Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Create Your THEME for 2010 by Betsy Ringer


Instead of making a new year’s resolution, how about setting a THEME for 2010? Choose a theme that reflects your assignment for this particular time of your life. Your THEME can be applied to many areas of your life and will allow some freedom for failure and the excitement of surprise.

Your THEME is not random. It may be balancing out your previous year or it may be something you see God is leading you towards, or you might see a new direction emerging. For example, maybe 2009 was hectic and frazzled, so your THEME for 2010 might be Rest or Quiet. By focusing on Rest, you allow yourself to sit, to say “no” to a request, or go to bed earlier. Your health and spirit will be renewed and your life will be more fulfilling.

Maybe there is a need in your life for friends, better health or de-cluttering. Be positive and use words that will help you take action. For example, instead of having a theme of Making Friends, choose Be a Friend. That implies taking action that will most likely lead to connection with others.
Some THEME ideas to get you thinking - Simplify, Adventuring, Health, Move my Body, Write, Surrender, Laughter, Paint, Savor the Moments, or Discover my Passion.

Take the following steps to identify a THEME for 2010:
Step 1
• Picture your life being richer because of your attention to your theme
• At the end of 2010, what will make you smile as you look back over the year?
• What is your assignment for this particular time of your life?
• Is there a way 2010 needs to be balanced?
• Ask God to give you direction in selecting a theme.

Step 2
• Write out several themes that seem to emerge from within. Give some thought to how they might be carried out in your day to day living. Is it a theme that can be realized in your ordinary routine as well as jump start you to try something new?

Step 3
• Select your theme. Embrace it. Be excited about it. Write it on several cards and place them in strategic places to remind yourself about your 2010 THEME. For example, place THEME cards on your bathroom mirror, over your kitchen sink, on your computer, hanging from the rear view mirror in your car, and wherever else you look frequently.

Step 4
• Give yourself permission to evaluate your theme quarterly. Is it still a good path for you? If not, change it. Or, recast the vision - how will it make your life better having allowed this theme to be carried out in your life?
Yes, I have chosen my THEME. In 2009 it was Creativity. After having my creativity squished over the last couple of years, my soul was screaming for me to pay attention to this important area of my life. So I engaged in more photography, created photo books, developed new workshops, wrote articles and blogs, did some redecorating and tried lots of new recipes.

My THEME for 2010 is Harvest. God has been laying the groundwork with my training, skills and talents. I sense that this year God will provide a Harvest of products, speaking engagements, webinars, classes and books that will help bring a Harvest to women all over the world to live richer, fuller lives. I can’t wait to see how God unfolds this theme!

Be sure to share your THEME in the comment section of this blog. I want to cheer you on! Happy New Year! Click here to comment.

No Fuss Goals and Wishes by Betsy Ringer


What FUN it would be to write down your goals and wishes for 2010, put them away, and get them out at the end of the year only to discover 8 out of ten of the goals on your list had actually happened!! Impossible? Not at all!

When my kids were younger, on New Year’s Day we would all make a list of our goals and wishes for the upcoming year. Each family member put their name on their list. Each of us shared our list with the other family members and we prayed over the lists. Then I collected them and taped them to the Christmas Tree ornament box. That’s right – I taped them to the Christmas decorations and didn’t look at them again until we pulled out the decorations the next Christmas.

It was always so much fun getting out those goals and wishes and seeing how many of them had been accomplished or had happened. Each year I was stunned at how many were realized in the last year! “I am going to redecorate the living room. I will call my friend in Ohio once a month. I will host a Bible study in my home. I will take a two mile walk outside three times a week on the average. I will save $3000 so we can travel to California. I will put on three events at work.” ALL happened without me constantly reviewing and keeping track of my goals!! Each year I did this I was so pleasantly surprised!

Now, there were always a few goals that just didn’t happen – like lose 50 pounds (25 maybe) or declutter my whole house (two rooms maybe) or learn how to make jewelry (I’m really not very crafty). But for the most part my goals and wishes actually happened! And the same was true for the rest of the family members.

I can’t help but think about what Habakkuk says,
Habakkuk 2:1-3 (Contemporary English Version)
The LORD Answers Habakkuk Again
1While standing guard
on the watchtower,
I waited for the LORD's answer,
before explaining the reason
for my complaint. 2Then the LORD told me:
"I will give you my message
in the form of a vision.
Write it clearly enough
to be read at a glance.
3At the time I have decided,
my words will come true.
You can trust what I say
about the future.
It may take a long time,
but keep on waiting--
it will happen!

Try these steps:

1. Pray, asking God to give you guidance and direction for the following year. Ask Him to impress on your heart the goals and wishes to write down.
2. Write down what comes to you. Don’t labor over it. They are probably things you have been thinking about for quite some time anyway.
3. If you want to, invite other family members to do the same.
4. Tape your “tablets” – your lists – to a Christmas decoration box.
5. Enjoy your year. Then next Christmas season, get out your lists and celebrate each one the Lord has helped you with!

Tomorrow, I will share an alternative to making New Year’s resolutions. 2010 is going to be a fabulous year!

Hmmmm, I need to go pray and write down my goals and wishes for 2010. After all, it’s about time to put away those Christmas decorations!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Fun, Meaningful Activities You can Use NOW! by Betsy Ringer


Yes, kids DO appreciate meaningful activities during the holidays! My kids have often told me they value the ideas I’ve had to make our holidays special.

In fact, the other day I told a friend of mine how to make Reindeer sandwiches. Cut the sandwich in half diagonally; put two stick pretzels between the slices of bread along the long side of the triangle. Then use two green M&M’s for the eyes and a red on for the nose. She did that and sent the Reindeer sandwich with her HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR boy to school!!! After school he told her it was such a fun surprise! He said he even kept one half of it and showed it to everyone in the afternoon saying, “Look what my mom did!” Now what mom wouldn’t want that kind of recognition?!

I have put together a collection of fun and meaningful activities for the holidays. It includes:
• Conversation starters: great questions for the dinner table. Just print out the sheet, cut the strips of questions, fold and place in a basket. Each person draws out a question. One person answers then each person at the table answers that question. Then move to the next person.
• Fun and meaningful activities to do with kids AND teens!
• Recipes – easy and yummy.
• A Christmas Eve (or Christmas Day) family service.

Very simply you can DOWNLOAD 11 pages of ideas. It’s so easy and only costs $5! Just CLICK HERE

I have one other recommendation. Andrea Bocceli’s new Christmas CD is fantastic!! I cry just listening to him! He has several duets – one with Reba McEntire, one with Natalie Cole. My favorite is “What Child is This” that he does with Mary J. Blige. I got my copy at Starbuck’s but I have seen it at Target and Wal Mart. You can even just download it from iTunes. It’s called, “Andrea Bocelli My Christmas.” Enoy.

Wishing you all Merry Christmas from the iBloom team.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Strengthened by Hope by Betsy Ringer


Hope is the thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it. We have the courage to reach for it because we know God. He is our Hope. He is our deliverer.

Our Blog Talk Radio show this week strengthened our HOPE and we’d like to share it with YOU.



You can listen to our radio show by Clicking Here.


You will hear an interview with author, Katherine Robinson who in late 2008 faced enough serious challenges to plunge the most starry-eyed optimist into a dark well of despair. Over the course of a month, she turned 50, lost her job and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Discover how Kathy persevered and, with the help of faith, family and friends, found a way to celebrate and live with hope.

Check out Katherine’s book called, Expect the Best

Katherine’s Website


“Got Hope?”
Leigh Ann Napier’s article shares about three areas that act as hope builders for your life.


You’ll also learn about the group that iBloom will be investing in for 2010.The Refuge for Women is a twelve-month holistic journey for women who wish to leave the adult entertainment industry. Learn more!

"Savoring Holiday Moments with Your Family" by Betsy Ringer,gives you meaningful and fun ideas to use with friends and family during holidays! Right about NOW most of us are realizing that time is running short. Our creativity is over-run by our fatigue and concern about getting everything done in time, let alone planning some meaningful activities!! Download this great resource featuring 11 pages of activities. It is loaded with conversation starters for the dinner table, fun and meaningful things to do with kids and teens, crafts, recipes and even a family Christmas Eve Service. Buy now for only $5

The iBloom team wishes you a very Merry Christmas!


Friday, December 11, 2009

Here’s a Little JOY to Sweeten Your Cup of Warmth by Betsy Ringer

OH my!! We KNOW you are enjoying the festivities of this beautiful Christmas season so I’m just going pass along these terrific resources to you!


Blog Talk Radio program on JOY! Experience a fabulous interview with Lori Snider our iBloom Associate who has been experiencing an extended season of disappointment and loss of dreams. WOW!! She shares with us great wisdom about allowing the undercurrent of JOY to sustain us as we walk through the valleys. You DEFINITELY want to be blessed by her gems! And then I tickle you funny bone and help you lighten up and experience this season – and every season of life – with laughter. Find out how it improves your health and leaves a trail of joy behind you. Click here to listen.


Find out what your car keys, matchless socks and JOY have in common. Read Leigh Ann Napier’s article entitled “In Search of Joy.”


Save LOTS of time and have meaningful holiday activities for your family and friends!!! For only $5 you can download this GREAT product called “Savoring Holiday Moments with the Family.” Enjoy 11 pages of activities for family and friends. It is loaded with conversation starters for the dinner table, fun and meaningful things to do with kids and teens, crafts, recipes and even a family Christmas Eve Service. Click here to purchase.



And we have one more fabulous, resource. In this free WEBINAR, besides finding out just how important laughter is for your everyday life – like it boosts your immune system, lowers damaging stress hormones and helps you breathe – you will also focus on three vital questions for daily living. These questions help you sort through the clutter of demands and choices: What matters right now? Who will remember? What does God want me to know? Come prepared to laugh and to leave refreshed and ready to share the best of yourself. Click here to watch.

OH! When you first get on the webinar, be patient for about two minutes while things get set up – and turn up your volume! Enjoy!


MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!


Monday, November 30, 2009

The Intangible Gifts - Receive with Grace and Give Generously by Leigh Ann Napier

We all have them. Those people in our lives who saw something in us when we couldn't see it, who encouraged us when we felt like giving up, or maybe even people who made positive deposits in our lives…and we haven't even met them.

A mother, grandmother, friend, sister, teacher, radio/TV host, author…

Hopefully, we all have them. Can you imagine what your life would be like now if they hadn't stepped up? If they hadn't slowed down and taken their eyes off of their own agenda long enough to see you, to encourage you, to inspire you, to believe in you? I don't want to know what my life would be like without these people (just for starters):

  • Mom, Rhonda Hall Kretzer-Amazing mother, entrepreneur, business owner, piano player, & beauty queen. Always made me believe I could do anything I set my mind to and continues to be my biggest cheerleader.
  • Nanny, Aileen Sellards Hall- Author, Postmaster, Sunday School teacher, Maker of the best fried chicken on earth. She shared with me her love for travel, writing, and hospitality. Also provided an amazing example of marriage to my grandfather for MANY years!
  • Maribeth Burton- My discipler in college through Campus Crusade for Christ. She took time to invest in me and to mentor me and I'm forever grateful.
  • Cristie Cerneglia- Wife, mother, radio host, Speaker, and my personal mentor. We started out as neighbors, she invited me to Bible Study Fellowship the day after we met, and has been encouraging me ever since.
  • Joyce Meyer-Even though I've never met her (yet) she has encouraged me and taught me through her TV/ Radio programs and books. An amazing teacher…I'm so thankful for her

I could go on and on about amazing people who have inspired and encouraged me. I am so thankful for each of them. God used them not forcefully but by invitation. They were obedient and willing to do what they saw as their contribution. They saw me and took the time and energy to help me believe something about myself that was yet to be seen. They had faith in me. Believing in what is unseen...that's faith! If everyone could see it, we wouldn't need faith!

As we enter this season of joy, I hope you will carve out some time to reflect on those people who have inspired and encouraged you. In the midst of the activity of the holiday season, don't miss the opportunity to feed someone's heart with your genuine gratitude or choosing to pay it forward by investing faith into someone you know.

Take time to consider the following:

  1. Who are the top 5 people in your life who have encouraged you or invested in you. What can you do to show them your appreciation? A card, phone call, or a visit?
  2. Is there someone in your family or circle of friends who could use some encouragement? Start today by doing one thing to let them know you believe in them.
A note is one of the best ways to send encouragement because they can refer to it over and over and over again. Let them know that they've made a difference to you. Make your recognition public by commenting on this blog and then sharing the iBloom blog link with them.
http://www.i-bloom.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Think you’ve heard it all about GRATITUDE? Fresh Thoughts! by Betsy Ringer

Before you think you’ve heard it all about gratitude and have a good handle on it, we have some fresh ideas for you to think about. We invite you to listen to this week’s Blog Talk Radio show.

Here’s a quick recap of the show:
Gratitude is a character trait that needs to be cultivated. It takes TRAINING! Yes you need to train yourself to see blessings rather than the disappointments. When you catch yourself focusing on the disappointments have a scripture on hand that will help you shift your thinking. For example, “God can do incredibly more than we can ask or imagine.” Say your scripture until your thinking shifts to what you DO have to be grateful for. It will turn your complaining into dancing.

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes life is HARD! We ALL get pricked by the brambles of life! Are you getting stuck by the circumstances of life right now? No matter how difficult, find one thing to be grateful for – maybe your breath, or heat in your home, or a soft bed to sleep in. Give what you DO have to God and place your HOPE in Him. Eventually you will see how He multiplies what you give Him and brings you through your sticky circumstances.

Be sure to read Lamentations 3:17-25

A MUST READ is Leigh Ann Napier’s Article called “In Search of Thanks.”


Coaching tip:
Who are the She-ros in your life? These are women who have had a positive influence in your life. They can be women you know; women you know OF but haven’t met; or characters in books or movies. What are the characteristics of these women that you admire? Write them down.
a. Thank God for these positive forces who have helped shape who you are today.
b. Now, review the characteristics you wrote down that describe these women. Chances are YOU have these same characteristics. Thank God for these positive characteristics you have that you can pass on to others!

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." -- Albert Schweitzer


Resources:
Have some fun and watch The Gratitude Dance

Movie: “Why Did I Get Married” – Look for things that you are grateful for about your spouse and watch your perspective shift!

Jeremiah 29:11-13 The Message

Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message

C'mon - share something you are grateful for with us! It will just take a minute and will bless others!! Click here.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Get Empowered! iBloom Blog Talk Radio Recap

Our Blog Talk Radio show this week was about getting Empowered! We invite you to CLICK HERE to listen to the show.

Here’s a quick recap of some of the main points brought out in the show:

The definition of empower is authority, responsibility, power, permit, enable. Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do “all things through Christ who strengthens us.”

We encourage you to get empowered today by remembering these tips:

1. Determine what you REALLY want; articulate what is stopping you; then CHOOSE to move forward.

2. Be hopeful about the future. Know that your choices make a difference in your life and those around you.

3. Choose intentionally. You are not a victim to your circumstances – your circumstances are victim to GOD!

4. Speak with empowering words. For example, instead of saying, “I’m SO busy,” say, “Life is full and exciting right now!” Or, instead of saying “I have the worst luck,” say, “I’m so grateful for ____________.”

5. Use “I Choose” statements like “I choose to celebrate each stage of life,” or “I choose to discover how God designed me.”

6. Remember, protect yourself, your time, and your energy by saying NO sometimes. Try these statements:
“I really appreciate your thinking of me, but no thank you.”
“Hmmmm, I need to pray about this. I’ll give you an answer by Friday.”
“I’m sorry, I can’t.” (no need to explain!)
“I can’t but I think I know someone who would really enjoy doing this.”

Resources:

“A Christian Woman’s Guide to Empowerment” by Leigh Ann Napier, iBloom Associate

Get your FREE copy of Empowered Magazine. Anna Quesada was a guest on our show today. She shared why she started this magazine where women can contribute their writing. You will be stunned by the quality of this magazine that can come right to your email box!

Empower your kids by identifying their personality and helping them live in their strengths. Betsy Ringer has a terrific resource loaded with teaching about The Personalities PLUS a bonus booklet of great tips of fun things to do with kids and teens! Zoo Clues: The Personalities of Children and Teens for Parents and Educators

Make your calendar empowering by using Planner Pads.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Have You Ever Wondered WHY Your Kids Act so Different from You? by Betsy Ringer

Have you ever wondered why your kids act so different from you? Wouldn't it be great if you could understand your kids and know why they behave the way they do? You CAN! You CAN learn to speak to their strengths and help them grow into successful adults!

“You may have just saved our family! Thank you soooo much!” A couple shared this comment with me one evening after my Personalities class. This quiet, godly, couple had a look on their faces of both surprise and relief. They had just learned that both of them and their daughter had the same personality type. However, they had adopted a boy from another country and they thought there was something really wrong with him!! In my class, they learned he had a different personality style from theirs and he was just fine!! They simply needed to learn how to get along with his personality type!

We are all born hard-wired with a preferred personality style. This determines our basic responses: extravert, introvert, follower, leader. It also determines our desires, that is, what we want most in life: control, order, fun, peace and so on. If you have more than one child you probably agree that you were able to see that each of your children had different personalities VERY early!

I have three almost adult children and all three tell me repeatedly that learning about The Personalities has been the most valuable information I have taught them. They say it has helped them know themselves, understand their friends and get along better with their teachers and employers. My 19 year old daughter says, “I just can’t imagine NOT knowing this information.”

You CAN learn about your child’s personality and learn how to bring out their strengths and help all members in your family get along better.

Register today for the teleclass, “Zoo Clues – The Personalities of Children and Teens for Parents and Educators.”
Thursday, November 19, 8 – 9:30 PM Eastern 7PM CT 6PM MT 5PM PT

Click here to register for the teleclass.
If you can’t make the class time register and we will send you all info plus the recording of the class so you can listen at your convenience.


Once you register we will send you a downloadable packet which includes GREAT ideas of things to do with your kids and teens to make daily living more fun and meaningful. We will also send you a phone number and access code to call at the time of the teleclass as well as a link to take a free online Personality profile prior to attending the class.

Educators – this is extremely valuable information for your classroom!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

New iBloom Radio Show Recap - Inspired!

WOW! We just got off our very first BLOG TALK RADIO show! I know some of you were on the show and I hope you enjoyed the time with us! For those of you who missed it or are wondering, “What is Blog Talk Radio?” Let me fill you in with the details.

Blog Talk Radio is, yes you guessed it, a RADIO show that comes on through your computer! The iBloom team is going to be on every Monday from noon to 1 PM Eastern Time with great info, interviews, resources and some fun surprises! I hope you will join us! Simply go to Christian Women Affiliate and sign up!
If you missed it and would like to listen, CLICK HERE

Here’s quick recap of what we talked about!

Inspire is a GREAT word – some synonyms include motivate, encourage, enthuse, move. So we talked today about some ideas that help us get inspired. For example, God’s creation inspires us, so does trying new things like a new recipe, and assisting others can be quite inspirational.

During our radio show this week, Kelly Thorne, founder of iBloom was interviewed. She shared how iBloom got started, her vision, the value of working as a team and some interesting personal information. Did you know when Kelly isn’t working diligently on the iBloom vision, she likes to play games and hang out with her friends?

Kelly then interviewed two members of the iBloom team. Each shared a little about her area of focus and why she is passionate about that area. Leigh Ann is passionate about helping women take steps to make their marriages strong and vibrant! Who doesn’t need that?!!

Betsy is passionate about helping women get a handle on work/life balance. She knows from experience the consequences of stretching too far and living in constant overwhelm and exhaustion. Whether you work full time at home or away at a paid job, we ALL need a “life.”

It seems that life is so much more joyful when we intentionally build some inspiration into our lives. We’ve listed some ideas below. Be sure to share some of your ideas with us! Click here to share!

Inspirational movies:

Last Holiday
The Ultimate Gift
Facing the Giants
100 Most Inspirational Films


Songs:
Switchfoot's "Dare You To Move"
Iz version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
“Time of My Life” by David Cook
“Lifesong” by Casting Crowns


Quotes:
"Every artist was first an amateur." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little." Edmund Burke

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” Henry David Thoreau


Books:
Jesus Calling
God has a Dream for Your Life by Shelia Walsh
His Princess by Sheri Rose Shephard


Website:
Simple Truths – watch the short inspirational movies

Scripture:
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. Psalm 90:1, 2

Here’s another way to put it: You’re to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. Matthew 5:14 The Message

We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you. 2 Chronicles 20:12

You will not have to fight this battle. Stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you. Go out to face tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you. 2 Chronicles 19:17

Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Psalm 106:1

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zeph. 3:17

They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. Psalm 36:8

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23



Take time out every day for a little Inspiration!!!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Finish Strong – Start Powerfully by Betsy Ringer

Yesterday the radio alarm came on and when I woke up, for a moment I really thought the dream I just had really happened. Has that every happened to you? Sometimes my days are kind of like that – they slip by and I think I lived them but can’t quite capture the memory of the moments of the day. And now an entire year is about to fade into time forever. In a couple of weeks we are all going to be fully absorbed in the joy, rush, overwhelm, exhilaration and chaos of Thanksgiving and Christmas. And then, 2010 will present itself with a fresh call to action. Whoa!!! Not so fast! I still have today, this day, this moment and I want to LIVE it!

As your Life Coach, I give you permission to stop, assess, and prepare to finish 2009 STRONG and to start 2010 POWERFULLY. Psalm 34:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” God used this verse to help me get a firm grasp on how to live the “moments” of my day; how to treasure the gift of time and everyday living. It would be such a privilege to share it with you.

You can develop your own simple and straightforward Life Guide Statement. It’s different from a mission statement and purpose statement which identify things to “do.” Your Life Guide Statement is more focused on how you live day in and day out in a way that fills your soul, moves you from mediocre to meaningful daily living and brings out the life vitality you long for. My Life Guide Statement is “Exalt and encounter God, take a risk, savor the moments and live intentionally.” These components bridge my family, satisfying work, bold fun, and meaningful relationships.

I invite you to take action NOW to develop your very own Life Guide Statement. I am offering a teleclass – you sit in the comfort of your home and call in by phone – entitled “How to Write a Compelling Life Guide Statement.” During this teleclass, you will be led through a process to develop your very own Life Guide Statement. The cost of the teleclass includes:
• A handbook that will be used during the class
• A review of your Life Guide Statement in a follow up email
• A recording that guides you through the process if you would like to review it after the class

This process helps you identify specific ways your inner core yearns to experience life a vibrant way. By creating a personalized compass-like statement you will have a guide to help you begin living the life you truly want to live.

The teleclass is offered:
Thursday, November 12, 8 – 9:30 PM Eastern time
(7 PM CT, 6 PM MT, 5 PM PT)

Click here to register now.
If you can’t attend the class, go ahead and register and we will send you the handout and recording of the class so you can walk through developing your own Life Guide Statement at a time convenient to you. You will also be able to send your Life Guide Statement to me for review and comments.

Take action now to finish 2009 well and be prepared to live 2010 the way you’ve always wanted to live. Life is not a dress rehearsal. It is a precious gift. The Holy Spirit works within us to guide us and align us with God’s desire for our lives. Take time today to reflect and hear what the core of your being is saying.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Transformed by the Word: What is Your View of the Bible? by Tara Mclenahan


As you will remember from my previous post, taking the time to be in the Bible with the right attitude is critical to our spiritual growth. But we also need to examine how you view the Word of God.

It's difficult to take the Bible lightly or consider it just another book when we truly realize what sets it apart from other books. There are several views of what the Bible is in today's postmodern society ~ everything from a God-inspired work to a book of suggestions to simply a book that we can take some and leave the rest as it suits us. I'm going to take a bold stand and say that if you truly believe the Bible is a God-inspired work, you must believe all of it. It is either all truth or all fiction. There really is no in-between.

The Bible itself says clearly in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB:

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

This single passage says that ALL Scripture is inspired by, so we can't take the parts we like and discard the rest. It can be tough to do so but I challenge you to evaluate your view of what the Bible is.

In my next post in this series, we will look at what reading the Word can actually do in and through us!

What is your honest view of the Bible? Does the way you live your life and the choices you make reflect that view?

For more information on this topic, please consider this resource.

Click here to share a comment.

Previous posts in this series:
Transformed by the Word

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Transformed by the Word by Tara McClenahan

Psalm 119:97~105

97O how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
For they are ever mine.
99I have more insight than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.
100I understand more than the aged,
Because I have observed Your precepts.
101I have restrained my feet from every evil way,
That I may keep Your word.
102I have not turned aside from Your ordinances,
For You Yourself have taught me.
103How sweet are Your words to my taste!
Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104From Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.

105Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

Finding time for daily quiet time in God's Word can be a challenge in our hectic world. We have so many roles to fill ~ wife, mom, boss/employee, teacher, sister, daughter, taxi driver, etc. that sometimes the role of daughter of the King gets pushed off of our list. However, this week I dare to challenge you to carve out daily time in the Word. It's worth the effort. But it's not just about time. It's also about attitude.

Time vs. Attitude

Here's a self-assessment question for you to ponder:

When you do read/study the Word, what is your attitude?

  1. I look forward to that time with GREAT anticipation!
  2. UGH! I haven’t picked up my Bible in a week! I really should read a verse or two.
  3. If I don’t read three chapters a day, I’m going to hell.
  4. OK, I’ll read it but I probably won’t get anything from it.
  5. Other: ___________________________

So many times we can put the emphasis on making time to spend in God's Word without examining the attitude in which we do it. Which of the above answers reflects your attitude when spending time in the Word? I know that we all would want attitude #1 all of the time but that is usually not the case.

Now let's imagine that you wanted to spend some time with your child or best friend. What if they came to spend time with you and their attitude was #2 (squeezing you in), #3 (duty, obligation or to avoid your anger) or #4 (apathy)?

How would you feel about the quality of that time spent with them? It's not a stretch to imagine that you, like our heavenly Father, would want the time spent to be out of love, anticipation and the desire to be there, no matter how long it may be.

So, here is your challenge for the day...

Examine your attitude about spending time in the Word. If you find it is not what you would like it to be, ask God to help you surrender to Him, allowing Him to change it. And while it may be difficult, realize that He, the Creator of the universe, wants to spend time with you. Do you, His creation, want to spend time with Him? Ponder that today and prepare your heart for my next post which will cover what we can expect when we spend time in God's Word with an attitude of anticipation and expectation.

If you are willing to, please share with me which number you chose above. No judgment ~ I promise! We are all a work in progress! Click here to share.

If you want to explore this topic further, please take a look at this resource.

Friday, October 23, 2009

The Inside Scoop to our Outward Behavior by Betsy Ringer

What is the most valuable information you have applied in your life besides knowing and loving God? I have three young adult kids. Not long ago I was asked to speak on the most valuable ways I impacted my kids during their school years. So I asked them. All three of them told me that teaching them about The Personalities helped them in their relationships with friends, teachers and employers as well as understanding and accepting themselves.

Since then, my daughter has emphasized that over and over again. She says she doesn’t know how others get along in life without knowing how people are wired. She says knowing and understanding the various personalities helps her accept others more lovingly and communicate with them more effectively. She said it’s been so helpful to understand what holds her back as well as how she can contribute in a positive way.

After my last PERSONALITIES teleclass (a class by phone that you enjoy in the comfort of your home!) one of the participants said, “EVERYONE should be required to take this class.” Most people comment that they wish they had taken it many years ago – it would have helped their marriage and their relationships with their kids.

I am a Certified Personality Specialist and I have been teaching about The Personalities for almost 20 years. I invite you to my next teleclasses (class by phone in the comfort of your home). To participate in a teleclass, simply click on the link I’ve provided below. That page will give you more info about the class. Then click on your desired payment option. Complete the short registration form. Once you submit it we will send you the handout for the class and a link to take an online Personality assessment. You will also receive a phone number to call at the time of the class. When you call you will be prompted to put in an access code which we will also send to you. THEN you will be connected to the “classroom” and I will be waiting for you. Teleclasses are fun! My last class had women from six different states!

If you can’t make the class time, register and we will send you all info plus the recording of the class so you can listen at your convenience!

Hope to “meet” you at these terrific classes! Click on the links below for more info.

The Personalities – Learn to Know Yourself and Understand Others


Tuesday, October 27, 8 – 9:30PM Eastern 7PM CT 6PM MT 5PM PT
Click here for more info and to register $10

Zoo Clues - The Personalities of Teens and Children for Parents and Educators

Tuesday, November 17, 8 – 9:30 PM Eastern 7PM CT 6PM MT 5PM PT
Click here for more info and to register. $10


Betsy is an associate with iBloom. She speaks to many groups and conducts workshops and teleclasses. For a list of her topics click here.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Quit Trying To Be Wonder Woman by Leigh Ann Napier

In my last blog, How To Escape Groundhog Day, I shared the first challenge Do not say YES to anything else without waiting 24 hours to think it over and pray about it. Did you take the challenge? Did you delay a response to someone who wanted you to commit to something new? Did you say "no" to something? If you actually said no, you deserve bonus points… Why is it they we are so afraid to say no? Often when you say "yes" to someone or something, you are in fact saying "no" to those closest to you or to those dreams you've had for so long! You're not saying it out loud, of course, but you are sending the message just the same. Make it a habit to weigh the pros and cons before adding things to your life. Better yet, adopt my grandmother's policy. "Don't bring anything else into your home (in this case, your life), without first taking something else out." She's a wise lady…

OK, on to today's topic:

Quit trying to be Wonder Woman.

"One of my best friends, Heather Wallen Hammond wearing her Wonder Woman attire. Also, definitely one of my personal heros..."



Do you remember Underoos? I was OBSESSED with them as a kid. Specifically Wonder Woman. I would wear them everywhere! Mom says I wouldn't ever take them off. I wanted them over my clothes but would occasionally give in and wear them under the outfit she wanted me to wear. Wearing them I felt powerful, daring, strong, beautiful, and like I could save the day! I was Wonder Woman! Well, I've lost my Underoos long ago (but if anyone knows where I can find some for my daughter, please tell me?), but the desire to feel all of the emotions I felt while wearing them, is still very much a part of me.

I think every woman struggles with Wonder Woman Syndrome (WWS) in some capacity. That's one of the many topics we'll explore in the iDiscover Community…Too many women are walking around feeling exhausted and defeated…we want to be able to do it all! For our family, friends, pets, job, church…the list goes on and on. WWS can leave you worn out, frustrated, angry, and feeling unappreciated. We can't carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Rely on God to give you strength each day. Ask him for wisdom (and continue to ask…) in knowing where he wants you to use the energy, time, and resources he's given you. When I rely on Him, I am confident that he will give me all I need to be somebody's hero…sans Underoos. He will do the same for you!

How to start treating WWS:

  1. Write out your priorities. List them in order. Now, give the majority of your time/energy to those top things. You can't please everyone all of the time. Instead choose who you REFUSE to disappoint. Is that God, your husband, your children, a favorite charity? You will still disappoint everyone at some point or another but by living into your priorities, you can do it less often.)
  2. Know when to ask for help. Repeat after me, "I am NOT Wonder Woman". Write down a list of all that needs to be done this week. Pray over that list. Ask God to show you what the top things are for the week, what you can delegate, and what you can just scratch from the list.

Psalm 22:19 "O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!"

Click here to leave a comment.


Friday, October 9, 2009

How To Escape Groundhog Day by Leigh Ann Napier

Remember the movie Groundhog Day? That's kind of what life feels like sometimes. In the movie, each day when Bill Murray wakes up to the alarm, he is faced with the exact same day over and over again. Have you ever had one of those mornings? Or maybe a week straight of those mornings where you never seem to make traction and get beyond the mundane? Laundry, overdue library books, cleaning, needing to return that step ladder to the friend you borrowed it from over 2 months ago (sorry Margo), cleaning out the refrigerator, and then of course needing to go to the grocery to fill it up again. It is easy for women to feel defeated before the day has even begun!

So where do we start? What can we do today that will improve our outlook when we wake up tomorrow morning? How can we make a dent in our to do's so that tomorrow won't feel like we are stuck in the same rut we were in the day before? We desperately want to escape Groundhog Day. Be encouraged that you CAN get out of that rut! You can begin making a difference during this 24 hour package God has given you today. Soon you will wake up and wonder how you ever lived that way before.

The first challenge for today is:

Do not say YES to anything else without waiting 24 hours to think it over and pray about it.

Now I'm not referring to your toddler's plea for cheerios here. Please do feed your child within a reasonable amount of time from the request…

I'm referring to those phone calls, emails, parent-teacher-meeting-put-you-on-the-spot requests for another piece of you. You need to evaluate what is being asked of you and see where it fits within this season of your life. If you find yourself running late all of the time, feeling rushed, never quite seeming to get a chance to just rest, and sometimes feeling resentful towards others because of how busy you are, then please REALLY take this to heart.

Here are some questions to ask yourself BEFORE you answer anyone else:

  1. Does this compliment or compete with my top priorities?
  2. Am I managing my current obligations adequately? Do I have the time and energy to commit to something new?
  3. Am I uniquely gifted to do what is being asked or could someone else do it well? You may even be able to think of someone who would be a better fit or who would enjoy being asked…
  4. Would I be saying yes because I want to do this or am I saying yes in order to avoid confrontation and/or rejection?

If saying no is difficult for you then I encourage you to read Approval Addiction by Joyce Meyer. If you aren't sure what you are gifted for or the design God has for your life, check out the iDiscover Community! We need to ask for wisdom when it comes to gifting our time, energy, talents, and resources.

James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

Click here to leave a comment.

Monday, October 5, 2009

iBloom Special Annoucement

iBloom Special Announcement:
God Has Uniquely Designed You! And we have the tool to help you discover more.

Are you exhausted from going through the motions?

Are you desperate to know your unique God-given design?

Are you all grown up, but have no idea what to do?

Do you feel like your life is just wasting away?


Great!


Wait, no, that sounds bad... Not great that you feel that way but great because we can help!

iBloom is launching a new community called iDiscover. This community has something for YOU! Something that:
  • You are going to want
  • that can change your life
  • that can get you excited about your life again
  • that can provide clarity and direction and...
wait, are you excited yet? Can you sense it?

That feeling in your gut that this is what you have been praying for, hoping for, and believing that God would send you? Us too! We have been praying for this community and for YOU for so long. At iBloom, we have a burden on our hearts to help every woman in the world discover who God created her to be. We know there are women out there who are unclear about their direction, their strengths, their purpose. We know because we WERE those women!

Now that we are on the other side, we can't wait to invite you in. Invite you into a way of life that is foreign from what you are experiencing now. Can you even imagine what it would be like to move beyond the mundane to a life where:
  • you know your unique God-given custom blueprint for YOUR life,
  • live into who God created you to be,
  • and ultimately live a life of fulfillment!
It is possible, it is within your reach, and it can start as soon as you take the next step and join women from around the world who are discovering their unique God-given design and living a life of passion, balance, purpose, and fulfillment.

For more information on the iDiscover Community,
visit www.idiscovercommunity.com.

There are a variety of paths (or memberships) available to accommodate your availability and resources. In fact, all paths include a 7-day FREE trial which includes a coaching session with an iBloom certified coach, so you can try it completely risk free.

New groups are beginning SOON and we want YOU to join women around the world on this life-changing journey!

2 NEW Path B Groups Beginning in October...

Friday, October 16th at Noon EST
(3rd Friday of each month)
iBloom Associate, Leigh Ann Napier

Thursday, October 23rd at 7:30pm EST
(3rd Thursday of each month)
iBloom Associate, Betsy Ringer

NEW Path C Group Beginning in November...

November 5th 6pm-7pm EST
(1st Thursday of each month)
iBloom Founder & President, Kelly Thorne

Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to invest in yourself and begin living the life you were created to live!

Visit www.idiscovercommunity.com for more information or to join women from around the world on this life changing journey.