by | Life Application
When things don’t seem to make sense to me, I do what I know best: I write.
And here’s the thing. A lot of things haven’t made sense lately.
So…. I write.
I write and ask God why.
I write and tell God I trust Him.
I write God again and ask why.
I write about the fact that I hate injustice.
I write to vent.
I write because sometimes it seems the paper, or the keyboard, are the only ones to understand me.
I write because it’s part of who I am.
Jeff Goins asked me this question the other day, so now I’m asking you.
Why do you write? Leave a comment below.. I would love to hear.
by | Life Application
I love to make people laugh. In many cases, I’m the life of the party. Many people are surprised to know that I am actually shy.
Here’s what I’m learning about myself: I’m more of an introvert than I thought.
At least three times per month, I attend networking events with my local chamber. I’ve been doing it for several months and it’s still hard for me. Actually, it’s so awkward I fret about it constantly before attending. I even have pep talks with myself on the drive there.
As I get out of the car and walk towards the front door, I pray silently under my breath, “God speak through me. You know I don’t want to do this, but with your strength I can.”
I want to stand in a corner, hold my cell phone up and pretend I’m talking to someone so I look important and involved in “networking”. I want to find someone I know, cling on to them and walk behind them like a lost puppy dog, but I can’t.
Why? Because these events aren’t about me.
They’re about something greater than myself. Something I have to stand up for and tell the world about. I have to step out of my comfort zone and remind myself that today could be the day I make a connection that could change the lives of women forever because I told at least one more person about Esther’s House.
So, there I sit at a table surrounded by people I don’t know, and if we’re being honest, people my flesh doesn’t really want to know, because it’s too uncomfortable for me.
Then I ask myself this question. What would Jennifer and Louanne do?
Jennifer and Louanne are two of my greatest friends. They’re in my “circle”. They know me from the inside out. They also don’t know a stranger. Networking is in their blood. They would meet everyone in the room if possible, and enjoy it. Oh how we’re so different.
But it works for me. So, I put a smile on my face and I “fake it til I make it”. I shake hands. I create conversation. I laugh at people’s jokes when they’re not funny at all. Sometimes I picture myself pulling out the executive’s nose hairs sitting next to me, because I can’t look at him one minute longer. (Hey.. Just being honest.)
Then I actually start to enjoy myself.
My smile becomes genuine. My interest in conversation is more in-depth. By the end of it, I’ve made some great connections.
Networking isn’t natural for me, but that doesn’t mean it’s not necessary. It grows me. It’s uncomfortable. It’s hard for me.
God didn’t create us to just follow the easy things. He doesn’t call us to things bigger than we are and say they are going to be easy. He gets us through those things, but He never said it would be easy.
So, next time you’re in an uncomfortable position, ask yourself, What would Jennifer and Louanne do?
What takes you out of your comfort zone? I’d love to hear. Share in the comments below…
by | Life Application
Yep.. I said it. And I’m thankful right now that I’m sitting behind a computer screen and you can’t shoot me.
Actually, these were the words of Dr. Joshua Straub two weeks ago, speaking at my church. He stood in front of 1500 people on a Sunday morning, without the ability to hide behind a computer screen and agreed that Obamacare was actually a good idea. After the grumbles and moans settled down, he got to his explanation.
I do believe Obamacare is good for us.
In 2010, when Obamacare was being pushed through the Senate, many Americans, including myself, didn’t pay attention to what was really going on. We simply continued to watch our reality television and distract ourselves with other things.
Then.. it was too late. It’s 2013 and Obamacare is here!
Now people are waking up because their wallets are being affected, but guess what? It’s too late. We’re being hit personally, but guess what? It’s too late. It has surrounded us and doesn’t intend to leave anytime soon.
The reason I think Obamacare is a good idea, is not because of the services being offered. It’s a good thing because it’s causing America to open our eyes again and see the things being forced upon us. If a big piece of legislation such as this swoops in on us, what else is coming in the future?
Here’s where I’m going with this.
What happens next? What’s the next law to take effect that will change our lives and the history of our country forever?
We often talk about it, but I have a sad feeling, without us returning to our knees in prayer as a country, we’re in trouble. Are the days where we hide our Bibles in a nook of the house upon us? Christians are already becoming the minority. We’re slapped with a lawsuit for putting a nativity scene outside of a building. But what are we doing to fight back?
This post isn’t about whether or not socialized healthcare is a good idea. It’s about waking up to what’s happening around us.
It’s a wake up call to get back on our knees, humbly, and repent for what we have turned this country into. The majority of our government leaders aren’t. Our president certainly isn’t. But we can.
Let’s open our eyes together before another “Obamacare” sneaks up on us with life-changing results we can’t do anything about. Join me in prayer for our government.
by | Life Application
We’ve all been a jerk at one time or another in our lives. Ok – all except me.
Kidding. I’ve been the queen of jerks, for sure.
What is a jerk?
The definition of jerk is a contemptibly obnoxious person. Yes.. I had to look up the word “contemptibly.”
If I may use a definition that doesn’t require a dictionary, I say a jerk is simply someone you can’t stand being around for longer than five minutes at a time. And truth is, we all have them in our lives.
There’s always that one person we dread being around every time his/her name is mentioned, because we know what a jerk they are. Again, I’ve been that jerk.
How do you become a jerk?
Instead of telling you what not to do, I thought I’d share some tips on how you can sucessfully be a jerk and guarantee yourself a spot on the “no one wants to be around me” throne.
Constantly interrupt others when they’re talking. Everything you have to say is obviously more important than anyone else. You can pretend like you want to hear them, but we all know you don’t. So, simply wait for the right moment and draw the conversation back to you in the middle of someone’s else’s story.
Prove you are always right. I asked some friends to chime in on this discussion, and I couldn’t have said it better myself.
a jerk is sure they are right and more right than you and you should be wrong if it makes feeling right feel more right to them.
Say that three times fast.
Lead your employees and colleagues with an iron fist. Don’t encourage them or tell them the good things they have done. Instead, mock them and degrade them in front of others to make sure you get your point across. Call them names when they make a mistake and do it loud enough for the rest of the office to hear.
This doesn’t make you a leader. It makes you a bad manager of those appointed to you.
Believe you are the center of the universe and everything revolves around you. Wait. Isn’t this the same thing as the first point? Maybe, but allow me to elaborate a little. To be a successful jerk, you must not only interrupt everyone else’s conversations to bring the attention back to you, but you must communicate this message to everyone.
Whether you’re on the phone, sending an email, or waiting in line to grab your to-go order that you happen to be 10 minutes early for but swear is late, you want everyone in the room to know that you are the VIP. Remember to speak louder than usual so everyone in the back can hear you.
Be holier than thou. This is where you pray with others around you. Again, make sure you’re loud enough for everyone to hear. After you ask God to bless the food and lift up the ones you love to be “safe, healthy, and prosperous,” all in Jesus’s name, you then repeat steps one through four to ensure you get the “biggest jerk” award.
To add a flare of drama to it, read through the book of Proverbs out loud, emphasizing the sin of pride. Then refuse to back down from a situation because you want to be right.
Don’t be a jerk. It’s really unattractive. It certainly doesn’t make people want to be around you, nor does it cause others to desire a relationship with the Jesus you talk about.
What did I miss? What other ways will ensure you are a successful jerk? Leave a comment below…
by | Life Application
There are some amazing people I’ve had the opportunity of connecting with in the blogosphere.
Almost every morning, I log into feedly and read posts from some of my favorite bloggers, whether it’s on Christianity, marketing, or leadership. I get filled with knowledge and inspiration. I’ve actually been gone for the last four days and have a lot of catch up reading to do.
Without further ado, I want to share some of my favorite blogs with you.
Mary DeMuth – An author, speaker, and amazing woman of God, Mary inspires me almost on a daily basis. Her theme is living a life uncaged. An overcomer of sexual abuse, she uses her past to offer hope to others. Her latest book, The Wall Around Your Heart, is changing lives already. Learn more about Mary here and be sure to subscribe to her blog.
Single Roots – I love this blog and the content provided. My friend Jessica Bufkin is the genius behind the blog, but it also features guest writers. I’ve been blessed to have guest posted there a few times. If you are single, the blog allows you to connect with other singles, as well as realize you’re not the only single one out there seeking answers to life. They even provide reviews on some of the top dating websites. Check out the blog here.
Prayerfully Speaking – This is the blog of my personal friend and mentor, Jennifer White. I’m pretty partial to her and the blog, but even if I wasn’t, it’s an amazing resource for prayer. She covers various topics and life issues with prayer, and she wants to pray with you and for you. Trust me – she’s a good prayer warrior to have on your side. She has a new book coming out for new brides I’m super excited about. Check out the book and more about Jennifer here.
Ken Davis – I look forward to the day I get to shake this man’s hand. Not only does he make me laugh, he can make me cry, too. He has a ginormous servant’s heart and has the amazing talent of providing you comic relief. He’s a great leadership guy and I am always moved by his posts. He’s a dynamic communicator and I’m sure you’ll love his blog just as much as I do.
Michael Hyatt – So much of what I have learned in the last three years about leadership and social media came from Michael Hyatt. It’s because of his knowledge of book publishing and book proposal submission that I received a book deal. Whether you seek to learn more about building your platform, being a better leader, or being more productive with your time, Hyatt is extremely informative in all he writes about. He doesn’t just write about it – he lives it.
Jeff Goins – He blogs at goinswriter.com about making things happen. Whether it’s writing or pursuing a dream, his words are always inspiring. I’ve been privileged to be on the inside of watching him publish two best-selling books. What a journey! A humble man with a serving heart, you too will be inspired by his words. Don’t miss his blog here.
What are some of your favorite blogs? I want to hear. Share them in the comments below…
by | Life Application
I hear them all the time. Often, they come from the best meaning Christians who have hearts the size of Texas.
However, I think they do more harm than good.
Hate the sin. Love the sinner.
I’m guilty, too. I’ve been there and said them as well.
But then I realized they were pushing people away from me – not bringing them closer. I had to ask myself what I would think if someone walked up to me while I was living in my own sin and said,
I hate the sin you’re committing but I love you.
You know what most of us hear from that statement?
I hate you…
Does this mean we should be allowed to sin without being confronted by those who love us? No. Not saying that. I am saying, however, perhaps we should approach it in a different way, especially when it comes to those who aren’t believers.
I think this picture sums it up well, don’t you?
