Masterpiece

Lately, for some reason, my self esteem has been super low. I feel so small and insignificant; and the temptation to shrink back in fear and inhibition takes priority over my life. Negativity starts seeping into the core of my being and every situation that is thrown at me gets filtered through this pessimism....Hard work with no immediate results: then, why am I doing these meaningless tasks? And don't get me started on insecurity--almost everyone I know is a freaking awesome musician, with major talent, and beautiful personality. What unique offering do I have to give?

...

Three thoughts:

1. "There is blessing to hard work. Do not see it as emptiness or a nuisance; see it as an opportunity. When you get a sense of your divine purpose, a sense that this is about something much bigger than you, even if the task at hand seems distant from what is in your heart, know that it is God-given. Allow the fact that God has called you and positioned you exactly where you are to energize your heart."

-Brian Houston, For This I Was Born

Literally a day before I read this excerpt from Pastor Brian's book, I was feeling like several of the tasks at hand were "distant from what's in my heart"; and there-he practically took the words from my mouth and handed them back to me covered with encouragement and energy for my heart.

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2. "As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit-just as it has taught you, remain in him...so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming."

-1 John 2:27-28

A week ago, I stumbled upon these inspiring verses in 1 John during my own time with God; and then Darlene Zschech spoke it over us at a Hillsong Creative meeting so we could be "confident and unashamed" to stand in and lead others into His presence!

Confident and Unashamed

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3.

"The pessimist complains about the wind.

The optimist expects it to change.

The leader adjusts the sails."

-John Maxwell, Developing the Leader Within You

This whole week, I've been struggling with my negative attitude. I got stuck in the "I know that I have a bad attitude toward all my situations-- just leave me alone and let me be mad right now!" sort of mood. The above quote came from an assignment for my Personal Leadership class this week, which was to read the chapter, "The Extra Plus of Leadership: Attitude," of John Maxwell's book, Developing the Leader Within You. Ok, ok. I get the picture: I'm at a leadership college, training to be a leader; so it would be wise if I took control of my feelings and changed my attitude. He also shared in this chapter that, "Leadership has less to do with position than it does disposition." So, it doesn't matter if I'm assigned to the lowest possible position-I won't complain, I'll adjust my attitude.

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Isn't it amazing how, when you are so in tune with and sensitive to the Holy Spirit, He builds every detail of your life into a masterpiece...slowly revealing new bits and pieces that perfectly fit together.

God is energizing my heart!

I am anointed. I am confident. I am unashamed. I can change my attitude. I have a specific purpose. I have something unique to offer. I am a leader :)