I am always grateful for my faith, this week in particular I am extra thankful. I am both excited for our future and at peace knowing that everything will work out according to God’s plan. Yes, I’m thankful for my faith, for Jesus, our unique differences, and the opportunity to be forgiven. Faith is my first priority. I am thankful for knowing, “… with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) I understand that life can be tough, but I rely on Jesus to help navigate and direct me through those times. I gently remind myself of the…
Some people enjoy leadership positions and others quickly pass on those opportunities. It is my hope that I might expand one’s definition of leadership. Leading groups of people may not be for everyone in every situation, but if we alter our thinking many of us are leaders in various aspects of our lives. Forbes defined leadership as, “A process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal” (April 9, 2013). It does not require one to be a direct report, to have authority, or to have power. All of us are able…
The importance of fully understanding the situation at hand is crucial. Do people understand what I am asking or saying? Have I been provided the information needed to make an informed decision? Am I understanding the situation? Very early on in my career, I was working for a dynamic, strong, smart woman whom I admired greatly. I had dreams of working in a position such as hers and was very excited to be working for her part-time. My first assignment from my boss was to order petit fours for an important event. For all the right reasons my boss…
It is time to rejoice in the new year and to bring love and reconciliation to the forefront of my life. When I make time to reflect back on 2020, I am careful to think about the blessings and learn from my failures. I chose to focus on the things that were positive about the year, not the things that were lost or never accomplished. If there is something weighing heavy on my heart it is time to restore the situation. Reconciliation is something that starts from within. I have to choose love over whatever conflict or disagreement that occurs…
As we move closer to this very special holiday, I am filled with hope. Although I know it is a time of year that is difficult for many, in my darkest times I reach for hope… the very reason for this season. When it feels like nothing is going right in my life I look at my priorities. Often I find that I am getting in my own way. I go back to my number one priority, my faith. I let go of control and leave it to faith. During the dark times, the only way out for me…
During the holiday season, most of us have the best intentions to make those we love happy. To choose the perfect gift, to do the right thing, to serve, and to live the true meaning of the season. It is during these times, that I often get off course. Sometimes I get off course because I want the best for a person, often more than what is necessary. Other times it’s because I don’t look deep enough for what makes the person smile or what the person really wants. And then there are those times when I’m…
We have the freedom to make choices. Of course, these choices are within the boundaries of the constitution, but we have freedom. Many have experienced and will experience great sacrifice to stay true to their beliefs. Freedom, we live in a country that allows us to go after our dreams. It doesn’t guarantee that we will achieve the dream, but we have the opportunity. A very powerful tool that we have been given. We have the freedom to reach for our dreams and to make choices. Not comparing people, but feeling the powerful freedom we have to choose. As…
I tend to enjoy being around people who understand commitment. People who have priorities, trust and follow through with what is important to them. Although our priorities may differ, I appreciate someone who is committed to what they believe to be important. For example, I respect those who are committed to the environment, education, research, service, etc. When we understand our priorities, we are able to better manage our lives. Although my main priorities (my faith, family, and career) do not change as I walk through life, things within those categories often ebb and flow with the season I am…
So many things we do each day touch the hearts of others and give them hope. Much of the time we never know the lives we have touched. Every once in a while we get the gift of knowing just how important our efforts are to someone else. For the most part, these are things that are routine in our lives, yet special to someone else. We touch people’s lives with a smile, by being present, with encouragement, and when we offer our assistance. These routine tasks often can change someone’s life. As I go about my…
How can attitude and effort contribute to a bright end to 2020 and a start to 2021? Despite all the challenges from COVID-19 we can choose a mindset of hope. I recently read a book about attitude and effort. Attitude, having the right mindset and effort, making sure one utilizes all their talent in completing the task. The question is, am I really putting forth my best attitude and effort in all that I do? Am I playing my best “game” every day? We already know that the remaining weeks of 2020 and 2021 are going to provide obstacles…