Understanding My Calling: a Discover Your Purpose Moment

Time Out 

I want to take a moment, just a little break from the "No More Lies" series. I will get back to it, but I have to say something.

I love Jesus. I will not be ashamed of that. I will not back down from that. I will not apologize for it. 

This week I have been called a hater, a racist, a heretic, a liar, deluded and yesterday I was called mean for posting things about Jesus on the internet.

Yesterday I wrote about rejection: I said "I am supposed to count it a blessing when people hate me for the gospel's sake.  But sadly, that is not the kind of rejection I have felt and dealt with the most in my life." 

I guess I was wrong. 

As I began recounting to my husband some of the things that have happened I realized something: I am called to teach and preach. Not because I desire to be a teacher, but because the love God has bestowed to me is too much to hold back.

I tell others about Jesus because I cannot contain it. I tell others about my personal struggles and life because it is an example of God's grace at work in my life. By sharing my story, my hope is that someone will recognize their self between the lines.

Do I have the Right to Teach? 

So I have also been told I am in direct violation of God's word. That no woman should teach. 1 Timothy 2:12 "I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent." But when we cherry pick out one or two verses we do not get a full picture of who God is and what He has to say about us. We have to look at the overall character and intent of God and we must look at context.

The Character and Intent of God

In Genesis it says, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."

Galatians 3:28 says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Hebrews 13:21 says, "Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it)." (AMP)

Philippians 1:6 says "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Deborah was a judge. Mary Magdalene was the first to spread the word of his resurrection. Priscilla had a church in her house.  Actually, not only did she teach at home, she taught those who wished to teach.

In Titus Paul instructs women to teach. Is this one of those contradictions in the Bible that people are always throwing at Christians as an excuse to not believe? Yes...and no.

It does seem to conflict, but let's look at Paul not as a saint, not as perfect (only Christ is perfect) but as a man of his times and culture. In a word: fallible. He says "I do not", not "God does not".

Context

When Paul instructed women to be silent, you have to remember how services were conducted and what the tradition was.

Here is an excerpt from a great website: Bible Headquarters.

"As stated previously, in Yeshuas' time, women participated fully in the religious life of the community. This included participation in synagogue services and in the regular study sessions that were conducted in the synagogue's bet midrash (house of study). There was no separation of the sexes in synagogues and women could be counted as part of the required congregational quorum of ten adults. There was, however, one inequality. For social reasons, women were not allowed to read the Scriptures publicly.
In the Babylonian Talmud and the Tosefta, we find an early rabbinic (tannaic) ruling: "All are qualified to be among the seven [who read publicly from the Torah in the synagogue on the Sabbath], even a minor or a woman; however, the sages ruled that a woman should not read from the Torah out of respect for the congregation."21 This is apparently a reference to the same social custom or decorum that we find mentioned in Paul's letter to the Corinthians:
Women should keep silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Torah states. If they want to learn anything, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is a disgrace for a woman to speak in the congregation.22
Paul felt it necessary to issue his corrective because in early Christian congregations, following Jewish practice, it was permissible and customary to interrupt the preacher to ask questions. In first-century synagogues, a sermon followed the reading of Scripture. This exposition of Scripture was more a lesson than a sermon, and congregants were encouraged to ask questions. In fact, the asking of questions was so central to the rabbinic teaching method that often the preacher-teacher began his sermon by just seating himself and waiting until someone from the audience asked a question. There is a whole category of Jewish literature called ye·lam·DE·nu (May [our teacher] instruct us). It is similar to what we now call "Questions and Answers." Today public speakers often employ a Question-and-Answer period, especially as a means of clarification at the end of a lecture. In first-century Jewish society this approach was usually the main method of instruction.
From Paul's injunction we learn that at public religious gatherings of early Christians, women sat with men in the same hall, perhaps even next to their husbands or fathers. Paul's command itself implies a mixed audience: there would have been nothing indecorous about a woman asking a question in a group composed entirely of women.
If there had been separation of men and women in first-century synagogues, it is likely that the early church would have continued the custom. However, the New Testament gives no indication that the early church had such a custom." Were Women Segregated in the Ancient Synagogue?

Conclusion: 

So I will keep doing what I feel God has called me to. I will share my life and teach others what I know of God. I will always be careful to rightly divide the word to the best of my ability. I am not ashamed. I will not back down from who I am, who I was designed to be, who I was called to be and who I am constantly being equipped to be.  This song comes to mind and is my anthem!  "I will not be silent!"

Join the Conversation: 

Have you ever felt you had to justify the call of God on your life?

Find Your Calling

Blogging Through the Book 

We are blogging through the book The Gospel of Yes by Mike Glenn. If you would like to join us, purchase the book here (affiliate link) and read along! Then share your thoughts on each chapter.


Not reading the book? That is okay too. We each take our own point of view and share what we loved about the book chapter by chapter and then share it with you. This way, you can join the conversation and learn more about God's yes for you!

Chapters 10 and 11

I do not know how this book keeps getting better and better, but it does. Chapter ten is devoted to the Yes of You because "only God can tell you who you really are." As a person who writes about discovering purpose and meaning in our daily walk with Christ this chapter went off like fireworks in my heart. 

Pastor Glenn writes "No experience or encounter, no outside influence can tel you who you are. Only Christ can do that." 

The truth is he is right. I can write all day long about finding your purpose, but until you ask Christ what that purpose is, until you go to the Source of all things, then you are only pretending to search. This is like playing hide and seek with a three year old. They get the idea behind the game, but they are not great at it yet. So when we play with them we pretend finding them is difficult. We know exactly where they are, we just pretend to look. 

We know Christ holds the answers. Otherwise, we would not have followed him. Yet some of us spend the rest of our lives pretending to seek him out. He is not hidden. We know where He is. So what holds us back? What keeps us from pursuing Him and His purpose for our lives? 

Fear? A lack of trust? 

God loves us. The gospel boils down to this: God loves us so much He chased down a way to never lose us again when He sent Jesus to bridge the gap between us and Him. 

Mike says "...We are the objects of God's relentless love." 

With a love like this, there is nothing to fear. God did not pay the ultimate price for us, to fail us after we are saved. There is more than salvation for you. There is a calling: there is a destiny. 

The Purpose of Calling and Destiny

Calling. Destiny. These are big ideas. These are things we think of from stories filled with heroes and heroines, not necessarily ideas we ascribe to our lives. Yet, they should be.

God knew you before you were knitted together in your mother's womb. No matter the circumstances of your birth, He wanted you born for a reason: for such a time as this.

In ourselves we are not enough, but in Him all things are possible. Do not think because you are a stay-at-home mom you do not have a calling. If you are a mechanic or a machinist, and your day-to-day life is filled with the noise of industry, God still has a calling for you. Do not count yourself out.

""Don't accept that everyday life is more powerful than God's calling on your life." page 149 

I used to think, what do I have to offer? I am just a wife and mom. I did not finish college. I come from a broken home. I had a laundry list of reasons why I thought there was no way I could be used by God. Then, when I really surrendered to my Father, I found out that these were some of the things He wanted to use in my calling. 

Paul was a tent maker. He sewed for a living. Not that glamorous. That was his job. His calling was much more. Yet, stop for a minute and think of his "laundry list". He was a Pharisee (Jesus did not like those), he was once a killer, and he was often confrontational. 

Before Jesus, Paul (then Saul) was not someone you would naturally think of to spread God's  message of love and hope through out the known world, but the book of Acts chronicles his journeys around the known world. He did not let his past count him out. 

There is something in all of us. A gift. A dream. We let life happen and so we think "I missed my shot." The truth is, it is never to late to pursue God's will for our life. He is the way maker, the one who designed us from the beginning. He knows exactly how He wants to use us. 

God's goal has always been to redeem mankind back to Himself. We, as His children, have a calling within that goal. You may never be a preacher, a missionary or an evangelist, but you can be Jesus to someone where you are. 

"When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.” Matthew 25:35-36 

Look around you. There is work to be done. Where your gifts and His heart meet, this is your calling.

Join the Conversation: 

Mike asks questions in Chapter 11. I want to ask them of you. "What is your gifts?" and "Where is there brokenness around you? Where is there pain? What part of your world would Jesus touch if he walked your streets?"  

Blogging Through the Book is a group of bloggers who literally blog while reading the book. It’s different than merely reading a book and posting a review. We have a chance to read and share our thoughts in our community. Click HERE to find out about other blogger's perspectives on these chapters and join the discussion!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Journey From the Bottom of the Totem Pole to Living Your High Calling

Detail of Totem Pole Credit: Creative Commons via Flickr 

What is your “High calling”?

I say it is this: To live your best life for Jesus out loud wherever you may be.

Are you a busy business professional? Then live your best life out loud for all the other busy professionals to see.

This may mean praying over your lunch in the break room, or choosing not to pass the buck when you make a mistake, or giving credit where credit is due, even if doing otherwise would advance your career.

Are you a mom and home maker? Then speak life into your kids. Pray over them. Teach them to love Christ. Show them they are valued and lead them to a greater relationship with our Father. This is your high calling.

Are you an artist? A Musician? A Singer? A Writer? Then live out loud! Use your talent as an amplifier of God’s love and purpose for you.

Whatever you are, wherever you may be there is ministry to be done: a high calling to live.

Everyone Has a High Calling! 

I am not saying "be obnoxious" when I say “live out loud”. I am saying be alive! Be a light on the hill. Shine where you are. If you think you have no real calling then you are mistaken.

You may never be an apostle, or a preacher. You may never preach to pigmies in another land, or have your songs heard by millions on the radio, but that does not count you out!

God has a purpose for you and it starts where you are.

When Jesus was preaching to the 5000 on the hillside that day, the disciples came to him and asked “How are we going to feed all these people?” Jesus replied, “Well, what have you got?” (Read it in context here)

He started with what they had: five loaves and two fish.

Start where you are. Live out your best life for Christ. As He blesses it, you will see multiplication like never before.

God Read my Mail!

Some years ago I was pretty angry about being the “low man on the totem pole” at the church where my husband was on staff. We had made plans as a family for an upcoming Saturday, but had been told during a Wednesday night service that we would be required to be at the church working all day, on his day off…for no extra pay. The attitude of my heart was horrible. I felt indignant. I felt used. I got upset.

When I walked forward to get prayed for (because I truly needed prayer in that moment) the visiting minister turned into a postman as he delivered the “mail” straight from God. He said this:

“God does not start anyone off at the bottom to work their way up. He starts us off at the top and our top expands outward.”

The minister did not know what we were just told. More importantly, he did not know my heart. But God did. That word was for me... directly from my Father. It is for you today.

If you feel like you have no “ministry” then stop and look around you. What have you got? 

That is what Jesus wants.

Live your high calling now, out loud, for the world to see.

Join the Conversation:

Have you ever felt like the low man on the totem pole? Leave your comments below. 

Like what you read here?  More great content is available several times a week, but I understand how busy you are. That is why I offer a free newsletter that sends you an email of the same great content straight to your inbox! You won't have to worry about missing a thing. I will never share your information with anyone, and if you sign up today, you can get a free copy of my children's eBook The Gardener and the Sapling: A Modern Parable. Click the link below and subscribe now!


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For more great articles on living your high calling, visit http://www.thehighcalling.org 

 

Discovering the Yes of Your Purpose

Blogging Through the Book

If you have not joined us before now, every Wednesday I, along with other wonderful bloggers, blog through the reading of a book. We are blogging through the book The Gospel of Yes by Mike Glenn. If you would like to join us, purchase the book here (affiliate link) and read along! Then share your thoughts on each chapter. 

Not reading the book? That is okay too. We each take our own point of view and share what we loved about the book chapter by chapter and then share it with you. This way, you can join the conversation and learn more about God's yes for you! 

Chapters 8 and 9

The Gospel of Yes is kicking my rear. 

I mean it. 

Statements like "You can hold onto your anger, or you can hold onto Jesus, but you can't do both." (page 112) make me examine where I am in my walk with God. Am I trying to hold onto my anger and hurt more than I am holding onto Jesus? If the answer is yes, then I have some repenting and some real praying to do. 

Forgiveness is one of the central themes of the Gospel. We, in our sin, needed forgiveness, yes, but forgiving others is also necessary. Forgiving ourselves, forgiving others, this is what it means to be like Jesus. He forgave the men who were in the middle of killing him. He forgives us too. What a great example of the grace God wants us to walk in. 

I know what it is to be wronged. I know what rejection feels like. 

I bet you do too. 

You have a choice, live in the pain and swim in Lake Shoudawouldacoulda, or forgive and walk in the beautiful trails of Freedom Park! 

I know what I choose: I choose the freedom of forgiveness.  

"...Your future need not be held hostage to your past. There is another choice, God's choice, which is forgiveness." Mike Glenn The Gospel of Yes

So what does that future look like? God knows. The good news is that God sees you as He made you to be and not just as you are. The really good news is He will take you anyway, JUST as you are. 

Discovering The YES of your Purpose

Everyone searches for the meaning of it all. At one point or another, we all look for our "yes". Some of us find it right away, and others let the bustle of a busy world throw us off the trail of self-discovery and into the bog of existing. 

Mike says this: 

"The faith pilgrimage begins with God's declaration of who you really are and why He made you. The rest of your life is a journey that is given meaning and direction by God's determination of your identity and destiny." (page 115, The Gospel of Yes) 

You have a destiny in Christ. You have a purpose. There is more to you than the day-to-day existence that you silently rail against in your heart. It is not found by burning a bra, or occupying a movement, but by bumping into the person and experience of God. 

Trying to strike out on our own is futile. The universe is first too big and secondly too broken to find purpose in without first knowing the Maker of the Universe. 

God says "I knew you before you were in your mother's womb". We are no mystery to God. He made us and He sees everything. Our hearts, our hurts and our outcomes. What He wants from us is to see Him. His heart, His healing, and His desire for us. 

This is how we discover the yes of our purpose: We encounter Him. We get to know Him. 

"He goes ahead and calls you to join him in his divine work and as you encounter him, God reveals your identity." (page 116) 

Your calling is uniquely yours. No one else's. He formed you with the intent in mind. "I knew you before...."

God chose Abram (a man without children) to become the father of nations. God chose Saul (a killer of Christians) to become Paul, who evangelized the known world, wrote most of the New Testament, and stood before kings and slaves alike proclaiming the love and freedom of Christ.

God chose you too. Before you were born. God chooses you now, after you have made mistakes and life has happened. He chooses you where you are so you can become who He called you to be.

Like Abraham, like Paul.

This is God's yes to you: There is a purpose, now let's marvel as we go on the journey to discover it!

Join the Conversation: 

Have you ever felt disqualified to do something because of your past? Leave your comment below!

Blogging Through the Book is a group of bloggers who literally blog while reading the book. It’s different than merely reading a book and posting a review. We have a chance to read and share our thoughts in our community. Click HEREto find out about other blogger's perspectives on these chapters and join the discussion!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Big Picture

Photo Credit: Creative Commons

Sometimes I do not get it. 

To be honest, I sit here wondering "how"? 

How will God use me? What will that look like?

I know part of it looks like this blog. Part of it looks like my family. Part of it looks like Girl's Ministry at church. Part of it looks like the Praise and Worship team.

But what does the "Big Picture" look like?

I think Moses had a similar question.

He was a Hebrew raised by Egyptians. He knew he was different. He knew God had called him. He thought he knew what that looked like. He got it wrong.

He thought people would understand he was made to be their leader. They did not get it.

"During this time Moses was born. He was a very beautiful child, and for three months his parents took care of him in their home. Then when they were forced to leave him outside, the king’s daughter found him and raised him as her own son. Moses was given the best education in Egypt. He was a strong man and a powerful speaker. When Moses was forty years old, he wanted to help the Israelites because they were his own people. One day he saw an Egyptian mistreating one of them. So he rescued the man and killed the Egyptian. Moses thought the rest of his people would realize that God was going to use him to set them free. But they didn't understand." Acts 7:20-25 (CEB)

Moses heard the call of God on his life, but he was trying to do it all himself. Even the people around him realized that would never be enough.

In ourselves we are are not enough. God is more than enough. With God, all things are possible.

His grace is sufficient. 

So I will be patient. I will let Him work His great work on my heart. I will listen and obey. I will wait until His timing is perfect. I may not get it, but when I am ready, when I am humbled, when I am undone by a burning bush experience, then He will fulfill His purpose in me.

Until then I will be like Paul. I will press. I will strive. I will move forward. Toward the goal. Toward my Father.

I will be like Isaiah. When God asks "Who will go?" I will say "Here I am, send me."

Join the Conversation: 

Do you ever wonder how God will use you? 

Like what you see here? More great content is available several times a week, but I understand how busy you are. That is why I offer a free newsletter that sends you an email of the same great content straight to your inbox! You won't have to worry about missing a thing. I will never share your information with anyone, and if you sign up today, you can get a free copy of my children's eBook The Gardener and the Sapling: A Modern Parable. Click the link below and subscribe now!



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Five Tips for Finding Your Way (In Life)

Photo Credit: Creative Commons courtesy of artneuveauinart.org 

“Cat: Where are you going?

Alice: Which way should I go?

Cat: That depends on where you are going.

Alice: I don’t know.

Cat: Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.”

― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Ever felt like Alice?

The next steps can be daunting.

Not knowing what is around the bend may seem worse than knowing if it was something terrible.

I understand. I think we have all had that moment.

Want to know the secret to getting past that panic moment; that horrible moment of not knowing and thinking, “what now”?

Be Still.

Not the answer you were looking for? I know. I don’t always follow this advice either, but since my Father said it, I know it must be right.

“Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalms 46:10 AMP

Life Can Make You Dizzy

When I was little I loved spinning round and round until I felt dizzy. The breeze in my face and the sound of the wind whipping around me as I sliced the through the air buffeted my senses. It was as close as I could get to flying. But, as fun as this may have been, there was one problem: I could not safely navigate the room or the yard (whichever I may have been in) after I stopped spinning.

It was only after I got still a while that I could safely move.

Sometimes that is what life is like. 

Crazy, hectic, spinning out of control and threatening to make us a little dizzy…maybe even a little queasy. When we get still, take quiet moments with God and just get alone with Him, then we can maneuver our lives with more grace and wisdom. Then the next steps don't seem daunting, they seem like a natural thing as we follow Jesus.

Five Tips for Finding Your Way 

1) Shut off all social media (phones, computer, TV)

2) Put on some quiet worship or classical music (I love this one right now!)

3) Ask God to begin to strip away the mental and emotional grime. 

4) Meditate on a scripture, just one; you do not have to be a Bible scholar. (Psalms is a good place to start)

5) Ask God to speak. Don’t pray in the traditional sense, but just listen. God will speak to your heart. (The Bible says He sings over you!)

This patterned time with God allows you to get still and gives Him the room to speak. Now finding your way becomes a matter of learning to hear and obey the still small voice of God, not striking out blindly in any direction that seems good at the time.

“He who has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him consider and perceive and comprehend by hearing.” Matthew 11:15 AMP

When we focus on the Way Maker, the way becomes clear. 

Join the Conversation: Have you ever felt like Alice? What did you do?

Like what you see here? More great content is available several times a week, but I understand how busy you are. That is why I offer a free newsletter that sends you an email of the same great content straight to your inbox! You won't have to worry about missing a thing. I will never share your information with anyone, and if you sign up today, you can get a free copy of my children's eBook The Gardener and the Sapling: A Modern Parable.  Click the link below and subscribe now! 

Subscribe to our newsletter

The Secret of Godly Success

Self Doubt can be overcome! Photo Credit: Creative Commons

 “God doesn't require us to succeed, He only requires that you try.” Mother Teresa 

Selling Myself Short

I have been beating myself up lately. Picking on my ideas, and criticizing my goals. Who am I to want to write a book? Why are my ideas so important I want to share them with the world?

The answer of course is I am a child of God. Created for a purpose. I've been given a mission. I must try to do what I can to get the message out, because it isn't really my message. It is God's.

There is nothing new under the sun. God has been working toward one goal since the fall in the garden: the restoration of mankind into right relationship with Him. I have a small part to play in spreading that message so others can grow closer to God.

I am no Paul. I am no Peter. I am no Billy Graham, or Amy Grant, or Joyce Meyer, or any of the other people I admire. I am me.

And you are you. Made for a purpose. Born with a unique calling: to be who God made you to be and to share that with others so God gets the glory.

Encountering Resistance 

There was a man named Nehemiah. He had a job working for one of the most powerful men in the world. He was good at his job, he was even friends with his boss. Then he began to feel a tug. A call to do something big. A mission to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. He was changing. 

He  traveled thousands of miles only to find resistance. From officials, and from enemies. But he did not give up, he tried anyway. 

He gathered the resources and he worked 24/7. He recruited everyone he could to help. He became foreman of one of the largest construction jobs in history. 

And he nearly failed. 

Enemies worked against him. Rumors flew. He had to work with a shovel in one hand and a sword in the other just to get the work done. So what did he do? 

He prayed. 

Sometimes resistance comes from within: like the doubts I have experienced. Sometimes resistance comes from our co-workers who wanted the promotion you just got. Perhaps you are experiencing resistance from a family member who does not support your dreams like you want them to.

Where ever the resistance comes from you have to press through it. 

Do Not Give Up

So what you get knocked around a bit. What is a bruise in the grand scheme of eternity? Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again. What you do now, this great thing you are doing, will reverberate through time. This will be a legacy that will live through eternity. What you do now is what matters! 

Whether you are trying to be the next great American novelist or just be a Godly parent, your purpose is worth working and fighting for. Like Nehemiah, you may need a shovel in one hand and a sword in the other, but do not give up! 

Keep pressing in and pressing on! Keep going! Don't stop! Don't listen to the detractors, shush the voices that tell you "you can't"! You can! You have a purpose, you matter! 

God's promises are yes and amen! He has a plan for you. He makes your paths straight and lines up your footsteps. Trust in Him and go, go, go! The real success is in the trying. 

Join the conversation: Do you struggle with moments of self-doubt? How do you pick yourself up? 

Refine, Refinish and Restore

Refine and Refinish Me Oh God Photo Credit: Creative Commons

I was raised in church.

My heritage is generations of men and women called to minister, to teach, and to share.

I was taught to be mindful of what others thought. To mind my P's and Q's.

I feared missing the rapture and felt constantly torn between who I was and who I was expected to be.

I had moments with God. Glimpses of Grace. Touches of the Divine.

Encounters that shook me to my core. But we were like star crossed lovers, God and I.

Our timing seemed to be off.

I knew I was called, but I thought that meant I had to become another person.

The person I was? Not good enough.

The person I was? Too loud, too brash, too impulsive, too much of a tomboy.

There were moments I let hurt and offence rule my mind and soon I was taking the reigns away from God and living for myself.

Engulfed in self, I erred. I strayed. I walked away.

When my life fell apart I saw that as proof that God did not care- I used our distance as permission to spiral out of control. I was angry. Mad at God.

I was lonely and I had no idea how or if I ever wanted to reach out for God again.

But God, in His love and mercy was never far away. He sang His songs of Love over me. He called to me like a lover. He wooed me, seduced me with His faithfulness.

I repent. I cry. I surrender. I run back to my Father's arms.

I have moments with God. In the mornings my joy is full. His mercy is new.

I have peace. I do not fear missing His return because I feel Him now.

I begin to wake up. I begin to see He makes me new, refines and refinishes me like a fine piece of furniture. He brings out the grain that was there all along.

He shines me. He polishes. He favors me and sets me on display.

I am called, but now I know it is as easy as following my Love's voice: I know His voice and it is sweetness to my soul. I am who He made me to be. We are perfectly compatible. I trust Him.

Church is not the focus. People's opinions do not matter. He matters. I want my heart beat to be His Heart's Beat.

I want to be Me.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 

Do not try to be anyone other than who you were designed to be. As we reach out and receive God's endless love and grace, we are changed: refined, refinished and restored. The same, but made new. Glorious and Perfected in Christ. 

What is your story? Leave your comments below.

Announcing Blogging Through the Book: The Gospel of Yes

I Have an Announcement! 

In the past I have partnered with Dana Pittman of Danapittman.com with amazing results. When she brought this idea of "blogging through the book" to me and several other bloggers, I jumped at the chance to join in. 


Blogging through the book will be like a Book Club, Bible Study and Blogging trifecta. Every week we will read along together and then write through our own unique lens our thoughts on what we read. 


There will be great discussion questions, perspectives and opportunities to hit some very important areas of our walk with God that we may or may not have addressed in the past. 


I cannot wait to begin this "blogging through the Book" series and I hope you will join me! 


The book is worth the buy.  (It comes in Kindle and paperback versions)  You can get that here, just look on page 3 of my Discover Shopping page. (affiliate link) 


Every Wednesday for the next two months you will get more than a book review.  You will get a taste of what the book has to offer through the perspective of Discovering Your Purpose. Want to know more? Then hop over to another blogger's site and they will give you another perspective. 


This joint venture will hopefully help you follow along and join in on the discussion. Want to learn more about Mike Glenn? Then follow the author. 

We begin with The Gospel of Yes, a new book by pastor Mike Glenn. 

 Click the picture to check it out more closely!

His website: http://www.truthfulconversations.com/ His Twitter Handle: @mikeglenn  

Participating Bloggers

Dana with DanaPittman.com

Dayna with A Year in the Spiritual Life

Heidi with HeidiKreider.com

Katherine Harms with Living on Tilt

Pilar with Ordinary Servant

I hope you will join us tomorrow as we begin this wonderful journey and find out why this book has gotten such great reviews! If you are still not convinced, check out the short video reviews posted by WaterBrook Press here. 

Do you have a book you think would be great for this program? What is it?