Top 10 Principles to Achieve Peace, Happiness and Success

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

"Do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you."

Luke 12:29-31

"So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us."

2 Thessalonians 2:15

"The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."

Matthew 23:11-12

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

Exodus 20:17

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."

Ecclesiastes 9:10

"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work."

John 9:4

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." 1 Corinthians 9:24

"Earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way."

1 Corinthians 12:31

"How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?"

John 5:44

I Am a Kept Woman

I Am a Kept Woman



You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind, But GOD kept me sane. (Is a. 26:3)



There were times when I thought I could go on no longer,
But the LORD kept me moving.. (Gen 28:15)

At times, I’ve wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, but the LORD kept my mouth shut. (Psa. 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn’t enough,
But GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc... (Matt. 6:25 -34)

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up.
When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong!
(I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30 )

I could go on and on and on, but I’m sure you hear me!
I’m blessed to be ‘kept.’

 

Are you...or do you know a "kept" woman?

Listen To Your Inner Voice

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self centered:

Forgive them anyway






If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives:
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies:
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you:
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight:
Build anyway.

If your find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous:
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
And it may never be enough:
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,
It is between you and God:

It was never between you and them anyway.

Mother Teresa

Let Your Light Shine

It is 16 days until Christmas, are you feeling excited, are your feeling blessed and thankful or are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious or stressed. If you answered yes to the latter part of the questions, then read below and see if you do not feel a weight lifted off your shoulder and your mind set free.

Let Your Light Shine

"Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."

1 Peter 5:7

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."

1 Corinthians 10:13

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad."

Proverbs 12:25

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:16

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

"The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever."

Psalm 121:1-8

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."

John 14:27

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride."

Psalm 46:1-3

"The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble; and those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You."

Psalm 9:9-10

Are you a Phenomenal Woman?

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them,

They think I'm telling lies.

I say,

It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It's the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can't touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them

They say they still can't see.

I say,

It's in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It's in the click of my heels,

The bend of my hair,

The palm of my hand,

The need of my care,

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Maya Angelou

Are you the Change that you wish to see in the world?

I'm sharing two of my favorite quotes

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." 

Mahatma Gandhi

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Marianne Williamson

Every day I decide to be the change that I wish to see. I make a conscious effort to walk, talk and interact with the world around me in a positive way as I know that I'm making a difference to make the world a better place.

Do you know that you make a difference? Share your thoughts.

Do You Need Some Encouragement?

Peace of Mind

It is the first day of December. Thanksgiving is over, and the Christmas Season is coming fast and furious. Are you feeling excited, driven and connected to family and friend? Are you anticipating the new year will bring you Love, Laughter, New Opportunities and Abundance in every area of your life? If you answered NO. Read the list below and see if it does not lift your spirits.

God Cares

You say: 'It's impossible'

God says: All things are possible ( Luke 18:27)

You say: 'I'm too tired'

God says: I will give you rest ( Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: 'Nobody really loves me'

God says: I love you ( John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )

You say: 'I can't go on'

God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: 'I can't figure things out'

God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6)

You say: 'I can't do it'

God says: You can do all things ( Philippians 4:13)

You say: 'I'm not able'

God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: 'It's not worth it'

God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )

You say: 'I can't forgive myself'

God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: 'I can't manage'

God says: I will supply all your needs ( Philippians 4:19)

You say: 'I'm afraid'

God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear ( II Timothy 1:7)

You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'

God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: 'I'm not smart enough'

God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: 'I feel all alone'

God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

What do you dare to dream?

Any time you sincerely want to make a change, the first thing you must do is to raise your standards. When

people ask me what really changed my life eight years ago, I tell them that absolutely the most important thing

was changing what I demanded of myself. I wrote down all the things I would no longer accept in my life, all

the things I would no longer tolerate, and all the things that I aspired to becoming.


Anthony Robbins

 

Question of today is: What will you no longer accept in your life? 

 

Reach for the sky. Dream Big, Love Hard, Laugh Often and Live your life to the fullest.

Happiness

Happiness

By Alfred D. Souza

For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time to still be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.

This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have. And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time . and remember that time waits for no one.

So stop waiting

until you finish school,

until you go back to school,

until you lose ten pounds,

until you gain ten pounds,

until you have kids,

until your kids leave the house,

until you start work,

until you retire,

until you get married,

until you get divorced,

until Friday night,

until Sunday morning,

until you get a new car or home,

until your car or home is paid off,

until spring,

until summer,

until fall,

until winter,

until you are off welfare,

until the first or fifteenth,

until your song comes on,

until you've had a drink,

until you've sobered up,

until you die,

until you are born again

to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

A GOOD WOMAN

A good woman is proud of herself. She respects herself and others.

She is aware of who she is. She neither seeks definition from the person

she is with, nor does she expect them to read her mind.

She is quite capable of articulating her needs.

A good woman is hopeful.

She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true.

She knows love, therefore she gives love.

She recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated.

If her love is taken for granted, it soon disappears.

A good woman has a dash of inspiration, a dabble of endurance.

She knows that she will, at times, have to inspire others to reach the

potential God gave them.

A good woman knows her past, understands her present

and moves toward the future.

A good woman knows God. She knows that with God the world is her

playground, but without God she will just be played.

A good woman does not live in fear of the future because of her past.

Instead, she understands that her life experiences are merely lessons, meant to bring her closer

to self knowledge and unconditional self love.

I am a good woman. Are you or Do you know a good woman?

12 Ways to Experience Complete Contentment

Contentment

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."

Proverbs 17:22

All the days of the afflicted are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast."

Proverbs 15:15

"Godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment."

1 Timothy 6:6

"If they hear and serve Him, they will end their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures."

Job 36:11

"Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evildoing."

Psalm 37:7-8

"O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

Psalm 90:14

"For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good."

Psalm 107:9

"The fear of the LORD leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil."

Proverbs 19:23

"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need."

Philippians 4:11-12

"If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content."

1 Timothy 6:8

"Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.'"

Hebrews 13:5

"Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong."

2 Corinthians 12:10

Who Is in Controlling Your Life?

Sometimes we want to blame our parents, our upbringing, our past, our boss and even God for areas that we are not doing well in.




Stephen R. Covey shares that "Accountability breeds response-ability" and God say: "Each one of us will give an account of himself to God."
Romans 14:12

"The one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more."
Luke 12:48

"In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy."
1 Corinthians 4:2

"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you."
Hebrews 13:17

"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery."
Galatians 5:1

"Keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Luke 21:36

"I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment."
Matthew 12:36

"Fathers shall not be put to death for their sons, nor shall sons be put to death for their fathers; everyone shall be put to death for his own sin."
Deuteronomy 24:16

"We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification."
Romans 15:1-2

"Bretheren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted."
Galatians 6:1

"The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself."
Ezekiel 18:20

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Does your reflection radiate: peace, integrity, purpose, determination, solid values and convictions? If the answer is no, ask yourself if you have accepted your role in how your life is at this very moment ~ the good, bad and ugly. Have you made a conscience decision to be accountable for your actions?

When you want to change your life in a positive direction then one of the first steps are to take an inventory of your life and accept accountability/responsibility for your actions, thoughts and life when you do this then you will be living, Mahatma Gandhi statement "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Are you willing to be the change that you wish to see in the world? It starts with taking accountability.

Five "Cs" To Promoting Positive Relationships

Five "Cs" To Promoting Positive Relationships

Connection/Building a Trust
Connect and build trust with people on a personal one to one level, listen intently, show compassion and empathy, spend quality time with the people, and reinforce your words with actions as trust is the foundation upon which all relationships and interactions are built

Communication
Make an effort to always communicate in an open, honest and direct manner. This allow for people to hear your message as you intended vs. allow others to create their own interpretations and assumptions

Cooperation
Enter into most relationships with a spirit of cooperation this will often lead to a win/win situation. As all parties will feel that their thoughts, ideas and solutions were heard and considered which opens the door for everyone to feel validated, supported and apart of the process/solution

Clear Expectations
Set clear expectations then under promise and over deliver. Stop yourself from agreeing to demands and unrealistic time frames just because you want to please others. Give yourself time to think rationally about the consequences of dedicating your time and energy to it

Contribution
When the opportunity presents itself make an effort to get everyone's contributions, thoughts , and ideas allow everyone to feel connected to the process of coming up with a viable solution that may have an impact on their life/work

As you establish these 5 Cs you will see your personal and work relationships flourish and blossom into something special and unstoppable.

Which "C" can you start implementing today to improve your relationships?

4 Top Things Men Should Never Do

I read this article by Diane Oatis, "10 Things Husbands Should Never Do" and I went wow. I absolutely agree with everything that she noted on the list. "Guys, we love you, we really do. But as wonderful as you are, every so often you do something that makes us want to jump out the nearest window (or push you out first). Please, please, don’t ever…"


My top four from the list are:

• Be unimpressed by a meal that took a lot of time and trouble. I don’t know whose fault this is (Food Network? Julie and Julia?), but every so often we get the idea that it would be fun to make stock and spend the day basting. If the result is less than earth-shattering, say something nice anyway.

• Know it all, especially in public. Oh, honey. While you’re going on at length about whatever it is, we’re taking the temperature of the room, and we know everyone’s starting to fidget.

• Say anything remotely critical about our new haircut. Sometimes getting a new cut goes well; sometimes it doesn’t. Usually we know the difference. Don’t rub it in.

• Expect a medal for doing a little housework. Umm…it’s your house too, right? For now, we’ll give you the bronze. Maybe someday, if you work hard enough, you can pick up a gold.

If you do not want to sleep on the couch

or

be in the dog house

or

get the cold shoulder when you want some loving

or

have your mate thinking of ways to kill you in your sleep......

then please, please do not make any negative, critical, or comical comments about my top four things men should never do.

WHO ARE YOU?

I AM……

 

A child of God

(Rom. 8:16)

 

Redeemed from the hand of the enemy

(Ps.107:2)

 

Forgiven

(Col. 1:13, 14)

 

Saved by Grace through Faith

(Eph. 2:8)

 

Justified

(Rom. 5:1)

 

Sanctified

(I Cor. 7:14)

 

A new creature

(II Cor. 5:17)

 

Partake of His Divine Nature

(II Pet 1:4)

 

Redeemed from the curse of the Law

(Gal. 3:13)

 

Delivered from the power of darkness

(Col. 1:13)

 

Led by the Spirit of God

(Rom. 8:14)

 

A Son of God

(Rom. 8:14)

 

Kept in safety wherever I go

(PS. 91:11)

 

Getting all my needs met by Jesus

(Philip. 4:19)

 

Casting all my cares on Jesus

(I Pet. 5:7)

 

Strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might

(Eph. 6:10)

 

Doing all things through Christ who strengths me

(Philip. 4:13)

 

WHO ARE YOU? This is the ? of Today
WHO ARE YOU?

What does your attitude say about you?

Attitude Author unknown
Submitted by Emma Jo Krause to

There once was a woman who woke up one morning,

looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?"

So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up,

looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

"H-M-M," she said,

"I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?"

So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up,

looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.

"Well," she said,

"today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."

So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up,

looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.

"YEA!" she exclaimed,

"I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything.

Be kinder than necessary,

for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply,

Love generously,

Care deeply,

Speak kindly

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.

It's about learning to dance in the rain.

What does your attitude say about you?

Encouragement

This is the season of Joy, Happiness and Peace

This is the season of Joy, Happiness and Peace. Are you feeling joyful, happy and at peace? Or are you feeling a little discouraged because your money is not right, your son/daughter is on drugs, you lost your job and you are not sure how you are going to meet your family's needs. Whatever the reason is Jesus is the reason for the season, so don't let nothing steal your joy, happiness and peace.

Joy

"How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all the day, and by Your righteousness they are exalted."
Psalms 89:15-16

"You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound."
Psalms 4:7

"The sound of joyful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; the right hand of the LORD does valiantly."
Psalms 118:15

"Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him."
Psalms 126:5-6

"For then you will delight in the Almighty and lift up your face to God."
Job 22:26

"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."
John 15:11

"Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation."
Habakkuk 3:18

"For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name."
Psalms 33:21

"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory."
1 Peter 1:8

"Then he said to them, 'Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.'"
Nehemiah 8:10

"I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
Isaiah 61:10

"The righteous man will be glad in the LORD and will take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart will glory."
Psalms 64:10

"But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God; yes, let them rejoice with gladness."
Psalms 68:3

"Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you."
John 16:22