Let Your Passion Be Greater Than Your Fear

My favorite question, as I have mentioned previously, is to ask people, especially adults, what they want to be when they grow up.  Some people’s passions are obvious.  There is no need for me to ask them at all.  After spending just a few moments speaking with them they cannot help but mention with great enthusiasm what kindles their fire.  Their face glows.  They may share what they are doing, what motivates them, and/or their future plans.

There are others that speak of a dream, desire, vision or passion, but put very little effort behind bringing it to fruition.  They have ideas of grandeur.  They can even envision themselves where they want to be, but have no plan to get there.  We read in Proverbs 18:16 (KJV) a man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.  We also read in in James 2:28 (KJV) yea, a man may say, thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.  We must have faith, but it is the work or belief and effort that we put behind the faith that actually shows that we have faith.

If we say we believe, but never make an effort towards what it is that we believe, do we really believe?  You may not always succeed immediately out of the gate, but you must open the gate and step on the other side.

Sometimes we say we have a dream or desire, but is it even ours?  Could it be the desire our parents or someone of influence over our lives has for us?  Perhaps we see people with dreams all around us and we want one just because they have one.  Never belittle, or allow anyone else to belittle your dream.  No dream is too big and no dream is too small.  If it’s your dream you own it.  Get excited about it!  You may be the only one who is, but that’s okay.  It’s yours, and you are the one that will feel fulfilled when it comes to fruition.

There are many things that may hold us back, some are real and some are excuses.  But even what is real may slow us down, but should not stop us.  Tragedy can prevent us from moving forward, but we should not let it stop us.  Sometimes it may have the reverse effect and drive us forward.  Budget may stop us, but if we are experiencing a financial deficit we should channel our energy and resources in a productive direction to keep us moving.  When our momentum stops, even briefly, it is difficult to restart our engine.

Procrastination may be one of the most powerful blocks that prevent us from moving forward.  We come up with excuse after excuse, one of which is “I work better under pressure.”  Do you really work better under pressure, or is it that you wait until the last minute and when you complete your task you feel relieved?  Do you realize procrastination is a form of fear?  You may be afraid of failure which is natural; no one wants to fail, but you may be more afraid of success.  What happens when you succeed? What is your next step?  What will be expected of you?

Whatever your desire, dream, vision or passion, in order for you to succeed you must Let Your Passion Be Greater than Your Fear, which is what I have done.  My website www.gretahillman.com is now live; please click on the link to view.  Follow me on Twitter, like my Facebook page and feel free to leave comments. Subscribe to my blog read, and submit questions and/or comments to my forum.  I accept public speaking invitations and I encourage you to watch for the release of my books and upcoming events by visiting my site often.

Thanks for your continued support.  May God bless you as I yield myself to Him and He continues to speak through me.

 

 

How Do Your Thoughts Affect Your Actions?

We often read and hear that the battlefield is in the mind. The thoughts that we receive in our mind work two ways. When we experience happy or good thoughts they bring us pleasure. For example if we think we are getting a promotion or salary increase before we physically receive it if we think that it is coming  we anticipate and expect it.

Contrariwise when we hear bad news it also affects our mind. If we are told it’s possible our services may no longer be needed, we may be in jeopardy of losing our job or income it has an adverse effect on us. We begin to worry. We are concerned about our financial obligations, our family, how long it will take before we are employed again. If we believe this will happen and choose to take the opportunity to start a business of our own we wonder if we will be successful or how long it will take for our business to become profitable.

Neither of these are facts only thoughts. But both statements come with expectations. What happens if the outcomes are not what we expect?

What happens if in the first example rather than the expectation of receiving a promotion or a salary increase you are told you may be in jeopardy of losing your job?  Suddenly what you expected has been turned upside down. Rather than planning how you would spend a possible salary increase you begin to worry about making ends meet as well as how long it will take before you are employed again.

What if rather than the expectation of a possible job loss you are told a new position may be coming available? Rather than trying to determine how long your savings will last and how quickly you must find employment you feel safe, comforted, no longer worried.

The change of a thought can change your mental and emotional state. Of course the thought of losing a job will adversely affect you but it’s a thought. Neither of the statements were facts.

Too often we allow thoughts rather than facts to alter our thinking. There is nothing wrong with thinking about how you would spend or save extra money if you were getting a promotion but you wouldn’t actually do it without having the money in the bank, or at least you shouldn’t.

If there are rumors that you may lose your job they are only rumors. Of course you should always be budget conscious and have an emergency fund when possible but you should not panic based on a thought.

We read in Matthew 6:31-33 therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? or, What shall we drink: or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father Knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

If the only person that knows everything told you not to worry would you still worry? Well that is exactly what God is telling you. Don’t worry about rumors or things you cannot control. In other words meditate or think on things that you know are true and speak of those things as Asaph said in Psalm 77:12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

 

 

 

 

Caution Low Battery

Driving home from church today we stopped at the drive thru window at our local pharmacy to pick up a prescription. Suddenly a warning flashed across the instrument panel of the car, the battery light came on, and the air conditioner turned off. The battery was low so the car automatically prevented the use of anything that would cause the battery to be drained, or anything that would cause undue stress on it. I thought to myself what a smart car.

 Oftentimes when our physical wellbeing or health is at risk our bodies will give us a warning. We may experience an elevation in our body temperature or have a fever if our body is trying to fight off an infection. Our blood pressure may increase if we are under stress, or overweight. We may become weak or shaky if our blood sugar is low.

It’s obvious when our financial wellbeing is impacted. The balance in our bank account decreases which often impacts our physical and emotional wellbeing.

What about your emotional wellbeing? What causes a drain on you emotionally? Do you have relationships that are draining? Are there people in your life that continuously draw from you without allowing you to replenish. Are you constantly giving and not receiving anything in return? There may be people in your life that only reach out to you when they need something. They may not request anything tangible, but giving the intangible, or giving yourself may be just as costly. You may hear from them once every blue moon, or they may call you weekly. When they call they talk and talk and talk. Sometimes they ask for advice and sometimes they tell you everything that has occurred in their lives since the last time you have spoken. When they end the conversation and it’s usually them that does because they do not allow you to get a word in you feel as though you need to rest.

What’s going on with you spiritually? Do you spend quality time in the presence of God or do you call Him when you need Him like the person in the previous paragraph that’s only looking for what they can get out of a relationship. We read in the Joshua 1:8 this book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success

What’s draining your battery?

What’s depleting you physically? Are you trying to squeeze 48 hours into 24? Take time to rest. Look at your schedule if you don’t have one make one.  What’s on your schedule that you can eliminate or reduce the amount of time allotted? Account for all of your time and always include time to rest.

How about your finances? Can you account for all of your income? Are you spending wisely? Do you have a savings plan and a budget? After tithing always pay yourself first. If you experience a decrease income change your spending habits. Eliminate unnecessary spending. Is it cheaper to cook or eat out? Believe it or not sometimes it’s less expensive to eat out if you are only feeding one person. A side salad and chicken nuggets may cost $2 for lunch providing protein and leafy greens verses buying salad fixings and either meat from the deli or fresh meat to cook from the grocery store that may spoil or go to waste if not cooked or eaten. Fresh is always best but we must also be budget conscious.

Do you have emotional relationships that strengthen you or are they one-sided? Surround yourself with people that have your best interests at heart. You may have to distance yourself from some people while reaching out to others that can assist you in your journey. Glean from those around you and offer your knowledge to others without putting yourself in a position that drains you.

We read Joshua 1:8 that we should meditate on the word of God. Are you meditating on God’s word? What happens when you meditate on something? It becomes second nature, a habit. You do it without thinking. When you meditate on the word of God His ways become your ways and in doing so you make your way prosperous because you are following His formula for success.

Take inventory of your life. Recharge your battery. I purchased a new battery for my car but we only have one life. Make the best of yours. Eliminate what is draining you.

Wait On It

In this microwave society we don’t want everything now we want it yesterday. There is nothing wrong with expectancy but God tells us to be anxious for nothing but in all things through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made know unto God who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think.

What does this mean? It means not to worry about anything. Pray to God about everything. Thanking Him in advance because you know that He will grant your request as long as it is according to His word. Not only will He grant your request He will bless you more than you can imagine.

There are a couple of things to remember here. Your prayer must be according to His word. For example God is a loving God and does not want us to be vindictive as we read in Romans 12:19 dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, vengeance is mine; I will repay saith the Lord. If your prayer is to allow you to take vengeance upon someone that you think has wronged you or caused you harm it’s not going to happen. God will repay that person for the harm they have caused. It may or may not happen at your hand but if it does it will not be because you have asked for it rather it will be because God is a just God.

The second thing to remember is when you pray according to His will the blessing He gives will be greater than you expect. When I began my job search after completing my treatment for breast cancer I received a call for a job interview. When I spoke with the recruiter I said you must have made a mistake. My experience is in banking. To my surprise she replied that is what this company is looking for.

I interviewed for the job and was hired. I would never have thought in my wildest dreams that the company that hired me would have a position than would enable me to use my extensive experience in banking. This was exceeding abundantly above all I could ask or think.

Does God always answer our prayer immediately? No, he does not. But He always answers them. He has given each of us the measure of faith as we read in Romans 12:3. He didn’t say I have given you a measure of faith He said He has given us the measure of faith. Each of us has the measure of faith that we need as individuals to believe God for everything He has said He will do for us.

If we all have the measure of faith that is required why is it that it appears our prayers are not always answered?  The answer is simple. We don’t want to wait. Some of us pray lengthy prayers while others may rattle our prayers off to God quickly but before we can say in Jesus name I pray amen we have one eye open looking to see if God has already answered our prayers. Can He move quickly? Of course He can He’s God. Does He always move quickly? No not always, oftentimes there are things God is teaching us through our waiting period. Although we may think we are ready, we may not be ready for what He is going to do in our lives. Even though we know our blessing has come from Him we may even try and take credit for what God has done knowing that He is a jealous God and that no flesh should glory in His presence or take credit for what He has done.

Wait on the Lord. Know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He will do exactly what He has said that He will do. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says, thinks or does. What God has for you He is willing and able to bring to pass…just wait on it. While some may tell you that what you are awaiting is impossible. I am telling you that with God all things are possible. The only thing that is impossible with God is impossibility.

 

 

 

Failure is not an Option; It's an Opportunity

Oftentimes when we don’t receive the results we expect we as well as others think we have failed. Usually before undertaking any project we prepare in advance with an expectation of receiving the desired results whether it’s baking a cake, preparing for an exam, writing a business plan or whatever the undertaking. In other words we have done our homework. If we were preparing to bake a cake we would not preheat the oven and prepare our baking pan without first making sure we had all of the required ingredients.

But even if we have all of the right ingredients and follow the directions we may not receive the desired result. Jackie, a friend of mine bakes one of the best pound cakes I have ever tasted. Another friend Diane asked for her recipe which she provided. Diane baked a cake following the directions but the results were not the same. Some of you may think perhaps Jackie did not divulge all of the information to prepare the cake the same way that she does but she did.

Diane could not figure out where she went wrong. Jackie wasn’t there when Diane baked her cake so she could not tell her what she may have done that was different. Diane told Jackie everything she did and Jackie confirmed everything was done correctly. Diane considered herself a failure saying she couldn’t even follow simple directions.

I don’t like to use the word failure. As a matter of fact when I don’t receive the results I expect rather than say I have failed. I say just that. These are not the results I expected. I now have an opportunity to exam my process and try a different approach. There are no failures in life only new opportunities.

Just like Diane you may think you have followed the directions perfectly but rather than be disappointed think about the following:

Ø  Did I do everything exactly the way I was supposed to i.e. did I cut any corners? Perhaps in Diane’s case the directions were to mix by hand 100 strokes. Maybe she used an electric mixer and just counted 100 strokes.

Ø  Do I have a plan? Diane had a recipe to follow which she did. What is your plan? You may have a desired result or goal but what is your plan to reach your goal? Without a plan you don’t have a map to reach your destination.

Ø  Am I following my plan? If you have set a deadline which requires working an hour a day are you working an hour a day or are you skipping a couple of days and making a decision to combine all of the hours at the end of the week? What happens if something unexpected comes up and prevents you from keeping your commitment to complete all of your hours at the end of the week? Have you failed? No you have not, but you have learned putting things off did not yield the desired results so the next week you make a decision to keep your commitment to work an hour each day.

What if you have set a goal followed your plan but did not receive your desired results? What do you do? Initially you may feel disappointed. No one likes rejection and everyone wants to feel successful. What you must realize is that you are successful because you set a goal for yourself and followed your plan to completion. You may not have yielded your desired results but you now have a new opportunity. Maybe you are a singer and performed a song that was not so well received. Perhaps you performed before the wrong audience. Everyone will not receive your thoughts, your dreams, and your goals with the same enthusiasm that you have. Does that mean they are not good ideas? No it does not. It may mean it’s the wrong audience.

Never give up on what you know God has placed in your heart to do. Isaiah 40:31 but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. If you do not receive your desired results keep in mind God has given you a desire but the path He places you on will be His and may not always coincide with yours as we read in Proverbs 16:9 a man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directed his steps.

 

 

 

 

Fulfillment

Years ago I would wake up every morning with an uneasy feeling. It’s kind of hard to describe. It felt a little like sadness. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was or its source. I will however say I wasn’t in the best place in my life during this time.

This morning when I woke up I had that same feeling and said God what is this? I’m happier than I’ve been in my entire life even though I do have a pressing issue that has not yet been resolved. But I know that was not the source of this uneasy feeling.

When I thought about it one of the scriptures that have great meaning to me popped into my mind. Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. That was it. I am working diligently, although at sometimes maybe not as diligently as I should, but for the most part I am pressing forward towards the vision God has placed in my heart. The uneasiness that I was feeling is a feeling of not being fulfilled.

Life is a journey full of ups and downs getting off track and getting back on track. As the beginning of Proverbs 13:12 reads hope deferred maketh the heart sick. When God has placed something in your heart that He wants you to do whether it is the vision for your life, ministry, job, family or a task you will not be fulfilled until it has been accomplished.

When you are first made aware of what God wants you to do you become excited. You feel joy that He trusts you enough to ask you to do something for him. While preparing to complete your task the feeling of joy may slowly dissipate if you are unable to complete it within your desired timeframe just as we read in the scripture. Depending on the task you may run into obstacles including but not limited to financial or family challenges or opposition from some of the people who initially supported you.

With all that may come against you it is imperative that you keep pushing forward. When you stop moving or procrastinate you may begin to feel like you are not going to reach your goal. Even when things are going your way and everything appears to be perfect you may still feel as though you are unfulfilled. There are a couple of reasons for these feelings.

As previously mentioned you will encounter obstacles to prevent you from moving forward. You may become dismayed which is an emotion that we will feel as fleshly beings but that is why God tells us if we walk in the spirit we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. In this case the lusts of the flesh are the feeling that we will not reach our goal, or feeling like we want to give up.

These feelings also occur when we reach a milestone in our journey. Perhaps we have been accepted into the college of our choice, received a major contract, purchased a home or given birth to our first child. We are excited because as the second part of Proverbs 13:12 reads the desire or whatever it is that we have been hoping for has come and is like a tree of life. We feel alive like we may have accomplished a great feat. But guess what? There is always more. We may have accomplished what God has given us to do but once we reach that goal He knows that He can trust us and He gives us another task. Just as we read in Matthew 25 as the Lord said to his servants that took their talents and multiplied them…well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.

When you feel unfulfilled realize this is part of the journey. You will reach that point of fulfillment in due season if you faint not. Don’t let an emotion keep you from moving towards your goal. Remember you are a spirit residing in a body.  The body feels the emotions. Let your spirit override your flesh by keeping your eye on the prize, or your goal but most importantly keep your mind on the One who has given you the goal and is more than able to see you and your goal through to fruition.  

 

God is in Control

We read in Jeremiah 1:5 before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee. God is never taken by surprise. He knew the end before the beginning of every situation that would happen in our lives and the world in which we live. Oftentimes when an event occurs in our lives whether good or bad we experience different emotions ranging from shock, pain, sorrow and grief if it's a tragic or devastating event to shock, amazement, or euphoria if it's a joyous event.

 

When tragedy strikes we often ask God why? Only He can answer that question. What I can say is that He never gives us more that we can bear without providing a way of escape as we read in 1Corinthians10:13 there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. That way of escape always includes turning to Him for solace.

 

Quoting His words again He also says in Romans 8:28 and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  We have no control over some of the events that occur in our lives or the lives of anyone else, especially our loved ones. If we did have control we certainly would not allow tragedy to occur in our lives or the lives of those we cherish. But trusting in His word again we must realize that something good will come from all things as He as stated.

I was very close to my mother who went to be with The Lord in 2007. Prior to her passing I always thought I would not be able to function if she ever left me. Notice I said left me because that is what I thought. She would be leaving me. I remember when it was time for my mother to go she was in the hospital and was ready to leave this temporary home we call earth. I said to her mamma if you are ready to go why don't you just ask God to take you? She replied I did. Within the next few days she was gone. Her departure was peaceful. She was now at rest. Of course I cried and still miss her tremendously. I talk to her and sometimes while shopping may say mamma would like this or I should get this for mamma for Christmas. Prior to her passing she asked that my sisters and I keep our family together. Little did she know within two years of her death my sisters and I would be living within walking distance of each other’s homes? I am sure this is not the togetherness to which she was referring, however it is a blessing and has worked together for the good of us all.

 

You may say death is tragic and it is.  It is tragic for those who are left behind but remember the death of Jesus removed the sting from death meaning there would be no pain in death. Additionally to be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord. Solomon also advises us we should morn when a child is born because of what he or she will face on earth and rejoice in death because there is no more sorrow in the lives of those that are dead.

 

Perhaps the tragedy you are facing is not death but feels just as devastating. Again I refer you to 1Corinthians 10:13 and Romans 8:28. Will reading the scriptures bring comfort? Maybe they will and maybe they won't but whether or not they bring comfort they are true and believe it or not in time the pain will lessen as we read in Isaiah 61:3 He will give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

 

Will the pain go away immediately probably not? Will it ever go away? It can become bearable enough for you to function and it can also serve as a testimony to others if you will allow God to comfort you and bring you peace which comes with resting in him.

What is important is that we share Jesus Christ with those that we love so when they do depart from this temporary home for their eternal home we can rest assured that they will spend eternity with God.

 

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior I strongly encourage you to do so now simply by reading the following out loud. Dear God I come before you now acknowledging I am a sinner. I ask that you forgive me of my sins. I know that you gave the life of your Son and on the third day He rose and is seated at your right hand. I thank you for accepting me as yours and from this day forward I belong to you.

If you spoken this prayer I encourage you to find a bible based church to attend.

 

I also encourage you whether a newly converted or seasoned Christian to share this word with all you know. As the title of this blog reads and whether it appears that way or not God is in control.