Tag-Archive for » personal development «

08
Mar
Step Into Your Story

read with the windHow does one step into the story that God has planned for his life? How do we encounter the Holy in the daily in such a way that our life makes sense and contains purpose mixed with destiny? Here are 5 ways to step into your God story.

Consider your story

Begin each morning by consulting with the Author. He alone knows the direction your story line should take and how that might play out in the living of your day.  

Follow your story

Your story may or may not be reflected in your day planner. Such lists are good for the basic outline of your days, but the real story happens between the lines. The scribbles of your story are just as important as the lists.

Tackle those projects on your schedule in rhythm with the Spirit Holy. Watch for the interruptions in your day and give the unexpected your attention.

Listen to your story

Listen to the writer of your story. He knows your tale from Table of Contents through Endnotes. In his book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, Donald Miller explains, “There is a writer outside ourselves, plotting a better story for us, interacting with us, even, and whispering a better story into our consciousness.”

Learn through your story

The point of our lives isn’t our accomplishments or even our journey. It is the change that happens in us because of our journey—the change that occurs as we overcome the challenges of life. Therefore, every life situation is an opportunity to learn and grow into the likeness of Christ.

Enjoy your story

Take a few minutes just before you fall asleep to reflect on your day. God wants to enjoy the wonder with you of living the life he has laid out for you. Musing with the Lord creates a story bond between the Author and the main character—you. 

Our questions for today: What do you want people to say about you when you are gone? What do you want them to remember? What stories do you want folks to tell while holding the memory of you close to their hearts?

Leave your thoughts in the comment section below for us to mull over.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

See What Story Are You Living for more on this topic.
Be Sociable, Share!
2 Comments
Category: At work, Daily chores, Personal growth, Spirit Rituals  Tags: , , , ,
05
Mar
What Story Are You Living?

1176000_black_notebook_with_pencilThere are many scripts defining your life: The story you tell about yourself in your head. The story others tell about you or think about you. The story the enemy of your soul wants to create for you. But the story that matters is the one the Author of Life is writing for you. Which story are you living?

The easiest script to follow is the one running just below the surface of your thoughts. You know the one—“I’m not worthy.” “I’ve made a mistake AGAIN.” “I’m never going to be the person I really want to be.” Or perhaps it sounds like, “I deserve better than this.” “It’s not fair.” “It’s not my fault.” “If he would just change, my life would be better.”

Some choose to live the story others create for them. If you’re not careful, the expectations of your parents, spouse, kids, boss, or friends easily transcribes into your storyline.

A saga is often written by believing the opinions and judgments people place upon you. “You are difficult to live with.” “You can’t keep a job.” “You’re not a good parent.” People only see a facet of the complex person we really are, yet we tend to let their opinions define us.

The Destroyer of Souls creates his narrative for you based on the negative things you believe about yourself, whether gleaned from the story in your head or the things others think about you. The titles of Satan’s tales might read: The Good Wife, The Fugitive, Death Becomes Her, The Mother-In-Law, or Little House of Horrors.

You play a variety of roles in any of these stories—victim, hero, lost soul, damaged goods, villain, child, parent, or savior. Yet, none of these characters is really the starring role in the script God is writing for you.

God was writing your story before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). He is the author and finisher of your journey (Hebrews 12:2). God introduced your story when he intricately formed you in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139). The place and time of your birth were purposely planned by him (Acts 17:26). The life script bearing your name contains such descriptions as pure, holy, and blameless (Ephesians 1). The exciting part waits to be given voice by you, but you have to step into the story.

Which story are you living? Share your journey with us in the comment section below.

Join me for coffee on Monday and we’ll talk about how to daily Step into Your Story.

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

Be Sociable, Share!
10 Comments
Category: Brain overhaul, Personal growth  Tags: , , , , , , , ,
03
Mar
Really, How Old Are You?
Adelaide Ayers

Adelaide Ayers

Shortly after her birthday, my little granddaughter, Adelaide, asked, “Grandma, are you old?”

Smiling, I replied, “Yes, I am old. I am over 50 years old. How old are you?”

Her answer was swift, sweet, and bouncy like a three year old, “I’m not old. I’m new.”

Life in the Backward Kingdom views its citizens as always new—never young or old—just new. What a freeing thought for those of us encumbered with aging bodies, misplaced memories, or festering wounds that create age lines sooner than expected.

I find it interesting that God calls us “new creatures” in Christ. That conveys two things to me:

First, I’m not old; I’m new. The parts of me that still appear old are in transition as I change from glory to glory in ways I do not comprehend. I am totally new and totally in transition from old to new.

Go figure—if I can’t understand Quantum Physics, I’m never going to grasp this one. That’s the good part. My comprehension is not required for me to be totally new and totally in transition from oldness to newness all at the same time.

Second, I am a new type of being altogether different than I was before this transformation began. I am human, but not in the old sense of being human. I am some type of creature that takes its form and identity from the One who is called the Word and spoke me into being the first time I was created.

This second creation will be complete when I receive a new body to go with the new me inside this old body. Again, most stuff in the Backward Kingdom makes no sense this side of the new heaven and new earth.

My joints groan, my mind forgets, and text messaging confuses me. Yet, I am not really old inside—I’m totally new and growing newer and newer. Like God’s mercy, I’m new every morning. It feels good to recall this principle of the Backward Kingdom and to remember that it was my wise granddaughter who brought it to my attention.

So, here’s today’s question: How old are you? Please share your answer and thoughts in the comment section below.

Connecting Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:14-16; Revelation 21:4-6

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

Related Posts with Thumbnails
Be Sociable, Share!
3 Comments
Category: Brain overhaul, Personal growth, The Backward Kingdom  Tags: , , , , , , , , ,