This semester in my Bible Study we are studying the books of Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon from the New Testament. We’re starting in Philippians.

This week, Paul is writing from Rome, where he is in prison, literally chained up, to his church family in Phillipi.

He’s talking about how the church in Phillipi should stay encouraged by staying unified in Christ, and that they should, like Christ, look for ways to serve each other.

Then he reminds them to keep doing the good works that they know to do…and to continue to do them without grumbling or arguing.

—–

Way back in the day, when my kids were in Pre-K, the teachers taught them 2 simple sayings.

The first: “Delayed obedience is disobedience.”

(I still use that one from time to time with my 16-year-old!)

The second: “Obey with a happy heart attitude.”

This week, as I read this passage from Philippians 2, I was reminded of these sayings and I was kind of convicted.

Do I go through life doing what I’m supposed to be doing, (loving and serving) with a happy heart attitude, or am I grumbling and complaining?

It’s so easy to get sidetracked and head down that negative pathway, isn’t it?

Things like time pressures, disappointments, and even fear of the future can set us off. Then, instead of working with a happy heart attitude, we’re working from a place of arguing, whining, disagreement, and negativity.

The good news is you can change at any time.

When you catch yourself arguing, complaining, moaning, groaning, and just generally being ungrateful for your life, stop it immediately!

Recognize you’ve fallen into an unhelpful thought pattern, and notice instead, all the good around you.

–Take a moment to be thankful.

–Look for the good in the situation.

–Determine if there’s a way to serve humbly, then get busy!

Philippians 2:14-15 says, “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. ” (NLT)

Do you want to be a light in this dark world?

Do you want to live life with a happy heart attitude?

Later in verse 16, Paul says to “hold on to the word of life” and I believe this is the way we are able to live with that happy heart attitude.

We hold on to the truth we know from the word of God.

We think about things that are good and pure and truthful and loving and kind and generous.

And in this way, we live as children of light with a happy heart attitude.

And just think how much happier we will be, and how much better off our world will be.

All because we purposed to live with a happy heart attitude.

Cheering you on,

Christy

P.S. If you want to hear a really “catchy” (ear-worm) song from this verse, here’s Steve Green’s version. I used to play this song when I babysat back in the 90’s…and I have never forgotten it. You’re welcome.

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January is almost over, and I didn’t quite finish what I started.

But, here’s the good thing. It’s turning out even BETTER than I had planned!

Starting with the clearing out  — I decluttered extensively and filled my car twice with trips to the Goodwill. Win! The storage closet in which I was planning to store the out of season leftovers, fell down into the clothes closet below. I know. Don’t ask.

But, the positive result will be even better storage once my husband completes the repair project. So let’s call that a not quite checked off the list but well on it’s way to completion success!

If you want to declutter too, may I suggest my friend Kathi Lipp’s easy to read and even easier to put into practice book, Clutter Free. You’ll love it and it will help you declutter your life!

Regarding the second part of my goals…here’s where it gets interesting…

As I was working on the content to be added to my website, I knew I needed video of me speaking, testimonials, information about my programs and an updated about me page. I wanted it to look like a speaker’s site, not a blogger/podcasters site.

I found some super smart people to help me with the technical aspects of this, and I began researching sites of some of my favorite National Speakers Association speakers to see what ideas I could steal borrow and change to make my own.

There are some awesome people out there to emulate! People like Neen James and Connie Podesta and Laura Stack and Tami Evans. And lots more incredible women who are really dominating in the public speaking space.

In the course of my research, I was drilling down to make sure my message was crystal clear on every level. I reached out to Neen James, who is known for her dynamic and fun delivery combined with her stellar content. I had seen her speak this past July at the NSA Convention, and was very intrigued with how she had packaged and delivered her message.

She was so helpful! She basically told me what I had come up with was no good and not unique at all. Boring. Her magic words were, Christy, I looked at your site, and I can’t book you from what you are telling me there. I don’t know what you offer.

Yikes! Just what I needed to hear. (Actually, I thought my site was shaping up nicely! So how awesome to get that kind of honest and relevant feedback!)

So in the past 2 weeks, I’ve gotten to work drilling down to the essence of Christy. Neen asked me, What have you put your 10,000 hours into Christy? What lessons have you learned over and over and over in your life that you can share with your audience? 

I’m still working on teasing it all out, but I am so close! And I’m so excited! Because instead of just being a “High Energy Motivational Speaker who teaches you how to get along and connect” I’m going to be framing it in a personal and more meaningful way that will be much more interesting and unique.

Which means YOU will be getting better content because I’ll be filtering it in a more effective way.

Here’s what I’ve learned from this whole experience. Maybe they will help you too!

1. Even if you don’t know exactly where it’s going to end up, get started getting busy on what you want to do.  The de-cluttering project revealed the storage problem. Had I waited, there would still be piles everywhere and the closet would still be a problem! If I hadn’t begun the research, I would never have seen the huge gaping holes in my website/speaking project.
2. Reach out for help. I knew I couldn’t deal with all the technical changes I’ll be needing in the course of changing my website. I found experts in those areas to help me. That even relates to me reaching out to Neen. (I didn’t know her personally before.)
3. Be willing to look at the same things differently. You know I’ve been speaking on the topics of communication skills, customer service, and personality styles for almost 20 years. This month, I’ve looked at my body of work in a whole new way, and I’m coming out the other end the better for it.

What about you? How did your January go? Are you still on track to make this your Best Year Ever? I hope so.  Let me know in the comments below, or comment on FB.

The post It was Guilt Free and Painless appeared first on Christy Largent.

“That Feeling” = Tight chest, shallow breathing, head spinning, general feeling of high anxiety about all the things I should be doing, hadn’t done or missed doing.

About 6 months ago, I realized that when my body has this visceral reaction, I needed to pay attention.

It wasn’t just the physical I was experiencing.  Because at the same time, my mind was going wild and I felt:  Overwhelmed.  Ashamed.  Anxious.  Behind.  Embarrassed.  Frustrated.  Scared.  Not Enough.  And again Ashamed.

So I stopped, took a few deep breaths, remembered what I was supposed to, wanted to get busy doing, and thought I would take my own minute of re-connection to re-connect with you and share with you what worked for me, just in case you have ever felt like this too.

1. Stop.  This is where you readjust yourself physically.  You MUST do this first, even before anything else.  Physically stop and breathe.  Close your eyes, sit up straight, gently move your head and shoulders to realign.  Focusing on nothing but the air, breathe in deeply, all the way to your bellybutton.  Do it again.  And one more time.  You should start feeling a bit of relief right away.
2. Think.  This is where you readjust your mind.  Let go of all the negative you just veered off course into. Remind yourself of what you want to do.  Your calling.  Your passion.  Let go of the comparison.  (Yup, my guess is that’s at the root of this particular melt-down.)
3. Act.  This is where you do something positive to move yourself in the right direction.  Start doing that thing you just reminded yourself about.  The old saying, “just do the next right thing” really comes in handy here.  You know what it is.  You can do it. Start.

I hope these reminders helped you.  They helped me.  Now I’d better get back to my regularly scheduled programming.

Love ya!

Christy

P.S.  I’d love to hear your stories.  What sends you into a panic?  What is your trigger?  How do you get out of it?  Please leave your comments below, on FB or Tweet it!

The post I Felt Overwhelmed and Ashamed and How I Moved Past It appeared first on Christy Largent.

Key Ideas:

Part 1 – Interview highlights

• The Power of small decisions
• What to say when someone you love is making bad decisions
• To keep secrets….or not?
• How to move forward after a bad mistake

Part 2 – Moving through Messiness

• Honesty
• Forgiveness – Colossians 3:12-14
• Face down Fear

Website Links

www.JacqueWatkins.com

The Mud Stories Podcast

Jacque’s Resource Recommendations

www.momastery.com (Glennon Melton)

Jacque’s Recommended Reading

The Daily Bible – In Chronological Order

The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands, by Lysa TerKeurst

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, by Ann Voskamp

One Thousand Gifts Devotional: Reflections on Finding Everyday Graces, by Ann Voskamp

StrengthsFinder 2.0, by Tom Rath

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Colossians 3:12-14  “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

The post #032: Jacque Watkins – It’s a Messy Life (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Key Ideas:

Part 1:  Interview

• What to do when you are really all alone
• The power of authenticity
• The surprising message of Love and Grace
• Why we should not let roadblocks stop us

Part 2: Risking Humility: A fresh look at Authenticity

• A thought on how humility and authenticity are really 2 sides of the same coin.

Website links:

www.michellederusha.com  This is Michelle’s creative, helpful, interesting home base.  She’s got links to her books, relevant articles and fun give-aways.  It’s worth a visit for sure!

Kay’s Recommended Reading:

Spiritual Misfit: A Memoir of Uneasy Faith, by Michelle DeRusha.  An honest look at a faith journey – especially for those questioning their own beliefs.

50 Women Every Christian Should Know: Learning from Heroines of the Faith, by Michelle DeRusha.  I’m loving this book.  Very inspirational.  I’m actually using it as the recommended reading for a teen-age retreat I’m doing in October.  It’s so powerful to read about these women of faith – guess what?  They are a whole lot like you and me.

Expecting Adam: A True Story of Birth, Rebirth, and Everyday Magic, by Martha Beck.  This book looks great!  Can’t wait to read it.

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Colossians 3:12-14   (again!) “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Question:  What was your favorite part of this interview?  Do you get uncomfortable very often? Why/why not?  And do you risk humility?   I’d love to hear your thoughts.

The post #023: Michelle DeRusha – Spiritual Misfit and 50 Women Every Christian Should Know (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Key Ideas:

1. List all the things, projects, programs, trainings at work you have led OR had an integral part in accomplishing.  Include things that are volunteer as part of your work…chamber of commerce, rotary, soroptimists, community work
2. List and write down all the favorite things you do as a hobby.  For example:  cross-stitch, cross fit, restoring cars, music, travel, reading, VBS curriculum, VP of your kids swim team boosters.  I want you to think of all the ways you bring value to those activities.  What are the ACTIVITIES you are doing around these things. Think ACTION words…
3. Note all the things you like to think about and talk about.  What do you do extra reading or watching on?  Is there something you want to know more about?  Take a class or do an online training.
4. Highlight areas of crossover.
5. Offer.   Get the word out there that you are available.  Are there things you are doing with your kids swim team that you could do at work?  Just because you don’t have the job title doesn’t mean you can’t do cross over there.  Is there a project at work you would really like to work on but you’re not on that team?  Is there a way you could volunteer doing it? Tell you boss or supervisor what you would like to start doing.  Is there something that needs to be done but nobody has ever mentioned it?Look for opportunity to cross train.  If you company offers this, great!  If not, then look for natural openings and offer to learn someone else’s responsibilities.

Recognize your value and look for opportunities to add that value.  You are an expert in something.  You add value to your organization in ways that ONLY you can add value.  So today is the day to assesses and implement. 

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Eph 2:10  “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do, that we should walk in, DO, them...” NIV

Question:  What are you an expert in?  Where can you add value to the world around you?   I can’t wait to read your comments below.

The post #015: You Are The Expert (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

When I got home and after the car was unpacked, the clothes in the washer and most of the dirt wiped off, I picked up a book I’ve had sitting on my desk for 2 weeks or so.  In light of the way my non-stop self-talk had run riot after a weekend of being reminded I’m not where I want to be physically, (the end of the month challenge…remember?!?) the title caught my attention.  Crash the Chatterbox by Steven Furtick is timely to say the least.

Right at the beginning he reminded me that this frustration I experience between what I want to do and what I currently experience is nothing new.  In fact, the apostle Paul beautifully shared with us how he was constantly “at war” with this battle in his mind.  “I do what I don’t want to do, and I don’t do what I want to do,” Paul said.   Sound familiar?

If you struggle with your self-talk, I think you would enjoy  Crash the Chatterbox too.  I’m about 1/2 way through it now, and so far, there have been 2 key ideas I want to share with you.

1.  Look to God rather than people for approval.  My personality tends to look to others for their approval.  I work harder for others than I do for myself.  I focus on being the best student, the best friend, the best worker, the best daughter.  And it seems like I’m always striving to be perfect so that I’ll hear “good job” from the person I’m working for approval from.

Instead, I”m going to take Steven’s reminder to heart and realize that God has already said “good job Christy.”  In fact, he has already said, “Good Job!” to you too.  I’m already fully approved of and so are you.

Following hard on the heels of this need for approval, is my desire to compare.          2.  Dump that darned comparison trap!  It was so tempting to trot out my old friend – especially this past weekend as the end of month brought many promotions in my former business.  Several friends whom I had watched start their business’ after me, and then promote past me had just achieved the top level of the company.  I am so happy for them.  Really.  I am.

And I’m kind of sad for me.  For the lost hopes and dreams.  For the title of “National Vice President” that I didn’t achieve.   And then, just in time, I was reminded by Steven that comparison is ridiculous. Let me quote from him (just in case any of you could benefit from this thought too.)

 “Before you were born – before any of your defects were apparent to you — they were absolutely apparent to God.  That didn’t stop Him from calling your name and setting you apart.  He placed you on the earth at a certain time for a pre-decided purpose.

 And even when you can’t seem to get your act together, your identity is secure and completely intact.  Because in Christ, who you are matters infinitely more than anything you do or cannot do.”

And that’s the truth.  That “pre-decided purpose” just makes my heart sing.  Because I know that had I achieved that rank I was working so hard for, I wouldn’t be right here with you right now. There would be no blog.  No podcast. No speaking career.  And for whatever reason, I know without a shadow of a doubt that this is where I’m supposed to be.

All 187 lbs., achey back, creaky knees and all.  And as I get my mind repositioned, whatever that process looks like, is when the weight will drop and the fitness improve.  In the meantime, ping-pong anyone?

Question:  How do you handle your self talk?  What’s your biggest challenge?  Can you see yourself using the two ideas I discussed?

The post What’s in Your Mind? appeared first on Christy Largent.

For the past 9 years I have been focused at home.  Raising my long-awaited children.

and working a home business in the nooks and crannies.  My passion for speaking had not abated, I just put it put on the back burner.

Taking stock while vacationing this summer in the beautiful Oregon countryside

I realized I needed to get busy doing what God put me on earth to do.  With the help of some terrific books, Put Your Dream to the Test: 10 Questions to Help You See It and Seize It
and The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results
I decided to relaunch my professional speaking business.

The Dream  This is the dream that emerged.   I’m committed to helping people all over the world Create Positive Connections and Cultivate Purposeful Living.

The Reality  I quickly discovered the business world has changed a lot in the 9 years I’ve been away from professional speaking.  Thankfully, I discovered Michael Hyatt at just the right time!  The former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers has the most extraordinary website www.michaelhyatt.com as well as book, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World.
The book is a step-by-step guide to launching whatever business you want to.  I memorized it immediately!

The Plan  I will be speaking, writing, and using social media to connect.   My plan is to blog 3 times a week with regular topics.

Mondays I’ll offer insight for dealing with the various personalities in your life.  When I speak on the personality styles, it’s always a favorite, so I think you will like too.

Wednesdays I’ll cover tips, tricks and strategies for successful communication.  By Wednesday you’re usually sick to death of those irritating people you have to work with, so I figure that’s a good time to help you strengthen your communications skills.

Fridays, in the interest of honest transparency, I’m going to write about my lifelong challenge interest in fitness, wellness and nutrition.

I have a lot of other exciting ideas, so in between the scheduled posts I’ll be adding videos and podcasts and tools to help you create positive connections and cultivate purposeful living. I’m so excited!

Question:  My theme is “Positive Connections. Purposeful Living.”  With that in mind, what topics would you like to see me cover this year?  What are you most interested in learning about? Please leave a comment below!

The post The Beginning – What’s this all about? appeared first on Christy Largent.