Today Could Be the Day!

Here in the Peach State, the Georgia Lottery's commercials are surrounded by a catchy jingle, "Today Could Be the Day!" I'm guessing the Lottery team wants you to think today is the day you could win big money... if you play the game.

As a Christian, "Today Could Be the Day" has a different meaning to me. Today could be the day that:

• God has a special surprise planned.
• I lead someone to faith in Jesus!
• I help someone who needs it.
• I grow closer to God.
• I grow more mature and wise in my faith.
• Jesus returns!

And those are all better options. Today could be your day to _________! Fill in the blank... play the Believer game... and win no matter what your numbers are.

Announcement for Atlanta-area Friends

If you're in the North Georgia area, please keep reading...

Have you always wanted to speak better or represent your organization better? If so, I can help. For the first time, I’m teaching classes open to the public. Please take a look at the courses and see if any are a good fit for you or friends you know. If you have questions about the class content, ask me. They will be held at The Etiquette School in Cumming. Space is limited, so please register as soon as you can. To see costs and enroll, click here.

Here are thumbnail descriptions:

1. Speak to Success—Basic Presentation Skills—This is hands-on, interactive and fun. I guarantee you will leave a better, more confident speaker. Each participant will leave with a DVD of his or her speeches and feedback. The class runs every Tuesday night from 6-8 pm.

2. Basic Video Production—My award-winning, film-making husband is helping teach this one. Never again be disappointed in your home movies. You will learn behind-the-scenes secrets for making your videos and YouTube posts look more professional. Offered Saturday, January 9 from 1-4 pm.

3. Screen Etiquette—Do you ever wonder why people don't respond to your emails or texts? Maybe it's because you're rude! Learn email, texting and social media manners. Offered from 6-8 pm Monday, January 11.

4. Be a Spokesperson—Do you represent your church, HOA, business or non-profit organization to the media or in public presentations? Learn how to sound smart and look your best on TV. We will also talk about how to get media coverage. This class will run from 6-7 pm on Thursdays, January 21 and 28.

5. Conversation Etiquette—Are you gracious and encouraging? Does your speech reflect who you really are, or do you come off sounding like a jerk? Are you ever at a loss for words? Do you wish you had a phrase for the person who ticks you off? If you are nodding your head, this class is for you! It will be held from 7-8 pm Thursdays, January 21 and 28.

6. Marketing on a Shoestring—This one-evening session features no-cost and low-cost ways to make big bucks without spending dramatic dollars. It’s ideal for small business owners, non-profit leaders and anyone who needs to get the word out about a good cause. Attend January 25 from 6-8 pm.

Thank you for enrolling and thanks for passing the news along to others who may benefit from these practical classes! If you're still reading and don't live in the Atlanta area, contact me to bring these courses to your neck of the woods!

Parts and Fits

My husband Mark and I have joined a new church, and we love it! The preacher is articulate, interesting and challenging. The singing is relevant and inspirational. The members are friendly and involved. The ministries are varied and out-reaching. We look forward to serving and building new relationships.

At the orientation meetings we attended, a couple of men subtly encouraged Mark to become a referee or coach in the Upward sports programs. I'm sure their intentions were terrific--the men talked about how much they got out of helping kids in the community. Mark was polite, but he knows that is not his gift. Oh, he could do it. He likes kids, he likes sports, and he likes teams who follow the rules.

But that would be like sticking a foot where your head is supposed to go. Mark is brilliant with video and drama. He writes original skits, directs plays, shoots video of events or creates and directs video, and then he can edit and even post it to a website or PowerPoint presentation. Almost every church we have belonged to has realized what a blessing this gift is and has used Mark's God-given talents in special ways.

You may think I'm biased and just bragging about my husband. Maybe... but ask yourself... are you participating in a ministry just because someone asked you to... or because that is where you are brilliant? If you're the person who recruits people for service, are you just getting warm bodies, or are you finding people who are passionate about the project?

Don't settle for less. God doesn't. He created each one of us with a gift. Some talents are just easier to spot.

"For just as we have many members in one body and the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ..." Romans 12:4-5 (NASB)