Monday, May 20, 2013

Yeah, I'm NOT Qualified!


"Maybe God has called you to a task, dream, or challenge and you feel unqualified. Let me encourage you. You are unqualified—at least in some way—and that’s a very good thing. Even if you have the degree or the credentials no one makes a difference for Christ, whether it’s in medicine, ministry, business, or botany because they feel totally qualified.

God chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. Those who succeed and make a difference for God are those who are willing to step out in faith even though they know they are not totally qualified. Remember this as you support those around you who are stepping out in faith—and remember this as you step out in faith.

You are unqualified—and this is a very, very good thing. It’s the very reason that Christ can be glorified through you."  - Shana Schutte  (Read the entire blog here.)

What are you being called to do that you know you're not qualified for? Are you using that as an excuse? I know right now in my own life I am waiting for God to "qualify" me for something that ONLY He can do. I look forward to the day I can share that "only God" moment with you!!

Be purpose-FULL in all you do!

Tonia

Monday, May 13, 2013

What Are You Really Worth?


This week's guest blogger is author and life-coach Holley Gerth. Thanks Holley for reminding us of our true worth!

My husband and I flip through channels and land on a reality show about a pawn shop. We’re intrigued when a woman hands over a fistful of jewels. “My grandmother left them to me,” she explains. The owners of the store begin to debate. One instantly declares they’re worthless–only glass. Another isn’t so quick to dismiss them. “Let’s call in an expert,” he says, “We’ll let him decide.”

In the next scene the expert stands over the microscope. He leans in and quickly pushes aside several of the gems. Then he pauses and beckons to the owner who wanted the evaluation. “Take a look at this,” he says. When the owner pulls back from the microscope he declares, “We’re going to change this woman’s life.”

Because that’s what happens when the worth of what you have to offer is recognized. It turns out that, yes, several of the jewels were simply glass rocks. But one was a large ruby. Until someone in authority declared the value that ruby seemed like all the rest. Now it would never be seen the same way again.

You are walking through life holding gems in your hand. They’re your strengths, gifts, and all that God has placed within you. The world will try to dismiss them. “Nothing special.” “Won’t amount to anything.” “Not good enough.” But hopefully your heart pauses and says, “Wait a minute. Let’s call in someone who can truly evaluate the worth.” That’s when Jesus enters the picture. He leans over your life and declares, “Priceless!”

And it’s not just one of the jewels. All the pieces of who you are have value.

Imagine if the owners of the pawn shop told the woman of their discovery and she said, “I’m sorry. I don’t believe you. All my life everyone I’ve met has treated this like glass. I just can’t accept that it’s a ruby. Just throw it in the trash with the others.” We’d probably jump up off the couch and holler at the TV, “Believe it! Believe it!”

And that’s what I’m hollering to your heart today, “Believe it! Believe it!” Pretty please with sugar on top dare to accept that what Jesus says about you is genuine–that you a treasure, of great worth, a woman with infinite value. No matter what anyone says. No matter what you’ve done. No matter how you feel.

It’s true.

On the show the woman stands wide-eyed for a moment and then reacts with emotion fitting to such a find: JOY. Her life has changed because her perspective is different.

It can be that way for us too.

Are you wondering about your worth today?

Then ask the One who loves you to show you what’s real.

XOXO

Holley









Monday, May 6, 2013

3 Reasons Why It's Impossible to Manage Time!

According to leadership expert, John Maxwell - "There is no such thing as time management." Let's look at why this is true...
 

1) Time cannot be chosen. Everyone gets the same number of hours and minutes every day. There are some days we could use more or less, but it's not up to us to choose.

 2) Time cannot be controlled. You can't save up time from one day to spend on the next one. Wouldn't it be nice if we could store up time to be used on those days when we need an extra hour or two? Unfortunately, it's not an option.

 3) Time cannot be created. You can't add to it. As much as people talk about "finding time", there isn't any extra laying around! 24 hours is the best any of us get!

So what can you manage and control? Yourself! Nothing separates purpose-full people from stress-full people more than how they "use" their time. They understand that time is the most valuable thing they own - they don't waste it, squander it or let it slip away!  


How can you better manage yourself? By eliminating "time thieves"  - things/people/activities that have no lasting impact on your life and the lives of others. Think about your schedule today. What does it contain that, if it wasn't accomplished, would not really matter in the BIG scheme of things? Often we think that everything we have to do is urgent and imperative, but in fact, it's just a distraction from what's really most important.

Share with us a "time thief" you've encountered, in the past or present. Did you and/or are you willing to let it go - to eliminate it? Remember, we all have the same amount of time each day. We can't choose it, control it or create it. But we can manage and control ourselves.

Be Purpose-FULL in all you do!
Tonia