Is "No" a Bad Word?

Our last Memo looked at the source of what occupies our time, energy and focus. We learned that we must be pro-active in identifying these things. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to the priorities of the Enemy!

Today's memo gives you a solution to a very common distraction. Do you struggle with saying "no"- even to good things? Here's great advice from life-coach, Kim Avery as she shares some firm and polite ways to say no!

"To fulfill your God-given design you will need to make wise choices, God’s choices. This will require saying ‘no’ to a lot of other people and things. Below are 10 different ways to say ‘no’ to the agenda and/or urgencies of others so you can say ‘yes’ to God:

1) I'm sorry but that won't fit into my schedule at this time.

2) It sounds like a great idea but someone else would be better suited for the job.

3) I know many people are fine with that, but it isn't what God is calling me to do.

4) This is not the right time (or season of life) for me to say yes.

5) I realize I have done that in the past, but I'm not able to do it anymore.

6) If I had known earlier I might have been able to make it work.

7) I really feel like the person who thought of that idea (or caused that problem!) would be the person who should take care of it.

8) It would be more appropriate for you to take that on yourself.

9) I make a point of not discussing personal information with others.

10) No.

The last answer is the absolute best answer. Why? Because it is true, straightforward and keeps us out of the "explaining" mode. The more we explain our "no," the more people come upthe more people come up with reasons why our explanation isn't good enough. This puts us on the defensive and can ultimately lead to giving in."

CHALLENGE: Choose one of the ways of saying "no" listed above and share with us how you plan to start using it! As a thank-you for leaving a comment, you'll be entered to win a copy of the, Building a Better Life, Not Just a Busier One workbook! The winner will be announced in the May 6 Motivational Memo. Click on the workbook to learn more....

 

What's Distracting You Today?

Do you often feel distracted by all the things and obligations you have to fulfill? Do you question whether all the craziness that describes your life is really all there is?

Last month we looked at the activities on our schedule and evaluated if they were mostly temporary valued things or had a lasting impact on ours and the lives of others. What did yours show?

This month we move to educating ourselves on the distractions - the source of the things that occupy our time, energy and focus. We must be pro-active in identifying these things. Ignorance is not bliss in this situation.

John 10:10a tells us that the Thief comes only to do three things: steal, kill and destroy.

1) Steal our time and energy. He knows if he can keep us busy and consumed with the temporary valued things in our life we won't have time or energy to devote to eternal valued activities.

2) Kill our hopes and dreams. When we are stressed-out and over-committed, the last thing we think about and have time for is pursuing our God-given dreams. Nothing pleases the enemy more than seeing a person let their dreams die because they don't have time to fulfill them.

3) Destroy our relationship with God, others and ourself. Even if he can't destroy the relationship completely, he'll do whatever he can to distract you from it.

Busyness, stress, out of control activities and an over-booked schedule are his main distractions! It's how he steals our time and energy, kills our hopes and dreams and destroys relationships.Don't allow the enemy the victory today. Recognize your distractions as what they are and whom they are from.

Next time we'll look at the solutions to our distractions. In the mean time, please share with us some of the most common ways you are distracted.

Here's a few ideas to get you thinking:Too much time watching TV. Hours spent on the computer  playing games, social networking, etc. Sleep or lack of sleep. Reading other books instead of the Bible. Work. Shopping. Eating. Other people's urgencies...the list is endless!

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY...as a thank-you for just leaving a comment, someone will win a copy of my e-workbook - Building a Better Life, Not Just a Busier One! You'll learn the 3 Steps to to Living a Purpose-full Life, Not Just a Busier, Stress-full One! As a bonus, the workbook also includes the first chapter of the study, Designed with Your Purpose in Mind!
(I'll announce the winner in 2 weeks..so don't get distracted, leave your comment now!)