"Don't move...improve"

That phrase got me thinking after I heard it on the radio. I seem to be hearing a lot from the radio these days...most likely because I listen to the radio more - must be.

A little more about the context and how it applies to us.

They were featuring Watts, a city in Los Angeles, where that is their saying is "don't move...improve". 2 women - Miss Ware and Miss Williams - who started a Project Jordan in the 1960s. Both women didn't have much money but gave (& still give) what they had to help the children in their community. A classic example of "Connection in your community". The ladies are well past their 80s but have invested in teaching the children in their community their way out of poverty. They don't provide scholarship, just supplemental spending money.

Jackie of all trades

I know that "Jack of all trades, master of none" is not a very positive term but I just got a fresh thought - all women need to be Jackie of all trades, master of self.

As women, we have no choice but to know a lot of different things in various areas of life and still master ourselves. We are, at least I am, drawn in so many directions and if we do not have a good grip on and of ourselves otherwise we'll be very unhappy and unfulfilled in life. The challenge is...

God's requests

God makes three requests of his children: Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have, now”

 African-American Proverb

When I stumbled on this proverb, I found it rather basic and yet profound and progressive.

Let’s break it down:

1. Do the best you can

Doing your best requires an effort - a conscious one too. To make sure you're not misapplying your effort, you need to first assess where you are in life and then go the extra mile. You have to be honest to yourself - noone can do this for you. Until you come to a realisation (& accpetance) of where you are and how close or far you are to/from your target you cannot progress. Then you can take the next step even if it means stretching yourself. Yes, you need to stretch yourself to do your best...and stretching is a continuous process.

There are lots of books that give guidance on how to assess oneself and move to the next level. Some that readily come to mind for me (and which have helped and continue to help me) are:

Understanding your potential

                                                                              Releasing your potential

by Myles Munroe

 

 You’re born an original, don’t die a copy

An enemy called Average

by John Mason   

There are several other books there but it doesn't end with reading them...you need to do something. In summary, “You are doing your best only when you are trying to improve what you are doing” (Author unknown) 

Let's move on...

Psalm 23:1

I don’t know if you’re like me, but we grew up having to memorize Psalm 23. At that time, it was just another spiritual activity enforced by parents - (sound familiar?). However, as I matured and developed my own relationship with the Lord, this Psalm took on (& has continued to) a new meaning for me.

Let’s dig into verse 1 and see how different (popular) versions put it:

What's holding you up?

Or should I be asking, "Who is holding you up?"

Sometime ago, a family friend shared a funny true-life story with me:

She said that a couple of years ago, there was traffic hold-up. Being compliant drivers, each person that came to that spot waited "patiently" of course wondering what the hold-up was all about. It was interesting that even the person at the front of the hold-up was also waiting "patiently" until shall I say, common sense kicked in. He got out of his car and did something about removing the "road block". Actually it was more than one "road block"...

On the radio

A couple of weeks ago, while listening to the radio, I just had to get a piece of paper and start scribbling. They were talking about a not-so-popular topic - Humility.

The speaker said that Humility:

• is confidently knowing your strengths and weaknesses
• sharing your knowledge and skills without arrogance

I'd like to add, humility is knowing who you are in God, especially that:

• without God you can do nothing!! (John 15:5)  and
• with God you can do all things (Phil 4:13)

Whenever I'm feeling "unhumble" (if there is such a word), the Holy Spirit reminds me of James 4:6 “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” [NLT].

On the flip side, in being humble, I do my best to not be like the person I heard about who said: "I'm proud of my humilty".

Sharpen your axe

Today is the 182nd day of this year - we are already half-way through the year. This is a great time to look at the past 6 months to review how you have done and to come up with a plan for the remaining 183 days.

Got this in an email and had to share...I pray you find it helpful

If I were to summarise this in one Bible verse, I point you to Ecc 10:10. I've even included it in 5 versions...who ever said the Bible is incomplete?

Amplified:
If the ax is dull and the man does not whet the edge, he must put forth more strength; but wisdom helps him to succeed.

New International Version:
If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.
 
New Living Translation:
Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.

New Century Version
A dull ax means harder work. Being wise will make it easier.

The Message:
Remember: The duller the ax the harder the work; Use your head: The more brains, the less muscle.

In closing, to reiterate the message, improve yourself; get better at something or even dare to step out of your boat to walk on water and learn something new. It takes courage to want to and to learn (see http://sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.com/2009/12/secret-3-courage-5-courage-to-learn.html)

Everything is possible to him/her who believes - sharpen your axe. Wishing you a more productive second-half of the year. God bless