Monthly Archives: December 2011

Born with a purpose

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“For unto you a child is born…”

He was conceived for a purpose.  He lived his life determined to fulfill his purpose.  Temptation, hate, and betrayal didn’t deter him.  Fulfilling his purpose didn’t depend on having credentials, a college degree, or any other requirements as dictated by the world today. He had a singleness of focus that ensured his purpose would be achieved.  He stood on faith, trust, belief, obedience and surrender.

“God made everything with a place and a purpose ….” Proverbs 16:4 (Message)

A Pastor friend of mine asked me a very simple yet powerful question several months ago that caused me to look inward and upward.  He asked, “Elaine, what are your spiritual gifts?”  The question took me on a path that required me to take an honest and deep look into my mind and heart.  Surprisingly, the answer freed me to commit to fulfilling my purpose.  It empowered me to step away from what the world says I lack and stand firm in what has been given to me that no one can take away.  This question also took me further inward where I realized that my faith was strong but my trust and belief were weak, and I needed all 3 to achieve His purpose for my life.

This truth demanded that I shift my focus from the multitude of things that clouded my mind and ever-growing to-do list to a laser-type focus on my purpose, which happens to be my passion.  While making this shift wasn’t easy, it gave me a greater sense of joy, reduced my stress, filled me with peace and boundless energy

Here is an undeniable fact: you were born with a purpose and this purpose will prevail.

Could this fact be the reason why many people feel a yearning in their spirit to do more with their lives or something different?  Could this be the reason many feel there is something missing in their lives?  Could this be the reason why many are not satisfied with their current job or career situation?

When you live outside of your God-given purpose there is an emptiness that just won’t go away, abundance is elusive, and joy is distant.

Living your purpose requires:

  • complete trust, belief and faith in the One who gave you life.
  • knowing what your spiritual gifts are and a willingness to use them
  • acknowledging what you will no longer accept in all areas of your life
  • shifting what you focus on
  • reconditioning your heart and mind

As you look for ways to celebrate and honor his birth, consider gifting him with living the purpose you were born to fulfill.  The reward is greater than you could ever imagine!

Peace and blessings,

Rejoice in all things!

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“If you want to be happy, make your life one of rejoicing”  ~Unknown

I love this time of year!  The atmosphere is filled with love, happiness, rejoicing, compassion and giving.  Many are focused on the gift giving and receiving aspect while others celebrate the true meaning of this holiday.

Shortly after the 25th of December the focus turns to bringing in a new year.  Party plans are being finalized.  Sermons are being edited for the last time.  New Year resolutions are being created or recreated and time is being set aside for reflection of ones accomplishments of the past year.

Oh yes, reflection.  Reflection is a powerful and positive tool especially when it identifies your accomplishments.  A tool that leads to great rejoicing.  A tool that increases confidence and empowerment.  A tool that helps you walk taller, makes your smile brighter and raises your self-worth.

“Brave men rejoice in adversity, just as brave soldiers triumph is war”  ~ Lucius Annaeus Seneca

However, reflection is a tool that can be painful to use especially when the past year has been marred with broken relationships, job loss, or financial struggles.  In this case, some will avoid reflection and miss the opportunity to see the fullness of their growth and accomplishments.  If used appropriately and completely it will help you move past the surface of the pain or disappointment to reveal the positive aspects which will lead to rejoicing.

  • Rejoice in the broken relationships because it increases your capacity for compassion
  • Rejoice in the job loss because it will open new doors and empower you to answer your calling
  • Rejoice in the financial struggles because it will impel you to move from mediocrity to abundance

“You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses”  ~ Thomas C Haliburton

As you set aside some quiet time this holiday season to reflect on 2011 spend extra time digging deep into your struggles, pain and disappointments so that you may see the fullness of your accomplishments and rejoice in them.

Rejoicing in all things – wins and losses, success and failure, joy and pain – gives you a greater sense of peace, keeps you moving forward, restores your spirit and fills you with unimaginable hope.

With much love and enthusiasm,