Gratitude consists of being more aware of what you have, than what you don’t. Take time to appreciate what you have rather than sweating what you don’t have.
Top 5 Black Friday Shopping Suggestions
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Thanksgiving Day has evolved over the years as an important holiday. It is not just about feasting and shopping. It is about showing one’s gratitude for the blessings that we are showered with.
What is Black Friday you might ask, It’s the day after thanksgiving, the kick off of the holiday shopping season, a day you will find great deals, and lots of people. If you have never done a black Friday before you will need to have a plan in place. You can’t control your job, investments or home value, however, you can control how you spend.
Therefore, before you hit the stores (you may already be out there by the time you read this), ask yourself the following questions:
Do I really need this? There’s a big difference between needs and wants. How to differentiate? Well, if you can’t afford to live without something, if it’s a means to helping you function in society, it’s a need. If you can shrug it off, it’s a want. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it!
Ask: If I buy this will it make my family better, smarter, or more prepared?
Can I even afford it? The old-school rule is true: If you can’t pay cash or pay your credit card off at the end of the month, YOU CAN’T AFFORD IT!
Ask: Can I pay the entire amount in cash?
Do I have an emergency fund established? In life you should expect the unexpected, and this is why you need an emergency fund. Financial emergencies can come in the form of a job loss, significant medical expenses, home or auto repairs or something you’ve never dreamed of. The last thing you want to do is be forced to rely on credit cards or a loan which could simply compound the problem. Most experts agree that you should keep between three and six months worth of your living expenses set aside in your emergency fund (3-6 months living expenses).
Do I have at least $2,500 in my emergency fund?
Am I using God’s tithe to shop? SELF-EXPLANATORY…No need to elaborate on this!
Have you given your 1st 10 percent to God?
Is it really worth the hassle? Thanksgiving means many things to different people but for most people, the holiday of Thanksgiving is synonymous with festive meals, parades, football, family and friends, and, of course, turkey. For many, it’s also about spending time together, catching up and enjoying one another’s company.
Relax & enjoy your family and friends!
The Best Kept Leadership Secret – Be a Servant Pt. 3
Today marks the official Thanksgiving holiday season. As we prepare to spend time with our family and friends, don’t forget to tell them how thankful you are for having them in your life.
Earlier this week I defined servant leadership and shared how leaders can lead and serve simultaneously. You can read more about it HERE and HERE. Today we conclude by sharing “The Best Kept Leadership Secret discovering the characteristics of a servant leader.”
Characteristics of a Servant Leader
A servantleader is someone who understands the bigger picture. They know the benefit of putting the group, individual or organizational agenda ahead of their own. A servant–hearted leader understands that their task is to equip and empower those they lead. By helping group members or employees achieve their goals, they know they are enriching the organization as a whole.
A leader who is a servantis secure enough to know that serving others takes nothing away from their leadership position. A servantleader is confident. They do not need a title. They take on the role of a servant willingly out of love. They have a true desire to help others and happily initiate service even when there is no direct benefit to them.
An influential leader ignites an organization’s potential and drives the vision by being servants themselves. You too can be an effective leader by having the heart attitude of a servantas you empower, equip and encourage others.
Question:
Do you possess the characteristics of a servant leader?
Further Reading Inspiration and References:
Scripture verses: Jesus washes the disciple’s feet as a servant – John 13 verses 3-5
- To be great you must be a servant – Mark 10 verses 43-44
- Christ’s attitude of being a servant – Philippians 2 verses 5-7
- God looks for a servant heart – 1 Samuel verse 7
Other Reading:
- The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader – John C. Maxwell
- AX-I-OM Powerful Leadership Proverbs – Bill Hybels
- Developing the Leader Within You – John C. Maxwell
The Best Kept Leadership Secret – Be a Servant Pt. 2
Monday’s post defined leadership from a biblical perspective. Jesus’ servant leader model continues to work thousands of years later while producing billions of Christians worldwide.
If you did not get a chance to read it, you can CLICK HERE.
Let’s begin today’s session with this question:
How can a Leader be a Servant at the same time?
When you picture a servant you probably think of someone with a low position. A leader by contrast is someone who is elevated by title. How is it possible then for a person to be both a servant and a leader? One of the best examples is Jesus Christ, who is arguable one of the most influential men and leaders of all time. He had thousands of people following him as he moved from town to town. He was looked up to as a great teacher and healer, and did many miraculous things. For believers he was the leader of all leaders. Yet one night while having dinner with a group of his closest friends, this leader stripped down to a servant’s attire and washed the feet of his followers (John 13:3-5). This was not an act of manipulation. It was an act of love. He had chosen them to lead and succeed him in his ministry. In washing their feet he was demonstrating that for them to be effective leaders, they needed to have a heart attitude of a servant.
The context of John 13 reveals to us that servant leaders:
1. Acquire their power from God
- They understand that they get authority from God
- They understand that they give account to God
2. Advance their people for God
- They demonstrate humility in leadership
- They demonstrate helpfulness in leadership
3. Achieve their purpose from God
- They serve the Savior
- They serve the saints
What’s remarkable about this story is how Jesus even washed Judas’s feet. Have you ever noticed that Judas already had the betrayal in his heart, yet Jesus still washed his feet too. Do you ever feel like you are doing things for people that don’t deserve it? Do you ever qualify your serving and give only to those who you deem worthy or deserving? Think about the example given to us by Jesus. There could have been no more undeserving than Judas, yet Jesus washed his feet too.
Next Session:
Characteristics of a Servant Leader
Further Reading Inspiration and References:
Scripture verses: Jesus washes the disciple’s feet as a servant – John 13 verses 3-5
- To be great you must be a servant – Mark 10 verses 43-44
- Christ’s attitude of being a servant – Philippians 2 verses 5-7
- God looks for a servant heart – 1 Samuel verse 7
Other Reading:
- The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader – John C. Maxwell
- AX-I-OM Powerful Leadership Proverbs – Bill Hybels
- Developing the Leader Within You – John C. Maxwell
Nothing like your daughter playing holiday tunes on the clarinet. I sat through them all & loved every minute of it 🙂
Stay Connected
Get your FREE Gratitude Journal
Unlock the power of gratitude and transform your life with our FREE gratitude journal!
This journal is designed to help you develop a daily gratitude practice scientifically proven to improve mental and physical health, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase happiness and overall well-being.
With our gratitude journal, you'll have a dedicated space to reflect on the things you're grateful for in your life. By taking just a few minutes each day to focus on the positive, you'll cultivate a more positive outlook, attract more abundance and joy into your life, and enjoy a greater sense of inner peace and contentment.
I hope you find this helpful. Let me know if you have any specific requirements or changes you'd like to make.