Sunday, January 27, 2013

Second Chances



“God, my God, I yelled for help and You put me together. God, You pulled me out of the grave and gave me another chance at life when I was down and out.” (Psalm 30:2 MSG)

Do you ever have one of those days when you’d like to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again? I have noticed that about the first hour of the morning can determine the outcome of the day; when things don’t go right from the beginning and our routine is messed up, or our attitude isn’t in a joyful state, it can lead to a pretty awful day! The way we start our day can easily determine the tone for the entire day. Wouldn’t it be nice if we never had to experience a bad day? I have learned that it’s really a matter of my attitude, and if things start to fall apart I have a choice to let it beat me down or turn what started out as a bad day into a good one. One thing I know for sure, no matter how many times we fail, we can pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off and start over again because God doesn’t give up on us too easily.

We don’t always have control of some of the things that happen around us or to us, but we can control the way we react to them…

…Start off with a prayer; it is a powerful thing that can change our circumstances into joy and thankfulness

Don’t dwell on it! Face it head on and let it go!

Put out good energy and do your best to create good vibrations        

Think positive rather than dwelling on the misfortunes of the morning

Get moving and do something that you enjoy and that you find fulfilling



“God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before Him. When I cleaned up my act, He gave me a fresh start. Indeed, I’ve kept alert to God’s ways; I haven’t taken God for granted. Every day I review the way He works, I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I’m watching my step. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes.” (2 Samuel 22:21-25 MSG)


Everyone needs a second chance now and again, and that’s what God does; He says “Go ahead and try again.” There are many ways to turn a bad day into a good one; you can change the moment, and in doing so change your day. Even when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed, it doesn’t mean we have to start (or finish!) our day with a negative attitude.  Our days are filled with ups and (sometimes too many!) downs, but how thankful I am for second chances! Even through our moments of failures we are humbled with God’s compassion and understanding as He forgives us and gives us a second chance.  When we focus on God instead of our faults, we feel a change in our hearts and regardless of what we have done or how we have acted we can discover the blessing of another opportunity.

“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down ; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 MSG)

Even when we fall, we can get up again when we repent and lean on God for strength and submission. We can’t ever believe that just because we have fallen that we are headed for a day of doom! God wants to pick us up and start afresh, and He gives each of us chance after chance!




Linking up this week with:

USE this for BLOG

31 comments:

  1. Oh Denise, this is a beautiful post. I love these words and thoughts because we all need a second chance...often more than once. Love your "remedy" list- especially the first two- but each one is a steppingstone leading to grace and a better place!
    Happy Sunday!

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    1. Thankful for those second chances; it helps me to remember I can always change my attitude! Have a joyful week Dawn!

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  2. Hmmm...
    I think about 'bad' days in another way.
    After more than 60 years of life, few days are really 'bad'. Even sick ones, even disappointing ones. I remember some of the 'worst' days, like the day we found out that my husband had cancer, and the day my mother died unexpectedly, and think about what God did through them. They were not fun, but oh, did they bring fabulous blessing that could not have come any other way. I no longer fret so much that my life does not conform to my expectations.
    In the end, it is just life. All the days combined and counterpointed. Beautiful in their own way, and all bearing God's fingerprint, His call to "Come."

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    1. I love what you said here; what a huge heart of faith and trust! Every day is definitely a beautiful day in the Lord. Thanks for visiting Mrs P!

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  3. Praise God that His mercies are new every morning! Whether we see the day as "bad" or "good," He will work all things together for our good & His glory. This is the day that the Lord has made -- let us rejoice & be glad in it!
    Thanks for the uplifting post & God bless!
    Laurie

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    1. Thanks Laurie; every day has value when we keep these thoughts in our heart! :) Blessings my friend!

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  4. Great points to ponder Denise! Amen to this post. Blessings to you dear one.

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    1. Thanks Grace; blessings to you too my friend! Have a wonderful week! :)

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  5. Hi Denise
    Glad you joined with us at Spiritual Sundays! Your words are so true. I suffer from a debilitating illness that causes chronic pain and I wake up every morning with pain. I decided I could feel sorry for myself or reach out to our Pappa God and by His grace, I do what I can. And His mercies and grace are truly new every morning!
    Much love and a blessed week
    Mia

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    1. Blessings to you Mia; what a spirit filled attitude of loving faith. God willingly responds to all our needs and gives up hope when we have hope and trust!

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  6. What a beautiful post for a beautiful Sunday....You didn't just state "our" problem but gave us God's wisdom in overcoming.....and thank goodness He is faithful to give us what we need...Thank you for your words of wisdom...

    I love the new look of your blog....so pretty and girly.....

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    1. Thanks Nancy! I am thankful for His grace and mercy everyday; some days I certainly need it more than others! :) Blessings my friend...

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  7. Denis you know He's not only the GOD of second chances but He's the God of more than Enough...Glory to God...have a bless Monday sis

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    1. Yes Desiray! Realizing that God is more than enough changes our perspective; our attitudes can change from a thinking we are having a bad day into a good one! Blessings on your day too sweet friend!

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  8. Just exactly what I needed to hear today, my friend! Thankful for that list of "P"s too.....Persevere. Practice. Pursue. Persist. Prevail. Thanks for your encouraging post at UNITE link up! Have a blessed day! ~ jen

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    1. I find that I need these words on many of my days too Jen! Thank YOU for opening up your blog for us all to UNITE and share! Blessings!

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  9. Hi sweet sister! I've started my days with "I need you Jesus," before I even get out of bed. I know that if I start my day like that, no matter what happens, I can rest assured He is there with me! Praying you are doing well!! Love being refined here!!!
    Love and prayers,
    Cherie

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    1. Thanks Cherie; what a great way to start your day, everyday! Love back at you sweet sister! :)

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  10. Hi Denise, I love the advice you give here. I have done a lot of picking myself up and dusting myself off and carrying on but one does get tired. That is when God's strength comes through, He does all the picking up and dusting off when we no longer can. And, He wants to... Great post my friend
    God bless
    Tracy
    (having a cup of tea in practice for some day soon :) )

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    1. It is tiring, and I sometimes wear myself out Tracy! But when I keep these thoughts, it surely helps me get back on track. :) I am practicing too; oh what a joyful day when we can enjoy a cup together! <3 Love ya girl!

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  11. Love The Advice! I will often find my self having a bad morning.... and with that some days aren't just the best. But, I often have the power to change that around, without realizing it. God Is an AWESOME GOD! He will give us as many chances as we need! He is like a Parent teaching a child to walk, he's their to pick you back up when you fall :D

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    1. You are right Mike, we do have the power to change; God makes it possible ith His mercy and amazing grace!

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  12. Oh this was a beautiful post. I am glad I found you today at Winsom Wednesday. Thanks for sharing these wonderful truths. It was nice meeting you today. Come by and visit my link on Planning a Date night.
    Have a wonderful day,
    Sherry

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    1. Thanks for visiting and joining me Sherry; would love to join you too! Blessings!

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  13. Hi Denise,
    Thank God for second chances, I sure need them at times :)
    Speaking of attitude and the things one should fill their mind with, I like to remember Philippians 4:4-8

    Thank you for this post, my friend and may God bless you,
    Ken

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    1. I love that verse Ken; it helps to think on those things; makes our days look so much better! God's special blessings to you too!

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  14. Hi Denise,
    Thank you for coming by and reading my Date Night post.
    I would love for you to follow too. I noticed late last night my follwers button is gone. I was too tired to deal with it. I haven't been able to check yet this morning. I sure pray it was just a glitch! I need my peeps!
    I'll let you know when it is fixed!
    Have a Blessed Thursday,
    Sherry

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  15. Hi Denise, what a great post. Thanks so much.

    Kathy M.

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  16. great advice...and something I"m so grateful for is that He never ever gives up on us. Have a great rest of the week Denise.

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  17. Thanks for your encouragement today. I had "one of those days" last week.

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  18. "We can change the way we react." What a statement! Life happens, but our attitudes towards them can make such a profound difference.

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