Summer is nearly over, our kids are back in school, and it’s the time many of us choose to get back to work on projects, visions and dreams. And discerning what is best can get overwhelming once we sit down and set goals and agendas for how to get there.
I’m big on setting goals for myself, but I’m also great at getting sidetracked. I tend to lose sight of the finish line or get distracted by the next “best thing” that tempts me toward a shortcut. Or I simply get lost in the gravity of what’s going to be required of me.
Often I find I’m a much better visionary than I am an achiever. And when things don’t progress smoothly as planned, it’s very easy to become overwhelmed and distracted.
How about you? Do you find yourself overwhelmed, under prepared or easily distracted once the road gets a little bumpy?
Our dreams and visions take great intention in order to withstand the stormy periods along the way.
Without a plan, we risk discouragement.
Without focus we risk disillusionment
Without determination we risk defeat.
It’s simply too easy to give up if we don’t attach tangible methods to our intention. And although I truly believe God will bring about the plans he has for us in our life because scripture tells us this, and he works also works through discouragement, disillusionment and defeat, I also believe He works through intention.
Sometimes that means saying no to the things that present themselves as important but really aren’t the most essential in living out our purpose.
[bctt tweet=”In saying no to the less important, we sharpen our God-given purpose.” username=”CrystalTwaddell”]
Knowing ourselves with all of our gifting, strengths and weaknesses makes us strong and pliable for God’s leading instead of our own.
When we move and breathe within our purpose, we become more conscious of where we are going and how we are getting there. We become more aware of God in our moments. And these moments echo the precious and meaningful confirmations that we are walking in our purpose.
When we are firmly established in living out our purpose, the beautiful grace of contentment washes over us each and every day. So when the tides of discouragement and disillusionment and defeat threaten to deter us, we stand strong. No fear, no doubt and no wondering if we should have said yes to something else.
When we are intentionally walking in our God-given purpose, it doesn’t matter what someone else is doing and how they are being blessed. Because their blessing does not negate our path. Someone else’s progress doesn’t mean we are on the wrong path. Their yes doesn’t mean we’ve missed out on God’s best. And their success does not mean there is nothing left for us….
Not when we serve a God of abundance.~
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Before you leave…
Be sure to visit our Featured Fresh Find – Kelly R Baker, over at Staying Nourished and Thriving as she challenges us to be more intentional in applying wisdom and prudence in the things we say and reveal to others. She has a beautiful way of encouraging us to treasure and guard our words, our dreams and desires as precious pearls so when we do speak, we can be sure that God will bless in the process.
Won’t you please visit Kelly’s and leave her some Fresh Market Friday encouragement…because we all need a little encouragement!
If you’re new to Fresh Market Friday, you can find more about the community here.
[bctt tweet=”Sharing our passionate pursuits on #FreshMarketFriday! Join the #linkup! Today-Our Best Yes! ” username=”CrystalTwaddell”]
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Marriage Matters Series Continues…
You’re invited here every Tuesday in September for the Marriage Matters Series! Come prepared to be encouraged and strengthened as my friends Lori Schumaker, Crystal Storms and Denise Hughes share some great wisdom and insight to help us get through the unhappy times, focus on the positives, breathe life in our marriage and find lasting joy in a long-term view!
And it get’s even better – Tuesday, September 20th, Denise J. Hughes will be giving away 2 copies of her new Word Writers study on Ephesians, just in time for the online study which begins October 24th, and Ruth Schwenk will be giving away a copy of her new book, For Better or for Kids to 1 lucky reader.
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