Poitras Ponderings

Horace, the Roman poet, in 23 BC said, “carpe diem quam minimum credula postera.” We commonly hear the shorter version “Carpe diem” or“seize the day.” However, it can be more accurately translated as “pluck the day, put no trust in the future.”

After a brief holiday sabbatical Poitras Ponderings returns. Faith and faithfulness are things we desire deeply to attain. "What is the evidence of faith?" That's the question posed and pondered in this episode.

I'm often reading! This episode provides four book recommendations to consider if you are planning to buy a book for a friend or for yourself this Christmas.

The Thanksgiving edition. It's not just one day of the year. It's a lifestyle of Thanks-living.

This episode looks at the third indispensable ability to look for in ministry (leaders, missionaries, and team members). Flexibility is perpetually needed.

“There is a noticeable common thread in most successful people—they are teachable. And correspondingly the opposite is true—the unteachable are stunted, ineffective or lack measurable success” (Kathy Ferguson Litton, “Teachability: An absolute necessity for effective leadership”).  A global representative recently said, "Teachability trumps talent!" I’ve designed and developed a teachability quotient exercise for you. Please take it byfollowing the hyperlink below. TeachabilityQuotient If for some reason the shortened hyperlink doesn’t work then: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflVQWUX6D2iqTPncpf99WUcgK8ljYg6sTMA5NOsft7uwvdmg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

Perseverance is persistence in doing something despite difficulty. Constancy is the quality of being faithful and dependable.Anthony Mangun said, “A good leader begins with an unwavering belief in what he is doing and refuses to quit, pressing on in spite of setbacks and roadblocks. Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. In a race, it doesn’t matter who starts, but who finishes. Those who persist, prevail.

A closer look at Psalms 46:1.

This podcast episode takes a second look at the concept of "zones." Previously we looked at Sharon Britton's Blue Zone (to strive for) and the Red Zone (to stay away from). Carey Nieuwhof in his new book At Your Best: How to Get Time, Energy, & Priorities in Your Favor writes about the Green Zone, Yellow Zone, and the Red Zone. Find out about these zones by listening to a very brief look at each in this episode and pick up the book for further details.

The Apostle Paul in Acts 20:24 gives us three phrases for our daily climb. My Life. My Course. My Ministry.

In this episode, Jim is joined by his wife, Linda, to discuss the meaning behind Labor Day, and missionary experiences with children's ministry in Africa.

Are you living in the blue zone or the red zone? Find out in this episode. Susan Britton has come up with a fantastic visual or chart on this. She says it takes about seventeen seconds to shift from fight mode. This can be as easy as thinking about gratitude. Otherwise, we retrigger negative thoughts and feelings.

Quotations are powerful! They coach. They get points across quickly. They illustrate meaning or support an argument. They inspire. They encourage. A good quote speaks to us!

What does the obscure story of Mephibosheth tell us about ourselves? How do we progress from Nothingville to the King's table?

This episode highlights Soundtracks, a book by New York Times Best-selling author Jon Acuff. It compares it with a few Scriptures on "thinking." Is it true?Is it kind?Is it helpful?

General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, close to the end of his life, unable to attend their annual conference, sent a one-word message to thousands of gathered delegates. Just six letters unveiled their very foundation, the reason for existence, and part of their DNA.

We often think of the open door as being an opportunity to reach into a continent, country, city, or community. But, an open door could also be a single heart.

"Life hacks" is a newer phrase for "household helpful hints." In this episode, Jim Poitras shares ten quick life hacks, from her personal experiences, on how leaders should be treated.

We live in a society that desires instant results, instant gratification, that wants and gets immediate results, and quick service. When it comes to communication through teaching, speaking, writing, and preaching I prefer my Mental Crockpot. Take time, toss in new materials, collect various ingredients, figure out what not to toss in the pot, learn how to integrate, increase creativity, and so much more included in this brief podcast episode.

To "seek" means to go after something, forsaking all others, and to pursue. In life, what are you seeking? Who are you seeking?The Faith Chapter tells us "He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). What are you earnestly, energetically, persistently seeking? Seek His face and not just His hand in your life.