Write the Vision...

"And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision and make it plain upon the tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come..." Haubakkuk 2:2-3

I attended an empowerment workshop a little over a year ago. While there, we attendees participated in several exercises to help us reconnect with our dreams, identify our talents, clarify our purpose and seek God's will as to how to move forward, without fear.

The exercise I enjoyed most and which still has great impact on me, was the construction of a vision board. We were given a stack of assorted magazines, markers, colored paper, glue sticks, and scissors. The assignment was to use these items to construct a "visual account of our best life."

Fantastic! Not only did this exercise tap into my fondest memories of grade school (I still love to cut and paste!) it also provided us a chance to see life as it could be. Pouring through the glossy pages of those magazines freed us up to dream BIG!

However, I found that the limited space of the 8 1/2 x 11 construction paper, also made me focus in on what things were most important. There was no room on my small canvas for frivolous desires. I found myself searching those magazines for representations of the things that matter to my heart, things that moved my spirit.

At the end of the exercise I was pleased and proud of  my work. My vision board does indeed represent my best life, including family, worship, writing, music, fellowship and celebration of all that God has provided. This simple 8 1/2 x 11 sheet represents those things most important to me now and maps a path for me to follow my dreams and live out my purpose. It hangs on the mirror opposite my bed.

Each morning when I wake, I see my vision board and it reminds me that God had a vision for my life when He created me. Everything He's blessed me with works to fulfill His purpose in me. "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalm 139:13-14

Sister, brother, friend...can you see your vision? Have you written it out, is it plain to you? If you have not taken the time, I suggest you do. Spend some time before God, searching out those things that matter most, reconnecting with those dreams you may have pushed aside, seeking out the talents God blessed you with. Seek Him in prayer and God will reveal to you His vision for your life. When you can see the vision, write it down so that you will have a reminder of where your life is going. Or better still, get some magazines, markers, scissors and glue and have some fun...Cut and Paste!

Special thanks to my friend Christy Demetrakis, "The Empowered Speaker". Your book, "Faith to Conquer Fear" as well as the "2013 Faith to Conquer Fear" workshop continue to have positive impact on my life. Keep sharing your gift!
http://www.empoweredspeaker.com/
 

Finding My Way Back to Love...

We had the kind of relationship that was on again, off again. It started when I was a teenager and has continued this way for years.

There's no doubt in my mind that we love one another. There's no questioning the fact that life is better when we are together, working as one. Together we are unstoppable, a force to be reckoned with. Together we have scaled mountains, torn down walls, won battles. Yes this love is truly a good thing.

But still the cycle continues, on, off, on, off.

When we're on, everything in life is FANTASTIC! The days seem to flow with their own smooth rhythm, work is easy, play time is fun.

Funny thing is, when we're on, all my other relationships are right as well. I get along better with my kids, family, my friends, co-workers, and when there is a rift somewhere, it is easily straightened out.

Love makes life easier all the way around.

And you know I must admit, when we are off, it's through no fault of His. It's always me.

I'm the one who pulls away, too busy to spend quality time. I'm the one who puts my desires ahead of our joint purpose. It's me who grows impatient and wanders off on my own, searching for a short cut, when there truly is only ONE WAY. I'm the one who wants what I want when I want it, gets angry when I don't get my way and holds grudges.

I'm the one who looses sight of what IS, while focusing on what I WANT to be.

Luckily for me, Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy and is not proud. Love is not self-seeking, nor easily angered. Most of all, Love keeps no record of my wrongs. Where other lovers would doubt my commitment to this relationship, Love rejoices in the truth He knows in my heart. Another lover may fight with me, but Love protects me from harm, even the harm I would do to myself. Where other's may seek to put me away, thinking I have found another, Love trusts in the power of what we have, hopes for my renewed commitment and perseveres in the pursuit of my soul. Though I may stumble and fall, get side tracked and distracted, loose the keys to the car, forget the directions or simply run out of gas during this journey...I am blessed to know that LOVE NEVER FAILS. (1 Corinthians:4-8)