When God Interrupts Your Plans…

by Leave a Comment

interrupted plans

It was the day before vacation, wrapped up in the busyness of the day; I was deep into planning mode. Errands, packing, and cleaning, set the tone for the better part of my day. Somewhere in the midst of my to-do-list, I sensed a prompting in my spirit to check my email. This task was low on my priority list. Nonetheless, without giving it further thought, I quickly scanned through my email inbox. It wasn’t long before I noticed an urgent email. It was the Chaplin, from the prison where I minister, asking me if I could possibly check up on a prisoner later that evening. Although, this was NOT on my to-do-list, I unquestionably replied YES! Little did I know, God was interrupting my daily plan, for His higher purpose.

Later in the day, as promised, I headed out. As I went behind the wire, I sensed a heaviness surrounding me. I prayed and proceeded to my destination. Once crossing over into the prison environment, experience has taught me to always be prepared for the unexpected. This day was no different.

I met with a prisoner who was noticeably downcast in spirit. The day was bright, yet her world seemed dark. There were people nearby, yet she felt lonely. Laughter could be heard, yet she shed tears. She sat in a pit of despair, being buried under shame, guilt and condemnation. Desperately wanting to break free, but not knowing how. Paralyzed from seeing any hope for her future. Painful memories, along with the daily challenges of life behind the wire, had caused the perfect storm to strike in her heart. Continue Reading

Heartache Can Cause Spiritual Blindness

by 4 Comments

heartache

If you are human you have experience heartache in some measure. Loss, disappointment, and rejection, are just a  few things which can cause your heart to feel as though it has been shattered to pieces. Finding purpose in the midst of this pain seems unattainable.When heartbreak strikes, it can feel as though God is nowhere to be found. Feeling His presence or hearing His voice mirrors impossibility. God tells us in His word, He is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 51:17), yet It can appear as though you are alone wandering in a fog, with no clear path in sight. It is important to recognize… heartache can cause spiritual blindness; an inability to see God at work in your situation.

If the enemy can keep you blinded from seeing God in the moments of heartache, he can keep you from receiving God’s healing. (Psalm 147:3). God can and will make himself known to you in the midst of your darkest moments. He will comfort you with His presence and empower you with His love. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). God can enable you to overcome any heartache the world throws your way.

In God’s word, we find an account of two travelers on the Road to Emmaus. It had been three days since the crucifixion of Jesus. After witnessing the grueling events of the prior week leading to Jesus’ death, they were heartbroken and downcast (Luke 24:17b). At this moment, when their world seemed the darkest, Jesus arrived on the scene, yet they were kept from recognizing him (Luke 24:15-16).

Looking closely at this encounter, you can extrapolate three key principles necessary to protect yourself from being blinded by heartache:Continue Reading

Faith Made Strong In The Struggle

by 6 Comments

 

faith.struggle.purpose

The day is warm, and the sky is filled with sunshine as I perch myself on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I can hear the crashing waves on the shore beneath where I now sit. I marvel at the beauty which surrounds me. The beach is my ‘happy place’, my go to spot. Here, all other concerns seem to float away with the changing tides. Today, however, something is different. There is an anxiousness deep within my spirit which I can not escape.  So I sit and pray!

Prayer is a wonderful gift.The fact that we, at any given time, can communicate with God, the creator of the universe, is amazing. (Jeremiah 33:3). In this moment, I confidently petition God to help me uncover the cause of my uneasiness, I then wait and listen! It is so important when praying to listen more than you speak. After All, we are talking to God, the one who knows everything about us. He even knows our thoughts before we form the words on our lips. (Psalms 139:4) Surely, we should desire to hear what He has to say.

Initially, I am reminded to be grateful, and consider all the good things taking place in my life. As I begin to take note of all the wonderful things in my little world, I begin to sense a calming peace surround me. I am forever thankful for the manifest presence of God. In this moment, I begin to realize some of the very things which I am grateful for, are  also the cause of my anxiety. Continue Reading

The Importance Of ‘Why’

by 2 Comments

but why.jpg

Quite some time ago, I heard a story which changed my perspective of traditions in a profound way. A young lady who was recently married was joining the family at her moms house for Christmas dinner. Arriving early to help her mom with the cooking preparations, she was given the task of preparing the roast. The mom kindly reminded her to be sure to cut both sides of the roast before placing it in the roasting pan. The daughter politely smiled and said, “yes, I know”. Growing up she had watched her mom do this many times, it had been a family tradition for as long as she could remember.

After placing the roast in the oven, she asked her mom out of curiosity, what  the purpose  of cutting the ends off the roast was. Her mom replied, “I’m not sure, you will have to ask grandma when she gets here, I learned  it from her”.  A short while later, grandma arrived. When the granddaughter saw her, she anxiously asked the all important question, “grandma why do you and mom always cut the ends of the roast before you cook it”? Grandma quickly replied,  “ I don’t know why your mother cuts the ends off, but as for me, that was the only way I could fit the meat in my roasting pan”! 

Much like the above story, many religious traditions are accepted with the same degree of ignorance. Spiritual maturity requires you to be knowledgeable about what you believe, and why you do what you do (2 Timothy 2:15). Jesus told the Jews who believed in Him, “If you hold to my teaching,  you are really my disciples (John 8:31). Continue Reading

Perspective Brings Life Into Focus

by 2 Comments

perspective1.

It was a beautiful sunny day in Florida, I was strolling along the Bayfront with my daughter, cameras in hand.  We both love to take photographs of people and things we encounter on our adventures. On this particular day there was an art display of huge abstract pieces lining the waterfront.  Immediately, we began shooting photos of these beautiful art forms. After walking around for quite some time,  I distinctly remember stopping to view the pictures we each had taken. It was in that very moment I learned a valuable lesson about perspective.

One structure which caught my attention was a tall, square frame, tilted at an angle, and place on its base. Coincidentally, it caught my daughters attention as well.  We both had captured a picture of this piece, yet our perspectives were totally different. I recall marveling at her photo, and asked, “ how did you see that”?  After she showed me the angle in which she took the photo, things clearly came into focus. It  was there all along, only I had not recognized what was obvious to her.  It was an astonishing revelation. We were looking at the same abstract art piece, in the same place, at the same time, yet we both captured diverse images.  Perspective in action!

Life is much the same way…it’s all about perspective!  Some look at the day and see nothing but challenges while others see opportunities. Some see sadness where others see hope. Perspective frames the images of life we carry in our hearts. These images directly impact our ability to uncover purpose in our everyday life. Continue Reading

Why Eye Color Matters

by Leave a Comment

eye colorUncovering purpose in everyday life takes intentionality, it is not something that is stumbled upon accidentally. In today’s society it ‘appears’ people are connected more than ever before. Just about everyone, has a cell phone, computer, ipad or some other gadget to keep them linked to someone or something 24/7! Even my three year old niece’s can navigate my cell phone without my help! We may be connected, but I question just how ‘engaged’ we are with one another and the environment around us. Think about the person who served your coffee this morning at the local cafe, or rang up your groceries at the store, or perhaps the teacher in your child’s classroom or your co-workers… did you notice the color of their eyes?

Why does eye color matter? It matters, if you desire to uncover purpose in your everyday life!  So often, it is easy to go through everyday activities on autopilot without giving any thought to the people you encounter, or to the wonders of the world around you. This is evident when you drive a familiar route and you arrive at your destination without noticing anything along the way. Consequently, opportunities to engage with the surroundings (people and things) around you, are missed as you press forward haphazardly. Therefore, missing out on engaging in the very moment that matters…RIGHT NOW! No one is guaranteed another breath, so why not embrace every moment of everyday with intentionality, taking notice of the things encompassing your life. Continue Reading

Time To Celebrate

by 4 Comments

celebrate.52No, I am not referring to the super bowl win of the New England Patriots this past Sunday! Although that was a really HUGE win. Personally, I was not celebrating. As a matter of point, I was rooting for the Atlanta Falcons. Sports are a lot like life, things don’t always go the way they are planned, nonetheless, true victory is found in the ability to keep moving forward in the face of defeat. At times this can be difficult to do, yet so vitally important to uncovering purpose in your everyday life. So I declare to you today…It’s time to Celebrate!

Celebrate every little win… not just the major ones! The Falcons may have lost the Super Bowl, but they gained many victories along their journey this football season. To focus only on the loss of this game, would devalue all the other victories along the way! Those smaller, yet significant triumphs, compounded week after week is what led them to the Big Game!  They have much to Celebrate!

If you, like many others, have fallen into the trap of single-minded focus, it is time to shift gears! Single-minded focus, is the habit of only celebrating major achievements, while giving little or no attention to the smaller ones. Such a perspective will always leave you shortsighted.Continue Reading

Potential Yields Purpose

by Leave a Comment

potential 3Continuing to do the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is preposterous! In my coaching practice I have noted a common discouragement among many individuals. It is often expressed as a feeling of being trapped in a routine that is not bringing them any closer to their desired destination. Finding themselves in a rut, not able to uncover purpose in their everyday life, and not seeing a way of escape.  If you would say “This is Me”!  Let me encourage you! It is paramount that you make changes NOW!  All the answers you need on how to do this are already within you! It is YOU who must aim your radar ‘within’ so you can tap into your God-given potential.  The potential within you is directly connected to your purpose! You are not lacking potential you are lacking Self Mastery!

 Self Mastery is the ability to make lasting, positive changes in your daily routine in order to position yourself for accomplishment.  Most people pay little attention to this concept,  yet it is fundamental to uncovering purpose in your everyday life. No matter what your goals are, personally, professionally, relationally or spiritually, without self mastery you will not succeed.  

Self Mastery will take discipline and sacrifice. Just how badly do you want to achieve those things which you deem a priority in your life?  Perhaps it is a healthy lifestyle, a more fulfilling marriage, better relationships with your children, family or friends, a promotion at work, or any other desire you may have. Your priorities deserve your attention! It is your responsibility to discover what it is that fuels the passion within you! Oh that passion is there…you just need to dig through the rubble, which has accumulated over time and you will find it. Don’t allow ‘life’ to get in the way of your passion. Don’t waste your time trying to be someone you are not! Be good at being YOU! You are valuable and you are irreplaceable. (For more insight on recognizing your potential see this previously posted article: lucyanncq.com/i-spy-something-special-in-you-can-you-see-it/ . Continue Reading

Freedom Demands Responsibility

by Leave a Comment

freedomFreedom has been the center of controversy for a very long time. Today, this fact still holds true. Across the United States, post presidential election, city streets have been inundated with people ‘marching for freedom’. Within American borders, we embrace ‘freedom of speech’, yet this privilege does not exempt one from responsibility. My heart is troubled by what I am witnessing. When did it become okay, in the hearts of people, to block traffic, disrupt the normal flow of both business and community, destroy property, scream obscenities about elected officials and law enforcement representatives, all in the name of ‘freedom’? When and how did the boundaries of ‘freedom’ get redefined to eliminate Responsibility? Freedom Demands Responsibility!

The purpose of this article is NOT to discuss the events of the past week, (the media has already bombarded us all to the point of disgust). Rather, this post is meant for much deeper reflection. I dare to provoke YOU to examine your own heart! I strongly believe it is a time for voices to be heard, but not before examining the heart. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). What is being witnessed today, across our privileged nation, is not an outcry for ‘voices to be heard’, but rather  a much deeper concern…It’s a ‘ revealing of the heart’! Continue Reading

Time Directs Your Story

by Leave a Comment

Time direction

Time is valuable!  Everyone is given the same amount of time…24 hours a day. Once that time is gone, you can never get it back. You can not carry over time to the next day. You use it or lose it! Time, being a valuable commodity, one would think it would be highly protected. Unfortunately, many people waste hours each day on things which serve no lasting value or accomplish no specific goal. Others, for a variety of reasons,  look for ways to merely ‘kill time’.  This perspective is very deceptive. It appears to be inconsequential, when in reality it is very significant.

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—

A time to give birth and a time to die;

        A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.

A time to kill and a time to heal;

        A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to weep and a time to laugh;

        A time to mourn and a time to dance.

A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;

        A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.

A time to search and a time to give up as lost;

        A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;

        A time to be silent and a time to speak.

A time to love and a time to hate;

        A time for war and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

If God has determined that everything has an appointed time, shouldn’t you take notice? Continue Reading

What’s Growing In Your Thoughts?

by Leave a Comment

thoughtsEveryone has thoughts, it’s the mental activity which takes place in the mind, day in and day out. These thoughts are actually power seeds. Seeds of greatest or seeds of destruction waiting to manifest in your life. Just as seed time and harvest prevails for the farmer, your ‘thought seeds’ will yield a harvest in your life. Your THOUGHTS will become your words, Words will determine your actions, ACTIONS will form your habits, HABITS will direct your DESTINY. Seed.Time.Harvest.    (Galatians 6:7-8) It’s an undeniable process.

The concept of  ‘thought seeds’  warrants your consideration. As you are on this journey to uncover purpose in your everyday life, it is imperative to pay attention to your thought life. I once heard someone say, “ being alone in my own head is like being in a dangerous neighborhood”. Can anyone relate? Personally, if I do not place a guard over my thought life, my thoughts can surely run rampant 24/7, and soon lead me down an alley of disappointment, guilt, hurt, pain, regret and failure. Not a place I want to live for sure!  What about you, do you struggle with negative thoughts?  Do not despair!  You can break this vicious cycle!

First, let’s take a moment to discuss why it seems so easy to be ambushed into negative thinking. Continue Reading

Sharpen Your Endurance

by 2 Comments

sharp-endurance

Welcome 2017… Here we are, alive and well standing at the starting line of 2017!  At the time of this writing there are yet 359 days of unwritten manuscript for your life this year! What are you going to do with your 359 days? Personally, I have dreams and goals which I want to see fill the pages of my year, and I am setting a plan in motion to help me achieve those desires. (Side note: A goal without a plan is just wishful thinking. If you have goals, be sure to have a plan in place so you know how you are going to get to where you want to be). I may not know what you are going to write on the 359 unmarked pages of your year, but I do know, in order for them to be filled with purpose you will need ENDURANCE!

In a world which has come to expect instant gratification, many have lost the art of building fortitude. Consequently, many have regrets at the end of the year simply because they have failed to develop their muscles!  I’m not speaking about your physical muscles, although there is merit in building those as well, I am referring to your spiritual muscles. You have spiritual muscles which must be developed to finish your race this year. YES…you are in a race! A race to endure to the end, until Jesus comes again, or He calls you home, you have work to do. You were created with a plan and purpose in mind (Jeremiah 29:11). Uncovering purpose in your everyday life is like running a marathon. To complete a marathon, you must run mile by mile. In your marathon race called life, you must run day by day. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1Corinthians 9:24). If I am going to be in a race, I want to win!  What about you? Continue Reading

Unlock The New Year: 5 Essential Steps

by 2 Comments

new-year

This is the last post for 2016, and I am filled with mixed emotions! As I reflect upon this past year, the one thing which stands out the most is the faithfulness of God! Whether I am recalling the valley experiences; those dark, scary circumstances which were difficult to endure, or the mountain top experiences, the moments filled with exuberance and celebration…I see God. Through it all, the highs and the lows, God’s faithfulness endured (Psalms 117:2). His hand of provision and protection never left me, in the darkest of pits as well as the light of celebration, He was there, and for that I am grateful. So the emotions continue to flow.

Now…at the end of this year, I desire to encourage and challenge you to take these five steps to Unlock the New Year:

  • Spend  time in reflection. To reflect upon the faithfulness of God in your own life. Consider the moments of deepest hurt and pain, can you find God there? In the moments of joy can you see God was there? Perhaps you have never taken the time to find God in those experiences, I challenge you to do so now. You may say, “God wasn’t there”… Look again! (Job 34:21)  His word says He will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6), therefore…He was there!
  • Make a gratitude list. Yes… you have more to be grateful for then you realize. Take inventory of your life over the past year, and count your blessings. Most people spend more time remembering what went wrong, don’t fall into that worthless pit, instead be thankful. Write down the little things as well as the huge things (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Move forward carrying your blessings and leave your ‘baggage’ behind. Blessings will sustain you, baggage will hinder you (Philippians 4:8).

Continue Reading

A Christmas Gift

by 6 Comments

christmas

My Christmas gift to you is not store bought, it was created in my heart. I did not purchase it with money, only with my time. I could not wrap it in pretty paper, only in love. I could not place it under your tree or leave it on your front door. It is being sent special delivery and can only be received by opening it with your heart.

For just a moment, still your mind and open your heart…My Christmas gift is being sent priority mail … to YOU!

Christmas day is near,

It’s message I pray you hear…

May your heart be filled with love

not fear.

May you be strengthened by God’s joy,

and witness despair being destroyed,

Life is designed to be enjoyed.

May God’s peace lead you each and every day.

Give no thought to what life has thrown your way,

as God is with you, and in his presence you can stay.

His truth will guide your path, do not dismay.

Continue Reading

Message In The Manger

by Leave a Comment

 

manger

The Christmas season is upon us. Like most families, we have some special Christmas traditions. One of my favorites is making homemade pizzas on Christmas eve. Everyone gets to make their own, and I must say, the competition is real!  Shortly after we get home from church and the pizzas are in the oven, we then gather by the Christmas tree to read the Christmas story from the bible (Luke 2:1-20) by far my most favored part of the evening. This story never gets old.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Continue Reading

Overcommitment Is A Thief

by Leave a Comment

overcommitmentTop on the list of things which rob people of their joy is…Overcommitment. This is especially important to consider during the holiday season. Personally, if I am not careful, I can slip into this trap very quickly. Perhaps you already have. Has the holiday season crept up on you before you were fully ready to embrace it? Has shopping, planning, parties, and cooking been added to your already active agenda? Do you find yourself exhausted trying to keep up with everything as you sense your ‘joy’ meter entering  the red zone? This trend needs to be reversed if you intend to uncover purpose in your everyday life.

The bible says the joy of the lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). There are several practical things you can do in order to climb out of the pit of overcommitment. As I share these principles I encourage you to implement them into your daily routine. I trust as you do so,  you will soon find yourself back on track, full of joy, and embracing each day to the fullest. Finding purpose in your everyday life does not happen by chance, you have to be intentional about uncovering it. If you are weak and tired this is going to be difficult to accomplish. Continue Reading

There Is Life In Community

by 2 Comments

community

Imagine a society in which camaraderie overshadows competition. Empowerment overrules control. In such a culture people would be encouraged and supported to become all they were created to be and accomplish all they were fashioned to achieve. A culture of unity rather than division. Inclusivity rather than exclusion. A world which gleans its power and strength through the harmony of its people.

Such a culture is attainable through COMMUNITY! A circle of family, friends, or associates who possess a common interest in one another’s well being. A place where people feel loved, appreciated and approved of.

You were designed to be in community.  From the foundations of the world God said, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). People are designed to come together to help, encourage, support, and empower one another. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).The benefits of being in relationship with others within community are indisputable.  Continue Reading

Where Does Your Help Come From?

by Leave a Comment

hillshelp

As we embark on this Thanksgiving Day I want to send a warmth of love your way!  Thank you for allowing me to come into your world and encourage you to find purpose in your everyday life. I am thankful for all of you who have genuinely expressed how abundantly you have been encouraged and inspired to uncover your purpose and create a legacy of positive influence in the world! I am truly blessed to be a part of your journey. It has been my joy to share the love and hope of Jesus with you, and to be a constant voice saying…You Are Irreplaceable!

On this special day, I want to share one of my favorite scripture passages with you. I have found this to be inspiring in times of rejoicing and in times of despair. Regardless of where you are on your life journey today, look up towards the heavens and trust God is with you, He is working on your behalf, and most of all He loves you!

PSALMS 121

I lift my eyes to the hills

Where does my help come from:

My help comes from the Lord the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip, he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you, the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm, he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Continue Reading

Abundant Thanks

by Leave a Comment

give-thanks

It’s that time of year again…Thanksgiving day is just one week away!  My hope for you is that you will not rush through this holiday in the typical fashion, making plans, doing the shopping, cooking and entertaining, without giving ample time to reflect on why we set aside a day for giving thanks. All too often the preparations for the holiday celebration itself takes precedence over the actual reason why we celebrate this day. For some, the history of Thanksgiving has all but been lost in the busyness of our traditional “holiday”.

In an attempt to bring awareness to the true meaning of ‘thanksgiving’ I have included a bit of history for your enjoyment. May this be a welcomed reminder of how God has always blessed our great country. May we all truly be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy each and every day!

Meaning of Thanksgiving – The Real Celebration (All about History.org)

For many of us, the meaning of Thanksgiving usually includes feasting, four-day weekends, football games, floats, family reunions, or a forerunner to Christmas festivities. The “first Thanksgiving,” however, was neither a feast nor a holiday, but a simple gathering. Following the Mayflower’s arrival at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, the Pilgrims suffered the loss of 46 of their original 102 colonists. With the help of 91 Indians, the remaining Pilgrims survived the bitter winter and yielded a bountiful harvest in 1621. In celebration, a traditional English harvest festival, lasting three days brought the Pilgrims and natives to unite in a “thanksgiving” observance.

Continue Reading

Driven By Virtue

by Leave a Comment

flag

Like many Americans, standing on the heels of the Presidential election, I am appalled to see what is transpiring before my very eyes! Never before, in our country’s history, have I personally witness such disregard for moral and ethical principles. What has happened to the pride we took as Americans to be a Nation which upheld the highest regard for Virtue?

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” As citizens of this great Nation, we agree to stand for and to stand together to uphold the virtues by which this Nation was founded.

Our founding fathers recognized that we, the people of America, have inalienable rights given to us by our creator. These rights are not governed by man, as man did not give them, therefore man can not regulate them. They are God given rights and we, as Americans, uphold them as such.

It is incomprehensible for any individual, group of people, or political party, to shun the very principles our country was founded on and to mock God by attempting to ‘play God’, disregarding our inalienable rights.

We are Americans! We are not White Americans, Black Americans, Latino Americans, Old or Young Americans, Educated or Uneducated Americans, Democratic or Republican Americans…we are all AMERICANS! Continue Reading