BAGGAGE CHECK: DESTINATION - PROMISE LAND

YOU CAN'T TAKE "EGYPT" MENTALITY WITH YOU

IF YOU EXPECT TO ENTER THE PROMISE LAND!

CALLING ALL WOMEN WARRIORS...FOR

************************************************

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE

VIRTUAL WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT CAMP

This is not for the faint hearted!  This is for victorious women who are ready to strap on their battle gear and tackle the terrain towards their God given purpose!

This is for those women who have survived, overcome and conquered, who have persevered and won't allow anything to stand in the way of their achieving something more!

Find out if you are willing to do what it takes to get it...WHATEVER that is that God has for YOU!!

I am looking for women who want to live the

RADICAL,

OUTRAGEOUS,

CHASE-YOU-DOWN-THE-STREET AND OVERTAKE YOU   type of blessings from God and 

                                  who are ready to

                                                do what it takes

                                                                   to receive them.

This is the time to begin looking at what's working, or  not working to ensure that you are headed in the right direction.

***********************************

On Sunday, April 22, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. EST, we will meet through the magic of technology; via teleconferencing and web conferencing. I will be sharing a link with you to join this web cast on Friday evening. so please make sure I have the appropriate email address so you can access the information over the weekend.

We will be tapping into several key areas during our time together:

1. Are you living accidentally or on purpose

2. The Game of Life, who’s keeping score?

3. The most important lesson your mama ever taught you

4.    What does it mean to go from brokenness to blessings?

As we prepare for this time together, please take a few moments to complete the 10 question questionnaire by Friday, April 20th at 6:00 p.m. (through the link below). This will serve to prepare the pallet of your mind to receive the information that will be shared on Sunday.

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22FDUNCXVJA

Please know that all information shared will be held in the strictest of confidence. Any reference to your comments will be generic during our time on the call.

I look forward to connecting with you on Sunday, April 22nd!

http://youtu.be/R79J_B4zH9U

CHANGE...ARE YOU THE ROADBLOCK?

The desire for change is prevalent in today's society.  The change we are hoping for is change in external forces; a change in jobs, the economy, a change from the heat (or cold), or a change in gas prices.

We are predominantly consumed with changing things we have no control over.  Have you ever traveled to a pre-determined destination on a road that you have traveled many times?  Your subconscious mind has implanted the route in your mind, relieving you of the task of even thinking about it.  Ahhh... but here comes a hiccup;  on this particular day, the road has been closed due to road construction.  Oh my, what on earth do you do???  Do you:

1.  ____ Sit there until the road re-opens?

2.  ____ Pick up that cell phone and complain to the DOT?

3.  ____ Take a detour?

HERE'S THE REALITY

If you checked #1, you are waiting for someone else to change things in your life.  "If I sit here long enough, things are bound to change for me, then I will move forward."

So many times, this thought process relates to waiting for other people in our lives to change before we do.  Just imagine how much you miss waiting for someone or something else to change.

If you checked #2, you are making excuses that prevent you from making the change that could get you to where you want to be.

There are many layman interpretations or definitions of the word "excuses".   My favorite definition comes from Pastor Creflo Dollar, founder of World Changers Church, International in Atlanta, Georgia.

"Me Removing Myself From the Path of Blame"

Are you hiding behind your wall of excuses for the changes you want to make in your life? Don't say you want to change if you are not willing to do what it takes to change.

If you checked #3, you understand that it is YOU and only YOU that has the power to change your outcome.

Change is a process, and that process begins in your mind.  While we can't change external forces, we can change our reaction to them.  Many times, we don't have a problem to solve...we just have a decision to make and that decision usually requires change in some form.

CHANGE....OWN IT!

The first step in the process of owning change is to eliminate excuses:

"I want to change, but..."

"I want to eliminate this in my life, but..."

"I know I can do that, but..."

"But" is the "eraser" for the words stated before it and cancels out any possibility for change.  Here's a challenge I give to you; identify the number of times you use the word "but" in a sentence every day. Now think of the statements that you have erased just before it.  Each "but" you speak is permission you give yourself to make an excuse as to why your change doesn't occur.

I dare you to collect a quarter for every time you catch yourself.  You just might be able to buy yourself that pair of shoes you've been admiring at the end of the month, or buy yourself a nice dinner from a restaurant that doesn't display the menu over your head!

CHANGE IS A PROCESS

Remember, change is a process.  It is not an instant "I Dream of Jeannie" arm crossing, head nodding event.  It takes time.  Your embrace of this process has to begin somewhere, and that is in your mind.  Romans 12:2 states, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

 

I once heard John Maxwell share a quote, "There's a choice we make in everything we do, but just remember, that in the end, the choice you make makes you".

If you sincerely want something to change in your life, eliminate the excuses and begin to discover what you truly want to change and begin the process.

 

Byrd's Eye View: The Seasoning of "Wisdom" Bakes a Luscious Humble...

Byrd's Eye View: The Seasoning of "Wisdom" Bakes a Luscious Humble...: “ God, I pray that you would give me an understanding mind and heart that hears your voice so that I can discern between good and evil”. ...

The Seasoning of "Wisdom" Bakes a Luscious Humble Pie

“God, I pray that you would give me an understanding mind and heart that hears your voice so that I can discern between good and evil”. 

Adapted from I Kings 3:9

In today’s world of survival and material pleasures, our levels of desire to possess material things [more than some or as much as others] increases and methodically rises like the water levels of the Gulf of Mexico during Hurricane Katrina.  This constant quest for more is not necessarily a bad thing, depending on what you do with these possessions; however, one must always remember to "be careful what you ask for".

Dreams Do Come True

In I Kings 3:6, God visited King David’s son, Solomon in a dream.  In this dream, God asked Solomon what He could do for him”.  Solomon’s humble reply consisted of a request for wisdom.  Solomon was very smart.  Not only was he aware of the awesomeness of God and the honor placed upon him with this visit, but he was also keenly aware of his own shortcomings.  He knew that he had big shoes to fill through his father, King David and that his success would require more than what he was capable of acquiring through his own strengths.  His willingness to honor his father was the motivation behind his submissive request. Solomon exhibited great humility in his request of God.  Because of this, his request was granted. 

But God didn’t stop there.  Being the amazing God that He is, Solomon was blessed with much more than he had asked for.  What we seek in life reveals so much about our character.  What we ask of God reveals what we value. 

Your Hearts Desire

Just like with Solomon, your walk with God requires a humility that reveals your true heart, a heart to do what’s right.  In your quest for those things that you desire, your request for wisdom will yield you so much more than you can possibly imagine.  This request  however, does not gurantee a perfect life, no more than  a handed-down recipe gurantees a perfectly baked apple pie.  Stay with me here.  The wisdom that God provides to you comes in raw form similar to the list of ingredients for this apple pie.  It’s up to you to measure, mix and season this God given wisdom as it is given to you over a period of time to create a life that enables Him to use you.

As you ask for the right things of God; wisdom, discernment between right and wrong, and his purpose for your life, you begin to acquire the ingredients you need to create a magnificent humble pie to not only enjoy, but to share with the rest of the world as you serve up each piece of God’s illuminating Glory.

THE ORIGIN OF YOUR PERSPECTIVES

Perspective –

A word with many considerations.  A change to be considered.   Humor me for just a moment and imagine the word "perspective" as a circle; a clock in particular, with many points of reference.  The center of the dial will look different depending on where you are standing within the circle, and from what direction you are facing it.  So it is as we consider everything in life.  It depends on where we are standing.  A dichotomy of views are the result of past experiences, life long conditioning and learned behavior.

 Resistance –

An unwillingness to consider a change in views.  Those aforementioned past experiences and life long conditioning results that have planted our feet within the confines of our space on the clock, like standing in the confines of quick sand, unable to move from where we reside.

I know I am not alone here...On many occasions, I have disagreed with someone’s point of view.  My conditioned beliefs; right or wrong, have drawn me to the conclusions I have so staunchly defended.  But the ringing of the word perspective in my mind entices me to shift from my current position on the clock.  Not to move to another position, but to maneuver my stance in order to peer in towards the point from another angle, a direction I’ve never considered before.  I may never have had a reason to make this shift before. 

Rapists, murderers, child molesters, hate groups.  Over the years, nationally publicized events have puzzled me.  The abduction of young children by men that look like your normal “boy next door” stereotypes.  The young innocent lives that have been jolted out of existence because of a cruel, senseless murder.  Life lines snapped like a tree limb that has been taken from its maternal trunk only to be thrown away and abandoned.

My first response to the individuals that perform these heinous acts is to hate them and I'm sure that I am not alone .  My life long conditioning informs me that what they have done is wrong. I suppose that if I had a chance to talk to these individuals, I might have a clearer understanding as to why they commit the crimes they are accused of and the circumstances that led them to perform these acts of violence.  Please know that I am not condoning these acts in any way; however, many times we are unwilling to consider another individual’s or another group’s perspective, because it is so far removed from anything we could possibly imagine.  Again, it’s because of our life long conditioning and learned behavior. 

Our experiences are not the same as others.  Eliminating our resistance in considering these differences can assist us in our efforts to resolve so much of the inner conflict we experience when we observe injustices and can ultimately help us to understand the many roads that are available to us, and help us to make decisions based on the consideration of many points of view.

God has made each of us unique, with a kaleidoscope of experiences.  Each of these experiences, has molded us into who we are.  I stand on the reality that everything we have experienced in life has made us who we are today.  What we choose to do with past experiences will determine our future direction.  Taking the time to step back, to reflect on where we are and to consider different perspectives will help us as we begin to consider the decisions we make moving forward, thereby creating the future that we aspire to attain.

Is Life Coaching For You? Take a Quiz and Find Out

If you have peaked your curiosity of who I am and what I do, by reading my Profile, you know that I am a Life Coach.  Over the years, I have made a commitment to assisting individuals in their personal and professional growth.  It brings me great pleasure to be a part of some one's growth and witness their ability to bring themselves through life's journeys.

What is a Life Coach?

A Life Coach is an individual who has expertise (through training/certification and life experience..and most importantly, gifting...be sure to truly consider the latter as you seek a Life Coach that is right for you) in helping others to live a more fulfilling and productive life and assisting them in enjoying the journey along the way.  Life Coaching involves supporting clients in discovering and creating what they want most in their lives, and provides a pathway for them to get there.

Is Life Coaching For You?

Most Life Coaches help clients based on their speciality or their niche, but to get started, here is a quiz that will help you to determine if you could benefit from a Life Coach:

Take a Quiz and Find Out:

On a scale from 1-10, rate each of the following statements (if not applicable, score the item a 5: 1= not at all, 10 = Most Definitely)

1. I am ready to create more balance in my life.
2. I am ready to improve my personal or business relationships.
3. I am ready to make real and positive changes in my life.
4. I am ready to find and live my life's purpose.
5. I am ready and willing to overcome self-limiting beliefs and behaviors.
6. I am ready to create plans and take action to achieve my goals.
7. I am ready to achieve a sense of fulfillment at work and in my life.
8. I am ready for more fun and enjoyment in life.
9. I'd like to work less and make more money.
10. I can benefit from someone who will help me to stay on track.

Add up your score. 

Interpreting Your Score:

Under 30

Life Coaching is not for you right now.

31 to 60

Life Coaching could help you to look at your life from a different viewpoint as well as help you develop a plan to change what it is that you would like to change.  However, if you decide to work with a life coach now, you should decide and commit that you will take the necessary action for your benefit, or you will not make lasting life changing improvements.

Over 60

Congratulations!  You are ready for a Life Coach!  You are willing to do whatever if takes to create the life you deserve and desire. Contact me for a free introductory coaching session to find out what coaching can do for you.  This one step can change your life forever.

The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on
being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.
Anna Quindlen

pbyrd@mywildernessjourneys.com

866.230.6302 

It Just Doesn't Hurt Bad Enough!

I am extremely proud of the ladies that took the time to attend last night’s “Something’s Gotta Give!” web cast.  Many women are experiencing a tingling sense of uneasiness and dissatisfaction with their current lives and have mustered the courage to take a small step toward uncovering the root cause.  Sadly enough, many women are afraid to take that first step for fear that it will require something of them. 

It Just Doesn't Hurt Bad Enough. 

I love to tell the story of the dog that is sitting on the front porch of a house on a country road. As a city gentleman passes the house with the owner sitting on the front porch with his dog, this city gentleman stops to say hello. During his brief conversation, he notices that the dog is whimpering. This whimpering continued throughout the dialog between the owner and the passerby.  Finally, the city gentleman inquired of the owner, “I’m curious, why is your dog whimpering?”  The owner replied, “Oh, he is sitting on a nail”.  Out of curiosity, the gentleman inquired, “I see…but I have to ask….why doesn’t he just get off the nail?”  The owner shrugged, “I guess it doesn’t hurt bad enough”.

Many women are sitting on a nail and whimpering.  Life has dealt them a hand that they don’t like to play.  Instead of throwing in the hand for another deal, they choose to sit with their current hand and whimper about its  ineffectiveness.  Why don’t they get off the nail? Why do they continue to endure the pain vs. ridding themselves of the obstruction that is inflicting so much pain?   I can only assume that it doesn’t hurt bad enough.

So many times, God is prompting us to take that first step, but our fear of what’s in store keeps us right where we are.  Sound familiar?  Let’s go back to the time of Moses.  I believe we all  know how long the Israelites wondered in the wilderness…what was it…40 years?  Interestingly enough, the actual distance from Egypt to the promise land was only a 13 day journey.  Why do you think it took so long?  You guessed it… it just didn’t hurt bad enough.  They complained about their circumstances, but were not willing to follow the steps provided to them by their guide, Moses.  The result, many died in that wilderness, unable to truly experience what God had promised them. 

Who's Fault Is It Anyway?

Who is to blame for the dog’s pain?  Is it the nail?  Is it the owner?  Who was to blame for the 40 year journey?  Was it God?  Was it Moses?  We all are in a position to make choices.  We all have that power.  What we choose to do with that power is totally up to us, with no blame on anyone else.  Whatever you choose to do, you have made a choice.  There’s a choice you make in everything you do, but keep in mind, that in the end, the choice you make, makes you.

Get Off the Nail!

“Something’s Gotta Give!” Women’s Empowerment Group enables women to get off the nail.  To begin healing the wounds that have been  inflicted from sitting on the nail too long.  It is NOT a pity party where women commiserate and wallow in their pain.  It is a forum for women to come together to move forward toward achieving their goals in a safe, productive and progressive environment…and only for those who are ready, for those who are sick and tired or being sick and tired, and are ready to achieve something more.  Back to the "Wilderness Journey" for the Israelites... let's not forget...God parted the red sea, but not until they stepped into the water!

NO MORE SAD  STORIES!  2012 is a year for breakthrough, if you choose for it to be…the choice us up to you.  Unless of course, the nail just doesn’t hurt bad enough.

Byrds Eye View: How Do I Know if I'm Progressing?

Byrds Eye View: How Do I Know if I'm Progressing?: How do we know if we're progressing, moving (either forward or backwards), or simply standing still? I recently heard a Pastor speak on de...

How Do I Know if I'm Progressing?

How do we know if we're progressing, moving (either forward or backwards), or simply standing still?  I recently heard a Pastor speak on depression. He lamented, "God, is this all there is?..." upon waking in the morning, "...if so, I'm angry!"  How many mornings do you wake up feeling the same way, waking up with no hope?  Here is my challenging question to you...How can you hope for more without "doing" something to change the outcome?

Now, if you are a big picture person; if you see the proverbial "forest" and not the "trees", than it's time to get into the details of your life.  It's time to take a nose dive from your view overlooking the forest and journey towards the trees to look at them more closely.  You most assuredly will be surprised because they do not look the same from this new vantage point. By the time you have completed the tree inspection process, and begin your ascension to the top of the forest, things will look totally different.  Not that the forest has changed, mind you, but your outlook is different based on your new found knowledge of what each tree reveals from a magnified view point. Only then, will a new outcome be revealed to you. 

THE FIRST STEP

Your first step is acknowledgement.  As an avid "journal er", my mantra remains, "Life is like a chalkboard and you hold the eraser...to erase away old habits and patterns. Before you can erase it, you have to see it on the board". In your case, my friend, by taking that proverbial journey into the forest to investigate the trees in your life; a job that isn't providing the satisfaction it once did, the confusion between whether past decisions were the right ones, and the big one, forgiveness for someone you have wronged, or someone who has wronged you, those trees that collectively make up your forest, you will be in an ideal position to face these giants that keep you in your wilderness.

SO HOW DO YOU KNOW?

The beauty of life, is that you never, ever, ever have to go it alone.  As you consider moving toward change this year, partner with us as we take a journey into the wilderness to uncover those stakes that are holding you back from your forward progression.

http://events.linkedin.com/Somethings-Gotta-Give-Womens-Empowerment/pub/786735

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes

but in having new eyes.

Marcel Provoust

Byrds Eye View: CHANGE...WHERE DOES IT BEGIN?

Byrds Eye View: CHANGE...WHERE DOES IT BEGIN?: No, not in the lining of your jacket funneled through that hole that just seems to get bigger and bigger. NO, not in the clothes dryer res...

CHANGE...WHERE DOES IT BEGIN?

No, not in the lining of your jacket funneled through that hole that just seems to get bigger and bigger.  NO, not in the clothes dryer  resting on the bottom of misfit sock land.  It begins in your mind. 

Yes, in today's topsy turvey, tumultuous world, it may be time to search for any spare change, but I'm referring to change as a verb; an action word.  CHANGE is a process and that process begins in your mind, and oh what a time to consider change. With the perennial quest to follow a new direction, AKA New Year's Resolutions, the one thing this new perceived direction will require (which is why many people abandon their resolutions quicker than an annual fitness center membership gathers dust),  is CHANGE. Yes, it is true.. change is inevitable, so why not embrace it? And, while we can't always change many of those external forces, we can change our reaction to them.

THE FIRST STEP

The first step in this process of embracing change is to eliminate excuses.  "I want to eliminate this in my life, but...", I know I can do that, but...".  "BUT" is the "eraser" for the words stated before it.  Think of how many times you use the word "but" in a given day. Now... think of the statements you have erased just before it.  Each "but" you speak is permission you give yourself to make an excuse as to why your change doesn't occur. 

There are many definitions for excuses. The best definition I've heard comes from Dr. Creflo Dollar, Pastor and Founder of World Changers Church International in Atlanta, GA: "Excuses are 'Me Removing Myself' from the Path of Blame ". 

Are you hiding behind your wall of excuses for the changes you want to make in your life?  Don't say you are willing to change if you are not willing to do what it takes to change--that change begins with you.  (Micheal Jackson's famous song, "Man in the Mirror" was not just for men...he was eliciting change for everyone.--I know, you're probably humming the song now!)

THE PROCESS OF CHANGE

Remember, change is a process. A process has to begin, and that beginning is in your mind.  Romans 12:2 states,"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God".  If you sincerely want something to change in your life, eliminate the excuses and begin to look at what you truly want to change and begin the process.  Step into your future by doing the work of change.