A Focused Approach

         I am in full swing outlining, writing, planning, designing my next book, Bold - Living Intentionally in Today's World. I got to thinking about how I myself am living with purpose. I admit the past year has been tough to follow through with plans. Have you discovered that yourself? For awhile I let it start to drag me down a bit but God wants us to be victorious in our life. To have inner joy and peace. January is always a great time to refocus and set new goals. How do you go about this?

        - Do you make lists?

        - Do you use a calendar or planner?

        - What motivates you?

        -Do you pray for direction?

        -Do you procrastinate?

    When I am overwhelmed I can't always focus. I may get discouraged, procrastinate or just ignore the issue hoping it will just get better. I really believe we need to focus on the goal, be intentional in what we do and purposeful in how we serve others and God.   I am currently reading a couple books to help motivate myself and I feel a surge of energy. SO I need to push forward. It is a new year full of possibilities and opportunities.      

                I think of Paul's letter to the Galatians. In 6:9 it says," And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. So then while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those in the household of faith."

       To all of you out there sharing hope and encouragement to family, neighbors and friends. Let us not grow weary. I may be inconsistent in posting blogs but I faithfully pray for each of you, who read my books or my blog, everyday. 

       Here is another passage to encourage your heart. 2nd Peter 1:5-8, "Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

              

2021 ~ A NEW YEAR - I AM STOKED!

January. 2021. Each year in January don't you think about the next 12 months? I do. I think about possibilities, hopes, dreams and goals.

Who knew what 2020 would have held. As I grab a mask each time I exit my home I have often thought about last March or April.We had our ONE mask. Now we have five. We thought by summer we would be back to normal. HA. And then in July when everything spiked again we thought...by fall...then in Sept it spiked again. At that point I think we knew...it may take a while. 

I admit to feeling a bit discouraged at times for all the common reasons: missing family, events, travel, places you like to frequent, etc. But then by fall I really began to feel discouraged about work. My ministry. Book sales dropped. Events were cancelled. How could I continue? I really needed to pray about it all. The holidays came and went and that was a busy time even though not quite the same. 

January came and my usual goal setting mind couldn't rest. I have a friend in PA who has about 80 of my second book in her garage because I was supposed to come back to speak near her. She called and asked me a question, "To what end are you doing your ministry?" I think she meant with such a tough year, do I continue? But I kept feeling like every time I prayed I came up with the same answer. Lord, I still want to encourage people and I want them to hear the gospel. He gave me this path to follow that allows me to do this so I will do it, no matter how difficult, until He tells me no. 

We recently moved into a new house and I was sorting books. I came across a book my publisher wanted me to read three years ago. "Platform - Get Noticed in a Noisy World". I thought "I need to put one foot in front of the other so I am going to read this book". I got out my highlighter and sat down. I instantly regretted not having read it three years ago. It is an amazing book! So inspiring! 

As a non-techy person I often feel overwhelmed by all the things I need to do. That's one reason I have a team, mostly younger than me and more tech savvy. I am planning on starting a podcast soon and that will take a lot of learning. I appreciate your prayers in that regard. BUT I thought it will be a great way to share with those who need hope and encouragement. 

This blog wasn't like my usual but wanted to get you all caught up and YOU will be the first to know when I start the podcast and I hope you all will listen. I am super excited about this venture! Just trying to find a great name.

 

"...so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved... Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be know to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:1, 4-7