Our values, the things that make us who we are, dictate how we act, how we live and deal with others. It really is our belief system. For instance, I value honesty and respect. In fact, I've told my staff, when dealing with people always treat them with kindness and respect. Why are they part of my value system? Because I believe God and His Word are the guides to my life. So obviously, I wouldn't marry anyone who didn't share the same values. Our values are what make us who we are. When someone violates your values, you go into a "values crisis." That's why some get hurt, while others get mad.
 
It's important to make friends and partnerships of like-minded people who share the same or similar values. Respecting others is a high value. Why? Because I believe people are God's greatest creative works. When someone shows me disrespect or one of my staff doesn't show respect to those who come into our offices, I go into a "values crisis," which causes me to react and deal with it very quickly. Today, think about what your values are. Meditate on what is important to you in your life, and how it affects your life each and every day.   

Just a thought.  God bless.

PSS

Relationships really define who we are. We are whom we associate with, like the saying goes, "Birds of a feather flock together." We tend to gravitate towards people who are like-minded. Eagles hang out with eagles, pigeons hang with pigeons and vultures hang with vultures. There are three kinds of relationships I believe all of us should have:

Relationships with people we look up to. Someone who has done more and who is more successful than we are, someone who speaks into our lives.

Relationships that are on the same plane as we are; our peers, those we socialize with and respect.

Those whom we mentor. Those who are younger than ourselves, who are working hard to make it, and have less experience in life.

We need all three types of relationships to be healthy. It keeps us going; it keeps us reaching forward and at the same time, keeps us balanced. Then, we can give away what we have learned to someone else. This will enable us, with more discretion, to pick and choose whom we hang out with. It will also cause us to change the way we think about ourselves. It is important to see how we view ourselves because that will determine how we act, live and interact. Let's step out and begin to cultivate new and better relationships; those that lift us up and not bring us down.

Just A Thought, God bless.  PSS

Do you ever just get tired? Sometimes we're tired because we don't get enough rest or because we're sick. That's not what I'm referring to. I'm talking about being tired of living or dealing with unpleasant circumstances. Maybe you're even tired of doing good, beneficial things. Today, there are a lot of people who feel this way. The Bible says, "not to grow weary in well doing." That means that we have to keep ourselves fresh and keep the vision alive as to why we do what we're doing.

Let's say you're a mother or housewife and you start getting tired of taking care of everyone, including your husband. Take a moment to stop and meditate on why you are doing that. Think about what God has called and equipped you to do. Be grateful you have children and a husband that love you. Think about the ones you love the most and how you are blessing them. Recast the vision of why you do what you do over and over again in your heart and mind. (You can pick any topic and do this exercise). Why? Because when you grow weary and tired it is because we either lack vision, or have forgotten it. People get burned out because they forget the reasons behind their actions. We have to continually remind ourselves about the "whys". When you do, energy will come back and strength will replace the weariness.

Just A Thought, God bless. PSS

Doing the right thing is always the right thing to do. However, there are still some people who may cut corners and slack off when no one is looking. For example, people who have a "sick day" may call in sick because they have a day to use, even though they may not feel sick at all. Then there are people who talk behind other people's backs, and refuse to deal with them personally. It will pay off in the long run if you do the right thing, even in the presence of those around us who won't. If you have ought with your brother, then you should go to them and deal with the issue before too many people get involved. We should also be careful when listening to someone tell a story. Remember, there's always another side to it. I once dealt with a man who always wanted to tell his story to anyone foolish enough to listen. However, this same man had many opportunities to tell his story in front of those who knew it. This is not right, it isn't honest. Our culture cries out for honesty. It covers the truth with political correctness, or justifies its behavior instead of taking responsibility and confronting the issue with the attitude of making things right. In life, truthfulness and integrity still count for something. When you know to do right, do it. Later on down the road, it will pay off and eventually cause you to get ahead and sleep at night. What is right isn't always popular, and what is popular, isn't always right. Just a Thought, God bless. PSS

If there's one thing we must hang on to and never let go of in this day and age, it's hope. Hope is so powerful that when people lose it, they give up, quit or even take their own lives. A friend of mine once said that hope is the thermostat; it sets the goal, and hope is the anchor of our soul. Hope is that force, if you will, that gets you through the moment so you are not overwhelmed. It keeps the dream in your heart alive when others have said "no". Hope keeps you living everyday and processing life. It gives you energy to do what you would ordinarily quit doing. People don't necessarily need more faith during certain times; they need hope. You can be down, having a bad day, dealing with unpleasant circumstances, and hope is the thing that keeps you going, keeps you believing that "this too shall pass" and things can and will get better. Hope is more than wishful thinking; it is wrapped up in the greatness of God. Note Dodie Osteen; "Never lose your hope, for faith is the substance of things hoped for!" Hebrews 11:1

Just a thought, God bless.

PSS