October 10: When I Think Someone Ought to…

Affirmation: I am capable of doing anything I choose. I trust my insight & intuition.

“…Spirit of truth, will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what he hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.”

‭‭John‬ ‭16:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

~~~~~~~

Ponder, Personalize, Practice: Practice this verse and turn to God with whatever if troubling you. He cares for you.

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7

~~~~~~~

Wholehearted Guidepost from Brené Brown

Guidepost 1: Cultivating Authenticity and Letting Go of What Other People Think. 

There’s no such thing as an “authentic person” and an “inauthentic person.” Because authenticity isn’t a fixed quality. It’s a skill you PRACTICE over time.

“Authenticity” is also used so frequently that it’s lost its meaning. If you feel burned out on the term, I invite you to practice beginner’s mind and look at it from a new perspective.

Brown shares a helpful definition: “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be, and embracing who we actually are.”

The quickest way to NOT be authentic is to try and be the person you think you’re expected to be.

Being yourself is hard. It means leaning into vulnerability. It means you’re willing to be seen.

But it’s well worth it. When you practice authenticity, you set an example for everyone around you that they can do the same.

~~~~~~~

Mastering the 7 Decisions from Andy Andrews

This is the full recap by Andy Andrew

The Responsible Decision

The Buck Stops Here.

From this moment forward, I will accept responsibility for my past. I understand that the beginning of wisdom is to accept the responsibility for my own problems and that by accepting responsibility for my past, I free myself to move into a bigger, brighter future of my own choosing.

Never again will I blame my parents, my spouse, my boss, or employees for my present situation. Neither my education nor lack of one, my genetics, or the circumstantial ebb and flow of everyday life will affect my future in a negative way. If I allow myself to blame these uncontrollable forces for my lack of success, I will be forever caught in a web of the past. I will look forward. I will not let my history control my destiny.

The buck stops here. I accept responsibility for my past. I am responsible for my success. I am where I am today—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially—because of decisions I have made. My decisions have always been governed by my thinking. Therefore, I am where I am today—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially—because of how I think. Today I will begin the process of changing where I am—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially—by changing the way I think.

My thoughts will be constructive, never destructive. My mind will live in the solutions of the future. It will not dwell in the problems of the past. I will seek the association of those who are working and striving to bring about positive changes in the world. I will never seek comfort by associating with those who have decided to be comfortable.

When faced with the opportunity to make a decision, I will make one. I understand that God did not put in me the ability to always make right decisions. He did, however, put in me the ability to make a decision and then make it right. The rise and fall of my emotional tide will not deter me from my course. When I make a decision, I will stand behind it. My energy will go into making the decision. I will waste none on second thoughts. My life will not be an apology. It will be a statement.

The buck stops here. I control my thoughts. I control my emotions.

In the future, when I am tempted to ask the question “Why me?”, I will immediately counter with the answer: “Why not me?” Challenges are a gift, an opportunity to learn. Problems are the com- mon thread running through the lives of great men and women. In times of adversity, I will not have a problem to deal with, I will have a choice to make. My thoughts will be clear. I will make the right choice. Adversity is preparation for greatness. I will accept the preparation. Why me? Why not me? I will be prepared for something great!

I accept responsibility for my past. I control my thoughts. I control my emotions. I am respon- sible for my success.

The buck stops here.

© 2006 Andy Andrews 1 

~~~~~~~~

Reading for Today

Walk in Grace. Live in Love by Bob Goff October 10

When I think someone ought to be more loving, it’s usually me.

“Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Luke 3:11

Airports are a place to build patience. Few things amp up my anxiety more than sitting on the runway a few short feet from the gate while I miss a tight connection one gate away. Or waiting for the last plane out before the storm, then having it canceled at midnight. Airports are a place where babies cry and strangers bump into us with roller bags and all comfortable seats have been removed.

I used to dread air airports for all of these reasons, but when I started thinking of them as opportunities to give away love, my attitude changed. Now when I interact with a customer service agent who isn’t moving as fast as I want them to, I think about how many people have probably been rude to them that day, and I try to make them smile. When I’m seated next to a screaming baby on the flight, I imagine how tired the parents must feel, and I do my best to make the kid smile.

When I think someone ought to be more loving, it’s usually me. The longer I follow Jesus, the more I’m trying to see through the eyes of the other people. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not always easy, and I’ve got a lot to learn. We come into contact with people every day who need to encounter love. They need to know that whatever they’re going through at that moment, they don’t have to go it alone. One word, one kind and understanding nod in the direction of someone struggling, can change everything. When we choose to step into the shoes of people having a difficult time, we usually find they’re a lot like us. They just need to know they’re loved and valued and that it’s going to be OK. Don’t leave it to someone else to do the loving for you.

What one word can you share with someone today to show them love?