Day 14 of our 40 Day Fast and Focus- BE A FOUNTAIN!

Psalm 36:9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Are you a fountain or a drain?
A drain depletes gradually, especially to the point of complete exhaustion. A fountain is the spring and head of a river; from thence waters issue and stream forth: it is the rise and beginning of springs and waters, and implies an abundance of water. Discovering if you're a fountain or a drain is an either or acceptance, requiring self-examination, confession and repentance IF you discover you indeed are a drain, which I believe we default to if we're not careful. It is very easy to live life unawares as a drain, a taker, a basket of need, constantly taking in, unrealistically expecting everyone to meet our needs perfectly. And, if we do give out, we expect...and even resort to demands of immediate, exactly as expected reciprocation. It takes inside work to stay add to, of benefit and willing to serve faithfully. 

APPLICATION: BECOME A FOUNTAIN!

1. A fountain first gives. Do you know real giving requires complete release and no expectation of return? A fountain first gives. Life as a fountain requires trusting that GOD sees and will restore, supply and repay. As a fountain you understand that everything runs through you not just to you. The beauty of being a fountain is that although you exist to be a source and supply to others you exist on what you give out. Being a fountain means you abundantly will receive what is needed to continue watering and replenishing others.  And, because a fountain freely gives of what it freely receives, there is no sorrow added to all that it has gotten being a free, flowing fountain. 

2. Resist a Scarcity Mindset. A scarcity mindset sees all as a threat to receipt. Scarcity affects our thinking and feeling dramatically and negatively. Scarcity orients the mind automatically and powerfully to unfulfilled needs. it demands unrealistic focus on that unfilled need to the exclusion of giving anything. It is all about getting, taking, decieving, and receiving only. A scarcity mindset causes you to believe you have to kill me to live. It has no interest in real reciprocation, because it refuses to give of anything that doesn't bring immediate benefit back to self. Fight a scarcity mindset with all that you have. It is a common mindset that causes you to live life only as a drain. Learn as I have, that the more you give the more God gives to you. You never have to worry about being replenished, you never worry about people taking from you or being used because you know what you're being used for. When your desire to give and method of giving aligns perfectly with what He has given to you to be a fountain in this world God personally sees to it that you get more fresh and new to give. It's His good pleasure to give the Kingdom to those giving the Kingdom (Luke 12:32) and it's an amazing way to live. You truly cannot ever exhaust God's giving. 

Beloved, I am praying with and for you.


Resources to Help:
1. http://www.success.com/article/john-c-maxwell-6-tips-to-develop-and-model-an-abundance-mindset
2. https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/bhq/embracing-abundance-mindset
3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/science-choice/201504/the-scarcity-mindset

Please feel free to forward CEENOTES with Cheryl Carr to friends and colleagues, but please forward in its entirety. CEENOTES with Cheryl Carr is written and distributed by Arete1 International. No portion of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the expressed written consent of Cheryl L. Carr. Copyright 2016 Cheryl Carr and ARETE1 International. 2016 rightwordsbycheryl©

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Weekend Edition (Days 12 & 13) of our 40 Day Fast and Focus- SOOTHING SILENCE!

Silence is better than meaningless words.

Silence is soothing. Yet, it is the one thing we avoid more than anything. We seem to need noise in this noisy world, either we create it by talking or "turn it on" somehow with music, television and social media. A few years ago with the popularity of the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" I began a ritual of  leaving enough space in my day to enjoy the space between the commotions. I will completely silence everything that is normally noisy (no music, tv, or conversations with anyone...no nothing), and am amazed at how much noise really goes on inside of me. I now crave complete silence and regularly practice times of no noise for entire weekends. Learn the deep wisdom of silence. It will astound you the peace and tranquility silence brings to your world.

APPLICATION: The Quieter, The Better.

1. Practice silence with yourself daily. The quieter you are the more you can actually hear. Self talk is very important to listen to. Do you know what you say about and to your self about yourself? What do you say to yourself about what is going on in your life, about who's in your life? We are constantly collecting outside data, hearing and assimilating stories about what it means to live a good life, change and improve ourselves. What we fail to realize and accept is that we have to practice hearing the voice of God to hone in on what is true, not just facts. I have learned God rarely shouts over my noisiness. He doesn't have to. He's God all by Himself. In my life He usually shows up disguised as normal everyday events in ourselves, not the neon sign, hand scroll writing in the sky miracles we seek. Learn that getting quiet will allow you to really hear.

2. Practice silence with others.  We all feel better when we're listened to. Do you know that as high as 90% of behavior problems with children are said to be because they feel no one hears them?  Do you know of any relationship in your life that wouldn't dramatically improve if we each learned to listen to one another better? Real communication is being understood, not just being able to string words together. Communication is a challenge for everyone,  but instead of getting frustrated over it, it is better to understand that we all have a different style of speaking, listening, and understanding. Allowing for others to speak their truth while you in complete silence listen for what is being said as well as what is being meant by what is said provides intimacy and quality many relationships lack. Do not listen to others merely to make your response. Whenever someone is speaking to you learn to be completely quiet and focused on them and what they're saying.

Beloved, I am praying with and for you.

Resources to Help:
1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-moment-youth/201312/the-importance-silence-in-noisy-world
2. http://rickwarren.org/devotional/english/3-keys-to-a-significant-quiet-time
3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-moment-youth/201312/the-importance-silence-in-noisy-world

Please feel free to forward CEENOTES with Cheryl Carr to friends and colleagues, but please forward in its entirety. CEENOTES with Cheryl Carr is written and distributed by Arete1 International. No portion of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the expressed written consent of Cheryl L. Carr. Copyright 2016 Cheryl Carr and ARETE1 International. 2016 rightwordsbycheryl©

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CEENOTES: Day 11 of our 40 Day Fast and Focus- BE A FINANCIA...

CEENOTES: Day 11 of our 40 Day Fast and Focus- BE A FINANCIA...: Eccl. 10:19- A party gives laughter, wine gives happiness, and money gives everything! Few of us want to change our financial...

Day 11 of our 40 Day Fast and Focus- BE A FINANCIAL CHAMPION!

Eccl. 10:19- A party gives laughter, wine gives happiness, and money gives everything! Few of us want to change our financial behaviors beyond getting more money.  WE LOVE MONEY (which is a sin by the way -1 Timothy 6:10). This is why money causes us all kinds of issues and stress in our lives. We rarely have enough money for our wants and often our needs. WE LOVE CREDIT AND DEBT.  We use credit and debt to get us things we want now, not accepting the expense today will cause us many sorrows tomorrow. WE REFUSE TO DELAY GRATIFICATION. Saving and allocating money to get something when we can actually afford it isn't the way 99.9% of us live. We want what we want NOW and will do just about anything to apprehend "it. "Few of us learned good money habits  and so we earn and spend without a plan, hoping the miracle of giving or tithing will obligate God to give us our daily bread. Since 2009 I have spent time learning good money behaviors, going through financial stress and strain as I changed my relationship with money, taking it off the throne of my life and accepting I am a mere steward over all God gives me. Truth is, all of us could use a makeover financially that includes a specific plan we commit to a minimum of 12 months. If you made a financial resolution last year and failed to stick to it, you’re not alone. Being a Financial Champion can be a real challenge. Resolutions are a good first step, but without a specific plan, they can be hard to maintain for 12 months. Here are 2 behaviors I have used since 2010 to makeover my money behaviors. APPLICATION: MAKE EVERY FRIDAY A FINANCIAL CHAMPION REVIEW DAY! 1. Master Money, do not let it be your master.  You are only a steward over money. Work for it. Give generously. Save habitually. Spend wisely. Maximize what you already have/earn before seeking more and resolve to begin each of these behaviors:   ‘I resolve to Figure out my Personal finance’   ‘I resolve to Record every penny spent’  ‘I resolve to Stick to a Budget’   ‘I resolve to get out of Debt’   ‘I resolve to Play big on Discounts’   ‘I resolve to Plan my Monthly/Weekly expense’   ‘I resolve to Save more’   ‘I resolve to Reduce unwanted Spendings’   ‘I resolve to Cut short my Bills’  2. Completely change your attitude about money. You are merely a steward of money. Learn to speak positively about money, even in lean times (NEVER call yourself broke...EVER); and especially other people's money (don't hate on those with it and vilify them for having it and the possessions allowed). Change your behaviors with money. Money is a tool. Nothing more. It is a horrid God so take it off the throne of your life and master your money. Here are some money blessings to SPEAK out of your mouth daily Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.  God says in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Psalms 24:1  The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.  Psalms 115:14  The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Psalms 145:16  Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Deuteronomy 8:18  But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore unto thy fathers, as it is this day  Deuteronomy 28:6  Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.  Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Proverbs 22:4  By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. Deuteronomy 29:9   Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do. Beloved I am praying with and for you. Resources to help (I have used each of these and they have helped me live as a financial champion since 2010): 1.http://moneymastery.com/  2. https://www.mint.com/ 3. http://www.michellesingletary.com/21-day-financial-fast.html 4. https://www.joycemeyer.org/articles/ea.aspx?article=living_in_financial_freedom Please feel free to forward CEENOTES with Cheryl Carr to friends and colleagues, but please forward in its entirety. CEENOTES with Cheryl Carr is written and distributed by Arete1 International. No portion of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the expressed written consent of Cheryl L. Carr. Copyright 2016 Cheryl Carr and ARETE1 International. 2016 rightwordsbycheryl©

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Day 10 of our 40 Day Fast and Focus- OLD LIFE, NEW LIFE!

Do you believe that you only get one shot at this thing called life; and every minute spent wishing that you could do, feel, accomplish or experience more is a minute that you can never get back? It's important to maximize the current life you live, to focus on being intentional and present TODAY. Avoid being overly focused on the past (forgive yourself, them, what happened). Also avoid being overly focused on the future (plan and prepare but don't live waiting to get there). LIVE FULLY NOW! 


APPLICATION: OLD LIFE, NEW LIFE

1. Make peace with 100% of your life. Regrets are vain. Forgive yourself. Ima gonna's are worthless. Stop them.  Make up your mind there is no try, only do. You can do anything you apply your mind to do.
   
2. Look at the future with confidence. Things will get better as you exert all your energy and effort to make the present that way. Why? Because what you do right now today is a deposit on your future so look at every action and minute as expenditures or investments. Do epic things daily is a good mantra, but, also do small things daily that have a big impact later down the road. 

Beloved, I am praying with and for you.

Resources: 

1. http://www.amazon.com/Intentional-Living-Choosing-Life-Matters-ebook/dp/B00T3E787W

2. http://www.beliefnet.com/Wellness/Health/Emotional-Health/Ways-to-Become-More-Present-in-Your-Life.aspx

Please feel free to forward CEENOTES with Cheryl Carr to friends and colleagues, but please forward in its entirety. CEENOTES with Cheryl Carr is written and distributed by Arete1 International. No portion of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the expressed written consent of Cheryl L. Carr. Copyright 2016 Cheryl Carr and ARETE1 International. 2016 rightwordsbycheryl©

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Day 9 of our 40 Day Fast and Focus- THE RIGHT I AM'S!

If asked, what would you say about yourself? What are your "I AM's?"
 My Pastor Joel Osteen says, "what follows your I am will follow you," I truly believe that and spend quality time daily telling myself the right I AM's.

Application:  THE RIGHT I AM'S

1. Gain Self Awareness, which is a conscious knowledge of your own character, feelings, motives, and desires. Many of us are defined by our past successes or failures and what someone else has told us about our self.  We then behave and live up to or down to how others have described us. Let God daily be your sole definition of yourself. Love yourself enough to see all facets of you in light of God's love and care for you. Let go of all shame, guilt and/or past behaviors that did not benefit you or those you love. Complete your past today. It's over. That's what you did then. Do something differently this day that your future self will love you for. Finally shut the door and bury what was. Stop all thinking and speaking of back then. You're not who you were yesterday unless you choose to stay there. Today is a blank canvas to paint yourself beautiful if you so choose to.

2. Spend Time Daily speaking  and writing blessings over yourself and your life. There is so much power in writing and speaking truth! I post notes to myself and spend time daily speaking these things and securing these words of affirmation and encouragement in my heart and mind. Below is a list from Joyce Meyer I've used for years. I speak and think these words alone as a definition of who I am and who I will continue to be. No thing and no one can impact what God says about me and what I say about myself.

Beloved, I am praying with and for you.





Resources:
1. https://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/ThePowerOfIam.aspx
2. https://www.joycemeyer.org/content/articles/ea/list_of_confessions_by_joyce_meyer/listofconfessionsbyjoycemeyer.pdf
3. http://www.slideshare.net/marcomed/i-declare-joel-osteen

Please feel free to forward CEENOTES with Cheryl Carr to friends and colleagues, but please forward in its entirety. CEENOTES with Cheryl Carr is written and distributed by Arete1 International. No portion of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the expressed written consent of Cheryl L. Carr. Copyright 2016 Cheryl Carr and ARETE1 International. 2016 rightwordsbycheryl©

Follow me on LinkedIn :www.linkedin.com/in/cherylcarr2014; Facebook : Cheryl Carr and Arete1; Twitter: iamdrcherylcarr and Arete1Int; Instagram-iamcherylcarr.

Day 8 of our 40 Day Fast and Focus- CONSISTENT INCONSISTENCY!

Quit requiring consistency as a parameter. Do not mistake consistency for sameness. No thing stays the same. No one stays the same. Accept that God is a CREATOR not a DUPLICATOR. I have learned that God rarely repeats exactly the same in my life. Even if something has the appearance of being the same, there is always an element of the unfamiliar to stretch me and move me upward and onward towards where He wants me to be. I am finally learning to be comfortable in discomfort, ambiguity and change. I have learned God will place you in complete discomfort so that you learn to change, move and grow with the seasons in your life. Change requires newness and unfamiliarity.Growth may produce inconsistencies and changes in actions, behaviors and proximity that you have become accustomed to in order to ensure you accept and learn to do, be, speak, and live differently.

Application: THE SAME IS NOT CONSISTENCY

1.  Remaining the same is an impossibility and rarely do things and people go as you plan or do as you expect. Learn to thrive and respond not react negatively to change. You will never get the same results repeating the same actions with the same people. Inevitably people, situations and circumstances change. Accept that!
2.  Pay attention to the seasons in your life. Purpose is seasonal and your response should be accordingly. Don't give up in seasons of change and progress because your response must be resilience. Adapt. Grow. Move. Let go. CHANGE. Quit requiring things and people to be the same in order to be happy.

Beloved I am praying with and for you.

Resources to help:
1. http://www.zondervan.com/god-s-power-to-change-your-life
2. http://www.valorieburton.com/product/listen-to-your-life/
3. http://www.amazon.com/Change-Your-Brain-Life-Obsessiveness/dp/0812929985

Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: