We began Leader In Me-- a 7 Habits study by Steven Covey, this year at work. The plan is to implement and teach the students the seven habits throughout the year.
I believe Covey's work is beneficial but, you know, His Word has been saying the same thing since the beginning of time. "Be ye kind...", "Humble yourselves...", "Seek you first the Kingdom of God...", etc.
Living Kingdom Life love by following Jesus' commands from the Sermon on the Mount is really all we need to know regarding how to treat others. Covey's work is not revolutionary but maybe it is more readily welcomed since The Word convicts hearts.
One thing the study has done for me is to remind me of God's truths and make me dig in His Word for the correlations. I am thankful I serve a God who IS revolutionary...who came way before Covey, to teach me how to live. Not only was His a life lived by example, but a life sacrificed to cover me of my shortcomings and sins.
"I am redeemed. He set me free!"
Friday, August 17, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Summer Slacker
I have been so bad about blogging this summer. It seems the less that is required of me, the less I do. I wonder why this is? When my life is full and structured, it seems I get so many things accomplished... before, during, & after work. Now, with the whole day facing me, I do good to check 2-3 things off of my list. It's depressing- really!
So, hopefully I will do better, but I seriously doubt it! Lol!!
So, hopefully I will do better, but I seriously doubt it! Lol!!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Phony Blog-Life
Just the other day I saw a blog post about how bloggers typically portray the "rosy" portions of their lives. Many times the persona depicted through the blogger's posts are the positive, intelligent, and kind actions or thoughts.
Well, I'm not exempt, I guess. I realize I do this as well.
The raw facts are that I am a big time sinner saved by big time grace. I make stupid mistakes, say inappropriate things, partake in activities that are unbecoming to a Christian, and basically need constant forgiveness. My life isn't rosy except maybe the thorny-part of the bush. It's a shame at my choices sometimes. Convictions and guilt quickly follow my actions but stupidly, I fall in the same way- again and again. Why? I wished I knew.
The truth is ugly but there it is.
Well, I'm not exempt, I guess. I realize I do this as well.
The raw facts are that I am a big time sinner saved by big time grace. I make stupid mistakes, say inappropriate things, partake in activities that are unbecoming to a Christian, and basically need constant forgiveness. My life isn't rosy except maybe the thorny-part of the bush. It's a shame at my choices sometimes. Convictions and guilt quickly follow my actions but stupidly, I fall in the same way- again and again. Why? I wished I knew.
The truth is ugly but there it is.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Competition makes me ugly
It's hard to write about your weaknesses and be open about your faults. But my full expose of sin is on display during any & all games of competition. Even silly games that do not matter a hill of beans-- I want to win. I want to beat everyone else, come in first, and win! My motto has always been- Second place is the first loser. That is so sad, really. I'm not sure why I get like this. It is as if some sort of alien takes over my thoughts and actions.
When I get anxious during competitive events, I find myself going on & on, talking & talking. I say the stupidest things. I talk about things that don't matter. I share too much personal information and the whole time am thinking, "Shut up, Leigh! Just stop talking!"
When I feel like someone is wrong or the rules aren't being followed, I get irate! I find myself arguing with people, demanding fairness & equality, and becoming angrier and angrier until my point is heard. For what? What is the result?
Usually I wind up mad at my family or they are mad at me, not to mention embarrassed, as well. All over a game. To detail my sin would shame me & make most blush. I do not act like a lady during these alien invasions, much less a Christian. When it's all said and done, the conviction and regret begins to seep in. By the next day, I'm full of apologies & remorse. The damage is done. I've not represented my God or myself with honor and I can't go back to change it. Yet time and time again I find myself falling down in this sinful behavior. Why? I wished I knew.
An old hymn comes to mind while the devil parties over my ridiculousness:
"Grace, Grace, God's Grace. Grace that will pardon and cleanse within.
Grace, Grace, God's Grace. Grace that is greater than all our sin." Thank you Lord. Please forgive me of my sin & give me strength for my next test.
When I get anxious during competitive events, I find myself going on & on, talking & talking. I say the stupidest things. I talk about things that don't matter. I share too much personal information and the whole time am thinking, "Shut up, Leigh! Just stop talking!"
When I feel like someone is wrong or the rules aren't being followed, I get irate! I find myself arguing with people, demanding fairness & equality, and becoming angrier and angrier until my point is heard. For what? What is the result?
Usually I wind up mad at my family or they are mad at me, not to mention embarrassed, as well. All over a game. To detail my sin would shame me & make most blush. I do not act like a lady during these alien invasions, much less a Christian. When it's all said and done, the conviction and regret begins to seep in. By the next day, I'm full of apologies & remorse. The damage is done. I've not represented my God or myself with honor and I can't go back to change it. Yet time and time again I find myself falling down in this sinful behavior. Why? I wished I knew.
An old hymn comes to mind while the devil parties over my ridiculousness:
"Grace, Grace, God's Grace. Grace that will pardon and cleanse within.
Grace, Grace, God's Grace. Grace that is greater than all our sin." Thank you Lord. Please forgive me of my sin & give me strength for my next test.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Some things I just don't understand...
First, let me just give thanks to God for blessing me with a son. I seriously do not know what I would have done with a girl. Yes, I love hair & makeup & heels but my last adventure thoroughly convinced me, I am better off with his wild escapades. Let me explain what prompted these thoughts.....
I had the blessing of assisting a friend's daughter with her hair and make up for prom. Later that week, I did her make up for a "scholarship program" where she competed in multiple categories to show her all around ability. While sitting in the auditorium waiting for the program to begin, I text'ed my son, who was at a friend's home. Being 15, he is into all sorts of mess, so my text read: "No motorized equipment, fire, or guns." I had to chuckle, because it was the polar opposite of my friend's thought process. She was worried about her daughter nailing the fitness routine, remembering her dance for talent, and smiling for the judges. Although I was nervous for her daughter, I had the presence of mind to give thanks for my different set of worries.
After the program was completed and all awards were announced, the brutal truth hit me in the face. My friend's daughter had not received a single accolade. Not ONE! While she stood on that stage smiling, I knew her heart must be crushed! How very sad that those judges did not once consider the feelings of this young girl. She stood there, while ALL of the others received one, two, even three awards, with NOTHING to show for her efforts. To say I was appalled, is putting it mildly. It boggles the mind at how adults can be so careless with a child's heart. This young lady is a sold out believer, an athlete, and a scholar, yet she went unnoticed.
It made me think long and hard about this world. This world is full of sin, and thus so are the people of this world. If you do not know our Maker then you have no regard for His creatures. What a sad testament to our town and these judges. This young girl's heart and esteem will mend, because of her love for the Lord. She knows His promises! "He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted" (Isaiah 61:11). God gave His Son specifically for our broken heart. What joy there is to be found in knowing that our God loved us enough to prepare for the day when our hearts would be broken. This is good news! But even better news is that although the world doesn't appear to see her worth, GOD DOES! He says that even "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed." (Isaiah 54:10).
He calls us HIS CHILDREN. While I was text'ing my son and she was worried about her daughter, God was probably thinking, "They are mine and I hold them in My Hand. I love them more than you can ever imagine and I work all things for My glory" (my paraphrase, of course). This lesson in the valley of life can and will be used by our Lord, for His glory. I know this precious lady and I know she will find a way to show God's love, peace, and glory through this awful ordeal~ I just pray we adults can do the same.
I had the blessing of assisting a friend's daughter with her hair and make up for prom. Later that week, I did her make up for a "scholarship program" where she competed in multiple categories to show her all around ability. While sitting in the auditorium waiting for the program to begin, I text'ed my son, who was at a friend's home. Being 15, he is into all sorts of mess, so my text read: "No motorized equipment, fire, or guns." I had to chuckle, because it was the polar opposite of my friend's thought process. She was worried about her daughter nailing the fitness routine, remembering her dance for talent, and smiling for the judges. Although I was nervous for her daughter, I had the presence of mind to give thanks for my different set of worries.
After the program was completed and all awards were announced, the brutal truth hit me in the face. My friend's daughter had not received a single accolade. Not ONE! While she stood on that stage smiling, I knew her heart must be crushed! How very sad that those judges did not once consider the feelings of this young girl. She stood there, while ALL of the others received one, two, even three awards, with NOTHING to show for her efforts. To say I was appalled, is putting it mildly. It boggles the mind at how adults can be so careless with a child's heart. This young lady is a sold out believer, an athlete, and a scholar, yet she went unnoticed.
It made me think long and hard about this world. This world is full of sin, and thus so are the people of this world. If you do not know our Maker then you have no regard for His creatures. What a sad testament to our town and these judges. This young girl's heart and esteem will mend, because of her love for the Lord. She knows His promises! "He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted" (Isaiah 61:11). God gave His Son specifically for our broken heart. What joy there is to be found in knowing that our God loved us enough to prepare for the day when our hearts would be broken. This is good news! But even better news is that although the world doesn't appear to see her worth, GOD DOES! He says that even "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed." (Isaiah 54:10).
He calls us HIS CHILDREN. While I was text'ing my son and she was worried about her daughter, God was probably thinking, "They are mine and I hold them in My Hand. I love them more than you can ever imagine and I work all things for My glory" (my paraphrase, of course). This lesson in the valley of life can and will be used by our Lord, for His glory. I know this precious lady and I know she will find a way to show God's love, peace, and glory through this awful ordeal~ I just pray we adults can do the same.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Proof
This morning, after a ridiculously stressful yesterday, my son (Justice) shared with me a phrase that I won't soon forget:
"Instead of living to prove others wrong, live to prove God right!"
I spend too much time & energy trying to prove others wrong. There've been so many occasions of this wasteful practice, that I'm really known for such an attitude. I'm known as the girl that will do whatever it takes (sometimes out of spite) just to make another person have to eat their words. I'll work harder, be tougher, and shamefully I've even cheated (mainly at some silly game) just to prove a naysayer wrong. How very sad that my energy is consumed by negative behaviors.
I will admit, I love to win. I like to be right. I want to be successful. I don't think there is anything wrong with this, except the attitude behind my motivations. What purpose is being served? Who is getting the glory?
On the other hand, what if I lived everyday to prove God right? What if I lived my life set apart, showing others how amazing HE is? My words would be kind, uplifting , and full of grace... My attitude would be merciful, sweet, and understanding... My behavior would cause others to know that I am somehow different & therefore want to know why... Then GOD gets the glory & those that come into contact with me see a glimpse of Him.
My heart is convicted. I really desire to live this way each day! Thank you son!!
"Instead of living to prove others wrong, live to prove God right!"
I spend too much time & energy trying to prove others wrong. There've been so many occasions of this wasteful practice, that I'm really known for such an attitude. I'm known as the girl that will do whatever it takes (sometimes out of spite) just to make another person have to eat their words. I'll work harder, be tougher, and shamefully I've even cheated (mainly at some silly game) just to prove a naysayer wrong. How very sad that my energy is consumed by negative behaviors.
I will admit, I love to win. I like to be right. I want to be successful. I don't think there is anything wrong with this, except the attitude behind my motivations. What purpose is being served? Who is getting the glory?
On the other hand, what if I lived everyday to prove God right? What if I lived my life set apart, showing others how amazing HE is? My words would be kind, uplifting , and full of grace... My attitude would be merciful, sweet, and understanding... My behavior would cause others to know that I am somehow different & therefore want to know why... Then GOD gets the glory & those that come into contact with me see a glimpse of Him.
My heart is convicted. I really desire to live this way each day! Thank you son!!
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