Category: Leadership

Refreshing And Rare: Hope For This Year

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Refreshing And Rare: Hope For This Year
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When you think of “refreshing and rare,” who comes to your mind? What character qualities define this person? I’m guessing they are courageous, personable, persevering. Further, I imagine they are kind and gentle, as well as strong and honest. Most of all, the person who comes to your mind probably lives with hope.

As you enter this next year, you need hope, too. The next 12 months provide opportunity to manage, enjoy, and problem-solve in your life. Thankfully, God provides refreshing and rare hope for every day.

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Joy At Christmastime – Advent #2

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Joy At Christmastime - Advent #2
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Many cherished Christmas carols talk about joy. Consider Joy To The World – “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” Or While By My Sheep – “Joy, joy, joy! (echo) joy, joy, joy.” If you are looking for joy at Christmastime, you are joined by millions of people.

Interestingly, Paul starts every single letter he wrote in the New Testament with wishes of grace and JOY to his readers.

So, how’s your joy as Christmas approaches?

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Peace At Christmastime – Advent #1

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Peace At Christmastime - Advent #1
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Many cherished Christmas carols talk about peace. Consider Silent Night – “sleep in heavenly peace.” Or, Hark The Herald Angels – “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” Yes, for centuries people have yearned for peace. Particularly, peace at Christmastime.

Let’s face it. This world really needs peace. Interestingly, peace starts in each individual heart. Equally, lasting peace only comes from the “Prince of Peace” – Jesus Christ.

So, peace at Christmastime . . .

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A Mindset Of Gratitude

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A Mindset Of Gratitude
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It’s Thanksgiving! Time for a “self-check” on gratitude. A mindset of gratitude makes a huge difference, even when things are difficult or painful.

So, if you had a Gratitude Scale that measured how thankful you are, where would you score on a scale 1-10?

Let’s explore “mindset of gratitude.” But first – let’s have some fun with that Gratitude Scale we mentioned.

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Purpose-Filled Living – Scripture Dissection

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Purpose-Filled Living - Scripture Dissection
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I can’t think of a better way to begin this content – purpose-filled living – than to quote a good authority on the subject.

“Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days – when you heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you’re out of options, when the pain is great – and you turn to God alone.” (Rick Warren)

This insightful quote leads us into our discovery today.

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Live With Courage And Confidence

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Live With Courage And Confidence
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Recently, I connected with a dear friend and learned about her struggle with cancer. Not only her courage to face cancer, but the tenacity and grit it takes to go through chemo treatments. On top of that, to deal with side effects. Little sleep, loss of hair, skin so sensitive you can’t comfortably wear a hat or light scarf. Terrible pain. Time off work. Daily responsibilities still demand attention. Without a doubt, it takes courage and confidence to make it through such difficult circumstances.

How I admire this friend. Each day, she rises into new courage as she manages these realities. Plus, she remains confident God will carry her through. At the same time, she is honest and authentic about her sufferings.

So, let’s dive into what it means to live with courage and confidence each day – no matter what your situation.

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Let Go. It’ll Be OK – Hope #6

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Let Go. It’ll Be OK - Hope #6
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Someone’s hanging from a high ledge, ready to fall! They’re yelling for help and losing strength. Now, they hold on with only one hand. You know emergency teams will never make it in time. Frantically, you grab a nearby sturdy tarp and enlist five or six strong-looking by-standers to hold tightly on corners and sides – a “make-shift” life-net directly below. Realizing the person is about to fall, yet is filled with fear, you yell, “Let go. It’ll be OK.”

This is #6 in a series on hope.

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Strong Hope #5 – Scripture Dissection

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Strong Hope #5 - Scripture Dissection
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As I consider today’s material: “Strong Hope,” I’m reminded of a Bible passage in one of my quiet times. Interestingly, a thought struck me as I read that passage. Simply this.

If I were to make a list of all the struggles, issues, sorrows, and difficulties in my life so far –

– and if I were to put a column of dates next to them (similar to what I have in my Bible)

– then, if I were to record a verse or promise God gave me for that particular situation in a third column

– I would have an amazing record of God’s faithfulness in my neediness. In fact, I’d have enough material to publish a book about strong hope.

This is #5 in a series on hope.

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Well-Thought, Well-Spoken, Well-Lived

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Well-Thought, Well-Spoken, Well-Lived
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I’m thinking of a specific person. Actually, a remarkable person. As I got to know and interact with them, I realized they are the perfect example of what we discuss today – well-thought, well-spoken, well-lived. Over time, I came to deeply respect this person because they represent a very well-lived life!

Who comes to your mind as you consider today’s content?

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The Power Of Good Ripples – Scripture Dissection

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The Power Of Good Ripples - Scripture Dissection
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The power of good ripples is like tossing a pebble into a quiet pond. First, the entry of the pebble creates a “plunk.” As the water receives the pebble, it leaps up with a splash of welcome.

Then the ripple begins! It’s beautiful to watch from the side. Artful, smooth, concentric circles roll outward. Interestingly, their art continues to “tell” about the pebble. Finally, the ripples reach the edge of the water and fade into the bank. Circle by circle becomes still – and once again, you see your own reflection in the pond canvas.

Thankfully, good ripples still happen in life. First, there’s a start – the plunk. Then, the power of good – ripples outward. Considering the upheaval and confused state of our world, wouldn’t you agree you should adopt good ripples on a personal level?

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