Through Your Ever so Small Beginnings He Can do Great Things

After a trip to moms where plates of fried cabbage and bowls of black-eyed peas were served to ensure our health and prosperity for the New Year (yes, I live in the south), I now sit here as the New Year rolls in.

A new year.
A beginning.
A fresh start.
A do-over.
A challenge.

There's something about the excitement of the new, though also a fear that rings. After weeks and days of praying, seeking, and searching for direction and goals to run toward this 2012 year, I'm left wondering.

Are these my goals?
Are they the Lord's?
Are they attainable?
Are they reasonable?
Are they real?

As I make decisions spurring me on to be the leader that God has set within me, there's an awakening. An awakening where at the core there's anticipation. And through the anticipation there's still a deeper question.

A question I seem to continue to throw back at God continually.
And just maybe it is a question you are asking too . . .

Am I capable?

It's then through the noisy fireworks, the laughter, and the countdown of the last 2011 day that I'm reminded that God speaks in the smallest of voices as He whispered to me a few days ago, "Ask Me." And so all those questions that haunted me, that slowed me, and have frustrated me I laid before Him.

Then in that still small voice (that inward voice that grips your soul) through Zechariah 4 I heard the Lord say, "The place where I'm calling you will not be entered by force, nor by strength, BUT by my loving Spirit. You are not to despise these small beginnings, but STOP and rejoice that you have opportunity to begin. Through your beginnings I can do great things. Begin and then give it to Me."

As we enter 2012, are you feeling incapable of the goals you've set forth for the new year? Oh my heart feels you.

If you're still left questioning, wondering, and really wanting to back down, I think, just maybe, the Lord is whispering to you too. Please treasure and borrow the precious whispers the Lord gave me and remember . . .

Through your ever so small beginnings He can do great things.

National Best Selling Book, I Dare You to Change, by Bil Cornelius: Signed Book Giveaway!

Stop!!! Before you dismiss this blog due to the dare in the title, you've got to hear me out. If you are anything like me this is the time of year where you are already thinking ahead to 2011. Your asking for guidance, looking for direction, and beginning to set those goals for the upcoming year.

Well, those goals and resolutions you make are, my friend . . . ALL ABOUT CHANGE!

Do these questions sounds familiar? "So how do you recognize God's call? How do you know what He's directing you to do?" These questions are addressed in I Dare You to Change.

"Success and failure are directly related to our choices." Pastor Bil Cornelius

If you'd like a successful jump start on 2011 and the rest of your life - you have got to read this book. It is bringing clarity to my goals, and most of all giving me the determination to put action steps to them.

I double dog dare you to take the I Dare You to Change pledge. I did!

I'm also honored to be under the leadership of Pastor Bil at Bay Area Fellowship. Let's talk with him about change, goals, and talk about the difficult steps to get there:

(1) Why do you think God places promises beyond a person’s current reach?

God is interested in our growth more than our comfort.  One of the biggest reasons why God gives us dreams bigger than our abilities, is so we have to depend upon Him for their accomplishment.  Another phrase I use often is people use people to get tasks done, but God uses tasks to get people done!  He gives you an assignment bigger than you are for one reason only…to grow you.

(2) How can a person protect herself/himself from slipping back into old habits?

The best protection from moving backwards is to always be moving forwards!  This is why setting new goals is a continuing process…or as the Bible says, we go from glory to glory!  Accountability is important as well as a strong routine, but nothing takes the place of forward movement!

(3) What has been the most difficult change for you?

The toughest change has been the acceptance that my time is limited.  I can’t speak at every event, nor can I be available to everyone anymore.  The price for God opportunities is to quit committing to good opportunities.  God has a “best will” versus a “good will.”  Limiting my schedule to the absolute highest uses of my time has transformed my life, family, and ministry.  This will move you from success to significance, and it is worth it!

(4) How does someone go about changing their life when they feel so overwhelmed?

The first step when wanting to change something in your life, especially if overwhelmed, is to pray, and break it down into bite-size chunks of change.  The prayer part is obvious, but most people don’t do it.  Prayer releases God’s confidence in you, so you have the vision and power from God to move forward.  What comes next is a good strategy:  if something is overwhelming you, it’s typically because we are thinking of changing everything at once (or one really large change) rather than breaking into a series of smaller changes.  You may not be able to own a high rise in New York City, but you can buy a small fixer-upper home, work on it, get it rented, then do it again.  If you are consistent enough with this, then within a few years you can sell it, take your profits and reinvest them into a 4 to 6 unit.  Sell this a few years later, and you can invest into a 15 to 20 unit.  Sell this a few years later and reinvest into a small office building.  Sell this…you get the point.  It’s all about taking baby steps first.  Another angle is if you want to lose 50 pounds, lost 5 first and keep going.

(5) What was your inspiration when writing your new book, I Dare You To Change?

My inspiration was actually a desperation to change myself.  All of us have areas we need to change, yet few make the changes they want.  Making this even worse is the fact that those who do change, when asked, give us a humble platitude for how they did it like, “well, I’m just lucky,” or “you know, God is just good to me.”  Those are both true for the changed individual, but I guarantee they also had a plan in place and they worked their plan.  I wanted to take the mystery out of life change without taking the miracle out with it.

(6) How have you seen, the message of your book, impact you or members of your congregation?

By far the best part of what I do is having a front-row seat to changed lives.  I have the privilege of seeing people take the steps this book teaches and really change.  There is no greater satisfaction in the world than knowing you are in God’s plan and making a difference in people’s lives.  I have seen people who were on the brink of divorce, choose to fall in love again.  I’ve seen a single-mother with little career prospects, double her income.  I’ve also seen too many to count of people who just lived out of control lives with no purpose, discover that God has a greater path for them.

Yes, amazingly, change is possible for everyone!



Giveaway Details!!! (up to 5 entries can be made. Must have 1 comment per entry)

*Leave a comment to this post with your email address.

*Receive an extra entry by becoming a follower, or by reminding me that you are already a follower.

*Leave a second comment.

*Receive bonus entries by posting about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook and/or Twitter. Please
           leave a comment for each social networking platform you share this post on (up to 3).

*Deadline to enter is midnight Sunday, November 14th.

*Winner will be notified via email.
     

Please join us at the next IDY2C Blog Tour stop with Julie McElroy next week!

Resolutions or Goals

Did you make New Years resolutions? Chances are they will be broken within the first few weeks.

Did you set New Years goals? Chances are if you didn’t write them down they will not be achieved.

Are you thinking those are some pretty depressing odds? Sometimes goals can be overwhelming. However, the secret is writing them down, keeping them before you, and taking baby steps toward them daily. (Don’t be like me – I use to write them down and then pull them out the next year to see if by chance I’d accomplished anything. Just so you know that doesn’t work! Seriously.)

So, check out my first vlog below. I’ve been putting this off and FINALLY took the baby steps needed to accomplish this. (so be kind now) This vlog will give you some helpful hints for a more effective and efficient 2010.

Hey, be sure to listen to the end and leave a comment here, on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or anywhere to be entered into a drawing for an online Women Inspired conference admission ticket (value $12.95) that will give you the tools you need for an awesome 2010. Check out the conference here. (Seriously, how can you beat hearing awesome speakers from all over the nation while sitting in your pj’s in your comfy chair with a cup of hot coffee?)

Five tickets will be drawn on January 9^th, so get those comments posted.

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

May you be amazed as you see God bless you immeasurably more in 2010!

Wisdom Builds a House

It’s an historic day. As Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, I stand in awe of this country. A country that is strong, bold and free. There is no other like it!

While excitement builds over the possibilities before this great nation, I find myself sad. I will miss President Bush and his family. He has led this country with wisdom through many trials the past eight years.

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3-4

A friend shared an article today that you have to read, Playing House in the White House. It’s a letter from President Bush’s daughters to President Obama’s daughters.

Wisdom builds a country. Wisdom builds a house, and it certainly builds a family.

Wisdom – a rare and beautiful treasure!

How Are You Doing

While I was out and about today I unexpectedly ran into a friend. We visited for a minute when all the sudden she asked, “Alene, how are you doing on your New Years goals?”

Need I say more! Paul sums it up in Philippians 3:15-16 MSG.

“Let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.”

I must ask, “How are you doing on your New Years goals?”

Look Back - Leap Ahead

It’s New Years Eve. It's a great time to look back, then prepare to leap ahead.

Look back and count your blessings. View your progress. Every year I sit down with my year ends calendar and review the last 365 days making note of the blessings, progresses and failures.

January 1 puts a fresh wind in my sail. It's a perfect time to plan and purpose for the year ahead. A great read to help you find that purpose is Get A Life by Reggie McNeal. My 2009 goals are written. I'll lay them before God and begin stepping forward.

How about you? Are your 2009 goals written out? Do you have a daily plan for accomplishing them? Are you on the right track mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, relationally, etc.?

"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life." Galatians 6:4-5 MSG

I'd love to know your goals and what you will sink yourself into next year.

If you need an accountability partner let me know. I'll encourage you each step of the way.

2008 was amazing! I'm sure God is waiting to bless your socks off in 2009.

A Girls Gotta Do . . .

what a girls gotta do!

Even when she doesn’t want to . . . so sad.

I’ll be taking a bloggin’ break the next few weeks. I’ll be spending extra time with family, as well as reprioritizing and refocusing. As the New Year approaches it beckons me to reevaluate my life.

While I am away, I would love your prayers for clarity, understanding and discernment.

Please, please, O pretty please leave me comments or send me emails.

Hearing from you always makes my day!

Be amazed and stand in awe of your Savior this Christmas season.

Dreaming of PEACEful Holidays

The hustle and bustle is here. Do you find yourself dreading the stress of December more than ever? If so, there is good news. Seriously, you don’t have to dread the holidays; you can actually come to love them.

There is something magical about this time of year. The season beckons family, friends, and extracurricular activities, all of which sound dreamy and inviting until you and your family can no longer function due to extra holiday stress. And when you are stressed out, chances are your children are stressed too.

What makes holidays exciting? For some families, it is that there are many different activities on the agenda. For others, simple traditions provide the specialness that will be remembered. However, what brings excitement can also bring added stress. To alleviate stress and bring PEACE to your holidays you will need to plan, evaluate, accommodate, control and enjoy your holidays.

Plan. Get out a large calendar and write every single activity you plan to do now through the New Year down. Getting all your holiday school parties, work commitments, family gatherings and traditions down in black and white will give you an opportunity to view your schedule objectively.

Evaluate. After everything is written on the calendar, spend some time thinking through the schedules to see what is doable for your family. Evaluate each activity carefully asking yourself: Can we afford this? Are there any scheduling conflicts? Does this activity add stress to our already-busy schedule? Does this activity add value to our holidays? Your stress easily carries over to your children. Evaluate whether your children can cope if their schedules change. If they tend to stress out, keep to your regular routines and incorporate only a few extra holiday celebrations.

Accommodate. Once you have taken an in-depth look at your family’s calendar for the season, it is time for some give and take. Maybe instead of your child attending three different Christmas parties with his friends, he’ll need to pick the one he wants to attend the most. This will give the family more time together, as well as help out with finances. Instead of the extended family having four get-togethers, maybe it is time to scale back to one. Do you need to put a financial limit on the gifts? Finances are a major cause of stress during this season. Children are very accommodating, especially when they know the limits.

Control. Once you decide what will benefit your family and bring peace, it’s time to take control. Don’t relax your normal boundaries, because that can just create tension. Set holiday bed times, making sure the children still get enough sleep to avoid crankiness. Monitor their diet. Living off holiday sweets and gingerbread houses create sugar highs and lows which can cause children sibling squabbles. Maintaining structure within the home will help children cope with crazy holiday schedules more effectively.

Enjoy. With a little preplanning, enjoying the holidays will not seem like just a dream. It is possible. The holidays are precious times perfect for building upon family relationships. Don’t let the Grinch steal perfect holiday moments and memories from your family. Plan for it, and expect to enjoy each moment.

PEACE is attainable. Grab a cup of coffee, sneak away with your calendar and think peaceful holidays. You will be amazed at the peace that will come when you plan, evaluate, accommodate, control and actually enjoy your holidays.

Oh yes, I’m dreaming of peaceful holidays. I hope you are too!

NSL 2008

Have you ever had a sentence spoken by someone grab you and not let you go? Maybe you were talking to a friend or sitting in a Sunday service when out of the blue words spoken stick to you like glue. You can’t shake them loose – I’ve tried. As I sat in the Christmas Eve Musical service at Bay Area enjoying every moment and touched by the musicals message, Pastor Bil begin to speak. I have to confess I don’t remember the whole message because somewhere in the beginning he said in passing “This is not a spectator life – get in the game.” There it was the sentence that would captivate my mind for days. I don’t want to live a spectator life. I want to be in the game; training hard, running hard, and working hard.

1 Corinthians 9: 24-27 MSG “You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athlete’s race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.”

No sloppy living for me. WOW! That will be my motto for 2008. How about you? Do you have a motto for 2008? I’d love to hear about it!

Happy New Year and NSL – no sloppy living.