Did you realize that we are 1/2 way through this year? It’s going by so quickly. Summer is usually when I have time to get organized, clean closets, drawers, purge old things and make room for new things, but what are we doing to clean and purge from within ourselves? Do you ever have time to just rest and evaluate where you are and where you are going? This week I received a self assessment in my inbox from a dedicated Christian author, Lysa Terkeurst, and I was brave enough to take it. What was even more brave was sitting down with my daughter and having her answer the questions too from her perspective. It was an intimate moment for us where I gave her permission to be truthful with me. I learned a lot in the process. I learned areas in which I need to grow and become a better me. I don’t want to pass through life mediocrely. I want to live life well. I love this passage in Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” So what do you say about joining me? Let’s gain a heart of wisdom.

Here’s the instructions on how to take the assessment: Next to each statement in the list, note whether that statement is true or false for you the majority of the time. Then, cover your responses and have a trusted friend or family member write their answers about you on another page. At the end, prayerfully compare the two sets of answers to see what it’s really like to do life with you. Make sure you both have time after doing the assessment to talk about your responses and how you might be able to improve in the areas that need attention.

Pray this before comparing both sets of answers: Lord, thank You for the gift of refinement. Thank You for extending grace to me because I so desperately need it. Thank You for _________, who so lovingly wants to help me become a better version of me. I pray You’ll give me the heart to read these answers without hesitation, hurt, or bias. Help me to see Your guidance through this assessment, and show me areas where I can grow. I want to bring the fullness of Your presence everywhere I go, to everyone I meet. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. My friends and family know they can count on me to encourage and support them.
2. In a conversation, I listen well and wait for my turn to speak.
3. I process my thoughts before speaking directly to someone, especially in a heated discussion.
4. I am the first to apologize.
5. I am more oriented toward speaking truth and have difficulty giving grace.
6. I remain my authentic self regardless of my surroundings.
7. I am easily approachable and others are able to confront me when I’ve offended them.
8. I am more oriented toward giving grace and have difficulty speaking truth.
9. I assume the best instead of the worst.
10. I am quick to extend grace and understanding.
11. I celebrate the success of others, even when I may not experience success of my own.
12. I acknowledge others when they have a better idea than mine.
13. I am quick to forgive without holding grudges.
14. There are topics or negative emotions that I avoid discussing.

If you took the assessment and learned an area where you need to grow share it with someone you love. Ask them for help in holding you accountable. It needs to be someone you share life with and see often. Don’t forget that you have the ultimate best friend and companion in The Lord. He knows which ones are true and false about you even better than you do. Ask Him to help you. I certainly will be asking Him to help me with mine. I know He will be faithful to help us. He can’t fail. Let’s finish the year strong friends. We can do ALL things through Christ who gives us strength. #truth #gloryup #finishstrong

Let these instructional words from Proverbs bring you life and direction as you continue to pursue your biggest dreams in becoming the very BEST YOU!

“Pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let you eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.”