Hello everyone--- I hope this Christmas season leaves you in good spirits and with a joyful heart as we look towards the coming of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. This has truly been a wonderful first year of blogging and I thank all of you for your continued support! Here are a few stats for this year:
- 12 very thoughtful comments from friends and family
- 24 posts for your inspiration... today and everyday!
- 375 page views... Meaning nearly 400 people were inspired and encouraged by the thoughts and words written here!
- An audience from the United States, Germany, Egypt, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Taiwan... inspiration flowing around the globe!
When I look at how much this blog has impacted people's lives, not just here in the U.S., but all over the globe, I can't help but feel in awe over how good God is and how well He distributes His gifts!
Blessings this Christmas and always,
Emelie
Inspired Thought...
Everyone has a God-given purpose. But unfortunately, many people misinterpret what it is to have a purpose. Most think that "having a real purpose" is being a hero who rescues someone from drastic circumstances, or a celebrity who is rich and famous. But it is exactly how you determine what the word "purpose" means. According to Dictionary.com, the word "purpose" is defined as "the reason for which something exists". But I like the second definition even better: "an intended or desired result, an end goal". In other words, your purpose has nothing to do with fame and fortune. It has everything to do with desiring something, and doing whatever it takes to achieve it. For example, any teacher can understand the desire to have each and every one of their students succeed, and therefore, they work hard to make education interesting and effective. That is a teacher's purpose. And that purpose is the result of a desire and much time and effort. Ninety-nine percent of the people who have had the most influence in my life have not been celebrities or superheroes, but average, everyday people who work hard for the good of others. People like my parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, pastors, friends, even the really nice clerk at the grocery store. Take the time today to thank those who have lived out their own special purpose in your life.
Inspired Action...
So you may be asking yourself, "What exactly is my purpose?" It can't possibly be sitting in a cubicle all day long answering the phone, or doing nothing but laundry and dishes! Well, as a matter of fact, yes, that is your purpose. WHAT!?! That can't be! Obviously, I've fallen off my rocker! But, just stop for a second and look at it from this angle. If you were to sit at home all day eating bon-bons in front of the TV, you wouldn't answer that phone call from the elderly lady who is sick and desperately needs health insurance. Or, if you just left all of those dirty clothes and dishes just sitting in the washer, you wouldn't ever be able to know the joy of having more than one pair of pants or a hot meal, unlike our friends who go to bed cold and hungry. My point is this: Everything, EVERY thing has a purpose, a purpose that is important and should be treasured. The trick is to learn how to accept that purpose, and to live it out to the best of your ability. Try doing today's ordinary things with a spirit of having a truly important purpose. So, put on those rubber gloves, grab some soap, and get to those dishes!
Inspired Living...
You can help others discover their true purpose by strongly encouraging them in their own personal dreams and desires. Especially encourage them in the things that make them happy, for that is where they will most likely give their all. And of course, be sure to live out your own purpose with joy and the light and life of Christ.
Inspired Thought...
On Sunday, we began a new season in the church, often known as "the season of waiting", or Advent. I'd like to take a few moments to reflect upon the purpose of waiting and on practicing the virtue of patience. I remember hearing as a young child (especially around Christmas time when the desire to rip off the wrapping paper is ever so strong!) the phrase, "Good things come to those who wait." But why must I wait if I know what I want? Why can't I just have it right now? Now that I'm older, I can see the importance and even the beauty of waiting and being patient. Just think about all of the young couples that are expecting children. What better way to get closer to your spouse, your parents (the child's future grandparents), and essentially to God, than preparing for a new child to enter the world? In the church, that is the purpose of Advent: to become closer to God and to each other as we are preparing for Jesus's birth. Also, maybe a time of waiting is a time for us to discover things we never knew before, whether that is about each other or our world. Use your time of waiting wisely by learning about the world around you, rather than wasting it with being impatient.
Inspired Action...
The next time you are waiting in line, try doing some of these things instead of resorting to impatience:
- Look at the people and things around you. I once read in a book about "people-watching" and have found it a very entertaining past time ever since. If you'd like, you can even make up stories behind the people you see. For example, the man with the eye patch could be a pirate who is on his way to discover buried treasure, or the lady with the dark sunglasses could be an FBI agent on a dangerous mission. Get as creatively crazy as you want!
- Strike up a conversation with the person beside you. Ask them about what they're buying and if they think it's a good buy, or simply smile and say, "How are you?"
- Take a moment to breathe. You're not doing anything else of importance, so why not supply yourself with some good, clean oxygen?
Inspired Living...
Waiting can be such a beautiful thing, especially when it gives us the time to stop and smell the roses. Encourage others in your life who seem impatient and stressed to stop, let everything wait for a few moments, and just take a breather. This week, if your boss or spouse seems worn to a frazzled little nub, invite them to take a few deep breaths with you. Or you can gently remind them that it will not be the end of the world if they take a break and just "let go" for a while. After all, most of the time, it can wait.
