Watching all of the talented kids at the dance competition yesterday got me thinking about thanks and how easy it can be to take our special abilities for granted. Even during times of thanks and praise, we tend to focus on specific situations or particular items rather than our unique strengths.

We may from time to time thank God that we can walk or see or hear - especially when we are faced with another person who, from our perspective, has limitations in those areas. But do we ever look at ourselves - truly look - and see the special skills and talents God has blessed us with?

I am not discounting modesty or humility, but at the same time we must know and be grateful to God for all of the special abilities we have been given. After all, God gave us those particular gifts and often times they are a major part of our purpose on this planet.

It is beneficial to realize that brilliance exists in ALL of us! Some people - even the most talented among us - can have a hard time seeing their own good qualities. But it is important to acknowledge our our brand of genius and thank God for it too. And don't worry about getting a big head. It is quite possible to be humble and have a healthy sense of self worth.

So take a good, long look at yourself. See yourself as others - and God - see you. Ask God to show you how special He created you to be and then thank Him for your own personal brilliance.

A New Month

New beginnings are happening all around us, all the time. One of my favorites is the beginning of a fresh month. It's like a mini-New Year's Day. So, today let us be full of praise for a fresh start and bursting with expectation for all of God's most perfect blessings breaking into our lives.

As we prepare to be blessed, it is important for us to clean house. That means letting go of past hurts and unforgiveness toward others and - even more importantly - toward ourselves. We cannot expect to receive anything good into our lives if we continue to cram it full of the bad.

So, take this opportunity today - a fresh, new day in a fresh, new month - to get rid of everything in your life that is not praise worthy. Throw out those old rags and get yourself ready for a new and beautiful thing. And thank Him for it now.