run back to you...

run back to You. I will run back to Jesus. If I've fallen away from my faith, my trust and my hope in you Jesus - there's no time like the present to run back to you.

As I'm reminded in a favorite song...

You told me you could keep me, but I've turned You away.
I've failed You so much now, I don't know what to say.
Using that same excuse that I am just a man,
You tell me You've been there and hold Your nail scared hands.
I have taken advantage of your love and grace, forgive me Lord, and take me home.

So, for today I will run back to Jesus. I will not procrastinate, make excuses or plan to do it tomorrow. I will open my heart, confess my sins, and accept His love and forgiveness. I will run into His wonderful saving arms and changed forever.

remember where my blessings come from...

remember where my blessings come from. This should be easy, but we forget so quickly.

We all call upon the Lord in times of trouble. We pray, beg and cry for strength, peace, love and happiness. When God blesses us and guides us through our storms, we so quickly and easily forget about Him. We may say "thank you" once, but then we go along our merry way and live our lives as we want. Somehow He isn't as important as He was when we "needed" Him. His plans and hopes and guidance for us are a little easier to ignore once we've gotten what we want. We promise the world and try very hard to listen to Him and do the right things when we are bargaining....but that falls to the side once He provides. For today, let's try to keep Him on the front burner during the good times and remember that He's blessings are abundant and we may be cutting Him off just when He was about to give us more than we dreamed of.

So, for today I will remember where my blessings come from. I will stop "forgetting" about Him when times are good enough and I will actually strive to acknowledge Him and His ways so that He can abundantly bless me. I will not block future blessings by ignoring Him today.

say, "I love you."

say, "I love you!"

Simple words that are sometimes forgotten. Do you say I love you often? Today is the perfect day. Don't waste another minute. Tell someone - tell everyone - in your life that you love them. Say, "I love you" and watch how it changes the demeanor of that person instantly. Make someone else feel especially good today by spreading your love. Then watch as the spark from "I love you" expands.

So, for today I will say, "I love you!" It will be heartfelt. It will be honest. I will spread my love today to the people around me. And hopefully they will continue the wave of love to those around them.

shake it off...

shake it off. When things go wrong one of my favorite sayings is, "shake it off, rub some dirt on it!"

We get bumped and bruised, we stumble, we fall...sometimes we even run straight into walls. The best thing we can do for ourselves when this happens is to "shake it off." You do have the option of wallowing in your downfall. You can waste time wishing it hadn't happened, wondering what you could have down to control the world so that it wouldn't have happened, or you can "shake it off" and start again. You need to remember that each moment you're here is another chance, another opportunity, another new gift from God for you to keep moving forward. So where do you want to be? Stuck in the past, stuck in the "what ifs" or shaking off the dust and moving on with your life. Today choose the latter and have a new perspective focused on the blessings of the next new moment.

So, for today I will shake it off! I'll rub some dirt on it and keep rolling. I will remember to try, try, try again. I will be excited that while I'm here I get to have a new moment, a new opportunity with undiscovered possibilities. For today, instead of drowning in the mistakes, bumps and bruises of what has been, I will shake it off and look forward to what comes next.

stop bragging...

stop bragging. Have you accomplished a lot in your life? You've got success, money, power, a good marriage, wonderful friends, blossoming and responsible children....and you think you've done it all on your own.

Well, for today stop bragging. You can be proud of yourself, that's not a problem.  We can talk endlessly about how much we've done, how hard it was, and how glad we are that we persevered. But for today I want us all to add some additional words and feelings to those conversations. Try saying (and meaning it) - "with God's help I got that done," "by the grace of God I had the strength to finish that," or "only with God's love and power could that have ever happened." Let's put credit where credit is due.  His grace provides for us so that we can work hard, earn rewards, have great relationships, and overcome obstacles. Can you imagine for one second that you could have done everything in your life to this point without His protection, love, or power? 

So, for today I will stop bragging. I will give credit where credit is due and proclaim that all my victories come with and from His grace. I will brag about God's hard work, His perseverance, His dedication, His love and His strength. And I will be grateful that He bestows all of those things and more on me.

adore You...

adore You. The "You" is God. I want us all to adore Him today and I want us to do that by adoring the people we love.

We all know how to be kind and loving to the important people in our lives, but how often do we adore them? Adoration - the act of paying honor, fervent and devoted love, to regard with the utmost esteem. How often to we make them feel like they are the most important person on earth? How often do we let them know that in our eyes the sun rises and sets by them? We cherish and value absolutely everything about that person and we revel in merely being in their presence. That's the way I picture being face to face with God. I will revel in His presence. I will be absolutely awestruck. That's a love that cannot be measured. I adore Him. And I want today to show the adoration I have for Him by adoring the people on this earth that He has blessed me with. The most important thing God wants us to do is to love others as He loves us. So today I will show absolute adoration for the people I love. I will abound in the blessed glory they have brought to my life and I will make sure they know and feel it. So who do you adore? When was the last time you showed them that you're feelings ran so deep? Don't delay any longer. Adore them.

So, for today I will adore You. I will pay honor and respect to You by covering those I love in a blanket of fervent and devoted love.

get out of my own way...

get out of my own way. I have found that the biggest obstacle to overcome in my life is ME. I think a lot of us are like that. We make choices out of fear instead of faith.

We don't really trust that God has even better things planned for us. We don't trust Him that life could really be more blessed, more sublime, more perfect. If we're in a bad situation, we stay because we're afraid of the unknown. If we're in a good situation, we rationalize away any challenges or issues that might "mess" up a good thing. We don't concern ourselves with His plans and we refuse to acknowledge that we are rejecting His path and His rules. We block our own blessings, and often times the blessings of those around us. We are huge obstacles to our own growth, our own victories and the glory He has planned for us.

So, for today I will get out of my own way. I will acknowledge my arrogance and accept the fact that HE does know more than me. I will submit to His path and His ways and stop rationalizing it all away because I don't want to change. I will get out of my way and prepare myself for a much more fulfilling and blessed life.

compliment...

compliment. I will offer praise, kind words and encourage.

It's so easy to criticize, to be negative, to see the flaws... Why do we spend so much energy talking about what's wrong with everyone and everything? Why do we take such pleasure in tearing down someone else, in pointing out what we think are their weaknesses and defects, in taking the joy out of the situation by mocking it... Why is this the norm instead of the exception? Today you can change that! Hold back on any negative or counter productive discussions today. Compliment and encourage instead. Praise what's right, delight in the effort even if the end result isn't perfect, encourage the spirit instead of crushing the soul.

So, for today I will compliment. I will provide hope through my words. I will pray that my compliments bless those who receive my words.

remember that praying is not an order form...

remember that praying is not an order form. God isn't Burger King - you can't always have it your way.

I heard about a woman who stopped praying because she said God didn't give her what she asked for. Did she ever think she was asking for the wrong thing? did she ever realize that God was answering her prayer with a better plan? Sometimes we need to "rework" our prayer process. If we're asking for something very specific, maybe He is trying to tell us to be more open. If we're asking for a big transformation, maybe He is trying to show us the baby steps it takes to make that transformation. God is listening. More importantly He is trying to communicate back to you - but are we listening to Him?

So, for today I will remember that praying is not an order form. My faith MUST include trusting God as my Father to provide for me in ways that are ultimately the best for me. I know what I think I want, but He knows what I really need and I must trust Him.

grab the opportunities that come up...

grab the opportunities that come up. Do you wish you had certain things in your life, but then when you have the opportunity to experience them/get them you are too busy or have other plans? Well, start being more spontaneous and flexible and grab those opportunities when they come around.

Do you want to look back over your life regretting all that you have missed out on because you always thought there would be more time? You were positive another opportunity would come around so time after time you said "no" when you should have said "yes." Well now is the time to start saying, "YES!!" Life is short. There isn't always time for everything and we definitely fill our lives with a lot of nothing! So stop it and experience the things that really matter. Don't miss out because you think there will always be a second chance. Nothing is promised. There are no guarantees. You may not even be here tomorrow, so grab it now.

So, for today I will grab the opportunities that come up. I will stop thinking I have more time. I will live each day being more aware of the priceless and precious nature of the little opportunities that come up during my day - and I will grab them with both hands!!

claim victory...

claim victory! Today claim the Victory that you have through Jesus Christ.

I have fought many battles in His name. Have you? Without God's protection we would all fall. Call on Him, Trust Him. Claim the Victory in His name. He will fight your battles with you and for you. Rest calm and assured that He has the strength to defeat any enemy and any situation. Walk by faith. Your bills WILL get paid. You WILL find a job. You WILL find peace. You WILL have the strength. You WILL have hope again. Your heart WILL heal. You WILL make it through this. You WILL have VICTORY!

So, for today I will claim VICTORY in the name of JESUS CHRIST!

post a statement of praise...

post a statement of praise. God is good. He is good all the time. His blessings are abundant and I will praise Him.

By now, most of the world is engaged in Facebook, Twitter, myspace, texting and a host of other social network sites. Those sites provide a lot of information about us to the world (sometimes too much info!). In all the revelations we post about ourselves, do we hold our love, trust, faith and hope in Jesus up for all the world to see? If you do, great. If you don't, why not? Your love for God is part of who you are. It's a wonderful, beautiful part of who you are and it's the part that makes you so special.

So, for today I will post a statement of praise. It can be as simple as posting, "I feel blessed." It can be more detailed stating why or how you feel blessed. It can simply be, "thank you Jesus for loving me!" Maybe your favorite bible verse... Whatever your praise is, post it today. Show the world why your heart is so full, your life so blessed, and your joy so overwhelming. Your post may give encouragement or strength to someone in need. Post your praise today!

stop the drama...

stop the drama. Instead of turning every situation into something more than it is or making it about me. Instead of making myself the center of the universe in every circumstance. For today, I will stop the drama.

I will calm down. I will de-escalate a situation instead of pouring gas on the fire. I will listen to someone else's point of view and keep quiet. I will understand that other people have feelings that are valid and need recognition. I will stop twisting the focus back to me so I can remain the center of attention. I will actually realize that by inventing and continuing drama I am actually driving people away instead of drawing them closer to me. My drama will leave me alone and lonely if I don't break the cycle. If I have exhausted everyone around me and have no one else to turn to, what kind of life will I have. God gave me the gift of these people, I do not want to be ungrateful.

So, for today I will stop the drama. It may be easy - it may be hard, but for today I will change my focus outward. I will stop the drama and focus on what's real. I will realize it's not all about me and I will be blessed and better for it.

have hope in the midst of chaos...

have hope in the midst of chaos. Whether you're the one being bombarded with difficulties or you know someone who is just going through the ringer, there is still hope.

Having hope in the midst of chaos is just that - not giving up and giving in to the difficulties of the particular moment. When you feel trapped, God will open a door for you. When you are surrounded by darkness, God will be the light at the end of the tunnel. Do not sell Him short. The world and the devil will always try to pull you down, pull you away from hope. When you think there's nothing to be done, God has an answer. The situation is not hopeless or impossible, He will provide a way if you focus on Him. Keep your hope. Believe in God's ability and His power.

So, for today I will have hope in the midst of chaos. I will acknowledge that things are tough, but I also know that God has the answers. I will pray with the knowledge and expectation that God is and will be there with me through all my trials and I will have hope.

believe in miracles...

believe in miracles. Miracles happen every day. We just don't always recognize them.

Today, believe in and acknowledge the miracles in your life. Miracles are wonderful gifts from God. We've all had many miraculous moments in our lives. Moments that we knew God was watching over us - keeping us safe, keeping us alive, keeping us encouraged, picking us up, comforting us, bringing us joy, healing the pain, giving us hope, and making us feel loved

So, for today I will believe in miracles. I will believe that God blesses the world and me with miracles every day. And I will be mindful of the most amazing miracle He gave us - Jesus Christ.

recognize mercy...

recognize mercy. Sometimes we don't see all the subtle blessings of mercy that His divine grace covers us with each day.

Laura Story has a beautiful song that I first heard at church. It has struck my heart and soul. It makes me recognize and be grateful for all the mercy God bestows on me. It also allows me to praise Him in the midst of any storms that come my way. I would encourage you to listen to it or find your own inspirational song that touches your heart and helps you to always remember that He is near and He is blessing you.

......."what if your blessings come through raindrops, what if your healing comes through tears, what if a thousand sleepless nights is what it takes to know you're near, what if the trails of this life are Your mercies in disguise - what if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy, what if the trials of this life, the rain, the storms, the darkest nights are Your mercies in disguise"....

So, for today I will recognize mercy in my life and be thankful.

pray...

pray. Although I may pray often, once in a while, or not very much - today I will pray, but it will not be for myself. Today I will pray specifically for my friends, family, neighbors, pastors, loved ones and co-workers.

I am grateful to have them in my life and I want God to know how much they mean to me. I will thank Him for the fact that I am not alone in this world. That He has provided a community of fellowship around me that gives me support, acceptance and love is an awesome thing. I will call them out by name and ask the Lord to bless them. And I will be thankful that my days are filled with the smiles, hugs, dreams, encouragement and strength of the wonderful people around me.

So, for today I will pray those around me who give so much to me every day. From my thankfulness, I will humbly ask that He touch their hearts and provide for their needs and wants. I will be thankful.

just believe....

just believe. Today I am not going to research facts and statistics. I'm not going to gather countless opinions of the good and bad of a particular situation. I am just going to believe in God's power and His will for all things in my life to be for my good.

I will just believe in His love. I will just believe in His strength. I will just believe in His mercy. I will just believe in His grace. I will just believe in His plans for me and I will trust Him alone.

So, for today I will just believe. Today will not be about what the world thinks or the doctors think or the facts seem to dictate.... Today is only about believing that God has this already worked out for me. I will just believe.

celebrate...

celebrate. Jesus lived, Jesus died, Jesus rose again. In doing so, He altered my fate and gave me the gift of eternal salvation.

For that I will celebrate. No party planner needed. No invitations, decorations or elaborate menus necessary. In my heart is where this celebration will take place as nothing before and nothing since has ever been a bigger display of God's love for me than the life of Christ. That's worth celebrating. This one simple truth - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whomsoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life"- is worth a celebration each and every day. I will be thankful and grateful. I will be filled with joy. I will smile and dance and feel the blessings pour over me. My journey on this planet is not the end of my story, it's just the beginning...

So, for today I will celebrate. I will find joy in the simple yet overwhelming truth of God's love for me and the glory of the eternal life I will have in Him.

make it personal...

make it personal. Our relationship with God is supposed to be that - a relationship. He was born, lived on this earth, and died just for us. Just for me. Just for you. Who else has ever died specifically for you and for the sole purpose of giving you a gift - the gift of eternal life? It doesn't get more personal than that.

He's not far off in Heaven. He's not just for Sundays. He's right here, right now. So today, make it personal. Start developing an every day conversation with Him. Start noticing and acknowledging His presence throughout your day. Start feeling Him beside you and with you. He's your Father and wants to do His job - to comfort, protect, teach and love you! Embrace Him. Adore Him. Make Him your priority.

So, for today I will make it personal and remember that no one has and no one ever will love me as much as He does.

be glad that I'm a work in progress...

be glad that I'm a work in progress. The past is gone. I can't fix it or change it, but I can be glad that I'm learning, changing and continuing to progress.

God's not done with me yet! The things I didn't know or didn't pay attention to during my teens, twenties, and so forth caused a lot of grief. "If I had only known then what I know now." Do you ever find yourself saying those words? I used to say them with sadness and regret, but now I think of it differently. It's all been part of my journey through life and the blessing is that I keep trying to learn new things and put into practice better principles for the future. There isn't a "complete" or "finished" button on my ability to keep learning or reshaping who I want to become. I am glad I'm not stuck in who I used to be. God's not done with me yet and I'm glad that He'll keep lighting a new path for me each day.

So, for today I will be glad that I'm a work in progress. I'll be glad that I can constructively use my past successes and failures to help me become stronger or wiser, more caring or kind, more disciplined or responsible, more loving or giving, more forgiving or patient.