When you live on purpose, you must learn the power of NO!!! One of the greatest distractions to living on purpose is to try and do everything someone asks of you. When you are gifted, especially with multiple talents, you will be asked by many to help them fulfill their agenda. Now, it will not be stated that way, but at the end of the day that is exactly what it is. I am not suggesting that you don't ever help others or even do some things free or extremely cheap, but get clear about whether this is a part of the service to your friends, family, church, or community that you want to do. Just be sure to know yourself, know others, and be deliberate about living out your purpose the way you think your suppose to not the way others think you should.
When you live on purpose and with purpose, you should be intentional. That means you intend to do what you decided you are supposed to do on this earth and you intend not allow others' desires of you hinder your purpose. Also, you have to be intentional about balance, balancing family, friends, church, community, and purpose; but, determine what's ideal and realistic to you. When you are truly living on purpose, it usually doesn't cause harm to others, it doesn't feel a lot like work to you, and others enjoy seeing you living that way. However, there will always be someone tugging at you for something other than what you want to do. At those times, know the power of the word, "NO".
I've been amazed by the number of tasks in which I've involved myself, just because someone asked and convinced me that this fits right into what you do or told me, "this is what you're all about", only to later realize that I'd gotten caught up in another unfulfilling project, which left me feeling everything but purposeful. You see, when we are living on purpose their is a certain flow and ease we feel. Not that we don't ever have a little stress of frustration when living with purpose, but even during the toughest times, there's this effortless resiliency driving you. When I finally decided to get off the others' bandwagons, I would always be surprised and elated to discover the perfect opportunities that would open up for me. In those moments, I knew I was back on track; but, I could have saved myself a lot of wasted time and energy had I just waited to evaluate, think about it, feel it, and say, "NO" when I concluded that is was a close second but the real deal for me. My Purpose - I get to choose! Your Purpose - You get to choose!
Lord, we thank you for the power of NO and for free will. We know that our hearts plan our way, but you order our steps. We thank you that when we get off the path, You provide a crossroad experience to navigate us back to our divine purpose. We thank you for doing it again and again. Feel us with Your love and Your courage so that we may love ourselves and others enough to tell them what we think they don't want to hear, which is NO and to stay true to our purpose. We love you and we thank you for loving us!!!
#IAmMySistersKeeper
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Day 22 - 40 Day Prayer & Empowerment Challenge
Many people attempt to live their lives in a bubble thinking that if they don't allow themselves to love or establish friendships they don't have to worry about being hurt. How will one ever make a difference or bring light into the world by living as a recluse? I am not referring to introverts, but those who are very intentional about not connecting with other people. This state of being is purposeless and harmful to the one who chooses to live cut off from the world; for, I truly believe there is something inside of us all that knows, "I matter. I am here for something greater. I am special and can do special things to help others." In fact, disconnecting hurts far more than connecting and experiencing disappointment. Living separate cuts off the flow of life and abundance and leaves one feeling desolate and insignificant. That's no way to live. It's not living at all.
Living on purpose is no doubt a risk. It is more than possible that you will be dissatisfied by others' rejection of you or how someone takes advantage of your gifts and kindness. It's pretty much inevitable. However, your joy should not be placed in your back pocket over a few bumps and bruises. Plus, their are tens, hundreds, and maybe even thousands waiting for you to show up in a way that only you can. So, are you willing to allow one or two haters, hurters, and petty thieves have your abilities, your voice, your skills, your talents? Surely not! You're back pocket is not the place for your purpose, but out front in the open and on a mountain top for all to see your light. So don't shrink but live, live on purpose, and full of purpose.
Your purpose will always cost you something: Remember that! It will cause some ridicule and others questioning your motives. People will use, abuse, and not pay you for your craft. You will second guess and doubt yourself. You will push the pause button and go periods of time neglecting your gift. There will even be moments when you will feel completely certain that you've made the biggest mistake of your life. During those moments is when you should push the most, live on purpose anyway, write that song anyway, show up for practice anyway, practice that speech in the mirror anyway, minister to the homeless man under the bridge anyway. Decide from the beginning that you will break any curse, destroy any lie you tell yourself, and be purposeful no matter how you feel. Why? Because, many people are depending on you, but more than anything YOU are depending on YOU!!!
Our most gracious, kind, and loving God wrap my sister in your love and confidence so that she will know that she matters, she has purpose, and she can do things in this world that only she can do whether it is for an individual, a small group, or the masses. I pray that you remove any doubt that may cause debilitation, but energize her to serve again and with gladness. It is written, "that you know the plans you have for us, plans to prosper us, to give us hope and future and not to harm us." Today, I pray that we fully receive those words, own them, and operate from them daily. It is our desire to live our life on purpose for those who've assigned to us. Guide us, we pray! Amen!
Living on purpose is no doubt a risk. It is more than possible that you will be dissatisfied by others' rejection of you or how someone takes advantage of your gifts and kindness. It's pretty much inevitable. However, your joy should not be placed in your back pocket over a few bumps and bruises. Plus, their are tens, hundreds, and maybe even thousands waiting for you to show up in a way that only you can. So, are you willing to allow one or two haters, hurters, and petty thieves have your abilities, your voice, your skills, your talents? Surely not! You're back pocket is not the place for your purpose, but out front in the open and on a mountain top for all to see your light. So don't shrink but live, live on purpose, and full of purpose.
Your purpose will always cost you something: Remember that! It will cause some ridicule and others questioning your motives. People will use, abuse, and not pay you for your craft. You will second guess and doubt yourself. You will push the pause button and go periods of time neglecting your gift. There will even be moments when you will feel completely certain that you've made the biggest mistake of your life. During those moments is when you should push the most, live on purpose anyway, write that song anyway, show up for practice anyway, practice that speech in the mirror anyway, minister to the homeless man under the bridge anyway. Decide from the beginning that you will break any curse, destroy any lie you tell yourself, and be purposeful no matter how you feel. Why? Because, many people are depending on you, but more than anything YOU are depending on YOU!!!
Our most gracious, kind, and loving God wrap my sister in your love and confidence so that she will know that she matters, she has purpose, and she can do things in this world that only she can do whether it is for an individual, a small group, or the masses. I pray that you remove any doubt that may cause debilitation, but energize her to serve again and with gladness. It is written, "that you know the plans you have for us, plans to prosper us, to give us hope and future and not to harm us." Today, I pray that we fully receive those words, own them, and operate from them daily. It is our desire to live our life on purpose for those who've assigned to us. Guide us, we pray! Amen!
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Day 21 - 40 Day Prayer & Empowerment Challenge
What is your PURPOSE? Just like love and forgiveness, you get to choose. Some people spend years trying to find their purpose and all the while they were already living it or missing it because they were searching for something outside of themselves. We all have been gifted with some amazing talents, skills, experiences, and passions which make us unique and powerful beings. God gives us life and what we do with our lives is our expression of gratitude. He also give us these unique gifts and talents; and, when we share those things with others, we are living in our purpose. What better way could we say thank you than by blessing others and glorifying God with the collection of things He's given each of us that makes us so amazing?
Some may say, "Well, I am a singer, but there are many people with the same gift." Another may say, "I am a writer, a dancer, and an engineer, but I have a friend who possesses the exact same combination of gifts and talents. So, how am I so special?" The same is true for every one: None of us hold the keys to a particular talent, skill, gift, etc., alone. But, no one else will use them exactly the way you will. Combined with who your are, your life story, your trials and challenges, your goals and desires, and many other facets, there is no one else who can do what you do quite the way you do. There are people who will touch lives you'll never be able to touch and you will reach people as only you can reach. All of us are a designer's original destined to do things as only we can do and for the people we have been assigned! It is not your business to compare yourself to others and determine their chosen demographics. Your job is to simply BE who God has created you to be, DO what He has called you to do (use your gifts), and LET everyone else do the same, so that God is glorified!!!
It's not complicated. There's nothing to figure out. Just be!!! If you are someone who has forgotten how to do that, just stop where you are right now and give yourself permission to think about you, your hopes, desires, what makes you tick, smile, shine, what is it that you do so well and just do it. I love writing and speaking; thus, I am writing and I speak every chance I get. I don't just like to do it; but, God has gifted me to write and speak. Therefore, when I do either of them, He is glorified. My obedience gives people the opportunity to experience God in a major way, not everyone, but many. That's another thing about purpose, you cannot focus on those who don't accept your gifts, just focus on the gift giver and given gratitude to Him with your obedience to share those gifts with those who are waiting on you, accepting you, pushing you, needing you, and celebrating you. That's your purpose!
Father, thank you so much for making me different from everyone reading this right now; and, thank you for making them so unique and special. I pray that Your view of them as amazing will take root in their hearts right now and that they begin to see themselves the same way. I ask oh Lord, that you convict them right now that they are not here by mistake but by design to do incredible things as only they can do. I ask that you bless my sister who has forgotten how to dream and that you give her child like visions again, that you place playfulness in her heart, and that you give her feet to dance through the rain of life knowing that every splash is purposeful and every twirls touches another soul. Set her free and put her on the path to her purpose. Then, give her the courage to walk in it. Thank you and Amen!!!
#IAmMySistersKeeper
Some may say, "Well, I am a singer, but there are many people with the same gift." Another may say, "I am a writer, a dancer, and an engineer, but I have a friend who possesses the exact same combination of gifts and talents. So, how am I so special?" The same is true for every one: None of us hold the keys to a particular talent, skill, gift, etc., alone. But, no one else will use them exactly the way you will. Combined with who your are, your life story, your trials and challenges, your goals and desires, and many other facets, there is no one else who can do what you do quite the way you do. There are people who will touch lives you'll never be able to touch and you will reach people as only you can reach. All of us are a designer's original destined to do things as only we can do and for the people we have been assigned! It is not your business to compare yourself to others and determine their chosen demographics. Your job is to simply BE who God has created you to be, DO what He has called you to do (use your gifts), and LET everyone else do the same, so that God is glorified!!!
It's not complicated. There's nothing to figure out. Just be!!! If you are someone who has forgotten how to do that, just stop where you are right now and give yourself permission to think about you, your hopes, desires, what makes you tick, smile, shine, what is it that you do so well and just do it. I love writing and speaking; thus, I am writing and I speak every chance I get. I don't just like to do it; but, God has gifted me to write and speak. Therefore, when I do either of them, He is glorified. My obedience gives people the opportunity to experience God in a major way, not everyone, but many. That's another thing about purpose, you cannot focus on those who don't accept your gifts, just focus on the gift giver and given gratitude to Him with your obedience to share those gifts with those who are waiting on you, accepting you, pushing you, needing you, and celebrating you. That's your purpose!
Father, thank you so much for making me different from everyone reading this right now; and, thank you for making them so unique and special. I pray that Your view of them as amazing will take root in their hearts right now and that they begin to see themselves the same way. I ask oh Lord, that you convict them right now that they are not here by mistake but by design to do incredible things as only they can do. I ask that you bless my sister who has forgotten how to dream and that you give her child like visions again, that you place playfulness in her heart, and that you give her feet to dance through the rain of life knowing that every splash is purposeful and every twirls touches another soul. Set her free and put her on the path to her purpose. Then, give her the courage to walk in it. Thank you and Amen!!!
#IAmMySistersKeeper
Day 20 - 40 Day Prayer & Empowerment Challenge
Forgiveness is an ongoing process. I am afraid we never conquer this challenge of it or even that it becomes easier when we are afforded much practice. It is a basically a case by case decision we all must make or don't make. The process is the mental and/or emotional path we choose whenever we are offended or hurt by another. We ponder the criticalness, we determine the weight of burden, we think of how bad the offense makes and feel and/or look; and, every time we are crossed we go through it all over again as we decide how much it will take for me to get over this.
Sometimes we can decide in an instant that we will forgive someone because we love that person so much or we don't deem the act severe enough to want to hold on to it or our right to be angry. Other times the seed of resentment grows roots and nestles itself so deep in our hearts that is feels nearly impossible to forgive. Furthermore, when we are challenged with the same transgression over and over again, we may completely give up our will to forgive the offender altogether. But, if we can will not to forgive just like that, then we can also will ourselves to forgive in an instant. I know it's not that simple; however, it is important that we see no circumstance as unforgivable.
Are some of the acts committed towards us heinous and unbearable? Absolutely! Do I deserve the opportunity to be hurt and angry? Most definitely! So, why is it not okay to choose to hold on to resentment and choose not to forgive? Because, you create total bondage for yourself and all those around you. You choose to be powerless versus powerful, which means that you continuously remain tied to a hurtful past, a certain person, and particular situation and block every new opportunity for happiness, freedom, joy and peace. Hopefully, you want to be free more than you want to be in prison. Again, it's a choice, in fact it's your right, but you must be the one to exercise it. You must want it bad enough to work for it. Are you willing?
Lord, we pray for the will power to walk in freedom. It is said in your Word that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness; so, Father, where we feel like we cannot forgive, we ask that you help us. My sisters and I want happiness, joy, and peace. So, we ask that you give us the mind of Christ, who understood human nature and didn't take it personally when others wronged Him. Help us make the right choice, the choice to forgive even if it means we have to separate ourselves from another; still give us the right heart and renew the right Spirit within us. We are powerful not powerless, victors not victims, and conquerors not losers. We know that we win when we forgive. Help us, Father, I pray! Amen!
#IAmMySistersKeeper
Sometimes we can decide in an instant that we will forgive someone because we love that person so much or we don't deem the act severe enough to want to hold on to it or our right to be angry. Other times the seed of resentment grows roots and nestles itself so deep in our hearts that is feels nearly impossible to forgive. Furthermore, when we are challenged with the same transgression over and over again, we may completely give up our will to forgive the offender altogether. But, if we can will not to forgive just like that, then we can also will ourselves to forgive in an instant. I know it's not that simple; however, it is important that we see no circumstance as unforgivable.
Are some of the acts committed towards us heinous and unbearable? Absolutely! Do I deserve the opportunity to be hurt and angry? Most definitely! So, why is it not okay to choose to hold on to resentment and choose not to forgive? Because, you create total bondage for yourself and all those around you. You choose to be powerless versus powerful, which means that you continuously remain tied to a hurtful past, a certain person, and particular situation and block every new opportunity for happiness, freedom, joy and peace. Hopefully, you want to be free more than you want to be in prison. Again, it's a choice, in fact it's your right, but you must be the one to exercise it. You must want it bad enough to work for it. Are you willing?
Lord, we pray for the will power to walk in freedom. It is said in your Word that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness; so, Father, where we feel like we cannot forgive, we ask that you help us. My sisters and I want happiness, joy, and peace. So, we ask that you give us the mind of Christ, who understood human nature and didn't take it personally when others wronged Him. Help us make the right choice, the choice to forgive even if it means we have to separate ourselves from another; still give us the right heart and renew the right Spirit within us. We are powerful not powerless, victors not victims, and conquerors not losers. We know that we win when we forgive. Help us, Father, I pray! Amen!
#IAmMySistersKeeper
Friday, August 14, 2015
Day 19 - 40 Day Prayer & Empowerment Challenge
I think I've figured out one of the reasons this forgiveness issue is so complicated; and, it is our strong desire to be right. See, if I can claim that you're wrong then I can prove that I am right. The danger in this is that needing to be right at the expense of holding others in a prison of transgression is steeped in an unhealthy level of pride. We know that "pride comes before destruction". With that said, take one second to ponder if any destructive situations that may have taken place in your life were the humbling maybe even humiliating events which gave you the enlightenment to realize that you've wronged some the way others have wronged you. If so, did that enlightenment make your heart a little softer towards your offenders once you realized you needed the same forgiveness from someone else?
Let us be careful to consider the rational we tie to why we choose not forgive. Let us evaluate whether our holding our offenders captives is a result of a real struggle to move on versus how we think the situation makes us look to other people. It is of extreme importance that we consider how we may learn the lesson in the future if we choose not to forgive in the present. It is equally pertinent that we put our pride behind us as we evaluate our relationships and the consequences that stem from keeping others at bay and not treating them the way we want to treated during the times that we are wrong.
Pride stems from the ego and is the culprit behind many broken relationships. Love is Spirit, it operates in truth and freedom, yet it is the lawman which brings and keeps people together. Love will aid you in forgiveness. If you allow it, Love will show you yourself in the situation and show you the true character of the one who's caused you pain; and, it will strengthen you to interact with that person as if you see all the good in them even while your heart is healing. Love will also protect you from the pitfalls established by pride. As the young people use to say, "you better check yourself before you wreck yourself." Simply put, let us look at our own motives behind a matter, put our pride in check, and operate in Love!
Father God, we thank you for the mirror and the opportunity to look in it. Lord, let us see the beauty and the perfection that you see in us but also allow us to see where we have room to improve in our love life, how we love others and treat others and how we forgive others. Please dig up the roots of pride which causes us so much agony and pain and replace them with the roots tied to the fruits of the Spirit, like longsuffering, gentleness, and kindness. We know we cannot do it without You; so, we thank you for the conviction and for your guidance through the example of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen!
#IAmMySistersKeeper
Let us be careful to consider the rational we tie to why we choose not forgive. Let us evaluate whether our holding our offenders captives is a result of a real struggle to move on versus how we think the situation makes us look to other people. It is of extreme importance that we consider how we may learn the lesson in the future if we choose not to forgive in the present. It is equally pertinent that we put our pride behind us as we evaluate our relationships and the consequences that stem from keeping others at bay and not treating them the way we want to treated during the times that we are wrong.
Pride stems from the ego and is the culprit behind many broken relationships. Love is Spirit, it operates in truth and freedom, yet it is the lawman which brings and keeps people together. Love will aid you in forgiveness. If you allow it, Love will show you yourself in the situation and show you the true character of the one who's caused you pain; and, it will strengthen you to interact with that person as if you see all the good in them even while your heart is healing. Love will also protect you from the pitfalls established by pride. As the young people use to say, "you better check yourself before you wreck yourself." Simply put, let us look at our own motives behind a matter, put our pride in check, and operate in Love!
Father God, we thank you for the mirror and the opportunity to look in it. Lord, let us see the beauty and the perfection that you see in us but also allow us to see where we have room to improve in our love life, how we love others and treat others and how we forgive others. Please dig up the roots of pride which causes us so much agony and pain and replace them with the roots tied to the fruits of the Spirit, like longsuffering, gentleness, and kindness. We know we cannot do it without You; so, we thank you for the conviction and for your guidance through the example of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen!
#IAmMySistersKeeper
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Day 18 - 40 Day Prayer & Empowerment Challenge
Be on guard against the small sprouts of umbrages you
experience as a result of subtle offenses made by others towards you. I noted that because I have become keenly
aware of my thoughts; and, I’ve caught myself making defensive comments in my
mind when I felt like people were being nice-nasty with me, purposely
over-looking me or ostracizing me, or being cute yet spiteful. If you’re a man these terms may have gone right
above your head; but, if you’re a woman you more likely than not have been on
both ends of the stick and know exactly what I mean. Those little minor nuances can be the
worst. Overtime, they can really weigh
you down.
Therefore, the first thing I want you to know is, “You’re
not crazy!” Yes, people, especially
women often use their art of femininity and charm and sprinkle it with dung in
order to make you feel depreciated, and they do in a way as not to be blatant, noticeable,
or accused. It’s quite crafty, but not
cute or Godly whatsoever. Please, make
sure you are not that woman! Also, make
sure that when you are around such a person that you are equipped to allow the
shade casted to remain “only” on the outside of you. This will make it easier for you to forgive
that person.
The next thing I would like you to know is that it is
totally pointless to take personally another person’s ill intended actions
towards you. That person’s actions are
about them, their own insecurities, their need for power at the expense of
others feelings, and their own heart conditions. So, if your circumstances mandate you to be
around the person, then you can allow their actions but don’t have to receive.
If you have a choice as to whether to surround yourself around that person or
not, then the safest place of protection is far away. It is always easy to forgive when you don’t
allow the poison to soak into you and even easier if you don’t allow it spew on
you at all. Knowing your enemies and
protecting yourself from their devices can be the easiest path to forgiveness.
Lastly, if you could move from disdain to love for these
hurting women, then you will truly exemplify Christ. The beaten, bludgeoned, bloody, pierced, and
hanging Jesus lifted up His head and said, “Father forgive them for they know
not what they do” for the ones who nailed Him to the cross and mocked Him
there. He always knew when people were
talking behind His back and making assumptions and He was exceptional at posing
the right questions in order to make them converse with Him so that he could
share truth. We may not be at the level
of love for enemies just yet; but, forgiving them is necessary and loving them
should be our goal.
Father, you stated in Ephesians 4:31- 5:2 “Let all
bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with
all malice. And be kind to one another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore, be imitators of God as dear
children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for
us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Lord, we need your help in this area! We are grateful for your example and also for
your understanding. Please continue to
show us the way to love and forgiveness, so that we may be free from the pain
of violations made against us and so that we may too model the way for other
women. Bless my sister with supernatural
strength, today, to stand in freedom, no matter what comes her way! Amen!
#IAmMySistersKeeper
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Day 17 - 40 Day Prayer & Empowerment Challenge
You may ask, “How do I forgive?” The answer really is as simple as, “Just do
it!” I believe the more appropriate
questions may be, “Why do I want to hold on to this situation so badly?”, “Why
do I want this pain in my life?” and “Why is it that I rather be a victim versus
victor?” Those are questions that only
you can answer for you and when you can with accuracy, then you can chose
whether you are ready to move on to forgiveness or not. It is not that you cannot forgive, it is that
you will not forgive. Pointblank, forgiveness is a choice that is made or not
made.
Sometimes, we are unsuccessful in moving on because we are
never prepared for the hurt that comes to us.
Furthermore, though we experiences these bouts of transgressions
throughout our life time, neither are we equipped with a blueprint for
intervention during these times. Therefore,
if it is your desire and intention to be a true forgiver, it is important to
have a plan and to use it. This design
may or may not work for you, nonetheless I want to share a couple things I do
when I am struggling to forgive a wrongdoer. They are listed below.
1)
Talk about how I am feeling to a trusted
confidant (no more than two people)
2)
Don’t rehearse the offense over and over by
telling everybody about it. This just fuels the fire.
3)
Take time for myself to feel the pain and cry if
needed, every day if necessary
4)
Give myself a deadline to be over it (one day,
one week, or one month, but not much longer.
The deeper you dig that hole the harder it is to get out).
5)
I pray for (not against) the person who has
wronged me (even if I don’t mean it, I pray until I do)
6)
I think of others I have offended as to put
myself in my offenders shoes
7)
I forgive!
This would be a good time to come up with your own method. Think of ways that you’ve gotten over a past
offense. What did you do about it? How did you get through so quickly? Write down what you remember and put it away
so you can refer to it when it’s needed.
We want to walk in freedom not in bondage which mean we’ve got to create
the way to freedom. A road is paved with
a plan and having a plan for forgiveness will get you to your place of sovereignty.
Lord God, please help me sister who has struggled with
carrying resentment in her heart and has found it nearly impossible to
forgive. Pour out your creative power
upon her now as she writes her plan.
Give her vision and provide clarity so that her plan is clear, concise,
realistic, attainable, and effective.
Father, we know that is your will that we love you above all, love and
treat our neighbors as ourselves, and live in peace with everyone. Help us father to exemplify this kind of life
even when those we interact with on a daily bases do not. Set us free so that others might see your
example through us and experience the same freedom and power they see in us,
because we know that you want it for us all!
Thank you & Amen!
#IAmMySistersKeeper
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