Yes I can

Source: modernparentsmessykids.com via Chichi on Pinterest

 

I have many dreams and goals.

Things that I want to achieve that have not yet happened.

Some days I believe I can achieve them and then other days there is this voice of doubt which discourages me and tells me I can’t. It is so frustrating.

One of my goals has always been to run my own business, which is a passion of mine. I believe in what I am doing and I know that I am good at it, but sometimes I don’t believe in myself and my abilities. 

Yesterday I was watching a sermon and realised that my whole mindset was wrong.

In life it is not about the I can’t but the fact that I can, because the Bible tells me that I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. {Philippians 4:13}

Anytime I believe I can’t do something, that is the enemy feeding me lies. Trying to make me believe that things are not possible, I am not capable enough, I can’t do it. All lies.

But today I choose truth.

I choose to believe that with God’s help – I can and I will.

As I look to next year, I need to hold onto this verse. You should too.

Have a great weekend!

p.s. Cot arrived today – being the efficient parents we are, it’s now all beautifully set up in the nursery. I love looking at it and can’t wait for it to filled!

Resolutions for the soul

Following on from yesterday's post on my 2010 goals, I came across this by Natalie Horne on Phenomenally Made about soul resolutions. Sometimes it's so easy to make resolutions for everything else in life and forget about the thing that should be centre to everything we do. Have a read and let me know what you think.

* I resolve to honour God with all of my heart, all of my soul, and all of my mind.

Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ (Matthew 22:36-37)

* I resolve that my physical appearance will not determine my worth or my value.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewellery and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. (1 Peter 3:3-5)

* I resolve to invest in relationships with others above pursuing my own selfish desires.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

* I resolve to maintain an eternal perspective with my time and my money, and to act accordingly.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also….So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:19-34)

* I resolve to glorify God through the suffering and hardships in my life – past, present and future.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

* I resolve to be a steward of God’s gifts, and recognize that I own nothing of my own.

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. (Psalm 24:1-2)

* I resolve to live and move and have my being rooted in Him.

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.’For in him we live and move and have our being.’ (Acts 17:24-28)

* I resolve to pursue love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-25)

* I resolve to point others to Christ.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

So how am I doing? {Goals - January}

So we're well into January and I thought I would give you all an update on my 2010 goals.

Generally life is very busy right now, especially at work. I'm finding that I'm really tired all the time, so secretly, deep down I hope things will start to settle soon. But hey let's not complain eh!

Some positives...
- I registered for my third module {out of four} of my professional qualifications. I've decided to do distance learning and will start the module in March. It felt good to book that today. Looking forward to starting it.

- I have my 'audition' tomorrow to join the worship team at church. Having been wanting to sort this out for ages and finally managed to speak to the main guy on Sunday about auditioning, so that will be tomorrow.

- I found out one of my old friends who I used to work with has had a baby daughter {is it me or is EVERYONE either pregnant or having babies!}. Really happy for him, can't actually believe he is a dad now! Everyone is growing up!

- It's pay day this week! Woohoo! Start my savings plan!

Some negatives...
- I'm so behind on my Bible in 90 days reading. I should be in Judges somewhere and I'm just finishing Exodus, which by my count is 7 days worth of reading.  The first week went kinda okay and then I missed a day, which turned in another day, which before I knew it was a week. Then each day it has gotten harder to catch up. Also I'm finding that doing it last thing at night, is not the best time, as many a nights I have fallen asleep mid verse!

I'm off work next week for a couple of days, so I'm hoping to spend some time and catch up properly. Following that I plan to do my reading before going on the internet/blogging etc which should motivate me and help me make the time to do it every day.

One thing I will say is that the chapters I have read, I have really enjoyed. It's amazing how a story you think you know so well, can appear much differently when you read it again, with a different mindset. I'm trying not to read it too much like a story book, but really hopefully take it in and allow God to speak to me through His words.

- I didn't lose any weight this week, in fact I put weight on. Totally rubbish! But if I showed you my food diary, you wouldn't have much sympathy! Deep down I really do want to do it, but in the midst of pressure at work, tiredness and most probably lazyness I end up making unhealthy choices. Every morning when I look at all the clothes I could be wearing but can't fit into, I am reminded of this fact.

Losing weight is one of those things that you want to see immediate results but in reality it takes time and I guess I'm just impatient! However one thing I do know from losing weight in the past is that once it starts to drop off, it becomes addictive and you want to stay on track. I just need to get to that point!

How's everyone getting on with their goals for 2010.?

Ingredients for a Happy New Year

As promised here is a summary of the teaching from the New Years Eve event I went to. As I was making notes on my blackberry, a lot of it is in shorthand but I have tried to pad out to make coherent sentences!

**************

Ingredients for a Happy New Year:

Things that will remain the same in 2010:

• The bible will still have the answer
• Prayer still works
• Holy Spirit will still be moving
• God will still inhabit the praises of his people
• Jesus still loves you
• Jesus is still be in the business of saving people and blessing their life

1. Establish a cause, reason, purpose to pursue in the new year.

Why? Otherwise you will have nothing to live for. Having a dream will keep you keeping on, help bring focus to your life, define where you are now and where you are going. Without cause, you’re just a rolling stone making no impact. Boredom = absence of vision

Be aware of having vague goals as they have no impact. You need to have goals which are specific. Write them down and pursue them. Also be aware of unworthy goals. Failure = succeeding at the wrong thing. Find a cause that honours God and will make him proud.

Top ten vision? Where am I going in 2010? Where will I be? Are the things I'm living for, worth dying for?

2. Examine your situation.

Check out where you are now. What issues are you facing? Don't run away from them. You must know the steps you are taking in order to know your mission. Take inventory of your life. Don't run away! Remember that Jesus is the answer! Know what stands between you and the thing you want to achieve. They should be your prayer points.

Clarify the road block. What's between you and the breakthrough of the Lord and the situation you desire? Doors of opportunity swing on the hinges of opposition. God is about to make a way for you. Also know that your value is revealed in the problem that you solve. Facing big challenges? Inside you there is an ability for big blessings and big breakthrough. Make sure you develop a plan as there is nothing wrong with having a clearly defined plan for your life. No plan, no measure of progress. Salvation was planned. God is a master planner.

3. Strengthen your confidence.

Race is not for the swift. Take advantage when God gives you the time. We have our confidence is Christ. Phil 4:13
Can we achieve our vision in 2010?  Yes we can.
In Jesus I am a superstar. I am blessed. Strengthen your confidence with the promises of God.
If God be for us, who can be against us..
Continue with prayer.  Pray more - your battles will be your blessings.
Pray in the Holy Ghost. You by-pass logic.
Jude 1:20 - ‘build up yourself’.
If there is an issue, find time every week to pray for one hour on that matter. Solutions/breakthrough will follow you.

4. Enforce a new lifestyle.

Start a new lifestyle. Listen to the voice of the Lord. Have a discipline to your life. If you don't want business as usual, you have to do something unusual.
Allow lifestyle of God to underwrite your life. Discipline your appetite. Discipline your time. Do not waste time in 2010. Let it qualify and bless your life.
If there are areas in your life that need changing, deal with it now - Find it, face it, finish it!

5. Enlist vision helpers.

These are people who will walk the valley with you. Stand with you. Make your journey worth the while and help you make your dream a reality.
Who is in your boat? The people in your boat can wreck your life or help your life. Who have you surrounded yourself with? Can they rebuke you?  Check the names on your phone. Some need to be deleted.

Two is better than one. You stand alone you can be easily destroyed.
Who are your friends? Are they going in your direction? Take a look around at those who are prosperous, they know and invest in others. Those who have learnt to work with others, have learnt to delegate. They succeed in marriage, business, life. When God calls you to a task bigger than you, he surrounds with people who can help you. Find that person in your life.

By Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo {KICC 31.12.09}

Goals, Smoals

This year I thought about the things I wanted to achieve in my life for 2010, the things that would make me happy, the things that would help me to grow and I came up with this:

1. Read the Bible in 90 days. I've never read the bible cover to cover and relish this challenge. I started this yesterday and so far I'm enjoying it, but it is intense!

2. Learn a new cooking dish every month. I'm loving the cooking vibe right now, and any chance given to learn something new, I jump at it. I made a cake for both my family at Christmas and my in-laws at New Years. Something I would never have done a year ago and positive responses were received all round! I will be increasing my repertoire in 2010.
You can following my cooking escapades by clicking the 'In My Kitchen' link at the top.

3. Reconnect with my fellow man. I've cancelled my Twitter and deactivated my Facebook. I want to connect with people how we did it in the old days. If you want to speak to me, please pick up the phone, don't write on my wall or poke me. It's just not the same. Likewise I will reciprocate {calling that is}.

4. Lose weight. An old classic! I have broken this down into smaller stages and the first goal is to lose 10% of my current body weight. I am doing the 10in10 challenge where you make healthy lifestyle changes in order to achieve a goal in 10 weeks. I'm really determine on this one, as there is a wedding dress hanging in my house that WILL fit on my big day, plus a load of clothes in my wardrobe which are currently jobless.
You can track my weight loss journey here.

5. Save for Christmas throughout the year. By putting money aside each month, it will eliminate the annual surprise that is 'oh wow its December already, where did my paycheck go'.

6. Remember all the birthdays and anniversaries of all those people who are important to me and ensure that I send a card and give them a call at the very least. I do this for my family anyway but sometimes with friends I slack. This year my dear friends, I will remember your special day and will acknowledge it accordingly!

7. Become more active in my church and join the choir. Miss my singing days so will get back into it.

8. Complete my professional qualifications. I'm doing a Diploma in Corporate Banking and I'm halfway through. God willing I should be done by the year end.

Alongside all of this I want to get married and be a good, GREAT wife to Mr E. I want our wedding to be meaningful and only incorporate the things that are important.

So my fellow readers, please hold me accountable. Ask me how I'm getting on, check on me and give feedback. My commitment to you is to provide updates where I can and monthly summaries to see how I'm getting on.

Have you set your goals for 2010 yet?

Well hello 2010, how do you do?

Happy New Year, 2010 is finally here! Wishing you and your families a blessed year ahead.

I'm truly grateful to God for bringing me through 2009 and it's good to finally be able to close the door on a really eventful year. I thought about doing a recap post but to be honest, as much as I like to reflect, it really is all about moving forward.

2009 as you know also marked the end of the decade and the past ten years have been full of many firsts and achievements. I finished high school, learnt to drive, travelled Europe, lived in the USA for a summer, went to university, graduated from university, got my first proper job, bought a house and best of all - got engaged to Mr E.

I will always remember this decade as the one that shaped the person I am today. She taught me many lessons and we have laughed and cried together.

I'm really looking forward to the next ten years! I'm going to be a wife, start a family and begin to fulfil all the things God has destined for my life.

New Years Eve this year was fab! Mr E and I went to the KICC watch night service and it was immense being surrounded by 10,000 people as we thanked God for 2009 and got ready to welcome in 2010. The KICC mass choir were amazing and Pastor Matthew preached a sermon on 'How to have a Happy New Year' which I will share with you soon. And to top it all off, Kirk Franklin came and performed, which was fan-tas-tic!

What an awesome way to see in the New Year. Hope you all had fun nights too!

Goals wise I have a number of things I want to achieve this year, ranging across family, to work, to ministry. Things which if I can do will not only be great for personal achievement but for life in general.

'If we all did the things we are capable of doing we would literally astound ourselves'. ~ Edison

So, 2010 welcome - you're going to be a great year. I know it.

xoxo

Back to skool!

September is here, which means summer is over and it's time to go back to school/college/university (delete as appropriate).

I love September because for me this is my 'new year', not January. I set my goals, reflect on the past year and focus on the future. I also love the Autumn/Winter season as well, it's my favourite. Woolly jumpers, long coats, knee boots - love it.

Congratulations to all those who are off to University, especially my brothers, whom I am very proud off. One will be studying Medicine at Oxford, UK and the other at Pamona College, CA.

This is a special time of your life enjoy it.

(Image source)