I am the good Gardener. I have planted a beautiful garden of special flowers. In My garden, each flower is different and unique. Each one serves its own purpose and has its own place in the garden and in the heart of the Gardener.
You are unique to Me. I know all about your gifts, your talents, your battles, your weaknesses, and all the things that bother you about yourself. I know about the nagging problems that you can't seem to overcome. I know your strengths and your weaknesses, your idiosyncrasies and all the funny things about you that make you an individual. I know your heart's desires and your secret longings.
I know about the times that you compare yourself to others. I know about the times that you think negatively about yourself, when your weaknesses bother, embarrass and discourage you. I know about all these things and I love you anyway.
Showing posts with label people. Show all posts
Showing posts with label people. Show all posts
Embrace change
Bible, change, ideas, love, people, plans
Are you set in your ways, or do you embrace new ideas? Do you welcome suggestions from others? Are you open to learning and trying new things? Are you willing to change things if someone else finds a better way?
It’s often easier to keep doing things the old way than it is to change, or at least it can seem so at first. Change takes time and effort, but good changes are worth it in the long run. You shouldn’t resist change, but you shouldn’t go to the other extreme either of changing things just for the sake of change.
Some things never change—My love for you and My basic commandments and promises in the Bible—but in other areas I delight in change. Situations change. People change. You change! I don’t like things to stagnate. I like innovation and progress, and I want you to as well. Be flexible. Flow with the new and move with Me, and you’ll be much easier for Me and others to work with.
How do you know whether or not a certain change would be beneficial? The surest way is to ask Me. Get My stamp of approval. I can help you recognize opportunities for positive change and spare you from missteps. If a new idea has My blessing, your efforts will be rewarded as you act on it.
It’s often easier to keep doing things the old way than it is to change, or at least it can seem so at first. Change takes time and effort, but good changes are worth it in the long run. You shouldn’t resist change, but you shouldn’t go to the other extreme either of changing things just for the sake of change.
Some things never change—My love for you and My basic commandments and promises in the Bible—but in other areas I delight in change. Situations change. People change. You change! I don’t like things to stagnate. I like innovation and progress, and I want you to as well. Be flexible. Flow with the new and move with Me, and you’ll be much easier for Me and others to work with.
How do you know whether or not a certain change would be beneficial? The surest way is to ask Me. Get My stamp of approval. I can help you recognize opportunities for positive change and spare you from missteps. If a new idea has My blessing, your efforts will be rewarded as you act on it.
Invest in the best
people, time, workplace
Some of you kindhearted souls are quick to jump in and help whenever you see someone in need. Being caring and compassionate are wonderful qualities, but it’s also important to be realistic. Don’t overextend yourself to the neglect of your primary responsibilities or to the point of feeling overwhelmed and giving up. You can avoid this pitfall by being careful and prayerful about what you commit to do for others.
Your time and resources are limited, so you need to invest them wisely. When you see a needy situation that could turn out to be a costly or long-term project, consult with Me and get My perspective before you commit yourself to helping. You need My help to see things in the proper perspective, because if you don’t, you won’t be as effective as you could be. You might get deeply immersed in one project, only to find that there is a needier situation just around the corner. Or if you try to “run on empty,” you won’t get far or be much help to anyone.
Keep in mind, too, that sometimes when someone is struggling, while there may be something you could do to help, I might know that it’s actually better for the person to work through the problem with only Me to lean on. Or I may know that someone else is in a better position to help that person than you. This is sometimes hard to accept, but in some situations the best thing to do is to step back—to pray for the one who is struggling but not to get involved beyond that.
Recognizing a need is only an indication of what I might want you to do. Check with Me before getting involved, because I may have a better plan.
Your time and resources are limited, so you need to invest them wisely. When you see a needy situation that could turn out to be a costly or long-term project, consult with Me and get My perspective before you commit yourself to helping. You need My help to see things in the proper perspective, because if you don’t, you won’t be as effective as you could be. You might get deeply immersed in one project, only to find that there is a needier situation just around the corner. Or if you try to “run on empty,” you won’t get far or be much help to anyone.
Keep in mind, too, that sometimes when someone is struggling, while there may be something you could do to help, I might know that it’s actually better for the person to work through the problem with only Me to lean on. Or I may know that someone else is in a better position to help that person than you. This is sometimes hard to accept, but in some situations the best thing to do is to step back—to pray for the one who is struggling but not to get involved beyond that.
Recognizing a need is only an indication of what I might want you to do. Check with Me before getting involved, because I may have a better plan.
Simple, Sincere, Spontaneous
compliments, friends, people, simplicity, sincerity
You appreciate it when people compliment you, don’t you? But compliments don’t seem to flow out of your mouth very easily, do they? You kind of get stuck when it comes to saying nice things to people. You either just don’t think about doing it, or if you do, you worry that it’s going to come out sounding corny or won’t be appreciated or maybe even misunderstood.
Think about the times when people have said something nice to you. How often have you felt that they were being corny? Or even if you did, didn’t it make you feel good to know that they noticed you and that they liked something about you? Other people will also feel good when you compliment them.
You don’t have to think up spectacular or poetic things to say. “Simple, sincere, and spontaneous,” is a good motto when it comes to giving compliments. If someone looks particularly good that day, tell her so. If you feel like telling your friend, or your dad or mom, or your brother or sister, how much you enjoy being around them, go ahead and do it-right then! Try it; you’ll like it! And so will they.
Think about the times when people have said something nice to you. How often have you felt that they were being corny? Or even if you did, didn’t it make you feel good to know that they noticed you and that they liked something about you? Other people will also feel good when you compliment them.
You don’t have to think up spectacular or poetic things to say. “Simple, sincere, and spontaneous,” is a good motto when it comes to giving compliments. If someone looks particularly good that day, tell her so. If you feel like telling your friend, or your dad or mom, or your brother or sister, how much you enjoy being around them, go ahead and do it-right then! Try it; you’ll like it! And so will they.
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