Christ in the Clouds

Well, another year is coming to an end. As I reminisce over the past 12 months, I think about the ways in which my word for 2017 (PURPOSE) has helped me look at my life from a new perspective. So much of my circumstances have been beyond my control, yet I found myself being emotionally controlled by them.  I have learned a lot about other people and have tried to understand why they may do what they do or say what they say. I have learned to stand strong when I have had to make an extremely difficult decision, not being influenced by unwarranted guilt,  sympathy, or a desire for a closer relationship, but to do what is best for me. I have learned that, as I look into the past and the future, both have a purpose and hopefully each continues to shape and grow me in a more positive way. Life definitely isn't all peaches and cream. Much of the time, I don't even understand why things happen the way they do. But, because God is in control, I must just do the be...

It's mind-blowing to me, as I strive to seek what our purpose(and more specifically MY purpose) is, how many people say they have THE answer....and literally dozens of different answers are given. Yet, so many times any one answer leaves me hanging(often sending me into a spiral of more questioning and confusion.) The 3A's: Creating a Purposeful Life Through Attention, Acceptance & Authenticity 7 STRANGE QUESTIONS THAT HELP YOU FIND YOUR LIFE PURPOSE Life on Purpose: 15 Questions to Discover Your Personal Mission   Six Ways To Discover Your Life Purpose 3 Unexpected Ways to Find Your Life Purpose 4 Ways to Find Passion and Purpose in Your Life “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”  ―  Ralph Waldo Emerson “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach ...

Spring is a time for planting seeds, expecting growth, and preparing for expansion; but sometimes waiting is crucial in the germination process.  This means that we should strive to be patient with our spiritual development, as God is patient toward us ( James. 1:2-4 ). Raising our children is like planting and sowing seeds of the precious gift of life. But, this is often a LONG calling for many parents...much longer than the 18 years required for most parents. Even though I know better, it's very hard to believe any sowing, watering, or fertilizing I did through the years(of parenting) was meaningful if I don't see flowers immediately. But I KNOW that is not the nature of plants. That's not how gardening works. A beautiful, blooming garden takes  time  and  effort Waiting For the Flowers to Bloom   When it seems that the blessings in my own life are few, I start counting my blessings every day. Fruit will come. But it's not likely to be today....

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you , the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." EPHESIANS 1:18-19  Each of us are here for a reason and chosen for a purpose… U nderstanding our identity in Christ gives us purpose.  God’s purpose is always unique and always makes our ordinary lives extraordinary.  Our shared and primary purpose can be lived out in 5 ways:  We were planned for God's pleasure so your first purpose is to offer real worship . ( Colossians 1:16) - Worship, while it can be an intentional choice, is generally a result of witnessing something 'awesome,' or awe inspiring and proclaiming His glory! We were formed for God's family so your second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship .   ( 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ; Acts 2:44-45 ) -  Biblical Fellowship is a Family relationship...

How do you define our "purpose"? {This the first of several posts I will be sharing on the subject of "purpose", the word I chose for 2017. I thought I would start off with this question, just in case some of you were unsure what God's purpose for us, as believers is. This is important to know before we even consider other questions about the purpose of certain events in our lives.} "For Christians, purpose is  being  and  doing  what God intends us to be and do: doing today what God asks us to do in our family, church, and community; being more like Christ; and then doing the distinct, bold work God designed us to do before we die!"  ( http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/5-ways-to-follow-gods-plan-for-your-life/#ixzz4aKK68Bg Scripture reveals the "pathway" to follow. It's spelled out in the Great Commandment ( Matthew 22:36-39 ) and the Great Commission ( Matthew 28:19-20 ). In The Purpose-Driven Life,  Rick Warren says th...