Look Inside Another's Heart

     At church this morning Pastor Michael talked about Greenville Christian Church being a church on a mission.  Part of that message included the teaching from Jesus recorded in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Pastor Michael posed a question, "What are the treasures in heaven?"  He went on to share that people hardly ever say they can't wait to drive that old Ford Pinto they had in high school, but rather they talk about the people they can't wait to see again. The treasure in heaven is people.  So how do you store up your treasures in heaven?  Building relationships.  

     This is what I've been actively doing for years now.  In the business realm it's commonly referred to as networking.  It's easier to start business relationships that way - give it a business label.  But the concept is the same - build relationship with others.  

     I came across this great video from a hospital that show's a glimpse as to what is going on inside someone's heart and mind.  Watch it - and then think about those moments when you are at a ballgame, work, or church.  Picture the tags next to people of all the things that could be going on.  There's some common bonds there.  Reach out.  Have conversation.  Don't be afraid to let down your own guard to show your tag.  The world is made stronger through  passion for others and life.

Negativity Isn't Acceptable

Recent events have encouraged me to really analyze my words, thinking, and actions.  I've discovered a hidden rule that negativity isn't acceptable.  Let me try to explain.

Even though we as a society see all kinds of negative moments through the news media, reality shows, soap operas, action movies, political campaigns, etc., negativity is not the element that fuels our inner values.  The desire for something BETTER is.  If that desire is attacked, we want to fight for it.  Examples are

• fighting for a cure for cancer because we desire a healthy long life,
• fighting against the abuse of children because we desire a world where children can be kids in a safe environment,
• fighting for whatever, because we want it to be better.

I had posted a comment on my facebook personal page this week about how I was feeling during a lunch with an individual who was not a prospective client, but was driving me crazy because my business partner and I were not treated as valuable.  My posting was received in the manner it was sent by many of my friends; however, one began to voice her opposite opinion in a harsh way.  She considered me unprofessional among other things.  I took the time to do an honest gut check.

This was not the only recent example of my "negative" approach being unacceptable.  The other was a moment of expressing frustration, it was received as something deeper going on in my life that needed to be addressed. No.  I was simply frustrated in that moment.  But the result was if I continued to show moments of frustration, I would no longer asked to be involved.  I took the time to do an honest gut check.

What I've experienced is negativity is not acceptable.  Now.  I am generally a positive person.  I can motivate others to change perspective to get out of their own "stinkin' thinkin.'"  And I can have patience and cordial tolerance in any situation.  But every once in awhile, I show my flawed human side and it comes out in one of two ways, negative on myself, or negative on others. I believe we all do that.  

My personal gut checks took me back to a time when a boss told me, "You will not be successful if you show emotion."  (This coming from the same man that would scream obscenities at every football/basketball game that he watched in the office.) Still.  That message left an impression.  

I am still in the middle of gut check weekend.  What is coming from it is that I KNOW who I am, what I stand for, where I'm going, and why I do it.  NO ONE is going to change that for me.  

So in the future when I post something that has a hint of negativity, receive it as if it's a "what not to" kind of thing.  Like "What Not To Wear."  Fighting the negative to find the positive.  Because for all my will power to put nothing out there but positive messages, there will be that every once in awhile to let you know I'm just as flawed as the next person.  Even Wonder Woman has her bad days.

Insignificant Remarks Made By Significant People

     I had the honor of attending an Executive Women International Spring Conference in Chattanooga last weekend.  The experience of meeting new people, making strong connections, gaining new knowledge, and being inspired to be the best me I can be is exciting.  And I was due for an experience like that outside of my own efforts of self-motivation.
     There was a Leadership Academy training day that focused on Emotional Intelligence.  Emotional Intelligence is basically being aware of what's going on with internal thinking and the outward expression.  My words.  Being aware of your own "stuff" as well as others' "stuff" and how to manage it all.  All this falls in line with what I train and coach on regularly - the messages we've been given and the messages we give ourselves.  Lori Giovannani was our amazingly fabulous trainer - I want to be like her!  She was hilarious and engaging, had us all totally hanging on her every word and contributing to the conversation.  During the training she made a statement that has really stuck with me that I will use, "Insignificant remarks made by significant people."
     How many times in your life have you suddenly become aware of the same negative thought in your head?  Where did it originate?  Who said something that made you think that way?  Let me give you an example. When I was 16, I worked as a clerk in a Louisville law firm where my mom did administrative work. It was a great Summer job in the "big city" for a simple, but smart, country girl.  To this 16 year-old the attorneys in the office were a big deal.  The title partner was a bigger deal.  If he talked to you, if felt like rubbing elbows with the city's big wigs. A significant person.  I dressed as professionally as I could - dresses even.  One day he made an insignificant remark (to him), "You would be pretty if you didn't look so fat."  I think at the time he may have thought he had good intentions.  But half a life later, that comment still sticks with me every time I bloat past the threshold of my "fat pants."  I remind myself that beauty is made of more than just outward appearance.  It's my personality, my values, my serving of others with a healthy attitude, my confidence in knowing who I am and living that out to inspire and motivate others.  That example is not the only insignificant remark that has stuck with me and molded the way I have responded to situations, planned for the future, worked at a career, loved in a relationship, or seen myself internally.
 

   You have your own examples of messages that have stuck with you for years that a significant person in your life spoke without even thinking of the effect it would have.
     We do it to others, too.
     Being aware of those off-handed remarks that became big deals to me, I am more intentional about what I say to others.  Even if I'm hormonal, I will at least warn when the filter is off.  But when I am being intentional with my words, fully engaged in the conversation with the person across from me, the impact it can have on them is incredible.  They not only take my words to heart, they live it out in positive ways.  I want to make sure my insignificant remarks have a positive entry in their mental file cabinets.
   

On A Mini Not-Quite-But-Close-Enough Vacation

This week I am house-sitting for a friend.  They have a log home just like you would find in the Smokies.  It's off the beaten path, quiet, and of course surrounded by trees.  It's very peaceful.  Just the change of environment I've needed.

I've been itching for a vacation for a few years now.  This is not a real vacation, but moments feel like a mini-vacation.  She's also hired me to organize their garage.  I've hung pegboard, cleaned up trash, gone through boxes, and put things in a usable order for their lifestyle.  There are teenagers involved.  I've built in the "throw crap here" box by the door.  Saturday's cooperative Spring weather was perfect to get most of it done.  Now I just have to put all the tools on the wall and hang the wire shelving.

And, I have companionship.  This is Ruby.  She's under 2 years old.  She's a lab and basset mix!  And she is such a good girl.  So I've taken the liberty of spoiling her a little more.  Right now, all my work is spread out, Ruby laying on the couch only to jump up barking to let me know the neighbors are passing by. I have cartoons on the TV and dinner ready.  A different pace than I normally keep.  That's why it feels like a mini-vacation.

But I am SO READY for a real one.  A vacation that is so impactful that I come back feeling like the Wonder Woman I know is in me somewhere.  Any good ideas for a vacation on a micro-budget?

Va Va Vixens - a Review

    A friend posted she was going to see a local burlesque troupe, the Va Va Vixens, last night.  I know this may come as a surprise, but I've been wanting to see that show. I'm a fan of pin-up girl art, Moulin Rouge, Chicago, and my friend who owns a lingerie business with a heart to help cancer survivors feel beautiful and sexy.  Well, my friend going to the show added me to her list of guests and I went!  I am so glad I did. 

         

     I honestly didn't know what to expect when I walked into Headliners Music Hall, but I knew it would be interesting.  And I wasn't disappointed when the first sight was a young woman in a corset and tutu on stilts!  The night was filled with beautiful ladies in costume, talent that was above & beyond, an engaging crowd, and sights I will never forget.  

     There were many moments that I would come back for:

• The pre-show singers.  Amazing voices. 
• The cheeky themed songs like the ball and chain song.
• The aerial stunts.  The girl in the flying cube.  Unbelievably cool.
• The empowering number that shows there's a little vixen in every girl regardless of what they look like during the day.

     When I talked with some of the actresses after the show it was interesting to find out that many of these ladies had unassuming regular day jobs.  A professor, an attorney, a teacher, and others.  That made the show even better for me.  These ladies come together to entertain others showing off their inner vixen.  Makes me want to be one.  

     Last night was the first of five shows they have scheduled for Valentine's Day.  If you get a chance, go see them!  Check out the schedule here:  Headliners Music Hall.

How To Spot The Sign To Move Ahead

     Have you ever felt like you were in a rut?  Ever said to yourself in a moment of frustration, "Nothing will ever change!" But once you look back over your life you can see all the changes that have taken place.  And the ruts you thought were there, were only bends in the path you were on.

     I could have written many books about my experiences in life thus far.  Each book would have been representative of a different era:  childhood, adolescence, early career, later career, first house, college and so many other experiences like the one I'm living now as an entrepreneur.  Making that leap of faith to enter into this era of my life was a hard decision to make and stick with.  I absolutely LOVE what I do.  As an owner of Arkham Executive I get to help businesses of all sizes and industries be strategic and grow.  As a representative of Premier Designs Jewelry, I get to help women feel beautiful, be strategic in their personal economies and grow into their potential.  This path is not easy at times.  But anything that has ever been worth it in the end was never easy.  Sticking with the decision I made a couple years ago is helped by seeing some signs along the way to encourage me that I'm on the right path.

    Signs come in all forms and carry messages that you need at just the right time.  Messages that give you an  array of "atta boy," "Enjoy," "Celebrate the small victories," or "It's ok to let it go."  When you get these signs believe them.  Live in them.  Let the messages the signs bring strengthen you to move ahead toward the dream you want to see become reality.

   My latest sign came in the form of a dying jade bonsai tree.  The picture above is a representation of what the tree looked like when I received it as a gift from a friend when my bio-dad died in 2007.  This is what it looks like today.

     This poor little tree has been through a lot since 2007.  Just like me.  It's been moved to new areas.  It's not adjusted quickly, or well.  And according to some message boards I've looked at, I may have really been over watering it thinking it needed more when it was fine with minimal.  This tree has been a reflection of me in this transition era.  The message I'm receiving is that it's time to let go of everything that's holding me back from real growth.  This tree is getting cut to the trunk today to get a fresh start.  That's what I'm doing with a lot of my life now.  I've let go of some relationships I thought I needed.  I'm letting go of limiting beliefs that have kept me grounded for too long.  My word for 2013 is Limitless.  It only makes sense to let go of whatever gives me limits.  Thank you little jade bonsai for encouraging me to move ahead in this journey! And I promise to not over-water you again.

     


     

My Word for 2013

     For the past few years I have done a single word for the year.  In 2010 it was PREPARATION, 2011 was SIMPLIFY, 2012 was FOCUS.  It has amazed me how that one word became a central theme each year.

     When I talked to a friend about choosing a word for 2013, he teased me, "Why limit yourself to one word?"  I thought about it.  I found a cool site that puts words into cloud shapes.  So I looked at choosing a LOT of words and focus on the shape - a star!  Goes with the whole Wonder Woman theme.  As much as I like the outcome, I still wanted my one word. 

     It's taken me 22 days into January, but I've been marinating on a word for a couple of weeks and I've decided.  LIMITLESS.  

   I'm excited to see what 2013 will bring:  limitless opportunity, limitless potential, limitless vision.  I encourage you to think LIMITLESS with me!

 

Begin 2013 Strong

1. I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore, choose life...
2. ...forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
3. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
4. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and perfect will of God.
5. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
6. Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
7. ...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
8. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
9. being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
10. and my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
11. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
12. ...for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move.
13. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
14. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
15. ...But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
16. ...He delivered me because He delighted in me.
17. May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose.
18. Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave your nor forsake you.

(1) Deuteronomy 30:19

(2) Philippians 3:13,14

(3) Joshua 1:9

(4) Romans 12:2

(5) Jeremiah 29:11

(6) Matthew 6:25

(7) John 10:10

(8) John 10:28

(9) Philippians 4:19

(10) Hebrews 11:1

(12) Matthew 17:20

(13) Ephesians 1:10

(14) Psalm 2:12

(15) Psalm 3:3

(16) Psalm 18:19

(17) Psalm 20:4

(18) Deuteronomy 31:6

Perfect Love

     By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.  And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?  My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.  And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.  For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than out heart, and knows all things.  Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.  And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandments: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.  (1 John 3:16-23)

     Today is Christmas.  A time for families to get together and celebrate time together.  Swap presents.  And depending on religious beliefs, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.  For everyone that keeps that focus - congratulations!

     Since this is my personal blog, I have something personal to share.  It's been a rough time for me this year.  I tend to get the "holiday blues" anyway.  This year has been escalated.  I've not been able to give gifts for three years now.  My financial state is now where I want it to be.  I've been VERY successful starting two new businesses within that time.  First lesson to any future start-ups...have some capital to live on while you build the business!  I'll be posting a Year In Review soon.

     This morning while trying to get out of a "bummed" mood, I kept hearing the phrase "perfect love" in my head.  I looked up 1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment."  Yep, I've been in an emotional torment.  Then I read more of 1 John and found the gem I posted upfront.  In these sentences, John talks about confidence.  I have lacked confidence lately.  And whatever we ask we receive from Him - because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in his sight. If I only looked at the Ten Commandments - I have failed miserably over the years. And I have not always done things that are pleasing to God.  Every time I speak at curse word - God sighs.  But read on.

     His commandments:  we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another.  

    This is not my fix-it for my mood.  That will take a process today.  But this will be the Truth I stand on.  I cannot love perfectly.  I cannot give wrapped presents, I do not have the "world's goods" to share right now.  But I certainly believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior.  And I love others by showing it with my time and effort, my compassion (yes, it's in there), my vision and ability to help others accomplish great things, and my amazing resourcefulness.  That will be my focus.  Not the lack of money to buy Christmas presents.

    Showing love is not always about giving gifts in the form of wrapped presents under the tree.  Nor does it happen only once a year.  It's a lifestyle of believing and sharing ourselves to help each other.  I have been shown great love.  I will always show love in the ways I can.

Thanks bunches for reading and I hope you and yours are having a Joyous Christmas!

C

Time for Reflection

It's that time of year when I take advantage of a little downtime to review the past year.  I've been involved with a great many things this past year.  My measurement of success is not based on the amount of money I've earned, but lives I've enriched in some way and businesses that I've affected positively.  I'm looking forward to getting back to blogging regularly and growing my self and business.  I will post results - so stay tuned!