Born Again Dreamer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 18:25:00 +0000

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth,do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19

He can make streams and rivers in our desert times....

He led me to this promise in scripture nearly ten years ago...

Early one morning, as I sat on the balcony of my Arizona hotel room doing my devotions....I felt like I heard Him say to me; "Look out around you Lisa, what do you see?"

I looked up from my journal and gazed out beyond the edge of my balcony railing trying to see whatever it was that He wanted me to notice.

The desert stretched on for miles until finally stopping at the base of the mountain range. Okay... not sure, I thought. However, as I adjusted my line of vision to look a little closer, in fact, directly beneath my balcony....I saw the bright green grass of a beautiful and perfectly tended golf course seeming so out of place in the middle of the desert surroundings.

"Lord, I see a desert...I see a desert with green grass and life growing everywhere..." and that statement struck me...hadn't I heard that recently... and then that small still voice again.... "I will make rivers in the desert for you...believe Me." He led me to this passage of Scripture...."Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness...and rivers in the desert..." Isaiah 43:19.

I desperately needed a river in my desert...a way through the wilderness of my relationships and emotions... Hope began to swell within my heart.

He is the Mighty God who can deliver each of us from whatever Egypt we may currently be enduring.

Trust Him.

Awakened Awareness

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 01:41:00 +0000

I was cleaning out part of thegarage one evening, throwing away things that should have been thrown away agesago, when I ran across some old, dirty, crumpled up papers. They appeared to belunch order forms from the kids’ school, and I wasin the act of tossing them when something caught my attention. I noticed thatone of the papers was completely covered in my own handwriting. Intrigued by what I could have found so compelling that I would have had to write it out on my sons lunch order forms. As I took a closer look I found that it was dated nearly 9years ago, and as I began to read, overlooked strings within my heart, suddenlybegan to actively flutter, arousing some long forgotten words and memories…

January,2004

If you’renot watching, time passes by like the clouds on a blue sky. If you don’t reallystop yourself, and purposefully observe your surroundings, you might not even realizethat the clouds are in motion. It’squite possible to spend your whole life ‘doing’ until your end is near, and withoutrecognition, the clouds in your life, have continued to progress to the other side ofthe world…and all along, you never even noticed their silent drifting away.

Father,I don’t want to drift aimlessly with my life. I want to be a part of the beautyof the sky you designed; so graceful and soft. I want to observe and absorb allthe splendor of this world. If only we’ll look, there is so much of it! The gentlenessof a soft flute, the fluidity of a violin, the exhilaration of beating drums…Inspiration, joyfulness, excitement, appreciation; love. But first, before anyof these blessings can be realized, awareness must come. My soul must awaken from its slumber.

I've come alive in Christ. I never realized I was dead! I cannot pinpoint mydeath; but I recognize that my solitary focus for years hasn't been on life orbeauty, but only on my own subjective feelings and fears. Hopelessness hassomehow replaced my excitement for good things in this life.

But the more Your Spirit envelopes me, themore alive I begin to become. Unexpectedly, I’m able to see as never before. Tofeel as never before. Like a tiny kitten transformed into a powerful panther;sleek and magnificent, yet fierce with loyalty and love for You. Surprising andforgotten desires are bursting within; I long to rise to new heights with you;not wasting another second of the precious time I've been given.

Lord, Iwant to bring everything you've given me to its fullest potential. Savoring myawakening; overflowing with gratefulness that you love me so much you wouldn't allow me to stay dead and buried in my grave. You tore out the grass by itsroots; split open the earth, and broke off the locks keeping me bound inmy prison. In my darkness.

Light, Your glorious, sweet light has surrounded me.I am being filled with understanding; I can feel the warmth of your heart, thegentleness of your gaze. It’s like leaving a cold, black and white world forone filled with warm brilliant hues and stunning colors.

I’mbeing transformed from dirt, into a majestic garden. From dust to life. Where previously there was lifeless silence; my heart sings with hope. Recognition of a my forgotten heart emerges; the heart of the child I once was; the child who loved.

What oncewas is once again.

Restored by the power of His love.

Myadoration forever…

Leadership Awareness: Be a Better Leader

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:08:00 +0000

Over the years I've discovered that there are certain attributes that inspire peoples confidence and loyalty in their leaders. Whether you're the leader of your children, your team, or your organization avoiding these 'no-no's' will help you increase your effectiveness as a communicator, better facilitate positive growth and change, and foster loyal relationship building.

1. Avoid 'always' and 'never' statements. "You always do this, or you never do that" are communication killers.

2. Don't approach others when you're negative emotions are high; be patient and wait until you've calmed down.

3. If you have a genuine complaint, don't go straight for the kill; give some positive affirmations or observations first.

4. Lose the attitude. People quickly lose respect for those that appear to be 'talking-down' to them.

5. You aren't always right so admit when your wrong; don't be that guy.

6. Humility goes a long way toward gaining the trust and attention of others. Do some fearless character inventory and assess this aspect of your personality.

7. Never correct others in public, especially if you're the leader! If you want others to listen to, and respect you, you must first respect them. Save your corrections for behind closed doors.

8. Don't interrupt. Wait until the person is finished speaking before giving your opinions and/or observations. Interrupting says: "My opinions are more important than yours"

9. Smile!

10. Be real. Others are drawn to those who can be who they are no matter who's in the room. No one admires pretense.

Perfect Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 09:30:00 +0000

Where Christ is truly seen, there must be full and perfect joy in the Lord, with peace of conscience, which thus thinketh: Although I am a sinner by the law, and under condemnation of the law, yet I despair not, yet I die not, because Christ liveth, who is both my righteousness and my everlasting life.

Martin Luther quoted by Tim Keller in Gospel in Life

Cause of Spiritual Failures

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 21:33:00 +0000

Christians who know the gospel in principle and who have been changed by it nevertheless continually revert to works-righteousness and self salvation in a myriad of subtle and not so subtle ways. A basic insight of Martin Luther's was that "religion" is the default mode of the human heart. Your computer operates automatically in default mode unless you deliberately tell it to do something else. Luther says that even after you are converted by the gospel, your heart will go back to operating on the religious principle unless you deliberately, repeatedly set it to gospel-mode. This then is the basic cause of our spiritual failures, uncontrolled emotions, conflict, lack of joy, and ministry ineffectiveness. We believe the gospel at one level, but at deeper levels we continue to operate as if we are saved by our works.
Timothy Keller - Gospel in Life

Really Living

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 03:26:00 +0000

God never says that we can be and do anything. But when we fully embrace His design for us and grow into exactly what He created us to be, we'll really be living.

Tony Stoltzfus

Beth Moore: Journey of Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 03:03:00 +0000

"...the point of temptation is not the ideal time to decide whether or not to stick with Christ. The most effective time to resolve to obey Christ is in advance of the difficulty. Planning to stay faithful can greatly enhance victory."

Born Again Dreamer: The Antidote

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 02:40:00 +0000

Born Again Dreamer: The Antidote

The Antidote

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 02:38:00 +0000

Faith is the antidote to fear
Hope is the antidote to depression
Joy is the antidote to stagnation
Love is the antidote to meaninglessness

10 Ways Fear Paralyzes Christian Leaders

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:54:00 +0000

Most of us recognize by now that fear is a powerful controller in our lives. But are you aware that fear is disguised as many other common emotions? Emotions like confusion, embarrassment, insecurity, helplessness and discouragement, all are fueled by fear.

Fears can run rampant in our minds if we
allow them to...

Because fear is such an influential and pervasive weapon against growth, it's vital to our personal progress that we recognize how these fears manifest themselves in our day to day lives. Attention should be particularly given to the damaging impact on our faith these negative feelings can have when allowed to languish in our thoughts.

Over the years I've found in my own life, as well as the lives of many others, that the kinds of fears which can extinguish a leaders confidence present themselves in a diversity of similar hues. Below I've created a list of 10 of the most common expressions of fearful thoughts in the minds of Christian leaders, entrepreneurs and pioneers.

Anxiety: Allowing others opinions define what you can or cannot do. "I saw the way she/he looked at me when I told them my dreams...they don't think I'm capable...they probably think I'm crazy..."
Confusion: "Am I really doing God's will...maybe I'm not?
Bewilderment: Doubt about the peace which God gave you initially: (If the Lord gave you the peace to do something He hasn't changed his mind; He's not wishy-washy).
Embarrassment: "If others knew about the kinds of sins I struggle with they'd think I was a fraud."
Insecurity: Afraid of looking like an idiot; of being humiliated in front of others.
Insignificance: "I'm a nobody; I'm not educated enough, or important enough, attractive enough, or eloquent enough..."
Discouragement: "I'm too sinful to be used by God."
Rejection: Wanting to avoid the pain of rejection from others.
Inadequate: Afraid of having a past mistake or sin exposed.
Helplessness: Your current circumstances don't look the way you've envisioned your dream happening, and you feel powerless to make things conform to your plan (which of course you are, but that's good news not bad news!)

One reason these feel like such significant hurdles is their potential validity. It's quite possible that if I do what God has asked me to do, I just might look like an idiot to some people (in fact I'm quite certain I have!). However, the cause of Christ must be bigger in our hearts than our own fears of pain and rejection.

The chance does exist that you're in error about what you believe God has called you to do. If you then step out in faith and obedience and do that thing; do you really believe that you serve the kind of God who would abandon you for trying to be obedient? Of course not! He loves you!

My only admonition to you in pursuing your dreams and casting your fears aside is if you're trying to move forward in His will for your life alone. If you're not connected to other godly people in accountable and transparent relationships then it is wise to be fearful as you are ignoring clear biblical instructions. Let me underscore this warning again: you cannot do the big things of God without the help of others. We all need the body of Christ; the church.

Aside from that precaution; be encouraged! Even our mistakes can be a part of His plan! If we are moving toward Him, and we make an error about His directions (and who hasn't?), He will teach you through your choices.

So, today, I want to encourage you to examine your thoughts and share your fears not only with God, but with another safe godly person, or better yet,
ask that person to pray with you! As you seek His kingdom in thanksgiving and praise, watch the power of God lead you through the doorways to your hearts desires.

THE STEPS OF PRAYER

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 00:10:00 +0000

THE STEPS OF PRAYER
First, decide what you really want.
Second, decide whether the thing you
want is a Christian thing.
Third, write it down.
Fourth, still the mind.
Fifth, talk with God about it.
Sixth, promise God what you will do to
make this prayer come true.
Seventh, do everything loving that comes
to your mind about it.
Eighth, thank God for answering in his
own way.
Ninth, release the whole prayer from
your conscious thinking.

E. STANLEY JONES

Muck, T. C. (1985). Vol. 2: Liberating the leader's prayer life. The Leadership Library (151). Carol Stream, IL; Waco, TX: Christianity Today, Inc.; Word Books.

Intentional Growth as a Professional Coach

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:56:00 +0000

Leaders are readers!

I love to read. However, I've found that with all my otherresponsibilities and commitments, reading could easily end up on the ‘to do’list, or more accurately, the to-do-at-some-point-but-probably-not-very-soon-list.

After ignoring my reading for a season, I hadan unpleasant realization; I wasn’t growing. Or at least, I wasn’t growing at the rate thatI had when I was regularly consuming a variety of books.

I recognized that it was actually my responsibilityto continue to grow and learn. Why? Because God had entrusted me to walkalongside others as a coach and teacher helping direct their own development; how could I do that if I wasn’tfirst growing myself? Without reading, aleaders influence and development as a Christian can often stagnate. As the often spoken and true saying goes; leadersare readers.

My big hurdle to overcome was time. Or more precisely;time management. I really believed I didn’thave any extra time. After some honest self-evaluation however, I discovered the problem wasn't time. The issue was in what I chose to do in my time.

Watch T.V. for an hour or read Malcolm Gladwell’s book on the power ofthinking? The choice was easily simplified if viewed from this perspective. I literally would ask myself: “which would add more value to my life and purpose? Surfing theinternet or reading a book on coaching or leadership?” It was obvious whatthe best answer was. This is an ongoing discipline requiring me to ask myself that question regularly. Fortunately, it’s gotten much easierwith time to do what's best because the payoff is so huge!

I know there are coaches out there groaning right now (yes, Ihear you), so to move you from jeering to cheering, here’s a list of five ideasto help you fit reading into your busy schedule.

Listen to books on audio tape in your car while driving (I usedto be in the car constantly, and I could easily get through several books aweek!).
Listen to books on an mp3 player while you exercise. Thereare tons of free audio books and pod casts out there! (No, it’s not an excuse ifyou don’t know how to do this, Google it; it’s not that hard I promise).
Give yourself permission to read a book by choosing thechapter that most interests you first (no, it’s not a crime to read books out ofchronological order).
Figure out what topic most intrigues you. Is it financialsuccess? Then read Dave Ramsey. Is it spiritual growth? Then read Ravi Zacharias,Mark Driscoll, or Francis Chan. Is it business growth? Then read Zig Ziglar orMichael Hyatt. Is it practical wisdom? Then read Andy Andrews.
Ask others around you for recommendations. Ask your coach tosuggest a great book. Sometimes the overwhelming part for people is trying tochoose what to read; so ask someone you trust.

The list of talented writers and speakers is nearly endless!There are scads of current and past authors who could add tremendous value toyour life and practice!

The bottom line is if you want to be successful as a coach,then you must read. Your clients deserve the best you can give them, andreading is a powerful avenue for improving your skills as a coach. Don’t wait,begin today!

Challenge question: what is one thing you can youdo today to make a step toward implementing one of these strategies?
If you've had success in this area, share some of your strategies with others!

10 Principles to Keep Your Walk Alive

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:53:00 +0000

How we walk can play a major role in developing our relationship with Christ.

Someone from a Christian group on Linked In recently posted a question something like this: “If you could tell a new Christian anything about their journey, what would it be?” In a matter of a few minutes I came up with a list of 10 principles that I believe are, not only important for new Christians, but for those who've been on the journey for years.

In fact, I thought that these “rules” were significant enough to warrant taking them one step further. I began posting them, one at a time, on my Facebook account. Because of the responses they received, I decided to put them all together for you.

Below is the list of 10 principles that, if followed, will greatly enhance your walk with Christ, strengthen your faith, provide you with support and encouragement, grant you persevere through trials, increase your biblical knowledge and understanding, develop your personal gifts and strengths, and lastly, provide Christ with opportunities to use you as His vessel.

1Connect in fellowship and discipleship at your church; this is a critical step to growing in your love relationship with Jesus Christ.
Although you are a new creation in Christ, you will still struggle with sin and hurts, and that it's very normal!
Transformation is a process and a journey we take when we surrender our will to Christ.
Good godly people will fail you and it’s OK; godly people aren't God, they are flawed humans in God's image.
It's imperative to your growth that you find a mentor and/or group where people are R.E.A.L. - Relational Encouraging Authentic and Learned.
Real relationships with others in Christ; where we can freely share what's "really" going on without fear of judgment or condemnation exist and you need to find them.
Someone, a Pastor, teacher, leader at some point will offend you. This is also the exact time when God can grow you by leaps and bounds if you don't run away; instead go to a godly safe person for guidance and support.
It’s important to frequently and persistently remind yourself that you can't be good enough, try hard enough, or have enough will power or self-control to keep from sinning and falling short. However, that's the exact reason you need and have a Savior.
His Word tells us that without His strength we will not have the power to persevere through adversity or accomplish even the tiniest of achievements.
Finally, He will do the hard work for you! Your job is just to trust Him, one tiny step of obedience at a time, and watch Him amaze you!

Feeling Afraid is the "Norm" In a Living Walk with Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:34:00 +0000

“If you open your doors Lisa, I will send the people”

Kind of sounds like a corny line from the Kevin Costner movie Field of Dreams. But it wasn’t from a movie. It was a message resonating, continually in my spirit. “If you will trust Me, and open your doors, I will send you the people”. These doors He was referring to was my Life Coaching business.

Take one obedient step at a time as He calls..

Most entrepreneurs can’t wait to get their ventures afloat, however, at the time; I was insecure and fearful of failing. I argued with God (which I don't recommend) for quite a while…I reasoned (begged) that I wasn't finished with everything I wanted to accomplish; I wasn't ready. I needed more education, more wisdom, more money, more connections, more courage, more, more, more!

Still wrestling with God, I left for a yearly conference in Nashville. One of the first speakers that week was author and coach, Dwight Bain. Dwight started his session that day with Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD you God is with you wherever you go.”

This happened to be one of the first scriptures that the Lord had given me years ago concerning my life purpose. If this wasn't enough to completely deflate my argument, Dwight’s next statement cinched it. “If you will open your doors, Dwight encouraged, He will send you the people” Wow! Could He be any clearer?

In His infinite grace, the Lord went one step further to reassure me that He would do what He promised. Returning from the conference, although still apprehensive, I had determined in my heart to do what the Lord had asked. The following morning, I received a call from a woman that I played tennis with occasionally. She had seen something on T.V. about Life Coaching and asked if I knew of anyone who did this Life Coaching. I was stunned!

He sent me my very first client and from that day on, I have always had clients. Not once in all this time have I been without clients. I didn’t advertise, in fact, in the beginning, I didn’t even have an office, but through referrals and a free website I put together myself (and I knew zero about this kind of thing); I had a steady stream of clients. For those of you unfamiliar with this industry, without your own coach or business connections, this is unheard of! But He who calls is faithful.

I don’t know what He’s entreating you to do. I’m not sure what fearful step He’s put in front of you to take. But I do know this; He who asks is trustworthy.

It’s not too late. You’re not too old. It’s not too hard. There is a way, you just can’t see it. However, that’s part of the point, isn’t it? Don’t miss this valuable opportunity for a concrete encounter with His love and grace. Your transformation by God Almighty, as you trust in the voice of His Spirit, is far too priceless of a gift to let slip away.

Surrender your fears and insecurities to Him and take one obedient step toward His call. What will that step be today? Commit to Him. Ask Him for the strength and He'll show you how.

Isaiah 34:3-4 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God…will come and save you."

Follower of Christ• Total Failure • Amazing Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 15:15:00 +0000

Even my worst failure-as-a-mother-moments can ever

overshadow the power of His grace.

I didn't want to go.

I’d been crying since we pulled out of the garage, now late, for our much anticipated night out with two of our best friends.

“I really don't want to go out to dinner like this” I emphatically pleaded a second time to my husband (whose only response was to maddeningly continue driving despite my protests!).

Who wants to eat with someone literally sobbing in their soup? Come on. I tried to reason with him...but to no avail, my sweet husband, bless him (really!), kept driving.

Only a half our earlier I’d been yelling at my 17 year old son, in a-most-definitely-un-Christ-like-way. How did I lose it so quickly, I miserably wondered as a fresh wave of guilty tears slid down my cheeks? Replaying the scene in my minds eye, I winced as one of the most frowned upon curse words, (sans filter), came flying out of my mouth.

But wait! It gets even better. The worst part was that over the last several months this type of scenario had occurred three other times! I can't describe (and maybe I don't have to) the weight of the shame towering over my senses and draining any possible hope for redemption.

Despite his mothers childish (or spawn of Satan-like) behavior, my son calmly looked me in the eyes, gently put his hands on my shoulders, and said in a very parental, yet loving tone;

“Mom… now…I want you to ask yourself something. You aren't a person who’s for cursing, and you’ve been cursing a lot lately... (wince)... so I want you to ask yourself a question...what you think that might be causing this.”

I’m not exaggerating, that’s literally as word for word as I can recall. My mouth hung ajar. He went on in the same tender approach, “…and I think I can tell you what the problem is too”. It was clear to both of us that I didn't have a clue and was far too astounded to respond, so he continued with his diagnostic assessment of his mothers root problem which was manifesting itself as mommy-with-a-mouth-like-a-sewer. “You’ve been working too much and for too long, and now you’re totally stressed out”.

Although simplistic, his diagnosis was spot on.

This is the reality of the extraordinary God we serve. Instead of condemnation, in his amazing grace he taught me a valuable lesson about love, grace and redemption:

· God is good even in our sinfulness.
· We can’t ever mess up too badly to be used by God.
· My son experienced an incredible affirmation of a God-given strength that day despite my sewer mouth.
· I was out of balance and people I loved were getting hurt because of it.
· I stopped working so many hours.

Only with Gods grace could Wyatt have come out of this exchange blessed and affirmed. In fact, God continues to bless him through this. Wyatt knows I often use this experience as a teaching example with my clients, and that others, besides his mother, are regularly blown away by such a profound perspective and response for a 17 year old son.

I am a weak, sinful, senseless person who can be filled with the Spirit and still manage to mess up big, but the grace of God is his faithfulness despite my failures. He does far more than merely rescue us; he delights in blessing us despite our fiascoes and botched attempts to follow the example of Christ. Not even my worst failure-as-a-mother-moments can ever overshadow the power of His grace.

Romans 5:2
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 17:24:00 +0000

What would you say to a Christian going

through a Mid-Life Crisis?Desiring God

October 28, 2009 | by John Piper | Topic: Fear & Anxiety

The following is an edited transcript of the audio.

What would you say to a Christian going through a mid-life crisis, someone who feels like

they've totally missed out on what their life should have been?

Well, if it's mid-life, I think they should be rejoicing that they have another half!

Yes, there are regrets. There are. And who has not had them, right? We could've done better.

"I could've married a Christian, and then I might not have had so much pain. But this is my

wife or my husband."

"I could've gotten more education, and then I might've been able to have a more

responsible job."

"Of all the words of tongue or pen, the saddest are, 'It might've been.'" That's not true. There are

sadder words, like "Of all the words of tongue or pen, the saddest are, 'It can never change.'" That

would be sad.

But here we have a mid-life crisis. We own our sorrows, we own our mistakes, we own our

regrets, and then we say—as I would say to this person—

You know, God makes no mistakes. I cannot explain to you why he ordained that the

first half of your life would be led in a way that looks like you wasted it. Maybe you just

lived for money, and you lost your marriage, and you lost your kids. And now you're

54 years old, and you are all alone and rich and miserable.

I don't know all the reasons why God would permit that, but he's got designs in that.

And what his offer to you right now is the next 20 years different, useful, forgiven,

clean, hopeful, heaven-bound.

That's what I would say. I would preach the gospel to them and say that God is willing to take you

with all your mistakes and turn it around.

And maybe from the perspective of 74 you'll understand some of why he permitted those 54.

©2012 Desiring God Foundation. Used by Permission.
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any
format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the
cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any
exceptions to the above must be approved by Desiring God.
Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By John Piper. ©2012
Desiring God Foundation. Website: desiringGod.org

The On-Purpose-Person Give Away

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:39:00 +0000

Get your free kindle copy of the On-Purpose-Person. Follow the link below for the details.
God bless!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-On-Purpose-Person-Great-Give-Away---Save-The-Dates.html?soid=1011273030126&aid=1VZyatfJEsQ

A Handbook of Enemy Strategies

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 02:34:00 +0000

A Handbook of Enemy Strategies

Inundated with Inauthentic Coaching Vernacular

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:56:00 +0000

You know, I read things like this every day "achieve your dreams" "believe that you can succeed and you will!" "I coach others to reach their full potential" or "attend my tele-seminar for the 10 secrets...." now don't misunderstand me, I'm not dismissing these statements altogether (in fact I've written them or spoken similar things many times!), however, there's something amiss when the language used to communicate hope and convey your unique strengths becomes so often repeated, with the same or very similar vernacular, over and over again, that the message begins to feel as genuine as a commercial for diet soda or laundry detergent!

As coaches we are in the people helping profession; our tanks are filled when others excel, thus we must reach deeper to carry that substantive truth to our prospective audience. When we lack the enthusiasm and discipline to invest in our message, we can end up sounding like a used car salesman! I don't want that for myself, nor do I want it for you! Therefore, we must choose to put consideration and authenticity into how we articulate ourselves as we deliver our competencies with integrity and sincerity. People are turned off (well, at least I am) by the used up jargon that is redundantly reinserted into emails, ads, and social media! For goodness sakes, if you're not actually reading the Bible please don't quote it as if you are! Be real! People can smell deception from miles away; don't be that 'guy'.

I am cognizant of the real potential that exists (is happening) for cheapening the profession of Life Coaching and Christian Coaching by the use of superfluous coaching 'lingo'. Let's put thought, energy and passion into a career that flows out of our life story and desire to serve Christ! When was the last time you read a new book on leadership, spirituality, personal growth or someones biography (no it doesn't count if you've skimmed through it on your ereader or read the back cover)? We must be continually immersing ourselves with credible and honorable learning opportunities to acquire fresh and profound ways of expression that can accurately represent our distinctive and unparalleled endowments.

I say all this foremost to myself. However, I believe this is such a potentially destructive trend that it demands our attention. If our genuine motivation is to help others through the truth of Christ, or our profession, then we must apply ourselves to the task wholeheartedly. This is the missing and critical element to success (as both a representative of Christ and as a professional), and one that's been heavy on my heart. I share it not with condemnation or judgement, but as encouragement and motivation to run the race well!

Whether you're a Christian Coach or Professional Coach you must recognize that you are a leader, and leadership carries a responsibility to those in your field of influence to be ever-learning and ever-growing yourself. I'm not there, you're not there, there's so much more for us to discover and realize.

Therefore, in light of this, let's strive to be imaginative, reaching deeply and prayerfully, for newfound ways to communicate our distinctiveness to others and you'll not only succeed professionally, but you'll live well as you climb.

He Will Fight Your Battles

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:48:00 +0000

He Will Fight Your Battles

Ravi Zacharias International Ministries :: Podcasting

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:24:00 +0000

This man has an amazing gift from God. You must listen to him! Really incredible insight and wisdom.

Ravi Zacharias International Ministries :: Podcasting

A Look into Jane's Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:08:00 +0000

I want to give you a peek into Jane's journal...she could be any of us and I think after reading a few excerpts from her writings you'll agree.

Day 1: Oh Lord, I'm so thankful to you and for all your blessings! It's a New Year and things are going to be different this year!

Day 2: Oh Lord, I've got to get it together! What's wrong with me? I've got to stop this. I've got to lose weight and get healthy! Please help me to make healthy choices.

Day 3: Todays going to be a better day! I feel great! I woke up today and got on the treadmill and drank a protein shake for breakfast! Wow! How much better I feel; I'm going to do this...I'm going to get in shape and be a healthy person. Thank you Lord for your strength!

Day 4: I don't know whats wrong with me...why am I so weak?? It's like I can't do anything right...I was yelling at the kids all day...we picked up fast food again for dinner... what's the point of even trying?

Day 5: The sermon was spot on today! That's exactly what I needed to hear from you! It's so wonderful to be loved by you! This is going to be a better week!

Day 6: I feel completely depressed today. I'm hopeless. I had to go to the doctor today and of course they wanted to weigh me....uuuhhhhggg! Why do they even need my weight anyhow? WE ALL KNOW THAT I'M FAT!

Day 7: I am completely at your mercy Lord...if you wont help me...if you won't rescue me...then I will never be free of this..I can't do it alone...I don't have any will power...I need Your Power...I need you...

Point 1: Our feelings and beliefs are in a continual state of motion if we do not anchor them down with truth.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phil 4:8

The Power of Accountability

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:41:00 +0000

http://www.christiancoachingcenter.org/index.php/2011/11/the-power-of-accountability/

The Mystery of Christ in Us…

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 02:28:00 +0000

I was thinking about Peter today Lord…how he must have felt after failing You…like he was such a failure. However, that’s not really the part that got my attention. The part that captured me was about how you gave him another chance and not only did you forgive him Lord, you put him in a position of leadership.

I don’t want to fail you Lord, more than I already have… but there are times when I can relate to Peter...I have failed you like Peter...

Peter boasted about how loyal he was to you, he even dared to try to take over your position of leadership when they came for you in the garden that day. Then, after you surrendered yourself to the soldiers, he abandoned you... ran away like a fearful boy in a man’s body. He left you, after swearing he never would.

Now, after your crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension...out of all the disciples who were in that upper room praying and being filled with your Spirit…you chose Peter.

Acts 2:2-4 explains how You sent the Holy Spirit to the disciples in your place...

And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one…they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them the words…

You had told the disciples earlier in Acts 1:4
And while staying with them he (Jesus) ordered them (the disciples) not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which he said, “you’ve heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit…”

And a few moments later You said in Acts 1:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…”

When the Holy Spirit came into that room where the disciples were praying, filling it with Your Presence…tongues of fire… came and rested on each one of them. Why fire Lord? Is it because You are an All Consuming Fire? Yes...maybe so. It's as if those tongues of fire are actually little pieces of You…and You took up a place within each one of them that day...empowering them.
And now…Peter…now he has a piece of that Fire – of You, in him.

Acts 2:14
But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea…let this be known to you, and give ear to my words…”

Peter had never spoken to a crowd before– he hadn't had time to prepare a speech – he didn’t have a power-point presentation or handouts for his audience. No one was there to introduced him to people anxiously awaiting to hear his message – he just…he just took his place of leadership and spoke whatever came to his heart.

Was he afraid of what people would say when he told them the truth about what they had done?

Acts 2:22
Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst…this Jesus, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.

This is his first public speaking event! I can’t even begin to think about being that courageous!

Was Peter worried he would hurt someone’s feelings when he shared with them that they had murdered the Messiah? Was he intimidated by those who were more spiritual? He was a fisherman for heaven’s sake! Yet, he took a position of leadership…finally Peter would take his place as a leader for Christ, in the right way.

He became a leader that day above those who were wealthier than him (he was homeless for all practical purposes at that time). Above people with more religious education than he had – he was a manual worker. Over people with generations of training in the Laws of the Torah – compared to them he was really a nobody.

He didn’t have any education to speak of, no degrees, no letters behind his name (Peter the Fisherman; MAF Masters in Fishing?), no authority really whatsoever, except...he had those flames of God Himself, which are now burning inside him... these same flames burning inside you and me...can you feel them?

Perhaps the burning was so intense inside Peter that every other distraction – every fear, every insecurity he had were simply drowned out by the force of the flame blazing within. The white hot burning of Your Spirit – the Mystery of God, which is Christ in us.

Colossians 1:25-27 …to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them (his saints) God chose to make known... the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Peter began to speak. I think he had to speak, speak or burst. What if no one listened to him? What if they ridiculed and mocked him? Or worse stoned him? After all there was a man named Saul who was out to destroy all those who professed faith in Jesus... What if they killed him? Didn’t matter. Peter had to speak.

Now, here’s the part that really blows me away Lord.

What had previously been a weakness of Peters...remember back in the garden when the soldiers came to seize You and Peters impulsive reactions? He pulls out his weapon, his sword, and cuts off one of the soldiers ears…then again his weakness...his temper flares at the woman who accuses him of being “one of those Jesus followers”…his anger is inflamed by his fear and he curses her and denies You; denies You the Messiah...denies who he is.

So here's where the miracle takes place: these weaknesses of Peters, these attributes which had been a detriment to him days ago, were now, with Christ in him, being used as a strength! An instrument to pierce the hearts of those listening to a message of truth – of hope!

Acts 2:41 So those who received his word were baptized and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

His past weaknesses, were now through Christ, a powerful strength! And you had great plans for this new strength! Christ used Peters strength of spontaneity and passion that day to bring 3,000 people to salvation. Do you see? The Spirit of Christ used the characteristics of Peter, which had earlier caused him to sin and had brought despair and failure into his life, as weapons of warfare for Christ!

2 Cor 12:9 "My grace... my power, is made perfect in weakness."

What weaknesses do I have Lord that cause me to curse myself? What weaknesses do you have that breed self-contempt in you? What weaknesses do I see in others which make me want to condemn them?

But that these weaknesses would become our strengths through Christ! Each one of us can experience a miraculous transformation...in fact, its His will that we do! He wants to give us each a dramatic make-over which reshapes our present weaknesses and short-comings and molds then into powerful, glorifying strengths.

If we will yield our lives to Him, and trust Him, he will even use our sins as a vehicle to display the splendor of the glory of God! Oh how worthy of our trust He is!

Will you give your life over to the Mystery of God, which is Christ in you?

By Lisa Gomez-Osborn

Copyright 2011 by Lisa Gomez-Osborn www.LisaGomezOsborn.com

The Discipline of Listening in Pro-Active Parent Coaching by Greg Bland

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 01:29:00 +0000

http://www.christiancoachingcenter.org/index.php/2011/07/the-discipline-of-listening-in-pro-active-parent-coaching-part-1-by-gregory-bland/

Born Again Dreamer

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth,do you not perceive it?I will make a way in the wilderness,and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19

He can make streams and rivers in our desert times....

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What would you say to a Christian going

through a Mid-Life Crisis?Desiring God

The following is an edited transcript of the audio.

What would you say to a Christian going through a mid-life crisis, someone who feels like

they've totally missed out on what their life should have been?

Well, if it's mid-life, I think they should be rejoicing that they have another half!

Yes, there are regrets. There are. And who has not had them, right? We could've done better.

"I could've married a Christian, and then I might not have had so much pain. But this is my

wife or my husband."

"I could've gotten more education, and then I might've been able to have a more

responsible job."

"Of all the words of tongue or pen, the saddest are, 'It might've been.'" That's not true. There are

sadder words, like "Of all the words of tongue or pen, the saddest are, 'It can never change.'" That

would be sad.

But here we have a mid-life crisis. We own our sorrows, we own our mistakes, we own our

regrets, and then we say—as I would say to this person—

You know, God makes no mistakes. I cannot explain to you why he ordained that the

first half of your life would be led in a way that looks like you wasted it. Maybe you just

lived for money, and you lost your marriage, and you lost your kids. And now you're

54 years old, and you are all alone and rich and miserable.

I don't know all the reasons why God would permit that, but he's got designs in that.

And what his offer to you right now is the next 20 years different, useful, forgiven,

clean, hopeful, heaven-bound.

That's what I would say. I would preach the gospel to them and say that God is willing to take you

with all your mistakes and turn it around.

And maybe from the perspective of 74 you'll understand some of why he permitted those 54.

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Ravi Zacharias International Ministries :: Podcasting

A Look into Jane's Journal

The Power of Accountability

The Mystery of Christ in Us…

The Discipline of Listening in Pro-Active Parent Coaching by Greg Bland

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth,do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert.