Living Victoriously

HOW'D YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

Too often we want to do things our way, do it on our own, without help, without care, without consideration of how it will effect of others.  I am here in Utah visiting my daughter who has just had my 2nd grandchild.  It has refreshed my longing to be near my kids.  Sometimes we can get so busy in our own little world of work, missions, and play that we forget about the more important things in life and how we got to where we are.

None of us are an island unto himself... as a matter-of-fact, we are not even a peninsula unto ourselves.  When I was in church this week I heard a comment that stuck with me.  This sister-in-Christ commented that, at times, we forget where we came from.  When we are successful at reaching our goals whether they be physical, mental, spiritual, psychological, economical, societal, or familial, we may forget, or fail to acknowledge that we didn't make it there on our own.

For Example:

*  I am a retired nurse, a Christian vocalist, a Christian, a piano teacher, a director over piano teachers, a neighbor, a mentor, a financial advisor and more.  

*  In order to become a nurse, I needed someone to watch my kids, help me to pay for school, provide finances needed, give me a job, accept me into the nursing program, train me, advise me on what I needed and more.  

*  In order to become a Christian, other Christians witnessed to me and gave me bible study, mentored me, helped me through the hard times, counseled me, prayed for me, and more.  

*  In order to become a Christian vocalist, someone had to be willing to take a chance on hearing me sing, scheduling me for performances, pay me, teach me voice techniques, and more. 

I THINK YOU GET MY POINT!

None of us have gotten where we are without family, friends, mentors, counselors, advisers, babysitters, prayer warriors, pastors, fellowshippers, speakers, influencers, etc.  We did not get where we are on our own.  Although all through the year we should remember those who helped us to get this far, at this time of year when family togetherness is stressed, I would like you to take the time to not just think of family and friends, but all of the peoples, choices, and situations that has caused you to be where you are now.  You may not be in a good place right now or you may be in the best place that you ever thought you would be, or you may just not be exactly where you wanted to be at this point.  

Regardless of where you are, take the time to thank God first for your life in whatever state it is.  Then, thank the people who have helped you to accomplish the things that you have been victorious in and those people who have encouraged you along the way.  Then take the time to think about the choices made and the situations and/or opportunities that have gotten you where you are.  Remember, what you've been successful in wasn't all your own doing.  Even if it means remembering what mama taught you about idleness.  That may have helped you to be a hard worker.  So, remember it and gain the important message in it.

We have a new year coming upon us in 1.5 weeks.  Take the time to plan a new goal for yourself of what you want to accomplish this year as a short term goal and then a 5-year plan of victories you want to have.  Take the time to think about the people that you will need help from to reach those goals, the opportunities that will need to come your way, the finances that will need to be provided for, etc.  Then, thank God, right now, for putting all those things into alignment for you to be victorious this year.  Thank Him ahead of time and believe that He will give you the victory and success that you so deserve.  

In God's word it says in 3rd John 1:2, "Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers..."

That is my prayer for you for this upcoming year.  I pray that you will live VICTORIOUSLY and PROSPER but remember all those who helped you to get there.

Happy New Year!