Show life today how good it can be today

Show life today how good it can be. With your attitude and
your actions, prove to the world that life is very much
worth living.

Do you long to experience real, substantive hope for the
future? Then be the living embodiment of that hope with the
way you conduct your life.

Is it naive, or even cruel or insensitive to expect the best
when things are at their worst? No, because it is precisely
from those sincere, positive expectations that life-changing
improvements come.
Even the smallest light can break through the darkest
darkness. And that will enable other lights to shine.
When there's no good reason to be positive, be positive
anyway. Yes, you can do it, and it will truly make a
profound difference.

Remind life of how good it can be. And make more and more of
that goodness in your world.

Listen to this: Trust God and leave the weight of the past

Joel and Victoria Osteen Talk About Their Relationship

A chaque jour suffit sa peine

Vivez par la foi et non par la peur. Gardez les yeux fixés sur Dieu, en ayant confiance qu'il fera le nécessaire à sa manière et en son temps. En attendant, profitez de la vie qu'il vous a donnée aujourd'hui !

Press forward and relax

Difficult times often lead to two choices: pressing forward in faith, or giving up and choosing self-confidence. What will you choose?

Victorious people don't give up. This may sound easy, but until you have actually gone through a situation that is monumentally challenging, perhaps even life-changing, you don't know the meaning of persevering. These changes could be anything from a sudden loss of a job, the death of a spouse, diagnosis of a serious illness, or the dissolving a dream you have held on to. The given examples are real situations that test your faith, your trust in God, and your belief system.

Be Honest About Your Present Mind-Frame

If you are in a season of doubt, disbelief, anger or exhaustion, let it be known to God. We often feel ashamed for our weaknesses, but this is the time to be truly honest before God, because in that time we find our true strength (see 2 Corinthians 12:10). Determine yourself to end condemnation toward yourself for your lack of faith and/or struggles, and begin to bring them before God in an honest, open fashion. As practical Bible teacher Joyce Meyer says in her book How to Succeed at Being Yourself, "Know your weaknesses and know God - know His strength and faithfulness. Above all else, don't be a quitter." (pg. 176) Pretty straightforward, don't you think?

Focus On Your God Given Visions

What is it that stirs within your heart? When you're supposed to be working, and you find yourself staring at your pencil sharpener in a daze, what thoughts have captivated your mind? These dreams you have for your life have been put there for a purpose, and you need to take steps of faith toward achieving them. For some, it may be a dream of raising your children at home. Others might be looking into the mission field in Africa. Trust your vision was placed in your heart intentionally, and build a supply of inner confidence that no person can remove.

Keep Your Attitude In Check

Do not underestimate the power of a good atittude Having a right attitude will get you through the dark times in your faith walk as you pursue your dreams and visions. Make a decision to not allow your past, your current situation or relationships, or you job to hold you back from having a positive, faith-filled attitude. Remember that nothing is worth compromising your attitude. Set your eyes on the goal, and work toward that, day-by-day.

Practical Steps to Never Giving Up or Quitting on the Road to Success

In your achieving your life's goals, use the following steps as your guide:Consider what it is you want to change about your life. Whether it is lose weight, read more, or work less, figure out what is important to you and go in that direction.

• Set specific goals. Rather than say "I want to watch less television," begin with a goal of watching 1/2 hour less of television per night.
• Journal or keep a notebook of the goal you have in mind. This is great accountability, and is important for reflection. Create a plan for your goal.
• Break your goals down to help you complete them. Write down your experiences, failures, and successes.
• Visualize your success in this area. Whatever it may be, imagine yourself finishing the race victoriously.

Your Love Prescription: Take Care of Your Body!

By Rick Warren

“You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands” (Psalm 119:73 NLT).

Many of us are just too tired to love. We want to build deep relationships with those we care about, like family and friends. We want to love people in our community who are hurting. But we’re just too tired. You can’t love when you’re tired.

What happens to your relationships when you’re out of energy? Little issues become big problems and love withers. It takes physical energy to listen to people and put their needs first. I’m convinced that many married couples could avoid spending time with a divorce lawyer if they spent a little more time with a mattress salesman or a personal trainer.

The Bible mentions three habits that will refresh you physically and give you the strength to love others.

1. Get regular rest. “It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, fearing you will starve to death; for God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest” (Psalm 127:2 LB). Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap. Too tired to love your spouse and kids? Your problem isn’t spiritual, it’s physical. Get some sleep!

2. Eat a balanced diet. “You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws” (Psalm 119:73 LB). God made your body to use a certain combination of foods as its energy source. Eating right will help give you the energy you need to love more faithfully.

3. Exercise regularly. “…Honor the Lord with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV). Our bodies were made for activity. In biblical times they didn’t have to exercise. People walked everywhere. They did physical work. But we have a sedentary life and drive everywhere we go. We need to exercise regularly.

God is on your side

(Joyce) YOU CAN BE DETERMINED THAT EVEN IF IT’S JUST GOD ON YOUR SIDE, YOU CAN STILL OVERCOME AND HAVE VICTORY, AND BECOME A BETTER YOU AS YOUR BOOK TALKS ABOUT.

(Pastor Joel) YEAH, I THINK SO, TOO.  SOMETIMES IT’S FUNNY — I DON’T KNOW THAT THEY ALWAYS MEAN TO, BUT SOMETIMES YOUR OWN FAMILY OR THE PEOPLE CLOSEST TO YOU JUST KEEP BRINGING UP SOMETHING OR TELLING YOU WHAT YOU CAN’T DO. YOU WOULD THINK THAT WOULD BE — AGAIN, MAYBE THEY DON’T MEAN TO — THEY’D BE THE PEOPLE WHO WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU.  YOU THINK ABOUT DAVID’S OWN FAMILY. HE WOULDN’T HAVE BECOME WHO HE WAS MEANT TO BE IF HE WOULD HAVE LET HIS BROTHER CONDEMN HIM AND KEEP HIM FEELING LIKE A LOSER AND ALL THAT, BUT HE JUST ROSE UP. ANY OF US CAN PRESS FORWARD. I REMIND MYSELF ALL THE TIME THAT NOBODY CAN KEEP ME FROM FULFILLING MY DESTINY EXCEPT MYSELF. THE DEVIL CAN’T, OTHER PEOPLE CAN’T, CRITICS CAN’T. IF I’LL STAY FOCUSED AND TRUST GOD, ALL THE FORCES OF DARKNESS CAN’T KEEP ME FROM BECOMING WHO GOD CREATED ME TO BE.

(Joyce) THAT’S ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, BUT WE CAN PREVENT PROGRESS THROUGH LAZINESS, PASSIVITY, COMPLACENCY, LOOKING AT OUR PAST FAILURES ALL THE TIME. BUT INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH, ANOTHER THING THAT I ALSO THINK CAN HINDER PEOPLE FROM BECOMING ALL THAT GOD WANTS THEM TO BE IS LEANING TOO MUCH ON THEIR PAST SUCCESSES.

(Pastor Joel) I THINK THAT’S EXACTLY RIGHT BECAUSE IT KEEPS US FROM PRESSING FORWARD SOMETIMES. YOU SAY, “I’M GOOD ENOUGH.” I LIKE THE PHRASE: DON’T LET GOOD ENOUGH BE GOOD ENOUGH. I MEAN, “I’M A GOOD ENOUGH MINISTER, A GOOD ENOUGH PARENT.” OR THE OTHER ONE THAT I HEAR IS, “I’M AS GOOD AS MY NEIGHBORS,” OR “I WENT AS FAR AS MY PARENTS DID.”

In God I trust

Above and Beyond

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours”
(Isaiah 61:7, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

In the Old Testament when this scripture was written, God’s people were going through a very difficult time. They were being held captive against their will and mistreated by other nations. God sent this word to encourage them and give them hope for their future. When the time came, God was faithful to His Word!

Are you going through a difficult time today? Let this word bring you encouragement, too. We serve a God who goes above and beyond our expectations. He wants to give you double for your trouble. He wants to bring you restoration and make things even better than before.

If you are facing challenges today or going through a time of adversity, remember, it’s always darkest just before the dawn appears. Your days are destined to shine brighter because God is faithful. As you stay in faith and are obedient to His Word, you’ll receive double for your trouble and see God go above and beyond in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for directing and ordering my steps. I know that You will go above and beyond my expectations as I keep my heart and mind stayed on You. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Press forward and relax

Are you burdened by your consequences, or is your life
blessed by the consequences you create? That depends
entirely on the choices you make.

It may seem at times that the consequences are there to
punish you. Actually, they're there as a manifestation of
your thoughts, your actions and your attitude.
You cannot change the consequences that surely flow from
specific actions. However, you can indeed change the actions
you choose to take, and by doing so you can decide which
consequences you create.

Consequences are gifts you give to yourself, created by the
choices you make. If you don't like the consequences you've
been getting, that's a clear and valuable message you're
sending yourself.

Positive, authentic, meaningful thoughts and actions bring
desirable consequences. As reliably as day follows night,
the way you live creates the life you experience.

Take control of your consequences by putting positive
intention into your choices. Make use of the power you have,
and you can go wherever you choose.

In either cases press forward and it ll all be fine

Learning to like yoursefl

Did you know that you and I have to learn to deal with our do separately from our who? The fact is, I don’t do everything right all the time, but that doesn’t affect who I am. I know I’m loved and that I’m still a good person. I’ve made mistakes in my life—and I’m sure I’ll make mistakes in the future—but I still like myself. 

If you like yourself—even though others may not—you’ll make it. When you start to like yourself, other people begin to like you too. Liking yourself doesn’t mean you’re full of pride; it simply means you accept yourself as the person God created you to be. We all need changes in our behavior, but accepting ourselves as God’s creation is vital to our progress in becoming an emotionally healthy person. If we can master this one thing—liking ourselves—it will work wonders in helping us to overcome a shame-based nature. Let me explain what I mean. 

Many people live under what I call the curse of failure. They can never do anything they set out to do. They’re always failing, always messing up, always getting disappointed, discouraged and depressed. They don’t like who they are because they’ve adopted a shame-based nature. 

When a person has a shame-based nature, it becomes the source or root of many complex inner problems like depression, loneliness, isolation and alienation. All kinds of compulsive disorders are rooted in shame: drug, alcohol and other chemical addictions; eating disorders like bulimia, anorexia, and obesity; money addictions like stinginess and gambling; sexual perversions of all kinds—the list is endless. 

For example, workaholism is a very destructive disorder in our society today. There are people who are such workaholics that they can never enjoy life. Unless they’re working day and night, they feel irresponsible. In fact, some people are like—if they’re enjoying themselves, they feel guilty about it. 

Another example of a destructive disorder is perfectionism. Some people are tormented by perfectionism because of abuse or some other negative situation in their past. They keep trying to be perfect in order to win the attention and affection they feel they were denied. People who live with workaholism and perfectionism set themselves up for failure. They set unreasonably high standards for themselves, and when they ultimately fail, they feel badly about themselves. They make impossible schedules and then make themselves—and everyone else around them—miserable because they’re constantly rushing around. 

Workaholics and perfectionists are just two examples of the types of people who really haven’t learned to simply like who they are. Shame, because of something they may have done in their past, has caused them to dislike themselves. Remember, you must separate your do from your who. You’re a unique and special individual, with God-given talents and skills. And even though you may have made mistakes in the past, it’s time to move on and learn to like yourself!

This is so nice....This is what i want

The Art Of A Good Marriage - Wilferd Arlan Peterson


Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created.
In marriage the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice,
but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience,understanding and a sense of humour.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to the other.

Now you will fee l no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other

Now there is no more loneliness for you

But there is on life before you

Go now to your dwelling place, to eat to your days together

Any may your days be very long upon this earth

(Apache Indians of the American southwest recite this wedding poem)

Somewhere there waiteth in this world of ours

For one lone soul, another lonely soul

Each chasing strangely at one sudden goal

Then blend they – like green leaves with golden flowers,

Into one beautiful and perfect whole

And life's long night is ended, and the way

Lies open onward to eternal life

(Sir Edwin Arnold)

Value every moment

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”
(Psalm 90:12, NIV)

Sometimes, our days can be so full and busy that we forget how precious and fragile life here on earth really is. It can be so easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy. Maybe something doesn’t go our way, or someone says something upsetting. Even traffic can cause us to get our focus off if we let it. We have to remember that each day is a gift. If we choose to focus on what’s wrong, we’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer.

I encourage you today; don’t let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable. You have been given time that can be invested or wasted; hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “Teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “Teach us to value every moment we’ve been given.” As you keep a proper perspective, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom. You’ll draw closer to God and experience the full blessing that He has for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of today. I choose to focus on the blessing of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. Keep me close to You always as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You.Amen.

Be positive today

Do you have a friend or colleague who complains constantly?
If you do, you’ll know how you feel after a conversation with them: tired, drained, feeling a bit fed up about your own life.
Do you know anyone who’s always cheerful and positive?
If you talk to them, you’ll feel quite differently afterwards: enthused, re-energized, happy.
I’m guessing you can see why positive thinking matters. By being grateful for the good things in life – instead of moaning about the bad ones – you’ll find that your mood is better, and that almost miraculously, more good stuff starts happening to you.
It’s easy, of course, for me to tell you to “look on the bright side!” – but I know that’s easier said than done. So here are five ways to be more positive about life, every single day:

#1: Recognize That You Have a Choice

When something “bad” or “good” happens, you choose how to respond. If you’re finding that hard to believe, think about how other people might react to the same event: your dad, your best friend, the President….
Whatever happens to you, you can always learn something. If you made a mistake and got something wrong, at least you’ll know what not to do next time!

#2: Wake Up Positive

Start your day off with something that you can really enjoy. That might be your favorite food for breakfast, or a gorgeous scented soap in the shower. If you’re looking forward to just one little thing when you wake up, then you’ve got your day off to a good start.
You might want to deliberately end on a high note too – you could read a few chapters of a great novel before bed, or have a long, relaxing bath.

#3: Watch Your Language

When you talk to colleagues, family or friends, what sort of language do you use? If you tell your partner “I’ve got a horrible day ahead, I’m so stressed just thinking about it,” then you’re putting yourself into a negative frame of mind.
If you and your colleagues habitually whine about work, look for more positive topics of conversation. Try asking “what are you looking forward to this week?”

#4: Reframe Events

“Reframing” is a popular technique in life coaching, where you make a negative event into a more positive one by deliberately viewing it in a different light. So, “I’m really busy, but we’re out of milk, and I have to go to the store” can become “I’m going to take a quick walk to the store, grab the milk we need, and have a mini-break from work so that I can come back refreshed.”
For lots more advice on reframing, there’s an excellent series on life coach Vlad Dolezal’s blog.

#5: Write Down Three Good Things

You might have come across the concept of a “gratitude journal” before, where you keep a record of things you’re grateful for. This is a surprisingly powerful practice which can help you to not only feel better, but to also take action to keep improving your life.
You don’t have to spend hours writing a long-winded journal. Today, try writing down just three things that you’re thankful for – you can use single words, or short phrases.
For more on positive thinking, check out Pick the Brain’s other posts:

• 7 Steps to Positive Self Talk
• The Internal Dialogue: Mastering the Unseen Forces That Shape Our Destiny
• It’s All About Attitude: 6 Ways To Stay Positive

L'insécurité est un tourment...

Someone told me....

 

 

 

La plupart des problèmes que les personnes vivent sont dus aux mauvaises pensées. Il faut apprendre à faire le ménage de nos pensées, le nettoyage de votre âme, il faut apprendre à arrêter de méditer sur les mauvaises choses, mais bien au contraire penser aux bonnes choses. 

 

Nos choix ne doivent pas être le fruit des pressions, des circonstances ni d'un besoin permanent d'approbation.

Ce n'est pas facile!

Allow Your Own Inner Light to Guide You

There comes a time when you must stand alone.
You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams.
You must be willing to make sacrifices.
You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved.
Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged.
There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities.

Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better.
Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by.
Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life.

Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way.

Work hard at what you like to do and try to overcome all obstacles
Laugh at your mistakes and praise yourself for learning from them
Pick some flowers and appreciate the beauty of nature
Say hello to strangers and enjoy the people you know
Don't be afraid to show your emotions laughing and crying make you feel better
Love your friends and family with your entire being they are the most important part of your life

Feel the calmness on a quiet sunny day
Find a rainbow and live your world of dreams always remember life is better than it seems

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

God is active and i beleive in the power of prayer

“It is appointed unto all men to die.”                        - Hebrews 9:27

‘The Lord’s loved ones are precious to Him; it grieves Him when they die.”

- Psalm 116:15

Several years ago I had the pleasure of meeting a successful college graduate student who was the son of a quite successful father. 

This young man, his parents and whole family had lived in quite a few countries around the world while growing up.  His father’s life work and career had made him a key player in the international oil business.  The dad had once said to his boy, “The world is run by 100 men, son. And I know them all.”  Quite a statement.

But I can do this, one better.

The world may actually be run by only a select group of individuals. And they may be extremely powerful. But I know the One who yanks even their chains.  And He is active today in our world.  He shows His love in many ways. 

He can even help us to die well.

           

Several years ago my Dad died and went to be with God.  Many of you have probably already buried a parent.  It is very hard. 

But it was such a blessing to be with him when he died.

When I first ran into the ICU and saw him, I said, “Dad, I don’t think we are gonna get out of this one.”  And he smiled and agreed.  We then called all his sons up on the phone, one by one, and he smiled and wept as he listened to each of his boys say how much they loved him. 

And to also say good-bye.

After those conversations, I asked him if he was afraid.  He got a little mad at that point and shook his head, then looked me straight on and said, “Of course not.”

“Are you eager to meet your Savior, Dad?”  I asked.

He squeezed my hand pretty hard, smiled, relaxed, as a tear rolled down his cheek and answered, “Yes, I am!”

Those were his last words.  Dad fell asleep.  We couldn’t rouse him later and a few hours after that he passed on. 

I think God is active today. I believe He answers prayers.  My prayer was that God would be gentle with my Dad and help him to die well. 

He did this for my dad and for his whole family.

                                              

God is even active when we see death.  He is working to get our attention and to remind us of life’s certain truths.

"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."      - 2 Peter 3:9

Jesus lived and walked on this rock, just twenty, short, centuries ago.  And He really, truly, did come back from the dead to reveal to mankind, that He is God.  And therefore we can know with absolute conviction here in the fall of 2002, that He is alive and still very much active today.  This is the logical, step-by-step, truth of our faith.

           

"And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."                  - Romans 8:26,28

                       

"For the LORD will vindicate His people, And will have compassion on His servants; When He sees that their strength is gone."                      - Deuteronomy 32:36