not forget God.
Do you sometimes feel like you're an amazing (but failing) acrobat or juggler? You're trying to maneuver your life into so many directions or keep a ton of things up in the air (praying that you don't drop any of them)? I feel that way sometimes. That's when I know that I've taken on too much and I've deluded myself into thinking I'm in charge of everything. I've forgotten to stay focused on God and allow His power and grace to steer my life. If you're juggling and hustling today - stop. Remember the power that's with you, God, and let Him take over. No one is more capable or caring. If you remember Him, He will be there for you.
So, for today I will not forget God. He will keep me balanced and intervene where needed so my life doesn't come crashing down around me. I can't juggle all these things alone. I need His hands to take control.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
do something special...
do something special - just for me! It's time to re-energize, refocus, and renew yourself.
It's very important to think about and care for others. We were put on this earth for the purpose of serving others just as Jesus served us. We need to have open hearts and generous spirits to do this well. And many people day in and day out make the time and effort to do for others. It's those people who also often go overboard and forget to take care of themselves as well. We need energy and enthusiasm to do good works and it's o.k. once in a while to just stop and do something special for yourself. Maybe it's having a long hot bubble bath, maybe a massage, maybe a round of golf, maybe sitting outside with a glass of wine watching the sunset, having your favorite take out - there's something that you regard as a luxury in your life. It doesn't have to be a luxury that costs anything, it can be the luxury to splurge on yourself in terms of time and activity. So, if you consistently and conscientiously do for others and strive to grow and glow in your walk of faith, take some time today to rejuvenate.
So, for today I will do something special that's just for me. I will focus a little bit of attention on myself today and re-energize and thank God for blessing me.
It's very important to think about and care for others. We were put on this earth for the purpose of serving others just as Jesus served us. We need to have open hearts and generous spirits to do this well. And many people day in and day out make the time and effort to do for others. It's those people who also often go overboard and forget to take care of themselves as well. We need energy and enthusiasm to do good works and it's o.k. once in a while to just stop and do something special for yourself. Maybe it's having a long hot bubble bath, maybe a massage, maybe a round of golf, maybe sitting outside with a glass of wine watching the sunset, having your favorite take out - there's something that you regard as a luxury in your life. It doesn't have to be a luxury that costs anything, it can be the luxury to splurge on yourself in terms of time and activity. So, if you consistently and conscientiously do for others and strive to grow and glow in your walk of faith, take some time today to rejuvenate.
So, for today I will do something special that's just for me. I will focus a little bit of attention on myself today and re-energize and thank God for blessing me.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
apologize...
apologize. I will seek out someone I have hurt or wronged and I will apologize.
To free myself of something in the past that I haven't forgotten, I will apologize. I will do my best to be a better person and claim my wrongs. It may not make the situation all better - it may do nothing at all - it may be long forgotten by the other person - but to free myself and do the right thing, I will take this step. Life is too short to be imprisoned by the past. Don't stay captured by actions that were made in frustration, stupidity, desperation, anger or foolishness. Take responsibility, say, "I'm sorry" and let it go.
So, for today I will apologize and then forgive myself because God forgives. If my heart and mind and soul are in the right place and I mean what I say, God will know that too.
To free myself of something in the past that I haven't forgotten, I will apologize. I will do my best to be a better person and claim my wrongs. It may not make the situation all better - it may do nothing at all - it may be long forgotten by the other person - but to free myself and do the right thing, I will take this step. Life is too short to be imprisoned by the past. Don't stay captured by actions that were made in frustration, stupidity, desperation, anger or foolishness. Take responsibility, say, "I'm sorry" and let it go.
So, for today I will apologize and then forgive myself because God forgives. If my heart and mind and soul are in the right place and I mean what I say, God will know that too.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
say "hello"...
say, "hello".
Out of the blue I will send a note, a text, an email, a voice message, or a card to someone I care about. I will make only one simple line and send it right away. I will simply say, "I was thinking of you so I wanted to say "hello" and "I love you." And I will not ask them to pass it on to 500 friends in order to receive good luck! I will not expect anything in return. If my note goes unacknowledged, that's o.k. I am not doing this for me, I am doing it for that person. My desire will only be to remind that person that they are special enough to be remembered. You never know if someone else is feeling low or forgotten, hurt or distressed, overwhelmed or under appreciated. Your "hello" may be all they need to make it through the day. Your "hello" may be an answer to their prayer.
So, for today I will say "hello" to bless someone with love the way God blesses me with unexpected, undeserved, unending love.
Out of the blue I will send a note, a text, an email, a voice message, or a card to someone I care about. I will make only one simple line and send it right away. I will simply say, "I was thinking of you so I wanted to say "hello" and "I love you." And I will not ask them to pass it on to 500 friends in order to receive good luck! I will not expect anything in return. If my note goes unacknowledged, that's o.k. I am not doing this for me, I am doing it for that person. My desire will only be to remind that person that they are special enough to be remembered. You never know if someone else is feeling low or forgotten, hurt or distressed, overwhelmed or under appreciated. Your "hello" may be all they need to make it through the day. Your "hello" may be an answer to their prayer.
So, for today I will say "hello" to bless someone with love the way God blesses me with unexpected, undeserved, unending love.
Monday, February 21, 2011
know it's never too late...
know it's never too late. "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." Have you ever heard that line? Well it's not true for God.
The strongest hope and joy that I have for myself and all the people I love and pray for in this world is knowing that it's never too late to give your heart to God. Over and over and over I hear people saying, "that person will never change." Or, "it doesn't matter what I say or do, he/she doesn't listen and they'll never understand." Well, that sense of hopelessness is because as humans, we are limited. We have weaknesses, distractions, and we give up.....God doesn't. God has unlimited powers, but we forget that when we see someone faltering or so far removed from Him that we're distraught over their salvation (or lack of it). But again, that's because our eyes, our hearts, our minds and our efforts have limits. But God's don't!! It's never too late for God to touch that persons heart. He will find a way to speak to them so that they hear. So never give up on Him or them (or on yourself - He may use you as an instrument).
So, for today I will know that it's never too late. Never too late for God to touch and change someone - including me! I will pray for an open heart, open mind and willingness to accept an amazing love that will change everything. And then I will be patient as God does His work.
The strongest hope and joy that I have for myself and all the people I love and pray for in this world is knowing that it's never too late to give your heart to God. Over and over and over I hear people saying, "that person will never change." Or, "it doesn't matter what I say or do, he/she doesn't listen and they'll never understand." Well, that sense of hopelessness is because as humans, we are limited. We have weaknesses, distractions, and we give up.....God doesn't. God has unlimited powers, but we forget that when we see someone faltering or so far removed from Him that we're distraught over their salvation (or lack of it). But again, that's because our eyes, our hearts, our minds and our efforts have limits. But God's don't!! It's never too late for God to touch that persons heart. He will find a way to speak to them so that they hear. So never give up on Him or them (or on yourself - He may use you as an instrument).
So, for today I will know that it's never too late. Never too late for God to touch and change someone - including me! I will pray for an open heart, open mind and willingness to accept an amazing love that will change everything. And then I will be patient as God does His work.
Friday, February 18, 2011
reflect then decide...
reflect then decide. We live in a "quick" world. Everything seems to require immediate action and reaction - but not today.
We all have something big we are facing. For each of us it may be a different issue, but a decision is needed. Your decision may alter your day or alter your life, so instead of wanting instant gratification and resolution, for today we should all reflect thoughtfully on what we are facing. Actually weigh the pros and cons. Calmly, patiently and morally examine your choices and decision possibilities and then determine your course. Put the anxiety of rushing to the side, don't make your choices in the heat of anger or despair - take your time, be thoughtful, prayerful - the world will actually wait. We are all capable of making horrible decisions when emotion, drama or desperation raise their ugly heads.
So, for today I will reflect and then decide - and my choice will be the better because of this.
We all have something big we are facing. For each of us it may be a different issue, but a decision is needed. Your decision may alter your day or alter your life, so instead of wanting instant gratification and resolution, for today we should all reflect thoughtfully on what we are facing. Actually weigh the pros and cons. Calmly, patiently and morally examine your choices and decision possibilities and then determine your course. Put the anxiety of rushing to the side, don't make your choices in the heat of anger or despair - take your time, be thoughtful, prayerful - the world will actually wait. We are all capable of making horrible decisions when emotion, drama or desperation raise their ugly heads.
So, for today I will reflect and then decide - and my choice will be the better because of this.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
just listen...
just listen. That's it. If someone around you needs to vent, get something off their chest, or just needs to verbally dump their anxieties and worries out loud - today you will just listen.
Listen, absorb, and empathize but don't offer opinions, advise or revelations about what you would have done. In a world full of back-seat drivers and endless points of view, we have forgotten how to just listen and be supportive. We are so ready to offer our advise and what we think is the correct way to handle something. I think we can all admit to doing this. But when we do it, we forget that we're not the one walking in those shoes, we're not made up of the same strengths/weaknesses/characteristics of that other person - so why do we always think that handling it the way "I would" will even work for that person.
So, for today I will just listen. The next time someone needs my ear, I will give them that and nothing else. I will keep my lips zipped and actually absorb what they are saying and more importantly what they are feeling - and I will give support without opinion.
Listen, absorb, and empathize but don't offer opinions, advise or revelations about what you would have done. In a world full of back-seat drivers and endless points of view, we have forgotten how to just listen and be supportive. We are so ready to offer our advise and what we think is the correct way to handle something. I think we can all admit to doing this. But when we do it, we forget that we're not the one walking in those shoes, we're not made up of the same strengths/weaknesses/characteristics of that other person - so why do we always think that handling it the way "I would" will even work for that person.
So, for today I will just listen. The next time someone needs my ear, I will give them that and nothing else. I will keep my lips zipped and actually absorb what they are saying and more importantly what they are feeling - and I will give support without opinion.
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