Promises Made. Promises Kept.

I promise you….if elected, I’ll…..
I promise you….for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, till death parts us…..
I promise you….I’ll never tell your secret….
I promise you….I'll be at your game (recital, performance).…
I promise you….I’ll be there right on time….
You know – all those promises someone made, or we made, maybe kept – maybe didn’t and regret it? Maybe we couldn’t help it when we broke the promise, but still, we were a promise-breaker. Oh, that we were able to ALWAYS be promise keepers. People of integrity, honor, commitment. People you can count on -- who are good for the promise they made.

I sincerely want to be a promise keeper, but who hasn’t, in weakness, fallen short on keeping a promise? Which brings me to the ONE infallible One Who we CAN count on. If He said it, we can believe it – it will come to pass. Maybe not in our timing – but always His.

Most of us who are Christ's followers have a favorite scripture promise we’ve memorized. It is the one we cling to during tough times and very often there are more than one. I am partial to Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” I also remind myself, on a regular basis, of this promise from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” God kept those promises to me.

Some people take those promises and think if we click our heels three times, squeeze our eyes shut, like a great Almighty “treat” dispenser, all they’ve requested will be delivered as fast as Amazon Prime. God’s promises are not true because we believe in them. They don’t come to pass because our faith is great. God’s promises come to pass simply because God said them.

Our God is faithful. Everything He promised will surely come to pass. Sometimes it's not in a minute, month or year. We may have to wait for it. God promised the Israelites the promised land, but not all of them saw it. Some perished in the desert due to plagues, some due to earthquake, etc. Yet God was faithful in His word. He fulfilled what He said He would. There was a delay because the people disobeyed and sinned against Him and doubted Him despite seeing His mighty acts and power. If God says it, we can count on it. “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

I wrote this blog because I’m thinking about the many who don’t believe in God because they've only known promise breakers. We live in a "fatherless" generation. So many don't know our Father God of promises and love and faithfulness. They live hopeless -- void of truth. I’m sorry for them. I pray for laborers into their pathways -- that their eyes will be opened to the love and mercy of our great God. He never fails in His promises. Maybe you've only known promise-breakers. I pray that you will come to know God Who is our great promise-keeper. And, for those of us who do know Him, may our purpose-driven lives be full of assurance that He will never fail us. He is our promise-keeper. Delays are meant for our good. The promise may seem slow in getting here, but I assure you – it will come to pass.

"Yet he (Abraham) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised." Romans 4:20-21

Somebody Else Will

A dear friend of mine is having quite the year. She has faced personal health issues and as the director of an active, vibrant ministry – was loaded up with leading it in a major event, and was tremendously successful at it, I might add. She has two children getting married this year (one this weekend), and has a full-time job -- not to mention all the other hands-on and necessary things she does for God and her family. She has been loaded up, to say the least. A few months ago, I campaigned the troops to get behind her in support. My personal attempts were meager. In the back of my mind, I thought “someone else” will help her because I'm loaded up, too! In fact, I heard of a couple of gals who were helping her which made me feel better.

Fast forward a couple of months when I saw my friend at church and asked. “How are you doing? How are the wedding plans? It won’t be long before it’s all behind you.” My famous last meager and inadequate words of solace. That night, Deacon Alex Barbieri spoke about “Somebody Else”. He explained: “Jesus was very hands-on with His disciples – teaching them about feeding a crowd with just a few loaves and fishes." The disciples seemed to always have self-doubt and were always asking the question: “What about us?” Jesus just kept influencing them by saying “You are up for the challenge. You are bold and courageous." Jesus takes our “measly” remnants to meet us wherever we are and whatever situation we are in. Don’t wait for Plan B. Use what you’ve got right now to help someone. It’s time you make a personal commitment. The DNA of Christians is called "service". Jesus said, ”If you follow Me, the bar is higher." Jesus was saying “Instead of SOMEONE ELSE doing it – YOU do it." There is someone who died and the family needs us. There are immigrants, prisoners, homeless and others who need us, but we keep thinking: “Someone else will take care of them!” Jesus is saying: “JUST DO IT!”

I couldn’t get that message off my mind and my heart. I texted my friend: “I’ve got a free day tomorrow! Can I come over and help you?” Her lightning fast reply was my assurance that I was hearing right. She invited me to come over and help her iron tablecloths for the wedding. Rather, than that, I picked them up and at my home I took care of the job so she had the time to do something else on her busy to-do list. It took me a couple of days for those thirty-one 144” tablecloths to iron and hang – which included my prayers for the wedding and the family. That was eight hours of blessing on both our parts. Tablecloths. A cup of cold water. In His name. Blessed.

This time it wasn’t “somebody else”. It was me. I’m so thankful I said, “Pick me!” Lord, help me to always have the time to sense your nudges, hear your call, see the needs of others and respond as your hands and feet. I want to be a “JUST DO IT” kind-of-girl for You and others, because You are a "JUST DID IT" Lord for me!

#TBT – Grateful for Praying Matriarchs

I don’t see as many Throwback Thursday photos as I once did, so I’m reviving it today. Just a few days before celebrating Mother’s Day, I wanted to pay tribute to my praying matriarchs: on the left, my mother-in-law, Lydia Wuerch (still with us and doing so well at 96) and on the right, my angel Mom, Edna Wheat. These two women were my mentors and the greatest influences I could have ever had as Godly women and mothers. Best friends, they were also visionaries. They KNEW that their two kids were meant for each other.

Last week, after I asked a radiology technician if he had a family, he shared: “Oh yes. I’m married with three children. Our marriage was arranged.” I quickly injected “Mine, too! I’ll tell you about mine after you tell me about yours!” He went on. “My parents wanted me to marry this girl I had never met. I told them that I didn’t want an arranged marriage. But, I honored them and flew to her country to meet her. We met. Our love was immediate. We married the next day. She is the love of my life. My parents prayed about it and I prayed about it and I know God gave her to me.”

My "praying" grandmother introduced me to my future husband at age 12. She was the go-between saying “Ronnie Wuerch likes you” and back to him, “Donna Sue likes you”. Between her, my mother, my husband’s mother AND God, our marriage was arranged. I owe so much of who I am to those three powerful, praying women of God. They literally prayed us together -- and those prayers kept us together. We watched their example as they went through tough times, and came through them because of their unwavering faith. They impressed upon us that tough times don't last, but tough people who believe in commitment, keeping their promises and vows -- that they'll be honored for keeping them. How I thank them for their unwavering support and relentless prayers for us. They not only talked the talk -- they walked the walk in their own lives.

I honor these precious matriarchs and all they've stood for, lived for and set the example for us to follow. By their example, I've learned that praying for our children, sharing our years of wisdom-learned with them is part of God’s plan in “Training them up in the ways they should go and when they’re old, they’ll not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

On this #TBT, I must honor the greatest Mother of all -- our Lord’s most blessed-among-women Mother Mary. Just think about the great responsibility she had for raising the Son of God. Her greatest example was “She pondered. She treasured these things in her heart.” I know we mamas do a lot of that, and it wouldn’t hurt at all to amp up the pondering and treasuring instead of speaking our mind so much. I’m quite sure Mary had the same instincts of motherhood that we have – doting, imagining her Son's future, wanting Him to flourish. Luke 2:52 says “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” I imagine that if Jesus were here with us in the flesh today, He would probably talk about His Mama and what she meant to Him. He might say something like this: “It was my Mom’s wisdom, influence, support, and love that molded me into the Man of God I was destined to be! She encouraged me and instilled in me there wasn’t anything I couldn’t accomplish and do. Her unconditional love inspired me to love unconditionally. She always believed in me. She always prayed for me.”

And those are the words I say about my grandmother and my two moms. And those are the desires I have for being that mother and grandmother to my beloveds.

(FYI -- the family photo is from Mother's Day, 1968, and is left to right: My grandmother (the arranger), my mom, my husband's grandparents, my mother and father-in-law, me, Ron and Ryan)

Commitment or Contribution?

I’m back in Frisco from my Austin “green acres” experiences while my children were out of town. Did I mention my grandson has 32 animals, of which 16 are chickens: 2 roosters, 8 mother hens and 6 “teenage” chickens who will mature to the “hen” status in a few months. Scanning through my cell phone photos, I ran across these photos of what it looks like in the coop when I would bring in the “mother lode” of eggs each day. Each time I gathered them up; I shouted out to the hens and said “Thanks, Girls, for the contribution!” I brought home a couple of cartons of those best-ever (something about fresh eggs); took one carton to my daughter and another to my cousin. Those hens “contributed” and I paid it forward by contributing their contribution!

We've all heard the analogy about the chicken and the pig. The chicken is involved and contributes eggs to the breakfast table and then goes about her day, but the pig is committed. He's tossed in the frying pan, and that’s “Good-bye, Mr. Pig!” He went out in a blaze of glory….but was it really "glory"?

As much as I enjoy its sentiment, one thing has always bothered me about that story. The one telling the story is always conjuring up the idea that only when we commit, not just contribute, will we succeed in our efforts. But that level of commitment leads to a side of bacon. The pig didn’t even volunteer for his sacrifice of commitment. His life was taken, involuntarily. He’ll never again get to enjoy a roll in the mud. All the while, those chickens love pecking, strutting and flying around and are enjoying life.

There’s a lesson to be learned by those chickens. While the pig was enjoyed as a great meal compliment, those chickens continued to survive adversity and they just kept right on giving and living....and, oh, BTW -- their brothers and sisters knew commitment -- probably even more than the pigs -- just look at all those KFC's, Chick-Fil-A's, Cane's, Popeye's and Chicken Express' out there!

There's something to be said for merging commitment and contribution. Most certainly our Lord exemplified both. He lived a life of commitment to His calling to change the world with His message of love, hope, and faith. And we, too, have the opportunity to fulfill our commitment to Him, Who freely, sacrificially, and fully gave His life for us. Our Lord paid it forward so that we forever can live and serve and make a difference in this world. He contributed Himself to us, so count me in as a contributor, too! I want to follow His lead to share, give, provide sustenance around me -- long term.

Here's how we can merge the two: contributing peace, joy and God's love everywhere we go, and, then in the end.....let's bank on going out in a blaze of glory because we've been committed, wholly and completely, to our Lord as we have served Him and others with all our hearts. In that case, WHAT A WAY TO GO OUT.....blazing the trail for others to follow!!

Thinking Back and Looking Forward

It's the 365th day of 2017. I made it!!! 365 days of posting a positive word for my FB friends and family. After all, there's enough negativity in social media with politics (Phew – what a year that’s been!), the weather, the economy, the relationships or disappointments many vent about. Once upon a time, I didn't want to be on social media because of those reasons, but I sensed God was calling me to bring some sunshine to a world that can be quite dark, and then my thoughts and words would, hopefully, bring inspiration to others. I can't begin to adequately explain how rewarded I feel for staying true to my commitment. Purposefully, I've had to make sure to stay "in the zone" by seizing the moments, noticing little and big God-encounters, recognizing that God is always speaking. I just had to tune in to His still small voice, and, often, His big booming voice as I witnessed His illustrated messages to me through nature, His Word, His kids and His embrace. The fact is, I showed up for my daily appointment with God, and He was faithful and true to His promises. .He ALWAYS showed up for me.

I'm not sure what this new year will look like, not only in my commitment to daily posts and blogs, but in life overall. One thing I do know for sure. .I know WHO knows and I'm excited for the journey that awaits me. There will be many opportunities for FB posts and writing my daily blogs because I'm very aware that God has many more exciting adventures and trails for me to blaze in this new year. So, I'll continue to be on daily assignment.

This New Year's Eve is entirely different for me as Ryan and Shawntel switched up their annual after-Christmas day to New Year’s day “honeymoon” trip. They’ll be going next weekend instead. So my two little men (my annual New Year’s Eve dates) won’t be with me and we won’t be shooting off little fireworks or watching the giant sphere of sparkles descend in Times Square and won’t be up to our usual New Year’s Eve antics together like the 16 years previously. I’m okay with the switch-up as it gives me the opportunity to be in church tonight with my Frisco Family. I love the thought that I’ll be praising and praying the new year in with other believers. What a great way to kick off the new year!

A new year -- new hope for our future. There is something inherit within us that craves a new fresh start -- a chance to make wrongs right, and good things even greater. The promise of a clean slate is thrilling. I've already begun to think about new horizons, new seasons, and new adventures. My personal motto will continue to be "I'm still here....so I'm not done." I know that God will give me courage to face each new day and the best part, His mercies will be new each morning.

The great news is that God is the author of 2018! He knows each and every twist and turn that is up ahead, both for you and for me. He has planned 2018 down to the minutest detail—all with the goal for our good. Look out, 2018 -- HERE WE COME! Let the GREAT ADVENTURES begin!!!

Marriage is 50/50 -- That's Garbage! Love Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry -- That's Garbage!

For the last three Sundays, the scripture readings in the Catholic Church, have been from Matthew 5 which includes Christ's Sermon on the Mount. The 1st Sunday -- the Beatitudes; the 2nd Sunday -- being salt and light and last Sunday's was "stepping up our game". Well, not exactly in those words, but Pastor Samuel Hose at Emmaus Parish (aka Church of the Resurrection) here in Austin, shared words that inspired me for today's post. Last Sunday pastors and ministers everywhere probably focused, or at least mentioned in their messages, about love because Valentine's Day was coming up.

Father Samuel said. "It's time to step up our game. From Matthew 5's readings we heard Jesus talk about stepping up our game. For example: In the Old Testatment it said, 'You shall not kill or you'll be liable for judgment", but Jesus stepped up the game by saying 'Don't even be angry with your brother or you'll be liable for judgment.' He also said 'You have heard that it was said (in the Old Testament), 'You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, he who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.'" Now that's sincerely "stepping up the game"! It put a whole new light on "just getting by with just enough Christianity to make it through the Pearly Gates". God created a whole new standard for us. Ephesians 5:1 "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us..."

Father Samuel shared that he had performed a wedding ceremony the day before. He said, "I told the couple that people might have told you 'Marriage is 50/50'. That's garbage! Others might have told you that marriage means never having to say your sorry'. That's garbage! I tell you where you step up your game in your marriage is to recall this day when you said and made your vows before our Holy God and to each other. Your marriage will always be blessed as you recall these promises you made to each other before God. Live your life everyday before God. That will guarantee your marriage succeeds."

And, during this month of love, I add my two cents worth to what Father Samuel said. Those vows before God are the CENTER for which our marriages and our lives are built upon. When we fail to keep God at the center and we forget those promises we made to our CENTER, is when our marriage and even other relationships can become stale, lacking vitality, respect, honor and commitment to each other.

The newlyweds, my grandson, Braden, and granddaughter, Ruth, are so adorable and so in love after 4-1/2 months of marriage. But what will it be for them in 4 years, 14 years or 40 years, if they forget those beautiful vows of faithfulness, understanding, commitment, and servitude to each other -- if they forget their CENTER? I didn't see Ruth's wedding rings at the wedding, but I saw them this week. There are three. She says they represent "Braden, herself and God". Then she went on to give the scripture basis for the three bands which is a promise between God, you, and your husband. "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12. I loved that. God is their CENTER. God is LOVE, so then, their love for each other will continually be stepped up as long as they keep Him there in the CENTER.

Is God at the CENTER of your marriage and life? If not....He can be and will be when you welcome Him into that beautiful place of FIRST PLACE! The closer we move to God....the closer we will become to our spouses and those in our lives that we love.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Are We FIRST RESPONDERS?

My oldest grandson is a firefighter and paramedic, so he falls into that category. A First Responder are professionals who are likely to be among the first people to arrive at and assist at the scene of an emergency, such as an accident, natural disaster, or terrorist attack. THANK YOU, First Responders, for your service, commitment and dedication to others.

Perhaps your heart is so big, that, you too, could be considered a First Responder because of your willingness to run toward a need instead of running away from it. I've been around many First Responders in my lifetime. I've witnessed big-hearted people who put aside their agendas to serve and help someone in need. And, while I've seen others be the recipients of the care and love of First Responders, I, too, saw those who heard about my husband's health diagnosis and went to immediate prayer, brought over meals that said "We care", those who called us and said "What can I do to help?" There were those who offered advice to us when they heard we were facing a similar situation to what they had been through -- and they could help us through it. Then there were those who came over and mowed our lawn or cleaned our home and those who gave me a massage gift certificate and offered to stay with my sweetheart while I was away from him for a couple of hours. There were those who gave to help with our huge medical bills and those who sent cards and words of encouragement. there was a sweet nurse who gave her timely freely to help us. All of those were FIRST RESPONDERS to our needs.

No doubt, we are blessed with the professional First Responders who daily risk their lives for others and I am so grateful for them. But, in a "self-serving" and "what's-in-it-for-me?" world, how commendable and encouraging it is to see there are those out there who do put others first. They are like the Good Samaritan who stopped to help a beatened man, put him on his donkey, took him for medical care, and even paid his entire bill. (Luke 10:25-37). That was the response after Jesus said "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." And the lawyer said "Who is my neighbor?" That's the question for us today. Who are our neighbors? The folks who agree with our religious, ethical, and political persuasions or does God call us to be FIRST RESPONDERS to each and everyone regardless whether or not we think alike.

I loved it when, after my two grandsons and their two friends had face-painted each others faces, that they wanted to stand out on a round-about in their neighborhood and flag down cars to help support Chloe -- a friend of theirs that has just been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. "Cups 4 Chloe, Relieve Stress with $2 Stress Balls". In just a few hours of selling lemonade and stress orbeez balls, they raised nearly $160. FIRST RESPONDERS. Kids do it -- no questions asked. Why don't we?

What Do You Aspire To?

How sweet it was to watch my granddaughter, Lexi, and her friend, Emma, reconnect last week after having been apart for several years. They knew each other from Seattle and then their families moved away -- Emma's family moved to Austin and Lexi's to Frisco. I loved listening and watching them do what girls do....nails, hair and cooking.

Thirteen years old Emma inspired my post for today. Emma loves to dance so much that she has two-hour classes five days a week and three hours on Saturdays.

When we asked Emma what she aspires to do with her dancing (ballet), without hesitation, she said "To be Clara in The Nutcracker". Sounds like a lofty goal for someone just hoping and wishing and dreaming, but not for Emma. She is putting the hard work, diligence, determination and commitment in for her dreams and aspirations to be fulfilled. Emma's Mom is her greatest cheerleader because she takes her to Ballet Austin (in downtown Austin and if you know anything about Austin traffic -- that's quite a commitment). She is cultivating, embracing, and nurturing the giftings of her girl. She knows it is worth every effort, every investment of resources and time to help her girl become all God has destined her to be.

Emma inspired me so much that I knew her example would be my post for today. How many of us want to be great cooks, outstanding speakers or musicians, strong athletes and would like to be healthy, toned and lean? Quite often the "want to" doesn't measure up to the drive and determination to BECOME the best we can be -- in whatever or whoever we desire to become.

I heard it said about those who are frustrated at God because their dreams, prayers, and "wants" haven't come true: "You think you're waiting on God, but God is waiting on YOU to get prepared." Getting that promotion, the speaking engagement, or any other desire or dream we may have, rests in our hearts, minds and good old hard work and tenacity. Emma will no doubt achieve her dreams to be "Clara". She's doing what it takes to win. Will our passion drive us to where we want to go, too?

Philippians 3:14 "I press toward the goal to win the prize."

I'm Getting Engaged in 2016

"I'm Getting Engaged in 2016!"
I heard someone say that yesterday, and I thought "So am I".  Of course, hers meant making a commitment to getting married, but in my case, it's about being less distracted and more on-purpose to give my full attention to those I encounter. It's looking into someone's eyes when they speak to me -- giving them my undivided attention.  My goal is to be engaged and present in a family game or watching a movie together or going to church together or sharing a moment together or just enjoying a meal together without interruption.  To be engaged means capture attention, grip, captivate, absorb, pledge, contract, promise, agree, bind oneself, interlock, unite.

Have you ever "engaged" someone in conversation, only to see them looking away or looking at their watch or phone?   How did it make you feel?  On the other hand, was it you that someone was speaking to, and you didn't seem to care about what they were saying by your body language -- looking away?

While I want to do better in being engaged and in the moment this year,  I want to be "engaged" in listening for God's voice and cultivating my relationship with Him as though I were engaged to marry someone.  When my sweetheart and I were engaged, we spent countless hours on the phone -- we couldn't get enough of "talking and sharing" with each other.  He was ALWAYS on my mind.  My focus was on him -- morning, noon and night.  I was ENGAGED and I acted like it in my thoughts and daily interactions with him.   Remember when Peter had the courage to get out of the boat and walk on the water to Jesus?  He did, but then his eyes looked away at his circumstances, he almost drowned.

Most of all, I want to be ENGAGED in my walk with God --  seeing Him everywhere I turn, keeping my eyes on Him, and listening for His voice.  When I do that, I will see, hear and know the path to walk in.  He is THAT important to me.

In dog obedience training, they put a dog at one end of a room and its master at the other end of the room, with a plate of food in the middle. And then the master calls the dog. If the dog eyes the food, he’s a goner; he’ll go straight for it. So they teach the dog to focus his eyes on the master. If the dog keeps his eyes on the master, he won’t be tempted. Instead of heading for the food, he’ll head straight to the master.

We need to keep our eyes on our Master or we, too, will get distracted. We need to get our minds off our circumstances and our problems, and focus on God’s goodness, His closeness to us in our present and His power to help us in our future

“Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.”   Hebrews 12:2

World Changer in the Making

Day 29 of my Photo Inspirations
I'm back in Texas for a few days, and I love this sign posted on my grandson's bedroom door.     I am so proud of the declaration that Payton makes over his life.  And I don't have a doubt in my mind that he will be a world changer -- making a positive difference in his world. 

What if this was a sign we looked at everyday on our mirror, or in our car, or on our desk at work?  A sign that says we are a "world changer in the making".   Sure, it says "in the making" -- it's a daily discipline and a daily commitment to being intentional about becoming a world changer. Wouldn't that be the factor we'd consider when making a right or wrong decision, conveying positive or negative attitudes, displaying a heart of gratitude or ingratitude, whether to reach out and help someone or not, believing that in the middle of every challenge or difficulty is an opportunity? 

We are God’s chosen means of bringing light to the world.  We were created with everything we need to be world-changers.   And we can be willing instruments in the hands of our amazing God to positively make a difference in our world.   It’s about doing what we’re called to do. It's about doing what we can do right where we are.  What we do with our lives matters.
 
So go ahead -- copy this photo and put it where you and your kids can see it.  We can ALL be "world changers in the making".

Following the Lead of Successful Businesses and People

When my family comes to Tulsa, eating at Chick-fil-A is a MUST! It went quickly, but we waited in a long line to place our order at the drive thru window!. Always a crowd there, I said, “This is really a phenomenon!” Then I remembered just why this company is so successful and has grown to be the second largest chicken chain in America. Some would say it's the food. Others point to its clever advertising. (Let's face it, there is something appealing about seeing a cow beg you to "Eat Mor Chikin.") But, Founder Truett Cathy has a different view. He declares that the secret of his success is the company's high quality of people and their attention to customer service.

How do they attract such people? Truett says it all goes back to Chick-fil-A being closed on Sundays. Truett believes everyone should have a day off a week - for church, rest, or to enjoy family. Accordingly, Chick-fil-A has attracted outstanding teams - many industry experts will say its people are the best in the food industry.

And, ONE of the reasons their record-setting drive-thru is so fast, and accurate, is that the team taking orders is in their own private part of the restaurant. Their focus is all YOU and YOUR order, with no other distractions. It's part of their commitment to offer their customers the best experience possible!!

I was thinking about the standards of Chick-Fil-A, compared to our own standards of excellence, or the lack thereof. Do we brand ourselves with personality, wit and quality? Do we work hard, play hard and get adequate rest that we need? Do we honor God by setting aside a day, or time, for Him? Do we REALLY focus on the people in our lives – making them feel important, special and loved, or are we easily distracted with our cell phones or other matters that take away our attention from those who really matter most!

I think it’s time to follow the lead of successful people in business and in life – it just might make the difference we’ve been looking for to move up the ladder of personal and professional success in our own life!

CEO of my Business -- CEO of my Life

My tip of the day.....there's no greater way to begin a new day and week than to have a meeting with the CEO of our business -- especially with the desire for success in every way! My CEO is God, my Heavenly Father.

Through the years of having early morning commitments, my body just naturally wakes up early. I have a built-in alarm clock. So, it sure makes sense to me, to get in touch with the One who created the day -- to begin my day by spending a few minutes alone with God each morning. It's just a great way to get the "wisdom and guidance" download from my CEO, and my day and life will be enriched and blessed as the day progresses! Spending time in His Word, and sharing with Him, through prayer, I know I've set my day in the proper order! It always helps me to be in the right frame of mind. I recognize it, and others recognize it, when we've had those meetings.....and when we haven't. I urge you to call for an Executive Meeting with your CEO today!