You really can learn something new- every day, if you pay attention :-).
With my 25th birthday coming up (on Sunday!), I've been reflecting over my life (as always lol). I've learned many things, through a variety of experiences and I just want to share some of those lessons with you. I hope this list encourages you and makes you think. Here goes. . .
25 Lessons
1) God is God. . . by Himself! There's no such thing as 'helping Him.' Let Him simply work in your life!
2) Every person in your life serves a purpose. We've all heard the season, reason, lifetime analysis. We can learn from everybody that we encounter. Some people I've grown incredibly close to or simply learned from, while others have shown me exactly what I do NOT want to become!
3) "Please" and "thank you" will NEVER get old.
These words can totally change the way that someone receives what you're saying. I try to thank people for everything- holding the door for me, providing me with helpful information- just whatever! And I never want to boss people around (unless I'm dealing with my siblings :-p).
4) Trust your instincts! *especially if you have an active prayer life.* I truly believe that sometimes God gives us a little nudge or inkling about things. . . pay attention to it!
5) You'll never accomplish things- living in fear. Replace it with faith and you can do anything!
6) You HAVE to know God for yourself! Please realize that you can't get to Heaven on the prayers of somebody else. When I was younger, I thought I could automatically "get in" because my father's a pastor, my family's always been involved in the church, etc. I'm so grateful for a pastor and parents who told me the truth! You have to establish your own- **SINCERE** relationship with God!
7) Hypocrites will always exist but you can show people what it means to truly live for God. It's not impossible to live a holy life. . . If that was the case, God wouldn't instruct us to. *Think about it*
8) If you feel the need to make excuses for behaviors (your own or other people's), you know it's wrong/inappropriate. Just cut it out/nip it at the bud!
9) Let your life speak for you! Well. . . it will- whether you think so or not. Give people the opportunity to learn what you're about but just remember~> a (truly) humble person will not [feel the need to] announce their humility.
10) This life is not about me (or you)! You won't get everything you want but God is there to supply our needs. I keep reminding myself of this fact, "In life, people will disappoint us; we'll face
challenges... but in the midst of this, God is ALWAYS faithful &
able to strengthen us!"
11) We all can use a support system. Sometimes we just need an extra word of encouragement, a hug or just the reassurance that people are in our corner.
12) Appreciate the simple things aka BE GRATEFUL!
13) Read the Word for yourself. You'll be amazed! So many Christians are in a state of confusion because their pastors' "sermons" are filled with slang, the latest catch phrases and song lyrics. That stuff won't get you into Heaven; obeying the Word of God will!
14) You are what you. . . expose yourself to. Consider what you're 'feeding' yourself- the music you listen to, the shows you watch, the conversations you have. Are they reflecting your values? My uncle broke it down like this. . .1)Whatever it is can enter through our eyes or ears. 2) It then travels to our heart. 3)If it grows there, it will come out through our mouth or actions. Deep- I know!
15) You don't have to speak every little thing that crosses your mind! (I'm leaving that one alone!)
16) It's great to take care of others but you MUST take care of yourself. You can't be helpful to others if you're wearing yourself out. Take time to just breathe and rest!
17) If you respect yourself, people are more likely to respect you. A lot of times people will approach you based on the way you carry yourself.
18) All people aren't nice but YOU should be nice to all people. You never know how things could play out in the future.
19) When it comes down to asking for/receiving advice, please consider the source! If you knew that your friend couldn't boil water, would you bother asking them for cooking lessons?
20) In life, people will hurt you but *you* have the choice of becoming bitter or BETTER!
21) By helping others, you may find out that you've helped yourself.
22) Quality OVER quantity-> ALWAYS!!!! Doing the most does not always equal doing the best.
23) People will either enhance your life or contaminate it. Choose your friends wisely.
24) It's okay to say "no." You can't do everything and sometimes you just need a break.
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