Vol. 4 Issue 4: Don't let the memory of a past defeat keep you from seeking victory today

All too often, our news, social media feeds, and even our conversations with friends and family are centered around anxiety-filling and rage-inducing content. It can be so difficult to believe good things happen every day when the things reported or shared are examples of the worst humanity has to offer. That’s why we started Real Positive Vibes. We wanted to create a haven inside your inbox to share some good news with you. We hope that while you read our newsletter, you can recharge and feel refreshed.

In His service, Chaplain Michelle

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About Us

The mission of Real Positive Vibes, RPV, is to help society move toward goodness, finding it within themselves by seeing it in others. RPV is a service of Church Builders Bible Training Center whose mission is to help each person discover their vision for life, find their passion, and focus their purpose. Our beliefs are interdenominational. We are unapologetic about our non-religious Christ-centeredness. Find out more: bibletc.com/vision

Try, Try and Try Again...

Let me share a story that always motivates me to keep trying.

A family visits a carnival, and one of the children notices that the elephants aren't held in cages or by chains like the other animals. So the child asks their parents, "why the elephants don't run away?" They don't know. For the rest of their time at the carnival, the child asks everyone they can find: "why doesn't the elephant run away?" But no one knows.

Finally, just before the family leaves, the child asks the animal trainer. The trainer replies: "When they are tiny, just like you, we put a big chain around their ankles, and because they are so small, they can't break free no matter how hard they try. By the time they are all grown up, they have given up escaping because they don't believe it is possible."

Think about that; it isn't the elephant's lack of physical strength that keeps them in captivity; it is their mental perception. That's why it is so important to never give up. The things that used to be too much bare or too hard to move in the past may be easy for you now, and you'll never know until you try.

So here's your homework this week; find something that you have given up on and give it another try. It can be as small as trying a food you don't like again or recommitting to a goal you've abandoned. You may find you have what you need to beat it now in this new season of life, and it is worth the discovery.

Email us and let us know how it goes. We may feature you in a future issue.

Outreach

Missions Trip

I am very excited to share this news with all of you. This March, I have the opportunity to travel abroad and teach at Covenant College South Africa. It is an extension of Covenant College United Kingdom founded in 1980 by Bryn Jones. Both campuses were established to equip men and women with firm foundational biblical principles to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The school and ministry are now managed by Gareth and Sandra Duffty, who facilitate a ministry organization called Together: For Christ His Kingdom and His Church (Together).

I have known Garth and Sandra for many years, and we have discussed the possibility of me coming to teach many times, but this year, I really feel led to go. With this trip, I believe God is expanding my ministry reach to do what was done for me over a decade ago. I am elated about this opportunity. When God opens doors like this, you take His hand in full trust and walk through them.

I am looking forward to sharing my experiences and insights during this journey with all of you! For more information on the trip or if you want to help support me, click here

My Sister’s Closet

My Sister’s Closet of West Michigan, is a service of Church Builders Bible Training Center to survivors of domestic violence, former incarceration, or other devastating tragedy to meet the need of one of the three basic needs of survival, clothing. Find out more and how to volunteer here.

Single Mom In Colorado Thanks 'Layaway Angel' For Christmas Help

A single mom in Colorado who put clothes on store layaway had her purchases paid off by a charitable couple.

Burlington customer Lisa (who asked NBC news affiliate KOAA News 5 to not print her last name) was thrilled when she learned of the kind act.

2 pianos, 40 fingers and 4 sisters in their 80s equals harmony | kare11.com

If their mother had gone the traditional engagement route, there’s a decent chance the Bonnema sisters would not be center stage at Orchard Path retirement community.

“When they got engaged, my mother said to dad that she'd rather have a piano than a diamond,” Val Duininck says. “So, that was the beginning of us all having lessons.”

I Do Random Acts Of Kindness To Brighten Strangers' Lives — But There's A Twist | HuffPost HuffPost Personal

I use a particular formula — a three-person process — for committing my good deeds. No one has ever refused my offer. I choose a retail business, find an employee who doesn’t look too busy, and pop the question: “Would you help me do an act of kindness?”

Then I hold out a $10 bill (any small but meaningful amount will do) and ask the individual to choose a customer that day to receive a discount on their purchases. It’s a twist on the typical random acts of kindness, which usually involve just two parties. I’ve found adding an element of purpose multiplies the reach and the good feelings that ensue. It’s a win-win-win.

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