READY… “Happiness and satisfaction are found when you love the real you and embrace who you are.” ~ Anonymous
AIM… Did you know that you matter in this world? You have a divine purpose. You, my dear friend, were created to accomplish amazing things. Each and every day, you make a difference in the life of another person. Beyond all else, you are unique, special and absolutely incredible. You were designed in God’s own image to be a beautiful lady or handsome man. You are intelligent and clever. You make wise decisions with thoughtful discernment. Blessings surround you and good fortune follows you wherever you go. You are successful and can accomplish anything you set out to do. Kindness comes automatically for you and others feel refreshed spending time in your presence. More than anything, you are loved by many…including me. Thanks for being YOU!
FIRE! Talk positively to yourself and take time to do something special this week just because it’s for you. Get pampered, treat yourself to a special dessert or just take a walk outside and enjoy feeling the sunshine warm your face. Enjoy a moment just for you and remind yourself that you are loved.
Be Excellent!
Lori
March 14, 2012
March 6, 2012
Illumination
READY… “And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:4 NLT
AIM… I’ve been sensing a stirring deep in my being lately. A stirring about the dark corners of your soul; the place where you keep your innermost secrets and silent fears. Yes, I’m not just talking about me, I’m talking about you. I’ve been sensing that you need to bring some of those secrets and fears out of the dark and into the light. There is freedom to be experienced, along with peace and relief, by illuminating your spirit with the release of unpleasant memories, petty grudges and bitter unforgivenesses. Allowing those areas of your life to be let go of just might stir up some difficult conversations or a few uncomfortable feelings. However, how on earth are you ever going to grow, mature and move forward in life if you continue to allow those secrets and fears to hold you back? I know this message may have you squirming in your chair right now. That’s good. That means you know you have stuff to address and issues to be faced. We all do. Let’s agree, together, that we aren’t going to live one more day in bondage to those things that control us without our permission. Are you with me? I didn’t say it was going to be easy or pain free. I do know, without a doubt, the initial sting will be worth the long-lasting benefits and freedom you will experience. I believe in you, my friend. Shine brightly and be free!
FIRE! Lord, I ask for blessings of guidance, wisdom and grace to be with my dear friends. Give them the courage to step out in faith and face their fears and those dark secrets that they might experience the freedom and relief of letting go. I thank you for the strength, support and love of trusted friends and family members as they grow brighter in your light. And may their paths always be illuminated by the love you show us freely and unconditionally. Amen.
Be Excellent!
Lori
AIM… I’ve been sensing a stirring deep in my being lately. A stirring about the dark corners of your soul; the place where you keep your innermost secrets and silent fears. Yes, I’m not just talking about me, I’m talking about you. I’ve been sensing that you need to bring some of those secrets and fears out of the dark and into the light. There is freedom to be experienced, along with peace and relief, by illuminating your spirit with the release of unpleasant memories, petty grudges and bitter unforgivenesses. Allowing those areas of your life to be let go of just might stir up some difficult conversations or a few uncomfortable feelings. However, how on earth are you ever going to grow, mature and move forward in life if you continue to allow those secrets and fears to hold you back? I know this message may have you squirming in your chair right now. That’s good. That means you know you have stuff to address and issues to be faced. We all do. Let’s agree, together, that we aren’t going to live one more day in bondage to those things that control us without our permission. Are you with me? I didn’t say it was going to be easy or pain free. I do know, without a doubt, the initial sting will be worth the long-lasting benefits and freedom you will experience. I believe in you, my friend. Shine brightly and be free!
FIRE! Lord, I ask for blessings of guidance, wisdom and grace to be with my dear friends. Give them the courage to step out in faith and face their fears and those dark secrets that they might experience the freedom and relief of letting go. I thank you for the strength, support and love of trusted friends and family members as they grow brighter in your light. And may their paths always be illuminated by the love you show us freely and unconditionally. Amen.
Be Excellent!
Lori
February 29, 2012
Another Chance
READY… “There was just a part of me that just wanted to lie back in my bed, close my eyes, and find myself waking up to another chance.” ~ Author Unknown
AIM… Today is a special day. Happy Leap Year Day! We’ve been blessed with twenty-four extra hours, so…whatcha gonna do with your extra time? For most of us, today will just be another ordinary day at work, at school or hanging at home. However, how many times have you, or someone you know, said “I wish there were more hours in the day” ? Here’s your chance, friends! You’ve been given twenty-four more hours. You have another chance to do something amazing and incredible. You have another chance to tell your family and friends you love them. You have another chance to chase your dreams or make someone else’s dreams come true. You have another chance to say “I’m sorry.” So, seize the day and come back to tell us what you did with your bonus day this Leap year.
FIRE! Take a LEAP of faith today and do something totally outrageous! I can’t WAIT to hear about what you did with your extra chance hours on your Leap Day!
Be Excellent!
Lori
AIM… Today is a special day. Happy Leap Year Day! We’ve been blessed with twenty-four extra hours, so…whatcha gonna do with your extra time? For most of us, today will just be another ordinary day at work, at school or hanging at home. However, how many times have you, or someone you know, said “I wish there were more hours in the day” ? Here’s your chance, friends! You’ve been given twenty-four more hours. You have another chance to do something amazing and incredible. You have another chance to tell your family and friends you love them. You have another chance to chase your dreams or make someone else’s dreams come true. You have another chance to say “I’m sorry.” So, seize the day and come back to tell us what you did with your bonus day this Leap year.
FIRE! Take a LEAP of faith today and do something totally outrageous! I can’t WAIT to hear about what you did with your extra chance hours on your Leap Day!
Be Excellent!
Lori
February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day!
READY… "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.”
~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning
AIM… Happy Valentine’s Day to all my Arrows of Integrity sweethearts and friends! Are you prepared for a day full of mushy, gushy, lovey-dovey, ooey-gooey, happy hearts with singing birds and romance? After all, that IS what Valentine’s Day is all about, right? I was thinking about the commercialism of this holiday and the fact that it often takes a special day like today for people to remember to tell each other they love one another. Our society has taught us that love is: heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, a dozen red roses perfectly arranged in a vase, lacy lingerie, candlelit dinners, cards with beautifully written sentiments and crunchy candy hearts that say “Text Me” or “U R GR8.” Superficially, those are all things we can use to express our love to our significant other. However, on this Valentine’s Day, what does love mean to you?
As I was thinking about all my readers, friends, family members and people I come in contact with on a daily basis, these are some things I think best describe love.
Love is…a homemade Valentine card displayed on the refrigerator…eye contact and a smile from across a crowded room…a hug from your teenager in front of his friends…a warm, home-cooked meal enjoyed with your family…sitting on the same side of the booth in a restaurant after years of marriage…a husband or wife who crawls in bed to snuggle with YOU every night…a five minute phone call home from a military father who is stationed in Afghanistan…silent prayers from your closest friends…holding hands with your honey while walking around in the shopping mall…sitting at the bedside of a loved one after a surgical procedure waiting patiently for the doctor’s results…turning down an event on your social calendar to spend quality time with your family…a real hug using both arms, body contact and a sincere heart.
Love is SO many more things than those examples I listed above. How are you going to express your love this Valentine’s Day? Don’t fall prey to all the superficial, commercialized gifts and gadgets. If you dare to get creative, I guarantee you’ll experience some real love.
FIRE! Be someone’s Valentine today! If you already have the obligatory sentimental card, chocolates and/or flowers, that’s fine, just figure out a creative way to use those tools to express your heartfelt feelings in a memorable way. You’ll be sure to have a love-filled day!
♥ Click here for a special Valentine Message from me ♥ http://ecards.dayspring.com/ecards/card.asp?id=13457286-49EF7
Be Excellent!
Lori
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.”
~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning
AIM… Happy Valentine’s Day to all my Arrows of Integrity sweethearts and friends! Are you prepared for a day full of mushy, gushy, lovey-dovey, ooey-gooey, happy hearts with singing birds and romance? After all, that IS what Valentine’s Day is all about, right? I was thinking about the commercialism of this holiday and the fact that it often takes a special day like today for people to remember to tell each other they love one another. Our society has taught us that love is: heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, a dozen red roses perfectly arranged in a vase, lacy lingerie, candlelit dinners, cards with beautifully written sentiments and crunchy candy hearts that say “Text Me” or “U R GR8.” Superficially, those are all things we can use to express our love to our significant other. However, on this Valentine’s Day, what does love mean to you?
As I was thinking about all my readers, friends, family members and people I come in contact with on a daily basis, these are some things I think best describe love.
Love is…a homemade Valentine card displayed on the refrigerator…eye contact and a smile from across a crowded room…a hug from your teenager in front of his friends…a warm, home-cooked meal enjoyed with your family…sitting on the same side of the booth in a restaurant after years of marriage…a husband or wife who crawls in bed to snuggle with YOU every night…a five minute phone call home from a military father who is stationed in Afghanistan…silent prayers from your closest friends…holding hands with your honey while walking around in the shopping mall…sitting at the bedside of a loved one after a surgical procedure waiting patiently for the doctor’s results…turning down an event on your social calendar to spend quality time with your family…a real hug using both arms, body contact and a sincere heart.
Love is SO many more things than those examples I listed above. How are you going to express your love this Valentine’s Day? Don’t fall prey to all the superficial, commercialized gifts and gadgets. If you dare to get creative, I guarantee you’ll experience some real love.
FIRE! Be someone’s Valentine today! If you already have the obligatory sentimental card, chocolates and/or flowers, that’s fine, just figure out a creative way to use those tools to express your heartfelt feelings in a memorable way. You’ll be sure to have a love-filled day!
♥ Click here for a special Valentine Message from me ♥ http://ecards.dayspring.com/ecards/card.asp?id=13457286-49EF7
Be Excellent!
Lori
February 10, 2012
TGIF!
READY… "There aren’t enough Fridays in the week.” ~All Famous Quotes on Fridays
AIM… Thank God It’s Friday!! Have you had a crazy week too? Yep, it is nuts in my world right now. I’m SO glad it’s Friday because that means it’s the weekend and I can catch my breath to regroup before Monday rolls around again.
What is it about the normal week that leaves us giddy with excitement that Friday has finally arrived? I guess for the person who works a typically scheduled job it means time to rest and renew for a few days on the weekend. For the college student, it means party time! For the restaurant owner and retail manager, it means cha-ching: business = bonus. What does Friday mean to you? Whether you like it or not, today is FRIDAY, and I’m sharing my enthusiasm out loud. Join me chanting T-G-I-F, T-G-I-F!!!
FIRE! So, what do you have planned for your Friday? This week, even if you don’t have plans, do something totally spontaneous and make sure it is fabulous and FUN!
Be Excellent!
Lori
AIM… Thank God It’s Friday!! Have you had a crazy week too? Yep, it is nuts in my world right now. I’m SO glad it’s Friday because that means it’s the weekend and I can catch my breath to regroup before Monday rolls around again.
What is it about the normal week that leaves us giddy with excitement that Friday has finally arrived? I guess for the person who works a typically scheduled job it means time to rest and renew for a few days on the weekend. For the college student, it means party time! For the restaurant owner and retail manager, it means cha-ching: business = bonus. What does Friday mean to you? Whether you like it or not, today is FRIDAY, and I’m sharing my enthusiasm out loud. Join me chanting T-G-I-F, T-G-I-F!!!
FIRE! So, what do you have planned for your Friday? This week, even if you don’t have plans, do something totally spontaneous and make sure it is fabulous and FUN!
Be Excellent!
Lori
January 31, 2012
Frenemies
READY… "Always forgive your enemies -- nothing annoys them so much." ~ Oscar Wilde
AIM… At some point in life, each one of us will encounter someone we considered to be a good friend. Sadly, for one reason or another, that friend turned out to be a false friend. I know you know what I’m talking about. Those folks are called frenemies: friends who agree to walk beside you when life is rosy and run the other way when the days aren’t so cozy.
Some of us are able to recognize a frenemy from a mile away; while others of us keep giving the frenemy second, third and twentieth chances to redeem himself and be a trusted companion. My friends, life is simply too short to surround yourself with people who aren’t interested in sharing your biggest celebrations AND your humblest defeats.
I encourage you to take some time this week to evaluate those “friends” with whom you are spending your precious time. Are they soothingly sincere and worthy of your life-long loyalty, or are they secretly shady and quick to run for the safety of the shadows? Only your heart will know the truth and can decide what’s best for you. Listen to what it says.
FIRE! Are you a friend or a frenemy? Evaluate how you treat those you consider to be your friends. Then, either make positive changes to correct your faulty behavior or step aside gracefully and allow time and honesty to mend your broken fences.
Be Excellent!
Lori
AIM… At some point in life, each one of us will encounter someone we considered to be a good friend. Sadly, for one reason or another, that friend turned out to be a false friend. I know you know what I’m talking about. Those folks are called frenemies: friends who agree to walk beside you when life is rosy and run the other way when the days aren’t so cozy.
Some of us are able to recognize a frenemy from a mile away; while others of us keep giving the frenemy second, third and twentieth chances to redeem himself and be a trusted companion. My friends, life is simply too short to surround yourself with people who aren’t interested in sharing your biggest celebrations AND your humblest defeats.
I encourage you to take some time this week to evaluate those “friends” with whom you are spending your precious time. Are they soothingly sincere and worthy of your life-long loyalty, or are they secretly shady and quick to run for the safety of the shadows? Only your heart will know the truth and can decide what’s best for you. Listen to what it says.
FIRE! Are you a friend or a frenemy? Evaluate how you treat those you consider to be your friends. Then, either make positive changes to correct your faulty behavior or step aside gracefully and allow time and honesty to mend your broken fences.
Be Excellent!
Lori
January 25, 2012
Distraction Detours
READY… "By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination.” ~ Christopher Columbus
AIM… Have you been distracted from the focus of your life plans or projects? If you don’t think you’ve been distracted, you’re not being honest with yourself. Every day we are faced with multiple opportunities to choose to stay focused on our tasks or to stray from our target. Cell phones, email, Facebook, the internet, video games, food, television, other people – they are ALL distractions we encounter daily. So how can we refocus and detour ourselves from all the distractions?
We need to get honest. Try to determine how much time you are spending checking your email, surfing the web, or creeping on Facebook each day. Look at the minutes you spend vegging in front of the tv or playing apps and games. Once you get an idea of how much time you are truly spending doing things that don’t contribute to the success of your plans, then you are ready for the next step. Plain and simple: Set limits for yourself. We set limits and boundaries for our children, thus we adults need to establish healthy limits for ourselves as well. Choose two times a day when you check your email account. Decide to surf the web or catch up on Facebook statuses once a day. Pick your most favorite television shows and only veg out when you have time to watch just those shows. Will setting limits for yourself be easy? Probably not. Will it help you reclaim your lost time and allow you to have free time to spend making strides toward reaching your goals? You bet. No pain, no gain, right? Let’s do it!
FIRE! Take a baby step this week in eliminating one distraction from your daily routine. If you cannot eliminate it completely, set a limit for yourself and stick to your limit. You’ll discover a new found freedom and wonder why you didn’t make that change sooner.
Be Excellent!
Lori
AIM… Have you been distracted from the focus of your life plans or projects? If you don’t think you’ve been distracted, you’re not being honest with yourself. Every day we are faced with multiple opportunities to choose to stay focused on our tasks or to stray from our target. Cell phones, email, Facebook, the internet, video games, food, television, other people – they are ALL distractions we encounter daily. So how can we refocus and detour ourselves from all the distractions?
We need to get honest. Try to determine how much time you are spending checking your email, surfing the web, or creeping on Facebook each day. Look at the minutes you spend vegging in front of the tv or playing apps and games. Once you get an idea of how much time you are truly spending doing things that don’t contribute to the success of your plans, then you are ready for the next step. Plain and simple: Set limits for yourself. We set limits and boundaries for our children, thus we adults need to establish healthy limits for ourselves as well. Choose two times a day when you check your email account. Decide to surf the web or catch up on Facebook statuses once a day. Pick your most favorite television shows and only veg out when you have time to watch just those shows. Will setting limits for yourself be easy? Probably not. Will it help you reclaim your lost time and allow you to have free time to spend making strides toward reaching your goals? You bet. No pain, no gain, right? Let’s do it!
FIRE! Take a baby step this week in eliminating one distraction from your daily routine. If you cannot eliminate it completely, set a limit for yourself and stick to your limit. You’ll discover a new found freedom and wonder why you didn’t make that change sooner.
Be Excellent!
Lori
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)