Author: Dan

Admit it, you’ve been there. I’ve been there. We’ve all been there.

Where exactly?

Wallowing in self-doubt. Wondering why you’re “not worthy” of ____________________.

Go ahead, fill in the blank.  Take your time. I can wait.

Welcome back.

I want to tell you about a song we sing at the church I attend. It was written  by one of the music worship team leaders. It contains the following lines (or a close approximation of them):

“You are worthy of our heart.”

“You are worthy of our praise.”

“You are are worthy of our love.”

“You are worthy.”

Indeed, God IS worthy of all of these.

We’ve been singing this song for several months and then one Sunday, “it just hit me”.

What “just hit me”?

Change the “You” to “I” and “our” to “your” and the song becomes:

“I am worthy of your heart.”

“I am worthy of your praise.”

“I am worthy of your love.”

“I am worthy.”

Powerful, right? I am worthy of not only God’s heart & praise, but of His love too! If you doubt just how valuable you are to God, go read  Matthew 10:30 and Luke 12:7. And for good measure , you just might want to read John 3:16 as well.

God really cares deeply about you, down to the hairs on your head; which I think is amazing.  Think about that. The hairs on your head. How does it make you feel?

Now, consider the fact that He gave his only begotten Son to die for you so you would not perish, but have eternal life.  Kinda mind-blowing, isn’t it?

These are just two of the many examples illustrating how valuable you are to God.

So, if you’re “good enough” for God, why is it you think you’re not “good enough” for everyone else? Why are you struggling with feeling non-worthy? Believe in yourself like God believes in you! God believes in you so very much He desires to pour His blessings on you. He desires to supply all your needs. He desires to be your shelter in the storm.

All you have to do is ask. So, ask!

What is the area of your greatest need?  Have ya taken it to God, because, ya know, He can help there.

What are some other areas in which you need a nudge, shove or kick-in-the-pants? I’m pretty certain He can help with those too!

You are worthy because God says you are worthy. That’s all there is to it. That’s all you need to know.

God’s waiting to hear from you.

How long are you going to make Him wait?

I’ve shared my thoughts on resting and feeling stuck or burned out. I’ve included pieces on the importance of personal development (reading) and the use of  brief pauses (pit stops) to reassess where you’re at and redirect yourself…so, what’s next?

How about…

“Sow Light”

H’uh??

Have you ever considered that you are the light at the end of someone’s tunnel or the only bright spot in someone’s “cloudy day”?  The time has come to sow your light into their darkness and assist them on their journey.

Sometimes your encounter is all about “planting seeds”; which brings to mind “The Parable of the Sower” which can be found the Gospels of Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, and Luke  8:4-15.  Take a few moments and refresh yourself with the story. I can wait…

Whether your “light seeds”  fall on “bad soil”, “good soil” or “somewhere in-between” isn’t what matters.  What matters is –  YOU OFFERED THE SEED OF LIGHT  to that person. That seed is a glimmer of hope in a world of despair, an act of kindness in a world of where cruelty reigns, or maybe just a “you matter” in a “me first” world. Trust me, your light has an affect on those on whom it shines.

SOW ON & LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

Sometimes you just gotta “slow the roll”  and wonder (or maybe it should be ‘wander’) about:

“Where have I been?”

“Where am I now?

“Where am I going?”

“What am I doing?”

“Why am  I doing it?”

Pausing in activity provides time for reflection upon that activity. It doesn’t necessarily stop the activity, but more like delays an action from being taken.

But, “how does a ‘pause’ work when in activity?”

Every NASCAR team begins the race with the same goal “win”; which is exactly the same goal you have by living in your purpose.  These NASCAR races run for hundreds of miles and yet, sometimes after hours upon hours of racing, the margin of victory is only a split-second.

How can that be? Thank the “pit stop”.

“Pit stops” are used for a variety of reasons  such as tire replacement, refueling, suspension tweaks, and accident repair.

“Pit stops” are short delays in the action driving towards the goal.

Teams plan how to run their race far in advance. Knowing how often to pit or when to pit is a large portion of the preparation. While it’s good to be prepared and have a plan, “accidents happen”; which require teams to reassess their “race plan” and make changes they feel are needed. Usually, these changes “occur in the pits” and have major impact on the race. Oftentimes these changes mean staying on the track a few laps longer before pitting, or maybe just changing two tires instead of all four.

Remember, all teams are running the same race under the same rules. All the teams have a clearly defined strategy they believe will make them victorious. But again, after all is said and done, only the team that managed their race and their “pit stops” correctly receives the checkered flag.

How are you performing in the race to/of your purpose? Are you in the lead or falling behind?

If  you’re not sure, don’t delay…

Try a “pit stop” today!

Personal development is a lot like washing your hair, that is, if you read and follow the directions on the bottle – “wash, rinse, and repeat”.

Applying those “Shampoo Directions” to “Reading” creates –  “read, apply, re-read”.

The importance of reading and applying the new knowledge gleaned from the material you just read cannot be overstated. You gotta take action on what you read!

This update isn’t about action. It’s to list the books that I “chewed on & regurgitated from” to generate my blog.

But, before I do that, I gotta share this random info…

🙂 🙂 When I was a child a program called RIF  (Reading Is Fundamental) existed for the purpose of  improving children’s literacy. Google tells me RIF still exists. You can get additional information about RIF at rif.org  🙂 🙂

How does RIF apply to to you?

Let’s break it down…

Reading -> the action or skill of reading written or printed matter silently or aloud

Is -> Is (duh)

Fundamental -> forming a necessary base or core; of central importance

thus…

Reading Is Fundamental to your personal growth.  Knowledge exists in book form that you cannot access otherwise. Reading provides a sturdy core/foundation on which to build and expand on your purpose!  If you can’t find time to read, make time to read. Heck, you might even try audio books!

Whatever you do…Just Read!

Oh, and use a highlighter…just sayin’.

Why is re-reading important?

You are not the exact same person you were when you began the book. As you read you’ll discover “nuggets” (which you will highlight, right?) that will “challenge” you to  re-evaluate/review/re-interpret what you “understand”. Thus, reading changes you fundamentally.

Re-reading allows you to view the same information with  “new eyes”. It’s pretty cool. Personally, I never re-read a book directly upon completion. Generally, I’ll start a new book and something I read in the new book triggers a “nugget” from a prior book. I then go back to the prior book to refresh my memory. I re-read the specific section of the prior book again and relate it to the book I am currently reading. Heck, sometimes I’ll re-read parts of several books to ensure I understand a concept. Each book you read becomes a reference book to all the other books you have read or are going to read. How awesome is that!?! Oh, this also means you shouldn’t throw away the books you read. Build your personal library instead!

This “cross-referencing” may slow my progress, but I tell myself,  “it’s not a race to see how many books I can read, it’s about understanding a concept and growing as an individual”.

Personal development has no time frame or expiration date!

As I mentioned earlier, the books listed below sow the seeds from which my blog entries grow. It is my goal to share what I reap while inspiring others to take up the gauntlet of personal growth.

No book is too big or pamphlet too small…

Battle on, my friends. Battle on.

My “Personal Growth Library” includes:

“The Power of I AM”, “Think Better, Live Better”, “30 Thoughts for Victorious Living”  – all by Joel Osteen

“The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth”, “Developing the Leader Within You”   – all by John C. Maxwell

“Think and Grow Rich” – by Napolean Hill

“Destiny” – by T.D. Jakes

“As A Man Thinketh” – by James Allen

Guideposts – Various authors

“Don’t Miss Your Miracle” – by Vance Havner

“Unshakable Hope” – by Max Lucado

“The Power of a Praying Husband” – Stormie Omartian

…burned out.

It happens. “Burn Out” is real. Besides, it seems  reasonable, doesn’t it; especially if you’re not “stuck” or taking a “rest”. I mean, what else could it be?

Let’s just go with that.  So, you’re burned out. Now what?

Have you stopped or restricted your participation in the activities/hobbies  you enjoyed before living in your purpose? Perhaps you thought “that time” would be better spent living in your purpose; think again.

You’re giving up “one thing” in order to do another when BOTH are vital to living in your purpose. Your activities/hobbies can be an outlet for frustration or a way to incubate your ideas. Keep your activities/hobbies in your life. This may mean adjusting your schedule (time management) or priorities  but it will pay big dividends in the end. It’s important to remember that change is hard, but to grow and live in our purpose we need to stretch ourselves.

What else have you stopped doing that you used to do? As we grow into our purpose old habits are replaced by new ones that we think are better. Maybe we’re wrong in that. I’m not talking about the “negative habits” that you are replacing, I want you to consider what you view as the “neutral” or “positive” habits in your life. Do they have value or are they “just something else I need to do” thus adding to your burden?

I guess the bottom line in all of this is “take care of yourself”. Be sure to continue living or maybe even start living a happy, healthy lifestyle. Others will certainly notice and be quite curious about “what has changed” in your life.

Which leads to…

…an opportunity to share your purpose with others!

Then BAM!!

Before you know it, you’re running with that opportunity and the sensation of being “burned out” disappears altogether.

You’re back in the game!

Back living in your purpose…

…by living your purpose.

…He rested.” (Genesis 2:2)

Rest.

If it’s good enough for God, it’s good enough for you.

What if “I’m stuck” is really “it’s time to rest”? What then? Do I need to stop all activity and “do nothing” or is there “more to it” than that?

Hmm…that’s a pretty “deep thought”.

I better rest.

Rest rejuvenates.

Rest re-energizes

Rest restores.

Rest is a “break” from doing what I’ve been doing. Maybe after I rest I return to what I was doing, or maybe I’ll move onto something different. Either way, I return to activity.

That’s what makes “rest” such a valuable commodity. Rest provides an opportunity to make a major change, a minor change, or maintain the status quo upon returning to activity – it’s my choice. The best part – there is no wrong choice – because all choices lead back to activity!

And isn’t activity in your purpose what you’re “all about”?

Go ahead…

It’s ok…

Rest.

Okay, so you’ve been chewing that same bite of elephant for what seems like forever and it feels like you’ll never finish it no matter how hard you “chew”.

Go ahead; admit it, “I’m stuck.”

What are ya going to do? Give up??

DON’T GIVE UP! Movement requires action. Continue doing what you’ve been doing although you’re feeling “stuck”; maybe you’ll get some  movement, maybe you won’t. Again – DON’T GIVE UP!

Remember –  nobody ever told you living in your purpose would be easy.  It’ll be the hardest thing you ever do. The simplest thing to do is give up. Anybody can do that, but not everyone can live in their purpose! LIVE YOUR PURPOSE!

Is it a “Reality vs. Expectations”  perception “thing”? You know what I’m talking about, we’ve all been there. It all starts with a “well, I thought I would be doing this by now, or that I would have that by now or I would have more followers by now” etc etc etc.

What actions have to taken to reach those goals? Have you even written your goals down and taped them to your fridge or bathroom  mirror where you can see them every day? Have you made a plan or taken action to achieve them? Hmm…you think maybe that might be a good place to start or re-visit?!? I’m just sayin’…

How’s your personal development going? Have you “fallen off the wagon”? If you have, do ya think that has anything to do with your current predicament? You need to be continuously feeding your passion; after all, an engine can’t run without gasoline! And if you have been keeping up on your personal growth, have you applied any of the knowledge you gathered or are you waiting to “unleash the beast” at some time in the future. WAKE UP! THE FUTURE IS NOW!!

This brings us to the “circle of friends and like-minded people”. You do have a group like this, right? It’s a requirement. You simply won’t survive and thrive without it. You need to share your thoughts, ideas, frustrations and successes; so this group is vital. If you don’t have a group…do you have a mentor or at least a person you can talk to about your purpose? YOU CAN’T DO IT ALONE! 

You, alone, don’t have enough assets – time, money, knowledge etc to make the most of your purpose. You may think you do, but you don’t. Really, you don’t. Accept that you don’t.  It’s ok. Not many people do. Again, this is where your circle/mentor can be of assistance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, or as I have heard “seek a hand up, not a hand out”. You may be surprised where “help” is found. TRUST YOUR CIRCLE!

Now, the “other” thing that may be occurring is that it is time to rest. More on that next week.

So, until then…

Keep on chewing 🙂

Maybe you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. Maybe you’re not, but at some level you must be wondering how great an impact your purpose will have on others. Your vision may be grandiose, but as with anything worthwhile, it’s going to take time and effort on your part to make it happen. How much time and effort depends on you.

“How do you eat an elephant?”

“One bite at a time.”

That’s exactly how working and growing in your purpose unfolds – one step at a time. You may be tempted to jump ahead or skip a few steps to “save time” – DON’T!

You’ll take something you learn from each step as you move forward towards the next. If you try skipping a step, you’re simply delaying forward progress because at some point you’ll have “go back” to fill in the knowledge you jumped over. There are no “shortcuts”.

Now, not all of the “elephant bites” are going to taste good or chew easily. Just because you’re working in your purpose doesn’t mean it’s going to be “easy” or that it’s “smooth sailing ahead”.  In actuality, it may be exactly the opposite! You’ll frustrate more easily when “others just don’t get it” or when reality doesn’t meet your expectations…and that’s “ok”, just don’t give up; maybe you just hit “one of those” bites. Take time to chew!

And remember…

Rome wasn’t built in a day!

So, you’ve finally discovered your purpose and are ready to take action. The only problem is, you’re not quite sure what that “looks like”.

Beware! Negative/evil forces will make every attempt to keep you from functioning in your purpose. These forces will be the source of doubt and fear or make you believe what you are doing is not important. Fortunately, you know this is not true because you matter and have value!

So…

It’s going to be important to remember it’s YOUR purpose. Nobody will care for YOUR purpose more than you! Make every effort to guard your purpose. People you thought would support you, won’t. Some friends may exit from your life or act more negatively toward you.  You are going to be asked, “Why now? Why is this important to you?” And most of your current friends won’t understand…and that’s ok.

Because…

As you begin functioning in YOUR purpose you’ll attract new friends that support your actions. You’ll begin to surround yourself with people of like mind that speak words of value to you and understand you.

You’ll discover the value of personal development/personal growth. Heck, you’ll actually seek out books on leadership, time management, and building interpersonal relationships and/or find a mentor to assist you on your way. You’ll also discover the value of gratitude.

Now, all of this sounds easy, but it’s not!

Like I mentioned earlier, negative people will attack your purpose at every turn in an attempt to keep you from achieving your ultimate desire. One way to defeat the enemy is to stay focused on your purpose. Don’t allow the enemy to interfere. This is also where the group of like-minded friends becomes important. You are not alone in your purpose. Your new friends are there to lean on and support you. You’ll need to learn to trust and rely on them in times of physical, emotional, or spiritual need.

Relax! All of this doesn’t happen over night. It’s a continuous and ongoing process that will transform you and those around you.

You better hang on tight though! You’re in for an amazing ride!

Let’s review:

I Matter. You Matter. We Matter.

Why?

Because you have Value.

Which…

…enables you to Add Value to others by speaking words into their life.

Now, maybe you’re wondering, “From where do these words come?” or maybe “How’s this all related to discovering my purpose?”

You know, I was wondering about that myself. All it took was answering the following question – “If you could do or be anything, what would you be?”

Of course, the next question has to be – “So, what’s keeping you from doing that?”

And then – “What are you going to do about it?”

But you know what. It isn’t really THAT simple.

Discovering your purpose doesn’t happen over night, even if you think you know your purpose, doubt and fear may keep you from acting in it. Fortunately, there comes a time when you “truly know” and make the decision to “embrace your purpose”  come hell or high water;  a time when your desire becomes so very strong that you just don’t care about “doubt and fear” and you begin living your purpose! And yet, sometimes, it takes a little push…

At least, that’s the way it happened to me…

I’ve been wanting to be a writer for as long as I can remember. I have always been fearful of rejection, doubting that what I had to say contained value to those who read my words. Or even thinking nobody would bother reading what I wrote. So, I didn’t write or I wouldn’t share what I wrote. I wrote “for me”.

Then, I made a friend. His name is Lennox. He is a musician and song writer. We began getting together Thursday afternoons to “just chat” and be in each others’ lives. You know, chat about life, family, our struggles and share victories. It was Lennox who asked me, “so, what do you want to be or do with your life?”

I responded, “I want to be a writer”.

“So, why aren’t you a writer now and how are you going to overcome that?”

I had no reasonable answers to those questions, so I asked him the same. You know what, Lennox had answers and a plan that worked for him. A plan he shared with me.

After all that, I still didn’t write.

Over the next several weeks as he was sharing all the challenges & successes he was having writing his music, he, again asked “so, what do you want to be or do with your life?”

Again, I responded, “I want to be a writer.”

“What’s your plan?”

“I got this! I am going to blog more frequently. And, I am going to write a book containing my family’s favorite golf memories from family trips.”

“Ok”, said Lennox. “Let’s talk about blogging. Define frequently. Is it once a month, once a week, or whenever? What can I get you to commit to? Whatever you respond, I will hold you to it. Just like you’re doing for me.”

That’s when I committed to living in my purpose. I enjoy words. I enjoy writing. I decided to use my blog to share my life experiences (good & bad) with anyone that reads the blog. Maybe what I had to share would be useful to others. Maybe what I had to share would provide some sort of “healing” for me. It didn’t really matter because, dang it, I committed to being a writer, and writers write! I chose to simply “write what I experience”.

One of the most difficult things I’ve had to overcome was the understanding that it’s not up to me to decide if what I write has value or speaks to the reader. That is for the reader of the words to decide. I share my experiences because there was a time in my life where I truly believed I was the only person to ever go through a specific experience, that I was “alone” and had to “go through it alone”.

Yes, that is why I write, because my readers need to know that is not so; you do not need to “go it alone”. There is someone, somewhere that will somehow find you and help you through it. There IS someone that can speak words of value into your life. You just have to be open to new ideas, people and friendships. Get out of the box you’ve placed around your life. Tear down those walls!

That’s what I did. I took a chance. I stepped out from the box and helped Lennox move. It was just him, me, an empty trailer and an empty truck bed. At some point during the move, I decided “I am Lennox’s friend and to be a friend I need to know him better. I need to find a way to spend more time with him.”

That thought it was sparked the idea for our Thursday get togethers…

Let me ask those 3 questions again:

“If you could do or be anything, what would you be?”

“What’s keeping you from doing that?”

“What are you going to do about it?”

Answer those, and you’re on your way to discovering your purpose.

Earlier, I shared that Lennox is a musician and a song writer. If you’d like to hear some of his music, it can be found here: