For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

How do you clean house with your schedule?
Are you ready to toss out the old and begin anew?

As mentioned yesterday, my series this week is about reducing stress.

Today’s message comes directly from Part 1 of a fantastic 8-part practical article titled “Finding Balance – Valuable Tips For The Stressed and Busy.” The entire article can be found at today’s Link of the Day.

Just as you budget how you spend your money, it’s important to remember that budgeting is vital when you choose how to spend your time as well. This may seem like a no-brainer, but many of us still have trouble saying ‘no’ when someone asks us to commit our time to a worthy cause. All these worthy commitments can add up to a lack of balance and excessive stress for women.

It may be especially difficult to say no to commitments that benefit others, that speak to our ideals, or that may get us ahead in other areas. Indeed, those are often the commitments we should say yes to, but too many of these commitments can cause an excess of stress.

The following are some strategies that women can use to find balance, pare down their schedules, and relieve daily stress. (Note: This article is geared more for women because they tend to juggle more roles, but men may find this article helpful as well.)

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I confess that I often allow my life to get out of balance. May I apply the simple principles shared in today’s Link of the Day. Thank You Jesus. Amen.
 
Link of the Day
Finding Balance – Valuable Tips For The Stressed and Busy – by Elizabeth Scott, M.S.  (see below)

Blessings to find that healthy balance God desires!

 ———————————

Reference: [http://stress.about.com/od/relationships/ss/balance.htm]

Finding Balance – Valuable Tips For The Stressed and Busy – by Elizabeth Scott, M.S.

Just as you budget how you spend your money, it’s important to remember that budgeting is vital when you choose how to spend your time as well. This may seem like a no-brainer, but many of us still have trouble saying ‘no’ when someone asks us to commit our time to a worthy cause. All these worthy commitments can add up to a lack of balance and excessive stress for women. It may be especially difficult to say no to commitments that benefit others, that speak to our ideals, or that may get us ahead in other areas. Indeed, those are often the commitments we should say yes to, but too many of these commitments can cause an excess of stress. The following are some strategies that women can use to find balance, pare down their schedules, and relieve daily stress. (Note: This article is geared more for women because they tend to juggle more roles, but men may find this article helpful as well.)

De-Clutter Your Life
Have you seen those home makeover shows where they clear out all the clutter in a room, and then reorganize the room by returning only those things that are vital to the happiness of the homeowners? You can use the same process to reorganize your life. In your mind, clear the clutter from your schedule and imagine it empty. Then return only the things that are vital to your survival — your job and sleep, for example. Then bring other things back into your schedule in their order of importance, adding new things that are important as well (like time for exercise), and leaving out things that are draining you or stressing you, like obligations that you’d rather not keep. This exercise can give you a greater idea of what things in your life are feeding you, and what things you may want to eliminate. (Note: Some more popular pieces of ‘schedule clutter’ include mediocre television shows, time spent with people who drain you, time spent doing tasks that could be streamlined.)

Remember The Trade-Offs
Usually when we’re presented with requests on our time, we think about whether we can fit this new activity into our already-packed schedule, and whether or not it’s worth it. This often leads to an even more packed schedule. When deciding what to say yes and no to, I find it extremely helpful to remember that every ‘no’ is a ‘yes’ to something else, and vice versa. If you say yes to taking on a position in the PTA, that means less time for exercise, meditation, time with your children, or something else that’s also important. Perhaps it’s worth it, perhaps it’s not, or perhaps you’d rather cut out something else in your schedule. But, looking at each new commitment as something else that needs to be given up (even a hypothetical something) can make finding balance easier.

Delegate Like A Pro
Good managers know the value of delegating responsibility by pairing people with jobs that they can do well, adding some encouragement, and letting go. Many women, however, get caught up in the ‘If I want it done right, I’ll have to do it myself’ trap, and find themselves doing everything. Don’t forget that other people in the office might be able to handle (or help with) some of the projects you’re doing, and may actually want to do so. Children may be far more capable of doing housework than you are giving them credit for, and may get a sense of pride in being able to do such jobs, if encouraged properly. Even most husbands can be utilized more efficiently than they often are. (One study found that the main difference between dads who were involved with infant care and those who weren’t was the attitude of the mother. Encouraging moms found themselves partnered with more helpful dads!) Even hiring help — housekeepers, gardeners, personal assistants and the like — counts as delegation, and can be extremely helpful and worth the cash. The next time you feel that you are doing too much, look around and see if you can find some help.

Do A Good Enough Job
Sometimes things need to be done with precision and perfection, but more often, they don’t. Although the Martha Stewart types may be quick to point out how special things are when you go the extra mile, and how attention to detail makes all the difference, this type of thinking can also lead to perfectionism, stress, and a lack of balance. If you find yourself already too busy, you may really benefit from giving yourself a break. Take shortcuts, if the end result is still adequate. (Will your guests really care if you used a traditional mop on the floor, or quickly went over it with a Swiffer? Won’t store-bought cupcakes still taste as great for the office party or class picnic?) Live by the 80-20 rule, where you identify the 20% of work that yields 80% of the results, and focus mainly on what’s important, letting the rest slip if necessary. Remember, sometimes focusing on perfection isn’t as important as focusing on speed, especially when you’re looking for balance in your schedule.

Live In The Now, But Keep The Future In Mind
Do you have a plan for the future? Most businesses have a one-year plan, a 5-year plan and a 10-year plan, and plan their daily activities with these goals somewhere in mind. This can be helpful for women, too. I’m not saying that everything you do needs to be part of a supreme master plan for optimal living, but this type of general thinking can help keep balance and perspective. For example, when choosing whether to exercise or watch television, thinking about the long-term benefits that would come from each makes it much easier to skip a moderately entertaining show in favor of getting moving. Both activities can relieve stress, but one contributes to an overall plan for better health, while the other doesn’t. See where you can apply this analogy to your own decisions and find more balance in your life.

Stay Organized
Being organized is vital to finding balance in life. If you have a schedule where everything fits, you’ll be more efficient with your time. And you’ll be able to relax not only in the knowledge that you’ll get things done, but also in that what you’re working on in a given moment is what you’re supposed to be working on. Don’t overlook the value of online time management tools, PDAs and other time management accessories. But also keep in mind that a good plan and a clear budget for your time is invaluable in maintaining balance in your life.

Consult Your Inner Child
Remember when you were a child, and you imagined what your life would be like when you were grown up? You probably only imagined yourself doing exciting things, not some of the minutia you probably get bogged down by right now. Although it’s unrealistic to be only doing things that are ‘fun’ (sometimes we need to take a break from skydiving and going to parties to do a few loads of dishes and pack lunches for the next day), it can be helpful to remember to try to keep fun things in your life and stressful things out of it.

“be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)

What are 2-3 lead dominos to exponentially grow your small business or church?
What impact will a marketing bootcamp have on your small business or church?

Today’s focus is work and financial stewardship. Those are two of the three areas I chose to make “A” priorities for my life when I attended the Life Focus workshop in Virginia Beach in November 2007. Prosperity is having enough of God’s provision to accomplish His assignment for your life. The bigger your assignment, the more you will need.

In his March 31 edition of The Weekly Trio [http://coreimpact.com/blog], Michael Stay announced two free marketing bootcamps for Virginia small business owners. Within 3 days, my wife and I both signed up to attend the one in Fredericksburg on Feb 5. I now share this tremendous opportunity in case you or someone you know lives nearby and would like to attend.

Karl Bryan [www.karlbryan.com] started the most successful small business coaching company in Australia while living there. After moving to Canada, he started the most successful small business coaching company there. Recently he asked Michael Stay to be the point person for the entire U.S. And Michael is one of the best strategic planners in the world.

Here is what Michael wrote on March 31:

FREE MARKETING BOOTCAMP FOR VIRGINIA SMALL BUSINESSES — **FREDERICKSBURG, VA – FEB. 5TH** & **PRINCE WILLIAM, VA ON FEB. 6TH**
.
If you live in the Washington D.C. metro area or the Piedmont/Central Virginia areas, I invite you to attend a Strategic Sales & Marketing Optimization Bootcamp for small business owners looking to improve results and profitability in 2008.  The Bootcamp features Karl Bryan and is on Tuesday, Feb. 5th from 9am-11am in Fredericksburg; and on Wednesday, Feb. 6th from 9am-11am in Prince William County. 

I met Karl Bryan from Canada at a Jay Abraham [http://www.abraham.com] seminar in Los Angeles. I was impressed by the commitment he had to small business and especially his ability to provide inexpensive marketing solutions for small business.  Karl and his team educate small business owners on how to transform their business and achieve profound results via powerful inexpensive marketing strategies.  Core Impact is endorsing this Bootcamp at no charge as an opportunity for our valued clients and those of you receiving The Weekly Trio.

Seating is limited and events fill up quickly when Karl presents.  I urge you to register online and secure your seat to avoid disappointment – www.FREEMarketingBootcamps.com

Prayer Power
Holy Spirit, thank You for uncommon guidance and uncommon opportunities. Thank You for bringing the free marketing boot camps to Virginia. Bless those who attend to be much better stewards of their work and finances for Your Kingdom sake. LORD Jesus, it’s in Your wonderful and holy name we pray. Amen.

Links of the Day
Register for Free Marketing Boot Camp on Feb 5 or 6, 2008

Blessings for uncommon work and financial stewardship!

Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool. (Proverbs 17:10)

Why are 98% of all small businesses (and ministries) like a row boat?
Guess what you are most likely doing in the boat?

As I mentioned in yesterday’s devotional, January 15 was a breakthrough day. In the morning, Michael Stay officially launched “The Weekly Trio.” In the evening I drove to Richmond Virginia for the annual membership meeting for the Virginia Society of Anesthesiologists (VSA). This was the first time I ever attended this. God blessed my obedience by allowing me to establish personal connections with the President of the VSA, the President-Elect for the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell.

These kinds of connections don’t happen haphazardly. They come about because of all the time I spend resting and reflecting, which open the door for new revelations from the Holy Spirit. It’s what I call the “G” (God) factor. Here is an excerpt from yesterday “Weekly Trio” by Michael Stay:

Success begins the moment we understand that life is about growing; it is about acquiring the knowledge and skills we need to live more fully and effectively.  Life is meant to be a never-ending education, and when this is fully appreciated, we are no longer survivors but adventurers.” – ‘Even Eagles Need a Push’ by David McNally
 
Consider for a moment, that your business is competing in a marketplace that is like a huge lake — your challenge each day is to successfully cross that lake.  The most common choice of a vehicle – a row boat.  For most small businesses, that accurately depicts your daily journey – you alone, in a row boat madly rowing.  Or maybe you have grown to a point of having employees, now you and a few others are madly rowing together.  Or perhaps you have learned to delegate, so you serve as the coxswain – barking out encouragement and orders to the others tirelessly rowing the boat.
 
While the row boat will likely get you across the lake each day, it will be slow, exhausting for you and/or your employees, and has the potential to end in disaster on any given day if a mighty storm rises up while you are in the middle of your trip. 

Also, regardless of your position in the boat, you are going to have a hard time seeing the distant horizon of a greater vision while you are busily rowing (if you are always working in your business, no one is working on your business). But what if you had chosen a sail boat, that allowed you to leverage the wind, and travel at a faster speed with less effort on your part.  Did you even know a sail boat was an option?
 
So, here is your first challenge:  Carve out at least half a day from your life and step back to really analyze what you have been doing – what is the condition of your boat really?  Look over at the marina to see what other kinds of boats are out there.  If you want to know a tricord of leverage – here it is – Rest/Reflection/Revelation.  But it has only one sequence or order – first Rest then Reflection then Revelation.
 
When was the last time, you took half a day — the first part of the day, when you are fresh,
- not to madly row, but to REST;
-  not to repeat the same actions again, but for REFLECTION on what is working, what’s not working, what your competition is really doing differently, what your customers say about you, what your employees are saying about you and the business; and
-  not to just do what you know, but to seek and gain REVELATION.

Prayer Power
Father, You tell us in Your Word to “Be Still and Know that I Am”.  Convict us to take at least 1/2 day to rest, reflect and gain revelation.  Uncommon wisdom comes from uncommon actions – help us to slow down – to stop, in order to cross the lake faster and with much less effort.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Link of the Day
Reflections on Biblical headship – by Don Schonberg

Blessings to carve out at least half a day from your life and step back to really analyze what you have been doing!

“But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:8)

HOW MUCH IS A 30/60/100 FOLD INCREASE? 
What if you experienced that size increase in your business?

Yesterday was a breakthrough day. In the morning, Michael Stay (my web client) officially launched “The Weekly Trio.” The objective is of this e-letter is to inspire, motivate, and instruct in a way that helps you achieve massive – 30/60/100 fold business and personal growth. Michael is one of the best strategic planners in the world, an outstanding teacher, and my #1 business mentor.

Michael says, “If you will give me just 7 minutes of your time, 3 days per week, I promise and commit to bring the very best of my team of Strategists for Marketplace Pre-Eminence to the table to help you exponentially grow your business and achieve personal growth beyond all you could ask or think.” Seize this uncommon opportunity by visiting today’s Link of the Day to sign up for The Weekly Trio. Here is an excerpt from Michael’s very first message:

Today, the going savings account at your local bank will earn you less than 1% interest per year.  If you deposit your money in one of the online banking options such as E*TRADE you might boost your return to 5%.  So for every $1,000 in your account, you might earn at most $50 per year in interest.
 
In business an acceptable rate of return on a venture, project or investment is typically 10-12%.  A high risk opportunity might yield a return of 15-25%.
 
But, instead of 5 – 25% what if you reaped a harvest of 3,000% or 6,000% or 10,000%?
 
“Impossible”, “Are you crazy?”, “Someone is going to jail” may be one of your responses. 
 
However, chew on this:  “Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”   Matt 13:8 NIV
 
This parable is telling us that seed planted in good soil can produce a harvest of 30/60/100 fold – in other words 3,000% or 6,000% or 10,000%.  Perhaps there is wisdom – some kind of leverage you currently are not using in your business and personal life that could yield a result way beyond your wildest dreams.
 
If you are hungry to head down a journey of discovery for that wisdom, for that leverage, then I ask that you invest just 7 minutes of your time each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to read, study and apply the leverage lessons of The Weekly Trio which will help you prepare that good soil within your business that is positioned to produce a crop of 30/60/100 Fold Increase.
 
In Wednesday’s issue (Jan 16) of The Weekly Trio find out why 98% of all small businesses are like a row boat, and guess what you are most likely doing in the boat?

Prayer Power
Father, Your Word tells us that a 30/60/100 fold increase is possible. Reveal Your wisdom, help me to have eyes to see, ears to hear, a heart to accept, and hands and feet to act.  Thank You for those reading and praying this prayer today – bless them abundantly.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Link of the Day
The Weekly Trio

Blessings to allow Michael to coach you to experience exponential growth!

Then the men … gave them food and drink (2 Chronicles 28:15)

Who do you know who will appreciate the gift of fine coffee?

As some of you know, my wife (Julia) started an international coffee roasting business this year. While I don’t drink coffee, I do like supporting my wife. I found it fascinating to discover that coffee is the #2 traded commodity in the world next to oil.

What I particularly like about my wife starting this business (ministry) is her motive – to bless the poor farmers of the third world countries who grow the coffee beans. Julia is a member of Fair Trade. She wants to travel with me next year to some of the popular coffee countries to visit the farmers. She is now including a small tag with a short scripture and associated life lesson with each bag of coffee.

Julia recently prepared some beautiful coffee gift packages that will make nice Christmas gifts for family and friends. There are a lot of coffee connoisseurs out there. Many people have complimented Julia on the taste and packaging of her coffee.

In advance, Julia and I would like to thank those people who buy one or more of these gift boxes.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for Julia’s coffee roasting ministry. We invite You to be LORD of that and all we do. Thank You Jesus for every person who helps to support the dreams that You have place in our hearts. Amen.

Link of the Day
World Bean Roasthers – click on Holiday gifts

Blessings to share the gift of good food and drink!
 

What is JIREH Marketing?

• UNCOMMON Relationship Marketing by and for Jehovah JIREH! When we use the word UNCOMMON, we mean inspired by the Holy Spirit for a God-size result.
• COMBINING Journaling (to hear God’s voice) + Coaching (for support, encouragement, and accountability) + Web 2.0 (Relationship Marketing) for EXPLOSIVE Kingdom impact
• An UNCOMMON IDEA inspired by the Holy Spirit
• A MOVEMENT BY GOD
• A SUPERNATURAL NETWORKING of Christ-centered leaders globally
• GOD’S VEHICLE to provide necessary resources for God’s children
• The PARENT COMPANY of Dr. Jerry and Sharon Graham

The JIREH Marketing logo with the two loaves, five fish, and the cross reminds us of the Biblical story of Jesus feeding the five thousand men, plus the women and children. It is prophetic for how God is going to miraculously multiply the gifts of His children through UNCOMMON Relationship Marketing.

Blessings to CHOOSE to step into a LIFE of abundance!

Journaling is the key to unlock your dreams and DESTINY!

Dr. Randy Peck
“Blessed to be a blessing”
The Connector – connecting people, ideas, and resources in Christ through the POWER of the Holy Spirit

P.S. If you’re a small thinker and don’t want your faith to soar, this book is definitely not for you. But if you believe in a BIG God who has destined you for greatness, then you’ve come to the right place.

And Jesus said unto them “Because of your unbelief” (Matthew 17:20)

What steps can you take to change your perspective?

Our perspective makes a tremendous difference. God wants us to see things from His heavenly perspective and then pray accordingly. God is sovereign. He´s in charge. He´s in control even when circumstances around us seem out of control. If we look up to heaven and put our faith in God, we will find that His promises never fail.

This week I´m on a relaxing vacation in Cancun Mexico with my wife and parents. I had hoped to get a week ahead with my devotionals before leaving home, but that didn´t happen. Then I planned to start writing a daily devotional yesterday while at our resort in Cancun, but God had other plans and blessings in store for me.

I got up at 6 AM yesterday intent to start, but quickly found out the Internet café did not open until 7 AM. While waiting patiently at the outdoor pool, God blessed me to see the sun rise over the ocean. Wow! At 7 AM, I bought my Internet card, but soon discovered the main server was not working properly. After 15 minutes of getting nowhere, I realized I now had insufficient time before our scheduled morning excursion, so I went back to the pool to watch my wife swim and cater to her needs. She appreciated that.

Vacations are extremely important. By stepping away from our routines and the busyness of our lives, we gain a fresh perspective. Being still allows us to clear our minds of seemingly important things, which then allows God to reset our agendas and goals. Vacations help us appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. They restore our souls, hopes, and dreams. 

Prayer Power
Most gracious, heavenly Father, thank You for this vacation at a gorgeous resort in a beautiful part of Mexico. While, I’m here, bless me with uncommon ideas and experiences to shatter spiritual strongholds in Virginia. Bless those who receive this message with the discipline to take regular vacations to renew their minds. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Americans need more vacation — and so do our laptops

Blessings to renew your mind with regular vacations!