In preparation for a new year, I spent a recent December on a retreat at home to get perspective from the Lord for the coming year.

Through the process, I heard the Lord speak one word  –  INTENTIONAL

I then crafted a number of questions that serves as a check list, to help me understand how I might move forward more INTENTIONALLY into the new year.

1. What on earth am I here for?
2. How can I take my calling to the next level?

3. What are the good things that could prevent me from doing the best things?
4. What steps do I need to take to continue living a life of

A psychologist at the Harvard Business School, Amy Cuddy, has been studying “first impressions” for more than a decade. According to her research, 80% to 90% of a first impression is based on two subconscious questions we and the people we meet ask ourselves:

• Can I trust that this person has good intentions towards me?
• Is this person competent?

In other words, if a person’s first impressions of you are friendly, competent and trustworthy, they are more likely to feel comfortable around you and open up to you. And it can happen in as little as three seconds.
Some practical guidelines to making a good first impression include:

1. BE PREPARED

“It is impossible to stand in the presence of God and be a pessimist.”  Henry Blackaby

One of the keys to a life of impact is that of perspective. Some people look at situations logically while others look at situations with perspective – which I define as looking through the eyes of God. If we focus on our problems and oppositions and challenges through logical eyes, there is every possibility that they will overwhelm us and cause us to retreat or give up. But if we focus on these things through the eyes of God we will gain perspective knowing that “all things are possible with God.” Philippians 4:13

Perspective …