ACCOMPLISHING GOALS

Let's be real. 

There will always be something that gets in the way of a goal.

With that said, we simply need to learn to adapt and adjust accordingly in order to continue to make that goal.

What prompted me to even think of this was the fact that I broke my toe in October (6 months ago) and how I haven't worked out since. I was on a regular routine where I worked out 4 times a week. Then I broke my toe and I stopped completely. 

I really didn't have to stop completely, I simply needed to figure out how I can go about working out with my toe being broken. I could still have ridden the bike at the gym or still do my ab workout and even arms. Instead, I decided that it was an easy out to say my toe was broken and be lazy for a few months.

My thoughts were blinded by my one thought, "my toe is broken, I can't run or play basketball so I can't workout". 

Thinking back on it now, I didn't even try thinking of other ways to workout. I simply stuck with the fact that I couldn't work out the way I normally do which is running and playing sports. I was being close minded and my negative thinking was actually hindering any other thinking from happening.

Don't let anyone or anything hinder you in accomplishing your goals.

Sure, there will be obstacles but CHOOSE the better route and figure out how to push through the hurdle rather than letting it win over you. 

Same thing goes with procrastination. Life will always be busy and too busy sometimes to do everything. We prioritize on getting things done that "need" it but things that we don't necessarily "need" to do right away, we put off which lingers to sometimes never getting done. No one wants to be that person that starts 5 tasks and only finishes 2. 

Take charge of your life and your goals!

Don't allow someone or something win over you!

YOU have the power because it's the choices you choose to make!

MAKE IT HAPPEN

MY READING GLASSES

I'm a book lover.

I love to read.

I love stories.

READ. READ. READ.

(Meet Denise, my old lady alter ego)

"Well, how the heck do I turn this laptop camera on again…"

"There we go!"

 "Hello social network world!"

"I just can't seem to remember where I left off the last time I was reading here…"

"Oh no! That was the last chapter and I forgot how scary that part was!"

"Oh stop it, I was just kidding…there aren't any scary parts in this book!"

"No no, wait…."

"I'm confused what book I'm reading again?"

"I keep getting distracted looking at my stand up mirror, thinking about having a dance party"

"Am I still on camera? I can never tell with this darn computer"

"Back to the book…."

"So good"

 "Just such a good book, I'm trying to be in the story by getting closer to the pages"

 "And now I've officially decided to have a dance party because I'm too distracted"

Reading time is over!

GRACE THROUGH FAITH

It is critical to understand that we cannot save ourselves. The foundation of our faith is Jesus' death and resurrection. That's what paid the penalty for our sins. As a result of God's work in Jesus, we are a new people with a new heart and a new Lord.

1.    Is it possible to be saved by the good things we do -- our "works"? How are we saved? 

       Ephesians 2:8-9 -- No, we are saved by God's grace. It's a gift. "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it's a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."

2.    Does God save us because of the good things we do? If not, why does he save us? Titus 3:4-5
       -- No, he saved us out of his kindness and love. "When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit."

3. What does God's grace teach the believer? Titus 2:11-12 -- Turn from Godless living and sinful pleasures through the grace of God. He brought salvation to all people. "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures."

4.    Shall we continue to sin because of God's forgiveness and grace? Romans 6:15 -- "Well then, since God's grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!"

5.    What are we created for as new Christians? Ephesians 2:10 -- "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

6.    What did Jesus say to those who believed in him? Matthew 16:24 -- "Then Jesus said to his disciples, If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me."

We learned that we are spiritually dead and cannot save ourselves. Regardless of who we are, we need a Savior. Jesus Christ is the only true Savior. By receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord, we can be delivered from the power of sin and its consequences. Our salvation is based on what Jesus did for us, not on our own efforts.

We must therefore…Realize that we are sinners without excuse (Romans 1:20) and that it is only through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we can be saved. Respond by turning from sin and putting our faith in him and then following him as Lord.

Candace Cameron Bure (DJ Tanner from Full House) has a great testimony and even speaks all over the world about how "Being good isn't good enough" meaning that we need Jesus Christ as our Savior and simply "being a good person" isn't going to get you into Heaven.

Check out her website: http://www.candacecameronbure.net/index.php

(The Purple Book by Rice Broocks and Steve Murrell - Chapter 1 - Lesson 5 - P.19)