You Defintely Matter, Part II

I was riffling through my trusty Bible study notebook this morning, looking through thoughts to post, when I realized that I hadn't really completed the prior posting, "You Definitely Matter." So, here's the remainder:

Self Perception:

A. "The moment you alter your perception of yourself and your future, both you and your future begin to change." - Marilee Zdeneck

B. Is there someone in your life that sees potential in you that you can't see in yourself? You need to be around people who see you and treat you like who you want to become in order for you to realize who you really are meant to be. A real friend will have the attitude mirrored in Phil. 2: 3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only on your own interests, but also to the interests of others."


Dreams:

A. "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -
Eleanor Roosevelt

B. "Our love is honed by our pain, enriched by our gratitude, revealed in our relationships, and expanded by our dreams." - Dr. Leslie Parrott


Making Your Mark:

A. You may have grand aspirations, but you're making your mark when you're up all night with a fussy baby; don't snub someone you feel deserves it; reveal your true self to a friend who always thinks you're strong; or encourage a disheartened friend.

B. Don't trip yourself up by comparing yourself to others. In doing so you're saying, "I don't want to be an original."

C. Do you diminish your contribution to society because of a fear of offending others?


A Band of Sisters:

A. Everything you do to enrich the lives of others will come back into your own life to bless you (Prov. 31: 10-31).

B. I need your voices to speak to my life with your own personal wisdom that comes from your multiple perspectives and experiences.

C. "Women hold power even over powerful men; such women mold public opinion and prepare future generations. Yes, women, in your hands, more than in those of anyone else, lies the salvation of the world." - Leo Tolstoy He's right, you know.

(i) 1 Pet. 3: 1-2 - winning your spouse over to the Lord by serving as an example;

(ii) Titus 2: 3-5 - you're responsible for training the next generation of future wives and mothers;

(a) Prov. 22: 6; 23: 13; 29: 15;
(b) Deut. 4: 9; 11: 18-21;
(c) 2 Tim. 3: 14-15


You Make A Difference When:

1. You care;
2. You encourage others;
3. You make a good decision;
4. You exert a little extra effort;
5. You ask the question that hasn't been asked yet (PLEASE DO!!);
6. You increase your knowledge;
7. You serve others;
8. You take action.


Closing Thoughts:

A. "I don't care." Those are three little words that wound any heart that desires to make a difference. They can also be implied through our actions and not spoken.

B. If you procrastinated to do a kindness, you may have waited too long.

C. You can only avoid being criticized by others if you do nothing and say nothing; but then you'll be nothing.

D. Don't give critics the authority to guide your life. Just do your personal best.

Love Ya,

GOD BLESS!!