Inspired! Blog

Grab Hope & Achieve

2012-07-10T05:47:00.001-07:00

July 10, 2012

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing--through the experience of your faith--that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing(bubbling over) with hope.
Romans 15:13

Turn Up Your Hope
by Kenneth Copeland

You know, that's what I want to be...running over with hope! I want to dare to throw my whole life and everything I have into building a dream that comes from the heart of God. I want to get out there so far that without God's help, I can't get back.

Many people don't think that way though because they're afraid to fail. Fear of failure is dangerous. If you let it dominate you, it will cause you to do the one thing that inevitably guarantees failure and that's not attempting at all.

How do you counteract the fear of failure?

You turn up your hope. You get alone with God and listen to Him. You meditate on His promises until the picture is so clear on the inside of you that nothing can jar it out of you.

If you're lying on a sickbed and the doctor has told you you'll never walk again, instead of wallowing around in that bad report, you start dreaming. You start building a dream of climbing mountains and witnessing to people in the backwoods. Go to the Word that promises that those who wait upon the Lord shall run and walk and not faint or be weary. Look at it until you see nothing else. Picture yourself walking for miles and running from one place to the next, telling everyone that Jesus has raised you up and made you whole.

That's what hope is all about. It's a divine dream. It's an inner image that's bigger than you are because it's built on the promises of God.

If you're a Christian, you ought to be a dreamer. Take the Word of God and build some dreams today!

A Good Struggle???

2012-06-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

Last night, as I sat in bed doing my nightly Bible reading, I stopped to ponder about my day. It was a pretty tough day so I thought, “why are these people I'm reading about only going through one main life's struggle but I feel as if I'm going from one struggle to another?” In my desperation I wish I could say, "Lord, send me the magic pill!" I would have loved to find that pill. But as I sought God for answers, it came in an unsuspecting manner. Even though I’ve read the story of Gideon numerous times, this was the first time I noticed that Gideon had similar emotions. So we're in good company ladies. Gideon was also perplexed and had similar reactions when God choose him for an assignment. His response was “God if you're with me, why is all this misfortune happening to me?"(Verse 13) I couldn't wait to read the rest of the scripture to hear God’s reply. But I found that God's response to Gideon's question was… Nothing, nada, zilch. God did not even answer Gideon. He just reiterated Gideon's assignment. He told Gideon, "Go with the strength you have,...I am sending you” (NLT).

Like so many of us, Gideon said, "But God...__________" You fill in the excuses (or weaknesses) you've been giving God lately. God's response to Gideon is the same for you today? "I will be with you". In other words, God just wants us to stay focused on Him and on the assignment He has called us to do.

But what about the struggles Lord?

Sometimes we are going through life's struggle and we look to others for pity or a word of encouragement. We want to be able to receive acknowledgement that our life is tough. Many times we are just looking for that magic pill that will take it all away and we ride out into the sunset with prince charming. So my question became, "Lord, so what about the struggles"?

He led me to Malachi chapter 3 where He spoke a life changing word into my spirit. He said of His priests- the people He choose to gave a specic assignment to carry out His work in the earth- “I am "purifying" you by "refining" you as gold and silver. Offering sacrifices was the Levites’ daily assignment. But they were unable to accomplish them because some “refining” was needed. God lovingly brought them through the process so they can be prepared to fulfill their life’s mission.

What assignment has God given you to fulfill? Like the Levites, God desires for you to accomplish your dreams (aka assignments)- but some refining is needed. Ouch! Though painful, the end result can be stunningly beautiful.

If you are going through a struggle today, know that God has an amazing assignment for you. Instead of looking for that magic pill, we can be honored that God has chosen us to show off His Glory. He wants us to fulfill all the dreams He's placed in our hearts. He wants to lift you up "high and eminent on the mountain" (Ez. 17:22). He wants us to shine!

So no more search for the magic pill. Instead, let us hunker down with our goals and dreams to fulfill our mission here on earth. But don't go it alone. Join one of our upcoming book chats designed to propel you into your divine destiny. It's hard work but together we can make it happen.

Live Inspired!

Janis Modeste
Inspirational Coach
Book Chat Host

Office: 352.593.0688

You Can Be Bold!

2011-10-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

It's harvest time already! I hope you planted seeds of kindness, finances, affirmations and love into others so this season of harvest you can reap the benefits. Many times we forget that both the negative and the positive seeds grow. But unfortunately, the weeds (negative) grows the fastest and is the most difficult to get rid of! Today my family celebrate the spiritual harvest festival and our reliance on God with the festival called Sukkot. It's a great way to help us remember to expect great things this season.

Featured Article
You Can Be Bold!

"For the LORD your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and He will give you VICTORY! (Duet 20:4) NLT

What are you facing today that is causing you to shrink back in defeat? I'm here to tell you today to "be BOLD, God has given you the victory". Stop trying to rationalize and analyze the situation on your own and give it to Him-fully. And I don't mean that you pray about it and then keep on worrying. LOL. I know how we are. When you gave it to Him, He eagerly started working things out for you. Just learn to listen to his directions. He has a plan! God says, "Listen to me << Test First Name >>! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them." (vs.3-NLT)
What else do you need to walk boldly into your future no matter how difficult things may seem? You have God's Word and He is faithful. Trust Him and walk boldly into your God-Ordained destiny. Your journey to your promised land will be much more enjoyable.

Live Inspired!

Janis Modeste
Founder/CEO
Inspire! Us Network, LLC

Dream BIG, Speak BIG

2011-09-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

I'm Baaaaack! What an eventful summer vacation we had. We took lots of trips including not one, but two zoos. One in Washington DC and the other in North Carolina- Not to mention numerous parks and museums. I am grateful to have had the time to spend with my children giving them my full attention. Now they're back in school (see pics on facebook) and I am ready once again to inspire you << Test First Name >> and women all over the world.

Our Featured ArticleA Fight Worth Fighting,
PT 1, Dream BIG, Speak BIG!

Be not afraid. Remember the Lord which is great and awesome and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters and your wives and your houses.
Neh 4:14

We’re in the fight of our lives and I am here to stand with you as you fight for your homes, your children and your marriages. Why? Because they’re worth fighting for. We want success in every area of our lives. What good is a thriving business or career if it causes your marriage to struggle or a beautiful home if it causes you spiritual chaos.

Our goal should be ‘balanced success’ in our lives. We know it's a continuous struggle to keep a balanced life when changes are constant. But success of this magnitude this calls for a fight. Sometimes the fight appears so intimidating we don’t even know where to start. I know you’re strong and bold and have some natural instincts to protect. So here are some proven practical tools and tips to help you on your route to success.

Tip#1- Dream BIG, Speak Big!
Make a decision to dream BIG.

Our first tip is from the infamous King David. Everything he did, he did BIG- and that includes making mistakes. Nonetheless, he is still known today, thousands of years later, for his many successes from his ministry of master minding the building of the Temple, to his personal success of building a huge palace for himself and the list goes on and on. Winston Churchhill says, "success is going from failure to failure with great enthusiasm". So let's get up and keep fighting.

David said, “. . . the Temple must be a magnificent structure, famous and glorious throughout the world, I will begin making preparations for it now.”
What decision have you made about your family, your business, etc. Are you seeing these areas as a huge success or are you seeing them as failures? Before David could see his dream physically, he spoke BIG about his dream and we know it came true. The fight starts in our minds. What are you seeing and thus speaking today? Jesus Said, "You shall have what you say".

Coming Next Week:Don’t miss tip #2 next week.

How will you begin to make preparation for your BIG goals and dreams today? We're here to help you by providing inspiration to attain your dreams and goals. Visit us on line for more ways on how we can help. www.inspireusbookchat.comCan't wait? Get more inspiration on video here.

Remember to forward and share these inspirations on winning in everyday life with a friend.

Live Inspired!

Janis Modeste
Founder/President,
Inspire! Us Network, LLC
www.janisModeste.com

P.S. Remember, we’re here to help you think, live & dream B.I.G. (Being Inspired to Greatness). Visit us online. Sign up for an inspirational book chat near you or online. Remember, we don’t just read the books, we live the books.

P.P.S. Stay connected daily with words of inspiration.
Check out our live tv channel for videos and updates at http://www.livestream.com/inspireusnetwork/
OR our youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/janmodeste

Do Not Be Afraid

2011-06-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

Visit www.janismodeste.com for more inspiration.

June 9, 2011

A few weeks ago, we spoke about waking up to the dream that God has placed inside us. You have a great dream inside you. You’re ready to go, but you hesitate. We all go through this at some point in our journey towards our destiny. We can use this summer season to move one step closer to having the fulfillment of checking off at least one task towards our dream.

This summer I plan on spending lots of precious time with my children and "breathe" after a full year of studies. Like you, I also wear many hats so I have a check-off list a mile long in the attempt to balance my business/ministry, family and spiritual life. With so much to do, it’s easy to find excuses to put YOUR dreams on hold as we go through the everyday routines.

When God called Jeremiah (Jer. Chap 1), his excuse was, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young”. Just think, uhhh, did God forget to look at that minor detail? Did Jeremiah really think God didn’t know how old he was? But before we laugh at Jeremiah, let’s look at us. What excuses are we using? How are we scaling down our dreams to fit into our small frame of mind because we’re too ____________ (you fill in the blank) {hint: busy might be a possible answer}. Are you guilty of small thinking and suppressing the BIG dream God placed inside you.
Well I’m here to encourage you today to DREAM BIG and get out the box.

God is telling you today, as He told Jeremiah, “Don’t say I’m too _________ (fill in). For you must go and do whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you”. God is telling you the same today. Remember, He has given you a dream so that He can fulfill it in your life. He lives inside you so everything you need to fulfill your destiny is inside you.
God says, (vs 18,19) I have made you strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar on a bronze wall…. I WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU”.
Wow! Just picture yourself with that much strength and help from God. Now you can walk in this confidence and live your dream. Your calling is calling!

Live Inspired!

Janis Modeste, EdD, ABD

Join an inspirational book chat today.
www.inspireusBookChat.com
www.JanisModeste.com

Success Circle: Who's In Yours?

2011-05-30T01:52:00.000-07:00

Visit us online: www.inspireusbookchat.com
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

We have an extended weekend coming up, yeah! Memorial Day. We mourn the lives of those who gave the ultimate for our freedom, and yet rejoice that we are still able to enjoy those freedoms. I hope you’re planning a day at the park or a barbeque- something outdoors. It’s always good to take a break from the norm and enjoy life- even the smaller things in life. That way, when the BIG successes come, you’ll be eager to celebrate those also. I'd love to share a major missing ingredient to our successes. It's our "success circle". Who's in yours?

We hear often of how great a king David was. We hear and read of all the battles he fought as king, and prior, and won. Because of it, he became famous through all the world (I Chronicles 14:17). But what we don’t hear much about is the champions he had in his circle. The ones fighting along side him, cheering him on. They were a group of “expert archers who could shoot arrows or sling stones with both their left and right hand” (12:2). As if that were not enough, he also surrounded himself with another group of “experts in both shield and spear, as fierce as lions and as swift as deer on the mountains.” Wow! David, who was a well skilled man of war, went out to get and surround himself with other highly skilled warriors.

How about you? Who do you have in your circle? Your battle may be for your health, family, finances or a peace of mind. Let’s face it. We’re in a battle. You’re in a battle! And who you surround yourself with will determine your outcome. Success or failure? It’s been said, five years from now, you will be (1) the people you hang around (2) the books you read (3) the places you go.
I love using David as an example for us because it keeps things in perspective. Even though he had many successes, he also had many failures. “Success does NOT mean perfection. It means a willingness to fail, get up, and try again- until you accomplish your dreams” (my personal definition). David’s strategy (14:10,14) is that he asked God FIRST what to do, then went into battle armed and prepared with his team of experts; which I call his Success Circle.

Ok, Janis, you may say. I’m Inspired and ready to find my success circle. But where will I find the time?

I’m glad you asked. I understand too well that you’re a woman on the go juggling home, work, family. . . the list goes on. How do you find time to build YOUR dream? And just where do you find or expand your success circle? We at IUM (Inspire!Us), have made the process quick and easy. Join an elite group of women who work together to achieve greatness and balance in all areas of their lives. Find out more about your options. Feel free to choose from these simple steps:

Join A Book Chat near you-
Subscription to our Quarterly Magazines
Join A Group Coaching Team

In other words, JOIN OUR WINNING TEAM!!
Live Inspired!

Janis Modeste, M.Ed., Ed.D ABD
Founder/President

Visit us online: www.inspireusbookchat.com

One Woman's Secret

2011-05-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

One Woman's Secret
(An Important Lesson from Elisha)

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Spring just came but summer's at its heel. I’m gearing up for two graduations in the next few weeks. My four year old is moving on to the BIG K (kindergarten) and my step son is moving on to the BIG H (high school). This just reminds me just how quickly life is moving. What are we doing to seize the moment and make our dreams a reality? Not just for us, but our children as well.

Here’s a valuable lesson I learned from Elisha.Caution: If put into practice, will cause you to go from struggling to thriving towards your destiny.

This lady came to Elisha (2Kings 4:1-7). She complained to him that although her husband served God but he died and left her in debt and broke. Hmmm. I couldn’t help but wonder what responses would this man of God give to this “poor widow”. Maybe he could offer her some money, tell her sons to get extra jobs or send her to the government for help. Instead, he asked her a very defining question. “What’s in your hands?” In other words, what talents, gifts or resources do you have available to you? She only had a flask with some olive oil in it. Certainly, she can’t do anything with that. What bill could that pay?

She was desperate so she listened to his off- the-wall proposal which turned into a great business idea. She ended up with a thriving business, selling oil to her neighbors, friends and community. She was able to use the profit to not only pay off all her debts, but was able LIVE on the proceeds. It gets better. Not only was she taken care of for the rest of her life, but as a mother, I know how important it was for her that she was also able to take care of her children (verse 7).

That’s how it begins ladies. “What is in your hands? What are your talents, gifts or abilities? How can you use it to solve someone’s problem? She was able to offer oil to meet people's needs. What are you able to offer? You are unique. Only you have that individual experiences and abilities combination. I've just shared a secret of success with you. Go out today and use it!

Live Inspired!

Janis Modeste, M.Ed., Ed.D ABD
Inspirational Coach
Book Chat Host

Are You Winning?

2011-05-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

3 Steps You Must Take Before Tackling Your Next Goal.

“Because God is on my side, I’m Victorious
Because God is on my side, I prosper in all I do
Because God is on my side, my efforts are multiplying
Because God is on my side, I am winning DAILY!”

I know you may NOT appear to be winning today. You may have that one goal that seems so close, yet so far away. Actually, you may even appear to be in defeat right now. I’d like to share three (3) important steps to winning I’ve learned from David in the book of Chronicles.

David had a dream to do something great for God. He was just crowned king of Israel and his first goal was to bring God’s Holy Ark to Jerusalem for the people to worship. His predecessor, Saul, had neglected this important act and was dethroned so David wanted to do things “right”. Sounds noble and good doesn’t it? But surprisingly, in his genuine attempt to please God, He failed.

Baffled at his defeat, David found out why and shared with the people (1 Chron 13:14): “The anger of the Lord our God burst out against us because we failed to ASK God how to properly move it (the Ark).” I’m sure we could relate to how he felt. We sometimes feel, “Hey, It’s a good dream, you gave it to me Lord, why isn’t it working out? Or, Why is it so hard?” Let's learn from David and what he did differently this time.

• He sought God for the steps to carry out his plan.
• He prepared a place for the Ark of God and set up a special tent for it.
• He prepared himself and the people for this very important task.
• Then he launched his dream, bring in the Ark successfully.

We are to do the same likewise. Let’s not take our dreams and goals lightly. It was given to us by God so that He can fulfill it in our lives. It may NOT look like you are winning. In fact, you may not be winning for a reason. So let’s follow David’s example and see where we can make a change and begin winning.

1) Ask God what steps you should be taking towards your dreams regardless of how noble that dream may appear to be. Or maybe what changes you should make.
2) Prepare yourself, not only through prayer but through education using books, courses, reading eNewsletters & blogs such as this one, (whatever’s available to you).
3) Then plan your strategy…..
4) And launch.

Don’t use the planning stage as an excuse to stall on yourhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif dreams. Timing is important. As we see with David, when he moved this time; IT WAS IN TOTAL VICTORY!
Here’s a verse that keeps me focused. God said, “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For based on all the evidence surrounding that dream, still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end-it will not lie. (Hab. 2:2-3 ESV) This verse confirms that our dreams. But like David, we need to make some minor adjustments. But IT WILL COME.

As my gift of encouragement to you, I’ve made this verse into a beautiful card so you can keep at your desk at work or on your fridge at home. Download it here for free. Keep in front of you at times.

Remember, If you have a dream you’d like to unleash, I’m here to help you not only gain insight and structure for your dreams (whether business, family or ministry) but to ensure that you stay balanced through the process.
Together we’ll go from longing to being, one goal at a time.

Live Inspired!

Janis Modeste, M.Ed, Ed.D ABD

Enjoy on Mother's Day

2011-05-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today my 7 year old daughter gave me a lovely mothers day card that read:

"Here 's a gift for Mother's Day, I'll try my best in every way. But when you get upset with me, relax and have a cup of tea. I love you!". Then inside was a teacup with a real tea bag. So later on, as I was fussing with her about cleaning her room, she ran to my dresser, grabbed her card and said to me, "here mom, have a cup of tea".

So to all the mothers, "have a cup of tea". You deserve it.
Jan

What Are You Saying?

2011-05-05T02:22:00.000-07:00

I would like to challenge you today. What are you saying to yourself and others about 'your' dreams? Others may be saying negative things like, "she won't make it" or "does she even know what she's doing?" But it's not important what people say about you, but rather what YOU say about yourself and your dreams. When I say dreams, I also mean your vision, goals and plans that is burning on your heart to accomplish. You may say, "One day, I'll get it done". I am here to help your dreams FROM 'one day' TO . . . . TODAY! But first things first. Let's line up your words with your desire(s).

The story of Nehemiah encourages me a lot in this area. Let me share it with you. Nehemiah decided to act on his BIG dream to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Sounds easy enough? Not so. This wasn't just any wall. This was the wall that kept the city safe, families intact, and communities together. But it was attacked and broken down by their enemies, much to Jerusalem's shame and disgrace. Families had fallen apart, communities were scattered abroad . . . it was a bad situation. Now here comes a regular guy, Nehemiah, with an ambigious dream to rebuild THIS wall. The enemy found out his plans so they taunted him. "What are you doing?", they asked (Neh. 3:19 NLT). I know they meant, "What do you 'think' you're doing?" They felt that this was too much an ambitious goal for the likes of him. But Nehemiah didn't let that get to him. He replied, "The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, His servants, will start rebuilding this wall..."(vs20). And that he did. Despite the naysayers, Nehemiah kept on building his "dream" which in this case was a city's defense wall.

How about you today? What's your response towards your endeavors when people ridicule your dreams? Do you agree with them or say like Nehemiah, "God will help me succeed", then turn right around and keep on building? What about if the enemy is your own negative thoughts? Well, you treat it just like it was the enemy's (because it is). You then remind yourself, "God will help me succeed".

I understand from personal experience that it's not that easy. For example, in Nehemiah's case, the enemy saw that they were persistent in building so they intensified the mockings in front of everyone. They added, "What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they're doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day . . .? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap-and charred ones at that?" Then another friend takes a jab, "That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!" (4:3) Wow! Now that's a low blow.

But once again, Nehemiah's response was, he KEPT ON WORKING, prayed to his God and told his helpers, "don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your family and your homes." In other words, fight for your dreams.

So I'm writing to encourage you today to do the same and "fight for 'your' dreams" and KEEP ON WORKING. We all have a "wall" or dream we have to build. But first, we have to say what we want. Jesus said, "You shall have whatever you say" (Mark 11:23) NOT WHAT YOU DREAM. So speak life into your dream. Make it a daily habit. Then be sure to write and tell me about your successes. They'll be many.

Live Inspired!

Janis Modeste, M.Ed.
Founder/President

P.S. I'm here to help. If you need help getting from fear to victory, I’d love to partner with you in seeing your dreams become a reality. Visit my website. We have lots of FREE resources to help you go from longing to being.
Together we’re destined to “Make it B.I.G” (Be Inspired to Greatness).

"Get Up!"

2011-04-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

I hope you're enjoying this spring weather as much as I am. It's my favorite time of year. A time of refreshing, of new beginnings. You can see all around as the fresh flowers bloom.

Today I'd love to share one of my favorite stories with you. It's the story of Gideon in the book of Judges. Gideon’s struggle with a low self image and fear caused him to procrastinate for far too long. God called him to lead the Israelite army against the Medianites. Gideon thought “Oh no, Not the Medianite Army!! They are too powerful; too much for me to handle”. So he came up with some really good excuses such as “my family is too poor” and “I am the least in my family” and on and on. Sounded like a pity party to me.

But finally, after he ran out of excuses, God told him, “Get UP” , Go down into the Median camp, for I have given you the victory”. (NLT, Judges 7: 9) It took everything he had, but he finally stepped out, trusted God and won the battle. He didn't just win, he won by a land slide, despite his many setbacks as you will read in this amazing story.

So what is your ‘Medianite’ today? What is that dream or task that you have been putting off for so long? The one that has been intimidating you. Yes that one. Here’s a Word from God to you today. “Get UP!” and get going. Face your fears.
God said, “I will be with you” (vs 16).

I can relate as I write to you from my personal experience. I have been tempted to postpone the launch of my ministry, using the clutch that I’m trying to prepare and plan everything perfectly. I've also been tempted to use the same excuse as an entrepreneur and doctoral learner. But today I have given myself notice. “Get UP! Janis and get going”.

So go ahead and write a note to yourself. Write it big. “Note to self: ‘Get UP!’ << First Name >> and get going.”

Of course it will take some effort, but I'm here to help. If you need help getting from fear to victory, I’d love to partner with you in seeing your dreams become a reality. Visit my website. We have lots of FREE resources to help you go from longing to being.
Together we’re destined to “Make it B.I.G” (Be Inspired to Greatness).

Live Inspired!

Janis Modeste, M.Ed.

P.S. Stop being busy and be inspired. Register FREE today for a book chat in your area. Fall sessions are now forming.

P.P.S. Need additional help on being confident? Look out for my new book this fall called, No Limits Here: Take the Limits off yourself and Soar with God-Confidence and other resources.

Inspire! Us Book Chat along with the various book chat hosts will be start their brand new monthly email newsletter, and we'd love to keep you posted about interesting and important updates and chat sessions.

Find out more about our signature Balance Approach System for coaching.

Blog Tefillah: Shoftim: "When We Go To Battle, The L-RD Goes to B...

2010-12-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

Blog Tefillah: Shoftim: "When We Go To Battle, The L-RD Goes to B...: "This weeks parsha is Shoftim (Judges), and there are many interesting subjects one can speak about from this Parsha. However, in keeping wit..."

Favor Confession

2010-07-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

To all my Inspire! Us members,

Here is one of my daily confessions I would like to share with you today. Enjoy and make it your own.

Father, I receive and declare Your favor in my life today. I am the righteousness of God and I am entitled to covenant kindness and covenant favor. I thank you for Your favor surrounding me like a shield everywhere I go, in everything I do, and with everyone I meet.

Jan