Embrace The Extra In Your Life

We collect change in our house. It all goes into one container and we save it for special occasions. I'm always surprised by how much "extra" we have when we finally count it up.

After Jesus fed the 5000, everyone was surprised by how much extra they had when they finally counted it all up.

This story reminds us that Jesus always provides us with everything we need AND He always provides us with MORE than we need. We are surrounded by an ABUNDANCE of blessings and if we will only take the time to "gather up the leftover fragments."

Take some time today, look around and notice the extra God has provided for you. You'll probably have more food than you will need. Most of us have not just one car, but multiple cars (one car is more than most of the world). Open your closet and be reminded of how God has provided far more clothing than you need (don't forget the shoes!). The fact that you are reading this email on a computer, phone or tablet means you have an ABUNDANCE of blessing.

It is easy to live with a scarcity mindset. We think we barely have enough and we need to cling tightly to what we have so that we don't lose any. God has blessed us abundantly so that we will allow those blessings to flow over into the lives of everyone around us. Don't lose sight of this truth.

Look around. Make note of all the leftovers Jesus has provided. Choose to focus today on GRATITUDE and GENEROSITY!

30 Days To Create A New Habit of Gratitude

Thursday Thirteen: 13 reasons GRATITUDE is the Swiss Army Knife of habits.

The habit of gratitude can change your life. Being aware of what you've been given and choosing to appreciate all that you have will change your perspective, your behavior, your character, and ultimately your future.

Here are 13 reasons gratitude is the Swiss Army Knife of habits.

1. Gratitude is the result of who you are, not what happens to you.

2. Gratitude is an internal commitment to not be controlled by external circumstances.

3. What happens TO me can never change what has been done FOR me.

4. Gratitude focuses on God's provision instead of my problems.

5. We all have problems, and it is good to tell God about our problems, but they should never be our primary focus.

6. Gratitude reminds me that God's provisions far outnumber your problems.

7. Gratitude grows from past deliverance not present darkness.

8. Saying "thank you" creates a stronger bond between myself and others.

9. Saying "thank you" reminds me that I need others who will influence me for good.

10. When I choose gratitude, I am building contentment instead of greed.

11. When I begin every day with gratitude, I start my day with the best first step.

12. When I pay attention to what I have already been given, I realize I don't need as much as I thought.

13. When I end every day with gratitude, I sleep more soundly.