Been there, Am still there, A place of silence, struggle, and care. You don’t get to choose when you depart, The desert works first on your heart.
It shapes, it molds, it teaches slow, Through burning sands and winds that blow. You’ll leave when you’re ready, not before, Each step prepares you for what’s in store.
Keep moving, no matter how slight, Each step forward is a fight. Don’t lose hope, let it be your guide, Even when the path seems wide.
Follow the Sun; it shows the way, Its light a promise for a brighter day. For though the desert feels endless and vast, Its lessons carve truths that forever last.
And when you leave, you’ll come to know, The desert was where your roots did grow. A journey through hardship, courage, and grace, Transforming your spirit in that sacred place.
We read a lot about people having near-death experiences. While that’s fascinating and can be life changing you don’t have to have that to begin to get the most out of life.
How about you start thinking in terms of having near-life experiences today. Don’t just exist today. Don’t be content with just reacting to what happens to you today.
Live life fully. Live life intentionally. Live life on purpose. Live life for a purpose.
Have yourself some near-life experiences.
I’m cheering for you.
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. How can you shift your mindset from simply reacting to life’s events to actively living with intention and purpose every day?
2. What small steps can you take today to ensure you’re fully engaged in creating “near-life experiences” rather than merely going through the motions?
Living In The Fullness of Christ
John 10:10 (NIV) – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
As followers of Christ, we are invited to not just live an average, day to day, non descript life, but life in its fullness.
John 10:10 tells us that while the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus came so we could have life—abundant, overflowing, and full of purpose. This is more than just avoiding spiritual death; it’s about truly living.
We often think that we need a major event to shake us awake, but what if we embraced “near-life experiences” every day?
What if we intentionally lived, not just reacting to what happens, but seeking out the fullness of life that Christ offers?
God is calling you to live on purpose, to pursue a life that overflows with His love, peace, and joy.
Don’t just exist—experience the richness of life that Jesus died to give you. Step into His abundance today, and have your own “near-life experience” in Him!
Be Blessed!
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. In what areas of your life are you simply existing rather than fully embracing the abundant life Christ offers?
2. How can you begin to intentionally seek out “near-life experiences” by living more purposefully in your relationship with Christ today?
When I walked into the Walnut Community School in August of 1985 I started a journey that has been exciting, steady, frustrating and challenging yet as fulfilling as any job could be.
One of the best decisions I made was to teach and coach. I was blessed and count those blessings I had in 37 years in education.
I hope you are lucky enough to be lucky enough too. Lucky enough to feel a sense of fulfillment in the work that you do.
No matter what you do to make a living I would challenge you to see it as a blessing. Seeing it through a positive lens is a choice.
The work that you do has a purpose and is an opportunity to make a difference. If you believe that it is an opportunity then you will also believe that it is worth doing well and worth working hard at.
If you believe that then you will gain the satisfaction and the best prize that life has to offer. A chance to work hard at work worth doing.
At the end of your time doing this work part of your legacy will be how you did your work. Take advantage of your chance and your opportunity. Do it well.
I’m cheering for you.
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. How can adopting a positive perspective on your work change your level of fulfillment and sense of purpose?
2. In what ways can viewing your work as an opportunity to make a difference impact your motivation and work ethic?
What Is The Purpose Of It All
Imagine in a moment of prayer if you asked God what the purpose of it all was and he responded with a letter to you.
Could it be that the response could read something like this?
Note: I don’t pretend to know what our Loving Heavenly Father would say, but I can only imagine.
Dear [Your Name],
You asked, “What is the purpose of it all?” and I want you to know that I hear you. My beloved child, your purpose is intricately woven into My divine plan.
Take a look at the words I inspired Paul to write in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
I have placed you where you are for a reason. Every task you undertake, when done in My name, holds eternal value.
Your work, no matter how big or small, contributes to My kingdom. Embrace your vocation as a calling from Me, pursuing it with passion and perseverance.
Your steadfastness, even in the face of challenges, makes a difference. In moments of doubt, remember that your dedication is never overlooked.
Each step you take in faith draws you closer to fulfilling the purpose I have set before you. Stand firm, be encouraged, and know that My blessings are upon you as you work wholeheartedly for My glory.
With all My love,
Your Heavenly Father
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. How can embracing your daily tasks as part of God’s divine plan transform your perspective and motivation?
2. In what ways can you remain steadfast and passionate in your work, knowing that it holds eternal significance in God’s eyes?
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
Sin deceives with promises of freedom, but it only delivers bondage, heartache, sorrow, and ultimately death, separating us from the only true source of life—Jesus Christ.
Sin burdens the heart, as lies weigh you down, piling one on top of another until they consume and trap you. The world disguises these lies, making them seem appealing, but their heaviness remains.
Truth is not subjective, as the world suggests. There is only one truth, and it is this truth that will set you free.
God is love, and God is truth. When you embrace and experience His truth, your heart is liberated, your eyes are opened to a new reality, and the fleeting distractions of this world fade away in the light of His glory and grace.
Embrace the truth of Jesus, and let your heart find true freedom.
If you have already found The Truth lean into it, and share it. There has never been a more critical time in our lifetime that people need to hear and experience it.
Not everyone that you interact with today will be happy but let’s not focus on them right now. Let’s focus on you and helping to make your day a good one and give you a chance at having a happy day.
Here are six ways to a happier day.
1. Meditate – take some time in the quiet to think. Don’t turn on the outside noise right away. Control the quiet time to reflect, remember your why and set your priorities.
2. Be Thankful – the quiet can help with this. You can always find something to be thankful for. Always.
3. Be Kind – that’s a choice but a choice worth being intentional about because it (the kindness) will come back to you.
4. Take Time For Yourself – it’s not selfish, it’s needed. You can’t be at your best for others if you don’t take time to take care of you.
5. Stress Less – sometimes the way to less stress isn’t necessarily more joy but being neutral and controlling what you can control. Your effort and your attitude.
6. Talk Yourself Up – the most important conversation you have each day is with yourself. You are wired, by human nature, for negativity. Speak affirmation and value into yourself.
Be international in how you start and approach your day. Leaving it to chance is too risky so control these six things today and every day.
Made For This Moment 