Just finished reading Norman Vincent Peale's classic book "Enthusiasm Makes The Difference".
If you haven't read this book or its been a while since you did, do yourself a favor - read it soon! I believe you will be blessed and encouraged by it as I was. This book features great stories about real, enthusiastic people overcoming life's challenges. And Peale makes a compelling case for everyone lacking enthusiasm for life, for their work, etc.; that they can find and grow enthusiasm within themselves through simple, daily physical and mental exercises, such as meditating on God's word; thinking and speaking positive, affirming thoughts and words to others and one's self; brisk walking to exercise and clear out one's mind; focusing on other's welfare instead of excessively on one's own interest; starting each day asking for and expecting God's direction & favor, etc.; ending each day prayerfully reflecting on that day's activities with gratitude and repentance, leaving tomorrow's problems in His hands until then.
According to Peale enthusiasm is no pollyannish, sweet, fortuitous concept. Instead, it is a rugged, mental attitude that is hard to achieve, difficult to maintain, but so very powerful when exhibited 24-7. The word "enthusiasm" comes from the Greek word enthos, meaning "God in you, full of God". So to be enthusiastic means that one is actually living out life by:
~ dreaming God's dreams for oneself;
~ envisioning & pursuing God's plans, one's life's purpose;
~ harnessing God's wisdom, courage, hope & faith to overcome life's obstacles;
~ relying upon God's strength to persevere, stay the course;
~ finding God's peace & rest to rise above the stresses of life;
~ receiving God's blessings of achieving success and fulfillment of one's needs;
~ returning God's gift of gratitude back to Him with praise and thanksgiving; and
~ living and loving life abundantly through and in Him.
"I have come that they may have life,
