The other day I was driving my usual route to work, when I came across the renovation of a local downtown theatre. On the outside of the theatre a sign was posted that said, "A Glimmer of What Is to Come.” As I pondered this sign, I started thinking about my personal walk with Christ. How many times does Christ try to tell me these exact words, but yet, I don't hear Him because I allow the noise of everything else around me to capture 100% of my attention? How many times have I been so focused on what I hope for in the future that I fail to see how God is using me now to make a difference?
As women, it is so easy to think:
· If I only had one more hour a day, life would be much easier
· If I could only get another job, life would be great
· If I only had another house, I’d be so much happier
· If I only had some extra money, I could accomplish so much more in life
· If I only had a husband, life would be so much better
So many times we focus on the “if only” thoughts which cause us to miss out on God’s presence in our lives today and what it is that He is trying to show us now. The Lord is saying, “If you would keep focused on Me, I will give you a glimpse of what is to come in your life.” Yet, we wonder why the Lord is not using us or why we must experience the toils of our daily routine. We spend so much time focusing on what we don’t have and what we want, that we lose sight of what the Lord is doing right now in our lives.
In Genesis 37 we find the story of a young man by the name of Joseph. Joseph, a seventeen year old kid had dreamt about his family bowing down to him. When he reveals the dream to his brothers, they hated him for it. Because of that hate and jealousy, they decide to sell him into slavery. But the story doesn’t end there. Later, Joseph lives in the house of his Egyptian master and his master’s wife falsely accuses Joseph of sleeping with her. In turn, his master throws him in jail. Talk about life not turning out the way you expected it to! What do you think Joseph thought during this time? He had glimpsed what was to come and life suddenly veered and his “dream” was no where in sight. What do you do when life turns you upside down?
If you look carefully at the account of Joseph, you will notice that quite often it is mentioned that God was with Joseph. God was with Joseph while he was in the house of his master and because of that, God blessed the home of the master. God was also with Joseph when he was thrown in jail after being falsely accused of sleeping with his master’s wife. God gave him favor with the head jailer. Then, God gave Joseph the ability to interpret dreams-only Joseph could interpret Pharaoh’s dream and consequently Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all of his affairs. Once again, the Lord was with Joseph. Joseph spent his time preparing for the upcoming famine. Joseph’s brothers desperately needed food and supplies. Because of that need, they traveled to Egypt and found to their amazement their brother Joseph. Before we know it, Joseph’s brothers bowed down to him. The glimpse that Joseph was given years before finally came into fruition. WOW!
The Lord desires to give us a “glimpse” of what is to come. But so many times we can’t see that glimpse because we allow everything else to distract us. God has placed a dream within your heart that he wants to eventually fulfill in your life. Do you trust Him? Maybe life has taken some unexpected turns like Joseph’s did and you’re wondering what it is that the Lord is doing. Hang in there, hold on, trust God, and watch what he will do. Everything that you are experiencing at this time in your life, God will use it for His glory. I love how the Message writes Romans 8:26-28:
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our present condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
So, here’s my question to you; are you trying to take control of your life, or are you willing to trust God and believe that he has a purpose for you and in that, He will bring to fruition what he has promised? Are you willing to trust God and in that trust, allow Him to use you the way He wants to use you today? Are you willing to make yourself available to Him today and in turn, shut out all the noise around you and wait patiently for Him to whisper in your ear, “Hold on, I want to give you a glimpse of what is to come in your life?”
Growth
“Growing in Your Relationship with God”
When I think back to the days when I was dating and experiencing love for the first time, I can not help but smile when I remember how I longed to hear “his” voice. There were days that I could not stand not being around him, waiting by the phone hoping he would call, and of course, anxiously waiting for my work day to end so that I could see him and spend time with him. The sound of his voice, the touch of his hand, caused my heart to race. Just knowing that soon, I would be able to spend time with him again, filled me with much excitement and anticipation. Those were days filled with the discovery of loving and being loved.
When I think of my growing relationship with God, I can see that in many ways, it resembles the relationship that couples in love share. We want to spend time together so that we can learn more about each other. When we can’t see each other, we miss each other, our hearts long for that other person. Lovers spend many nights and hours just talking about nothing in particular because they want to be close, connected with the one who makes their heart race. They just can not get enough of each other. This is the relationship that God desires with us.
The Creator of this universe desires nothing more than for us to desperately miss him when we are apart from him. His heart longs for us to spend time with him. He wants our thoughts to be filled with him. He wants us to feel as though we just can’t get enough of him, because in reality, he just can’t get enough of us. He wants to know us intimately and in turn, he wants us to know him intimately.
How then do we grow in our relationship with God when it seems like everything else is calling out for our attention? Communication is the key. Communication is vital to each and every relationship. If I am in a relationship with someone and I do not communicate whether it be by phone, letters, or in person, that relationship will never grow, never mature, there would never be a time of deep, personal intimate love. The relationship that doesn’t communicate person to person, heart to heart, is doomed to failure on many levels.
Growing in God means that we get to know him and as we grow in the knowledge of Him, we fall more in love with him each and every day. Because of that love relationship we have with him, our hearts desires become the desires of God. If we want to grow in our relationship with God, we must make it a priority to communicate with him each and every day. Ask yourself these two questions:
1) When was the last time your heart really missed God?
2) When was the last time you felt as though you couldn’t get enough of him?
If you find it hard to answer these questions, you need to spend more time with him. As you spend time with God, your heart draws closer to him and in turn, all you can do is think about him and desire nothing but him. Matthew 22:38 (MSG) says, “Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. This is the most important, the first on any list.” The God of this universe desires our love.
It is like someone who is married, who carries a photo of their spouse around. That person, can show others the photo, speak about their spouse, confess their love for their spouse to all, but if that person never goes home, never spends time with their spouse, never speaks loving, intimate words with their spouse, in fact acts as if their spouse were not even in the same room with them…would you really expect that the spouse would feel loved? Appreciated? Would the relationship ever grow, becoming more united, sharing more intimacy? Or would that “relationship” slowly cool, would it eventually break down?
In this world of fast cars, fast food, and instant messaging, here are some practical ways that you can communicate with God which in turn will allow you to grow in your relationship with Him:
Prayer. When we spend time in prayer with God, it gives us the opportunity to share our hearts with him which is what he desires. It’s a time to tell him about our day, our happy moments, our discouraging times, our worries, anxieties, hurts, joys, etc. Philippians 4:6, 7 (MSG) says; “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
Can you believe that? God wants us to communicate with him through prayer. He wants to hear us talk. He wants to hear about our day. He wants to laugh with us, cry with us, rejoice with us, and be with us. Just like you spend time with your family and friends talking with them about what’s happening in your life, God also desires that time with only you, no one else will do, no one else can take your place in his heart. Carve out time in your day to just talk with him. Isn’t that what prayer is all about? Maybe the next time you step into your car, instead of listening to the radio, just spend some time talking with God.
Another aspect of praying is listening. When you communicate with others, you take time to talk and you also take time to listen. God desires the same thing. He not only wants to hear about what’s happening in your life, he also wants to talk with you. When you pray, make sure to take some time to just be silent. Let your thoughts be on the things of God and wait patiently for his thoughts. If you have difficulty keeping your mind focused on listening for his voice, tell him so. He understands. Ask him to sharpen your ability to stay focused on listening for him to speak to your heart.
Reading/Studying the Bible. Another part of communication with God is reading and studying God’s word. If we want to grow in our relationship with God and really know who he is, we must read and learn his word which is his message to us. John 1:14 states (NIV), “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” When we spend time reading and studying God’s message to us, we grow in our relationship with him. We learn about the heart of God and what it is that he desires of us and we also learn about the things that make his heart sing. The Bible is his message of love to us.
Fellowship. God never intended us to be lone rangers. Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) states: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the day approaching”. When we surround ourselves with people who have a heart for God and desire nothing more than to draw closer to him, we will find that we not only learn more about who God is, but we also desire him more. Being around like minded people encourages us in our own walk with the Lord. We are to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. Without real fellowship we can not grow in our love and knowledge of God, because in other believers, we experience relationships that teach us how to love God. How can we learn to love Him, if we can not love others?
What steps will you take this week to grow in your relationship with God? Maybe instead of listening to the radio on your way to work or as you run errands, spend some time just talking with the Lord. Or maybe you should start journaling and writing love letters to the one who created you. Also, take some time to read God’s message of love to you. Surround yourself this week with those who desire God like you do. If you take these steps, you will soon come to realize that you are no longer the person you were a few months ago and you will find that your heart is filled with the one who loves you, cherishes you, accepts you, and finds you to be amazingly beautiful.
When I think back to the days when I was dating and experiencing love for the first time, I can not help but smile when I remember how I longed to hear “his” voice. There were days that I could not stand not being around him, waiting by the phone hoping he would call, and of course, anxiously waiting for my work day to end so that I could see him and spend time with him. The sound of his voice, the touch of his hand, caused my heart to race. Just knowing that soon, I would be able to spend time with him again, filled me with much excitement and anticipation. Those were days filled with the discovery of loving and being loved.
When I think of my growing relationship with God, I can see that in many ways, it resembles the relationship that couples in love share. We want to spend time together so that we can learn more about each other. When we can’t see each other, we miss each other, our hearts long for that other person. Lovers spend many nights and hours just talking about nothing in particular because they want to be close, connected with the one who makes their heart race. They just can not get enough of each other. This is the relationship that God desires with us.
The Creator of this universe desires nothing more than for us to desperately miss him when we are apart from him. His heart longs for us to spend time with him. He wants our thoughts to be filled with him. He wants us to feel as though we just can’t get enough of him, because in reality, he just can’t get enough of us. He wants to know us intimately and in turn, he wants us to know him intimately.
How then do we grow in our relationship with God when it seems like everything else is calling out for our attention? Communication is the key. Communication is vital to each and every relationship. If I am in a relationship with someone and I do not communicate whether it be by phone, letters, or in person, that relationship will never grow, never mature, there would never be a time of deep, personal intimate love. The relationship that doesn’t communicate person to person, heart to heart, is doomed to failure on many levels.
Growing in God means that we get to know him and as we grow in the knowledge of Him, we fall more in love with him each and every day. Because of that love relationship we have with him, our hearts desires become the desires of God. If we want to grow in our relationship with God, we must make it a priority to communicate with him each and every day. Ask yourself these two questions:
1) When was the last time your heart really missed God?
2) When was the last time you felt as though you couldn’t get enough of him?
If you find it hard to answer these questions, you need to spend more time with him. As you spend time with God, your heart draws closer to him and in turn, all you can do is think about him and desire nothing but him. Matthew 22:38 (MSG) says, “Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. This is the most important, the first on any list.” The God of this universe desires our love.
It is like someone who is married, who carries a photo of their spouse around. That person, can show others the photo, speak about their spouse, confess their love for their spouse to all, but if that person never goes home, never spends time with their spouse, never speaks loving, intimate words with their spouse, in fact acts as if their spouse were not even in the same room with them…would you really expect that the spouse would feel loved? Appreciated? Would the relationship ever grow, becoming more united, sharing more intimacy? Or would that “relationship” slowly cool, would it eventually break down?
In this world of fast cars, fast food, and instant messaging, here are some practical ways that you can communicate with God which in turn will allow you to grow in your relationship with Him:
Prayer. When we spend time in prayer with God, it gives us the opportunity to share our hearts with him which is what he desires. It’s a time to tell him about our day, our happy moments, our discouraging times, our worries, anxieties, hurts, joys, etc. Philippians 4:6, 7 (MSG) says; “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
Can you believe that? God wants us to communicate with him through prayer. He wants to hear us talk. He wants to hear about our day. He wants to laugh with us, cry with us, rejoice with us, and be with us. Just like you spend time with your family and friends talking with them about what’s happening in your life, God also desires that time with only you, no one else will do, no one else can take your place in his heart. Carve out time in your day to just talk with him. Isn’t that what prayer is all about? Maybe the next time you step into your car, instead of listening to the radio, just spend some time talking with God.
Another aspect of praying is listening. When you communicate with others, you take time to talk and you also take time to listen. God desires the same thing. He not only wants to hear about what’s happening in your life, he also wants to talk with you. When you pray, make sure to take some time to just be silent. Let your thoughts be on the things of God and wait patiently for his thoughts. If you have difficulty keeping your mind focused on listening for his voice, tell him so. He understands. Ask him to sharpen your ability to stay focused on listening for him to speak to your heart.
Reading/Studying the Bible. Another part of communication with God is reading and studying God’s word. If we want to grow in our relationship with God and really know who he is, we must read and learn his word which is his message to us. John 1:14 states (NIV), “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” When we spend time reading and studying God’s message to us, we grow in our relationship with him. We learn about the heart of God and what it is that he desires of us and we also learn about the things that make his heart sing. The Bible is his message of love to us.
Fellowship. God never intended us to be lone rangers. Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) states: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the day approaching”. When we surround ourselves with people who have a heart for God and desire nothing more than to draw closer to him, we will find that we not only learn more about who God is, but we also desire him more. Being around like minded people encourages us in our own walk with the Lord. We are to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. Without real fellowship we can not grow in our love and knowledge of God, because in other believers, we experience relationships that teach us how to love God. How can we learn to love Him, if we can not love others?
What steps will you take this week to grow in your relationship with God? Maybe instead of listening to the radio on your way to work or as you run errands, spend some time just talking with the Lord. Or maybe you should start journaling and writing love letters to the one who created you. Also, take some time to read God’s message of love to you. Surround yourself this week with those who desire God like you do. If you take these steps, you will soon come to realize that you are no longer the person you were a few months ago and you will find that your heart is filled with the one who loves you, cherishes you, accepts you, and finds you to be amazingly beautiful.
Make 2010 Different!
10 Simple Steps to Begin Living a Life of Purpose!
Be Still-Make it a priority to spend time with your Maker on a daily basis; be still and know that He is God. The more time you spend with Him and the more time you spend getting to know Him, the more He gives you. Make Him a priority and in turn, He will begin showing you how He wants to specifically use you and how He has uniquely created you!
Love God, Love others-Give God everything you have. Love Him like you’ve never loved Him before. Love others. Be a servant leader. Take time each day to love on those that the Lord has surrounded you with. When you love God and others, God pours out an abundance of blessings upon you!
Be You-Be yourself; be the person that God has created you to be. Don’t compare yourself to others and what it is that God is doing in their life, be you. God has created you with specific gifts, skills, and talents. Allow Him to begin showing you your uniqueness. When you spend time comparing yourself to others, you miss out on who God has created YOU to be!
Learn to say no-So many times we allow ourselves to do everything, which in turn, causes us to be tired, moody, and exhausted. Before saying yes to anything, give it over to God and ask Him if this is something that He would have you be a part of. If you ask, He will answer.
Simplify-Simplify your life. If you have a cluttered house and/or office, not only will you be stressed, but you will fail to create an environment that inspires you to be who God has created you to be.
Be Inspired-Make your home and/or place of employment a place of inspiration. Surround yourself with those things that inspire you to not only spend time with God, but also those things that inspire you to dream, set goals, and pursue your passions. Display words of encouragement around you, light candles, keep your journal nearby, and display fresh flowers throughout the house. Allow yourself to be inspired!
Make Connections-Surround yourself with positive people. Allow yourself to connect with those people who not only inspire you, but people who will cause you to grow emotionally, academically, and spiritually. Surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable in regards to your goals and what it is that you hope to accomplish.
Do Something Different- Allow yourself to take a step and get out of your comfort zone. Attend a meeting, sign up for a college course, attend a writer’s conference, invite someone to dinner, etc. Do whatever it takes to allow yourself to get out of your comfort zone.
Write, Write, and Write-Take time each day to write your thoughts, dreams, goals, hopes, passions, etc. Not only will you be inspired, but you will also begin discovering YOU!
Visit Jen’s Blog-Be sure to check-out Jen’s blog on a daily basis. Many times you will find questions that will help you discover who you are, what you are dreaming about, and what it is that is holding you back! www.coachjenniferbennett.blogspot.com
Jennifer Bennett
Life Purpose Coach, Life Plan Facilitator, Educator, Writer, Speaker
www.coachjenniferbennett.com
All rights Reserved, Copyright by Jennifer Bennett, 2007
Be Still-Make it a priority to spend time with your Maker on a daily basis; be still and know that He is God. The more time you spend with Him and the more time you spend getting to know Him, the more He gives you. Make Him a priority and in turn, He will begin showing you how He wants to specifically use you and how He has uniquely created you!
Love God, Love others-Give God everything you have. Love Him like you’ve never loved Him before. Love others. Be a servant leader. Take time each day to love on those that the Lord has surrounded you with. When you love God and others, God pours out an abundance of blessings upon you!
Be You-Be yourself; be the person that God has created you to be. Don’t compare yourself to others and what it is that God is doing in their life, be you. God has created you with specific gifts, skills, and talents. Allow Him to begin showing you your uniqueness. When you spend time comparing yourself to others, you miss out on who God has created YOU to be!
Learn to say no-So many times we allow ourselves to do everything, which in turn, causes us to be tired, moody, and exhausted. Before saying yes to anything, give it over to God and ask Him if this is something that He would have you be a part of. If you ask, He will answer.
Simplify-Simplify your life. If you have a cluttered house and/or office, not only will you be stressed, but you will fail to create an environment that inspires you to be who God has created you to be.
Be Inspired-Make your home and/or place of employment a place of inspiration. Surround yourself with those things that inspire you to not only spend time with God, but also those things that inspire you to dream, set goals, and pursue your passions. Display words of encouragement around you, light candles, keep your journal nearby, and display fresh flowers throughout the house. Allow yourself to be inspired!
Make Connections-Surround yourself with positive people. Allow yourself to connect with those people who not only inspire you, but people who will cause you to grow emotionally, academically, and spiritually. Surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable in regards to your goals and what it is that you hope to accomplish.
Do Something Different- Allow yourself to take a step and get out of your comfort zone. Attend a meeting, sign up for a college course, attend a writer’s conference, invite someone to dinner, etc. Do whatever it takes to allow yourself to get out of your comfort zone.
Write, Write, and Write-Take time each day to write your thoughts, dreams, goals, hopes, passions, etc. Not only will you be inspired, but you will also begin discovering YOU!
Visit Jen’s Blog-Be sure to check-out Jen’s blog on a daily basis. Many times you will find questions that will help you discover who you are, what you are dreaming about, and what it is that is holding you back! www.coachjenniferbennett.blogspot.com
Jennifer Bennett
Life Purpose Coach, Life Plan Facilitator, Educator, Writer, Speaker
www.coachjenniferbennett.com
All rights Reserved, Copyright by Jennifer Bennett, 2007
The Dream Giver
Do you believe that God wants to give you the desires of your heart? Do you believe that our God is truly, a Dream Giver?
If you're anything like me, you've most likely had your doubts. Maybe you dreamed for so long that at some point, you gave up because it seemed as if no one was listening and nothing was happening.
Or maybe, you attempted to follow your dreams, only to have them trampled on by people.
Or, have you never allowed yourself to dream because you fear that only disappointment will come from allowing yourself to dream.
If any of the scenarios above sound familiar, don't worry, you are not alone. I too have been there. Let me explain.
Scenario #1-When I was 18 and on a mission trip to Venezuela, I truly felt the calling of God on my life. I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that God was calling me to full-time ministry. Well, it wasn't until 5-6 years later that God gave me the desires of my heart. Now, with that being said, He gave me part of my dream-not all of it. I'm still waiting for some of my dream to come to fruition. During the waiting period-I really questioned God and the calling He had on my life. I felt as if I was going nowhere. At one point I felt as though He was calling me to seminary and believe it or not, I almost didn't attend because I started questioning what God laid on my heart.
Know this-if God has placed something on your heart and you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has called you, hang in there! He will bring it about in His timing. And if for some reason your dreams not the dreams He has for you, ask Him to clearly show you what He dreams for your life. I can guarantee you, He will show you.
Scenario #2-Oh how I have experienced hurt from people. When God did give me the desires of my heart, I ended up being deeply hurt by people. Oh, did it hurt. I really questioned what God was doing because all I knew was that I wanted to make an impact in this world for Christ and here I was getting hurt by the very people I should have been able to lean on. I've dealt with this in the church and in my own ministry endeavors. It's never a fun experience to go through.
Scenario #3-While I've never felt as though I couldn't dream due to the fear of hurt and failure, I have to admit, there are times that I wonder whether or not it's worth it. Let me say this-it is well worth it! Again, if God has given you a dream, do not give up! I've been experiencing this this week with my dissertation for my doctoral degree. Yesterday was a bad day-I was ready to throw in the towel and say forget it. I was ready to give up on my dream of ever obtaining my doctorate. Let me give you the advice that many of my friends posted:
* take a breath-relax
* have some ice cream
* think of the positive outcome that will come about when you fulfill your dream
* DON'T GIVE UP!
So today I ask you, what are your dreams? Do you believe that God wants to give you the desires of your heart? What stands in the way of you believing that God wants to bless you? Do not allow impatience or people keep you from fulfilling what God has placed in your heart. God is faithful! He will do what He has promised to do!
If you're anything like me, you've most likely had your doubts. Maybe you dreamed for so long that at some point, you gave up because it seemed as if no one was listening and nothing was happening.
Or maybe, you attempted to follow your dreams, only to have them trampled on by people.
Or, have you never allowed yourself to dream because you fear that only disappointment will come from allowing yourself to dream.
If any of the scenarios above sound familiar, don't worry, you are not alone. I too have been there. Let me explain.
Scenario #1-When I was 18 and on a mission trip to Venezuela, I truly felt the calling of God on my life. I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that God was calling me to full-time ministry. Well, it wasn't until 5-6 years later that God gave me the desires of my heart. Now, with that being said, He gave me part of my dream-not all of it. I'm still waiting for some of my dream to come to fruition. During the waiting period-I really questioned God and the calling He had on my life. I felt as if I was going nowhere. At one point I felt as though He was calling me to seminary and believe it or not, I almost didn't attend because I started questioning what God laid on my heart.
Know this-if God has placed something on your heart and you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has called you, hang in there! He will bring it about in His timing. And if for some reason your dreams not the dreams He has for you, ask Him to clearly show you what He dreams for your life. I can guarantee you, He will show you.
Scenario #2-Oh how I have experienced hurt from people. When God did give me the desires of my heart, I ended up being deeply hurt by people. Oh, did it hurt. I really questioned what God was doing because all I knew was that I wanted to make an impact in this world for Christ and here I was getting hurt by the very people I should have been able to lean on. I've dealt with this in the church and in my own ministry endeavors. It's never a fun experience to go through.
Scenario #3-While I've never felt as though I couldn't dream due to the fear of hurt and failure, I have to admit, there are times that I wonder whether or not it's worth it. Let me say this-it is well worth it! Again, if God has given you a dream, do not give up! I've been experiencing this this week with my dissertation for my doctoral degree. Yesterday was a bad day-I was ready to throw in the towel and say forget it. I was ready to give up on my dream of ever obtaining my doctorate. Let me give you the advice that many of my friends posted:
* take a breath-relax
* have some ice cream
* think of the positive outcome that will come about when you fulfill your dream
* DON'T GIVE UP!
So today I ask you, what are your dreams? Do you believe that God wants to give you the desires of your heart? What stands in the way of you believing that God wants to bless you? Do not allow impatience or people keep you from fulfilling what God has placed in your heart. God is faithful! He will do what He has promised to do!
New Lessons Learned
I must admit-having a baby has recently taught me numerous lessons. Let me share some of them with you:
* Patience. Currently, my son wakes up between 2-3 times a night. What amazes me is that even though I pick him up, change his diaper and get his bottle ready, he continues to cry, even though his needs will be met. Seeing and experiencing this makes me wonder, how many times do we do the same thing? We know deep in our hearts that God is there with us, carrying us through our daily lives while meeting our needs, but yet, we still throw our "tantrums" and in turn, lose our patience because we feel as though God is not working on our timetable. Watching my son as he cries has caused me to question how many times I do this to God.
* Decision Making-Since Liam has arrived, I've had some decision making to do which in turn has caused me to really lean on God. What decisions are you needing to make today? Have you turned to God and asked Him to guide and lead you?
* Opinions-Having a baby brings about the many opinions of others. While I appreciate the majority of the thoughts and ideas I get from others, I can't but help ask myself-Jen, are you listening more to the opinions of others or are you truly seeking God's ideas and what it is that He thinks is best? Let me ask you the same-as you make decisions and try to figure things out in life-are you seeking the opinions of others over God?
I pray that as you continue to seek out your Life Purpose, that you will realize that God desires nothing more than to share His thoughts and ideas with you and that even though it may seems like He's not working on your behalf, be patient, He's not only meeting your needs, but preparing you for what He has for you! May you be blessed!
* Patience. Currently, my son wakes up between 2-3 times a night. What amazes me is that even though I pick him up, change his diaper and get his bottle ready, he continues to cry, even though his needs will be met. Seeing and experiencing this makes me wonder, how many times do we do the same thing? We know deep in our hearts that God is there with us, carrying us through our daily lives while meeting our needs, but yet, we still throw our "tantrums" and in turn, lose our patience because we feel as though God is not working on our timetable. Watching my son as he cries has caused me to question how many times I do this to God.
* Decision Making-Since Liam has arrived, I've had some decision making to do which in turn has caused me to really lean on God. What decisions are you needing to make today? Have you turned to God and asked Him to guide and lead you?
* Opinions-Having a baby brings about the many opinions of others. While I appreciate the majority of the thoughts and ideas I get from others, I can't but help ask myself-Jen, are you listening more to the opinions of others or are you truly seeking God's ideas and what it is that He thinks is best? Let me ask you the same-as you make decisions and try to figure things out in life-are you seeking the opinions of others over God?
I pray that as you continue to seek out your Life Purpose, that you will realize that God desires nothing more than to share His thoughts and ideas with you and that even though it may seems like He's not working on your behalf, be patient, He's not only meeting your needs, but preparing you for what He has for you! May you be blessed!
Dream Map #2
As you continue to reflect on the dreams that you have, take into consideration the following questions:
* Does anyone in your life or personal history also share this dream for you? If so, who would be happier if you achieved this dream-you or the other people?
* What would happen to you if you were not able to pursue this dream?
* What would happen to you if you pursued it and failed to achieve it?
* What would change in your life if you accomplished this dream?
As noted in my last post, really take some time to reflect on these questions and your responses. Your responses should give you a pretty good idea regarding the purpose and direction of your dream(s).
Have fun!
* Does anyone in your life or personal history also share this dream for you? If so, who would be happier if you achieved this dream-you or the other people?
* What would happen to you if you were not able to pursue this dream?
* What would happen to you if you pursued it and failed to achieve it?
* What would change in your life if you accomplished this dream?
As noted in my last post, really take some time to reflect on these questions and your responses. Your responses should give you a pretty good idea regarding the purpose and direction of your dream(s).
Have fun!
Your Dream Map
Do you have a dream in your heart? Is there a passion within you to live out your life purpose-the life that God has created you for? If so, you are not alone.
Millions of people today wake up dreading the day before them. Why? Because they are not using the gifts, strengths, and talents that the Lord has blessed them with. Did you know that research shows that the majority of heart attacks take place on Mondays? Do we wonder why? People do not like what they are doing. People feel trapped in their jobs and in turn, see each day as another day to make enough money to pay the bills.
What would life be like if you actually woke up each morning looking forward to using your gifts and skills in an area that you knew, was created for you? Please understand when I say this-there are times in life when each of us have to do things that we don't like. There are times that God does and will put our dreams on hold in order to grow us. But even in those times, God still wants us to dream and in turn, trust Him to give us the desires of our heart. What we must choose to realize is that sometimes God has different dreams for us and if our heart's desire is to truly be who God has created us to be, then it is imperative that we allow God to work within us and in turn, plant the dreams He has for us in our heart. If we truly seek out God and ask Him to give us His desires, He will be faithful to do that.
Here are some questions to consider when thinking about the dream that you feel God has planted within your heart. These questions are taken from John Maxwell's book, "My Dream Map." If you have the opportunity to purchase this book/journal, let me encourage you to do so. It will help you clarify the dreams that God has placed within you.
* Why do you want to accomplish this dream?
* Why are you the right person for this dream and why is this dream right for you?
* What specific talents, strengths, and personality traits will help you achieve this dream?
* What kind of research have you done on your dream?
* What is your earliest recollection of knowing you wanted to achieve this dream?
Take some time today to truthfully answer these questions-it will help bring clarity to you and your dreams. Also, be on the lookout for future blog posts that will challenge you to truly think about your dreams.
Blessings to each of you!
Millions of people today wake up dreading the day before them. Why? Because they are not using the gifts, strengths, and talents that the Lord has blessed them with. Did you know that research shows that the majority of heart attacks take place on Mondays? Do we wonder why? People do not like what they are doing. People feel trapped in their jobs and in turn, see each day as another day to make enough money to pay the bills.
What would life be like if you actually woke up each morning looking forward to using your gifts and skills in an area that you knew, was created for you? Please understand when I say this-there are times in life when each of us have to do things that we don't like. There are times that God does and will put our dreams on hold in order to grow us. But even in those times, God still wants us to dream and in turn, trust Him to give us the desires of our heart. What we must choose to realize is that sometimes God has different dreams for us and if our heart's desire is to truly be who God has created us to be, then it is imperative that we allow God to work within us and in turn, plant the dreams He has for us in our heart. If we truly seek out God and ask Him to give us His desires, He will be faithful to do that.
Here are some questions to consider when thinking about the dream that you feel God has planted within your heart. These questions are taken from John Maxwell's book, "My Dream Map." If you have the opportunity to purchase this book/journal, let me encourage you to do so. It will help you clarify the dreams that God has placed within you.
* Why do you want to accomplish this dream?
* Why are you the right person for this dream and why is this dream right for you?
* What specific talents, strengths, and personality traits will help you achieve this dream?
* What kind of research have you done on your dream?
* What is your earliest recollection of knowing you wanted to achieve this dream?
Take some time today to truthfully answer these questions-it will help bring clarity to you and your dreams. Also, be on the lookout for future blog posts that will challenge you to truly think about your dreams.
Blessings to each of you!
Why Should My Child Explore Careers?
Why Should My Child Explore Careers?
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Hands-on Career Exploration
There are many ways for your child to "try-on" careers during the middle and high school years.
* Have your child volunteer for organizations that hire people in his or career interest area.
* Let your child take part-time or summer jobs that relate to his or her career interest area.
* Find someone who works in your child's career interest area and arrange for your child to watch that worker for a day.
* Help your child find an internship or work-based learning experience related to his or her career interest area. Your child may be able to get high school credit for this type of work experience.
* Find out if your child's high school offers vocational classes in a field in which he or she is interested.
Where Can my Child Find Quality Career Information for Exploration?
There are many resources for career exploration. The career center or library in your child's school may be the first place to start. Your child's school or local library may also have a computerized career information delivery system (CIDS) to provide career information to your child.
Every state has a local office of America's Career Resource Network (ACRN). ACRN is a nationwide network dedicated to helping young people and adults identify and provide the academic and career skills they need to become productive citizens, workers and community members. You can find the contact information for the ACRN office in your state by going to: http://www.acrenetwork.org and clicking on Network.
For more information:
Occupational Outlook Handbook online at http://stats.bls.gov/oco/
America's Career InfoNet at: http://www.acinet.org
O*Net: http://online.onetcenter.org
WOIS Portfolio, WOIS/The Career Information System at: http://www.wois.org
Your Child's Career, A Website for Parents at: http://www.yourchildscareer.org/careerplanning/careerplan_no_plan.htm
Why Should My Child Explore Careers?
For your child to make good career decisions, he or she must explore and investigate many careers. Active participation in career exploration activities will help your child become aware of the many career opportunities available and the steps that need to be taken to reach his or her career goals. Some advantages of career exploration include:
*Understanding the work environments of interesting careers;
*Exposing your child to careers he or she may never have considered; and
*Discovering the various types of post-high school education and training, as well as their costs, so your child does not waste time and money getting training unrelated to his or her chosen career.
Start Career Exploration Early
Career Exploration should begin in middle school. It should be a continual process throughout your child's middle and high school years.
Career development is a life-long process and your child's plans will probably change as he or she gathers more information. Exploring careers does not mean that decisions have to be made and set in stone. It does not mean that as your child makes decisions about his or her career direction, those decisions will be based on concrete realistic information.
What Should Career Exploration Look Like?
Career exploration begins with the awareness that different occupations exist. It continues with research and "trying out" several occupations. There are two ways to explore careers; one is to investigate and the other is to experience. Your child should engage in both.
Investigating Careers: Your child should collect as much information as possible about several career options. Your child may be interested in careers that are similar, such as an animal scientist, veterinarian and dolphin trainer; or your child may have wide-spread interests and want to explore careers in a variety of fields, such as firefighter, mental health counselor and electrician. Whether your child's interests are focused or general, he or she will be able to create a more realistic educational and career plan by participating in career exploration activities.
Information about careers that should be investigated include:
*What education does this career require?
*Where is the education/training available? Am I able to access the education/training needed to enter this career?
*What is the future outlook for this career?
*What is the path for advancement in the career?
*What other careers are closely related to this career?
*What are the everyday tasks performed in this career?
*What are the normal work hours?
*Does this career require travel?
*What health and retirement benefits are generally found in this line of work?
*What are the typical wages for this career?
*Do I need to relocate to find a job?
*Do the tasks match my interests and values?
Help Your Child Create a Career Portfolio
A career portfolio is a collection of your child's academic and work experiences, career interest assessments and personal achievements. A career portfolio can encourage your child to keep a record of important academic and career information that he or she may need in the future.
Make a Career Portfolio Teachable Moment
Help your child make a career portfolio using a file, envelope, journal, scrapbook or other storage device. As your child investigates careers, encourage him or her to put copies of the information gathered into the career portfolio. The portfolio may also be a place for your child to:
*Record and save dates, places and duties performed in volunteer work, paid jobs, internships or work-based learning experiences. This information can be later transferred to a resume or job application.
*Record classes taken in middle and high school and grades received in those classes.
*Store information about education and training research and the colleges or other training locations explored by your child.
*Record results from interest and personality assessments.
*Store records of awards, achievements, or honors.
*Record information about extracurricular activities.
When your child keeps all of his or her career and educational exploration information in one place it will be easily accessible when he or she is ready to apply to college, apply for a job or create a resume. It will also help your child compare the information he or she gathers in the career exploration process.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Hands-on Career Exploration
There are many ways for your child to "try-on" careers during the middle and high school years.
* Have your child volunteer for organizations that hire people in his or career interest area.
* Let your child take part-time or summer jobs that relate to his or her career interest area.
* Find someone who works in your child's career interest area and arrange for your child to watch that worker for a day.
* Help your child find an internship or work-based learning experience related to his or her career interest area. Your child may be able to get high school credit for this type of work experience.
* Find out if your child's high school offers vocational classes in a field in which he or she is interested.
Where Can my Child Find Quality Career Information for Exploration?
There are many resources for career exploration. The career center or library in your child's school may be the first place to start. Your child's school or local library may also have a computerized career information delivery system (CIDS) to provide career information to your child.
Every state has a local office of America's Career Resource Network (ACRN). ACRN is a nationwide network dedicated to helping young people and adults identify and provide the academic and career skills they need to become productive citizens, workers and community members. You can find the contact information for the ACRN office in your state by going to: http://www.acrenetwork.org and clicking on Network.
For more information:
Occupational Outlook Handbook online at http://stats.bls.gov/oco/
America's Career InfoNet at: http://www.acinet.org
O*Net: http://online.onetcenter.org
WOIS Portfolio, WOIS/The Career Information System at: http://www.wois.org
Your Child's Career, A Website for Parents at: http://www.yourchildscareer.org/careerplanning/careerplan_no_plan.htm
Why Should My Child Explore Careers?
For your child to make good career decisions, he or she must explore and investigate many careers. Active participation in career exploration activities will help your child become aware of the many career opportunities available and the steps that need to be taken to reach his or her career goals. Some advantages of career exploration include:
*Understanding the work environments of interesting careers;
*Exposing your child to careers he or she may never have considered; and
*Discovering the various types of post-high school education and training, as well as their costs, so your child does not waste time and money getting training unrelated to his or her chosen career.
Start Career Exploration Early
Career Exploration should begin in middle school. It should be a continual process throughout your child's middle and high school years.
Career development is a life-long process and your child's plans will probably change as he or she gathers more information. Exploring careers does not mean that decisions have to be made and set in stone. It does not mean that as your child makes decisions about his or her career direction, those decisions will be based on concrete realistic information.
What Should Career Exploration Look Like?
Career exploration begins with the awareness that different occupations exist. It continues with research and "trying out" several occupations. There are two ways to explore careers; one is to investigate and the other is to experience. Your child should engage in both.
Investigating Careers: Your child should collect as much information as possible about several career options. Your child may be interested in careers that are similar, such as an animal scientist, veterinarian and dolphin trainer; or your child may have wide-spread interests and want to explore careers in a variety of fields, such as firefighter, mental health counselor and electrician. Whether your child's interests are focused or general, he or she will be able to create a more realistic educational and career plan by participating in career exploration activities.
Information about careers that should be investigated include:
*What education does this career require?
*Where is the education/training available? Am I able to access the education/training needed to enter this career?
*What is the future outlook for this career?
*What is the path for advancement in the career?
*What other careers are closely related to this career?
*What are the everyday tasks performed in this career?
*What are the normal work hours?
*Does this career require travel?
*What health and retirement benefits are generally found in this line of work?
*What are the typical wages for this career?
*Do I need to relocate to find a job?
*Do the tasks match my interests and values?
Help Your Child Create a Career Portfolio
A career portfolio is a collection of your child's academic and work experiences, career interest assessments and personal achievements. A career portfolio can encourage your child to keep a record of important academic and career information that he or she may need in the future.
Make a Career Portfolio Teachable Moment
Help your child make a career portfolio using a file, envelope, journal, scrapbook or other storage device. As your child investigates careers, encourage him or her to put copies of the information gathered into the career portfolio. The portfolio may also be a place for your child to:
*Record and save dates, places and duties performed in volunteer work, paid jobs, internships or work-based learning experiences. This information can be later transferred to a resume or job application.
*Record classes taken in middle and high school and grades received in those classes.
*Store information about education and training research and the colleges or other training locations explored by your child.
*Record results from interest and personality assessments.
*Store records of awards, achievements, or honors.
*Record information about extracurricular activities.
When your child keeps all of his or her career and educational exploration information in one place it will be easily accessible when he or she is ready to apply to college, apply for a job or create a resume. It will also help your child compare the information he or she gathers in the career exploration process.
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