Change Starts with You – The Power of One Series – Part #2

Change Starts with You – The Power of One Series – Part #2

Change Starts with You

Change is a word that many people fear. However, change is necessary to growth and opportunity.

Beginning to create change and make a difference starts with one person and their behavior… You!

The knowledge that one person’s behavior is able to create change and make a difference in other’s lives may feel both overwhelming and empowering. However, while it might seem overwhelming and empowering, you must remember this is part of the process of growth and opportunity.

On one hand, putting focus on yourself can feel more comfortable than believing the entire world must change for something great to happen. On the other hand, it can feel like an immense mountain to climb all by yourself.

You must remember not to lose heart while doing good.

If you are changing for the better, do not lose heart. It is rewarding to know the best way to create change in others and the world, is by changing yourself first. Creating change in yourself begins with personal responsibility.

Take note that being responsible for your actions is the beginning step on the road to influencing others.

When you change, others see a positive change, and the results that follow, they want to make a positive difference as well.

Here are some words found in the back of No More Mondays by Dan Miller (page 241) (Amazon Link) attributed as found on a tomb dated A.D. 1100 of an Anglican Bishop at Westminster Abbey:

When I was young and free, and my imagination had no limits,
I dreamed of changing the world.
As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change,
so I shortened my sights somewhat and
decided to change only my country.
But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years,
in one last desperate attempt,
I settled for changing only my family,
those closest to me, but alas,
they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize:
If I had only changed myself first,
Then by example I would have changed my family.
From their inspiration and encouragement,
I would have been able to better my country and,
who knows, I may have changed the world.

People make their most significant impact in areas that mean the most to them. A child who struggled with not having enough food to eat growing up might grow to be an adult who works to end hunger. Someone who didn’t have access to education might spend their time promoting literacy.

Creating personal change makes a difference in life. Each one goes through personal trials, struggles and more.  The ability to create change and take place, even in the storms of life. When tragedy strikes, there are usually two reactions people experience: (1) depression, or (2) an urge to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

People are different in the manner they handle situations. Two people can face the same situation and have radically different reactions. One person may fall into deep depression and retreat from life, and the other may use their issue as a starting point for making a difference.

Our desire is to create positive change in our lives so we can assist others in making positive chance in theirs.

There are as many unique ways to make a positive change in other’s lives. You can start to make a positive change by asking yourself a few questions:

  • What is something about which you feel strongly?
  • In what ways do you naturally give your time and your resources to help others?
  • What are you gifting to others?
  • In what areas of your character do you receive the most compliments?
  • What events have happened in your life to create space for concern and empathy for others?
  • What are the things you know how to do that can make life easier for others?

Beginning with these questions will start your thinking about what matters to you. They will help you also answer what personal and unique experiences you have had that can help you make an impact.

You can start with the answers to these questions to realize that you already have the tools to do something, somewhere, that will ripple forth and make a change for the better.

When you realize you have the tools and the experience, you can move forward with confidence that you can make an impact, and that no matter how insignificant you feel in the grand scheme of things, you are vital and very much needed.

So, what are you willing to change, positively to extend your impact to those around you?

Just some thoughts,

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Six Powers to a Powerful Message

Six Powers to a Powerful Message

Several times a month, I will surf through the library of YouTube videos and watch a select few from my favorite speakers. Many of the videos I have seen countless times and some I almost know every word, but each time I hear them, the message is still powerful. The words still influence my heart and my actions. They will motivate me and inspire me for greater service. But where does the power live? Is it in the speaker or the message? Take a moment and look at the six items below and see “Six Powers Behind a Powerful Message.”

The speaker believed the message—In each of my favorite speeches throughout the years, each speaker believed (believes) the message they were presenting. Their belief came through in their actions, words, emotions and gestures. The belief of the speaker was so strong, some of it, if not all of it, was transferred to the listeners on every occasion. Without believing the words you are saying, your message will not fall on the listeners with power - it will just fall.

The speaker gave the audience time to think—Each famous speaker delivered the message in a way to give people time to think. The speaker presented words and offered solutions and even got personal, all the while allowing the listeners to hear and digest the words.

The speaker used breaks and pauses in the message—While this point relies heavily on point #2 (and vice versa), the power in a pause or a break in the speech will help the listeners digest and concentrate on the message. Pauses and breaks in a message not only give the listeners time to think, they convey the serious matters of the message. Try pausing for a small amount of time and see how many people look at you, waiting for the next words.

The message challenged the listeners—Ever wonder why some people can fall asleep in a sermon or at a conference? There are many reasons, but I am convinced there is another—we do not challenge them! You can attend seminar after seminar and never be challenged, and you will have just been to “another seminar.” But challenge the people with a message that makes them move their feet, and those people will tell everyone about the “event” they attended!

The message showed the listeners the future; whether good or bad—Remember the challenge of point #4—point #5 is the thought process. Showing your audience the future, no matter good or bad, makes them act! If you are selling them a product, then show them the efficiency they will have and the great sales they can make or the grand lifestyle they will live. If you want them to take action on something that has been wrong, show them where the dangerous road will lead and challenge them to change the course because of the consequences to come. Take your audience into the future and begin changing tomorrow today!

The message was the motivation for the people—Close your message by motivating the people to take action today, not tomorrow! The great messages of the past motivated the people to change at that very moment! Even in today’s society we are feeling the effects from people who took action hundreds of years ago because of their motivation to live better. Motivate your audience to achieve the next level- Leave them motivated!

 These are just six points to get your mind racing toward becoming a greater speaker. Spend time this week and listen to those famous speeches of the past and see how these six points made a difference! Remember, to achieve greatness, you must put them into practice each day. In your next meeting or sales opportunity, try two these steps and see how they work for you. It will take some practice, but practice is necessary for achievement!

Enjoy your day!

Just some thoughts,

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Do You Still Have Your Spiritual Goals?

Do You Still Have Your Spiritual Goals?

Can you believe it is already March of 2019? It is hard to believe that we have already seen two months pass by this year. Time is sure moving faster. (By the way, time stays the same, we just miss it because we get so busy.)

How are you doing on your spiritual goals?

Some people set spiritual goals at the beginning of the year, were you one of them? If so, how much progress are you making towards your spiritual success?

Whether you are making progress or you simply need a reset, allow me to offer a few suggestions to get you back on track for this year. Below are a few simple suggestions to help you continue on the track of spiritual success. Take a moment and see which one will help you.

A Proverb a Day – Did you know that Proverbs has 31 chapters and several months have a total of 31 days? Take time and read a chapter of proverbs a day. (Example: on day 1 read Proverbs 1; day 2 read Proverbs 2)

Make Service A Priority – To really grow as a Christian, you will find that attending services will help you grow in two ways: (1) Closer to God and (2) closer to your brothers and sisters. The Hebrews writer says that brethren can “stir up one another.” (Hebrews 10:24)

Pray like Daniel – Reading through Daniel, you find that Daniel prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:10). As a result of his prayer life, you see the benefits of strength. Schedule sometime to pray at least twice a day and make it a goal to achieve at least three.

Teach the Young Ones – From the beginning, the Lord wants us to teach the young people about Him and the riches of His blessings. Teaching the young of the blessings, begins in our daily conversations. Take a moment and read Deuteronomy 6:1- 9. Make it a goal to mention God daily.

Remember to Teach Others – One of the goals for every Christians should be to teach others the lifestyle of Christ. Paul mentions to Titus that the younger should teach the older in Titus 2 and this is a great pattern to learn about the walk of a mature Christian.

Be Thankful – As the Lord blesses us each day, let us thank Him for His continual blessings. The blessings we have come from the Father (James 1.5).  Remember to thank God daily in everything He has provided. (Colossians 3:17)

What other suggestions would you add to the list?

Just some thoughts,

The Greatest Act of a Christian

The Greatest Act of a Christian

Each one knows that the world is continually watching our actions when they know that we are Christians; with this in mind, what is the most significant action a Christian can take each day?

All of us are to let our light shine before men so they can see our good works and glorify God in heaven (Matthew 5.16), but what if we took that answer a little deeper. While our example is important to the world, what is the driving force behind your example?

If you had to describe the driving force behind your example, what would it be?

What is the greatest act of a Christian?

Jesus, being asked, “What is the greatest command?” The question was valid, and the response was godly. Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.” (Matthew 22.37-38)

The great and first command is the greatest act a Christian can do each day – “Love the Lord.”

The second act of a Christian is the second command mentioned by Jesus, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 27.39)

What will your greatest act be today?

Just some thoughts,