What keeps you from your best? It could be someone, something – or it could be you.
This material is about your health, growth, and progress. Of course, every person of every age continues to grow all their life. However, health and progress depend on some things. Additionally, sometimes there’s interference with progress in your relationship with God.
Let’s look closer.
Before we start with “Always Say Yes,” I want to tell you about an Easter devotional – FREE – to use this week. This tool gives you 2 pages for each day that feature:
If you follow us on your favorite podcast app, you’ll get the audio episodes of the same content in your feed. So, you can have a visual and audio version to Prepare For Easter.
Click here to get your free copy.
Right now, I’m thinking of the late Queen Elizabeth II of England. One thing I remember and admire about her is how she always carried herself. Without doubt, she portrayed quality character, even in difficulties. Matter of fact, as I followed her life and conduct, I witnessed how she portrayed her position of privilege.
How does a discussion about privilege apply to you? Let’s explore together.
Think for a minute. What is your most valuable and effective daily resource? In fact, what are your top two tools you rely on most to effectively navigate your day? Your phone? Car? Washer and dryer? Backyard grill? To-do list? Cup of coffee? Bread machine? Google maps? What if I told you about two powerful tools that help you navigate the territory of your soul each day? Interestingly, that’s where the power of 2 little verses comes in.
Let’s explore.
I’m sure you’ve listened to the news . . . read the newspapers . . . listened to podcasts. Subsequently, you know the world is really struggling right now. In essence, that’s why we should explore what it looks like to have hope in terrible times.
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.
I remember one Christmas years ago – I almost missed Christmas! That experience was a “wake-up call.” In my busy life, filling roles and carrying out responsibilities – all the Christmas preparations pulled me off track. I asked God to show me what happened and how to avoid it in the future. That’s when I learned how to pause at Christmastime.
And it works! Now, I use a “pause” all through the year.
Do you need to pause a bit more this Christmas?
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?
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.
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.
