OFF ON FRIDAY

I will be off on Friday, but will resume on Saturday.
Jeff

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

“We tear things down then rebuild them stronger, we cut flowers and trees back and let them grow out again bigger, we encounter things that bring us down—everything rebuilt is stronger because we do learn from history.”

Jeff Johnson May 2008

The other day I was driving (SEE Wednesday’s BLOG) and noticed a sign ‘Under Construction.’ I noticed the sign previously and wondered what construction was being completed. The roadway area looked very nice and my first impression was the sign was left from a completed job. Today, the sign was in a new place farther down the road. It just seems construction is never complete—there is always something to improve, areas to enlarge or shape, and issues about us we would like improved. Our lives are the same-always under construction.

When we look at things that cause us concern—think I am under construction here—the finished product will be NEW and IMPROVED. When we have areas we are ‘not so proud of in our personality’ tell yourself, “I am under construction and will have a beautiful product when this construction project is complete.” Do not be afraid to move the construction sign to another place in your life. STEP FORWARD to help in areas of strength and accept assistance in those areas under construction. Everyone is under construction in some area of life—we love improvement. You are a FORWARD STEPPER for keeping the under construction signs busy and always looking for new things to re-build or build better.

I believe in you because, YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

DO NOT STOP ON GO

“Stopping on 3^rd base adds no more to the score than striking out.”

An anonymous client---May 2008

Many of us have played the game Monopoly. We pass ‘GO’ and collect $200, then proceed to give it to another player on the board on the next roll of the dice.—Oh, this is the way I play it LOL. No one stays on ‘GO’ forever because it does not pay again until we go around the board—we must move forward. The same concept applies to our lives. Stopping during good times after a pay-off, or a big plus in our lives, or when concerns are under control is not what we do—we go for it again usually. When tough times come we sometimes stop short of getting to the good times again.

Looking back to review our path to present positions is healthy and should be part of our growth process. Just stop long enough to catch a breath, find the appropriate assistance or encouragement to move forward again, and then be a FORWARD STEPPER. Take the road to third base with the intent of scoring. Look at the strike out like the Dodgers do—we have next year (I can’t believe I wrote that LOL). Take strike outs as a way to mark an area to improve and a place where we set a goal to learn how to score from this position next time. Stopping when things are bleak or we are down only lets us bask in this arena—bask in the sunshine of the new day a more positive place. Savor the positive outcomes we encounter when moving forward. Find ways to score from many positions in life.

Life will always give ups and downs. We will only know this if we are moving. Use the attitude that the spirit of the next journey will bring us forward to a better place. We may have rough roads ahead of us, but smooth roads are just around the corner. Complete the last leg of either a good journey or one that is heading to a better journey for us. Find a way to reap rewards and look at the positive in everything. YOU ARE A FORWARD STEPPER!

I believe in you because, YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff
PS: I am off on Friday to spend it with my family--SEE Ya Saturday!

SEEKING & FINDING

"In order to seek we must find first—power through the spirit of GOD."
Jeff Johnson April 2008

Hide-and-seek is a favorite game among children. We all have played it and understand the rules of the game. A group of children gather together, picks someone to be “it,” who then closes their eyes—through split fingers☺, while everyone else in the group hides. The object is to find everyone and tag them before they get to the safe place. However, as we get more experience in playing the game we go just far enough away from the safe place to tempt others to run toward the safe place.

The Bible is clear with many verses on how to seek, places to seek and to avoid (mediums), and assurances on finding. The lessons on seeking, like in hide-and-seek, give us a prompt go to a safe place—GOD’s loving arms so HE can lead us to our destination—our find. For the most part when we are seeking, we need answers to questions whereby we feel hopeless, and vulnerable. But the way to seek is first to find—let me explain.

"For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. " LUKE 11:10

The scriptures show us in Matt 6:33 “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.” Mark adds, “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Mark 14:38 We need to ‘find’ a strong body first through GOD’s spirit, not our spirit and body. In 2 Tim 1:7 we are told, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power.” So, how much power can the spirit give us? We learn this in Judges, “The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat.” Judges 14:6 I have never needed to do this, but it would be nice to have this much power in my hour of need.

Here are the rules of seeking and finding: The first thing is to find GOD’s spirit with all of HIS power to then immediately seek HIS kingdom in (RIGHT) and (WISDOM) which is righteousness. By doing this we take our eyes off what we are seeking and concentrate on the ‘safe place’ in a powerful manner. “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” ACTS 17:27 The next thing is within the power of GOD’s spirit, we need to knock as if we want the door open so we can sup with HIM. The main point here is GOD’s spirit gives us the power to not only knock, but to want to enter in and sup with HIM—to be close enough to HIM to eat with HIM. The last step is knowing that GOD’s spirit can and will allow us to ‘find’ gives us a powerful hope. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” Rom 15:13. There is an additional power in having hope that allows our body to feel different and act anew—with a powerful intrinsic conviction.

In the adult hide-and-seek game GOD’s spirit is walking close enough to us to prompt a run towards the ‘safe place’-- HIS loving arms—to lead us to that which we are seeking.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

BLOCKS?

“Blocks, we can either walk on them to where we want to go, or see our shadow grow on them.” Jeff Johnson April 2008

Fill in the blanks _____________BLOCKS, or ___________BLOCKS. We can put “building” blocks or “stumbling” blocks as answers. Each answer has a protocol for dealing with those things that block our progress. However, each answer is right, each answer is appropriate; each answer has a place for us to grow forward. YES, GROW FORWARD.

When we are on a growth path and something gets in our way or slows us down we must make a choice. We can either use them as motivators to say, ‘nothing is going to stop me now,’ and climb over them or we can use them as deterrents to stymie our progress. The reason both answers listed above are correct is if the blocks are motivators then this is correct, but if we are stopped, then maybe it is a time to check our energy level and re-charge. The problem is not in being stopped, having problems, being discouraged, or even changing plans, but in the re-starting. It is only a problem if we do not begin again.

When we stop, evaluate why we stopped and most important when are we going to start again. We should NEVER quit, just rest for a bigger growth period when we start again. Look to the brighter side of beginning again, measure successes accomplished and savor them. We all have growth—even little steps allow us to cross a room—look at all the ways you are a FORWARD STEPPER and a GROWTH PATH MAKER. March on!

I believe in you because, YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

CUTTING LABELS

“We tear labels off our clothes in some cases and we ‘forget’ to tear them off our clothes at other times, if only we could shed them or display them about ourselves as easily.”

Jeff Johnson April 2008

Labels stick to us and either controls us by how we wear them or we control them by how we shed them—either way, they define us. When we hear certain names in public, even if it is not about us directly, it causes ire, happiness, or mixed emotions. We can be called Republicans, Democrats, Communist or you name the political party name and a certain emotion is stirred. If we are called pretty, young looking when we are---well--- not young (I’m not going there), or told we have a nice build when---well---we ---you get the point—a certain emotion is stimulated. Even when it is not exactly true we have the emotion. Recently, someone asked me how much I weighed—O.K. it was my doctor. I told him and he told me the truth—it hurt. Later in the day I met some friends for dinner and they told me I looked real nice and it looked as if I had lost weight (NOT TRUE). I experienced two separate emotions with the same comment.
So, let’s look at how labels control our life---Yes, I still ordered chocolate cake! See, this label is still controlling my life and defining me—because I don’t LOVE chocolate.

Some labels have very hard lessons associated with them. I am not discussing these today. I am looking at the labels that stop us from reaching our full potential. Some examples are, “You are not __________, “ or “_________,” or you need/should be like_________! Get the picture—my bet is you are like me—I filled in all the blanks and my mind was still saying, ‘Hey, you missed one ______! The words that fill these blanks are stumbling stones. I use the word stone because blocks are to—well the label makes them feel hard to step over. The labels are actually made to allow us to step higher, see farther, and become stronger—WE ARE FORWARD STEPPERS.

Take the labels that are causing the most harm in fulfilling our full potential. Change the way we look at them from negative in my case, ‘Jeff, you are heavy for your height,’ which made me feel bad, but I am on my way down, this is just the place where I am today—wait until tomorrow. When we hear those labels—cut them off in our head and think I am stepping on them to raise myself up, to make myself stronger, this is just a temporary holding spot and watch me move forward. All of the labels I have cut off now make the stones I am walking on feel softer. The labels that stick to me---allow me to enjoy chocolate---not really! STEP FORWARD----FORWARD STEPPERS—

I believe in you because, YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

PEACE--FULL

"There are many roads to peace. Peace be with you, peace be within you, peace be your desire........shhhhh........... peace comes in silence. "

Jeff Johnson April 2008

It is quiet in the night. Only the moon light fills the room casting shadows.
I can feel my body relax—silence fills the room. I allow it to cover me.
My arms are limp, my hands are relaxed, my feet and legs are still—I close my eyes.
Touching the covers I can feel the threads inside my fingers.
Thoughts leave slowly, my mind is slowing down.
I am not trying to sleep I am searching for an inner contentment; serenity; a state of tranquility.
Serene; away from quarrels and disagreement, absent of deadlines, removed from cell phones, my mind is almost empty—I am searching for a safe place.
No strife, no conflict, harmony within myself—removing myself from mental involvement---totally relaxed.

Peace.

Try to spend some time here—see how you feel in the AM. Best served with sweet dreams .

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

GROWING

“Growing, regenerating, becoming new again, reviving, refreshing, all words that make you smile and feel good inside. Come join me as we do them all.”

Jeff Johnson April 2008

The only way you can have growing pains is to offer resistance—or exercise. I hope my doctor doesn’t read this sentence. To many times we feel a need to grow, or expand (not our waistline) but emotionally, internally, spiritually, or professionally. Soon the search is on to fill this need in our life. There needs that are not being fulfilled, something is amiss, or maybe we just need a change. All of these emotions are natural and healthy. But sometimes we don’t have the desire to change; in fact, change scares us or causes emotions that are hard to predict. Some of us have become ‘stuck’ in a rut and the hole is becoming bigger. There is hope for both cases.

RENEW YOUR SELF!! Yes, ‘make yourself new, restore yourself, reaffirm what it is or was that brought you to the point in life whereby you were happy to be there. Take time to REALLY sort this out inside. Sometimes, many more times than we can count, we need to stop and figure out just how fast we are moving. Recharging takes time, it takes a planned opportunity to focus on us—no one else. Think of what it would take to build a small house out of wooden matches. It takes this much focus to change direction and restore the physical and or mental vigor desired. The end result of taking a time out is we can start over, we can become new again, and we can bring into being again, and resume those behaviors when we were once happy.

Step up FORWARD STEPPERS; find that cause to reappear in new form, replenish yourself, repeat those old familiar steps that were once full of life and desire—they are there, list them, walk them again and again, and start over-- regenerate. We can fill our new needs, we can satisfy our yearnings, and just the thought excites us. Instituo-ui-utum reparo—“begin now to renew.”

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

POSITIVE + POSITIVE = POSITIVE

“We can be positive or negative—input controls it all.”

Jeff Johnson April 2008

We have learned through science that gravity pulls—so what goes up must come down. This is textbook physical science. I want to propose that mentally if we continue to fill ourselves with positive thoughts, surround ourselves with positive people, and look for the positive in things—avoiding the negative, we can be more positive in our life.

Everyday we make choices about children, our job, opportunities, family, and attitude. We choose what we eat, when we eat (at times), and how much time we spend doing things we like and don’t admire as much. Many control what our children see on T.V., listen to on the radio, and even the words they use—hopefully. It is just as important to control our input.

Search out positive things to put in our mind, dwell upon those ‘something’s’ in your life and claim mentally that they will turn out better than anticipated. Change our initial thoughts to a positive outlook as a first response. Create a confidence that we can and will move forward “No Matter What.” Reduce doubt, and spend more time focusing on the movements forward. This will take work and must not be confused with fantasy land thinking. However, if the positive inputs are in greater intensity and volume than negative, then positive outputs will be easier as well. Even if things do not turn in our favor—there is always a next time and more good to come attitudes to admire. Step forward in a sure manner FORWARD STEPPERS—Positive thinking brings positive output.

El Pensar positivamente lleva a un camino positivo----SONRIE! (To think positive leads to a positive walk---SMILE!

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

PATHS

“What do we see when we walk down everyday life paths, people and things to ignore because ‘they deserve it’ or chances to show mercy? What did Jesus mean when he said, “Go and do likewise?””

Jeff Johnson April 2008

Jews and Samaritans were not the best of friends during New Testament times. While the actual reasons for the hatred between the two groups is not known, it is known that the Jews believed the Samaritans were not pure from a religious viewpoint.
LUKE 10:
³⁰In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. ³¹A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. ³²So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. ³⁴He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. ³⁵The next day he took out two silver coins^[a] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' ³⁶"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" ³⁷The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

This story has been told a million times. Sometimes the story brings up conjectures of prejudice, but I have a different slant. I want to look at what it took to walk by this man. Remember, this was not an age of 70 MPH freeway driving. I will not diminish the human nature of rubbernecking at whatever speed, but in this historical setting it would be at 2 ‘Mule Speed per Hour.’ Let’s look at the lesson here.

During this period in time the body was covered completely from head to ankle. Here is a man who is stripped naked—I am not sure anyone could ignore this. Maybe on some California beaches today we would ignore it, but not then. The man was beaten half to death. If you are anything like me, when I get a sore throat I am complaining to anyone who will listen—and even to those who will not listen. Being broken and bleeding one could infer a lot of pain, moaning and groaning, with sounds that could be heard at a distance. A person traveling at 2 ‘mule speed per hour,’ without an iPod, cell phone, or CD, will listen to the sounds around them for a long time before arriving at the scene. Once the scene is behind people will listen to the same sounds for a long time, only now it is associated with a face to the story. Three questions come to mind: 1) How many times could someone say to themselves without a ‘conscious’ heart weight being added, “I am not going to help this person no matter what?” 2) How much would a person’s heart weigh after walking away from this situation? 3) When would the cries for help, the moans, the look of terror or blood and dirt caked skin leave the thoughts of anyone? So, let’s rationalize this—I am not trained to help, I am not sure what I am getting myself into—Is it safe—and my all time favorite=The next person will assist. We surely could not use today’s excuse of, ‘I am in a hurry.’ So what is the point here! We all have a purpose in life; we just need to learn how to grow into helpers.

Every person lives their life on a pathway whereby we can be a Good Samaritan. ‘Helper growing’ is a skill we all have to develop and have already started developing in many areas. What if someone would have tossed the wounded man a blanket? What if someone else tossed the man a flask of wine or water or vinegar, and maybe someone else a few coins or a robe—see the point? The person with the donkey was a ‘full fledged helper,’ but the ‘helper growers’ could offer relief through their level of comfort. Jesus command of, “Go and do likewise,” is easier said than done with most of us. But, what if today we said, “Jesus, I am going to be a ‘helper grower’ and take a FORWARD STEP toward filling this command. I will do a little on my path today to help someone in need. Here are some steps to becoming a ‘helper grower:’ 1) Take a look at your heart, feel the weight of a person that you have walked away from just because…2) Think about your level of comfort in giving to this person, 3) Thank Jesus for allowing you to have the capacity to give ANYTHING to someone in need. 4) Now do it. You are now an official ‘helper grower!’ I have always wondered if the Samaritan had a ‘been there done that’ experience and that was his path of ‘helper growing?’ Maybe you are an Inn keeper, a neighbor, or maybe you are a traveler on the other side of the road—become a FORWARD STEPPER towards becoming a ‘helper grower.’ We have the pathway.

I believe in you BECAUSE YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

DOORWAYS

“Opening a new door or closing an old door can change a life forever. It really all depends on where you are going.”

Jeff Johnson April 2008

We all have experienced a door slam closed in our face or behind us? In some cases, the experience has been a blessing in disguise or perhaps a heart break. The symbolism of the door slamming has multiple meanings. One thing is for sure—when a door slams we must move out of the doorway into something else. Many times this is the hardest part—leaving something comfortable or uncomfortable and finding something ‘new.’ Sometimes it is voluntary and more often than not—involuntary. We are creatures of habit, so making choices to change is very difficult. However, when they are made our past experiences can allow us to accept better positions in life or consider enhanced alternatives.

Today, if a door has closed for whatever reason, pick up and take a look at what was important behind the door that is left behind. Look at the door as a separation time to evaluate both sides of the door. Consider the experiences necessary to remember for growth and what events should be left behind the door so forward movement can begin. Make up your mind now that “I can do better next time,” or “I will improve my life from this experience”—even if the experience is good or bad. We should learn from every experience in life.

Believe that an old door opens to a new door. Understand the experiences behind the old door can allow us to choose a new door that will allow us to grow into something better than we are leaving. Make up your mind to turn this experience into a positive life changing step—BECAUSE you are a FORWARD STEPPER. Step forward now and take control of the new experiences that are waiting for you.

I believe in you BECAUSE YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

MIRROR REFLECTIONS

"What is a mirror but an instrument to shine light on something beautiful—like us—and make it brighter."

Jeff March 2008

Mirrors are funny things, we can look thinner, fatter (well it’s true), smaller, taller, and almost any shape under the sun—that too. We use mirrors to apply make up (O.K. the secret is out), shave, admire our outfit, think while looking at ourselves, and an array of things not mentionable here. But when we walk away from a mirror we have with us exactly what we started with—us—what a beautiful thing. When we look in the mirror we are looking at something unique—something special—something worth developing, molding, and applying our purpose in life with the image we are viewing. Mirrors just tell part of the story—we need to learn how to see beyond the reflection.

Looking at the surface of almost anything never tells the entire story. So, why do we look at the mirror and accept a surface story, a reflection so to speak, to consume our life. Inside we are beautiful, outside we are beautiful-no matter what, what we want to be is and remains a beautiful thing and it is growing. Just like the mirror, we can make our inside and outside look like anything. Knowing we are growing, we are looking up instead of down, and continuing to find new ways to develop—even slowly—does not show up on the mirror. Keep walking FORWARD STEPPERS—there is a whole new world to seek out—do not be limited by the mirror images—because the inside is still developing. The outside may be distorted by the mirror, but the inside of us, the side that really matters is being shaped up for life. Mirror Mirror on the wall--I am the fairest of them all--on the inside too.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

PS: I am off on Friday, please read my Saturday BLOG and Sunday's inspirtional BLOG.

SMILING

I made someone smile today, it only cost me a smile. I made someone smile today, it only cost me a compliment. I made someone smile today, it only cost me a wave. I made someone smile today, it only cost me a thank you. I made someone smile today, it only cost me a little time to help. At the end of the day, I realized I had smiled the entire day.
Jeff Johnson May 2004

Make someone smile today--maybe even you.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

SUCCESSFUL CHANGES

"When we want to ‘be better’ what will that look like? How will we begin? Where will we end up and what will it feel like? It seems when we start something new there are more questions than answers. Can we just say “see ya when we get there?” Jeff Johnson March 2008

Knowing there needs to be change in some situations is easy. Wanting things to change for the better or just disappear can be easy. So, why is change so difficult to start? Many times we want change but we want it now rather then later and we lack focus. Focus requires we have a level of concentration that most irritations do not allow. The purpose of having focus is to have all energy directed at the area of change—both in positive changes to our life and removing irritations. One point remains true, when we want change we will either focus on the area we want changed or on the changes we need to make—only one focus area will move us forward.

Everyone has made changes in life. Some are more memorable than others. However, when we have objective— goals which we believe we can attain, then we remove a huge barrier to moving forward. You can make changes in your life. Presently, if you are contemplating changes or you are in the process of changing, you are already changing. The steps are already in place—it is the change in focus that you are working on now. It can be done, it can start today, and successful changes in the past can be repeated. Take the next step today, be thankful for the process of change no matter how small that you have already been passed, and move forward one more time. You are a FORWARD STEPPER—even if the steps are slow, even if the steps are small, even IF… Never give up, never stop moving forward, never let step sizes be the measurement of success—let the steps taken be the measure of success.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

I LOVE...

"We all have likes and dislikes, we have things we love, like the Dodgers, or the Angels, and yes some even love the Yankees, but then there are things we should love--like ourselves."
Jeff Johnson March 2008

I love _________, can you fill the blank in with something you love? List the top five things you love in some order--tie(s) are acceptable. Was you name on the list? We all list children, pets, neighbors and friends, organizations that have meaning to us, sports teams, and even food items. O.K., everyone should just assume chocolate as the king of all food items. Let's look at how much time we spend thinking about the things we love in a positive manner.

We are creatures of habit. We comb our hair in the same way each time, we brush our teeth in the same manner, we sleep on the same side of the bed each night, and we eat a lot of the same foods each day. Our habits are formed because we like routines and we like to be happy. When we think of ourselves my guess is we look at the things we need to fix versus the things we like. For example, we may say, 'I am to fat or to skinny," I need to do this about myself or if I only had______, I would be O.K.' For each one of those 'I wishes' we place on the 'less than' side of the coin how many 'atta boys' do we give ourselves in return? We can improve our image if we do just a few things. We can feel better about ourselves if we spend more time thinking good about us instead of bad.

Start everyday with saying something nice about you, Maybe begin with "I am a good person, or I am smart, or I did something good today for someone, or I went to work today when I felt bad, or I worked as hard as I could at something today." Praise yourself more by writing things down and place the notes on the refrigerator or the bathroom mirror. Continue to say I am improving instead of I need to change this, say I am worth it instead of I have so many bad things about me. Looking at a positive way to see us is harder than looking at a negative part of us. Everyone has many good qualities to share and be thankful for. Make a decision to always see a positive when looking at a negative in everything. Try to reduce the time spent thinking bad and focus more on good things. Increase the time you think good about your life instead of how much you need to improve. Look up instead of down, and most of all know you are moving forward because you are a FORWARD STEPPER. Life is good, you have wonderful and good qualities, and there is a plan and purpose for your life. Spend more time thinking good about you and live life smiling.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

SAFETY NET

“Understanding there is a safety net to protect us should end some fears right away”

Jeff Johnson April 2008

IN STICKING WITH MY PROMISE TO GOD, SUNDAY’S BLOG IS DEDICATED TO HONOR HIM AND WORSHIP HIM WHO CREATED ME.

When the lights go off at night some children become afraid; when we pray for career choice decisions in school or job changes we have a fear. When we do new things for the first time or adjust to new changes, and even become sick, we have fear. So, how can we manage our fears? Many of us have an inner strength we call GOD that comforts us. Many of us have an inner strength we call GOD and do not believe HIM enough to understand what HE wants us to do with our fear. Gaps on this point need a bridge, so how does it work if there is belief and yet fear still exists? The answer starts by observing that we are raised in fear e.g. “The ‘ole’ saying, “wait until your_______gets home,” or perhaps, “the new job will include these NEW duties and skill sets,” —so why expect anything else when our life events become more complicated? We must now change our views to look at how GOD challenges fears in our life.

GOD can heal everything without exception—even today in 2008. I find it very interesting that HE has not ‘removed’ fear, but he pointed us—again—to HIM through rescue from the life event. In Exodus 3:11 Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"12 And God said, "I will be with you.” GOD is providing this relief of fear through RESCUE. Look at the prophet Jeremiah 1:6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD, I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." 8 GOD said, “Do not be afraid …, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. In Isaiah 41:10 we read, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.” In each one of these instances, a designed plan was presented to Moses, Jeremiah, and Isaiah, as each one expressed in a kind way—REMOVE THE FEAR! However, GOD responded by saying I will rescue you by: supporting you, strengthening your weaknesses, and helping you—ALL forms of rescue.

We all have gifts to use for GOD’s glory and service. Many life circumstances cause us to fear. We fear moving forward, we fear rejection, we fear things that are new, and you can add your own fears here. GOD will rescue you by just turning to HIM. Rest in the loving arms that want to strengthen, comfort, heal, and yes---rescue you. Step up FORWARD STEPPERS into the life GOD has for you—by preparing to be rescued instead of stifled inside of fear.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff

MATCHING THINGS

"Our actions sometimes do not match our intentions."

Jeff Johnson March 2008

The other day I put on my socks and shoes and left for work in a hurry---YESSSSSS I was fully dressed otherwise LOL. Once at work, I crossed my legs during a session and noticed my socks did not match. I like to wear socks that have wild patterns, so the mismatch was very noticeable. During the entire day I was uncomfortable and self-conscious about the conflict in my life. What I should have done is to take both socks off so at least I felt more at ease with temporarily improved condition. However, the degree of ill-at-ease was manageable so I lived with the status quo.

Many times we desire to move in one direction, but we take actions in another direction or stay stationary. This inactivity or mismatch in direction makes us feel uncomfortable and self-conscious about our life. In most circumstances of mismatched direction we doubt our original decision, our ability to move in the new direction or towards the new goal, until we change our ‘socks’ and totally match. It is time now to not accept the status quo and make the necessary changes to improve our lives.

Decide today to remove the resistance and barriers to feeling good and start getting your life back. If we are tolerating the comfort level then the barrier can not be that severe. Remove the ‘socks’ now as an acceptable temporary remedy. Do not let the stationary position of trying to go in two directions at once allow you to doubt and stop forward movement. Seek the help you need to move forward—move the obstacle before moving your desire. You are a forward stepper—so continue stepping forward.

I believe in you because you are worth it,

Jeff

STARTING POINTS

“Many times we are defeated inside our own heads before we even get started.”

Jeff Johnson March 2008

The story is not original when we speak of the 90 pound weakling getting sand kicked in his face from the beach bully. The 90 pound weakling starts a super conditioning program (all without steroids of course) and becomes this super strong man. Then the showdown with the beach bully is immanent. The once picked on 90 pound weakling approaches the bully and draws a line in the sand daring him to cross it—a challenge is created.

Life brings us challenges. Not all challenges are bad, some are positive, but require us to push beyond reasonable limits. But to often we draw headlines—the same lines that are carved in the sand only mentally placed. Some common 'Headlines' are: "It is to hard," I am not __________(you fill in the blank i.e. tall enough, smart enough, pretty enough, just not enough etc.), and my favorite--I just can't do it." When we make the headlines our human nature shuts us down and we stop. In other words, the fight is over, the game reads 'tilt,' and we lose our quarter. Conversely, when things are going well or when we reach a major goal--we stop with, "I have gone as far as I can go." We create our own internal battle before the fight. Now we face the life challenge and our own challenge--two against one.

We are wired by millions of years of evolution in development to overcome challenges. In the face of death, in the heart of war, through the most perilous times imaginable---we are designed to OVERCOME! Looking at challenges causes us to place a value on our inner and outer strengths as WE perceive them in a given moment. However, The most significant factors in overcoming challenges are identifying the fear we have with the challenge, developing a sense of control over the feared environment mentally, and envisioning alternatives to the anticipated negative outcomes. Instead of looking at the challenge as a welcome mat to fear--why not look at the challenge as a doorway to a new hope, a new dream to obtain, a new path that may lead others to avoid, or to follow out of their fear in a similar situation, or to grow stronger. Instead of stopping at the top of a mountain--why not seek a bigger mountain to climb?

Life has presented us challenges in the past and we have defeated them. Our previous experiences with success are tools to use to sharpen the weapons we need now. STEP FORWARD FORWARD STEPPERS--sharpen your weapons necessary to defeat the present challenge---forgetting the headlines. Besides, headlines are just as soft as the lines in the sand--one small wave and it is just sand.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,

Jeff
PS: I am off on Friday, please read my Saturday BLOG & Sunday's inspirational BLOG.

CHANGES

"When things are bad we feel bad, but when things are good we feel good. We should look for good in everything so we are feel-IN-good all the time."
Jeff Johnson March 2008

Everyone likes to feel good. It is impossible to have things go right all of the time--except in Pleasantville :-). Each day and night in our life brings opportunity for good and bad things to occupy our attitude. When good things happen to pass our way, do we spend time looking at them to see ALL of the good we can in this event? But, when the bad times come we can not analyze it enough. We have actually practiced studying the bad and really ignore all of the good except for the occasional thank-you card responsive items. Truly, we enjoy feeling good and having good things happen to us versus having bad happen to us and feeling terrible.

Many times we hear the phrase, 'count to ten to calm down before acting out,' when anger is in our path. Sometimes I need to request a double take on this--the first take is the traditional 1-10, my second take is 11-100 LOL. How many times do we take 'ten' when good is in our path so we can act out more expressively, reflect on it, and absorb a deeper meaning? If it is true to hold our thoughts and wrap our emotions around anger prior to acting out then the converse would be true for good things. We have actually practiced dwelling on anger and bad things and take good things for granted--SOME OF THE TIME.

Today, take time to list 5 good things that have happened in your life in the last week. Spend 5 minutes looking at how wonderful it made you feel to have the good things happen to you. Consider what life would be like if those things were absent, and try to locate a deeper meaning from the good--a life lesson to carry forward. Put the 'good' to the same test we put anger. The title of this article is "feel-n-good,' this can be a new beginning and a chance to grow.
Step forward you forward steppers--learn how to feel good in all things--practice makes perfect.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff

FOLLOWING LIGHT PATTERNS

"Light can travel infinitely--but headlights and flashlights only provide light to a specific point. Knowing you have unlimited potential and stopping at a particular point can teach us to lift our lights to another point---we have more room to travel--stretch the lighted path."
Jeff Johnson March 2008


Ever plan a trip to a foreign place? Maybe not out of the country or far away, but a new place for you? When you planned the trip did you plan to go farther than the destination or to stop at the end of your plan? Many times we plan to go to a certain point and when we arrive we stop--like in the trip analogy. Sometimes we stay to long at one point and sometimes the original destination where we stop was never intended to be our final stop. We just became comfortable and stopped.

I would like to share a story I heard from someone else--THIS IS NOT ORIGINAL MATERIAL-- I DO NOT KNOW THE AUTHOR--SO HERE IS MY CITATION--the best I can do.
"There was once an African American grandmother in the deep south. She had a large family and everything she made was from scratch. The families favorite item for her to bake were her homemade biscuits. So, one after noon grandma kneaded the dough, formed the biscuits by hand, and placed them in the oven while everyone watched. It was not long and the smell of homemade biscuits filled the house and raised anticipation to a frenzy. When the time came to pull them out of the oven grandma called everyone around. The tray was filled with biscuits, but instead of being high and full they were flat as pancakes. One of the children asked, "What happened to the fluffy biscuits grandma?" Grandma looked at the family and said, "Well the biscuits squatted to rise and then they ended up getting cooked in the squat."" Many times we are like the biscuits--we start out in a beginning position to get started, then just stop--even though our destination is within reach.

We have reachable destinations within our potential. We are created to thrive and succeed. Do not look at where you are as the only place in life that will allow you to stay--look at your place in life as the step you are on now getting ready to move into something else. The stepping stones that lead upward sometimes have flat spots so we can sprint to the finish. Start reaching for new things with enthusiasm and willingness to make it. Set your goals a little higher and when you reach them--set new ones. If the path to making it to where you want to go is dull, boring, old, or covered in "I can't do it," find a kick start today.
Let your light shine in the farthest direction because even though you may not be able to see the end--it does come when we walk towards it long enough. Step out and up forward steppers.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff