Monday, January 7, 2008

FACING THE NEW YEAR WITH COURAGE!

The following is copied from The Word For Today

Be strong and courageous. Deuteronomy 31:6

"Dr. John Maxwell writes: "When I began my career I was very ineffective as a leader. My problem was that I wanted to please everybody. Making people happy was the most important thing to me. I lacked the courage to make right but unpopular decisions. How did I turn things around: By making small decisions that were difficult. With each one I gained more confidence and more courage, and I began to change. The process took me 4 years. At the end of that time I felt I had learned many valuable lessons, and I wrote the following to help me cement what I had learned. 'Courageous leadership simply means I've developed:

(1) Convictions that are stronger than popular opinion.

(2) Vision that is clearer than my doubts.

(3) Spiritual sensitivity that is louder than popular opinion.

(4) Self-esteem that is deeper than self-protection.

(5) Appreciation for discipline that is greater than my desire for leisure.

(6) Dissatisfaction that is more forceful than the status quo.

(7) Poise that is more unshakable than panic.

(8) Risk-taking that is stronger than safety-keeping.

(9) Actions that are more robust than rationalization.

(10) A desire to see potential reached more than to see people pleased.'

If people-pleasing is your problem, you might want to go back and re-read those 10 things. You don't have to be great to become a person of courage. You just have to want to fulfill God's purpose for your life - and be willing to trade what seems good in the moment for what's best for your future! And that's something you can do this year, regardless of your level of natural talent."

I thought this was so great wanted to share it with you my blog friends.

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Thank you for all the wonderful comments on my quilt!!! I am truly humbled and honored! I just embroidered the top (and it was a kit with instructions, pattern, thread, etc.) the quilting was done by this group of wonderful ladies in a church in Tennessee. It is worth every cent I paid to have it done. It makes me happy every time I walk by the door to that room and see it and think of all your wonderful comments :o)

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Our Church always has a theme for each year. 2007 was "Not Without Jesus"

Our 2008 theme is "I Want More". I truly want more of all God has for me and especially of all He desires I become. Please join me in Wanting More of what God wants for each of us.

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I am excited by the grass-root movements we are beginning to see in the political area. It looks like "We The People" may finally be standing up and saying, "We want our country back and out of the hands of the lobbiest and politicians." I would be interested in your feelings and comments about what is taking place.



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16 comments:

Tiffany said...

I'm joining! I want more! on a political note, please feel free to visit my page and leave a comment. I'd love to know your oppinion. And I think your quilt is one of the most gorgeous ones I've ever seen!

Cjdusse said...

Oh thank you so much for this post - 10 things to become courageous. I am going to print it off and put it on my fridge and teach it and preach it and pray it! :)

... said...

"i want more"... i like that. i want more (not materialistic) in a lot of areas but it needs to start with wanting more of God. then everything else will fall into place.

weavermom said...

wow! Thanks for posting this just for me today. ;)

Politics-wise, I've been praying that we will be able to see the truth. There is so much "spin" - (on ALL sides) that I feel like the research required to find the real and whole truth is overwhelming. It's discouraging to me at times.

But, I also feel like there has never been such an important election in my lifetime. May God show the way!

Knit-Wit said...

I decided to start the year out by being courageous and I am so glad I did!

happy New Year!

Short Stop said...

I love those points by John Maxwell...such great thoughts!

And, "I Want More"...I love this. I want to know more of Jesus everyday! What a great theme for the year!

Anonymous said...

I love this Susan. I have always been a people pleaser, but I'm learning to be what God really has called me to be...sometimes that makes you stand alone.

I want to be more and do more for the Lord this year. My word for the year is "hope".

Janice said...

Thank you for a most uplifting and encouraging post! It just amazes me how God works. This very thing has been close to my heart lately, as I am finding I do have to be a little less of a people pleaser, to be the person I need to be for God. God knew I needed to read this tonight. Thank you and bless you!

Tina said...

that list was very good Susan!
Love you!
Tina

Nadine said...

I blogged about our church and 24 other churches in our area fasting and praying for 40 days to have more of Him.

Great theme.

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Susan, thank you for this list!

I'm with you on the politics! Christians stand and be heard!

And, yes, "I want more" too!

Katherine

inspired said...

\o/\O/\o/

groovyoldlady said...

Oooo. #5. Ouch.

Susan Skitt said...

What a great checklist compiled by a man of God seeking the Lord! Thanks for sharing!

Larissa said...

I love this list, I am printing it!!! It is definately a keeper! Thanks for your words too, "dying to self" truly says it all and makes a lot of sense to me. I see that very much. You are such a role model to me, truly. I haven't even met you, yet I believe that in so many ways you have been through so many of the same things I have and have had the same feelings I'm experiencing. You seem to have come out like a rose, b/c of your faith and perseverance. I want to be that way too!!! Thanks so much for being someone for me who just helps me to continue the fight, truly!!!

IJ Hanna Lucky said...

Godbless you Susan, a Happy New Year to you in Jesus Mighty Name Amen