Encouraging. Empowering. Equipping.
Hi Sweet Friends!
What a fun day we had today. We hosted Day Two for our new series Stepping up to the Call? Who are You? Our topic today was: Perfect Preservation, Preparation, and Positioning For Imperfect People.
The replay is now available. Here it is:
Hello Sweet Friends!
Our NEW live study series kicked off today. And, with it, we just launched my NEW YouTube Channel!
Wooohoooo! Check it out and subscribe. It will feature live broadcasts, our upcoming podcasts as a video version, and our online events. I am sooo jazzed today to launch it.
Need a shot of encouragement? Tune in to our first broadcast:
Tired? Battle-weary? Broken? Wounded?
Beloved…I have very good news for you!
This is not your position!
This is not your identity!
Soak that in…
You are a mighty warrior! You are a victor! Your wounds are your weapons. What the enemy intended for your harm is actually the very thing the Lord uses for your good. Those very “hits” are not your identity but weapons you will use to set captives free!
Those heartaches, losses, disappointments, struggles, messes are all turning today. They are turning into beautiful weapons–like arrows in your quiver. That pain is turning into wisdom that can be shot forth to bring hope and healing. That lack is turning today into a testimony of God’s faithfulness and miraculous provision that can zone in to the soul in deep need of “a way”. The dryness, parch-ness, burn-out, brokenness, and weariness are turning today into wells that never run dry and a river that flows out in overflow, bringing an arrow of refreshing into the longing heart. That emptiness, loneliness, and betrayal are becoming beautiful and powerful arrows shooting forth great love and satisfying relationship with God, self, and others. Those lies, accusations, doubts, fears that were hurled your way are transforming before your very eyes to become weapons sending forth truth, wisdom, and prophesy. Even the momentary death of your dreams is turning into an arrow sending forth abundant, full, lavish, intentional, and purposeful life. Everything… EVERYTHING
… every single weapon used against you is turning today into your arsenal of weapons.
Felt a heaviness from all of the hits?
Feel like you are standing in the midst of a huge pile of arrows that have been fired into your life??
Today is the day to gather those arrows and lay them at the feet of Jesus. You are not intended to carry around all of that heaviness. You are destined for so much more!!
It’s time to “yoke up” with Jesus and turn all of those into your weapons and arrows! It’s time to let Him transform those arrows and fill your quiver full of weapons of defense and offense–you are made for battle! You are a might warrior! You cannot lose!! No weapon formed against you can prosper! Every single hit from your childhood is before you and beckoning you to step up as a mighty warrior and pick up those arrows as your own weapon so you can fight the good fight! Your arrows will set the captives free! Your arrows will protect you from the enemy–they are your weapons for protection! Those arrows are in your quiver to assist you in taking back the captives for the Kingdom of God and setting them free!!
Today, gather those arrows! Offer them up. Let them all go. Refuse today to be a victim. Refuse to stay in captivity! Refuse to be a prisoner of war. Today, get back up!!
I declare that you are a mighty warrior! I declare that these weapons are now your arrows that you will use to bring Jehovah’s freedom to the culture. These arrows intended for your harm are now your testimonies of healing, sustenance, provision, wisdom, love, comfort, transformation, relationship, freedom, purpose, and calling. Be aware of the schemes of the enemy but don’t miss the greatest truth–he is under your feet! He is defeated! You ARE a victor! You ARE an overcomer!! This is your position! It is not one day or someday. It is your position and your identity TODAY!
Rise up mighty warrior!!
It is a brand new year!
Are you moving strong…or, still stuck?
Are you ready…or, are you a bit reluctant?
Busting at the seams to kick off your New Year…or, are you just sick at the thought of yet another year?
Reaching your resolutions…or…are they already a bust?
Are there things that you would really like to see changed by January 2013? TODAY is the day to make that commitment! If you sincerely want to see change, you have to begin today!
Sunday was a MILESTONE. Did you miss it? It is not too late! Pull away for a bit today. Set your resolutions. Set reachable resolutions.
1. Start with an honest evaluation!
Where are you?
Are you where you want to be?
What do you want?
What do you need?
What is it going to take to get where you want to be?
Are there things that you want to see changed?
Don’t get locked into the same old, same old repetive behaviours. Don’t get stuck in the same old rut. If we are not moving forward, reaching for resolutions, goals, and dreams, we are not living the life that Christ died to give us. Where are you now?
2. Set goals!
Today, set a goal! It is your NEXT STEP. You may not be able to get where you want to go TODAY…or this week…or this month…or even this year. However, don’t let that keep you stuck in a rut!
Today, look at where you want to go. Get a vision! Can you reach it? Do you believe that you can? Well, set goals, steps, to get there. Don’t think it is possible? Well, ask yourself–what IS possible? What do you think you CAN DO? Let’s set goals to get moving toward that! Don’t let yourself get stuck! Set goals that will make your proud!
Test your goals all along the way– is it….
3. Get MOVING!
So many people never even try to reach for their resolutions, goals and dreams.
I have been asking God to show me when I am not moving forward in an area, to help me know that first step, and to give me the power to get moving. That first step is the key! In fact, my preacher said this weekend that the hardest part of working out is “to tie your tennis shoes.” Why? It is that FIRST STEP!
My dear friend, what is that FIRST STEP?
I know it can be scary. I know it can be intimidating. But, today, ask God to show you those areas where you have not been moving forward–building a godly marriage, quiet times, ministering to the hearts of your children, getting out of debt, building a business of your own, getting fit and healthy, getting your home decluttered, etc. Ask Him to show you what He wants for you to do and to show you that first step so you can get up and get moving–He will! Ask him to empower you and give you everything you need as you step out. My sweet friend, HE WILL! Just get started with that first step! GET MOVING!
My dear friend, you have a NEW year ahead of you! It is time for a NEW BEGINNING! Dare to set your resolutions this year. Don’t let this year slip by. You CAN do it! Set those resolutions. Set goals to take you step-by-step toward your resolutions. Keep them before you. MOVE OUT! Celebrate your victories all along the way! You will reach your resolutions one step at a time–what is your step today?
We just got back from a fabulous trip to Italy. Ok, soak this in…VENICE! Oh! YEAH!
On this trip, I was able to check off three, yes three, of my biggies on “My Bucket List.” It was a spectacular trip! And, it was more than just the trip or the place, God was speaking to my heart the whole way. In fact, He is still teaching me lessons from Italy and we have been home a week! 🙂 Just today, He taught me another lesson as I opened my laptop! REALLY! Well, stick with me….
Before I left for Italy, I was on stress overload. I was hoping that Italy would be my “catch-up” time. Well, OBVIOUSLY I had never travelled abroad, much less to Italy. Ha! Italy was perfect for my stress overload. I was forced to getaway, refresh, renew, unplug, and make sweet memories. It was incredible. In fact, I am forever changed from my trip to Italy–more on that in a bit. [Read more…] about Unplug! by Cindy Rushton
Hello Sweet Friends!
How is your Saturday going? It is STUNNING here in North Alabama. Elisabeth and I got away for a breakfast out this morning. Matthew called to let me know that he had finished his 10K first place in his age division. And, my hubby just called to let me know how well he did shooting with his buddies today. Now, I am covered up with napping puppies and snagging a few moments on the computer. I like it! [Read more…] about Reach for Your Dreams THIS YEAR!
Struggling to get things done? Struggling with all of the distractions? Too busy to finish any of those great projects? Boy, do I relate!
I am an “idea” machine! If I had a dollar for every idea that floats through my mind, I would have an instant business! 🙂 Feel my pain?
Yes, if you are here on this site, you probably have those ideas. Need is an action plan to make them a reality? Here are some things that help me…
1. Brain Dump!
Are you thinking, “But, Cindy, the last thing that I need is a list of MORE ideas!” Brain dumping does bring out more ideas, but it is essential for productivity.
I set aside regular time to grab a notebook (or my iPad–LOVE IT!) and just dump my ideas that are floating around my brain. It helps me to have categories so I KNOW that I will find those ideas later. Once I set up a “spot” to keep my ideas, I can clear my brain.
Without brain dumping, my brain gets soooo full and distracted that I cannot focus on ANYTHING. I think it is because I am so afraid that I will forget those great ideas. 🙂 Well, it is not just that. I am also tempted to dig into some of them because they are so much more fun than the work at hand.
Relate? Why not brain dump? It will settle that deluge of ideas!
Then, what? That brings me to the next thing…
2. Get a plan.
When I find myself overwhelmed and needing to re-motivate and re-charge, I pull back for a getaway with God to get my plan. Someone wrote that if we do not plan, then we are really planning to fail. I SEE THAT! At the times that I have found myself struggling to get things done because of all of the distractions and busyness of life, nothing has helped me more to get back rolling strong like getting away with God to get His perspective and His plan. Talk about a great way to simplify, prune, and get back on track!
Maybe today you are battling with getting things done, why not pull back and get a plan? Take some time away. Take everything to the Lord in prayer. Be still before Him. Stay until you can hear His Word for you and your business. Lay down all of the options before Him. Let Him loose to move on your heart which things should be first, which things should be simplified, and which things should be pruned away all completely. He will be faithful to help you get back on track!
3. Attack!
Yes, attack! But, not just attack with the new project on your heart, before you dig into that, attack a few other things:
–> Attack procrastination–You can have a clear mind and super plan, yet be stuck. Been there? Oh! I have! In fact, I was there just last week. I had everything ready to roll and everything that I needed to get things done, but I was stuck. I was paralyzed. What do you do then? Well, I had to get honest. I was procrastinating. Procrastination is my biggest enemy to productivity. Once I saw it for what it is, I could attack procrastination and get back going strong. Want to be productive? Attack procrastination!
–> Attack clutter--Oh Yeah! Nothing distracts me more than clutter. And, clutter seems to have a magnetic attraction to me. Yes, the “stuff” clutter, the “things to do” clutter, the “life” clutter. It all follows me around like a puppy dog. Of course, it is not cuddly and sweet like a puppy dog, it drives me crazy! I won’t even know what is gnawing at me until I pull back and take a look around me. It can be the piles from projects that I am working on. It can be a never-ending to-do list. It can be things in my life that are past their time. It can even be my purse! Whatever “my clutter” is, I have to SEE IT and then ATTACK it! When I do, I am stunned at how much more I get done. Plus, I LOVE my life. Let the clutter build up and things bog down, life gets unmanageable, and I get tired and weary. Does clutter LOVE you too? Why not attack it?
–> Attack disorganization--Periodically, I will find myself in my default state-completely disorganized and MESSY! YES! Probably 20% of my books and workshops are on the topic of organization, but I still battle this one! I can assure you that I will never BE THERE when it comes to organization. However, I have learned how to manage the messies. Want the secret? Well, you read it–you have to ATTACK disorganization. Maybe it is cleaning out. Maybe it is setting up a place for everything and putting everything in its place. Maybe it is revamping your schedule to work for this season of life. Maybe it is getting all of your to-do’s and ideas organized in one spot. Maybe it is setting up systems or routines for those rocky areas of life or business. Take the time to get organized. It will make a HUGE difference. You can’t just do a little at a time. Instead, dig in and attack disorganization. You will then be ready to roll!
Ready to get things done?
Today is the day! Don’t let today slip by! Today is the day to pull back for a bit and get things ready to make those dreams your reality–your life! Take that time. Don’t stay in the struggle. Don’t let the days slip by. Let’s press past the distractions and the busyness. Let’s get laser sharp vision. Let’s press toward the mark!
“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.” Philippians 3:12-16, THE MESSAGE
Need MORE Help?
If you need more help, don’t miss any of Cindy Rushton’s LIVE workshops that she will be teaching on these topics. She is scheduled to speak for many conventions, conferences, retreats, and Bible Studies. If you want for her to come to your area, message here today at CindyRushton@Gmail.com
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