Today is the day! Well if you haven't already implemented the action plan begin now, it's never to late to start. Today i'm going to include an inspirational story to help you on your way. Take time to read it and i pray you feel inspired to take this moment and live it abundantly.
Take Hold of Every Moment
by Author Unknown
A friend of mine opened his wife's underwear drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package:
"This, - he said - isn't any ordinary package." He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box.
"She got this the first time we went to New York, 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on. Was saving it for a special occasion.
Well, I guess this is it. He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothings he was taking to the funeral house, his wife had just died. He turned to me and said:
"Never save something for a special occasion. Every day in your life is a special occasion".
I still think those words changed my life. Now I read more and clean less. I sit on the porch without worrying about anything. I spend more time with my family, and less at work. I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through. I no longer keep anything. I use crystal glasses every day. I'll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if i feel like it. I don't save my special perfume for special occasions, I use it whenever I want to. The words "Someday..." and "One Day..." are fading away from my dictionary. If it's worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now.
I don't know what my friend's wife would have done if she knew she wouldn't be there the next morning, this nobody can tell. I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends.
She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels. I'd like to think she would go out for Chinese, her favourite food. It's these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come. I would regret it, because I would no longer see the friends I would meet, letters... letters that i wanted to write "One of this days". I would regret and feel sad, because I didn't say to my brothers and sons, not times enough at least, how much I love them.
Now, I try not to delay, postpone or keep anything that could bring laughter and joy into our lives. And, on each morning, I say to myself that this could be a special day. Each day, each hour, each minute, is special.
http://www.great-inspirational-quotes.com/take-hold-of-every-moment.html
Psalm 18: 1-3
1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
Showing posts with label abundant life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label abundant life. Show all posts
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Tuesday - Action plan
Today is the day, that we get everything going. It's time for an action plan. I hope you have your Bible ready because we are going to be searching to find it's secrets to abundant life. Try to encorporate this into today and every day from now on.
1. Begin each day by praying. If you haven't prayed for long or never at all begin by praying the Lord's prayer found in Mathew 6:9-13 and it goes as follows:
Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory.
for ever and ever. Amen
Youu can also use this prayer as guideline for what to include in your prayers, confessions, thanksgiving and praise. The more your pray, the more your prayers will become natural. God has given us prayer as a direct line to Him, He wants to hear from you. You can tell Him everything and anything. Giving your burdens to God in prayer is the first step to having an abundant life. "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12 Prayer is important as it gives us the opportunity to talk over our problems, needs and everything else with God therefore lifting many burdens of our shoulders. I've heard many times of the talking cure, so talk to God to be cured.
2. Spend time reading the Bible. The amount of time and what you is entirely up to you, but if your wondering where to begin i'd suggest either psalms, matthew or romans. Each of these has a special message for us, people who want abundant life. We can learn from David's psalms of trial and praises many ways to deal with situation, from matthew or any of the Gospels we can learn more about Jesus and the miracles He performed on earth and this can increase our faith, Paul's great love for God as expressed in Romans can help our love for Him to grow. It's important for you to spend time in God's word because it can change you, your life will never be the same again. Every time before you open the Word of God be sure to pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance.
3. Do something good for someone else. If we focus our minds on other people it becomes easier for us to not moan about our situations but it helps us realise how blessed we are. Everyone rich or poor often needs a friendly smile, some act of love. Be kind, generous and loving to all those that you meet but first start in your home. Begin by doing something nice for your family and loved ones, give of your time, love and wealth to those in and out your family that need it.
Galatians 6:9-10 So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. 6:10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.
4. Spend time laughing or doing something fun. Take some of the time that you'd normally spend in front of the tv and spend it doing something different. Spend some time with old friends that will lift your spirit. Spend playing games with your kids or doing a sport. You could even just take a stroll in the park. Whatever else you can think of doing that isn't stressful and that you love you could do to. It's important to get some time to relax and enjoy life. A cheerful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22
5. Do steps 1-4 everyday and you will begin to live abundant life. It will not come in a second, but if you choose to live abundantly and forget the horrible things of the past, you can grab hold of today and live it to the full. I wont say that it will be easy to change your mindset our your habitats but take each day as it comes and do the best you can. If you ever feel like giving up or throwing in the towel then remember this verse: I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME. (Phil 4:13) God bless you as you embark on this wonderful journey, never give up, there is something better planned for you.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
1. Begin each day by praying. If you haven't prayed for long or never at all begin by praying the Lord's prayer found in Mathew 6:9-13 and it goes as follows:
Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory.
for ever and ever. Amen
Youu can also use this prayer as guideline for what to include in your prayers, confessions, thanksgiving and praise. The more your pray, the more your prayers will become natural. God has given us prayer as a direct line to Him, He wants to hear from you. You can tell Him everything and anything. Giving your burdens to God in prayer is the first step to having an abundant life. "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12 Prayer is important as it gives us the opportunity to talk over our problems, needs and everything else with God therefore lifting many burdens of our shoulders. I've heard many times of the talking cure, so talk to God to be cured.
2. Spend time reading the Bible. The amount of time and what you is entirely up to you, but if your wondering where to begin i'd suggest either psalms, matthew or romans. Each of these has a special message for us, people who want abundant life. We can learn from David's psalms of trial and praises many ways to deal with situation, from matthew or any of the Gospels we can learn more about Jesus and the miracles He performed on earth and this can increase our faith, Paul's great love for God as expressed in Romans can help our love for Him to grow. It's important for you to spend time in God's word because it can change you, your life will never be the same again. Every time before you open the Word of God be sure to pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance.
3. Do something good for someone else. If we focus our minds on other people it becomes easier for us to not moan about our situations but it helps us realise how blessed we are. Everyone rich or poor often needs a friendly smile, some act of love. Be kind, generous and loving to all those that you meet but first start in your home. Begin by doing something nice for your family and loved ones, give of your time, love and wealth to those in and out your family that need it.
Galatians 6:9-10 So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. 6:10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.
4. Spend time laughing or doing something fun. Take some of the time that you'd normally spend in front of the tv and spend it doing something different. Spend some time with old friends that will lift your spirit. Spend playing games with your kids or doing a sport. You could even just take a stroll in the park. Whatever else you can think of doing that isn't stressful and that you love you could do to. It's important to get some time to relax and enjoy life. A cheerful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22
5. Do steps 1-4 everyday and you will begin to live abundant life. It will not come in a second, but if you choose to live abundantly and forget the horrible things of the past, you can grab hold of today and live it to the full. I wont say that it will be easy to change your mindset our your habitats but take each day as it comes and do the best you can. If you ever feel like giving up or throwing in the towel then remember this verse: I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME. (Phil 4:13) God bless you as you embark on this wonderful journey, never give up, there is something better planned for you.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
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