Paid in full

 After living what I thought was a “decent” life, my time on earth ended, and I found myself in a courtroom. The prosecutor—Satan—stood, his voice sharp and accusing, listing every lie, every theft, every wrong I had ever done. With each word, shame weighed heavier, and I sank in my seat. I couldn’t even look at my Attorney sitting silently beside me.

Then He stood. My Attorney—gentle, kind, familiar. It was Jesus.

He approached the Judge and said, “Yes, she has sinned. She deserves punishment. But I died on the cross so she could have life. She belongs to Me. Her name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can take her from Me.”

The gavel struck. “Case dismissed. Paid in full.”

Satan ranted, but it didn’t matter. Mercy had won. Justice had already been paid.

No matter our past, if we’ve accepted Christ, our debt is erased. The verdict is always the same: freedom, forgiveness, and eternal life.

The Art of a Compliment

The Art of a Compliment: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

Compliments aren’t just about making someone else feel good—they boost the giver, too. A thoughtful compliment can break the ice, motivate, inspire, comfort, reward, validate, and even diffuse stress. But a careless one? It can backfire.

Here’s how to make your compliments count:

Be Sincere. People know when you’re genuine. If you can’t honestly compliment a haircut or outfit, focus on something you can praise—jewelry, a smile, or even effort. Speak from the heart.

Be Specific. Instead of “Nice job,” try: “I love how you added that detail—it really makes the painting come alive.” The more specific, the more meaningful.

Back It Up. Show that your words have weight: “That blouse is beautiful—it really brings out the blue in your eyes.” Authenticity is everything.

Keep It Unconditional. Avoid tacking criticism onto praise. “This meal was great…except for the mushrooms” is no compliment at all.

And receiving compliments? Just as important:

Say Thank You. Don’t deflect or try to repay it immediately—it can feel forced.

Don’t Disqualify It. Responses like “It was nothing” or “This old shirt?” erase the giver’s effort and kindness. Accept it fully.

Compliments are a small gesture with a big impact. Given thoughtfully and received graciously, they can lift spirits, strengthen relationships, and create a ripple of positivity in your day-to-day life.