Image Credit: Alex Bruda, www.sxc.hu/profile/alexbruda

Since reading Today We Are Rich: Harnessing the Power of Total Confidence by Tim Sanders (affiliate link), I’ve been considering again what my purpose is. I have heard much of my Christian life that it is to “glorify God” and “to know Him.”  I genuinely believe those words, but, honestly, they seem cliche to me now and I’ve needed a more narrow focus. What does purpose look like in my life specifically? So, I’m searching for some answers.

This morning, I read Colossians 1:15-23 in the Message. Below is the full text for you to read, too. The words in bold are the ones that almost literally jumped off the page to me. It may seem like a lot to read, especially on a blog, but if you’re feeling a bit lost or broken, I think you’ll be encouraged. There is purpose and wholeness in the words.

Colossians 1:15-23, The Message (from Biblegateway.com)

 ^15-18We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.

^18-20He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he’s there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.

^21-23You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don’t walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message.

I want to be a messenger of this Message, too. Purpose and wholeness are found in Jesus.

They Will See God from Jeremy Cowart on Vimeo.

“They Will See God” available on iTunes here: http://tinyurl.com/benjijenna. Performed by Benji and Jenna Cowart. Photography by Jeremy Cowart. Song written by Bebo Norman, Stephan Sharp, Mathew Armstrong, and Benji Cowart

funk 1  (fngk)
n. funk

1. a. A state of cowardly fright; a panic.

b. A state of severe depression.

2. A cowardly, fearful person.

v. funked, funk·ing, funks

1. To shrink from in fright or dread.

2. To be afraid of.

v.intr. To shrink in fright.

[Probably from obsolete Flemish fonck, disturbance, agitation.]

Ever have a day when you’re in a funk – a day when you’re just “off,” out of sorts and just can’t seem to find your stride? I sure have. I’ve had funk days after accomplishing a goal, in the midst of struggle and following failure. Over the years I’ve anesthetized the funk monster by eating, drinking, spending money or zoning out on the internet. The problem is that these actions don’t help at all. They sure feel good in the instant, though.

I rebel against routine and generally almost everything that’s “good for me” but here’s what I’m learning to do now when the “funk” comes:

• Sleep. Get more rest. Often I feel discouraged simply because I’m tired. I burn the candle at both ends sometimes.
• Drink water. Hydrate. I just figured this one out. Duh! I have more energy if I drink at least 8 cups of water a day.
• Go for a walk. Exercise outside. Breathe in, breathe out. Fresh air.
• Journal. Write freely without judgement and proper grammar. Writing my “morning pages” helps me to empty my brain. It also seems to unlock my creativity.
• Fill my mind with good stuff. Read my Bible and other good books or blogs. Listen to encouraging music or podcast. Filter out the downer music and movies.
• Alone time. I truly need time away from others to think and just be. I genuinely need a lot of alone time. It’s when I refuel.
• Be with safe people. Hang out with a few that I know “have my back” and are easy with their expectations of me. Sometimes I need to talk and sometimes I just want their presence.
• Watch a good movie. Movies like the Lord of the Rings Trilogy or Harry Potter series cause me to step out of life for a bit – especially when I’m thinking too much.
• Read a good story. I naturally gravitate toward nonfiction books but a good story like “Hunger Games” or “Life of Pi” helps me to unwind.
• Say “thank you.”
• Remember that I am dearly loved and that this to shall pass. I am not forgotten. I do matter. I don’t know the whole story. God is good.

This list is just about healthy self-care, isn’t it? Common sense stuff. Please share your funk busters as a comment below.

And now, maybe it’s time to give up the funk… 

(WARNING: Clicking the video play button may result in an endless mind loop of groovy tunes & urge to dance.)

What about you? What are your funk busters?

Then, I saw this…

Sarah is such a genuine, beautiful lady – so is Ellen. It’s so encouraging and inspiring when celebrities and corporations use their powers for good.

As far as habits go, this one is really an easy one to implement and it makes sense.

There is another Voice in my head. I wish it were louder. I wish it would shout. It doesn’t. This Voice is quiet and gentle and persistent. I never confuse it with my own. His name is Jesus. He speaks words like, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”, “nothing can separate you from my love”, “you are wonderfully made”,”you can because I will strengthen you”, “come to me, I will give you rest”, “as far as the East is from the West so I have forgiven you” and on and on His Word goes. His voice makes me feel afraid, too. But, the fear is different – it’s more like being vulnerable, softer, new, hopeful.

I despise the Barking Dogs but they are familiar and louder. They demand my attention. The Voice of Jesus is becoming more familiar over the years, too. But, I must choose to listen for His voice. I must resist the Growl. Fortunately Jesus’ Words are written down. Hearing His voice makes me thirsty for more. Someday I will be satisfied.

I heard this Tenth Avenue North song today and it encouraged me to listen to the Voice of Jesus. I hope it encourages you, too.

What do your voices say? Who do you listen to?

By Travis Silva on Flickr

 I read this quote over at The Write Practice:

“The world has already been created and will survive without the help of man. The world has our hands, but our soul belongs to Someone Else.”

-Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

Sigh.

Em & Mark...I love them.

On Tuesday mornings I get to walk my youngest to school. It’s a pretty special time. I look forward to it.

On cooler days, we hold hands underneath my sweatshirt sleeve or share my coat pocket. I like walking with her on cold days best.

Today I learned that she would like to go to Alaska. Stay for a week and learn how to dogsled. How cool is that? Awesome.

Moments like these bring a sweet connection. They’re so simple but go down so deep.

How about you? How do you connect?

Stress. Selfishness. Discontent. Less than. More than. Not enough. Materialism. Boredom. Me.

Perhaps a healthy dose of…

Gratitude.

I truly see you.

I am listening.

I am blessed.

I appreciate you.

God is good.

I have enough.

I will trust Him.

Thank You.