More. Less

Hope More

·         Stop being discouraged about all the things around you. Don’t let your parents tell you how to live your life. Don’t let the people around stop you from pursuing your dreams. Don’t let the chains of the past hinder you from living in today. Instead, start having hope in tomorrow. Have hope that there are good people in this world. Have hope that God will provide you with everything you need, not everything you want. Have hope that God will get you through today. Have hope in yourself because a positive outlook provides a happier life.

Whine Less

·         Stop complaining about every single detail of your life. Someone out there, or even someone around you has it much worse. Some people aren’t fortunate to have a nice car, nice clothes, a caring family, a stable financial background, or etc. We are blessed beyond words. In Jesus’ death on the cross, He paid an ultimate price that we could never pay for ourselves. Jesus was entitled to everything but instead He laid down His life for us and set every worldly thing aside. Instead of complaining about what we do or don’t have, why don’t we start appreciating and thanking God for all of our blessings? Jesus lived the life I lived and died the death I should have had. Let’s stop whining less.

Breathe More

·         So often we are stressed and we forget to even breathe. Take a second, step back, and just breathe in. Take in the world. Take a moment and look at everything going on around you. Some people are consumed with the business of this world that they forget to stop and admire the beauty of God’s creation. Slow down and just breathe. You’ll be amazed at how amazing life truly is when you learn to let go and let God.

 

Talk Less

·         Stop trying to take control of all the conversations. Stop trying to out speak others. Instead of trying to talk about the latest happenings and news, take a second and listen to what people have to say. Give people the opportunity to share what’s going on in their life. So often we’re quick to speak without thinking or we plainly talk too much, and in return we neglect the opportunity to hear what people have to say. There are times when we must be speakers and then there are times when we must be listeners. You’d be surprised at what you can hear from others and gain from them. This aspect also applies to God’s word. Stop being consumed with the social media or newest gossip and try to listen to what God’s trying to tell you. God doesn’t always speak to us directly but rather He speaks to us through people and through His creation. When we learn to become better listeners, we also learn to become better speakers.

 

Say More

·         There have been so many times where there has been a moment where I wish I said something different or even said something more. When you look back at your past, there’s always that “What if?” and you think about how things could be different. I strongly encourage to always speak your mind and to seize every moment you can. Something you say to a person can save a life or even have an impact on them that goes beyond measures. Never be afraid to take a leap of faith and say how you feel. Don’t be afraid to speak up and defend yourself or even another person. Don’t be afraid to be a follower of Christ. Don’t be afraid to speak your faith and to share God’s words with believers and non-believers. We aren’t called to sit here in the silence. We are called to be leaders and to be radical followers.

 

Hate Less

·         Just because someone is different than you, wears different clothes, has different beliefs, or lives in a different lifestyle doesn’t mean you have any reason to hate them. There is honestly so much hate in this world and it’s completely absurd. As followers of God, how dare we have the guts to hate another person, who is clearly a creation of God. No matter how badly treats me and no matter they may make my life a piece of crap, there is no way I could possibly hate them. We give ourselves dumb reasons to hate a person. Instead of trying to hate a person, why don’t you try loving them instead? It’s hard to love the people that complicate your life. Believe me, I would know because I struggle with it myself. In the end, these people are teaching you lessons about life and without them, your life would never be the same.

 

Love More

·         You know what one of the greatest things you can do for a person is? The answer is to love them unconditionally. Love a person past their imperfections. Love them past their mistakes and faults. Love them for who they are and don’t let anything diminish that love. Don’t be afraid to completely love on your friends and family, or even on a complete stranger. Seize every moment you can to tell a person how much you love them because you never know when they might be gone one day. Remind people that someone loves them because so often we forget what it’s like to be loved. Share the love of God with someone old or new today. You’d be surprised at what God’s love can do to transform a person.