Thread: A Quote To Start Your Day And Think Outside The Box

"What Are You Thankful For?"

Everyday we awaken to a day full of new blessings. Sometimes we miss out on these blessings by instinctively taking them for granted. Many of us are focused more on our "day" then we are our "lives". Are you thankful for today? Do you sometimes take life for granted?

Today take time out to say, "Thank You". Have gratitude for the little blessings as well as the great ones. Allow yourself to bask in the fullness of what the day brings. When we take time to give thanks for everything God has done we won't have time to complain!


I Chronicles 16:34 O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever.

"Did You Get The Forecast? Are You Experiencing Abnormal Conditions?"

This winter, we are experiencing abnormal weather conditions. Normally, we are dusting off the snow blowers, shoveling our walks, and the kiddies are donning snow boots. I have also noticed more birds in the sky and have heard the familiar chirps of early spring. It seems as if the birds didn't fly South and stayed put. Were they duped and confused by their interpretation of the weather? Are there less than "normal" conditions in your life? Are you making decisions based on your current condition?

Regardless of the circumstances you may be finding yourself in, there is a One who supersedes all anomalies. Don't be too distracted or lose focus of the only constant in your life. Jesus does not waver or is moved by storms. Consult with Him to give you guidance. Make decisions not by your current conditions but by the condition of your faith.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path.

"Are You Willing To Be An Example?"

Thanks to a barrage of reality shows it seems as if we are always looking for the next idol, superstar, or person of importance. While we may be looking around to see who our next example will be, someone is probably looking at us. Regardless if it is our family, friends or business associates someone is always watching for our next move. Who do you look up to? Are you willing to be an example?

Although you may not be aware of it, someone is always paying attention to you. They may be watching how you walk, talk, dress or carry yourself. Your decision to be an example will impact those around you. One sure way to know if you are being a good example is to patten yourself after Christ. Desire to live a Christ-like life. When you focus on living a life of character, integrity and honesty, you will be sure to be the example that people are looking for.


I Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

"Are You Prepared For What Is Next?"

In a magazine I read, there was an interesting ad about "preparedness". It stated, "The future. You can't see it. You can't predict it. You can't control it. But you can prepare for it". Have you thought about what you want this new year to bring, let alone tomorrow? Are you prepared to handle what is to come next?

There is nothing better than being prepared. A prepared person is ready to handle, adjust or sustain whatever comes their way. The only way to truly be prepared is to seek God first. Listen for His voice. Allow Him to lead you to your next position, destination or strategy. God's direction is always the best route. When you allow God to be your tour guide, He will always prepare you for what is next to come.

Exodus 23:20 Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.

Don't be lucky for all the good things you are afforded in life, be worthy of everything you earn and are given. -me

"How Long Will You Bare Your Cross?"

A friend of mine sent me a very powerful pictorial email. It shows people struggling to carry crosses. One person pleads with God to cut his cross down so that it will be easier for him to carry. God honors his request and chops it down to a smaller size. Eventually the characters make it to twin cliffs. God instructs the people to lay their crosses down and use them as a bridge. However, the central character who asked God to lighten his burden can't use his because it is too small to use and he is left behind on the journey. Do you feel like your cross is too heavy to carry?

Everyone has a cross to bear. Some may be heavy and others are light. Don't allow the burden of carrying your cross to defeat you. Continue to press forward to achieve your goals and dreams. We are predestined to be conquerors. God has given you a cross to build your strength and endurance and for you to use it in times of need. The size of your cross is proportionate to the size of your calling.

Mark 8:34 When He called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, " Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

"Can You Enjoy Today?"

This is the best day of our lives. Each day we wake up with another opportunity to fulfill our destiny. Don't take today for granted! Enjoy what it holds. Are you spending too much of your time looking in the past? Are you wasting today focusing on yesterday or tomorrow?

Cherish the moments of today! Spend your time wisely. Don't allow today's thoughts to be stolen by tomorrow's worries. We will only live today once. For yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, so cherish today for it's a present.

Psalms 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.

"Do You Have A Dream?"

As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr's birthday let's reflect on the opportunity to make dreams come true. There are many people that have given up on themselves, as well as the thought of believeing that their dreams can become a reality. While action has to accompany the thought of a dream becoming real, everyday we are on this earth we have the opportunity to dream big! Do you dare to dream a dream bigger than yourself? Do you believe in Him that can make all dreams come true?

Martin Luther King Jr. discovered at an early stage his dreams couldn't materialize by his efforts alone. He discovered that he had to believe in a power greater than himself. He found that power to be Jesus Christ. Dream beyond your current circumstances. Trust and believe all things are possible through Christ. When we dream big dreams, God helps us to make them come true!

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
New Living Translation

"Will You Leave Me Alone?"

There are times when we feel assaulted emotionally, physically or mentally. The feeling of being attacked causes our emotions and thoughts to take over. To cope, we try to hide what we are feeling to live what seems like a normal and well balanced life. Do you feel overwhelmed with the struggles of life? Are you seeking relief from your daily stresses?

Today is the day to tell yourself that you are going to make it! God has written your success story! Tell your thoughts and emotions you are stronger, more successful, and sufficient in God's loving shelter. Allow God to be your strength! When you are weak, God is strong!

II Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

"Is Praise What You Do?"

In the early stages of life, we seek positive reinforcement from those around us. A two year old flourishes from The Happy Dance for going to the potty and 40 year old graduate from college beams with joy as their family gathers to congratulate them. Everyone is born with the need to be adored. However, we fail to acknowledge the one who deserves it the most. When was the last time you gave God his praise? Do you praise Him during good and bad times?

God desires our love and gratitude. He wants to be honored by His children. It is easy to praise God while on the mountain top. He also deserves worship when we are in the valley. Today, choose to make praise and worship a part of your day. Your commitment to praise God draws you closer to Him.

Psalm 109:30 I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; Yes, I will praise Him among the multitude.