Happy New Year!
Welcome to my first newsletter! I hope that everyone had a great holiday
season. Periodically, I will take this
opportunity to update you about upcoming events and expound on topics of
interest. Make sure you take a look into
Teresa's Study & Meditation Room when you visit my new website at www.teresarjones.com. I will reflect on lessons I have learned and
pearls of wisdom I have been blessed with over the course of my life. Whether my experiences were good or bad, I
know God has used them to correct and stretch me, and teach me more about
Him. Feel free post your thoughts and comments
on my blog.
Also, I hope that you all are
enjoying reading, Return to Your First
Love. I thank those of you who have
it on your reading list. Don't forget to
inform others about the book. I know we
all know individuals who need to return to our First Love.
Going to the Next Level
It is hard to believe that another year has come to a close,
and we are on the horizon of a new one.
Last year was challenging, yet productive. There were financial shortfalls, health
challenges and some of our love ones went home to be with the Lord. In spite of the obstacles set before us, we
persevered. I hope that all are holding fast to the promises of God.
I'm sure that most of you, like me, are anticipating going
to the next level in 2010. Sometimes
while we are waiting on God, it's not a matter of trusting Him as much as it is
a matter of preparation. Are we really ready
to receive the blessings of God that will overtake us? An area of weakness in our lives has the
potential to turn what God meant to bless us into a curse. With that said, it amazes me how many people
struggle with releasing relationships that they know are holding them
back. One thing guaranteed to hinder
progress is bad company.
Poverty isn't necessarily
caused by a lack of knowledge or education.
I know people who are highly intelligent and broke. Chances are, they don't have because they
only hang around negative people they have become comfortable with. I'm not suggesting that money is the only
measure of success. However, I was once
told, "You will make the same money as your three closes friends." The point is, whatever form of success you
are seeking, make sure there are individuals in your inner circle that share
your faith, core values, and goals.
Perhaps, some may need to come out of their comfort zones and get on the
path of those who are traveling to their desired destination. We have a tendency to become comfortable with
that which is familiar whether right or wrong.
Friends and family we have known for years can cause us to falter (I
elaborate more on this topic throughout the book). No matter how much we want to hang on, we can't
move forward tied to those who are stagnated. I have learned that regardless of how long you
have known a person and how close you have been to him or her, when you are
striving to reach a goal, some people must be loved from afar. If you are going to the next level, it is
very difficult to be ambitious and cleave to those who are not - try holding on
to someone while trying to climb a ladder.
Speaking the truth in love,
Teresa
R. Jones
Author of Return to Your First
Love
