All of us know the principle of how the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. You cannot intervene in the struggle as it emerges from the cocoon, or it will die. This same life force is in all of us, urging us to become the best we can be.

The older I get, the more I realize that each day is a gift and is filled with unexpected twists and turns that all work toward the good. My job is to be open to the gift and to have the faith to let the miracles happen. I am also responsible for acknowledging that it is not due to my strengths and skills, but more than likely, my weaknesses.

The "suddenlies" that life offers bring us closer the mysterious energy that surrounds us. In November 2006, I met with a vice president of the real estate school where I studied for my license. As the winner of the first real estate apprentice grant, I have wanted to give something back to the sponsors who gave so generously to me. As I met with him, I told him that as of that date, we had no closings (therefore no cash flow) scheduled in December, however, I believed that something good would happen. I promised to call him at the end of December and let him know how the month went. We had an unbelievable 3 closings in December. One client planned to purchase property and close in May 2007, one client was contingent upon the sale of property in another state that looked like would close sometime in mid-January, and a listing that had been on the market for 6 months sold! He was thrilled with my report!

Once again, as of January 31st, our forecast for February was $0.0. I can only share with you how stressful this is, over and over, to know that a huge amount of bills are going to come in and must be paid. As of today, I was notified that a March closing wanted to move the date into February ("is that ok Kendra?" ' "oh, let me check and get back to you"!) and a client that we had helped build a home in 2006 (who terminated 10 days before closing) called with an urgent request to put a contract in on a house she found ' could I help her? (oh, let me check my schedule and get back to you!). OF COURSE I CAN HELP YOU! Would it be ok if we close in February? (let me check my schedule ' yes, that will work!). By the way, in January I closed a client with a rare cancer that I have been working with for two years. What a celebration!

Amazing stuff. Now remember, many of us as new agents cannot afford the luxury of a business coach. I read a lot of on-line excerpts and a lot of emphasis is put on daily affirmations, the power of positive thinking, laws of attraction, etc.

During this time, I have been reading a book written by Os Hillman, called "The Upside of Adversity ' Rising From the Pit to Greatness". Os writes a daily devotion (www.marketplaceleaders.org) that I read every morning as one way to get my day started out on a positive note. The book reveals a very detailed experience of both professional and personal failure and how the author used this time of adversity for extraordinary growth. PLEASE take the time to visit his website, sign up for the daily devotion and read this book! It is a must-read for future mega-agents!

In it, Os has identified four tests that leaders go through as they rise from adversity. Here is a brief overview:

*The Judas Test: this is a test of betrayal. Last year, I had 6 episodes where clients literally betrayed us! When I would speak to other agents about it, they would look at me like I had 3 heads. Now, I can see the wisdom in what happened. In each instance, I had to think about how to handle the situation, what was the high road, even when it cost me a deal which I needed so badly! I knew not to sell out, but the temptation is unbelievable. Anyone interested in more details can call me or write. I plan to develop this section in future blogs (case studies!).

*The Integrity Test: this is the test of temptation. I believe that this is a daily issue for all of us. It is an integral part of the core values of my brokerage: to do the right thing and win/win, or no deal.

*The Perseverance Test: this is the test of pressing through adversity and refusing to quit. Os says "suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character, hope". In order to persevere, we have to eat right, rest, and exercise. It is what coaches try to address when they speak of physical health, mental toughness, and spiritual health.

*The Success Test: this is the goal of the megaagent. It is interesting to note that it is a "test". Os says it is very hard to be successful if you don't have the character to deal with it. The tests rid us of pride, ego and a false sense of our own personal abilities so that we can be a great steward of the resources that we are given. Otherwise, we get lost in the idolatry of the wealth.

Take a moment and reflect on where you are personally and in your business. Where are you in the tests? Remember, God uses broken people to accomplish His plans.

I believe that The Shearer Group has reached the test of perseverance. Someday, I will let you know about success!

What do you think? You have a choice. Make it a great week.

(Take a minute and open the two photos of beautiful butterfly's who successfully made it through their transformation!)

Kendra