
Your response to criticism and circumstance speaks volumes of where you are at spiritually, emotionally, & developmentally.
Healthy personal growth requires intentionality.
It requires the discipline to avoid the conversation & activity that rob us of vitality…. It takes a conscious decision to only feast on the activities practices that bring us spiritual & emotional nourishment…. It requires us to exercise the muscle of heart and soul in face of adversity….
It requires us to make a conscious decision to be who we were created to be over the person that we are tempted to be.
–
What current practices or activities do you currently implement to further your personal development? Comment below. πππ
To schedule a coaching session with John Eli click here.

Iβve started writing down what I hope to accomplish each day (using categories like Connect, Create, Do, Ideate, Laugh, Plan, Rest, Research, and Write. Then I make note of what I accomplished and that which remains undone β it can be tackled the next day.
I then write down the key things that happened that day, as well as any lessons learned. I try to wrap it up with gratitude, praise, and petitionn.
It likely sounds more complicated than it really is. π
LikeLiked by 3 people
This is actually a great practice to have. I really like what you are doing. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, John-Eli! I havenβt been doing it long, but I really like it! π
I pray all is well with you. ππΎ
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your response to CIRCUMSTANCE speaks volumes of where you are at spiritually, emotionally, & developmentally…
To give this message validity…Today I was the driver for a summer youth program at church and it started out great as I picked up the children, BUT after getting to the church there was a MAJOR shift. The youth encountered some adults, who honestly really didn’t need to be in charge of youth, and chaos broke out. You had older people provoking younger people to wrath and pretty much over nothing. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and it really angered me, I mean really angered me. Well, moments before any of this jumped off, one of the workers who really has a great way with the children had given me a booklet that talked about “Finding your calm and Carry On.” It mentioned things like Let it out (the right way) and getting away from a situation to calm down.
Well, little did I know that moments later I’d need all of this. I literally had to go into the sanctuary in isolation for a moment or TWO or THREE. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing “at the time,” but boy did this message help. That was God all along! He knows how passionate I am bout ministry unto all people, especially the youth, but this was a situation that was pushing all my hot buttons..
I was only able to respond by not responding by the aid and power of the Holy Spirit, orchestrating events and giving me a word before the situation happened. My prayer is that the Lord would ALWAYS show up in me and on my behalf so that I don’t respond in the wrong manner.
Not only did the Lord do this, the pastor happened to show up (divine) today of all days, giving me an opportunity to address things that needed to be addressed…
Thank You Lord for this message!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m glad to hear that this spoke to you. As a former youth pastor, I completely understand where you are coming from. It is my prayer that the Spirit of Jesus will surround you with the encouragement, peace and power to be who He has called you to be. Be blessed bro. You belong to the King.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks John! Praying for you as well! God truly be praised!!!
LikeLike
I read a lot. π
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is a go to for me too… At least 4-5 books per month.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow, that’s a lot of books!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for stopping by.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing John! I try to read at least 20 minutes a day from a recommended success book that my mentor recommended. I try to always stay reading a people book. I write down my list in my calendar of what I want to get done for the day. My phone calendar is whats helpful for me to use since my phone is always with me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My gosh. This is great Thank you sharing your insight… and I apologize for late response. I made a trip to Mexico and just got back. π
LikeLike
You’re welcome! Keep doing great work.
LikeLike
I know exactly what you are talking about. As I was writing about my personal growth for the last 6 months, I concluded that constructive criticism is what I needed. Moreover, I need to know when to say “no” to things that rob me of vitality. Well said, John Eli.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Being at a place where you can respond, instead of reacting, is such a freeing place to be at in life. Thanks for stopping by. π
LikeLiked by 1 person