Purpose Driven Life - Day 3 What Drives My Life

Today I started to underline my nuggets. Now, I can go back and get the big ah ha moments, questions to ponder or sentences to meditate on. 

To answer today's question, I think most people would say my son is my driving force. To a certain extent that is true. However, I believe my driving force is to do better than the generation before me and to propel the next generation to go even further. 

I know I want my life to be purpose drive - guided, controlled, and directed by God. However, I don't know how to get to that place.

While reading the 5 common things that drive the average person's life, I realized most of them do not apply to me. A small part of me is driven by fear of failure and the need of approval. Unfortunately, I can see my fear of failure has manifested in my son. It has been a battle the last 2 years to break him from it. I tell him and have been telling myself, I have nothing to gain if I don't try. What's the worst that can happen? I think the need for approval is in all of us, whether its from our spouse or romantic interest, or friends, coworkers, family members, etc., we want their approval/acceptance.

The benefits of purpose driven living seems like a world of utopia. Does this activity help me fulfill one of God's purposes for my life? That one question eliminates all the extra, even the good extra. That one change in our mind set reduces/eliminates stress, fatigue and conflict. Who knew?

Some of my other nuggets:
- You become effective by being selective
- Without a clear purpose, you will keep changing directions, jobs, relationships, churches, and other externals
- IF you want your life to have an impact, focus it! Prune away even good activities
- Never confuse activity with productivity
- Living to create a earthly legacy is a short-sighted goal. Build an eternal legacy.

Purpose Drive Life - Day 11 Becoming Best Friends with God

POINT TO PONDER:

God wants to be my best friend.

VERSE TO REMEMBER:

“Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him.”
PSALM 25:14A (LB)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:

What can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to him more often throughout the day?

God wants to be my best friend! Wow! I never heard it phrased that way. I never thought about God wanting to be my best friend - keeper of my secrets, hopes, and dreams. Whoa! I don't know if I can handle it. I don't know if I CAN be what is required to be God's best friend. This chapter later states we can't wrap our minds around that concept.

This chapter focuses on two ways to build the relationship to becoming friends and eventually best friends with God. First, I have to have constant conversations with God. Similar to what many women do with there girlfriends, I need to talk to God about any and everything. He wants to be part of every experience, activity, conversation, etc. God is not asking me to change what I do, but change my attitude to include Him.

Warren suggests having short conversational prayer with God. Many people (or maybe its just me) feels like you have to have all these holier than thou words and have to pray a certain way. In reality, God just wants us to spend time talking to Him. Another suggestion is to use "breath prayers" throughout the day. "Breath prayers" are statements you can say in one breath, such as "Order my steps", "I need you". I did not realize it, but I have already started doing it. When my students are working my nerves or I am trying to refrain for saying or doing something, I say "Jesus, be a fence."

The second way to build a relationship with God is to meditate. Meditate is another word "activity" I shied away from. Just sitting and thinking about God. I felt like I did not "hear His voice". I would question how would I know. This is heavy duty big time Christian living stuff. However, Warren made it plain. He poses the question, how many times have you sat around worried about something? Then, you meditated on that fear. Now, just change it to meditate on God.

Now to the question of the day. What can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to him more often throughout the day? Earlier this year, I started waking up to the Contemporary Gospel station on Pandora in the morning. I noticed it started my day off upbeat. In the last week, I started listening to the gospel station again in the car. Listening and mediating on the Word brings me closer to God. This group is a way for me to develop a real friendship with God and discover my true purpose. The book suggests setting an alarm to remind me to have a conversation with God until it becomes natural. I might incorporate that too.

Purpose Driven Day 2: You Are Not An Accident

Disclaimer: Most of the posts for Purpose Driven Life are my notes from the book and some reflections. 

POINT TO PONDER:

I am not an accident.

VERSE TO REMEMBER:

“I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born.”
ISAIAH 44:2 (CEV)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:

I know that God uniquely created me. What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?

Day 2: You are not an accident. What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?

I think we all have struggled with each of these areas at one point of time in our lives. We live in a society that constantly compares one person or thing to another. So it is not surprising we compare who we are to others. However, Warren reminds us that each and every one of us has been created for a specific purpose. We were not a mistake or accident. 

If I am completely honest and forthcoming, I am struggling with my body image. Now don't get me wrong, I think I am cute :) However, I am not at all happy with my weight. When I really think about it, I am 30 pounds heavier than the day I gave birth to my son over 16 years ago. Why is that? I know it is a simple solution: eat less, workout more (honestly start working out). Like everything else, it is an accountability issue for me. 

Wait I just had an AH HA moment. Why can't I have accountability to myself but I can be accountable to others? I need to go reflect on that! 

As far as my background is concern, I don't think I have had issues with it since my late teens, early 20's. Back then I wished my parents were married but I realized they were doing the best they could based on what they knew. I did make a conscious effort to break some generational key curses. For instance, neither one of my parents graduated from high school, let alone college. My mother later earned her GED and graduated from nursing school. Another curse I broke was becoming a teenage parent. Both of these curses were at least 2 generations old. I just wished my siblings would have done the same. 

As for my personality, I am pretty happy with with who I am and display. Sure there are things I could work on but that is why we are always striving to do better. 

I AM NOT AN ACCIDENT OR MISTAKE. I am grateful I realized that statement at an early age. 

Purpose Driven Life - Day 1 It Is Not About Me

Disclaimer: Most of the posts for Purpose Driven Life are my notes from the book and some reflections. 

Earlier in February, on of my college friends , Dr. Educator, posted on Facebook she was planning to purchase "Purpose Driven Life". I felt like that was my nudge from God to pick the book up again and actually walk it out this time. I suggested to her to invite others and have a daily group discussion on Facebook. We had 15 people sign up with about 4-6 people posting. 

What I really like about the book is the set up and the supporting materials. There are a few pages to read with a point to ponder, a verse to remember, and a question to consider. In addition, we post our reflections. There is a website purposedriven.com which provides daily notes and a sermon to go with the reading. 

This has been a great start for in 2013 to get my spiritual walk in order. Since I share more freely on my blog than on FB, I plan to share MY postings from the closed group.

Discussion - Day 1

POINT TO PONDER:
It’s not about me.

VERSE TO REMEMBER:
“Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.”
COLOSSIANS 1:16B (MSG)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?

Let's discuss!

If you want to hear a message, please check out http://www.purposedriven.com/day1/

Here is what I posted for Day 1:

My take-a-ways:
- It is not about me. Now that is definitely an eye catching and thought provoking statement. It is about me fulfilling God's purpose IN and FOR my life.

- I do not decide my purpose. I have to seek my inventor, God, for that answer.

- I am not my creator, the Creator. Therefore, I can't determine my purpose.

- All the self-help books I have read over the years will not reveal my purpose. It may make me successful and content, but not serve my purpose.

- I need to quit speculating about my purpose and seek God through prayer and His Word to find out my purpose. He will reveal it to me.

- I am ready to learn how to do less in life by focusing on what matters the most.

Reflections: Reading today's chapter brought a few things to the forefront of my mind. For instance, God has to be the starting point and the source of everything. Another point is I (we) was (were) created by God for a specific purpose. It is our job to allow God to reveal it to us and walk in it. Like everyone in this group, I am many things to many people. However, we are here on an assignment/purpose from God.

Confessions: In the past, I had mixed emotions when I heard someone say I know my purpose or I am walking in my purpose. I was glad they did but at the same time bothered because I did not know and still don't know my purpose. I would wonder if they said it to sound holy or if they really knew their purpose.

I know in order to know my purpose, I have to really KNOW God not know OF Him. I have been ashamed to ask how do you get to know Him and build a true relationship with Him.

Question to Consider:
In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?

I believe asking God to guide our hearts and minds to make decisions based on His desires and not our own. I have encountered people who seek God for the smallest of decisions. Because it is a lifestyle for them, you don't "see" them running to the prayer closet or saying let me seek God. It is just a part of them.

Hello Blog World

I can't believe I have not blogged alllllllll year! Really? What's really going on? I plan to get back to it. 

I created a few vision boards this year. I plan to work on my spiritual walk, my finances, teaching, losing weight/becoming more healthy, getting organized, and building stronger relationships (romantic, familial, and friendships). 

BB is graduating from high school this year. Senior year is so expensive. I am still trying to figure out how we are going to pay for it all. In addition, he has been having a lingering shoulder injury which will probably requires surgery. 

 

So what has been going on in your world?

12 Favorites in 2012

Over the next few weeks, we will see many posts, articles, etc about the best of, the worst of, top... of 2012. In that vein and stealing the idea from Singlema. I created my own list for 2012. Here are 12 experiences, things, etc from 2012 (in no specific order).

1. Celebrating 40 Years in 40 Days: I can post 12 moments just from these 40 days. I did not really know what I was doing when I came up with that idea, but I had a great time celebrating my 40th birthday for 40 days straight. I had a blast celebrating with people from different parts of my life doing so many activities. We did not do too many things that were grand but I did have a grand time taking dance classes, climbing Stone Mountain, eating, and celebrating life.

2. The STRUT Experience: STRUT the Magazine, STRUT T-Shirts, the STRUT Weekend, and now the STRUT Movement is the brain child of my creative and awesome line sister Darcova. I was honored to write for her the second half of the year. Her Facebook page is always filled with tips you can use in your life. Not only is she giving great information, she has a circle of contributors giving you something to help you with your spiritual, entrepreneurial, entertaining, relationship, shoe, fashion and so many other STRUTs.  If you have not checked out her page, I suggest you do. Take a look here.

3. Christian Life Center: After leaving my former home church over a year ago, I found this gem by way of one of my co-workers who has become a great friend. I love my new church. It gave me the same initial feeling I had with my previous church. It is much smaller. It is a great teaching church with Pastor Karl Miller who "keeps it real". The added benefit is Man-Child loves it too!

4. Scandal: Now you all know I am a Tivo addict. This is by far the best show on television right now. People better take notice of Shonda Rhimes! As one of my friends stated, every woman need a friend like Huck and a man like Harrison. I know its wrong, but I love Olivia and the President's love. Sue me!

5. Cheeseburger in Paradise: This place has some of the best burgers. It was one of the places I ate during the 40 in 40. I can't wait for my momma to visit again. She needs to compare it to Red Robin. I love it. The last time I tried to go, it was closed for renovations. I believe we will visit real soon!

6. Serenity 23 Returns: She took her blog down for the 1st half of the year. The blog world, especially me, really missed her. I have never met my Soror in person, but we have bonded through cyberspace through her blog and later on twitter. She is partially responsible for having me on both. She blogs about her life, faith, children, and experiences. I appreciate her candidness about so many things in life.

7. New Relationships: Through mutual friends and cyber world, I have new relationships with positive people. They have given me so much: encouragement, something to think about, new perspectives, and motivation. I hope I have been able to do the same.

8. Miami Heat winning the NBA Finals: I have been a Heat fan since Kobe had Shaq kicked out of LA. I have been a LeBron fan since he was in high school (and he is from around my parts). So you KNOW I was so happy Wade got his 2nd ring and Bron Bron got his 1st ring. Notice I said 1st. He will get some more!

9. Man-Child: As much as I fuss, I love this kid to LIFE! Overall, I have a very good kid. Without even trying too hard, he has the ability to shine. As I sit back and see him grow from a kid to a young adult, I am proud of who he is becoming. He definitely beats to his own drum. He does not allow too many people sway him into things. He is not into parties and hanging out. He likes to fly under the radar. He does not like all that attention. He loves his sports and math. He is always trying to figure out a better way to run a play. Yes, he is definitely into his football and basketball. Plus, he puts it down in the classroom when he has to do it.

10. Real Relationships: I have some of the best group a girl can ask for. I don't have to talk to them everyday, but we can always pick up somewhere. They know I have little to no filter and they laugh and accept me for who I am. These relationships includes my family, friends (female and male), Sorors, and coworkers. They really push me to be a better me!

11. Facebook: I know so many people have moved on to Twitter and Instagram. I have accounts for both, but I loose hours on FB. Like in years past, I have reconnected and kept in touch with so many people I would have not have done if it was not for it. It has been a great source for creativity and challenges (30 Days of Pink Passion for breast cancer awareness, 30 days fitness challenge, 31 days of Red for Delta's 100 years of service, etc).  I have been updated on people's highs and lows and highlighted my students by way of media outlets.

12. Transitions and Prepping for Transitions: Many people fear change. Change brings the unknown. We fear or shy away from what we don't know. This year has been a year of prepping for transitions and transitions. I transitioned into my 40s. This is going to be my best decade yet! Man-Child is a senior and we are preparing for college in August. As he is preparing to leave, I am preparing to transition into not being a full time mom. I know a mother's job is never done, but I know my role will definitely change as he enters into college kid. I am preparing to transition into a new position and possibly new career. Change CAN BE good.

Celebrating Life During the Holidays and Beyond

As we continue the holiday season, it is a great time to reflect, meditate, and evaluate our lives, especially over this year. A little personal story, I turned 40 and wanted to celebrate turning 40 my way. I did not want a big party since I don't typically dance. However, I wanted to do something bid. With a little brainstorming, I decided to create a list to celebrate my birthday for 40 straight days. I created a list of activities that included things I liked doing, wanted to try, or old activities I stopped doing for whatever reason. It was the best summer ever!

To get your juices flowing about ways for you to celebrate life by doing things, ask yourself the following:

• What did you do in your childhood or teenage years that you stop doing? Sports? Dance? Instrument? Hobbies?
• What activities do you do now that you enjoy? Do you do them often?
• What things have you wondered about but have not done? Do you have a bucket list? What's on it you need to cross off because you have done it?

These were the questions I asked myself to start my list. I had about 50 activities listed. I even looked up googled topics such as "bucket list", "things to do", etc. There are lists for everything you can imagine - free activities, activities for couples, activities for families, activities for women, activities for men, activities in (insert your city).

Here are some of the activities that made my list (I need to complete some of them):

• Climbing Stone Mountain
• Brunch with loved ones
• Community Service Day (I donated blood and clothes)
• Game Night
• Belly Dancing class
• Pole Dancing class
• Painting (many cities offer 2-3 hours class)
• Shooting Range
• Amusement Park
• Rock climbing 
• Skydiving
• Movies
• Screen on the Green
• Seeing a play
• Jazz on the Green

It is never too late to start to celebrate life and create new memories. Today is a great day to start formulating a plan to make it happen. WRITE IT DOWN. MAKE IT PLAIN.