Kristie's Maxwell Post

Ch. 6 - Courage
I read this chapter the first few days of September but I have to admit this chapter was so 'in my face' that I put the book down and didn't read anymore till this last week. I know it is not a 'healthy' place to be - but I like my comfort zones. Comfort in my finances, comfort in my relationships, and even comfort in my church. So this is definitely an area that needs work in my life.

Ch. 7 - Discernment
This comes from prayer, experience, gut instincts and being able to analyze a situation unbiasedly. Many times we are 'too close to the forest to see the trees' or too close to a situation and we can't see past ourselves. It takes discernment to know when we have to step up or step back, move forward or sit still, speak up or just keep our mouths closed.

Ch. 8 - Focus
I thought this was a really good chapter. So many times it is easy for me to focus on my weaknesses instead of my strenghts. A personal goal for me is: when we are finished with this book is to list each of these 21 qualities and determine which are my strengths and which I struggle with. And then apply Mr. Maxwell's principles of "fleshing it out". And hopefully grow in the areas that need improvement.

Ch. 9 - Generousity
I feel this is one of my strenghts. I have always been generous. I credit much of this to my Grandma. I can still hear her telling me stories about how she would do without so she could give extra to her husband and children. Even though she has been gone for +25 years her generous legacy lives on; because now I hear my dad talk about how his Mom did without and all she gave up; and it is even more than what she had told me. It is easy for me to put others needs before mine, to be generous with my time; and as we (Keevin and myself) are financially blessed, we have desires and goals to bless others financially also. I loved the comment by John Bunyan: "You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." And that does not apply to just material things; it can be a person's time or maybe even a kind word to the checker at the grocery store.

Ch. 10 - Initiative
Not a strong quality for me. I am a very indecisive person!! I am not one to make the first step, but I will be more than happy to help someone acheive a task. I feel initiative is grounded by courage. Initiators are willing to act, take risks, make mistakes, and sometimes fail; all courageous things.