Do you often find that you put yourself first in things that you do in life? When you wake up in the morning, are you looking for ways to bless and be of help to others? or do you get caught up in making things happen for yourself?

When we were younger, our parents taught us the importance of sharing and putting others before ourselves. It’s a very humbling act to put others before yourself and in doing so, you will find that it leaves you with a sense of fulfillment.

When we do acts that boosts others up by putting them first, we’re displaying one of many examples of what true giving is all about.

I always say that there are more ways to give than just giving money. You can give through time, love, extending a helping hand, and speaking kind words over someone.

It’s important to know that words have a huge impact on how we’re able to give to others.

I’m reminded of the saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt,” well I believe the contrary. Words do hurt. You have the ability to speak life or death into someone. As you go along your day, look for opportunities to speak words of life into someone.

They say that an elevator ride with a stranger can be one of the most awkward situations we can face. But it doesn’t have to be. When you find yourself in this so called “awkward” moment, use it as an opportunity to share a kind word with a stranger.

Show love to them by saying something that they will remember throughout the rest of the day, or possibly even the rest of the week.

I always say, we may not be able to change the whole world all at once, but we can change the world one person at a time. Make a choice to extend yourself in order to build up someone today and notice the sense of fulfillment you feel as you charge forth on your journey of life.

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A wise man once said, “When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die the world cries and you rejoice.”

Are you living your life with passion, zest, or zeal? I’m sure you’ve heard all the cliches… live life in the moment- or seize every given opportunity. At some point in time it becomes easier to dish out the saying than it is to live by these words of inspiration.

I guess the real question should be, what are you doing to make the best out of every moment? Do you create opportunities for yourself? Do you have a plan in place to make the best out of life? Just as the saying above goes, “…live in such a manner that when you die the world cries and you rejoice.”

Give to others

Make an impact on someone’s life today. Extend a helping hand. Remember, as the scripture says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Every time you extend a helping hand, every time you give a generous tip to the pizza man, or hold a door open for someone else, or even simply smile at a stranger in public, God sees that and He honors that. He looks at the sincerity of your heart when you give.

Reward yourself

It’s just as important to take care of yourself as it is to give to others. Life is a one time opportunity. Do every thing that you can to appreciate the vastness of what God has given to us. Appreciate the roses while you yet live. There are many ways to experience all that life has to offer. From the challenges that life has to offer to it’s peaceful, serene nature, here are a few ways to reward and challenge yourself:

Rewards

• Explore nature go camping – you just might enjoy it after all
• fly a kite from time to time go parachuting across the fields
• go kayaking or whitewater rafting go snorkeling
• catch and release? No problem, go fishing just for the sake of it
• go skiing
• go to the beach and lay out in the sun

Challenges

• climb a mountain
• go rock climbing
• drive across country
• run a marathon
• learn a foreign language
• teach a class – Are you a wealth of knowledge? Share it
• learn a new sport or instrument

What ever you do, live life to it’s fullest. It all starts with a plan. Devise a plan and have faith– set one foot in front of the other and take action. Live in such a way to when all is said and done, you can say I have lived to the fullest, I have served my purpose. And most importantly you want to hear the Lord say, “Well, done my good and faithful servant.”

Photo by bikertect

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I had somewhat of an aha moment today as I was mingling with some friends along the way. When we see close friends and family members that we haven’t seen in a while, most times the first thing we say is “Hi, how are you?”

When you meet someone for the first time and shake their hand, what is the most common thing that comes out of your mouth? “Hi, how are you?” Well here’s the thing, when you say “Hi, how are you,” do you really mean it?

When you ask that question, do you expect your friends to pour out their current situation to you all in that one instance, or is it just a simple conversation opener? Hmm… makes ya think doesn’t it.

So I’ve asked my share of questions in this post by now, but I want to challenge you to change your approach. When we were taught to make friends we were taught to have a true and genuine care and awareness for others.

Most times while mingling with others, we want to get our point off our chest but do we really take the moment to show a genuine care and listen to the other person’s point of view?

There are many reasons why others don’t spill out the who story right then and there. One reason is because they know, deep down inside that when someone says “Hi how are you?” that’s not the time to spill your whole life story. Otherwise they might not have many friends would they?

Take a slightly different approach

Next time you go up to your friend, look them in the eye and ask them, with sincerity in your heart, “How are you feeling?” When I said that to a friend today, I noticed a slightly different response. I noticed that people open up when we question their state of well being with sincerity.

It was a learning experience for me. There is something about the change in the phrasing of that statement that shows that we care. Anytime I want to know the state of well being of my close friends that is an approach that I’m willing to take.

Think about those times you’ve met someone. Be it a friend or family member and you’ve simply opened up with the line “how are you.” That may be an opportunity for you to reach out and show that you care. You never know how you can change the course of someone’s day or better yet their life by allowing them to open up or vent to you about how they’re feeling. Take time out and show a genuine interest in your friends and family as you charge forth in your life journey.

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I was on my way home today and I stopped over to pick up the mail. And I noticed a guy trying to fish a package out of his mail box. How the mailman managed to stuff a box that size into his mailbox, I don’t know but the guy seemed to be having a hard time.

As I was walking back to my car, within a split second I fought over the thought, “should I just keep on and mind my own business or should I lend a helping hand.” This can be a hard thing to struggle with sometime because depending on the situation, some people would rather be left alone.

I quickly made a decision to go over and offer some help because it was obvious that he needed a helping hand. It was a P.O. Box type of set-up so apparently the mailman has a wider opening from the inside than the owner has from the outside. It turned out that we couldn’t fish out the package without damaging it so he made the decision to wait until the next available business hours to call the post office and have it delivered to his address.

As I walked away I began to think although we weren’t able to get his package out, sometimes simple random acts of kindness will go along way. Here are 3 ways to offer random acts of kindness:

1. Smile – I’ve heard a great saying that, “A smile confuses an approaching frown.” You have the ability to change the environment for the better or for the worse. Rather than allowing the environment to change you for the worse make a decision to change the environment for better. Remember that a warm smile can brighten up someone’s day, so smile!
2. Put others ahead of yourself – We live in a world where there’s so much hustle and bustle. Everyone’s in a hurry running over the next person to get what they need. When you go to Walmart they run you over in the aisles, when you’re out in traffic they cut in front of you, and don’t even think of stepping a couple feet out of line in some places.When we change our focus and react nonchalantly and proudly allow others ahead of us, it changes the atmosphere.
3. Lend a Helping Hand – Have you ever pulled over to help someone change a flat tire? Well, honestly I haven’t either. (yikes) This may be an extreme example of showing random acts of kindness but the simple principal behind this is a catalyst that will spark a change in the world. If we went out looking for opportunities to bless others, and others went out blessing others, then we are the catalyst for a non-ending cycle of change in the world today.

Whether you’re in line at the grocery store or in traffic, there’s great healing in showing random acts of kindness. Remember, what we put out comes back to us. There are different ways to give. You can give through showing kindness unto others.

The bible tells us that, when we give it will come back to us. Expect God to shower down blessings on you as you bless others. Remember to show these random acts of kindness as you charge forth in your life journey.

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Are you supportive of others in your life, or do you take a selfish approach to getting ahead in life? In order to get ahead, sometimes you have to put others ahead of yourself. You have to give unto others and extend a helping hand.

One of my all time favorite scriptures, Luke 6:38 tells us “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Now be mindful that, although you want to get ahead in life, you don’t want to give selfishly and only with the intention of what is coming back to you. The bible tells us that it is wrong to give grudgingly and with the intent to be seen.

We know this because Jesus says in Matthew 6:1-4,  “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen of them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

Although the scripture clearly tells us that when we give it will be given back unto us, our attitude should not be focused on what is coming back to us but it should be such that when we give, we are giving to benefit and build others up.

Remember, Matthew 25:40 tells us: “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Jesus rewards us when we have a passion and a heart to give. Our true reward comes when we give lovingly and unselfishly.

I encourage you, my friend, to look deep inside and evaluate your true intentions when it comes to giving. The next opportunity you have to give, do so unselfishly and un-grudgingly. I do believe that this is the best approach when it comes to giving and the Lord will reward you greatly.

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Michael Jackson said it best when he said, “If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make a change.” This may be the catch phrase to one of the greatest songs of all time but the ultimate message is simple: We can change the world but it starts by looking inside of ourselves. Here are five ways that we can change the world:

1) Start With The Man In The Mirror. – If every person in the world stopped judging everyone else and started looking at his/her own faults, the world would be a much better place. No one is perfect but if we all had this mind-set, the world would indeed be a better place.

2) Stop Pointing Fingers. – Remember, when we point fingers at others, we have three fingers pointing back at us. I can’t help but think that people, who always put the blame off on others, are insecure about their own actions.

3) Be More Giving. – I love the feeling I get on the inside when I give to a good cause. Instead of putting the blame and fault on others, look for ways to be more giving.

4) Pray For Our Nation. – James 5:16b tells us: “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” If we truly understand the power of prayer and implement it into our daily lives, we will see a radical change not only in our own lives but all across the nation. Remember, much prayer, much power; little prayer, little power; no prayer, no power.

5) Put Others Ahead of Ourselves. – The great philosopher, Ghandi, once said: “Be the change you want to see in the world,” I couldn’t put it any better myself. When we stop focusing on our negative attributes and our shortcomings, we open our awareness up to the world around us.

We live in a world where everyone is running over each other and it seems no one cares. Seemingly, everyone lives by the creed “me, me, me, what about me!” What about the cries for help across the world? Yes we can change the world indeed, and it starts with us. Be the change you want to see in the world today as you go through your life journey.

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I usually don’t condone the selfish mind-set of giving just to receive. However, it’s important for us to be reminded that we can go to God and ask in His name and He will provide.

The scripture tells us that if we ask anything in the name of the Lord, He will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. It’s also important to know that God looks at our actions and He notices when we have a heart to give.

When was the last time you invested of your time and talent? You may be waiting on that home or waiting on that car but understand that when you invest with a loving heart, God honors that and responds to your investment.

Many times we miss the our mark because we limit an investment to money. While money is one way to invest, there are many ways to invest, such as: Giving in the form of time, lending a helping hand, and even loving better.

I want to share with you 5 ways that you can invest that will change your life and change the lives of others.

1) Be Giving of Your Time

During the hustle and bustle of the day, we overload our schedule with things that we need to accomplish but sometimes it’s good to willingly spend time with a friend and put our selfish needs aside. God sees that and responds to the giving of our time.

2) OutReach

Reach out and call a friend or loved one that you haven’t spoken with in a longtime. People will always remember the kind ways that you express love and it will most likely be reciprocated.

3) Share The Good News

Share a kind word with someone. In this day in time, it’s easy to get bogged down with the cares of the world and people need an encouraging word. Be the one to encourage a friend today and remind them of how much we all have to be thankful for.

4) Volunteer in your community

One way to invest is to extend a helping hand in your community. It may be through your local church outreach program or at your local salvation army helping to feed the needy. There is a great sense of fulfillment when you’ve done some to help those in need.

5) Mission Trips, Charity funds, etc.

Take initiative; Plan to gather a team of people and go out for no other reason than to change the lives of others. Plan charity funds, car washes, canned good drives, many ways to raise money, and with the money raised, give back to those in need.

I believe that by showing these random acts of kindness, you will earn a return on your investment. God sees everything you do and He responds to that.

As the scripture says, Give and it will come back to you. Discover ways that you can give today that will transform the lives of others. I do believe that as you endeavor to change the lives of others, your life will also be changed today!

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What are you investing your time and treasure in? Sometimes it’s good to look outside of yourself and look for ways to bless others.

I’m not one to boast but one day last week I decided to treat a friend to lunch, just because. It was an out of the blue type of thing I just asked them what they wanted and I bought them lunch.

After I did that, I felt good about reaching out and doing something for someone else out of love and not expecting anything in return.

I encourage you as you go through your day to look for ways to bless others. Some people need to know that somebody cares. It seems like in the world today, people are out for themselves. Be a positive example of someone who cares.

Although one person doesn’t have the power to change the whole world at once, the world can be changed one person at a time and it starts with you and me.

Invest in your relationships. Call up a friend out of the blue and treat them to lunch or dinner just because. Call up someone you haven’t spoke with in a long time just to tell them you love them. Visit an elderly neighbor and offer to do something for them.

You never know when the last time is that you’ll be able to spend with love ones. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Live life like everyday is your last. Show the unconditional love that Jesus commands us to show.

Be reminded of the love that Jesus showed for us when He died on the cross. Love today like you’ve never loved before. For some people, you’re the only Jesus they’ll ever see. Show people the Jesus in you today!

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Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. (Galatians 6:6 NKJV)

Are you sowing into the spirits of others? We are in the natural season of harvest. In other words, it’s the time of year for receiving gifts. And as we reap the fruits of our harvest, it’s also a good thing to give back unto others.

There are many forms of giving and as the scripture above says, let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches it.

Friend, don’t miss the opportunity to share the good news to others and motivate those in the household of faith. When your brother is down in despair, share a good word with him. Take the time out and lend a helping hand to someone in need.

A gift can be replace but time can’t be replaced. Go out of your way and show the gift of time unto others. The scripture goes on to say in Galatians 6:8 that “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”

It’s a good thing to sow into the spirit of others because as the scripture says, he who sows to the Spirit will reap everlasting life. When it talks about sowing into the Spirit, it is referring to anything or anyone who is blessed by God.

And the text goes on to say in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not loose heart.”

Know that you are appointed by God and that your footsteps are ordered. God has a plan for your life. Sometimes you may grow weary and tired but know that in your due season you will reap everything that God has destined for you. Press on and continue to do good works as you continue in your journey to fulfill God’s will for your life.

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In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)

As the thanksgiving holiday approaches, remember to be thankful for the simple things in life. Just as easy as everything was given to you it can be taken away. Take time out to show love and appreciation to someone in need today.

Sometimes it’s easy to get in a state of looking at the glass as half empty and complaining about what we don’t have. Remember, it could always be worse. Friends, remember God has our best interest at heart.

Know that the favor of God is upon you. As gracious as God is to us, He doesn’t ask for much in return except that we worship and show our gratitude to Him for what He has done for us.

In fact, the bible commands that we give thanks unto the God.  Psalms 50:14 says Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High.

God is a jealous God, so remember to take time out and show your gratitude to Him. The bible says that it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.

One of the best ways to show gratitude is to change your actions and instead of focusing on yourself, try focusing on someone else. Go out of your way to show acts of kindness to someone else.

The bible says, just as you do unto the least of these, you do unto me. The scripture is referring to Christ. When we take time out and extend a helping hand to someone in need, it is just as if we are doing the same for Christ.

When you overlook someone who is in need, you are doing the same to Christ. Simply issuing a kind smile to someone can be enough to change their day.

Call a friend or a family member today and let them know how much you are appreciative for them. As the holiday time of year approaches, it’s very easy to get stressed out with all of the hustle and bustle of the last minute shopping and meeting deadlines but I encourage you to focus on the simple things that you’re thankful for and it will make a difference.

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