Jewel Diamond Taylor s an authentic, highly acclaimed, witty, knowledgeable, in-demand, and international conference speaker, life coach, author, founder of Women on the Grow, Inc. 501c3 …

Are you climbing a mountain to overcome debt, family drama, health/weight issues, building your business/ministry or seeking a job?  Are you climbing a mountain of success to; make more money, save your marriage, finish college, save your home, achieve your dream, build your business/ministry or taking steps to break an addiction, temper or depression?

God will supply all my needs.  Phil. 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given us in Christ Jesus.

Remember it’s not always the big steps or the height of your mountain that can stop you, it’s the little things that frustrate you.  If you are easily irritated or distracted by people, this can stop you.  If you lose your patience in the process, this can stop you.  If you become easily frustrated with following through, details or coping with unexpected “shifts” in life, this can stop you.  Because the people around you may think differently, act differently or respond differently to situations, do you lose your cool over petty things or things you have no control over?  If the inevitable glitches, setbacks and daily demands of life easily besets you…you will never reach the top of your mountain.

Assess your stress.  Are you delegating tasks to others so you can lessen your stress?  Are you being pulled in many different directions trying to please everybody?  Are you a people pleaser being stretched by the drama and demands from the people in your life? Are your children, co-workers, friends, boss or mate getting on your last nerve?  I believe emotional or physical pain serves to inform you.  It is a signal that you need to pay attention.   Check your mindset.  Shake off anything that can distract and discourage you.  The road up the rough side of the mountain is never smooth.  Shift happens.  Be sure to wear your faith walking shoes.  Keep your mountain climbing back pack gear full of things necessary to survive the journey.  Don’t turn back.  Don’t give up.  Don’t let the little things become big stumbling blocks.  Keep on reaching until you reach your higher ground. Reflect on this quotation by Robert Service, “It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out; it’s the grain of sand in your shoe.”  Amen to that statement because so often it is the little things that steal our joy!

“As you focus more on becoming more peaceful with where you are, rather than focusing on where you would rather be, you begin to find peace right now, in the present. Then, as you move around, try new things, and meet new people, you carry that sense of inner peace with you. It’s absolutely true that, “Wherever you go, there you are. One of the mistakes many of us make is that we feel sorry for ourselves, or for others, thinking that life should be fair, or that someday it will be. It’s not and it won’t. When we make this mistake we tend to spend a lot of time wallowing and/or complaining about what’s wrong with life. “It’s not fair,” we complain, not realizing that, perhaps, it was never intended to be.  If we would just slow down, happiness would catch up to us.” ― Richard Carlson, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff … and it’s all small stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life (#Don’tSweatTheSmallStuff)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.  Keep your guard up. You`re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It`s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on faith. The suffering won`t last forever. It won`t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ- eternal and glorious plans they are! – will have you put together and on your feet for good.  He gets the last word.  1 Peter 5:9 (Message Bible)

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow waery, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)