I have a confession to make. I went to “sin city”! Yes, the infamous Las Vegas. There, I admitted it. For this small town girl, a typical drive around town does not consist of skyscraper buildings. I rarely look around and see hotels higher than four stories. So you can imagine the excitement I felt when my husband and I had the opportunity to go to Las Vegas. Not only was the thought of these amazing buildings exciting, I have always been a sucker for city lights. When I was younger, one of my favorite pastimes was driving to the top of a mountain peak and seeing life from this vantage point. It seemed to make my problems seem insignificant and my God very significant.
As we began to share with others about our upcoming trip we were met with some unexpected reactions. “Sin city, why would you ever go to such a place?” “What is a good girl like you going to do in a city like that?” “Oh, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! Wink. Wink.” By the time our trip arrived I was almost feeling guilty about going. After all, how could I explain such excitement and anticipation for a trip to “sin city”?
Beautiful! Simply breathtaking! Words cannot describe the multi-colored sky we viewed as we watched the sun set on top of the Strastosphere. The skyline was in constant motion as swirls of amber, periwinkle and soft yellow chased the sun behind the distant mountain peaks. The beauty didn’t end with sunset. As the sky turned to black, “sin city” became a beautiful sight of twinkling lights. Once again my problems all seemed so insignificant. I felt the calm assurance and the overwhelming peace of my very significant God.
On the plane ride home that guilty feeling started to stir inside of me again. How could I share with people back home all the wonderful and amazing sites we saw in “sin city”? What would people think of me? Then the Holy Spirit reminded me “sin city” is not a place on a map; it is a place in your heart. In Matthew, Jesus explains that sin begins within our own heart and mind. Our sinful thoughts turn into sinful actions. What a powerful reminder that we need to take our thoughts captive to the Word of God. We must purify our hearts every day or we will be “sin city.”
PRAYER: Father, may your Word show me where I need to “clean up” my heart. May my actions be a reflection of Your love, mercy and grace to the lost souls around me.
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make man ‘unclean,’” Matthew 15:19-20 (NIV).
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Unidentified Flying Dog
Imagine a soft ball of white, hyper fur who answers to the name Roxy! She was one of my favorite pets. She was a fluffy, spirited, extremely loving Eskimo Spitz. She was predictable. She had specific routines that she stuck to day after day. She loved to eat -a girl after my own heart!
Her morning routine at breakfast time was a sight to see! She looked liked a cotton ball on steroids running the 100 yard dash. The minute the garage door opened she would bounce off the front porch; fly at rocket speed around the corner of the house; bolt to the edge of the 8’ high retaining wall; skid through the turn; and cross the finish line with a catapulting jump off the low end of wall that landed her onto our driveway…very close to the food bowl.
One particular cold winter day, Roxy bolted out the door on her 100 yard food dash. Only this morning was different. A new twist to her dash soon caught poor Roxy’s undivided attention; a thin layer of black ice had carpeted the wall. As the song goes, “You can only imagine” the flying cotton ball on steroids in an instant had a new identity. She was now a spastic four legged flying UFD (Unidentified Flying Dog). As she flew off the high side of the retaining wall her eyes were as wide as saucers! She was experiencing sheer panic as she tried to understand how to make four paws flap like wings of eagles.
Unsuccessful as a UFD, Roxy recovered from her brief identity crisis and by the next morning she was back to her typical self.
Roxy had her routines; things she did every day. I think we are the same way. We get comfortable in the fast paced secure routine of life. Sometimes, God has to send some “black ice” our way to get our attention. He changes our direction, gives us an unexpected circumstance; and yes, even sends us catapulting through the air in sheer panic. Why? So He can remind us of His identity and who we are in Him. He wants to shake us from our routines; our comfortable life, so we can experience His strength, His comfort, His presence.
So, whatever “black ice” you are experiencing today, just remember it is there for a purpose.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the unexpected things that You bring into my life. Help me to seek You during my trials so I may become the person You desire me to be.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4 NLT).
Her morning routine at breakfast time was a sight to see! She looked liked a cotton ball on steroids running the 100 yard dash. The minute the garage door opened she would bounce off the front porch; fly at rocket speed around the corner of the house; bolt to the edge of the 8’ high retaining wall; skid through the turn; and cross the finish line with a catapulting jump off the low end of wall that landed her onto our driveway…very close to the food bowl.
One particular cold winter day, Roxy bolted out the door on her 100 yard food dash. Only this morning was different. A new twist to her dash soon caught poor Roxy’s undivided attention; a thin layer of black ice had carpeted the wall. As the song goes, “You can only imagine” the flying cotton ball on steroids in an instant had a new identity. She was now a spastic four legged flying UFD (Unidentified Flying Dog). As she flew off the high side of the retaining wall her eyes were as wide as saucers! She was experiencing sheer panic as she tried to understand how to make four paws flap like wings of eagles.
Unsuccessful as a UFD, Roxy recovered from her brief identity crisis and by the next morning she was back to her typical self.
Roxy had her routines; things she did every day. I think we are the same way. We get comfortable in the fast paced secure routine of life. Sometimes, God has to send some “black ice” our way to get our attention. He changes our direction, gives us an unexpected circumstance; and yes, even sends us catapulting through the air in sheer panic. Why? So He can remind us of His identity and who we are in Him. He wants to shake us from our routines; our comfortable life, so we can experience His strength, His comfort, His presence.
So, whatever “black ice” you are experiencing today, just remember it is there for a purpose.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the unexpected things that You bring into my life. Help me to seek You during my trials so I may become the person You desire me to be.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4 NLT).
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Have You Ever Thought About Writing A Book?
Have you ever thought about writing a book but didn’t know how you would market and sale the book after it was finished? As Donna and I have gone through this process over the last few years, it has been amazing how God has opened doors for us to do just this. He has put the right people in our path to help us find the answers to the questions that we didn’t previously know.
If God has placed a dream in your heart to share your message with others, don’t let fear and the unknown path stop you! Sometimes a new project can seem so overwhelming that we don’t allow ourselves to move forward. God provides each of us with different skills, talents and abilities. Use your skill to write your message and then let someone else use their talents and skills to help you promote your book.
Jeff Gilden with EVM Web Design was placed in our path to help us think about how to share our message. Check out his deeply discounted writer packages at http://www.evmwebdesign.com/services/pick-an-industry/writer-author-websites.aspx. He may be the angel you are looking for today!
According to Romans 12:6, “We all have different gifts, according to the grace given us”. If God has given you the gift of writing, get your message out there! What are you waiting on?
If God has placed a dream in your heart to share your message with others, don’t let fear and the unknown path stop you! Sometimes a new project can seem so overwhelming that we don’t allow ourselves to move forward. God provides each of us with different skills, talents and abilities. Use your skill to write your message and then let someone else use their talents and skills to help you promote your book.
Jeff Gilden with EVM Web Design was placed in our path to help us think about how to share our message. Check out his deeply discounted writer packages at http://www.evmwebdesign.com/services/pick-an-industry/writer-author-websites.aspx. He may be the angel you are looking for today!
According to Romans 12:6, “We all have different gifts, according to the grace given us”. If God has given you the gift of writing, get your message out there! What are you waiting on?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
R.S.V.P. - Is It A Lost Art?
We all enjoy getting the pretty invitation in the mail and we feel flattered our presence has been requested at a function. A holiday party? Wow, that sounds like a fun way to kick off the Christmas season! A costume party? Exciting!! I think I’ll be Cinderella. A backyard BBQ? Can’t wait to eat Sherri’s potato salad! As invitees we are flattered, yet we don’t RSVP! I have hosted several social events this summer, each with a requested RSVP. You would think people would be so excited about the invitation they would immediately confirm with the host to reserve their portion of the potato salad. This is just not reality!!!
RSVP literally means repondez s’il vous plait, or please reply. Why do we fail to reply? Are we so busy that we’re afraid to commit to the date? Do we have so many invitations that we can’t decide which event to attend? Is our day booked minute- to-minute, not allowing us 30 seconds to find our way to the phone to say yes or no to the invitation?
As I was preparing food for these parties without knowing how much food to buy or how many people would really attend, I thought about attending a party in heaven. God has sent out invitations for us to join Him in heaven for a glamorous reception! The invitation was written in crimson red and they were very expensive. They cost Him the price of His son’s life. What if we failed to RSVP to such a powerful invitation? What if we fail to share the invitation with our loved ones?
Fortunately, God will never be shocked by who shows up for the party. He will know each one by name. We can be assured there will be plenty of food on the buffet table. The punch fountain will be overflowing. The floral centerpieces will be lavish and fresh. The band will be prepared to play all night despite how many people are at the party.
The real question is, “Are you ready to accept His invitation?” Will you find the time to call in your RSVP so that you are prepared for this amazing party? Will you do your part? The Host is ready to accept you with open arms!
I feel it’s important to respect the host who is preparing for you, therefore allowing no excuse for ignoring an RSVP. From an eternal perspective, an RSVP is not optional! We don’t yet know the date of this grand party but the invitation has been sent.
How can we make sure the art of a proper heavenly RSVP is not lost?
Respond to God’s invitation to join him in heaven. (Say yes to make Jesus your Lord and Savior!)
Serve God by serving others.
View your time on earth as preparation for the rewards you will receive in heaven.
Plan daily time to learn from God’s Word.
The next time you RSVP to a party invitation, think about how exciting it will be to attend the best party of your life in heaven!! Then ask yourself, who in your family needs to RSVP. Now make a plan to share the invitation with this person! The party is drawing near!
RSVP literally means repondez s’il vous plait, or please reply. Why do we fail to reply? Are we so busy that we’re afraid to commit to the date? Do we have so many invitations that we can’t decide which event to attend? Is our day booked minute- to-minute, not allowing us 30 seconds to find our way to the phone to say yes or no to the invitation?
As I was preparing food for these parties without knowing how much food to buy or how many people would really attend, I thought about attending a party in heaven. God has sent out invitations for us to join Him in heaven for a glamorous reception! The invitation was written in crimson red and they were very expensive. They cost Him the price of His son’s life. What if we failed to RSVP to such a powerful invitation? What if we fail to share the invitation with our loved ones?
Fortunately, God will never be shocked by who shows up for the party. He will know each one by name. We can be assured there will be plenty of food on the buffet table. The punch fountain will be overflowing. The floral centerpieces will be lavish and fresh. The band will be prepared to play all night despite how many people are at the party.
The real question is, “Are you ready to accept His invitation?” Will you find the time to call in your RSVP so that you are prepared for this amazing party? Will you do your part? The Host is ready to accept you with open arms!
I feel it’s important to respect the host who is preparing for you, therefore allowing no excuse for ignoring an RSVP. From an eternal perspective, an RSVP is not optional! We don’t yet know the date of this grand party but the invitation has been sent.
How can we make sure the art of a proper heavenly RSVP is not lost?
Respond to God’s invitation to join him in heaven. (Say yes to make Jesus your Lord and Savior!)
Serve God by serving others.
View your time on earth as preparation for the rewards you will receive in heaven.
Plan daily time to learn from God’s Word.
The next time you RSVP to a party invitation, think about how exciting it will be to attend the best party of your life in heaven!! Then ask yourself, who in your family needs to RSVP. Now make a plan to share the invitation with this person! The party is drawing near!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Bravery or Fear- You Decide
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“Bravery and fear are the same emotion.” I heard those words come across the radio and immediately a smug chuckle found its way across my lips. I was thinking of my children’s faces as they walked down the long corridor, snaking through the iron barriers to the entrance of Space Mountain. This was their first trip to the Magic Kingdom. They had a swell of emotions inside of them. The anticipation of the unknown had reached maximum capacity on the 10 hour drive the day before. They were excited. They were scared. They were confused. They were full of adrenaline.
It was funny to watch how they both reacted to the situation. My daughter, nine, is the inquisitor. She asked a million questions. How fast will it go? Will it be fun or scary? Will it hurt? What happens if it breaks? Mommy do you like roller coasters? Daddy have you even been on Space Mountain before? This was her way of preparing for the unknown. My husband and I continued to tell them very few details of the ride. We would just repeat over and over again to her relentless questions, “Just trust us! It will be fun. You will like it.”
My son, 7, who lives at a speed of mach 3 on normal days was running around mach 10 or 12 at this time. He was bouncing, climbing, swinging on the poles, tugging at our arms. He was bopping here and there so fast he was only hearing half of the answers to his sister’s questions. He would swing into the conversation and hear the question, “Will it be safe?”, and then he would swing the other direction as we answered. You can image our difficulty in reassuring him when to him the answers sounded like: “Will…break….will…hurt…roller coaster… Space Mountain….loved it.”
As we stepped up to the gate awaiting our four man space shuttle it hit them; frozen and silent they stood. This was the moment – the moment where bravery and fear were the same emotion. The moment when they had to take the step of bravery and experience the thrilling, pitch black ride into the unknown or the moment they froze in fear never to experience the ride. You could see the panic in my son’s eyes as the cart roll up, and in all his innocence he looked at us and said, “I am scared!” His honest confession was followed by his sisters, quiet whisper, “me too.”
We reassured them once again, “You are supposed to be a little scared that is part of the thrill. Trust us it will be worth the ride. Trust us!”
Are you frozen by your fear? Are you standing in line asking God question after question to prepare for the unknown instead of stepping on the ride and trusting Him? Are you bee-bopping through life so fast that you can’t hear God telling you to step on the ride?
Turn your fear into bravery… it is the same emotion it is just a matter of what you do with it. Stand frozen or step in faith.
Your walk of purpose is supposed to be full of these fearful moments. And just like we told our children, God is telling you, “Just trust me it will be worth the ride.”
“Bravery and fear are the same emotion.” I heard those words come across the radio and immediately a smug chuckle found its way across my lips. I was thinking of my children’s faces as they walked down the long corridor, snaking through the iron barriers to the entrance of Space Mountain. This was their first trip to the Magic Kingdom. They had a swell of emotions inside of them. The anticipation of the unknown had reached maximum capacity on the 10 hour drive the day before. They were excited. They were scared. They were confused. They were full of adrenaline.
It was funny to watch how they both reacted to the situation. My daughter, nine, is the inquisitor. She asked a million questions. How fast will it go? Will it be fun or scary? Will it hurt? What happens if it breaks? Mommy do you like roller coasters? Daddy have you even been on Space Mountain before? This was her way of preparing for the unknown. My husband and I continued to tell them very few details of the ride. We would just repeat over and over again to her relentless questions, “Just trust us! It will be fun. You will like it.”
My son, 7, who lives at a speed of mach 3 on normal days was running around mach 10 or 12 at this time. He was bouncing, climbing, swinging on the poles, tugging at our arms. He was bopping here and there so fast he was only hearing half of the answers to his sister’s questions. He would swing into the conversation and hear the question, “Will it be safe?”, and then he would swing the other direction as we answered. You can image our difficulty in reassuring him when to him the answers sounded like: “Will…break….will…hurt…roller coaster… Space Mountain….loved it.”
As we stepped up to the gate awaiting our four man space shuttle it hit them; frozen and silent they stood. This was the moment – the moment where bravery and fear were the same emotion. The moment when they had to take the step of bravery and experience the thrilling, pitch black ride into the unknown or the moment they froze in fear never to experience the ride. You could see the panic in my son’s eyes as the cart roll up, and in all his innocence he looked at us and said, “I am scared!” His honest confession was followed by his sisters, quiet whisper, “me too.”
We reassured them once again, “You are supposed to be a little scared that is part of the thrill. Trust us it will be worth the ride. Trust us!”
Are you frozen by your fear? Are you standing in line asking God question after question to prepare for the unknown instead of stepping on the ride and trusting Him? Are you bee-bopping through life so fast that you can’t hear God telling you to step on the ride?
Turn your fear into bravery… it is the same emotion it is just a matter of what you do with it. Stand frozen or step in faith.
Your walk of purpose is supposed to be full of these fearful moments. And just like we told our children, God is telling you, “Just trust me it will be worth the ride.”
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Goliath & The Chirping Bird
I was shocked! I was actually scared! I began to back away and the bird continued to come after me. He jumped from the ledge to the floor, and was determined to protect himself from this giant obstacle — me. I made quick, backward circles around a table trying to avoid the horrible “pecking” I was about to receive.
Moments later, as I gained my sanity, I started laughing at myself and the hysterical episode that had just occurred. Can you picture it — a 5’ 3” woman running from a 4” beady-eyed bird?
As I was catching my breath, I wondered if my “cool points” were forever gone. I thought the bird must be hurt; he wasn’t flying away! His chirping was becoming louder and louder! My nurturing self thought, “I need to help him. He must be in excruciating pain!”
Hurt?!! He was perfectly healthy.
This was his big day! He decided in that very moment he would face his fears. It was a David and Goliath battle in his tiny pea-sized brain, I’m sure. Fear or no fear he was determined to stand his ground and guard his territory. Off that ledge he flew, sending Goliath Sherri running!
That little bird had his day (at my expense of course) but he had faced his fears – Goliath Sherri. He had taken the necessary leap off the balcony, to change his fear into a positive experience. I on the other hand, had let the fear of a tiny bird make me run in circles unable to see the overall picture. Fear had blocked my vision (and my common sense).
I look back on this with laughter and realize even tiny fears can be a stumbling block to our accomplishments. We have the ability to choose change. We become comfortable in our current situations, good or bad; therefore we don’t want to move out of our comfort zone. God tells us many times to “fear not.” Why? Because He gives us the strength and courage to face our fears.
Devoted:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight,” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV.
Individual Insights & Instructions:
God requires that we trust Him and have faith in His plan for us. In what area(s) of your life do you need to commit to change, move out of your comfort zone, or be more obedient?
Prayer:
God, give me the strength to trust you and not try to do things my way. I know when I depend on you and let you direct my steps, that "life" is much easier to accomplish. Give me peace and obedience in accepting your plan for my life.
Moments later, as I gained my sanity, I started laughing at myself and the hysterical episode that had just occurred. Can you picture it — a 5’ 3” woman running from a 4” beady-eyed bird?
As I was catching my breath, I wondered if my “cool points” were forever gone. I thought the bird must be hurt; he wasn’t flying away! His chirping was becoming louder and louder! My nurturing self thought, “I need to help him. He must be in excruciating pain!”
Hurt?!! He was perfectly healthy.
This was his big day! He decided in that very moment he would face his fears. It was a David and Goliath battle in his tiny pea-sized brain, I’m sure. Fear or no fear he was determined to stand his ground and guard his territory. Off that ledge he flew, sending Goliath Sherri running!
That little bird had his day (at my expense of course) but he had faced his fears – Goliath Sherri. He had taken the necessary leap off the balcony, to change his fear into a positive experience. I on the other hand, had let the fear of a tiny bird make me run in circles unable to see the overall picture. Fear had blocked my vision (and my common sense).
I look back on this with laughter and realize even tiny fears can be a stumbling block to our accomplishments. We have the ability to choose change. We become comfortable in our current situations, good or bad; therefore we don’t want to move out of our comfort zone. God tells us many times to “fear not.” Why? Because He gives us the strength and courage to face our fears.
Devoted:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight,” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV.
Individual Insights & Instructions:
God requires that we trust Him and have faith in His plan for us. In what area(s) of your life do you need to commit to change, move out of your comfort zone, or be more obedient?
Prayer:
God, give me the strength to trust you and not try to do things my way. I know when I depend on you and let you direct my steps, that "life" is much easier to accomplish. Give me peace and obedience in accepting your plan for my life.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Fear Not!
Devoted: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7.
I’m scared! I am giving my first TV interview next week and it’s freaking me out a bit. I’ve already called Sherri 3 times asking her what we are wearing. I’ve Facebooked my friends asking for TV interview tips. Sherri laughed as she reminded me of the verse that I claimed as my personal verse for this year… “Fear Not”. Yeah, that’s right; God says it 365 times in the Bible. That is one “fear not” for every day of the year. This is also a line in the popular “Facing the Giants” movie. Rick Warren quotes this same statistic in his book, The Purpose of Christmas. We loved his quote so much we used it in our study, DIVAS of the Divine: How to Live as a Designer Original in a Knock-Off World.
I’m still scared! Why do you think God told humans so many times to “fear not”?
I think it is because He knew how little faith we would have in His plan for us. I think it is because we like answers and we like things to be explained. Truth is we just can’t explain God… we just can’t understand His ultimate plan and purpose in every detail of our lives. Here’s the good news. God does not expect us to understand. He just asks that we trust Him.
So, here we go on our “FEAR NOT” journey into 2010. We feel God is asking us to take some big steps of faith, place ourselves in positions of total dependence on him, get out of our comfort zone, and go and make a difference in the world for Him.
Individual Insights and Instructions:
What is it that He is asking you to do this year that forces you out of your comfort zone? If you have fear like I do, memorize a couple of “fear not” scripture verses as I intend to do. Also, continue to join us on our blogs and we’ll promise to give you encouragement and hope as we continue to share with you the fears we encounter this year and how God’s helps us to overcome!!!
Prayer:
Oh, Father, give us boldness to walk wherever You will call us this year. Help us to seek you daily so we may be filled with the Holy Spirit. Awaken in us a spirit Your spirit of power, love and a calm mind. Amen.
I’m scared! I am giving my first TV interview next week and it’s freaking me out a bit. I’ve already called Sherri 3 times asking her what we are wearing. I’ve Facebooked my friends asking for TV interview tips. Sherri laughed as she reminded me of the verse that I claimed as my personal verse for this year… “Fear Not”. Yeah, that’s right; God says it 365 times in the Bible. That is one “fear not” for every day of the year. This is also a line in the popular “Facing the Giants” movie. Rick Warren quotes this same statistic in his book, The Purpose of Christmas. We loved his quote so much we used it in our study, DIVAS of the Divine: How to Live as a Designer Original in a Knock-Off World.
I’m still scared! Why do you think God told humans so many times to “fear not”?
I think it is because He knew how little faith we would have in His plan for us. I think it is because we like answers and we like things to be explained. Truth is we just can’t explain God… we just can’t understand His ultimate plan and purpose in every detail of our lives. Here’s the good news. God does not expect us to understand. He just asks that we trust Him.
So, here we go on our “FEAR NOT” journey into 2010. We feel God is asking us to take some big steps of faith, place ourselves in positions of total dependence on him, get out of our comfort zone, and go and make a difference in the world for Him.
Individual Insights and Instructions:
What is it that He is asking you to do this year that forces you out of your comfort zone? If you have fear like I do, memorize a couple of “fear not” scripture verses as I intend to do. Also, continue to join us on our blogs and we’ll promise to give you encouragement and hope as we continue to share with you the fears we encounter this year and how God’s helps us to overcome!!!
Prayer:
Oh, Father, give us boldness to walk wherever You will call us this year. Help us to seek you daily so we may be filled with the Holy Spirit. Awaken in us a spirit Your spirit of power, love and a calm mind. Amen.
Monday, February 15, 2010
You Are Significant
Our friend Chip Madera titles himself as “Leadership Lion – The Speaker with a Heart of Bold!” But really, when you get to know Chip, he’s more like a giant teddy bear! Whether you consider Chip to be a lion or a bear, he has great leadership wisdom and a “bold way” of sharing it with others.
Chip says, “We gain confidence when we know WHO we are and what makes us significant. That is the essence of our true value.” What exactly does that mean?
Well, here is the crazy way he helped us learn this lesson. At a Lessons In Leadership event, he had the whole room of 300+ people stand up and shout…,“I am a leader! I am a person of influence! I am a problem-solver! I am a people developer! I AM SIGNFICANT!” When the crowd finished, Chip said we were not convincing enough so we did it again. We all screamed as confidently as we could, “I AM A LEADER! I AM A PERSON OF INFLUENCE! I AM A PROBLEM-SOLVER! I AM A PEOPLE DEVELOPER! I AM SIGNFICANT!” It sounds crazy but Donna and I both agreed that we left feeling very confident about ourselves.
We chatted on the way home about how we are significant. Each of us is a person of influence. We are both purposeful in making a difference in other’s lives. You are significant and a person of influence, too! You have people that you have influence over in your everyday life. How are you using your influence?
Chip encouraged each of us to look in the mirror every morning and say (with boldness!), “I am a leader! I am a person of influence! I am a problem-solver! I am a people developer! I AM SIGNFICANT!” Donna and I believe in the power of positive words. We have seen over and over how people can make positive change in their life by changing their thinking. They learn to replace the lies with the truth about who they really are!
We decided to take positive words to the next level and share it with our loved ones. The next morning Donna walked into the kitchen where her kids (both under the age of 10) were getting breakfast. Instead of focusing on what needed to be finished in the limited time before school with her hurry-hurry tone and attitude, she looked over at her son and screamed, “TY, YOU ARE AWESOME!” She then turned to her daughter and screamed with complete confidence, “DEANNA, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!”. Then she turned to finish getting ready for her day. What she noticed… her children picked up the pace, smiled, laughed, and managed to get ready not just early but 20 minutes early!!! That is the power of positive words – it brings out the best in others.
I tried this same tactic that afternoon when my husband, Rick came home from work. I could hardly wait for him to come through door. As the door handle turned and he set his first foot through the door, I screamed, “RICK HOLBERT, WONDERFUL HUSBAND OF MINE – YOU ARE AWESOME!” He was startled and dropped the mail but it brought an immediate smile to his face!
In our previous blog, we talked about how each of us as individuals has the ability to influence and energize others in a positive way with our words. The greatest self-help, self-image, self-esteem book gives us proof of just that! We encourage you to speak with boldness into the mirror each morning as you remind yourself that you are a leader to others and you are an amazing and significant Child of God!
Devoted:
Proverbs 16:24 – “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Individual Insights and Instructions:
As a leader in your career or as the leader of your household, who can you make the biggest impact on with your positive words? What will those words look like? How do you think the recipient(s) will feel?
Prayer:
Oh God before I speak, nudge me to pray. Let my lips speak sweet words that build others up instead of tear them down. Help me to remember that I am influencer who can make others feel significant!
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Chip says, “We gain confidence when we know WHO we are and what makes us significant. That is the essence of our true value.” What exactly does that mean?
Well, here is the crazy way he helped us learn this lesson. At a Lessons In Leadership event, he had the whole room of 300+ people stand up and shout…,“I am a leader! I am a person of influence! I am a problem-solver! I am a people developer! I AM SIGNFICANT!” When the crowd finished, Chip said we were not convincing enough so we did it again. We all screamed as confidently as we could, “I AM A LEADER! I AM A PERSON OF INFLUENCE! I AM A PROBLEM-SOLVER! I AM A PEOPLE DEVELOPER! I AM SIGNFICANT!” It sounds crazy but Donna and I both agreed that we left feeling very confident about ourselves.
We chatted on the way home about how we are significant. Each of us is a person of influence. We are both purposeful in making a difference in other’s lives. You are significant and a person of influence, too! You have people that you have influence over in your everyday life. How are you using your influence?
Chip encouraged each of us to look in the mirror every morning and say (with boldness!), “I am a leader! I am a person of influence! I am a problem-solver! I am a people developer! I AM SIGNFICANT!” Donna and I believe in the power of positive words. We have seen over and over how people can make positive change in their life by changing their thinking. They learn to replace the lies with the truth about who they really are!
We decided to take positive words to the next level and share it with our loved ones. The next morning Donna walked into the kitchen where her kids (both under the age of 10) were getting breakfast. Instead of focusing on what needed to be finished in the limited time before school with her hurry-hurry tone and attitude, she looked over at her son and screamed, “TY, YOU ARE AWESOME!” She then turned to her daughter and screamed with complete confidence, “DEANNA, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!”. Then she turned to finish getting ready for her day. What she noticed… her children picked up the pace, smiled, laughed, and managed to get ready not just early but 20 minutes early!!! That is the power of positive words – it brings out the best in others.
I tried this same tactic that afternoon when my husband, Rick came home from work. I could hardly wait for him to come through door. As the door handle turned and he set his first foot through the door, I screamed, “RICK HOLBERT, WONDERFUL HUSBAND OF MINE – YOU ARE AWESOME!” He was startled and dropped the mail but it brought an immediate smile to his face!
In our previous blog, we talked about how each of us as individuals has the ability to influence and energize others in a positive way with our words. The greatest self-help, self-image, self-esteem book gives us proof of just that! We encourage you to speak with boldness into the mirror each morning as you remind yourself that you are a leader to others and you are an amazing and significant Child of God!
Devoted:
Proverbs 16:24 – “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Individual Insights and Instructions:
As a leader in your career or as the leader of your household, who can you make the biggest impact on with your positive words? What will those words look like? How do you think the recipient(s) will feel?
Prayer:
Oh God before I speak, nudge me to pray. Let my lips speak sweet words that build others up instead of tear them down. Help me to remember that I am influencer who can make others feel significant!
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Saturday, January 30, 2010
Are You An "Impactful" Leader?
Donna and I both strive to be great leaders. We focus on being a leader within our families, with the people we work with and within our church. Last week we attended a local Lessons In Leadership event to hear George Fleming and Chip Madera speak. George talked about “The Big WHY in Becoming World-Class.” He gave us 4 challenges and as life coaches we both loved what he said.
1. Expand from a “to-do” list to a desired “impact” list.
2. Carefully choose how you measure success. Think about your
level of engagement, aliveness, purpose, commitment.
3. For each goal, get to the core “WHY” underneath the goal. Keep
asking yourself, “And what’s important about this?”
4. Never go to work again!
We want to focus on our favorite…expand from a “to-do” list to a desired “impact” list. What will you do today that will positively impact someone else? For many of us, the daily tendency is to get as much done as possible, hence checking off the “to-do” list. Regardless of what is on our to-do list, how can we make it an opportunity to impact others? George gave an example of a lady who works as an elevator operator for minimum wage. Her job: Elevator operator. Her mission/ impact: Connecting with more than 300 people everyday and giving them a reason to smile.
What are you doing within your day that makes a purposeful impact?
We can have a profound effect on others! It’s important to be purposeful in what we choose to do each day. What impact do you want to make on your spouse? What impact do you want to make on your children? What impact do you want to make on your co-workers? What impact can you make each day that has an eternal perspective?
If you have influence over someone then you are a leader. Leaders have the responsibility to direct and energize their team. Mother Teresa said, “You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.” As a leader, your ability to serve others and bring out the best in your family or your office team will yield great results.
Our main takeaway -- We are responsible for being a leader to others in our area of influence. We are responsible for setting an example. Success is not always about “my goal” or what “I’m gaining” but about making a positive difference in other’s lives as we are living out our journey.
Devoted:
Titus 2:7 – “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
Individual Insights and Instructions:
As a leader, where and with whom can you make the biggest impact?
Prayer:
Let me be a leader that brings honor and glory to you. Give me opportunities to provide positive examples to my family, my friends and my co-workers. Let me truly focus on being a servant leader as opposed to striving for my own personal success.
Wait til you hear what Chip had to say….
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1. Expand from a “to-do” list to a desired “impact” list.
2. Carefully choose how you measure success. Think about your
level of engagement, aliveness, purpose, commitment.
3. For each goal, get to the core “WHY” underneath the goal. Keep
asking yourself, “And what’s important about this?”
4. Never go to work again!
We want to focus on our favorite…expand from a “to-do” list to a desired “impact” list. What will you do today that will positively impact someone else? For many of us, the daily tendency is to get as much done as possible, hence checking off the “to-do” list. Regardless of what is on our to-do list, how can we make it an opportunity to impact others? George gave an example of a lady who works as an elevator operator for minimum wage. Her job: Elevator operator. Her mission/ impact: Connecting with more than 300 people everyday and giving them a reason to smile.
What are you doing within your day that makes a purposeful impact?
We can have a profound effect on others! It’s important to be purposeful in what we choose to do each day. What impact do you want to make on your spouse? What impact do you want to make on your children? What impact do you want to make on your co-workers? What impact can you make each day that has an eternal perspective?
If you have influence over someone then you are a leader. Leaders have the responsibility to direct and energize their team. Mother Teresa said, “You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.” As a leader, your ability to serve others and bring out the best in your family or your office team will yield great results.
Our main takeaway -- We are responsible for being a leader to others in our area of influence. We are responsible for setting an example. Success is not always about “my goal” or what “I’m gaining” but about making a positive difference in other’s lives as we are living out our journey.
Devoted:
Titus 2:7 – “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
Individual Insights and Instructions:
As a leader, where and with whom can you make the biggest impact?
Prayer:
Let me be a leader that brings honor and glory to you. Give me opportunities to provide positive examples to my family, my friends and my co-workers. Let me truly focus on being a servant leader as opposed to striving for my own personal success.
Wait til you hear what Chip had to say….
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Friday, January 22, 2010
Welcome
WELCOME
We are founders of the Walk of Purpose Ministry. We co-authored a study called DIVAS of the Divine: How to Live as a Designer Original in a Knock-Off World. To some that may seem like a huge accomplishment but to the two of us it seems like a journey of two women who finally realized we are Designed with a God – given passion and purpose and we did something about it.
Don’t get me wrong… it wasn’t a walk in the park and it hasn’t always been clear to us our true purpose and passion.
Our lives were spinning out of control a few years back…
• I (Donna) went from a valued member of the healthcare industry to changing diapers and mashing veggies into baby food. I adored my new role as mom but I found myself struggling to find value with in my new no-budget, sleep deprived, day-to-day routine. I had to seriously re-evaluate my priorities and purpose.
• I (Sherri) am blessed with organizational skills, creative marketing and teambuilding abilities and these skills made me the go-to girl in the corporate world. These blessing were quickly becoming a curse as I reached overload and burnout. I finally hit the “Easy” button and screamed “no” to the chaos
At this point in our lives God so conveniently allowed our paths to connect. We were serving on our church’s women’s ministry. We soon discovered some real needs of the women in our church. Why? Because we both were in desperate need of these things in our own lives; we needed transparent relationship among other women - REAL GIRLFRIENDS! We needed an environment of encouragement and prayer for one another- REAL FELLOWSHIP! And our biggest need was for other women to speak truth to us in love and hold us accountable to God’s Word – REAL SISTERS IN CHRIST!!
God quickly led us, (note: we were complete strangers) to become accountability partners. Over the years we have laughed, cried, challenged, and encouraged each other to get real with God and with other women in our church. We started teaching women at our own church how to develop and maintain the same type of accountability relationships that fosters REAL SISTERS IN CHRIST! The impact from these classes has been overwhelming. We have discovered for ourselves and witnessed many women who have experienced authentic joy, lasting peace, and real purpose.
One day one of our class members sent us an email that said you should publish this stuff. It is just too good! Attached was information on a book proposal….that was almost 4 years ago…
We are so excited to be able to share this program with you so you can experience the life that the Designer has created for you.
Enough of our story for today…what about your story?
Devoted:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Individual Insights/Instructions:
What has God designed you for? Are you in need of REAL GIRLFRIENDS, REAL FELLOWSHIP, and REAL SISTERS IN CHRIST?
Via Prayer:
Father, through your provision and your master plan you have designed us for a deep eternal purpose and an unquenchable passion. I pray today that the woman reading this will begin to grasp that concept and choose to start living for you today.
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We are founders of the Walk of Purpose Ministry. We co-authored a study called DIVAS of the Divine: How to Live as a Designer Original in a Knock-Off World. To some that may seem like a huge accomplishment but to the two of us it seems like a journey of two women who finally realized we are Designed with a God – given passion and purpose and we did something about it.
Don’t get me wrong… it wasn’t a walk in the park and it hasn’t always been clear to us our true purpose and passion.
Our lives were spinning out of control a few years back…
• I (Donna) went from a valued member of the healthcare industry to changing diapers and mashing veggies into baby food. I adored my new role as mom but I found myself struggling to find value with in my new no-budget, sleep deprived, day-to-day routine. I had to seriously re-evaluate my priorities and purpose.
• I (Sherri) am blessed with organizational skills, creative marketing and teambuilding abilities and these skills made me the go-to girl in the corporate world. These blessing were quickly becoming a curse as I reached overload and burnout. I finally hit the “Easy” button and screamed “no” to the chaos
At this point in our lives God so conveniently allowed our paths to connect. We were serving on our church’s women’s ministry. We soon discovered some real needs of the women in our church. Why? Because we both were in desperate need of these things in our own lives; we needed transparent relationship among other women - REAL GIRLFRIENDS! We needed an environment of encouragement and prayer for one another- REAL FELLOWSHIP! And our biggest need was for other women to speak truth to us in love and hold us accountable to God’s Word – REAL SISTERS IN CHRIST!!
God quickly led us, (note: we were complete strangers) to become accountability partners. Over the years we have laughed, cried, challenged, and encouraged each other to get real with God and with other women in our church. We started teaching women at our own church how to develop and maintain the same type of accountability relationships that fosters REAL SISTERS IN CHRIST! The impact from these classes has been overwhelming. We have discovered for ourselves and witnessed many women who have experienced authentic joy, lasting peace, and real purpose.
One day one of our class members sent us an email that said you should publish this stuff. It is just too good! Attached was information on a book proposal….that was almost 4 years ago…
We are so excited to be able to share this program with you so you can experience the life that the Designer has created for you.
Enough of our story for today…what about your story?
Devoted:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Individual Insights/Instructions:
What has God designed you for? Are you in need of REAL GIRLFRIENDS, REAL FELLOWSHIP, and REAL SISTERS IN CHRIST?
Via Prayer:
Father, through your provision and your master plan you have designed us for a deep eternal purpose and an unquenchable passion. I pray today that the woman reading this will begin to grasp that concept and choose to start living for you today.
Share
Monday, January 18, 2010
From Frazzled to Fabulous in a Day!!
We want to share this event with you! Face it, we all could use a little FABULOUS in our lives!!
Join us and discover for yourself ways to find peace in the midst of life's demands. Whether married or divorced, single, with or without kids, working on the home front or out in the world (or both), you may qualify for membership in the Frazzled Female Club!
We are reaching out to ALL females who long for more peace and sanity in daily living. Women all share the same goal: seeking a life that's less stressful and more fulfilling every day, not just occasionally.
Our guest speaker is Cindi Woods!
Cindi enjoys sharing with women from all walks of life how to begin and then continue to live a victorious life - one that is not free from stress but one that is lived with the confidence, power and peace that an intimate relationshp with Jesus Christ offers!
If you would like to be a part of this event. Go to http://www.livingwaterbabtistchurch.org/ for registration and other information. The date is Feburary 13th, 2010 from 9am-12pm.
Sherri and I will be there!
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Join us and discover for yourself ways to find peace in the midst of life's demands. Whether married or divorced, single, with or without kids, working on the home front or out in the world (or both), you may qualify for membership in the Frazzled Female Club!
We are reaching out to ALL females who long for more peace and sanity in daily living. Women all share the same goal: seeking a life that's less stressful and more fulfilling every day, not just occasionally.
Our guest speaker is Cindi Woods!
Cindi enjoys sharing with women from all walks of life how to begin and then continue to live a victorious life - one that is not free from stress but one that is lived with the confidence, power and peace that an intimate relationshp with Jesus Christ offers!
If you would like to be a part of this event. Go to http://www.livingwaterbabtistchurch.org/ for registration and other information. The date is Feburary 13th, 2010 from 9am-12pm.
Sherri and I will be there!
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Thursday, January 14, 2010
Sherri Holbert and Power-Up! Luncheon, Wed. 1/20/2010
As we begin the new year, let's turn our thoughts towards the intentions we would like to fulfill in 2010. Local artist, Kate Stockman, owner of The Cre8tive Flow, will lead a discussion on creativity and how important it is in every aspect of our lives. Each attendee will leave with a hand rolled beeswax "intention candle" she has made during this fun, interactive session. What a sweet and shining way to start off the new year!
Just a reminder, that Sherri Holbert's other venture, Power-Up! has its monthly women’s luncheon on Wednesday, January 20th from 11:30am -1:00pm at the Peddler Steak House in Hendersonville, NC. Cost is $25 and includes lunch and program materials.
Please RSVP no later than Friday, 1/15 as Kate must prepare for materials.
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