tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39918315002591220252024-02-20T14:08:08.874-05:00Changing For the BetterClarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-18989832245994380202018-01-15T17:21:00.001-05:002018-01-15T17:21:21.759-05:00Today's UPLIFT Text from Pastor Hart RamseyEncouragement for today from Pastor Hart Ramsey through his daily UPLIFT text. (To receive these daily sayings text the word UPLIFT to number 46786.)
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<blockquote>
You may have had a bad day. It may have broken your spirit or set you back a bit. Don't quit. Rest. Better days are coming.</blockquote>
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Psalms 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him... (KJV) Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-51241420857597716472018-01-11T14:41:00.001-05:002018-01-15T17:20:44.757-05:00The Purpose of DistressFirst, let me recognize that we have entered a New Year. I hope that yours is well or as well as can be expected thus far.
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With this post will I claim to understand the purpose of distress? No, but hopefully I can relate how distress--pain or suffering affecting the body, a bodily part, or the mind--can build us up and not tear us down.<br />
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Change can definitely create distress in our lives. The distress of change is that many things seem to change at once in quick succession. Yet, despite the pain or suffering we are experiencing now, distress can push us forward into becoming the person we desire to be.<br />
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As an example, let's look at Alan Loy McGinnis' words in <u>The Power of Optimism</u> (<a href="http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/f/failure.htm" target="_blank">click here</a> to see this and more examples from sermonillustrations.com):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Thomas Edison's manufacturing facilities in West Orange, N.J., were heavily damaged by
fire one night in December, 1914. Edison lost almost $1 million worth of equipment and the
record of much of his work. The next morning, walking about the charred embers of his
hopes and dreams, the 67-year-old inventor said: "There is value in disaster. All our
mistakes are burned up. Now we can start anew."</blockquote>
If you would, allow me to modify Edison's quote: There is value in change. We can review all of our mistakes, learn from them, and then start anew.<br />
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More than likely the new ideas generated from our review will take us into the direction of the person we want to be.<br />
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Joel 2:25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. (KJV)<br />
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Joel 2:25 I will give you back what you lost in the years when swarms of locusts ate your crops. It was I who sent this army against you. (GNB)Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-2270058285329538112016-08-20T11:54:00.001-04:002016-08-20T11:55:17.352-04:00Stepping Away From Our FearsFears. What do they do? They mock, they tease, but most of all they hinder. They hinder from moving, the heart from loving, the timid from trying, the ashamed from expecting...<br />
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What are your fears? What are you holding on to as truths that may be nothing more than smoke screens to a better reality and desired future? I've heard that an acronym for fear is<br />
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F - False<br />
E - Evidence<br />
A - Appearing<br />
R - Real<br />
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I would like to say that it's easy to shake off fear like a coat or a worn blanket, but that's not always the case. Yet, we can always overcome fear by just trying. Make small, concerted efforts to try the very thing you fear. For example, would you like to sing before crowds but whenever you try you can't find your voice? Begin by singing out loud while you're walking around outside. Not boisterously mind you, but loud enough to be heard by people you pass by. Once you're comfortable with that, find a place where you can sing karaoke. Then you'll take the next step from there, and the next, until you're finally singing before crowds.<br />
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Every fear can be conquered this way. If taking a huge, tremendous action to face the fear doesn't work for you, then you can find a small step to take towards conquering that fear. For the more we conquer our fears the more dynamic we will become.<br />
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And isn't that what we're seeking? To become the dynamic individuals we believe ourselves to be?<br />
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Have I not command you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discourage, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9 NIV)<br />
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For another post on fear read <a href="http://abetterchange.blogspot.com/2009/02/learn-to-let-go-of-your-fears.html" target="_blank">Let Go Of Your Fears</a>.Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-58502559417082834542016-03-21T04:11:00.001-04:002016-03-21T04:11:39.689-04:00It Takes Time, Part 2I wrote in a post back in <a href="http://abetterchange.blogspot.com/2009/02/it-takes-time.html" target="_blank">2009</a> that change takes time. Period. However, when I wrote it my expectation was that "time" would be a short period of 1 to 3 years and <em>definitely</em> no more than 5 years. The irony is that one of the examples that I mentioned--the growth of a tree--can take a minimum of 10-15 years for fast growing trees and 20-30 for slow growing ones. (These years refer to a red maple according to <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/trees-shrubs-vines/trees/how-long-will-it-take-my-new-red-maple-to-grow-to-full-size/" target="_blank">Better Homes and Gardens</a>).<br />
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Where am I going with this? Right now I'm reminded of Abraham in the Bible. God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Yet, Abraham did not have a child with his wife Sarah until 25 years after that promise. That was 25 years of waiting for a dream to become a reality.<br />
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What goal or dream or you waiting on that hasn't come to fruition? Don't be hard on yourself because it's been five or more years and your expected change hasn't happened. So I'll repeat what I said 7 years ago back in <a href="http://abetterchange.blogspot.com/2009/02/it-takes-time.html" target="_blank">2009</a>. Be patient with yourself during your time of change. Every step forward, no matter how long it takes to make that one step, is a step closer to where you want to be.<br />
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And let us not be weary in welldoing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9 KJV)Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-66360558496928943762015-03-05T19:52:00.002-05:002015-03-05T19:52:31.606-05:00Pray, Aim High, and Stay Focused
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I heard an illustration by my pastor about a man and his
family who were without food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
searched their home for anything to eat but found nothing except an old rifle
and three bullets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that moment the
father determined that he would the use the rifle and ammunition to get food
for his family that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So with the
rifle and ammunition he ventured for the woods.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the woods, the first thing the father saw was a
squirrel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took aim and fired but
missed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he saw a rabbit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again he aimed and fired but he missed
the rabbit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the father only had one
bullet so he prayed, “Lord, I only have one bullet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please help me to bring food home to my
family.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord’s response to him was,
“Pray, aim, and stay focused.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shortly thereafter the man saw a turkey and a deer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He chose to aim for the deer because it would
provide more meat for his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the
man took aim he heard a noise near his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked down and saw a snake that was ready to attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fearing the snake, the man stopped aiming for
the deer and set his aim on the snake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just when he was about to shoot the man heard the Lord say, “What did I
tell you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deciding to trust in the Lord
the man prayed, aimed at the deer, and took his last shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only did he hit the deer but the same
bullet ended up killing the turkey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
top of that, the butt of the rifle fell and killed the snake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, to top it all off, the force of the
blast from the last bullet pushed the father backwards into a lake causing fish
to get caught in his pockets.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pray, aim, and stay focused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What would have happened if the father would have stayed focused on his
troubles (in this case, the snake) instead of his goal (the deer)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can relate this story to life where the
snake represents our troubles while the deer represents our goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a moment to think on your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What has happened when you’ve taken your eyes
off of your goals or dreams and placed them on the hardships and difficulties faced
to reach them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop focusing on your
troubles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead pray to God to give
you the strength to reach for (i.e. aim) and stay focused on them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The final outcome may be beyond your expectations.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)</span></div>
Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-80891876258077347782015-02-17T20:45:00.002-05:002015-02-17T20:45:49.281-05:00It's the Roots That Are ImportantIt's been a while since I posted something, so here goes.<br />
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I was in a coffee shop today, and a man--who happened to be a pastor--was relating a story. He asked a botanist to plant a white pear tree in the yard. It was a pretty tree that stood about 5' 10" tall, but once it was planted the botanist began to cut off EVERY branch.<br />
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The pastor wondered about this since leaves are needed for photosynthesis. So he questioned the botanist. The botanist's response was, "The roots are the most important."<br />
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Times of pruning are tough. Whether you believe in God or not, life has a way of stripping you and the strip down is no fun. (That's the main reason I had stopped blogging.) However, if we take the time to reflect, we can find that our character has been strengthened, and we are able to encourage others in ways we could not before.<br />
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1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.<br />
<span class="text John-15-2" id="en-KJV-26702">2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.</span><br />
<span class="text John-15-3" id="en-KJV-26703"><sup class="versenum"></sup></span><br />
<span class="text John-15-5" id="en-KJV-26705">5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:1-2, 5, KJV)</span>Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-64567645159493228722014-07-01T22:18:00.001-04:002014-07-01T22:19:59.604-04:00A Thought on Faith"A faith that has not been tested is a faith that cannot be trusted." - Bishop Neil C. Ellis<br />
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10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
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11 Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.
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12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. (Psalms 66:10-12 KJV)
Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-28119680274119690162014-06-08T01:11:00.000-04:002014-06-08T01:12:33.045-04:00Excerpt from Post "How I Rebounded From a Major...Setback" by Crystal PaineI read the following in a guest blog post on Michael Hyatt's <a href="http://michaelhyatt.com/">website</a>. The guest poster's name is Crystal Paine, and she is the blogger for <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/">Money Saving Mom</a>. The topic of the post is rebounding from a business setback, but some of our statements also apply to rebounding from setbacks in life. I'm only posting those excerpts, so to read the post in its entirety click <a href="http://michaelhyatt.com/rebound.html">here</a>.<blockquote>
I had to go back to the why behind what I’m doing. If I don’t know why I’m doing something, if there isn’t heart and purpose behind it, when things get tough, it will be hard to stick with it.<br><br>
The past few weeks, I’ve spent time mulling over all the reasons I started MoneySavingMom.com in the first place. It wasn’t so I could build a large platform or have a thriving Facebook Page (Facebook Pages didn’t even exist when I started!).<br><br>
No, it was so I could help people find practical ways to save money and ultimately, experience the freedom and blessing that comes from living with intention.<br><br>
Reminding myself of the why behind the what has really changed my perspective, renewed my enthusiasm, given me a burning drive to continue on—and maybe to resurrect some of the types of posts/series that I used to write when the blog was still in its early stages.
</blockquote>
28 For which of you, wishing to build a farm building, does not first sit down and calculate the cost [to see] whether he has sufficient means to finish it?<br>
29 Otherwise, when he has laid the foundation and is unable to complete [the building], all who see it will begin to mock and jeer at him,<br>
30 Saying, This man began to build and was not able (worth enough) to finish. (Luke 14:28-30 Amplified Bible)
Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-68466031096845851382014-03-11T06:19:00.003-04:002014-03-11T06:19:51.451-04:00It Happens a Step At a TimeI read this in a devotional on Joyce Meyer's website. It's a part of her 3030 Challenge. The challenge is to spend 30 minutes a day praying and reading God's Word for the next 30 days. To read the entire devotional click <a href="http://www.joycemeyer.org/articles/ea.aspx?article=discipline_is_not_a_dirty_word">here</a>.<br><br>
Excerpt from <b>Discipline Is Not a Dirty Word</b>
<blockquote>You see, although today we can microwave a meal, there’s no such thing as “microwave Christianity.” Actually, I like to call God’s process “The Law of Gradual Growth.” Why? Because little by little, as we make right choices, He delivers us from our enemies and takes us where we need to be.<br><br>
Yes, in the beginning, disciplining yourself will be difficult. It won’t feel good and you won’t like it. But every time you make a choice to do the right thing, the next time it gets a little easier. And you get one step closer to your goal.</blockquote>
Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-9957376777275592252013-11-10T04:15:00.000-05:002013-11-10T04:15:09.554-05:00"Procrastination – Is This An Alternative Solution?" by Marcus BakerI read the following post on Marcus Baker's blog (<a href="http://www.marcus-baker.com/">www.marcus-baker.com</a>). He writes on a concept that is so simple but I hadn't considered before. Instead of waiting until you feel like doing something which in turn leads to procrastination, go ahead and do it. I wonder how much more we all would accomplish if we did that?<br />
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<blockquote>
<h1>
Procrastination – Is This An Alternative Solution?</h1>
<div class="entry-meta entry-meta-above">
By <a class="author-link fn nickname url" href="http://www.marcus-baker.com/author/Marcus%20Baker/" title="View all posts by Marcus Baker">Marcus Baker</a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
Recently I was reading some work by the late Japanese psychotherapist, Dr Morita Shoma (1874-1938), founder of Morita Therapy, a branch of clinical psychology strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism.
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He noted that how a person feels is important as a sensation and as an indicator for the present moment, but that the feeling is uncontrollable.
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According to Shoma we don’t create feelings, feelings happen to us and since feelings do not cause our behavior, we can function with unpleasant feelings while still taking constructive action.
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If this is true then we don’t have to wait till we feel like doing something before we do it, however isn’t this exactly what most of us do?
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This is what procrastination is all about. You wait till you feel like doing something before you do it, but what happens if you never feel like doing it? This is why some people never leave the starting line.
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How much more would you achieve if ‘feeling like doing it’ was not a valid criteria for taking action?
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I know that when I procrastinate in certain areas of my life it’s usually because I allow “not feeling like it” to take control but I also have some very solid examples to call on when I have not allowed this to happen.
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During my earlier years I was a competitive swimmer. I was required to be at training every day at 5am no matter what. I did this for close on 2o years. Later in my life there was a period when I had to go to gym every morning at 5am. It was the only way I could fit it in with my busy work schedule.
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I achieved my goals and beyond in both of the above sporting endeavors. I accomplished these because they were important to me. I did what I had to do to make them happen.
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How did I do this? By not waiting until I felt like it before taking action. There were many cold, dark winter’s mornings when I certainly didn’t feel like getting up but I did. On other mornings, having gone to bed late I would wake up tired. It would have been very easy to rather stay in bed but I didn’t allow how I felt to get in my way.
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If you look at your own life, you too will have accomplished many tasks that you didn’t feel like doing. These may have been as simple as doing homework, going to work on a Monday morning, walking the dog in the rain, taking the trash out etc. You accomplished these things because they needed to get done.
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In doing these you applied the essence of Dr Shoma’s method:
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1.Accept your thoughts and feelings as perfectly natural to you in the moment. Don’t ignore or avoid them. Welcome them but don’t let them be the reason why you don’t do something.
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2.Know your Purpose – Know what it is you want to achieve and why it’s important. Focus on your goal.
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3.Do what needs doing in line with your goal, whether or not you are thinking positively or feeling motivated.
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If you can find some examples in your own life of when you have taken action regardless of how you felt and achieved your goals then you can do so again no matter what it is you want to achieve. All that’s required is putting your will into action.
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The problem with a lot of so called “cures” for procrastination is that they assume you have to find a way of being motivated before you can take action. However this is really just an extra hurdle placed in the path of action.
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Consequently most motivational workshops and similar aren’t part of the solution but part of the problem because they re-enforce that you have to get psyched up before you can take action.
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By believing this you now not only have to do some task you don’t want to do but you also have to feel great about doing it before you can begin. Isn’t this just heaping more pressure on yourself than is necessary?
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You have the spirit to make things happen at any time and in any moment unless you give your power away. Freedom and power are connected to taking responsibility and exercising your spirit within. You don’t have to wait until you feel like doing something before you do, so stop allowing this to get in your way.
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Let’s always remember Nike’s well known slogan, “Just do it”. I’d like to think that whoever came up with this was influenced by the work of Dr Morita Shoma but it makes no difference if they were or not.
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In conclusion I leave you with more wisdom from the Japanese doctor:
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“Give up on yourself. Begin taking action now, while being neurotic or imperfect, or a procrastinator, or unhealthy, or lazy, or any other label by which you inaccurately describe yourself. Go ahead and be the best imperfect person you can be and get started on those things you want to accomplish before you die.”
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Sounds like great advice and you can do so starting right now, no matter how you feel. Are you ready to be the master of your destiny?
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- See more at: <a href="http://www.marcus-baker.com/personal-development-2">Marcus Baker's personal development category</a></blockquote></span>
Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-58517880375508029322013-09-08T18:18:00.000-04:002013-09-08T18:18:15.236-04:00Transitioning SucksI have to admit it. Life transitions suck. Oh, it can be fun in the beginning. You gathered the courage and took the leap to head for the new and unknown. Things were fine at first, but then you were thrown one unexpected curve ball after another. Now the thought is, "I didn't sign up for this." And you can't go back. Former connections have dissipated so you can't rely on those security blankets anymore. Plus, if you had the chance to go back would you really want to? Sure, the person you were starting out could put up with or overlook certain situations, but could you do so today?<br><br>
Transitioning sucks but there's only two real options: move forward or stay stuck where you are. So moving forward sounds like the best option, because you don't want to stay where you are now. I know I don't.<br><br><br>
"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good..." (Genesis 15:20, King James Version)Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-24700832334617221402013-06-01T17:19:00.001-04:002013-06-01T17:19:21.804-04:00Embracing Your Limitations - Inspired by Phil HansenI saw the following video in Dan Miller's post <a href="http://www.48days.com">Embrace the Shake</a>. (Dan Miller is the author 48 <i>Days to the Work You Love</i> and <i>Wisdom Meets Passion</i>.<br><br>
In this TEDTalk, Phil Hansen explains how, as an artist, initially he considered his nerve damage as the end all of his dream. But he learned how to take his limitation and create and expand his art in ways he never dreamed or envisioned.<br><br>
It's a different way of thinking. What could we learn to create within our limitations if we took the time to embrace them?<br>
<iframe src="http://embed.ted.com/talks/phil_hansen_embrace_the_shake.html" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-90097202581972243502013-02-23T21:38:00.000-05:002013-02-23T21:38:23.236-05:00"There Is No Overnight Success" by Jonathan Wells<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Life is about growth and change, that is the journey we are on. If we only focus on the final outcome we miss the joy associated with our experience. In other words, we miss out on life itself." - Jonathan Wells</div>
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I read those lines in the following blog post. The post can be viewed in its original form by visiting Jonathan Wells' site <a href="http://advancedlifeskills.com/blog/there-is-no-overnight-success/" target="_blank">Advanced Life Skills</a>.<blockquote>
<div class="format_text entry-content">
<h3><strong>There Is No Overnight Success</strong></h3>
by Jonathan Wells<br /></br />
Because our life happens one day at a time, there is a tendency to view each day as a separate and independent event. While I am a big fan of living in the moment, it is equally important to understand how one moment relates to the next.<br />
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<h3>
<strong>Life is a cumulative experience</strong></h3>
Those with something to gain want you to believe that major changes can happen almost instantly and with very little effort. They try to convince you that you can be a <a href="http://advancedlifeskills.com/blog/7-ways-to-look-at-money-differently/" target="_blank">millionaire</a>, or the picture of perfect health, if you just buy their product and use it for the next thirty days.<br />
Promises like that can sound very appealing. Don’t be fooled, there is no such thing as an overnight success, or even an overnight failure for that matter. Sometimes it may appear to be that way, but that’s just because we were not in a position to witness the whole process.<br />
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<h3>
<strong>See the big picture</strong></h3>
In actuality, success and failure are the result of prior choices and actions. Barring any unforeseen catastrophic events, your life today is the sum of all your yesterdays.<br />
To succeed in any area of life we need to learn to view today, not as a single disconnected event, but as a major contributor to our future. This requires a special kind of awareness. It means being able to look ahead and see the likely consequences of what you are doing right now.<br />
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<h3>
<strong>Shortsightedness eventually brings pain</strong></h3>
If we don’t see the connection between are choices today, and our quality of life tomorrow, there will pain and disappointment in our future. We see this scenario being played out every single day.<br />
One common example of this kind of shortsightedness is someone who eats and drinks without any regard for the long term consequences. Over the years their weight and blood pressure rise steadily. The function of their liver and pancreas is slowly impaired, and their level of physical activity decreases. Then, seemingly out of the blue, they are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or worse yet, they have a heart attack.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Still no clue</strong></h3>
What’s their response to their new reality? They either wonder why, or they chalk it up to getting older. When in truth, it was the predictable outcome of two or three decades of not associating today’s choices with tomorrow’s reality.<br />
We could say the same thing about a relationship that slowly goes bad, or constantly rising debt that leads to bankruptcy. Failure to recognize and acknowledge that our future is the culmination of all the previous days and years is a sure path to pain and disappointment.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Awareness leads to success</strong></h3>
On the other hand, we can make good use of the cumulative nature of life to help move us steadily in the direction of our <a href="http://advancedlifeskills.com/blog/3-keys-to-realizing-your-dreams-and-goals/" target="_blank">goals and dreams</a>. However, before we can do that, we need to adopt a different mindset with relation to how we view the accumulation process.<br />
We live in a world that wants everything right now. People have linked their <a href="http://advancedlifeskills.com/blog/positive-attitude-anchoring/" target="_blank">positive emotional anchors</a> to instant gratification. They have no patients for, nor do they find any pleasure in the process. They just want the result without having to do the work. The problem with this mindset is that life simply does not work that way.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Learn to love the journey</strong></h3>
Life is about growth and change, that is the journey we are on. If we only focus on the final outcome we miss the joy associated with our experience. In other words, we miss out on life itself.<br />
On the other hand, if we live each day with no awareness of where it is leading us, then we have no direction and will never achieve any goals. What we want is the best of both worlds. We want to fully enjoy and experience each day, and know that it is moving us ever closer to the realization of our long term goals.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<strong>How can we do that?</strong></h3>
<span style="color: #a47b32;"><strong>1) Shift your mindset with a question.</strong></span> You need to weigh each day’s activities and decisions according to your long term goals. Simply asking yourself, “will this move me toward success or away from it?” will increase your awareness and change your perspective<br />
This applies to personal goals, business goals, and relationship goals. For example, If you are considering a second helping of dessert, ask yourself if that will move you toward your weight loss goal, or away from it. If you are about to find fault with your mate, ask yourself if pursuing that conversation will <a href="http://advancedlifeskills.com/blog/what-makes-a-happy-relationship/" target="_blank">strengthen your relationship</a> or undermine it. Always consider the long term consequences before to make a decision or take action.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a47b32;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a47b32;"><strong>2) Learn to find joy in the process.</strong></span> I learned this from the legendary Bonsai Master John Naka. When I was relatively new to the art of bonsai he told me that if I did not learn to find enjoyment in the training process, I might as well buy finished bonsai trees and just be a collector.<br />
But I wanted to create not collect. We are all the creators of our own life; we can’t just buy the life we want. Doesn’t it make sense to enjoy the creative process while staying aware of our overall direction? We do this by holding a vision of our desired future and finding joy in each step of the journey.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a47b32;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a47b32;"><strong>3) Review your actions weekly.</strong></span> Every week take a few minutes to look back and double <a href="http://advancedlifeskills.com/blog/where-does-your-path-lead/" target="_blank">check your direction</a>. Are you still moving toward your goals, or do you need to make some adjustments? Were there any activities over the past week that did not support you goals and should be eliminated?<br />
Then review your goals to see if they are still what you want. It is not unusual to discover that the goals themselves need to be adjusted from time to time to stay in harmony with who we are right now. Don’t be afraid to <a href="http://advancedlifeskills.com/blog/how-to-turn-hindsight-into-insight/" target="_blank">reevaluate your goals</a> as you grow and progress.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<strong>Using the present to sculpt the future</strong></h3>
As we can see, within the scope of normal circumstances, there really is no such thing as instant success or failure. Learning to maintain a constant awareness of how today’s choices effects tomorrow’s life will empowers us to <a href="http://advancedlifeskills.com/blog/amazing-goal-in-100-days/" target="_blank">create the future we want</a>, while finding joy in the journey.</div></blockquote>
"And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." (Habakkuk 2:2 King James Bible)Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-75379692981808763792013-02-21T17:26:00.000-05:002013-02-23T21:38:59.386-05:00"Don't Lose Your Mojo" by S. Anthony IannarioI read this on S. Anthony Iannarino's site <a href="http://thesalesblog.com">The Sales Blog</a>. Anthony is the President and Chief Sales officer for SOLUTIONS Staffing in Columbus, Ohio, and he's an adjunct faculty member at Capital University’s School of Management and Leadership. To read the following blog post in it's original format, <a href="http://thesalesblog.com/blog/2013/02/17/dont-lose-your-mojo/">click here</a>.
<blockquote><b>Don’t Lose Your Mojo</b><br />
February 17, 2013 by S. Anthony Iannarino
<br /><br />
It doesn’t matter that you failed. It doesn’t matter that you lost the client, lost the opportunity, or lost the job. It doesn’t matter that you did your best and that your best wasn’t good enough. The events or the circumstances that led to your failing don’t matter either. There are only three things that matter now.
<br /><br />
First, you need to derive any lessons you can from your failure. The price of an education is experience. And the price of experience is failure. What did you learn?
<br /><br />
Second, it matters that you pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and step back into the arena. Your past performance isn’t necessarily indicative of your future performance. Lots of people failed countless times before finally breaking through. But to succeed in the future, you have to try again.
<br /><br />
But the most important thing I saved for last: You can’t lose your mojo. You are a value creator. You live by the Value Creator’s Code. Because you are a value creator, it’s time to reengage with the world and the opportunities in front of you with all the confidence in your abilities that you had when you tried and failed. It’s time to step back in with all of your mojo, all of your confidence. It’s time to reengage your head, your heart, and your guts. All of these things are still alive inside you. Or they could be.
<br /><br />
The world is waiting for you to make a difference. We’re counting on you. A lot of people are counting on you. Get your mojo working.</blockquote>
Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-28348142319193653612013-01-21T18:08:00.002-05:002013-01-21T18:08:20.264-05:00Times of ChangeChanges. They come to shed the old, and this shedding provides for the new. Old thoughts and habits keep us where we are. The irony is while you may be growing, developing, or experiencing success where you are, you're not doing the same where you want to be. Your life isn't heading in the direction you want it to go--where you constantly dream of it's being. And the dream won't seem to go away. Even when you've lost sight of it or given up on it, it still lingers like an odor with a source that can't be determined.<br><br>
That dream will remain unfulfilled and will continue to linger...it will continue to haunt you with glimpses of how life could be...until you embrace your times of change.<br><br><br>
"[A song for going up to worship.] When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, it was as if we were dreaming." (Psalms 126:1 GOD'S WORD Translation)Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-39869426525010307472012-11-03T00:44:00.003-04:002014-06-08T01:19:08.337-04:00Step By Step...When You're Tired of Stepping<p>Have you ever gotten tired of trying? You keep making steps but the steps seem to be taking you nowhere--or nowhere fast. Yes, we've all been there, but what happens when you've been "there" one too many times? </p>
<p>Tiredness pervades your body like a slow moving malaise, and forget the proverbial "one step forward two steps back". It's more like one step forward and ten steps back. And as far as your eye can see, it seems as if nothing is changing. Nothing's growing, nothing's increasing, and you don't want to admit it but things seem to be declining. The time before your period of change is starting to look better and better...</p>
<p>Right now I'm thinking about the biblical character Joseph. Joseph was known as a dreamer, and to make a long story short, his dreams landed him in captivity as a slave. Despite his unjust captivity, Joseph proved himself to be a worthy and capable individual, and his master made Joseph the head man in charge of his house. Unfortunately Joseph was falsely accused by the master's wife of a wrong, and that accusation landed Joseph in...</p>
<p>JAIL, of all places. He had done nothing wrong and now he was in prison. Due to his relationship with God, Joseph was able to interpret dreams. What relevance does this have with the story? Joseph meets two prisoners that happen to mention their dreams to Joseph. Joseph interpreted one man's dream to have a favorable ending and the other's unfavorable. Both of Joseph's interpretations were correct.</p>
<p>Here's the kicker. The man whose dream ended well was supposed to tell the person in authority (which just so happened to be the king) about Joseph. However, he forgot, and he forgot for <i>three years</i>. But then the king has a dream that those around him cannot interpret, this man remembers Joseph, and Joseph ends up before the king. Joseph interprets the king's dream, and, well, the rest is history.</p>
<p>All of that to say what? Can you imagine being Joseph? Would you want to imagine being him? First he was sold into slavery by his brothers for being a dreamer. Then he catches a break and becomes the head servant of his master's house, only to be thrown in jail because he does not give in to the wife's attempts to seduce him. And when it seems like he may be leaving prison soon because he interpreted the butler's dream, he's forgotten about for three years.</p>
<p>Me, personally, I think I would have gotten discouraged after being thrown in prison. And I probably would have been absolutely broken after three years. But could that be God's purpose all along? To break us of everything that's hindering us from becoming the people we imagine and envision ourselves to be? Do I agree with all of God's Ways? No. Is that a problem? No, because He's the God of all hearts, and He knows how to change our hearts if we will let Him.</p>
<p>So if you're tired of stepping, take a moment and regroup. What around you do you still have? And take inventory of yourself. While your surrounding circumstances may have taken a turn for the worse, what about <i>you</i> and your character has changed or grown? And then, once you've had a small breather, start moving again, because eventually you will step into the dream you've been seeking.</p>
1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,<br>
2 Arise , and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.<br>
3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.<br>
4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter : so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.<br>
5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,<br>
6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. (Jeremiah 18:1-6, King James Version)Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-41765896097036581132012-10-12T19:11:00.003-04:002012-10-12T19:11:58.443-04:00"Transparent Moments Pt. 2" by Broderick WaltonThis post is from <a href="http://www.broderickwalton.com/">Broderick Walton's website</a>. To see the post in its original form, <a href="http://www.broderickwalton.com/transparent-moments-pt-2/">click here</a>.<blockquote>
<b>Transparent Moments Pt. 2</b><br>
Posted on 11 September, 2012
<p>I’m learning daily that God will make the comfortable uncomfortable in your life, just for us to realize that we have a greater purpose than just living & working 9 to 5s. As God starts to stretch me & take away things that I’ve grown to depend on, he’s only making it so that I solely depend on HIM & not a job or my own understanding. Sometimes when I just want to live the NORMAL life w/o encouraging others on the daily, I’m reminded of who saved my life & who is depending on me to lead others to him.</p>
<p>When I accepted the calling on my life, I knew that my life would change, my inner circle, and the blood line with my last name attached to it. Am I in this for the long haul? Yes!! Does it hurt being stretched & learning to trust God rather than my job & own understanding? Yes!! Is it worth it seeing my complete obedience helpings others make it in to heaven? You better believe it!! I’m reminded daily that my last 10 years of sufferings, going thru, and being healed of my past was just for this current season. With all that being said, my season is now hear to trust God in doing what I was born to do. Lord, use EVERY ounce in me to be a blessing to your kingdom.<p></blockquote><br>
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 King James Version)
Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-89637614844917312142012-09-18T15:28:00.001-04:002012-09-18T15:28:29.741-04:00It's Never As Bad As It Seems! by George WhittenThis inspirational piece is by George Whitten, Editor of <a href="/http://www.worthydevotions.com/">Worthy Devotions</a>.<blockquote>
<p>It's Never As Bad As It Seems!</p>
<p><b>Psalm 27:4-5 One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.
</b></p>
<p>The world these days is full of bad news, with tensions growing in the Middle East, economies on the brink of collapse, and nature constantly adding to the chaos with one disaster after another. It's a time of trouble all right, and for us believers it may sometimes be hard to believe – but it never is as bad as it seems. Let me illustrate with a joke I like to share with my messages.</p>
<p>Way out west (in America, of course), a cowboy is driving down a road, his dog riding in the back of his pickup truck, his faithful horse in the trailer behind. As he takes a curve on the highway he suddenly loses control of the vehicle and has a terrible accident.</p>
<p>Sometime later, a State Police officer comes on the scene. A great lover of animals, the officer's attention is first drawn to the horse. Realizing the serious nature of its injuries, he draws his service revolver and puts the animal out of its misery. Then walking around the accident he finds the dog, also critically wounded, and whining miserably in pain. This grips his heart and he quickly ends the dog's suffering as well.</p>
<p>Finally the police officer locates the cowboy, who has suffered multiple fractures and can barely breathe. “Hey, are you okay?”, he says.</p>
<p>The cowboy takes one look at the smoking gun in the trooper's hand and quickly replies, with unexpected energy, “Never felt better!”</p>
We are pilgrims in this dangerous world, which will wound us at times so badly it will seem unbearable – yet we have this promise from God, “in the time of trouble He will hide me”. It's because my real life, my true life is in Him and with Him no matter what happens to me here. So when the world approaches me with a smoking gun, ready to put me out of my misery, I can find a supernatural strength, and simply say, "I never felt better!"</blockquote>Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-23641125057248746282012-09-07T23:15:00.001-04:002012-09-07T23:15:57.112-04:00The Contamination of Pain, Part 1I know a young author by the name of <a href="http://www.iamdonaldquist.com/">Donald Quist</a>. He wrote a short novel titled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Let-Me-Make-You-Sandwich/dp/0615397816/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290981262&sr=8-1">Let Me Make You A Sandwhich</a>. In it is a 1 page short story of someone who experienced a hurt so deep that mentally they became detached from this earth. It caused me to ask what do you do with a pain so deep, so great, that reflecting on reality feels improbable? This is my response to those questions.<br><br>
God is a healer. But in order to be made whole, you have to face and recognize your pain. You can no longer put it on a shelf in your mind hoping to forget that it's there. You can't hide it in the deep recesses or the darkest corners of your heart.<br><br>
"Maybe if it doesn't see the light of day, maybe if I place it in the dark it will wither and die," you think to yourself. You hope that by not facing it, the pain--whether it was a superficial surface scratch or one that was so deep it felt as if your internal organs were trying to escape your body--will just go away. And if it doesn't maybe the ebbing and aching will subside to a place where it's bearable numbness that becomes a part of your life.<br><br>
Sadly, ignoring or hiding the pain doesn't make it better. It makes it worse because things neglected on a shelf begin to deteriorate and stuff hidden in dark areas begins to either mold and mildew or to dry rot.<br><br>
Then you have a bigger problem. When the pain was one mass, no matter if it was small or a tremendously huge brick of pain, it was a singular pain. The pain was a centralized whole. But now that you've tried to ignore it or you've hidden it away in dark corners, the pain has begun to spread.<br><br>
A definition of deteriotion is the act or process of disintegrating. The same can be said if your pain is dry rotting. If your pain has been hidden in a dark corner and is molding or mildewy, it's spreading as well. So in your effort to contain the pain, it has begun to slowly seep and spread into other areas of your life.<br><br><br>
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:10 Amplified Bible Version)Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-63452741399984358542012-09-03T10:52:00.002-04:002012-09-03T10:52:27.077-04:00'Loud and Clear' by Lauren HillThis is another blog post by Lauren Hill, blogger of <a href="http://championyourdreams.blogspot.com">Champion Your Dreams</a>. (She's a personal favorite blogger of mine.) You can see the post in its original format by <a href="http://championyourdreams.blogspot.com/2012/03/loud-and-clear.html">clicking here</a>.<blockquote>
<b>Loud and Clear</b><br><br>Well my dear blog friends, for those of you faithfully dropping by here to see if I have gotten going on my intention to make things "loud and clear" here at FAITH FUEL, the answer is No, I am not yet at the point of broadcasting live or vlogging, but I haven't been silenced either. Sometimes when you're trying to break through into doing something new and you haven't completely succeeded, you can at least say you haven't stopped trying.<br><br>
And you know why I'm trying to make a change in how I get my messages to you? Because certain people in my life are prodding me to do this and I have been resisting as though they were asking me to jump into a pool of alligators. I like writing down my thoughts and my struggles and my "lightbulb moments" of sudden illumination that I share with you all here; and I love speaking at Retreats and Conferences and Bible Studies. But to speak out into the blog world and try bringing you some words of encouragement in that manner- well, I would; I mean I'm not against doing that; but really, is that what I should be doing? (Can you hear the resistance?!)<br><br>
My husband, Safety Bill, has been telling me that Change is in the Air. He says he can almost smell change coming, that it smells like something fresh and new. I don't smell anything. Well, other than Harry, who is in desperate need of a bath and total mowing- I mean, grooming. The only thing I sense is that I'm used to writing my thoughts and I'm used to posting them quietly. The only way you'd hear my posts is if you read them out loud. And now I've got a bit of prodding to change things, change the way I do things. Change the way I come across to you, how I come across to you.<br><br>
But the key thing is that we do cross over- from resistance to cooperation, from fear to faith, from old ways of doing things to new ways of doing things. I don't even think you have to know exactly what you are doing when you start to make concrete changes in your life. Nobody would make changes if they waited till they were exactly sure of what they were doing!<br><br>
I'm never exactly sure of what I'm doing- it's more like I'm sure of what- or Who- is motivating me to make the changes that I will eventually not be sure of. Does that make sense? I'm sure that God is behind the prodding for these changes. And actually, I'm sure God is behind not so much the changes themselves, but the willingness I need to have to make these adjustments and turning points.<br><br>
God looks for bendable people. Flexible, bendable people are not willy nilly in their convictions- they're just open to how their convictions will be carried out. They know that when all is said and done, things just might look completely different than when they first started out on their new journey to Change.<br><br>
Maybe you feel impressed to take a certain path, pursue a certain job, and you're just about to reach out and lay hold of it when- poof- it almost seems to evaporate. The offer is withdrawn; someone else gets the job. Maybe a serious relationship that you thought for sure was going to lead to a proposal of Happily Ever After is now a relationship crumbling into the dust. Maybe the Answer that you fasted and prayed for is now turning out to not exactly be the answer you were looking for. But, hold on! Don't throw the baby out with the bath water!<br><br>
"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (1 Cor. 13:12) Sometimes we only get part of the picture; sometimes we get a partial revelation of what God is doing but then we add to that partial our idea of what's happening. We need to get used to saying "I only know in part, but I can fully obey God." God is after our willingness to pursue Him and His will in all things. He knows we only see in part, but He's got the full picture. He will lead, and keep leading you, into the fullness of His will and His abundance.<br><br>
Stumble about, if you have to- but at least stumble forward. Stumble into change. Thrash and flail about it, but do it anyway. That's what I'm doing. My techno-son is helping me make this transition with changes coming to my blog and website. My husband is prodding me. My friend Scott who has a ministry going through changes is encouraging me to get going. And most of all, God is calling me to enter into the Transition Time with gusto and excitement for the new things He has ahead. I don't really know what the changes I make now will lead to in the future. But I do know that my willingness to change- to move with God- will definitely keep me hearing Him calling me onward- and I will hear Him loud and clear.</blockquote>Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-1743831404349028072012-08-21T00:53:00.002-04:002012-08-21T00:54:20.592-04:00This is a devotional by <a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/speakers/bios/tracie-miles/">Tracie Miles</a>. I think we all can relate to it.<blockquote>
<b>The Invisible Battle</b><br>
July 30, 2012<br><br>
<i>"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)<br><BR>
I was in a field, in the middle of the night. Others were around me, but I could not see them clearly; only moonbeams pierced the dark.<br><BR>
Out of nowhere, unseen forces pressed me to the ground, keeping me from defending myself. Hatred spewed from the invisible evil. Fear and confusion encompassed me. I sensed God whispering to me that His Word was my only hope. I knew His truths held power over this wickedness.<br><BR>
As could only happen in a dream, I shrunk to the size of a pencil. I threw myself onto an open Bible, grabbed a handful of pages and rolled with all my might. The papers tore from the creases as I wrapped myself tightly in God's Word. Instantly, the faceless enemies retreated.</i><br><BR>
I woke up listening to my rapid heartbeat and staring at the 3 a.m. blackness. My thoughts stumbled over one another, trying to figure out what had just occurred. Although I knew I was safe in my own bed, my heart was ravaged by this battle I'd experienced in the recesses of my mind.<br><BR>
I felt an overwhelming need to pray and spent the next hour talking with Jesus. Fears, hurts and longings of my heart overflowed. Soon a sense of freedom and peace washed over my spirit; one I hadn't experienced in a long time.<br><BR>
My family and I had been engaged in fierce spiritual warfare. The past year had been marked by one harsh blow after another. Instead of giving credit where credit was due, I'd merely attributed it to 'life.'<br><BR>
God showed me, like in the dream, we were under oppression. He helped me see I'd been trudging through life unknowingly carrying the crushing weight of disappointment, resentment and stress.<br><BR>
Negative emotions which stemmed from being hurt by someone I loved, various family concerns, as well as frustration and discouragement regarding circumstances in my life, had all erected a barrier between God and me.<br><BR>
I'd grown weary of praying prayers that seemed to go unnoticed. My feelings overshadowed my faith and I'd been relying on my own advice for handling adversities, rather than seeking God's wisdom.<br><BR>
As a result, I'd given the devil a foothold in my heart. So much time focused on my circumstances and feelings had inadvertently minimized my time focused on God's Word and His truths that would set me free.<br><BR>
Although I was feeling alone, God had never left my side. Deep down I still knew that only He held the power to release me from my oppression.<br><BR>
Through this dream, God opened my spiritual eyes to see I had not been choosing the right weapons to fight this battle. His Sword (His Word) was what I needed to deliver me from the stress and oppression, just as today's key verse explains.<br><BR>
Victory can only be found by spending time with Jesus and choosing His Word as our weapon - not only against life but also against the enemy who wants to steal our hearts.<br><BR>
God never leaves us to fight battles alone. His Word tells us many times that the battle is His, but we must choose to wrap ourselves in His promises and believe that He's our Protector who will fight to the death for His children.<br><BR>
In fact, He already did.<br><BR>
<i>Dear Lord, set me free today from the grip the enemy has on my heart. Forgive me for thinking I could fight this battle on my own and help me to wrap up in Your Word. Intervene in my life and my circumstances, and lead me to victory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.</i><br><BR>
<b>Power Verses:</b><br>
Ephesians 6:13-18, "Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." (MSG)<br><BR>
Proverbs 4:23, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." (NLT)</blockquote>Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-25879819934610079722012-08-11T19:47:00.000-04:002012-08-11T19:49:57.896-04:00'Dare To Be Different' from Joyce Meyer's "Love Out Loud"I read this devotional in <a href="http://www.joycemeyer.org">Joyce Meyer</a>'s book of devotionals titled <i>Love Out Loud</i>. It's dated for August 9th, and while I will not post it in it's entirety, I thought the following had to deal with our attitude towards life's changes. While geared towards those of the Christian faith, the first line of text is relevant to non-believers and believers alike. <blockquote>
<b>Dare to Be Different</b><br />
by Joyce Meyer<br />
August 9th<br />
<br />
When we struggle to be like others, we lose our distinctiveness and even lose ourselves in the process. We also grieve God's Holy Spirit. God wants us to fit into His plan, not to devise our own plans or try to fit into someone else's design.<br />
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We need to find out what God wants us to have, who He wants us to be, and what He wants us to do. That's where we'll discover our gifts and find both success and enjoyment.<br />
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<i>Prayer from devotional</i><br />
<b>Love Yourself Today</b>: "Thank You, Lord, for creating me to be different from everyone else and for making me special on purpose!"<br />
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<i>Scripture from devotional</i><br />
The sun is glorious in one way, the moon is glorious in another way, and the stars are glorious in their own [distinctive] way; for one star differs from and surpasses another in its beauty and brilliance. (1 Corinthians 15:41 Amplified Bible)
</blockquote>Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-16171081615025082402012-08-07T09:23:00.000-04:002012-08-07T09:23:54.670-04:00No Room For JudgementHi. This blog may take something of a different turn, but I haven't fully decided yet. Anyhow, I was reading one of my personal journal entries from last year and just wanted to share.<blockquote>I know I've done things to tarnish how people look at/respect me. I've lost value in the eyesight of man and that's something I have to live with. I have to live with the fact that my choices brought me here to this place in my life or I can leave that behind and look upon myself as God does. He knew me before I was formed and I'm the appple of His eye [really don't know if I would be considered as a jewel]. You may be thinking, "You're just saying that to make yourself feel better." No. Loooking at someone as less valuable because they haven't lived up to my standard is easier to do. Seeing them as God see's me is harder because then it doesn't leave room for me to judge.</blockquote><br>
6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my words.<br>
7 Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O Savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.<br>
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings, <br>
(Psalms 17:6-8 English Standard Version)<br><br>
Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21 Good News Translation)Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-2850005913464992172012-07-24T23:18:00.003-04:002012-07-24T23:18:45.781-04:00Dare To Say Yes to Life! by Dr. Diane HindmanI was searching for a file when I came across this link. The post is 3 years' old but still relevant to today. Admittedly I haven't seen the movie 'Yes, Man' or read the book 'Eat, Pray, Love'; however, without having done either I think something can still be taken from the following. To see the original post, <a href="http://drdianespeaks.com/resources-article-detail.php?ID=4">click here</a>.<blockquote><b>Dare To Say Yes to Life!
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<br><br>2009 begins for me with a challenge to myself and to you. Dare to say yes to life! How many of us have been sitting on the sidelines watching our lives pass us by and wishing things would change each year. Wishing for more money, a more fulfilling relationship, more time with our family, more satisfaction in our career, better health… the list goes on and on. Well, it's time for a change. After about seven years of reading and studying as many personal development/self-help/business success/positive psychology/energy medicine/spirituality books that I could get my hands on, it has finally sunk in that they all say the same thing. You can wish and visualize for what you want all day long, but to really manifest it - you need to change who you are and what you do on a daily basis. The three requirements for manifestation: desire, belief and expectancy. The steps you need to take every day: 1. know what you want and really want it; 2. discipline your thoughts to remain focused and not be distracted or talked out of it (by yourself or others); 3. bring your dream into full alignment with your soul mission; 4. take action and follow through with growing into the person you need to be in order to manifest that vision. That's why it's time for a change.<br><br>
So, what does dare to say yes to life mean? It means truly realizing that we have a limited number of days here in this lifetime and it's about time we did something about it. It means creating your future now and taking advantage of all of the amazing opportunities that come your way. So, where is all this mojo-filled momentum coming from you ask? How many of you have seen Jim Carrey's new movie, "Yes Man"? Well, I never thought I'd be basing an article, let alone my life, off of something I saw in Hollywood - let alone a Jim Carrey movie. Generally, I think he's pretty funny, but I like him in little doses and he is the type of actor that most people think is either hilarious or ridiculous. "Yes Man" is one of those movies that you go to see because you're in the mood for a good laugh and this one will have you in hysterics. But beneath the comedy lies an interesting concept to ponder - what if we had to say yes to anything that was asked of us? What opportunities would arise, what experiences would we have, what would be the worst that could happen and what amazing things might happen? I found myself thinking how fitting that this movie was released in a time of deep doom and gloom that's hanging over most of the world's population.<br><br>
Then I got to thinking… what if we were to practice this even on one tenth the level that he did. How many times do we say no to opportunities that could change our lives because we were too scared, too tired, too worried about what others would think; because we couldn't afford it, didn't have the time or had too many other obligations? Wouldn't it be great to have the ability to say yes more often, even if we were a little unsure about whether we wanted to do it or not? How would our belief systems change if we started saying yes to more opportunities? My challenge to myself and to you this month is to say yes to at least one new thing that could potentially improve the quality of your life. You never know what could be behind the next door. And after all, isn't it about the journey then what's at the end of the road?<br><br>
I'd love to hear from you, please email me and tell me what you dared to say yes to this month! A great book about a woman who truly said yes to life is "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert - a moving story of her journey to find herself.
© 2009 Dr. Diane Speaks</blockquote><br>And the LORD answered me: "Write the vision; make it plain upon tablets, so he may run who reads it. (Habakkuk 2:2 Good News Bible)Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991831500259122025.post-50192500909616087492012-07-21T23:12:00.000-04:002012-07-22T14:47:07.966-04:00What Are You Willing To Change by S. Anthony IannarioThe full title for this post is 'What Are You Willing to Change to be the Best Version of Yourself?' I read it on S. Anthony Iannario's <em>The Sales Blog</em>. If you would like to read the original blog post,<a href="http://thesalesblog.com/blog/2012/06/08/what-are-you-willing-to-change-to-be-the-best-version-of-yourself/" target="_blank"> click here</a>. While this post is geared towards the skill of selling, the info can be applied to life in general. What changes are we making as we continue on our journey of change?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What Are You Willing to Change to be the Best Version of Yourself?</span></h1>
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<span class="date published time" title="2012-06-08T23:39:55+00:00">June 8, 2012</span> By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a class="fn n" href="http://thesalesblog.com/blog/author/admin/" rel="author" title="S. Anthony Iannarino">S. Anthony Iannarino</a></span></span> </div>
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What are you willing to change in order to achieve the results that you want? What would make you the very best version of yourself?</div>
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The results that you are producing right now, whether you are happy with them or not, are being produced by the actions that you are taking (or not taking). Those results are also the result of your beliefs. It isn’t enough to want different results or better results. To produce different and better results you have to make changes.</div>
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Are You Willing to Change What You Are Doing?</h4>
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Certain actions lead to certain outcomes. If you want different outcomes, you have to take different actions.</div>
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If your pipeline of opportunities isn’t what you want it to be, then you have to change your prospecting. If your deals always end in you being challenged to justify your price then you need to change something about how you sell. You have to make changes.</div>
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As you’ve undoubtedly guessed, this isn’t only about sales. This is about making your life rock. If you unhappy with the level of energy you have at work, you have to make the changes to your lifestyle that will allow you to generate more energy.</div>
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What result are you getting now that isn’t what you want it to be? What do you need to change in order to get the outcome that you really want?</div>
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Are You Willing to Change What You Believe?</h4>
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The actions you take are the result of your beliefs.</div>
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If you believe cold calling makes you to “salesy” or something less than consultative, then you will act in accordance with those beliefs. If you believe that your dream clients will only buy price, you will act in accordance with that belief, and you will work to sell price.</div>
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You get to choose what you believe. You can think about what you think about. Rationalizing poor results and justifying them with a poor belief system doesn’t produce better results. Rationalization is resistance to change, and resistance to change kills the possibility of better results.</div>
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You could believe that prospecting (in all its many forms) is one of your primary task in sales. That belief would support a different set of actions than some other beliefs. You could believe that your dream clients are willing to pay more where more value is created. That belief would support a very different set of actions than the belief that price is the only thing your dream clients value.</div>
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Your beliefs support your actions. They underlie the actions. To believe something and not act in accordance with that belief is the same as not believing it.</div>
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Are You Willing to Change Who You Are?</h4>
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What you believe and the actions you take make you who you are. The actions you need to take to improve your results might not be inspiring. Most of the time it means hard work, dedication, and doing the quiet work that you alone can do. It’s the disciplined actions of making the calls, reading the books, hitting the gym.</div>
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What should inspire you is the question: “Who do you have to be to produce a better result?” Would the best version of yourself take the actions that you are taking now? Or would they take a very different set of actions to get the outcomes they need?</div>
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Would the best version of you rationalize their present results? Or would they own the responsibility for better results? What would the best version of you believe? How would the best version of you act in accord with those beliefs?</div>
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<br /></div>Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836628217402244759noreply@blogger.com0