Forgiveness isn’t just a nice-sounding idea.  It’s a command.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” ~ Ephesians 4:32

Forgiveness can be hard for sure.  Keep in mind, the person you are granting freedom to when you forgive is you.  It’s not about letting others off the hook.  It’s about setting your heart free from bitterness, resentments, and mainly about being obedient to your heavenly Father.

Influence Multiplied is a community for women called to leave, pastors wives, and women in long-term recovery.  Join Today!

Grab Debbie’s book, Choose to THRIVE:  Conquer Your Inner Conflicts

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Tips on setting healthy boundaries:

• Pure motives – What does this mean?  It could mean safety for you and others.  It could mean improving your health.  It could mean loving someone and therefore, not helping them continue to harm themselves.   If your motive is to change another person, that is not your place.  Only God changes people.  A pure motive is one based on love and where the Holy Spirit is leading you.

• Stay in truth – Many people think that boundaries are selfish.  They certainly can be selfish depending on your motive. When you set healthy boundaries, they are not selfish because  you come from the right foundation.  People that are affected by your boundaries may try to convince you that you are being selfish.  This is common when someone only wants you to see things their way; when they want to stay in their comfort zone regardless of the impact on others.

• Check your H.E.A.R.T. – Are you hungry, exhausted, angry, resentful or tense?  If so, wait.  Any of these emotional states are not a good time to put boundaries in place.  

• Pray – God knows your needs better than you do.  He also knows what is going to grow holiness within you.  He knows the pathway of abundance for all involved.  

• Weed Whack – Our thoughts run away from us far too often.  It’s easy to get lost in the weeds of things we assume.  Stay in truthful perspective.  What do you know to be true in the situation?  You will have confidence in your boundary decisions when you’ve killed the weeds and move forward on truth.

When to Set Healthy Boundaries

• the stress of dealing with a difficult person has caused a lot of personal pain
• the stress of overwhelm has taken it’s toll, resulting in health issues
• the stress of never taking time for self-care has resulted in heavy emotional issues

“In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves.  The process never ends until we die.  And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”

Healthy Boundaries Require You to Choose

Recently, I heard an online message where the following was said, “fear is the great slave driver of the human soul.”  Sadly, I agree that way too often this is true.

I help women thrive as they travel the path of being the Godly leader they were created and designed to be. Sounds easy enough.  Then, why is it so hard?

Fears.  

The Fears that Plague Godly Leaders

How many fear-based messages get space in your head? 

• “what if I disappoint God, myself or others?
• “what if I didn’t hear God correctly?
• “what if my past is found out?”
• “what will this mean to my future?”
• “what if I my plan is rejected?”
• “what if _____________”

When we don’t soak in the love of God, and move forth in the courage He provides, fear builds.  Some fears come on suddenly, but most build over time.  It’s a slow fade from the love of God to the fears that enslave us.

It's a slow fade from the love of God to the fears that enslave us.
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Attack Your Fears With Courage

This is an easy thing to say, right?  Yes, it sure is.  Putting it into action will get easier.  

* Name the Fear – Specifically naming the fear goes a long way to taking away it’s power.

When unnamed, you give the fear power through uncertainty.  You give it too much space in your head, you live in opposition to God’s word and so, your fear grows.  

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

You demonstrate “power, love and self-discipline” (courage) when you do the work to gain clarity and get to the root of your fear. 

* Claim God’s command and His promises of courage – God says in Joshua 1:9, “This is my command—be strong and courageous!…”  Did you realize that God actually commands courage?

In the 2 Timothy verse above, we have a promise that puts fear in it’s place.  Claim it!

Our fears do not take God by surprise.  Thankfully, His word provides an abundance of encouragement and direction that we have nothing to fear.

* Stop trying to go it alone – this is a huge problem!  Too many women believe they have to keep their fears to themselves and they have to work through them alone.  Stop believing these lies!

God puts people of integrity and wisdom in your path for a purpose.

Philippians 2:4 states, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  Share your fear(s) with someone you trust.  

 
Courage is Calculated

How so?  Courage doesn’t just happen because you say, “I’m going to be courageous.”    Affirmations are great.  But, to stay in the place of courage, it takes more than a positive statement.

To be a person of courage takes intentional action:

• Faith – do you believe God?  Do you trust God?
• Meditate – put God’s word into your heart.
• Listen – Romans 10:17, “Faith comes from hearing…”
• Journal – get your thoughts out of your head.
• Share – gain encouragement and support.

To stop the nightmare that fear creates, you need to be calculated.

To stop the nightmare that fear(s) create, you need to be calculated.
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Your Challenge… 

 …because you only have One Life to THRIVE

1.  Read and meditate on faith scriptures.  There are many!  Here’s a handful to get you started:

• Ephesians 3:16-17
• 2 Corinthians 5:7
• Romans 15:13
• Hebrews 11:6
• 1 John 5:4

2.  Journal within the next 7 days:
– start by attempting to name your fear and write it down.
– write out at least 2 of the scriptures on faith or any others of your choosing.
– write, draw a picture, make a symbol that comes to you as you meditate on the scriptures you wrote down.  

Journaling does not have to be overwhelming!  

A single word may be all you write down and that may be all you need.  I have an “8 Step Guide to Journaling” that I am happy to send you.  If you would like this resource,  send me a note:  Email Coach Deb

3.  Reach out to a trusted resource and share.  This may be a good friend, pastor or family member.

If you want more professional help getting unstuck and moving forward; consider working with a coach.  I am happy to talk with you to determine if we would be a good fit to work together or to help you find the right coach for you.   Email Coach Deb

Let me know in the comments below if you accept your challenge to THRIVE.

More to Help You THRIVE…

May 10-13, 2018 A retreat for women ready to connect with God in a mighty way.  Women with the courage to follow where God is leading them.

This retreat is very limited on space; only 6 women.  Why?

Women NEED space to listen, share, and fully process.  We do this best in a small group environment.  This setting provides the greatest opportunity for heart transformation and growth.

This is not a conference!  I have been hosting intimate retreats since 2010.  God shows up in a mighty way as we together dig deep in His word and open our hearts.  This is a royal retreat at a castle! 

You will have time to pray, connect with others, relax, take a walk, share a cup of tea or even take a nap.

Our souls long for the beauty of God’s creation.  The foothills of the Rocky Mountains and Glen Eyrie Castle/grounds in the Eagles Nest Valley are simply breathtaking.  

With the backdrop of natural red and golden rock formations in Garden of the God’s, the Lord more than fulfills our longing to be present with Him in the beauty that only He can provide.

Details and registration information:
Authentic Influence Retreat

Use the coupon code: authentic

Have questions?  Email Coach Deb

I began setting annual themes a few short years ago.  My themes, so far, have been one word with a scriptural foundation.  For example, my theme in 2017 was REALITY.  The scriptural foundation is Philippians 4:13 – “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Hopefully, you will be ready very soon to say, “my theme for 2018” is ___________________.

A THEME REPRESENTS YOUR TRUE NORTH

A theme does not have to be set annually, but the new year is certainly a good time to think about one!

When the right and left turns happen throughout the year, having a theme helps you remember why you do what you do.  It’s never about the what; it’s always about the why.

It’s never about the what; it’s always about the why.
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Each one of us have been created for a unique impact in this world.  The journey to fulfilling our vision(s), our impact, will get difficult and we all need reminders that God is the one ordering our steps, no matter how well we lay out the plans.

To keep headed true North, amidst the struggles and opportunities (perceived or genuine), it helps tremendously to begin with a firm foundation.  That which will keep us focused.

CHOOSING YOUR THEME

When the word “reality” came to me, it didn’t make sense.  I remember stepping back and thinking,”WHAT?”  Even though I didn’t get it, the word would not leave me.  Then, the scripture came to me.

This was not a new scripture to me as had been the case with my theme in 2016.  I am very familiar with Philippians 4:16 as it is the foundation for the Celebrate Recovery my husband and I have been leading for 12 years.

I could see that the word and scripture definitely went together, but what did that mean for my upcoming year?  God rarely (almost never) gives us the full vision or reason beforehand.

God rarely (almost never) gives us the full vision or reason beforehand.
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Although I had uncertainty, I accepted my theme and moved into 2017.  I believed wholeheartedly that God was speaking even though I didn’t fully understand.

Here are some of the “reality” events that took place for me in 2017:

• I published my first book, Choose to THRIVE – Conquering Your Inner Conflicts.  A book that was 4 years in the making (that’s a whole other story!).
• My first retreat out of state took place (my retreats have been in Missouri since 2010).  In 2015 I knew they would be moving to Colorado, but I thought it would be much sooner than May of 2017.)
• My youngest child graduated college and my husband and I became true empty nesters.
• My husband retired (in our plans this was happening in 2018).
• My husband and I gained a second (truly beautiful inside and out) daughter-in-law.
• My husband and I became great grandparents for a 2nd time.
• I started a women’s group on Facebook, Healthy Boundaries for Women Who Lead.  This is something I fought for a long time (yet, another story).

That’s quite a bit of REALITY!

When choosing your theme, I suggest:

1.  Active listening.  What have you heard?  Take some quiet time, with journal in hand, to write down what you believe you’ve heard.
2. Pray.  Ask God what His plan is for you in 2018 and what word(s) would keep His plan in front of you.  He is not likely to give you “the plan,” but a word or two that helps keep you on track.  In my case, “reality” kept fears at bay and pushed me forward with courage and perseverance multiple times as I was reminded that God is in control.
3. Journal, journal and journal some more.  The processing that goes on in our mind and heart when we write things down is much different and thorough than when we don’t.  Also, journaling provides reflection and support as you go through the year.
4. Spend time in God’s word.  Ask God to lead you to the scripture that will keep you firmly grounded throughout the year.
5. Don’t over analyze!  Accept what you hear.  You can question things forever.  There’s no perfection here.  Go with what you hear.  Things will be revealed as you travel the path ahead.

PLACE YOUR THEME WHERE IT CAN BE SEEN ALL YEAR

I place my theme on the top of my goal sheets so it’s always in front of me.  I also place it in the front of my planner and I write it throughout my planner as the year progresses.

My journal connects the dots throughout the year and helps me rejoice when God clearly shows His hand.  It also provides the place to pour out my heart when I need to.

Especially for leaders, a theme is central to staying focused and centered on God’s plan and what’s truly important.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

I love looking back at my themes over the years and being able to see more clearly how God has moved.  Reflecting on how much I’ve grown and the awareness of joy in the abundant gratitude because of all that God is and all that He does.

My theme for 2018?  The word that keeps coming up is, “launch.”  The scripture that has come to me is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know that plans I have for you, says the Lord.  They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Honestly, this is not a word that I can see very far ahead with, at this point.  Interestingly, my husband and I have been talking about selling our family home.  That could mean a lot for new things that could “launch” in the future.

I can also see other possibilities from the road God has had me on.  One thing I know for sure, “if I can figure it out, that is not what God is going to do.” (Original quote).

I can guess and try to figure it all out, but that would be pointless.  Walking in obedience to the Holy Spirit is the only point.

Please comment below.  I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW YOUR THEME FOR THE UPCOMING NEW YEAR!  Know others who could benefit from this article?  Please share!

Having a theme is part of my coaching program, Foundations for a THRIVING Life.  If you are interested in this program, simply contact Debbie.

It is my prayer that your New Year is all you hope for

Happy New Year!!!

Registration is OPEN, space is LIMITED (only 6 special women)!

The Authentic Influence Retreat.

An intimate retreat for women who lead.

Get all the details by clicking below.

Part 4 of the 4-part series on “Transform!”

Let’s recap where we’ve been:

Part 1 – Success and plaguing discontent. We talked about the paradox of being a successful woman, but yet, discontentment still rises up inside of you.

Part 2 – Why Your Inner Conflicts Keep Returning. Simply put, there can be many reasons, but there are some obvious things to consider.

Part 3 – Stop Inner Conflicts – A Transformation Foundation. Here you can find a list of those things that support you in making life changes.

“What is a thriving life?”

That question, if asked, to 10 different people will produce 10 different answers. Furthermore, the answers would likely be relative to individual situations currently occurring in someone’s life.

The reality is that a truly thriving life runs deep in the will of God, even when current situations are tough.  And, even when current situations appear great.

My theme, in my current season, is “Reality.” I did a webinar this week where I talked about having a theme and I mentioned that when “reality” came to me, it didn’t really make sense.

That’s not true anymore.  I have gained clarity on this theme and I believe more is to be revealed.  I’m not here to talk about you having a theme; that’s a whole other post!

I do want to say that I am spreading a message of reality – there are no shortcuts!

The definition of “thrive,” includes:

– to grow vigorously
– flourish
– prosper
– to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances

Doesn’t all of this sound wonderful? A life where, no matter the circumstance, you “flourish and prosper.”  You are able to “grow vigorously.”

Wonderful! A life where no matter the circumstances you grow and prosper.
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This doesn’t happen without putting in the required effort. What does that effort look like?

Consistent life processes that draw you in and keep you in an intimate relationship with your Creator.

More Reality

I discovered something recently in a devotional titled “Perfectionism.” Every woman in leadership knows perfectionism is a serious culprit to living a thriving life.

Did you know that perfectionism can paralyze you?  As I thought about that, I would definitely agree.

I absolutely relate to perfectionism and the fears that drive it. Procrastination, panic, pain, are all “P” words I relate to perfectionism.  But, “paralyze?”  That’s a really strong and scary word.

I share this in hopes you will consider how you view of a thriving life.

You may NEVER have the perfect thriving life. Or, perhaps you are just the opposite and you would say you do have the perfect thriving life. 

Wherever you find yourself, the reality is, the only way to truly thrive is to do life God’s way. His greatest concern is for who you are on the inside; that you are continually growing in the likeness and character of Jesus.

He wants you to live a thriving life even more than your desire to have it.

A Thriving Life is a Continuous Journey

People often shy away from “life journey’s” because they don’t imply a destination. Journey’s for vacation purposes are great, but in life, a journey involves deep introspection.  Furthermore, it’s ongoing.

We all want to arrive at our place of thriving. Of course!  And, the reality is that you can!  Just keep it real; it takes effort that never really ends.

And, the foundation of that effort is an intimate relationship with God that seeks to live in obedience to His word; fulfilling the impact He created and designed you for.

As I was writing this post, I thought of 2 types of people:

1 – women who know they have things in their life they need to focus on.  They may or may not have thought about it from a “thriving” life perspective, but they know.

2 – women who “have it all going on.”  They wouldn’t relate to this article at all because they are happy, their family is good, money is flowing, marriage is great – you get the picture.  They may even believe (and it may be true) that God is in the midst of everything because their life is so _______; shall we say “perfect.”

Who has the real need to assess themselves and their intimacy with God?  Who has the need to get real with themselves and God to ask if it’s His will being done or their own?

My belief is, we all have to seek God and His will continually.  Not just in the rough spots. Likely, even more in the good times.

Personally, I have to work pretty hard to ensure it’s God will that I’m following and not my own will.  I thrive when I stay in His will and accept the fact that this means lots of growth because God doesn’t work on my timeline nor, in the ways I think makes sense.

God doesn't work on my timeline or the way I think makes sense.
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Helping You On Your Journey
to Live a Thriving Life

“One Thing Leads to Another”
Retreat for
Women Who Lead

May 4-7, 2017

Glen Eyrie Castle ~ Colorado Springs, CO

www.onelifetothrive.org

Space is limited!  Registration deadline is drawing close.

Attend an informational webinar,
Tuesday, March 7 – 9:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.

Sign-up for the FREE ebook at One Life to THRIVE
(you will receive automatic notification of the informational webinar)

Ladies, it’s time!

Join the movement of women stepping into their
unique divinely designed impact.

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

In this article, part 2 of the 4-part series on transform, we are talking about our inner conflicts. Specifically, why some inner conflicts just keep cropping up.

I wish we didn’t have to do that on this day that represents love. Because, I for one, can attest that when inner conflicts are in high gear, there isn’t much love to be found.

Perhaps it is a good thing that we are looking at this topic on this day.

Never Just One Thing

Women struggle with a broad number of inner conflicts. I talk about 11 of them in my new book releasing, February 27 on Amazon. My book is titled, “Choose to THRIVE: Conquering Your Inner Conflicts.”

Inner conflicts come in many forms. Depending on the conflict and how deep it runs, the path to elimination may be a long and winding road that has a lot of curves to maneuver. 

There are very few “overnight successes” when it comes to the struggles we carry internally.

In my personal experience, there generally isn’t one issue that stands alone. More often, it’s an entanglement of issues that have to get unraveled.

While this is true, there are some foundational practices that go a long way.

In my book, I talk about things like – the masks we wear, discontentment, self-sabotage and much more. These things can be brought on by many sources and they can rise up over and over again.

Personally, I fought the inner conflict of discontentment most of my adult life. So, why couldn’t I eliminate it? Why did it keep returning when I thought I had eliminated it?

Discoveries

In my case, I discovered multiple reasons that open the door for my conflicts to return. Let me give you just two:

1. Self-confidence – this one always amazes me. How is it that women who have so many successes can walk around with a pit of lacking self-confidence? Mind boggling.

I have always been a very performance based person. So, the little voices in my head would tell me the common messages, I wasn’t good enough or I didn’t know enough.

We’ve all heard them. It took me a very long time to learn that I didn’t have to believe them! And, not believing them, doesn’t mean just stuffing them.

Truth is, we all have voices in our heads on both sides of the isle; some are for us and some are against us. Which side will you choose to believe?

I learned that self-confidence builds through some very practical steps:
– Practice. Whatever you want to be good at, requires you to do it; over and over again.
– Learn. Don’t ever think you’ve arrived, keep learning. Read something every day that grows you.
– Listen to truth; not lies. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (one of my fav’s!) tells us to take our thoughts captive to Christ.

I had a lightbulb moment with this verse. We don’t have to believe the junk! Give it to God and move on to what is true.

2. Gratitude – I was a complainer. Sometimes it didn’t sound like complaining, but grumbling and pointing out all that’s wrong is complaining.

Complaining and having a thankful heart do not go together.  I might just add that putting a smile on doesn’t mean it isn’t complaining.

A lack of deep gratitude absolutely drives inner conflict.  Why?  Because we all long for peace and peace is a by-product of gratitude.

Gratitude sounds so easy. And, on first thought it is. Of course, I’m thankful for my family, job, home, etc. Easy things to say, but upon examination, my walk didn’t always match my talk.

Saying we are grateful does not make it so. Our actions portray reality.

Having a true heart of gratitude takes self-examination, owning our wrongs, being humble. 

And, it’s more than recognizing our blessings.  It’s the realization that we aren’t entitled to them.

Our blessings are a gift for our Lord and Savior.   Let us thank the One who deserves our thanks.

Let us thank the One who deserves our thanks.
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For gratitude, to be real, it must reside within your heart. It takes coming to the end of yourself. It requires the deep awareness that you alone aren’t the answer.

Attitude and Mindset

No two people are exactly alike, but in my experience, just these couple of areas, self-confidence, and gratitude are 2 common culprits to inner conflicts staying alive and well or constantly returning.

The thing about the two items above is their direct impact on your attitude and your mindset.

Both suffer when my self-confidence is lacking and when I forget all that I have to be thankful for.

Next week, we will look at ways to build a transformative foundation. A foundation that stops those inner conflicts.

ARE YOU READY?  Ready to Transform Conflicts?

Say, “YES!”  Stop the battle and get on board with God’s plan for your life. 

Did you know?  God created you with a SPECIFIC IMPACT plan!  He knew why you needed the natural skills and abilities he gave you.

He uses every experience you have had in your life for the SPECIFIC IMPACT he designed you for.

One Life to THRIVE hosts retreats and offers a community for women who lead.  Speaking from personal experience, women who lead deal with lots of inner conflicts.

Your IMPACT is not what God intended when inner conflicts are alive and well.

Your IMPACT is not what God intended when inner conflicts are alive and well.
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May 4-7, 2017 at the “One Thing Leads to Another” retreat in the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains, you can unplug and get real. 

You will CONNECT with yourself, God and other like-minded women. 

You will TRANSFORM those inner conflicts. 

You will step into the IMPACT God created and designed you for.

COME ON!  IT’S TIME!

Get all the details at OneLifetoTHRIVE.org

Want to talk live?  GREAT!  Contact me here.  I am happy to chat with you, your leadership team or group.  Space is limited, don’t delay!

Step into the IMPACT you were
created and designed for!

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TRANSFORM Series
Part 1 – Success and Plaguing Discontent

Success and plaguing discontent sounds like it should be an oxymoron. Sadly, they very often go hand in hand.

So many women struggle with:
– an “uneasiness”
– being “unsettled”
– a “lack of joy” in their life
– a desire for “something more”

An unidentified discontentment.

The mind, and heart, confusion occurs when their life provides no basis for the discontentment because they are relatively successful in their personal and professional lives.

I’ve talked about this topic in other articles and I talk about it in my first book being released February 27, 2017; Choose to THRIVE: Conquering Your Inner Conflicts.

Feelings of discontentment (the “uneasiness,” “unsettled,” “lack of joy,” wanting “something more”) is one of those things we need to talk about a lot:

1. Women, especially those in leadership, must remember this is a common issue.
2. Awareness is the starting point for eliminating discontent.
3. Identifying truth in the source is required to move forward as God would have you.

The sources can be many. Regardless of the source(s), a woman can be plagued by a lack of contentment to the point of making life-altering choices.  Choices that ultimately cause more issues in her life.

Feelings of discontentment is one of those things we need to talk about a lot.
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A Place to Begin

Define Success

Plaguing discontentment is a serious issue that women in leadership must resolve in order to be the thriving leaders God created them to be.

Resolving the issue(s) won’t be an overnight thing, but if you prayerfully set your own expectations, commit to the journey and have help alongside you; you will resolve it.

Begin by understanding what success means to you. If you don’t know, contentment will never be found.

The thing about success is that it has to fit for you. Don’t measure your definition of success by anyone else.

Define Contentment

Know what contentment looks like. Just like success, or anything else in life, you have to know what you are looking for. (We’ll talk in next week’s article more about why inner conflicts keep returning.)

When defining contentment, check your heart for gratitude. Gratitude and contentment go hand in hand.

Seeing all that you have to be thankful for, acknowledging this before God and growing a heart of thankfulness is a key component towards being able to see what is true in your situations where discontentment is rising up.

Success = Contentment?

No, not necessarily. Don’t assume that if you reach a level of achievement, personally or professionally, that contentment will be waiting for you.

Contentment, when you have it, will be alive and well regardless of success; regardless of circumstances or situations. Contentment isn’t dependent on people, places or things.

Contentment goes hand in hand with serenity. It’s a peace that goes far below the surface.

Many times, the things we strive and work so hard for are not what we expected them to be when we get there. Of course, this would cause the feelings we’ve been talking about.

Don’t forget to be grateful, giving yourself credit for staying the course and accomplishing your goal.

It is healthy to ask yourself, where was God in my goal(s)? If you did your best to stay in his will, trust that he has a plan and continue to follow where he takes you. Gain encouragement through a community (like One Life to THRIVE).

If you ventured out on your own, leaving God on the sidelines, do not be discouraged! It is never too late to invite the Lord and put his plan first in your life.  He is graciously waiting for you!

You are not alone

A very important point to remember is that being plagued with discontent, even with you have a seemingly successful life, is very common.

Should that make you feel better? I hope so. The reason for my hope is, knowing the truth that others struggle in the same way can ward off disillusionment.

Furthermore, it can give you the strength to be a part of a community with other women to share those struggles in authentic transparency.

If you think you are so unique that you are the only one, well… that’s a good way to miss out on the thriving life you should be living.

Stop Discontentment – You’ve Got too Much to Live For!

Coaching is an outstanding process for identifying the source(s) of discontentment and putting an end to this plaguing cycle.

Only through February 2017 – I am offering a FREE (I don’t do these free sessions anymore!) “Power” session.  One 30 minute session (to the first 3 responders).

You MUST contact me by February 21 and you must complete your FREE session by March 14.

Contact me here! 
Use Subject line:  Power Session

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What is the “most important daily habit of successful leaders?”  Practicing Patience.

Just as the leaves in fall don’t turn to beautiful colors overnight…

People have said for a very long time, “don’t pray for patience!” Why? Because God will give you opportunities to practice it.

Who needs more of those? Actually, you just might.

WOGG

A long time ago, I coined the phrase “Waiting On God’s Glory” or WOGG for short. I like this acronym and description much better than the word patience.

No doubt, that’s because I have never been a patient person. Even so, I have learned that God’s timing is always perfect. Furthermore, there are reasons far greater than I am ready to know or understand as to why things don’t happen when I think they should.

Learning to wait on God is critical to your success as a leader.  Just think for a minute, what could happen if you take others into situations they are not ready for?

When you demonstrate patience, those you lead will see the benefits that naturally result. Your personal habits effect every part of your life and they influence those around you.

Learning to wait on God is critical to your success as a leader.
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2 Tips for Cultivating WOGG (Patience) Daily

1. Do not rush into the day. If you have to get up 20-30 minutes earlier; do it. You NEED time (even just a few minutes!) to pray and listen.

Preparing your heart and mind for the day ahead is vital. You have no idea what might occur on any given day.

Intentionality to cultivate a waiting spirit develops your ability to respond rather than react. God will be glorified, and you will be at peace when you operate through patient responses.

2. Do not move forward on your own logic. Wait until you have confirmation from God.

People often think God only cares about the big things. NOT SO! He cares about every single detail.

Pray over everything and wait. He won’t forget and He won’t leave you hanging. He may be quiet. That is when you know it’s not time yet.

Tough for High-Achievers

Waiting can be tough.  I get this!

It is important to know when God is speaking. I am one who likes for God to give me a flashing neon sign on the highway. Can’t say that’s happened even once. It has happened, just not literally.

God speaks quietly and He speaks with confirmations. The problem is, most of us don’t like to be still long enough to hear Him or to see the confirmations He provides.

Being intentional to turn around my inherent lack of patience is worth every ounce of effort. I’ve had to learn the hard way, over and over again, that my logic and “get it down now” character is not superior to God’s perfect timing.

[stextbox id=”custom” bwidth=”3″ color=”FAFEFF” bcolor=”8C6727″ bgcolor=”50C7C3″ bgcolorto=”50C7C3″]Finishing is better than starting.  Patience is better than pride. ~ Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NLT)[/stextbox]

No matter how you define “success,” your single most important daily habit is patience.

God desires to be glorified through your life. When you wait on Him, you wait on His glory and the outcomes are best for everyone.

The holidays are right around the corner.  Are you ready?  Practicing patience at a time of the year when stress typically prevails will be nearly impossible.

NOW is the time to work with me and
put healthy boundaries in place.

Thanksgiving and Christmas only come once a year.

Take action NOW. 

Do all you can to experience a
peaceful and joyful holiday season!

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