February 8‚ 2024 How Do I Know What God Wants Me To Do?LYSA TERKEURST  Lee en español "In the same way‚ let your light shine before others‚ that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 (NIV)  When I was making decisions‚ I used to assume there was always one correct choice. And to stay in God’s will‚ I must figure out that exact choice. I would ponder and pray. Ask friends. Google for answers. Read the Bible. Look for confirmations that pointed in one direction or another. But then I wondered ... Is God's will really this complicated? It’s great to ask friends and look for confirmation from others. But what if God is more concerned with us looking for Him than looking for answers? We want big directional signs from God. God just wants us to pay attention to Him and ask Him what our best "yes" is amid all the choices. Not long ago‚ I heard a story that shook me to the core. It had been a busy day at a local restaurant with lots of customers coming and going. But at one point‚ a guy came up to the manager and handed her a card. He told her‚ "This is for your staff." And with an emotional catch in his throat‚ he said‚ "I just wanted to make sure they knew." The customer then turned and left as the manager tucked the card into her apron pocket. Later‚ she opened the card directed to the staff. It thanked them not for their service or the food but for their smiles. The customer explained that he'd made plans to take his life that day. But their gift of simple conversations with simple smiles gave him the gift of hope. When I heard this story‚ I cried. Something stirred deep inside of me. I believe this is a beautiful picture of how God's will works for believers in Jesus. He intersects our lives with those who need His hope and whispers to us‚ You have the hope they need ... Give it to them. Maybe we start by offering someone a little of our time‚ sharing our story‚ or simply smiling. And when we do‚ a shift happens. It's like the world splits open with each of our acts of obedience‚ and God's light breaks apart the world's darkness. Our key verses today say‚ "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand‚ and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way‚ let your light shine before others‚ that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16‚ NIV). God wants us to let our light shine. This is His will. This is His plan. This is His instruction. The more we pay attention to these moment-by-moment instructions from God‚ the more our thinking starts to line up with His. Our minds get in a new rhythm of seeing what He wants us to see so we can do what He wants us to do. Dear Lord‚ I want to be a light for You today. Show me someone specific I can give Your hope to. In Jesus' Name‚ Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS One way God can reveal Himself to us is when we gather together with other Christian sisters. That's why Lysa TerKeurst is intentionally creating a space for community and connection through the one-night events on the You're Going to Make It Tour‚ happening from March 13-21‚ 2024! With teachings from Lysa and Dr. Joel Muddamalle and powerful worship by Hope Darst‚ you will leave these gatherings refilled with hope and more equipped to walk through what may be hard in your world right now. Purchase tickets here! ENGAGE Find real-life encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram. FOR DEEPER STUDY 2 Timothy 1:7‚ "For God has not given us a spirit of fear‚ but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (NKJV). Do you ever experience fear when you think of God's will? How has today's devotion encouraged you not to be afraid? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments. © 2024 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews‚ NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post How Do I Know What God Wants Me To Do? –  Encouragement for Today – February 8‚ 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

1649 - Sobornoye Ulozheniye of 1649: Russia adopts new code of laws‚ consolidating serfdom (OS 29 Jan) 1750 - Minor earthquake in London 1924 - 1st US coast-to-coast radio hookup: General John Joseph Carty speech in Chicago 1929 - KOY-AM in Phoenix Arizona begins radio transmissions 1936 - German alpine skier Christi Cranz wins the inaugural Olympic women’s combined gold medal at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Winter Games ahead of teammate Käthe Grasegger 1943 - Red Army recaptures Kursk on the eastern front 1945 - Paul Brown agrees to coach the new American football expansion team in Cleveland‚ which would later be named the Cleveland Browns after their coach 1975 - Caps only got one shot in a period against Islanders 1990 - "60 Minutes" commentator Andy Rooney suspended by CBS for racial remarks attributed to him by a gay magazine 2009 - 51st Grammy Awards: Best Album "Raising Sand" and Record of the Year "Please Read The Letter"‚ both by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss win More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1750 - Minor earthquake in London 1776 - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's play "Stella" premieres in Hamburg 1923 - Coal mine explosion at Dawson‚ New Mexico kills 120 1940 - Lodtz‚ 1st large ghetto established by Nazis in Poland 1963 - AFL's Dallas Texans become KC Chiefs 1971 - Pedro Morales beats Ivan Koloff in NY‚ to become WWF wrestling champ More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1810 - Norbert Burgmüller‚ German composer‚ born in Düsseldorf‚ Germany (d. 1836) 1817 - Richard S. Ewell‚ US Army officer and Confederate General (Battle of Gettysburg‚ Battle of Spotsylvania Court House)‚ born in Georgetown‚ Washington D.C. (d. 1872) 1888 - Edith Evans‚ British actress (Tom Jones‚ David Copperfield)‚ born in London‚ England (d. 1976) 1937 - David Montgomery‚ American born photographer known for his images of the 1960s‚ born in Brooklyn‚ New York 1943 - José Antônio Rezende de Almeida Prado‚ Brazilian composer‚ born in Santos‚ São Paulo‚ Brazil (d. 2010) 1989 - Julio Jones‚ American football receiver (First-team All-Pro 2015‚ 16; 7 × Pro Bowl; Atlanta Falcons)‚ born in Foley‚ Alabama More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1623 - Thomas Cecil‚ 1st Earl of Exeter‚ English politician‚ dies at 80 1942 - Fritz Todt‚ German construction engineer‚ Reich Minister for Armaments and Munitions Reichs minister and Head of the Organization Todt‚ dies in a plane crash at 50 2015 - Filipe Pires‚ Portuguese pianist‚ composer (Portugaliae Genesis)‚ and educator‚ dies at 81 2021 - Mary Wilson‚ American pop vocalist (Supremes - "Where Did Our Love Go?")‚ dies at 76 2023 - Charlie Faulkner‚ Welsh rugby union prop (19 Tests Wales; British and Irish Lions 1977; Pontypool RFC‚ Barbarian FC) and coach (Newport RFC)‚ dies at 81 2023 - Burt Bacharach‚ American Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer ("I'll Never Fall in Love Again"; "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head"; "Promises‚ Promises")‚ dies at 94 More Famous Deaths »

Lynda Carter's Kiss costume was unlike anything the screen had ever witnessed – until Gene Simmons wore the same outfit six years later

And Israel is well on its way to total victory‚ if only their so-called ‘friends’ around the world would stay out of it and let Israel do what it has to do…to survive.

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley said in an interview on Wednesday‚ following her loss to “none of these candidates” in the Nevada Republican Party presidential primary‚ that the process in Nevada was “rigged” by former President Donald Trump. Haley won 31% of the vote in the state‚ while 63% of those who participated in the primary chose “None of These Candidates‚” with 89% of the vote counted‚ according to The New York Times. No delegates are awarded in the state’s primary‚ only the state’s caucus‚ which Haley did not sign up for. When asked if the loss “hurt‚” Haley responded: “No‚ I mean‚ Nevada‚ it’s such a scam. They were supposed to have a primary. Trump rigged it so that the GOP chairman‚ who’s been indicted‚ would go and create a caucus. We knew months ago that we weren’t going to spend a day or a dollar in Nevada‚ because it wasn’t worth it.” “And so we didn’t even count Nevada. That wasn’t anything we were looking at‚” she said. “We knew that was rigged from the start. Our focus is on South Carolina‚ Michigan‚ and Super Tuesday. So‚ if you look what we did in Iowa and you look at what we did in New Hampshire‚ we’re continuing to grow. That’s what matters‚ I think‚ more than anything else.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “But look at what happened this week‚” she continued. “Here you have‚ Republicans lost a major vote on the border‚ Republicans lost a major vote on Israel. Donald Trump was found that he will not have immunity in all of these court cases coming up. The RNC chair is fired. All of this chaos is happening around us and Donald Trump’s fingerprints are on every bit of it. We can’t continue as the Republican Party to go forward with this chaos. You don’t defeat Democrat chaos with Republican chaos. And that’s why we’ve got to see a change.” WATCH: NEWS: @NikkiHaley responds to losing the Nevada GOP primary to "none of these candidates:" She tells me NV's system was a "scam" that was "rigged from the start." There were no delegates at stake so she didn't "spend a day or a dollar there." Via @TheIssueIsShow pic.twitter.com/L5wxTHaEqO — Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) February 7‚ 2024

Even while the ceremony and tradition of conventional marriages are losing their appeal to many couples these days‚ the pursuit of long-term relationships remains a common goal. However‚ the digital age and the proliferation of dating apps have created a new challenge: ambiguity regarding commitment. According to research‚ the plethora of perceived dating options causes frustration‚ with daters feeling overwhelmed by choices. A worrisome 2020 study also suggests a link between dating app success and a tendency to commit infidelity‚ emphasizing the importance of clearer commitment signals. The importance of early signals In a world where choices are seemingly unlimited‚ it is essential to express interest in committing from the very first date onward. It is important to understand the timing of these messages because first impressions are lasting ones. Even though you want to communicate your intentions clearly‚ rushing to define relationships or discuss long-term plans might be counterproductive. Strategies for signaling success In the early phases of a relationship‚ it’s best to use indirect and subtle approaches so that commitment signals can develop organically. Here are three tried-and-true ways to convey commitment without overwhelming your partner. 1: Delete the apps After two or three months‚ consider removing dating apps. This gesture not only eliminates distractions but also signals your commitment to the developing connection. Mention it casually to the person you’re seeing‚ fostering an open conversation about your intentions. It can be as simple as saying something along the lines of “I just wanted to let you know that I deleted my dating apps because I’m having a lot of fun with you right now.” 2: Plan a trip If you want to spend your future together after a few months of dating‚ arrange a weekend getaway or a pleasant trip a month or two in advance. This indirect signal expresses your devotion and forward-thinking without openly naming the partnership. 3: Talk it out After about four months‚ initiate an open conversation about the relationship. You’ve already built a solid foundation of subtle signals. Now is the time to directly ask your partner about their thoughts and feelings. According to research‚ such discussions are most successful when the risk of rejection is believed to be low. The power of clear communication Clear communication‚ whether indirectly showing commitment or participating in direct conversations‚ creates the foundation for a strong partnership. Setting yourself aside from the throng‚ conveying intentions‚ and displaying a desire to strengthen the connection can create trust and understanding. Making informed decisions Clear communication not only separates you in the dating scene but also allows you to make educated judgments. Understanding each other’s goals and levels of commitment lowers confusion‚ allowing you to confidently navigate the sometimes complicated world of new partnerships.The post 3 foolproof ways to signal commitment in the confusing world of modern dating first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Students at Tampa Bay‚ Florida’s Patricia J. Sullivan Partnership Elementary School participate in a unique morning ritual that sets the tone for the rest of the day. Principal Dave McMeen highlights the value of self-control over a breakfast of apple strudel‚ fruit juice‚ banana‚ and milk‚ making use of the cafeteria to impart key lessons. The school‚ in conjunction with the local non-profit Metropolitan Ministries‚ aids children suffering external stressors by providing a haven for 76 Tampa Bay pupils who are at risk of becoming homeless. “Students experience these traumas of which sometimes they don’t have control over‚” notes Principal McMeen. “While we have them‚ what do we have control over? It’s those few moments to say‚ Ok‚ take that hurt‚ take that pain‚ let’s figure out how we can release it‚” he adds‚ underscoring the school’s commitment to addressing students’ emotional well-being. Mindfulness revolution: Inner Explorer’s impact To address students’ stress‚ Sullivan Elementary implemented a mindfulness curriculum called Inner Explorer. This daily app-based project teaches students to observe sensations and emotions‚ promoting a mindful attitude to their daily lives. Inner Explorer teaches students simple yet effective tactics such as the “shark fin.” Avery‚ a fifth-grader‚ explains that this technique involves holding the palm vertically‚ placing the thumb on the forehead‚ and bringing it down to the heart. It is an effective strategy for regaining self-control during stressful situations. “The ‘shark fin‘ is a strategy that you can use to cope‚ or you can journal and let out your feelings in a good way‚” Avery explains‚ shedding light on the practical application of mindfulness strategies. “Mindfulness is one of the few tools we have to enhance mental well-being in students‚” says John Gabrieli‚ a cognitive neuroscientist at MIT. According to research‚ mindfulness can reduce chronic stress while also benefiting cognitive skills necessary for learning and memory. Mornings of stillness: breathing in wisdom Every morning at 8:50 a.m.‚ a prepared mindfulness session plays over the school’s loudspeaker‚ beginning a collective practice of silence.  Mandy Hambrick‚ a second- and third-grade teacher‚ agrees that mindfulness benefits her students. In her class‚ seventeen students actively participate in daily mindfulness exercises‚ which cover topics such as forgiveness and stress reduction. “It can help you relieve the stress so you’re not angry‚ and you don’t take it out on somebody else‚” shares Grace‚ a student‚ highlighting the practical impact of mindfulness. Academic achievement: mindfulness as a catalyst Sullivan Elementary underwent a tremendous transformation in 2022‚ earning its first “A” grade based on standardized test performance. Principal McMeen attributes this shift to the integration of mindfulness into everyday practice. Laura Bakosh‚ co-founder of Inner Explorer‚ echoes the strong association between mindfulness and academic success‚ citing significant improvements in student behavior and performance in schools that have implemented the curriculum. Inner Explorer: a unique model for mindfulness education The Inner Explorer curriculum‚ which is used in about 3‚000 schools nationwide‚ provides an accessible approach to mindfulness education. Unlike previous approaches that need rigorous training‚ Inner Explorer streamlines the process by including ten-minute lessons into the school day. This strategy allows administrators and teachers to smoothly integrate mindfulness into their curricula. “We have a lot of schools that have been doing it for a couple of years now‚ and are seeing substantial improvements in student behavior and student performance‚” says Bakosh. Mindfulness beyond the classroom Digital‚ app-based mindfulness programs have grown in popularity‚ offering a cost-effective and convenient option. David Creswell‚ a neuroscientist at Carnegie Mellon University‚ recognizes the programs’ potential for making mindfulness training more accessible‚ particularly to vulnerable people. Patti Ferlita‚ a seasoned fifth-grade teacher at Sullivan Elementary‚ highlights the long-term benefits of mindfulness for her children. Beyond academic accomplishment‚ mindfulness interventions have sparked a change in students’ social dynamics. “A lot of them really started getting out of the ‘me‚ me‚ me.’ They pay more attention to each other and to each other’s feelings‚” says Ferlita‚ applauding the positive reinforcement that has become a hallmark of her classroom. Teacher and principal insights Sullivan Elementary teachers observe everyday shifts as children move from the cafeteria’s morning commotion to a state of calm and focus in the classroom. Principal McMeen‚ Mandy Hambrick‚ and Patti Ferlita all emphasize the importance of mindfulness in fostering a healthy and supportive school culture during these transitional periods. “We have a moment to center ourselves – and then we get engaged‚” reiterates Principal McMeen‚ highlighting the pivotal role of mindfulness in creating a conducive learning environment.  The post Nurturing young minds with mindfulness at Sullivan Elementary first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.