Stepping Stones

I'm reading a devotional called, "Daily Steps for God Chicks - 90-day devotional for real women" and this morning's reading is a MUST to share. :)

"A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman - who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. " Proverbs 31:10, AMP

Well...this can sound a little scary: capable, intelligent and virtuous?? Maybe this makes you think of all the times that you felt incapable, unintelligent and hardly a force on the earth.

So what? Forget what you have felt and start right where you are. With God, you get a brand-new opportunity to expand your mental strength in order to be a force of impact and significance on the earth. To gain mental strength, you have to swallow your pride and be willing to learn. This journey will require you to constantly be learning new things. For example, if you are getting married, are married, or planning on being married, I would suggest that you get around some awesome wives [omit] and learn something new. And you know, kids don't exactly come with guarantees, warranties, or instructions, so a few good books on parenting might be a good idea.

Are you clear on your purpose? Are you operating in that purpose? If not, discover what your passions are and learn some new things about them. If you are passionate about music, maybe you should take some lessons. If you are passionate about interior design, consider a night course that can help you grow in that skill. Consider the career you want. If you would like a job as an editor at a publishing company and you are currently waiting tables, you have to prepare yourself now to receive that job later. Stop asking God for that new job and position yourself for Him to provide it. Begin to retrain your mind about who you are and all the wonderful ways that you were created. The thoughts that you have been thinking about yourself have led you where you are...so think some new ones! Change begins with your thinking....And when we are given a new direction, we should avoid being defensive and act on that direction. Change makes us stretch..."

My favorite parts -

• encouragement to let go of negative "feelings" about this moment in life and just start right here with the positive!
• reminder that with God, we get a BRAND-NEW opportunity to expand. [Lamentations 3:23 - Great is [the Lord's] faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning]
• to retrain my thinking and remember "who you are and all the wonderful ways that you were created."
• AND that "The thoughts that you have been thinking about yourself have led you where you are...so think so new ones!" Amen.

What are the stepping stones you see in front of you right now? Maybe it's time to take those next steps?

Let's stretch, baby!