The Total Makeover

The Power of Forgiveness

 

Several weeks ago I watched a television program that talked about the true power of forgiveness – true forgiveness from the heart and having faith in God to forgive.

 

Sometimes in life it is not easy to forgive, especially when you feel you have been wronged. Just think, when Jesus gave his life for us he was beat, whipped and spit upon. They hung Him on a cross and drove nails in His hands and feet. Yet while hanging on that cross He chose to forgive them. He even asked that father to forgive them.

How many times have we been faced with situations that caused us so much hurt and pain that we harbored un-forgiveness in our hearts? We allowed bitterness to rule us or take root in our hearts to the point of physical, emotional and mental illness. Un-forgiveness in the form of anger and hatred begins to fester until we are unable to see clearly or think wisely. I am sure there are many that we need to forgive for past hurts and pain they have inflicted.

Living with un-forgiveness hinders our spiritual walk with the heavenly Father. It hinders our prayers and keeps up from moving in the right direction. If you learn to forgive as Christ forgave and allow love to fill your heart, you can begin to live a life of peace and joy. I ask God every time I get angry because of the pain someone has inflicted on me or caused me, to help me forgive and open my heart to that person. No, it is not easy and it is a test of faith every day, but I know it is necessary. It is necessary in order to be free and experiences the true peace of God. I must admit, some things get easier to forgive with time. Some things I have to constantly take before the Father, but I am determined to live with forgiveness in my heart toward all who has caused my pain and hurt. With God's Help!

How to Achieve Your Goal Without Fail

I came across this article and thought it was worth sharing. I hope you enjoy!

How many times have you set a goal and not followed through? Chances are you had a missing element in planning your goal(s). What if there was a formula-type checklist that would keep you from failing any goals. What if you had a way to know – without doubt – that you were going to succeed – before you ever got started…

Now you can.

Your goals are nothing more than a wish list – until you add four things to them.

Take losing weight as an example.

There are four things with losing weight that you must know before you take the plunge to actually lose weight. There shouldn't be a decision made about a goal without having four things attached to each goal.

A successful goal has to have 4 things.

1. The goal has to be specific.
2. The goal has to be measurable.
3. The goal must have a time limit.
4. The goal has to be your goal. It cannot be something someone wants you to do. It has to be something YOU want from yourself.

 

Now back to weightloss.

If you set a goal to 'lose some weight', you will probably end up weighing more than you did before your goal. Why? Look at 1-4 above.

Now if you set a goal to lose (1) thirty pounds by (3) March 31^st and (2) lose 3 inches in your waist while (2) decreasing your body fat by 10 percent, then you're MUCH more likely to see that goal to the end – especially if (4) it's YOUR decision and desire.

This type of goal set up works with just about every goal you could think of. Next time you decide to set a goal, pull out this checklist and make sure you accomplish your goal – without fail!

 

I challenge myself to be and do more

I love expanding my horizons! Each morning when I awake, I ask myself, "What can I do today to accomplish more, strengthen my abilities, and increase my knowledge?"

 

I find that it makes life more exciting and opens up new opportunities that I never could have imagined. It's like the old commercial says: "You only go 'round once in life, so grab for all the gusto you can!"

 

Life is a great adventure and I enjoy it to its fullest! My unflagging spirit of adventure enables me to step outside my comfort zone with anticipation of what I will find along my journey.

 

Challenging myself to accomplish more brings me accolades at work. I become a more valued employee when I find ways to do more in less time and bring in more value to the company's bottom line.

 

Strengthening my abilities helps me enjoy all aspects of my life. I dare myself to use my abilities to their limit, and then go a little farther. I seek out opportunities to develop new talents and strive to perfect them, too.

 

In all I do, I welcome the chance to increase my knowledge of the world around me. I maintain a healthy curiosity about everything and I pursue further education so I can achieve greater and greater success.

 

Today, I challenge myself to learn something new and step outside my comfort zone to push myself past my mental barriers.

 

Self-Reflection Questions:

 

1. What can you do today to strengthen your abilities?
2. Do you fear stepping outside your comfort zone, even if it can make you better? Why?
3. What do you plan on learning today that can expand your horizons?

Personal Time Means Productive Time

Giving myself personal time is a terrific gift. I have learned that personal time allows me to be more productive.

 

Having the time to focus on the things I want to accomplish is important. Personal time allows me to address the tasks I have set for myself. In order to actively pursue my life purpose, I need to devote time to my goals.

 

Because I am a giving person, it is sometimes hard for me to see that I deserve the same amount of respect that I show to others. When it is right, I find ways to put myself first.

 

Since I give myself the time and space to accomplish my goals, I am a better person. I feel like I am listening to and honoring my true desires.

 

Time for myself enables me to be the best I can be. It is a great practice to devote time to my thoughts and goals. Personal time allows me to maximize my productivity.

 

My book of life is designed to help me become a complete person. I make time for others and myself. When I give myself personal time, I use that time fully.

 

Because personal time equals productive time, I am able to achieve my goals and devote more time to my family and friends.

 

When I am available to others, I am alive with energy. My time alone has refreshed my life view and filled me with renewed passion. In my book of life, personal time is priceless.

 

Self-Reflection Questions:

 

1. Do you give yourself the gift of personal time?
2. What do you hope to accomplish during your personal time?
3. How can you maximize the productivity of your personal time?

 

My Uplifting Attitude

When I get ready in the morning, I make sure to put on an uplifting attitude. I dress myself up with grace and accessorize with a smile. I bring positivity with me wherever I go.

When I interact with others I make it a point to genuinely compliment them. I see others for their good heart and kind spirit. I make every effort to focus only on the positive attributes of others instead of their shortcomings.

I look for the good in others and stay silent when I lack kind words to say. Pointing out the good in others makes them feel valued. My family and coworkers know that they can count on me to have a positive point of view in every situation.

My attitude causes others around me to become positive as well. My uplifting attitude catches on like wildfire. Others around me reciprocate my attitude by being pleasant toward me because I am pleasant to them.

I am a threat to negativity because my uplifting spirit is stronger than any unpleasant thought that may try to creep into my mind.

Today, I am unstoppable because I choose to remain positive, regardless of the circumstances I may face. I believe that all good things belong to me and that even situations that are not ideal, will work out for my benefit in the end.

 

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How does your presence affect the atmosphere of the room?
2. Are you determined to focus on the positive attributes of others?
3. What does your attitude say about you?

Embrace Love

Because my love adds joy and meaning to my life, I embrace it and keep it constant. I do not allow silly arguments to question our foundation.

 

I openly communicate with my mate about my thoughts, feelings, and frustrations. I let go of the need to hurt my spouse or to prove myself right and, instead, focus on simply expressing how the situation made me feel. I always aim for understanding, not revenge.

 

I recognize that there are always at least two points of view in any conflict, and I take the time to listen to the other side. I have let go of the need to have the last word and I am satisfied if we both feel that we have been heard, even if we haven't yet reached an amicable solution.

 

I make it a point to affirm my mate's value. I also show that I am trustworthy by who I choose to confide in when we are at odds. I choose to avoid gossip and, instead, focus on achieving peace through positive solutions.

 

I let the little things go. Life is far more important than the way we squeeze the toothpaste tube or where we throw our socks. I invest in our relationship by allowing my mate to be quirky and human, just like me!

 

Self-Reflection Questions:

 

1. What is your goal when you are discussing issues with your mate?
2. Does your mate feel heard when you are in conflict?
3. Do you confide in people without gossiping?