logo        
The Rev. Sharon L. Vandegrift, M.Div, PCC 
 Life and Leadership Coach, United Methodist Minister, Author
      sharon@btglifecoaching.com   / 484-234-0664                                                     www.btglifecoaching.com  
Abundance

Quotes Of the Month

  "Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into."   ~Wayne Dyer

"When you are grateful,  fear disappears and abundance appears."  ~Anthony Robbins

 

"Making a dream into reality begins with what you have, not with what you are waiting on."
~T. F. Hodge

Prayer for the Month
For all that nourishes out bodies, for all that feeds our hearts, for all that sustains our spirits,
we give you thanks.
Nurture in us, we pray, the habit of contentment.
Keep us aware of all this is rich and good and holy in life.
Tune our eyes to the countless blessings that make and keep and fill each day.
Grant us hearts at rest in the sea of your grace,
in Christ, Amen
~John R. Pritchard, Jr.
Great Gift
Seven Strategies for Remaining Steady in the Midst of Hectic Church Life
by Sharon L.Vandegrift
 
This thoughtful guide is a great gift book for your volunteer and professional church staff. Show them you care!
 
Available in paperback or eBook at your favorite on-line bookstore. 

                                                   November, 2012

Greetings!   

 

This month we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday - and many churches are in the midst of their annual stewardship programs. So... let's consider 'Abundance!'  Enjoy!  ~ Sharon

 

Abundance vs. Scarcity


Living a life of gratitude is all about mindset. It is grounded in the ability to engage life from the perspective of abundance instead of scarcity. When our point of reference is abundance, we are attuned to the blessings and opportunities that surround us.  This is in contrast to a scarcity mindset that directs our attention to what we don't have. Scarcity stirs up insecurity and fear.  Abundance nurtures gratitude and thanksgiving.

 

When we recognize that we have shifted into scarcity mode, it is possible to readjust our perspective. Awareness is the most essential aspect of embracing a mindset of abundance.

 

Try this exercise:

  • Close your eyes and take deep, renewing breaths.
  • With each breath, breathe in the blessings that surround you and breathe out the worry and fear.
  • Take note of one aspect of your life that represents goodness and focus on that. Inhale the goodness.
  • As thoughts about scarcity in your life try to infiltrate your mindset, push them away with each exhale.
  • As you move throughout the day, pay close attention to the abundance in which you find yourself.

 How might you celebrate the
abundance of life today?

 
Query for the Coach
 

Dear Sharon,

     

I am liberal and my congregation is conservative. I have been here for 3 years and I believe that we have a good pastor/church relationship. I am very fond of the members and I think they are fond of me. Recently I am getting sick of putting so much energy into trying not to offend anyone. I have been able to avoid controversial issues and focus on things that we agree about. I thought this would be easy. I have often told myself to  just focus on the faith. We all love Jesus - that should be enough! But doing that has become more and more difficult. Last night I told my wife that sometimes I just want to stand up at the pulpit and shout "I am a liberal and your conservative ways are driving me crazy!" That is when she suggested I write to you. Do you have any words of wisdom for me?

 

 

 For Sharon's response: Query for the Coach 
Bridge-the-Gap Life Coaching Services, LLC
Empowering Clergy to Excel
The Rev. Sharon L. Vandegrift, M.Div., PCC  logo