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.