Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Ready, aim...

Quick thought: we tend to get what we aim at.  Good, bad, indifferent, unhealthy. The "cause/effect" relationship between the way we think and the outcomes we achieve is uncanny.  A "mind," even a poorly developed one, is a powerful force.

God blessed us all with "beautiful minds."  Having been fashioned in His image gives us access to considerable resources, built right into our DNA!  Our minds are of course the most unique aspect of our beings.  So...what are you doing with yours?  It's January 4.  A great time for resolve to retool the way we think and as result, the way we experience life.  What must be done for that to happen?

Give up painful thinking.
Seek balance in your life.
Look for the best in people.
Refuse to think like a victim.
Go to and get out of bed earlier.
Don't allow yourself to be a cynic.
Transform obstacles into opportunities.
Refuse to associate with negative people.
Find ways to add value to other peoples lives.
Read good books that make you feel enriched.
Begin something that makes you feel challenged.
Volunteer and serve in some fashion, some place.
Mentor someone younger and/or less experienced.
Don't participate in throwing others "under the bus."
Find someone to mentor you; be accountable to someone.
Make the effort to grow your intellect and expand your perspective. 
Journal...keep it simple and short; then watch that discipline begin to expand.   

Finally...

"Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.  Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.  And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks through him to God the father."    Colossians 4.16,17 NLT

Make it a GRAND new year.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Amazing grace...

Rose from my slumber to discover redemption.
Not earned, not deserved, not asked for
Generous, vast resolve so effective; graciously given,
Freely received.

Perspective transformed, purpose revealed
Hope a reality, thirsty no more; graciously given,
Freely received.

Remembers no chapter, holds hostage no person
Not a place or thing, not a judgement, but a gift; graciously given,
Freely received.

New every morning, pure like the dew, refreshing, free.
Unbounded, complete, matter settled: not guilty.
Set free from my prison; graciouly given,
Freely received.
Now, freely give.