Today I had the pleasure of participating in career day at Renaissance Middle School. What a joy it was to speak to hundreds of middle school students about my 14 years of entrepreneurial experience and inspire them to do the same. I saw greatness in each of their faces as my flame of inspiration lite up their minds with creative ideas. There is so much work to be done in the field especially with our youth. What are you doing to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders? The children are our future and the time is now!
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Balance is defined by dictionary.com as: noun 1. a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc. 2. something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise. 3. mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc. Balance by God's design is defined as: Rise early and seek His face not His hands in prayer and worship. He will then give you the divine steps for the day, which are unique to your life. Balance comes from Him and Him alone when you are in tune with His Spirit and His design for your life. Be blessed and continue to "seek ye first the kingdom of God and ALL of His righteousness and everything you need, think and desire will be added unto you." In The Matchless Name of Jesus Christ ~ Selah Bloggers support other bloggers. After reading Nicole_Lynn's #BeEncouraged Blog found at http://nicolelynn-beencouraged.tumblr.com I was inspired to post a response. Be blessed and share the love!
Rest for the weary in a solitary place is neccessary! Especially when you are surrounded by multitudes of people on a daily basis. I call it detoxing from the day and getting alone with God. In Nicole's blog I found this particular point interresting, "to be summond to a dry place and give them rest before He fulfilled their lack." That will preach! Often times I have experienced seasons in my life where all of the busy activity comes to a STOP! At first (before I understood that these moments were my times of rest in a desert place) I would become frustrated and bored. Now I drink in worship and eat on His Word. It's amazing how He pours more in just through these two simple actions and "finding rest in Him." Thanks Nicole for that reflection. Acts of the Holy Spirit In The Lives of His Disciples
QUALIFYING QUESTIONS: Have you ever been unsure or ignorant of what to do; when to go; where to go or how to move? Will you follow wherever, whenever He leads you? Are you a disciple of Christ? If your answer is yes, then continue reading. In the book of Acts we witness the lives of the early disciples of Christ, who once were followers now learning to lead! They mobilized the early church effectively and reached entire cities and saturated countries with the uncompromising gospel of truth. The book of Acts is about action not reaction! We see God empowering men and women by the Holy Spirit. Each one of them were considered influencers; despite their lack of human qualification; they impacted society. The lesson to learn from the book of Acts is that God can accomplish extraordinary things through ordinary people like you and I. Regardless of education, political clout or prestige (1 Cor 1:26-31) As we read about these mighty disciples for Christ, the common thread in each of their lives is the power of the Holy Spirit activated and in action. Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit these ordinary people, accomplish extraordinary world changing miracles, signs and wonders. (Mark 16:17,18). The supernatural power of the Holy Spirit delivers, empowers, and establishes. Can God trust you with His power? You must first be proven: 1st - PURITY 2nd - POWER 3rd - PROCLAMATION 4th - PENETRATION HOLY SPIRIT POWER + OBEDIENT LEADERSHIP = GROWTH & TRANSFORMATION Acts 1:4-8 References: The Holy Spirit Life Application Bible John Maxwell Leadership Bible Recommendations: Read the entire book yourself! It's life changing. So blessed to have spiritual parents in Pastor John & Pamela Dillon. Although my apostolic training was short and sweet, I learned a lot about using my spiritual authority in the earth and how to approach and enter into the Holy of Holies as a High Priest. Over the last few years every lesson has been tested and I have learned to apply the teachings with skill and wisdom. Many are called but few are chosen. The chosen must be equipped to lead well and finish strong. There is still much work to be done and many more lessons to learn, but thank God for the training I've had this far. Looking forward to what is to come. A public thank you to the public victories that I continue to win over and over again!
Daughter of ATMI, Chi T. Mathias ChiTMathias.com #Mentors Needed
On yesterday I sat in on my daughters classes to not only observe her behavior, but to observe the behaviors of the other students, as well as their interactions with the teachers. My goal was to make note of teachable moments to reinforce with my daughters. As I transitioned between classes I also observed the behaviors and conversations in the hallways. Needless to say, I was not happy with what I observed up close and personal. Recently, I have been afforded the opportunity to stay home and be more present in my daughters lives and I dare not take it for granted. Unfortunately, many parents are not able to do the same. When they are present it's usually to come and bail their student out of trouble. What about the proactive approach. Being present before trouble hits home. As a single parent I have struggled for years to be present while balancing between being the head of my household as the primary bread winner. This has been extremely difficult over the last ten years. Both of my daughters have been given the same opportunities, however, one of them has chosen to not only rebel against my authority, but the authority of the village I have worked hard to surround her with. Call it strong willed or age appropriate behavior if you may, but enough is enough. My next approach is tough love and a short leash. Also seeking the RIGHT mentors for them. We work hard to give our children everything wether they deserve it or not. What they really need and desire is for us to be present. To sit down and listen. To watch and observe. To fight on their behalf. As they mature in life they need to know that the village supports and loves them, in addition to their parents. What are we doing? How are we showing up? If you don't have children of your own, how can you step up and become a mentor to the children in your villages? Within your community, churches, schools, and even in your families. There are children who are in need of a mentor. Parents need help! Instead of complaining and talking about our children, step up and be a solution to the problem. They are not only our future, but your future. The choice is yours. I have been blessed to be in the presence of greatness for most of my life. From my Grandmothther who took on the challenge of raising me from the age of fourteen. My mentors and coaches throughout high school and college. My business colleagues who taught me as I helped them and my spiritual parents who always operated in the spirit of Kingdom Excellence.
Excellence is a standard that has to be demonstrated so that those around us can learn and aspire to the same standards. Is it easy? Not at all. My experience has been somewhat discouraging at times. I've often been viewed as Ms. Perfect or one who thinks she is better than the rest. Has anyone ever said that about you? Well neither is true. I simply strive to operate in excellence in everything that I do to bring honor to my heavenly Father. I've had to learn to be excellent, even when others are not excellent towards me. I've had to bite my tongue. I've had to humble myself. I've had to shed some tears during my personal character building moments under the leadership of excellent mentors. Excellence honors God. I believe that when we seek to honor God with a spirit of excellence in everything that we do, we are exhibiting to God and others a character that brings honor and glory to God and sets a standard for others to aspire to. Colossians 3:12-17 Godly Character 2Peter 1:5-8 Fruitful Growth In Faith 2 Corinthians 8:7 Excel! Philippians 4:8 Final Thoughts on Excellence It's day 30 of the 30 days of fasting and prayer. Although today is the last day, I'm inclined to continue for a few more days. I'm closer to Him than I was before the fast began. I don't even look the same! He has restored my joy and my inner glow. I'm fully resting in Him, trusting that He has everything under control. No longer walking in fear, I am now free to be who He created me to be. As I anticipate what is to come, I'm patiently waiting on His perfect timing. It is #FINISHED. Happy Resurrection Day!
Day 27 it's the home stretch! The fire has been turned up 7 times hotter!
Yesterday was an emotional roller coster. Still recovering from this weekends victory, physically exhausted, but the show must go on. I met with a potential publisher yesterday. Hopeful going in but discouraged when I came out. As I listened to what was being said, I was also listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. I concluded that I should continue to explore my options. On my way back home I received a call from my business coach who helped me to change my perspective and stay encouraged. By the time I reached my destination I received another call from my book coach. She listened, I cried. She encouraged me and helped me to re-strategize my objective. I'm on fire again. An hour later in walks my girls. The heat just got hotter. As I listened to the report of the day, my heart was instantly grieved. Oh no Lord not again. The what is not important. The important thing is the battles never STOP! Recalling my own words about inward fortitude, I simply said a silent prayer and kept it moving. The day culminated with reverent prayer with my intercessory partners and just like that I was refueled to finish the race. Excerpt from The Endurance Ride of Life ©®™ Weak and worn the heavy weight champion fights to the finish round after round. Battered and bruised taking one hit after the other. Limited sight in one eye, hard of hearing in one ear, and winded by the blows to the rib cage. Barely able to stand, but determined to win. It's the final round and everything is ridding on how many counter punches the champ can deliver successfully to win the fight. There are moments left in the match, the champ focuses in on the strategies that his coach and trainer reinforced during his last corner pep talk. Blocking out all of the noise from the crowds of people surrounding the ring, the champ goes in for his most impactful punches. Ding, ding, ding. The bell sounds. The champ steps back to gather himself and sees his opponent lying flat out on the ring floor. It's a TKO! What would have happened had these two things been missing, a coach in his corner and inward fortitude? The answer is obvious. There would have been no victory because the champ would have given up or just lost the round. Having someone in your corner to coach and cheer you on in your life is critical to success. It is motivating and encouraging. without motivation and courage its impossible to win. Evaluate your life at this moment. Who do you have in your corner encouraging and motivating you to win and finish strong? I’m on the road with my daughter’s championship soccer team. Yesterday, they won their first game but tied the second game. It wasn’t a loss, however the entire game they were in the lead 1-0. A soccer match is a fight to the finish. It’s an aggressive game! Couple that with taunting teenage girls, tempers flare. During the second half, one of the team leaders loss their cool and was red flagged. She was experiencing pressure, aggression, and negative energy from one of the team members on the opposing team; the truth is they all were. After she was called out of the game the rest of the team immediately lost their focus and gave up. The other team scored and the game ended with a tie. As I observed quietly the postgame huddle and listened to conversations, my spirit was immediately quickened to share these words with the team.
Excerpt from The Endurance Ride of Life ©®™ Each of you has leadership abilities. You have been given a tremendous gift of athleticism that not everyone can say that they have. To be an athletic leader takes a unique set of skills that can only be developed through listening, learning and application. To be an athletic leader takes inward fortitude; the ability to dig deep down from within and press no matter what you encounter. Three keys to developing inward fortitude: 1. Attitude - can make or break you. Whether you live with joy and happiness or allow the things that happen to you to defeat you is really up to you. You must master the art of self-control; turning negatives into positives and thinking before you act or speak. 2. Endurance - an unstoppable force that comes from within to NEVER QUIT no matter what is happening to you or around you. 3. Leadership - the ability to step up and change things for the better; the ability to not only lead others, but to lead by example; the ability to influence others for the better. Throughout your life there will always be moments in your life that you cannot change or take back. You will simply have to deal with it. The question is; how will you deal with it? My story... In high school I ran track. Now, by no means was I an All-star track star like my younger sister, but around sophomore year I gave it a try. Ambitiously, I attempted to be a hurdler. Rather than start out with something a little less intimidating, I went for the gusto. Go hard or go home! I can recall spring training days like it was yesterday back in my home town of St. Louis, MO in Tower Grover Park; Coach Kosh preparing and encouraging us. I was ready! 100 meter sprints, no problem. 100 meter hurdles, ouch! As I took off at the sound of starting gun, first hurdle, cleared, second hurdle, cleared. By the time I reached the third hurdle that back leg didn't clear as it should. Instantly I became distracted. Fourth hurdle, wham right on my face! Needless to say, I never ran hurdles again. As I recall the event I wondered why I never found the courage to try again. Why didn't someone push me to try again? This is my conclusion; often times when we fall, we allow ourselves to spiral so deep into a pit of despair, self-doubt, and fear, that not only can we not climb out on our own but no one else can pull us out. It takes the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to gently guide us into a place where we feel confident enough to try again. As I look over my life this has been a consistent truth. Every fall, every failed attempt, every pit of despair I have climbed into, has taken the power of the Holy Spirit to bring me out of. Can you relate? What pit have you been thrown in or climbed into on your own that you desperately need the help of the Holy Spirit to bring you out of? FAILURE SHOULD NEVER BE FINAL! |
AuthorLife long journal keeper who is now ready to share my story with the world! |