When facing a tough circumstance as Christians we find ourselves praying. Looking toward God for the answer that will lead us in the direction of His perfect will. The Bible tells us to ("Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" Proverbs 3:5). This in itself is already a tough task but those truly seeking after God and His righteousness find themselves striving for it.
My question however is simple.... Do people hear God when it comes to matters of the Heart? On the other hand, even better do they just make it up because they "like" someone so they say they heard from God?
Several people have told me to seek God with issues concerning my heart and I will just know. For me that doesn't cut it... Because too many times I thought, I knew. Was I not hearing from God? Did I foolish follow my emotions? When do we as people know the difference between what our heart wants and what God wants?
Often times we miss out on or mess up relationships because of this common mistake. Therefore, what's the answer...? How does it work when pertaining to matters of the Heart, especially dealing with loved ones...?
I'm not sure in the slightest way, but I do know that the Bible says in John Chapter 10 that the sheep know the voice of the GOOD Shepherd and a stranger they do not follow. So God will clearly sound different from our emotions, and if you know His voice you shouldn't get confused.
However, often times we do, or we pass off what our heart says, as the voice of the Lord. Let’s not be mistaking, God will lead us the right way; we have to simply listen and follow.
My heart struggles each and every day. I am praying that He will speak to it soon.
Thank you for reading again, please asks questions and leave comments. We will grow together in the Lord.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Fulfillment: Is it really obtainable? (Part 3)
Due to technical difficulties (not having a Laptop) I had to take some time away from our series. But God has blessed and a new Laptop is upon us. So we will try jumping back into things. If you are just joining for the first time WELCOME, and feel free to read Part 1 & 2 so you can catch up.
Continuing with our three major questions, as Part 2 covered the first one. We will now tackle the second one and below they are listed for a reminder:
1) What does it matter that I am fulfilled? (or Why)
2) How does one become fulfilled?
3) Is that a realistic goal, to be fulfilled?
So our question today is:
HOW DOES ONE BECOME FULFILLED?
This question as many of the things spoken about in these blogs is subject to look different as people vary. However there are a series of steps that each individual can take that will allow them to travel down the road and journey into the world of discovering how they can be fulfilled.
In part one I talked about the "Big Four" or the Pre-fulfillment check list which included
1)Understanding ones foundation/beliefs
2)Understanding one's strengths/potential
3)Understanding one's weaknesses/limitations
4)Understanding one's purpose/drive (not as big as perceived)
With the Big Four here listed you see that from the ground up this is the framework of essentially who you are:
So let’s get a little more in depth with these four step, because when we can work towards understanding these aspects of our lives we can start purposing a lifestyle that will make us happier and ultimately more fulfilled.
First up is the ability to understand ones personal beliefs and develop a solid foundation. Most people however have been taught the answers of what they believe without really knowing the "why" aspect of them. So truly understanding in depth why do you believe what you do is going to be instrumental in this beginning process. This may take researching concepts, or even changing a way you think/practice something. You cannot take a bias stance (which may be hard) when trying to reason and wrestle through beliefs. Remember a belief and a foundational mental/moral structure will determine how you think about every from Religion and Politics to raising children and dietary issues. Now I'm not saying you need to have every aspect of your life completely figured out but you do need to understand the foundation of your beliefs. This will help you when faced with tough issues whether they be morally demanding or just require some logic. Your foundation is key to growth in life.
Never be afraid of change as it is a necessary part of life.
Next we have understanding ones strengths and weaknesses. This will take some time but be well worth it. Once you can have a grasp on your mental state you can begin to develop the areas in your life that you find are your strongest. Looking at Strengths/Potential will be first and the best way to begin to figure those out is simply paying attention to things you may be good at and enjoy. Try to stay away from things your good at but may not like, that won't help you in being fulfilled because you have to love what you’re doing. I am confident there are things in which you are good at, or even aspect of your life in which you just are naturally gifted. With that in mind develop these gifts/skills as they will be stronger and stronger plus you'll enjoy doing it.
Now as far as your weaknesses and limitations go we need to be very careful about how we manage these. Your weakness can be something you just find a struggle to do, may not be gifted in or even find to constantly turn out a "disaster" Your limitations may be something that you truly dislike to do, no matter if good or not, if you can’t stand doing it you probably should be involved with something else.
I would say the goal shouldn't be to apply all your energy towards your weaknesses so that they become while denying your strengths and the things in which you have the most potential. This leads to you become any average person who's (once) weaknesses are now average and your strengths (which have been neglected) are on that level as well). Rather you may want to increase the effectiveness of your strengths (making them stronger) so that you perfect your strengths and maintain the level of your limitations (not letting them get any weaker).
The last of the big four is how one understands their purpose/driving force in Life. I will personally say that this to me will be extreme important as you need to realize the reason for what you do. Excluding God and the design He has from this process will be dangerous as we then search for our own personal motives, nonetheless for most people to even be willing to examine the purpose of their lives on this deep of a level is amazing. Now this isn't as scary as it may seem although it will cause you to truly examine what you do and why you do it. Purpose is like the mission statement of a company, as it continues to remind you why you are heading in the direction you are heading in. If you find you’re unhappy on your journey then you may want to revisit the purpose of what you do. Understanding what drives you will save you from the everyday (self coaching session) one must perform in order to get through the day. Once you know and understand why you do what you’re doing and have the motivation to do it, you will succeed.
Please remember this is a rough draft of Ideas that I pray can bless you as you read them. I have found tremendous success and happiness by just realigning the way I thought and how I focused my energy in my personal development.
Feel free to leave a comment or ask questions if they should arrive. May God's will be carried out in your lives and His blessing flow upon you.
Continuing with our three major questions, as Part 2 covered the first one. We will now tackle the second one and below they are listed for a reminder:
1) What does it matter that I am fulfilled? (or Why)
2) How does one become fulfilled?
3) Is that a realistic goal, to be fulfilled?
So our question today is:
HOW DOES ONE BECOME FULFILLED?
This question as many of the things spoken about in these blogs is subject to look different as people vary. However there are a series of steps that each individual can take that will allow them to travel down the road and journey into the world of discovering how they can be fulfilled.
In part one I talked about the "Big Four" or the Pre-fulfillment check list which included
1)Understanding ones foundation/beliefs
2)Understanding one's strengths/potential
3)Understanding one's weaknesses/limitations
4)Understanding one's purpose/drive (not as big as perceived)
With the Big Four here listed you see that from the ground up this is the framework of essentially who you are:
So let’s get a little more in depth with these four step, because when we can work towards understanding these aspects of our lives we can start purposing a lifestyle that will make us happier and ultimately more fulfilled.
First up is the ability to understand ones personal beliefs and develop a solid foundation. Most people however have been taught the answers of what they believe without really knowing the "why" aspect of them. So truly understanding in depth why do you believe what you do is going to be instrumental in this beginning process. This may take researching concepts, or even changing a way you think/practice something. You cannot take a bias stance (which may be hard) when trying to reason and wrestle through beliefs. Remember a belief and a foundational mental/moral structure will determine how you think about every from Religion and Politics to raising children and dietary issues. Now I'm not saying you need to have every aspect of your life completely figured out but you do need to understand the foundation of your beliefs. This will help you when faced with tough issues whether they be morally demanding or just require some logic. Your foundation is key to growth in life.
Never be afraid of change as it is a necessary part of life.
Next we have understanding ones strengths and weaknesses. This will take some time but be well worth it. Once you can have a grasp on your mental state you can begin to develop the areas in your life that you find are your strongest. Looking at Strengths/Potential will be first and the best way to begin to figure those out is simply paying attention to things you may be good at and enjoy. Try to stay away from things your good at but may not like, that won't help you in being fulfilled because you have to love what you’re doing. I am confident there are things in which you are good at, or even aspect of your life in which you just are naturally gifted. With that in mind develop these gifts/skills as they will be stronger and stronger plus you'll enjoy doing it.
Now as far as your weaknesses and limitations go we need to be very careful about how we manage these. Your weakness can be something you just find a struggle to do, may not be gifted in or even find to constantly turn out a "disaster" Your limitations may be something that you truly dislike to do, no matter if good or not, if you can’t stand doing it you probably should be involved with something else.
I would say the goal shouldn't be to apply all your energy towards your weaknesses so that they become while denying your strengths and the things in which you have the most potential. This leads to you become any average person who's (once) weaknesses are now average and your strengths (which have been neglected) are on that level as well). Rather you may want to increase the effectiveness of your strengths (making them stronger) so that you perfect your strengths and maintain the level of your limitations (not letting them get any weaker).
The last of the big four is how one understands their purpose/driving force in Life. I will personally say that this to me will be extreme important as you need to realize the reason for what you do. Excluding God and the design He has from this process will be dangerous as we then search for our own personal motives, nonetheless for most people to even be willing to examine the purpose of their lives on this deep of a level is amazing. Now this isn't as scary as it may seem although it will cause you to truly examine what you do and why you do it. Purpose is like the mission statement of a company, as it continues to remind you why you are heading in the direction you are heading in. If you find you’re unhappy on your journey then you may want to revisit the purpose of what you do. Understanding what drives you will save you from the everyday (self coaching session) one must perform in order to get through the day. Once you know and understand why you do what you’re doing and have the motivation to do it, you will succeed.
Please remember this is a rough draft of Ideas that I pray can bless you as you read them. I have found tremendous success and happiness by just realigning the way I thought and how I focused my energy in my personal development.
Feel free to leave a comment or ask questions if they should arrive. May God's will be carried out in your lives and His blessing flow upon you.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Break from Normal Program
So sense I am writing a series about fulfilment "Fulfillment: Is it really obtainable?" and while that is still going I will also be looking at the Book of Genesis and trying to shed a little light on "The Original Design". All these are to be tools if for no one else at least for me. That I may have something to work through day in and day out to reach my full potential in life.
HOWEVER this is what I call a break from the normal program, a commercial if you will......
Disclaimer Listed Below
*This is a free write. All thoughts expressed are simply swirling around the mind and freely expressed here. There is spell or grammar check, there is no looking for clarity for the reader, but rather an attempt to allow the reader to enter into the world/mind of Thomas Anderson Jr. Reader Discretion is advised.
HOWEVER this is what I call a break from the normal program, a commercial if you will......
Disclaimer Listed Below
*This is a free write. All thoughts expressed are simply swirling around the mind and freely expressed here. There is spell or grammar check, there is no looking for clarity for the reader, but rather an attempt to allow the reader to enter into the world/mind of Thomas Anderson Jr. Reader Discretion is advised.
The changes that will take place in the new year of my life are so amazing. Yet there is little room to rejoice. What if a different choice was made? What if along this path I would have carried a little less or a little more. Is it wrong to wonder the what if? If I deemed that happiness can be magnified elsewhere am I wrong for wanting to pursue that avenue? Its still is along with the same endeavors it doesn't change the plan maybe just the players.... Is that kind of thing even allowed?
He knows he needs to get clean, so many options though. He can take a bath or a shower, he can even wash-up at the sink hitting just the important parts. But instead of making this more complicated that it needs to be he chooses the same and goes for the shower. As he steps in he realizes his feet hurt from the constant travel along the wrong. Rewarding it is, challenging no doubt but now his feet are bruised. So he makes the call as the water runs to switch to a bath instead.
Relaxing himself in a way unknown this makes the new challenges much worth it. As he lays in the tub feeling so calm, he hasn't notice the high level that the water had reached. Doesn't bother him as life has been worse and he closes his eyes to sleep. Its been days since real rest and this sleep is so divine that it seems to be just what he needed. Yet the sleep is strong and deep in form so his body begins to decline. Now head under water you think he'd be alarmed but no just sleeping away. His body doesn't respond the choice has been made that this path would be his bed.
Let not the deeds you do and the life you live be your down fall. We all have the God given gift to choose, please choose wisely.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Things to come - Original Design
The Original Design is simply the beginning of a study on how life was pre-fall of man. When looking at the beginning of mankind we see several aspects of life that we may or may not have now. Well for one what is different about life then and now? Is there anything that we can do to get back to or fairly close to this original design in which God rested from saying it was good?
So we will be looking at The book of Genesis and discovering the SIX elements or commands of God to man and women. These are all pre-fall of man and hopefully in post to come you can see how different life would have been.
The purpose of this study is a continuous look at our lives today and how we can live to the fullest. Being able to look in the past can help shape our future and there is no better place to begin... than the beginning.
So we will be looking at The book of Genesis and discovering the SIX elements or commands of God to man and women. These are all pre-fall of man and hopefully in post to come you can see how different life would have been.
The purpose of this study is a continuous look at our lives today and how we can live to the fullest. Being able to look in the past can help shape our future and there is no better place to begin... than the beginning.
If there are any comments, questions or even topics that you would like to share or discuss please let me know.
Bless God in all that you do, and God bless all you do...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Fulfillment: Is it really obtainable? (Part 2)
Well hoping that you have read Part 1 to this blog on fulfillment I want to start by thanking you for returning to read part 2. I do not claim to be an expert in this matter. I only claim to live a fulfilled life by way of the ideas expressed in this series of post's. So thanks again and let us begin Fulfillment: Is it really obtainable? (Part 2)
I want to start looking at the those three questions on fulfillment in the next few post
1) What does it matter that I am fulfilled? (or Why)
2)How does one become fulfilled?
3)Is that a realistic goal, to be fulfilled?
More specifically the very first question will be addressed here.
What does it matter that I am fulfilled?
I am sure many people that have begun to think through the idea of fulfillment, or have wrestled with being unsatisfied with any aspect of your life and may have asked this question in some shape or form. So what and why does fulfillment/satisfaction really matter.
I would say that most people live a life where regret is a reoccurring feeling. When you really think about it, there are decisions that we wish we would have made, or wouldn't have made. There are opportunities we wish we didn't miss and roads we wish we didn't go down.
However what if there was a chance that you could have a optimistic view on life and it not be forced because you want to keep from being angry or depressed and it isn't necessarily dependent on circumstance. I am speaking of a genuine feeling that the things you are apart of (organizations, church ministries, groups even your job) give you that sense of satisfaction. To me its a undeniable feeling, no matter the pay grade, no matter the stress level, no matter the initial outcome, you love what you do in spite of it all.
There are a lot of people that don't live with this. They work because they have to, they chase other people dreams or live in a false reality where they chase a dream that isn't there own and therefore will bring no real joy. When we live in a society where a dream from people that have "made it" is constantly shown to us, or rather we hear stories or those who started with less than nothing and now own it all, we begin to adopt the "that can be me" or "I want that" mentality. Please be careful for this is not a true product of you but a product of the propaganda seen and the lifestyle lived.
We each are created with gift and talents that when used properly we find ourselves doing what not only we love but what we are good at. God has uniquely designed everyone differently so that we may all assist one another, however when we try to pursue an endeavor that is not from our own heart we find that we can misuse those gifts and are not satisfied by our efforts.
So for some people it wont matter if they are fullfiled by what they do. They will try and fill that void with materialist things. Searching continuously for something to put their hearts at rest. For others they understand that the heart can lead you towards a vast amount of riches that money cant provide.
Now I'm not saying that I believe money doesn't have its importance as anyone who knows me understand I enjoy having it. I am saying that I don't believe people who want to be rich just for the fun of it really have a clue.
To close I will be honest and say that without knowing Christ as our personal Lord and Savior I don't believe that you can achieve TRUE personal fullfilment as Christ came to give us life and more of it.
Thanks for taking time to read another post and may God continue to guide your life.
I want to start looking at the those three questions on fulfillment in the next few post
1) What does it matter that I am fulfilled? (or Why)
2)How does one become fulfilled?
3)Is that a realistic goal, to be fulfilled?
More specifically the very first question will be addressed here.
What does it matter that I am fulfilled?
I am sure many people that have begun to think through the idea of fulfillment, or have wrestled with being unsatisfied with any aspect of your life and may have asked this question in some shape or form. So what and why does fulfillment/satisfaction really matter.
I would say that most people live a life where regret is a reoccurring feeling. When you really think about it, there are decisions that we wish we would have made, or wouldn't have made. There are opportunities we wish we didn't miss and roads we wish we didn't go down.
However what if there was a chance that you could have a optimistic view on life and it not be forced because you want to keep from being angry or depressed and it isn't necessarily dependent on circumstance. I am speaking of a genuine feeling that the things you are apart of (organizations, church ministries, groups even your job) give you that sense of satisfaction. To me its a undeniable feeling, no matter the pay grade, no matter the stress level, no matter the initial outcome, you love what you do in spite of it all.
There are a lot of people that don't live with this. They work because they have to, they chase other people dreams or live in a false reality where they chase a dream that isn't there own and therefore will bring no real joy. When we live in a society where a dream from people that have "made it" is constantly shown to us, or rather we hear stories or those who started with less than nothing and now own it all, we begin to adopt the "that can be me" or "I want that" mentality. Please be careful for this is not a true product of you but a product of the propaganda seen and the lifestyle lived.
We each are created with gift and talents that when used properly we find ourselves doing what not only we love but what we are good at. God has uniquely designed everyone differently so that we may all assist one another, however when we try to pursue an endeavor that is not from our own heart we find that we can misuse those gifts and are not satisfied by our efforts.
So for some people it wont matter if they are fullfiled by what they do. They will try and fill that void with materialist things. Searching continuously for something to put their hearts at rest. For others they understand that the heart can lead you towards a vast amount of riches that money cant provide.
Now I'm not saying that I believe money doesn't have its importance as anyone who knows me understand I enjoy having it. I am saying that I don't believe people who want to be rich just for the fun of it really have a clue.
To close I will be honest and say that without knowing Christ as our personal Lord and Savior I don't believe that you can achieve TRUE personal fullfilment as Christ came to give us life and more of it.
Thanks for taking time to read another post and may God continue to guide your life.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Fulfillment: Is it really obtainable? (Part 1)
Many times we have heard the word "fulfilled" but how many of us know what that truly means. Dictionary.com says that the word means "To measure up to; satisfy". So if we take that meaning and go with it, there may be a series of questions that can follow.
1) What does it matter that I am fulfilled?
2)How does one become fulfilled?
3)Is that a realistic goal, to be fulfilled?
Well first off I would say that before these questions can be answered the most important step and even most beneficial one would be, achieving self awareness. Now you may not see how this plays a part in this process but travel with me on this journey for a few and we will get there. In fact I would probably say that there are SEVERAL steps involved to becoming fulfilled and without them well you just may be living a life in where you falsely believe your happy but deep inside there is no real depth.
So back to this Pre-fulfillment check list as I will call it. It is very important that you keep in mind all this information needs to be filtered through your own culture. This process although similar in many ways but will ultimately look different for each person.
So following in order will be our Pre-fulfillment check list:
In order to be Self-Aware which helps lead to fulfillment you should :
1)Understand ones foundation/beliefs
2)Understand one's strengths/potential
3)Understands one's weaknesses/limitations
4)Understanding one's purpose/drive (not as big as perceived)
With the Big Four here listed you see that from the ground up this is the framework of essentially who you are.
Most people however have been taught the answers of what they believe without really knowing the why aspect of them. So truly understanding in depth why do you believe what you do is going to be instrumental in this beginning process. This may take researching concepts, or even changing a way you think/practice something. Never be afraid of change as it is a necessary part of life.
The same goes for realizing ones strength's and weaknesses. This will take some time but be well worth it. I would say the goal wouldn't be to make your weakness stronger so that you become average but rather perfecting your strengths and maintaining the level of your limitations (not letting them get any weaker).
The last of the big four is understanding ones purpose/driving force in Life. I will personally say that this to me will be extreme important as you need to realize the reason for what you do. Excluding God and the design He has from this process will be dangerous as we then search for our own personal motives, nonetheless for most people to even be willing to examine the purpose of their lives on this deep of a level is amazing.
So there is a brief description of some things that can lead you down the path of Self-awarenesses which when there you can begin to look back at those three questions involving fulfillment.
1) What does it matter that I am fulfilled?
2)How does one become fulfilled?
3)Is that a realistic goal, to be fulfilled?
There will be a part two to this post, so don't think just because we haven't touched on the first three questions we never will. Patience is key in all that we do in our lives. We need to have a good grasp of how one should start the process keeping in mind where we are going. So we start here so that one day we end up answering Fulfillment: Is it really obtainable?
Now each idea expressed here can be a full length blog in itself, so if there are any questions or concerns please comment here or email me.
Thank You and may God continue to bless you.
1) What does it matter that I am fulfilled?
2)How does one become fulfilled?
3)Is that a realistic goal, to be fulfilled?
Well first off I would say that before these questions can be answered the most important step and even most beneficial one would be, achieving self awareness. Now you may not see how this plays a part in this process but travel with me on this journey for a few and we will get there. In fact I would probably say that there are SEVERAL steps involved to becoming fulfilled and without them well you just may be living a life in where you falsely believe your happy but deep inside there is no real depth.
So back to this Pre-fulfillment check list as I will call it. It is very important that you keep in mind all this information needs to be filtered through your own culture. This process although similar in many ways but will ultimately look different for each person.
So following in order will be our Pre-fulfillment check list:
In order to be Self-Aware which helps lead to fulfillment you should :
1)Understand ones foundation/beliefs
2)Understand one's strengths/potential
3)Understands one's weaknesses/limitations
4)Understanding one's purpose/drive (not as big as perceived)
With the Big Four here listed you see that from the ground up this is the framework of essentially who you are.
Most people however have been taught the answers of what they believe without really knowing the why aspect of them. So truly understanding in depth why do you believe what you do is going to be instrumental in this beginning process. This may take researching concepts, or even changing a way you think/practice something. Never be afraid of change as it is a necessary part of life.
The same goes for realizing ones strength's and weaknesses. This will take some time but be well worth it. I would say the goal wouldn't be to make your weakness stronger so that you become average but rather perfecting your strengths and maintaining the level of your limitations (not letting them get any weaker).
The last of the big four is understanding ones purpose/driving force in Life. I will personally say that this to me will be extreme important as you need to realize the reason for what you do. Excluding God and the design He has from this process will be dangerous as we then search for our own personal motives, nonetheless for most people to even be willing to examine the purpose of their lives on this deep of a level is amazing.
So there is a brief description of some things that can lead you down the path of Self-awarenesses which when there you can begin to look back at those three questions involving fulfillment.
1) What does it matter that I am fulfilled?
2)How does one become fulfilled?
3)Is that a realistic goal, to be fulfilled?
There will be a part two to this post, so don't think just because we haven't touched on the first three questions we never will. Patience is key in all that we do in our lives. We need to have a good grasp of how one should start the process keeping in mind where we are going. So we start here so that one day we end up answering Fulfillment: Is it really obtainable?
Now each idea expressed here can be a full length blog in itself, so if there are any questions or concerns please comment here or email me.
Thank You and may God continue to bless you.
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