After I posted about purpose yesterday, a friend set up a meeting for me to meet someone who knows a lot about the writing world. It was a great opportunity, but when I arrived, I was a little intimidated. Not because they made me feel that way, but because I felt so inadequate.

As we visited, the questions began to come quite frequently about why I reach out to others the way I do. Why do you do this? What were you like before? Why would you want to do this? All I was hearing was . . . Why? Why? Why?

I explained as best as I could. As I answered each question, I could feel my emotions stirring even stronger. This was my opportunity to share my heart and passion, as my why’s became my truths.

The more they asked me to explain, the bolder my convictions came until my passion was oozing out of me. I could feel it — that lump in my throat and the moisture in my eyes. The more passion I spoke with, the more questions they had.

And I found it again, that passion that made me cry my eyes out or bang my fists. I thought it had died a little over the course of the past few months, but there it was again starring me down.

The why of my life. The why’s of what I do what I do! 

How about you? Have you ever had the opportunity to explain what you do? Explain the cause within you? Give reason to your why’s?

If you did, did it stir your soul to act? to cry? to pound your fists? to get up and do something?

I’m not sure if my new friend was curious about what I was wanting to write about or if he was just trying to stir a bolder passion within my soul. Either way, I walked away renewed.

Start answering your why’s and your passion will come to life. Your flame will be relit.

If you would like to further study and dig in to knowing your why, visit here for more information on SAVOUR - Tasting God’s Flavor in Your Personality, Passions, and Purpose.

I’m linked up over at The Gypsy Mama’s today as many share about opportunities.

Tweet

Are you continually asking, “what’s my purpose?”

Being diligent in finding that answer is most important to your story and it is certainly the reason your Creator uniquely made you.

Since forever I’ve loved looking at boats parked so neatly in the harbor. They are parked so neatly. Put away so tightly in case of storms. But what my heart envisions when I look at them is their sails up as they are sailing out to sea.

Boats aren’t created to set in the harbor, just as you weren’t meant to sit idle with the gifts and talents you were created with. There comes a day when it’s time to raise your sail, take a risk, and set out to sea.

If you aren’t quiet sure where to begin, here are five ways that will help you see your unique purpose:

1. Seek God

You will never experience the true peace you are longing for unless you are smack-dab in the middle of God’s will. Seek Him daily and ask your questions before your Creator. He will answer in His own way and time. Being a self-help junkie does not fulfill. Trust me, I know!

2. Know Your Personality

God uniquely created you before you ever took in a breath of air. He created your tempermant and the way you would respond to the world around you. If you’ve never taken a personality assessment, check out Personality Plus. You will be amazed at just how unique you are.

3. Learn Your Gifts

Different than your personality, which was given to you before birth, is your spiritual gifts. Your spiritual gifts come only once you’ve accepted Jesus. Are you having a hard time realizing what they are? There are assessments that can help you assess and discern the way God has gifted you to reach others. If you need help finding a reliable test, email me.

4. Know Your Strengths

We live in a society that focuses on weaknesses more than we do strengths. But what if we focused on our strengths? Years ago I took the strengths finder assessment and I was amazed at what it revealed. What I thought were weaknesses within me were actually strengths I was viewing wrong.

5. Serve Others

Our purpose for being here on this earth is not to serve ourselves, accumulate riches, and live in big houses — we are here to serve others. Stepping out to help others in any way will help guide you to your real purpose. God can not move an inert person, so get to moving and watch God guide you to where He needs you.

As you begin to put these five things together, you will begin to notice common threads in your personality, gifts, and strengths. Ultimately where all those come together will be your sweet spot and purpose.

Can you see how all these would fit together to guide you to your purpose so you would feel fulfilled?

Tweet

Do you ever feel blindsided by the curves that life throws you? I can surely say, I do! I do!

When I saw this road sign I thought it was the craziest thing. The sign was located right on the curve and it was apparent that you couldn’t see anything ahead. So in my sassy south Texas accent, I wanted to say DUH! As a matter of fact I think I did.

But those three words caught my soul. Curve Blocks View. Plain and simple, yet pretty profound on the journey called life.

How many times are you thrown a curve and all the sudden your view of the journey ahead seems blocked?

It’s as if all you can see is the curve. You focus on the curve. You slow down for the curve. The curve seems to block all your ability to move ahead.

If you’ve been caught off guard with a curve of life, it’s time to realize you need to accelerate! You can move ahead. You can see beyond.

Know there’s a beautiful view waiting for you and it’s just around the corner. Focus on your end destination. Ramp up your speed.

I’m putting the pedal to the metal and I’ll see you on the other side of the curve.

Tweet

While their posts have captured my thoughts, this question of having a good story has been rolling around in my mind for years. Years!

Somewhere along my journey of growing up, I decided my story wasn’t good enough. I spent many hours trying to duplicate what others were doing. I wanted to act, walk, dress, and talk like them. I wanted to be them!

The notion that my own story was not good or cool followed me into adulthood and marriage. After years of infertility, God blessed my hubby and I with three children. I was living my dream of being a stay-at-home mom. But it didn’t feel good enough because it was not what my friends were doing. I found myself longing for their stories. Their lives of being lawyers, doctors, teachers, and nurses. My heart ached because I wasn’t content with my own story. It was my dream, why wasn’t it a good enough story?

Years later when God called me to write and speak, I was mortified. I sensed there wasn’t much to share because my testimony seemed so boring. Who wanted to hear anything I had to share? I didn’t have one of those cool testimonies. Rescued from drugs. Removed from an abusive relationship. Found freedom in jail. My God story wasn’t even good enough!

Shortly thereafter, my husband and I found ourselves in the middle of an excruciatingly dark story. We had been scammed by a con artist. We were questioned by the FBI, IRS, and many more. We lost everything. We lost our way. Our marriage almost didn’t survive. We were tied up in court with attorney’s for 9 years trying to clear our name. There it was, my story. A story of how we overcame with God’s help. But I didn’t want to tell anyone. It had shame written all over it.

It was then that a friend entered the story of my life and said, “If you let your secrets go and tell your story, they will have no power over you.”

It was that day I decided to let the truth ring out. As time moved on I had no idea that this story that God had knit together for me would become all I would need to relate to those he put in my path.

My journey soon led me to serve at a inner city church. A place where I didn’t see how I would fit in when I first arrived. But as I’ve been afforded the privilege of speaking, teaching, and ministering there I realize it is the story of my life that gives me a heart to connect with the broken and abused. It is the truth of my story that I never felt good enough that gives me a glimpse into the hearts of how they feel.

While I continually long for purpose my story never seems good enough; however, it is certainly the story God intended me to live out to reach others.

What does it look like to you to live a good story? 

Oh please do tell, because your story needs to be told for the sake of others.

If you would like a FREE copy of my NEWEST eBook Giving Up Normal, please click this link to sign up.

Tweet

Awaking with anticipation and a little apprehension because my dress was not ready from the alterations and the portrait we were using had not arrived, I had such a thankfulness in my spirit. Gifts galore! 

Moments I wanted to savor forever and remember God’s precious hand and tenderness that He had shown me. So, today I count those gifts and share with you how God loves mom’s through the big moments of life.

171. waking up early craving a sweet word from God

172. realizing God knew this day long before I did as He gave me the story of Ruth and Naomi in my daily Bible reading

173. a quiet morning experiencing the tenderness of God

174. a house full of girls getting reading for the wedding

175. spending time with the Bride relaxing and pondering over the day

176. watching my youngest daughter write out her Maid-of-Honor speech

177. tears

178. watching my oldest daughter use her gifts as she did hair and make-up all day

179. arriving at Gaslight Square and Courtyard full of anticipation

180. finally getting to see my son on his wedding day

181. taking pictures of the girls getting ready

182. watching the guests arrive

183. witnessing the pastor pray with my son

184. lining up to begin such a precious moment

185. watching faces

186. reading hearts

187. remembering the God stories of those involved

188. hearing the music begin

189. walking side-by-side with my man

190. seeing my son standing at the alter waiting

191. wanting to not sit down, but yet to go hug my boy

192. taking in the beauty and cool breeze of the evening

193. saying prayers of thanks for the parents of the bride

194. keeping my eyes fixed on my son wanting to see that look

195. witnessing that look the moment my son sees his bride

196. the glow of the bride

197. seeing the look between the two that says “my dream is coming true”

198. tears

199. friends and family there sharing the moment

200. the I Do’s

201. the rings

202. glad the best-man brought out the whole ring package

203. thankful she finally got my sons ring on (cute moment)

204. the first kiss

205. hearing Mr. and Mrs. Blake Snodgrass206. hugs207. pictures

208. an incredible photographer

209. delicious food

201. the best-man’s speech recounting how Blake was instrumental in changing his life

202. thankful I had a copy of my daughter’s speech and got to read it ahead of time

203. the first dance

204. my mother/son dance

205. that 4 minute conversation

206. hearing the words “Mom, will you pray for me?”

207. tears

208. catching my breath amid the emotions

209. eyes to see and absorb each moment

210. prevalent peace

211. God’s presence

212. thankful for all God has done to bring this moment together

And my friends, I could go on and on. Someone asked at the end of the night, “Aren’t you glad this is over?” I kindly said, “No, I could relive these moments over 99 times and then some.”

And while I am so full of God’s peace and thankfulness, it is time I get refreshed and refocused. The words I wrote awhile back are lingering in my soul.

 

Linking up with Ann at A Holy Experience as I continue to count gifts.

If you would like a FREE copy of my NEWEST eBook Giving Up Normal, please click this link to sign up.

Sign up for your FREE copy of Giving Up Normal

 

Tweet

First, thank you friends and readers for missing me. I’ve loved your sweet words and I will be back to a daily routine with renewed focus soon. 

I wanted to take a moment and just let you in on a few of the emotions this mom is experiencing. This post is a little out of the ordinary, but I didn’t want to forget this moment. This is just a snapshot of my Saturday. My heart is so full of emotion and blessing.

The cake that couldn’t say it all, but tried with Congratulations! 

The card where I tried to say it all – but couldn’t. So proud of Blake’s perseverance in finishing in four years while working and leading a ministry.

The sisters and his wife-to-be so excited to cheer him on. Thankful for all the friends and family that came to show love on his big day.

Celebrating after graduation with cousins, aunts, uncles, nanny, and family!

Had to come back to the house and all the cousins pitched in and made cookies for the bachelorette party that evening. Fun times and memories.

We all went to the Mother’s Day service at church Saturday night so we could be together. Sunday we all serve in different churches and ministries. I cried from the moment I walked in as my son sang and led us in worship. The best Mother’s Day gift ever!

The flowers and bracelet from my son. Beautiful!

So while I’m off schedule, forgive me as I’m just trying to soak up my own emotions and savor each moment. The wedding is this Friday so there are more emotions to come.

What a beautiful week full of all sorts of emotions.

Are you full of emotions today? I’d love to hear about them.

Tweet

Let’s face it: we’re gonna fall. It’s a part of life we need to learn to embrace. Falling isn’t what causes failure; it’s refusing to get back up again that can be dangerous. It doesn’t matter how many times you fall, just never fail to get back up again.

I can recall a day that wasn’t going so well. I had been stumbling through darkness all morning. I realized this after I read John 8:12. My day began to replay in my mind just like scenes from a bad movie. I heard the alarm go off. I remember the phone ringing. I saw the mess I needed to clean. I felt
the aggravation of the overflowing commode and the absence of toothpaste.
I sensed the urgency of getting something to eat for the kids and
getting their daily lessons started. I heard the clanging of breakfast bowls right before I turned around and paused. Suddenly I heard Him say something to my spirit that I will never forget.

“Amy, as long as you follow Me, it is impossible that I did not walk before you and prepare the way.”

Wow! How profound is that? As I began to absorb this into my spirit and my intellect I realized how true it is. It would be impossible! If I am following Him then He has to be in front of me. My eyes must be on Him. If He is walking before me then He has to be preparing the way. He is lighting the path for me. He is showing me how to avoid the obstacles. He is guiding
me through the day.

How do I follow Him? I keep Him as my number one priority in everything.
I go to Him every day before I do anything else. I must always be aware of
His presence. I acknowledge Him everywhere I go and in everything that
I do.

“Falling” according to the world’s standard and definition is going to be very different from “falling” in God’s standards. Sometimes I think the world’s standards carry much more weight than that of God’s. The standard is there, but the lie that we need to please everyone melts away. There is only One we need to focus on.

If you’ve ever wanted to tear the 31st chapter of Proverbs out of your bible this book is for you.

She is a wife, mom, business owner, seamstress, she serves the needy, speaks life and wisdom, and seems to be quite the major overachiever, perfectionist type.

Except that…she’s not.

Come along and journey with Amy and take a look at the real woman of Proverbs 31. She isn’t as perfect as she seems. In fact, I think she is a lot like you and me.

If you want the Kindle version, get it here: Pursuit of Proverbs 31 for Kindle. You can also download the free Kindle app on your PC, iPad, iPhone, or many other devices.

For the downloadable, printable PDF version, get it here: Pursuit of Proverbs 31

Amy Bayliss

Amy is a small town Cajun girl living life in the big city. She and her husband Ryan have four children, all boys, ranging in age from toddler to teen! Amy is a full-time blogger and WP designer at My Southern Media. You can visit her at her personal blog, Cajun Joie de Vivre or you can follow her ramblings on Twitter and keep up with her mischief on Facebook.

Tweet

I confess, I haven’t in ages. My mind has been continually thinking of ways to stop and reach others lately and this weekend as I got up I just felt drained. There didn’t seem to be any energy brewing in me, even after cups and cups of coffee. I eventually hopped on to twitter and saw some friends tweeting about a book called Holding On Loosely.

I clicked over to check it out and landed on the website where you could read the first two chapters FREE. I couldn’t resist.

Oh. My. Heavens. It was just what the doctor and Great Physician had ordered for my day. A day for me to rest and be refreshed.

Reading the first two chapters I was so engrossed, I quickly downloaded the book to my Kindle for more. I admit I read and read and read and read and read that day until that book was complete! I needed that. And mostly, I needed that book!

Holding On Loosely, by Pablo Giacopelli, is about finding life in the beautiful tension, which is where I had been seeming to find myself.

How about you? Do any of these scenario’s seem familiar to you? 

*You feel you need to control situations to create the action and conquer the goals you are striving to achieve.

*You grow more frustrated by the day realizing you are not in control and you want to give up and quit.

*You continually wonder where God is in your plans, situations, and frustrations.

*You sense that others have too much control over your circumstances and emotions.

*Your mind is continually thinking about the future or past and you can not unwind to enjoy the moment you are in.

*You feel you’ve lost the heart and passion for doing what you do.

If any of those situations stir anywhere close to home, I beg you to read this book. Get it HERE.

Don’t believe me, download and read the first two chapters for FREE here. I guarantee you will be hooked and you will begin the process of holding on loosely!

After you read the first two chapters, let me know if you are hooked! Read and you will quickly see why you are frustrated and overwhelmed. You will also realize that what you so desire is a deeper meaningful relationship with God.  You will walk away longing to live your life “holding on loosely!”

When was the last time you took a day for yourself to rest and be refreshed?

Tweet

When life’s twists and turns throw you and I off course it is as if we long to hear something. Maybe a word from God, from a friend, or a loved one, but all seems silent. You turn your ear to hear, but all you can make out is static.

Remember the old record players (yep, I’m dating myself here) where you’d put on the vinyl 45 and slowly, but cautiously, put that big needle down on the album in hopes of hearing the music.

I remember day after day wanting to hear and come alive to the beat of my favorite song, but yet when the needle was worn out all there was to hear was static. No melody. No words. No song.

Recently, while I craved to hear a focused word, I received songs. Not songs with static, but songs with messages.

If you are here today and are longing for a word or song to fill you while your world stands still, I will lend you the songs speaking to my heart. May you hear a word and be blessed.

song – Background by Lacrae

song – I Refuse by Josh Wilson

song – Hold Me by Jamie Grace

What songs are speaking to you?

Tweet

Yesterday, I was honored to spend time on the phone with Marnie Swedberg, the founder of Bible Study Expo 2012 as we shared fun tips about teaching.

I met Marnie a few years ago when I had just published my first Bible study, Dirty Laundry Secrets. She has been a huge encourager of mine and helped promote I’m a Fixer-Upper when it released, as well. This year I’m proud of announce that I am one of the Facebook and Twitter hostesses for this years event on May 17th. DON’T MISS THIS!

What is Bible Study Expo?

It’s a day where Women’s Bible Study enthusiasts meet online to hear from the authors of 2012’s most popular Women’s Bible Study books. Mark your calendar now and plan to attend the live, free, online event, Thursday, May 17, 2012, from 1-5 PM Central Time, at www.BibleStudyExpo.com. 

The Bible Study Expo features Women’s Bible Study authors Sheila Walsh, Pam Farrel, Cindy Jacobs, Mary Kassian, Renee Swope, Babbie Mason and many more from publishers including Harvest House, Thomas Nelson, Multnomah, Baker, Bethany House, Moody and others.

“It’s a great way for Bible Study leaders to get to know the authors and to learn more about the newest Bible study books available to them this year,” explains Expo Hostess, Marnie Swedberg.

It’s 100% free to attend and anyone is welcome to pre-register now at www.BibleStudyExpo.com.

“It’s such a fun format, because there is no need to travel, to find childcare or to spend money,” says Swedberg. “It’s just a great time online getting to know the Bible Study book authors as well as other Bible Study leaders from all over the world.”

Bible Study Expo is a subsite of www.Marnie.com, providing encouragement, practical help and God-focus to women since 1996. In addition to her role as Expo Hostess, Marnie is the online mentor to thousands of leaders from over 30 countries, the manager of the family restaurant and retail store, the author of 12 books and the host of a weekly radio talk show.

Join in the fun! It’s sure to be a hoot connecting with these women.

If you would like a FREE copy of my NEWEST eBook Giving Up Normal, please click this link to sign up.

By the way, what’s your favorite Bible study?

Tweet