Dear Friends of The Way,

 Easter sparks many childhood memories for us all; maybe egg hunts, egg tosses, family picnics, new Easter clothes, church services…for me the Dogwood tree screams Easter.  Every Easter my dad would pick a flower and show me the symbolism of the four leaves that look as if they were touched with blood.  He would remind me each year that Jesus died and rose again so that we could have a relationship with God.  He would explain that some speculate that Jesus was crucified on the Dogwood tree and after Jesus’ crucifixion it no longer grew large enough to be made into a cross. This memory is etched so deeply in my mind that I find myself so excited every year when the Dogwood blossoms bloom.   As an adult, I find myself even more amazed that God painted a flower to remind us of Jesus’ love story for us.  

 Dad emailed me this picture a week ago to remind me, but I had already found myself picking a few Dogwood blooms telling my children the story. The thought of the Dogwood and my excitement to see it bloom made me think a great deal about when we have repetitive thoughts that become etched in our mind those thoughts eventually become our reality.  I am reading this great book with one of my clients The 4:8 Principle.  This book is modeled after Philippians 4:8 Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy –meditate on these things. (NKJV)   Our thoughts make up what are attitude is about life.  The author of the book says “4:8 questions+ 4:8 thinking = JOY filled life.” This is his daily equation for a joy filled life.  

Let me share these with you – “What are five things I am thankful for right now? What are five of my strengths or positive traits?; What are five of my best achievements so far?; Who are the five people that love me the most? What are five things I am looking forward to in the next seven days?” We all want a joy filled life but do we want joy enough to get rid of the “junk producing thoughts. “ The Junk producing thoughts are “What are five things in my life that really stink right now?”; “What are my five most damaging weaknesses?” “What are my five most recent mistakes?” Who are five people who would like to see me fail?”; What are five inevitable things that I am absolutely dreading in the next seven days?” 

 When I asked clients to pick out five strengths and five weaknesses in their life, they can always identify the weaknesses first.  Without realizing it, we think about a lot of junk instead of joy.  Some have told me that junk thoughts are motivating because it makes them work harder, but then I wonder what they are working so hard for and who they are destroying along their way.

 We at The Way continue to walk beside those hurting on their path to healing.  Thank you for your prayers, financial gifts, and support of The Way.  God continues to bless our ministry through you.  This Easter, may you “dwell on your strengths, your blessings, your goals, and all the people you love, then you will attract even more blessings, more love and more accomplishments.” (4:8 Principle) I have to think that Jesus must have been a “joy thinker”.  He attracted so many crowds that His joy must have radiated so brilliantly.  May you be aware that He can fill you with joy, make miracles happen for you, and change your thoughts.  For He loves you so! 

Happy Easter! 



Rebecca Gunyon, Executive Director