July 8th -21st

Phillipians 4:11 "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content."

Have you ever wondered, "How did I get here? What am I doing in this job?" Or maybe you have thought if you could wave a magic wand and have whatever you asked for in any part of your life, what would it be? What would the perfect life look like for you? How would you change your life if you were to have a million dollars handed to you? What do you like about your life and what would you absolutely want to change? If you had the chance to fulfill one of your dreams what would it be? What drew you to your job? What do you like and dislike about it? By answering these questions honestly you can learn a lot about yourself. My own answers to these questions made me aware of my dreams versus the reality of what I am doing now. I learned where I need to focus my time and what I need to do to accomplish the dreams, desires and goals I set for myself.

After answering these questions, I asked myself what is keeping me from accomplishing my goals and from living out my dreams. Is something or someone distracting me? Am I fearful or insecure?

Do you look at co-workers or friends and envy what they have and think, "That should be my life, my car, my wardrobe, my perfect body, my big salary or my dream job"? Is that coworker everything that I want to be? Comparing ourselves is a dangerous game. It may start out with a little bit of envy, then build into comparison and eventually become full - fledged jealousy. Jealousy, my friends, can eat us up! You will eventually start to resent this person for their accomplishments or their possessions and talents, plus we know that the Bible tells us jealousy is a sin.

A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones. -- Proverbs 14:30

Envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. -- Galatians 5:21

Instead of allowing the devil to distract you with these feelings it is at this point we need to learn to praise God. Praise Him for the job you do have, for the car that you have, for the possessions that He has so graciously allowed me to have. Praising can really change our attitude into gladness and appreciation.

Another thing we should do is come up with a plan--yes, a plan--to accomplish our goals. They will not get accomplished with sitting around comparing ourselves and feeling slighted or sorry for ourselves. Once you realize that there are things you can do to change your situation, make a plan and put it into action.

For your business...what will it take for you to get that dream job? A better attitude, additional education or maybe computer classes? Maybe it's simply better relationships in the work place. Only you know what it will take for you to accomplish this goal. Put it in writing and decide that you will accomplish what it will take or quit complaining and resenting others and be satisfied with where you are in your career.

What about your personal life? What will it take for you to achieve balance and harmony in your personal life? What can you eliminate and what should you add to enhance the experience of a balanced family life? How can you obtain balance between being a successful businesswoman and being a successful mom or wife?

Financial freedom, those are such "liberation" words aren't they? What will it take for you to get your financial life under control and achieve financial freedom? Maybe spend less, or stay away from the mall? How many Starbucks frappucinos are you away from being able to make your bills at the end of each month? Ouch, that hurts!

If health and fitness are on your list, what will it take for you to achieve that body that you envy on other women? What can you do to achieve and maintain high levels of energy, fitness and overall well- being? Make a plan and stick with it. What specific habit do you need to break to achieve that goal? Maybe it's the frappuccinos, or other snacks? Maybe you just need to get up and do something physical.

I came to a point in my life where I knew if I didn't do something drastic, my weight was going to get out of hand. My best friend as well as my sister and I have been complaining about our weight for years. We decided to be each others' accountability partners on a daily basis. Writing down everything I ate through the day was a big break through for me. To be honest, I resented it. Telling my sister and friend what I ate each day was sometimes an embarrassment for me. My friend Kim and I have been meeting at 5:45 AM every Monday through Friday for about a year now to power walk before work. Do I like doing this? No way! We live on opposite ends of town and have to meet half way but we do it because we need the discipline in our lives. I am watching my body change as a result of this discipline and I am now embracing the age of 50 with gusto! We have gone from walking a mile and a half each day to close to 5 miles a day. It's great fellowship and prayer time for us but if I had my choice, I'd rather be in bed sleeping. I do it because I recognize that I need to do this to obtain my goal and because I see the health benefits already from walking each weekday.

Whether it is your weight, your finances, or your occupation, you can take control and do something about it. It's all a matter of discipline. First you have to realize your goals, make a plan, and then do something about it. Pray for God to give you the courage to start a new routine or to take those computer classes. Pray for guidance, courage and strength to make these changes in your life. It is then you will be able to experience better balance and freedom in your life.

Please Jesus help me to have discipline. Break me from the spirit of complacency and give me energy to accomplish new things.

Lord help me to quit comparing myself to others and to realize that you made me and you have a plan for me. Help me to take better care of my body, my finances and my family and to praise you for what I do have instead of what I want. Amen

 

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