Consequences of Life's Mistakes

Mistakes are inevitable. Life is a teacher. Mistakes are lessons that develop and change us.
My mistakes have covered a wide-range of choices and experiences from speeding on a residential street late at night because I was too tired to care (and, as a consequence, getting a ticket ) to making 30 apple pies in one day and working myself into a very horrible snap-at-everyone mood because I foolishly took on too much.

Other mistakes have been more costly. Trusting people, one of the key characteristics in my personality type, has very rich rewards as well as sorry consequences. Experiencing betrayal from what was a trusted relationship makes the heart pain and leaves one with the understanding that trust is strong like steel, unable to be easily broken, and it can also be as thin as ice in a post-Winter season. Once broken, it is almost never repairable.

A recurring mistake that has been part of my developing story is what Zachariah experienced when an angel told him that his wife, Elizabeth, who was aged and barren would give birth to a son. Zachariah, a priest, did not believe the message and as a consequence his capability to speak was taken away until the child, John, was born.

I too have battled faith and doubt when the circumstances in my life seemed, at the time, impossible for even God to answer and all I saw was a dark and miserable future. Or, when amazing opportunities came as open doors, yet I struggled with self-doubt and my perceived lack of ability to meet the responsibilities -- inwardly fighting to pull back, yet that divine call like a woman giving birth, was there pushing me to walk through the open door into something new and greater.

The consequences have been a long journey in releasing the draining emotional toll of belief and doubt, hope and fear, asking yet going into full-blown worry, and then finally in surrender reaching out with my two arms to my all-caring, all-giving Father and saying “Take it, I surrender again.”

I have learned about God’s redeeming grace in my lifetime. He has worked to provide answers, has never disappointed me and has remained consistently faithful. He had has His own way of showing me that I acted like a foolish child who put herself through an emotional wringer when it wasn’t necessary. He is in charge, in control and working. I continue to need to trust Him.

What mistakes have you learned from in your life?

Your friend,
Margaret

Fall Registration Open

It's that time of year! Our fall event registration is now open - register today to take advantage of our early bird discounts.

Register online at www.womenalive.org or by phone: 1-800-387-4753.

Don't miss our "Real Life, Real Purpose, Real Joy" conferences this fall:

August 29, 2009 - Elliot Lake
October 24, 2009 -Toronto (Early Bird Deadline: Sept. 18th)
November 7, 2009 - Montreal
November 13-14, 2009 - ie girl Eastern Canada Weekend, Brantford for girls 12 - 20, moms & mentors (Early Bird Deadline: Aug. 31st)

PLUS Spring dates including Western Canada locations being announced soon!

And, as always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to let me know!

See you soon,
Michelle

So much to do; so little time

So much to do—so little time...messages to prepare, CDs to produce, articles and study guides to write.

I had no other choice. I donned my helmet, kicked back the stand, jumped on my bicycle and rode out to the dam.
On the way, the smell of wild phlox and cedars filled my nostrils. To be honest, another country stench competed with the freshness of the flowers, threatening to spoil the beauty surrounding the trail. It did not succeed.


After twenty-five minutes of peddling, I arrived at the waters' edge of Belwood Lake. Quickly I forgot the long 'list' back home and drank in the tranquility.


Beside the still waters, I saw a Canada goose lazily floating upstream. I liked his approach to the day.
"In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15) came to mind, encouraging me in my 'slow down.'


I needed the change of scenery and routine and came back with a new outlook on the long 'to do' list.

Yours will be different from mine but we all have 'to do' lists. Where could you go to renew your vision and refresh your spirit? It may be just another room in your home.


What could you do to enhance your environment? Simply putting a bouquet of flowers where you spend a lot of time might spur you on to creativity.



I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Ruth

Three Powerful Dynamics - Part 2

Writers were introduced throughout the conference and had the opportunity to describe awards they had won and there were times set aside for writers to read from their works -perhaps a novel, a children’s book, prose or poetry. You should have heard the celebration for each contributor –enthusiastic applause filled the auditorium. And afterward, they were surrounded by many with sincere words and wishes for success.

Sitting together at our last dinner, we were bursting with energetic motivation that was generated throughout the weekend by the generous portions of enthusiasm along with wholehearted celebration.

Encouragement, Celebration, Motivation. Thinking of these three powerful dynamics, I find myself looking at my own life. Have I been given such wonderful gifts by others? More important though, have I contributed these gifts generously to others? What about you? Perhaps we should each make a list of answers to these two questions. Would you like to share your answers with me?

Eileen

Three Powerful Dynamics

A few weeks ago I attended a writer’s conference. I met a lot of new people, both women and men of every age-group. They came from across Canada as well as from the US. I loved getting to know them, asking who they were, where they from and how they became interested in writing. I discovered they represented a variety of professions and careers, and not too many of them actually write for a living. It was interesting to hear stories of how they were inspired to begin.

Although we were strangers when we arrived, as the weekend progressed we became like family. We were there with one common interest - we had a bent for writing. We were all at different stages - some beginners, there to study the craft; others further advanced, seeking direction from the instructors regarding how to write for specific areas, such as devotional columns or novels. Some came with book proposals, ready to meet with publishers. Some, like me, were there to enhance their writing skills and to promote my new book which will be published by Castle Quay Books* by early September.

I noticed three powerful dynamics that marked the entire conference. Encouragement overflowed from one delegate to another. There was never a negative word – each one expressed appreciation for the efforts and work of others. No one asked, “Don’t you think that’s a bit too difficult for you?” or “Do you have the background to accomplish your goal?” or “Aren’t you too young (or too old)?”

It was support and encouragement all the way. How have you benefited from the encouragement of others? How do you show encouragement?

We'll look at two other dynamics next time,

Eileen

Summertime!

You'll notice that we've taken a little bit of a break from the blog to enjoy summertime! We'll be back very soon with more talk around the coffee table.

In the meantime, be sure to check out our fall events and register at www.womenalive.org:

• Elliot Lake Women & Teen Girls' Simultaneous Conferences - August 29, 2009
• Women Alive Toronto Conference - October 24, 2009
• Just the Word Montreal - November 7, 2009
• ie girl Eastern Canada Weekend - November 13-14, 2009 (Early bird registration open now!)

See you soon!

Michelle

So you want to be a...Speaker? Part 2

This is Part 2 of a 2-Part Blog in our "So you want to be a..." Career Series.

So You Want to be a...Speaker?

Tips #6 - 10:

6. Your presentation begins as soon you enter the room. People know you are the speaker and your presence and body language introduces you as the speaker more than the actual introduction.

7. When you step up to the lectern or podium – be confident and be yourself! Make eye contact, smile, warm up to the audience. Remember they want to hear from you but you have to win them over and make them feel that they can trust you. Your opening is critical in building audience connection and trust.

8. Learning to ‘read’ an audience is like developing an 8th sense – it is a learning process. From the vantage of a platform you can tell who is with you, who is agreeing, who is bored, and who is ‘on vacation’ mentally. You notice those looking at their watches, or seriously taking notes. Focus on those who are intently listening and keep making eye contact with them. These listeners will draw you out.

9. Wear appropriate clothing – usually business or business casual – and stay away from dangling earrings, low cut blouses and clanging brackets. These draw attention and take away from the listener’s focus.

10. Be a reader. Sometimes women feel that their shared story will be their message. A personal life story will only take you so far. What you are learning beyond the life story will take you further into public speaking. All leaders are readers. Public speakers are leaders. Read to expand yourself and especially read books written by the “greats”. Dig deep into the spiritual well of A.W. Tozer, Andrew Murray, Oswald Chambers, Elizabeth Elliot and other men/women of that caliber.

What have you learned from public speaking? Share your thoughts and tips with us!

Your friend,

Margaret