When I get around some people I begin to act in ways that are not Christ-like or that simply defeat me in sticking to my goals. I come away disappointed in myself and vowing to never allow them to influence me in that way again.
People who complain about everything cause me to take on that attitude when I am around them. Blue people cloud any sunny disposition I might be trying to maintain. Braggarts make me want to brag, and unfortunately, people who tempt me to eat what I don't need usually win, while I lose, not pounds but the battle to lose pounds! I am weak in these things and I must learn to stay away from these people or stand up to their influence.
I can turn this all around and look to myself. Am I a friend who influences others in the wrong ways? Can I even be called a friend if I do? It is most important that I work on myself and call on the help of the Holy Spirit to keep me on the right track. I must also be watchful of the friends I keep.
I still must be friendly to all, but I am not obligated to keep company with those who will draw me away from my goal to be a strong witness for Christ and bring honor to Him. It is time to stand firm and be a good friend!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Good Friends
Gods' word reminds us more than once that choosing good friends is an important way to live a life that will be rewarded. Finding good friends is not always an easy task, but certainly one that is rewarding in the end.
Sometimes when we find someone we like and draw close to them, it becomes easy to see their faults. We then must decide if that is a reason for holding them afar or even removing them from the friend list. Since we all have failures and rough spots in our character, we should look for someone who can help us smooth out those rough patches. Then we can smooth out theirs. That is a good friend.
A good friend sticks around when they see our ugly ways. They commit themselves to helping us overcome. They want us to become the best person we can be. A good friend doesn't run away. A good friend is honest in a loving way. A good friend allows us to be those things for them.
"To have a friend you need to be a friend" is a true statement. We must model the type of friendship we want, be willing to be the friend we need. Yes, it will cost us. We will pay the price in time and energy and in commitment to learning as much as we can about the person. The interest we receive back, though, is a windfall.
Friendship, good friends, are part of Gods' plan for each of us. I think I'll write a friend today and tell them how much they mean to me!
Sometimes when we find someone we like and draw close to them, it becomes easy to see their faults. We then must decide if that is a reason for holding them afar or even removing them from the friend list. Since we all have failures and rough spots in our character, we should look for someone who can help us smooth out those rough patches. Then we can smooth out theirs. That is a good friend.
A good friend sticks around when they see our ugly ways. They commit themselves to helping us overcome. They want us to become the best person we can be. A good friend doesn't run away. A good friend is honest in a loving way. A good friend allows us to be those things for them.
"To have a friend you need to be a friend" is a true statement. We must model the type of friendship we want, be willing to be the friend we need. Yes, it will cost us. We will pay the price in time and energy and in commitment to learning as much as we can about the person. The interest we receive back, though, is a windfall.
Friendship, good friends, are part of Gods' plan for each of us. I think I'll write a friend today and tell them how much they mean to me!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Attitude Adjustment
We all sport an attitude. It may change during the workings of the day, but we bring an attitude into every conversation and action.
All attitudes cause that ripple effect of changing attitudes in others. If we have a good attitude or a bad one we will influence the attitudes of others. They may not take on our particular mood but theirs will be affected. If they keep a happy mood when we present them with a sour disposition, it is only because they are working harder.
An amazing fact is that we can control our attitudes! We choose to look at the silver lining behind the storm clouds, hold up a bright umbrella or we get soaked by the storm and drown in self pity.
Where am I today? I am looking for the silver lining and the bright umbrella. I'm getting a little bit of the sprinkles from the storm but I am on my way to putting a smile on my face! I hope it helps you to smile too!
All attitudes cause that ripple effect of changing attitudes in others. If we have a good attitude or a bad one we will influence the attitudes of others. They may not take on our particular mood but theirs will be affected. If they keep a happy mood when we present them with a sour disposition, it is only because they are working harder.
An amazing fact is that we can control our attitudes! We choose to look at the silver lining behind the storm clouds, hold up a bright umbrella or we get soaked by the storm and drown in self pity.
Where am I today? I am looking for the silver lining and the bright umbrella. I'm getting a little bit of the sprinkles from the storm but I am on my way to putting a smile on my face! I hope it helps you to smile too!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Taking the Time
Take time to enjoy a sunset or sunrise. Yesterday my granddaughters were out playing and ran in excitedly yelling at me. "Grommers! You have to come see the sky!" They were so excited that I didn't hesitate but grabbed a jacket and headed outside.
WOW! It was magnificent! I immediately shouted out to God. I praised Him for the beauty and the wonderful blessing it was to see His light shine. I then ran in side to get my camera.
The neighbor kids heard me praising God and asked what that was all about. My granddaughter Paige explained it to them and they then joined me in telling God how beautiful He painted the sky! What joy to hear little ones shout his praise!
What are you taking time to do? Maybe enjoying God's majestic creation of your body? Or maybe taking time to read His word and discovering the treasure that lies within each verse!
Take time! It is a gift.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
As Time Goes By
As time goes by, there comes a momentum that leans toward some direction. As we make our first steps toward growth in the new year, we can be certain that the momentum is picking up. If we repeat good habits we will turn the momentum toward the good. If we repeat bad habits the tide will flow toward a downhill slide.
The key is to turn around quickly when a path is found to be wrong. If we wait too long it is hard to pull ourselves up, find a place for a u-turn, or build a new path toward the goal we have set.
The clock is ticking and minutes, hours, days and weeks are passing. It may seem too early to evaluate the direction we are going , but it is a good time! Today is the day we can adjust the course without too much trouble.
It only takes a minute or two. Those minutes are worth spending!
The key is to turn around quickly when a path is found to be wrong. If we wait too long it is hard to pull ourselves up, find a place for a u-turn, or build a new path toward the goal we have set.
The clock is ticking and minutes, hours, days and weeks are passing. It may seem too early to evaluate the direction we are going , but it is a good time! Today is the day we can adjust the course without too much trouble.
It only takes a minute or two. Those minutes are worth spending!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Bearly Started
I've started the new year on a down note. It has not been an extreme low, but it hasn't begun how I wanted it to be.
I won't go into details but my thoughts are my biggest problem. It seems that no matter what is happening I think a negative thought or look at the situation as less than what it should be. GRRRRR. I really don't like being a bear growling about and scaring people away. Now if I were a Teddy Bear that was cuddly and kind and a comfort to others that would be great! But the past few days I haven't been.
I've been angry...over what, I am not sure I even have a good reason for my anger. I have sought for one, but it only lands on innocent people who have no intentions of provoking me.
I've been sad....mostly that I cannot change things that are going on around me. I also am not the person I want to be, do what I want to do (and earn a living at it), or fulfill the roles of wife, mother, friend and grandmother with the joy and integrity and blessing I want to be in those roles.
I interpret the actions , words, and silences of family and friends and surmise who I am from that, BUT my Heavenly Father has spoken to me this morning. He has told me that He knows my heart. He knows everything about me, and HE alone can judge who I am. The hard part for me is to shut my eyes and ears to those around me and keep my eyes and ears focused on HIM!
So, going with my goal for this year to send God's message, I will close my eyes and ears to the world and open them to my all knowing all loving Father. I hope you will see a change in me and you will get the message of the Fathers' love.
I won't go into details but my thoughts are my biggest problem. It seems that no matter what is happening I think a negative thought or look at the situation as less than what it should be. GRRRRR. I really don't like being a bear growling about and scaring people away. Now if I were a Teddy Bear that was cuddly and kind and a comfort to others that would be great! But the past few days I haven't been.
I've been angry...over what, I am not sure I even have a good reason for my anger. I have sought for one, but it only lands on innocent people who have no intentions of provoking me.
I've been sad....mostly that I cannot change things that are going on around me. I also am not the person I want to be, do what I want to do (and earn a living at it), or fulfill the roles of wife, mother, friend and grandmother with the joy and integrity and blessing I want to be in those roles.
I interpret the actions , words, and silences of family and friends and surmise who I am from that, BUT my Heavenly Father has spoken to me this morning. He has told me that He knows my heart. He knows everything about me, and HE alone can judge who I am. The hard part for me is to shut my eyes and ears to those around me and keep my eyes and ears focused on HIM!
So, going with my goal for this year to send God's message, I will close my eyes and ears to the world and open them to my all knowing all loving Father. I hope you will see a change in me and you will get the message of the Fathers' love.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A New Page
Today begins a new page of history. Yes, I know it is the same every day but today being January 1, 2009, the world recognizes the change.
For me, I see myself writing a few new stories of my life. It is interesting that you, too, are writing the stories of your life. Though we choose our own stories we also bring in others stories into our own. Your story is a part of mine just as my story is a part of yours. To me that is an amazingly delightful thought!
God is part of our stories as well. He is there even if we fail to acknowledge Him. I am happy to have Him in my story. Because He is such a big part of my story He is also in your story (If you are part of mine!)
2009 is a year when I choose to share His story and my story as often as I am able! I want to tell all about Him and who He is in my life!
Happy New Year! The story begins anew!
For me, I see myself writing a few new stories of my life. It is interesting that you, too, are writing the stories of your life. Though we choose our own stories we also bring in others stories into our own. Your story is a part of mine just as my story is a part of yours. To me that is an amazingly delightful thought!
God is part of our stories as well. He is there even if we fail to acknowledge Him. I am happy to have Him in my story. Because He is such a big part of my story He is also in your story (If you are part of mine!)
2009 is a year when I choose to share His story and my story as often as I am able! I want to tell all about Him and who He is in my life!
Happy New Year! The story begins anew!
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