My ideal day is when my heart overflows with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” As long as I can remember I have been seeking to increase those qualities in my life.

My dad inspired me to want to be like that. He was one of the most positive, hopeful people I have ever seen. When he was in the early stages of dementia, I was asking him about his life. He said to me, “No matter what happens from here on, I’ve had a wonderful life.”

Because of his ongoing example of joy and optimism, I have always wanted to feel good about my life. When I was young, I started reading positive thinking and self-help books. I’ve devoured many hundreds of them. The book that has most helped and empowered me to have a joyful, hope-filled life, day after day, is the Bible.

For an ideal day, I’ve discovered that the Bible needs to be celebrated with “delight” (Psalm 1:2) not just studied or merely read with the head. Ponder it, (Psalm 119:11) savor it, (Psalm 119:97) absorb it deep within you. (Hebrews 4:12) “Let the words of Christ dwell in you richly,” (Colossians 3:16) and unceasingly. (John 15:7) Quote the Bible (Joshua 1:8) until its words burn in your heart (Jeremiah 23:29). Let it light your way, (Psalm 119:105) train you in how to live, (2 Timothy 3:16) and empower you to do what it says. (James 1:22) and you’ll be inspired to “greatly delight” in it. (Psalm 112:1)

Here’s a picture of my dad when He was in the later stages of Alzheimer’s. You can still see the joy in His eyes! Even then he was positive and upbeat.