Self-esteem:

Self-esteem is about what — and whom — we identify with. It’s about how we feel about ourselves, and not what others think about us. Self-esteem is defined as a belief in oneself, or self-respect. Another definition says it is proper respect for oneself and one’s worth as a person.

Self-perception:

How we view ourselves is important, and it will determine how we treat others as well. We are taught that we shouldn’t think too highly of ourselves, and we definitely don’t want to become conceited; but, on the other hand, we don’t want to demean ourselves to the point of self-loathing, either. We need to see ourselves as God’s creation — fearfully and wonderfully made.

Self-improvement:

We will make mistakes, but it’s healthy for us to like ourselves. We’re not perfect, and still need to work on things; but we shouldn’t allow the actions and speech of others to blind us to our own value and worth. Self-esteem is about how we view ourselves, so let’s begin to see ourselves in a better light, and not worry about our shortcomings — work on them, and acknowledge that we were created to be incredible!

Just a thought,

PSS

Managing:

Managing our time wisely is a key to being successful. If we don’t manage our schedule, our schedule will manage us. In other words, if we don’t prioritize what’s important to us, and for us to do, our time won’t be used to maximize our efforts. We should have schedules — schedules can help us stay focused. Without a schedule, we will waste so much time. 

Prioritizing: 

Some things we hear people say are: “I don’t have enough time,” or “There isn’t enough time in the day.” But there is enough time if we prioritize what are the next important things we need to do. It was important for me to watch my kids participate in sports. So, I would schedule their games on my calendar. It was an appointment. When other things would come up, I would have to decline if they conflicted with that appointment.

Scheduling:

Scheduling our time, properly managing our time, will help us get more done in a day. We allot time for everything — 30 minutes for this, an hour for that. It will increase our productivity as we schedule our time.

Time is so precious, so let’s begin to manage it more efficiently. If we do it right, it will also help alleviate stress and running ourselves ragged.

Just a thought,

PSS

Focus is a word that gets thrown around a lot. But I think at times it is difficult for people to do.

Clarity:

Focus! It is a real desire to find something. Clarity comes from focus. Focus doesn’t have a deadline. Aristotle said, “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”

Commitment:

When we are focused — really focused — we commit to the work; we commit to the direction. Focus takes time and a commitment towards the goal. So, let’s begin to be committed to focus on God and His word. He did say, “All things are possible to them that believe” (Mark 9:23). 

Attitude: 

What we focus on could determine our attitude. If we focus on all the inequities in life, we will tend to be cynical, disillusioned. But if we focus on that which is good, true, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, we will tend to have a better outlook on life (Phil. 4:8). If we focus on God and His word, our attitudes will be so much healthier. We will begin to see what is possible instead of seeing only the road blocks. We will experience greater hope for all of our tomorrows instead of hopelessness. What we focus on, give our attention to, does determine our outlook on life.  

It’s our choice what we choose to focus on. So, let’s choose God.

Just a thought,

PSS

God’s word has a lot to say about money. He tells us what we should do with it: how we should spend, how we should save.

Blessing or cursing? 

Money isn’t evil — it’s the love of money that is evil. When we hoard it up on ourselves, when we don’t honor the kingdom or support our local church with it, that’s when it becomes evil. God’s word teaches us if we will give the first 10% (tithe) to the church, the rest will be blessed. If we don’t, it has a curse on it. So many are cursed with a curse of poverty. They always lack: they will always be in a situation where they will never have enough. Something will always be off. Even if they have a lot of money, there will be no fulfillment in their lives. 

Right priorities:

The first thing we need to get right with God is that the first 10% (tithe) belongs to Him. The rest will be blessed, and we can do with it as we please. I would hope that we would save at least 10%, then live off the 80% left. God wants us to do only well. He wants us to be blessed. He wants our children and families to be blessed. That begins with us receiving Jesus into our hearts and being born again. Then we begin to follow Him and serve Him. Part of that is honoring God with our money and recognizing He is the owner of everything.

So let’s be faithful with tithing and really experience His blessing in our lives.

Just a thought,

PSS

In life there will be things we like and things we don’t like.

The good and the not so good:

In our job there will be things we like about it and things we don’t like about it. When I worked at UPS, I didn’t like the job but I did like the paycheck. No matter what we do, we will find this is true. So what do we do?

Perseverance:

We persevere: we make ourselves do what we don’t like to do. Sometimes we endure so that we can succeed in life — be successful at our job. What we learn is that nothing is perfect. We can always find fault if we want to.

Focus:

So, what is necessary is an attitude adjustment, so that we don’t focus on what we don’t like or what we think is wrong. We focus on the bigger picture. When I worked at UPS, I had to focus on what they payed me and on providing for my family and paying my bills. When we focus on the immediate, we lose our perspective on what is important. We look so much for perfection and we believe we have to, are supposed to, like everything. We are not and we won’t. If we want to find fault, we will.

Just look to the big picture, the benefits, instead of always what’s wrong. It will help us and benefit us.

Just a thought,

PSS