Tag Archives: #purpose

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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Spirituality

The Breaking Point

Pain is a powerful motivator. You have possibly heard this saying: “When the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change, you will change.”

Many people say they don’t like change. But life is in a constant state of change. Every day is an unknown. It’s true that much of life is routine, boring even. Then something hits the fan and you are put in a position you didn’t anticipate.

Many people cry out to God when they need help. I certainly have. Then we put him on the back burner after the crisis passes. I have done that, too. This happens because we think we are in control. But we are wrong.

God remains in control whether we believe it or acknowledge it. He doesn’t make bad things happen. That would go against his nature. But he allows evil to happen. This is where personal growth accelerates. Our resilience is strengthened. So is our confidence.

Welcome the unexpected in your life. Everything can be used…

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Spirituality

Where Are They?

Sometimes I wonder what happened to the people who asked me for directions. Those poor souls may still be wandering around.

The “they” I’m referring to in the title are the people who are willing to take a stand for what’s right. Many are concerned, but they also don’t want to get involved.

There are heroes among us. These are the people who show up when they are needed. They aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Sometimes their involvement requires great risk. I’m sure they have a moment of hesitation, but they find their inner strength to help when help is needed.

Find the areas where you want to make a difference. Yes, you will be giving up some of your free time. But you will be helping countless unseen individuals. Everyone counts…

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Spirituality

Deciding Moments

In the movie, The Rookie, high school baseball coach Jim Morris has a serious talk with his team after a loss. Morris observed during the game that his team had given up. They quit on their coach, but more importantly they quit on themselves. Coach Morris challenged them to want more from their lives.

The boys on the team turned the challenge around on their coach. Morris had, at one time, shown great promise as a Major League pitcher but a shoulder injury cut his dream short. The team, which had previously only won one single game in the seasons prior, got their coach to agree to try out for a professional baseball team if the high school team won district. Morris agreed, and then the team won 17 straight games. They had a deciding moment which gave them purpose.

God gives us moments in life where we are challenged to do more than we have before. He gives us the right to decide to take the challenge or back away. This is where free will and purpose intersect. It’s always our choice which road we choose.

When your deciding moments present themselves, I encourage you to take a risk. You may be scared, but remember, God will be with you. He isn’t in the business of abandonment…

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Spirituality

Killing Conformity

Conformity kills creativity and individuality. Yes, people like to fit in, to be part of a group or movement. But where’s the excitement in that if you lose your identity for the sake of the group?

You were created to make a difference in this world. Your unique gifts and talents are yours and yours alone. No one like you has ever been created and never will be. Be willing to show yourself to the world without reservation.

Be prepared. The critics will be waiting to tear you apart. Pay no attention to them. Those people are small thinkers who are projecting their insecurities onto you. Keep pursuing your purpose and leave the critics in the mire.

Time on this side of life is finite. Fulfilling your God-given purpose will impact your life in eternity. Don’t waste another moment. As John Wayne said, “you’re burning daylight.” It’s time to begin…

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Spirituality

As You Can Be

Thomas Edison only had about two months of formal schooling. His insatiable curiosity got him labeled as “addled,” or slow, by his teacher. Little Thomas’s mother pulled him out of school and taught him at home.

Edison’s mother saw his curiosity as a gift. She encouraged him to read books about a variety of subjects including art, science, and philosophy. Edison wasn’t dumb or slow. He just didn’t fit into the rigid teaching style of the mid-19th century. Thomas Edison had a remarkable mother who saw him as he could be.

Isn’t this how God sees us, not as we are but as we can become? We were created with a great purpose for our lives. Our purpose isn’t to argue about politics online. No, we are here to make a difference for mankind. When we do something to help someone who cannot do anything for us, it’s in those moments that we most resemble our Creator.

Edison went on to be a name recognized all over the world. When he died, Edison held 1,093 U. S. Patents. Not bad for an addled mind…

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Spirituality

Set Yourself Up

Have you ever been set up to have a joke played on you, or been set up for something nefarious, perhaps? Professional comedians use set ups in joke telling. Go to YouTube and watch Abbott and Costello do their “Who’s on First” routine.

But there’s a different, better kind of set up: setting yourself up for success. You must do things other people aren’t willing to. This sets you apart from the rest of the crowd. Going through the motions doesn’t get you noticed. Giving more than you are paid to do will come back to you in ways you could never predict.

The mediocre refuse to work one minute more than what they are paid for. They consider extra effort without pay to be cheating themselves. With that attitude they will remain part of the herd, not a leader.

Always look for opportunities to give more of yourself. This isn’t restricted to your career. Give more time and effort to your family and your volunteer work.

By giving more you might miss out on the latest television show. But you will be setting yourself up for a life of fulfillment and purpose.

Set yourself up…

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