Category Archives: Purpose

Purpose

What will be the legacy?

Hey Honeychild,

We celebrated the Home Going of my Aunt Bea last week. I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Someone was telling the story of how she helped settle Cambodian and Ethiopian families. They did not speak/ understand English nor was she able to communicate in their language. Through her kind spirit and actions she demonstrated that the universal language of love always prevails. I am inspired. It got me to thinking…What will be my legacy? What will people remember about me? What story will sum up the essence of me? Have you ever thought about that?

So, I’m thinking about this and I’m wondering, “does one self-determine” such things or does God place it in you to be discovered, nurtured, and shared? The Bible says that we should not neglect our gifts. It also says that we are to use our gifts in the service of others. Certainly, there are basic character traits inherent within each of us. We have multidimensional character traits, so how do we know which are meant to become a “calling card?” Some are positive and altruistic and others are more base and self-serving. For example, I am nurturing by nature, wanting to make sure that everyone is cared for in the best possible way. I am also practical to the extent that I can appear to callous. How do I balance these traits? On the flip side, I can compartmentalize people, events, and thoughts to my own advantage with no thought of how this impacts others. At the same time, this allows me to be objective and calm in the midst of crisis, which makes me a good leader at such times. Can you how one could be unsure? Are these traits that are meant to be of service or traits that I should be working on correcting? Either way, I believe that we must be intentional in how we steward our gifts. Finding you purpose and walking in it is, after all, a major life assignment.

I’ve concluded that developing a relationship with God is the path to discovering who we are and what legacy of ourselves will be left when we are no longer here. So, Honeychild, as you contemplate my musing today, think also about what you think, desire and know about the legacy of you. Seek God’s wisdom and follow his direction. Do this and you will be sure to leave a story for others carry through the generations!

Scripture Reference:
1Peter 4:10-11
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Empowerment Link:
http://thoughtcatalog.com/casey-e-bean/2017/02/what-will-people-remember-about-you/

Purpose

Hearing from God

Honeychild, let me tell you this…

I hear from people all the time, “I want my will to be God’s will. I want to hear Him but how do I hear from God?” Well, we know that the Word of God is a steady and everlasting guide. We know that God speaks to us through others such as clergy and prophets. We know that prayer and meditation create an open path to receive instruction. But, what happens when you read the Holy word, when you listen to sermons and talks, when you lay at your alter in praise and supplication and still don’t feel that you are getting the word that God wants you to hear? Maybe it’s your perspective on what hearing from God can mean. Yes, it can mean a specific verse from the Bible. Yes, it can mean a direct word from your minister. And yes, it can mean a divine insight while praying. What may be missing from the lenses in which you view hearing from God is the perspective that God is always around, always speaking to you, always instructing, correcting and inspiring you. It is in the way you view your world.

God is speaking to you when you wake up each morning, saying I love you and I’m granting you another chance at life today. God is speaking to you when you turn on the news and hear about some issue that pulls at your heart, saying this is important- do something. God is speaking to you when you can’t get that idea out of your mind, saying you take one step and I’ll take two. God is speaking to you when feel bad about that judgment you just made after realizing that you’ve done worst, saying compassion and empathy are your pathway to growth. In all of these ways and many more that we take as simple everyday occurrences, there is God speaking to us. It is a conversation. When you “hear” these things, speak back; respond. It will become a lively and productive conversation between you and God.

So, Honeychild, don’t fret when it seems that God is not speaking to you. Open your eyes to glorious ways that He is with you all the time and yes, speaking to you. Once you trust yourself to hear these personal whispers you will have a no problem hearing discerning Him in the crowd.

Biblical Reference:
John 10:27, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

Empowerment Link:
http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-to-hear-from-god-regularly.html

Purpose, Reaching Goals, Role Model

Celebrating Single

Honeychild, dear Honeychild,

This is the time of year for parties, gifts, cheer and sharing. But for many, it is the time of year for grief and loneliness. Some people are happy and eager to post to Facebook, hashtag on twitter, pose for Instagram and Snapchat. Others are dreading the holiday season in favor of thoughts of lost, despair and conflict. Whether you are in one of those categories or somewhere in between or know someone who is experiencing sadness during the holidays; be encouraged. You are not alone. You can help yourself or someone you care about to get through the season with peace and joy.Here are three thoughts to help you.

First, remember the reason for the season? Consider that it can mean different things to different people. For Christians, Jews, Buddhists and some years Muslims, there is a universal call to show love. Christians are celebrating Christmas, the birth of Christ. Jews are celebrating Chanukkah, the festival of lights commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Buddhists are celebrating Bodhi Day, the day Buddha received enlightenment. On years that is coincides with December on the Gregorian calendar, Muslims are honoring the Feast of Sacrifice; Id Al Adha. Stills others are simply celebrating the Winter Solstice. At any rate, although the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas has become a season of cheer and merriment, keeping the holiday in context can help you take it in stride and understand that it is ok not participate in every gathering if you don’t feel like doing so.

On the other hand, it is also ok to join in the celebrations as a single. That brings me to thought number two. You can go celebrations alone or with another single friend. People are not, as one might think, singling you out. The Bible says that if you want friends you have to first be friendly. So go to the party and enjoy yourself. There are also many things happening during the holiday that are great enjoyed alone. It may seem awkward the first time you go out alone, but trust me, it can freeing and fun. Go the theater, the movies, skating at the rink. Take in the holiday show or a city tour of the lights around the city. You’ll find the joy of the season will make you smile whether you with others or by yourself.

Having trouble with thoughts of lost loved ones? Thought number three: Don’t try to forget about them during the season. Instead, embrace their memories; celebrate them. You can give a donation to charity in the name of your loved one. Light a candle in their memory. Write a poem or letter of remembrance. Say a prayer of thanksgiving for the time you had with your loved one. This is good even when you are grieving lost due to a break up rather than death.

You see, Honeychild… changing how you think about the holidays and what you do in response can help you see this season as an opportunity to practice the love within. And you take that right into the new year!

Scripture Reference:
Romans 12:12 ESV Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Empowerment link:
For Mourners: http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/blogs/getting-through-holidays-advice-bereaved
For Singles: http://www.womansday.com/relationships/dating-marriage/advice/a6771/holidays-alone/

Purpose, Reaching Goals

Be Extra!

I was watching the Steve Harvey Show today. He did a segment on the Disney Dreamers Academy. During one of the sessions he talked about the difference between ordinary and extraordinary people. Sounds corny but the answer is EXTRA! I know! But as I thought about it I was reminded of what I had been thinking a lot about lately, my own failure to fly at times. Don’t get me wrong Honeychild, I have done well. I enjoy a measure of success and I have contributed to the welfare of my community. However, I am thinking of the possible magnanimous impact I could have if I flew a little higher and spread my wings a little wider.

Everyone tells you that you have to have a dream, you have to write it down, and you have to work on it. All of that is true. I’ve done all of that but remained at the precipice of accomplishing my goals. I had to come to grips with the fact that I just don’t always do the extra, not really. I do a great job of appearing to go above and beyond but that’s because most people are generous and don’t realize that they have a pretty low bar. Only a few people in my life have pushed me and expected more. More importantly, only a few times in my life have I pushed me and expected more. You do better…well you gotta do better.
We each have potential to do great things, most of us won’t. I once heard a preacher talk about the potential that one find in the graveyards of the world… scientists, inventors, mothers, fathers, presidents, the list goes on. It’s all about the extra. Make the extra phone call. Do the extra set of planks. Study the extra hour. Create the extra prototype. Join me- Be extra!! Let’s see where it takes us.

Scripture references are found in this empowerment link
http://whowudathunk.wordpress.com/tag/steve-harvey/

Purpose, Reaching Goals, Role Model

The Big Bad Boat

Honeychild, let me tell you…

Sometimes you don’t know you really want to do something until the opportunity presents itself. I just spent 5 days on a sailboat. It was a simple, pure, and absolutely amazing experience. You could not have told me that I would be climbing in and out of this boat and loving it. But that is not how it began.
It began when I tried to book my annual trip to the Vineyard. I had waited too long and everything was sold out for the date that I wanted. I then tried to book another date and it didn’t work either. Now I was on a mission. It occurred to me that maybe not everyone on the boats owned them. I googled bed and breakfast on a boat and voila! I found a sailboat for my stay. Thinking outside the box paid off. Mind you I had no idea what it entailed.
Fast forward, I’m excited about this trip and staying on a ship. Well, I get there, ready to walk the plank onto the boat, bad enough, but wait! I was stunned as the captain explained to me how to get on the boat. I had to climb over the dock edge, down a flat ladder, cross over to the edge of the boat and climb in. I stood there looking at the space between me, the water and the boat. No, I don’t swim and I booked a vacation on a sailboat. I was weighing my options: could I get a reservation some place on the island, could I change my train ticket and go back home, sleep on the dock, anything but get on that boat? Well, I sucked it up, grabbed God and slowly and very awkwardly made it into the boat, declaring that I was not getting off again until it was time to go home in five days.
Let me tell you, not only did I get on and off that boat each day but I lived in close quarters with my 3 mates and some very basic supplies. It turned out to be one of the best trips ever. I even got on a dingy and rode out to a charter boat in the outer harbor, made a slightly less challenging climb onto that yacht and got to see fireworks from the sea view. Honeychild, let me tell you what I learned…
If you get outside of the box, trust the process, and embrace challenges you will be rewarded with experiences beyond all that you can imagine.

Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:13New King James Version (NKJV)
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Empowerment Link: http://christinagreve.com/daring-to-dare-why-you-should-step-out-of-your-comfort-zone
http://www.boxingscene.com/motivation/25341.php Challenge your self