Hello Friend,
You will never get a second chance to make a first impression....
While that is absolutely true, do you put as much effort into
making sure that your second, third, fourth... impressions
are just as powerful?
Do you ever really stop and think about the impressions
you are leaving on other people?
When someone has an encounter with you,
do they walk away better than when they came?
Mother Teresa said,
"Spread love everywhere you go.
Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."
I share my thoughts in a bit more detail below,
(fast forward through the first minute to skip the banter, lol)
and I'll be the first to admit, that's a pretty tall order!
Humans by nature are selfish.
We are super quick to point out
how someone else made US feel, aren't we?
But we don't often stop and think on the reverse.
If you want people to leave your presence
feeling just a little happier than when they arrived,
here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Don't criticize or condemn
2. Give honest and sincere recognition and appreciation
3. Smile
Be mindful of this as you got about your day today,
try implementing one or all of the things above,
and note the response you get from others.
I bet it will not only leave them with a
favorable impression of you,
but it will change your attitude as well. ;)
Until next time... Blessings!
Friend, look deep... deeper... Deeper....
Do you see more than just an acorn?
Do you see the potential that is inside?
I found this acorn over the weekend,
and I have been learning a bit more about
what it takes for the oak tree to spring forth.
It's fascinating.
I go into more detail HERE
if you have 10 minutes to spare
and want to take a listen.
If you don't, I'll get right to the point.
You have so much potential inside you.
In order for it to take root,
you may just need to go through a really dark season.
In order for it to spring forth,
you may just need to be broken.
In order for it to be nourished,
you may just need to rely on others.
When you are walking through the
dark and broken places,
don't miss what God has put
right in front of your face.
He has equipped you with
everything
that you need to survive.
Stay rooted in Him.
Stay connected to your support system.
Stay focused on your growth.
Don't miss what God has placed
right in front of your eyes,
but be open to thinking
beyond what you actually see.
Until next time... Blessings!
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PS: If you are needing some extra support and encouragement,
we just started a brand new series over in our group,
Guarding the Gate... 21 Days of Encouragement.
Sister, you don't have to walk your path alone.
Join us!
Chances are if you are reading this, you probably weren't born blind... but I bet it's safe to assume that you have found yourself presented with a situation or two in your life where you have asked the very common, one-word question, "Why?"
There's a story in the Bible about a man that was born blind. I am sure there were many times in his life when he questioned the why.
The disciples also asked Jesus why this man was born blind. Their reasoning was very interesting. They thought it was simply for one of two reasons - either he sinned or his parents sinned.
I love Jesus' answer. "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins... this happened so the power of God could be seen in him."
When we are faced with hard situations, situations that we just don't understand and there seems to be no good reason for, it is so easy to let Satan plant those seeds that we are being punished for something. I don't believe that is how God works.
God had a very special purpose for this man's life. He wanted to use him in a very powerful way.
But in order for that purpose to be realized, he had to endure years of darkness. Do you think in the end he felt it was worth it?
He had to be blind in order to truly be able to see.
He got to experience firsthand the miracle-working power of Jesus.
Don't think for one minute that God can't reach into your darkness and shine His light.
Don't stop believing for your miracle.
The situation you find yourself in right now may be exactly where God needs you to be before He can rock your world. Will it be worth it?
Until next time, friend... blessings!
God can do amazing things with the 'little' that you think you have to offer... it's enough!
Read more...
If you have ever found yourself, or are currently in, a season of struggle, frustration, discouragement, ready to throw in the towel... this is for you.
"I know your heart been broke again
I know your prayers ain't been answered yet
I know you're feeling like you got nothing left
Well, lift your head, it ain't over yet, ain't over yet so
Move, keep walkin' soldier keep movin' on
Move, keep walkin' until the mornin' comes
Move, keep walkin' soldier keep movin' on
And lift your head, it ain't over yet, ain't over yet"
Those are lyrics from a song by Toby Mac, "Move (Keep Walkin')". If you'd like to listen to the whole thing, HERE is the link.
-----//-----
If you have ever found yourself, or are currently in, a season of struggle, frustration, discouragement, ready to throw in the towel... this is for you.
Those seasons of life are normal. You need to be present in them, feel them, work through them... these are the seasons where you can pitch your tent, but DO NOT build your house! That is not where you are meant to live.
Those seasons will grow you, strengthen you, and prepare you for what's ahead.
Those seasons will grow you, strengthen you, and prepare you for what's ahead.
"If you could see how close you are to a life altering breakthrough, You would be praising Me already."
God is working. God is moving. God is doing His thing.
-----//-----
If you have ever found yourself, or are currently in, a season of struggle, frustration, discouragement, ready to throw in the towel... this is for you.
"Praise Him in advance.
"Praise Him in advance.
Praise Him destitute.
Praise Him weary.
Praise Him broken.
Praise Him frustrated.
Praise Him hurting.
Praise Him until your heart breaks.
And watch the heavens unfold in your favor."
Praise is what keeps you moving.
Praise is what brings down the walls.
Praise is what carries you through to the next season.
-----//-----
Friend, this is for you today.
God is not done with you yet. MOVE, keep walking!
"Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune or temporary defeat."
Here's a link to a short video where I dig a little deeper into this (and get a little fired up!).
Until next time... BLESSINGS!
