motivation

Go with what you've got

wisdom and understanding

Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," & call understanding your intimate friend; -Proverbs 7:4

6 traits successful entrepreneurs share

They're persistent
They're adaptive
They're risk takers
They're imaginative doers
They're confident
They're trustworthy

source: http://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/11/tech/traits-successful-entrepreneurs/index.html

are you lost and confused?

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Luke 19:10 NIV

pressure @ work

studying a new framework + catching up with deliverable tasks = stress

O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. —Matthew 26:39

Despite the fact that the crucifixion of Jesus was part of the divine plan for the restoration of humanity, Jesus was still apprehensive about the physical suffering He was about to endure. This fear is one of the strongest evidences of His humanity.  With this, Jesus can relate and sympathize with us.

~*~*~*~

Father, I feel vulnerable and weak. I know You are my refuge and strength, my help in trouble. I call upon Your name, Lord. Hold on to me.

don't worry!

John 11:22 (NIV)
But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

pray first

David inquired of the Lord. —1 Samuel 23:2



Does prayer guide our lives, or is it our last resort when trouble strikes? We sometimes fall into the habit of making plans and then asking God to bless them, or praying only in moments of desperation. God does want us to turn to Him in moments of need. But He also wants us to remember that we need Him all the time (Prov. 3:5-6).

Proverbs 3:5-6New International Version (NIV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.[a]

Fragrant Living

I am full, having received . . . the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma . . . well pleasing to God. —Philippians 4:18



I’m grateful that God has given us the sense of smell so we can enjoy the many fragrances of life. I think of how much I enjoy something as simple as the fresh and inviting aroma of after-shave lotion in the morning. Or the mellow smell of fresh-cut grass in the spring. I especially enjoy sitting in the backyard when the delicate scent of my favorite roses fills the air. And then there are the savory aromas of delicious food.

So it catches my attention when the apostle Paul says that our generous acts of love toward others are like a “sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God” (Phil. 4:18). When we think of helping those in need, we usually think of it as the right thing to do—or even the Christlike thing to do. But Paul says that our intentional act of reaching out to meet someone’s need actually fills the throne room of God with a fragrance that brings pleasure to Him.

We can please God with the aromas that rise from being a blessing to others! What an added incentive this is for us to perform deeds of kindness in His name.

Who might need your act of kindness today? Ask God to lead you to someone. Be a blessing. It’s a fragrant thing to do!

INSIGHT: Paul says, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content . . . . I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (4:11,13). Paul’s contentment came from the sufficiency of knowing Christ, not from the gifts he received from the Philippian believers (vv. 14-17). However, these sacrificial gifts were a “sweet-smelling aroma” to God (v. 18; see Lev. 7:12-15).

Jesus is the best foundation upon which to build a solid life.

Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock. —Matthew 7:24

Where there is no challenge, there is no change.

We do not feel challenged when we stay in our comfort zone. And no challenge means no change … and no change means no growth.

Staying addicted to comfort is the most efficient way to maintain the status quo. Don't be that person.

Go make that phone call.