The Power of Follow Through

Like many of you, I love new projects!  The excitement of planning & preparing for them are fun because they usually involve a few hours getting inspired by Pinterest!  I also tend to announce new projects with audacious enthusiasm. . . like I have found the cure to cancer or something. 

But then a few weeks (or sometimes only days) pass and my passion has vanished and taken with it my motivation and determination!  Then the embarrassing crown of "Queen of Good Intentions" announces my failures to the world much like The Scarlet Letter!  

Since I didn't want to wear this heavy crown another year, I asked God for help.  I want to be a finisher, not a quitter!!  

That is when I came across a life-changing blog series by Jon Acuff (one of my favorite bloggers/authors) that he is calling Finish Year.  It captured my attention.  Every Sunday, Jon writes on his blog about how he did on the six things that he is working on this year. He is very honest about his progress or the lack thereof, which prevents the "drop out syndrome" that tends to accompany those who are focused on perfection.  He keeps his readers focused on finishing, no matter how many times they have to start over. 

FOLLOW-THROUGH 

1. the completion of a motion, as in the stroke of a tennis racket
2. the portion of such a motion after the ball has been hit
3. the act of continuing a plan or project to its completion

After reading Jon's Finish Year blog posts, the Holy Spirit began speaking to me about the power of follow-through.  In tennis, you must know where you want the ball to go before you ever hit the ball with the racket.  But simple contact with the ball doesn't get it to your desired location.  It is the follow-through that determines the place the ball will bounce first--which sets you up for a winning or losing play.  

And the same is true in life.  


Having a good job does not make you financially secure.  Having children does not mean you are a good parent who will leave a great legacy.  Going to church does not mean that your life is marked by the truth and power described in the Bible.  

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. 

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."  Proverbs 19:20-21

WHERE IS MY LIFE SUPPOSED TO GO?

• What should be the focus of my life this year? (Top 2 priorities for me personally, at home, at work, etc)
• What relationships will help me stay focused on His directions? Which ones will distract me from them?
• Which projects or dreams do I need to pursue? Which ones do I need to shelve for now?

Then God spoke to me to work through my calendar with the entire year in view using Michael Hyatt's "Annual Time Block" template.  It became so easy to make decisions regarding opportunities or invitations because I was planning my time according to my answers to the above questions.  No more "tyranny of the urgent" or people-pleasing for me.  I want my life to be a winner for the Kingdom of God! 

WHAT DOES FOLLOW-THROUGH LOOK LIKE?

• Dedicating time for the priorities of this year in measurable goals. 
• Sharing these goals with others.  (It becomes real when said out loud!)
• Evaluating progress on goals one week or month at a time
• Committing to accountability with others pursuing similar goals.

For me, my "trainers" have been found in the Hello Mornings Challenge and Finish Year.  God has given me places to experience the joys of accountability and encouragement through the Body of Christ. 


The power of follow-through is practice. . . practice truly makes progress! 


As I look at my life, it is marked by progress--in my devotion life, in my marriage, in my parenting, in my home, in ministry, in my job and in my special projects!  And I am celebrating what God has been doing in my life!

What areas of your life could use the power of follow-through?  

What is your plan to make that happen?

Is 10 Enough?

"The devil has effectively convinced us that 10 minutes per day with God doesn't really count."

Priscilla Shirer, Going Beyond Simulcast May 5, 2012

This morning we kicked off the WCW Hello Mornings Challenge!  Almost 30 women have joined in this session to experience what God can do when they press into the Word of God for 10-15  minutes each day and walk in the blessings that accountability bring!!  

Yes, you read that right.  It only takes 10-15 minutes per day to experience life change by the living words of our God!  He can do more in us with those few minutes than we can do in a lifetime of "trying hard"!!

I know many of us, including myself, that are done with the try hard life.  We are willing to go to bed a little bit earlier, give up some media time (TV, websites or even digital books) and adjust our wake up time to a little less daylight---all for the hope that is found in meeting with God and His Word every morning.

Yes, it does say morning!  "Does it have to be in the morning?" some have asked.  The answer is a resounding "YES!"  When we meet with God first thing each day, the rest of the day reveals Him.  Peace replaces the chaos.  Purpose is found where fearful emptiness once resided.  Wisdom presides over decisions.  Truth brings freedom where lies once shackled.   

"So how do you effectively study the Bible in just 10-15 minutes?" you might ask.  Here are two studies that you can download that will guide you in that journey.  

Run To Him, a study of 13 Psalms that can be done in 10 minutes/day, can be downloaded here. 

Focused15, a study of 1 Corinthians 13, can be downloaded here.

If you are reading this and feeling God stirring your heart to join in the Challenge, it is NOT too late!  Remember, it is harder to push the snooze button on your alarm when you know you have a group of ladies waiting for you to check-in who will encourage you & pray for you!!  

Just click here to register & we will send you all the info that you need!!  

If you are still in need of convincing, here is the Getting Started Guide that will put all of your fears to rest!  Go check it out now!!

Let's show the devil that 10 minutes does matter AND that life change happens in that time!

Cheering you on,

Angela Smith

QUESTION:  What has happened as you have discovered that 10 really is enough?  Please share your story with us in the comment section!

90 Days to A Better You

"People often dream of changing the world but few ever dream of changing themselves"

In order to initiate meaningful and necessary change to our lives, most of us truly need a good challenge. For those of us who are described as competitive, this works better when we are in a challenge with others! But sometimes it is hard to find the right challenge and/or the right challengers.


Recently I came across a great challenge. So great that I feel compelled to not only share it with you but invite you to join me in the upcoming challenge.
Kat Lee & her team at Inspired To Action started a challenge that they call Hello Mornings Challenge. Below I have included how they describe the details of the challenge.

 

What is the Hello Mornings Challenge?

We encourage one another and keep one another accountable as we work to develop the life giving morning habit of waking up early, spending time with God and being intentional about planning our days and exercising regularly. 


The Hello Mornings Challenge is based on the (free) ebook, Maximize Your Mornings, which specifically challenges moms to stop waking up TO their children and start waking up FOR them. Although, all women are welcome to join, not just moms.

   

When is the WCW Hello Mornings Challenge?

• Registration for the Summer session will open April 23, 2012.  
• Summer Session Dates:  May 7-Aug 5 (90days)

Be sure to subscribe to get all WCWConnect posts and Hello Mornings updates sent straight to you.

How Does the Hello Mornings Challenge Work?

Once you register, we will assign you to a group. The Challenge is a daily check in via social media with an accountability group. Before or after your morning routine, everyone checks in with their assigned group on Facebook, Twitter. The streams of comments and conversation are both encouraging and inspiring.

 

Will You Provide Resources For Us?

Yes, we will offer 3 options for the Bible Study aspect of this challenge. 
Option 1:  RUN TO HIM (by Katie Orr and Lara Williams) is a wondeful and simple Bible Study for us to go through 13 Psalms together and takes about 10 minutes/day. Of course, it’s optional if you’re already doing your own study.
Option 2:  Focus for 15 (by Katie Orr) will take us through a 4 week study of 1 Corinthians 13. 
Option 3:  Bible In 90 Days—read the Bible cover to cover in as little as 30 minutes a day.

 

How Can I Help?

Spread the word and invite your friends to join the movement!
Volunteer to be an AC!

What is an Accountability Captain?

An “AC” is the person (or persons) in each Hello Mornings Group who is committed to checking each week day. They will be our contact point for new information.

Accountability Captain Responsibilities

It sounds all fancy and complicated, but it’s not really. You don’t need any degrees or initials after your name to be an AC. You just need to love Jesus and do one thing.
The 1 Task of an AC: Check in each weekday – Pray for your group as you connect with them, share what you read that morning or just say hi.
You might think that’s too simple. Shouldn’t an AC do more? Write inspiring words? Encourage them? Go to their homes and drag them out of bed? Do peppy cheers on You Tube each morning?
Those things are great, but the power of faithfulness is often overlooked. I love this quote:
“A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”
– Jim Watkins
You do not need to be Billy Graham or Ann Voskamp to be an AC. You don’t need to say certain words or check in an hour before everyone else. You just need to be faithful.
Pray for your group as you check in every week day. That’s all.

What ISN’T an Accountability Captain?

An AC isn’t a counselor, pastor, fitness guru, planning expert or natural early riser. 
Your singular job is to model faithfulness.

So, come jump into the challenge of change with us.  Fill out Summer Session Registration form here.  You will get an email with your assigned group info by May 3rd, 2012.

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