We have been talking about setting healthy habits and SMART goals. Today I want to show you that God wants us to be successful! God has wonderful plans for our lives!
In Proverbs 3:5-6 we will see that there is a way to follow the correct path.
While looking at Proverbs 3:5-6 I was struck by one word – Paths.
Different translations will describe v6 as make paths straight / guide you on the right paths / make straight your paths / direct your paths. But they all use a plural form of path – paths. Meaning we take many paths in our lives, and we should think about and listen to God – and he will provide correct paths for us to take.
Did you ever stop to think why shepherds were the people God picked to announce the birth of Jesus? The humble shepherds were the very ones God used to confirm the Deity of Jesus to Joseph and Mary.
That fact, among others, made the birth of Jesus:
Awesome
Designed
Humble
Special thanks to Bill Benziger for letting me get around his sheep. I certainly did not get approval from the sheep as you will see.
Here is part 2 of my guest interview on the Are You Awesome Today podcast! Stephen and I had a great interview, and he does such a great job facilitating a podcast.
Give it a listen here – Are You Awesome Today Pt2
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This week our focus in preparing for Christmas is Mary. Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus!
Luke 1:26-38 gives us a glimpse into the announcement and proclamation of what was about to happen to Mary.
We find a few glimpses into the simple person of Mary:
- Angel’s announcement takes place six months after Elizabeth becomes pregnant with John the Baptist.
- Mary lived in the village of Nazareth
- a virgin (mentioned twice)
- Betrothed (engaged) but not yet married
Gabriel announced specifics about the baby to be born:
- Mary will become pregnant.
- Mary will give birth to a son.
- The child must be given the name “Jesus,”
- The child will become a great person
- His title will be “Son of the Most High”
- He will inherit the “throne of His father David”
- His kingdom will never end
Just like Mary did not know what would happen in the next 34 years, neither do you or I.
But like her – we should be watching for what Jesus will do in our lives over the next 34 years (and 3 or 4 days)!
Jesus – the hope we have – the hope of Christmas!
This week at Digging Disciples we talk about what defiles a heart, and how to keep yours pure.
Watch this episode of Digging Disciples here
I had the awesome opportunity to be a guest of Stephen Shaner on his podcast – Are You Awesome Today?
Stephen is a friend and fellow Toastmaster who lives in middle Tennessee. He has written a book call The Art of Being Awesome! His book was one of the inspirations I had to complete my book! You can find his book on Amazon, and it is a motivational short read.
He is also known as the Attitude “Chiropractor”. I have found that he just has a way of navigating folks to a more positive attitude just by talking to him!
In episode 1 we spoke about the seasons of life. Seasons is the last chapter of my book Blackberry Wisdom, and a great topic to discuss with friends.
Listen to his podcast here – Are You Awesome Today?
I wanted to share a few thoughts on how to prepare for what I believe are some very uncertain times we are about to have in the USA.
The video is not designed to detail the troubles that are coming, but rather to calmly prepare for those who agree on the current situation.
In short, these details are:
Don’t worry over situations in which you have no control.
Understand the difference between comfort and NEED
Network with like-minded individuals in your community
Have enough food and water on hand that would last 30 days
Have extra fuel and heat sources
Do your best
God is in control. Through these trials we should allow them to bring us closer to Him!
On Monday, 11 Oct 21 I gave the last required speech to earn my DTM or Distinguished Toastmaster award! I have now completed 2 Toastmasters pathways and what a journey it has been!
Less than 1% of all Toastmasters ever earn the DTM. Why? Well because it is hard, it takes time and dedication, and it takes help from others along the way.
I shared in my speech the accomplishments I had in and outside Toastmasters, as well as the lessons I have learned. I will share a few of the highlights below but the full speech is available in the YouTube video.
- Leadership Development – 2019
- Presentation Mastery – 2021
- Pellissippi Toastmasters Club President 2019-20
- Pellissippi Toastmasters Club President 2021-22
- Area 23 director 2020-21
- Youth Leadership Program for the Emerald Youth Foundation 2021
- Club Mentor for G3 2021
Toastmasters has a proven system for developing communication and leadership skills.
Pathways is the Toastmasters education system for developing communication skills, while club and district roles develop leadership skills.
DTM is the AWARD, but experiences along the journey is the REWARD !