​It's the first Monday of 2022 and we could all use a Mantra or two or TEN that will keep us motivated to continue working toward our New Year resolutions. 
Let us know which ones speak to you or share your own in the comment section!
You never know who might need to hear exactly what you have to say.
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"Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends."

God blesses those who work for peace,
for ​they will be called the children of God.
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What does it mean to be called a child of God?
Think about your own children or what it means to be your parent's child. 
Is there any greater comparison for us to understand the love of Christ?
There is nothing like the love of a parent for their child.
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​"Blessed are those who mourn 
​for they shall be comforted."

Labor Day Dad Joke:

A father said to his son, "You know, most people don't have to work today,
​ because it's Labor Day."

His son replied, "Then shouldn't it be called No-Labor Day?" 
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​If you are working today, we at Your Praying Friend want to say a special thank you!
Thank you to our healthcare workers, law enforcement, military, retail employees, and so many more!
We need more hard working, dedicated employees, especially in today's society, when the government would prefer to incentivize you to stay home. 
​Nothing in life is free.
​Thank you! 
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​"No matter how much you want something, laziness won't help you achieve it, 
but hard work will reward you with more than enough."

"You should grow as believers in all these ways, more and more. When you live in that way, it will show that you really know our Lord Jesus Christ. People will see that your life has good results."

What are the ways in which Simon Peter is telling us we should grow?
If we read all of chapter one, which is a very short chapter, we will see that he tells us to add faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, patience, devotion to God, kindness, and love. 
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Aren't you grateful that God doesn't just tell us to figure life out on our own? 
Unlike any other religion, Christians have a personal relationship with a loving and helpful Father. One who is intrinsically interested in the innermost desires of his creation. 
He is invested in us. 
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​"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away."