October 21: Effortless Grace

Affirmation: I am connected to God, myself and others.

God designed us for connection, for relationships. Be courageous, be compassionate, be connected.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Ponder, Personalize, Practice:  I am going back to James1:5. We learned this verse in July. But I read it again last week and felt I needed the reminder. So spend time reminding yourself of this verse and talking to God about the wisdom you are lacking. Ask God to generously give you the wisdom you need. 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”James 1:5 NIV

~~~~~~~

Wholehearted Guidepost from Brené Brown

Guidepost 2: Cultivate Self-Compassion. Let go of Perfection.

BRENÉ'S INTENTION

When I see my children make mistakes or accidents, I'm quick to jump in and say: "Hey, you're human. It's okay. I love you and we'll figure this out." When I make a mistake, I'm quick to jump in and say: "You idiot! What were you thinking? You really screwed this up."

This Lesson's Intention

"I will talk to myself the same way I talk to the people I love."

Is it hard? Yes. Will you feel weird/silly/like an imposter in your own head? Yes. Is it important? YES! It's how we reclaim our self-worth. Will we forget? Yes. Just jump back in there, apologize to yourself and try again. When self-compassion becomes our first response, we transform ourselves, our families and the people around us.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Mastering the 7 Decisions from Andy Andrews

The Joyful Decision 

5. TODAY I WILL CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY.

Happiness is a choice. I am enthusiastic about each day. I am alert to its possibilities.

I will become the master of my emotions.

I will greet each day with laughter. I know that enthusiasm is the fuel that moves the world.

The world belongs to the enthusiastic, for people will follow them anywhere! My smile has become my calling card. It is, after all, the most important weapon I possess. I am the possessor of a grateful spirit. 

Joyful Decision

Today, I choose to be happy.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

~~~~~~~~~

Reading for Today

Walk in Grace. Live in Love by Bob Goff

Tremendous Love Makes Big Grace Look Effortless 

Dear friends, since God, so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1John 4:11

My friend, Jamie runs an organization that helps connect people who are depressed and addicted to the help they need. It started when he met a girl who believed a bunch of lies about herself, and she turned to heavy drug use and self harm to try to drown out the lies. When she looked in the mirror, she saw a screwup. But Jamie didn’t see a screwup; he saw beauty.
Jamie and his friends hung out with her for a whole week of detox, passing the time at concerts, sports, games, and scheming new adventures. After the girl went to rehab, Jamie knew there were more people like her who needed a family to fall into when they couldn’t fall much further, so he started an organization to help spread love to them.

Anyone who knows Jamie knows him as someone who always has words of hope and love for people in desperate places. It’s not a surprise when they’re met with hugs if they show up on his doorstep in the middle of the night. It’s not a special occasion; it’s just Jamie.

Tremendous love makes big grace look effortless. When our lives revolve around loving people, grace becomes a natural outpouring. People don’t have to worry about bothering us or wearing out their welcome. They know we will be gracious just because it’s Friday and that’s who we are. Giveaway tremendous amounts of love and watch grace come along for the ride.

Who do you know who needs to be loved like Jamie’s friend?