The Jonah Dilemma

  Hello friends!  I was thinking tonight about the Jonah dilemma.  And if you've never heard that phrase before, don't worry; I made it up.  Jonah was a prophet in the Old Testament in the Bible.  His job was to go around and tell people messages God gave him.  But one day, Jonah was given a message he didn't feel so good about delivering.  God asked Jonah to go to the people of Ninevah, a city outside the country of Israel which was reputed to have been quite unsavory, to say the least.  Jonah, being the obedient servant of God that he was, promptly got on the next boat going in the opposite direction of Ninevah.  After boarding the boat, he went down into the hull of the ship and lay down for a much needed nap.  After all, running from God and from your purpose is exhausting.  And this, is what I am referring to as "The Jonah Dilemma."
  You see, for most of us, the problem is not that we don't know what we should do, but that we don't want to.  Maybe it's uncomfortable or causes us to change something.  Whatever the reason, I believe most people, like Jonah, don't pursue their purpose not because they can't, but because they aren't willing to do anything they don't like doing.  It's much easier to make yourself busy with other things and put what you're really supposed to be doing on the backburner.  Going about being busy but not doing what you are called to do is like boarding a ship headed in the opposite direction of where you are wanting to go.  Not only is it foolish and disobedient, but running from God will wear you out, make you miserable, and cause you to loose your peace and joy.
  For Jonah, it took a literal storm, being thrown overboard, and then spending three days inside the stomach of a fish to get him to head in the right direction.  For you and me, I pray we are not that stubborn.  What is it that you know you need to be doing?  Do you need to start that exercise program, write that letter, make the call, or pick up that book?  Often times the things we need to do to move forward are not earth shattering things.  They are simple daily practices which are, according to The Slight Edge, "easy to do" and "easy not to do."  Do not let the Jonah dilemma become yours.  Make the choice to move in the right direction today, even if you don't feel like it.  Don't put off what you need to do another moment.  Your success is waiting on the other side of that one small step in the right direction.  Will you take it?  I hope so, friend.  I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.W.

One New Habit

  Good Morning Friends!  I was recently having dinner with a few family members, and we struck up a conversation about reading.  The question was posed, "What are some of the most impactful books you've ever read?"  Being that books are one of my favorite topics of conversation, and I love to read, I began throwing out book titles and what I had gleaned from them.  A few others threw in comments, but then one family member made this statement.  She said, "I don't know.  I've never really read any personal growth books."  I've been pondering that comment for the last week, and here's why.  Up until about six years ago, neither had I.  I read for fun, and I read for school, but it never occurred to me that I could read to better myself, grow spiritually, learn new life skills, and improve everything from finances to relationships.  And quite honestly, even if I had made this realization on my own, I wouldn't have known where to begin.  Walking into any book store you can find mountains of titles in the sections of self-help, spirituality, fitness, and finance.  So where to begin?  Which authors are reputable?  How could I be sure I was investing in something that would help me?
  And those questions are what provoked me to write this blog today.  Six years ago, I was introduced to a group of business people and mentors who changed my life forever, and I am so grateful.  They began encouraging me to read books, "ten pages a day" they said. Start small.  But the books they encouraged me to read where unlike the novels I had spent my time reading up to that point.  The books they recommended helped me to get myself emotionally stable, made me a better wife, helped me be a wiser mom, and took my faith to new levels.  But without the guidance of my mentors I would never have stumbled across these lifechanging reads, and so today, I am going to give you just a few suggestions as to some books which you can delve into to see change in your life also.
  First of all, if you're new to the world of "self-help" or personal development, I encourage you to start small.  Og Mandino writes several books which are quick and easy reads but contain life changing truths.  I recommend trying out The Greatest Miracle in the World or The Greatest Salesman in the World.  Both of these are written in story format and are a good way to introduce yourself to reading for growth rather than simply for entertainment.
  A bit more advanced read, but still very step by step and easy to grasp is John Maxwell's The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth.  I also just finished up Terri Savelle Foy's book, 5 Things Successful People Do Before 8 Am.  These two books will help you get started and give you a road map for personal growth and development.
  Additionally, if you would like to read something spiritual which is both easy to understand and very impactful, I recommend reading Bruce Wilkinson's The Dream Giver or The Prayer of Jabez.  
  I don't want to overwhelm anyone with an extensive list, and there are so many amazing books to choose from.  This is just a small list of some of what I have read and gained insight from over the past few years.  I encourage you if you would like to rise to new levels in any area of your life, begin by reading.  Many of us cannot approach a famous or successful person and ask them how they got where they are, but we can sit down with that person's book and receive the benefits of what they know.
  If you only start one new habit this year, I highly encourage you to start the habit of reading to grow.  You will be shocked and pleasantly surprised at how much your life can transform from the simple habit of investing in reading.  I know I was.  Grab a book and get started today.  I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.W.