LESLIE BROWN writes a devotional letter to her daughter every day.

Day 1-
 
Philippians 4:4 - 9
4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! 4:5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 4:7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
 
4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. 4:9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.
 
So write this down and paste it in your Daytimer- or write it there directly.
 
Start with the first verse - This is the "Rejoice" part.  Get a piece of paper and daily start listing 5 things that you are thankful for (can't be your mom and friends).  5 things that are in your life right now (like I found a pair of shoes for 1/2 price).  It is God who brings the good things to your life.  Look for those little things and REJOICE in them...no matter how small.
 
Day 2-
 
Philippians 4:4 - 9
4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! 4:5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 4:7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
 
4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. 4:9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.
 
Today focus on this……
4:5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near!
 
What does it mean to be gentle?  Gentle with other people and how you treat them, yes.  But how about being gentle with yourself?  How would you appear differently to other people if your "gentleness were evident to all"?  And how is it all possible?  Because "The Lord is near"!  Ask Jesus to "be near you" today and see how the day goes.