From: God

Date: January 1, 2003

Good morning to my dear friends! Because I love you, please be aware that there are some changes that I would like for you to make in your lives this year. These changes need to occur so that I may fulfill my promises to you to grant you peace, joy and contentment in this life.

1. Quit Worrying. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way? I have the very hairs on your head numbered, and I am capable of carrying whatever burdens you have. So quit worrying.

2. Put it on the List. If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it yourself. Put it on MY to-do list. Let me be the one to take care of it. I can't help you until you turn it over to me, and although my to-do list is long, I am after all, God, and I can take care of anything that you put into my hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things that you never even realize. And I do not need your help. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

3. Trust Me. Once you've given your burdens to me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems, and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put it on the list and trust me. Problems in your marriage? Trust me. I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Believe me, you don't want the view from my eyes. Trust me that I know what I'm doing.

4. Leave it Alone. Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now. I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if you take your problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with me and forget about them. Just let me do my job.

5. Talk to Me. I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting, because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please don't forget to talk to me OFTEN! I love you. I want to hear your voice. I want you to include me in the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with me. I want to be your best friend. I know you are busy with all that you have going on in your life, but always remember that what's important is not so much making a living, as it is making a life. So talk to me.

6. Forgive. Forgive again. Forgive some more. If you find yourself the victim of someone else's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities, forgive them. You will notice that this is not a request. As a child of mine, I command you to forgive. Unforgiveness is like a termite in your soul. It will eat you up. Forgive. And if you feel like you just have to tell on them, that's fine, as long as you tell on them to me and only me. Then you forgive them, I'll forgive you for the times you've let me down, and we can get on with the business of walking together in harmony. Okay? Forgive.

7. Share. You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. And - share your faith with those who have none.

8. Be Patient. I managed to arrange your life so that in just one lifetime you could have many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs, travel to many places, meet hundreds of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient when it takes me longer than you think it should to handle something on My to-do list? Trust in my timing, for My timing is always perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush. Remember: this life is very short. But the next one, is very, very, very long. So put everything into proper perspective and be patient.

9. Be Kind. Be kind to other people, because I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love them. Please try to get along with each other, for My sake. I created each one of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Be kind. Remember it's not what you gather but what you scatter that matters in this life.

10. Love yourself. As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me to be loved and to love in return. I am a God of love. Love me. Love one another. But also love yourself. It makes my heart break when I see you so angry and down on yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget that.

Now you have a new year before you. You don't know what the future holds, but if you know Me, then you know I hold your future -- and I am totally committed to taking care of you. So happy new year, my beloved child. With all my heart, I love you.

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