Day 1 - Sunday, Jan 11 - SPIRITUAL HUNGER

DAY 1 – SUNDAY, JAN 11

SPIRITUAL HUNGER

Pray that during these 21 days of fasting your spiritual hunger for Christ would increase.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:18-19

The Law of Reciprocity

What do you want in life?

What do you think you lack?

What do you wish to receive?

Here is how to get it:  GIVE TO OTHERS WHAT YOU WISH TO RECEIVE!

I believe GIVING starts the receiving process in your life.  In Luke 6:31, Jesus teaches us "Do to others as you would have them do to you."

Giving to others, provokes the power to create ABUNDANCE in our lives.  If we withhold our giving, we stop the rebounding energy flow of RECIPROCITY.

Most of the people I know, really want to make a difference in this world, in our country and in our community.  I believe the best INVESTMENT we can make is in our FUTURE - the YOUTH! 

This is one of the primary reasons we continue to offer our Sports Ministry with the Basketball program called UPWARD.  

Often, the most important principles and skills on how to live a successful life are not taught in school - goal setting, self-responsibility, building self-worth, communicating with others, managing time and developing a success mindset.

Want to do something SIGNIFICANT...something that makes a life-changing difference in the life of another...many others?  Want to ignite the law of RECIPROCITY in building your own success?

Help us this season!  For more information, visit our website www.bfwc.net and see how you can get involved in our UPWARD Basketball & Cheerleading outreach.

@RussellHylton (Twitter & Instagram)
@bevhylton (Twitter)
Russell Beverly Hylton (Facebook)
www.russellhylton.com
@bfwcindy (Twitter & Instagram)
Bfwc Indianapolis (Facebook)
www.bfwc.net

There Is PROGRESS in the PROCESS!

If we want PROGRESS in leadership, there is no progress unless we embrace the PROCESS of leadership. That means sometimes we do some hard work, some difficult work, some unbelievable work & no one is going to see it but God.

We've got to get past wanting to get DISCOVERED & start concerning ourselves with being DEVELOPED. When we stop screaming at the world, "Discover me!" & start screaming at God, "Develop me!" That's when we'll reach our potential.

@RussellHylton (Twitter & Instagram)
@bevhylton (Twitter)
Russell Beverly Hylton (Facebook)
www.russellhylton.com
@bfwcindy (Twitter & Instagram)
Bfwc Indianapolis (Facebook)
www.bfwc.net

Have You Ever Been Stereotyped?

Have you ever been stereotyped? This morning, I had to drop my truck off at the mechanic. It was early, so I thought I would walk down the road to Starbucks and grab a coffee while I waited for the sun to rise and possibly catch a ride to work from a friend.

Picture this...it's dark, I'm wearing my army green jacket, I'm carrying a gym bag, my backpack and I'm walking down the road. I GOT SOME STARES.

Sometimes when we see people walking down the side of the road, we can assume the wrong thing.  We can assume that just because they are walking, they either don't have a car, can't afford a car or they're homeless.

The truth can become lost in the facts.  The TRUTH is, my truck is in the shop. The FACT is I'm walking to Starbucks by choice. Actually, I could have stayed at the mechanics shop and filled up on the tar-like coffee being served in the 2x2 guest waiting area. #SoundsYummy

I remember something similar happening when my daughter had her High School graduation party. My sister-n-law came into town to help us host the party. During all the preparations we realized that we were completely out of ice and some other items.  Guests were starting to arrive.  With time working against us,  my sister-n-law jumped in the truck with me and we headed to the store to get the items we needed while my wife and daughter stayed at the house to welcome guests and host. When we got to the check-out line to pay for our items...SURE ENOUGH...we ran into one of those "church people" who like to TALK ABOUT EVERYONE and apparently operates in the 10th Spiritual Gift called loquaciousness. 

This dear "sister" (I use that term lightly) confused the TRUTH from the FACTS.  The FACT was I was driving in my truck with another woman (other than my wife) the TRUTH was...she was my sister-n-law.

Friends, never confuse the TRUTH from the FACTS. Often times, people reach conclusions by what they've HEARD rather than what is TRUE. Honestly, you'll never be able to entirely prevent these misunderstandings from happening.  There will always be someone who is nosy, overly opinionated and loves to spread tales.  (Sound like anyone you know? Possibly you?) 

I've learned that you never talk ABOUT someone if you've not taken the time to talk TO them. Friends, enjoy the journey...even if you have to walk to Starbucks in the dark. 

Now when is my ride supposed to be here?

@RussellHylton (Twitter & Instagram)
@bevhylton (Twitter)
Russell Beverly Hylton (Facebook)
www.russellhylton.com
@bfwcindy (Twitter & Instagram)
Bfwc Indianapolis (Facebook)
www.bfwc.net

#YouGotThis

My dear friends, tomorrow is the last day of the year. If you're serious about making healthy changes in your lifestyle in 2015...I want to tell you that you CAN do whatever you set your mind too! Eight months ago I purposed to make some changes...it's been a long journey but to date I've lost approximately 45 lbs. and went from a size 44 waist to a size 34 waist! Friends, if I can do it...ANYONE can do it!
 ‪#‎YouGotThis‬ ‪#‎Scriptures‬ ‪#‎Prayer‬‪#‎StartExercising‬ ‪#‎PortionControl‬ ‪#‎Faith‬ ‪#‎Determination‬‪#‎TheLordWillGiveYouStrength‬

Five Things For Monday

Life’s biggest limitations are the ones you make in your mind.  Life’s biggest causes of unhappiness are the false beliefs you refuse to let go of. You are capable of far more than you are presently thinking, imagining, doing or being.  But you will ultimately become what you habitually contemplate; so clear your mind & let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.

@RussellHylton (Twitter & Instagram)
@bevhylton (Twitter)
Russell Beverly Hylton (Facebook)
www.russellhylton.com
@bfwcindy (Twitter & Instagram)
Bfwc Indianapolis (Facebook)
www.bfwc.net

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Merry Christmas from The Hyltons

Secure In God's Love

First John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love…but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror!”

Getting a revelation of God’s unconditional love will help you understand that your worth and value are based on the fact that you're a child of God, not on what you do. This is so important because if we believe God loves us based on what we do or how well we perform, we will never be truly secure and stable in our relationship with Him.

No matter what you do for a living, whether you’re single or married, have children or not, you’re well educated, rich or poor, you are just as important to God as everyone else. We are all equally valuable to God.

God is love. And He really loves YOU! I pray that you will experience God’s love for yourself every day of your life. Then you can have the life of peace, joy and true security that He’s planned for you.

@RussellHylton (Twitter & Instagram)
@bevhylton 
Russell Beverly Hylton (Facebook)
www.russellhylton.com
@bfwcindy (Twitter & Instagram)
Bfwc Indianapolis (Facebook)
www.bfwc.net

What's Your Plan For The Holidays?

Are you ready for the Holidays?  Ready or not...it's that time of the year when we gather with our loved ones and give thanks for the blessings in our lives, overeat, exchange gifts and make memories!

It can also be a time of year when people stress over finances, family drama and the chaos of travel.  Sometimes it can steal your joy and make you wish you could time travel past it all.

I don't know what it will be like around your table and Christmas tree, but I hope it's a wonderful time for you and your family.  After all, it should be "The most wonderful time of the year!"

Consider sticking to this plan...

1. DRAMA FREE - No matter how many crazy relatives try to "pull you" into gossip and family drama...refuse to participate. Choose to rise above. Diffuse it with laughter and joy. A healthy family should always have more comedy than drama.

2. PEACEMAKER - When we come together, it should be to celebrate the birth of "The Prince of Peace!"  Jesus is our example. Seek to promote peace at your family gatherings. Offer love and respect to people even if they don't deserve it. Don't treat your family the way they treat you. Treat them the way God treats you.

3. STAY ON BUDGET - Financial stress is the last thing you need during the Holidays. Sometimes you can feel pressure to "overdue" it on your kids and relatives...however, they really don't need more gadgets and clothes as much as they need you.  Give thoughtful gifts; not expensive gifts. 

4. MAKE MEMORIES - You'll probably want to see everyone, but realistically you'll only be able to spend quality time with a few.  Don't make your schedule based on trying to make everyone happy (which is impossible). Schedule based on maximizing the moments you have with your loved ones. Take pictures and remember the moment.

5. EAT SMART - I love to eat as much as anyone but when ignore myself on cookies and biscuits for a week, I pay the price.  A lack of exercise and a ton of calories ends up making you grumpy and sleepy.  Enjoy the good food, but don't go crazy. Find time to exercise.

6. LAUGH ALOT - Humor is infectious. The sound of people laughing is definitely more contagious than any cough, sniffle or sneeze.  When laughter is shared, it brings people together and increases happiness. Scientifically, laughter can trigger healthy physical changes in your body. Humor and laughter can strengthen your immune system, boost your energy and shield you from the negative effects of stress.  Best of all...it's FREE!

7. FOCUS ON FAITH - The presents and food are awesome, but don't forget to honor God who makes it all possible.  Keeping your focus on Him has a way of bringing everything else into it's proper place. Jesus is the reason for the season.

@RussellHylton (Twitter & Instagram)
@bevhylton 
Russell Beverly Hylton (Facebook)
www.russellhylton.com
@bfwcindy (Twitter & Instagram)
Bfwc Indianapolis (Facebook)
www.bfwc.net

Grandpa - The Hyltons