Life Has A Purpose

by Kristia on March 8, 2010

For the past month or so I’ve been reading “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. This book has taught me so much about me and my spiritual walk; I have to share my notes. Some of you may have already read it. I mean, it has sold over 15 million copies. For those of you who haven’t, here’s a sneak peek at what you’re missing.

-The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose.
-Knowing your purpose simplifies your life.
-Stop trying to do it all. Do only that which matters most.
-Life on earth offers many choices; eternity offers two: heaven or hell.
-God constantly watches your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, etc.
-A very important test is how you act when you can’t feel God’s presence in your life.
-God uses finances to teach us to trust him.
-Are you preventing God from doing more in your life based on the way you handle your money?
-Life on earth is temporary, so don’t get too attached.
-Ask God to help you see life on earth as he sees it.
-When you flirt with the temptations of this world, that’s spiritual adultery.
-Faithfulness to God does not guarantee success in a career.
-Worship is more than praising, singing and prayers to God; it’s a lifestyle.
-When you use your life for God’s glory, everything you do can become an act of worship.
-Delayed obedience is really disobedience.
-God knows you are incapable of being perfect or sinless.
-Is pleasing God your deepest desire?
-Fear, pride and confusion keeps us from totally submitting to God.
-Most of our stress in life is caused by our own desire to have complete control.
-It is when we try to be God, we end up more like satan.
-Rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda and control the situation.
-Kristia (use your own name), you don’t have to always be in charge.
-Instead of trying harder, trust God more.
-Prayer lets you speak to God. Meditation lets God speak to you.
-Bitterness is one of the greatest barriers to a friendship with God.
-God always acts in your best interest; even when it’s painful and you don’t understand it.
-God treasures simple acts of obedience more than our prayers, praise or offerings.
-The biggest distraction in worship is you.
-You are as close to God as you choose to be. (I’ll stop here)

We all have a purpose in life. Mine is to do what I do best; bless, encourage and motivate others. Prayerfully, I’ve achieved that with this article. If my notes blessed you, then I encourage you to buy and/or share the book and help motivate those you know and love to discover/pursue their purpose in life.

I started with you. It’s just that simple.

{ 0 comments }

In Someone Else’s Shoes

by Kristia on March 3, 2010

This past weekend the girls and I took a family friend to their first dance competition for the new season. They were overwhelmingly excited to perform, even though there were some costume mishaps. Our youngest daughter’s costumes were fine; unlike the oldest who was missing a skirt to one of hers. Once we arrived and got settled, we joined the audience to cheer for our dance company and check out the competition. About 30 minutes later, one of our dance instructors informed our oldest daughter that she needed to borrow one of her costumes for another dancer, who would be performing before her. Our daughter said, okay without hesitating. When her instructor walked away, she had no idea she took our excitement with her (for a little while at least).

When I saw the hurt in our daughter’s eyes and how she struggled to hold back her tears, I immediately became defensive. Can my child where her own costume first, before sharing it? We didn’t even know the other dancer she was giving it to. And to add insult to injury, the other dancer would actually have to wear it twice before giving it back to our daughter to wear once. That was sooo not cool.

Not feeling spiritual at all, I’m repeating to myself, “What would Jesus do? What would Jesus do?” Sure enough, there was a “ram in the bush” that calmed me down. She actually knew the other dancer and her mom very well. In a calm voice she said, “Kristia, it’s okay. You don’t have anything to worry about. They’re good people”. But I heard, put yourself in their shoes. (Thanks Ms. K.) I took our daughter to the side and said okay this is a lesson in humility. We’ll be fine. This is a temporary fix and we’re not going to be selfish. I also reminded her that she was still missing a skirt.

Let’s put ourselves in their shoes. The dance instructor was in a bind and probably asked herself, “Who would be understanding and willing to help me?” In other words, who has her back? We do…and I’m glad she knows it. Now let’s think about the other dancer. She doesn’t have a costume for not one, but two of her dances. And to make matters worse, she has to borrow from someone she doesn’t even know. She’s probably thinking, what if the costume doesn’t even fit?

By the time it was all over, not only did the other dancer wear my daughter’s costume, I also offered to style her hair for the remaining four competitions. Wow…I know… you didn’t see that one coming. Neither did I, until I personally introduced myself and saw a need. We are all surrounded by opportunities to help one another. If you don’t know where to start, simply put yourself in someone else’s shoes.

{ 2 comments }

Every Now And Then

February 24, 2010

If you have ever had a conversation with Jimmie regarding marriage or relationships, chances are you’ve heard him say “I married a  beautiful, strong, intelligent woman”…and I agree. Or you’ll hear him compliment me on being a good mother to our daughters. “I don’t know how she do it, but she does a hell of [...]

Read the full article →

Life Happens

February 21, 2010

As I sit here, I’m trying to figure out which way this article will go. So much has happened since my last post, back in January. Our family has had a few financial challenges, health concerns, and so on… and so on. I’m sure many of you can relate or know someone who can. We [...]

Read the full article →

Losing Never Felt This Good

January 15, 2010

Let me just get right to it. Our youngest daughter had to learn a poem for her Literature class. Having experience in acting, monologues and so on, this was considered an easy assignment. After reciting her poem for the class, her teacher insisted she participate in the Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest. She would [...]

Read the full article →

Let Them See You Sweat

January 10, 2010

We all know what a “pep talk” is, right? It’s that brief, yet familiar speech before a big event (game, presentation, competition, performance, etc). They are known to help calm your nerves, build your confidence and/or get you excited about your potential (not yet accomplished) success. “Remember, never let them see you sweat” is a [...]

Read the full article →

Acts of Kindness

January 2, 2010

Happy New Year!!! I am prayerful that everyone reading this article was able to share the holidays with family, friends, loved ones or just that someone special. Jimmie, the girls and I enjoyed a week of no obligations or preplanned commitments (at least Jimmie and I did, the girls may not agree). For those of [...]

Read the full article →

Media Madness

December 16, 2009

Unlike any other article I’ve written in the past, this one has nothing to do with me, nor my family. By now, everyone has his or her opinion about Tiger Woods. Well, here’s mine…
We’ve never met. I do not know him. It is unfair for me to comment or say what type of person he [...]

Read the full article →

I Remember…

December 6, 2009

During the holiday seasons, I often reflect on my childhood days because my mom was big on holiday celebrations. For me, it’s sort of bittersweet. I enjoy the moments with Jimmie and the girls; however, I also miss my mom being here to share them with us. In a few days, I’ll be celebrating my [...]

Read the full article →

Make It Happen

November 18, 2009

I met a woman the other day at the grocery store. With the holidays quickly approaching, we got on the subject of donating to different charities. “I would love to give”, she said; “but I’m a single-mother of two and I just don’t have it”. Then she went on to tell me how she would [...]

Read the full article →