Lining Up What Really Matters

Commitment means to be dedicated; engaged; a willingness to give time and energy (I also added resources) to something that you believe in; a promise or firm decision to do something; a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that guarantees that a particular thing will happen.

I have defined commitment because the other day I was assessing my goals for the remainder of the year.  I wanted to see where I was on the goals, what I needed to do to make them happen and to see if my time frames for completion of the goals were realistic.  I had to make a decision about what I was really going to be committed to.  I hate starting things and not following through.  I would rather shave the list down than keep goals on the list that would have me overwhelmed and disappointed for not finishing them.

What were the goals I would dedicate myself to? What were the goals that I would give my time, energy and resources to? What goals would I guarantee completion of?  In making my decision, the first thing I did was list what I was currently dedicated to.  This list turned out to be my personal core values.  My list included God, my husband, my children, my purpose, my church and my job.  After this list I was able to look at the goals that I set and make a decision about what would be completed before this year was out.

I had never done an assessment like this before.  Normally I start out the year so excited and ready to conquer everything and every issue. I'll get a scriptures to back me up - not realizing that I've overwhelmed myself and ended up with an unrealist to do list.  Those days are over for me.  From now on I am going to line my goals up with my core values - those things that I'm dedicated to - those things that I'm promised to - those things that I'm willing to put my time, energy and resources into.  And just like seasons change; I understand that my core values may shift - but I look forward to fruitful, productive and prosperous gains from being committed to what really matters.       

The Power of Gratitude

To be grateful/thankful is a decision that a person has to make for themself.  No one can make you be happy or appreciative which are by products of gratitude.  It's totally up to you.  It's a matter of perception.  Are you a person who sees the glass half empty or half full?  Are you always focused on what you have or what you do not have?  Are you a person who sees the good in everything or do you constantly complain and find fault? 

It's amazing but being grateful is actually good for your health.  Reseach has shown that being grateful/thankful can improve our emotional and physical well being.  Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. 

I encourage you to embrace the attitude of gratitude.  Everything may not be just the way you want, but know that your days are blessed, you are blessed and you are blessed to be a blessing.  Give thanks to God for the things that He has done.  Thank Him for what could have happened, but did not.  Look at what you have, speak positively and do not cancel your harvest with complaining.  Let gratitude have a work in your life.

Write the Vision...

Writing is so therapeutic to me.  I feel that I write better than I speak a lot of times.  Writing is also very liberating for me.  Whether it is my own or someone else's writing I love the imagery and emotions that are invoked.  Have you ever started reading a book that you did not want to put down?  Has a writing ever made you happy, surprised or angry?  If so, then you have experienced the power of the written word.

It is no wonder that I have not switched over electronically like I should have.  I refuse to let a computer, phone or ipad leave me unable to function because they refuse to recover my information.  Of course I use electronic documents, but you better bet that they were constructed from a handwritten document first.  I carry a physical journal with me everywhere I go and I love to record important happenings and vision.

Writings can impact your emotions.  They can give you images and stir you to action.  Habakuk 2:2 states, "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it."  Writing the vision is designed to empower - - excite - - and move one to action.  I have read writings that have made me feel a certain way.  I have read writings that stirred my empathy and support.  I have read writings that impacted my life and made me change my behavior. 

The written word is so powerful.  I encourage you to write the vision and make it plain.  Write the vision for your business, for your home, for your marriage, for raising your children, for your career, for your finances, etc. And if for no one else write it so that you will read it and run.  Run to God in prayer -- run in faith -- run to make it happen. 

Habakuk 2:3 begins, "For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie..."  Yes!  Let your vision speak.  Write your vision, make it plain and let it catapult you into your destiny. 

Finishing Strong

This year has been a blessing.  I definitely started out the year on the good foot.  Some things have happened but I believe God to show himself strong.  The time has flown by and we are halfway through the year. 

I pulled out my goals to assess what's been accomplished and I am thankful for what I have been able to do thus far.  I still have some miles ahead of me, but I've made progress and I intend to finish this year out strong. I know that I have God's supernatural provision for He has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.

My faith right now is strong and I look forward to God's manifestation in all areas of my life. I am definitely making progress in seeking God's will for everything (Proverbs 3:5,6).  Even with the things that I can do on my own. He has blessed me in what I consider the small things. He has given me favor with persons and everything that me and my family have needed to get done has been no problem. 

I have colossal feats ahead of me still to be accomplished and I have no doubt that they will get done with God's help and direction.  I'm looking forward to the rest of this year and I am excited about finishing strong. If it's according to my expectation and hope then it's high. The Sky's the limit.

If you have not done all that you have wanted to by now - - no need to fret...the year is not over and you, too can finish strong. Do not beat yourself up. Start from where you are and take it one day at a time.  Everything does not have to be in place. Get moving, get going and watch God give you more on your way than when you started. Everything is already done for you.  Be encouraged and make the decision to finish this year out strong. 

Experiencing God At Another Level

It has definitely been a good while since I've written, but I'm back and will be making more posts. 

Lately I've been concerned with the this last quarter of the Gregorian calendar year and I have my sights set on two things:  1) ending this calendar year well and 2) taking off in 2013.  I'm in the process of listing what things have to absolutely be taken care of before this year is out.  And as we enter 2013 I'm looking to make some realistic goals.  There have been times that I've overwhelmed myself with the New Year's to do list - but this year it is not so much about my agenda as much as it is God's.  Yup, this time I'm seeking God for his His agenda.  No more wasting time, energy and finances on things I'm not suppose to be doing.  Along with the Word that this is the Year of Replenishing, Refreshing & Rejoincing in the Manifested Promises of God - I will be seeking His Kingdom first (Matt 6:33) and acknowledging Him in all ways and letting Him direct my path (Prov 3:6).  

A lot of times I have my plan/agenda and I submit it unto him according to Prov 16:3.  And I know there have been times that I did not pray and went out on my own regarding some things - but this year I'm looking for something more.  I want the most productive and prosperous year that I can have.  I really want to live out these two scriptures at another level.  I have decided to document my journey and welcome anyone to join in with me.  I know that this is going to be good ;-).

I know off the bat that my prayer life is going to increase significantly.  I will most definitely be fulfilling Luke 18:1, because this is going to require me to be in constant prayer.  I'm up for the challenge and look forward to experiencing God's results, His provision, and His direction at whole different level.  I know that this will not only bless me, but everyone that is connected to me.  I can't wait.  Proverbs 3:5-8 and Matthew 6:33 here I come!

Take Your Rest

I had the pleasure of engaging in conversation with a young Virtuous Woman the other day at church.  I could see God blessing her as she shared what was currently going on in her life.  The topic of conversation had to do with rest and appreciating the slow or not so busy seasons in our lives.

A lot of times women in general just go, go, go. They tend to the needs of others and forget about themselves.  If you look at Proverbs 31 you may wonder when does this woman rest?  There is so much on her plate -- so much that she is doing that it looks as if every minute of her day is spent.  I submit to you that without rest and some relaxation there is no way that she could be the Virtuous Woman.  She would be burned out, frustrated and probably have one of the worst attitudes ever.  These are some side effects that result from a lack of rest.

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven: Proverbs 3:1.  Yes, there is a time to rest and relax.  If we do not take the time to rest and relax or just do things that we enjoy there is no way that we could continue in serving others.  God is not against us resting.  Let us not forget that in Genesis God rested on the seventh day after his labors.  In Matthew 29:11 Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."  The cycle is work then rest.  There are very few times in the Bible that I see rest without work or some type of exertion.  Hebrews 4 talks about laboring to enter into the rest. 

For all that you do rest is your reward.  Rest is more than sleeping, though it should definitely include sleep (6-8 hours) because it is during sleep that our bodies repair themselves.  For someone it could be sitting watching their favorite program, reading a novel, doing a sudoku puzzle (my favorite), or some other not too intense hobby. .

During the seasons that you are not as busy, please take advantage because there will be a time when you swamped with tasks.  Personally the season when I get the most rest is during the Summer months.  My children are out of school, there's no basketball league, and just not a whole lot going on.  As a matter of fact they visited their grandparents in Chicago for six weeks this Summer and I was so blessed.  My chore load had lightened and there were less errands and running around to do.  That season for me is now over and soon they'll be going back to school.  I'll be in another gear.  I thank God that he wants rest for me and that I have learned to take it.  Without it I know that I could not be the woman that I am.  So I encourage you to take your rest and enjoy the down seasons.              
 

How Does She Do It?

Proverbs 31 most definitely has to be approached in pieces.  The scripture text is so rich and the revelation in it is endless.  I have been studying this text over 15 years and I still get new insight into this woman.

The last thing that is mentioned about this woman is one of the first things that I want to target as we start our journey..."...but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised" Proverbs 31:30.  Her relationship with God is the thing that sets her apart.  Some women are charming.  They're witty, they know what to say, how to say it, and when.  Some women are beautiful.  Pleasant to the eyes.  Some women are both, but the Virtuous Woman's relationship with God puts her over the top.  I'm not insinuating that she's not witty , doesn't know how to get what she wants (in a good way) or is not attractive.  But her fear of God puts her in a different class.

Her reverence for God impacts every area of her life.  It impacts her marriage, her parenting, how she does business, how she manages her home, her service to others, her speech, and even how she tends to herself.  Her fruit/harvest is undeniable.  She experiences the God results.  Not only does her family praise her, but her outcomes.  Her success in whatever she puts her hands to begins and ends with God.  Our regard for him makes the difference between us doing and being virtuous.  So Virtuous Women be sure to keep the main thing the main thing.  Reverence God and love him with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength.