Life Lessons-How To Create A Consistent Quiet Time

Do you struggle with having a consistent quiet time? Is your day filled with so many activities and demands that you don't even have time to pray?  Maybe you've been wanting to set aside time but you just don't know how to get started and stay committed on a consistent basis.

If that's you, then I'm so glad you stopped by today!

Below is a video I created with you in mind. It's a how-to session on developing a consistent quiet time.

If you are like me, you probably feel a bit overwhelmed with all that needs to get done each day. And, you might be wondering, how on earth can I find time to spend with God when there's just so much to do!

So, grab a cup of coffee or green tea and spend a few minutes with me (hey, that rhymes :-)

To recap, here are our action steps:
1. Choose a specific time each day.
2. Find a quiet place to be alone.
3. Avoid distractions.
4. Quiet Time Supply List: Bible, devotional book. pen, and notepad.
5. Start and end with prayer.
6. Reading Options: Proverbs or Psalms (Old Testament)  John or The Gospels (New Testament)
7. Apply something that you learned to experience life transformation.

Maybe you have some techniques of your own. I'd love for you to share them with me.  Or, maybe you can share what you're biggest struggle is with having a consistent quiet time.

I can't wait to hear from you!

Life Lessons - Changing the Way We Think

Did you know that if you change the way you think, it will change the way you feel, which will then change the way you act, and ultimately the way you choose to live? This is great news, if we already have a healthy positive thought life. If we tend to think negatively, well then, we've got some work to do.

This week's video is by Dr. Caroline Leaf. She has a Masters and PhD in Communications Pathology. Dr. Leaf has researched the human brain for over 20 years and teaches with a particular emphasis on unlocking its vast, untapped potential. She is brilliant, beautiful, and a very strong Christian. Dr. Leaf's teachings are backed up by Scripture, which is what I love most about her professional ministry.  

This video was filmed during an interview with Dr. Leaf and Joyce Meyers on the Enjoying Everyday Life program. Although it includes a few technical "brain-y" medical terms, the information is fascinating and essential for creating a healthy thought life.

Here are some amazing facts that Dr. Leaf talks about in this video. Did you know...

* You have over 100 trillion nerve cells in your brain.
* When you have a negative thought, you actually grow a "thorn" on one of your nerve cells.
* Because you are created in the image of God, your brain is naturally wired to think positively.
* Your brain performs over 400 billion acts per second.
* Your intelligence has no cap! You determine how smart you can become by choosing to continue learning  new things.

Wow! Don't you feel smarter already? Click on the link below and if you can, grab a pen and paper to take some notes.

Video - Dr. Caroline Leaf
 2010-07-14, Joyce Meyer - Your Brain and You (Dr. Caroline Leaf & Joyce Meyer).© Copyright 2010 Dr. Leaf. All rights reserved.

Wasn't that a great video? Now, to remember what we learned, lets take some action steps:

1. Be sure to ask/answer/discuss this information within the next 48 hours.Otherwise, it will get stored in the la-la-land of our brains. Note: I have lots of "stuff" stored in the la-la land of my brain.

2. Let's memorize this Scripture verse:

 Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.

Romans 12:2 (GW)


3. Pass this video along to a friend, sister, mother, daughter, or anyone who you think might benefit from it, so they can start renewing their mind too.

Let's do something fun! I'm giving away a copy of "Who Switched off My Brain" and would love for you to win. I read this book last year and by applying what I've learned plus memorizing Scripture, it has drastically changed the way I think. I want you to experience that same change too - and you can!

To qualify for the giveaway, leave a comment below, sharing something that you're struggling with in your thought life right now. Or, share something that you've been able to overcome, because you chose to change your thought patterns and to renew your mind with God's Word.      

http:/www.drleaf.com

One last thing: If you need some encouragement, be sure to log onto Proverbs 31 Ministries and read today's daily devotional by Lysa TerKeurst. It's our gift to you, from Proverbs 31 Ministries.  

Life Lessons - Why Do I Procrastinate?

UPDATE: The winner for this giveway is: Alyssa.    Click HERE for details

 
Do you find yourself procrastinating a lot lately? Is there something on your to-do list that keeps getting pushed aside? Have the words, "Oh, I'll do that tomorrow", slipped out of your mouth more than once this week?

If so, maybe you have a problem with procrastination. Or, if you're like me, you might even say you're an expert at procrastinating!

A recent study from the University of Calgary shows that 95% of the total population (yes, men and women) struggle with "postponement" issues. Simply put...we are a ProcrastiNATION! So, the good news is you're not alone.

Now, don't get discouraged. Instead, check out the video below where I'll answer three basic questions:

Why do we procrastinate?
What happens when we procrastinate?
What does the Bible say about procrastination?

Then, I'll give you some helpful tips on how to stop putting off and starts propelling forward!

Video Session One: 

Video Session Two: 

 
Now for our action steps:

1. Pick one thing that you've been procrastinating about and start doing it TODAY! When you're finished, be sure to celebrate by rewarding yourself. 

2. Share this video with a friend or family member who also struggles with procrastination. Maybe they'll become your accountability partner this week.

4. Leave a comment sharing one major thing you are currently procrastinating over and tell me why you're having trouble getting it done.

5. Sign up to win a FREE copy of the book, "I Used to Be So Organized", by Glynnis Whitwher. I'll pick a winner over the weekend and post it to my blog on Monday. So, be sure to set a reminder and come back on Monday to see if you won!

If you missed my video from last week on Discouragement, click HERE to watch it now. And, for more encouragement, check out today's daily devotional at www.proverbs31.org

I can't wait to hear from you!            

Life Lessons - Discouragement

UPDATE: Kristen Barkdull is the winner of last week's giveaway. Kristen, please send your mailing address to Leah@Proverbs31.org so that I can send you the signed copy of A Confident Heart.  


Are you feeling discouraged today? Maybe someone or a certain situation has failed to meet your expectations. Maybe life just isn't turning out the way you had planned.

I understand and that's why I'm launching my new video series with a short clip about Discouragement. We all experience it and when life throws us a heavy punch, we can be left feeling heavy-hearted, lonely and completely frustrated. Can you relate? 

I hope you enjoy the video and that it encourages you today! Be sure to leave a comment so that you're eligible for my giveaway. I have a SIGNED copy of Renee Swope's book, A Confident Heart that someone is going to win. Maybe that someone will be YOU!!

Well, it looks like the video cut off the last few seconds of my comments but no worries, you didn't miss anything real important.

Now for our action steps:

1. Log onto www.proverbs31.org and read today's Encouragement for Today devotional.

2. Encourage someone else today! When we pour words of encouragement into others, it will also encourage us.

3. Sign up for today's giveaway by leaving a comment below. I'd love to know what you thoughts about the video. And, I'd love for you to share one thing that you do when discouragement comes your way.

Today's giveaway: a signed copy of A Confident Heart by Renee Swope, I'll announce the winner on Monday.