God keeps working things out

 

I have to look back over the past few weeks, even months, to remember this. 

Forever God is faithful.

Forever God is strong.

Forever God is with us. Forever. Forever.

Looking back over the past year, all the worries and concerns I've had - and in that moment, they seemed so stressful and unmanageable. But here I am today with a cup of coffee and sunshine streaming through the window. And able to thank God for those miraculous fixes. Thanking God He got things resolved. Many things that have been long forgotten. And so today as I look at my prayer list and my concerns for this day, it is with blessed assurance in knowing that God keeps working things out. I know He knows the way - God always knows the way. And tomorrow, when I have new and different worries (or picking up the old ones), God will be there again.

So that's my mantra: God keeps working things out.

"My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working." (John 5:17)

God never tires, slumbers or sleeps. God doesn't give up. He doesn't turn His back. He doesn't get anxious because He knows the perfect solution. He is always steadily moving forward. To this very day. For our good. It seems for however many problems I can dream up, God has an answer. Eventually. But even in the waiting, God sends little bright spots and shimmering sparkles along the way. Catch them if you can. Troubles come. But with God, troubles go. There is resolution in His heart and hands. He will make the rough path smooth. He will. Ya just gotta let Him do it.

May the Lord infuse you with strength

 

On my cancer journey, infusion meant sitting there with an IV in my arm. Hoping and praying the drug flowing in will have the desired outcome.

One dictionary defines infusion as this: the act of adding one thing to another to make it stronger or better; or an inward flow that helps to fill something. That certainly sounds like what we were looking for in the chemo treatments. Stronger. Better. 

I came across the "infusion" term when studying Ephesians 6:10. You might already be familiar with:

Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. (NIV)

But let's look at other translations.

(AMP) be strong in the Lord (draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him) and in the power of His (boundless) might.

(GW) receive your power from the Lord and from His mighty strength.

(TPT) stand victorious with the force of His explosive power flowing in and through you.

All these verses call you to draw from, receive, indeed - infuse yourselves with the strength and power that the Lord is extending to you. Let God add to you so you are stronger and better. Let that inward flow fill you. It's a gift of God.

Is there someone you know who could use a word or two to strengthen them? A reminder that God is on their side - ready to infuse, strengthen... make better? 

An important invitation

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 
It's time to take a stand. Or should I say a sit. Some of the most precious and pleasurable moments in life have been coffee with a friend. Just some one-on-one, face-to-face conversation.

Saturday morning coffee at mom's used to be our weekly thing. I loved how her face lit up when I came through the door; her warm, welcoming hug; our words of greeting tumbling over each other. I really miss how she threw her head back in laughter at something I said... how she patted my arm as she topped off our cups. And, yes, there was usually a sweet treat involved!

I'm thinking God is up to something when He put in the Bible:

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. (Acts 2:46-47)

I'm positive God wants us to spend time together. Whether it's catching up at a favorite coffee shop, enjoying a cold drink out on the deck, or a peaceful seat on a park bench... togetherness is a priority to God and it should be for us as well.

Did you ever think of your one-on-one time with a friend as a holy experience? Isn't it something so special - that unique connection you share? That closeness, bond, acceptance, and comfort... sure can feel like holy ground sometimes. Certainly, such friendship is a gift from God and should be relished time and again for the true gift it is. An emoji doesn't give you all that. But time with Jesus can offer that same sensation and more. A friend is just a taste of what Jesus offers as your Friend.

So my important invitation is two-fold. First, call that friend and make plans to get together as soon as you can. Don't put it off any longer. Look forward to that feeling you get when they walk through the door. Imagine the goodness of that warm, welcoming hug. Tumble over each other's words in greeting.  Throw your head back in laughter. Stay for a second cup. Be ready for something sweet!

And then set aside some time to experience the same with your dear Friend, Jesus.

How's your gardening skills?

 

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Why do seeds come with so many in the packet? I don't want or need dozens of the same plant. But planting is not a one-and-done kind of deal. You can't just bury one seed. You plant one, and another, and even more - hoping that SOME will sprout into the goodness and beauty you seek. But if nothing comes up, do you throw your hands in the air and say, "Oh well, I tried." No. You automatically know it's going to need sunlight and water. Probably some kind of fertilizer too. You need to return again and again to...  caring. You might invest some time in reading up on it to know the best tips on how to nurture and grow this kind of plant. You learn that some types of plants need to be held up with a string to guide the way. Some need an even stronger framework to help carry the load. And don't forget to pray over them!

If you're not familiar with the Parable of the Sower in the bible, you can read it below at the end of the post. It teaches us much about seeds and soils, planting, and caring.

The same principles apply to living in a Christlike way. Are you nice to someone once? Do you help someone once? And if you see no immediate fruit from your effort, do you throw up your hands and say, "Oh well, I tried."?

The "goodness" you plant in someone's life needs love and attention too, just like those seeds. You may need to be a little more invested, and need to return again and again to extend this "goodness" - if you want it to prosper into something beautiful and good. You might want to read up on it to find the best tips for helping in a situation. Find out what kind of support they need. And don't forget to pray over them!

So, how are your gardening skills?

Matthew 13:1-8

New International Version

The Parable of the Sower

13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

Good gifts!

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 I've been celebrating my birthday all week long. And with every single birthday wish I received, every text, call, message, and even real hold-in-your-hand card (my passion) - I took a moment to relish the goodness of my relationship with that person. Honestly, it's been one good gift on top of another!

Gift: something given willingly; freely. Gifts communicate how we feel about another person. A good gift builds the connection you have with someone. It also means the giver values the recipient.  With a good gift, the giver really knows you, right? They "get" you. Don't you just love finding that perfect gift? Aren't you just giddy with anticipation waiting to give that gift?

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father... (James 1:17) Every. Think about that for a moment... (pause here)

So, when I read that passage from Scripture, I can know that God loves me. I can know that God knows me, He "gets" me. And I can know that God is a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giddy with excitement, just like I would be with a perfect gift.

Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine... (Ephesians 3:20)

God loves to give. Abundantly. I hope you can see this in your own life.

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:11)

Meet me for coffee

 

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

How easily, how so easily tempting it is to bypass morning prayer time. When I think of all the concerns of the day... such distractions! - to what should be a special time, a peaceful, re-energizing time. But instead I start to stew over confession. Shame. Guilt. Judgment. Reviewing wrongs, and my lengthy prayer list for others and pleading for seemingly impossible "fixings".

Shouldn't it be like having coffee with a friend? My friend and I, we meet at some little out of the way coffee shop. A quiet place away from the hub-bub and noise. We laugh and tell stories, encouraging each other in hope and in love. Getting together - just two friends - sitting in God's sunshine with no set time limit. No rushing. Just lingering ... unhurried... We talk. We sip. We enjoy companionable silence. More talking. More sipping. We don't solve all the world's problems, but we do gain reassurances in the One Who does. We grow closer and more dear to one another. We've relished the time and eagerly make plans to meet again.

Right now I hear a pretty good rain coming down. You know the kind - used in calming recordings. A purring cat curled up by my side. And yes, a fresh mug of coffee! But no one is up yet. It's early. But what a friend I have in Jesus. Who's presence is always near. He Who loves me like a dear friend, even more so! And in this time and place there is no rushing off, but can sit peacefully among the God-sounds. Sip. Think. Share. Relish. Aware of each other's presence - this wonderful Jesus Friend... and me. Listening to the rain. Conscious of the day before us but also being reassured we will navigate it together. THIS coffee time does not need to end but just shift and change and adapt as the day unfolds. (I may just leave my mug on the counter to remind me of that.) Just as I take another sip and smile at the friend across the table at that out of the way coffee shop, so also, I take another 'sip" with my companion Jesus and smile.

May I keep my mind on the Friend Jesus and the freedom from shame, guilt and judgement He has given. Like having coffee and a chat with a dear friend, may I welcome and relish Him. And eagerly make plans to be with Him again and again.

A friend loves at all times... (Proverbs 17:17)

"Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31)

What can I say ...?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

The words I say to you I do not speak on My own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, Who is doing His work. (John 14:10)

·        With every changing season, in every new chapter of life, God loves you and do so we!

·        Know without a doubt that you are being prayed over ... over and under, behind and before and through ...

·        Time to remind you how special you are!

·        Thinking of you and wishing and hoping and praying and trusting and believing …

·        Life can sure have its ups and downs … but God’s great love for you remains the same

·        With everything that’s going on, just wanted you to know you’re in my thoughts today … same as always

·        Thought of you this morning … and said a little prayer

·        I’ve been thinking of you and thinking of you and thinking of you!

·        You’re in my thoughts today … because I care

·        May peace and joy be yours in the days ahead … as you trust in Him

·        Thinking of you … is one of my favorite things to do!

·        You’ve been on my mind … and in my heart and prayers

·        Thinking of you and hoping things are going well for you today

·        Just wanted to stay in touch and let you know you’re thought of warmly

·        Nothing new to write about, nothing new to say … but I’ve been thinking of you and pray about your day

·        Have a nice day … you deserve it!

·        Hoping this little card will lift your spirits and brighten your day

·        Taking some time to be still before the Lord … and to pray for you

·        Watch and wait for the Lord your God. And know that I am watching and waiting with you

·        Remembering times spent with you … brings warm fuzzy happiness to my day!

·        Just me … thinking of you


·        I am thinking of you today and hope you can gain strength from those that love and care about you


·        Letting you know that you are loved and thought of today


·        No matter where you go and no matter what you do I hope you know that I am here thinking of you


·        I know that things will get better in time. Hang in there and know that I am here for you, dear friend


·        Keeping in touch with you is so important to me. I am blessed to call you friend


·        To my friend, sending a note to brighten your day, as you have brightened so many of mine

Right now I'm betting you're thinking of a dozen people who would be blessed by receiving a note from you right now ...

Can You Hear Me ...now?

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

Every parent knows that newborn's cry in the middle of the night. You can be sound asleep, right? But somehow (probably through several nights of practice!) your ears are keenly aware and attuned to the sounds your little one makes.

The sound of someone's voice can sure warm your heart. I remember calling home from boot camp the first time. When I heard my mom's voice answer the phone, all I did was cry. But, throughout my navy days, we stayed in constant touch - calling each other weekly. And instead of tears, her voice brought warmth and love, encouragement, peace, security ... all kinds of good things. Even though we lived miles and miles apart. A regular dose of love on a regular basis. Talking - comfortably picking up right where we left off.

Sadly, my mom has been gone about 15 years now. Sadly, I can't remember the sound of her voice. Oh, I have lots of good visual memories. And I can still picture her face when she laughed. And I suppose some of her most famous sayings come to mind from time to time (like, "Don't wish your life away") But I sure miss the constant connection we shared... (and its benefits to me).

And it brings to mind - when was the last time you connected with a loved One (Jesus)? Is it happening on a regular basis (bringing love, encouragement, peace and security) or has time been passing by and talking has become - uncomfortable, unsure...

Can you imagine Jesus' face smiling?
Can you recall some of His famous sayings?
Can you still hear His voice?
Are you missing the dear connection you once enjoyed?
... with that Someone you love?

Surely...
Surely I am with you ...
Always.

Behind the normal

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

They all looked so normal. Holding coffee cups, reading books. Someone on their phone. Others heads together chatting softly. Normal people stuff. Sure looked like regular people having a regular day. Right? Are you picturing a coffee shop perhaps?

The fact is, this is taking place in a hospital waiting room.Waiting for lab work to be done. Waiting for radiology. Which means all these normal, average looking people have some real issues they are contenting with.

It sure is hard to tell just by looks who is dealing with pain.Worries. Strife. Anxious over the possible outcomes. They sure looked okay - just by looking. But this scene could very easily be found in a coffee shop, grocery store line, worship center, at the bank, at work, any group gathering really. 

It made me pause and think - so many of us, carrying burdens, yet carrying on with regular normal routines of daily life.

Looks don't tell the whole story. Stuff is going on the the life of the one with the smile. Stuff they are trying to grin-and-bear through. More people than you realize.

So let's be gentle. And kind. You don't need to know the whole background story. Just like we all have sinned, we all have trials and tribulations too. 

Let us pray for the known - and the unknown - burdens of each other.
Let's just be a little more gracious and forgiving.
Let's draw everybody a little closer to God.
The God Who carries us through it all.

And you know that the Lord has taken care of us the whole time we've been in the desert, just as you might carry one of your children. (Deuteronomy 1:31 CEB)

Take your child to work day

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. (John 5:19-20)

Even if you've never done this, you understand the concept. A child gets to go to work with mom or dad; follow them wherever they go; even get to do some of the things the more experienced adult is doing. Hands-on training! Both parent and child are delighted. What fun to show them the ropes. What fun to be with the parent and help with things. 

Serving the Lord should be much the same way. Many of us have confused the meaning of "servant" as someone who stands and waits for orders, then runs off to do them on our own. 

But can you imagine Jesus having a great time, actually enjoying His work - and inviting you to join in? Wouldn't that be awesome? To follow Him wherever He goes. To get to do some of the things He is doing. Learning from His experience and knowledge. I bet Jesus would love that. I bet the experience of serving Him, alongside Him, would be so much more enjoyable!

So, look around. Where do you see the Lord at work around you? Where do you see His smiling face beckoning you to come? Ask Him. Seek Him out. See what the Lord is doing. Join in - do whatever He is doing. Jesus would love to show you all He does.

You will be amazed!

As time goes by

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)
My husband and I recently celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. It's interesting to look back ... 

We've grown in love and trust. In the beginning, we made a choice to pursue this relationship. We spent time together. Got to know about each other. Sometimes he did things for me. Sometimes I did things for him. And at some point, decided that this is a person I want in my life every day. Through every up and down of life. Yes, there are days when I am mad at him. We don't always see eye to eye. And there are also days when I can't stand how happy I am to have him in my life.

My relationship with the Lord began much the same way. One day I made a choice to pursue this relationship. I spent time in prayer and in the Word. Got to know about Him. Sometimes He did things for me. Sometimes I did things for Him. And at some point, I decided that this is a Person I want in my life every day. Through every up and down of life. Yes, there are days when I am mad at Him. We don't always see eye to eye. And there are also days when I can't stand how happy I am to have Him in my life.

Spending time together, nurturing the relationship on a consistent basis ... growing deeper in love and trust. That is my wish for you and the Lord in 2018.

God bless!

Helping you, helping me

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

... let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another ... (Hebrews 10:24-25)


I had coffee with a friend yesterday. She was mentioning how she was sticking to her diet. Tell me more! Tell me more! I'm ready to try anything! Her telling of her commitment inspired me to give it another try.

Another friend was talking to me about going to the gym. I have a membership but have failed numerous times in getting over there. But her talking about going - somehow made me want to go.

Someone I know recently started a new hobby. The excitement and passion over it keeps her hands and mind busy so she isn't doing any unhealthy snacking. Maybe I should find a new hobby too?

When I had cancer last year, the thing that spurred me on the most was the fact the others survived. So I could too.

People meet regularly to talk about addictions or weight loss - their sharing of hits and misses spurs one another along.

You ask my son and he will tell you he joined the army because "Mom, if you can do it, I can do it."

Bible reading and prayer can fall under this category of topics too. That's why there are so many small groups - made up of real, regular, ordinary people - sharing in their doubts and fears and struggles to understand.

Let's not be afraid to talk about our struggles. We might just help someone else along the way. And gain some fresh insight for ourselves.

Let's get together ...

What do I have to do to get some peace around here?

© 2013 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)

Who wants more peace in their life?

 I have found that eating a healthy breakfast brings me peace. A good choice like that makes me smile inside and out. In a world where we can be so eager to beat ourselves up over seemingly every little thing, making a wise decision over an impulsive not so wise one can give us a sense of wellness in heart, mind and soul. That peace we are seeking. Sure, a couple donuts (or more!) can be downright tasty. But right on its heels is shame over lack of control, disappointment in self, etc. and so the downward spiral begins.  Or we try to stop it by denying that foolish choice made any real difference in our lives. Denying the impact it had.

 But the consequences of a bad choice will always show up. Niggling at you in some way. Admit it. It does. It haunts. It distracts. It shames. It continually upsets. Denial does not make something simply go away without its ill effects.

 The same turnout can be expected if you mismanage your finances, buying things beyond your real means. Or if you neglect a relationship and more and more time passes, instead of finding a way and taking the time to nurture it.

 Want peace? Pursue it.  Some translations say, “embrace peace – don’t let it get away!”, “strive for peace” and “work to maintain it”. Make it happen. Make one good choice after another. Make it a goal to do exceedingly well in this pursuit.

 Good choices. Why, even in prayer, when there is no immediate response, you can still know that you did the right thing by taking it to the Lord in prayer. In that, there is peace.

 Truly there is peace waiting for you. Peace of heart and mind with every God-honoring, God-pleasing choice.

Want more peace?

 What are you going to do to bring more peace into your day, today?

Portion Control

© 2014 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. (3 John 1:2)

You see it everywhere nowadays. They even have special plates you can buy to show how much (or how little) protein, grains, fruit and vegetables you should have. I imagine it’s a big help for those striving to take control of their physical health.

It made me wonder about “plates” for other areas of life.

 Finances plate: How much goes to food, the basics for keeping a roof over your head, entertainment, savings, and tithing?

 Daily Planner plate: How much time for work, family, self, God, and friends? What about the quality of what you’re reading, watching?

 Spiritual plate: scripture reading, prayer, extending the love of Christ to others.

 In the food plate diagram, you’ll see that not everything is in equal amount. Some things must be consumed in a good amount while others must be kept in check. True for every kind of plate? What is the priority on every plate?

 Looking to gain some control over your “full plate”?

 First you have to take a good, honest, realistic look. Think about what’s truly important. Start making plans for where you can make changes. Consider your priorities - do some things on your plate(s) appear a little out of whack?

 Gaining control is about being aware, being thoughtful, considering your choices. Being wise in your decisions.

May you enjoy good health in every area of life!

Where's MY mercy?

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14:16)

I was recently doing a bible study on the Psalms and the opening verse read, “How long, O Lord, how long …?” Boy, haven’t we all been there! But upon pondering this verse, I felt like I heard God saying, “How long, dear Julie, how long … before you act in faith?” Ouch.

A friend recently told me the story of a family member in deep need and this friend had just saved up enough money to buy something more frivolous than what they needed. In the midst of his prayer for God to help them out, he immediately knew he had the funds to help – in Jesus name.

And it reminds me of the many times I hear people “cry out” to God to feed the hungry. Or provide something for the poor. And He is probably thinking, “You have plenty. You give them something.”

I was originally going to call this post “Hocus Pocus” because sometimes we want to just pray and ask for some miracle from God. “God, YOU do something.” It would be so much easier for Him - with just a word - it would be taken care of and I wouldn’t have to be bothered. I did my part. I prayed. How often, I wonder, are we really supposed to be the hands and feet of Jesus? And instead think I don’t want to be bothered or my little bit won’t make a difference. How often are the skeptics and the unbelievers of this world looking for some tangible sign of God and come up empty? Because HE didn’t perform some miracle? Or it was right there and we didn’t deliver it?

God is all about relationship. He wants us to pray to Him. Creates a thousand reasons for us to pray to Him. So there will be some growing connection between God and us. That's where He teaches us about love, mercy and service. It's what He wants for all  brothers and sisters of this world. Connection. Love. So help. Give a little. Let’s pool our resources and make a difference. We can be the instrument of love and mercy in the Father’s hands. We can shed light on the Spirit of God. We can.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Hey you … bring some of His mercy to those in need.

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36)

I FEEL GOOD! Do Do … Do Do … Do Do …Do!

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (Romans 12:2 MSG)

Reading God’s Word. Whether it’s a whole chapter or just a few phrases that caught my attention and I want to think about … I feel good when I choose to read God’s Word. It is within God’s will and desire for us.

Praying. Whether it’s several minutes of thanking or wondering what is up with my current situation, or a quick sentence of two on behalf of a friend … I feel good when I choose to pray. It is within God’s will and desire for us.

Healthy foods and activity. Whether it’s selecting a juicy orange instead of another Christmas cookie for once, or preparing a whole nutritious meal … I feel good when I choose to feed my body with things that fuel and nourish. It is within God’s will and desire for us.

Reaching out to others. Whether it’s dropping a card in the mail or taking the time to listen … I feel good when I am like Jesus in helping others to feel better. It is within God’s will and desire for us.

Obviously the listing could go on and on. But I want you to see that God’s will leads to inner happiness. Doing these kinds of things make you happy – makes God happy. God’s “rules” weren’t meant to hinder or limit your happiness but increase it.

Live in accordance with God’s will and desire and see if your life doesn’t take an upswing!

Do you see what I see?

Once again I’ll go over what God has done,
    lay out on the table the ancient wonders;
I’ll ponder all the things you’ve accomplished,
    and give a long, loving look at your acts. (Psalm 77:11-12 MSG)

I used to be an administrative assistant for a commercial real estate company. Back then, we didn’t have computers just yet so I had to type these long 16-page leases on a regular typewriter. What a lot of work! Inevitably, the agent would find a typo. And my response would be, “But look at all the letters I got right!” We had a good laugh over that. Just a different way of seeing things, right?

Sometimes I forget to look at things more lightheartedly, with a sense of humor about daily life. I’m so hard on myself, looking at what’s left on my to-do list instead of all I got crossed off.

Or look at what one little thing I did imperfectly instead of all the other loving acts of kindness I did throughout the day.

And I admit I use that same pair of glasses when I’m looking at (sorry) family and friends sometimes.

Regretfully, most of all, upon reading this scripture verse this morning, I realize I forget all the Lord has done for me because I am so focused on one certain prayer that I don’t see as answered yet. When so much other goodness is happening all around me by the hand and heart of God.

For my sake and yours, I need to remember everything that happens “right”. Life is beautiful despite some slip-ups, errors, mistakes. Overall, I am a good person and so … are … YOU. And God always knows what He’s doing and its always the best for us.

Growing impatient with yourself? List five good things about your character.

With others? List five things about that person that you like.

And … God? List five recent blessings.

Now what do you see?