Want To Be Remembered

By: Glen Schneiders, Lead Pastor of Crossroads Christian Church in Lexington, KY

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip. I recently came across it in some writings by Bob Buford. (Don't actually answer the questions, just read...)

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
4. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
5. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials... the most money...or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.

Care is one commodity every one of us can distribute this Christmas. And it is a gift we never tire receiving.

Romans 12:10 (God’s Word Translation) “Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other.”

“Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.” Charles Schulz

A Life That Counts

http://www.maximumimpact.com/articles/read/article_a_life_that_counts/
By Dr. John C. Maxwell

Ben Franklin once wrote, "I would rather have it said 'he lived usefully' than 'he died rich.'" More than just words, it was the way Franklin lived his life. One example of his useful nature was the invention of the Franklin stove. Instead of patenting it and keeping it to himself, Ben Franklin decided to share his invention with the world.

According to Dr. John C. Van Horne, Library Company of Philadelphia: "Franklin's philanthropy was of a collective nature. His sense of benevolence came by aiding his fellow human beings and by doing good to society. In fact, in one sense, Franklin's philanthropy, his sense of benevolence, was his religion. Doing good to mankind was, in his understanding, divine." Even his position as a printer fit this philosophical bent. He did not hoard his ideas, but shared them, and everyone benefited. He had an "abundance mentality."

Instead of seeing the world in terms of how much money he could make, Franklin saw the world in terms of how many people he could help. To Benjamin Franklin, being useful was its own reward.

As I age, I gain perspective on the illusion of wealth and status as forms of fulfillment. I don't want my life to be measured by dollars and cents, or the number of books I've authored. Rather, I want to be remembered by the lives that I've touched. I want live a life that counts. With each day that passes, I feel a greater sense of urgency to make sure my time and energy are invested in developing leaders.

A Life That Counts Is Determined By:

1. The Relationships That I Form

Relationships help us to define who we are and what we can become. In my own life, I can see how relationships have shaped my character, values, and interest. I consider relationships to be my greatest treasures in life and an immense source of joy.

Most people can trace their failures or successes to pivotal relationships. That's because all relationships involve transference. When we interact with others we exchange energy, emotions, ideas, and values. Some relationships reinforce our values and uplift us; while others undercut our convictions and drain us. While we cannot choose every relationship in our lives, on the whole, we get to select those who are closest to us.

Relationship Rules

1. Get along with yourself
The one relationship you will have until you die is yourself.
2. Value people
You cannot make another person feel important if you secretly feel that he or she is a nobody.
3. Make the effort to form relationships
The result of a person who has never served others? Loneliness.
4. Understand the Reciprocity Rule
Over time, people come to share reciprocal, similar attitudes toward each other.
5. Follow the Golden Rule
The timeless principle: treat others the way you want to be treated.

2. The Decisions That I Make

Good decisions sometimes reap dividends years into the future, while bad decisions have a way of haunting us. Consider diverging decisions made by Johnson & Johnson and Phillip Morris.

In 1982, Johnson & Johnson faced a dilemma when seven people died from cyanide poison placed inside of Tylenol bottles. Johnson & Johnson's reaction? The company pulled its product from the shelves, invested in tamper-proof bottling, and emerged as a paragon of corporate responsibility. To this day, Johnson & Johnson remains one of America's most admired companies.

In 1999, Phillip Morris, in an attempt to counter antismoking measures in the Czech Republic, commissioned an economic analysis to look into the "indirect positive effects" of premature deaths to smokers. The purported "benefits" to Czech society included savings on health care, pensions, welfare, and housing costs for the elderly. After word of the study began to circulate, public opinion forced Phillip Morris to issue a sheepish apology. In light of clear evidence showing the health detriments of smoking, Phillip Morris' decision to justify cigarette sales has contributed to the "Big Tobacco" image as an object of consumer scorn.

My friend, legendary basketball coach John Wooden, encourages leaders to, "Make every day your masterpiece." Two ingredients are necessary for each day to be a masterpiece: decisions and discipline. I like to think of decisions as goal-setting and discipline as goal-getting. Decisions and discipline cannot be separated because one is worthless without the other.

Good Decisions - Daily Discipline = A Plan without Payoff
Daily Discipline - Good Decisions = Regimentation without Reward
Good Decisions + Daily Discipline = A Masterpiece of Success

3. The Experiences That I Encounter

In addition to relationships and decisions, our lives are shaped by pivotal experiences. Whether triumphs or tragedies, our lives are molded by a shortlist of prominent experiences. Perhaps we receive a long-awaited promotion or we're suddenly let go from a job. Perhaps a loved one passes away, or a newborn baby enters our lives. These experiences immerse us in emotions and challenge our convictions. They may even reveal our purpose in life.

Oftentimes, we're defined not so much in the moment of experience itself as in our response to the experience. Do we quit or rebound? Do we harbor bitterness or choose to forgive? Do we blame or improve? Whatever the case, the experiences in our lives profoundly touch us.

The life experiences we encounter are broad and varied, but here are a few brief pointers on gaining the most from them.

1. Evaluate experience
Experience isn't the best teacher. Evaluated experience is the best teacher. Learn from mistakes and victories alike. Draw upon experiences to grow and gain wisdom.

2. Manage the emotional aspects of experience
Pivotal moments come with a flood of emotions - at times positive, and at times negative. Teach yourself to counteract negative feelings and learn to harness the momentum of positive emotions.

3. Share them through storytelling
Experiences are my richest repositories of teaching material. Make a habit of sharing the lessons learned from the experiences that have shaped your life and your leadership.

REVIEW

Living a Life That Counts Is Determined By...

1. The Relationships That I Form
2. The Decisions That I Make
3. The Experiences That I Encounter

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you're not doing something with your life, then it doesn't matter how long you live. If you're doing something with your life, then it doesn't matter how short your life may be. A life is not measured by years lived, but by its usefulness. If you are giving, loving, serving, helping, encouraging, and adding value to others, then you're living a life that counts!
About the Author

John C. Maxwell is an internationally recognized leadership expert, speaker, and author who has sold over 16 million books. His organizations have trained more than 2 million leaders worldwide. Dr. Maxwell is the founder of EQUIP and INJOY Stewardship Services. Every year he speaks to Fortune 500 companies, international government leaders, and audiences as diverse as the United States Military Academy at West Point, the National Football League, and ambassadors at the United Nations. A New York Times , Wall Street Journal , and Business Week best-selling author, Maxwell was named the World's Top Leadership Guru by Leadershipgurus.net. He was also one of only 25 authors and artists named to Amazon.com's 10th Anniversary Hall of Fame. Three of his books, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership , Developing the Leader Within You, and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader have each sold over a million copies.

Integrity

By: Glen Schneiders, Lead Pastor of Crossroads Christian Church in Lexington, KY

J.P. Hayes says anyone else on the PGA Tour in his situation "would have done the same thing." During the second stage of the PGA Tour qualifying tournament last week in Texas, Hayes discovered that on two shots on one hole, he had unwittingly used a prototype golf ball not approved for competition by the United States Golf Association.

No one would have known. And a full-time spot on the PGA Tour in 2009 was on the line. But Hayes, honoring the tradition of a game where the players police themselves, turned himself in and was disqualified.

"It's extremely disappointing," Hayes said, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and this is going to be a bad nightmare."

On his 12th hole of the first round, Hayes' caddie reached into his golf bag and tossed a ball to Hayes, who played two shots -- a tee and a chip onto the green -- and marked his ball. At that point he realized the ball he was playing was not the same model with which he started the round -- by rule, a two-stroke penalty. "I realized there was a penalty and I called an official over," Hayes said, according to the newspaper. "He said the penalty was two shots and that I had to finish the hole with that ball and then change back to the original ball."

Hayes shot a 74 Wednesday and a 71 on Thursday, putting him in good shape to finish in the top 20 and advance to the final qualifying stage in December.

But on Thursday night in his hotel room, Hayes realized that the errant golf ball might not have been on the approved list.

"It was a Titleist prototype, and somehow it had gotten into my bag," he said, according to the Journal Sentinel. "I have no idea how or why it was still in there."

Hayes had a choice: He could have said nothing and kept playing, with no one aware of his mistake. Or he could turn himself in and let his mistake cost him a 2009 PGA Tour card.

He chose the latter.

"I called an official in Houston that night and said, 'I think I may have a problem,'" Hayes said. "He said they'd call Titleist the next day. I pretty much knew at that point I was going to be disqualified."

As for his decision to turn himself in? "I would say everybody out here [on the PGA Tour] would have done the same thing," Hayes said, according to the report.

Hayes also refused to blame his caddie for the error, saying he should have spotted the errant ball because it did not have a model name on the seam.

Proverbs 20:7 (God’s Word Translation) “A righteous person lives on the basis of his integrity. Blessed are his children after he is gone.”

Love Like Jesus

by John Fischer - http://www.fischtank.com/ft/

I opened a newsletter this morning from my good friend Robbie Goldman who heads up Dry Bones, a ministry to homeless teenagers in downtown Denver, and found a sobering conclusion to our discussions this week about Christians leading with the hellfire and brimstone message. The lead story is all about Robbie and his staff's shock and awe over the behavior of Christian protesters at the Democratic National Convention in Denver earlier this summer where signs like "Ask me why YOU deserve HELL," and "WARNING: Baby Killing Women, Party Animals, Rebellious Women, So Called Christians, Liberals, Jesus Mockers, Porno Freaks, Muslims, Drunks, Homosexuals, Sex Addicts, Mormons? GOD WILL JUDGE YOU!" greeted them along with insults hurled from the holders of those signs, as in "Can you even read?" and "What planet are you from?"

"We watched the spectacle with a growing sense of despair and sadness," Robbie wrote. "I was sick to my stomach. The scene was one of the single most heartbreaking experiences of my life."

Examples like this may be extreme cases of misrepresenting Christ, but harboring even the slightest attitude of judgment or hatred is only a matter of being a few degrees away from this. It's headed in the same direction. To the degree that we let any of these feelings take hold, we might as well be a sign-holding screamer of insulting epithets.

"I walked away with my co-workers; some of us were crying. Others like me simply walked in silent shock. Above all the emotions ? sadness, anger, shame ? I felt something else that had a stronger pull. I was motivated and rejuvenated. More than ever I was convinced of my job, and your job, to love. We must re-define Christianity to a watching world.

"What if we became a group of people known for the way we love homosexuals? What if we became a group of people known for coming alongside those struggling with addictions? What if we became a group of people known for the way we embrace people of other religions and backgrounds? What if we became a group of people known for the way we love women who have had, or are thinking about having abortions? What if instead of calling these women murderers, we told them how much they and their children are worth? What if we decided right now, today, to adopt would-be-aborted babies? We tell young women not to have abortions, but are we willing to give them another option?"

Robbie concluded with, "I am convinced that when we love like Jesus, we are slowly but surely helping to prepare someone's heart for God to do His work. Love well, brothers and sisters. Re-define Christ for the people in your life with love and see what happens."

And I can't help but think that whoever carried that sign about the Baby Killers and Porno Freaks is in for a big surprise when he is eventually welcomed into heaven by all the people his sign condemned. There will be tears.

Who God Says You Are

Hi ladies!
Here is the list of Scripture references I read tonight at Week Two of the Character Makeover study. These are some of the things that the Word says you are IN CHRIST ~ not what you are in your own strength or by anything you do or say! I pray these we get these down into our hearts and allow them to transform us from the inside out!


I am a child of God. John 1:12
I am a branch of the true vine, and a conduit of Christ's life. John 15:1-5
I am a friend of Jesus. John 15:15
I have been justified and redeemed. Romans 3:23-24; Romans 6:6
I will not be condemned by God, I have been set free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2
As a child of God, I am a fellow heir with Christ. Romans 8:17
I have been accepted by Christ. Romans 15:7
I have been called to be a saint 1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2
In Christ Jesus, I have wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30
My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in me 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19
I am joined to the Lord and am one spirit with him. 1 Corinthians 6:17
God leads me in the triumph and knowledge of Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14
The hardening of my mind has been removed in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:14
I am a new creature in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
I have become the righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21
I have been made one with all who are in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
I am no longer a slave but a child of an heir. Galatians 4:7
I have been set free in Christ. Galatians 5:1
I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:3
I am chosen, holy, and blameless before God. Ephesians 1:4
I am redeemed and forgiven by the grace of Christ. Ephesians 1:7
I have been predestined by God to obtain an inheritance. Ephesians 1:9-11
I have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Ephesians 1:13
Because of God's mercy and love, I have been made alive with Christ. Ephesians 2:4-5
I am seated in the heavenly places with Christ. Ephesians 2:6
I am God's workmanship created to produce good works. Ephesians 2:10
I have been brought near to God by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13
I am a member of Christ's body and a partaker of His promise. Ephesians 3:6; Ephesians 5:30
I have boldness and confident access to God through faith in Christ. Ephesians 3:12
My new self is righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:22-24
I was formerly darkness, but now I am light in the Lord. Ephesians 5:8
I am a citizen of heaven. Philippians 3:20
The peace of God guards my heart and mind. Philippians 4:7
God supplies all my needs. Philippians 4:19
I have been made complete in Christ. Colossians 2:9-10
I have been raised up with Christ. Colossians 3:1
My life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3
Christ is my life, and I will be revelaed with him in glory. Colossians 3:4
I have been chosen of God, and I am holy and beloved. Colossians 3:12
God loves me and has chosen me. 1 Thessalonians 1:4

Review this powerful inventory frequently, since it reminds us of truths we quickly forget amid the worries and cares of this world. The more we embrace these affirmations from Scripture, the more stable, grateful, and fully assured we will be in the course of our lives.

Question for Personal Application
To what degree are you defined by the world? By the Word? How can you develop your identity more fully in the latter?
What does it require to see yourself as God sees you?
Which five from the list of biblical affirmations resonate the most with you? Which five seem the most remote to your experience? How can you make these more real in your thinking and practice?


Love to all my sisters! Remember we are .....
In Him,
Tara

Let Christ Be The Joy

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

Sandra@ibloom.us

One of the songs that many can remember from their church childhood is a song called “I’ve Got The Joy Down In My Heart”. There is a big emphasis on the word “joy” in this song. “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.” Children think of it as a finger snapping tune with enchanting lyrics. It seems the line of “If the devil doesn’t like it, he can sit on a tack” always seemed to bring smiles and giggles from the little ones. If you are unfamiliar with this song, please e-mail me at Sandra@ibloom.us. I’ll hook you up with those lyrics.

Music is a universal language and brings such joy, peace, and happiness to us. It motivates and inspires as we carry on about our daily tasks. Whether it’s the workplace, the gym, at home during dinner, we often turn to music to entertain.

I’ve often thought about what music soothes our soul. Is it blues or jazz or country or classic rock and roll? There is only one answer to this question. Here’s a hint: He’s an orchestra all on his own in our hearts. Our Christ in heaven is the music of our soul. He’s the one we turn to when we are in need and the one we thank and celebrate. Our Lord is the one who gives us our greatest joy deep in our hearts. If you don’t have this joy, let Christ be the joy of your heart. Your heart will forever sing.

In your presence is fullness of joy; in your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Psalms 16:11

Every Event Under Heaven

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey - sandra@ibloom.us

A few weeks ago, my parents called me with some devastating news. The home place of my paternal grandparents had burned to the ground. The family was devastated and saddened by this news. My grandparents lived there for about 60 years and there were so many wonderful times shared there.

The house was on a beautiful dairy farm and was serenity at its best. There were no street lights, no traffic. The vegetable garden was bountiful, the milk fresh each day, and “Mamaw” knew how to cook. There was a clothesline where the laundry was hung. The sheets on the bed after a wash smelled country fresh and is something that I haven’t experienced since I was a little girl. “Papaw” tried his best to teach me how to drive a tractor, which was great fun. As a game, I hit every cow pile in the field causing a really big “stink”. “Mamaw” could hear our laughter all the way to the house. Those memories will forever live in my heart. When the fire destroyed the house, we felt like we had lost a part of our lives. It was like losing those two beautiful people all over again and that pain was great.

My husband and I visited the ruins of the home the next day. It was very painful to see the home that I remembered as a child smoldering in the afternoon sun. The big oak tree in the front yard where we would rake leaves in the fall was scorched from the bottom of its trunk to the very top of its foliage. Thankfully, the tenant was not at home during the fire and that is a miracle in itself for which I am eternally grateful to our Lord. She lost all of her belongings in the fire and I pray for her courage and strength each day as she begins anew.

The Lord told us in the third chapter of Ecclesiastes that there was a time for every event under heaven. We never know what the future may hold, but must call upon our faith to guide us and give us power over hardship. We experience great loss and sadness during our lifetime, but we all must have hope that joy, happiness, and cherished memories will be greater.

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Leaving a Legacy with Your Life

By: Kelly Thorne
Originally published at Take Root - http://takerootandwrite.com/

If you were to die today, what would those who know you best say at your funeral? Have you made an impact with your life? What about those who don’t know you personally, what would they say about your life?

At the age of 18, I was forced to deal with these very issues. After first being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and later re-diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, I really thought I would die at a young age. So, I began to plan the details of the funeral (service flow, songs, speakers, etc.). This wasn’t a morbid time, but just one detail that I was sparing my parents from, plus I really wanted it to be a celebration of life. Well, in case you haven’t noticed…I’m still alive! I still struggle with illness, but have experienced God’s miraculous healing time after time. Hindsight is often times 20/20. In the moment of illness, I don’t particularly appreciate the lessons I’m learning, but after the fact, I see so clearly exactly what God was allowing me to see.

I keep the piece of paper with the details of my funeral to remind me of that moment. Because as I was thinking about my funeral, I also went on a journey of thinking about the impact my life had made on those around me. As I thought about what people would say or think, I wasn’t particularly satisfied with the impact I had made at that point in my life. I wanted my life to be about so much more. The illness has been a catalyst for so many incredible things in my life:

• I went on a journey of discovering who I want to become and taking the steps to live those qualities out with my life.
• I discovered that my purpose is to help women discover and begin living out their unique life purpose.
• I later founded iBloom, an organization dedicated to inspiring women (i) to discover and live out their unique life purpose, (ii) to live balanced, healthy, and thriving lives, and (iii) to become passionate in their personal relationship with God!

So, as you think about your life, who do you want to become? What qualities do you want exhibited in your life? “Character is not made in crisis; it is only exhibited” says Andy Stanley, “There is no cramming for a test of character. It always comes as a pop quiz. You’re either ready or you’re not. It is the law of the harvest at work. In the moment of testing you will reap what you have sown.” What character qualities are you sowing in your life? What qualities do you hope to reap during the “pop quiz?” What is your legacy?

Passion

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

We’ve heard of great change that needs to come in a world filled with great economic strife, violence in our communities including our schools, and the seemingly unrest in our society. We’ve often used the phrase, “Why can’t we all just get along” many times to describe our frustrations with the many issues before us.

It takes great courage and leadership to make a change in the world. Our forefathers had a dream many years ago and faced many obstacles, including the threat of death, but surged forward with determination to make a change to benefit a better society in America. Their ideas for a better society were fueled by their passion for change and their belief in God and good moral standing. Their courageous battle for independence was costly, but worth it.

Our hopes and dreams may be different. Some may want to be a great success in business or art or music or to be a great parent to our children. Many of us want to better serve our Lord. One key ingredient in becoming a great success in your chosen path is passion. The goals we want to achieve in our lives are much better served if we have enthusiasm and delight about the objectives we set out to accomplish.

Be positive and passionate and take pleasure in each day!

"Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 57:4

www.ibloom.us

Character Refined

By: Tara McClenahan, iBloom Associate

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends You,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24 NLT

The psalmist prayed a pretty bold prayer, didn't he? He willingly invited God to inspect his heart and thoughts - in essence, his character. Not only did he invite God to inspect, but he invited God to TEST him!!! What was he thinking??!! And then he went so far as to invite God to point out where he failed the test! I don't know about you, but I think that takes guts!

Embarking on the road of Godly character development is not for the faint of heart nor should it be done on a whim. It is a journey that requires dedication, submission and ultimate trust in God because character work is done by the Holy Spirit in our heart of hearts - at the very spiritually cellular level of who we are. In fact, this process is more accurately called character refinement. All of us have character traits and all of them can be plotted on the Godly character scale. To our dismay, some, if not most of them, score pretty low on that scale. So then, character refinement can be defined as the testing, purifying and proving of our character - or our mettle, so to speak. And as any piece of beautifully pure gold will tell you, it is this refinement process that is the hardest thing it will ever go through.

It is easy to stay in the untested, unpurified, unproven state. It doesn't involve anything on our part. We can try in our strength to be as pretty as we can in our current state and act like we have Godly character in front of others while all the while our heart and thoughts betray the true state of affairs. We can justify remaining in this state by saying to ourselves, "I'm not ALL bad! Sure I've got some ugly bits of dross in me and maybe some of my hidden parts aren't the greatest but look at that lump of coal sitting in the pew next to me! At least I've got some pretty gold sparkling through in spots. That should be enough to make God happy. Besides, I don't know that I want to go through the work to become PURE gold, especially if it involves pain of any sort." Yes, it would be easy to stay as we are but God has called His children to a higher level as Jesus illustrated in Matthew 5:48 AMP:

You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect. (emphasis mine)

Thank God, we don't have to be perfect in our own power since Jesus filled that immense gap with His righteousness by taking our sins on Himself on the cross (see 2 Corinthians 5:21)! But we should desire, at the prompting of the Holy Spirit given to us at salvation, to become more like Jesus in every way. Romans 8:29 NLT says,

For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn,with many brothers and sisters. (emphasis mine)

How do we become more like Jesus? Second Corinthians 3:18 (AMP) wonderfully describes this process:

And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.

Continually being transformed into His image involves fixing our eyes on Jesus, learning from His Word about how He wants us to live and who He wants us to become as His children and ambassadors and allowing Him to make the needed changes in our character to become more like Him.
I encourage you to make the psalmist's prayer your own. It is obviously not an easy thing but it takes guts. The Refiner's fire is hot and persistent and the process is lengthy, difficult and yes, sometimes painful. But if we are determined to submit to Him, stay in the fire and let Him do His work in us, we will be able to look in the mirror of God's Word and see that we are being transformed into His very own image. How could we be more beautiful than that?

LIFE APPLICATION

1. Are you willing to wholeheartedly pray as the psalmist did?
2. What would allowing God to work on your character require of you? Are you ready to do those things?
3. What personal character traits do you sense God wants to refine in you?

SUGGESTED ACTION STEPS

1. Take 10 minutes to get quiet with the Lord and read Psalm 139.
2. List at least 5 things this chapter tells you about God - Who He is, What He knows, What He does, etc.
3. Of the things you listed, which speaks to you most about God and why?
4. Pray and ask the Lord to prepare you for the work He wants to do in you.

Do you really "see" those around you?

What would happen if we really saw people as God does?

Check out this video...



Please share your thoughts on the video. Did it challenge you? If so, in what ways? How can you learn to really "see" those around you?

Who are you Becoming?

As a Life Coach, I'm blessed with the opportunity to help women discover and begin living into their God-given life purpose. Usually that purpose involves "doing" something. However, for the last few months God has been reminding me that He is far more concerned with who we are becoming that what we're doing for Him. So, I've been on this personal quest to define who I want to become and legacy I hope to leave behind.

I recently discovered several amazing quotes in Andy Stanley's book The Next Generation Leader.

"We set young leaders up for a fall if we encourage them to envision what they can do before they consider the kind of person they should be." R. Ruth Barton

"Your gifts and determination may dictate your potential, but it is your character that will determine your legacy." Andy Stanley

In the book, Andy challenges readers to define their personal definition of success and says, "Ultimately success is defined in terms of who you are and how you treat the people around you."

Thoughts to Ponder:

1) What is your personal definition of success?

2) Who are you becoming?

3) Who do you want to be?

Blog with me this week about this topic. I'll be sharing more about my personal journey and what God has been teaching me about who I want to become and my personal definition of success.

© Kelly Thorne 2008

A Positive Force

By: Sandra Harris Frey

Many of you may have family, friends, coworkers, or even acquaintances that are either currently locked in a battle with cancer or who have bravely fought and won the war and are survivors of cancer. I can remember as a young girl hearing folks talking about “the cancer” and how deadly it was and there was no hope for survival. Today, thanks to the steadfast dedication and expertise of many medical experts and the millions of dollars gifted for research, “the cancer” isn’t that death sentence it once was a few years ago. Statistics show the rate of survival continues to grow.

Researchers found that in addition to drugs, radiation, chemotherapy and other treatments for cancer patients that promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging a positive attitude made a huge difference in the recovery process. If it was such a positive force in the recovery process of cancer patients, can you imagine the impact if we incorporate this idea into our daily lives?

Day to day life can be complicated. Whether we are fighting disease, caring for elderly parents, being a good neighbor, or trying to balance our household budgets, we are not guaranteed that everything will "come up smelling like roses". There will be burdens. However, we can easily attack those burdens if we walk into the line of fire with an attitude to conquer.

“Hope is not pretending that troubles do not exist. It is the trust that they will not last forever, that hurts will be healed, and difficulties overcome. It is faith that a source of strength and renewal lies within us, to lead us through the dark to the sunshine.”

Anonymous

Destined to be a Mother

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

It has taken a long time to realize that no matter what my age, my mother will always see me as twelve years old with that “sassy, fresh mouth”. She told me a few years ago that she felt destined to be a mother from the time she was a young girl. It was the path she knew she had to travel for definitive contentment. Mother has a breathtaking soul. Her talents are many and she shines like no other.

The most miraculous and revered mother in the world would have to be Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was obedient to God and carried the Christ child who would be ultimately sacrificed to save the sins of man. She was brave and courageous and never faltered in what God’s plan was for her, Joseph and their son. Mary must have been a very strong woman to have endured such great pain and loss when Jesus died on the cross. However, can you imagine her great jubilation when he arose from the grave?

A mother gives her children positive directives, discipline, love, care, and understanding. She makes many sacrifices of time, energy, monetary gain, and even dreams just for the sake of her children’s happiness. Her bond with her children is unique and one that will be carried forever in their hearts. Even death cannot break such a bond.

Be thankful for your mother. Whether she is living or gone on before you, say a prayer of thanks for the affection she showered upon you and for the sacrifices made all because of her love for you.

Do not search for security...

Do not search for security in the world you inhabit. You tend to make mental checklists of things you need to do in order to gain control of your life. If only you could check everything off your list, you could relax and be at peace. But the more you work to accomplish that goal, the more things crop up on your list. The harder you try, the more frustrated you become.

There is a better way to find security in this life. Instead of scrutinizing your checklist, focus your attention on My Presence with you. This continual contact with Me will keep you in My Peace. Moreover, I will help you sort out what is important and what is not, what needs to be done now and what does not. Fix your eyes not on what is seen (your circumstances), but on what is unseen (My Presence).

2 Corinthians 4:18

From the devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:

Grief and Sorrow No More

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

In Memory of Jaime

The sudden death of a dear childhood friend had me on the road headed back to my home town this week. There were many uncertainties as I traveled “back home”. Having lived away for over 25 years, I had many doubts in my heart. Would anyone recognize me? Would I recognize anyone? Would my grief and emotion overtake me and be a deterrent in trying to be a comfort to the family?

Upon arrival at the visitation, there was sadness and tears, but rather than being consumed with sorrow, many were smiling and sharing stories of our friend and yes, there was even laughter. Great celebration was in the air. The celebration of a remarkable man who had an amazing life. One filled with compassion, peace, and encouragement for others. A sincere, caring man who always had a kind word and a thoughtful gesture.

Even in grief, we are comforted by the fact that there will be a reunion one day when we reach our heavenly home. It is the promise of heaven that gives us hope and mends our sorrow filled hearts.

Revelations 21:4

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.

Courage to Achieve

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

One of my favorite things is watching for the mailman on Saturday in anticipation of his delivering my People magazine. It’s even sweeter when it arrives on Friday! My routine is to study the cover for a few minutes and immediately turn to the weekly crossword puzzle to complete. There is no reading until the crossword puzzle is finished. It is a routine that I have practiced for many years.

After the crossword puzzle was finished this week, I sat down to read a great article about a man named Alferd Williams from Missouri. He was the son of a sharecropper and worked very hard from the time he was a young boy. There wasn’t time for school, only work. The article was about his new experience of beginning first grade at age 70 because he wanted to learn to read and to keep a family promise. It talked about his day and the encouragement he received from his six year old classmates. What an inspiration Alferd Williams was for me this week and everyone who read that motivating article! What courage to achieve!

It takes a great deal of courage for us to achieve our goals. Whether you are learning to read like Alferd Williams, starting a new business, or taking a photography class, the determination to achieve must be in the heart and it takes courage to follow through with whatever it is in your life you want to achieve.

So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!

Psalm 31:24

Easter Eggs, Bunnies, and Christ

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

The beginning of spring sends a message of renewal. Many young are born in the animal world around this time of year. It is also the time that we celebrate Easter. Children eager to paint their eggs for the Easter egg hunt. Bunnies and chicks are symbols of Easter. Most of all, it’s the holiday celebrated for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Being curious about the origin of the Easter egg hunts, the chicks, and bunny factors, I did a little research on why these things are associated with Easter. It has been widely reported that after the resurrection of Christ, Mary visited the Emperor of Rome telling him that “Christ has risen”. His comment as he pointed to an egg on a table, “Christ is no more risen than that egg is red”. It was told that the egg immediately turned blood red.

Many believe eggs were painted and given as gifts symbolizing the end of Lent. In Eastern Christianity, meat and eggs are prohibited during Lent. The eggs and the hatchlings are symbols of new life and the resurrection of Christ.

As we enter this Easter holiday, let’s keep focused on new life, renewal, and a new beginning.

Luke 24

The Resurrection

¹On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. ²They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, ³but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. ⁴While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. ⁵In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? ⁶He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ⁷'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " ⁸Then they remembered his words.

Is Your Suitcase Packed?

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

Over a decade ago, my husband and our friends went on a weekend getaway to the lake. That is where the long standing joke they have with me began. For that weekend trip, I packed two suitcases and a makeup bag. One weekend. Two suitcases and a makeup bag. The joke is that I have a suitcase just for my makeup.

Over the years, my vacation packing practices have improved. I’m now down to one suitcase and a makeup bag; however, I have the largest sized handbag you’ve ever seen in your life! I hope they never catch on to my deception!

A person should be prepared for anything and that’s why my suitcase is always packed to the hilt. Most of the time, I’m prepared for virtually any type of weather change for me and any of our friends. My most helpful fashion tip? Never go to the beach without a sweatshirt, fleece jacket, rain jacket, and long pants.

Paul told us in 2 Timothy: 4-8 to preach the word and to be prepared for the Lord both in season and out. We have to be ready to tell others of God’s love and to minister unto them; therefore, we have to make sure we have the right gear packed in our “suitcase of life”. Do you have the right gear packed?

2 Timothy 4:1

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

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An Omen of Peace

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

This past Friday as I scoured the major news websites for interesting articles, I came across one that astonished me. For the first time in “a memory”, snow fell on the city of Bagdad. The article showed a father holding his child and they both had the most beautiful, carefree smiles on their faces. The first snowfall of the season does put a smile on most people’s faces. Can you imagine seeing it for the first time, especially as an adult?

The city of Bagdad may have sleet or a cold rain in the winter, but for at least six decades, there has not been snow. As you can imagine, the residents were delighted with such a gift and declared the snowfall an “omen of peace”, according to a Reuter’s source. To me, it represents purity and cleansing. When David prayed to God after committing adultery, he asked God to cleanse him making him whiter than snow.

Going with the thought provoking phrase “omen of peace”, there is so much war, violence, poverty, and prejudice in the world that we all need to strive to make a difference by searching for that “omen of peace”. If we all come together, we can make a difference one step at a time.

Here are some ideas on how you can begin your quest for peace:

· Write your congressmen about issues that you feel need to be addressed whether it is the war and unrest overseas, genocide in the Sudan, or aids prevention worldwide. The key is to bring awareness to the forefront.

· There are many needs here in our own community. Donate your time and talent to a charity by volunteering. There are many organizations that would welcome you as a helper of mankind.

· We are all God’s children. We are all brothers and sisters in his eyes. We are all different individuals with different views and different beliefs. We’ve got to start “getting along” by respecting each other. There is no other way. Stop the prejudice now!

James 3:18: Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

The January Blues

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

The packages are unwrapped. The decorations have been taken down and are now in their boxes and stored in the attic. The new year has been celebrated. The first week back to work after a holiday season and the winter depression is ever present.

Is it the lack of sunlight? Is it the ice, snow, and cold temperatures that seem to put the big freeze on our emotional well being? Here are a few tips to help remedy those January blues.

· Plan a summer vacation. There is nothing better to put you in a better frame of mind. If you are a beach vacationer, there is nothing more refreshing in January than to plan every aspect of your beach trip right down to the flip flops you intend to pack.

· Get rid of the “clutter” in your life by organizing your drawers and closets. The freedom you will attain by this simple task will be positively liberating.

· Take at least 30 minutes a day to read your bible. Select uplifting books to study such as Psalms, Proverbs, and Galatians. It will be inspirational on the coldest winter’s day.

The priority is to take control and do not let yourself become self absorbed into those depression filled thoughts. Be positive and pledge to do something to resolve that “blah” feeling.

Blessings to each of you for a great January!

Great Expectations

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

Dedicated to the memory of Jamie Mattingly Frey and Betty Morgan

It’s the beginning of a new year and we all struggle with wanting to make a fresh new start with something in our lives. There is always something we would like to change or improve upon in our personal lives.

A little over ten years ago, my husband took me to meet his family. We had a delightful visit and I immediately adored his mother and aunt. They were fascinating and I could talk with them for hours. It was over Labor Day weekend in 1997 when Jamie, Betty and I were having coffee watching the television coverage of the death of Princess Diana. It was devastating for us to hear of her death. We were the enthusiasts who watched her televised marriage to Prince Charles in 1981 at 3am Eastern Standard time, took great pleasure in seeing the press of her dancing with John Travolta at a White House function, and were deeply moved by her aids awareness and landmine prevention campaigns. As we sat with heavy hearts, Jamie looked at me and said, “Go after your dreams, Sandra. Don’t wait until it’s too late to accomplish them”.

That day, I made a promise to compile a yearly list of attainable goals each year that would take me closer to my dreams. The key word is “attainable”. Many have “high expectations” regarding goals and push themselves over their limits, but never attain true satisfaction with achievement. Wouldn’t it be better to have “great expectations” and move forward in a manner where you enjoy the journey to true accomplishment?

Happy New Year!