Can you believe the first quarter of 2012 is over? Well, this would be a great time to review the goals you set for yourself in 2012. I just did a quick review and realized I needed to change a few things if I plan on accomplishing them by the end of 2012. The eighth action that I want to talk to you about today is one of those actions that is very challenging to do every day because our pride and ego gets in the way. The action is: I will greet every day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive myself and others.
I call this action the attitude of GRATITUDE. Over the years I have struggled with this action. I am a very strong willed individual so forgiving is not one of my strengths. Anyone that knows me well would agree with that statement especially my wife! Through the years I have been more proactive in having a forgiving spirit. I realized during my reflection and prayer time my greatest weakness in this area is that I am not willing to forgive myself and it is the culprit that stands in my way of forgiving others. This bible verse speaks to forgiveness:
Matthew 18: 21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
I think this answer by Jesus makes it clear that forgiveness is not easy for any of us. It’s not a one-time choice and then we will automatically live in a state of forgiveness. It is a daily choice that we are willing to forgive ourselves and others. Forgiveness may require a lifetime of forgiving, but it is what makes us the person God meant us to be. Being able to forgive makes us a man or woman. Too many people see this as weakness; instead it is a sign of strength if we are able to forgive ourselves and others. The most important forgiveness comes when it is settled in our heart
So how will you go forward in this second quarter of 2012 and use this action to change who you want to be? Remember the eighth action is: I will greet each day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive myself and others.
Holding on to grudges can allow us to ruin days, weeks, months and years. As I take action on having a forgiving spirit it makes me become the person I want to become. Excuse me for cutting this blog short but I need to go forgive my spouse, AGAIN!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
How do we find our direction in life?
Today, we are going to talk about our 7th action to live by: “I know where I want my life to go. I have chosen my path to follow daily.” I have found two principles that work for me. I am sure there are others that work but this will give you a foundation to start so you can follow the path you want for your life. As you will see in the next several actions, I will be sharing some of my beliefs in faith with you. By sharing my faith, I am telling you this is a commitment for me that helps’ me keep my direction in life. Yes, I fail at times but just like Jesus did I get back up and try again.
First, I meditate and ask God where he wants me to go? What direction do I need to follow? How can I fulfill what he has set out for me to accomplish on earth. I spend time in prayer and meditation to understand where I should be headed. I have to admit it is hard to follow God’s will and not my own will. Dedicate your work to be used for God’s purposes. Whatever you want God to bless, you give to him first. In a recent Rick Warren (Author, A Purpose Driven Life) devotional he defined how to dedicate your works with the word SUCCEED!
Start working enthusiastically.
Understand who you really work for.
Concentrate on building your character.
Care about the people you work with.
Exceed what is expected of you.
Expand your skills to SUCCEED at work.
Dedicate your work to be used for God’s purposes.
God wants you to succeed in life. He wants you to succeed spiritually, but he also wants you to succeed in your work. God wants each of us to be a witness at work. He wants us to use our platform for the glory of God.
The second method I use: I set GOALS! I coined a quote on goals that I think some up what goals are all about:
“Goals: Are like having your headlights on because you know where you are going.”
If you don’t create the roadmap to your success how will you reach the destination? Each year I take time to set goals for myself in areas like: Health, Spiritual, Relationships, Career, Education, Self and Family. This becomes my written plan to achieve the goals I set. It is vital that you write your goals down on paper. It is the commitment that will help you make it a reality. I also post my goals in a very visible place, so I see them every day. I have a ritual when I brush my teeth in the morning I review my goals to myself. It gives me a daily reminder on what my highest priorities are each and every day.
Have you decided where your life will be next week, next month, or next year? It’s your life, what are you waiting for? Take time to find your direction with God and then set some goals you still want to achieve in 2012? Do you realize we still have 9 plus months to make them a REALITY!
Have a GREAT day!
Gary Wilbers
First, I meditate and ask God where he wants me to go? What direction do I need to follow? How can I fulfill what he has set out for me to accomplish on earth. I spend time in prayer and meditation to understand where I should be headed. I have to admit it is hard to follow God’s will and not my own will. Dedicate your work to be used for God’s purposes. Whatever you want God to bless, you give to him first. In a recent Rick Warren (Author, A Purpose Driven Life) devotional he defined how to dedicate your works with the word SUCCEED!
Start working enthusiastically.
Understand who you really work for.
Concentrate on building your character.
Care about the people you work with.
Exceed what is expected of you.
Expand your skills to SUCCEED at work.
Dedicate your work to be used for God’s purposes.
God wants you to succeed in life. He wants you to succeed spiritually, but he also wants you to succeed in your work. God wants each of us to be a witness at work. He wants us to use our platform for the glory of God.
The second method I use: I set GOALS! I coined a quote on goals that I think some up what goals are all about:
“Goals: Are like having your headlights on because you know where you are going.”
If you don’t create the roadmap to your success how will you reach the destination? Each year I take time to set goals for myself in areas like: Health, Spiritual, Relationships, Career, Education, Self and Family. This becomes my written plan to achieve the goals I set. It is vital that you write your goals down on paper. It is the commitment that will help you make it a reality. I also post my goals in a very visible place, so I see them every day. I have a ritual when I brush my teeth in the morning I review my goals to myself. It gives me a daily reminder on what my highest priorities are each and every day.
Have you decided where your life will be next week, next month, or next year? It’s your life, what are you waiting for? Take time to find your direction with God and then set some goals you still want to achieve in 2012? Do you realize we still have 9 plus months to make them a REALITY!
Have a GREAT day!
Gary Wilbers
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