Tag Archives: #purpose

Spirituality

Dissatisfied

Over half of Americans are dissatisfied with their work. They feel underpaid, under appreciated and do not find themselves fully engaged. How can you be productive when half your workforce has an attitude like this? You can’t, but there is hope.

One of the challenges people face is believing they are locked in a lifestyle they don’t want to give up. You are in your 40’s with a family, mortgage and other obligations. There seems to be no way out.

When the pain of dissatisfaction becomes too strong, people change. Perhaps they step their lifestyle back a bit to follow their unique path. It takes courage and commitment. Maybe pride gets in the way. But a better way of living is available if you really want it. You must really want it.

If this is resonating with you, I encourage you to take a moment to consider what you really desire from your life. Write it down. Pray for guidance. Be fearless and take a step forward in faith.

You will succeed if you refuse to quit…

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Spirituality

Enough Already!

Have you ever struggled with self-esteem? Many of us have, or we went into a situation where we weren’t feeling as confident as we should. It’s normal, nothing to worry about.

Confidence is built over time. You learn a skill by repetition, always striving to improve. No one walked perfectly when they first started, but we figured it out.

Proficiency is another thing. Let’s say you are trying to learn how to play guitar. Daily practice will make you better, even when the progress seems to go slowly. You might not play as well as Eric Clapton, but that’s not the goal. You play because you love music. That’s enough.

The Creator of the Universe thought you up before the earth was formed. Yes, He had you in mind. Specifically you. When you consider this, remember, you are enough…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Keeping Score

When little kids play sports, sometimes they don’t keep score. “They” being the officials. The kids know the score. If you didn’t want them to, you shouldn’t have taught them how to do simple math!

How do adults keep score? Perhaps we do it by measuring wealth or status. Maybe fame or lack of notoriety goes on the scorecard. The truth is, those are hollow victories. You can lose your wealth so therefore it’s not sustaining.

God’s scorecard is the heart of mankind. He sees us at our purest level. Nothing is hidden from God.

If your heart is troubled, go to work on getting it right. Ask for guidance from above, then believe you will get an answer. We are all works in progress.

When you get your heart right, good things happen…

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Spirituality

End Times

In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Dr. Steven Covey encourages us to “begin with the end in mind.” When you adopt this principle, it changes your approach to your life. You become aligned.

Many people are simply drifting through life, taking in whatever gets thrown their way. They aren’t pursuing anything because they don’t know what they want. They had dreams, big dreams, but everything got derailed and they abandoned them. It’s time to put them back on track.

If you have lived any length of time, then you know life will knock you around. But it’s important to remember that you aren’t knocked out. Get up and get moving.

Having a clear, long-term vision sets the stage for success and a meaningful future. You are living in the moment while keeping your focus on your vision. It becomes easy to say no to anything that doesn’t advance your progress. Vision brings you back to life.

Take inventory of what you are good at. Pray about your vision. If you don’t have a vision at present, ask God to open your eyes to His purpose for you. He will. Then it’s up to you to act on it.

Make it happen…

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Spirituality

The Fear of Living

Surveys have shown that 20-30% of people have an intense fear of death. Death is inevitable for everyone. It will get me one day, too. I’m not ready for it and I don’t want it to hurt!

At the same time, I wonder how many people are afraid of living. Playing it safe might bring you some comfort, but you’ve gotta find some things that rev your engine. And you aren’t required to jump out of a perfectly good airplane to get the sense of elation I’m talking about.

You can begin to find more meaning in this life by getting out in your community. If you are a shy person, this takes some intestinal fortitude. But remember, you have survived every uncomfortable situation you have ever faced. Growth happens in the discomfort zone. Those butterflies you feel are exciting.

Your purpose in life won’t be accomplished by sitting home wrapped in bubble wrap. You were born to fly, to soar. It’s time.

You must go after what you want from life. Approach your life with a purposeful mindset. The end of the road will come one day. In the meantime, have no fear of death. Be afraid of not living…

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Spirituality

Random Happenings

There is nothing random about your life. You were born in this era with a great purpose attached to your life. What you do with it is your choice.

God has a plan. As brilliant as our minds are, we are not capable of understanding it. We try, but we can’t even get in the same ballpark. God’s thoughts are way higher than ours. He is always in control, even when chaos is everywhere.

Think back on your life. How many events have you attributed to coincidence? I love the words of Albert Einstein when he spoke of coincidence: “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.” There are no coincidences.

Letting go and letting God take control is a scary feeling. We desperately want to control our lives. But it’s important to remember that God is always working on us, always communicating with us. He wants us to fulfill the purpose He gave us. Like an unruly child, we need to submit to His greater authority.

See the world as full of miracles. You are one of those miracles, too. Then get to work on fulfilling your purpose. You will make a difference in this world if you’re willing to do what you are here for. Don’t waste another moment…

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Spirituality

Dual Personality

Are you comfortable with who you are? Some people prefer to be a chameleon, changing colors for the crowd they are in. Doing this can leave you feeling hollow, unfulfilled and inauthentic.

Everyone wants to be seen, heard and understood. It’s universal. We should give a voice to those who come into our sphere because we can learn something from everyone when we are willing to listen.

We are multi-dimensional: mind, body and spirit. Each of these components needs attention. Taking care of yourself requires mental stimulation, physical exercise and spiritual fulfillment. Please don’t neglect any part of yourself. You do so at your own peril.

You were created with a purpose for your life. Deep in your heart you know this to be true. Your purpose is not selfish. No, you are here to make a difference in the lives of others.

Whatever you do, stay true to yourself. Be the same person in every situation. Approach life with an open mind along with intellectual curiosity. Talk to others, even those you don’t agree with. You will begin to see the world through the eyes of others. Then growth happens…

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Spirituality

Never Too Late

Excuses are everywhere. “I’m too old, too tired, settled or whatever.” Excuses are weak and they are lame. Get rid of them.

We are called to make a difference in this life. Otherwise, what is the purpose of living? The impact we make might come in small increments, and it might be followed by a big breakthrough. But you won’t accomplish anything sitting around waiting for opportunities to drop in your lap. You’ve gotta pursue what turns you on, what brings light into your life.

The painful parts of your life can be used to help others overcome their pain. Empathy is shared experience, so don’t waste your pain. Every experience we have had can used for good.

It’s never too late to find your calling. Don’t be afraid. For a period of my life I was scared God would send me to some hellhole country. Then one day I realized God wouldn’t put me in a position to fail. I actually laughed out loud when the light bulb went on! I’m only guessing, but I believe God laughed, too.

Start today. Make your mark on this crazy world we live in. The world needs you…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Near or Far

“Objects in your mirror may be closer than they appear to be,” the warning says. It’s a gentle reminder for us to pay attention. Good advice when you’re driving a 5,000 pound vehicle.

But what about our relationship with God? Sometimes he feels close while others it seems like he’s not there. I know it’s me because God doesn’t move or change. We do.

The Israelis must have felt abandoned when God went silent for 400 years. Then he showed up in a big way through his servant Moses, parted the Red Sea, and freed the Jews from captivity. That must have been awe-inspiring to see.

All through Scripture God promises to never leave us or abandon us. He shows up when I ask him to bring me closer. Every time. Yet I sometimes return to my old ways and wander aimlessly.

In Jeremiah 29:13, God says “you will find me when you seek me with all your heart.” The heart matters to God. It’s all about the heart…

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