Take A Break

READY8 “Those that say you can't take it with you never saw a car packed for a vacation trip.” ~Author Unknown

AIM8 Ahh, summer. It’s time to relax our routines and enjoy a much deserved break from our crazy lives. We often hear folks talk about how stressed they are at work and how hectic their family schedules have become, even how the normal pressures of life have burdened them. Each of us needs to learn how to slow down and take a break. Summer vacations must have been created to fulfill that very purpose!

When you take a vacation, the intent is to get away from the responsibilities that crowd your lives. Vacations mean rest, relaxation, and recuperation so you can return to your responsibilities refreshed and re-energized. When God created the world and everything in it, He worked really hard for six days. Even HE took a day to rest after all that effort, toil and mental energy. I mean, can you imagine how He must have agonized over the decisions in creating the platypus…or a mosquito? What about the Grand Canyon, sheesh? Perhaps those were easy decisions, or made with a simple flick of His wrist, but they always make me scratch my head! Anyway, you earn your vacation time at work, you deserve a break, so take it already! More than likely, you will enjoy your rest and will come back a happier employee with a more positive attitude. Even if you cannot take a trip to a tropical paradise, a long weekend away doing something you love provides the same respite. You’re worth it, and you deserve a break today, so have fun enjoying life!

FIRE!8 If you haven’t scheduled a vacation for yourself yet, look at your calendar now and choose a day, a long weekend or a whole week to take a break. Once you’ve finished that step, get excited about what you’re going to do during your time off. Get creative and enjoy yourself!


Be Excellent!
Lori

New Beginnings

READY8 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

AIM8 This time of year opens doors for many new beginnings; students are graduating from high school or college, couples are getting married, many people are looking to start new careers or beginning their military training. What new beginnings are happening in your life?

So many of us stay in the same places in our lives because they have become very comfortable places. We like the familiarity of our routines, paychecks, friends and living arrangements. However, God wants so much more for us! He really wants to provide us with a bright future and give us hope for an abundant life. Let’s face it; we are all cowards when we are standing at the starting line of a new endeavor. It’s taking that first uncertain step that will push us ahead to victory. Come on, what are you waiting for? No matter what new beginning you are facing, be it HUGE or small, let’s run this race together. With God as your coach pushing you along and your friends as your personal cheerleaders, you can’t help but win! I believe you can do anything you really want to do in life. All you have to do is dream it, accept it, and believe you can do it.

FIRE!8 Make a goal poster of the things you want to accomplish during your lifetime. Cut out pictures of your dream house, your ideal job, your favorite vacation spots or that outfit you really want. Add motivating words, such as “Just Do It”, or Bible verses, like “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13, to remind you that your goals are attainable. Put your poster in a place where you see it frequently to keep you encouraged and focused on moving forward.


Be Excellent!
Lori