Take New Ground

January 2, 2023January 2, 2023Leave a comment

Guest Blogger Candace Gray

Numbers 13:30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”

Happy New Year! Everyone is thinking about what the new year will bring. Some people make resolutions and some people set goals and create detailed plans. Some people just wing it, having been disappointed by previous failures in the past. But if you are a person with a strong desire to live a purpose-driven life, you can’t afford to wing it. You must set goals, make plans and try again, because it’s not just about you. There are others who will be blessed because of what you do. You desire to be a change-agent, problem-solver, healer, peace-maker, leader, creator, giver, do-gooder and anything else that glorifies God, helps others and makes the world a better place.

In Numbers 13, God was preparing the Israelites to possess the land of Canaan. Twelve people were sent to examine the lay of the land. As they explored the land, they saw both the bountiful resources of the land and the potential obstacles to possessing the land. When they returned from seeing the same set of facts, they came to two different conclusions: Caleb and Joshua concluded, “We should go up and take the land, for we can certainly do it.” The other ten concluded, “We can’t attack these people: they are stronger than we are.(13:31)” They observed, “we seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes and we looked the same to them.(13:33)” One group focused on the power of God and the other group focused on their own limitations.

This devotional series is written to encourage you to keep moving forward with making a difference. You will face obstacles along the way, that tempt you to view yourself as a grasshopper. But do not underestimate the significance of living a life of purpose. The desire in your heart is there for a reason. The ideas you have are there for a reason. I encourage you to do the thing on your heart to do. I am praying for you and me to be focused, purposeful and bold in 2023. Someone’s life is depending on it. When we step out with the bold faith of Caleb, God is faithful to show up and help us.

Questions for Reflection:

What ideas would you like to implement in 2023?
What’s holding you back from taking new ground in 2023?
Are you more focused on your own limited ability or God’s unlimited power?

For the month of January, I have invited my friend Candace Gray to share a weekly devotional. Candace is a seasoned leader with a track record of living a life of purpose and helping others to do the same. She is a Senior Director for Buckner Children and Family Services and a longtime member of Concord Church in Dallas.

If you’d like to follow her full 21-day devotional series, go to www.candacegray.com

10 Principles of Positive People

May 8, 2018May 9, 20181 Comment

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How would you describe a truly positive person? My personal definition includes someone who is both realistic and optimistic – a person who is an encourager rather than a discourager. Positive people don’t ignore the frustrations and the downsides of life, they just choose to look at them in light of the possibilities, not the problems.

The question is, can anyone become a more optimistic thinker, even the cup-half-empty sort? Recent studies in neuroscience tell us yes, people can change the way they think. Often when we get in a rut of negative thinking, we continue to play the same patterns of thought over and over again, but it is possible to start new patterns. When we change our thinking habits and focus on what is good and hopeful, our brains create new neuropathways. We can develop a new pattern of looking toward the opportunities, rather than dwelling on the obstacles.

Generally speaking, there are a few common characteristics I have observed in those people who live with a sunny disposition. Positive people tend to:

Focus on the potential in both people and circumstances.
Consider the needs of others, looking for ways to bring joy into someone else’s life.
Practice daily gratitude to God and to others.
Let go of past hurts and bitterness, and live with a forgiving heart.
Choose to learn from their mistakes and mishaps.
Grieve when they need to.
Smile and laugh often.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, recognizing the benefit of exercise and eating well.
Speak with love and kindness to everyone, no matter the position or role they play.
Pray daily, giving cares and worries to God.

What about you? Are there any new habits you want to start forming?

Photo by Eduardo Dutra on Unsplash

Choosing Happy

April 30, 2018April 30, 2018Leave a comment

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Have you ever considered the ingredients that tend to make people live with a negative and grumbly attitude? Not too long ago I discovered a humorous list of “The 10 Commandments for an Unhappy Life.” It serves as a reminder of the choices we face every single day: Will we embrace both the gifts and the challenges life brings, or will we complain and be miserable through the process? Will we be people with a purposeful and positive mindset or people with a “poor me” mentality? Here’s the list:

10 Commandments for an Unhappy Life

Thou shalt hold onto bitterness, hatred and anger.
Thou shalt never get too close to anybody. Keep all of thy relationships on the surface level.
Thou shalt wear a glum expression on thy face at all times, and guard against laughter.
Thou shalt inflict blame and condemnation on all who disagree with thee.
Thou shalt complain about the small stuff, forgetting the bigger picture.
Thou shalt think of thy own needs and focus on thyself rather than thinking of the needs of others.
Thou shalt hold regular pity parties, inviting others to join thee.
Thou shalt not take a break, exercise or relax. Never allow thyself to be still, pray or meditate on truth.
Thou shalt expect the worst in all situations, shame those around you and dwell on the feebleness, faults and fears of others, while never seeing thine own.
Thou shalt attempt to control every situation without flexibility. *

I don’t know about you, but in the great adventure of life, I want to experience joy in the journey – not misery in the muck! I want my life to move in a positive direction and bless others, and I think you do too. Let’s be honest, no matter what our circumstances or background look like, we can choose our attitude and outlook in life.

In the next few weeks on this blog, I plan to examine the principles of a positive person. Even if you are the “cup half empty” sort of person, you can begin to change your attitude and thought-life today. Let’s take some time to look over the “10 Commandments of an Unhappy Life” and consider any of the qualities that may apply to our own attitudes. Let’s also make a conscious decision to reverse our thinking and start a new pattern.

If you were to write, “10 Commandments for a Happy Life,” what would you include on the list? I’ll show you my list next week.

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The positive message from this blogpost can be found in The Power of a Positive Woman. To learn more about Karol’s encouraging books Click Here

*The 10 Commandments for an Unhappy Life” was adapted from Edward Rowell & Bonnie Steffen, Humor for Preaching and Teaching (1996)

Photo by nick beswick on Unsplash

New Arrival!

April 9, 2018Leave a comment

In the past few days, I have had the privilege of welcoming Addison Ann Wright into our family. She is our third grandchild! With the birth of each child, I am amazed by the wonder of creation. I can’t help but see the handiwork of our glorious Designer as I look at Addison’s precious fingers, toes and facial features. Even her sweet eye lashes and fingernails make me realize how God cares for the minutest details. I relish the thought that God has a unique plan and a purpose for Addison, just as He does for each one of us.

It’s interesting to think that God compares the birth of a newborn baby, with the spiritual birth of believers into His family. In His dialogue with Nicodemus, Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!.”

God does a new work in us when we place our faith in Christ. We are no longer the same. He births in us a heart that has the potential to truly love and forgive. He transforms our old self, which was a slave to sin, into a new creation that has the power to overcome sin. He replaces our despair with hope, our worry with peace and our sorrow with joy. He gives us a rebirth from within – a spiritual transformation!

Thank you, Lord for new life – both physically and spiritually. Thank you that every time we see a newborn baby, we can praise You for your handiwork and be reminded of the new work you have done in our lives. Thank you for caring for us and for being our wonderful and loving Heavenly Father. May we continue to grow and mature in godly wisdom.

If you have a heart that values life, please join us for Council for Life’s north Dallas coffee – April 10 from 10 – 12 at the home of Carla Zeller. For more information email her at: zeller.carla@gmail.com

7 Positive Habits for the New Year

January 2, 2018Leave a comment

New Year

The start of a new year allows us to reset and rethink our actions and attitudes. It’s a great time to stop and consider our hopes and dreams, as well as what we may want to change or do differently in the coming year. Resolutions or setting goals may not be your thing, but a few positive habits added to your daily routine can potentially last a lifetime. Here are seven doable daily habits that will help your attitude and your overall well-being in 2018.

Focus – It’s easy to focus on the negatives in life, but it takes a deliberate effort to look at what is good, true and right. We can change our focus by creating new habits such as writing in a gratitude journal every morning as we enjoy our first cup of coffee. Another way to turn our thoughts toward the positive is to read and memorize scriptures from the Bible. Choose one Bible verse to memorize as your focal point for 2018 and review it every day.

Fuel – Consider the types of foods you are putting into your body – is it life-giving fuel or will it have a negative effect on your health? Food not only affects us physically, but it also has an impact on our mind and emotions. Start a habit of a healthy breakfast to set your day in motion. Instead of strict diets plans that rarely work, think in terms of more and less. Determine this year that you will eat less of the unhealthy foods, like sugar, white flour or processed foods, and you will fuel your body with more of the healthy goods, like greens, whole grains or berries. Make your motto, “Eat clean in 2018.”

Fitness – Exercise is a stress reliever. A brisk walk or work-out can do wonders for you both physically and emotionally. Discover ways you can add exercise to you daily routine five to six days a week. Begin small with something that you enjoy and gradually increase your time and intensity. As your find a time and place each day that you can exercise, commit to it for at least 21 days to form the habit of fitness. Have an accountability partner to help you stay on target.

Faith – There is great comfort in knowing that we are not alone – that the Lord loves us and is with us. As we grow in our faith through prayer and reading the Bible, we begin to sense that there is a bigger picture, a more eternal one. Our faith gives us hope through trials and gives us strength through difficulties. Set aside some quiet time each day to spend alone with God, seeking His guidance and wisdom as well as giving Him your cares and worries.

Fun – All work and no play makes Jack or Jill a little dull and boring. Create opportunities for laughter in your life. Whether it is getting together with friends and laughing about old times or watching a funny video or doing something that generates a good chuckle. Every day you have the invitation to look for the sunny side of life and enjoy a bit of fun despite the challenges. Never laugh at the expense of another person, and also remember to not take yourself too seriously either. Certainly there is a time to laugh and a time to cry, but I think we miss a whole lot of opportunities for laughter. Allow it to be a part of your daily routine.

Forward – Pay it forward and look for ways to invest in the lives of other. Every morning, ask yourself a simple question, who can I bless today? When you turn your heart and thoughts to serving the people in your community, you move your focus off of your own challenges and begin to experience the joy that comes from contributing to something bigger than yourself. Serve one another through your kind actions and loving deeds and make the world a better place one day at a time.

Forgive – If you want to live a happier and healthier life, learn to let things go. Keep short accounts, do not hold grudges and learn to forgive those whom you feel have wronged you. Forgiveness is not an invitation for someone to hurt you again. You must set wise boundaries. Forgiveness is choosing to let go of the right to hold something over another person. Most likely, every day you will encounter situations that call for grace and forgiveness on your part. Make it a habit to continually live with forgiveness.

As you practice these seven simple daily habits , you will discover a fresh new joy and vitality for the year ahead. Make it a great 2018!

Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash