Run With Horses

Life 101: All the Projects of Life

This week we are putting all of life's projects in order!

Marriage A to Z: Are you an Encourager in your Marriage?

Keep up with Norman and Susan at www.runwithhorses.net and www.smithlife.net
Encourage One AnotherDefine: the act of giving someone support, confidence or hope
Why?It’s a command in the Bible.We all need encouragement. Life is hard.You’re in the best position to encourage. (closest to them, know them best)Part of what builds the relationship – foundational, maintenance-typeYou benefit from this, too!By trying to do this, you learn what encouragement is, what gifts you might have, grow in your  ability to do this in family and to others.
What is encouragement?Intentional  (There is an unintentional encouragement. Being a growing Christian, etc.) Underlying theme/goal is to BE an encourager – apply thought and effort into what it looks   like.May be different depending on the person – * words – affirming, gratefulness, expressing love/care,* actions – serving, meeting a need, put them first, physical touch (hug), listen well,* being there – be present.
How do I encourage my spouse?Clearly make them a priority.Write a note.Remind them of promises in Scripture.Commit time to them. A date, a walk, availablePray together.Personal experience – how I’ve been encouraged; etc.Know what they like/enjoy; provide it. (If you don’t know, ask!) - day at spaBe growing spiritually, studying. It will provide a reservoir to draw from. Outflow
-- General info versus Specific to you– Communicate to each other about what is most encouraging to you. Specifically ask, “What is most helpful from me when you’re feeling down, etc.”
 

Are you Motivated to really Live?

Keep up with what is going on at www.runwithhorses.net !
Let us know where you are listening from and what God is teaching you.
 Where does your motivation for Life come from?- Surrender / Trust God's Plan
Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of Self- satisfaction in Knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable. -John WoodenTension / Paradox- Surrender Your Will to Gods- Give up control to the Holy Spirit• Commit to the mission of Jesus
Your Life has tremendous value.God gave it that value.Your Life has tremendous potential.God gives it that potential.What does it mean to live as an image-bearer?Life of PurposeLife of InfluenceLife of RelationshipsLife of Sacrifice- Love God / Love God's people

Life 101: Discussing our progress

The Smith family goes over our progress applying intentional planning to life.

Marriage A to Z: Don’t Drip! Complaining and Nagging Don’t Do What You Hope

Don’t Drip!  Don’t Complain/ Nag
Are you a complainer?
What is nagging? Complaining?
We get so used to it that we don’t notice it!
Is nagging ever good?
Our words have tremendous power for good or evil. Complaining or nagging will not get the result you hope for in your marriage!
Why do we complain or nag?
You want something to be different. You hope for a different circumstance or action from someone else.
Sin nature.
Selfishness.
Proverbs 27:15-17 ;
Proverbs 21:9 ;
Philippians 2:14
Biblical Examples
Job 2:10 ;Samson and Delilah
BUT….
Live the Spiritual nature.
Consider others best interest, especially your spouse.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 rejoice and give thanks!
Ephesians 4:29 – build up
How to change our conversation?
It is often a learned behavior. From parents or from friends.
Recognize the heart issues involved.
Communication is key. Put others above yourself. Micah 6:8 – Justly, Kindly, Humbly
Eph 4:32
Three cases:
1.Legitimate concern that needs to be addressed.
Health concerns, legit but the way you address it is important.
Pray about it first.
Plan a good time to talk. Spouse not tired from work, bad mood, etc.
Be clear, be kind, be willing to compromise and work TOGETHER for a solution AND for unity.
Share your love and concern.
What if your spouse won’t address problem?
May have to do it yourself.
Find another way to help your spouse understand the need.
2.Personal preference.
Pray about it. Ask God to change you both.
Talk about it, understanding there may be different opinions.
One person feels strongly about one thing, can be ANYTHING. Masks, new car, etc.
3.Sin.
Your sin.
Confess and repent. Actively work on changing your habits.
Their sin.
Pray for them.
Gal. 6:2 – gentle, loving attitude is necessary.
Pick a time to talk, be careful of how to talk about the issues.
In the end recognize that only God can change people.
Examples of Destructive attitudes:
Control issues, micromanaging.
Pride.
Entitlement mentality, I deserve this.
 
 

Are you wasting your life? Stop coasting and be Intentional!

Quote of the Day: If you know the Why, you can live any How
- Friedrich Nietzsche
As a Christian, we have the best Ultimate Why! But we have to
remind ourselves regularly why we make the choices we do. Know
your purpose, look for God at work in your daily life and be thankful.
Today I want to focus on Why You should live Intentionally.
Intent = with purpose, direction
God works intentionally. History is going somewhere, Not random.
God chose You. You!
God prepares you for good things.
relationship w/ Himself
fellowship w/ church
light in the community
God prepares good works for you to do!
He goes with you
He strengthens you
He prepared this work for you!
He gave you great people to work with The Church!
You are not alone
Let others know your strussles
Let others know your victories.
Look for opportunities to serve together.
what other options do you have?
Life of random, aimless choices?
Work that has no value beyond payday? Life of meangless entertainment and shallow relationships?
Q: Why would you choose those things?
A: You didn't. They are the result of not choosing a life of Following Jesus.
Chin up!
No matter where you are in life, You can make better choices
today. It is NEVER too late to live with purpose.
Glorify God Today.

Life 101: Where’s Your Focus?

You focus on something in life. What areas are you focusing on? Where do you spend your time and energy?
There are at least five areas you should be focusing on.>Spiritual Life >Relationships >Education >Health >CareerWhat are your Responsibilities ? Roles?Separate Personal + Professional and list your areas of focus.
These are arenas where you live out your life.Which ones are high priority?How do you evaluate them?ie. what are the criteria?
 
Some questions that will help.
Does this help me as I follow Jesus? Does it hinder me as I grow Spiritually?Does God have something to say about it? What does He say? 
Which ones do you enjoy more? Less?Do you right now, have goals for each of these areas?Do you see how God is working in each area?
Where do you receive tasks/ jobs from others?Where do you have freedom to choose?Do you need to clarify any roles w/ someone else?
Go back to your Purpose Statement. How does each role or focus are, you have relate to it?
Do you have a mission or can you envision how your values, gifts and aspirations can be lived out in each Area of Focus or Responsibility?
Homework: Review your Purpose Statement, Vision of the future and current Goals and objectives.Make a list of your Areas of Focus or Responsibility.

Marriage A to Z: Commitment

Commitment in Marriage
Commit to God – The foundation for a healthy marriage and relationship. We stand or fall here first.* God is at work in your life; He’s working in your spouse’s.-- takes conviction of own identity in Christ
Commit to the Marriage -  The concept, key principles of love and submission to one another. Goal of unity. Principles like these help us steer the ship. 
Commitment defined - a: an agreement or pledge to do something in the futureb: the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelleda commitment to a causec: an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action.
Commit to your Spouse – Relationship is lived out together. We have to put it all into practice in the relationship.
Commit to the Process-- takes patience (like farmer has to wait for harvest).-- takes humility-- takes faith and hope – 2 Cor. 4:16-18 - in light of eternity-- takes diligence, persistence-- takes dependence on God-- takes claiming God’s promises (Gal. 5:16; Phil. 4:6-8; Phil. 1:6)
God’s goal for us is our sanctification. Marriage is one of the tools of this. His goal isn’t my happiness or for everything to go smoothly. Spiritual growth, deeper relationships, maturity
NOTE: We may sound like we’ve got it all together; but we’re in the process, too!
 

Set Your Goals High!

Goals move you toward your Mission and help you accomplish your Purpose.
Quote of the Day: “The greater danger for most of us isn’t that our aim is too high and miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.”– Michelangelo
God’s goal for you is Christ-likeness. Don’t aim for less!
A goal so high you know you need God every day.
Where do you get your goals? Advisors and Bible, your bent, interests, talents, abilities
Living Intentionally:
Make Life decisions based on your Big WHY.
If you have no purpose you need no goals!
Purpose – Glorify God
Mission – Disciple of Jesus
Stewardship of life demands that you take responsibility of your choices.
Physical- take care of what God has giving you
Educational – be a life long learner, set learning goals, reading goals, etc
Spiritual- intentionally follow Jesus, what would it look like to grow toward Him
Relational- take responsibility for your relationships
Living Theology:
Psalm 20:4
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 15:22
Proverbs 16:9
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 2:10
Colossians 3:23
 
 
 

Setting Your Goals

Setting your Goals and Objectives
============
REVIEW:Purpose – definition  The Why1:the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.  "the purpose of the meeting is to appoint a trustee"
To be a mature disciple of Jesus who makes disciples and gives freely to encourage, support and equip the church on it’s journey to fulfill the Great Commission.
--------------------3-5 Years – Mission/ Vision:Mission – definition -  The What1: a specific task with which a person or a group is charged  Their mission was to help victims of the disaster.2: a preestablished and often self-imposed objective or purpose  statement of the company's mission, why does company exist3: CALLING, VOCATION  Her mission was to be a teacher.Vision – definition -1: a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination2:envision -  to picture to oneself  envisions a career dedicated to promoting peace
Question to ask yourself:What does it look like when I live out my Purpose, Principles, and Values?
Big picture not the details.
=================Goals/ Objectives – 1-2 Years
Goals – definition - the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.- an objective or target that someone is trying to reach or achieve
Objectives – definition - a thing aimed at or sought;- : a strategic position to be attained or a purpose to be achieved
What goals do you need to fulfill your vision?What do you need to accomplish in the next 1-2 years to make your vision happen?
S.M.A.R.T. Goals - Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, Timed
Homework: Write out your goals/ objectives for the next 1-2 years.