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/

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.

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.

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!

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!!!

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.