ProMentum Coaching

Amazing Grace - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Demetria Murdock) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:14:00 +0000

His Grace is enough. That is all you need. His Grace is sufficient! When I hear those words, there is such a burden lifted. Knowing that His Grace is sufficient for me, I can cast all my cares upon Him for I know that He cares for me.

Today, I will continue talking about His Amazing Grace. My hubby A.T. Murdock, Jr. is doing and awesome sermon serious on God's Grace at Christ Deliverance Church. Last week I got the opportunity to share my message about God's Grace at our weekly Bible Study.

You see 4 years prior to night of our son Tre's transition into eternal life (read previous post), we eagerly awaited the arrival of Tre', our first baby. The first grandson of our family. We had many hopes and dreams for this soon to be all-star soccer player. But our dreams were shattered the day he was born and we discovered he was diagnosed with a rare chromosome disorder called Trisomy 18 or Edward's Syndrome. Our son Tre' was born with severe birth defects. Here we were, a newly married couple facing the unknown & uncertain future for our son.

But God... 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 from The Message says...

My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness.

When Tre' was born, God was repositioning our lives. He was placing us in a position where we could experience His Grace. Could He be doing the same in your life right now at this very moment? What may seem like Your plans gone awry, may be God repositioning you for a far greater purpose!

God may have repositioned you on life's path based on your life circumstances.

He is wanting to see your faithfulness and show you how He keeps His promises to those that are true to him.

For us, we looked past Tre’s sickness and our inconveniences and saw the work God was and is still doing. Observe the work God is doing in your life today.

So now, you may be asking, how can I know His Grace is sufficient for me? Begin to look beyond what is going on around you and seek out the Grace Giver.

Knowing that God's Amazing Grace is sufficient enough for you...

Develop Mountain Moving Faith

Remain Laser Focused on God

Possess Confident Hope

Faith, Focus, Hope

Stay tuned... I'll break down each of these in the next coming days.

Amazing Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Demetria Murdock) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:41:00 +0000

What is Grace and what is so amazing about it? Many of us remember first learning about Grace in pre-school when you were taught the mealtime prayer of thanks... "God is great. God is Good. Let us thank Him for our food. By His hands we all are fed. Give us Lord, our daily bread. Amen." Over the next few Sundays, my Hubby Pastor @atmurdockjr will be teaching on Grace, so I have decided to share with you what God's Amazing grace can do for you.

As women we tend to wear a lot of hats these days, from wife, sister, daughter, auntie, mom, employee, entrepreneur, ministry leader, caretaker. The list could go on and on. Thinking about all those roles or hats we wear as women can make you feel like you been running a 10K race. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the demands of your role as wife, mom, employee, manager, even as sister or friend to someone? Like life was pressing up against you from every side(role) in life and you were wondering where was God?

There my husband and I were in that barely lit, sterile hospital room just as we had been a few years earlier at the birth of our son, Tre'. We gathered by his bedside as he began to transition into eternal life. As he took his last breath, I thought of how much he had endured in his short life here on earth. He had fought a good fight and we were proud of him. But now it was time for him to take a bigger step and be with the Lord.

There we were Standing In His Grace at the most difficult moment of our lives. We had been here before but this time it was different. This time I could feel God's arms wrapped securely around me. Strength & Courage were my clothing. This time I wasn't afraid for it was well with my soul. But what sustains me now? How did I come to know that God's grace was enough for me in that difficult moment? The free, unmerited favor of God

Romans 5:2 says, "We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise."

How can you come to know that even through the loss of a job or career, loss of marriage through divorce, loss of of a child who has gone astray, or the loss of a friendship that God's grace is sufficient enough for you in your moment of despair? Even through the monstrous mounds of laundry, dishes & paperwork that may be staring at you like a fire-breathing dragon, God's grace is sufficient enough for you even in the day to day.

God wants us to look past our circumstances (fear & doubt) seek and find Him. We must develop mountain moving faith, stay laser focus and have confident Hope. Stay tuned! There's more to come tomorrow!

Courage Is...

noreply@blogger.com (Demetria Murdock) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:18:00 +0000

What does it mean to live a courageous life? It is hard to believe that it is almost been a year since I decided to take a leap and leave my safety net to begin living out my life purpose. What an adventure it has been! It took a lot of courage and prayer to make that move a year ago. But it has taken even more courage and audacious faith to stick to God's plan for my life.

With the recent passing of Apple's Steve Jobs, many people are reflecting on the courageous life that he lead. One of his quotes I have seen over the last few days that is so powerful says,

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” ~ Steve Jobs

For me, Demetria, living a courageous life is being an example to our kids in everything that I do! Courage is having the guts to leave the familiar security of Corporate America and go from a computer programmer analyst to a domestic engineer/Mompreneur without worrying about what people thought. Courage is being serious about following my God-given passions & dreams. Courage is trusting God when my 4 year old son meet Jesus for the first time after losing his battle with Liver Cancer.

Are you living a courageous life?

Here a sample of the theme song from the movie Courageous originally done by Casting Crowns that J-me Brown and I did recently while hanging out in The Blue Room studio at our church Christ Deliverance Church. Nothing fancy just loved the song and the message.

Listen Here....
Courageous - Deme & J-Me by dememurdock

Face Your Fears Head On

noreply@blogger.com (Demetria Murdock) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 05:34:00 +0000

Those that know me really well know that I am terrified of spiders. This past week I have had 3 spider encounters. In all but 1 of the run-ins, someone came to my rescue by squashing the creepy crawly flat!

Now, the 3rd spider encounter, came straight from a horror movie. As I was driving along the road, Mr. Spidey decided to drop from the car ceiling right in front of my face and onto the steering wheel. Now this wasn't any small spider, I might add. He was about the size of my pinky nail. I was terrified! I couldn't stop the car in traffic! Screaming wasn't going to help because no one was in the car except me!

What was a girl to do? Well, this Jesus girl began to pray. I prayed that Mr. Spidey disappear out of my sight into the steering column never to return again. It took everything within me to trust that he would not resurface on my hand as I was driving. When I got to a place where I could stop, I jumped out the car feverishly wiping myself down and searching out this evil creature. Fortunately for him, he was no where to be found. I was so thankful that I didn't panic or drive off the road and run into someone.

Talk about doing something while afraid. This was a pivotal moment for me. I faced a fear that I thought I would never be able to overcome. Although this story was about facing a physical fear, it struck a cord with the spiritual fears I have been facing over the last year. God gave me a revelation that day about those fears. In facing your biggest fears head on, eyeball to eyeball, make sure you maintain control and keep your cool. Keep moving forward in spite of the fear. I am reminded of Joshua 1:9 which says, "Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take."

What fear do you need to face head on today? What's keeping you from moving forward into your destiny?

Propelling toward Momentum,

Coloring Outside The Lines

noreply@blogger.com (Demetria Murdock) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:11:00 +0000

I have been hesitant to do a lot of things lately because I thought it wasn't perfect. In other words, I was afraid to color outside the lines and that has kept me from getting to where God wants me to be. It may be keeping you from getting to your sweet spot!

Perfectionism can keep us stuck and prevent us from getting to where God wants us to be. I think perfectionism is just another long word for FEAR! It can cause us to be critical and judgmental not only of ourselves but of others. We can become choosy "Susy" and never be satisfied or we can be a conformer, conforming to our own thoughts and fears instead of leaning on the promises of God.

Here are 3 things I am doing to put an end to the fear, get my hips in gear and do what I have been purposed to do!

1. Prayer - This is where I give up my superpowers (being in control) and surrender my time, talent and treasures to God.

2. Focus - I stopped looking at what everyone else was doing and have become laser focused on what God has called me to do.

3. Make a Decision - Quit being so indecisive. Indecision can keep you stuck. Begin to just take action now.

So now, instead of being in gridlock by fear, I am moving by power, love and a sound mind.

God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
~ 2 Timothy 1:7 (MSG)

From Caterpillar To Butterfly

noreply@blogger.com (Demetria Murdock) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:29:00 +0000

This is dedicated to the memory and awesome ministry of my first born Tre' and how he touched so many lives and dramatically changed mine...

A caterpillar can only see at ground level. Tre' could only see things at his level, in a wheelchair or on the living room floor. On March 30th, 2007 he turned into a beautiful butterfly that can now soar above the things on this earth into God's awaiting arms. When we think of how a butterfly is formed most of us think of a cocoon. When the metamorphosis is completed, the adult butterfly breaks the pupal case.

Today is the anniversary of Tre's metamorphosis. Just as we had done 4 years ago at the birth of our son, we gathered by his bedside as he prepared to leave this world. As he took his last breath, I was told by the medical staff it was ok to let him go. He had fought a good fight and we were proud of him. But now it was time for him to take a bigger step and be with the Lord. This is a path that we all must take. I was so proud to see Tre' go with so much grace.

Priscilla Shirer said in her book "And We Are Changed", A caterpillar's ultimate reason for living is to eventually become a butterfly.

I can only imagine what he's doing in heaven. Running, jumping, laughing and talking with other kids and his buddy Kayla. Not missing a beat. It is the hope of knowing I will see Tre' again that keeps me going. I am reminded of Romans 5:1-5 (NIV).

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

We on our journey to faith are much the same as Tre' and the caterpillar. Before we come into the true knowledge of God our sight is limited. We have both spiritual and physical limitations. But once we know Him, we can soar above anything that life throws at us. I thank all those who have supported us this past year with prayers and listening ears. God bless you all and know that His grace is sufficient.

Much Love,

Going Beyond

noreply@blogger.com (Demetria Murdock) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:52:00 +0000

"Act immediately and fearlessly in response to God" - Priscilla Shirer.

I wanted to share with you today a blog post from a few years back. I think it is so appropriate for those of us looking for that push to move forward in what God has called us to do. Enjoy!

Brother, Sister it is time for us to take up our beds and walk.

A few years ago, I attended the "Going Beyond" Conference with Priscilla Shirer. It was called a "spiritual reawakening for women." God definitely jolted me from my spiritual slumber to confirm the direction He is taking me. Priscilla talked about leaving a place of comfort and leaving behind what we are used to doing. She illustrated this by expounding on the journey the Israelites took out of Egypt into Canaan (the land flowing with milk & honey).

Going Beyond is exactly what God wants for us to do. When He speaks to you, you must respond to Him quickly and do whatever it is he has for you to do. God is calling me to go some places I have never been and do some things this year that I have never done. I don't have all the experience. He has not given me Google Map street by street directions and I don't have a satellite view of the big picture.

John 5 explains where I have been to the tee. I have been sitting at the pool of Bethesda with the sick, blind, and lame waiting on the water to be stirred. Waiting for all the right signs, for all the lights to be green, for that perfect opportunity. I, like the man with the infirmity for 38 years, have made up excuses as to why I can't do what God wants me to do.

Jn. 5:7 says... The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me."

I have thought there are a lot of people who are better at these things than me. Or we say I don't have enough money, I am not worthy enough and what about my past. We find ourselves always coming up with one excuse after another. This is just the adversary putting fear in us, so that we will not do what thus says the Lord. But we must remember that God has not given us the spirit of fear but of Power, Love and a Sound Mind. If you have truly accepted the Lord as your Savior, he has MOVED BEYOND your past, so why don't you.

In verse 8 Jesus tells the man to "Rise, take up your bed and walk" and immediately he was healed. I am encouraging you RIGHT NOW, TODAY, to just pick up your bed and walk.Whether it be a sick bed, a bed of abuse, or a bed of financial problems, whatever your issue, just pick it up and walk. God will take care of it. Let us GO BEYOND what we are use to and stop making excuses as to why we can't do something. God has said GO and I am going to take up my cross and follow Him.

I went to the conference with Kim Long. She is the mother of Tre's friend Kayla. Kayla also had Trisomy 18 and died only 4 months before Tre'. Kim and I met back in 2003 when Tre' was first born. She and her husband Juan gave us HOPE when the doctors didn't. They showed us what is was like to take care of a baby with Edward's Syndrome and also raise 2 other children. The strength and courage that Kim displayed was out of this world. I could truly see God in her and the love she showed her children. Both of us losing our precious babies only months apart wasn't just a coincidence. God has put us in each other's path for a reason. So that we can encourage each other through this journey that we are on. I thank you Kim and Juan for showing us how to LOVE Tre', Joshua, Elijah, & Victoria and for giving us HOPE.

Leaping Over Life's Hurdles

noreply@blogger.com (Demetria Murdock) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:48:00 +0000

What is your biggest hurdle to pursuing your life purpose?

Is it self-doubt or misguided thoughts? Maybe you don't know what you life purpose is. Is it that you are afraid to take the next step forward into living out your purpose? I have found that FEAR is the #1 reason we are unable to live out our God Destiny. We can overcome our fears and so much more by believing God and understanding His Promise for us. Just good ole' fashion FAITH

When we establish our faith, we create fertile ground for transformation to take place, a revolution arises in the soul. The spiritual part of us begins to take over that physical part of us. You know the part that say YOU are MORE THAN a conquerer and that you are REDEEMED & FORGIVEN, COMPLETE in CHRIST. There is life and peace when we allow ourselves to be led by the spirit. Pray and allow God to deliver you from your fears.

The Living Bible says in Romans 8:15,

"And so we should not be like cringing, fearful slaves, but we should behave like God’s very own children, adopted into the bosom of his family, and calling to him, 'Father, Father'."

FEAR has always been the biggest hurdle for me. Once I began to truly understand God's promises and get them deep down in my soul, I left the familiar behing me and set about expecting the impossible. This gave me the ability to accomplish some unbelievable things over the past few months. Understanding that according to Ephesians 2:10

"We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." ~NLT

Today I encourage you to press towards the mark, pursuing your purpose with passion.

"For He who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ {right up to the time of His return} developing {that good work} and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you" ~ Philippians 1:6 (AMP)

Let's move forward together and take that next step and approach God with FREEDOM and CONFIDENCE . Tell me how you were able to overcome to begin living out your life purpose!

Less Is More

noreply@blogger.com (Demetria Murdock) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 09:21:00 +0000

Where is your Ebenezer, the rock of help saying, "This marks the place where God has helped me"

1 Sam 7:12 - "Samuel took a single rock and set it upright between Mizpah and Shen. He named it “Ebenezer” (Rock of Help), saying, “This marks the place where God helped us.” ~ The Message

While marching on Towards 2011 cleanup decided to de-clutter my house. Started with my kids room then moved to my bedroom which needed 911 help. I could almost qualify for the first season of hoarders! I actually watched a few episodes on Netflix while I was working. After I was done I realized my side of the room was a little bit brighter. I felt like 10 ton weight was lifted.

What's amazing also is that as I went through old papers, receipts and even pictures of the kids I realized how much God has seen me through. How much his grace & mercy has kept me. I mark & remember those places so that I can see where I an headed next. If he saw me through in 2002, he will surely be there in 2011.

Is there physical & spiritual clutter in ur life?

ReInventing MySelf

noreply@blogger.com (Demetria Murdock) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:07:00 +0000

WPPI Retreat Painting

A few weeks ago, I decided to attach some legs to my faith and take a huge leap towards my dreams! I left a well paid, "secure", and comfy job in order to live out the purpose that God has placed in my heart. I've taken early retirement from the status quo to pursue my passion of journeying with others as they discover their God purpose. So you may be thinking, "This girl is crazy leaving a good paying job in today's economy." But what I began to realize over the last few years is that that place where I use to be comfortable and fit in was starting to become uncomfortable
and like a round peg trying to fit into a square hole. :) Yeah, I know I got that metaphor backwards but I'm round not square. I realized I had put myself in a box. My creativity had been lost and I didn't know where I had left it. I just recently finished reading "Drop Like Stars" by Rob Bell. He says,

"And then there are those who think and feel and live and create from a different place. They've had their boxes smashed and their insulators dismantled until they had no other option but to imagine a totally new tomorrow."

All of the little life boxes I had created for myself like having 2.5 kids and living in the house with the with the white picket fence were all crushed when our first son was born with Trisomy 18 (Edward's Syndrome). There we were in December of 2002, a few days before Christmas, standing eyeball-to-eyeball with the unknown. Trying to figure out why God gave us this sweet, special little boy to raise. But it was through our son's birth & death 4 years later and 3 more beautiful babies, that God gave me a Hope in Jesus Christ that would never fade.

It is from that place where I got up the courage to "cross the Red Sea as if it were dry land" in order to leave that place of comfort and security called a job. It is from that place where I learned to kick fear and doubt out the window and truly begin walking by faith. You see, your faith has legs and it wants to walk and not be carried like a baby.

It is from this place that I am leaving the familiar, expecting the impossible, accomplishing the unattainable, and pursuing passion with purpose. Yes, there are lots of what if's... What if it doesn't work?...What if I totally fail?...So what!

This I do know. Ephesians 3:17-20 tells us to Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. It tells us to Reach out and experience the breadth of Christ's love, test its length, plumb the depths, and rise to the heights!

If you want to live life to its fullest, find your God-ordained purpose, and begin thriving instead of just surviving, I invite you to journey with me over the next few days, weeks, & months as I walk out my mountain moving faith, transforming, reinventing myself.