What are we doing with our lives?

Our belief systems are evident in our lifestyles. It has been an incredible week or two of self-discovery and thankfulness. I've heard the saying before concerning our purpose being hidden in what makes us sing and what makes us cry. Our Pastor this morning spoke about naturalism vs Biblical theism and challenged us with our authenticity. It was an incredible service that concluded a week of ups and downs.



This roller coaster of a life we often live is exhausting. I've had to stop on several occasions and get off the roller coaster, step back and look at what was in the valleys and what were the mountain top experiences. I crave stability! I am not guaranteed that; however, I am assured of faithfulness of my God so that I am not alone on this ride.



Unfortunately we seem to learn best in the valleys when we realize we just can't do it all or we are so hurt we can even see straight. It is when I get to the end of myself, flat on my back, looking up that I see once again who is in control. We have been set free to fly solo and yet forget that in order to fly we need the wind; those currents that cause us to build our strength as we counter them to reach our goals. My belief in intelligent design ensures that I understand that I have a role to play.



What am I doing with this life I've been given? What do I think about most; myself or serving others? Ouch!



I've had a person remind me of my shortcomings and while that hurt; it was my choice as to whether or not I chose to be offended. (Thanks Joyce Meyer for your messages this week!) I've had an acquaintance randomly give me money; I graciously received this gift with thankfulness. I've heard of that happening to others and it is quite overwhelming to just accept a free gift that is undeserved. Yet....that is what God has done for me; the free gift of salvation.



I accepted it, I believe it, but do I live it? I think the churches are full of great believers but are we great followers? Do we allow fear or faith to be the basis of our decisions?



It is time we Christians stood up for our beliefs so that others can see that we are channels of love to a hurting world. We are here for a purpose! Our lives need to be reflective of our choice to live for God. This life is a gift and what we do with it is our gift back to our creator!

Embracing Uncertainty

As my earlier posts have indicated I've been involved with computers for as long as I can remember. In fact I was studying Computer Programming while they invented and released the Personal Computer. Yes, there were computers before PCs! Since leaving my full time job in December I seem to have been challenged technology wise.

At 1:30 am this past Wednesday I had to stop, and look around. I had 4 open PCs in my living room, my main desktop not booting and my laptop in the shop because it wasn't booting. Sometimes you just have to stop and evaluate. I am of the opinion that in life we need to utilize our strengths and hire out our weaknesses.

I do understand what I was doing.....but was it the best use of my time! Time is the equalizer in life. We all have gifts and strengths but what we do with our time determines our destinies. I also believe that God is not the author of frustration and I was nearing that point! I sent my wonderful friend home that was helping me and decided it took more faith to go to sleep and know that Thursday was a new day then to stay up and try to fix things.

Trusting God's timing and leading is one of the most difficult parts of my journey. I am a doer! I tend to charge ahead; with a little nudge I'm off and running. As time is flying by, I am much more aware that I have to make the most of every day. Especially now that I'm self-employed!

I trudged through Thursday (an online meeting without a mic-thank God for chat windows!) I made a list of what I could/should do and who I should enlist to reach my goals this week. Taking the time to step back and prioritize my goals every day is helping me become more efficient.

A can of condensed air saved my main desktop and thanks to Andrew it is now hardwired and much faster. My incredible friend Sabrina (willing to loose sleep to help me) saved the day with the four other computers and assisted me with getting the hard drives all backed up and know I'm ready to move forward with three - one for each teenager. A brand new printer installed; thanks Sharon and although the shop called on Friday and the laptop won't be ready until Monday I see progress.

It's easy to get discouraged, to question yourself but you have to know that you know that you are on the right track; sometimes it is a leap of faith. Faith is "the substance of things unseen" so taking my eyes off what is in front of me and getting my eyes onto my goals and dreams give me perspective. I heard a stat this week that 85% of life is affected by association. It made me step back and think about who I am spending time with.

Having mentors and the incredible people I've been blessed to work with in my life is a continual source of encouragement. Having a local church (Calvary Pentecostal Church) with solid teaching that each week either inspires or challenges me to make mid-course corrections. Subscribing to an ongoing personal and professional development program that allows me to choose to put in a CD by a successful business owner that has persevered. I receive tweets from business leaders that are landing in Peter Island and sharing the photos to inspire our dreams!

Choosing to spend quiet time with God is by far the most important part of my life. My beliefs are based on the fact that He is a loving God that wants the personal relationship with us that His son died to make possible. He is available 24/7, he has a plan...and it is the best one! Choosing to spend this afternoon refocusing on that relationship confirmed as always that I'm on the right track! He speaks, but I'm not always listening. So today I did! My kids went to visit their grandfather and I shut off the electronics and opened the Bible; did a spiritual inventory and in my prayer time was reminded of Andy Stanley's book Visioneering. In this book Andy talks about Nehemiah's story about fulfilling his purpose.

This is how God works in my life....since quitting work in December, all sorts of opportunities have come my way. When I give God the time; he gives me signposts along the way to confirm my path. It really is a simple child like existence when we know who is in control. So...I finish up my prayer time feeling confident I'm on the right track, I sit down in front of my computer to check on my many social communities and login to YouTube to listen to my favorite tunes and guess what the top suggested video for my today was......you got it Andy Stanley with a message on One Prayer. The message was on what I had just read and once again confirms how much God cares about the intimate details of our lives and if we are willing to give Him the time and devotion; He'll lead!

Wishing each and everyone of you a fantastic week and if you are struggling with any of the above items; here is a great message for you on Margins by LifeChurchTV. Keep going and growing! I may not know what tomorrow holds but I know who is in control and that is all I need to know.

What Mistakes are You Making?

My favourite email devotional is The Vine. I have been receiving this for many, many years and find the messages very timely. Enjoy yesterday's message and feel free to subscribe yourself. You'll be blessed.

What Mistakes Are You Making? (3)

The Word for Today with Bob Gass

Tuesday, 5th January 2010

A sign in a high-pressure sales office brings a smile: 'Do you like to travel? Do you want to meet new friends? Do you want to free up your future? All this can be yours if you make one more mistake.' Fear of making mistakes keeps us from reaching our highest potential, from seeking honest counsel and feedback, and from speaking out lest we become criticised or abandoned.

To be successful you must give the people around you permission to push back. When you don't get input it can be disastrous. In It's Your Ship, Michael Abrashoff writes: 'The moment I heard about it [the tragic sinking of a Japanese fishing boat off Honolulu by the submarine USS Greenville], I was reminded that, as is often the case with accidents, someone senses possible danger but doesn't actually speak up. As the Greenville investigation unfolded, I read in a New York Times article that the submarine's crew 'respected the Commanding Officer too much to question his judgement.' If that's respect, then I want none of it. You need to have people that can tap you on your shoulder and say, 'Is this the best way?' or 'Slow down,' or 'Think about this,' or 'Is what we are doing worth killing or injuring somebody?'

History records countless incidents in which ship captains or organisation managers permitted a climate of intimidation to pervade the workplace, silencing subordinates whose warnings could have prevented disaster. Even when the reluctance to speak up stems from admiration for the Commanding Officer's skill and experience, a climate to question decisions must be created in order to foster double-checking.'

There are related posts at http://www.thevine.co.nz

The Power of One

Have you noticed that whenever God has a work to be done on earth, he so often chooses an individual to get his work started and achieved? Think of Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Mary, Peter, Paul, etc. The good news is that God, today, still chooses and uses individuals to accomplish his work on earth.

Furthermore, throughout history, one person has had made an incredible impact with his or her life. As the anonymous poet said:

One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam can light a room.
One candle can wipe out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference,
You see, it's up to you and me.

To get God's work done on earth "if it's going to be, it will be up to YOU and ME!"

As Edward Everett Hale so eloquently said, "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do."

Let's never forget how very important you and I are to God in our world.

Again, most of God's work on earth has been started by one person. Will you be the one God is looking for today to do his work in your world?

And as Dale Carnegie said, "Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no help at all."

This post is from People Power Update 04-2009 please click on the link to read the entire article.

New Years.....endings and beginnings

This past Christmas wraps up a whole year of realization! It was last December when I felt that there was no better time to be building my business. I was on a great reward trip with my daughter; while my sister was having Cancer surgery and listening to the biggest leaders in the network marketing industry share their vision.

Their a moments that make you stand still and reassess your priorities. After that trip the kids and I went to Thunder Bay to visit my eldest daughter and her husband for Christmas. It was a time to put down the electronics and enjoy my family. Coming out of a difficult season of my life and realizing we had not only survived but grown in many ways. I felt blessed but also a little lost. What was my motivation now....surviving the many changes divorce brought was accomplished.

It's taken a whole year to put my plan into action; removing myself from a full-time job where I really enjoyed the work, the team and the clients to be able to focus on my true passion; Leadership Development. Their is a God given vision inside each of us and I know I'll never be fully content unless I do what I've been called to do. With much anguish I began the journey of letting go of the stability of a regular pay cheque to do what I love the most.

I fear far too many people die with their dreams still inside them. I refuse that path and have chosen the path less traveled. I am thankful that my children not only understand but are encouraging me to pursue my passion; even if it means KD for supper! I am one blessed Mom and business owner that is very excited to be starting 2010 on the right path for me! I wish each of you the courage to become all you are meant to be. Here is a great poem that says it well.

Dies slowly by Pablo Neruda

Dies slowly he who transforms himself in slave of habit,
repeating every day the same itineraries,
who does not change brand,
does not risk to wear a new color and doesn't talk to whom doesn't know.

Dies slowly he who makes of television his guru.
Dies slowly he who avoids a passion,
who prefers black to white
and the dots on the "i" to a whirlpool of emotions,
just those ones that recover the gleam from the eyes,
smiles from the yawns,
hearts from the stumbling and feelings.

Dies slowly he who does not overthrow the table when is unhappy at work,
who does not risk the certain for the uncertain
to go toward that dream that is keeping him awake.
Who does not allow, at least one time in life, to flee from sensate advises.
Dies slowly he who does not travel, does not read,
does not listen to music, who does not find grace in himself.

Dies slowly he who destroys his self love,
who does not accept somebody's help.
Dies slowly he who passes his days complaining of
his bad luck or the incessant rain.
Dies slowly he who abandons a project before starting it,
who does not ask over a subject that does not know
or who does not answer when being asked about something he knows.

Dies slowly he who does not share his emotions, joys and sadness,
who does not trust, who does not even try.
Dies slowly he who does not relive his memories
and continues getting emotional as if living them at that moment.
Dies slowly he who does not intent excelling,
who does not learn from the stones of the road of life,
who does not love and let somebody love.

Let's avoid death in soft quotes,
remembering always that to be alive demands an effort much bigger
that the simple fact of breathing.

A week later....

It's been a week since I took my last pay cheque to the bank to deposit. In my first week of self-employment I registered my business name - Touch Marketing. I worked with a designer on the logo to represent my venture; Gift & Incentives, Social Marketing Training and then added Previsite to the mix. I've put my goals before me and am GOING for it!

It's incredible to know that you are taking a leap of faith to pursue something you feel compelled to do. The defining moments of realizing who you are, your strengths and weaknesses and then to take the time to contemplate what truly burns deep within yourself. What makes your heart sing and moves you to tears?

I've always been one to watch the overcoming type movies. I love Rudy, Pursuit of Happyness, Field of Dreams, Braveheart even 300 in its brutality is about standing against all odds for what you believe in. One of my favourite quotes is: "Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." by Theodore Roosevelt

I've listened to amazing leaders like Jody Victor for over 10 years now! With 6000+ hours of personal and professional development (just ask my kids about CDs, books, seminars & Joyce Meyer!) I have boiled it all down to a few simple things....We all have gifts, we choose what to do with our time on a daily basis, which dictates our destiny.

Michael Jordan says it very well in this video:

I have the utmost respect for anyone that chooses to focus their attention on a worthwhile goal and through sweat and tears achieves their dream! How can we look at those that have made a difference in so many peoples lives and not desire to do the same? Desire is not enough; neither is good intentions. The rubber meets the road when you acknowledge that you won't be content until you become what your God given vision is.

A week later.....I've become so very time conscious and aspire to do the next right thing each hour of each day and sometimes that is to rest and trust Him with the details for Rome wasn't built in a day!

This Diamond Lady says goodnight and I wish you all the success you are wiling to work for!

Preparing to Pursue The Dream again....

As I prepare to go back to self-employment, I am thankful, excited and want to give God all the praise. So much happens in the course of a week in my life that I am always amazed at the dates on the calendar.

My sons turned 16 last month - yes I am blessed with twin boys after having three daughters. They really are double the joy. Watching how they interact brings a smile to my face most days. They have never known a life without a playmate. As one walks into the room and says "Ping Pong" the other jumps up and off they go.

For each of my children I've attempted to do something extra special for their 16th birthday as it seems like a real transition time in their lives. I had been thinking about these two turning 16 all year and last spring decided that I'd like to get them tickets to see their favorite hockey teams play against each other. For one, they've never been to see a professional hockey game (I know, how does that happen in Canada?). Secondly, I found out that Calgary and Toronto play against each other once a year in each city.

Therefore, I decided last spring already that this was to be their gift. I shared this goal with several people including the guys from work. In August a co-worker (thanks Rob-true Leafs fan!) let me know the schedule was coming out that day. I came home from work, checked and lo and behold as my finger travelled down the computer screen looking for the match up....Calgary came to Toronto on their 16th birthday! Yes God is that Great - on their actual birthday.

How would I ever contain myself. I did a little dance and shout in my kitchen and sent my son-in-law a text - I knew he'd celebrate with me; being a hockey fan himself. I had to find tickets and keep it a secret until the big day! With the help of my daughters we pulled it off....except my business conference was the same weekend.

I don't miss those conferences as they have been life lines for me. So much more than a business conference. I am blessed with a team of people to lead and take that responsibililty very serious. My children understand that and we celebrate birthday's when it is convenient for all of us. My daughter (and her boyfriend) to the rescue. They would do the driving.

As I sat at my conference I was reminded of how dreams do come true and was thinking about the boys preparing for their game. I was reflecting on that as Wes Beavis came on stage, or should I say jumped on a table and began signing "Celebration". I've never seen a speaker with an entrance like his. He shared a great message about overcoming adversity and fear to becoming all we are meant to be. My kind of message....with the exception that as he was ending his talk he began singing "Cat's in the Cradle".

That song was a favourite of a couple important men in my life and as I listened I wept. It was 10 years ago I began this business and about the same time on a Saturday afternoon at my first business conference I became overwhelmed with the fact that I was born for this arena. This year, as I had already planned my transition strategy from work, and was preparing to pursue my dream of becoming a business leader; God placed this incredibly talented speaker in front of me.

I was thinking that this song was so out of place in this arena of hope because it is so cyclical and its time to break cycles that aren't productive. As Wes finished the song he said it was time we re-wrote that last verse and I cheered to hear his rendition of the last verse: Family Time. I was reminded of why I choose to build this amazing business opportunity. I am committed to the process; Dream, Struggle, Victory!

Now as I prepare for the next adventure of my life; I am reflecting on how awesome it is to feel like I am in the palm of God's hand. I am basking in His attention to details and thanking Him for the faith of my children as together we take this leap.

As you prepare for this Christmas season I hope you pause long enough to be reminded of who you are and how integral your life is to the bigger purposes here on earth! My gift to you "He that lives in hope danceth without music." by George Herbert.