The Joy of Living a Life of Purpose

This past week I received an email from one of my amazing clients who came to see me exactly a year ago for her 2-day Life Plan Facilitation. Every time I hear from her, I can't help but smile because she is living a life filled with purpose. She has allowed the Lord to guide her and in turn, he has used her in ways she couldn't even begin to imagine. Here's the latest email I received from her:

"My dearest Jen,
Today marks the 1 year anniversary of my completion of the Life Review process with you. It seems as if so much time has passed and I really feel I have grown and transformed so much. Here's a summary:

1) Physically: lost 66 pounds since baby was born
2) Mentally: have removed self-imposed barriers that limited my God-given potential
3) Heart: have identified what my passions are and have created my own projects to work in those areas. In fact, CREATED current position via a conversation with the hiring manager and we matched my passions with his business needs (this was a true God thing!)
4) Soul/Spirit: have grown much closer to God through daily Bible reading, claiming specific verses for my life, and regular conversations with God throughout the day

God was orchestrating so many things and I had faith that everything I was going through (including my job change in July of last year which was unpleasant for me, but was pivotal in my spiritual growth) was going to be worked out for good. In July of last year I took the "risky" faith step (see Daily Devotional below) of staying on in the new job I was offered, even though the job was not a good fit for my skills/passions/etc. I am so glad I did. God had me on a holding pattern because he wanted to prepare me to get involved in what I am working on right now at work. In fact, the products that I am looking after right now were launched in June 2006 (right when I got back to finish my Life Review) !!! Now, I am in charge of turning around those portfolios and re-defining the products!!! During that period of holding, God guided me to discover more of my strengths and passions. He led me to read books by John C. Maxwell and even attend a Leadership seminar he held in Palm Beach, so that I could develop my courage to speak to my then-future boss about my passions and request for a specific position within the company to deal with micro finance (a position that did not exist at the time). In short, during that "down" period, God was polishing me and preparing me. I continue to be polished and prepared on a daily basis, but I was aware at the time and now that this "down" time has been a crash course in humility, leadership, teamwork, and confidence-building. I was keenly aware at every step of the way that God was preparing me for a job, a big job (as I hinted in my Christmas letter). I did not know what that job would be or when, but I knew it was coming. Now, it has come.

From July 12-19 and August 10-17 I will be attending a seminar at a business school in Nicaragua, where I was faculty member many years ago, that focuses on Microfinance in Central America. Jen, you may recall that Microfinance is where I saw God leading me last year in my Life Review. I was expecting it to work out with another group within the organization that was already working in micro finance around the world, but God had other (and may I add better) plans that fit my gifts/skills/passions to a T. Our God is so good and kind to us, I cannot believe that today, on my one year anniversary of completing my Life Review (2 year anniversary of having started it), I can tell you that I am Living the Life I Was Meant To Live.

Jen, thanks again for letting yourself be used to help others with their Life Reviews.

May God continue to bless you,
Cristina-2-Day Life Plan Client"

As I read this email, I can't help but to allow my heart to be filled with joy. This to me, is what God has intended. He wants us to live lives where we use the gifts and talents that he has given us so that in turn, we can make a difference in this world. This is why I coach-Seeing other people living out their passions brings me such fulfillment that I honestly could not imagine not doing this.

Life Purpose Coaching for Teenagers

Ahhh, summer time! I must admit-I do enjoy my summers. While I love teaching and working with students, I also love having time to myself! Thus far this summer, I have had the opportunity to really think about teenagers and the many questions and concerns they have when it comes to their future.

This past school year I had the opportunity to sit and chat with one of my 11th grade students who had many questions about her future. She spent a few minutes with me discussing her confusion as to what college she should attend, what she should study in college, etc. She knew she had a heart for students, but she had no idea as to how to use that passion, that desire in the "real world". Like many students today, she was confused as to what direction she should go in along with confused as to who she really was.

This is not uncommon. This past school year I had the opportunity to teach and work with the 12th graders of the school. When I tried to discuss with them what their plans were for the future, many of them had no clue. When their names and information were listed on the school hallway (as the graduating class of 2007) for all to see, many of them had listed that they were undecided as to what they would study in college. Once again, this is common.

As a teacher and Life Purpose Coach, I feel that it is imperative that when students graduate high school, they have a pretty good understanding of not only what their passions, gifts, skills, and talents are, but also, who it is that God has uniquely created them to be. Thus, the reason for Life Purpose Coaching for Teenagers! Wouldn't it be nice to send your child off to college knowing that they know that the direction they have chosen to walk in is one that has been discovered through a process of truly identifying what their gifted at and what it is that they are truly passionate about. Wouldn't it be nice to send your child to college knowing that within the first year, they will not be changing their major about 10 times. This is what Life Purpose Coaching for Teenagers is all about.

Here are some of the topics that this process will include:

* Identification of talents

* Exploring of spiritual gifts

* Recognizing personality type

* Understanding values

* Discovering passions

* And anything else your teenager may have questions about (college, money, etc.)

If you have a teenager that you feel would benefit from Life Purpose Coaching, contact me today and I will be happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have!

For More Information:
http://www.iamnext.com/academics/goals.html

NOTE: You can freely redistribute this resource, electronically or in print, provided you leave the authors contact information below intact.

About the Author: Jennifer M. Bennett, MACE, LPC, LPF is trained and certified as a Life Purpose Coach® and a 2-Day Life Plan Facilitator to women of all ages. Jennifer assist’s women in identifying and embracing their unique, God-given purpose utilizing the Pathway to Purpose process. As a Life Purpose Coach®, Jennifer will assist you in gaining a clearer understanding and vision of your passions and what God's purpose is for your life. As a 2-day Life Plan Facilitator Jennifer will take you through a series of sequential exercises intended to help you discover your uniqueness, how God has been present in your life, and the creation of a personal action plan outlining specific steps to take immediately in response to new insights. Jennifer has had a variety of experiences working in ministry and is currently studying for her Doctorate in Instructional Leadership.

Contact Information:
Total Life Counseling (407) 248-0030
http://www.totallifecounseling.com/

Finding your Purpose

"To find your purpose in life is the most amazing feeling and this is it."-Lisa Salem, Adoptive Parent

This past week I had the opportunity (and free time) to watch Dateline which showcased the story of an American Family that decided to adopt 6 Russian siblings who were in dire need of a home. As you read above, this mother knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she had found her purpose; to adopt and care for 6 siblings who needed a home and family that would not only take care of them, but love them like they had never been loved before. And as she states, "Finding your purpose in life is the most amazing feeling" that one can experience.

I want to encourage you to read the story and then come back and take a look at my thoughts:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13546439/

Jen's Thoughts:

1. "They are two regular people in an average suburb in America". I love how this story begins. This sticks out to me so much because here you have "two regular people in an average suburb" doing an amazing thing. So often, this is how God works. So many times we tend to think that there is nothing special about us, that we are just regular people and in turn, question and wonder what God could possibly do with us. Here is a prime example of a regular couple doing an extraordinary thing! God can do the same with you!

2. "We decided that there were more children in the world than there were parents. And that we could do something." This sounds to me like these parents had a passion within them that was coming to the surface at just the right time. They saw a need and went after it. So many times, that's how God works within us. He shows us where there is a need and in turn, asks us to join Him in making a difference.

3. "You just go where you’re meant to be. We were supposed to be in Russia." When God calls you to something or somewhere, He will let you know beyond a shadow of a doubt and in turn, you end up just going because you know that is where you are meant to be. There's a peace that passes all understanding and because of that peace, you go knowing that you were called to go. There's no wondering, worrying, or questioning. You just know.

4. "We did have doctors, three in the United States, who told us not to adopt them. That they would have cerebral palsy. That they would have brain damage. That they would never be whole." If you are following after what it is that God calls you to, there will always be people within your life that you will tell you not to do it or not to go. They will try to discourage you from going after that Purpose that God has specifically called you to. But once again, when you know what you have specifically been called to, you will just go because you were meant to go and you will be who it is that God has called you to be. And in regards to the children having cerebral palsy, etc.-the kids are living normal healthy lives today!

5. "But the Salems refused to be discouraged and five months later, in Jan. 1999, video camera in hand, they arrived in Moscow, boarded a train and rode mile after mile before they could meet their babies." Do not be discouraged. If God has called you, He will provide for your every need. Just keep walking on that path that He has called you to walk and He will bless you beyond measure.

6. "There were months of constant feeding, sleepless nights tending to terribly weak, feverish babies." Following after what God has called you to will be work-hard work, but within that hard work, you will have a peace because once again, you will know what you are doing is what you have been called to do and created to do.

7. "And as they set off on their long journey, they were excited, but had fears, as well-fear about the future." When God calls you to something, you will most likely experience a variety of emotions, including fear. The reason being-when God calls you to something, most likely it's not something you can accomplish on your own-instead, it's going to require you to trust him fully so that in turn, He can get all of the glory.

8. "Hythem (the father) is an engineer, earning $64,000 a year. Lisa works part time at home. Supporting a family of four, is one thing, but traveling to Russia... and if the adoption went through, doubling the size of their family. Lisa: I don’t know how we’ll get through it. We seem to be living every day by the seat of our pants, but you can’t put a price on this." So many times we allow things like money and time to keep us from going after what we know God has called us to, when the reality is that if God has called you to something, He will provide for your every need. You may not see the whole picture right now, but He does and He will take care of you and your family. You just have to trust.

9. "Here’s what they were coming home to: A $55,000 addition to the home. Every penny, every hour of labor donated by a local developer. New bedrooms, a bathroom, furniture… all of it a gift, from people who wanted to help." This is exactly how God works. If He calls, He provides. He just wants you to trust Him with every fiber of your being and when you do, He will bless your socks off, more than you could have ever of imagined!

10. What's God calling you to? Are you ready to embark on an adventure of life that you never thought was possible? Be who God has created you to be. Do what He has called you to do. When you do, you'll be soon saying others, "To find your purpose in life is the most amazing feeling and this is it."

NOTE: You can freely redistribute this resource, electronically or in print, provided you leave the authors contact information below intact.

About the Author: Jennifer M. Bennett, MACE, LPC, LPF is trained and certified as a Life Purpose Coach® and a 2-Day Life Plan Facilitator to women of all ages. Jennifer assist’s women in identifying and embracing their unique, God-given purpose utilizing the Pathway to Purpose process. As a Life Purpose Coach®, Jennifer will assist you in gaining a clearer understanding and vision of your passions and what God's purpose is for your life. As a 2-day Life Plan Facilitator Jennifer will take you through a series of sequential exercises intended to help you discover your uniqueness, how God has been present in your life, and the creation of a personal action plan outlining specific steps to take immediately in response to new insights. Jennifer has had a variety of experiences working in ministry and is currently studying for her Doctorate in Instructional Leadership.

Contact Information:
Total Life Counseling (407) 248-0030
http://www.totallifecounseling.com/