen. When you talk with God peace literally grows in your heart, and positivity will naturally flow from your soul. I mean, THINK ABOUT IT — MAKES SENSE, RIGHT?
-
STEP THREE: You’ve heard it a million times, I’m sure of it. But I’m just gonna take a second and step away and say it again in hopes that it will embed in that beautiful brain of yours….
Who you surround yourself with is who you become.
You might not think it is true, and if you ever hear my testimony you will come to realize that it is, and it will change your mind. It is true. 100% without-a-doubt accurate.
1 Thes 5:21(the end)-22 say it so good. “Hold on to what is good, and stay away from all kinds of evil.” Think about your friends for a moment. All of them. The ones you love and see daily. What are they like? How are they helping you to become a beaming ray of positivity? Do they say little comments that make you feel less than you should? Do they compliment the good things in life, or do they tend to focus on the bad?
Now I’m not saying that if your friend are negative, then you should just CUT THEM OUT. And I’m not saying that if you stay friends with them that you will become a downer too. I’m saying this for you to be aware. I want you to understand that EVEN THE BIBLE notices this. The Colossians verse says to “Live Wisely” — So that is what I’m suggesting you to do. Live wisely. Make sure that the toxic people aren’t seeping into your soul.
BE THAT POSITIVE FRIEND. When she talks about how fat she think she looks, ask her what her favorite thing about herself is. Be that person. Be the one who pours into others and is THAT LIGHT. I promise you that it will become a trend. Others will notice and YOU will have changed them. I’m not saying this works every time, but for me, it did. I encourage you to JUST try it out.
I could probably write about this for hours, but just know that you have the opportunity to be positive and happy. You just need a whole lot of Jesus and a dash of willingness.
Pray. Talk with God. Be thankful. Smell lots of flowers. Hug your friends. Tell that girl she looks pretty. Tell that guy that he’s going places in life. Support others. Love others. Be the light in the dark world.
That’s all I got folks. If you would like a prayer or just wanna talk to me more about this topic please feel free to massage me on any social media (username: @brittmerl)
​        
I LOVE U ALWAYS AND FOREVER.
-B