Soon I will be gone forever, but that's okay as long as someone reads this self.GetMotivated Submitted 2 years ago by mylasttieA true wolfx75 on Reddit

I am only 24 years old, yet I have actually already chosen my last tie. It’s the one that I will wear on my funeral a few months from now. It may not match my suit, but I think it’s perfect for the occasion. The cancer diagnosis came too late to give me at least a tenuous hope for a long life, but I realized that the most important thing about death is to ensure that you leave this world a little better than it was before you existed with your contributions . The way I’ve lived my life so far, my existence or more precisely the loss of it, will not matter because I have lived without doing anything impactful. Before, there were so many things that occupied my mind. When I learned how much time I had left, however, it became clear which things are really important. So, I am writing to you for a selfish reason. I want to give meaning to my life by sharing with you what I have realized: Don’t waste your time on work that you don’t enjoy. It is obvious that you cannot succeed in something that you don’t like. Patience, passion, and dedication come easily only when you love what you do. It’s stupid to be afraid of others’ opinions. Fear weakens and paralyzes you. If you let it, it can grow worse and worse every day until there is nothing left of you, but a shell of yourself. Listen to your inner voice and go with it. Some people may call you crazy, but some may even think you‘re a legend. Take control of your life Take full responsibility for the things that happen to you. Limit bad habits and try to lead a healthier life. Find a sport that makes you happy. Most of all, don’t procrastinate. Let your life be shaped by decisions you made, not by the ones you didn’t. Appreciate the people around you Your friends and relatives will always be an infinite source of strength and love. That is why you shouldn’t take them for granted. It is difficult for me to fully express my feelings about the importance of these simple realizations, but I hope that you will listen to someone who has experienced how valuable time is. I'm not upset because I understand that the last days of my life have become meaningful. I only regret that I will not be able to see a lot of cool stuff that should happen soon like the creation of AI, or Elon Musk’s next awesome project. I also hope that the war in Syria and Ukraine will end soon. We care so much about the health and integrity of our body that until death, we don’t notice that the body is nothing more than a box - a parcel for delivering our personality, thoughts, beliefs and intentions to this world. If there is nothing in this box that can change the world, then it doesn’t matter if it disappears. I believe that we all have potential, but it also takes a lot of courage to realize it. You can float through a life created by circumstances, missing day after day, hour after hour. Or, you can fight for what you believe in and write the great story of your life. I hope you will make the right choice. Leave a mark in this world. Have a meaningful life, whatever definition it has for you. Go towards it. The place we are leaving is a beautiful playground, where everything is possible. Yet, we are not here forever. Our life is a short spark in this beautiful little planet that flies with incredible speed to the endless darkness of the unknown universe. So, enjoy your time here with passion. Make it interesting. Make it count! Thank you! 4793 commentsshare

What it means to be a humble leader; Holy Thursday Leadership reflections.

Humility has often been confused for lack of confidence. Employees shy away from selling their skills. Christians often sell themselves short. There is a Christian Swahili saying, ‘tenda wema nenda zako’ direct translation would be “do good and go your way”. For this reason, many opportunities and leadership positions tend to end in the wrong hands. Today is Holy Thursday, a day in the Catholic Church calendar where there is a Feet Washing Ceremony. Jesus Christ washed his disciple’s feet (John 13:4-5) thousands of years ago. The same tradition has been handed down to the present day church. As a child, it never occurred to me what the whole event was about. It felt like we were repeating history. Not until I was in such a private session with members of my Bible study. It is an act of humility. The leader in the Bible study is the first to take a towel. He will go round washing everyone’s feet. With regards to Christianity, you wash the feet of person that you have not forgiven. The exercise brought a lot of peace in my heart. Moving to business, I realized that humility can be demonstrated in the following ways: 1. Do not shout at your employees 2. Do not use offensive words 3. Look someone in the face when they are speaking. It shows that you are paying attention and that you have offered to listen. 4. Look someone in the face when you are shaking their hand. 5. Correct an employee privately. Do not embarrass your employee. 6. Plan a feedback session. No outbursts whatsoever. Feedback is best given as a sandwich (start with the good, say the bad, end with the good). If you as a leader keep pointing out the bad, it shows that you do not have a spirit of appreciation. Most employees quit because the immediate supervisor was a piece of hell. Do not let competent employees resign because you cannot manage your interactions with them. 7. Walk over to your employee and demonstrate how you want a report. Do not assume that just because you sent an attachment, the employee will figure it out. 8. Create an open discussion forum. Once in a while, or whenever need be, call an employee and ask them to explain their point. 9. Keep an open door policy. This has been kept as theory, but it can be practiced, let your employee know that they can interrupt you. This will come in handy in case of an emergency. 10. Anyone with a communication role should be able to report to the direct CEO or director. This may help curtail any crisis and nip it at the bud. 11. Employ change management tactics. Know who was running the show before you took the role. Affirm their authority and learn from them. You could be stepping on thin ice if you do not do so. 12. Never issue a command to a senior person and then copy their junior. It would appear that the senior is being monitored. 13. Keep in mind that change is inevitable. Therefore, share information. Tomorrow someone else will take up the position. Groom the next person for a smooth transition. Do not make the grave rich. Leave a legacy in the minds and hearts of real people. 14. Be genuinely interested in your junior’s career aspirations and give leads on growth. Even if they may outshine you. The world is a huge sea. Opportunities never end. You never know what tomorrow holds. Mentor and coach your staff. If possible organise a mentorship programme. 15. Acknowledge when you are wrong. Do not be afraid to apologize. Take a personality test. It’s free online. Analyse how your personality affects the people around you. Do not assume that silence is contentment. 16. Seek opinion, suggestions, advise of subordinates 17. Be objective in your decision making. In terms of appraisals and performance, do not show personal perceptions and prejudice. 18. Meet and greet your staff. Be warm and create a friendly demeanour 19. Be humane. Acknowledge that an employee is more than their work. Other external factors influence performance e.g. Illness, death, family crisis, religious factors. Do not force work around such issues. 20. Apply basic etiquette in all your interactions and activities e.g email, phone, eating, face to face conversations. All these “how tos” are free on the internet. Do not issue email as a legal catch. The same trap you set out for others will catch you. If someone has made an error. Call. Explain in person. Do not sit and smile because there is an email that will cover you in case of a legal suit. Soon, I will be graduating. I am currently enrolled on a Master’s programme for Corporate Communication at Daystar University. The University has been founded on the core principle of Servant Leadership. During graduation, an individual is awarded the Order of the Towel; a symbol of servant leadership. The towel is to demonstrate “Feet Washing”. The core message is that wherever you will be, be a servant leader. May God grant me the wisdom and humility to exude Servant Leadership in all my interactions. In conclusion. The world is watching. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Whatever you serve may be served to you. Be a mirror of what you would like to receive from others. Happy Holy Thursday!

6 Places You Will Not Find Your Future Husband or Wife - See more at: http://quentinmccall.com/6-places-find-husband-wife/#sthash.QPNBlhHr.dpuf

I am always pleased to hear the stories of happy, confident men and women of God who had no prospect in sight for marriage and then meet a person who they enter into a courtship with. It’s a blessing to see how being happy alone allows them to have healthy relationships. Over the years, I’ve heard many men and women say things like “there are no good men or women” or “good men or women are hard to find.” However, there are many places you may meet your future husband or wife. Responsible dating is definitely one way that could lead to that (Read “23 Things You Need to Know About Dating”). However, today I want to share some places you should avoid! There are places where your future husband will likely never show up. Here are 6 places you will NOT find your future Husband or Wife: 1. In Your Dreams – There is nothing wrong with considering the type of man or woman you should marry. However, if you find yourself excessively daydreaming and fantasizing about a man or woman… you are creating a situation where you are not choosing to love, but instead dreaming of romance and superficial things. Instead, use this time to focus on you and become the type of person you desire to marry. Become the person you want to marry. 2. At a Gender-Bashing Session – Human nature makes it easier to identify and focus on the bad in people. However, if you desire to get married, you must learn to see the redeeming qualities of men and women;practice the principles of grace and forgiveness. Besides, what man would want to willingly open his heart and life to a woman he knows would so quickly see (and vigorously share) his faults? 3. In the Middle of Emotional Rage – As I’ve mentioned before, men desire a simple woman and women desire a man with vision. Part of this simplicity and vision is stability. It’s natural to get upset or disappointed from time to time, but if you are unable to communicate those senses in a mature way, it is unlikely they will be committing the rest of their life to you. 4. In a Moment of Desperation – Desperation is a purely emotional response. You can’t follow God’s will for your life and respond to this emotion at the same time. As my Pastor once told me years ago in Minister Training, “Wisdom says wait; emotions say hurry.” Another way to think about it is, “God gently leads you and satan drives you to emotion.” 5. At the End of Nagging – Proverbs 21:19 says it is “better to live in a dessert than with a quarrelsome and nagging woman.” Ladies, if you want to be a wife, learn to communicate your point in a loving and respectful way (regardless of the circumstance). 6. Wherever You are “Hunting” for Him – Proverbs 18:22 says, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing…”. This does not mean women are to just sit around at home waiting for the doorbell to ring (See “Do You Hide Behind Faith to Avoid Having a Relationship?”). However, it does mean the man is to be the primary leader regarding the direction of the relationship, especially when you begin courting. (Read “27 Things You Need To Know About Courtship”). Closing thought: If you want to be married, just know… it is more important for you to invest time into preparing yourself to be a wonderful wife and individual than it is for you to focus on getting to the alter or making someone your husband. Do your part to date responsibly, get to know people, and seek God’s guidance in moving forward with relationship decisions. - See more at: http://quentinmccall.com/6-places-find-husband-wife/#sthash.QPNBlhHr.dpuf - See more at: http://quentinmccall.com/6-places-find-husband-wife/#sthash.QPNBlhHr.dpuf - See more at: http://quentinmccall.com/6-places-find-husband-wife/#sthash.QPNBlhHr.dpuf

Still

Still
Words and Music by Reuben Morgan

Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust

21 rules of life

ONE: Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO: Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE: Don't
believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR: When you say, 'I love you ,' mean it.

FIVE: When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.

SIX: Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN: Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT: Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams
don't have much.

NINE: Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the
only way to live life completely.

TEN: In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN: Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE: Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN: When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer,
smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'

FOURTEEN: Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN: Say
'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN: When you lose, don't lose the lesson!

SEVENTEEN: Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for
others; and responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN: Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN: When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate
steps to correct it.

TWENTY: Smile when picking up the phone.. The caller will hear it in
your voice.

TWENTY-ONE: Spend some time alone.

Day By Day

Day By Day

Ever wondered to yourself how some parents manage to put up with the incessant cries of their infants? On many occasions I’ve sat amidst nursing mothers tending to their babies as they wail and scream away. Questions they wish they could ask their child begin to well up within; is she hungry? Is he tired? Is it too hot in here? Is it too cold? Unfortunately babies cannot talk, and so in order for them to communicate their distress to us they cry. This crying then becomes habitual and whenever they are upset they cry to let us know.

From an early age we all unconsciously learn how to create habits, good and bad. As we grow older these habits stick with us, becoming a part of the very way in which we function. We are often so unaware of our habits that it often takes a long time for us to notice that we even have them. Its almost as if in stealth-like fashion these habits crept into our domains, broke through security, hacked into our mainframes, and smuggled in patterns for us to follow. Or did they?

Habits are built through practice, constant practice over extended periods of time. Someone once gave me this analogy when explaining how to overcome bad habits.

Imagine a field all over grown with thorns and thistles, with grass as high as your waist. Now imagine trying to walk through such a field. It will most likely hurt the first time you walk through it, and the second time, and maybe even the third. But what is happening each time you walk through that field? You are creating a path, a path that gets easier and easier to walk through. This is exactly what happens in the brain when we try to break a bad habit.

We are so used to going down the easiest path that we forsake the difficult one. If trying to lose weight, we go for the fat-packed burger instead of the healthy salad. If trying to quit smoking, we go for the cigarettes instead of walking out of the shop. If trying to quit masturbation or viewing online pornography, we indulge instead of turning away.

It takes courage and consistency to walk through that difficult path, but each day you go through it, it becomes easier and easier to follow. Researchers say it takes 21 days to overcome a habit(1). The key is to take each day as it comes, imagine each day as a fresh new opportunity to walk through that field. Day by day your body will learn how to replace that old bad habit. But one must be disciplined and devoted.

Victor Frankl once said “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Though the habit has become almost second nature and it is a struggle to fight the temptation each time it comes, don’t be disheartened when you fall, simply pick up your cross and continue to press on. Therein lies the challenge, in our ability to press on and crucify self, so love can live.

Each morning wake up invigorated knowing that the challenge continues and ‘being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus’(2).

Grace and Peace
___________________

C.S. Coker is the executive editor of the Letters to the Bride, a daily devotional, aimed at people who generally like to have their hearts, minds and souls challenged

(1)Why 21? Nobody really knows. Maybe because for many 7 is a number of perfection, and 3 is a number of completion. 7x3 equals 21.
(2)Philippians 1:6

Cruise

Cruise

You will embark on a fair sea, and at times there will be fair weather, but not always.

You will meet storms and overcome them.

You will take turns to steer your boat through fair weather and foul.

Never lose courage.

Safe harbor awaits you……..in the end.

Daphne Du Maure