by Amanda Barnard | Jan 4, 2022 | Everything Else, Faith, Motivation
Do you think accountability as a blessing? Let’s look, together, at the meaning of the word. Merriam-Webster‘s dictionary defines “accountability” as –especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.
Now truly, there are some people that may look at having someone to be accountable to as a curse. But the reality is, to be a productive member of society requires us to not go about life freely with no boundaries. We need guidelines to live by.
HAVE YOU FALLEN INTO THE TRAP?
I believe we all have an obligation to ourselves and those around us to be responsible. But, oh! How easy it is to fall into the traps of lazy or being undisciplined. I was complaining to myself about me last night regarding this very thing!
Colossians 3:23 says, “Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others.” Now I don’t know about you, but I sure do not want to be accused of ‘putting my heart and soul’ into being lazy!
And Ecclesiastes 9:10 reminds us to do everything with all of our might! Regarding this scripture, I sure don’t want to be lazy nor undisciplined with ‘all my might’. If I am going to work at something, I sure want it to accomplish something amazing!
Isn’t it interesting how being accountable encourages us to be the best version of ourselves? I don’t want anyone viewing me as lazy, especially Jesus who has done so much for me! I want to be the person that the Bible talks about. The one that Jesus is proud of!
STAND OUT
I want my adoration and honor for Him to show! Not just to others, but to Jesus. And it isn’t because of what HE does for me. But because of who HE is!
Being accountable, also means being correctable. An irresponsible person many times will get disgruntled at the mere mention of reformation. But the Word of God tells us that God corrects and disciplines those HE loves! (Proverbs 3:12, Hebrews 12:6)
So while it may not feel like it is our good fortune at the moment, having accountability is such a blessing. Because it is for HIS great love for us!
What are some benefits you have experienced by having someone (or something) to hold you accountable? Drop me a line! I would love to hear from you!
by Amanda Barnard | Jan 3, 2022 | Faith, Family, Motivation
Yesterday, I met with frustration. This meeting was completely unpleasant. Of course, I’m not sure who would enjoy such an encounter.
It happened on my pursuit of being intentional with family. Defining expectations can be a daunting feat, unless nipped in the beginning. A wise person once told me that it was much easier to tighten reins than it is to loosen them.
LIKE A SHIP WITHOUT A SAIL…..
What a profound statement?! If the requirements are known ahead of time, boundaries have a place. With the unknown, chaos rules.
There is no God in chaos. The Bible tells us that God isn’t part of disorder, but he is all about peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33) Additionally, Proverbs 11:14 says, “People lose their way without wise leadership.”
So today, prayer thrives. Growing up, I was always intrigued with the story of Solomon. This man that asked God for wisdom. God granted his request and gave him riches untold.
I don’t need the riches untold, but I sure need the wisdom!
So pray and agree with me, that I will handle all things well and with much wisdom. What can I agree in prayer for you about? Let me know!
by Amanda Barnard | Jan 1, 2022 | Everything Else, Faith, Motivation
HELLO 2022! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As we embark into this new year, I want to post a word of encouragement to you all! I have been pondering and praying about many things going forward. Through the years, several plans have been made and haven’t followed through, but only I can make things different.
We cannot keep doing the same things over and over and expect different results. Have you heard that is the same thing as insanity? Not sure if it is true, but we could decide it could be one of them.
ONE WORD
I am clinging to one word for this year. My word is – INTENTIONAL. I have so many areas that I can apply this, as I am sure you do as well. I am going to try to start with this blog, to make myself accountable.
Not in any particular order, but some ways that I am determined to implement this application are:
- be INTENTIONAL with my relationship with Jesus.
- be INTENTIONAL with family.
- be INTENTIONAL with healthy living.
- be INTENTIONAL in finances.
There are so many more that I could add. However, we all know that it is not a good idea to overwhelm ourselves. The world is filled with too much anxiety as it is.
Finding the determination to stay the course or make this year better than the last few have been might be a task. At the end of 2022, I want to say it has been the BEST year of my life! Therefore, the challenges will have been worth it!
Also, the big 5-0 will happen for me this year and I intend to celebrate in some ways for the entire year! I have some amazing plans! If they play out the way I want, I will be visiting family, going to Disney, attending some other important events.
We also have more grandbabies on the way, which is EXTREMELY exciting! In just a few short days, we will meet our first grandson! We have anticipated his arrival for many years!
I would love for you to share in this journey with me! If you don’t have a word for this year, I hope this inspires you to come up with one! And if you do have one, would you comment?
Thanks in advance for sharing!
by Amanda Barnard | Nov 16, 2019 | Family, Financial, Keto, Motivation
Yes you read that right and this is not a joke! I actually won for my healthcare premiums paid, for an entire year!
How would you feel if you won your healthcare premiums paid for an entire year? Great, right? Super stoked about it, right?
HA, well I am sure no exception to that rule, because who doesn’t enjoy free money in any form?
Also, in my debt freedom quest, it makes for more money to throw at the debt to pay it off sooner!
I work for DaVita – in acute care, which the hospital inpatient services division. DaVita is a very large company, actually world wide. One of the company mottos is to be the employer of choice and they sure do a great job at it.
There are many awards throughout the company, but this one particular award, called the “WE ARE WELL” award, demonstrates the value of taking charge of your own health.
THE BEST BOSS EVER
My sweet boss actually told me about the award and knowing my journey, she encouraged me to apply for it. I wrote a little about my keto journey and my reasons. Some would call this your “why”.
I have 3 grandbabies (and counting) and for that reason, among a few others – like just for me (you can call it selfish if you want), for my kids (because I intend to live to at least 120yrs), so be it!
So I submit the story and the application and HOLY COW!! I won!!
I challenge you to take charge of your health today! There is no time like the present to just…..
START HERE, GO ANYWHERE!
DISCLAIMER: This site may contain affiliate links which may be monetized at no cost to you, For instance, if you link through to Amazon, I may get a kick back for it, but it will in no way change the original cost of any item. So if you happen to shop through my links, thanks in advance for your support! ~Amanda
by Amanda Barnard | Mar 24, 2019 | Family, Motivation
A couple of days ago, my sweet daughter-in-love (because I don’t believe in “in-laws” or “out-laws”, as some may like to put them), Kim, rearranged our living room. Making room for lots of seating areas for everyone when they come over.
Then, last night we had another family pow wow (or whatever you want to call it). The time we all sit around together and encourage each other, find out where we are in our little journeys of life, and to motivate each other to move up higher.
I was trying to be sneaky with some “real life” pics, so you can’t really see everyone’s faces and the lighting sucks because, well nothing is staged in these shots, lol. We were all sitting and waiting to get started, but once the conversation started, everyone was so engaged and it was very enlightening.
(Note: don’t mind the toys strewn all over, this is one of the games the babies still love to do.)
One of the things I love so much is that we really work to embolden one another. To share where we are and by doing this, we hold each other accountable. We also see our own flaws and honestly come up with our own solutions to squash our set backs. Which put the individual in control of the final results, not allowing room for excuses.
These are the days that truly make my heart the most happy and we will keep moving higher!
