Be Brave. Be Strong. Don't Give Up.

My husband is a business owner.  He has been for many, many years.  We have experienced the highs and lows of being in the construction business. Lately the lows have had enormous financial repercussions that are completely out of our control, and it weighs heavily on us.

To some, being your own boss may seem easy.  You get to call the shots, take time off freely, and have some financial success. There are benefits we reap and it is rewarding most of the time, but the cost and responsibility of doing business can be a heavy burden.  Lately that burden is keeping my husband awake at night.  It causes me to be anxious for him, and for our business.  

There is no security in this life.  What I am confident in is the fact that God has never left us, nor forsaken us.  I know He is with us, even ahead of us, every step of the way.  He is always for our good although it does not always feel like it.  But, being in the Refiner's fire is better than trying to walk this out on our own.  I trust that He has great plans in store for us, and we won't always be in this trench.  

I have been wrapping the book of Psalms around me recently.  David sure experienced some highs and lows.  Yet, in it all he was honest with God about his current situation, and prayed boldly for a rescue while praising Him just the same.  I need this daily reminder that I can approach the throne boldly for God knows my heart.  I do not know what is going to happen, but I know God is in control.

Please, be encouraged today and know that God is FOR YOU! He loves you, and wants to draw you to Him in all things.  Not just the bad times, but the good times too.  

Now go. Be brave! Be Strong! Don't give up!

In His Strength,

Sandi

Pursuing My Own Goal

Have you been stuck in a rut recently? I'm in one now in a certain area of my life.  I have a goal that I've been wanting to accomplish for over a year now, and it's just not happening.  Not because I can't, but because I'm not actively doing much to pursue it.  I have been frustrated, and today it dawned on me.  I took advice from someone in which direction I should go, and I've realized that direction isn't serving me well.  I went with it because I respect this person...and maybe, just maybe, I thought I needed their validation.

There's nothing wrong with asking for advice from those who have knowledge in an area you are interested in pursuing.  It's actually one of the smartest things you can do.  The downside of this is when you take someone's own opinions and advice and not think for yourself.  Instead you dive head first into a project or study, only to find that you are drowning because you didn't find the best path for you!

I realize that I should have used the advice, done my research, and then made the best possible choice FOR ME!  I have wasted almost a year.  This is not an excuse for not "trying harder".  I could continue with the plan I have and see what happens.  I haven't decided that yet.  But, what I have learned is to trust my instincts and not rely on my emotions of being a people pleaser.  In the end, no one is pleased.  Especially myself.  The person that gave me the advice has probably not given me a second thought since then.  Maybe Plan B will surface sometime soon. 

Thanks for listening.  I'd love to hear about your experience with this subject!

My Will vs. His

I am currently going through an online devotion with Good Morning Girls  called, "Why Easter Matters".  In this new season of spring, and the days inching further away from the dark, cold winter, the author touches on the comparison spiritually as it relates to death coming to life and states, "As I’ve gone to God’s Word for help and hope, He has refreshed my heart again with this truth: apart from Jesus we are deader than the longest winter: incomplete, inconsistent, and longing for a hope that neither all of our valiant efforts nor this world can provide. This is why Easter matters."

Because His love is:

Complete.

Consistent.

Unfailing.

Abundant.

Sure.

The assignment was to make a list of things in my life that I'm tempted to rely on rather than Jesus.  Let me just say that this list took about 2 seconds to create.  I think it came to me so quickly because I'm constantly aware of my weaknesses and tend to give them un-do power all too often.  Here is my list:

1. My to-do list=control.
2. The clock...although I'm a procrastinator and don't always use my time well.
3. Facebook for connection, distraction, and to fill time.
4. What other people think of me/approval.

Wow. Can I admit that this quote makes me feel uncomfortable?  When I rely on my own ways I don't feel, complete, consistent, unfailing, abundant, or sure, but I do have a false sense of being in control.   Now, I'm not saying there is anything wrong with being organized and staying on task or connecting with friends through social media.  What I'm getting at is I've made these things more of an idol than I care to admit, and fail everyday at being mindful of the steps God has prepared for me.  This is why it is so important for me to START my day in the Word.  I've neglected that recently as well.  Time to get back on track.

Interestingly enough, today's devotion in "Jesus Calling" reminded me to talk with God about every aspect of my day, including my feelings.  I am not to control or fix everything around me.  It also says to not let my to-do list become an idol directing my life.  A successful day is one in which I've stayed in contact with God throughout the day, allowing him to direct my ways.

Prov 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. 

1 Thess 5:17 - Pray continually

If you were to make a list, what would it look like? Would you like to join me in the "Good Morning Girls" journey? Just click on this link and get started with me!

Who Does God Say That I Am?

"What you say about yourself means nothing in God's work.  It's what God says about you that makes a difference."  

2 Corinthians 10:18

So, I got to thinking, "Who does God say that I am?" This is what I found:

• A child of God (John 1:12)
• A friend of Jesus (John 15:15)
• A temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19)
• A new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• Righteous in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21)
• Loved and Chosen (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
• Blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)
• Redeemed and Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
• Seated in the heavenly places with Christ (Ephesians 2:6)
• God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)

That's a pretty awesome list to read.  And it's true.  I just have to remind myself often and believe it.  I can get so caught up in thoughts about myself, especially negative ones, and I get fairly discouraged and lose any ambition or positive thoughts about what He's called me to do.  I can do anything through Him!  

Let's not forget it friends.  When you are feeling low just refer to this list and let it wash over you with grace and truth.

Love,

Sandi

Daughter of the King

Do You Raise an Eyebrow?

When you hear me say I am a Beachbody Coach does that cause you to raise an eyebrow?  (I can't do that by the way, raise one eyebrow. I have always wished I could. Random fact. You're welcome). I digress, anyway, I was reading in Success From Home magazine and came across this 10 point outline and thought, "YES, this is why!" So I thought I'd share it with you:

Top 10 Reasons Why

Team Beachbody Coaches Succeed

1. We are doing something we love to do.
2. We are able to promote world-class brands that people are already familiar with.
3. We are doing something we can take pride in, because we know we are making a difference in people's lives.
4. We are part of a company that has a lot of momentum.
5. We have all the tools and training that empower us to be successful from Day One.
6. We have powerful leadership.  We know there is an upline of success eager to engage with their organization.
7. Because the Team Beachbody program is based on exercise and proper nutrition, coaches know the program offers genuine results.
8. We are part of something exciting and successful that other people want to be part of.
9. We know the program offers emotional, mental, and spiritual results, in addition to physical results.
10. We pride ourselves on being part of a high-integrity company.

This year is about me reaching for new goals in the face of my own silly fears.  I have said it before and I'll say it again.  Personal development has been key in my progress thus far.  It is something leadership in Team Beachbody teaches and believes in.  In the same magazine I mentioned above I read this:

"At Team Beachbody, everyone is always a work in progress, and no one ever becomes a finished product.  When you're through changing, you're through.  That's why we believe in the continuous process of learning and growth.  In this industry, most people don't have the opportunity to learn about human behavior, leadership and potential.  Creating transformation within oneself, whether it's physical, or emotional, or spiritual, is fundamental in this business.  You cannot lead other people beyond your ability to lead yourself, so through personal development you can learn to lead others at a higher level." -Jeff Hill, Sr. VP of Global Sales

I've still got a lot to learn about being the best coach I can be to my team and those who trust me to be part of their health and fitness journey.  I'm excited about what the future holds, and I'm trying to become comfortable with being uncomfortable! 

Movin' On Up

If you follow me on Facebook you may have seen this picture recently.  Our company, Hull's Construction, has always operated out of our home.  The house we live in now is great, but does not have much room for office space.  Truthfully it has none.  I work out from a computer cabinet in our living room and my husband is set up at the kitchen counter.

Over the past few months we have been discussing the possibility of leasing office space here in town.  Well, it has finally come to pass! I'm excited and nervous at the same time. To increase our overhead is a little scary to me, but it's what I've been praying for all year.  Not just space, but someone to help take over a lot of the bookkeeping that I do.  It is not my gift, nor my passion.  I've come to realize that I'm a better person doing what it is that I'm good at and brings me joy.  A friend of mine posted this saying today, and it fits the season I'm in, and hope to stay in regarding why I do what I do.

While doing my devotions this morning I read some "blessed are those" statements in Psalm 84.

"Blessed are those who dwell in your house/ they are ever praising You".

"Blessed are those whose strength is in You".

"Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in You."

I feel reassured about stepping out with this dream.  Doug and I have always trusted God to lead us, and in the ups AND downs we have ever praised Him.  Our strength in God is built most when our faith has been tested.  What I know is that we will never grow and experience all that He has for us if we don't DREAM BIG and trust His leading.

I'm truly excited and feel blessed to be moving towards new goals, dreams, and possibilities.  Do you have a BIG DREAM? Have you even dared to wish for doing more of what makes you happy? I encourage you to find what that is.  Check out Jon Acuff's book START: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters to learn how....and of course always DWELL with God, find your STRENGTH in Him, and TRUST the Lord Almighty!

Stop Waiting for the Perfect TIme | It Won't Happen

"If you wait for perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done!"

Ecclesiastes 11:4 (LB)

I couldn't have said it better myself, so I thought I'd let this word speak for itself.  

You can find more at:  http://proverbs31.org

July 22, 2013 Progress or Procrastination? Lisa Allen

Unhealthy habits had crept their way into my life. At first it was only occasionally, but then it became easier to stay home rather than head to the gym. I turned a blind eye to how much sugar I was eating. And dinner from a drive-through became more convenient when I was in a rush.

After a few months in this downward spiral, I knew it was time to reintroduce healthy habits. But then the excuses started: I know I should work out, but this just isn't a good time for me ... I have two trips coming up and then there's that birthday dinner for my friend this weekend. And everyone knows that Mondays are the best day to start a good habit!

This pattern of thinking gives me permission to eat unhealthy foods and put off exercise. Somehow I justify that I will ultimately be more successful if all the conditions are perfect for me to improve my health. Perhaps it's my selfish nature that screams, "I want what I want when I want it." The truth is, if I know I should take steps toward healthier choices, then my response should simply be to ask myself, "What can I do today?" and then do it. I don't have to have a plan for a month or even a week ... only today.

As I've observed this pattern of procrastination within myself, I find when faced with a desire and necessity to make a change for the better, sometimes I wait until I can do it perfectly before I'm willing to begin. Scripture tells us though "If you wait for perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done!" (Ecclesiastes 11:4).

I don't know about you, but I struggle with feeling that perfection is unreachable, so I push my goals to the back burner.

We wait to start consistent quiet times until we feel like getting up earlier. We wait to clean our house until there is a convenient weekend. We wait to join a small group until our schedules open up. We wait to begin a healthier lifestyle until the holidays are over.

Taking that first step is the hardest and yet most important step. Even a baby step toward a goal is better than staying in place. Aiming for progress rather than perfection can be quite freeing. So, I can't run a marathon. But I can lace up my sneakers and go for a walk. And while my home isn't in spotless, I can wipe down the counters and put away the piles of laundry around my living room. Yes, there are still dishes in the sink, but I have to start somewhere, right?

God is teaching me that I can make progress in the midst of less-than-perfect circumstances. While I still want to do things with excellence, a friend once told me I need to be willing to "take a B instead of an A+" on some things in life, and that helps bring perspective when excuses start to rise up. Plus, I'm learning to overcome my tendency for excuses by telling myself imperfect action is better than perfect procrastination.

There may never be a perfect time to get organized, eat less sugar, and workout more. However, we have to begin somewhere. The perfect place to start is where we are today.

Father, You know me so well, and I confess to You I've been avoiding obedience by waiting for things to be easier, better and more convenient. I recognize this as disobedience and ask You to forgive me. Give me the strength to focus today on this area of obedience. Let me know that You are providing all I need to take this step today and tomorrow, as I continue this journey with You. Amen.

Related Resources:

Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst

Our newest Online Bible Study, What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst, will be studying the perfect companion book to help you stop procrastinating and start progressing! Click herefor more information and to sign up.

Visit Lisa Allen's website for more encouragement.

Reflect and Respond:

What area of procrastination are you wrestling with? Whatever it is, choose to take one step toward your goal. Share it with your spouse, friend or mom and ask them to help you live this truth: "Imperfect progress is better than perfect procrastination."

Power Verses:

Ecclesiastes 7:8, "The end of a matter is better than its beginning and patience is better than pride." (NIV)

Proverbs 31:27, "She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." (ESV)

© 2013 by Lisa Allen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

630 Team Rd., Suite 100

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org

Failure to Launch

Teddy Roosevelt "The Man in the Arena" Paris 1910

Oh, to be this person who is marred by dust, sweat, and blood and still forges ahead.  I write this as I think about all of the things I want (or think I want) to be doing different and new.  I can not quiet the voices in my head that drown out my dreams and ideas.  My quick, short bursts of confidence melt into a paralyzed fear.  It is an odd place to be in, and keeps me in limbo.  I have yet to commit to one idea or dream and go with it. 

Fear of failure.  This blog post speaks directly to the subject.  I urge you to read it.  One of the blog author's statements that have stuck with me is this:  “I’ve come to learn is this:  the seeming failures over time, seem to bring more fruit than the successes”.  He, Morgan Snyder, goes on to say,  “and each time failure comes, it’s not that the failures hurt less.  It’s that they hurt better.” 

We succeed and fail in life, all the while esteeming success over failure.  “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.  Both are essential.”  Morgan says then goes on to ask, “(am I) choosing to live in a way that requires God to show up?” Good question! Am I timidly making safe choices every day and/or shying away from challenges all together?  What choices could I be forging ahead with that would require my God to show up in my weakness? 

Baby steps.  I say all this to encourage those that want to do more, but either don’t know where to start or are afraid to take the next step.  Let’s not live a life without risks. I’ll close with this last question posed by Morgan:

"Are you risking enough to be acquiring a healthy mosaic of failures?"

 

Creating Goals and Bringing Them to Life

Can 30 days really change your life?  Well, of course it can.  For good and for bad. Expected or not.  But, I'm not looking to go that deep I just want to share with you a  30 day challenge that is helping me navigate my life right now.

I joined this challenge partly out of curiosity, and partly because a month ago I was really feeling intimidated by all of the thoughts and conversations I was having about what I want to do with my life.  I'm a slow learner, deep thinker, and a Type A list maker.  This program has helped me focus in on what I need to pursue and change in my life to get to where I want to be.  I'm not finished with the process by any means and honestly will be taking some time to review everything I've learned, what I've written to myself, and most importantly bring it before God for His direction.

The online service is FREE!  It is a daily video that really doesn't take very long...I'd say at the most 10 minutes.  The first few days of "homework" take some time, but then it gets easier.  Honestly, this challenge took me longer than 30 days because I didn't watch the videos everyday, but today I finished Day 30.  

I don't know if it will help you or not, but it doesn't hurt to check it out.  I've realized that personal development is very important to me right now and this has been a great first step in my journey.  I wanted to share it with you in case it was right for you as well! Like I said it is FREE so no harm no foul ;)

Click here for Chalene Johnson's 30-Day Challenge to master organization and achieve your goals!  Then comment on my Facebook page A Balanced Life with Sandi Hull and let me know if your in or not! I'd love to cheer you on!

Fully Alive

Lately I have been actively pursuing some desires God has given me. It has been a long journey. Partly because I needed a heart change and some time to grow in my faith, but also because I have doubted and just plain ignored the desires for a long time. In my Bible reading this morning this jumped out at me fresh and new. I wanted to share it with you:

Matt 27:65

“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.”

66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

We live like this sometimes in our walk with God.  I have heard God give me direction, and out of fear, insecurity, or lack of faith I have rolled a stone over my heart, sealed it and posted the guard of disobedience.  I know the end of this story though.  Jesus comes right out of that sealed tomb.  Nothing can hold Him back.  If I don’t let Him use me I will miss out on joy and blessing in this life, and He’ll give the job to someone else.  I pray that when I want to roll a stone over what God’s doing in my life, I will resist the temptation.  Instead I want to stand fully alive outside of the tomb of disobedience.

What about you?  Are you living fully alive?  We've been created with gifts and purpose. Let's not waste our lives worrying about what others may think, or believe the lies we listen to inside our heads about not being smart enough or good enough to do what it is we long to do.  Remove that sealed stone from your life and do something crazy like live, REALLY LIVE, your life!