What exciting things do you see
happening for you this year? What do you want to see?
Last year, I refocused this blog to encourage women
who are seeking purpose and/or pursuing a dream. Since then I’ve shared over
forty articles here! There are more to come, but in the meantime, I’ve broken
them down into categories with links in this post. Just click on the article’s
title. I’ve also created pages (see tabs in the page directory above) so you
can find and access them easily. I’ll continue adding to the lists.
I hope these pages will become helpful tools for you
in future days to come.
Finding
Your Purpose
Do you ever wonder if you have anything to offer? Or
if you have any significance? No need to wonder!
Sometimes we can get pulled into doing
something—even for a worthy cause—for the wrong reasons. So, what’s a better
way to add purpose and meaning to our lives?
While trying to discover your calling in life, are
you listening to what God has to say, as well as those who know your talents
well, or are you blindly striking out on your own?
“There is no one who is insignificant in the purpose
of GOD.” ~ Alistair Begg Powerful words. Do you believe them for yourself? For
those around you?
Has anything hurtful ever distracted you from
fulfilling your purpose? It happened to me.
Do you believe that good can come out of bad
situations? That purpose can be found in the midst of heartbreak?
It’s nice being noticed and appreciated. Most of the
time, there’s nothing wrong with that. But what happens when the need for
attention and self-gratification become the primary driving force in your
world? What happens when you make everything about you?
During the Christmas season, we can learn a lot from
Mary, mother of Jesus, about courage and accepting a calling …
Most of us probably have days when we wonder if
we’re making a difference and if we really have a purpose beyond the usual
grind. Without question, the answer is yes! How can I be so sure?
What can we do to help protect our relationships?
How are you using your passions to feed a need for
purpose? What’s stopping you from pursuing your passion or calling?
I believe story has the power to change lives.
That’s why I write—that’s why I share part of my personal story. Do you believe
you have a story someone needs to hear?
Did you realize that your purpose in life is
seasonal? Have you gone through a change in season? Are you facing one now?
How are you using your talents and skills to find
purpose? What have you learned about yourself from mistakes made in the past? I
share how one of my failures helped me discover my path.
One Sunday morning, the wisdom my pastor shared on
finding purpose had me scrambling for pen and paper ...
Is fear of criticism stopping you from fulfilling
your purpose?
Do you ever wonder if other people’s lives have more
purpose because what they’re doing looks grander, is more glamorous, or is
getting more attention? Then you may find encouragement in this post.
“For I know the plans I have for you and not to harm
you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Why is this verse so often quoted? I have some ideas
...
If you’re looking for purpose in your life, you may
want to start at the root—love.
Pursuing
Your Dreams
Have you ever had a huge disappointment turn into a
blessing? I have!
Are roadblocks standing in the way of you fulfilling
your dreams? If you were to redirect and take a different approach, what steps
would you need to take?
I believe you can expect God to honor your dreams
... and I share why!
Think you’re too old to pursue a dream? Think again!
What if we were willing to step out of our comfort
zones? What would happen?
Are you so focused on reaching your goals that you
don’t see the life-giving opportunities on your way there?
Making your dreams comes true ... Are there
situations where you feel you’re sacrificing too much? Not enough?
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Why do you think one
song has made such an impact in our lives? Why has it been sung publicly and
recorded countless times?
It can take hard work and time to make dreams come
true. How do you handle the waiting?
Is someone trying to crush your dreams? How are you
handling it?
Do you remember the Bible story about Joseph the
dreamer and his coat of many colors? His story can teach us a lot about God’s
plan and following our own dreams.
Guest
Bloggers
Need a little encouragement? Grab a cup of coffee or
tea. My friend Jasmine Smith shares a part of her life’s journey and where she
finds purpose along the way.
My oldest daughter’s perseverance to pursue her
dream has been an ongoing inspiration to me. Brooke’s story shows that God can
provide ways to keep our dreams alive even while moving us in what seems like a
different direction.
One evening, several of my friends
were sharing childhood anecdotes. As I listened to Janene talk about the
passion she's held for horses from the time she was a little girl through
adulthood, I knew her story needed to be told. As you read how her dream has
come true—more than once and sometimes in unexpected ways—take encouragement
that God cares about YOUR dreams too.
In pursuing your calling, you may be thinking that
what God asks of you is too difficult. Or that he’s making you wait too long
for your dreams to come true—the very dreams he placed in your heart. If so,
please take encouragement from my friend’s heartfelt words.
Need to fan the embers of what God has called you to
do? Check out one of the awesome devotions from friend Sandra Byrd’s release—The One Year Home & Gardens Devotional.
Gail is a friend and writer who has a heart for God,
and although she struggles with health issues, she continues to pursue her
dreams. I know her words will inspire you to do the same!
Inspiring Books,
Movies, Videos, Organizations
One of the most influential nonfiction books for me
has been If You Want to Walk on Water
You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg. Check out this blog post
to find out some of the reasons why!
Have you seen McFarland,
USA—the inspiring movie based on a true story?
Some movies stick with you days after the film
credits have scrolled down the screen. Joy
has been one of those stories for me.
Have you heard about the “She Believes” campaign? Is
there something you can do today to encourage someone?
Feeling discouraged? Don’t throw in the towel yet! I
hope this video “Don’t Give Up!” inspires you to keep pursuing your dreams
despite any setbacks or challenges.
Do you enjoy seeing women inspiring and encouraging
others? If so, you may be interested in The Empowerment Project: Ordinary Women
Doing Extraordinary Things.
This is quite an extensive list! You've done a great job researching the issue of finding purpose. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary! As always, I appreciate your comments and encouragement! :-D
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