“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” [1 John 3:1]

“We love because He first loved us.” [1 John 4:19]

The new technology society was supposed to simplify our life and provide for more leisure time. Instead we work more hours, deal with more stress and have less free time to spend with our spouses and children. Somehow, some way, many of us are confused and feel we have been deceived by the system. In an effort to regain control over our lives and become more empowered, I humbly provide the following suggestions.

First believe you are worthy of receiving God’s love and recognize that God’s love is the greatest love of all. Relieve yourself of layers and layers of frustration and disappointment. Deprogram your negative thinking mindset. Learn to enjoy your own presence and forgive yourself. Forgive others, attempt to mend broken relationships and go forward. Always trust in your relationship with God.

Understand the concept of money and wealth. Money is an important vehicle to help us to get where we need to go. We should share the wealth, employ people, buy goods and services, and establish new jobs. If we use money in a prudent and responsible manner, we can develop with grace and progress.

Try and share your experiences with others. Be open and sensitive with your peers. Use this approach as a platform to let everyone share in the experience. Everyone can learn from the triumph or struggle of another. If we spend our lives loving only those who love us back, what in the end have we accomplished? It is only when we love those who cannot or will not love us back that we truly gain full measure in life. Participate in volunteer organizations that interweave community obligation with the understanding that people must inherently support one another.

Endeavor to emotionally and spiritually design a blueprint for success. Those that plan out their lives and follow that plan reap the benefits of self-confidence, self-achievement and joy. Placing yourself in a position to select from many positive choices is not luck. Keep in mind that luck is the residue of design. Those that receive this joy need to pass it on to others.

Believe in a new reality. A reality that includes parents supporting their children with unconditional love and affection. People working together to mentor and assist one another. Let us establish a global philosophy that gradually circumnavigates the world in much the same manner, as did the concept of a global economy.

Love God first, then yourself, a little bit at a time. Then gradually learn to love others. Take it one small step at a time.

2011 can be a year of divine favor. It is important to remain faithful to the scriptures. Pray for families and friends. Pray for loved ones. Pray for the those in need of healing from illness, pray for the hurt, abused and the unloved. Pray for restoration of marriages and financial resources. Pray for our nation and all nations. Pray to Our Lord and give him thanks. Trust and believe in the Word of Life and let Jesus Christ guide you to peace and answered prayer.