I Encourage You Blog

2009-11-20T06:42:00.000-08:00

Looking back over recent life events I am reminded that some of the greatest lessons I have learned have come during periods of challege and change. We all go through them in order to grow. These experiences come to test our resolve and require us to use what we have learned to pass the tests that we go through.

Believe it or not, you are equipped with everything you need to be victorious during times of testing. If you have a question that does not seem to have an answer, keep searching. Don't give up. Some answers take longer than others to manifest. This happens for a reason. You can get the most out of the waiting process when you:

1) Diligently seek solutions and
2) Grasp the significance of what you learn through understanding.

My most recent experience comes from having to teach new reading concepts to my youngest child. The process of developing an at-home curriculum was both challenging and rewarding. For days when I first started learning what methods worked best for his learning style I got frustrated because it seemed to be taking so long. The process took more time than I expected but it enriched our lives in many ways. Working one-on-one with him made our relationship stronger and developing a specific curriculum for him I gained insight that helps him be more successful in school and improved my teaching skills.

Challenges can build up one's self-esteem. As ideas flow and you learn to master each situation the things that you once considered impossible turn out to be a huge stepping stones. In the end you will have a renewed mind, increased creativity, and more confidence in the power within you. After seeing my son excel in just two weeks time I am more confident in the principle of diligence. I can truly say that the hand life deals does not have to be a poor one. All you have to do is be patient while building your skill and you will be able to win the game.

Be Encouraged.

Personal Development: Breakthrough to a New Beginning

2008-12-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

As I consider the dreams that manifested in my life this year I am thankful for the promise that says, "God is doing a new thing in you." The new beginning for me started the moment I learned to willingly let go of old unproductive habits, defeating paradigms, and profit deflating assignments.

Change has not been easy, and really never is, but I am grateful for people like Ben Gibert, Charisse Gibert, and Galena Conaster who have been phenomenal examples and destiny partners in disciplieship, prayer, mentoring, and coaching.

Throughout the year I encountered many rocky terrains and along the way it looked like I had lost many battles. I am grateful that in the midst of life's challenges to have learned from Lady Wisdom and now life coach others on how to be successful in marriage, parenthood, business, and ministry.

Assignment

This week take a look at performance in the critical areas of your life. Prepare to close out the year by seeing losses as triumphs that spring you forward in destiny. Just as a caterpillar sheds its cocoon and becomes a butterly, the things that you need to give up may be the very thing that's necessary for your new beginning. In setting your expectations for the coming year, I challenge you to do so with an uncommon committment to persevering with faith and patience. Write down at least twelve things that you would like to achieve or that you are hoping for and remember that you can only be counted out of the race if you quit.

Be encouraged!

Dream Seed

2008-08-30T16:20:00.001-07:00

My Dream Seed Illustration helps keep my God-given purpose, vision, and goals in view. It serves as a reminder to make the best use of my time and talents. Have you considered creating a dream board, too? What's stopping you? Realize your dreams.

I Encourage You Now!

Benita

How to Realize Your Dreams

2008-08-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

As a person called to many leadership roles I have a need to master the skill of time management. I have taken many classes and read numerous books on this topic and thought you might benefit from what I learned as well.

To begin it is important to identify three important things:

Your Purpose
Your Vision
Your Goals

This process makes the task of time management less daunting and enables you to see the importance of good stewardship. Each of us has been given the precious gift of time. Like the servants in the Parable of the Talents, we all will account for our use of talents at some point in our lives. This reality helps us identify the time wasters and seek opportunities that propel us toward our goals.

I watch my Dream Seed Illustration to make sure that my daily to-do's are inline with what matters most in my life.

My challenge to you is to set aside time to identify your purpose and develop your vision, and goals. Once you identify them, be creative. Make a vision board using words or pictures from magazines, photo albums, or the internet. There's no right or wrong way to do it. The point is to make it something that will cause you to put your faith in action.

In the meantime, I hope my Dream Seed illustration sparks your creativity.

I Encourage You Now!

Benita Tyler

It's A New Season

2008-07-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

And ye shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 1:3

Have you ever been in a season of your life, whether personal or business, where you have felt that you were at a standstill? In this time, you felt that no matter how hard you wanted to, your inner spirit "seemed to be" bearing no fruit? This phenomena is what people in the business world refer to as feast or famine. It is when you have a marketing plan in place and you have been working it effortlessly but no new sales occur. Did you know that the Bible tells us that there is a time and a season for everything under the sun? Not only that, but Psalms 1:3 goes on to say that we will bring forth fruit in our season.

After meditating that verse I began to see its relevance in personal and business life. Today, for example, I no longer fret the fact that my business has been seasonal up to this point. By observing my financial reports over the years I can see that revenues are typically higher during the Fall and Winter seasons. Upon closer examination, the income statement shows me that I am busiest with clients during specific times of the year because certain activities (fruit) are coming forth in that season. This awareness changed my entire perspective of the confession that I used to have. I no longer say that I have seasons of "feast or famine" because like the tree, there is a season to bring forth every type of fruit.

Fruit is symbolic of something manifested during harvest season. The process requires seeds that are sown, watered, and birthed into the earth. As business owners, we sow many types of seeds, whether they are time, talent, or treasure. We should be mindful that fruit can come in many forms. Just as there are apple, pear, and oranges manifested in season, we may see sales, new client relationships, and new opportunities to evolve our business in different season.
Just because the financial statements do not show the fruit of sales does not mean that it is not due season. The principle thing is patience and knowing what season you are in. Going forth, consider the following:

Have you built many different activities into marketing strategy to ensure that you reap a harvest in season? When sales are slow, are you sowing your time to help others? Are you getting exposure in the market? Use your time, talent, and treasure in ways that are fitting for the season that you are in. Prepare for and expect new opportunities to come your way today. Look for the harvest to manifest in its season.

In His Service,

Benita Tyler
Web: http://www.tbsusa.com/
Blog: http://www.iencourageyou.blogspot.com/

What Blocks Your Worship?

2008-07-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13

In the book, The Air I Breathe, the author describes fans at a Michael Jackson concert stating,

"Some of the purest forms of worship are found outside the walls of the church...some fell to their knees, others with outstretched hands, ... with a look of total awe on their face. ...and you can see it when your favorite band plays, or your favorite team."

After considering his statement, I began to wonder why some believers hold back their worship during church services. One of the answers that I found is the inability to remain focused while in the presence of God. When there is corporate worship, there can be a lot going on around you. Babies cry. Adults walking. Friends reuniting with holy embrace.

It takes discipline to focus on that which cannot be seen. As we worship, we need to put down our flesh and tendencies to watch the shows around us. These sideshow distractions that keep us from seeking the Lord with all our heart. When we do so, our spirit man becomes alive and able to get into the secret place where the Lord dwells.

Other times we may not feel open to worship. This causes us to keep our fleshly guards up because of our concern to what people around us may think. Finally, some believe they will look weird or out of place because public worship is not something that they practice on a regular basis.

To become totally wrapped up in the warmth of God's love, we must allow Him in. The Word of God tells us that we are to "draw nigh to him." He is waiting for us with loving arms to seek His face and enjoy His presence.

Try this. The next time you find yourself in a corporate worship environment, simply close your eyes and become quiet before singing one verse of the song that is being played. Allow your spirit to listen for God's voice and to experience His presence. If you are distracted by sitting with your brothers and sisters in Christ, step out from among them and get as close to the altar as you can. Touch the throne of God and tell Him how much you love Him. This is a time especially set aside for you and your creator. It is a time for you to tell Him what He means to you, to give Him praise, and to honor Him for who He is in your life.

In His Service.

Assignment:

This week consider how you can make your worship time with God more special? What are the things that hinder you?

Pray this prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You for inviting me to draw near to you. I want to hear your voice and to know you more intimately. Help me to get rid of the hindrances that cause me to not be able to get into your presence. Show me the side of You that will remind my spirit to be in awe, reverance, and gratitude for who you are. I give you all the glory, honor, and attention that you deserve.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

2007-07-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Are you experiencing a trial that simply will not go away? Do you find yourself going in circles, making the same mistakes, and expecting different results? As you tread the road to destiny be patient, remain strong, and keep a cheerful attitude. Why? You are only required to take life one day at a time. If you are anxious about the direction your life is going or starting to believe you have had all that you can bare then, my friend, this site is for you.

I Encourage You is a resource for women that highlights day-to-day challenges and provides insights that liberate from a biblical perspective. It speaks to the heart of women who want greater intimacy in marriage, to become the ultimate parent, and aim for success in owning a profitable business.

Over the years I have learned many lessons and chronicled testimonies of each victory. Most notable was the day when my spiritual blindfolds were removed. Clarity, hope, and truth broke forth like the dawn of a brand new day. The light of the Lord surrounded me and the seeds that I had planted over the years began to spring forth in harvest. I realized that no part of my life was separate from God and without Him I am nothing.

In the wake of the I Encourage You dialogue, I expect that, like mine, your bright day is just ahead of you. I encourage you to have faith that God is in control. It's that simple. This is what will take you through. Many twists and turns have threatened to take me out yet I have overcome them all. Through these victories I have noticed a resounding theme. My call is to inspire. My goal is to share truth. My hope is that whatever has you bound will be loosed from your life this very hour. Grace to you and peace be multiplied!

I Encourage You Now --
Give thanks!