Tifphanie Tucker's Blog, page 3
February 28, 2012
The Practice of Wisdom
In the New Testament, James gave an interesting illustration about a man who neglected to act upon what he knows. According to James, this man looked at his reflection in a mirror, then turned away and immediately forgot what he looked like. What the man saw led to no action and therefore made no difference.
Picture yourself doing something similar. You wake up in the morning, stumble into the bathroom to gaze into the mirror, and you are greeted by your disheveled appearance. Imagine you then turn away nonchalantly and head out the door on your way to work, completely ignoring the image you have seen.
Does that describe the extent of your typical morning ritual? Hopefully, it does not. It is more likely that you respond to your reflection by taking a shower, washing your face, brushing your teeth, styling your hair, applying makeup, and caring for the basic requirements for good hygiene. Granted, the nature of your work will dictate the extent of your morning preparation. To not act upon what you observe in the mirror, however, would be unthinkable for most people.
Along with this illustration, James advised his readers, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22, KJV). In other words, do not be satisfied to simply hear wisdom. Instead, put it into action. Do what it says. Otherwise, you will miss the whole point. The wisdom of Scripture is intended to help us in our lives; by neglecting it and refusing to put it into practice, we only hurt ourselves.
In Women Under Construction, I express it this way: "Embrace wisdom. Do not merely listen, but also obey" (p. 61). It is foolish to know what you ought to do and then not do it. Yet many people do just that. Perhaps they fail to realize the urgency of acting, perhaps they become distracted by other things, or perhaps they are simply prone to procrastination. Whatever the reason, they have the wisdom to know what must be done but fail to put that wisdom into practice.
Wisdom can be derived from a variety of sources. It can come through Scripture or prayer, it can be attained through a gift of personal discernment, or it can be gleaned from a friend, family member, or mentor. No matter the source, if it is truly wisdom, then you had best respond accordingly.
What wisdom have you been given? Are there things you already know must be done that you have been putting off for far too long? Set aside the excuses, overcome your inertia, and act.
Picture yourself doing something similar. You wake up in the morning, stumble into the bathroom to gaze into the mirror, and you are greeted by your disheveled appearance. Imagine you then turn away nonchalantly and head out the door on your way to work, completely ignoring the image you have seen.
Does that describe the extent of your typical morning ritual? Hopefully, it does not. It is more likely that you respond to your reflection by taking a shower, washing your face, brushing your teeth, styling your hair, applying makeup, and caring for the basic requirements for good hygiene. Granted, the nature of your work will dictate the extent of your morning preparation. To not act upon what you observe in the mirror, however, would be unthinkable for most people.
Along with this illustration, James advised his readers, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22, KJV). In other words, do not be satisfied to simply hear wisdom. Instead, put it into action. Do what it says. Otherwise, you will miss the whole point. The wisdom of Scripture is intended to help us in our lives; by neglecting it and refusing to put it into practice, we only hurt ourselves.
In Women Under Construction, I express it this way: "Embrace wisdom. Do not merely listen, but also obey" (p. 61). It is foolish to know what you ought to do and then not do it. Yet many people do just that. Perhaps they fail to realize the urgency of acting, perhaps they become distracted by other things, or perhaps they are simply prone to procrastination. Whatever the reason, they have the wisdom to know what must be done but fail to put that wisdom into practice.
Wisdom can be derived from a variety of sources. It can come through Scripture or prayer, it can be attained through a gift of personal discernment, or it can be gleaned from a friend, family member, or mentor. No matter the source, if it is truly wisdom, then you had best respond accordingly.
What wisdom have you been given? Are there things you already know must be done that you have been putting off for far too long? Set aside the excuses, overcome your inertia, and act.
February 21, 2012
Creating Boundaries – Finding Balance Between Work and the Rest of Your Life
In days gone by, it was easy to tell when you were on the job and when you were off the clock. If you were at the office or your place of employment, you were expected to be working. But if you were home, you could relax. There were clear boundaries between your work and the rest of your life.
In many ways, those days are just a distant memory. In a world of fax machines, emails, text messages, mobile offices, tablet computers, and multifunction cell phones, those boundaries have all but disappeared. As a result, our lives are busier than ever.
At the advent of the computer age, it seemed as though modern technology would simplify our lives and free us up for more enjoyable activities. In the 1960s, a U.S. Senate subcommittee actually expressed concerns that technological advances would force people to work fewer hours and retire at an earlier age.
Instead of reducing the demands of work, however, technology has increased those demands. Instead of creating extra time to relax, technology has increased the pace of life. Many people are expected to be reachable any time of day or night, even when they are on vacation. Boundaries that used to exist have long since eroded. The result is that many people no longer have a "down time" when they can become re-energized.
During the past generation, the number of hours a person spends at work has increased by 22 per cent. Simultaneously, people enjoy 8.5 fewer hours of leisure time every month. Consequently, the unreleased pressures they face cause stress levels to escalate into dangerous territory.
To reclaim balance in life, and to win the battle against stress, you need to reclaim some boundaries. Establish times when you are purposefully unreachable by computers or cell phones. Create brief windows throughout the day when you can relax, enjoy some silence, and find peace for the body and soul.
For the sake of your family, establish a family night or date night. Protect that time with a passion. Do not allow the busyness of work to creep in and take over that time. Your family needs you, and you need them.
Every week, carve out a 24-hour period when you are "off the clock." Biblically, this is described as observing the "Sabbath". Do not feel guilty about this; you need the time to re-energize and to focus on worship. Studies have repeatedly shown that you become much more efficient at your work when you take a day off every week.
The human body itself reveals the value of establishing boundaries. For instance, muscles are built when they are subjected to stress and then allowed time to recover. Constant stress only harms them. As a muscle needs time to recover, you also need time when you can recover from the stresses of life. Trust God with the building of your life house and enjoy the rest that he offers. "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep" (Proverbs 127:1-2, KJV).
Creating these types of boundaries in your life is good for you physically, mentally, and spiritually. If you have been a victim of the always-on-the-go lifestyle, you may find it difficult to establish these boundaries. But as you consistently and purposefully make them a part of your life, you will reap the benefits and become grateful for them.
In Women Under Construction, I describe how the building of your life house is an ongoing process that will continue throughout your life. It is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself accordingly, allowing times for recovery. If you do, you will be able to endure for the long haul.
In many ways, those days are just a distant memory. In a world of fax machines, emails, text messages, mobile offices, tablet computers, and multifunction cell phones, those boundaries have all but disappeared. As a result, our lives are busier than ever.
At the advent of the computer age, it seemed as though modern technology would simplify our lives and free us up for more enjoyable activities. In the 1960s, a U.S. Senate subcommittee actually expressed concerns that technological advances would force people to work fewer hours and retire at an earlier age.
Instead of reducing the demands of work, however, technology has increased those demands. Instead of creating extra time to relax, technology has increased the pace of life. Many people are expected to be reachable any time of day or night, even when they are on vacation. Boundaries that used to exist have long since eroded. The result is that many people no longer have a "down time" when they can become re-energized.
During the past generation, the number of hours a person spends at work has increased by 22 per cent. Simultaneously, people enjoy 8.5 fewer hours of leisure time every month. Consequently, the unreleased pressures they face cause stress levels to escalate into dangerous territory.
To reclaim balance in life, and to win the battle against stress, you need to reclaim some boundaries. Establish times when you are purposefully unreachable by computers or cell phones. Create brief windows throughout the day when you can relax, enjoy some silence, and find peace for the body and soul.
For the sake of your family, establish a family night or date night. Protect that time with a passion. Do not allow the busyness of work to creep in and take over that time. Your family needs you, and you need them.
Every week, carve out a 24-hour period when you are "off the clock." Biblically, this is described as observing the "Sabbath". Do not feel guilty about this; you need the time to re-energize and to focus on worship. Studies have repeatedly shown that you become much more efficient at your work when you take a day off every week.
The human body itself reveals the value of establishing boundaries. For instance, muscles are built when they are subjected to stress and then allowed time to recover. Constant stress only harms them. As a muscle needs time to recover, you also need time when you can recover from the stresses of life. Trust God with the building of your life house and enjoy the rest that he offers. "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep" (Proverbs 127:1-2, KJV).
Creating these types of boundaries in your life is good for you physically, mentally, and spiritually. If you have been a victim of the always-on-the-go lifestyle, you may find it difficult to establish these boundaries. But as you consistently and purposefully make them a part of your life, you will reap the benefits and become grateful for them.
In Women Under Construction, I describe how the building of your life house is an ongoing process that will continue throughout your life. It is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself accordingly, allowing times for recovery. If you do, you will be able to endure for the long haul.
February 8, 2012
Turning Failure Into Success
In July of 1951, Florence Chadwick attempted to swim from Catalina Island to the coast of California. Chadwick had previously become the first woman to swim across the English Channel in both directions, and now she set her sights on the challenge of swimming in the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean.
January 31, 2012
The Place of Prayer in Building a Life House
How important is prayer in your life? According to the pages of Scripture as well as the testimony of billions of practitioners throughout history, prayer is your lifeline. It is your means of connecting with your Creator. Prayer enables you to converse with God while tapping into the wisdom and strength that He provides. When it comes to building a strong and secure life house, prayer is absolutely essential.
The Apostle Paul emphasized the necessity of prayer when he wrote, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV). In other words, Paul proposed that prayer should not be an occasional activity; it should be a way of life. Rather than reserving prayer only for designated times of the day or week, prayer can be an ongoing spiritual activity throughout the day.
Consider the construction of a house. The visible appearance of a home is certainly important, but its importance pales in comparison to that of the underlying structure. For the long-term viability of the house, that structural strength must continually be maintained and reinforced.
Likewise, prayer addresses and strengthens that which lies below the surface. It is not about appearances—in Matthew 6:5 Jesus condemned praying for show—it is about having an authentic connection with God. As I suggest in my book, "Pray about everything. There is nothing too small or too great to take before the throne. It is the only way to keep your mind and life house strong" (Women Under Construction, p. 123).
The ability to pray is a gift of God's grace. Through prayer, you can sense the comfort and protection of God, experience His power at work within you, discern His purpose for your life, and reinforce wholesome values and priorities. Best of all, prayer allows you to get to know God personally.
The Old Testament book of Deuteronomy draws attention to the vital nature of prayer. In a verse later quoted by Jesus Himself, it declares, "…man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live" (Deuteronomy 8:3, KJV). How are you to gain access to these words from the Lord? Two complementary ways: through Scripture reading and prayer.
Take a moment to reflect on the role of prayer in your own life. Is prayer (or is it becoming) an intuitive part of who you are? Is it inherent to your nature? Do you find yourself drawn to prayer in times of decision, times of sadness, times of conflict, and times of joy?
Are there ways you can incorporate prayer into the natural rhythm of life? Before meals and at bedtime are conventional times for prayer, but seek other opportunities, too. For example, how about devoting time to prayer during your morning commute? Can you pray while you are jogging? At every stoplight you encounter, how about uttering a short prayer as you wait?
This is not about praying long, elaborate prayers; it is about establishing prayer as an integral component of who you are. For the sake of your life house, make it your goal to develop a strong habit of prayer.
The Apostle Paul emphasized the necessity of prayer when he wrote, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV). In other words, Paul proposed that prayer should not be an occasional activity; it should be a way of life. Rather than reserving prayer only for designated times of the day or week, prayer can be an ongoing spiritual activity throughout the day.
Consider the construction of a house. The visible appearance of a home is certainly important, but its importance pales in comparison to that of the underlying structure. For the long-term viability of the house, that structural strength must continually be maintained and reinforced.
Likewise, prayer addresses and strengthens that which lies below the surface. It is not about appearances—in Matthew 6:5 Jesus condemned praying for show—it is about having an authentic connection with God. As I suggest in my book, "Pray about everything. There is nothing too small or too great to take before the throne. It is the only way to keep your mind and life house strong" (Women Under Construction, p. 123).
The ability to pray is a gift of God's grace. Through prayer, you can sense the comfort and protection of God, experience His power at work within you, discern His purpose for your life, and reinforce wholesome values and priorities. Best of all, prayer allows you to get to know God personally.
The Old Testament book of Deuteronomy draws attention to the vital nature of prayer. In a verse later quoted by Jesus Himself, it declares, "…man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live" (Deuteronomy 8:3, KJV). How are you to gain access to these words from the Lord? Two complementary ways: through Scripture reading and prayer.
Take a moment to reflect on the role of prayer in your own life. Is prayer (or is it becoming) an intuitive part of who you are? Is it inherent to your nature? Do you find yourself drawn to prayer in times of decision, times of sadness, times of conflict, and times of joy?
Are there ways you can incorporate prayer into the natural rhythm of life? Before meals and at bedtime are conventional times for prayer, but seek other opportunities, too. For example, how about devoting time to prayer during your morning commute? Can you pray while you are jogging? At every stoplight you encounter, how about uttering a short prayer as you wait?
This is not about praying long, elaborate prayers; it is about establishing prayer as an integral component of who you are. For the sake of your life house, make it your goal to develop a strong habit of prayer.
January 24, 2012
Develop a Unique Growth Plan to Achieve Your Goals
What are your growth goals and how do you plan to achieve them? Having dreams and aspirations for your life is fine, but they matter little without a strategy to realize them. In every area of life—personal, professional, and spiritual—you need to establish a system if you hope to experience significant growth. You will not progress without a plan.
While your unique strategy will depend greatly on your goals and commitment level, here is a basic blueprint that can be used by virtually anyone seeking to grow...
1. Develop a growth network.
Who are the people who hold influence over you, and who is it that you are influencing yourself? In no small measure, those are the people who determine who you are becoming as well as your potential for success. At any given time, you should aim to have people ahead of you who you are learning from as well as others coming behind you in whom you are investing.
In the New Testament, Timothy had a model growth network. He looked to Paul as his mentor while simultaneously providing leadership over other believers in the city of Ephesus. Under this arrangement, Timothy was able to move forward while bringing others along with him.
2. Become an avid reader.
An insatiable appetite for reading is a common denominator among those who are consistently growing personally, professionally, and spiritually. Read books and journals that address your desired area of growth while including a few general growth books, too.
However, beware of time-consuming reading from which you gain nothing. With more information being produced today than at any other time in history, it is essential that you become selective. Stick to the books, journals, and authors who offer something of value.
3. Listen to educational media resources.
There is a wealth of material available, whether you purchase CDs and DVDs or download resources from the Internet. You can even subscribe to many useful podcasts for free. Then set aside time to review them, such as when you are driving down the highway, sitting in traffic, or going for a jog.
As leadership experts such as Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy have pointed out, you can turn your car into a "university on wheels" by simply turning off the radio and listening to educational audio resources during your daily commute. In this way, you can gain the equivalent of a college education within a few short years.
4. Attend conferences and seminars.
Keep informed about local opportunities to participate in conferences and seminars relevant to you. Once in a while—perhaps annually—invest in a trip to a larger event. Plan these events into your calendar and your budget. Then, when you get home, take the time to reflect and identify the three main lessons you learned.
5. Enact what you learn.
Lessons learned mean nothing until they are put into practice. Whenever you glean something of value from your network, reading, listening, or educational experiences, figure out how it applies to your life. Growth by its nature requires change. Therefore, if you do not enact change, then there is no growth.
Jesus once told His followers, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" (John 13:17, KJV). He was referring to the example He had set for the disciples, but the same wisdom can be applied to any lesson learned. You know it; now put it into practice.
In Women Under Construction, I describe how the material you use to build your mind will impact your entire life. "You are the owner builder on this job. It is your responsibility to make sure every subcontractor and vendor on your project is producing as planned. You have to be discerning as to who and what you will allow to enter the project" (p. 122).
Do not leave the development of your mind and the growth of your life to chance. Personal, professional, and spiritual growth does not happen accidentally. It takes intent and planning. Start enacting your plan today.
While your unique strategy will depend greatly on your goals and commitment level, here is a basic blueprint that can be used by virtually anyone seeking to grow...
1. Develop a growth network.
Who are the people who hold influence over you, and who is it that you are influencing yourself? In no small measure, those are the people who determine who you are becoming as well as your potential for success. At any given time, you should aim to have people ahead of you who you are learning from as well as others coming behind you in whom you are investing.
In the New Testament, Timothy had a model growth network. He looked to Paul as his mentor while simultaneously providing leadership over other believers in the city of Ephesus. Under this arrangement, Timothy was able to move forward while bringing others along with him.
2. Become an avid reader.
An insatiable appetite for reading is a common denominator among those who are consistently growing personally, professionally, and spiritually. Read books and journals that address your desired area of growth while including a few general growth books, too.
However, beware of time-consuming reading from which you gain nothing. With more information being produced today than at any other time in history, it is essential that you become selective. Stick to the books, journals, and authors who offer something of value.
3. Listen to educational media resources.
There is a wealth of material available, whether you purchase CDs and DVDs or download resources from the Internet. You can even subscribe to many useful podcasts for free. Then set aside time to review them, such as when you are driving down the highway, sitting in traffic, or going for a jog.
As leadership experts such as Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy have pointed out, you can turn your car into a "university on wheels" by simply turning off the radio and listening to educational audio resources during your daily commute. In this way, you can gain the equivalent of a college education within a few short years.
4. Attend conferences and seminars.
Keep informed about local opportunities to participate in conferences and seminars relevant to you. Once in a while—perhaps annually—invest in a trip to a larger event. Plan these events into your calendar and your budget. Then, when you get home, take the time to reflect and identify the three main lessons you learned.
5. Enact what you learn.
Lessons learned mean nothing until they are put into practice. Whenever you glean something of value from your network, reading, listening, or educational experiences, figure out how it applies to your life. Growth by its nature requires change. Therefore, if you do not enact change, then there is no growth.
Jesus once told His followers, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" (John 13:17, KJV). He was referring to the example He had set for the disciples, but the same wisdom can be applied to any lesson learned. You know it; now put it into practice.
In Women Under Construction, I describe how the material you use to build your mind will impact your entire life. "You are the owner builder on this job. It is your responsibility to make sure every subcontractor and vendor on your project is producing as planned. You have to be discerning as to who and what you will allow to enter the project" (p. 122).
Do not leave the development of your mind and the growth of your life to chance. Personal, professional, and spiritual growth does not happen accidentally. It takes intent and planning. Start enacting your plan today.
January 17, 2012
How and Why to Guard Your Mind
Your beliefs guide your life. Whatever you hold to be true will affect your actions, your opinions, and your complete worldview. Accordingly, it is vital that you weigh your beliefs to determine their validity.
What, then, do you accept as Truth? Are you open to anything and everything, or are you more selective than that? Do you believe all you hear or do you have a way to filter the wheat from the chaff?...
In Women Under Construction, I describe your mind as the roof of your life house. Much as the roof on a house is intended to protect against the damage that can be caused by torrential downpours or even mild showers, the mind is responsible to protect the life house against external factors that threaten it. As I put it in my book, "...allowing outside influences to destroy our mind or interfere with our way of thinking will affect everything inside."
Our society is filled with various, often conflicting beliefs and worldviews. In addition, every person you encounter will place different expectations and demands on you. While it is certainly necessary to be tolerant of others, it is also important to guard your mind against both distraction and deception.
What does it mean to guard your mind? Here are three suggestions:
1. Focus on your objectives.
Professionally, a focused mind is a basic requirement for success. Without it, you may become sidetracked by superfluous activities that vie for your attention. Only by focusing on the tasks at hand can you accomplish your goals.
Maintaining a focused mind requires that you learn to say "no" on occasion, potentially even turning down some good opportunities. Otherwise, your time and energy will become occupied by so many good things that you miss out on the best.
2. Strengthen your mind with knowledge and Truth.
"Garbage in, garbage out" is a phrase dating back to the advent of computers. Basically, it meant that the quality of information outputted by the computer was dependent on the quality of information put in. If the original information fed into the computer were lacking, then the output could not be trusted.
Your mind is what you feed it. Help your mind to grow be seeking true wisdom and understanding and by entering the right information. The apostle Paul recognized the wisdom of this when he advised, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
3. Beware of being misled by lies.
Many opinions and viewpoints may sound convincing at first, but upon closer inspection they fall short. The only way to avoid being taken in is by carefully examining them and weighing them against what you already know to be true.
For instance, many cults are birthed and grown on lies and misunderstandings. Paul described those who are easily misled by false doctrines as "children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive" (Ephesians 4:14, KJV).
Paul also encouraged Timothy, his young apprentice, to be vigilant in defending himself against falsehoods and deceptions. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (1 Timothy 4:16, KJV).
How do you guard your mind? Do you take steps to prevent distractions from keeping you from your goals? Are you committed to continually stretching your mind and growing in your knowledge and understanding? What is the plumb line that you use to measure Truth? If your mind is going to effectively protect your life house, you must ensure that it is prepared to face the challenges of life.
What, then, do you accept as Truth? Are you open to anything and everything, or are you more selective than that? Do you believe all you hear or do you have a way to filter the wheat from the chaff?...
In Women Under Construction, I describe your mind as the roof of your life house. Much as the roof on a house is intended to protect against the damage that can be caused by torrential downpours or even mild showers, the mind is responsible to protect the life house against external factors that threaten it. As I put it in my book, "...allowing outside influences to destroy our mind or interfere with our way of thinking will affect everything inside."
Our society is filled with various, often conflicting beliefs and worldviews. In addition, every person you encounter will place different expectations and demands on you. While it is certainly necessary to be tolerant of others, it is also important to guard your mind against both distraction and deception.
What does it mean to guard your mind? Here are three suggestions:
1. Focus on your objectives.
Professionally, a focused mind is a basic requirement for success. Without it, you may become sidetracked by superfluous activities that vie for your attention. Only by focusing on the tasks at hand can you accomplish your goals.
Maintaining a focused mind requires that you learn to say "no" on occasion, potentially even turning down some good opportunities. Otherwise, your time and energy will become occupied by so many good things that you miss out on the best.
2. Strengthen your mind with knowledge and Truth.
"Garbage in, garbage out" is a phrase dating back to the advent of computers. Basically, it meant that the quality of information outputted by the computer was dependent on the quality of information put in. If the original information fed into the computer were lacking, then the output could not be trusted.
Your mind is what you feed it. Help your mind to grow be seeking true wisdom and understanding and by entering the right information. The apostle Paul recognized the wisdom of this when he advised, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
3. Beware of being misled by lies.
Many opinions and viewpoints may sound convincing at first, but upon closer inspection they fall short. The only way to avoid being taken in is by carefully examining them and weighing them against what you already know to be true.
For instance, many cults are birthed and grown on lies and misunderstandings. Paul described those who are easily misled by false doctrines as "children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive" (Ephesians 4:14, KJV).
Paul also encouraged Timothy, his young apprentice, to be vigilant in defending himself against falsehoods and deceptions. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (1 Timothy 4:16, KJV).
How do you guard your mind? Do you take steps to prevent distractions from keeping you from your goals? Are you committed to continually stretching your mind and growing in your knowledge and understanding? What is the plumb line that you use to measure Truth? If your mind is going to effectively protect your life house, you must ensure that it is prepared to face the challenges of life.
January 9, 2012
Standing Firm Through the Storms of Life
"In the course of human events, it is not uncommon that you will face storms of monsoon or hurricane proportions." That statement, taken from chapter four of Women Under Construction, is the reality for every person on the planet. We all encounter storms in life, many of which can threaten to topple us.
How do you survive these storms? When your life seems to be falling apart, when your dreams are destroyed, and when your whole world is in an uproar, is it possible to endure through the storm and emerge safely on the other side?
The answer is a resounding, "yes!" You can survive and, in fact, be better for it. Here are three pointers for successfully surviving storms:
1. Establish a firm foundation.
The ability to survive a storm depends primarily on your foundation. The time for that foundation to be built, though, is in advance, before the storm clouds even begin to form. If you wait until then, it's already too late. A solid foundation is a preemptive measure, not a reactive one.
In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, Jesus described a wise builder who established a firm foundation for his house in preparation for potential storms. Specifically, Jesus was referring to the importance of placing trust in God and living according to His Word. Anyone who neglects to do so "is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great." (Luke 6:49, KJV)
2. Build a network of support.
Do you have friends and family that you can lean on during a time of crisis? Will they uplift you or will they let you down? A strong network of support can help sustain you throughout a storm, as these are the people you can turn to for advice, encouragement, comfort, prayer, and assistance.
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, KJV)
3. Learn from former and current storms.
A storm can make you bitter or it can make you better. The choice is yours. If you choose to learn from a storm, the lessons learned can greatly increase your ability to handle future storms. If you choose to ignore those lessons, however, you will likely become resentful while reaping no real benefits.
Additionally, while experiencing a storm may not be pleasant, it can result in tremendous growth. For that to happen, though, you must grab hold of its lessons and apply them to your life. Not only will those lessons help you prepare for the next storm, but they will make you a better person, too.
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4, NKJV)
Storms are an unavoidable part of life. However, they are not to be feared. Rather, they can be seen as an opportunity to grow and mature. The circumstances may not be of your choosing, but the result is up to you. Not only can you survive; you can thrive.
How do you survive these storms? When your life seems to be falling apart, when your dreams are destroyed, and when your whole world is in an uproar, is it possible to endure through the storm and emerge safely on the other side?
The answer is a resounding, "yes!" You can survive and, in fact, be better for it. Here are three pointers for successfully surviving storms:
1. Establish a firm foundation.
The ability to survive a storm depends primarily on your foundation. The time for that foundation to be built, though, is in advance, before the storm clouds even begin to form. If you wait until then, it's already too late. A solid foundation is a preemptive measure, not a reactive one.
In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, Jesus described a wise builder who established a firm foundation for his house in preparation for potential storms. Specifically, Jesus was referring to the importance of placing trust in God and living according to His Word. Anyone who neglects to do so "is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great." (Luke 6:49, KJV)
2. Build a network of support.
Do you have friends and family that you can lean on during a time of crisis? Will they uplift you or will they let you down? A strong network of support can help sustain you throughout a storm, as these are the people you can turn to for advice, encouragement, comfort, prayer, and assistance.
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, KJV)
3. Learn from former and current storms.
A storm can make you bitter or it can make you better. The choice is yours. If you choose to learn from a storm, the lessons learned can greatly increase your ability to handle future storms. If you choose to ignore those lessons, however, you will likely become resentful while reaping no real benefits.
Additionally, while experiencing a storm may not be pleasant, it can result in tremendous growth. For that to happen, though, you must grab hold of its lessons and apply them to your life. Not only will those lessons help you prepare for the next storm, but they will make you a better person, too.
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4, NKJV)
Storms are an unavoidable part of life. However, they are not to be feared. Rather, they can be seen as an opportunity to grow and mature. The circumstances may not be of your choosing, but the result is up to you. Not only can you survive; you can thrive.
January 2, 2012
Beyond the Façade
In construction, the term "façade" typically refers to the outward appearance of a building, particularly the front. Often, the façade is a false representation of the rest of the building. The front wall, for example, may appear to be Victorian in style while the rest of the building is of a more modern architectural design. In this case, the façade is used primarily for the sake of portraying an outward appearance, but it is inconsistent with what lies behind it.
Façades can be useful in terms of construction design, but when a person exhibits a false façade, the consequences are dire. People who present an outward appearance that is inconsistent with who they are in reality are usually described as hypocrites.
In contrast to a hypocrite is a sincere person. There are no false faces or façades with someone who is sincere; what you see is what you get. If you are a sincere person, you never resort to deception. Instead, you are always up front and truthful.
The English word “sincere” is rooted in the Greek sinceros, which was a term used in pottery. After a potter had shaped a pot out of clay, he would then place it in the kiln to bake. If there were any flaws in the clay—or if the potter used an inferior mix in an attempt to save money—the pot would crack. The potter could then fill the crack with wax in order to disguise the defect, making it virtually undetectable until the purchaser poured hot liquid into the pot.
A pot that made it through the kiln without cracking, though, was said to be sinceros, meaning “without wax.” It would be of one substance with no hidden flaws or deceptions.
A related word in Latin is integritas, from which comes the word “integrity.” This word implies a oneness or completeness. As the word “integer” refers to a whole number, the word “integrity” refers to a person who is whole. Such a person possesses no duplicity or division within.
Too many people go through life attempting to convince others that they are something they are not. The outward appearance of your life, however, should reflect the inner reality of integrity, character, faith, and hope. After all, it is what's on the inside that really matters. "For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, KJV)
My book Women Under Construction is all about building a complete "life house". In it, I describe how every part of your life house must be an integrated whole. From the foundation to the cornerstone to the walls, every part must fit together perfectly. Only then can the house prevail through the storms that may besiege it.
If you want to be known as a person who is sincere—as someone of integrity—it is essential that your life house be more than just a façade. Instead, you must be open, unpretentious, and worthy of trust. Be honest about your shortcomings and take steps to rectify them, all the while trusting God to strengthen you and transform you from the inside out.
Façades can be useful in terms of construction design, but when a person exhibits a false façade, the consequences are dire. People who present an outward appearance that is inconsistent with who they are in reality are usually described as hypocrites.
In contrast to a hypocrite is a sincere person. There are no false faces or façades with someone who is sincere; what you see is what you get. If you are a sincere person, you never resort to deception. Instead, you are always up front and truthful.
The English word “sincere” is rooted in the Greek sinceros, which was a term used in pottery. After a potter had shaped a pot out of clay, he would then place it in the kiln to bake. If there were any flaws in the clay—or if the potter used an inferior mix in an attempt to save money—the pot would crack. The potter could then fill the crack with wax in order to disguise the defect, making it virtually undetectable until the purchaser poured hot liquid into the pot.
A pot that made it through the kiln without cracking, though, was said to be sinceros, meaning “without wax.” It would be of one substance with no hidden flaws or deceptions.
A related word in Latin is integritas, from which comes the word “integrity.” This word implies a oneness or completeness. As the word “integer” refers to a whole number, the word “integrity” refers to a person who is whole. Such a person possesses no duplicity or division within.
Too many people go through life attempting to convince others that they are something they are not. The outward appearance of your life, however, should reflect the inner reality of integrity, character, faith, and hope. After all, it is what's on the inside that really matters. "For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, KJV)
My book Women Under Construction is all about building a complete "life house". In it, I describe how every part of your life house must be an integrated whole. From the foundation to the cornerstone to the walls, every part must fit together perfectly. Only then can the house prevail through the storms that may besiege it.
If you want to be known as a person who is sincere—as someone of integrity—it is essential that your life house be more than just a façade. Instead, you must be open, unpretentious, and worthy of trust. Be honest about your shortcomings and take steps to rectify them, all the while trusting God to strengthen you and transform you from the inside out.
Beyond the Façade
In construction, the term "façade" typically refers to the outward appearance of a building, particularly the front. Often, the façade is a false representation of the rest of the building. The front wall, for example, may appear to be Victorian in style while the rest of the building is of a more modern architectural design. In this case, the façade is used primarily for the sake of portraying an outward appearance, but it is inconsistent with what lies behind it.
Façades can be useful in terms of construction design, but when a person exhibits a false façade, the consequences are dire. People who present an outward appearance that is inconsistent with who they are in reality are usually described as hypocrites.
In contrast to a hypocrite is a sincere person. There are no false faces or façades with someone who is sincere; what you see is what you get. If you are a sincere person, you never resort to deception. Instead, you are always up front and truthful.
The English word "sincere" is rooted in the Greek sinceros, which was a term used in pottery. After a potter had shaped a pot out of clay, he would then place it in the kiln to bake. If there were any flaws in the clay—or if the potter used an inferior mix in an attempt to save money—the pot would crack. The potter could then fill the crack with wax in order to disguise the defect, making it virtually undetectable until the purchaser poured hot liquid into the pot.
A pot that made it through the kiln without cracking, though, was said to be
If you want to be known as a person who is sincere—as someone of integrity—it is essential that your life house be more than just a façade. Instead, you must be open, unpretentious, and worthy of trust. Be honest about your shortcomings and take steps to rectify them, all the while trusting God to strengthen you and transform you from the inside out.
Façades can be useful in terms of construction design, but when a person exhibits a false façade, the consequences are dire. People who present an outward appearance that is inconsistent with who they are in reality are usually described as hypocrites.
In contrast to a hypocrite is a sincere person. There are no false faces or façades with someone who is sincere; what you see is what you get. If you are a sincere person, you never resort to deception. Instead, you are always up front and truthful.
The English word "sincere" is rooted in the Greek sinceros, which was a term used in pottery. After a potter had shaped a pot out of clay, he would then place it in the kiln to bake. If there were any flaws in the clay—or if the potter used an inferior mix in an attempt to save money—the pot would crack. The potter could then fill the crack with wax in order to disguise the defect, making it virtually undetectable until the purchaser poured hot liquid into the pot.
A pot that made it through the kiln without cracking, though, was said to be
If you want to be known as a person who is sincere—as someone of integrity—it is essential that your life house be more than just a façade. Instead, you must be open, unpretentious, and worthy of trust. Be honest about your shortcomings and take steps to rectify them, all the while trusting God to strengthen you and transform you from the inside out.
December 26, 2011
Replacing Stress With Serenity
Are you constantly in a state of stress? Do the pressures of life seem to be getting to you? Everyone has to deal with concerns—both personal and professional—but if you are becoming consumed by yours, it is essential that you address the problem.
Often when people experience high stress levels, it is because they are fretting needlessly. To minimize the needless tensions in your life and consequently reduce your stress levels, try applying these five suggestions.
1. Leave the past in the past.
You may have regrets regarding your past, but nothing you can do can change it. The decisions already made cannot be erased, the words already said cannot be taken back, and the actions already taken cannot be revoked. You cannot change the past, no matter how much you wish you could or how stressed out you become about it.
You can, however, effect changes in the present. You can make new decisions that counteract poor decisions you previously made. You can attempt to make reparation for harmful words you have said. You can take action to atone for past misdeeds. Rather than allowing your regrets about the past bind you, do what you can to rectify your mistakes and accept what you cannot change.
2. Avoid worrying about an imaginary future.
Worrying about false realities paralyzes far too many people. In other words, they use their imaginations to create problems that do not really exist. By worrying about all the things that might possibly go wrong and becoming preoccupied with those worries, they effectively render themselves powerless.
At the same time, recognize the difference between worrying about the future and preparing for the future. It is certainly important to evaluate potential problems and take all reasonable precautions. When constructing a building in a region prone to earthquakes, for example, a contractor must take measures to ensure the building can withstand the shaking. Likewise, a person is wise to save and invest in order to maintain a satisfactory standard of living in the retirement years.
Prepare for your future, but do not become obsessed with worry about it. Instead, give your attention to actual concerns that you can address today. This is consistent with the advice of Jesus to let tomorrow worry about itself: "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:34, KJV)
3. Recognize the things you cannot change.
There are things that are beyond your control. You may not like to hear it, but it's true. While a great many things in life depend on your decisions, words, and actions, there are many more that you can do absolutely nothing to affect. That being the case, why worry about those things? "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" (Matthew 6:27, KJV)
The Serenity Prayer expresses this thought well: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."
4. Identify what really merits your concern.
Even when considering the things that you can control, very little warrants becoming stressed. Often, people worry about the smallest of details even when they are meaningless in the grand scope of things.
In other words, don't sweat the small stuff. Most things are simply not worth it. Blowing minor things out of proportion will present no solutions. Instead, it will cause your stress levels to skyrocket and may contribute toward a plethora of physical and mental health problems.
5. Lean into your faith.
A genuine faith in God enables you to let go of your worries and concerns, trusting that God is ultimately in control. "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7, KJV)
When your world seems to be in uproar, remember that He cares for you and can provide you with a firm foundation. As I point out in Women Under Construction, "even during the storms of life, The Master Architect can and will perfect His plans."
Yes, stress is a part of life. However, that does not mean you have to fall victim to exorbitant amounts of it. Instead, you can experience freedom from the constant barrage by eliminating needless stresses and trusting God with what remains.
Often when people experience high stress levels, it is because they are fretting needlessly. To minimize the needless tensions in your life and consequently reduce your stress levels, try applying these five suggestions.
1. Leave the past in the past.
You may have regrets regarding your past, but nothing you can do can change it. The decisions already made cannot be erased, the words already said cannot be taken back, and the actions already taken cannot be revoked. You cannot change the past, no matter how much you wish you could or how stressed out you become about it.
You can, however, effect changes in the present. You can make new decisions that counteract poor decisions you previously made. You can attempt to make reparation for harmful words you have said. You can take action to atone for past misdeeds. Rather than allowing your regrets about the past bind you, do what you can to rectify your mistakes and accept what you cannot change.
2. Avoid worrying about an imaginary future.
Worrying about false realities paralyzes far too many people. In other words, they use their imaginations to create problems that do not really exist. By worrying about all the things that might possibly go wrong and becoming preoccupied with those worries, they effectively render themselves powerless.
At the same time, recognize the difference between worrying about the future and preparing for the future. It is certainly important to evaluate potential problems and take all reasonable precautions. When constructing a building in a region prone to earthquakes, for example, a contractor must take measures to ensure the building can withstand the shaking. Likewise, a person is wise to save and invest in order to maintain a satisfactory standard of living in the retirement years.
Prepare for your future, but do not become obsessed with worry about it. Instead, give your attention to actual concerns that you can address today. This is consistent with the advice of Jesus to let tomorrow worry about itself: "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:34, KJV)
3. Recognize the things you cannot change.
There are things that are beyond your control. You may not like to hear it, but it's true. While a great many things in life depend on your decisions, words, and actions, there are many more that you can do absolutely nothing to affect. That being the case, why worry about those things? "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" (Matthew 6:27, KJV)
The Serenity Prayer expresses this thought well: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."
4. Identify what really merits your concern.
Even when considering the things that you can control, very little warrants becoming stressed. Often, people worry about the smallest of details even when they are meaningless in the grand scope of things.
In other words, don't sweat the small stuff. Most things are simply not worth it. Blowing minor things out of proportion will present no solutions. Instead, it will cause your stress levels to skyrocket and may contribute toward a plethora of physical and mental health problems.
5. Lean into your faith.
A genuine faith in God enables you to let go of your worries and concerns, trusting that God is ultimately in control. "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7, KJV)
When your world seems to be in uproar, remember that He cares for you and can provide you with a firm foundation. As I point out in Women Under Construction, "even during the storms of life, The Master Architect can and will perfect His plans."
Yes, stress is a part of life. However, that does not mean you have to fall victim to exorbitant amounts of it. Instead, you can experience freedom from the constant barrage by eliminating needless stresses and trusting God with what remains.
