Learning is a beautiful thing. It helps people expand their horizons and then their futures. I love to learn and have since a young age. By age 5 I had my very own dictionary because I wanted to write, all the time and was constantly asking my mother how to spell words. She decided it would be better for me and I would remember them better if I had to look them up. She would help me connect the sound to the letter and then have me look. After a little while she would just look at me and say "Joyce Adell, you know what that starts with. Try for a few minute then if you're still having problems I will help you." Oh how I loved that dictionary. I still have it to this day, 4 decades and some change later.
My mom knew that she could keep giving me the the words/spelling but until I had to look it up and apply it I wouldn't truly own it. Now I spell incredibly well and don't need to because spell check catches almost all my mistypes without me thinking about it.
The point is if you love to learn, you have to come to the point where the rubber meets the road and you start applying what you've learned. If you take in and take in and take in and never apply it, then you are the dead sea. No one wants to be the dead sea.
I think the fun in learning is putting things into practice. I am trying to do that as much as possible in this season. I have been listening to podcasts and taking business courses and reading business books. It's time to start implementing what I am learning. It's time to spread my wings. It's time to apply what I have learned in goal setting and time management to get everything done I need to get done each day.
Stay tuned. Big things are coming. I'm dreaming big and changing my days. Might even change yours too.
Loves!
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Chaos
God is so amazingly good to me!!!
Work is chaotic and overwhelming and I am short on magic tricks to make it all better. Yeah, I know, that doesn't sound like God is watching and moving but trust me, He is. Work is a big part of our daily lives so when it's chaotic and just downright nuts it can really negatively impact our attitudes and that can spill into other areas of our lives and cause splash damage on other people.
Today I look at the chaos and I see God's love because in the midst of the messes, I see that He has been laying the groundwork to bring me to a place that peace and joy and contentment come from. A place where I can bless others instead of helping to spread stress and angst.
Today I am in a place where the chaos doesn't scare me. It cannot overtake me. It cannot have any negative impact on me unless I allow it to. I have the choice. I can keep my eyes fixed on God or I can look at circumstances. God is bigger than my circumstances. He knows every detail of what I face and the choices I make. He plants seeds of hope in me.
I am a huge podcast fan. If you pick up my phone you will see it's loaded with podcasts from church, (mine and others) and from people I admire and respect. Topics range from last weeks sermon to starting a business from scratch to cellulite. The reason I share that is because the people on those podcasts are strategically placed there because they love God and He breathes into their lives so they can share. That's who I want to learn from. They inspire me.
He also uses people around me to help keep me grounded. I have some pretty incredible people in my life and they support and encourage me like I have never experienced before. Having people in your corner that cheer you on and help you expand and fine tune your dreams can lift you far from the chaos.
I know God has me planted where I am for a reason. Often times I have forgotten that and let the stress of the constant chaos and turmoil smother the love He has birthed in me for other people. I can be mean and snarky and not thoughtful of other peoples feelings or the impact my words have. I can't change yesterday but I can change the next interaction I have, and the one after that, and the next one too.
So, when you're in the middle of stuff that threatens your peace and contentment and tries to steal your joy, take a deep breath and raise your eyes towards God and ask Him what's up. What does He want to birth in you or grow in you that you're not seeing because you're too close. Ask Him to speak through you instead of letting the words you would like to use about how unfair this is or how rotten you were treated.
I'm learning. Every day I get to choose. I hope I choose Jesus more and more often.
Work is chaotic and overwhelming and I am short on magic tricks to make it all better. Yeah, I know, that doesn't sound like God is watching and moving but trust me, He is. Work is a big part of our daily lives so when it's chaotic and just downright nuts it can really negatively impact our attitudes and that can spill into other areas of our lives and cause splash damage on other people.
Today I look at the chaos and I see God's love because in the midst of the messes, I see that He has been laying the groundwork to bring me to a place that peace and joy and contentment come from. A place where I can bless others instead of helping to spread stress and angst.
Today I am in a place where the chaos doesn't scare me. It cannot overtake me. It cannot have any negative impact on me unless I allow it to. I have the choice. I can keep my eyes fixed on God or I can look at circumstances. God is bigger than my circumstances. He knows every detail of what I face and the choices I make. He plants seeds of hope in me.
I am a huge podcast fan. If you pick up my phone you will see it's loaded with podcasts from church, (mine and others) and from people I admire and respect. Topics range from last weeks sermon to starting a business from scratch to cellulite. The reason I share that is because the people on those podcasts are strategically placed there because they love God and He breathes into their lives so they can share. That's who I want to learn from. They inspire me.
He also uses people around me to help keep me grounded. I have some pretty incredible people in my life and they support and encourage me like I have never experienced before. Having people in your corner that cheer you on and help you expand and fine tune your dreams can lift you far from the chaos.
I know God has me planted where I am for a reason. Often times I have forgotten that and let the stress of the constant chaos and turmoil smother the love He has birthed in me for other people. I can be mean and snarky and not thoughtful of other peoples feelings or the impact my words have. I can't change yesterday but I can change the next interaction I have, and the one after that, and the next one too.
So, when you're in the middle of stuff that threatens your peace and contentment and tries to steal your joy, take a deep breath and raise your eyes towards God and ask Him what's up. What does He want to birth in you or grow in you that you're not seeing because you're too close. Ask Him to speak through you instead of letting the words you would like to use about how unfair this is or how rotten you were treated.
I'm learning. Every day I get to choose. I hope I choose Jesus more and more often.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Goals
Can I just say that I am really, really excited about the direction my life is going? I am taking steps to make the life I want to have.
My goals are ahead of me and I want nothing more than to start reaching them. I have to remember though that I can't do it all today. I need to take a couple steps today and tomorrow and the next day and if I take enough steps and am consistent then I will achieve the success I desire.
I know me. I know I dream big then either get overwhelmed by the size of my dream and end up cowering in a corner in fear of the size of it. OR I dream big and don't see results right away so I give up on said dreams.
I'm tired of giving up. I'm tired of cowering in the corner.
I deserve better. My children deserve to learn better. They deserve to be motivated to dream big because they see me living my dreams. They deserve to live a life free from fear of failure. They deserve to be encouraged to try. If they fail, so what? Get back up and try again. And again. And again. The same applies to me. Yes I have failed in the past. Yes I am sure I will fail again in the future but I am done giving up and instead I am going to keep getting up and keep moving forward. If I take 2 steps forward and get knocked back 1 every time, that's okay because I'm still making progress.
What would you do if you thought you couldn't fail? Or if you thought you might fail but could have a redo on? What's holding you back from doing that thing?
My goals are ahead of me and I want nothing more than to start reaching them. I have to remember though that I can't do it all today. I need to take a couple steps today and tomorrow and the next day and if I take enough steps and am consistent then I will achieve the success I desire.
I know me. I know I dream big then either get overwhelmed by the size of my dream and end up cowering in a corner in fear of the size of it. OR I dream big and don't see results right away so I give up on said dreams.
I'm tired of giving up. I'm tired of cowering in the corner.
I deserve better. My children deserve to learn better. They deserve to be motivated to dream big because they see me living my dreams. They deserve to live a life free from fear of failure. They deserve to be encouraged to try. If they fail, so what? Get back up and try again. And again. And again. The same applies to me. Yes I have failed in the past. Yes I am sure I will fail again in the future but I am done giving up and instead I am going to keep getting up and keep moving forward. If I take 2 steps forward and get knocked back 1 every time, that's okay because I'm still making progress.
What would you do if you thought you couldn't fail? Or if you thought you might fail but could have a redo on? What's holding you back from doing that thing?
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Changes I want
Hi again. Welcome back. And if this is your first time or you've been here a hundred times before, I'm glad you're here.
I am a very ambitious person with a big vision. Problem is I tend to bite off more than I can chew and then get overwhelmed or frustrated and upset with myself, give up and feel defeated. That is not a fun way to live. And I believe in Chalene Johnson's idea of having a Crazy, Ridiculous, Amazing, Fun-Filled Life (CRAFFL). Hope I got that right Chalene.
So right now I am going through Chalene's 30 Push challenge and today is day 3, goal setting. Making AMAZING goals for what I want to accomplish and how I want my life to look. In her 30 day Push she teaches you how to make those goals a reality. Application is key. I love that she says if you are taking info in and learning and learning but never applying...STOP! Implement what you learn.
10 Goals sounds easy enough, right? I had the hardest time because I kept reigning myself back. I didn't want to think too big because I didn't want to disappoint myself or worse, share them and then have people know that I failed.
I'll share a few of the 10 here...no not all 10, I'm not that brave yet. Keep in mind that we're supposed to write them as if they're happening so here it goes.
1) I am gainfully self employed and my schedule is mine to decide.
2) My boys and I have taken 2 nice vacations.
3) I drive a completely paid for 2010 Ford Mustang.
4) I have a fully funded emergency fund.
5) I am a fit and healthy size 8.
6) I wake up smiling.
7) I am generous with my time and money, supporting local organizations that have a huge impact in line with my priorities which are sharing Jesus love and supporting families.
Yep, completing those would be crazy and amazing and I would be off the hook excited to be living that life.
I know these goals are going to take work and I'm willing to put in the work to have that kind of life. A week from now I'm supposed to write a new list of goals without looking at today's list and as things fall off and adjust I am supposed to run with it. This shall be interesting.
I can't wait!!!
I am a very ambitious person with a big vision. Problem is I tend to bite off more than I can chew and then get overwhelmed or frustrated and upset with myself, give up and feel defeated. That is not a fun way to live. And I believe in Chalene Johnson's idea of having a Crazy, Ridiculous, Amazing, Fun-Filled Life (CRAFFL). Hope I got that right Chalene.
So right now I am going through Chalene's 30 Push challenge and today is day 3, goal setting. Making AMAZING goals for what I want to accomplish and how I want my life to look. In her 30 day Push she teaches you how to make those goals a reality. Application is key. I love that she says if you are taking info in and learning and learning but never applying...STOP! Implement what you learn.
10 Goals sounds easy enough, right? I had the hardest time because I kept reigning myself back. I didn't want to think too big because I didn't want to disappoint myself or worse, share them and then have people know that I failed.
I'll share a few of the 10 here...no not all 10, I'm not that brave yet. Keep in mind that we're supposed to write them as if they're happening so here it goes.
1) I am gainfully self employed and my schedule is mine to decide.
2) My boys and I have taken 2 nice vacations.
3) I drive a completely paid for 2010 Ford Mustang.
4) I have a fully funded emergency fund.
5) I am a fit and healthy size 8.
6) I wake up smiling.
7) I am generous with my time and money, supporting local organizations that have a huge impact in line with my priorities which are sharing Jesus love and supporting families.
Yep, completing those would be crazy and amazing and I would be off the hook excited to be living that life.
I know these goals are going to take work and I'm willing to put in the work to have that kind of life. A week from now I'm supposed to write a new list of goals without looking at today's list and as things fall off and adjust I am supposed to run with it. This shall be interesting.
I can't wait!!!
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Positivity
Can I just tell you how excited I am about my life? There is so much crazy going on in it but I am so deeply and genuinely happy. I can only say "Thank you GOD for all your goodness to me". Some people would look at my life and think there's nothing to be happy about. A broken marriage. Split custody of my youngest son. Recovering from breast cancer.
But let me tell you, God has sustained me and refreshed my soul during these struggles and trials. So much so that I can sincerely say that I am happy in my life.
In addition to sustaining me and refreshing me He has planted seeds in my heart and mind and is stirring in me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. Doing the same thing over and over again creates a rut. I don't want to be in a rut because eventually if you stay on that path you wear it down and it because a valley between narrow deep walls and it threatens to overwhelm you and swallow you whole. That is not how I want to live.
As the plan becomes clearer and I move in active obedience to God's leading I will share more. In the meantime please know that God's grace and goodness is a precious gift He wants to share with everyone. The creator of the world knows YOU and EVERYTHING that concerns you. Give it over to Him and see how much lighter and freer you feel.
Praying blessings over you and your circumstances.
Much love,
Joyce
But let me tell you, God has sustained me and refreshed my soul during these struggles and trials. So much so that I can sincerely say that I am happy in my life.
In addition to sustaining me and refreshing me He has planted seeds in my heart and mind and is stirring in me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. Doing the same thing over and over again creates a rut. I don't want to be in a rut because eventually if you stay on that path you wear it down and it because a valley between narrow deep walls and it threatens to overwhelm you and swallow you whole. That is not how I want to live.
As the plan becomes clearer and I move in active obedience to God's leading I will share more. In the meantime please know that God's grace and goodness is a precious gift He wants to share with everyone. The creator of the world knows YOU and EVERYTHING that concerns you. Give it over to Him and see how much lighter and freer you feel.
Praying blessings over you and your circumstances.
Much love,
Joyce
Monday, August 10, 2015
I'm BAAACCCCKKKKKKK
Oh my! I didn't mean to start this and then disappear, leaving you hanging.
After diagnosis and 2 biopsies, 2 surgeries, an accidental severe sunburn that put off the start of radiation by 2 weeks and then 5 weeks of radiation treatments, I have felt slightly rung out and run down. I am used to being active, especially on beautiful days. I have lived on my couch resting when not at work, treatment or other required living events.
I am declaring today that I am going to regain my life and get my energy back and start celebrating that I am done with cancer.
Time to hit my goals and to do things that make me happy. I am going back to writing and start recording and enjoying the people that God has abundantly blessed me with. I am not going to stand by timidly as life moves on. I am going to live fully and do things daily that make me happy and give me joy!
I am starting to take steps daily to bring me to my goals. They aren't going to happen until I am intentional and as that is my word for the year it is time to start moving in it. I intentionally worked with my son to help him get to grade level work at school as that is something he struggles with. I intentionally did everything I needed to in order to fight breast cancer. Now I am going to get intentional about getting the life I want to live. I want life that will make me happy to have lived when I look back at the end of my days.
So that is what you are going to see more of on my blog. What am I doing? Why am I doing it? What do I want my life to look at. This is my accountability. This is me being vulnerable.
I want to be interactive. Leave comments, good, bad and anywhere in between. If you see me heading for a cliff, call out to me. Let me know if you see something I don't. Let me know if I'm encouraging you or stressing you out.
Let's do this together and get to where we want our lives to be.
I believe in me and I believe in you!
Loves!!!
#back #cancerfree #startingfresh #livingintentionally #beingintentional
After diagnosis and 2 biopsies, 2 surgeries, an accidental severe sunburn that put off the start of radiation by 2 weeks and then 5 weeks of radiation treatments, I have felt slightly rung out and run down. I am used to being active, especially on beautiful days. I have lived on my couch resting when not at work, treatment or other required living events.
I am declaring today that I am going to regain my life and get my energy back and start celebrating that I am done with cancer.
Time to hit my goals and to do things that make me happy. I am going back to writing and start recording and enjoying the people that God has abundantly blessed me with. I am not going to stand by timidly as life moves on. I am going to live fully and do things daily that make me happy and give me joy!
I am starting to take steps daily to bring me to my goals. They aren't going to happen until I am intentional and as that is my word for the year it is time to start moving in it. I intentionally worked with my son to help him get to grade level work at school as that is something he struggles with. I intentionally did everything I needed to in order to fight breast cancer. Now I am going to get intentional about getting the life I want to live. I want life that will make me happy to have lived when I look back at the end of my days.
So that is what you are going to see more of on my blog. What am I doing? Why am I doing it? What do I want my life to look at. This is my accountability. This is me being vulnerable.
I want to be interactive. Leave comments, good, bad and anywhere in between. If you see me heading for a cliff, call out to me. Let me know if you see something I don't. Let me know if I'm encouraging you or stressing you out.
Let's do this together and get to where we want our lives to be.
I believe in me and I believe in you!
Loves!!!
#back #cancerfree #startingfresh #livingintentionally #beingintentional
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Learning
One thing I have never been good at is asking for and accepting help. I have been let down or judged so much that I have put on a hard outer shell and a determination to not need anyone. If I can't do it on my own then I don't need it in my life. I don't know when exactly this developed but it has. It is hard to live in community and openness when you have walls protecting you from disappointment.
God has blessed me with incredible friends who want to help and want to serve me, especially in this season. After my first surgery I was still very much in that independent, I can take care of myself mode.
This time around when friends offered to help I jumped at the opportunity. I am just so tired the idea of planning and prepping a meal is overwhelming. Lil man and I can't live on cereal and prepped food products. I love real food. Fresh food. My precious friend Joanna offered to bring me a couple meals and whatever groceries I needed. I ran out of coffee creamer. She brought me some. And fresh fruits and veggies. And that was on top of homemade chili and a rotisserie chicken. I've never bought a rotisserie chicken and am looking forward to trying it. She also brought me an adorable bag and a coffee mug that lists all the things cancer can't take from me.
And when Chris brought lil man back to me, he took him yesterday so I could rest, he brought me a Papa Murphy's gluten free pizza. Yummy.
And my friend Kristen is coming over tomorrow to drop off food she's made as well. I am so abundantly blessed.
I had prayed a long time ago for real friends to live life with, friends who breathe life into each other. And He answered that prayer in spades. He put me in community with a great group of women who are life givers. Even though we have all moved to different times and stages of our lives, we stay in touch, not as much as we should but when we need each other we're there.
I am learning to accept help and to ask for it. "Yes, please" is my favorite newest expression. I don't need much but it's those who step in and meet the little needs that fill my heart so much.
My bestie set up a go fund me account for me to help with the medical expenses because 2 surgeries is crazy expensive and she knows thinking about being back in debt overwhelms me to the point of tears and panic attacks. And it fills my heart that people respond. It is truly incredible to have people step in to help me.
It seems like every direction I turn I am being invited to trust Jesus more and to trust people more. I am so very blessed beyond my wildest dreams. It is so weird to me that I am walking through the challenge of breast cancer but I am finding an abundance of blessing and much to smile about and I am joy filled, not always happy but I have an unshakable joy.
#Godisgood #abundantlove #breastcancersucks #Godprovides #Godlovesme
God has blessed me with incredible friends who want to help and want to serve me, especially in this season. After my first surgery I was still very much in that independent, I can take care of myself mode.
This time around when friends offered to help I jumped at the opportunity. I am just so tired the idea of planning and prepping a meal is overwhelming. Lil man and I can't live on cereal and prepped food products. I love real food. Fresh food. My precious friend Joanna offered to bring me a couple meals and whatever groceries I needed. I ran out of coffee creamer. She brought me some. And fresh fruits and veggies. And that was on top of homemade chili and a rotisserie chicken. I've never bought a rotisserie chicken and am looking forward to trying it. She also brought me an adorable bag and a coffee mug that lists all the things cancer can't take from me.
And when Chris brought lil man back to me, he took him yesterday so I could rest, he brought me a Papa Murphy's gluten free pizza. Yummy.
And my friend Kristen is coming over tomorrow to drop off food she's made as well. I am so abundantly blessed.
I had prayed a long time ago for real friends to live life with, friends who breathe life into each other. And He answered that prayer in spades. He put me in community with a great group of women who are life givers. Even though we have all moved to different times and stages of our lives, we stay in touch, not as much as we should but when we need each other we're there.
I am learning to accept help and to ask for it. "Yes, please" is my favorite newest expression. I don't need much but it's those who step in and meet the little needs that fill my heart so much.
My bestie set up a go fund me account for me to help with the medical expenses because 2 surgeries is crazy expensive and she knows thinking about being back in debt overwhelms me to the point of tears and panic attacks. And it fills my heart that people respond. It is truly incredible to have people step in to help me.
It seems like every direction I turn I am being invited to trust Jesus more and to trust people more. I am so very blessed beyond my wildest dreams. It is so weird to me that I am walking through the challenge of breast cancer but I am finding an abundance of blessing and much to smile about and I am joy filled, not always happy but I have an unshakable joy.
#Godisgood #abundantlove #breastcancersucks #Godprovides #Godlovesme
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