Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence
(Photo Creds: We Heart It)
Here comes the sun… (My all time fav version Brooke White)
What a gorgeous weekend! Today I leave you with this song that I love and my hope is that you will sing, hum, or whistle this all week long!
It will make you smile and remember that no matter what is going on the sun is coming!!!
It’s Easter season and HOPE CONTINUES TO RISE this week! BE EXPECTANT!
(Photo Creds: We Heart It)
I love a country road.
Although this photo is not overwhelming beautiful, the simplicity speaks to the idea of new beginnings. I just finished reading Steven Furtick’s new book this week.
It is pretty much the Easter story, but his perspective on how we go through life via the “mile markers” of the story is fresh and new. Here are the “mile markers” he reviews:
I’ve been through these “mile markers” a few times and I know you have as well. I highly recommend grabbing the book if you are a reader.
My favorite for today’s insight is the quote captured above. If you take nothing else away, take this with you during your days. It is true. Mercies are NEW every morning… we get a new start to do whatever we need to do to fulfill our purpose. We can choose to view life that way and it should re-energize us and inspire us to take on the day. I of course also believe that God does indeed act on our behalf… over and over again. I know this from personal experience and it offers me hope and more than that… EXCITEMENT.
This is my birthday week – woot woot – so I am all about assessing where my life has taken me and looking forward to the work still left to do! NEW MERCIES… NEW OPPORTUNITY… NEW LEVELS OF SERVICE AND HAPPINESS.
Have an AMAZING WEEK!
(Photo Creds: We Heart It)
I had a meeting with my financial planner on Thursday.
We were talking about his small group and the “best advice/counsel” he had been given. He has an older and wiser gentleman in his group (Joe is younger than me… so that older and wiser could have easily been someone my age) that shared the true meaning of the word “meek.”
In the Bible, there is a call to be “meek.” “Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5 KJV) “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.” (Titus 3:2)
This can be confusing to many of us, especially our men, who are called to be brave warriors, while they’re also called to be “meek.”
In today’s society we consider meek to mean “weak.” The truth is that being “meek” is the opposite. It is strength under pressure. Joe shared with me that his mentor/friend thought of meekness as the Greek synonym, PRAUS, (a much stronger sounding word) and also gave a vision of a WAR HORSE…The ultimate picture of strength under pressure.
I love this. I want a shirt or tattoo, or something to imprint this idea for my boys especially, but also for me. As we go out into the world this week, I know that we all need to be more “WAR HORSE.” Strong, resilient, brave…
Thank you Joe for sharing this… I know it will resonate with this group of awesome blog followers! Have an amazing week my friends.
(Photo creds: We Heart It)
Folks, I listened to this message this week, and it was a strong one. Joyce Meyer, who is one of the most amazing Christian preachers, seems to always speak to me quite loudly. I have her app on my phone, and on long walks I listen through her daily 25 minute podcasts. Joyce is 73, a motherly type figure for someone my age, but more like a wise sage in that she is so well-versed in the word of God and its application to real life that you hang on to every word.
So, this particular segment was about reducing stress. I can use that pretty much every day of the year. I would characterize myself as spirit-led, and the “type of gal” who is able to handle the daily stresses of life.
Even given that, stress seems to echo in the background noise coming from TV, social media, work life and the stress that enters the homes of each of us. It’s a topic that always leaves us wondering how to persevere better.
Joyce asked us to “make a list” of who steals our peace. Whoa! Immediately, I had three come to mind. None of you though, I promise. 😉
Next, she said to really ask God to take those people (that your human existence cannot seem to handle alone) on for you. It’s that simple. Right? Well, I talk to God about those things, but not sure I have “claimed” them as stealing my peace, so I’m going to give it a try.
She wrapped up her message with what we already know well, that in areas of your life you don’t have peace over, you lose your power. I need my power. As I age, I value every last minute/vial/whatever measurement of it.
As you get ready for another week and your goal toward having the “BEST YEAR YET,” I hope you see some value in this exercise. I’ll be praying for all of you, in fact, I am right now as I write this.
“Peacemakers who SOW IN PEACE REAP a HARVEST of righteousness.” James 3:18
“Let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” Col 3:15
“Cast all your anxiety on him…” 1 Peter 5:7
(Photo Creds: We Heart It)
Many of you might know that Exodus is at the front of the Bible. I truly love the lessons I have learned by focusing on Old Testament wisdom over the last several years. It is clear that God knew right up front that we needed some solid advice on how to navigate life. This particular bit of advice is a key message that I can use over and over again. I hope you hear the message speaking directly to you, because I know for sure that many – if not most of us – don’t do this well.
I don’t know what “it” is for you, but I do know that regardless of whether it’s the simple act of getting through the day – sailing a proverbial boat – or a large project like getting out of debt or starting a new business… we are not supposed to get through it alone. We are meant to be a community, bringing others alongside us to accomplish our purpose.
I hope that this week you will put down the phone and think through what areas of your life you might need to delegate with the help of your community at school, work and home to be BETTER than you could be on your own.
Side note: As a mom, I hope all of you parents don’t hesitate to field some work to the kids… They need it… (note the “tough love” language in the verse). Tuesday we talk about developing “grit” in our homes and this is a good step.
(Photo Creds: We Heart It)
I loved this photo because it depicts a diverse and loving community of students. Students who don’t know yet the meaning of “minorities,” nor the impact race, religion or sex have had on the lives of their families and friends.
While, I love that idea, I also acknowledge that we must continue to educate ourselves and future generations on what America’s history looks like, so that we can be sure to learn from the best stories and those that don’t reflect our most shining moments.
This Proverb spoke to the idea of seeking wisdom. I hope all of you would say that wisdom is not only worth finding, but needed now more than ever in our lifetime!
So, on this first Sunday of Black History Month 2017, I hope you prioritize becoming more educated on America’s past and how it relates to us today. Our nation would certainly not be as great as it is today without the diversity and strength of this great community. As we struggle as a country to unify around all manner of issues, let this be a month of gaining the wisdom required to help us reach the next level.
I’m all in.
Some side notes:
In preparing for this blog, I found out some cool facts about African American leaders I didn’t know yet, which reminded of how little I know…
(Side note: If you haven’t yet made it to see “Hidden Figures” one of the Oscar favorites, you should! The amazing, unheard story of the brilliant African American women who played a key role in NASA for many years. It is a must see for students of all ages.)
Some major, fun lessons you and your family may want to sharpen your minds around this month:
Have fun learning. Share your stories if you learn something interesting… I’m sure we will all love it!
(Photo Creds: We Heart It)
Someone posed this question to me a few months ago. It’s intended to be focused on your intimate relationships, but it’s still pretty broad.
I first thought about how useful this question would be for my 20-year-old boys, and then quickly realized it is a completely legitimate question for me. I’m not married, and really only in the past year(ish) considered dating more seriously. I am grateful this question was brought to my attention, because in its simplicity it speaks volumes.
Shouldn’t I be filtering any potential “candidate” that may become a key part of my life through this life impacting question? After all, if he’s not moving me closer to God (in my case… I realize many others have different religions or viewpoints), then why should I waste my time? I shouldn’t. You shouldn’t.
Whatever is important to you, if your partner is not a part of helping you go in that direction then they probably aren’t a long-term part of your plan. (Clearly, if you are already in a relationship it may bring forth a different set of questions… like how can I bring my partner closer to God? How can I have a conversation that I need him to pray over me when I’m facing a challenge?)
The same would be true for friendships that you invest a lot of time with. Back to the school days when your parents tell you to “hang with the right crowd.” I think it’s worth it to take an inventory of those friends in your inner circle. Are they bringing positive energy? Are they investing in you and your happiness? It’s a good process.
Finally, how are you bringing your friends closer to God? Are you really praying for them, seeking their hearts and what they may be confronting right now? How can you step up in this area?
I’ve been thinking about it a lot and I hope it ignites a little fire in you that has you move in that direction.
Have an awesome week.
(Photo Creds: We Heart It)
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Why did I get a bad grade on my paper when I thought I aced it?
Why, just when you think you are about to turn the corner financially, the dryer needs repair?
Why does the best team not always win?
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When it comes to life’s most challenging questions we simply cannot rely on logic. The human brain is wired to want to understand. “It just doesn’t make sense,” we hear a lot. As a Christian, it is often, “Why would God allow that to happen…?” We live in a world that although filled with so much good and so many wonderful people, is also a giant stage for our human imperfection.
Today, this idea that we must truly have FAITH and not rely on logic has come to me over and over again. Truthfully, I’m not very good at it. I wish I could say I was… I certainly try and have the right intent. I do believe that there is a divine plan for each of us, and that the universe is “unfolding as it should.” (Ref: Desiderata poem, 1927, Max Ehrmann) I not only believe it, but I’m counting on it. (Because we have some crazy things that happen in our world…)
Today, I am choosing to once again, give up my “logical” mind for all out FAITH. As you set out to conquer the year, I hope that you will join me. Doing this requires a commitment… a daily commitment, and maybe even an hourly effort. Things don’t make sense. There is bad and even ugly and unfair and unjust, unreasonable and undeserved… There is also the life God promised us that assures us that the ultimate prize is a victorious life. A life of FAITH, allows us to give all of those things to God and allows him to work them together for our collective good.
Something to think about today… Have an amazing week!
(Photo Creds: Steven Furtick, Instagram)
WOW! I read this during the week and knew I had to share it here. Here’s the full post:
“The fact that it happened TO me doesn’t make it a part OF me. Just because it came to pass doesn’t mean it gets to stay. Just because it knocks doesn’t mean I answer. And just because it afflicted me doesn’t mean it crippled me. God, teach me to OWN the STATE of my SOUL.”
Seriously, who else thinks that is BRILLIANT? SOOOO good!
As you kick off this third week of January, my prayer will be that we reflect on this statement, and learn from it. God knows we get hit from all directions, financial, personal, etc. It doesn’t even have to be bad necessarily, just real life, like needing new tires or a comment that was made that may be bad… but it may have been nothing at all, just our mind on overdrive. If we can truly give it to God, he will soothe our souls. I believe that.
Tomorrow is the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. He is one of my personal heroes. His bravery and courage to tackle the big issues is truly incredible. I’ll write a bit about him and his work on Tuesday, but since I focus on faith issues on Sundays, I wanted to ask that you will pray with me that God raises up the Martin Luther King Jrs. around us today. We need more voices that are positive and inspire needed change in our country.
Make it an awesome week.
(Photo Creds: Steven Furtick-Instagram)
Love this. I don’t know who else is having some “battles” starting 2017, but I already feel the pressure. I know that many of my friends are struggling too… broken marriages and other relationships crushing their spirits, etc. The cold, flu or whatever this nasty bug is that has entered the homes of most people I know is still running rampant. Pressures of work and really just the struggle to achieve the ultimate desire to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the midst of it all creates an uncomfortable “I’m not enough to do this on my own” stir. I believe this is exactly the point. God wants us to rely on him for all things.
This photo came across this week and I thought I need to print that off and put it squarely in front of whatever path I’m on – I needed this message and I’m hoping that this falls on some other “ears” that may need it as well.
Let us all remember that WHATEVER comes our way, that because of our faith, we have already OVERCOME. Even IF at first glance it appears otherwise (beaten and bruised and otherwise ready to run down the street crying “uncle”). We have someone else fighting for us and that is such a relief.
