Several years ago, I was purchasing a CD in a bookstore. I didn’t realize that I’d slipped into a bad attitude because of stress. A man saw my unsettled state and was led by God to compliment my shirt. As soon as the words left him, peace came over me and the stress was gone.
I remember that because of how simple the cure was. He didn’t lay hands on me and pray. He didn’t quote scripture. He simply gave me a compliment.
Healings and deliverances aren’t always that simple. But God used the obedience of a sweet man to get my attention. And I can pray that God would use me in the same way.
How many people do we pass everyday who need to hear some good news – anything positive. We hear more bad news than we can stand, and when we look in the mirror, most of us find ourselves lacking in one way or another.
If we would step out of our daily routine long enough to speak a friendly word of kindness to someone, the atmosphere around us will change.
I’m willing to give it a try. Are you?
Today’s goal is: Compliment five people.
When I receive a compliment, my day seems happier. When I compliment someone else, I see their day changing too. This is an easy goal. It shouldn’t take a lot of effort. But if the compliment is sincere, I can just imagine five smiles leading to many more smiles, and compliments spreading like yawns.
Being friendly is a simple thing. We can make a difference in this world.
Be Generous
Giving is an essential element in the Christian faith. It’s a part of God’s personality. He teaches us to give by first giving to us. We see Him in action and we want to help – just like any child would. When my children were younger, they saw me clean the floor and wanted to do what I was doing. So I bought them a kiddie broom. They loved it. They saw my satisfaction from a job well done and wanted to share in that. God wants us to share in His joy of giving too.
If I call myself a Christian, I must let God be involved in my projects from the beginning. It would be a mistake to try to build a house by myself and when I’m ready to nail down the roof, then decide I need a stronger foundation. The foundation comes first. For Christians, the foundation is God.
God gives because He loves. In order for us to follow that example, we must allow ourselves to love. When we can see people through the loving eyes of God, we can then begin to give from a heart of love.
Do you see single moms in your community who hold down two or three jobs? Some women take a job as a waitress as a second job. They appreciate customers who tip well. As a restaurant customer, giving from a heart of love goes beyond giving your waitress a tip.
Today’s goal: Give money to a waitress that didn’t wait on you – and tip your waitress too!
Imagine your joy as you see the amazed smile. If she asks about it, tell her it’s a gift. Gifts are never earned, they’re just given. Nothing is expected in return.
If I call myself a Christian, I must let God be involved in my projects from the beginning. It would be a mistake to try to build a house by myself and when I’m ready to nail down the roof, then decide I need a stronger foundation. The foundation comes first. For Christians, the foundation is God.
God gives because He loves. In order for us to follow that example, we must allow ourselves to love. When we can see people through the loving eyes of God, we can then begin to give from a heart of love.
Do you see single moms in your community who hold down two or three jobs? Some women take a job as a waitress as a second job. They appreciate customers who tip well. As a restaurant customer, giving from a heart of love goes beyond giving your waitress a tip.
Today’s goal: Give money to a waitress that didn’t wait on you – and tip your waitress too!
Imagine your joy as you see the amazed smile. If she asks about it, tell her it’s a gift. Gifts are never earned, they’re just given. Nothing is expected in return.
Be Determined
Laziness is a virus that infects people with an energy-sapping fog. Most people have succumbed to this at one time or another. I know very few people who are immune to the clutches of laziness. Very few. But they’re there. They seem to be inoculated against it.
If you’re like me and have to fight against its draw, then you know the effort is worth it. I know the feeling of satisfaction when I pass up opportunities to sit and watch “a little” TV. I want to join with others who are determined to make reasonable plans and follow through without laziness undermining the success.
I’m fueled by the joy of knowing I can accomplish a lot in the time I could’ve spent on the unnecessary rest. But having your car fully fueled with the right gasoline doesn’t mean it’s coming out of the garage. To get this body moving, I need the accountability of another person checking on my progress.
Over the past few years, I’ve spent beautiful Texas mornings walking with a friend through the neighborhood. I need the exercise, and I need the time with her to maintain our friendship. Without her accompanying me on my walks, there would be very few walks.
Today’s goal is: Invite two people to start an accountability group. Keep each other informed of your goals. Enjoy each others’ triumphs. Encourage each other during struggles.
The laziness virus must be stopped. But remember, there’s strength in numbers. Together, we can fight it and win!
If you’re like me and have to fight against its draw, then you know the effort is worth it. I know the feeling of satisfaction when I pass up opportunities to sit and watch “a little” TV. I want to join with others who are determined to make reasonable plans and follow through without laziness undermining the success.
I’m fueled by the joy of knowing I can accomplish a lot in the time I could’ve spent on the unnecessary rest. But having your car fully fueled with the right gasoline doesn’t mean it’s coming out of the garage. To get this body moving, I need the accountability of another person checking on my progress.
Over the past few years, I’ve spent beautiful Texas mornings walking with a friend through the neighborhood. I need the exercise, and I need the time with her to maintain our friendship. Without her accompanying me on my walks, there would be very few walks.
Today’s goal is: Invite two people to start an accountability group. Keep each other informed of your goals. Enjoy each others’ triumphs. Encourage each other during struggles.
The laziness virus must be stopped. But remember, there’s strength in numbers. Together, we can fight it and win!
Be Daring
Have you ever driven an old car that broke down frequently. Usually when that happens, it means the car didn’t get as much care as it needed. Cars need maintenance. So do people.
If you value your relationship with your spouse, you have to spend some time and effort letting that person feel loved. Let them know how much you care about them.
Some people get used to being around each other, and they assume the other person knows how they feel. They might. But just as you have to change the oil in your car, you have to replace yesterdays good feelings with new good feelings for today.
Dare to do something different. Get out of the same old rut.
Spouses need relationship maintenance, but so do kids. If you constantly work late and miss your child’s special moments, figure out a plan that will transform that relationship. Dare to change your schedule to put someone else’s needs ahead of your own. Show up at your child’s school play.
Dare to love. Make sure the people around you feel loved. People thrive on affection. Who doesn’t enjoy a good hug?
Today’s goal is: Plan a special lunch with your spouse or your child. Maybe eat with your child at his school. Let them decide when and where (within reasonable limits), and then follow through.
Any relationship worth having is worth maintaining.
If you value your relationship with your spouse, you have to spend some time and effort letting that person feel loved. Let them know how much you care about them.
Some people get used to being around each other, and they assume the other person knows how they feel. They might. But just as you have to change the oil in your car, you have to replace yesterdays good feelings with new good feelings for today.
Dare to do something different. Get out of the same old rut.
Spouses need relationship maintenance, but so do kids. If you constantly work late and miss your child’s special moments, figure out a plan that will transform that relationship. Dare to change your schedule to put someone else’s needs ahead of your own. Show up at your child’s school play.
Dare to love. Make sure the people around you feel loved. People thrive on affection. Who doesn’t enjoy a good hug?
Today’s goal is: Plan a special lunch with your spouse or your child. Maybe eat with your child at his school. Let them decide when and where (within reasonable limits), and then follow through.
Any relationship worth having is worth maintaining.
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