What do a sincere compliment, a useful
idea and a usable piece of furniture or household item have in common? They are each something of value I can share with others.
As I do, I make room in my life for more.
My giving ripples outward. What I give continues to be passed on as a perpetual blessing of love from
one person to another. We share in the abundance of God available to every person, everywhere.
"Give, and it will be given to you." These words guide
me in living and sharing an abundant life.
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together,
running over, will be put into your lap.--Luke 6:38
I am grateful for who I am and the life I am leading.
My achievements and shortcomings are not tallied on a giant
scorecard. But at times, I may become preoccupied with my personal goals and comparing myself to others. As I stop judging
and start appreciating my efforts, the burden of incessant striving falls away.
When I see myself as God sees me, I am whole and perfect. I
adopt this point of view, and I am released from the grip of my ego. I know that I am doing and being my best. By choosing
to focus on all that is delightful, my life suddenly seems easier. I am moving forward rather than holding myself back. I
am creating the life I desire, becoming more aware of my blessings and living in joy.
If then your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be as full of light as when
a lamp gives you light with its rays.--Luke 11:36
Healing comes in many forms and in many
ways. Some wounds heal quickly and visibly, like the physical healing of a scratch or a burn. Other wounds may take more time
to heal. A broken heart, a troubled life or a dampened spirit requires a greater depth of healing--healing of my body, mind
and soul.
Every
need for healing is an invitation to turn within to God for guidance and direction. As I enter into the silence to meditate
and pray, I connect with the Source of both my physical and spiritual healing. I am guided to the ways of strength and wholeness.
I receive the most vital and lasting form of health: the healing of my soul.
For I will restore health to you, and your
wounds I will heal.--Jeremiah 30:17
Mistakes
are a natural part of learning--just as falling down is a natural part of learning to walk. But when I make a serious mistake,
I may find it hard to forgive myself for what I have said or done.
I cannot make amends if I remain stuck in a cycle of self-blame or criticism.
Instead, I remember that God loves me unconditionally. I take responsibility for my actions, and with God's grace, I do my
best to resolve the situation. This may require a heartfelt apology, a change in my behavior or another step. I trust God
to guide me to the best response.
As I open to the grace of God, I am able to forgive myself and accept God's unconditional love.
Now I commend you to God and to the message of his grace, a message that is able to build you up.--Acts 20:32
The love of God is my true source of comfort
and strength.
On a cool autumn evening I may enjoy the warmth and comfort of sitting by the fire or sipping a hot cup of tea. The
comfort and care I give myself and others are ways in which the love of God is manifest in my life. In these peaceful moments,
I understand that I am beloved of God.
To deepen my experience of peace and comfort, I turn within to the silence and immerse myself in God's
love and protection. I relax into the divine Presence that is the source of my comfort and strength.
I am blessed to know that the presence
of God is with me at all times and in all situations. Whenever I turn within, God's gentle whisper of assurance fills my soul
with peace.
As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.--Isaiah 66:13
As I step out in faith to do something
new and daring, I may feel like a skydiver moments before a jump. When I make the conscious choice to let go of my comfortable
surroundings, I may experience a moment of fear. But like the skydiver, my fear is quickly replaced with exhilaration and
excitement as I soar through the experience with complete trust. I let go of my fear. God is with me and all is well!
Letting go of fear is liberating. As
I let go and trust God, I open the way for God's perfect expression within me and in all the circumstances of my life. I don't
worry about the outcome, for I know that all is well. I know that God is in charge and that I am being divinely guided and
blessed.
Whatever I focus my thoughts on increases.
This is true for all things, wanted and unwanted. Thinking fearful thoughts increases my fear. Focusing on what I love enhances
my experience of love.
I magnify all manifestations of good by focusing my thoughts on God. Appreciation is a God-given power tool that magnifies
the good in my life. Any time during the day, I can use this tool to reenergize my body, mind and spirit. I appreciate the
vitality that flows through my body. I value the clarity of my thoughts and memory. I appreciate the ever-present love of
God that lifts my spirits. I am grateful for my ability to magnify God's good in my life.
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.--Psalm
34:3
When I think of giving as an art--a
creative expression of Christ's Light within me--I pour more of myself into giving. I tune in to ways I can support others
and give meaningful gifts that will delight the receiver.
Divine ideas come to mind as I shift my focus away from "things" to the art
of true giving. As I write a letter to a friend with whom I've lost contact or give an encouraging smile to a struggling stranger,
I know that just what is needed is mine to give. I am inspired to give more as new creative expressions of giving come to
mind. Knowing that the circle of giving is also receiving, I am grateful for all that I give and all that I receive.
Your
faith is growing abundantly, and the love of everyone of you for one another is increasing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3
