Living on Purpose

Some time ago I chanced to speak to a lady who was heading out on a cruise the following week. As we spoke she indicated to me that this was a trip she and her husband had planned to take, but, alas, he died two months after a cancer diagnosis several months ago and so now her daughters would be accompanying her. She continued to say that they had been married for 53 years at his passing. You could see in her eyes that she was looking to another place and time as she lamented, “where did the time go? We had 14 years of retirement together. But, my time has just flown by. Where did the time go?”

 

Today, my friends, is again, a new day. We have the opportunity to make this day different from the rest… a new day to work on how we will be remembered. Are we living our lives in such a way as to make each day count? Are we living “on purpose?” I aim to. I want anyone who knows me to be able to smile, even chuckle, when they remember me…. as a character, an encourager, friend and lover of life and those within it.

So today is my opportunity to smile – and no matter what the day brings – make it count – ON PURPOSE.

 You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in Your providence watched over my spirit. Job 10:12 NIV

Today - let's show kindness, laughter and the light of love that comes from our Creator – remember that a smile can change your whole day – and someone else’s at the same time.

I can almost see your sparkling smile now.

Blessings

Wow!!! What a blessing! As I walked out of work today, a cool breeze was blowing and the sky had a couple of isolated, yet dark and menacing clouds. I thought perhaps we'd be in for a sprinkle, but as the night wore on, the bright flashes of light and rumbling told a more fabulous story! It was a wonderful surprise. Boom!! You're just going along and BAM a blessing just falls from above. Blessings,however, don't often show up with a flash and bang and we don't always call them blessings when they come. I don't think we will know until we leave this life, all those things we saw as annoyances and inconveniences and even trials that were indeed blessings: the alarm that didn't go off and further delay as the road was blocked with traffic due to a horrible accident - the one we might have been in had we been on time that morning; or the metal sliver that the wind blew into an eye, causing a doctor's visit, the exam revealing a more serious condition that, if discovered later, might have been fatal; or the job we didn't get...only to find that had we been employed at that time, our resume might forever carry the mark of a company that had defrauded its customers.



I encourage you to look back and to reflect on situations in your life that you could not see a benefit in at the time, but how God truly did work ALL things together for your good. Still, we see only a glimpse. I can honestly say, however, that some of my deepest and darkest times have also been times of incredible spiritual growth as I leaned wholly and only upon God. I wouldn't necessarily choose to walk through them again, but I wouldn't change those times in my life. But today, I encourage you to enjoy Laura Story's song, "Blessings". I've provided the link here for your convenience.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mmgV6mPvb0

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Blessings

Wow!!! What a blessing! As I walked out of work today, a cool breeze was blowing and the sky had a couple of isolated, yet dark and menacing clouds. I thought perhaps we'd be in for a sprinkle, but as the night wore on, the bright flashes of light and rumbling told a more fabulous story! It was a wonderful surprise. Boom!! You're just going along and BAM a blessing just falls from above. Blessings,however, don't often show up with a flash and bang and we don't always call them blessings when they come. I don't think we will know until we leave this life, all those things we saw as annoyances and inconveniences and even trials that were indeed blessings: the alarm that didn't go off and further delay as the road was blocked with traffic due to a horrible accident - the one we might have been in had we been on time that morning; or the metal sliver that the wind blew into an eye, causing a doctor's visit, the exam revealing a more serious condition that, if discovered later, might have been fatal; or the job we didn't get...only to find that had we been employed at that time, our resume might forever carry the mark of a company that had defrauded its customers.



I encourage you to look back and to reflect on situations in your life that you could not see a benefit in at the time, but how God truly did work ALL things together for your good. Still, we see only a glimpse. I can honestly say, however, that some of my deepest and darkest times have also been times of incredible spiritual growth as I leaned wholly and only upon God. I wouldn't necessarily choose to walk through them again, but I wouldn't change those times in my life. But today, I encourage you to enjoy Laura Story's song, "Blessings". I've provided the link here for your convenience.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mmgV6mPvb0

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Recently we received challenging news in the work place. There were different reactions by different people and some were crankier than others. There was one individual whom had rained on many a parade throughout the week, robbing some of victories and creating avenues of doubt and confusion for others. As I was becoming a bit unnerved at their unkindness, God reminded me so faithfully that I had not been praying for that person. I had not been asking God to soften their heart that they might be able to receive the love of God and kindness and love of others. I confessed this failure and sin of not praying for those around me in earnest, but only those prayer requests that had been presented to me for prayer to a trusted believer and we agreed to pray for those around us with greater earnest.

How can we expect to effect change and turn the tides toward love and gratitude, if we don't first prepare the way for it's receipt? As I pondered on this and began to pray more completely over the weekend, I was convicted again as the words of my daughter came to me. (God has often spoken truth in love to me through her.) She said, "Mom, you can't expect someone who doesn't show fruit in their life to do as God would have them do. You just have to pray for them." She is so wise.

This week I start a new... prayer list, new attitude, prayed up and filled with love for those around me that I and they might be healed and together we might accomplish much. I invite you to join me as I pray over this mailing list and include those God has placed upon my heart (along with those requests that come my way).

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16 I can't wait to see what God does!!

Our Choice - Every Day

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Each day we are given a gift...24 hours to do with as we choose. We have the choice whether we are going to step forward into the exciting process to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2b). Or we may choose to simply let time pass filling it with gripes and complaints as we gather co-conspirators in misery. Choose life! Choose renewal! Open your eyes and heart that you may see that not only are we being transformed by the renewing of our minds, but we have a cheerleader - the lover of our soul - Christ Jesus as He has prayed to the Father I come to You Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. (John 17:11b) As you love, as you give, as you show kindness to others - you will hear His voice. You will recognize His handiwork and answers to even the smallest of details in your long ings. Then you will see outwardly the gleam, the joy the love that will not be kept inside any longer as it "flows forth" unable to be contained within any longer. The outpouring is contagious and soon you will notice that the world around you has become a different, more joyful, kinder place. One decision. One day chosen each day can create an amazing legacy with His name and image all over it as we are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Where trust and hope belong...

How many times do you catch yourself saying "I wish" I could do this or this problem would go away? While wishing upon a star seemed like a great idea as a youngster and I still make a wish upon a falling star, there is one place where we CAN place our trust and hopes. I have always found it in one of my favorite verses: Be anxious for nothing, but in all things through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6 :There have been times when - with all of my heart - I thanked God for provision that was needed, but I knew He would provide (there have also been those times where it was more of a challenge and I would say to God - You say this and now I am believing you for it). Each time when the provision came, my hope was renewed and my faith increased. Is there some situation in your life today that you would like to see change? Well - I suggest you roll up your shirt sleeves for your part and trust fully in God for the rest. You take that first step in faith and He will carry you the rest of the way - if you let Him. Now have a great day! http://gratitudeattitudetoday.blogspot.com/

Head toward the fresh water....

My husband and I enjoy wildlife stories and programs, so this story about the humpback whales near my old "stomping grounds" nearly 5 years ago, still remains close to my heart. Two humpback whales (a mother and her calf) lost their way. They came up the Sacramento River and far enough inland to have been spotted in West Sacramento at the Port. The water on their journey would have gone from wonderful ocean water – clean and beautiful to fresh water. Options would narrow along the way with the water becoming more and more murky and a deep channel being their only avenue narrowing as they traveled further inland.

I think sometimes we are like the poor humpbacks who have lost their way. We get our mind set (rightfully or otherwise) on a track and follow it – not noticing that the waters around us are being filled with the pollution of self-doubt, fear and worry until we no longer see the light.

While rescue crews were deployed for the whales to get them turned around; it is not so with us. An observer might say “what in the world?” about our odd behavior, demeanor or mood, but alas, unlike the whales there is no rescue in our limited sight.

There is one, however, Who knows our inmost being, Who is the lover of our soul – thankfully, He is also the Creator of the Universe and He can take the murk we’ve floundered into, lift our heads and continue His work in us.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

So, today, if you’re feeling inadequate, unable to see above the mud and mire or have a friend who appears to be struggling – simply call the Master's name and remember – He’s still working on you and you’re worth it! Now - go out there are change your world!!!