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Oh my word, friend, you’re going to love today’s GUEST POST and GIVEAWAY! My friend KAT LEE wrote a new book called HELLO MORNINGS, and this excerpt is about to bring you a word. No joke: a word! Whether you are an early bird or a night owl… no matter… this post is going to speak to your heart. And your mind. And your soul. Pretty much your whole being. Are you ready?? Good. Here’s Kat Lee. Enjoy. {And don’t forget to enter to WIN the book giveaway! Details following the post.}
But I’m not a morning person…
As the New Year approaches, maybe you’re considering revamping your mornings (or perhaps another core part of your life), but because of past attempts you’re not sure you can do it.
Maybe you’ve tried to do “all the things.” You pushed yourself and got out of bed at o’dark thirty and you were really proud of your self-discipline. Your friends told you how impressed they were. Everything was clicking.
But then something happened. You got sick, your alarm didn’t go off, you had to travel. So you stopped getting up early and started telling yourself that you’re just not a morning person.
You labeled yourself.
The labels we give ourselves and others are powerful. We tell our children, “If you don’t have something nice to stay, don’t say anything at all.” but do we choose the words we use to describe ourselves just as carefully?
We all have a tendency to live up to labels or expectations, whether they are positive or negative.
In a classic study by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson, a group of elementary school teachers were told that a select number of their students had excelled on a test that identified them as students who would likely exceed expectations and “bloom” that year. In reality, those student scored exactly average as compared to their classmates.
However, in a followup review a year later, those exact students, out performed their peers by 10-15 IQ points. The sole indicator was that the teachers expected them to perform better, they mentally labeled them as superior and those students rose to that expectation.
Labels are powerful.
It’s important that we recognize what labels we give ourselves. When we say, “Well, I’d like to have a morning routine, but I’m just not a morning person,” we are allowing our perspective to hold us back. Sure, there are some people who have a tendency to prefer evenings to morning and others who have a hard time getting going in the morning. But those simple facts don’t eliminate the possibility of having a life-giving morning routine.
Not all parents are morning people, yet morning after morning they wake up to tend to the needs of their children.
Not all athletes are morning people, but they start their workouts early and get their reps in before the day starts.
Or maybe it’s not about mornings. Maybe you’ve labeled yourself as someone who isn’t organized or who can’t figure out how to have a quiet time or who simply doesn’t have what it takes to make healthy choices. Maybe you’ve labeled yourself as undisciplined or lazy, lacking self-control.
Only wear the labels God gives you. All others hold you back.
One day after church, my daughter came out of Sunday school covered in return address labels. I cried.
True, I do have a deep love of office supplies, but that’s not why I teared up. Apparently, the kids spent time praying that morning and asking God if there were any encouragements they could give one another. Each child got a sheet of labels and a Sharpie. They prayed and then walked around, placing labels on one another.
“Full of kindness”
“Child of God”
“A worshipper”
“Thoughtful”
“Loving”
“A leader”
“Good friend”
“Loved by Jesus”
“Courageous”
There was one child in particular who, by the world’s standards, had a severe disability. The label on his chest read, “God’s masterpiece. Nothing missing. Nothing broken.”
Friend, in Christ, there is nothing missing and nothing broken about you. Whatever labels hold you back, it’s time to replace them with God’s labels.
Will you take a few minutes right now to identify the labels that you’re wearing that might be holding you back? Pray and ask God what He says about you. What are the labels He’s given you or wants to give you, if you’ll just let go of the lesser ones? (See Romans 8:2, 2 Cor. 5:17)
As you embark on the New Year, remember that God is the God of the impossible and when we walk with Him day by day, those labels fall right off.
1 https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/alternative-truths/201005/why-its-dangerous-label-people
Congratulations to our giveaway winners: Lisa Long & Amanda Morton!
You simply need to LEAVE A COMMENT on my blog to enter to win by CLICKING HERE.
Kat Lee is passionate about teaching others how to jumpstart each day with a grace-filled, life-giving morning routine. She is the author of the book, Hello Mornings, as well as a speaker, podcaster, and founder of HelloMornings.org. She and her husband, Jimmy, live in Waco, Texas with their three children.
*This post contains affiliate links.
Comments 422
Thank you
I Love Gwen Smith Blogs and uplifting messages so much. I share you with all my sweet sister in Christ…
Wow! I needed this today, I always label my self and always say I’m going to do better, but now I see what I was doing wrong. I never removed the label and replaced it with what I want to be. “I am a morning person and I’m always on time.” Awesome word for today, Thanks so much
I am a morning person and look forward to your devotional email daily. It inspires my day and usually gives me something to share!
I had a recent break up with my boyfriend, just before New Year. I’ve lost all motivation, I have labeled myself for sure… Alone, Depressed, not good enough, lost. I’m a single mother of 3 teens and could definitely do with some encouragement to get out of bed in the mornings with energy, full of Gods grace. In fact I seem to be in bed quite a lot lately.
Wondering if your book would help?
Congrats Lisa and Amanda!
I want to win
Great book! Reading through this short post enlightened me so much! I’ve always labelled myself as a deep sleeper who can’t just get off my bed early in the morning! But that label has changed. Thanks for this!
Thank you for your words. I definitely get stuck in labels not given by the creator.
This is sooo true!!! I, personally, know of many labels I have given myself that I believe are me…. whether they are or not… I THINK they are….This makes me feel badly for my girls, in the world we live in today… to me, they are the most amazing, generous, caring, loving, intelligent young ladies, I hope others don’t ruin this by labeling them.
Thank you for all you do and all you bring to our attention!!!
I would love to win your book!!! 🙂
Love, Pam
i would love to win tour book
Labels be gone. I am a child of God and made in his image. I can do all things I set my mind to do with the strength and love God has given me. Excuses be gone. Looking forward to a healthier 2018. I shall succeed. Thank you Lord for your love, strength and trust in me.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this post today, thank you so much. I will be sharing with my daughter who has been struggling lately with “labeling” herself. This may be the exact tool I was looking for to help guide her in a positive direction.
I LOVE Hello Mornings!
This was wonderful to read. It just reminded me that I need to stop making excuses by labeling myself less that what the Father expects me to be. Thank You
Love this!
Great opportunity to win this book. Thank you.
Wow! I’ve always been a late nighter, but perhaps it IS time to try the early morning routine!
Loved the Hello Morning exerpt. Would love to read more of it! Thank you for encouraging me through your work.
If God is always on your mind. It’s a good thing.
Thank you, Gwen, for sharing Kat’s message! What a powerful way to encourage those of us who label ourselves, our kids, our spouses – excellent lesson on how to turn it around. Blessings!
Would love this book. I need to put God’s labels on me. Thank you for this opportunity to win the book.
I’m not a morning person for sure… need to “unlabel” myself! Thx for reminding me that God is the God of the impossible! Would love your book!
Reading your excerpt about labels made me realize that I very often do that with myself. As a kindergarten teacher I try to look for the gifts each child has, but I also need to do that with myself.
What a wonderful opportunity to win this book! I would enjoy winning a copy to give as a gift to my sister who is NOT a morning person!
What a wonderful opportunity to win this book! I am a morning person, but my sister is not. Would make it a great gift!
So inspirational,
My morning time is very special. I would love to read this book. I share your devotionals with my GiGs often. Keep them coming. God bless you!
Please, I need this.
Labels are powerful, attitude is everything, and self talk works. Would love more help with all of them.
Still not great at mornings, but I’m trying!
Wow what a great post!
Wonderful, wonderful. Love it!
Would love to read your book! If your initial post is an indication of your book content, I am already inspired 👏🏾🙌🏾
I am going to step up to the plate..
here goes. I need a jump start to a NEW YEAR😄 For way too long I have labeled myself not a morning person. Thank God it is never too late for a change. One way or another this label I have given myself will change for the better!!
God is soo good!!!!!
So cool!
I might have to check “my labels” and shed a few. Would like very much to read Hello Mornings.
This is totally awesome…
Hi
I really enjoyed the post about labels! It is so true that we also need to apply that principal to ourselves, not just our children…made me think!
Thank you
I would love to read this book. I have the hardest time getting up early for my qt with God. I look forward to reading what God has blessed us to all learn.
Your book sounds like a wonderful read!! Thank you for sharing about it!!
I would love to read your book. Sounds so inspirational. Blessings always
I would love to read it.
Would love to read!!!
I want to shed those incorrect labels I’m wearing
This brought me to tears. You opened my eyes to who I am in the Lord and it’s not what I’ve labeled myself all my life, 63 years! Thank you for taking the time to share. God bless you!
Love to read it. Thank you
How inspiring! I would love to read her book! I have always considered myself “not a morning person”.
I once talked to a life coach who refused to allow ppl to use any labels of in any kinds in his sessons. It took away so much negativity. I need help in this area and this book sounds like it is full of useful information. I hope I am one of the winners. I feel I truly need it in my life right now. Thank you so much, this site is a blessing.
I’m trying to be a morning person again.
Love to get this for morning time
This “not a morning person” needed to read this. The whole book would be a real blessing. Thank you!
Your post is filled with a promise of a better me. Great timing and message!
I so enjoyed this devotional. It reminded me that I’m enough, God’s Masterpiece, NOTHING broken, NOTHING missing!
Blessings to you sweet sisters. Thanks for encouging us in the things of God.
What a timely devotional. Thank you. I would love to read this book.
To think about all the labels that we have carried through out our lives is truly a burden, and knowing that our Heavenly Father has much better labels for us is truly unbelievable. I would love to have the opportunity to read your book Kat. And thank you to both of you for this great devotional.
So powerful! Loved every word, beautiful reminder of God’s love! Hope i win!
Thank you for sharing this today. I have so often given myself labels that were not truth but I’ve also given other people labels. I am so sad about that. I want to be able to look at others as God looks at them. And also to look at myself as God sees me. I am thankful for how you have spoken into my heart today. God bless.
Wow this devotion hit me right between the eyes!! I have struggled so much this week about what I think myself to be. I need to throw away all of my labels and put God’s labels on me! Thanks!!
As usual this was just what I needed to hear at just the right time. God is so good in those ways. It wasn’t just that I’m labelling myself, I also label my children in my class. I want to put the right labels on them – that they are children of God; that can do all things through Christ to strengthen them.
Thanks for sharing about this book Gwen!
It was nice that the labels your daughter received were positive and Godly. However, the negative labels that I received from my father as a child are still stuck in my brain – I always felt like a disappointment to him because he only criticized me and never praised me. I tried to do things to gain his praise until three weeks before he died, at which time I was 46 years old. I never in all my life heard him tell me that he loved me. So one day I told him that no matter what happened in our lives past or present I wanted him to know that I loved him and he finally said that he loved me. The next time I called to say hi to my parents my mom was in the background and she asked my dad who was calling and he said it’s the daughter who loves me. I still cry when I think of that. Thank God our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally and if He were to label us it would only be in a loving way.
Yup.#would💜this. #walkwithJesus💟
I would love to win Kat’s new book! It spoke to my tired heart deeply tonight! Thank you!
I need this book! Only wear the labels that God has given us. I needed this reminder!
I am a morning person. I enjoy starting my day spending time with my Heavenmly Father while it’s still quiet.
I’m still learning to allow God to label me as well as others.
Oh my goodness, this spoke to me! It’s so easy to fall into the trap of “what does so and so say about me?” When we should be saying “what does God say about me!” I only need and want to please God. I would love to win a copy. Thank you.
WOW, JUST THAT LITTLE READING, I WAS BLESSED. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A COPY. THANKS!!
What a beautiful birthday present! Thank you for sharing a powerful message and reminder that we are as God created us.
What a wonderful giveaway and reminder of how powerful labels can be for us!
This absolutely looks like the book for me.
I would love a copy of Hello Morning. I need to learn how to speak VICTORY NOT DEFEAT.
Hello morning sounds amazing on changing labels which effect all of us in one way or another.
I love the label idea and can image what a special and memorable activity that must have been for those children. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of the book.
I enjoyed reading this, especially about the kids and the labels they stuck on each other. I would enjoy reading your book.
Hello Mornings !
Thank you Kat Lee and Gwen Smith! I love this post! I pray God shows me how He sees me, so I can get rid of the labels I have for myself. Thank you for the new perspective!
Love
Marsha
I need this book! I have never considered myself a morning person – need to change my thinking on that…
Labels from God are Truth. we need to listen to His truth and not the lies of the deceiver.
This is so awesome! We are going to start a new tradition this Christmas with my family. I’m going to buy labels and do this for Christmas!!! So powerful!!! I LOVE IT!
What an amazing lesson for all ages. I am going to use this with my girlfriends from church, and for a lesson with my children’s Sunday school class.
A wonderfully encouraging post. Thank you. I’d love to get your book to read and share with others.
LOVE!! nothing more to say 😉
WOW! That was just what I needed to read today – had me in tears as I talked to God about the false labels I had been carrying lately. Thank you!
I love the title!! Excited to read this book and get encouraged to change my titles!!!
This devotional made me cry. It truly hit my heart and my needs. I also look forward to sharing it with our Ladies Auxiliary as part of a devotional and with a young woman who is an elementary school teacher with many struggling children that she works with on a daily basis.
I love to read Christian books. I would love to read this one.
I would love to receive a copy, my life does need more encouragement.
A great way to enhance our ‘Weapons of Warfare’ to use against all the negativity that Satan throws at us!!!
Also, a great way to start the day,,,on a positive note!!!
What a shield against the fiery darts !!!
I know several people, including myself, who could learn from this book.
Thanks for your insight.
I could use a serious jumpstart.
Audrey S
Powerful message!!! I really needed to read this!
Thank you for the post
Grateful,
Jackie
Love today’s reading! I always put labels on my self. YET am the biggest cheerleader to others. Always pumping them up. I need to start cheering myself on with positive labels!
Thank you!!
Great post, thank you! ❤️
Loved this post. I would love to read this book.
I looooove this book! It is a fabulous book! I have order two more to give to my manager and assistant manager. They have asked me about devotionals they could do in the morning that would not take up a whole lot of time and first thing that came to mind was Hello Mornings Routine, and what better way to get them started than to give them a Hello Mornings book.
This book is for me. I really am bad to label myself. What is interesting is I’ve been trying to change morning routine by getting up early but I fall back to bad habits sleeping late and telling myself “I am not a morning person”.
Thanks for the reminder. I often label myself and rather harshly. I want to choose God’s labels
Such an inspiring article! Sure the book is wonderful.
Good morning
This looks like a wonderful book!! Love
It!!
I love mornings, but could use some motivation to get moving better. I would love to read this book.
Thanks you.
I love the idea of putting encouraging labels on our friends. Could be used in any type of group.
This is good! I would like to win!
Inspired by your message…feel encouraged that I can get a better start on God’s plan for my day. Also appreciate your wisdom about negative self labeling.
Inspired by your message…one which I really needed when it comes to getting a better start on the day that God has planned for me. Also enlightened by your comments about negative labels.
What a wonderful exercise to replace the negative labels we place on ourselves with positive words from friends and the Word of God.
I love the “nothing missing, “nothing broken” part most of all! What a gem.
I really enjoyed this and realized I do limit myself by putting labels on myself and I want to strive to be the Christian that God wants me to be, Amen!
A great day starts with surrender (the night before.). Although it’s hreat to linger in bed in the morning a more productive day begins with surrender to the Lord.
This is perfect for me! It may be a label, but I am totally NOT a morning person! I am more of an ease into my day kind of person!
This would be great to win! Sounds exciting!
So generous….would love the book😊
Thank you and Merry Christmas
I almost deleted this post and then read the part about the address labels – what a great idea! Children would blossom with such a project! I love it!! I then went back to the beginning of blog and love the whole post. I will definitely add this to my morning meditation (even if my mornings start later than early!!) Thank you for a wonderful site!!
I am now in ministry but have lived all my life thinking certain things. Recently God showed me that those labels were things that I applied to myself because Satan was telling me those things. My parents showed me lots of love but I always felt unloved. Sometimes, it isn’t what others say, although I have had plenty of those labels too, but it is what the enemy tells us. We have to learn to live by the truth of God’s word.
I love this! Kat Lee is amazing, and inspiring! I listen to her podcasts and follow her Bible studies. I am following the one for Psalms right now. I already have the book but what a treat to win and be able to bless someone else with a copy of this life-changing book!
Be blessed!
What an excellent read! I will keep trying to remove my labels and use God’s instead.
We will start the new year with a book club for our ladies at church. This might be our starter book. What a great reminder of how our thoughts get in the way.
This was truly a blessing for me today! As I do every year around this time I ponder what changes I want to make in the way I live my life for the new year, and with those thoughts always comes the mental reprimand about all the things I didn’t do this year and instantly my good intentions leave me beating myself up, essentially “labeling” myself with words I would never use if I were speaking to a friend or loved one. So thank yo so much for helping me to be more aware of the thoughts and labels I tell myself when I feel I’m feeling discouraged. God bless you and Merry Christmas!
I am a member of a women’s group that I know would benefit tremendously from a lesson like this! We are all so hard on ourselves as we fail to live up to everyone’s expectations and the expectations we put on ourselves! We are whole and perfect in God’s eyes! We need to stop living for this world and start preparing for the next!
What an amazing gift this would be for these beautiful women and what a wonderful way for all of us to start a new year!
Merry Christmas
I would love to Win
Oh the many hats we wear! Blessings for a glorious year…
I would like to read your book.
Great food for thought
Truly inspirational. I would love to read your book.
Loved your article and the story of the labels. You are so right. The labels God gives us are all that matters!
God bless you for you time and insight. This post was a blessing, and truly spoke to my spirit. I have been praying, and working on these very issues, allowing God to heal, and deliver me. I’m completely humbled at the reality of The one true living God who is so mindful of me. An unconditional love that is so relentless, Amen. A continued reminder of the power of the smallest member of our bodies, and how it produces life, and death.
Thank you for this word! A real inspiration for me today!
I would love to win this! Thank you so much for the give~away!
That was really good!
This is the second time I have your blog and am so encouraged to read it. It blessed my heart. Thank you so much for what God lays on your heart to pass on to others.
God bess
Wow ! What heartfelt truth and great reminder as we end this year and get ready to start the New Year !
I know as women we tend to label and believe labels more than men but we must remind ourselves of the labels God gives us !
As a kid I know I’ve struggled with labels and still do at times , I think it’s something that some of us have to work really hard to get over and get to the point that we do not believe all the labels from years ago and just settle and believe the labels God has for us …Beautiful, His perfectly imperfect masterpiece just as we are , strong, loving , caring , giving ..,, just a few to start off …
Merry Christmas you strong beautiful women and Daughters of God !
Oh my goodness yes you were so right…it was WORD! Actually confirmation, just this morning I was hearing the same thing….It’s not what people say or think about you, it’s what God says and thinks! That we should listen and be what God calls us..He has purpose for each of us..there is only one us and He created us individually!! I would so love to have this book for deeper understanding! Thank you – Dena Barnett
This post touched my heart this morning! I was on my way to work, late as usual, beating myself up for not being more productive and on time in the morning. I’m 6 months pregnant with baby #3 and have a 2 & 4 year old already. I’ve labeled myself as a tired mom who just doesn’t have the energy to get up in the morning. This post reminded me to look for God’s labels and not my own. Thank you so much for sharing Gwen!
This was so insightful!! Truly touched my soul. I once lived with many labels that I placed on myself: a failure as a wife, mother, daughter, woman. The enemy would also send toxic people in my direction to also repeat these labels to me. I removed them a couple of years ago and now live in the loving grace, comfort and peace of our Amazing God. He says that I am worthy. I am loved. I am wonderful. I am not a failure. I still struggle at times with “stinky thinking” with perfectionism and will not allow myself to relax and the self-disciple to make healthier food choices. All of this does not make me a bad person. I am a child of God, always and forever broken with His light coming through the cracks. Thank you for sharing your excerpt with me.
I would love a copy of this book for myself and each of my three grown children. I am so sure that the words of our mouths bring life or death, blessing or cursing and have relayed to my daughter’s that is so, but never in this context and it is sooooooo powerful! I know that my own insecurities through the years need to be changed and this book could be so helpful to each of us. Thank you Kat and Gwen for making this giveaway possible. Praise God!
I cried reading this excerpt. It turned my mind to the labels I’ve applied to myself and the labels my children have applied to themselves. This reminded me to take control of my stinkin’ thinkin’. I’m passing this along to my family too!
This really spoke to mto as I’m a homeschooling mum of one daughter who already labels herself as dumb if she gets things wrong. She hates making mistakes. I tell her that making mistakes is how you learn! Yet she still doesn’t want to be wrong. Thank you for these encouraging words about labels that we all have and are dealing with. I would love to receive a copy of the book while I’m here living in china due to my husband’s job.
VERY INSPIRING! I HAVE LABELED MYSELF FOR TOO LONG! THANKS FOR MESSAGE!!!
Such a powerful message!! Heart nudging for sure, Thank you!!
This book sounds incredible! Inspire me! Thanks
This is so totally me. Being in an unhealthy “Christian” marriage I have had so many labels put on me and I’ve found that I’ve contributed to that list. So many times I’ve started changes for the positive only to realize I’ve lacked along the way. What I’ve read is really encouraging. I’m ready for my new mornings.
I struggle with the labels from the childhood every day. Such a great reminder that I am not who I say I am, but who God says I am. And I would never talk to a friend or even a stranger the way I talk to myself!
This is something I need. I always say I’m going take some time from my day to workout to read the bible to pray and I keep putting it off.
This word from Kat today is so needed. We so often limit ourselves by our self-imposed labels. That is not how God sees us and we need to start telling ourselves how special and precious we are in His sight.
I absolutely LOVE this message! I lead a small women’s group, and this is going to be my first lesson for the new year!!!! Thank you, thank you for inspiring me!
Indeed what we tell ourselves or label ourselves can be very damaging. I love how the kids labeled one another…oh that we would do the same instead of negative find positive responses for all those we come in contact with knowing that we serve a God of the possible…nothing is impossible with Him
I trust in His timing and rely on His promises everyday. Cheers to Friday and Gods best to all who read this. In Him we can overcome our challenges and become brand new.
What a wonderful word picture. Thank you
The Lord gives you what you need if you let your request be known. Have been in prayer for a family member who is has God clearly in her heart but beats up on what is happening to her right. Sent this to her after we talked this Am. But the truth is, I must look in the mirror and believe who God sees me to be too. Thank you and writing this on my mirror today, now. Blessed by your sharing.
Loved it! Great read. Blessings to all!
I would love to win this book! I could definitely benefit from some tips to doing better in the new year! And I loved this article! Blessed my heart.
Thank you for the reminder!
I can do All things through Christ who strengthens me!
This is sweet and true. Thank you. This book will bless a lot of hurting hearts. Peace!
Spending my mornings with God is my priority. I’ve been doing it for the last 10 years.
2 years ago I lost my husband to cancer. God in my mornings gives me the strength and passion to continue each day as a true gift of his Grace and Blessings.
I’ve come across many labels during this journey.
Read this and it made me realize we are all children of God.
Thank you Kat for your words of encouragement. I love that we can focus on uplifting labels. Our God is an awesome God and one of my New Year goals is to rekindle my time with my Heavenly Father. Thank you!!!!
Good morning and to say that I have truly been Blessed by reading about the Book. And to say Brenda, God wants you to stop putting labels on yourself. And a child shall lead. Children can teach us some important things in life when we listen to them. Very interested in your book. And may God continue to Richly bless you with many more ideas to write about. Peace and Blessings.
I try to always talk to my children in ways so they won’t use negative self talk but find myself labeling me in such negative ways.
Thank you for your insight. I’ve struggled with this my whole life
I am needing some inspiration at this point in my life.
What a thought provoking meditation. I have given myself labels, and also my family members. 🙁 I think I need to change up the ‘labels’ I have been using and give encouragement not criticism.
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have a copy of Kat’s Hello Mornings!
Such truth!
Thanks for the reminder that we all have the choice to believe what others say about us (labels), what we say &/or think about ourselves (labels) OR what our Heavenly Father says about who we are in Christ – His Word says that we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!! Through the blood of Jesus, we are righteous & redeemed, Hallelujah!
So I am relabeling myself today & believing by faith that I am Nothing missing & nothing broken! Amen & Amen
Ps… winning the book would be wonderful 😀 thank you!
Would be blessed to win.
Great blog post this morning. I really needed to think about how I label myself. This was a great way to start my day.
This is such a wonderful reminder of how powerful our words are! Thank you!
Excellent word…and yes, we all have labels put on us by ourselves as well as others when we need to just focus on who God sees us as.
Thank you, well done.
Thank you for this post! I try so hard not to label other, I forget about the labels I put on myself! I would love to win this book to help me!!
That was just what I needed to read this morning. We don’t realize how we label ourselves causing us to not live up to our full potential.
Thank you so much for putting this in writing and sharing with everyone! I work with people who struggle daily with addictions and other issues that have started from when they were a child. I try to help them see the good in themselves.
What an amazing word! Thank you so much for sharing.
Would love to experience this for a fresh start in the new year. Thanks
I really needed those words this morning. I would really love a copy of the book as it would be a huge blessing to me.
I am a morning person loved by my Father.
Enjoyed the excerpt and look forward to reading the rest. I am my own worst critic and I need to start trying to see myself through God’s eyes. Thank you for this eye opener!
Loved the excerpt, would love the book! We all put labels on ourselves and we need to see ourselves as God sees us.
This sounds like a great book! I’m not so much of ‘not a morning person’ as a really ‘slow morning person’;) Think this book would work for me too.
I loved this. Would love to have the book.
Loved the “Labels” post. So true and truly something to be reminded of not only with ourselves but with our children everyday!
What an awesome blog today from Kat Lee! Glad I read it whether I win her book or not. I already ‘won’.
Merry Christmas everyone. God is so very good, isn’t He!!!
Enjoyed the excerpt and look forward to reading the rest. As a teacher, I see my students reach the “potential” they are told they can achieve by parents, teachers, and other students. That is not always a positive. Sometimes “that class” or “that student” are only “that way” because we expect it.
Thank you Kate for writing this just what I needed this morning. I was full of labels until this morning. I’m praying for God to help let go of those not good labels and to wear the labels he designed for me.
I so needed to hear this. My house is cluttered and I don’t know where to start. I keep telling myself I am just not organized. There are so many labels I need to change. I will be sharing this devotion at our staff meeting.
Thanks so much!
Thank you for sharing this post to remind us we are Daughters of the King of Kings and He delights in us. One label I’ve struggled with over the years is being a singer who sings off pitch. My father told me years ago I whistled off key, so, ever since then I believe it. Next week I will join a group of ladies to sing Christmas songs to a home bound woman, and I will “sing a joyful noise unto the Lord!”
I have many labels and thanks to God I am able to peel those away one by one and get to what matters, letting God show me who I really am. thanks for the much needed book excerpt. God bless
Oh, how I needed this this morning! 66 years is a long time to wear the labels that hurt me! End of 2017 & beginning of 2018 is a great time to hear this message! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Beautiful! I really needed to read this today. I would love to read your Book! God is great all the time!
What great advice to share!!! Thank you for this … and for the chance to win!
I love my quiet time in the morning. I try to give God the first part of my day. I would love add your book to my morning routine.
God is so beautiful! I am at work peeling off labels on folders as I read this. Been doing so for a few days, to the point where my hands were hurting. Not only did God speak through this devotional, but also He spoke to me also, that, even though my hand hurt peeling off labels, God is saying that what seems meaningless, (like me peeling labels off folders), what may hurt, or be really repetitive, that He calls us to do, will ultimately have a great reward!
Awesome Title, wish I’d read it years ago. I do tend ro sleep more than most and have always called myself “lazy” for it, but the truth is that my body just takes longer to wake up. Once I’m up I’m hard to stop because I have to do everything super fast to make up for the lost time!
Thank you I needed this today I have placed labels on my self for so long I was starting to believe it. I would love to have a copy of your book.
What a great word! How true! We all are God’s masterpieces!! Loved it!
I would love to read this Book!
Oh my goodness, what a great devotion. I didn’t realize how many labels I have put on myself until reading this. It definitely opened my eyes. It made me see that my teenage daughter is already putting labels on herself also. Thank you so much for sharing this. My daughter and I have some work to do. 😀 We would LOVE to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity.
I sure needed this one today. We are God’s masterpiece. Nothing missing. Nothing broken.
Thank you! I will wear the labels of God.
Loved reading this little snippet ! I so need this ! Gosh who doesn’t ? And it’s done in such an uplifting encouranging way… !! And Kat Lee is a fellow TEXAN. 🙂
Good Morning…what time is breakfast?
In reflecting on this post, three Scriptures come to mind:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21, KJV).
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7, KJV).
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:45, KJV).
We have to be VERY careful of the words we speak and even the thoughts that we think about ourselves and others.
Lord, help us…create a clean heart in us, and renew a right spirit within us.
Loved this article and so timely in my life. I needed this! I am now rethinking my own self made labels.
After reading this I realize how many not so good labels I give myself. For the new year, I am going to make a list of new labels for myself. Heavenly Father, I ask that you give me the wisdom to know the labels you have for me. Give me the strength to live up to those labels. In Jesus precious name, Amen.
As a special education teaching assistant for 18 years and a preschool teacher for 10…I have seen this philosophy in action. Students under perform or over perform depending on how it’s perceived they will do. They can be with one teacher who sees them as a problem kid and do terribly, but with another type of perception from a teacher they can excel. Perception of self and others plays a huge role in success and failure… Let’s strive for positivity and building others up with kindness and expecting the best from everyone!!! Would love to see what this book encourages us to do….blessings!!
WOW! This resonated with me! The labels we wear as we are navigating this journey of life. We never really stop to think about how those labels add to our stress, depression, and pressure of self because we feel something is missing within us. I would LOVE to read the rest of the book because it would help tremendously with releasing the labels and knowing that I enough!
Thank you so much for this. In some ways it makes me feel guilty that I may have given my children labels that have shaped their lives. I also know I am very bad about the labels I give myself especially as a guilty mom and issues with weight and the type of wife I am. I need to realize I am forgiven in Jesus and I am a child of God and I need to trust and rely on him for my labels
Wow! I really need to read this. Just the little bit I read seemed to lift me up so very much. For some reason lately I’ve been in a sad place of worry and lacking self love/ confidence. I believe God brought me here to see this just to remind me of what is really important. Thank you so much for writing this. What a gift you have that he worked through you.
Blessings
Awesome message! Thank you for the encouragement and the reminder to label ourselves correctly. And to believe what God says.
Merry Christmas.
Would love to read this book. I am a morning person but sometimes I try to squeeze too much in my mornings & then label myself as a failure 😢
A wonderful post, I would love to win a copy of this book. Thank you for the opportunity.
Excited for the new year and a fresh start! Ready to change my mornings!!!
Whatever a man thinks in his heart:(Proverbs 23:7) SO IS HE! I love this devotion which reminds me that we place labels on ourselves more than others do. “I’m not this, or I’m not that”. Many of these labels have been placed on us from childhood. Beliefs and expectations which are harsh and untruthful. Who God says we are is who we are!. I like the label on the “special needs child” {a masterpiece} yeah Praise God. In this world there will be much condemnation but God loves us and embraces us and all our messes. As we think of His thoughts toward us , (Jeremiah 29:11) we will change the labels as the children did in the Sunday school class.
Kat’s book looks like a wonderful reminder that we are God’s creation and his love is all we need!
You have absolutely hit the nail on the head for me. Thank you
I am a school teacher and I see this daily! It’s hard enough for myself to not take on the extra labels, let alone a young child.
Good Morning, thank you for the email. Yes we all have labels. I’m happiest about the one being called A child of God.
Thank you for this word and perspective…it really did speak to me. I am so guilty of putting labels on myself, as well as the labels others put on me. I know God’s labels are what’s most important. But I struggle with remembering them on a daily basis. Thank you for sharing! Blessings to you
A change of perspective on labels. Gods labels need to be out labels. Thanks.
Love this message this morning! I think we are all guilty of this! Thanks for the reminder and the encouragement! Merry Christmas!
So true! We allow labels to defeat us. Love your percepts! May Jesus help us overcome the labels and prosper!!! God bless.
This is wonderful! I’ve “succumbed” to labels in the past and it was so refreshing to read the excerpt from this book. What encouragement. Anything I find I want to share and have an opportunity to do so when I lead our Sabbath School program. I can’t wait to be able to share just this small part of your book with others! I retired early to be a full-time caretaker for my father who is elderly as well as disabled (above the knee amputee). Because of his age and some other disabilities, it was inferred if not outright said that because of his age and other issues he wouldn’t qualify for a prosthetic leg – labels. He now has a prosthetic leg and even though he isn’t doing the greatest with it he has a goal, something to work for, something to help keep him going. He can’t dance yet (which he loves) but I waltz with him in the wheelchair and he so enjoys the music and his friends when we go (2x a week now!) Thank you for letting the Lord lead you in writing this book.
What a nice giveaway. Love all of your devotions.
I am a morning person! I love to just get whatever I need to do early so I have the rest of the day to myself. This is when I have my quiet time with just me & the Father.
One of my not so hidden mental labels has been, “I’m not good at math.” I’m in my 60’s and struggle even now sometimes because I didn’t learn some basic math skills as a child. Yes, I’ve had and still have opportunity to learn and now as I read this book excerpt, I am encouraged to add this desire to morning prayers. I know even at this age God can teach me in a way man can’t. Calculators are great, but they can make the mind lazy. Thank you for helping me take that label off.
What a blessing to be part a sincere group of Christian women to have the opportunity to read such a book tgat could be a blessing to 2 of us. Look forward to reading and implementing God Grace daily !
Thanks for your positive encouragement. I desperately needed it.
Amen! Thank you for sharing! Great timing as we look at a fast approaching new year!
Very guilty of labeling myself…..at 70 you would think I would know better but once again I needed to be reminded thst if God made me…..I AM FABULOUS !!!!
Would love to win the book…..to read And share with my three daughters…….and friends ….Blessed Christmas to all
Diana Blissmer
Our God is the God of the impossible and I am so grateful to have Him walk beside me each and every day. He gives me HOPE!
Thank you so much for sharing this morning
I am a blessed daughter of the most high King and
So greatful that I can come to him each day and that
He loves me so much He has helped me become a
Women who has given up many labels of her past
Thank you Father for this great gift of your Love I would be lost without it
Love tobread this. Jumpstart my mornings & drop the labels. Thank you.
Wonderful, thought provoking and very important for adults as well as children to remember.
Great blessings you will be giving people as they learn to label themselves properly. Good job and God Bless You!!
Good Morning!! What a powerful message this morning that is needed by everyone. Everyday is a new day a different mindset. I try to start each day thinking positive, praying and trying to block out all negativity.
God has a plan and purpose for my life and I Want It All with God’s labels for me every day.
Thank You very much Gwen and Kat. May God continue to bless the both of you.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!🎁
What an awesome read! After reading it I sat for a few minutes to think about the labels I place on myself. What an eye opener! I am praying that God will help me to see the labels he has placed on me! Thank you for this inspirational read and for the chance to win!
Another label, another day…
please, dear Lord, take it away.
Strengthen me to choose another
in order not to smother
myself with such negativity.
Instead, show me an ability
that can glow outwards today.
Shine Your light on this new way!
In Jesus’ Precious Name I pray.
Oh how I enjoyed this one, I have been labeling myself as OLD because I soon well be 70 yrs old, Thank you for opening my eyes & heart to know I am not old buy YOUNG in Heart and Spirit I still can do many things
Thank you for your Heart of God and have a Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year
Sounds just Ike what I need to read. Have been retired for 10 years. During that time took care of my mom and an aunt who both had cancer.. I stay busy now, but my routine has changed. Hard to go to bed at night and to get up early.. Wishing you much success with your new book, and I hope I win a copy. Have a blessed day.
This was an eye opener for me and truly a blessing. Thank you for sharing.
this was a great message, very timely for me. would love to win this book. I definitely need to remove some labels I have put on myself.
Oh, to be Kept. Yes, I am what God says I am. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and I can do all things though Him!!!!!!
Awesome! I can’t wait to read it!! The deceiver is a crafty spirit that can ever so subtly get us off track & believing so many lies about ourselves & others! We need a new way of thinking! Thank you for the chance to do that!!
This was a great read this morning! It truly touched me, as we do label one another and ourselves and so many times it’s not the label that we should be using, it’s not God’s label for us.
Thank you for this post!
God bless you!
Thank you for sharing! The labeling is something I have Been working on…when the “stinking thinking” sets in i tell myself I am a daughter of the King! It makes me smile and takes away all the other thoughts! ❤️😊
Wow, this is so amazing, growing up, labels for me was just the opposite, I was told that I wouldn’t graduate from high school, “but I did” ,and was told that I didn’t belong, but “I belong to God” , your story is so familiar; and to give an update , I am now a college graduate on my way to graduate school to become a license Christian counselor, this is definitely an exercise I will use, when needed.
what an awesome message to start my day!! thank you!!!
Your book sounds so encouraging to me. Your story about the Sunday school is so sweet – a tear jerker as I just pictured that whole scene. Every classroom of children (and adults) would benefit from that exercise. I need to do that for myself using God’s labels for me not what I would write down.
Amen, its wonderful how that works. God first then other things fall in line beautifully.
Thanks for the giveaway
I really enjoyed reading this and would love getting your book. Thanks for the inspiration.
Praise God! I am fearfully and wonderfully made!
Although it takes me a while to “wake up” in the mornings, I do enjoy starting my day with my Girlfriends in God and in prayer. Makes my whole day go better. Thank you for sharing this important thought with me this morning.
Such a wonderful and true story of how we and others “label” each other. I do try and encourage others versus belittling them and telling them that God has a bigger and better plan for their lives, I even tell myself the same thing, not that I always listen but I do try. I’ve been out of work because I quit a job that I was driving to for a total of 2 hours a day for not enough money to compensate. Since then, July, I’ve applied online at so many places and have tried my best to not get discouraged, I’m not used to being dependant on someone else to help pay my car insurance or such and being on Medicaid because I have medicine that I have to take daily has been one of the tougher decisions I made as well. But I’ve given it to God and am fully trusting Him for whatever He has in my future. CHRIST is what Christmas is all about so I will not be deterred by this bump.in the road. May God Bless you and yours, Merry Christmas!
Labels are hard things to live up to or escape from. Thank you for the reminder that God’s labels are good.
This is so true!! I used to label myself as not able to do anything right but God showed me differently!!
Only wear the labels God gives you. All others hold you back.
So good. We all will be so blessed to read this book. Thank you. powerful.
I love the idea defenitely a need… Starting the day in the right way. Sounds so good to sit at Jesus’s feet before the day get rushed off ,
Awesome thought for the day! With all of the weakness that we see in ourselves thank you for reminding us that we are loved, accepted and complete in Christ and these are the labels we need to remember.
I have put bad labels on myself my whole life. I’m not good enough has been the most powerful though. It can be used in so many ways. Funny thing my maiden name was Goode.
On my goodness! God absolutely led me to this reading this morning!!! I read this on the morning of my 61st birthday. For many, many years I have labeled myself with many different labels … none of them positive. This is a new year and a new me is about to become a reality. The word God has impressed on my heart for 2018 is GROW (in His grace/love/ understanding). I can add GROW in self-love/positivity. Thank you for reminding me that I am WORTHY in God’s eyes and not WORTHLESS to Him or myself.
Needed to hear this today. Thank you so much.
Good morning,
Thank you so much for sharing this post. It has been a year just like the others before, nothing special (or so I thought). This year, this post opened my eyes, my ears, my heart to all the beautiful, wonderful life lessons that I have received and given! Who knew-GOD. Merry Christmas to all and I am worthy, capable, kind, and most importantly, a product of the most wonderful father.
The child with the labels is such a great visual. This spoke greatly to me and made me realize how much I do label myself. Now is the time to begin replacing my labels with God’s labels for me….His are so much better 😊 Thanks for sharing. God bless
I think that we…I am harder on myself than I am others. But as I am whispering things in my head I don’t even realizes how they effect me for ever. Got stop the self talk and labeling!!
Sitting here thinking about it, my whole life I have put some sort label on myself. It is very easy to do and often it was some circumstance that brought it along. It is also a hard habit to break! One of my biggest problems has always been seeing my self worth through the eyes of God and not the enemies. I seem to think i get it, then end up 10 steps behind where i started. Thank you for this post. It was right on time.
Melissa
I’m reading this blog with my eyes half open☕️! Hoping…..
I am so thankful for this morning’s surprise devotional reading! I am dealing with major labels that I’ve allowed myself to have for too long and that included for a while not being a morning person though that one has changed there are many others that I must pray about it and expect great things from God concerning. Thank you for the reading thank you for the opportunity to possibly win the book :-)! Be blessed everyone!
Good morning!
I have always felt to be a woman of faith but it wasn’t till our son was diagnosed with cancer did I make it vow to spend time with the Lord each and every morning. I have included Gwyn’s Email readings in many of my daily devotional readings.
While my children were young while saying prayers at night we would always end with “goodnight, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite, think happy good and sweet”. Now I see my children saying the same with their children.
Words are powerful and so are our actions. My grandmother use to teach us to count to ten before reacting to say respond because words can be truly damaging.
I am sure your book too is extremely powerful.
God Bless and Merry Christmas
I always look forward to reading your words of wisdom in the mornings. Thank you!
This is so eye-opening. I do give myself labels but I never even knew it. There not good labels either. Mostly that I’m worthless, not good enough, etc. This really shows me that God doesn’t see me the way I see me. I want to see myself through God’s eyes, through Jesus’ eyes.
God bless you!
Merry Christmas!
Much to my dismay at times, in my body, mind and soul I am a morning person. I want to throw off the label of “undisciplined” and get back into my morning devotions of reading and studying. I pray non-stop throughout the day; well, it is more like constant conversation with my best friend, Jesus. But, I want to study the Word more too, like I used to. Thank you for your inspiration! Thank you for following your purpose for the Lord and for sharing with us!
Such a blessing and inspiration in some of the most trying time of my life . Continue on
Such a blessing and inspiration in some of the most trying time of my life
Every morning is a new day with Jesus 😇
I so realize all the labels we not only give ourselves but others as well. We aren’t always kind. I enjoyed the illustration using return label tags. Visuals make it more of a learning experience for all.
I have been an educator for 31 years and I have found that setting expectations is a key factor in the achievement of the children we teach.
💗 today’s Devotion. I could really relate. Thank you!
Today is the first day I read your blog, I just subscribed. I look forward to receiving them each day.
I once woke up at 5:00 AM each day to practice saxophone, but now, I wake up to spend those precious early mornings with Jesus. I am no longer wanting to be labeled a great saxophone player but rather, a great follower of Jesus Christ. I would love to read this great new book “Hello Morrnings” so add me to the drawing please.
I have always believed that people live up to the expectations you place on them but I don’t apply that to myself very well . A childhood of never being good enough has left me with lots of names I call myself, and I see it more now that my children are older, how it’s affected them .
What a wonderful read! I just had a conversation with my son (who called himself stupid because he was struggling with algebra) and I told him not to let that one thing define who he is!! When inside my head I was telling myself, Listen to what you are saying, that goes for you as well! Thank you for sharing that excerpt!!
Good morning, I loved this devotional. I am always putting negative labels on me and situations. Would love to have this book to help me change!
Labels are so powerful! What a good reminder to use them carefully. I’ve been getting up early (between 5-6) to spend some time with the Lord quietly before my 3 year old wakes up. It makes a huge difference in my day. I used to use early wake up things to do laundry or clean in an attempt to have more “free” time with my daughter later in the day, but it just made me feel like I should be even more “productive” during the day and stressed out. Starting my day in prayer and reading the Bible helps me have a better day all around. The chores still get done, but I have a better perspective and more patience so I can teach my daughter how to do things with me, which helps us both and is more fun!
This really hit home. You are not aware of all the labels you put on yourself until you stop and think about it. Thank you for this sample and for the chance of entering the giveaway. Merry Christmas!
I loved reading this devotion. I have put labels on myself but am now praying that I only see myself as He see’s me
Wow eye opening. I have given myself many labels and most aren’t good. I’d love to read more about how I can bring the positive back and look at myself like my creator sees me.
I am a masterpiece!
GREAT message! I struggle with the labels I give myself (or have let others give me). Reading this message brought tears to my eyes for several reasons. The reminder to let go of the labels and reach for what God created us to be, believing the impossible is possible because we are loved by the almighty God of heaven is one I need daily. Thank you! My mornings have been…hard lately, but I am going to keep working on routines and attitudes to change that.
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
A great way to start the day!
I needed to hear this today! I have placed labels on myself or let others label me for years. Good wake up call.
This is an awesome reminder of who we are in the world of God. We do label ourselves negatively. We should get away from that. I don’t even think our parents know they are doing it and try to brush it off as a joke. Well its time we all stop joking and learning that our words are powerful. Our labels are powerful. Thank you for this word. You were correct Gwen. This is a powerful word!
Thank you for sharing this word of truth.
Oh how I love this idea of having the children write positive truths for the other children! I lead a group of 5th and 6th graders at Church. Some of these kids have been labeled “the neighborhood kids.” They come to Church without their parents because they live within walking distance, and most of them have much less than “desirable lives.” I am always trying to think of ways to encourage them and instill God’s truth into their hearts and minds, not to mention, showing the “Church kids” that God Loves us all the same, and each one of us is made uniquely by Him. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of your book! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Wonderful message for me today. Experiencing changes at work and needed to have some extra motivation. Thanks and God bless.
How powerful! I do label myself…..this has set my goal for 2018 to change my labels. Also see it as being a powerful sermon with “labeling” taking place. Ours is a very interactive church during sermons……I’m picturing one crazy, blessed Sunday morning. Awesome.
I so loved the children’s labels. We often forget how we can pour grace into others by the words we use to define them. As I write this, I am thinking of the words I use to define myself and how God defines me. Why do I believe the lies and not His truth? Having that preordained appointment or date with Him helps to dispel the lies and reveal His truth. Hello Mornings seems to be a perfect way to help change the labels.
Love this. I have put labels on myself that I know are not good but also ones like not being a morning person not realizing those are just as bad. I’m going to stop putting any labels that are a negative on my self. Thank you.
Oh my goodness! This was so thought provoking and convicting plus encouraging. Labels- I never considered the labels I have assigned myself. Thank you for this eye (and heart) opening post May God pour out His Blessings on you.
Thank you!
I am a morning person, but my daughter is just the opposite. I truly feel this book would be a great inspiration for her. Working full time and having a 2 year old makes life difficult when you are not a morning person.
Your message is a great reminder for me that I am a child of God and need to let go of the negative labels I have placed on myself. Thank you for sharing.
Excellent. Needed to hear that this morning. Thank you!!!
Great reminder that we are who God says we are, not what we ourselves, or others, have labeled us to be.
I so needed to hear this message this morning. I am always my children’s cheerleader and my worst critic. The labels brought tears tommy eyes! What a positive testament to Gods love for us! Wonderful!
That label idea was awesome. I would have teared up to. This book sounds so me. I would love it!
I loved this devotion. Sometimes I feel like the fifth wheel when being invited to a social in our community. My husband suffers from depression so I usually go out by myself. I thank God for sisters in Christ who always encourage me to be surrounded by love.
I love the label idea. We should do this as a group of ladies
What an awesome post about labels. I realized that I am guilty of labeling myself “not a morning” person. This post has encouraged me to try to have a more positive attitude.
*Kat Lee
Good morning! What a wonderful short excerpt to read this morning! I look forward to reading this book! Win of lose the free book, it’ll be a win I’m sure once I have it. Thanks for the morning inspiration!
I would love to win a copy of Kay Lee’s book, Hello Mornings! I am very interested in developing a more grace-filled, life-giving morning routine!! I love my quiet morning time routine with my coffee and Jesus, and look forward to it getting even better! I thoroughly enjoyed reading my email this morning about labels. I believe I probably do have a few labels on myself that I need to recognize and let fall off, so that I am not held back. I need to work harder on only wearing the labels that God gives me. Thank you for your blog post. Yours in Christ~ Jess
Thank you for this! This spoke to me in so many ways. It came at the just the time I needed to read it!
When I taught I used to tell the kids not only to be kind to others but to be kind to themselves. I need to remember that also. I love the idea of address labels speaking truth to us. I would love a copy of her book.
Wonderful devotional to start the day! I am harder on myself with labels than the grace I extend to others. Thank you for the soul searching thoughts!
I have alway been a morning person and consider it my favorite part if day since I share it with quiet devotional time with my Creator. I would feel privileged to receive further encouragement by Hello Mornings. Thank you!
Thanks for a great devotional. I am learning to re-label myself from God’s point of view.
Good words to wake up to. Helps to rethink my thought pattern.
After reading this, I realized how we label ourselves. What a word indeed. Thank you so much for sharing this it was just what I needed and I would love to read more.
I love mornings and the start of a new day before all the hassle of life starts.It’s here that I feel close to God and get the strength and encouragement I need for any battle that I might face this day.
What a blessing to me today to have read such inspiration; thank you
After reading this, I realized how we do label ourselves. Thank you so much for sharing this. It was a word and how I would love to read more. Thank you, thank you.
Good Morning what a wonderful story about labeling ourselves. Teaching it and demonstrating it to children is a wonderful way to instill it in their young minds and a great reminder to us adults how we think does matter. God Bless You
Good Morning what a wonderful story about labeling ourselves. Teaching it and demonstrating it to children is a wonderful way to instill it in their young minds and a great reminder to us adults how we think does matter. God Bless You
It’s time to stop labeling myself with negativity.
Thank you for this uplifting message! Really makes you think! The label example would be a great exercise for our team at work!
While I am a morning person I find I do need to remove labels and re motivate myself towards the life God intends for me. Thank you for sharing this excerpt as it comes at a perfect time for me. I would love to read more!
Thanks for the words of truth and encouragement. I Pray today not to be self limiting by labels and not to label others.
A really good message and so true. Thank you!
Thanks for your words of wisdom. I could use a morning jumpstart!
I love this today and always seem to need a reminder. As a victim of sexual child abuse from my father many labels were and sometimes still show themselves. Not good enough, unworthy, who would love me, and the list goes on. I know now I have a good good father! Who loves me and accepts me just for who he created me to be !
What a great way to start the day! Thanks so much!
Thanks for the reminder that I am what God says I am, beautifully and wonderfully made! Would love to have your book. I struggle with creating a morning routine with God. Merry Christmas!
Good morning,
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful word, and yeesssss Gwen you were right it is a “word”! What a wonderful opportunity to win a free copy; have a blessed day and weekend!
Can’t edit yo read this book. Sounds like just what I need to hear.
Blessed and thankful!!!
I would love to receive Hello Mornings! I am a morning person myself and want to help others start their day in happiness and peace, too.
Never thought of labeling that way. Gives me a lot to think about what I am saying.
Good morning!! I am a morning person and I so needed this message today!! I would love to win this book!! Thank you for sharing this great message, God bless you!
This message was a good incentive to realize only carry the label that God give you. Man creates negative labels enables you to reach your full potential. God has all the power we need to lean on him for strength
Me too! I would love this book. I am a morning person and God is still working on/through me. My word is UNFINISHED. He is still working on me!
I was injured at work early Oct, and have been off, trying to get back to normal. I am having a really rough time. I used to be a morning person, and I still wake up at my usual 4:30 AM time, but am struggling. I need help.
As a SPED teacher I deeply relate to the notion of labels and I am reminded on a daily basis of the power of God’s word… Who he says we are. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I have a son with special needs and over the years God has truly shown me that his label is definitely masterpiece! As I sit here in tears I think of the people I have labeled in my life as well as myself, it’s time to wear the labels that only God gives us. Thank you for these great words this morning! Looking forward to reading your book!
Words to remember through out our busy days .
Loved, morning person. Thank you
Thank you for the words if encouragement!
“Only wear the labels God gives you. All others hold you back. “. LOVED these two sentences!!
I need to remind myself every day that God’s labels speak life and hope. I have been working hard at seeing myself how God see’s me.
Good morning! God time & coffee – Great Morning!!!
The world can be a cruel and unkind place. We place to many labels on ourselves based on society’s standards. How freeing it is to remember we are God’s workmanship, created to do amazing and beautiful things. I pray we all teach that to our children but most importantly remember it ourselves ❤️
Good reminder about God’s labels as at times the world’s labels can get us down.
I loved this except from your new book. I even forwarded it to my daughter and daughter-in-law. I would love to have this book and then share it and its contents with others.
The only label I need ” daughter of the King, fearlessly and wonderfully made”
This I know full well!!
A great reminder of how we use labels and those restrain us from being what Jesus wants us to be. As I begin my day, I pray that I hear the labels God has for me and I use them for Him so others hear too! ❤️
Good morning! This message touched me so much. The other day my oldest daughter said she was told by her general manager she wasn’t a good fit for assistant manager. She called me upset and I was furious! I dare she label my child! I told her not to let anyone label her and to go back to work and prove that woman wrong! Reading this morning, do I tell myself those same words? I received an accounting degree 4 years ago to start a business and I keep telling myself that I need this and that before I start. I have labeled myself ” Not Ready”. But God tells me that I am more than ready, I am a conqueror! Thank you for this reminder and Good Morning!
I am always accepting labels attached to me by others. I need to stop and say “What you think of me is not important only what God thinks of me is important” This post reminded me God made me who I am and that is what is important. Thank you for reminding me.
Oh how good this devotion was! I have recently been battling with myself about remembering who I am in Christ. I had not ever thought of my negative thoughts as being a label that I’m slapping on myself. But what an incredible thought. And an even better one to know that it’s something that I can remove replace with God’s truth. Thank you for sharing this, I am praying to be more intentional about the labels I give myself and others – and I’m lifting up everyone who reads this – that they too would be intentional in the same way.
Label breaker!! I LOVE it!! Much needed in our lives!
This article re really hits home I happen to be a morning person, however I am guilty of “labeling” myself without realizing it. Thank you for opening my eyes.
if only our society knew what a “label” can do to a person. Each day, as my little ones in my classroom walk in, I greet them with a smile and hello. I do this because I want them to feel someone is happy to see them each and everyday. Their little faces light up each and everyday as we do this with each other. For 180 days I know in my heart I gave them a label “ You are important to me”♥️
What beauty in these words! Powerful sentence “ we allow our perspectives to hold us back.” Thank you for sharing this post.
Thank you for this devotion. In the coming year, I would like to explore, find and wear only God’s labels for me.
I am a morning person and would love to get this book!!!
What a great reminder this morning that in Christ there is nothing broken about is. Thank you.
Thank you for reminding me that God’s labels are greater than the worlds.
Thank you, for these words this morning. As a parent I have been careful with the ‘labels” my children received. However I have not been as kind to myself. I am over weight and have multiply labels for myself around this issue. This morning prayers to our Lord as I work to remove these labels. May God bless you, Julie
Thanks so much for this wonderful reminder! I desperately needed that message this morning. I’ve often labeled myself with the labels from my childhood: lazy, careless, inconsiderate, fat, ugly. I needed to remember that those labels are NOT the ones God has bestowed upon me. Have a WONDERFUL day!
I label myself everyday. Its always negative labels. I am trying So hard to change that. I lived in abuse for 14 and 1/2 years of a marriage that turned out to be destroyed cause he beat me and abused me, that I struggle everyday to find my worth. It’s hard. But I make it on the fact Jesus loves me.
Thank you, thank you. My label is that I am “plain Jane” not into style and fashion, and often compare myself that way. I have to remember that God loves me for who I am and that is all that really matters.
Leaving my labels here at Jesus feet this morning. Thank you for this article.
Thank you for this post. My label is “nearly 70”. While it IS true and accounts for some lack of energy and focus, I am finding it useful where it may not really be applicable.
Great wake up call, (pun intended).
I needed this reminder of God’s labels for us. My labels for myself are generally negative and self defeating. Thank you for the encouragement
A great early start to my morning, but I would love this inspiration for my niece.
She is going through a separation and divorce.
This blessed my sincerely this morning. Sometimes I have a bad habit of comparing myself to other mom’s, ladies and I come short. I sometimes think, what is wrong with me. Beautiful way to start my day and by God’s grace my new year!
Oh I would LOVE to read this book. I’ve always considered myself a morning person. You can wake up feeling good in the morning and by mid morning, the devil will have you wishing you had stayed in bed. I have always been a people pleaser…good trait and a curse at the same time. Being like this has made me call myself into question more times than I would like to think about. I think we need to learn to love ourselves as God does but this isn’t always an easy thing to do. I pray that you all have a wonderful morning!!! God bless you! 🙂
I am a morning person and I would love to read this book Hello Mornings .
This was a great read for this morning. It really makes one think. Labels really have life altering effects.
Thank you for this I needed this this morning not only for myself but to also use it to lift my mom up! Thank you thank you!!!!!!
YES THIS IS GOOD I NEED IT FOR MY HUSBAND AND CHILDREN AND A FEW FRIENDS WHO NEEDS GOD LABELS ON THEM AND NOT THE PAST THE NOW AND THE FUTURE SO I WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK TO BE MINE SO I CAN LET SO MANY MORE PEOPLE KNOW OF GOD’S LABELS FOR THEN AND IT REFRESHES ME ALSO THANK YOU
God bless you as you serve our amazing God! Looking so forward to this read and many more to come.
Liked the label kids activity. It’s important to teach children that our identity or who we are is in Christ not in what the world tells us.
Wow! This post and this book could not have come at a more appropriate time for me.
Wow! I really like that Sunday School exercise. May I ask the ages of the students? I am curious. Thank you for sharing.
Good morning 😉 first of all thanks for sharing your story. Somewhere along the life line as toddlers and tweens we start to compare ourselves and often enough put ourselves in a category or someone stamps us with a label which unfortunately most times couldn’t be farther from the truth of the titles we should be strutting. My own children and my students will tell me “I can’t do that” or “oh I’m no good at that” or “imy hair, face, clothes ECT are ugly” …..my response is always the same… “Who told you that”? And most of the time they respond with themselves as the answer. My next statement is simple, “well why would you lie to yourself, because that’s a lie. You are made perfect and exactly who and what your supposed to be. No one told you that so why in the world would you tell yourself that?” They always look to me with astonishment and start thinking about what I told them. I love it when they think about it since it makes total sense and I just blew them in for lying! 🙂 God bless you all.
I tend to label myself the wrong way or at the wrong time just to save someone’s
This was so on point in my life today. Thank you for such an awesome devotional to jump start a new season to take the labels off.
Labels can build up and that is what brings joy to the heart as we label our loved ones and family with uplifting labels! Then we anticipate rather than dread our interactions with them😊
I’m a morning person and enjoyed reading this. We’ve been studying about “labels” in our women’s ministry events. “I am a saint”!
Why do we let the label others give us and we give ourselves stick more than the labels God gives us? I’d love to read this book to help me get rid of all the mislabeling!
I really needed this devotional this morning. I am my own worst critic and I need to start trying to see myself through God’s eyes. Thank you for this eye opener. 😊
This was a great story, it made me reflect that how society does label people. As a retired educator we were always using labeling children.
Labels, labels, labels. They are everywhere and as much as I teach others not to label, I do it to myself all the time. I could use this book!
Good morning ☀️ .
I loved the story about wearing address labels and how we address our self with labels every day.
What a great idea to label ourselves and families with affirmations on our Christmas presents 🎁 .Thank you for sharing!
I appreciate my mornings with God
Great story ! I have done a similar label activity with my elementary students 🙂
These were such powerful words to read this morning and exactly what I needed. I can’t wait to read this book and share it with friends. As an elementary teacher, I can see myself using the mentioned stickers for my class to build each other up. Heck, the teachers can do this too! Thanks for the wonderful idea.
I really needed this, especially this morning, thank you!
These were such powerful words to read this morning and exactly what I needed. I can’t wait to read this book and share it with friends. As an elementary teacher, I can see myself using the mentioned stickers for my class to build each other up. Heck, the teachers can do this too! Thanks for the wonderful idea
Great read and so very convicting. I am constantly labeling myself. I loved the label activity for the kids. That would be wonderful for my ladies bible study to do. Thank you for the words of wisdom. Gwen was right, we received the Word. 😊
Thanking Jesus that the old has gone!
I tend to put unflattering labels on myself. I would love to read this book and learn to change that.
I needed to read this today…well, everyday. I labeled myself as broken, insignificant, invisible…life is really tough right now. Thank you so much for this post.
Hi Gwen. I feel like I know you because I have read the “I Want It All” study so much! It is wonderful and it looks like this one by Kat will be another blessing. How much we girls all need to encourage each other in the Lord because we have ALL been labeled our entire lives as not thin enough, pretty enough, good enough, exciting enough….and on it goes! But when we find our true worth in God….my goodness, what He can do with us!
Great read this morning. Thank you
I so want to get up early. Maybe having this book will give me the encouragement I need to do just that! Hope I win one!
So true! Labels can have a very strong affect on us-both positive and negative.
Hi Gwen
You are such inspiration!
Thank you for sharing your heart and giving us the Word God lays on your heart.
MANY BLESSINGS!
The children’s label story was beautiful, I can see why Kat teared up.
I love this!! Working with disable children, I so loved the label “God’s masterpiece. Nothing missing. Nothing broken.” They think there is something wrong with them.
This absolutely struck a chord with me…. Thank you!
OMGoodness! I just asked in prayer, who I was in God and before I’d even finished, the word ‘Beloved’ came to me! And you know, I actually started ‘running away’ from the word I’d ‘heard’, finishing my simple prayer quickly, ‘louder’ and realised I was running away from believing it, only to be rejected later! Wow! This is the girl; the woman always craving love but so hurt from past rejections that I didn’t trust the love and was trying to protect myself. And then I just stopped and surrendered to the word ‘Beloved’. And you know what…it felt so warm and Good…and I smiled. May we all open ourselves to His Love, today 🙂
I needed to hear this. I tend to put lalels on myself that aren’t good and loved the example of her daughter, what a great lesson.
Thanks for the timely encouragement. Lately I have felt far from God and definitely limited by how I see myself. I am good at loving others up but soooo disappointed in my self. I am going to try to relabel
myself with Gods eyes. Thanks
I too want God’s label to define who I am and not the labels that others sometimes cruelly gave me.
This sounds like a book that I would really enjoy.
This is wonderful! What a way to start each morning!
Wow!! My friend and I just finished a study and are itching to keep our gatherings going but neither of us could find a study that we felt called to do. This morning I decide to click on Gwen Smith’s and it leads me to this book. Did I say Wow! This excerpt is right in line to ALL that we’ve just started scratching the surface of our personal struggles. We both desire getting rid of the labels we’ve allowed to be placed on ourselves. 1st because it’s not who God created us to be and 2nd because we want to help our children prevent anything but God’s truths to take residence in their hearts.
Also, as a Kids Diretor for our church I intend to “steal” the label idea. Genius! Love it!
3 Minutes in Your Day Can Change Everything. I know it can. I am living in the change since I started saying HelloMornings.
I would love to win a copy of Hello Mornings.
I listen to both of Kat’s podcasts and follow along with the Bible Studies! I was so excited when I learned she was writing a book! Mornings are my biggest struggle right now!
I absolutely loved reading this! Brought tears to my eyes, hearing how the kids had put those labels on each other affirming who they are in Christ. I think I want to do something like that with my family, like include a “label” with their presents or something. Thank you for writing and sharing this!
The only labels that I’m going to wear are the labels God gives me!
WE ARE AS GOD WANTS US TO BE, THAT IS ALWAYS GODS WORKING CANVASS, AND IT IS OUR JOB TO PAINT AS OUR LORD INSTRUCTS.
AMEN
I am all the way from South Africa and I’d love to get a copy all the way from overseas.
I pray Numbers 6:24-26 over you!
In Jesus Name, Amen