make a new choice...

make a new choice. If you're like me, you learn your lessons the hard way. You make the same mistakes over and over and then wonder why the outcome wasn't different.

Maybe this challenge should be called "opposite day" because I want you to make a new choice this time. When you are deciding what you're going to do tonight or this weekend. First think of what you feel like when it's all over. If there's an action that you know will have an outcome that causes you grief, then do the opposite of that action. Make a new choice about what to do, where to go, who to be with. Whatever that situation is that inevitably causes you pain, for today make a new choice. Take it one day at a time. Just change one choice. Distract yourself and do something different than your usual routine. Make a new choice about how you will spend your time and make the choice based on how you want to feel when you're finished. If you're tired of learning your lessons the hard way, you'll make a new path by making a new choice.

So, for today I will make a new choice. I will break up the pattern that causes me distress. I may not be able to make all new good choices, but for today I'm going to make one new choice that will bring a positive outcome instead of the same old guilt/drama/pain/disgust. I will ask God to guide me in this effort and I will make a new choice for my good.

remember everything is temporary...

remember everything is temporary. This is such a comforting truth for me. Some people, however, don't like this statement. They don't want their wealth, their success, or their physical beauty to be temporary - but it is.

Everything is temporary. Life changes constantly. This can be very reassuring in hard times and very meaningful in good times. And let's face it, each day is filled with a little of both. During the tough days I know that they won't last forever. This is a temporary situation that will change in time (God's time). During the good times, knowing that it could all disappear tomorrow, makes me grateful and appreciative of everything I have. God's plan is designed for our good and that plan involves changes that help us grow. He never brings us to a situation that we can't handle because He's there with us.

So, for today I will remember that everything is temporary. That things will always change. That those changes are designed by God to help me learn, mature, and enjoy this life. And, instead of fearing it, I should use it to keep my things in perspective.

quietly praise...

quietly praise. Sometimes life can make you weary. Sometimes you are saddened or filled with pain and your energy is depleted during times that should be joyous. In these moments, quiet praise will give you comfort.

There are many ways to pray and to praise God and not all of them have to be outward, bold actions. Quiet reflection and gratitude can be powerful healers, comforters, and sources of inspiration and hope. Quietly praise God. Even in times of loss or pain, God can provide healing peace. He can love you through the pain.

So for today, I will quietly praise. I don't have to shout from the roof tops today. Instead I will quietly talk with God and reflect on the blessings of the past, the support He's providing today, and the hope of the future.

rejoice and be glad...

rejoice and be glad. Today is all about the positive aspects of our lives. We will rejoice in the abundance of blessings that fill the days that make up the journey of our lives.

Life is precious and wonderful - it's fun - it's filled with unexpected laughter and smiles - it's filled with love and hope - it's filled with friends and good times - it's filled with relaxing moments and peace - it's filled with hugs and kisses from children - it's filled with inspiring music, books and art - it's filled with the warmth of the sun, the glow of the moon, and the brilliance of the stars - it's filled with dancing, jumping, and joyful noises - Life is precious and it's filled with wonder and glory.

So, for today I will rejoice and be glad. For all the fabulous, positive gifts that fill my day and make up my life, I will be glad.

fall to my knees...

fall to my knees.

Falling to your knees is a wonderful display of thanksgiving and reverence to God, and I have found that it also enhances my focus and intensity of my conversations with God. It may just seem like a change of position that isn't relevant, but try it. In moments of weakness and despair - fall to your knees in prayer. In moments of triumph and joy - fall to your knees in prayer. In moments of contemplation and confusion - fall to your knees in prayer. Fall to your knees in humility and respect for God's awesomeness.

So, for today I will fall to my knees and I will pray.

start again...

start again. Clean slate today. Whatever went wrong yesterday or this week or this month - whatever you failed at - whatever conquered you instead of you conquering it - just start again.

We teach our kids that practice makes perfect. We tell them to try harder. We tell them anything is possible. But do we really believe it? Do we show them in action as well as word? So if you've faced some failures, if something didn't work out right the first time, or if you just stopped trying - it's time to start again. Be their example of perseverance. Be that beacon of hope and effort. Shrug off what "has" been and begin again with what "could" be. And don't just do it for them, do it for yourself. At some point you believed in yourself, in your goals, and in all the possibilities... If something hasn't been working for you - change your approach. Start fresh today and make a different tomorrow.

So, for today I will start again. I can try harder. I can find new ways to succeed. Trials and obstacles will always exist but I won't let them beat me today. I will start again with determination, focus and God's grace.

stop complaining...

stop complaining. The perfect time to stop complaining is today!

Just for today stop complaining. Stop focusing on and complaining about what you don't have, what you think you need, who's not giving you what you want, how life is unfair, how your job stinks, that your significant other doesn't understand you - whatever it is - just stop it all! Talk about the good things that happened to you, talk with hope of the good things to come, talk about the treasures in your life that you are grateful for. You will find this type of conversation will bring you much more relaxation and peace and hope!

So, for today I will stop complaining. I will talk about the love that I am surrounded with and the people and experiences I am grateful for. Instead of being a "whiner" I will be a "winner" reflecting on all the blessings God has given me.

stand on His word...

stand on His word. Where we fall short, God does not. Where we grow weak, God does not.

When you've given all you can give, done everything you can think of - stand on His word. Let God do what He does. Wait on His works, His timing and His answers. Stand on His word through the storm, through the rain, through the heartache, and through the pain. If you say that you love God, you say that you trust God, then you have to have the faith that He can and will hold to His word. God has the power to conquer anything. There is NOTHING He can't handle. Your problem is not too big for Him. Stand on His word. Just stand.

So, for today I will stand on His word. I will not give up on God. He hasn't given up on me and He hasn't left me, so I will stand on His promises today. He has a purpose and He has His own timing. I will wait and I will stand.

fly to Jesus...

fly to Jesus. In all things, turn to Jesus and you will never be alone.

Weak and wounded sinner, lost and left to die, raise your hand for love is passing by - Come to Jesus.
Now your burden's lifted and carried far away, and precious blood has washed away the stain, so Sing to Jesus.
And like a newborn baby, don't be afraid to crawl, and remember when you walk, sometimes we fall, so Fall on Jesus.
Sometimes the way is lonely and steep and filled with pain, so if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then Cry to Jesus.
And when the love spills over and music fills the night, and when you can't contain you joy inside,then Dance for Jesus.
And with your final heartbeat, kiss the world goodbye, then go in peace and laugh on glory's side, and Fly to Jesus and live!
Chris Rice (Come to Jesus)

So, for today I will come, sing, fall, cry, and dance for Jesus so that on that one day I will fly to Jesus.

continue the race...

continue the race. Your life on earth is not your destination. It is your journey. Like all journeys, the road will bend and weave, go up and down, and sometimes have some huge pot-holes. Your job today is to continue the journey, continue the race.

The great thing about this race, you can't lose. There isn't a first and second place in the race of life. God has a specific path and goal for each of us. You are not competing with anyone. You are running the race that God has planned for you. He knows your every move. He knows when you'll have the strength to sprint up the hill. He knows when you'll need to slow your steps to gain energy for the next stretch of the road. He has designed it all for you and is with you every step of the way. All you have to do is continue the race. Keep moving. Keep running.

So, for today I will continue the race. In faith and trust I will keep running, keep moving, keep believing in the goal that He has for me.