Good morning and happy Monday, aww the beginning of the first week of the new year! I pray it will be a great Monday for you and that you are looking at 2012 with wide eyed wonder and promise of only good things!
In prayer this morning, I sat out in the sunshine and allowed it to wash gently over me, I leaned my head back and allowed the warmth to radiate through my body and I felt the love of our Father in heaven so strongly. I sat and thought about all the things I plan on achieving this new year and about the changes that I need to make to gain personal strength and spiritual growth. I asked God to bless me with strength and fortitude to get both done. I will begin again the diet that I let go with the holidays, I will begin to think healthy, not allowing the aches and pains get me down any more and I will pray harder and more fervently for "change". I felt that God was much pleased with my resolution and for a few moments felt no pain whatsoever in my body as I sat there in quiet reflection. I prayed for each of you and yours, asking our Father in Heaven to touch you in a way today that will confirm to you that you will never go through anything alone as long as you hold his hand in your hand and his love in your heart. I asked, as always for you to have peace, calm, comfort and understanding. I thanked him for the miracles that he allows me to see each day through answered prayers, I look around and see answers to things I pray about and feel amazed at his strength and abilities! Today I ask you to join with me in asking our Father in Heaven for blessings for those who are in need of faith renewal, that you be a friend, open your eyes and see where there is need if it only be a smile, a hug, or a pat on the back. Let us make 2012 the year when true compassion is at the top of everyones list of things to do. Lord bless us with the gift of friend, bless us with keen eyesight to see where we are needed the most and bless us with the gift of knowing what we can do to make a difference. In the name of our sweet and loving brother in heaven, Jesus Christ. Amen.
I came upon this little list this morning in reading and thought wow...I can do each of those on a daily basis! Can you?
Eight Friendship Gifts
THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.
THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."
THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.
THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.
THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.
THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.
THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.
1 comment:
great advice and these are things we should make a habit of in our lives. these are opportunities to glorify god and open a non believers eyes to Jesus and his love.
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