You are a Success!

When you feel discouraged, just remember these great people and know that…

YOU CAN FACE ANY CHALLENGE AND BE SUCCESSFUL TOO! :)

1) Benjamin Franklin was the 15th of 17th children, had two years of schooling and was the son of a candle maker.

2) Ralph Lauren was the son of a house painter.

3) Steve Jobs was born to two college students who also gave him away to adoption.

4) Sara Blakely, self-made (now) billionaire and founder of Spanx, had planned to be a lawyer until she failed the LSAT. Twice.

5) Mark Cuban was born to automobile upholsterer. He started as a bartender, then as a software sales person from which he was fired.

6) Sean “P. Diddy, Puff Daddy” Combs lived in public housing in Harlem where his father was shot to death when he was 2.

7) Susie Orman’s dad was a chicken farmer, her mother was a secretary. Susie started as a waitress.

8) Former General Colin Powell was born in Harlem to immigrant parents from Jamaica. He as a solid C student.

9) Tony Hawk was so attention deficit, hyperactive that he was tested for psychological problems.

10) Oprah Winfrey was born to a teenage mother in poverty-stricken rural Mississippi.

11) Jim Rohn and Paul J. Meyer barely squeaked out of high school.

Published by Darren Hardy of Success Magazine.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 A Son Was Given by Greg Laurie "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." —Isaiah 9:6 In a broad sense God is omnipresent, which means that everywhere we go, He is there. But if we really want God with us, and more specifically, if we want Christ living in our hearts, then we must turn from our sin and believe in Him. The beautiful baby in the manger came with an express purpose, and that was to die for the sins of the world. The birth of Jesus was so there would be the death of Jesus and, ultimately, the resurrection of Jesus. He was born to die so that we might live. I personally know the pain of losing a child. And I think, for a parent, there is no greater pain than this. God knows all about that. He knows what it is like to lose a child. We talk about the sacrifice of Jesus, and justly so, as He came to this earth, laid aside His privileges of deity, and voluntarily went to a cross and died for the sins of the world. But let's not forget the sacrifice of the Father who watched His Son enter this world. Isaiah 9:6 sums it up perfectly: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." That gives us the perspective of both heaven and earth. From earth's perspective, unto us a child was born. That is what we celebrate at Christmas. But from heaven's perspective, unto us a Son is given. The Father sent the Son. He did this because He loves all of us, because He wants us to have the ultimate gift: the gift of eternal life. It's the only gift that keeps on giving.

A Thanksgiving Prayer for You

Colossians 3:15-17 "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And BE THANKFUL. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with THANKFULNESS in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, GIVING THANKS to God the Father through him."

It's the day before Thanksgiving and I'm watching the snow fall outside my window. Nothing is sticking on the ground just yet, but it's beautiful to watch. My heart is bursting with thankfulness this year. Everything has not gone my way, but it's been a good year surrounded by people I love and people who love me right back. 

This year, the Lord changed my husband's career path, but for the better. But change is hard, unless you go to God every morning in prayer. And He has met us every morning in our prayers to Him, hearing our words, knowing our heart, and providing for our needs. 

The Lord has also showed me my selfishness. I was very self-centered before the Lord changed our path. Now, my husband and I pray more for the needs of others, volunteer more to help others, and we sincerely want our friends to know true peace and joy that can only come from having a daily relationship with Jesus Christ. 

So, I am thankful--very, very thankful--that God got my attention. That He re-prioritized what is most important. And that the Lord is so compassionate to have changed our path during the sweetest time of year--the time where we're surrounded by family and feel so loved. 

My Thanksgiving prayer for you is that you would look all around you and see the countless ways the Lord has showered His blessings on you, how He has changed you for the better, and how He has made you an even better person to reach those who are alone in this world. I pray that you are thankful, that you contagiously share your thankfulness with others, and that you give thanks above all to God our Father who loves us in the greatest way through His Son, Jesus Christ.

20 Ways I'm Trying To Make My Marriage Great by Grace Flowers

1. Treat each moment together as though it could be your last.

Rabbi and author Joshua Loth Liebman said it best: "Treasure each other in the recognition that we do not know how long we shall have each other."

2. Pay attention to your love as you did when you first met.

Awareness precedes happiness. Listen with your ears and your heart. Notice body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Notice what makes him or her happy and do more of it. Love is giving attention. Fully giving of your attention is the greatest gift you can give someone.

3. Be gentle when offering critique.

Two people who love each other deeply over a lifetime will encounter many situations where constructive criticism is almost necessary. If offered in a gentle way, it can build bridges and enhance understanding, and ultimately intimacy. Leave out the "you never" or "you always." It is not a good way to begin a sensitive conversation. When you're on the receiving end of constructive criticism, know that the other is not intentionally trying to hurt you. Within that wisdom, let yourself stretch a bit so you can improve. Respect the other for sharing difficult sentiments and embrace the words offered.

4. Encourage each other to do one thing that boosts happiness every single day.

Make a list of what makes you happy. Have your partner do the same. Share your lists with each other. Learn and grow. Encourage your partner to do something that makes him or her happy every day. When two independent people are mutually happy, both of your lives are deeply enriched.

5. Begin each encounter with each other (phone or in person) with a smile.

It takes more muscles to frown. Be mindful of the power of your smile to increase happiness—yours and others'. Wake up and greet your love with your morning smile. It sets the tone immediately to be one of love and peace. When your partner enters the room, look up from whatever you're doing and flash a smile. When you arrive home from work, take an extra two seconds and smile at your loved one. Smiles leads to kisses. No words can ever truly capture the depth of the love in our hearts. A smile is nonverbal communication that speaks volumes.

6. Know yourself.

Get to know your core identity, what truly matters in your heart. Begin every day with the intention to take care of yourself first so that you may be able to take care of others. If we want to be a light to others, we have to first be the light to ourselves. Once we grow to understand our true self, we can meet others from our heart center to theirs. When we honor our differences, one to another, we're capable of great happiness.

7. Don't discuss your intimacy and secrets with others.

Whenever you talk about your private matters with others, you're violating trust and confidence. Guard your love's sacred trust and heart. When we discuss secrets with others, it's most often disparaging of your partner. Anything negative about one of you reflects badly on you both. Being able to keep your secrets will assure mutual confidence and deepen your love.

8. When you are alone, be together.

Marriage is simply raised consciousness. Put your gadgets away. Schedule time away from the TV. When we value these moments of tender connection, we should aim to be fully present in every encounter. When we show interest in each other without interruptions, we will live with greater harmony. It’s that simple.

9. Encourage adventures.

There are places to go, exciting things to see and experience. Encourage adventure ... you'll have more to talk about as you age, fondly remembering the memories you made together.

10. White lies are always dangerous.

White lies diminish our being a dependable, reliable, trusted, love person. When both are in the habit of always being true to your word, it attunes you more to each other. You feel connected on a more meaningful level. White lies can often be felt by the other ... don't cheat them from the truth and don't cheat yourself from an opportunity to build more intimacy and trust.

11. Give the gift of eye contact.

When someone looks deeply into our eyes, we feel a shared empathy. On the other end, when someone doesn't take the time to look at you, a connection is lost. Simple eye contact shows respect and acknowledges the presence of the other person.

12. Offer to help.

We feel better when we do something for others. Offer to help with a willing heart. The more we give, the more we receive. We help ourselves by helping out our partner. We help our partner love more by receiving their help. Try asking this simple question: "What may I do to help you right now?"

13. Stop disappearing.

This can take many forms: You can physically disappear, or you can stonewall by not addressing the pink elephant in the room. Ignoring it and being silent only sends the message that you don't care. You're a couple seeking greater happiness together; there shouldn't be these incidents of disconnection that either worry the other person or makes the other person feel abandoned. Work on your communication skills and get comfortable expressing what you need in a gentle manner. At the end of the day, it's our ability to communicate lovingly and effectively that builds intimacy, or dissolves it.

14. Stop teasing.

While a remark or two might appear innocent, it can be received as a toxic poke, especially if if your patner is sensitive. Teasing keeps relationships insincere and superficial. Keep this to a minimum. Replace with a loving compliment and you'll receive much more in return.

15. Sincerely say you are sorry.

It's soothing because it releases the other person from being upset. When we express our regret about something we wish could have been different, we're expressing our compassion and empathy. Until you genuinely apologize, you're withdrawing your love while inflicting pain. In a relationship, it's better to say you're sorry even for a vague misunderstanding where you don't quite know how it happened. Remember what's important: Harmony. Connection.

16. Don't correct each other in public.

Allow each other to be more playful in social settings and be as supportive as possible of the way your love expresses himself or herself in public. If your partner tells a joke, don't laugh before the punch line, or worse, give it before he or she does. Obviously there will be some jokes you've heard before. So what? Love each other in public and it'll build appreciation. Talk each other up in front of others. Show him or her that you are proud of her and don't be afraid to compliment each other to others in front of your love.

17. Set aside time for serious discussions.

There are times in all relationships when you'll have serious conversations during which life changes will transpire. Timing is critical. Once you set a time to discuss, cultivate your mood. Be receptive. When you're both open to new ways to improve your happiness, your relationship and intimacy can soar to new heights. Speak from your heart, and be prepared. Write down what you want to address. Be tender with each other as sensitive communication is the wisest way for two lovers to seek and find lasting unity.

18. Say it's OK.

We often make mistakes and letting our partner off the hook can pay dividends. There are certainly times where overlooking does more harm than good, but for smaller offenses, try saying, "It's OK," and move on. Rise above the endless little things. It's to OUR advantage to turn the other cheek because when we forgive others, we're happier.

19. Discover and rediscover each other's passions.

Learn to encourage your partner to stretch, to grow, and to courageously explore all that peaks their interest. Encourage them to be true to the person he or she is NOW, not who they used to be or who they were under their parents' influence. We need each that person's encouragement to become the amazing human being our soul wants us to be.

Open your eyes to what makes your partner happy. Encourage them to do more of it. Learn to join them in their joy and passions. Find things that make you both passionate to enjoy together. When we experience new things together, we grow closer. When we take an interest in the other person's passions, we are momentarily invited into their world to join them in their happiness!

20. Too busy to notice you're too busy?

Then you're going to be too busy to notice your relationships falling apart. Your career may be important work in your lifetime, but I guarantee you that success in your relationship will yield greater, long-term, life-infusing joy. Reprioritize your relationship, so it's on top of your priority list. Invest time, invest energy, and treat it as something that you need to water and nurture every single day. You'll be glad you did in the long run.

Inspired by Alexandra Stoddard's Happiness for Two

This is My Dream for America!

Challenge: Begin Volunteering with Children

But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." -Matthew 19:14

Almost every Friday, I go to a local elementary school and spend time with a wonderful teacher and her class. The children give me countless hugs and although my purpose for being there is to help the children learn how to read, they teach me more. The children are African Americans and Latinos, all from varied backgrounds and places. 

Each child tells me things he or she thinks is important for me to know. Sometimes what they tell me breaks my heart. For example, this morning a precious little girl was crying. While giving her hugs, I asked her what was wrong. She said that today was the school's award ceremony and her Dad lied to her and didn't come. She said he always lies to her and doesn't show up when he says he will. This broke my heart into pieces, and I just held her and let her cry because a child shouldn't know this type of pain. From the Latino children, I hear stories of separated families and how the children don't understand why they are not together as a family. One child being left in Honduras, while the rest of the family is here in North Carolina. There's nothing I can say, so I just listen and give hugs.

But there are many, many joys in the time I spend with these precious children. For example, I have one little girl who doesn't speak much English because she just came here with her family from Mexico. Every week, I see that she is learning English words and becoming more confident in speaking out loud. We speak a little in Spanish together, but I really spend my time with her reading out loud and going over colors, the alphabet, animals, and shapes. She is learning so quickly and I feel blessed to be a part of her story that's just beginning here in the United States.

Every week, I bring treats for the kiddos because they get so excited to see that I've brought them a little surprise. Today, I brought decorated Christmas cookies that I made last night and the Christmas book, "Pippin the Christmas Pig." All the children sat and quietly looked at the pictures in wonder while I read them the real Christmas story.  This was one of the highlights of my year.

When I look into the eyes and sweet faces of these beautiful children, I see such innocence that makes me want to protect them from pain that they will face in life. It makes me want to adopt all of them, so that they have a good, safe home to grow-up in. It makes me want to volunteer with children the rest of my life because children need someone to love them and listen to them. 

My challenge for you is to find a classroom full of children who need you, along with a teacher who could use a partner to help her teach children the most important life skill, the ability to read. You can contact any school in your county and ask if you can volunteer your time teaching elementary children how to read. They will be thrilled to have you as a formal volunteer. 

But don't let Christmas pass you by without finding a school, finding a classroom, and connecting with children who need your love and attention. You won't regret it because it's a life-changing experience. Receiving countless hugs, and children almost fighting over who can hold your hand or sit next to you in the lunchroom, is just a small part of being an appreciated volunteer. And I am convinced that I am the one who is more blessed by spending time with such precious children that I adore; so, I hope you will know how this feels very soon when you begin volunteering too. 

Tis the Season for Christmas Cookies!

I finally found the best Christmas sugar cookie recipe and I have to share! No fussy "leave it in the fridge for 20 hours" business. These are simple, quick, and delicious. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, very soft
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*I doubled this recipe and it worked perfectly.

Directions:
1. Turn on the Christmas music!

2. Turn on the Christmas tree!

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

4. In a bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside. I really stir everything well, so that it looks like it's been hand-sifted. I think well-sifted flour makes the best desserts. Thank you, Gran Peggy for teaching me that!

5. In an electric blender, cream together on the lowest and slowest level, the very softened butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients one cup at a time.

6. Use the Tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll into balls to place onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle dough with red and green-colored sugar to get festive before placing into the oven!

7. Bake 10-15 minutes based on your soft-to-crispy cookie preference. Let stand on a cookie sheet until cooled. Yum!