Step Out & Try

Looking back over the years that I worked and volunteered I found there to be rules and structure to the way the organization was run. Now if you are like me, (a creative at heart) 

You like to be different than others but you still follow the crowds, continue with tradition and rituals that certain places practice, because that’s what is required, you just go along and follow the crowd and don’t rock the boat. But inside you want to make changes!

So through the years have you ever worked alongside someone that just wouldn’t fit in the mold? The person was right in their standing, ethically and morally had great ideas that you even agreed with but because they didn’t fit into the crowd, said something that was correct but was frowned upon and was branded an outcast. That’s a creative and outside the box thinker, pushed back by peers but ultimately that creative thinker is learning and growing in those situations to use in the future.

Often times that independent, creative thinker goes off and starts their own business or group that inspires others to want to learn and follow them or create something that is unique so that others can feel that there isn’t anything wrong with different ideas. That God gives us unique inspiration and guidance so that we don’t feel like our ideas or thoughts are a failure but reminds us to acknowledge how creatively made we all are.

So what I am driving at are two things for you today,

#1 When you feel like an outcast, no matter where it is, or what it is, ride it out- 

you will need this someday and it may really be tough now and you might be going through difficulty but there is an end and a lesson and God has a plan in it for you.

#2 If your heart and gut tell you to accomplish something, start it! 

     Don’t talk about it and think about it and contemplate over it, take a baby step out and start      walking. Take 20 minutes write it in your notes on your iphone, write a plan down, do it in steps but easy ones and then give it over to God, because through Him great things can be done.He is our inspiration.

Our great example  is Jesus, If God didn’t send His only Son into the world and turn it upside down, creating havoc over religious laws, stir hearts, heal sick and broken people and just when things got really amazing and thousands upon thousands were following Him, He was condemned by those religious leaders, but stood strong against their plans, yet relinquished His rights , put to death and was resurrected from the dead- 

What Jesus did for us and taught us we are set free from strict religious laws and rules-to follow Him and to love others, just as He loves us. 

Romans 8:3-4 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,  in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Jesus taught us not only to step out and follow Him but also to know that He brings light and newness to a dark world, we no longer need to be afraid— be brave, step out even if you feel you will be ridiculed or resented, at least you will not have regrets for not trying and that’s harder to live with as you look back.

Remember you are completely, beautifully made in your uniqueness.

Praising Him…….Nancy

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The Challenges We Face

Here comes the New Year…again.

As we look ahead to the future, some of us have set some goals, others planned vacation, and maybe some are thinking about moving either to a new home or job. But as you think ahead, considering your plans do you see hope in that?

The hope we see is that maybe this year could be better than last year, hey maybe it was a great year, but when we look back did we see the challenges we faced?

Sometimes the challenges were fierce and hard to deal with, others were spiritual challenges with hard lessons about ourself or others. Maybe some of you had or are having physical challenges and you think no one truly understands or cares.

Hard to see but the challenges we face are very healthy for our soul, teaching us strength and endurance. Facing each challenge we can look back and see how God has worked in it. He may have brought you closer to Him or someone you know and or love. It may have taught, things aren’t always what they seem to be, having to learn patience and understand that we should look at what’s going on as a bigger picture, challenging us to look outward and not inwardly.

No doubt this year there will be challenges, some easier than others, some could be triumphs and some traumatizing but remember this, God is and will be with you, just put it in His hands and as you depend on Him more, the results and outcome will amaze you. Stop trying to figure it out all the time or control it. Trust God and His purpose for your life, look to Him for all your needs.

May you live in peace and good health during the year with God’s blessings, Nancy

2 Corinthians 13:11

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

 

 

 

Who Is The Great Influencer In Your Life?

There are many people in this world that influence your; life, first it’s your parents or caregivers, maybe it’s a sibling or close relative.  It could be someone you look up to like a popular Movie Star or public speaker, maybe a motivator. All these people influence our lives on a daily basis. We want to be like them or look like them, people we probably want to look like or be. That could most likely how our lives get shaped. As you get older you’ve learned and grown and that person is no longer influencing your life so much any more. Maybe that person changed or did something you didn’t agree with, then they become less in your mind and the search continues!

I remember for years listening to a popular speaker his motivational style was quite amazing to me. He was the type of guy who would say ”no limits” – the walk through fire type. I have to admit I used to hang onto every word because I thought he was opening my mind to endless possibilities.

I was putting my trust in his philosophy and motivation. I even had my brother listening to his audio tracks.

As I grew older I realized that not everything he said worked for me, this person didn’t know me or my thoughts and furthermore I felt as though his motivation was selling more of his books and programs than pointing me to really knowing who it was that was truly the motivator.

I’m not saying that the person that has opened your mind to possibilities is wrong but were they really guiding you to the one who created you?

Goals and dreams are great to have, but who is the one that directs your path?

Proverbs 3:6

 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

Now I know there are people that are really doing great things in the world right now and we should always strive to do better in our lives but instead of looking up to them, why not look to who truly saved your soul?

Who is the ultimate hero of your life?

Jesus!

He is our motivator,

He is always with us,

He moves mountains no mere man can,

He loves us

He will never fail us in times of need.

                                That’s Christ who went to the cross for you and saved your life!

So as you think about who has influenced you through your life and were they lasting?

Were they there for you in every single aspect all the time?

                                                              Think…….

It is our Lord and Savior

Christ will never leave you or forsake you, look to Him to be the great influencer in your life!

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Shalom

Nancy

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