I don’t know if you’ve heard of The Vine but it is an awesome dose of daily inspiration I receive in my email. My husband introduced me to it when we were dating some years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Today’s message is titled: 8 Principles to Live By and it came right on time. You see, a few days ago, we learned that my husband’s employment contract with the Department of the Treasury was being terminated immediately. Although the news is devastating, we are choosing to live on these 8 principles and act on faith.
God never promised an easy life but He did promise He would be with us through the through the tears and the pain—the heartache and rain and trust Him to see us through.
Today’s message from the Vine has become my motivation. Enjoy:
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity…
Proverbs 3:21-22 NLT
People who set goals accomplish much more than people of equal education and ability who don’t. With that in mind, build these eight principles into your life.
1) Decide what you want. But first consult God. ‘Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails’ (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)..
2) Think on paper. Writing your goals down gives them a sense of permanency, plus it energises you. ‘Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity… ‘ Wishy-washy objectives won’t get you where you want to go.
3) Establish a deadline. Without a definite beginning and ending it’s easy to procrastinate and get nowhere.
4) Make a list of what you need to do to. Keep it before you at all times; it’ll give you a track to run on.
5) Convert your list to a plan. Decide what you need to do first and what you can do later. An organised plan is always better than trying to carry stuff around in your head.
6) Act immediately. ‘Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity… ‘ (Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV). Do something! A mediocre plan that’s implemented beats a brilliant one that’s not.
7) Do something every day to move you forward. Build it into your schedule. For example, read systematically through your Bible, call a specific number of clients, engage in physical activity for a given time.
Have a goal you’re willing to devote your life to. And keep your eye on that goal at all times. ‘Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom’ (Psalm 90:12 NIV).
May 31, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Beverly,
Thanks for first sharing this on the Baby Boomer Divas forum and then here so we could publicly applaud the message. It is a profound yet simple one and I am so happy to have the opportunity to take it in.
Thanks too for sharing THE VINE with us. I had not heard about it before. I suscribe to another inspirational daily motivational message from TUT – called a note from the universe. I really like its simple yet profound daily message. What I like best is that is seems to be speaking just to me each and every day. It makes me smile and know that every day the possibilities are endless for each of us.
Have a wonderful week. Remember, its in the mess that we find the true meaning (or message) of life. Don’t you just love it?
Warmest regards,
Heidi Richards Mooney, Publisher ~ WE Magaziine for Women
May 31, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Bev this is the kind of encouragement that can pull us back from jumping off the ledge of dispair. Thanks for sharing it.
June 1, 2009 at 1:47 pm
When I saw this posted on the BoomerDivaNation forum, it made me smile. I subscribe to “The Vine” also, and this message was one that I’d put off reading – until you posted it! God’s timing is always the best. This will definitely encourage many, many people who need just a little “push” right now. Thanks for sharing.
June 3, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Thanks, Beverly, for this wonderful post. The 8 simple rules you shared are profound indeed and ones we should all follow. If I might add another, I think it would be to take appropriate risks and stretch yourself. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected opportunities that add richness to life and being open to them can move you forward in new and exciting ways.