Where Does Your Motivation Come From?

Where does your motivation come from? If you were to take a look within yourself, where would it lead you? Your answer is different from mine I am sure of it, and not to mention that it's okay. :-)

Each of us have our own likes, dislikes, and of course getting up in the morning. What is it that drives you? Loving another? Taking care of your family? Living your best life each day! If you are creative, then it could be something you are doing to use your talents that makes you get up each day and go at it again.

The key to this is "what is your WHY?" You need something to drive you in life, otherwise you can really lose sight of your purpose, and thus end up feeling less than the light that you truly are. If you were take just a moment and think about all of the things you love to do and those you've inspired before, what comes to mind first?

Your motivation daily is what drives you to be or not to be, and that is the question. Is it getting your bonus check? Hopefully it's something a bit deeper, because a lot of people are driven by getting a paycheck and monetary gifts.

It's time that each of us take a deeper look inside as to how we can contribute to the lives of others, and how we can bring positive change to the lives of others. Can you help others meet a need in their lives? If you are able, why not see to it that others are getting their basic needs met, and perhaps it's time to give to those that are less fortunate.

The holidays aren't that far off, and with that in mind it's time for you to consider how you can help others live their best life. It's time to remove the focus from you and join those that are living courageously. Does this shed light on changing your motivation?

PS-Did this blog inspire you today? What have you decided to change? Be sure to check out our entire website here, and don't leave without taking a look at our inspirational and motivational apparel. Live Courageously!

Living The Courageous Life Kinetic Typography Video

If you are in need of a little late afternoon pick me up, watch this motivational video.
If you like this video, leave us a comment!

Loving Unconditionally

Loving unconditionally is without a doubt one of the hardest things to understand in life. It's hard to fathom that no matter what someone says or does that you can or should still love them. The question becomes, should we?

I mean, is it really possible? I am reminded of a story about a young couple that went through something quite tumultuous, and the love was still there.

Was it the same? Great question. Love should NEVER change, no matter what. Love NEVER fails, right? It only sees the good in us and in others, right?

What does it take for one to love without condition?

What Loving Unconditionally Means

I think most folks misunderstand when I talk about unconditional love, that I expect women that are abused to stay with their husbands. This is not the case at all. In fact, loving someone doesn't mean that you permit ill behavior, or that you let them act out with no consquences. 

The truth is, if you love someone, you want to guide them into all truth. If you don't teach them that there are consequences  for bad behavior, then they will continue to do what they are doing. Regardless of what happens, you will still love someone. 

Loving unconditionally simply means that you have the courage to do what most folks won't. Courage is what you have when you feel the fear but you do it anyhow. By the way there is no fear in love. This is really what love is all about, and the Apostle Paul set the standard when he wrote this in Corinthians. 

I may speak in different languages^[a] of people or even angels. But if I do not have love, I am only a noisy bell or a crashing cymbal. ² I may have the gift of prophecy. I may understand all the secret things of God and have all knowledge, and I may have faith so great I can move mountains. But even with all these things, if I do not have love, then I am nothing. ³ I may give away everything I have, and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned.^[b]But I gain nothing if I do not have love.⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. ⁵ Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. ⁶ Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. ⁷ Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures.⁸ Love never ends. There are gifts of prophecy, but they will be ended. There are gifts of speaking in different languages, but those gifts will stop. There is the gift of knowledge, but it will come to an end. ⁹ The reason is that our knowledge and our ability to prophesy are not perfect. ¹⁰ But when perfection comes, the things that are not perfect will end. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I stopped those childish ways. ¹² It is the same with us. Now we see a dim reflection, as if we were looking into a mirror, but then we shall see clearly. Now I know only a part, but then I will know fully, as God has known me. ¹³ So these three things continue forever: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.

Would you say that this scripture in I Corinthians is what loving unconditionally is all about?

Live a Courageous Life! 

Spiritual Courage-The New Pope's Mission

Spiritual courage is a term you probably don't hear often, but I'm not surprised. In fact, up until yesterday, I had not heard that term used in quite some time. Why? Because we live in a time of tolerance, when too much of everything is being tolerated.

Courage is standing up for what is right no matter what, and I hope that pray that the new Pope stands behind his mission to see a church built on the blood of Jesus Christ. Do you think that is what we will get? How far would you have to go to find spiritual courage in your church? What about in your neighborhood? Before I get too carried away, could  you even find it in your home? That's a great question, right?

I don't know about you, but my thoughts are that we don't have enough guts in the church today in America to share our faith with anyone. What say you? Much like the disciples were fleeing from Jesus when the soldiers came, people are feeling today still. Has the church gone soft? Yes, yes it has.

Defining Spiritual Courage

Oftentimes, when I have discussions about spiritual courage with other church members, it seems to go back to one thing. That one thing is that they don't want to offend anyone. What is so offensive about what I believe? It's a free country right? Or, is this one free country becoming communist? 

You can call it what you want, but we have way too many yes men at our doors, saying that they know Jesus but yet they deny Him with their actions. What kind of faith is that? That isn't much of one, and what is on the inside of you is what comes out of you. have you ever considered that?

There are too many so called spiritual leaders going soft. They take a position of leadership running on a campaign type persona, but once they take over, they start listening to the "voices of reason". What are those exactly? It's time to stand up and be counted, and if you aren't ready, don't proclaim Jesus and then attach everything else to His name. It's quite simple actually. 

So, when the Pope says that he wants to see the church be built on the blood of Jesus, will he stick to it? Will he focus on those less fortunate as he has done in Argentina? Will he continue to take public transportation rather than limousines?

What is true spiritual leadership, and can we learn anything from him? 

Spiritual Courage is Saying God and God Alone

Aside from what the Pope plans to teach and preach, at the end of the day I have one thing to say. It's simply speaking the Word of God back to myself, you, and everyone else that I come into contact with. 

I only bow to the "One True God", "The Son of God"! I only pray to God the Father, and I have his Holy Spirit living withing me, I am changed! I hope that the world understand that worshipping a man is not acceptable in the eyes of Jesus. I am set apart, and we that are saved and washed by the blood of Christ know this or at least we should. 

So, do you have the spiritual courage to let this be your message to others? What will you say when someone asks you what you believe and why? Will you stand behind what you say you believe, or  will you change your message  down the road so as NOT to offend someone? 

I won't back down, and I will worship God and God alone, you better believe it! To learn more about spiritual courage, and how you can wear and share your courage with others, you can go to www.courageouslife.com, for more information! 

Mother Theresa a Woman of Courage

You might be wondering why so many loved Mother Theresa, and why so many looked up to her. It wasn't about her good works but it was always in fact about her compassion for others. Her belief was that no matter how others reacted to her kindness, she would still do it anyhow.

It has been said to have access to her diaries would have been a monumental gift, but with that aside, it's worth studying her as a woman to see how as a figure of compassion and grace, she had ways of sharing love that most of us wouldn't consider.

So, what is it about Mother Theresa that gives us such a great example to follow? It was probably her ability to speak about kindness and compassion, but also her ability to truly carry it out.

Who is Mother Theresa? 

If you aren't familiar with Mother Theresa, you should be. Learning to be more courageous and compassionate has everything to do with her these days. 

While some of us cannot fathom all of her time spent on those less fortunate, she believed it to be the ONLY way to live her life. In fact, if you have ever watched The Secret, you know that they mention her. Perhaps it's not the law of attraction, but it's probably the fact that:

• She was only focused on doing and NOT having
• She lived what she taught
• She was consistent
• She cared for those that no one else would care for 

As a result, people looked to her as a great example, but were often still not prepared to do what she was doing. Let's face it, if someone smells bad, are we anxious to get closer to them? No. In fact, I know I often don't feel that way. 

No joke intended here, but it's getting close to those that no one else wants to get close to that builds courage in your life whether you realize it or not. It is just that we don't WANT to do something? Or is it perhaps because people fear that they will be rejected by others? 

Perhaps isolation is a better word, because your friends may not follow you or support your endeavor. It takes courage to do what others won't, and to keep on doing it when everyone else has walked away. Does that make sense? 

So, what are you doing or focusing on doing to help others? Do you volunteer your time, or do you make it a point to compliment people each day? Do you make it a point to do more of something you should have done a long time ago?

No matter what the case may be, the thing is you need to understand that to be who God wants you to be, it will require you to do things you normally wouldn't consider. So, can you do that? Do you long to be courageous? 

Only you can decide for yourself. 

If you want to live courageously, read the story of Mother Theresa, and then focus on just serving others. It takes courage to serve too, because you may not get anything in return. Are you willing to accept that? 

Live Courageously! 

Courageous Prayer

Courageous prayer may not be a term you hear a lot, BUT, the truth is, it wouldn't be. WHY? I don't believe  Christians are really about courageous prayer, but rather they want to know the quickest way to get a prayer by God.

The reality is that, this type of prayer doesn't really work-AT ALL. We are in a hurry, worried about our own issues, and to think of taking time out our day to pray when we have meetings and obligations doesn't suit us.

REALLY?

What if God said he didn't have time for you? Where would you be then? What would you do without any favor from the ALMIGHTY GOD?

Courageous Prayer Means Being Bold 

It has been said that, "to be bold is to be a REAL Christian." What would you say to that? Do you get angry, or do you agree? 

Think about the last time you prayed deeply for someone. Did you go to God with everything in you? Or, did you just simply go with leftovers when you felt "up to it". I have had those days, I won't lie. I am honest, and truthfully, God has HIS way with me. 

Let me tell you a story about failure to be bold, and lifting up one of my sisters in Christ in courageous prayer. 

I went to lunch with a friend of mine, and we were talking about her separation from her husband. It was bad, and I could relate, and I only gave advice when she asked. The thing is, I didn't agree with her decision, because I just didn't see it. It just sounded like she just wanted to give up, and go the easy way out. 

I told her I would pray for her, and I did, but I was lazy. My prayer was weak, and it went something like this. 

"Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for Lila, that you would give her wisdom and strength in dealing with her husband. I pray for her children that you would give them a peace that passes all understanding." That was it. I was so tired, so I thought, "Oh, I'll get back to it." Two weeks later my phone rings, and I was sickened. 

"We are getting a divorce. I'm tired, I'm just so tired, I'm done. I love my kids, but I'm tired of being used, and just run ragged. I clean house, that is all I do. I'm sick of it." 

Wow. 

I was tired too, and so.....here we are. I am an intercessor, and I know that. I am called to be set apart, but oh well, I'm tired. I had the fire, but oh well. This is the new age of Christians, and God is sorely displeased. 

He wants courageous prayer, bold prayer, and he wants willing servants. He is tired of our attitude, BUT he loves us anyhow. 

HE interceeds for us. Aren't you glad God never gets tired of us and our shenanigans? What if God just said, oh well, I'm tired. You want healing? Oh well, I'm tired. Wow, just wow. Where would we be? 

Courageous prayer. 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Live courageously!

Courageous Leaders and How They Live

Courageous leaders are worth reading about and studying, so that we may learn more about how to live a better life, don't you think? There are so many great leaders, but some are more well-known for their courage than others.

While we may learn how to be better citizens of our country and how to be better people. For example, how do you feel about apologizing to others when you have wronged them? Or, do you spend your time seething over something they did, so you just had to get them back?

The only way to live is to live a life of higher character and caliber. Living a life of excellence is better than living a life of selfishness. By the way, it's better to give than to receive, which means one thing; you may NEVER get an apology from someone that has wronged you, but you should give one liberally to them.

Do you disagree?

Courageous Leaders Apologize

It has been said that the power of an apology is freeing to the soul. Is that true? It's true that real leaders will always be quick to forgive and apologize. Leaders don't want others to feel as though they have ever been left behind or left in the cold, or wronged for that matter.

What is behind this is even deeper, meaning that the idea really represents the following:

1. You are capable of admitting you are/were wrong
2. You are willing to admit that yes, you do make mistakes 
3. You are willing to let something go because relationships mean more to you than anything else 

This is what makes courageous leaders, leaders! Believe me when I say that being able to apologize without wanting to take it back, or doing so freely requires courage!

Can you think back to a time when you did something and knew that you should apologize like yesterday?

We have all been there, and it's something that as humans we are sure to face again at some point in our lives. The idea is to never stop being courageous, and teaching our children, friends, and other family members how to do the same!

So, now that you know what courageous leaders do, will you make a change?

It's time to decide  how you will live your life, and if you haven't taken a stand for anything else, now is the  time to make a decision. What will you do?

It's time to live courageously!

Live for an Audience of One

Don't you love this photo? It's amazing, refreshing, and just peaceful to look at. I love to just sit and stare at it in the hustle and bustle of my day, and the cares just seem to melt away.

It's amazing what you can take in when you are alone, standing there in the moment, and just feeling all else drift away from you. De-stressing is what we call it here in America! When you are sitting here looking at this photo, are you wondering what others are thinking about you? No.

Is your mind filled with noise? No. Are you hurrying off to pick up the kids at school? No. Because if you were standing here you would be in the moment, by yourself, just living for an audience of one. The question is, would you stand and look at this photo every day? If you thought it would clear the mind and give you peace, I'm sure you would, right?

Live for an Audience of One Daily 

Okay, so I'm all about love, peace, and chicken grease, and if I knew I could get peace and respite daily, then I would do whatever it took to get that. So, if we can get this by talking with God on a regular basis, why don't we just do that? 

Why are we always looking to the outside fix? Even if others turn to alcohol, wouldn't be better not to? Wouldn't it just be better to turn to God, pray, and lay our cares upon Him? I love the sound of that, and I'm sure you do too. Are you afraid of what others think? 

God has called us to be bold and courageous, and oftentimes that is the last thing we think He has asked us to do. God has asked that of us for all the time, NOT just every now and then. This means that when others think you should turn to something a bit more esoteric if you will, or something that is mind altering to escape it all, WHY not just turn to Him? 

He is the only one that matters, right? 

I know it's not always easy, but living our life and serving God isn't always easy. God has called us to a life that is extraordinary, with HIS help, even though we are just ORDINARY beings. 

So, who will you live for? Yourself or for God? 

All that matters is that you live for an audience of one, and that means, it's time for you to live courageously.