We all want to be happy.

It seems “happy” is the vague utopia all citizens of earth strive for but never seem to achieve.

Well, I’m not here to relay a magic formula to achieve “happy” — that’s another post — but here’s a small list that I’ve come up with that helps my days become a little “happier.”

1. Make your bed. Yep, do it. The state of your bed is the state of your head, and how much cleaner and uncluttered is your bedroom and your mind when your bed looks pretty!

2. Watch the sunrise. It’s ever-changing, never duplicated, and always beautiful. What better way to begin the day than with earthy beauty?

3. Create an inspiring play list. Music influences us body, soul, and spirit. Find the titles that inspire you and listen!

4. Eat breakfast. Don’t skip it, eat it! Your brain functions so much better when it doesn’t have to compete with an empty stomach, not to mention your emotions will thank you for the nourishment!

5. Be nice. Who is the first person you have contact with in the morning? Make the conscious choice right off the bat to be sweet, sincere, loving…not grumpy. It’s a choice you can make!

6. Breathe. Days get hectic, it’s inevitable, right? The unexpected happens, and our otherwise manageable (or so we thought) day becomes grossly out of proportion with our level of sanity. Cause yourself to breathe.

7. Laugh out loud. Take a break to watch a 30 second YouTube clip or call up a friend who makes you laugh. The release of endorphins will be worth it!

8. Take in your surroundings. Whether at the office or out for a stroll, take it in! Look for the little things that are just waiting to bring a little splash of sunshine into your world.

9. Refresh your make-up. {Guys, splash some water on your face and grab an Altoid} Maybe a dab of lip gloss after lunch, a midday eyeliner touch-up, or an afternoon spritz of perfume from the trial size in your purse. There’s something about “touching up” something that revitalizes your mind and perks up your mood.

10. SMILE. It’s easy. Make the effort to smile at those you make eye contact with. You never know if that might not be just what their day needed, and it will improve your mood without your even knowing. It’s a simple choice…choose to smile!

Our days are too short to waste and not enjoy. Simple tweaks in our routine can make all the difference between surviving and thriving in our everyday!

How are you choosing to thrive today?

Photo Credit:  Charles Henry

My question for you today is this:

Does fear dissipate or go away when we take action?

I share my answer and thoughts today in my video.  What’s your answer?

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” - Dale Carnegie

As you look back on the last year and look forward to the new year…

…are you truly living out the calling that God has given you?

If not, what or who is hindering you from fulfilling the calling that God has given you?

Hmmm…think about it.

What is that thing that God keeps whispering in your ear {or in my case, screaming out because of my poor listening skills} to do that you just haven’t done yet?

We all have various “reasons” or “excuses” for not stepping out to follow Him in our calling. I’d like to talk about a few today:

1.  “I am not adequate or prepared for this. It is way too big for me.”  — This is a common excuse, as we humanly feel incapable of doing that which God has called us to do. The Lord in his graciousness and power responds, “Nothing is too difficult for me. I want to work through you. Just say ‘Yes, Lord!’ and I will do the rest, for my strength is made perfect in your weakness.” (Lk. 1:37; Eph. 3: 20; 2 Cor. 12:9)

Remember: God usually calls us to things that are much bigger than us so that we are completely dependent on Him. We can’t do it without Him!

2.  “I don’t have the time or the energy.”   – We are tired. We are busy. Life is hard and already sometimes overwhelming. How could we possibly add something additional to our plate? Our God gently says, “How about allowing My energy to flow through you? Seek me first, My child, and all these things will be added to you. Trust me with your time.” (Col. 1: 29; Matt. 6:34; Prov. 3:5)

Remember: God provides us with what we need to accomplish His purposes. That includes supernatural energy and time management! We just have to be willing to give our schedules and our physical capabilities to Him.

3.  “What will others say? What if they think I’m not talented enough?”   –  We worry about what our family and friends will say if we tell them what God has called us to do. We fear that others will doubt our calling and our gifts. Those worries and fears soon begin to speak louder than God’s call. We become paralyzed and ineffective. The Lord responds, “Don’t be like the Pharisees who were more interested in the praise from men than praise from me. You are working for me, not for men!” (Jn. 12:43; Col. 3:23)

Remember:  He will equip you according to your calling. He is enough.

4.  “What if I fail miserably?”  —  Some of us quit before we even get started just because we are afraid that we might disappoint God, our self, or others. So we just don’t do it. We decide to remain where we are, in our comfort zone… in our disobedience. The Lord says, “Keep your eyes on me. If you fall, I will pick you up. I will be with you. I will give you the strength to persevere.” (Heb. 12:2; Psalm 37:23-24)

Remember:  Believe you can and you’re halfway there!

5.  “The path is uncertain. I am scared.”  —  Wouldn’t it be nice if God granted us a GPS for our lives? Turn left here. Drive 20 miles west and turn right. Take the next exit. But instead He calls us to follow Him. Our sweet Savior reminds us, “Be strong and courageous. I will be with you wherever you go! I will show you the way. Trust me. I have amazing things planned for you!” (Joshua 1:9, 3:5; Exodus 15:13)

Remember:  Abraham WENT, not knowing where he was going. He was remembered as a man of faith, not a man with a plan.

God is so good to answer us when we cry out to him AND even. when. we. make. excuses!

He loves us so much…

…He never wants us to stay in that shadow of fear.

So, listen to God. What is He telling you to do?  Now, go and do it! Make 2012 the year you follow Him with all you’ve got… And no excuses!

Photo Credit: chrislee!

(If you received this post via email, be sure to visit our blog today to watch the video.)

Last week I shared how I plan and look forward to the New Year — Inspired by the My One Word Experiment, I choose a ONE WORD and an ANCHOR {if you missed that post, you can find it here}

This week I’m sharing what I’ve picked…

MY ONE WORD for 2012 is:

ex·pand [ik-spand] verb  1. to increase in extent, size, volume, scope  2. to spread or stretch out; unfold.  3. to express in fuller form or greater detail; develop.

My desire is to have a year of expansion.  As I unpack this word I see my vision wrapping around it beautifully for each area of personal perspective:

Professionally: expanding my reach, territory, platform, business {volume, size}.

Spiritually: expanding my prayer life — my soul, discovering more Truth, learning, and gaining more knowledge.

Emotionally: expanding my mind, expressing myself more clearly, healing and developing.

Health/Wellness: expanding and stretching myself to incorporate new routine, disciplines, exercise.

Financially: expanding my giving, increasing income, simplify to decrease spending to increase saving.

Relationships: expanding the depth with some, increasing time I spend with those I care about, developing NEW.

I love that my one word is a verb — that means ACTION!  In order for me to live out this word in 2012, I know in my heart I must always focus on keeping the gap closed between intentions and actions.

After a year of refining, I am ready to expand!

MY ANCHOR STATEMENT {verse} for 2012 is:

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” Isaiah 54:2 NIV

The Message version of this verse says, “…Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big! Use plenty of rope, drive the tent pegs deep.”  The New Living Translation says, “…spare no expense!”

I’m going for IT — I’m thinking BIG!  I intend to “drive the tent pegs deep” with my message, Overcoming the Nevers, that many lives will be touched. impacted. changed.  I’m stepping out in faith, sparing NO expense — doing what God has called me to do…walking in obedience.

I know that I will be doing many things afraid, BUT I’m excited to see what amazing and exciting things God has up His sleeve for me on the other side.

What is YOUR — ONE WORD and/or ANCHOR STATEMENT?  How will you close the gap between your intentions and your actions for 2012 to have a wonderful joy-filled life?

“Do your best every day and your life will gradually expand into satisfying fullness.”

(If you received this post via email, be sure to visit our blog today to watch the video.)

It’s December.

Many of us are living in and enjoying the Spirit of the Season — Christmas parties, shopping for gifts, family time, and food…lots of food.  Some of us, this month, look forward into the new year — we plan, set goals, think about and decide what our New Year’s “resolutions” will be.

For me…I will pick a ONE WORD.  Inspired by the My One Word experiment.  My One Word  for 2011 was/is REFINE — I didn’t realize how appropriate it would be when I picked it last December, BUT this year has truly been that…

…refining

…in all areas of my life  {emotionally, spiritually, relationships, professionally, health/wellness} primarily because of my book, Overcoming the Nevers.

In addition to My One Word, I choose an “anchor statement” — verse, quote, “mantra” if you will.  For 2011 I chose a verse from the Bible, Daniel 11:35

I’ve never been one to be able to stick to New Year’s Resolutions.

I am a goal setter, but more of a visionary — breaking the “big picture” down to short term goals, daily steps to keep me moving forward.

So, my one word and my anchor statement are what I’m thinking about this month.

What do you do as one year comes to a close and another one begins? Set Goals? Resolutions? Nothing?

Consider picking a ONE WORD and an ANCHOR STATEMENT to keep you grounded and focused for 2012!  {If you need help choosing your word, go here.}

I’ve got MY ONE WORD and my ANCHOR picked for 2012– I will share with you next week.  Will you join me?

I’m sharing with you my friend’s story…
{The names have been changed for for privacy purposes}

On Sunday Kelly was in her husband’s office at the church that he pastors.  She stopped in briefly to talk with him and the phone rang.  Understand, it was Sunday morning, offices were closed and she typically does not answer the phone at the church office, but she did.

There was a female voice on the other end asking if there was any way she could get picked up to attend their church service that morning. Kelly asked, “What’s your name? where are you?”  The woman answered, “My name is Heather, I’m at a woman’s shelter a few miles away.  I just got out of the hospital last night — I’m here because of a domestic abuse situation and I’d really like to attend your church…but, I don’t have transportation.”  Kelly talked with her a little longer and then hung up the phone.  Heather would be waiting on the corner outside of the shelter to be picked up.

This was an odd phone call.

Kelly connected with the woman’s shelter to ensure that the call was legit, did her due diligence and off she went to pick up Heather; she took along a guy from the church to ride in the car with her for safety reasons.

During the drive to church Kelly and Heather got to know each other.

Heather had suffered broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder — by the hands of her boyfriend.  Going back to the home where she was living was not an option — she needed to relocate so her boyfriend would not find her.  She had nothing…just the clothes on her back and a small suitcase.

She was in a lot of pain. Defeated. No money. No strength.

With the assistance of Kelly’s church, Heather was able to purchase a bus ticket to make the journey to another women’s shelter that would get her closer to her family.  She was grateful for the help.

Out of curiosity, Kelly asked Heather, “What prompted you to call our church?” Heather responded, “While I was in the hospital last night, the nurse that cared for me suggested that I call your church.  She gave me your phone number and said that your church would be compassionate and loving. So I called.”

As Kelly and Heather’s encounter came to an end, Kelly asked one last question, “Heather, What keeps you going?  Do you have a relationship with God?”  Heather’s response surprised Kelly. “My father is a baptist minister.  Several years ago he told me that I could not be a part of his family unless I got my tattoo removed, stopped smoking, and stopped living my life the way I had been living it.  He has put conditions upon me to be accepted.  I’ve done so many terrible things that God could never forgive me for.  I am unlovable…God would not want me.”

Through both of their tears Kelly shared with Heather that she is worthy of God’s unconditional love regardless of what she had done in the past.  The truth is that God loves you just as you are – He created you.  He chose YOU!  Kelly was able to give her some materials to read that could help her understand God’s love and forgiveness and then…

…Heather was gone.

I was touched by this story because it is such a GREAT example of “Keeping it Personal” – I LOVE IT!

You see, it’s the little things we do or say that make the most impact.  We may never know how deeply, those very simple things, might impact the life of another.

The nurse who referred Heather to Kelly’s church did not let the lingering thought pass through her mind – she took ACTION!  She shared with Heather, she encouraged her  –  that is Keeping it Personal.

Kelly, picked up the phone, listened, asked questions, gathered information, DID NOT pass judgement and that impacted Heather’s life — that is Keeping it Personal.

The nurse and Kelly may never know how what they did or what they said impacted Heather’s life.  But, they took action — responded to the internal prompting.

Priceless.

I am inspired by this story.  I hope that it inspires you to take action with those little thoughts that pass through your mind, no matter what the outcome might be.

I attended a conference a few weeks ago. It was a great conference where they were extremely generous with all the stuff they gave away to the attendees. I left for the conference with a short list of books I need to review. I came home with a stack of books so tall; it may take me all year to read them!

It was overwhelming to think about how I would get all the books read. For a few days, I just stared at the stack of books unable to decide where to start. Then I began to realize something. This is a pattern I need to break free from…

…I get stuck.

If there is too much on my plate or my to-do list is too long, I don’t do anything. I just stand there paralyzed and worried about all there is to do. I have been told to simply “do the next thing” but that doesn’t really help me.

Can you relate?

Sometimes, when given that advice, I hit stage two of my paralysis: the paralysis of analysis. I can’t decide what the next thing is!   So this is where I call in reinforcements. When I get stuck, there are a few things I do to help me get unstuck:

• Ask
• Prioritize
• Pray
• Schedule

Ask for help! This is often where I start. I usually ask for help from my husband. Now, this is not necessarily the “do it with me or for me” kind of help, but rather a step to help me figure out the next thing. I ask my husband because he is great about suggesting a place to start. I have to do this with my kids too. If I say “Go clean your room” nothing gets done, but if I say pick up all your clothes off the floor, then make your bed, it generally gets done.

Prioritize. Sometimes this one is obvious, but other times I have to make a list and figure out which is most important. Ideally all of it would get done and I’d be like superwoman, but it hasn’t happened yet. Sometimes, I enlist help on this one too!

Pray. Pray that you will get it done and that there would be joy in the process. Pray for wisdom in setting those priorities. Pray that God would give you insight as to the best way to do what you need to do.

Set a schedule. This one is the hardest for me. I am not a structured, schedule person, and I am not a list maker. I figure I can always do it tomorrow. This has, however, been one of the best things for me. Two of my scheduled areas of life are Laundry and Housecleaning. If I can focus on one room/area of the house per day, it stays pretty clean and we are all happier. If I do 2 or 3 loads of laundry per day, they actually get folded and put away. It works better than trying to do 15 loads of laundry on Saturday, then feeling overwhelmed all over again.

These are the steps I have to take in order to “do the next thing”

Is it easy for you to just do the next thing or do you get trapped in the paralysis of analysis?

What tools work best for you?

Photo Credit: Walt Stoneburner

It’s Monday and I don’t have a video to share, so I write…

5:00 am comes quickly, but I jump out of bed — there’s no snooze button for me.  This is my favorite hour of the day, my quiet alone time when everyone under our roof is asleep…

…oh the quiet, the silence, the calm.

My time to reflect, my time with God, my time to get my soul food.

I open my devotional, the one that never gets old, the one that continues to challenge me –> The Message//REMIX Solo <– I turn to Day 110, it says:

There are many parts of Proverbs that carry a specific theme.  But other parts of Proverbs deliver wise advice like machine-gun fire into the sky — wise saying about various subjects in no particular order.  Chapter 28 is one of these machine-gun-into-the-sky chapters.  Yet no matter how they’re fired, every bullet is precious.

It goes on to say, select two proverbs that speak to your specific condition this week.  So, from the devotional I open my Life Application Study Bible – I turn to Proverbs chapter 28 and out of the 28 verses in this chapter, I pick two machine-gun-into-the-sky verses that stand out to me…

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Proverbs 28:13

My reflection:  When I am willing to face anything head on, to discover the truth, I can embrace love and experience joy.  I {we} are undeserving of grace and mercy, but it is freely given to us by our heavenly father.  However, we must do our part — we must confess AND renounce, give up or put aside voluntarily, abandon and reject our wrongs…our sin.  This takes courage, but there is SO much freedom when we uncover and expose our ickiness.

“Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength.” – August Wilson

Those who trust in themselves are fools,
but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
Proverbs 28:26

My reflection:  Who am I…to think that in my finite being I can rely solely upon on what my eyes see and my ears hear?  I have learned that I must rely upon God to lead me and direct me every day, every step of the way.  I spent most of my life “trusting myself” — it didn’t work out too well for me.  So much heart-ache, so much confusion, so much hurt.  To walk in wisdom is to abide in Him, through reading the Word, through seeking Him first…HIS will, plan, and purpose for my life.  When I do this, I can honestly say, I feel safe.  I DO know the difference but even though I do, I need this reminder — FREQUENTLY!  It’s SO easy for me to revert back to self-reliance.  Surrender is the word I keep top of mind, thy will, NOT my will.

…I pray

This is a little glimpse into my 5:00 am quiet time — it’s Monday, it’s the start of a new week.

How do you start your day?  How do you start your week?  Do you include HIM?

Read this quote C A R E F U L L Y. . .

“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” — J Heller

Candles give off light.
Candles produce warmth.
Candles are smoothing.

We have nothing to lose by letting our light SHINE!  Lights exposes darkness.

Lights attract and draw others near.

What is preventing YOU from letting your light shine?

What holds you back from lighting your world and brightening the world of others?

We all have a world to light…

with a smile. a word of encouragement. a hug.

GO LIGHT IT!

It’s Monday and I don’t have a video to share, so I write.

…I extend myself grace, I accept grace.

When we are too rigid with our plans and our agenda, when we get caught up in the doing instead of the living …our joy can be stolen.  We can allow so many things to take away our joy.

What is creeping in to steal your joy?

Life has been full.
{I continue to say this, will it ever not be full?}

Especially this month of October. Of the 31 days, I’ve been traveling 17 of them.  I’ve flown on 9 different planes, been in 6 states, closed my eyes on 4 different pillows at night, and lived out of one suitcase.  That’s too much for this girl.

Today I’m home.

The refrigerator is empty, the pantry is bare, there are no groceries in the house and tomorrow is Halloween.  Has it even crossed my mind — I’ve got two little nuggets that might want to enjoy the festivities of this holiday and dress up like litle goblins? – Yes, but I’ve done nothing about it.

…I extend myself grace, I accept grace.

What I’m learning is that when I sense my joy beginning to leave by feeling overwhelmed, or trying to do and be everything — I need to stop.  I need to reflect.  I need to count my many blessings…

…I write  a gratitude list.

I focus on the good.  I look for the good.  You see, the thief, the enemy, the evil one comes only to steal and kill and destroy; but our Provider, our Source, the Lover of our Souls comes so that we may have life, and have it to the fullest.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

What does this look like for me, today as I write? Here’s the two things on my list…

1.  I’m overwhelmed {joy stealer – evil} by the release of my new book.

I’m grateful {joy giver – good} my message is out and lives are being touched, I’m grateful {joy giver – good} and excited for the journey, not the race.

2.  I’m frustrated and disappointed {joy stealer – evil} that I didn’t have the time or make the time to plan a fun memorable Halloween for my nuggets.

I’m grateful {joy giver – good} that there are alternatives to the traditional holiday activities, we will do something fun and spend quality time together.

We always have a choice in our response — always.

What is stealing your joy?

Call it out and speak against it.  Identify the joy stealer and replace it with the joy giver.

Overcome evil with good.
Look for the positive.

Walk with me, lets choose to experience JOY!