Gossip

Seldom is it a good idea to discuss problems and disagreements with a third party. This backward mode of communication creates gossip, negativity and rot.

Here are a few things to help when having an uncomfortable face to face.

1. Be humble.
No matter your position, communication and correction is better received with humility.

2. Never attack.
“You are a terrible person because you did this.” Wrong! Avoid personal attacks. The action is usually the problem, not the person. “I’m sure this wasn’t intentional, but when you did X it caused Y?” Focus on the action.

3. Show you care.
If you do the first two, it will open the door to have a conversation. When we communicate, problems get solved.

4. Face your fear.
We all love sunshine and roses, but nothing grows without a little rain. Call it for what it is, embrace it, and step into the fear. If you can have the conversations when they are needed, you can avoid the thunderstorms. 😉

Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself ; and discover not a secret to another:
Proverbs 25:9 KJV

March 25, 2021

Breaking Points

We often use phrases like…
That’s the last straw.
I’m at the end of my rope.
It’s over!

None of which are actually true.

In reality, you might need to find a new camel, get a longer rope, or start again. Either way, try to keep that negativity in your mind instead of letting it come out of your mouth. Have the mental battle and then speak the truth to yourself and everyone around you.

I’m not saying, there are no breaking points.
I am saying, you are stronger than you can possibly imagine.

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
2 Chronicles 36:16 KJV

March 24, 2021

Apply Your Trigger

I don’t want to be dumb. I will study more.
I want to be rich. I will work harder.
I don’t want to fail. I will last longer.
I want to win. I will practice better.

Find your inspiration.
Find your reason.
Apply your trigger.

Your inspiration needs no approval.

Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
Proverbs 23:12 KJV

March 23, 2021

The Success Formula

Success could be defined by wealth, respect, and a meaningful life. The real question is… What is the formula for that success? Two things according to Proverbs 22:4.

1. Humility.
Humility will keep you engaged.
Humility will clarify your thoughts.
Humility will give you the willpower.
Humility will help you finish the race.

2. Fear of the Lord.
Fear of the Lord will keep you grounded.
Fear of the Lord will guide your actions.
Fear of the Lord will focus your attention.

Becoming all you can be is absolutely your responsibility. At the same time, all you can do will never be enough to fulfill the purpose of your life.

Bring everything you have to the table.
God just might feed a multitude with it.

By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.
Proverbs 22:4 KJV

March 22, 2021

Diligence and Haste

If your house is on fire, you need to make haste and PUT IT OUT!
If your life is on fire, haste is probably not in your best interest.

Here are three things that might help you eliminate unnecessary haste.

1. Give it time.
Setting a future “due date” can temporarily put the fire out. When you have time, you can diligently think through what is best.

2. Ask questions.
Wise counsel is invaluable when making big decisions. Beware that you don’t become an ASK-HOLE. Do not habitually ask for advice and then never use it.

3. Forget about it.
It looks like a fire but it’s actually a mirage. If you can turn and focus on something else for a while, when you turn back it might be gone. 🙂

Hasty thought produces scarcity.
Diligent thought produces abundance.

Live in abundance.

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
Proverbs 21:5 KJV

March 21, 2021

The Just Man

Shoulder the responsibility.
Provide the necessity.
Protect from harm.
Bear the weight.
Endure the pain.
Fill the need.
Show humility.
Teach patience.
Display kindness.

I am blessed every day by the example, the correction, the discipline, the fear, the instruction, and the friendship. Thanks Dad!

If there is a path laid before you, walk it.
If there is no path, make sure you leave one.

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 20:7 KJV

March 20, 2021

Selfish or Sincere

With a little practice, building relationships is easy.
With a little practice, manipulation is easy.
Both hinge on giving and intent.

Giving with selfish motives, makes you a manipulator.
Giving to build relationships, makes you a friend.

Be a friend.

Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
Proverbs 19:6 KJV

March 19, 2021

Winners Never Cheat

Did you know?
Forged certificates can open the door for promotion.
Lying can gain their attention.
Cheating can propel you to victory.

If what you are doing is not working, try another approach. Train smarter, think deeper, ask better questions, be humble, and do the work.

Never turn your back on the truth.
A win is not a win when you cheat to get it.

And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the Lord : this is that king Ahaz.
2 Chronicles 28:22 KJV

March 18, 2021

Prepare

I’d rather be lucky than good.
I’ve heard this said many times, but it’s not a wise choice.

While it is true that many things happen to us outside our control, we are given the total control of our ACTIONS and our ATTITUDE.

The people we meet = The friends we choose
How people treat us = How we treat others
The right place = The places we go
The right time = Being on time
Our opportunities = Our work ethic
Our health = Our Diet

I will not deny that luck, good fortune, and blessings play a part in any success. But, if you are waiting on luck to deliver your success, it will never come.

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.