Sunday, November 16, 2014

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Victory...that word brings up so many thoughts. I have enjoyed many victories in my life as well as suffered through many defeats. I don't always think that defeats or failure are bad things. Crazy? ok....those of you who know me stop snickering, yes, I'm a little off the wall at times, but hang on and see where this goes! Failures are sometimes fighting the good fight, following all the rules but just not making it to the winners' circle. However, failures are at times fueled by lack of action, lack of following directions or just lack of good judgment! (I suffer from this one a lot!) This second reason for failures often leads to feelings of regret. I hate that word, usually.

Let's define regret:

regret
[ri-gret]
verb (used with object), regretted, regretting.
1.
to feel sorrow or remorse for (an act, fault, disappointment, etc.):
He no sooner spoke than he regretted it.
2.
to think of with a sense of loss:
to regret one's vanished youth.
noun
3.
a sense of loss, disappointment, dissatisfaction, etc.
4.
a feeling of sorrow or remorse for a fault, act, loss, disappointment, etc.
5.
regrets, a polite, usually formal refusal of an invitation:
I sent her my regrets.
6.
a note expressing regret at one's inability to accept an invitation:
I have had four acceptances and one regret.

Feeling the gloom and doom? I hope not, but we have to see ourselves clearly before we can ever see the depth of the need for God. Hang on...I'm coming to a better train of thought!

What the heck are we to do with the feelings of regret we are battling against? I regret eating the cookie when I wasn't hungry. I regret not walking just because I was tired (lazy but that just really hurts). I regret spending 3 extra hours working instead of putting the computer away and honoring the family time that has become so very precious to me. Regrets, man I have tons of them on a daily basis! For a very long time, I have stuffed these regrets and feelings of failure way down in the very center pit of my being....and I mean stuffed with food, lots of food. Can I just say that was one of the most stupid things I've ever done, and continued to do! Since when did God ever suggest that I keep that crap and hang on to it and suffer the ill effects of such crazy thinking? Never! God pursues us (get that....pursues us) to turn our regrets into redirection!

Regrets can become teachable moments! (now listen, I'm preaching to myself so bear with me) I believe that right now, those of us going on this journey together are in the midst of a teachable moment! The very first thing I hope that we all take away is the very truth of our verse this week! Victory is in Jesus! All victory comes from Him. Is that not the most freeing realization, ever? It's not up to me! It's not up to you! (now don't go eat a box of chocolates just cause I said that....He is the victor, but He gives us the strength, the desire, the tools and the will to choose the right path that leads us to victory!)

What will be different this Thanksgiving? Think back to Thanksgivings past and be honest about what traditionally it looks like. Let's talk about ideas to make a healthy difference this year.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Making Changes, It Ain't Easy!

You know it's impossible to stay the same, do the same or fill your mind and soul with the same words, images and activities and ever expect anything new or better…that's insane! Make a change, go ahead, do it!

WHOA!! I have a loving husband, (oh wait, I gotta change the description of myself! big life change!! yay me!!) five fabulous kids, (they are the busiest five kids ever and guess who is the taxi cab driver!) a design business, which I love, a church I enjoy, friends I don't see enough of and you want me to make a change!! Who the heck are we kidding? There's no room for change, right?

Well, Susan, if you want something more for your family, you better find time to make a few changes! Who knows, it may make life more enjoyable and just might solve a small problem or two, such as paying for two college tuitions in the fall and taking a vacation this summer…..how awesome would that be? So, ok…I'm thinking just maybe I need to really consider this new opportunity quite seriously!

Why not invest in other women and their hearts and see what happens? There are so many options that we as women have at our fingertips. How do you know which to choose? Well, I chose to take the Pink Plunge and let me tell you what helped make my husband and I believe this is where I need to be. First, the company I have chosen to represent is God centered. The philosophy of the company is "God first, family second and career third." (That's gotta be a positive!!) Second, I love, love, love the products and have used them for a very long time!!! Another reason is the product I have chosen is consumable; it's going to wash down the drain every night, and when the women I party with fall in love with these products like I have, they are going to demand more!! (happy, in love customers=reorders=sales=money in my bank!! oh yay!!) Here's the biggest reason….if I stink at this (yes, it's possible I am not good at everything I try, but I'm giving it my all to learn and since I'm teachable, surely I can't be that bad!!) I can send my inventory back and get 90% of the money back!! Safety net! WooHoo!! (makes the new hubs a happy man!!)

OK, you're asking yourself, is she crazy? Really? Of course I am,  have you read my stuff? I really can't imagine what a difference this Pink thing is making in the lives of the women I'm meeting. They are experiencing a little bit of pampering with their friends, some laughter, and learning to take care of themselves. Just a little bit of joy and fun in the middle of their busy lives touching their hearts. This Pink company is reaching out beyond the boundary of big business and is in the business of making a difference. Two really big causes are supported, and both of these are dear to me: Cancers Affecting Women and Domestic Violence. My fabulous customers make a difference in these amazing fights just by purchasing from me! I love how it all works full circle!

So, you want to make a change? Consider these few things as you research organizations to become a part of:

1. What is the company philosophy? Who is first?
2. Do you use/love the products?
3. What is your safety net?
4. How much is your investment and why is it recommended to invest in different increments?
5. Who is going to teach you to be successful?
6. Will you make a difference and how?
7. (for the hubs out there) Show me the money!

I suggest you pray, get your family involved in the decision, and just believe in yourself. If God gives you a vision, then for heaven's sake He's going to give you the pathway! Jump in and go! Let me know when your difference begins!! I'm your biggest cheerleader!

Have a character building day!

Susan