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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS (Don't write about the song) (04/16/15)
Word Switcheroo

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

As followers of Christ, the Lord wishes to bless us abundantly. He desires each moment of our lives, whether perceived as blessing or difficulty, be punctuated with thankfulness. Thus, blessings are all about perspective. What one person takes for granted and considers a nuisance, is a significant blessing to another.

We can dramatically change the way we view our circumstances and world around us. With God’s help, by simply switching one word in our internal thinking, we gain a whole new perspective on life and all that we’ve been given.

For example, recently I was weary from driving my kids to and from school and their extra- curricular activities every day. I complained to my husband about the afternoon schedule saying, “I have to drive Abby to volleyball practice and then rush to pick up Zack from Driver’s Ed.”

But by shifting one word, my new thought is, “I get to drive Abby to volleyball practice and then get to pick up Zack from Driver’s Ed.” My attitude transforms from bitterness to gratitude by substituting get for have in my thoughts and words. My whole viewpoint towards my children changes as the Lord reminds me of the true blessing they are to me. I am inspired to relish having children with whom I am so involved in their daily lives. Instead of dreading this activity, I am prompted to cherish our limited time together. Those car rides have provided needed time for some wonderful conversations and memories that we’ll always cherish. Any time spent with my children is never wasted and all too soon, those chauffeur sessions will come to an end.

Any circumstance, relationship, or even duty, can be a blessing if you rely on God to open your eyes to His perspective. Pray the Lord will help you perceive all things as blessings, giving thanks for His abundant grace and love He shines upon you. Seek positivity in seemingly negative situations and respond with thanksgiving when your outlook completely changes. Practice the word switcheroo and be amazed at the blessings that abound.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Danae Frank
04/23/15
I love this "Word Switcheroo", and plan to put it into practice! Thank you for a great reminder to always have His perspective!
Ashley Rowland
04/23/15
Amen. I have had great success with the "word switcheroo" in my own life. Thank you for this reminder.
C D Swanson 
04/23/15
I loved your entry and marvel at your title which is a spectacularly wonderful way of presenting the topic and bringing it to life!

Great job.

God bless~
Loni Bowden-Horn 
04/24/15
I am going to put the word "switcheroo" in my own vocabulary. It is interesting how one word can change your perspective.
Kristine Baker
04/25/15
What a great line "What one person takes for granted and considers a nuisance, is a significant blessing to another. "

Great entry.
Toni Babcock 
04/25/15
I love your perspective and the creative reminder to simply switch a negative with a positive word - it can indeed change our whole outlook! Thanks for sharing.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
04/26/15
I love this. It's a reminder I certainly need on a regular basis. God has blessed us with free will over our attitudes, but he wants us to see the good things that surround us.

The only red ink I have is tiny. In the first part of the piece, you use the first person pkural voice, but then switch to singular and at the end, you switch to second person, which might come off as too preachy for some. Instead, continue in the first person, but add a prayer at the end. For example: Any circumstance can be a blessing if I keep my eyes on God.
Dear Jesus, thank you for all of the many blessings you give me each day. Open my eyes so that I can see everything through your eyes. Help me do a switcheroo on my perceived negatives. Amen.

You really have a knack for devotions. If you haven't written any for the FW devotions, I'd urge you to do so. I know you'll bless countless people with your words.