I have never understood how time goes by so slowly during an all-day seminar or a traffic jam or a root canal procedure, but 40 years go by so fast! I went to my high school reunion this past summer. I knew that it would be wonderful and fun and exciting to see people at the reunion and reminisce with everyone, but if I dug deep in my heart, what do I really feel about it? If I could say anything I wanted to say to the "Class of 1976," what would it be?
Last summer, I wrote this message, primarily thinking of those individuals who have not yet accomplished their dreams or met their goals in life. This is what I would like to say:
"It is surreal to think that 40 years have gone by since we graduated from high school. Forty years is a lifetime! It's a generation, or maybe two! What has happened during these 40 years? Many of you are married, have grown children, maybe even grandchildren. You've experienced successes and you've grown and learned so much about life. We've gained the wisdom that comes with age. Some of you have experienced disappointments, unexpected things in your life, maybe health issues, maybe the death of a loved one. Lots of things have happened in 40 years, and our paths have taken us in many different directions.
Have you accomplished what you always wanted to accomplish? Have your dreams from your youth come true? Is there a goal you want to reach or something you would like to do on your bucket list? Do you have regrets? Has your life taken you where you wanted to go? Maybe you found God and Jesus, as I have, to help you through the hard times of life.
I suffered an unusual disappointment, something that was completely unexpected in my life, at least from my standpoint. I was single for many years, when I wanted nothing more than to be married and have kids. I didn't expect my life to go that way. I thought I would get married at age 27, which seemed to be the age I was ready to be married. I would have kids and a house and no problems in life! But, instead of everything falling into place like a perfect puzzle, I was pushed to the sidelines, and I watched everyone around me get married, have kids, go through all the school activities and sports, baby showers, birthdays. I dated someone while I was in Law School and I thought we would get married, but it didn't happen. Through my thirties, I prayed for a husband, even qualifying it by asking for someone who is "nice," and I prayed for children, a boy and a girl. That was my dream.
Well into my forties, it still hadn't happened. I told a friend I was giving up hope to ever get married. I told her I was not going to pray about it any more. She took action and talked with a friend of hers, and they both set me up on a blind date. It was with my husband, Dave, and he is such a nice guy! Guess what? I am a stepmom to a boy and a girl. God answered my prayers, and I have learned in life that timing is more important to God than time.
I'm glad that I found the Lord at age 25 and I did not have to go through singleness alone. In fact, through that time, I learned how to depend on God and how to pray and trust. When I met Dave, I realized that God's plan and purpose for my life was unfolding, as it had been for all those years. Just because I couldn't see the future didn't mean there was no plan. God was accomplishing His plan all along.
Plan, purpose, and prayer. God has a plan to fulfill your purpose in life. Don't give up. Your dreams will come true and the purpose for your life will be accomplished if you trust the Lord. Timing is everything, so always be ready!"
Devotion
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your purpose and plan for our lives. I pray that we will not ignore our Creator. Now is the time to turn to you, realizing that our lives are from you. Forty years may go by, but your timing is more important than time. I pray for those in the Class of 1976 who may be discouraged, disappointed, disillusioned, or depressed. Please give them a glimpse of your power and your love, and prepare their hearts to learn to trust you. I pray that they will experience the Bread of Life and truly be fulfilled. In Jesus' name, Amen.
© 2016 Linda Lijewski
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Priorities
Priorities are different than goals. Goals are what you strive for; priorities are
what you actually do. I thought my
priorities were the same as my goals.
After all, I am working on my books and my weight loss and my blog and
my exercise program and all of my other goals.... wait a minute! The summer is gone and I haven’t made much progress
on my goals! What happened?
I have my plans… I set my schedule… and I make time to work toward my goals. Then, when I least expect it, things crop up and consume my time, attention, and energy. I call these things “interruptions.” I could write an entire book about interruptions! They happen every day and they have the power to distract me and ultimately destroy my goal success!
I have my plans… I set my schedule… and I make time to work toward my goals. Then, when I least expect it, things crop up and consume my time, attention, and energy. I call these things “interruptions.” I could write an entire book about interruptions! They happen every day and they have the power to distract me and ultimately destroy my goal success!
This summer, I learned that this phenomenon of
“interruptions” is my biggest challenge in reaching my goal of writing a book. It’s not one big interruption, like taking a trip
or having out-of-town visitors. Those
things are temporary and short-term, and when it's over, I can get back on
track. I’m talking about the little
things, the busyness, that happen every day to distract me and consume my time
and keep me from working toward my goals.
For example, I think of all the things that keep me from my
morning devotion. I have time (I make
time) to take my dog out, feed him, feed myself, shower, dress, put makeup on,
make the bed, and clean out the dishwasher.
When I’m ready to leave the house to go to work, I don’t have time to
stop and read my devotion and pray! It
will just have to wait. I will do it
later.
At the end of the day, there is just too much to do. After dinner, I need to go through the mail,
pay my bills. My husband and I have to
look online for a new car. My
stepdaughter needs my help to review an essay she has written for school. The phone rings… I haven’t talked with my
friend in a while, so we chat for an hour.
I need to take the dog for a walk.
There is one more load of laundry to do.
I haven’t cleaned the kitchen yet!
Well, I’ve just shown you what my
priorities are.
On the days that I make God my priority and begin the day
with a devotion, I find that everything else falls into place. I can’t explain it. It just happens. When I have days like that, I make a promise
to myself that I will always put God first, every day. When God is my priority, I experience the benefit
of having God in control of my day. He
guides my steps and He helps me to keep my priorities in order.
What are your priorities?
Do they match your goals?
If your goal progress is stalled, consider starting the day
with the Lord and committing your goal-setting plans to Him. Track your progress and discover what your
priorities really are. Make necessary
adjustments. Make the time... just as we
do for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Most importantly, God should be our first priority!
Devotion
Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
Prayer:
Lord, help me to stay in your Word. Thank you for leading me to this verse in Proverbs. These few words tell me so much about goal setting. I need your help to keep my priorities in a proper order so that I can accomplish my goals. Thank you for showing me that daily interruptions can be prioritized and managed. Help me to look to you first, not last, as you are the most important priority in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
© 2016 Linda Lijewski
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Inspiration
My friend, Sue, set a goal three years ago. She decided that she wanted to move out of the private sector and get a job with the federal government. She previously worked for the federal government and she wanted to re-direct her career back onto that path.
Over the course of the next three years, a lot happened in her life, including undergoing several surgeries with all the recovery time, and both her parents passing away. The time of not working was good for her in many ways because she had time available to deal with these circumstances. During those three years, however, she continued to send resumes and she did not abandon her goal.
About a month or so ago, when she was at her lowest point and wondering if she should give up on the goal, she got on her knees and prayed to God. From a place deep in her heart, she asked for God's help and turned it over to Him. A few days later, she received a call from a federal government agency following up on her resume submission. Oh, what an encouragement that was to her! There was a month-long process of interviewing and paperwork, and then she was offered the job! It is a job that seems to be perfect for her, utilizing her breadth of experience. I am amazed by God's grace and timing in answering her prayer!
It is very difficult to "hang in there" and not give up when our goals are not realized. That is why I am very inspired by Sue, who never gave up. When she was discouraged, she turned it over to God and she trusted Him. That is faith! Even though it took three years, she accomplished her goal in God's perfect timing.
It takes faith to get on our knees and pour our hearts out to God. When things are going well and everything is under control, and life is normal and predictable, it is easy to say "I have faith" or "I trust God." But when life is not predictable and there is no place left to turn, that is where the "rubber meets the road." We must exercise our faith! We must get on our knees and pour our hearts out to God and tell Him what we need.
In the Old Testament, Hannah's story is very inspiring (read 1 Samuel Chapters 1 and 2). Hannah was barren, and in her discouragement, she prayed to the Lord from the depths of her soul and asked Him to give her a son. God answered her prayer! No wonder she had a joyful heart (see below)!
Devotion
My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me. No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:1-2
Prayer:
Lord, your timing is perfect. I believe there is a reason that you bring us to a point where we are willing to get on our knees and ask you for what we need, from the depths of our hearts. With each act of faith and each answered prayer, we learn more and more to trust you! I pray that you will help us to stay focused and turn to you, rather than give up on our goals when things seem impossible. In Jesus' name, Amen.
© 2016 Linda Lijewski
Over the course of the next three years, a lot happened in her life, including undergoing several surgeries with all the recovery time, and both her parents passing away. The time of not working was good for her in many ways because she had time available to deal with these circumstances. During those three years, however, she continued to send resumes and she did not abandon her goal.
About a month or so ago, when she was at her lowest point and wondering if she should give up on the goal, she got on her knees and prayed to God. From a place deep in her heart, she asked for God's help and turned it over to Him. A few days later, she received a call from a federal government agency following up on her resume submission. Oh, what an encouragement that was to her! There was a month-long process of interviewing and paperwork, and then she was offered the job! It is a job that seems to be perfect for her, utilizing her breadth of experience. I am amazed by God's grace and timing in answering her prayer!
It is very difficult to "hang in there" and not give up when our goals are not realized. That is why I am very inspired by Sue, who never gave up. When she was discouraged, she turned it over to God and she trusted Him. That is faith! Even though it took three years, she accomplished her goal in God's perfect timing.
It takes faith to get on our knees and pour our hearts out to God. When things are going well and everything is under control, and life is normal and predictable, it is easy to say "I have faith" or "I trust God." But when life is not predictable and there is no place left to turn, that is where the "rubber meets the road." We must exercise our faith! We must get on our knees and pour our hearts out to God and tell Him what we need.
In the Old Testament, Hannah's story is very inspiring (read 1 Samuel Chapters 1 and 2). Hannah was barren, and in her discouragement, she prayed to the Lord from the depths of her soul and asked Him to give her a son. God answered her prayer! No wonder she had a joyful heart (see below)!
Devotion
My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me. No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:1-2
Prayer:
Lord, your timing is perfect. I believe there is a reason that you bring us to a point where we are willing to get on our knees and ask you for what we need, from the depths of our hearts. With each act of faith and each answered prayer, we learn more and more to trust you! I pray that you will help us to stay focused and turn to you, rather than give up on our goals when things seem impossible. In Jesus' name, Amen.
© 2016 Linda Lijewski
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Renewal
Today is June 30th. We are now officially half-way through 2016. It's time for renewal! It's time to evaluate our goals and renew our commitment to achieve them. If you have not moved forward with your goals this year, now is a good time to set a strategy. If you did not set any goals earlier this year, now is a great time to think about what you want to accomplish in 2016. Rather than thinking negatively ("half the year is already gone with nothing accomplished"), think positively! You still have six months left this year to accomplish your goals!
What's the big deal about "renewal"? In contract law, renewal is a big deal. In my career, I have reviewed hundreds of contracts, carefully scrutinizing the termination provisions. If we don't renew the contract, the obligations will fall away and disappear when the contract terminates. If we want the obligations to continue, we need to renew the contract and keep it alive.
Similarly, if we want to keep our goals alive, we need to renew our commitment (obligation) to achieve them. If you have not achieved a particular goal, you are not ready to terminate that obligation. You need a renewal!
One of my goals for 2016 is to finish writing a book. The purpose of "Goal Setter's Journey" is to share my experience. As an update, I completed a Vision Board for one of the books I am writing. I have written the first four chapters, as well as the final chapter that will end the book. I thought it was a great, original idea to write the last chapter and work toward it, but now I understand that many screenwriters and novelists write the end of the story first! It really makes sense to do it that way. If you want to make sure you arrive at your destination, it is best to have that destination in mind.
So, I needed to fill in the middle chapters. On the Vision Board, I wrote down all the things I wanted to include in the book. With everything in front of me on the board, I was able to work on the chapter titles and sequencing. The Vision Board helped me to see the "big picture"! Now I have a framework and I can continue to write the chapters.
If you seek to renew your goal commitment, make sure you have the "destination" in mind. Have a picture in your mind of the goal you want to achieve. And ask God to help you achieve it!
Devotion
O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! Jeremiah 32:17
Prayer:
Lord, our renewal comes from you. Uplift our hearts and refresh our spirit. Help us not to waste the precious time that you have given to us. Help us to renew our commitment to achieve our goals, and with your power, help us to get there! In Jesus' name, Amen.
© 2016 Linda Lijewski
What's the big deal about "renewal"? In contract law, renewal is a big deal. In my career, I have reviewed hundreds of contracts, carefully scrutinizing the termination provisions. If we don't renew the contract, the obligations will fall away and disappear when the contract terminates. If we want the obligations to continue, we need to renew the contract and keep it alive.
Similarly, if we want to keep our goals alive, we need to renew our commitment (obligation) to achieve them. If you have not achieved a particular goal, you are not ready to terminate that obligation. You need a renewal!
One of my goals for 2016 is to finish writing a book. The purpose of "Goal Setter's Journey" is to share my experience. As an update, I completed a Vision Board for one of the books I am writing. I have written the first four chapters, as well as the final chapter that will end the book. I thought it was a great, original idea to write the last chapter and work toward it, but now I understand that many screenwriters and novelists write the end of the story first! It really makes sense to do it that way. If you want to make sure you arrive at your destination, it is best to have that destination in mind.
So, I needed to fill in the middle chapters. On the Vision Board, I wrote down all the things I wanted to include in the book. With everything in front of me on the board, I was able to work on the chapter titles and sequencing. The Vision Board helped me to see the "big picture"! Now I have a framework and I can continue to write the chapters.
If you seek to renew your goal commitment, make sure you have the "destination" in mind. Have a picture in your mind of the goal you want to achieve. And ask God to help you achieve it!
Devotion
O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! Jeremiah 32:17
Prayer:
Lord, our renewal comes from you. Uplift our hearts and refresh our spirit. Help us not to waste the precious time that you have given to us. Help us to renew our commitment to achieve our goals, and with your power, help us to get there! In Jesus' name, Amen.
© 2016 Linda Lijewski
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Mindset
Our personal mindset is an important tool that can help or hinder us in our efforts to reach our goals. Perhaps the most productive thing we can do in our goal journeys is to evaluate our mindset. I did this a few years ago after reading a book about mindset. The book made a deep impression on me, and I decided to take a personal inventory of my mindset in each area of my life.
I created a Personal Mindset Inventory Worksheet comprised of four sections. Section I included a list of personal (home- and family-related) areas. Section II included a list of professional (work-related) areas of my life. On the left side, I enumerated all of the areas that I wanted to include in these two sections. On the right-hand side, I included two columns, one for "growth" and one for "fixed" (no growth). For each area that I had listed in Sections I and II, I put a checkmark in the column that I felt corresponded to my mindset in that area. I was really surprised at the result! I considered myself to be a growth-mindset-oriented person, but I discovered quite a few fixed mindset areas in which I was making no progress in my life.
In Section III, I listed all of the fixed mindset areas that I had identified in Sections I and II. I analyzed each area and wrote down the reason that I believed I had a fixed mindset in that area. Some of the reasons were: (1) believing it was impossible; (2) "it's always been done that way"; (3) procrastination; (4) lack of humility to recognize that the area needed change; and (5) lack of a plan or strategy to move forward. So, for example, my personal area of writing books fell into number (3), and my personal area of losing weight fell into numbers (1) and (5). Not deleting e-mails from my overloaded personal e-mail inbox fell into number (2)!!!
Finally, Section IV listed the specific goals that I decided to set. I pulled the goals from the results in Section III. Because I had identified the reason for lack of progress in those areas, I was able to think about a strategy and resources that I needed to move forward. Next to each goal, I listed small steps that I could take to begin to accomplish the goal. This Personal Mindset Inventory Worksheet has really helped me to set goals for the last few years, and it has helped to ensure that I identify areas in my life every year that may be in need of change and growth.
I believe that everyone has growth and fixed areas in their lives. I am willing to bet that even the most successful, growth-minded people have areas in their lives that they seek to improve. After all, humility is a key quality of a growth-minded person! Someone who is growth-mindset-oriented always seeks to learn and improve and change.
Jabez, in the Old Testament, had every reason to have a negative mindset about his life. Even his name meant "pain." But he had faith in God, and the bold prayer of Jabez (see below) reflects his faith and his growth mindset. Note the last part... "And God granted his request."
Devotion
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Prayer:
Lord, we ask you to reveal to us our mindset in the areas we need to change in our lives. Help us to take a personal inventory, in humility, and to seek your help to set our goals. Help us to plan and make a strategy to reach our goals. Give us wisdom and strength. Help us to accomplish what you want us to accomplish. Give us the courage to pray with specificity, as Jabez did. We ask that you bless us in our goal journeys and increase our faith as we move forward. In Jesus' name, Amen.
© 2016 Linda Lijewski
I created a Personal Mindset Inventory Worksheet comprised of four sections. Section I included a list of personal (home- and family-related) areas. Section II included a list of professional (work-related) areas of my life. On the left side, I enumerated all of the areas that I wanted to include in these two sections. On the right-hand side, I included two columns, one for "growth" and one for "fixed" (no growth). For each area that I had listed in Sections I and II, I put a checkmark in the column that I felt corresponded to my mindset in that area. I was really surprised at the result! I considered myself to be a growth-mindset-oriented person, but I discovered quite a few fixed mindset areas in which I was making no progress in my life.
In Section III, I listed all of the fixed mindset areas that I had identified in Sections I and II. I analyzed each area and wrote down the reason that I believed I had a fixed mindset in that area. Some of the reasons were: (1) believing it was impossible; (2) "it's always been done that way"; (3) procrastination; (4) lack of humility to recognize that the area needed change; and (5) lack of a plan or strategy to move forward. So, for example, my personal area of writing books fell into number (3), and my personal area of losing weight fell into numbers (1) and (5). Not deleting e-mails from my overloaded personal e-mail inbox fell into number (2)!!!
Finally, Section IV listed the specific goals that I decided to set. I pulled the goals from the results in Section III. Because I had identified the reason for lack of progress in those areas, I was able to think about a strategy and resources that I needed to move forward. Next to each goal, I listed small steps that I could take to begin to accomplish the goal. This Personal Mindset Inventory Worksheet has really helped me to set goals for the last few years, and it has helped to ensure that I identify areas in my life every year that may be in need of change and growth.
I believe that everyone has growth and fixed areas in their lives. I am willing to bet that even the most successful, growth-minded people have areas in their lives that they seek to improve. After all, humility is a key quality of a growth-minded person! Someone who is growth-mindset-oriented always seeks to learn and improve and change.
Jabez, in the Old Testament, had every reason to have a negative mindset about his life. Even his name meant "pain." But he had faith in God, and the bold prayer of Jabez (see below) reflects his faith and his growth mindset. Note the last part... "And God granted his request."
Devotion
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Prayer:
Lord, we ask you to reveal to us our mindset in the areas we need to change in our lives. Help us to take a personal inventory, in humility, and to seek your help to set our goals. Help us to plan and make a strategy to reach our goals. Give us wisdom and strength. Help us to accomplish what you want us to accomplish. Give us the courage to pray with specificity, as Jabez did. We ask that you bless us in our goal journeys and increase our faith as we move forward. In Jesus' name, Amen.
© 2016 Linda Lijewski
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Goals 201
Identifying resources is the key to help us reach our goals. Without resources, our goals could remain just dreams or ideas in our minds. We would talk about our goals, possibly for years, without accomplishing them, and we would blame it on lack of time, resources, money, whatever. We need to identify resources in order to understand and recognize that they are within our reach!
What are the possible resources you need to make your dreams and ideas become a reality? It depends, of course, on the goal! It is a very personal decision, but I believe the most important resource to reach any goal is our attitude or mindset. We cannot accomplish our goals if we don't believe we can do it. We will give up at the first challenge, and we'll rationalize it by using the old familiar excuses. So, the middle column of your three-column goal sheet (see "Goals 101") should include "growth mindset" or "positive attitude" next to each goal. It will remind you to evaluate your mindset to see if you need an adjustment in order to achieve success.
Another resource is a strategy, a plan. This type of resource may be developed as you move along your path toward the goal. A methodical plan or approach will help you to manage the steps you need to take and it will make the goal achievable. I believe that executing a plan is the antidote to discouragement and defeat! (This is also a great problem-solving technique.)
Another resource for your goal list is to talk with people who have accomplished a similar goal. Seek opportunities to meet with experts. It's amazing what you can learn from someone over coffee or lunch!
Tangible resources (e.g., money) may also be needed to help you achieve your goal, so you may need to plan a budget or begin a savings plan targeted for the specific goal.
If your list of resources for a particular goal gets out of hand, you may need to whittle it down to a manageable level by identifying the essential and eliminating the non-essential resources. (This is another great problem-solving technique!)
Last week, I learned about an essential resource for my book projects. I had lunch with a friend who is a writer and I explained to her that I was facing the challenge of pulling together the purpose or theme for one of the books I am writing. She suggested that I create a Vision Board. What a great tool! She has used this tool and she assured me that the purpose or theme will come together as I move forward. As she encouraged me, I felt my mindset change from "it seems impossible" to "look at the possibilities!" I am so happy and grateful that she shared this idea with me. I bought poster boards and a package of markers, and I am ready to begin another step in my goal journey! I believe that the Vision Board will help me to get my thoughts organized into a big picture. It will inspire me to come up with more ideas and help me to establish the theme that I am seeking. Maybe this type of tool could be used for other goals, too!
Pursuing goals is a journey! As a goal-setter, you should never say, "it's impossible." Instead, ask yourself, "what resources do I need in order to turn it into a possibility?"
Devotion
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the people you place in our paths to teach us things we need to know. Thank you for the mentors and friends who care about us and who are willing to share their experiences to help us to grow and learn. Help us to keep an open mind and see the possibilities! We ask you to provide the resources we need to help us in our journeys. Help us to be persistent as we seek to discover and accomplish your will for our lives. As we move forward, we will keep our eyes and our hearts focused on you! In Jesus' name, Amen.
© 2016 Linda Lijewski
What are the possible resources you need to make your dreams and ideas become a reality? It depends, of course, on the goal! It is a very personal decision, but I believe the most important resource to reach any goal is our attitude or mindset. We cannot accomplish our goals if we don't believe we can do it. We will give up at the first challenge, and we'll rationalize it by using the old familiar excuses. So, the middle column of your three-column goal sheet (see "Goals 101") should include "growth mindset" or "positive attitude" next to each goal. It will remind you to evaluate your mindset to see if you need an adjustment in order to achieve success.
Another resource is a strategy, a plan. This type of resource may be developed as you move along your path toward the goal. A methodical plan or approach will help you to manage the steps you need to take and it will make the goal achievable. I believe that executing a plan is the antidote to discouragement and defeat! (This is also a great problem-solving technique.)
Another resource for your goal list is to talk with people who have accomplished a similar goal. Seek opportunities to meet with experts. It's amazing what you can learn from someone over coffee or lunch!
Tangible resources (e.g., money) may also be needed to help you achieve your goal, so you may need to plan a budget or begin a savings plan targeted for the specific goal.
If your list of resources for a particular goal gets out of hand, you may need to whittle it down to a manageable level by identifying the essential and eliminating the non-essential resources. (This is another great problem-solving technique!)
Last week, I learned about an essential resource for my book projects. I had lunch with a friend who is a writer and I explained to her that I was facing the challenge of pulling together the purpose or theme for one of the books I am writing. She suggested that I create a Vision Board. What a great tool! She has used this tool and she assured me that the purpose or theme will come together as I move forward. As she encouraged me, I felt my mindset change from "it seems impossible" to "look at the possibilities!" I am so happy and grateful that she shared this idea with me. I bought poster boards and a package of markers, and I am ready to begin another step in my goal journey! I believe that the Vision Board will help me to get my thoughts organized into a big picture. It will inspire me to come up with more ideas and help me to establish the theme that I am seeking. Maybe this type of tool could be used for other goals, too!
Pursuing goals is a journey! As a goal-setter, you should never say, "it's impossible." Instead, ask yourself, "what resources do I need in order to turn it into a possibility?"
Devotion
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the people you place in our paths to teach us things we need to know. Thank you for the mentors and friends who care about us and who are willing to share their experiences to help us to grow and learn. Help us to keep an open mind and see the possibilities! We ask you to provide the resources we need to help us in our journeys. Help us to be persistent as we seek to discover and accomplish your will for our lives. As we move forward, we will keep our eyes and our hearts focused on you! In Jesus' name, Amen.
© 2016 Linda Lijewski
Monday, May 9, 2016
Time For Change
In 2015, my Number 1 goal was to lose weight (same goal I always have when the New Year starts). All through the year, I fluctuated five pounds, up and down. In the end, my weight was up! I went to the doctor in November and found out that my blood sugar was high. OK. Time for change! When I sat down to plan my 2016 goals, I changed my Number 1 goal. I wrote, "Become Healthy," on the paper, along with my other goals for 2016. I did not have a plan yet, but I changed the goal.
I came across a magazine article that mentioned the Wheat Belly book by William Davis, MD. I'll read that book, I thought. I don't know what "gluten-free" really means, but I will try it! The article talked about all the same challenges I was facing... elevated blood sugar, out-of-control appetite, fatigue, and inability to lose weight. It was time for change!
On January 9, I took my Barnes & Noble gift card and bought the Wheat Belly book and Journal. When I got home, I read the first few pages and I thought, this is it! I began my gluten-free lifestyle (not a diet) on January 10. My goal to "become healthy" is being realized! My blood sugar is way down. My fatigue... gone! My appetite (eating whole foods, no gluten) is under control! I've lost 15 pounds! I am so happy!
You may not need to go "gluten-free." But, I believe that, if you are finding that your goal (whatever it may be) is sending you in the wrong direction, it may be time for change! You can alter your goal and find that a new direction is just what you needed!
I was thinking about my change in direction and I realized that my book project has taken a slight detour. I must follow my gut instinct and the Lord's leading. In addition to the novel I am writing, I began writing another book (non-fiction) that I have had in my heart to write. Someone suggested to me that it is OK to have several book projects going on at the same time. I can sit down and work on the book that I feel motivated to work on at that moment. That seems to be working well for me.
Are you making progress toward your goals? Are you praying for the Lord's leading? Is it time to re-evaluate your goals and move in a different direction? Now is the time to think about how you are doing with your 2016 goals. This year is going to be half-way done at the end of next month! Time is going by fast. Is it time for change?
Devotion
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12
Prayer:
Lord, we ask you to move in our hearts and set us in the right direction. If a change is needed, please convict our hearts and help us to re-examine and re-define our goals. We know sometimes we need a change in order to move forward. We need a renewal! We ask you to cleanse our hearts and renew our spirit. We turn to you and trust you to lead us through a change in direction. Thank you for giving us hope in the future and help in the present. In Jesus' name, Amen.
© 2016 Linda Lijewski
I came across a magazine article that mentioned the Wheat Belly book by William Davis, MD. I'll read that book, I thought. I don't know what "gluten-free" really means, but I will try it! The article talked about all the same challenges I was facing... elevated blood sugar, out-of-control appetite, fatigue, and inability to lose weight. It was time for change!
On January 9, I took my Barnes & Noble gift card and bought the Wheat Belly book and Journal. When I got home, I read the first few pages and I thought, this is it! I began my gluten-free lifestyle (not a diet) on January 10. My goal to "become healthy" is being realized! My blood sugar is way down. My fatigue... gone! My appetite (eating whole foods, no gluten) is under control! I've lost 15 pounds! I am so happy!
You may not need to go "gluten-free." But, I believe that, if you are finding that your goal (whatever it may be) is sending you in the wrong direction, it may be time for change! You can alter your goal and find that a new direction is just what you needed!
I was thinking about my change in direction and I realized that my book project has taken a slight detour. I must follow my gut instinct and the Lord's leading. In addition to the novel I am writing, I began writing another book (non-fiction) that I have had in my heart to write. Someone suggested to me that it is OK to have several book projects going on at the same time. I can sit down and work on the book that I feel motivated to work on at that moment. That seems to be working well for me.
Are you making progress toward your goals? Are you praying for the Lord's leading? Is it time to re-evaluate your goals and move in a different direction? Now is the time to think about how you are doing with your 2016 goals. This year is going to be half-way done at the end of next month! Time is going by fast. Is it time for change?
Devotion
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12
Prayer:
Lord, we ask you to move in our hearts and set us in the right direction. If a change is needed, please convict our hearts and help us to re-examine and re-define our goals. We know sometimes we need a change in order to move forward. We need a renewal! We ask you to cleanse our hearts and renew our spirit. We turn to you and trust you to lead us through a change in direction. Thank you for giving us hope in the future and help in the present. In Jesus' name, Amen.
© 2016 Linda Lijewski
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